bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atmospheric benzene observations from oil and gas production in the Denver‐Julesburg Basin in July and August 2014
Authors: Halliday Hannah S. , Thompson Anne M. , Wisthaler Armin , Blake Donald R. , Hornbrook Rebecca S. , Mikoviny Tomas , Müller Markus , Eichler Philipp , Apel Eric C. , Hills Alan J.
Published: August 2016

High time resolution measurements of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were collected using a proton‐transfer‐reaction quadrupole mass spectrometry (PTR‐QMS) instrument at the Platteville Atmospheric Observatory (PAO) in Colorado to investigate how oil and natural gas (O&NG) development impacts air quality within the Wattenburg Gas Field (WGF) in the Denver‐Julesburg Basin. The measurements were carried out in July and August 2014 as part of NASA's “Deriving Information on Surface Conditions from Column and Vertically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality” (DISCOVER‐AQ) field campaign. The PTR‐QMS data were supported by pressurized whole air canister samples and airborne vertical and horizontal surveys of VOCs. Unexpectedly high benzene mixing ratios were observed at PAO at ground level (mean benzene = 0.53 ppbv, maximum benzene = 29.3 ppbv), primarily at night (mean nighttime benzene = 0.73 ppbv). These high benzene levels were associated with southwesterly winds. The airborne measurements indicate that benzene originated from within the WGF, and typical source signatures detected in the canister samples implicate emissions from O&NG activities rather than urban vehicular emissions as primary benzene source. This conclusion is backed by a regional toluene‐to‐benzene ratio analysis which associated southerly flow with vehicular emissions from the Denver area. Weak benzene‐to‐CO correlations confirmed that traffic emissions were not responsible for the observed high benzene levels. Previous measurements at the Boulder Atmospheric Observatory (BAO) and our data obtained at PAO allow us to locate the source of benzene enhancements between the two atmospheric observatories. Fugitive emissions of benzene from O&NG operations in the Platteville area are discussed as the most likely causes of enhanced benzene levels at PAO.
Wave reflection from randomly inhomogeneous ionospheric layer: 1. The method of describing the wavefield in a reflecting layer with random irregularities
Authors: Tinin Mikhail
Published: August 2016

It has been previously proposed to describe wave propagation in inhomogeneous media in a small‐angle approximation with the aid of a double weighted Fourier transform (DWFT) method. This method agrees with the methods of geometrical optics, smooth perturbations, and phase screen in domains of their applicability; therefore, it can be employed to solve direct and inverse problems of radio wave propagation in multiscale inhomogeneous ionospheric plasma. In this paper, for the DWFT wide‐angle generalization a wave equation is preliminary reduced using the Fock proper‐time method to a parabolic equation that then is solved by the DWFT method. The resulting solution is analyzed for the case of wave reflection and scattering by a layer with random irregularities and linear profile of average permittivity. We show the transformation of this solution into strict results in the absence of irregularities and in the single‐scatter approximation, including backscattering, during weak phase fluctuations. Under certain conditions, the solution takes the form of the small‐angle DWFT with respect to refraction in the layer and backscatter effects. Spatial processing in source and observer coordinates brings a beam of received waves into one wave without amplitude fluctuations, which allows an increase in resolution of vertical ionospheric sounding systems.
Ezetimibe reduced hepatic steatosis induced by dietary oxysterols in nonhuman primates
Authors: Deushi Michiyo , Osaka Mizuko , Nakano Kaku , Osada Kyoichi , Egashira Kensuke , Yoshida Masayuki
Published: August 2016

Oxidized cholesterol (oxysterols) plays an important and multifaceted role in lipid metabolism. Here we examined whether dietary oxysterols accelerate hepatic lipid accumulation and inflammation in nonhuman primates. We also examined the effect of the Niemann–Pick C1‐like1 inhibitor, ezetimibe (Ez). Macaca fascicularis (5‐year‐old males) were fed either regular cholesterol + high‐fat diet (control‐HFD) or oxysterols + high‐fat diet (ox‐HFD; with 0.015% of oxysterols cholesterol) for 24 weeks. Compared with control‐HFD, ox‐HFD did not affect plasma lipid levels, but it did affect hepatic lipid levels [total cholesterol, 40.9 mg·g−1 (ox‐HFD) versus 3.2 (control‐HFD) mg·g−1; triglycerides, 28.0 (ox‐HFD) versus 5.7 (control‐HFD) mg·g−1]. Ox‐HFD increased lipid accumulation as well as recruitment of inflammatory cells when compared to control‐HFD. We then examined the effects of Ez, 0.2 mg·kg−1·day−1 for 12 weeks. In addition to a significant reduction in dyslipidemia, Ez alleviated biochemical and pathological aspects of steatosis. Dietary oxysterols aggravate steatosis in nonhuman primates. Treatment with Ez may be a novel therapeutic approach to NAFLD by alleviating dyslipidemia.
Adaptive backstepping trajectory tracking controller for a miniature helicopter
Authors: Zou Yao
Published: August 2016

An adaptive backstepping controller is proposed to achieve the asymptotically stable trajectory tracking for a miniature helicopter. The helicopter model is firstly decomposed into a cascaded structure between the position and attitude loops with unmodeled dynamics. The backstepping technique is applied to exploit this cascaded structure and to streamline the controller design procedure. Hyperbolic tangent functions, instead of traditional sign functions, are adopted to complete adaptive algorithms for adjusting the upper bounds of the unmodeled dynamics. Further, the controller introduces an auxiliary dynamic system to ensure the thrust constraint and to obviate singularity during the command attitude extraction. The stability analysis demonstrates that, the asymptotical stability of the auxiliary dynamic system warrants the asymptotically stable tracking of the miniature helicopter system. Simulations verify the theoretical results and analyze the tracking performance. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Catalytic reduction of 4‐nitrophenol using silver nanoparticles‐engineered poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐acrylamide) hybrid microgels
Authors: Begum Robina , Farooqi Zahoor H. , Ahmed Ejaz , Naseem Khalida , Ashraf Sania , Sharif Ahsan , Rehan Rida
Published: August 2016

Nearly monodisperse poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐acrylamide) [P(NIPAM‐co‐AAm)] microgels were synthesized using precipitation polymerization in aqueous medium. These microgels were used as microreactors to fabricate silver nanoparticles by chemical reduction of silver ions inside the polymer network. The pure and hybrid microgels were characterized using Fourier transform infrared and UV–visible spectroscopies, dynamic light scattering, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and transmission electron microscopy. Results revealed that spherical silver nanoparticles having diameter of 10–20 nm were successfully fabricated in the poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐acrylamide) microgels with hydrodynamic diameter of 250 ± 50 nm. The uniformly loaded silver nanoparticles were found to be stable for long time due to donor–acceptor interaction between amide groups of polymer network and silver nanoparticles. Catalytic activity of the hybrid system was tested by choosing the catalytic reduction of 4‐nitrophenol as a model reaction under various conditions of catalyst dose and concentration of NaBH4 at room temperature in aqueous medium to explore the catalytic process. The progress of the reaction was monitored using UV–visible spectrophotometry. The pseudo first‐order kinetic model was employed to evaluate the apparent rate constant of the reaction. It was found that the apparent rate constant increased with increasing catalyst dose due to an increase of surface area as a result of an increase in the number of nanoparticles.
Carbon nanotubes‐polymer nanocomposites for controlled heating materials
Authors: Januszko Adam , Peszke Jerzy , Jaworska Urszula , Pawlicka Agnieszka
Published: August 2016

Nanocomposites of modified carbon nanotubes (CNT) and either polyurethane (PU), poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc), or silicone materials were synthetized and characterized for thermal mat application. The obtained results revealed that the polymer used as a matrix had an impact on the electrical resistance of the mats. The lowest results of 32 Ω of resistance was registered with silicone‐based mats containing 5 wt % of CNT. For the same CNT content the mats based on PVAc and PU displayed values of 55 and 60 Ω, respectively. The low resistance properties of silicone‐based materials were due principally to the good compatibility of both polymer and functionalized CNT. Because of the low resistance values, this mat was subjected to thermovision analysis revealing that the samples reached temperature of about 60 °C in 9 min and 70 °C after 27 min of 27 V of applied potential. The results showed an almost uniform temperature distribution in the samples’ surface with some high and low temperature spots, which were attributed to nonuniform distribution of CNT in the polymer matrix. In summary, all the obtained results confirm that silicone‐CNT are very promising materials that can be used as low‐voltage heating mats. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44194.
The sulci of the inferior surface of the temporal lobe: An anatomical study
Authors: Cikla Ulas , Menekse Guner , Quraishi Arman , Neves Gabriel , Keles Abdullah , Liu Collin , Salamat Shahriar M. , Baskaya Mustafa K.
Published: August 2016

Understanding the anatomy of temporal lobe sulci and their variations can allow for safer neurosurgical approaches. Although the inferior temporal sulci and their relations to each other has been described by several authors, the nomenclature used has not been universal. The aim of this study was to investigate the anatomic features of the three main sulci of the inferior temporal lobe and provide a simple description of complex patterns among these sulci. Sulcal variations and their relations were examined in seventy formalin‐fixed, adult cadaveric cerebral hemispheres. We recommend a simple but modified classification specifically for anatomic variations of the rhinal and collateral sulci. Furthermore, we describe the frequency of occipitotemporal sulci that contain 5 and 6 segments, not previously mentioned. The length and depth of all sulci were measured in all samples. Additionally, more detailed results regarding the patterns, courses, connections, relationships and measurements were given. Understanding of the complex anatomy of this clinically important region is of benefit to neurosurgeons, providing necessary guidance for neurosurgical approaches to the inferior surface of the temporal lobe. Clin. Anat. 29:932–942, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dietary habits of polar bears in Foxe Basin, Canada: possible evidence of a trophic regime shift mediated by a new top predator
Authors: Galicia Melissa P. , Thiemann Gregory W. , Dyck Markus G. , Ferguson Steven H. , Higdon Jeff W.
Published: August 2016

Polar bear (Ursus maritimus) subpopulations in several areas with seasonal sea ice regimes have shown declines in body condition, reproductive rates, or abundance as a result of declining sea ice habitat. In the Foxe Basin region of Nunavut, Canada, the size of the polar bear subpopulation has remained largely stable over the past 20 years, despite concurrent declines in sea ice habitat. We used fatty acid analysis to examine polar bear feeding habits in Foxe Basin and thus potentially identify ecological factors contributing to population stability. Adipose tissue samples were collected from 103 polar bears harvested during 2010–2012. Polar bear diet composition varied spatially within the region with ringed seal (Pusa hispida) comprising the primary prey in northern and southern Foxe Basin, whereas polar bears in Hudson Strait consumed equal proportions of ringed seal and harp seal (Pagophilus groenlandicus). Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) consumption was highest in northern Foxe Basin, a trend driven by the ability of adult male bears to capture large‐bodied prey. Importantly, bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) contributed to polar bear diets in all areas and all age and sex classes. Bowhead carcasses resulting from killer whale (Orcinus orca) predation and subsistence harvest potentially provide an important supplementary food source for polar bears during the ice‐free period. Our results suggest that the increasing abundance of killer whales and bowhead whales in the region could be indirectly contributing to improved polar bear foraging success despite declining sea ice habitat. However, this indirect interaction between top predators may be temporary if continued sea ice declines eventually severely limit on‐ice feeding opportunities for polar bears.
Geomorphic monitoring and response to two dam removals: rivers Urumea and Leitzaran (Basque Country, Spain)
Authors: Ibisate Askoa , Ollero Alfredo , Ballarín Daniel , Horacio Jesús , Mora Daniel , Mesanza Amaia , Ferrer‐Boix Carles , Acín Vanesa , Granado David , Martín‐Vide Juan Pedro
Published: August 2016

Dam removal has been demonstrated to be one of the most frequent and effective fluvial restoration actions but at most dam removals, especially of small dams, there has been little geomorphological monitoring. The results of the geomorphological monitoring implemented in two dams in the rivers Urumea and Leitzaran (northern Spain) are presented. The one from the River Urumea, originally 3.5 m high and impounding 500 m of river course, was removed instantaneously whereas that in the River Leitzaran, 12.5 m high, and impounding 1500 m of river course, is in its second phase of a four‐stage removal process. Changes in channel morphology, sediment size and mobility and river bed morphologies were assessed. The monitoring included several different techniques: topographical measurements of the channel, terrestrial laser scanner measurements of river bed and bars, sediment grain size and transport; all of them repeated in four (May, August, November 2011 and May 2012) and five (July and September 2013, April and August 2014 and June 2015) fieldwork campaigns in the River Urumea and River Leitzaran, respectively. Geomorphic responses of both dam removals are presented, and compared. Morphological channel adjustments occurred mainly shortly after dam removals, but with differences among the one removed instantaneously, that was immediate, whereas that conducted by stages took longer. Degradational processes were observed upstream of both dams (up to 1.2 m and 4 m in the River Urumea and River Leitzaran, respectively), but also aggradational processes (pool filling), upstream of Inturia Dam (2.85 m at least). Less evident aggradational processes were observed downstream of the dams (up to 0.37 m and 0.50 m in the River Urumea and River Leitzaran, respectively). Flood events, especially a 100 year flood registered during the monitoring period of Mendaraz Dam removal, reactivated geomorphological processes as incision and bank erosion, whereas longitudinal profile recovery, grain‐size sorting and upstream erosion took longer. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The evolution of inequality
Authors: Mattison Siobhán M. , Smith Eric A. , Shenk Mary K. , Cochrane Ethan E.
Published: August 2016

Understanding how systems of political and economic inequality evolved from relatively egalitarian origins has long been a focus of anthropological inquiry. Many hypotheses have been suggested to link socio‐ecological features with the rise and spread of inequality, and empirical tests of these hypotheses in prehistoric and extant societies are increasing. In this review, we synthesize several streams of theory relevant to understanding the evolutionary origins, spread, and adaptive significance of inequality. We argue that while inequality may be produced by a variety of localized processes, its evolution is fundamentally dependent on the economic defensibility and transmissibility of wealth. Furthermore, these properties of wealth could become persistent drivers of inequality only following a shift to a more stable climate in the Holocene. We conclude by noting several key areas for future empirical research, emphasizing the need for more analyses of contemporary shifts toward institutionalized inequality as well as prehistoric cases.
Free water elimination improves test–retest reproducibility of diffusion tensor imaging indices in the brain: A longitudinal multisite study of healthy elderly subjects
Authors: Albi Angela , Pasternak Ofer , Minati Ludovico , Marizzoni Moira , Bartrés‐Faz David , Bargalló Núria , Bosch Beatriz , Rossini Paolo Maria , Marra Camillo , Müller Bernhard , Fiedler Ute , Wiltfang Jens , Roccatagliata Luca , Picco Agnese , Nobili Flavio Mariano , Blin Oliver , Sein Julien , Ranjeva Jean‐Philippe , Didic Mira , Bombois Stephanie , Lopes Renaud , Bordet Régis , Gros‐Dagnac Hélène , Payoux Pierre , Zoccatelli Giada , Alessandrini Franco , Beltramello Alberto , Ferretti Antonio , Caulo Massimo , Aiello Marco , Cavaliere Carlo , Soricelli Andrea , Parnetti Lucilla , Tarducci Roberto , Floridi Piero , Tsolaki Magda , Constantinidis Manos , Drevelegas Antonios , Frisoni Giovanni , Jovicich Jorge ,   The PharmaCog Consortium
Published: August 2016

Free water elimination (FWE) in brain diffusion MRI has been shown to improve tissue specificity in human white matter characterization both in health and in disease. Relative to the classical diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) model, FWE is also expected to increase sensitivity to microstructural changes in longitudinal studies. However, it is not clear if these two models differ in their test–retest reproducibility. This study compares a bi‐tensor model for FWE with DTI by extending a previous longitudinal‐reproducibility 3T multisite study (10 sites, 7 different scanner models) of 50 healthy elderly participants (55–80 years old) scanned in two sessions at least 1 week apart. We computed the reproducibility of commonly used DTI metrics (FA: fractional anisotropy, MD: mean diffusivity, RD: radial diffusivity, and AXD: axial diffusivity), derived either using a DTI model or a FWE model. The DTI metrics were evaluated over 48 white‐matter regions of the JHU‐ICBM‐DTI‐81 white‐matter labels atlas, and reproducibility errors were assessed. We found that relative to the DTI model, FWE significantly reduced reproducibility errors in most areas tested. In particular, for the FA and MD metrics, there was an average reduction of approximately 1% in the reproducibility error. The reproducibility scores did not significantly differ across sites. This study shows that FWE improves sensitivity and is thus promising for clinical applications, with the potential to identify more subtle changes. The increased reproducibility allows for smaller sample size or shorter trials in studies evaluating biomarkers of disease progression or treatment effects.Hum Brain Mapp 38:12–26, 2017. ©2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Non‐invasive monitoring of branched Au nanoparticle‐mediated photothermal ablation
Authors: Zhao Ken , Cho Soojeong , Procissi Daniel , Larson Andrew C. , Kim Dong‐Hyun
Published: August 2016

Nanoparticle‐mediated photothermal therapy for treatment of different types of tumors has attracted tremendous attention in recent years. One major factor that drives this therapy is the ability to carefully control and prevent inadvertent damage to local tissues, while focusing therapeutic heating to specific regions of the tumor tissues. To this end, it is critical to generate efficient heating in the targeted tumors while monitoring the extent and distribution of heating. In our study, we demonstrated the photothermal heating properties of our synthesized branched Au nanoparticles (b‐AuNPs) using non‐invasive MR thermometry (MRT) techniques to assess its effects both in vitro and in vivo. 75 nm b‐AuNPs were synthesized; these b‐AuNPs demonstrated strong near infrared (NIR) absorption and high heat transducing efficiency. Proton resonance frequency MRT approaches for monitoring b‐AuNPs mediated heating were validated using in vitro agar phantoms and further evaluated during in vivo animal model tumor ablation studies. In vitro phantom studies demonstrated a strong linear correlation between MRT and reference‐standard thermocouple measurements of b‐AuNPs‐mediated heating upon NIR laser irradiation; temperatures increased with both an increase in laser power and increased exposure duration. Localized photothermal heating in regions containing the b‐AuNPs was confirmed through MRT generated temperature maps acquired serially at increasing depths during both phantom and in vivo studies. Our results suggested that b‐AuNPs exposed to NIR radiation produced highly efficient localized heating that can be accurately monitored dynamically using non‐invasive MRT measurements. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 2352–2359, 2017.
Local electric dipole moments: A generalized approach
Authors: Groß Lynn , Herrmann Carmen
Published: August 2016

We present an approach for calculating local electric dipole moments for fragments of molecular or supramolecular systems. This is important for understanding chemical gating and solvent effects in nanoelectronics, atomic force microscopy, and intensities in infrared spectroscopy. Owing to the nonzero partial charge of most fragments, “naively” defined local dipole moments are origin‐dependent. Inspired by previous work based on Bader's atoms‐in‐molecules (AIM) partitioning, we derive a definition of fragment dipole moments which achieves origin‐independence by relying on internal reference points. Instead of bond critical points (BCPs) as in existing approaches, we use as few reference points as possible, which are located between the fragment and the remainder(s) of the system and may be chosen based on chemical intuition. This allows our approach to be used with AIM implementations that circumvent the calculation of critical points for reasons of computational efficiency, for cases where no BCPs are found due to large interfragment distances, and with local partitioning schemes other than AIM which do not provide BCPs. It is applicable to both covalently and noncovalently bound systems. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biexponential diffusion alterations in the normal‐appearing white matter of glioma patients might indicate the presence of global vasogenic edema
Authors: Horváth Andrea , Perlaki Gábor , Tóth Arnold , Orsi Gergely , Nagy Szilvia , Dóczi Tamás , Horváth Zsolt , Bogner Péter
Published: August 2016

Purpose

To investigate normal‐appearing white matter (NAWM) microstructure of glioma patients with biexponential diffusion analysis in order to reveal the nature of diffusion abnormalities and to assess whether they are region‐specific or global.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐four newly diagnosed glioma patients (grade II–IV) and 24 matched control subjects underwent diffusion‐weighted imaging at 3T. Diffusion parameters were calculated using monoexponential and biexponential models. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were measured in the entire NAWM of the hemisphere contralateral and ipsilateral to the tumor. In the contralateral NAWM, regional ADC values were assessed in the frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal NAWM.

Results

ADCmono and ADCfast were significantly higher than control values in all investigated regions except the temporal NAWM (P < 0.04). ADCslow was significantly increased in the total contralateral, frontal, and parietal NAWM (P < 0.03), while pslow was decreased in both total hemispheric NAWM and the parietal NAWM of glioma patients compared to controls (P < 0.04). ADCmono, ADCfast, ADCslow, and pslow were significantly different among the NAWM of the four lobes of the contralateral hemisphere in both groups (P < 0.0001), and these regional differences were similar in patients and controls (P > 0.05). Hemispheric ADCmono and pslow differences were different between groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Globally altered diffusion parameters suggest the presence of global vasogenic edema in the NAWM of glioma patients, which is further supported by the finding that regional differences in patients follow those found in controls. Alternatively, some tumor infiltration might contribute to diffusion abnormalities in the NAWM, especially in the tumor‐affected hemisphere. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:633–641.
Diffusion‐weighted MRI of pulmonary lesions: Comparison of apparent diffusion coefficient and lesion‐to‐spinal cord signal intensity ratio in lesion characterization
Authors: Çakmak Vefa , Ufuk Furkan , Karabulut Nevzat
Published: August 2016

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of minimum apparent diffusion coefficient (ADCmin) and lesion‐to‐spinal cord signal intensity ratio (LSR) in the differentiation of benign and malignant pulmonary lesions.

Materials and Methods

Forty‐seven patients (36 men, 11 women; range, 17–81 years) with 62 pulmonary lesions underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) performed using a 1.5T scanner during free‐breathing using b 600 s/mm2. The ADCmin values and LSR were calculated. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to detect the threshold value of the ADCmin and LSR values for discrimination between benign and malignant pulmonary lesions.

Results

There were 42 malignant (33 primary tumors, 9 metastases) and 20 benign lesions. The mean ADCmin ± standard deviations (×10−3 mm2/s) were 1.45 ± 0.33 for malignant tumors, and 2.4 ± 0.69 for benign lesions (P < 0.001). The mean LSR ± standard deviations for lung cancer was 1.24 ± 0.78, and for benign lesions was 0.55 ± 0.57 (P < 0.001). The area under the ROC curve for ADCmin (0.931; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.868–0.993) was greater than that for LSR (0.801; 95% CI: 0.675–0.926) (P = 0.029). For benign/malignant discrimination, the ROC curve showed threshold value of ADCmin to be 1.78 × 10−3 mm2/s and that of LSR to be 0.86. Using these cutoff values, accuracy of ADCmin and LSR were 89%, 74%, respectively (P = 0.383).

Conclusion

Being a contrast‐free and radiation‐free technique, DWI allows discrimination of benign and malignant lung lesions. The ADCmin value performed marginally better than LSR values in distinction of benign and malignant lesions.

Level of Evidence: 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;45:845–854.
T1 mapping for diagnosis of mild chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Tirkes Temel , Lin Chen , Fogel Evan L. , Sherman Stuart S. , Wang Qiushi , Sandrasegaran Kumaresan
Published: August 2016

Purpose

To determine if the T1 relaxation time of the pancreas can detect parenchymal changes in mild chronic pancreatitis (CP).

Materials and Methods

This Institutional Review Board (IRB)‐approved, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)‐compliant retrospective study analyzed 98 patients with suspected mild CP. Patients were grouped as normal (n = 53) or mild CP (n = 45) based on history, presenting symptomatology, and concordant findings on both the secretin‐enhanced magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (S‐MRCP) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). T1 maps were obtained in all patients using the same 3D gradient echo technique on the same 3T scanner. T1 relaxation times, fat signal fraction (FSF), and anterior–posterior (AP) diameter were correlated with the clinical diagnosis of CP.

Results

There was a significant difference (P < 0.0001) in the T1 relaxation times between the control (mean = 797 msec, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 730, 865) and mild CP group (mean = 1099 msec, 95% CI: 1032, 1166). A T1 relaxation time threshold value of 900 msec was 80% sensitive (95% CI: 65, 90) and 69% specific (95% CI: 56, 82) for the diagnosis of mild CP (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.81). Multiple regression analysis showed that T1 relaxation time was the only statistically significant variable correlating with the diagnosis of CP (P < 0.0001). T1 relaxation times showed a weak positive correlation with the pancreatic FSF (ρ = 0.33, P = 0.01) in the control group, but not in the mild CP group.

Conclusion

The T1 relaxation time of the pancreatic parenchyma was significantly increased in patients with mild CP. Therefore, T1 mapping might be used as a practical quantitative imaging technique for the evaluation of suspected mild CP.

Level of Evidence: 3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;45:1171–1176
CON/SLK due date assignment and scheduling on a single machine with two agents
Authors: Yin Yunqiang , Wang Du‐Juan , Wu Chin‐Chia , Cheng T.C.E.
Published: August 2016

We consider scheduling problems involving two agents (agents A and B), each having a set of jobs that compete for the use of a common machine to process their respective jobs. The due dates of the A‐jobs are decision variables, which are determined by using the common (CON) or slack (SLK) due date assignment methods. Each agent wants to minimize a certain performance criterion depending on the completion times of its jobs only. Under each due date assignment method, the criterion of agent A is always the same, namely an integrated criterion consisting of the due date assignment cost and the weighted number of tardy jobs. Several different criteria are considered for agent B, including the maxima of regular functions (associated with each job), the total (weighted) completion time, and the weighted number of tardy jobs. The overall objective is to minimize the performance criterion of agent A, while keeping the objective value of agent B no greater than a given limit. We analyze the computational complexity, and devise polynomial or pseudo‐polynomial dynamic programming algorithms for the considered problems. We also convert, if viable, any of the devised pseudopolynomial dynamic programming algorithms into a fully polynomial‐time approximation scheme. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 63: 416–429, 2016
Effect of Linezolid on Hematologic Recovery in Newly Diagnosed Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients Following Induction Chemotherapy
Authors: Nedved Adrienne N. , DeFrates Sean R. , Hladnik Lindsay M. , Stockerl‐Goldstein Keith E.
Published: August 2016

Objective

Assess the effects of linezolid on hematologic outcomes in newly diagnosed patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) following induction chemotherapy.

Design

Single‐center, retrospective, observational, cohort study.

Setting

Large, tertiary care academic medical center.

Patients

A total of 225 patients ≥ 18 years admitted between December 2010 and 2013 with newly diagnosed AML were assessed for inclusion. Patients were identified through the use of ICD‐9 codes and chemotherapy ordered via the computerized physician order entry system. Sixty‐eight patients met inclusion criteria and were grouped into two arms based on antimicrobial treatment: LZD group (linezolid plus gram‐negative antimicrobial, n=21) or control group (vancomycin or daptomycin plus gram‐negative antimicrobial, n=47).

Interventions

The LZD group received linezolid ≥ 72 hours. The control group received vancomycin or daptomycin ≥ 72 hours. If patients switched extended gram‐positive therapy, they were included in the LZD group as long as they had received ≥ 72 hours of linezolid.

Measurements/Results

The primary end point of time to neutrophil recovery was not statistically different (28 days for LZD group vs 26 days for control group; p=0.675). The preplanned subgroup analysis of patients who received ≥ 14 days of linezolid demonstrated statistically similar median times to neutrophil recovery (29 days for LZD group vs 26 days for control group; p=0.487). Total duration of extended gram‐positive antimicrobial therapy was significantly longer in the LZD group (27 days vs 16 days; p<0.001). Secondary end points not found to be statistically significant included platelet count at time of neutrophil recovery, duration of neutropenia, and length of hospital stay.

Conclusions

There were no significant differences in hematologic outcomes in newly diagnosed AML patients who received linezolid for extended gram‐positive antimicrobial coverage following induction chemotherapy. This study provides new insight with a primary focus on the effects of hematologic outcomes when using linezolid in a well‐defined acute leukemia population. Further study is warranted with larger populations to assess the potential adverse effects linezolid may have in patients with acute leukemia.
Identifying Subsequent Therapies in Patients with Advanced Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer and Factors Associated with Overall Survival
Authors: Afanasjeva Janna , Hui Rita L. , Spence Michele M. , Chang Jennifer , Schottinger Joanne E. , Millares Mirta , Rashid Nazia
Published: August 2016

Study Objectives

To identify subsequent therapies used after first‐line therapies in patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), compare overall survival (OS) associated with subsequent therapies, and evaluate factors associated with OS in these patients.

Methods

The study was a retrospective cohort analysis of patients with advanced NSCLC (stage IIIB/IV) who were initiated on first‐line therapy from January 1, 2008, through September 30, 2013, and afterward given subsequent chemotherapy (index date). Patients had to be 18 years or older at the time of diagnosis of advanced NSCLC. Patients were followed from the index date until one of the following end points: end of the study (September 30, 2014), disenrollment from the health plan, or death—whichever came the earliest. The primary outcome was OS. Kaplan‐Meier curves and Cox proportional hazard models were used to analyze OS and evaluate the factors associated with OS.

Results

The analysis included 1280 patients on subsequent therapies. The most common subsequent therapies were pemetrexed (284 patients [22%]), erlotinib (216 patients [17%]), and docetaxel (139 patients [11%]). Patients from the singlets group had a lower OS at 6.3 months compared with all other groups: pemetrexed based, combination of pemetrexed and bevacizumab based, bevacizumab based, doublets, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (p<0.0001). Factors associated with greater OS included age younger than 65 years, female gender, and a longer time between initiation of first and subsequent therapies. Factors associated with a reduction in OS were pemetrexed‐based or singlet regimens for subsequent therapy, diagnosis of squamous histology, and a higher number of adverse events prior to subsequent therapy.

Conclusion

We found that a subsequent therapy consisting of singlets is associated with reduced OS compared with other chemotherapy groups. Patient characteristics such as female gender, age younger than 65 years, diagnosis of nonsquamous histology, and/or a longer time frame between initiation of first‐line and subsequent chemotherapy are associated with longer survival.
The Development of Phosphine‐Free "Tethered" Ruthenium(II) Catalysts for the Asymmetric Reduction of Ketones and Imines
Authors: G. Nedden Hans , Zanotti‐Gerosa Antonio , Wills Martin
Published: August 2016

In this account, we describe the design, synthesis and applications of tethered versions of the Ru(II)/N‐tosyl‐1,2‐diphenylethylene‐1,2‐diamine (TsDPEN) class of catalyst that are commonly used for asymmetric transfer hydrogenation and asymmetric hydrogenation of ketones and imines. The review covers key aspects of the reaction mechanisms and examples of applications, including industrial applications to pharmaceutically important target molecules. In addition, closely related catalysts based on Rh(III) and Ir(III) are also described.

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Inhibition Performance of Amphoteric Fluorinated Surfactant and its Mixed Systems on Carbon Steel in Hydrochloric Acid
Authors: Liu Jin‐yan , Wang Ze‐shi , Yang Wen‐yu , Zhou Xing
Published: August 2016

C8F17SO2NH(CH2)3N(CH3)2(CH2COO)Na (PNHD) is a novel amphoteric fluorinated surfactant. The corrosion inhibition of PNHD and its mixed systems with cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) or octylphenol ethoxylate 9.5 EO (TX‐10) for carbon steel Q235 in 1.0 M HCl solution was studied in this paper. The corrosion inhibition efficiency (η) was determined by weight loss, electrochemical methods and scanning electron microscope. The values of η from the three methods were almost identical. The hydrophilic head group of PNHD has two lone pairs of electrons at the nitrogen atoms, suggesting a chemisorption mechanism between carbon steel and surfactant. The PNHD and mixed systems inhibitors acted as a mixed inhibitor; there is interaction between PNHD and CTAB or TX‐100. A compact protective film was formed in PNHD and its mixed systems.
Initiators and Barriers to Discussion and Treatment of Premature Ejaculation Among Men and Their Partners in Asia Pacific – Results From a Web-based Survey
Authors: Lee George , McMahon Chris G. , McCabe Marita , Jiang Hui , Lee Sung Won , Lim Peter , Jiann Bang-Ping
Published: August 2016

Introduction

Premature ejaculation (PE) is one of the most prevalent yet under-reported sexual disorders. Differing sociocultural norms across the Asia-Pacific region provide unique challenges in PE management.

Methods

This web-based study collected data from 5,038 men and women across 11 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Respondents were recruited from an existing database.

Main Outcome Measures

The initiators and barriers for PE discussions and for seeking professional management following self-treatment, as well as their choices and expectations of healthcare professionals (HCPs).

Results

More than two-thirds of respondents have discussed PE with their partners, and men are more likely to initiate the discussion. Top drivers were for both partners to attain sexual satisfaction and greater fulfillment in the relationship. Emotional insecurity was the top barrier for men as they did not want to feel hurt or inadequate. Before consulting an HCP, more than two-thirds of men self-treated their PE for at least 20 months. The primary reason for stopping self-treatment and seeking medical management was a lack of improvement in sexual satisfaction. The ideal attributes that men seek in their HCP included trust and being knowledgeable about PE management.

Conclusion

Attitudes and barriers to PE and its treatment in the Asia-Pacific region are poorly understood. Many men are reluctant to seek professional advice and therefore resort to self-treatment for extended periods. HCPs can play a key role to empower PE sufferers and partners to understand the prevalence, medical relevance, treatability, and negative impacts of PE on sexual and overall relationships. Greater awareness of the diverse cultural and social norms, education of both partners and HCPs, and the involvement of HCPs through a patient-centric approach are all pivotal in managing PE optimally across the Asia-Pacific region.
Homophobia is Related to a Low Interest in Sexuality in General: An Analysis of Pupillometric Evoked Responses
Authors: Cheval Boris , Grob Emmanuelle , Chanal Julien , Ghisletta Paolo , Bianchi-Demicheli Francesco , Radel Remi
Published: August 2016

Introduction

A recent study by Cheval et al (J Sex Med 2016;13:825–834) found that individuals high in homophobia look significantly less long at sex-related photographs, regardless of their nature (ie, homosexual or heterosexual). Because viewing time is under some conscious control, this result could indicate that individuals high in homophobia have a low sexual interest in any sexual stimuli or are consciously motivated to avoid sexual material in line with their conscious values.

Aim

To determine the mechanism underlying shorter viewing time of sex-related photographs in individuals high in homophobia using pupil dilatation, which is considered a spontaneous, unconscious, and uncontrollable index of sexual interest.

Methods

Heterosexual men (N = 36) completed a questionnaire assessing their level of homo-negativity and then performed a picture-viewing task with simultaneous eye-tracking recording to assess their pupillary responses to the presentation of sexually related or neutral photographs.

Main Outcome Measures

Non-linear mixed models were carried out to fit the individual non-linear trajectories of pupillary reaction. Different parameters were obtained including the final asymptote of the pupillary response.

Results

Results showed that the final pupil size of men high in homophobia increased significantly less to the presentation of sex-related images (ie, heterosexual and homosexual) than the pupil size of men low in homophobia. In contrast, no significant difference in the final pupil size reaction toward homosexual images (vs heterosexual images) emerged between men high and men low in homophobia.

Conclusion

Theoretically, these findings reinforce the necessity to consider that homophobia might reflect concerns about sexuality in general and not homosexuality in particular.
Instability of a vortex sheet leaving a right-angled wedge
Authors: Davis Anthony M. J. , Llewellyn Smith Stefan G.
Published: August 2016

We examine the dynamics of a semi-infinite vortex sheet attached not to a semi-infinite plate but instead to a rigid right-angled wedge, with the sheet aligned along one of its edges. Our approach to this problem, which was suggested by David Crighton, accords well with the fundamental ethos of Crighton’s work, which was characterized by ‘the application of rigorous mathematical approximations to fluid mechanical idealizations of practically relevant problems’ (Ffowcs Williams, Annu. Rev. Fluid Mech., vol. 34, 2002, pp. 37–49). The resulting linearised unsteady potential flow is forced by an oscillatory dipole in the uniform stream passing along the top of the wedge, while there is stagnant fluid in the remaining quadrant. Spatial instability is considered according to well-established methods: causality is enforced by allowing the frequency to become temporarily complex. The essentially quadrant-type geometry replaces the usual Wiener–Hopf technique by the Mellin transform. The core difficulty is that a first-order difference equation of period 4 requires a solution of period unity. As a result, the complex fourth roots $(\pm 1\pm \text{i})$ of $-4$ appear in the complementary function. The Helmholtz instability wave is excited and requires careful handling to obtain explicit results for the amplitude of the instability wave.
The role of English in the language practices of Mongolian Facebook users
Authors: Dovchin Sender
Published: August 2016

Drawing on the linguistic practices of Facebook (FB) users in Mongolia, this article illustrates how multiple local meanings are produced in the local context of Mongolia, while English oriented linguistic resources are assimilated and injected into the local language – Mongolian. The research is timely in the context of contemporary Mongolia, as English continues to spread over and is used in more diverse ways than ever. Before 1990, Mongolia was a socialist nation, the satellite of the Soviet Union, with Russian language being the most important foreign language. English and other Western languages were uncommon, and Western cultural elements were largely resisted (Marsh, 2010). Following the collapse of Soviet Union, Mongolia embraced a new democratic society in 1990, transforming itself from a socialist to a democratic country with free market economy. Mongolia embraced the linguistic and cultural diversity, and English and other foreign languages have replaced the once popular Russian language. English has now immense role in both institutional and non-institutional contexts (Dovchin, 2016a, 2016b).
THE RADICAL SCHOOL AND THE ECONOMICS OF EDUCATION
Authors: Bailly Franck
Published: August 2016

The economics of education gradually became institutionalized in the period following the Second World War. Human capital theory was the central pillar in this process. Nevertheless, it did not go unchallenged. The first challenges came from within the mainstream itself, but economists affiliated to other paradigms also called human capital theory into question. This applied in particular to the work of the radical economists. The aim of this article is to document this critical episode in the history of ideas in the economics of education. To that end, the nature of the radical economists’ critique is examined and it is shown how it connects to human capital theory.
The 2016 Satellite Meeting of the International Society of Twin Studies: An Overview/Tribute to Irving I. Gottesman/Research: MZ Twinning After Single Embryo Transfer; Twin Study of Mononucleosis; Cerebral Injury After Twin-To-Twin Transfusion Syndrome Surgery/Human Interest: Sixteen Twin Pairs Born in a Single Hospital; Death of an Identical Twin Playwright; Twin Themes in Advertising; Conjoined Twins Separated in Saudi Arabia; Murder of One Twin By Her Co-Twin Disproved
Authors: Segal Nancy L.
Published: August 2016

The 2016 Satellite Meeting of the International Society of Twin Studies took place on June 20 in Brisbane, Australia. The host institution was the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute. An overview of selected presentations and activities is provided. This synopsis is followed by a brief tribute to the recent passing of our esteemed colleague, Dr Irving I. Gottesman. Next, there are summaries of research on monozygotic twinning after single embryo transfer, a twin study of mononucleosis susceptibility, cerebral injury following twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome surgery, and a correction and clarification regarding an article by Segal (2016) on the Brazilian Twin Registry. Human interest articles cover a hospital whose 2015 newborns included 16 pairs of twins born in 1 month, the death of an identical twin playwright, twin themes in advertising, conjoined twins separated in Saudi Arabia, and the dismissed charges of the murder of one twin by her co-twin.
Advancing Soil Carbon Cycle Science
Authors: Mayes Melanie , Lajtha Kate , Bailey Vanessa
Published: August 2016

Workshop to celebrate 2015–2024 International Decade of Soil; Boulder, Colorado, 14–16 March, 2016
Associations between sleep characteristics and weight gain in an older population: results of the Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study
Authors: Kowall B , Lehnich A-T , Erbel R , Moebus S , Jöckel K-H , Stang A
Published: August 2016

Background/Objectives:

Sleep duration influences weight change in children and young adults, but there is less evidence in middle-aged, and, in particular, older adults. We assessed associations between sleep duration, daytime napping and sleep disturbances, respectively, with change of weight and waist circumference in older subjects. Contrary to previous studies, we also used two points in time to assess sleep characteristics.

Methods:

We used data from the population-based Heinz Nixdorf Recall study, a cohort study in Germany with a baseline and two follow-up visits (age 45–74 years, median follow-up 5.1 years for first, 5.2 years for second follow-up visit). In adjusted linear regression models (N=3751), we estimated weight change between baseline and first follow-up visit in relation to various self-reported sleep characteristics measured at baseline. Furthermore, we estimated change of weight and waist circumference, respectively, between first and second follow-up visit in relation to patterns of sleep characteristics measured at baseline and at the first follow-up visit (N=2837).

Results:

In all analyses, short and long sleep duration, sleep disturbances, and regular daytime napping were associated with <1 kg of weight gain and <1 cm of gain in waist circumference over 5 years compared with the respective reference categories. For example, compared with 7–<8 h night sleep, short night sleep (⩽5 h at baseline) was associated with 0.5 kg of weight gain (95% confidence interval: −0.1; 1.1 kg).

Conclusions:

Our study gave no evidence that sleep characteristics were associated with clinically relevant weight gain in the older population.
Metatheases: artificial metalloproteins for olefin metathesis
Authors: Sauer D. F. , Gotzen S. , Okuda J.
Published: August 2016

Recent advance in the design of artificial metalloproteins for olefin metathesis is presented.