bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fast diffusion imaging with high angular resolution
Authors: Chao Tzu‐Cheng , Chiou Jr‐yuan George , Maier Stephan E. , Madore Bruno 
Published: February 2016

PurposeHigh angular resolution diffusion imaging (HARDI) is a well‐established method to help reveal the architecture of nerve bundles, but long scan times and geometric distortions inherent to echo planar imaging (EPI) have limited its integration into clinical protocols.MethodsA fast imaging method is proposed here that combines accelerated multishot diffusion imaging (AMDI), multiplexed sensitivity encoding (MUSE), and crossing fiber angular resolution of intravoxel structure (CFARI) to reduce spatial distortions and reduce total scan time. A multishot EPI sequence was used to improve geometrical fidelity as compared to a single‐shot EPI acquisition, and acceleration in both k‐space and diffusion sampling enabled reductions in scan time. The method is regularized and self‐navigated for motion correction. Seven volunteers were scanned in this study, including four with volumetric whole brain acquisitions.ResultsThe average similarity of microstructural orientations between undersampled datasets and their fully sampled counterparts was above 85%, with scan times below 5 min for whole‐brain acquisitions. Up to 2.7‐fold scan time acceleration along with four‐fold distortion reduction was achieved.ConclusionThe proposed imaging strategy can generate HARDI results with relatively good geometrical fidelity and low scan duration, which may help facilitate the transition of HARDI from a successful research tool to a practical clinical one. Magn Reson Med 77:696–706, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Influence of grain boundaries and interfaces on the electronic structure of polycrystalline CuO thin films
Authors: Morasch Jan , Wardenga Hans F. , Jaegermann Wolfram , Klein Andreas 
Published: February 2016

AbstractCuO thin films were grown by reactive magnetron sputtering and analyzed with respect to their structural, chemical, optical, and electrical properties. The films are strongly p‐type with carrier concentrations of cm−3. Carrier accumulation at grain boundaries is evident from temperature and gas phase dependent conductivity measurements. The films show high absorption coefficients with a band gap of approximately 1.5 eV. Interface formation with TiO2 and Au was studied by photoelectron spectroscopy. Regarding the TiO2/CuO interface, a strong band bending in the TiO2 substrate and a valence band offset of eV were observed. The TiO2 conduction band is therefore approximately midgap of CuO at the interface. CuO is chemically reduced upon Au deposition but an ideal ohmic contact is formed with a Fermi level at the valence band maximum of CuO. Solar cell device structures were prepared of fluorine‐doped SnO2/TiO2 substrates and Au back contacts, revealing open circuit voltages of <0.15 V and photocurrent densities of <0.1 mA/cm2. The photoactivity of the structures is ascribed mostly to the TiO2 substrate.
Inequivalent effect of Dirac valleys on low‐energy plasmons in heavily doped graphene
Authors: Ta Ho S. , Anh Le H. , Le T. , Nam Do V. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractUsing an empirical atomistic approach associated with the method of random‐phase approximation, we investigated the behaviors of plasmons in heavily doped graphene. We show that, in the range of low energy and of long wavelength, a novel plasmon mode may appear below the conventional Dirac plasmon. The novel mode is strongly anisotropic and only appears in a finite range of the transfer wave number. It is found that the appearance of the novel plasmon stems from the anisotropy of the energy surfaces forming the Dirac cones and the inequivalance of the two Dirac valleys in the Brillouin zone. Interestingly, we demonstrate that these two unique electronic features of graphene act, respectively, as the necessary and sufficient factors in governing the formation of the novel plasmon mode.
Editorial for the Special Issue on recent trends in traffic modelling and control
Authors: Ferrara Antonella , Sacone Simona , Siri Silvia 
Published: February 2016

SummaryThe papers included in this Special Issue propose innovative methodologies in traffic modelling and control, referring either to freeway networks or to urban areas. These research works are devoted to the development of innovative analysis and control methods, improving and extending the existing approaches, that result to be of great interest both from a methodological point of view and in an applicative perspective. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Predictive Value of Indocyanine Green Clearance in Future Liver Remnant for Posthepatectomy Liver Failure Following Hepatectomy with Extrahepatic Bile Duct Resection
Authors: Yokoyama Yukihiro , Ebata Tomoki , Igami Tsuyoshi , Sugawara Gen , Mizuno Takashi , Yamaguchi Junpei , Nagino Masato 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackground
Postoperative liver failure (PHLF) is one of the most common complications following major hepatectomy. The preoperative assessment of future liver remnant (FLR) function is critical to predict the incidence of PHLF.ObjectiveTo determine the efficacy of the plasma clearance rate of indocyanine green clearance of FLR (ICGK‐F) in predicting PHLF in cases of highly invasive hepatectomy with extrahepatic bile duct resection.MethodsFive hundred and eighty‐five patients who underwent major hepatectomy with extrahepatic bile duct resection, from 2002 to 2014 in a single institution, were evaluated. Among them, 192 patients (33 %) had PHLF. The predictive value of ICGK‐F for PHLF was determined and compared with other risk factors for PHLF.ResultsThe incidence of PHLF was inversely proportional to the level of ICGK‐F. With multivariate logistic regression analysis, ICGK‐F, combined pancreatoduodenectomy, the operation time, and blood loss were identified as independent risk factors of PHLF. The risk of PHLF increased according to the decrement of ICGK‐F (the odds ratio of ICGK‐F for each decrement of 0.01 was 1.22; 95 % confidence interval 1.12–1.33; P < 0.001). Low ICGK‐F was also identified as an independent risk factor predicting the postoperative mortality.ConclusionsICGK‐F is useful in predicting the PHLF and mortality in patients undergoing major hepatectomy with extrahepatic bile duct resection. This criterion may be useful for highly invasive hepatectomy, such as that with extrahepatic bile duct resection.
Synthetic hedge funds
Authors: Fischer Mario , Hanauer Matthias X. , Heigermoser Robert 
Published: February 2016

AbstractWe provide evidence on the performance and the replication success of a broad sample of 72 synthetic hedge funds from January 2009 to December 2013. Thereby, we assign the term “synthetic hedge fund” to mutual funds and exchange‐traded funds with hedge fund indices as their benchmarks. Replication success is measured through different perspectives from distributional characteristics to risk‐adjusted performance. We find an overall significant underperformance of synthetic hedge funds compared to an appropriate benchmark index. Furthermore, mutual funds (associated with active portfolio management) can produce return characteristics closer to hedge fund benchmarks than exchange‐traded funds (associated with passive management) can. From a single strategy perspective, we find a picture of heterogeneity. Regarding the market environment, we show larger return differences for unusual market conditions than for regular ones.
Glucose- and glycaemic factor-lowering effects of probiotics on diabetes: a meta-analysis of randomised placebo-controlled trials
Authors: Sun Jing , Buys Nicholas J. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThis meta-analysis examined the effect of probiotics on glucose and glycaemic factors in diabetes and its associated risk factors. All randomised-controlled trials published in English in multiple databases from January 2000 to June 2015 were systematically searched. Only studies that addressed glucose- and glycaemic-related factors as outcome variables were included. The main outcomes of interest in trials were mean changes in glucose, HbA1c, insulin and homoeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale to assess the quality of studies, a total of eleven studies with 614 subjects were included. The pooled mean difference and effect size with a 95 % CI were extracted using a random-effect model. It was found that there are statistically significant pooled mean differences between the probiotics and the placebo-controlled groups on the reduction of glucose (−0·52 mmol/l, 95 % CI −0·92, −0·11 mmol/l; P=0·01) and HbA1c (−0·32 %, 95 % CI −0·57, −0·07 %; P=0·01). There was no statistically significant pooled mean difference between the probiotics and the placebo-controlled groups on the reduction of insulin (−0·48 µIU/ml, 95 % CI −1·34, 0·38 µIU/ml; P=0·27) and HOMA-IR (pooled effect of –0·44, 95 % CI −1·57, 0·70; P=0·45). Meta-regression analysis identified that probiotics had significant effects on reduction of glucose, HbA1c, insulin and HOMA-IR in participants with diabetes, but not in participants with other risk factors. The present meta-analysis suggested that probiotics may be used as an important dietary supplement in reducing the glucose metabolic factors associated with diabetes.
Influence of selected plant amines on probing behaviour of bird cherry-oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi L.)
Authors: Sempruch C. , Goławska S. , Osiński P. , Leszczyński B. , Czerniewicz P. , Sytykiewicz H. , Matok H. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe study aimed to quantify the influence of common plant polyamines and tyramine on probing behaviour in the bird cherry-oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi L.). Electrical penetration graphs (DC) were used to monitor the probing and feeding behaviour of R. padi exposed to the amines agmatine, cadaverine, putrescine, spermidine, spermine and tyramine. The study results showed that the analyzed amines tended to shorten the stylet activity of aphids in the gels (as indicated by the g-C pattern), prolong the duration of non-probing behaviour (g-np pattern) and decrease salivation into the gels (g-E1pattern) and ingestion from the gels (g-G pattern). The 10 mM concentration of the studied amines, especially cadaverine, reduced or completely inhibited aphid ingestion. The obtained results demonstrate that plant amines participate in plant defence responses to R. padi through disturbance of its probing behaviour and the intensity of such effects is concentration dependent.
The 2012 Cuts to Refugee Health Coverage in Canada: The Anatomy of a Social Policy Failure
Authors: Sheridan Paul , Shankardass Ketan 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIn 2012, Canada's federal government announced cuts to refugee health coverage. Evidence suggesting that the cuts represent a social policy failure has since been accumulating, including the 2014 Federal Court ruling ordering their reversal. This explanatory case study uncovers the problem definition process that led policy development by applying coding methods to governmental publications, transcripts of parliamentary proceedings and internal governmental correspondence obtained under the Access to Information Act. The systematic analysis identifies avoidable gaps that occurred and proposes an avenue for strengthening future federal social policy processes so as to avoid negative outcomes such as those that resulted here.
Lithostratigraphy and biostratigraphy of the Lower Carboniferous (Mississippian) carbonates of the southern Askrigg Block, North Yorkshire, UK
Authors: WATERS C. N. , CÓZAR P. , SOMERVILLE I. D. , HASLAM R. B. , MILLWARD D. , WOODS M. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractA rationalized lithostratigraphy for the Great Scar Limestone Group of the southeast Askrigg Block is established. The basal Chapel House Limestone Formation, assessed from boreholes, comprises shallow-marine to supratidal carbonates that thin rapidly northwards across the Craven Fault System, onlapping a palaeotopographical high of Lower Palaeozoic strata. The formation is of late Arundian age in the Silverdale Borehole, its northernmost development. The overlying Kilnsey Formation represents a southward-thickening and upward-shoaling carbonate development on a S-facing carbonate ramp. Foraminiferal/algal assemblages suggest a late Holkerian and early Asbian age, respectively, for the uppermost parts of the lower Scaleber Force Limestone and upper Scaleber Quarry Limestone members, significantly younger than previously interpreted. The succeeding Malham Formation comprises the lower Cove Limestone and upper Gordale Limestone members. Foraminiferal/algal assemblages indicate a late Asbian age for the formation, contrasting with the Holkerian age previously attributed to the Cove Limestone. The members reflect a change from a partially shallow-water lagoon (Cove Limestone) to more open-marine shelf (Gordale Limestone), coincident with the onset of marked sea-level fluctuations and formation of palaeokarstic surfaces with palaeosoils in the latter. Facies variations along the southern flank of the Askrigg Block, including an absence of fenestral lime-mudstone in the upper part of the Cove Limestone and presence of dark grey cherty grainstone/packstone in the upper part the Gordale Limestone are related to enhanced subsidence during late Asbian movement on the Craven Fault System. This accounts for the marked thickening of both members towards the Greenhow Inlier.
Integrated conodont biostratigraphy and carbon isotope chemostratigraphy in the Lower–Middle Ordovician of southern Sweden reveals a complete record of the MDICE
Authors: WU RONGCHANG , CALNER MIKAEL , LEHNERT OLIVER 
Published: February 2016

AbstractOne of the few and most complete records of the MDICE (Middle Darriwilian Isotope Carbon Excursion) is herein documented from Baltoscandia. Based on a core section penetrating the condensed Lower–Middle Ordovician succession (~46 m) on the island of Öland, southeastern Sweden, we provide an integrated scheme for carbon isotope chemostratigraphy (313 samples) and conodont biostratigraphy (29 samples) for this period. The carbonate succession in the Tingskullen core records 12 conodont zones and 6 subzones, including theOepikodus evae, Trapezognathus diprion, Baltoniodus triangularis, B. navis, B. norrlandicus, Lenodus antivariabilis, L. variabilis, Yangtzeplacognathus crassus, Eoplacognathus pseudoplanus(Microzarkodina hagetianaandMicrozarkodina ozarkodellasubzones),E. suecicus, Pygodus serra(E. foliaceus, E. reclinatus, E. robustusandE. lindstroemisubzones) andPygodus anserinuszones in ascending order. The δ13Ccarbrecord reveals an apparently complete record of the MDICE, including a rising limb, a well-defined peak and a falling limb. The anomaly covers a thickness ofc. 27 m in the core and spans theEoplacognathus pseudoplanus, E. suecicus, Pygodus serraandP. anserinusconodont zones. Combined with the new, detailed conodont biostratigraphy, the MDICE in the Tingskullen core can be used for detailed correlation with successions from Baltica, North America, the Argentine Precordillera, South China and North China.
A new discovery at Cyrene: Tomb S64 and its ‘Pompeian Second Style’ wall paintings. Preliminary notes
Authors: Cherstich Luca , Santucci Anna 
Published: February 2016

AbstractS64 is an extraordinary tomb. Its well-preserved isodomic façade leads to an antechamber decorated with wall paintings recalling what is usually labelled as ‘Pompeian Second Style’, a unique example in Cyrenaica thus far. This article gives a brief insight on this tomb, its wall paintings and a short discussion of their importance in the wider context of local and foreign monumental funerary customs. This tomb suggests a ritual complexity with few comparisons in Cyrene, but it is also important for the history of the Hellenistic and Roman painted architectural styles.
Western Marmarica Coastal Survey 2010: preliminary report
Authors: Hulin Linda , Timby Jane , Muftah Ahmed M. , Mutri Giuseppina 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe Western Marmarica Coastal Survey continued its work in 2010, concentrating upon an area roughly 10 km square around Marsa Lukk. Significant early material was found, from the Middle Stone Age to the Neolithic and, for the first time, a local chert source was identified in the area. A number of Early Roman sites, previously underrepresented at this period in the area, were identified, as well as Late Roman farms. The inventory of rock art sites also increased significantly and motifs recur across the area.
Some ancient coins of Libya
Authors: Jenkins G. K. 
Published: February 2016

The ancient coinage of Libya comprises two quite distinct aspects. Firstly, in Cyrenaica there is the group of Dorian Greek cities first founded by colonists from Thera in the seventh century B.C., and of these cities we have a fairly continuous range of coins down to Roman times. Secondly, there is the group of Phoenician cities in Tripolitania, whose local coinage has a much more restricted span, covering only the late Roman republic and early empire.The Cyrenaic coins, like those of most other regions of the Greek world, have a distinctive local character of their own. Among the representations found on these coins we may mention first examples of the flora and fauna of the country including the scorpion, the chameleon, the jerboa, the gazelle. But most typical of all is the silphium plant. This was an umbelliferous plant originally growing wild in Cyrenaica. In early times it formed one of the chief sources of wealth but by the Roman period was becoming extinct, perhaps due to over - exploitation — it has been noted that the plant is depicted less regularly and less realistically on coins even during Hellenistic times. Its nearest modern parallel is considered to be asafoetida, in particular the variety known asFerula narthexfound in Afghanistan. The silphium was valuable for its juice, extracted by an incision of the stem, and was used both medicinally and as a condiment, while the stalk provided vegetable food both for human and animal use. The plant which we see on the coins is depicted with greater or lesser realism showing in detail the leaves with their typical sheath - like bases and the umbels springing outwards; the stem is shown as thick as a tree trunk. But its size is difficult to estimate, and here the coins are not entirely helpful, as sometimes a gazelle is shown lying in front of a tree - sized plant, on others a gazelle seems to peer down at a small bush. But relative scale is not always a strong point with coin designers. In addition to the whole plant as normally shown, separate parts of it are also depicted, especially the heart - shaped fruit. The silphium and its export may during the time of the Battiad dynasty have been a royal monopoly. It used to be thought that on the famous Arkesilas vase we had a picture of the king supervising the weighing and storage of silphium, though more recent opinion favours the view that the commodity in question is bags of wool.
Sidi Khrebish Excavations, Benghazi, 1974 and 1975
Authors: Lloyd J. A. 
Published: February 2016

Two six week programmes of excavation took place in July and August 1974 and 1975 at Sidi Khrebish on the site of part of the Hellenistic and Roman city of Berenice. Large scale excavation ceased in September 1973 and the work of the last two years was directed towards the completion of areas unfinished in 1973 together with a certain amount of new excavation.The major discovery of the last two seasons has been a section of a two-period circuit of defensive walls, including a tower (Figs 1 and 2). The walls are Hellenistic in construction and from the associated dating material appear to post-date Queen Berenice's initial fortification of the city which was founded in the middle of the third century B.C. They are possibly as late as the first century B.C.
Neutron activation analysis of waster sherds from Tocra
Authors: Newton G. W. A. , Krywonos W. 
Published: February 2016

The purpose of the present study was to measure the trace element distribution of waster pieces of coarse ware found on the pottery kiln site associated with Roman Tocra. These would then be compared with other coarse ware sherds found in Cyrenaica.Neutron activation has been chosen as the method of analysis because several elements can be determined simultaneously, and also many samples can be analysed routinely.Samples from any sherd were obtained as follows:The sherd was brushed lightly to remove any foreign matter. It was then sliced with a diamond-coated saw into pieces about 5 mm × 5 mm × 2 mm all surface material being removed in the process. Each piece was washed quickly in dilute nitric acid (ANALAR), rinsed in distilled water and finally boiled for 2 minutes in distilled water. The samples were dried in an oven at 120° C. During all procedures polythene gloved hands and clean tweezers were used for manipulation.Each sample was wrapped individually in aluminium foil and labelled with a heat resistant indelible marker. All the samples were placed in an aluminium can together with suitable standards for irradiation.In this investigation the elements determined were scandium and iron. The oxides of these elements are commercially available in a very pure form (SPECPURE).A known weight of the oxide was dissolved in hot concentrated ANALAR acid, hydrochloric acid for iron and nitric acid for scandium, and diluted to 25 ml in a graduated flask. The resulting solutions were about 1.5 mg per ml for iron and 0.15 mg per ml for scandium.
Round and About Misurata
Authors: Brogan Olwen 
Published: February 2016

Misurata is the second city of Western Libya (Tripolitania) and, with its surrounding farms and villages, had some 83,000 inhabitants in the early nineteen-sixties, but has grown rapidly since then. West of the city is a narrow but fertile plain coming from Zliten between the dune-encumbered coastal ridge and a line of low hills which are the last eastward vestiges of the Tripolitanian Jebel and which come to an end shortly before Misurata. Twelve kilometres to the east, at Gasr Ahmed, the coast turns south-eastwards to form the western side of the Greater Syrtis, or Gulf of Sidra. Between Misurata and Gasr Ahmed the cultivated area narrows to become a kind of peninsula between the coast and the marshes of the Sebkha Taworga which are extensively flooded during the winter. South of Misurata, along the main road to Fezzan and Cyrenaica, the country becomes increasingly arid. East of the road cultivation soon gives place to mud flats and salt marshes, the successive sebkhas Taworga, Hishah and Al Awenat, which together cover an area some hundred kilometres long and twenty broad.The name Misurata (Misratah) is Berber and did not come into the district until the tribal movements in late antiquity, when the Hawara spread into Eastern Tripolitania. According to tradition the Berber hero Aurigh had four sons, Calden, Meld, Hawar and Maggher. All their descendants came to be designated collectively as the children of Hawar, and among these were Wurfel and Misratah, sons of Meld. The sons of Wurfel have dwelt ever since in and to the south of Beni Ulid, and the Misratah have occupied the coastlands to the northeast. Ibn Batuta mentions passing through the country of the Misratah in 1326. Ibn Khaldun says that in his days (14th century) the Misratah were very powerful and only paid a very small tribute to the Arabs, ‘tribute which they have the air of handing over by condescension.’ He says ‘they occupy themselves by commerce, and travel frequently to Egypt and Alexandria, to southern Tunisia and to Fezzan.’ The inhabitants of the Misurata area to-day include groups of Berber origin mixed with the descendants of the first Arabs who came into Tripolitania; others, descended from Turkish immigrants; and yet others claiming Sherifian origin, that is, descent from the Prophet Mohamed himself.