bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PEG‐poly(L‐lysine)‐based polymeric micelle MRI contrast agent: Feasibility study of a Gd‐micelle contrast agent for MR lymphography
Authors: Akai Hiroyuki , Shiraishi Kouichi , Yokoyama Masayuki , Yasaka Koichiro , Nojima Masanori , Inoue Yusuke , Abe Osamu , Ohtomo Kuni , Kiryu Shigeru 
Published: April 2017

PurposeTo investigate the feasibility of polymeric micelle of poly(ethyleneglycol) (PEG)‐b‐poly(L‐lysine‐DOTA) (Gd‐micelle) as a contrast agent for magnetic resonance lymphography (MRL).Materials and MethodsTwenty‐four female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into four groups of six mice each. Among them, mice of two groups were injected of complete Freund's adjuvant to obtain inflamed lymph nodes. We subcutaneously injected 0.5 μmol Gd per mouse of Gd‐micelle or gadofluorine P in the right rear footpad. Identical 3D T1‐weighted gradient‐echo imaging (1T MRI system) were subsequently obtained to create time–intensity curves of the right popliteal, sacral, and lumbar‐aortic lymph nodes and to measure the contrast ratios (CRs). The peak CR, area under the curve (AUC), and elimination half‐life (T1/2) of CR of the popliteal lymph node were assessed by two‐way factorial analysis of variance. We also performed a qualitative assessment of normal and inflamed lymph node at three timepoints.ResultsThe mean peak CR of Gd‐micelle was 2.64 and 1.89 for gadofluorine P in normal mice, and 3.48 and 2.73 in the inflamed lymph node. Statistically, peak CR was higher for Gd‐micelle (P = 0.004). In addition, the AUC was larger (P < 0.001) and T1/2 was longer (P < 0.001) for Gd‐micelle. In qualitative assessment, Gd‐micelle demonstrated the same or higher scores in every lymph node, and demonstrated a higher score in lumbar‐aortic lymph node of a 360‐minute image (P = 0.006) and in inflamed lymph node of a 360‐minute image (P = 0.009).ConclusionCompared to gadofluorine P, Gd‐micelle showed higher and more prolonged enhancement in MRL imaging in normal and inflamed lymph nodes.Level of Evidence: 1Technical Efficacy: Stage 1J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:238–245.
Electromagnetic tracking for femoral derotation osteotomy—an in vivo study
Authors: Geisbüsch Andreas , Auer Christoph , Dickhaus Hartmut , Putz Cornelia , Dreher Thomas 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACTFemoral derotation osteotomy delivers good to excellent results in the treatment of rotational gait abnormalities and especially in internal rotation gait. The outcome of the procedure has been evaluated in numerous short‐ and long‐term studies. Although reasons for recurrence and over‐/under‐correction have been unveiled in earlier studies the mechanisms are still not fully understood. False intra‐operative assessment of the derotation angle may contribute to imprecise outcomes. In a recent saw‐bone study we evaluated an electromagnetic tracking system in comparison to conventional goniometer measurement and a CT reference measurement and found it to be extremely accurate, whereas the use of a conventional goniometer for derotation measurement showed a high inter‐ and intra‐rater variability. The current study evaluates the electromagnetic tracking system for continuous intra‐operative derotation control under real OR conditions. Adults (age: 18–40 years) with the diagnosis of internal rotation gait, independent of the underling pathology, undergoing a supracondylar deroation osteotomy were included. A rotational CT scan was conducted before and in close proximity after surgery and the difference served as reference for the electromagnetic tracking results. The results showed a mean deviation of 2.6° (1.2–5.5°) in comparison to the reference measurement of the pre‐ and post‐operative CT scans. The system proved to be stable under OR conditions with a good usability and a small technical footprint. Electromagnetic tracking delivers a precise, reliable, and independent assessment of intra‐operative derotation angles in femoral derotation osteotomies. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2652–2657, 2017.
Ancient Runoff Harvesting Agriculture in the Hyper‐Arid Uvda Valley of Israel: An Agro‐Hydrological Assessment
Authors: Stavi Ilan , Shem‐Tov Rahamim , Ragolsky Gidon , Lekach Judith 
Published: April 2017

AbstractArchaeological surveys conducted since the 1980s in the hyper‐arid Uvda Valley of southern Israel revealed extensive lands with runoff harvesting systems for growing barley and wheat during ancient times. Despite the impossibility of dating the earth and stone installations of terraces and limans due to their decay over time, a wealth of ancient agricultural tools located across the valley revealed inhabitation between the Late Neolithic, Chalcolithic, and Early Bronze ages. Also, cropping of barley in the valley's runoff harvesting systems took place until the 1950s by local Bedouin populations. The objective of this study was to assess the valley's agronomic potential under current climatic conditions. This was assessed by the analysis of precipitation (P) and reference evapotranspiration (ETo) data for the rainy seasons during a 17‐year period between 1999–2000 and 2015–2016. Using the ETo data and the single crop coefficient (Kc) for barley and wheat allowed the calculation of crop evapotranspiration (ETc) and the seasonal soil water deficit (D). Hydrological assessment of the valley's basin allowed the calculation of potential runoff volumes which could be available for agricultural use on the valley floor. Overall, the results showed a potential for successful cereal cultivation only in one to two years during this 17‐year period. This revealed no viability for local agriculture under current climatic conditions. Insights from this study consist with other studies which indicated considerably drier climatic conditions at present compared to those in ancient times, and even compared to those in the mid‐twentieth century. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of the Organic Matter in Wood Ash from Biomass Power Plants in Relation to the Potential Use as Amendments in Agriculture
Authors: Merino Agustín , Omil Beatriz , Hidalgo Claudia , Etchevers Jorge D. , Balboa Miguel A. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAs a result of the increased demand for bioenergy, wood ash (WA), the main residue generated, may become a major source of pyrogenic organic matter. WA contains organic aromatic structures and could be used in agriculture, in a similar way to biochar, to improve the amount and quality of soil OM (OM). However, the organic composition of WA may differ from that of biochar, which has not yet been addressed. In the present study, different types of fly wood ash (FWA) and mixed wood ash (MWA), generated in industrial boilers, were characterized and compared with biochar generated from different feedstocks and at different temperatures (300 and 600 °C). WA differed in the amount and composition of the OM. The OM in MWA consisted of condensed carbon as well as substantial amounts of lightly charred plant biomass. Because of the low degree of carbonization of this OM, it may be susceptible to microbial degradation after application to soil. By contrast, the OM in FWA comprises highly carbonized and condensed organic compounds, similar to those in biochar. Selection of the most suitable type of WA will be determined by the requirements of the specific soils. MWA could be used to amend soils requiring high amounts of OM, whereas FWA might be more appropriate for application in acid soils rich in OM. Thermal analysis proved a useful tool for characterizing the charred material in these by‐products in order to determine the best strategy for use of the material in agriculture. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increased Blinking May Be a Precursor of Blepharospasm: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Conte Antonella , Ferrazzano Gina , Defazio Giovanni , Fabbrini Giovanni , Hallett Mark , Berardelli Alfredo 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe objective of this 5‐year longitudinal study was to investigate whether patients with increased blinking develop orbicularis oculi muscle spasms.MethodsEleven patients who initially manifested increased blinking alone were clinically and neurophysiologically re‐evaluated 5 years later.ResultsBy the 5‐year follow‐up assessment, 9 of the 11 patients had developed orbicularis oculi muscle spasms. The blink reflex recovery cycle became abnormal, whereas somatosensory temporal discrimination, which already was abnormal at the first evaluation, did not significantly change.ConclusionsOur longitudinal study demonstrates that increased blinking may precede blepharospasm and that an abnormal blink reflex recovery cycle reflects the development of orbicularis oculi muscle spasms.
FMEA of manual and automated methods for commissioning a radiotherapy treatment planning system
Authors: Wexler Amy , Gu Bruce , Goddu Sreekrishna , Mutic Maya , Yaddanapudi Sridhar , Olsen Lindsey , Harry Taylor , Noel Camille , Pawlicki Todd , Mutic Sasa , Cai Bin 
Published: April 2017

PurposeTo evaluate the level of risk involved in treatment planning system (TPS) commissioning using a manual test procedure, and to compare the associated process‐based risk to that of an automated commissioning process (ACP) by performing an in‐depth failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA).MethodsThe authors collaborated to determine the potential failure modes of the TPS commissioning process using (a) approaches involving manual data measurement, modeling, and validation tests and (b) an automated process utilizing application programming interface (API) scripting, preloaded, and premodeled standard radiation beam data, digital heterogeneous phantom, and an automated commissioning test suite (ACTS). The severity (S), occurrence (O), and detectability (D) were scored for each failure mode and the risk priority numbers (RPN) were derived based on TG‐100 scale. Failure modes were then analyzed and ranked based on RPN. The total number of failure modes, RPN scores and the top 10 failure modes with highest risk were described and cross‐compared between the two approaches. RPN reduction analysis is also presented and used as another quantifiable metric to evaluate the proposed approach.ResultsThe FMEA of a MTP resulted in 47 failure modes with an RPNave of 161 and Save of 6.7. The highest risk process of “Measurement Equipment Selection” resulted in an RPNmax of 640. The FMEA of an ACP resulted in 36 failure modes with an RPNave of 73 and Save of 6.7. The highest risk process of “EPID Calibration” resulted in an RPNmax of 576.ConclusionsAn FMEA of treatment planning commissioning tests using automation and standardization via API scripting, preloaded, and pre‐modeled standard beam data, and digital phantoms suggests that errors and risks may be reduced through the use of an ACP.
Material‐dependent crack‐tip enrichment functions in XFEM for modeling interfacial cracks in bimaterials
Authors: Wang Yongxiang , Waisman Haim 
Published: April 2017

SummaryA novel set of enrichment functions within the framework of the extended finite element method is proposed for linear elastic fracture analysis of interface cracks in bimaterials. The motivation for the new enrichment set stems from the revelation that the accuracy and conditioning of the widely accepted 12‐fold bimaterial enrichment functions significantly deteriorates with the increase in material mismatch. To this end, we propose an 8‐fold material‐dependent enrichment set, derived from the analytical asymptotic displacement field, that well captures the near‐tip oscillating singular fields of interface cracks, including the transition to weak discontinuities of bimaterials.The performance of the proposed material‐dependent enrichment functions is studied on 2 benchmark examples. Comparisons are made with the 12‐fold bimaterial enrichment as well as the classical 4‐fold homogeneous branch functions, which have also been used for bimaterials. The numerical studies clearly demonstrate the superiority of the new enrichment functions, which yield the most accurate results but with less number of degrees of freedom and significantly improved conditioning than the 12‐fold functions.
A simplified co‐rotational method for quadrilateral shell elements in geometrically nonlinear analysis
Authors: Tang Yi Qun , Zhou Zhi Hua , Chan S. L. 
Published: April 2017

SummaryThis paper presents a simplified co‐rotational formulation for quadrilateral shell elements inheriting the merit of element‐independence from the traditional co‐rotational approach in literature. With the objective of application to nonlinear analysis of civil engineering structures, the authors further simplify the formulation of the geometrical stiffness using the small strain assumption, which is valid in the co‐rotational approach, with the warping effects considered as eccentricities. Compared with the traditional element‐independent co‐rotational method, the projector is neglected both in the tangent stiffness matrix and in the internal force vector for simplicity in formulation. Meanwhile, a quadrilateral flat shell element allowing for drilling rotations is adopted and incorporated into this simplified co‐rotational algorithm for geometrically nonlinear analysis involved with large displacements and large rotations. Several benchmark problems are presented to confirm the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method for practical applications.
When should active surveillance for prostate cancer stop if no progression is detected?
Authors: de Carvalho Tiago M. , Heijnsdijk Eveline A. M. , de Koning Harry J. 
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUNDA significant proportion of screen‐detected men with prostate cancer may be overdiagnosed. Active Surveillance (AS) has emerged as a way to mitigate this problem, by delaying treatment of men, who are at low‐risk until this becomes necessary. However, it is not known after how much time or biopsy rounds should patients stop AS and transition to conservative management (CM), if no progression is detected.METHODSWe used a microsimulation model with natural history of prostate cancer based on ERSPC and SEER data. We modeled referral to treatment while in AS, based on Johns Hopkins treatment‐free survival data. We projected lifetime costs and effects of AS (and radical treatment, if progression is detected) under different biopsy follow‐up schedules compared to CM, where radical treatment only occurs when men would be clinically diagnosed in absence of screening.RESULTSFor men with low‐risk disease in younger age groups (55‐65), AS is cost‐effective for up to 7 yearly biopsy rounds. For men older than 65, even one biopsy round results in quality adjusted life years (QALYs) lost, though it may result in QALYs gained for men without previous screening. For men with intermediate‐risk disease AS is cost‐effective even for men in 65‐75 age group.CONCLUSIONSThe benefit of AS when compared to CM is strongly dependent on life expectancy and disease risk. Clinicians should take this into account when selecting men to AS, deciding on biopsy frequency and when to stop AS surveillance rounds and transition to CM.
How to get and keep citizens involved in mobile crowd sensing for water management? A review of key success factors and motivational aspects
Authors: Rutten Martine , Minkman Ellen , van der Sanden Maarten 
Published: April 2017

Citizen science and particularly mobile crowd sourcing (MCS) has large potential in water resources management for data collection and awareness raising. Concerns about data quality, and initiating and sustaining citizen involvement hamper incorporation of citizen science in water monitoring, together with a lack of practical guidance how to set up citizen science monitoring programs. This review presents an overview of key success factors for citizen science including MCS. Specific attention is paid to motivational aspects. Success factors were organized according to project phase and motivations according to self‐determination theory. The presented overviews provide practical guidelines for setting up citizen science projects. WIREs Water 2017, 4:e1218. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1218This article is categorized under:

Water and Life > Conservation, Management, and Awareness
Engineering Water > Planning Water
Human Water > Water as Imagined and Represented
Adaptive quantum/molecular mechanics: what have we learned, where are we, and where do we go from here?
Authors: Duster Adam W. , Wang Chun‐Hung , Garza Christina M. , Miller Danielle E. , Lin Hai 
Published: April 2017

Adaptive quantum‐mechanics/molecular‐mechanics (QM/MM) methods feature on‐the‐fly reclassification of atoms as QM or MM during a molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, allowing the location and contents of the QM subsystem to be dynamically updated as needed. Such flexibility is a distinct advantage over conventional QM/MM, where a ‘static’ boundary is retained between the QM and MM subsystems. The ‘dynamic’ boundary in adaptive QM/MM allows a finite‐size QM to sustain simulations with an arbitrary length of time. To ensure smooth transitions between QM and MM, the energy or forces are interpolated. Special treatments are applied so that artifacts are eliminated or minimized. Recent developments have shed light on the relationship between the adaptive algorithms that describe Hamiltonian and non‐Hamiltonian systems. Originally developed to model an ion solvated in bulk solvent, adaptive QM/MM has been enhanced in many aspects, including the treatment of molecular fragments in macromolecules, monitoring molecules entering/leaving binding sites, and tracking proton transfer via the Grotthuss mechanism. Because the size of the QM region can be set as small as possible in adaptive QM/MM, the computational costs can be kept low. Small QM subsystems also facilitate the utilization of high‐level QM theory and long simulation time, which can potentially lead to new insights. WIREs Comput Mol Sci 2017, 7:e1310. doi: 10.1002/wcms.1310This article is categorized under:

Electronic Structure Theory > Combined QM/MM Methods
Molecular and Statistical Mechanics > Molecular Dynamics and Monte-Carlo Methods
Software > Molecular Modeling
Crime and Deviance
Authors: Lawson Tony , Heaton Tim 
Published: April 2017

What do sociologists mean when they talk about ‘crime’ and ‘deviance’? Can we use theory to explain why individuals break the law? And how do we measure criminal behaviour in modern society? This book uses key concepts and essential theory to explore these questions and explain their answers.
The second edition of this student-focused text continues to offer clear and structured guidance on the sociology of crime and deviance. With basic definitions and clear analysis of theory and statistics, this book gives its reader the tools to build their knowledge and understanding of the topic. In particular, this text:
- Explores and critiques essential sociological theory, including functionalist, feminist and postmodernist debates.
- Examines how criminal justice data and crime statistics are compiled
- Questions the reliability of social patterns of crime in terms of gender, class, age and ethnicity
- Looks at new types of crime - from surveillance to terrorism and green crime to state crime
As part of the Skills-Based Sociology series, this new edition of Crime and Deviance is packed with a variety of tasks, activities and exam practice questions. These encourage students to take an active role in their learning, whilst promoting critical thinking alongside skill development. This book is the perfect starting point for students keen to understand the sociology of crime and deviance, as well as an excellent source for revision.
Online support groups for head and neck cancer and health-related quality of life
Authors: Algtewi Eamar , Owens Janine , Baker Sarah R. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract

Purpose
To investigate the association between using online support groups (OSGs) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and the psychosocial factors that may influence this association among individuals with head and neck (H&N) cancer.

Method
A sample of 199 persons with H&N cancer using four OSGs completed an online questionnaire using six pre-validated measures for social network, self-efficacy, anxiety and depression, adjustment, empowerment and quality of life. In addition, socio-demographic as well as illness-related and OSGs-related information was collected.

Results
Participants who had better HRQoL had been using OSGs for a longer time than those who had worse HRQoL (B = 0.07, p < 0.05). Depression and adjustment were the only direct mediators in this association, whereas self-efficacy, anxiety and empowerment appeared as indirect mediators.

Conclusion
Participation in OSGs was found to be associated to better HRQoL either directly or indirectly through decreasing depression, anxiety and the negative adjustment behaviours and increasing self-efficacy and empowerment of the users. The study presented a potential model of pathways linking OSG use and HRQoL for those with H&N cancer. However, the model needs to be tested in future longitudinal studies and the associations proposed need to be explored in greater detail.
Cognitive subtypes of probable Alzheimer's disease robustly identified in four cohorts
Authors: Scheltens Nienke M.E. , Tijms Betty M. , Koene Teddy , Barkhof Frederik , Teunissen Charlotte E. , Wolfsgruber Steffen , Wagner Michael , Kornhuber Johannes , Peters Oliver , Cohn‐Sheehy Brendan I. , Rabinovici Gil D. , Miller Bruce L. , Kramer Joel H. , Scheltens Philip , van der Flier Wiesje M. ,   German Dementia Competence Network,   University of California San Francisco Memory and Aging Center,   Amsterdam Dementia Cohort
Published: April 2017

AbstractIntroductionPatients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) show heterogeneity in profile of cognitive impairment. We aimed to identify cognitive subtypes in four large AD cohorts using a data‐driven clustering approach.MethodsWe included probable AD dementia patients from the Amsterdam Dementia Cohort (n = 496), Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (n = 376), German Dementia Competence Network (n = 521), and University of California, San Francisco (n = 589). Neuropsychological data were clustered using nonnegative matrix factorization. We explored clinical and neurobiological characteristics of identified clusters.ResultsIn each cohort, a two‐clusters solution best fitted the data (cophenetic correlation >0.9): one cluster was memory‐impaired and the other relatively memory spared. Pooled analyses showed that the memory‐spared clusters (29%–52% of patients) were younger, more often apolipoprotein E (APOE) ɛ4 negative, and had more severe posterior atrophy compared with the memory‐impaired clusters (all P < .05).ConclusionsWe could identify two robust cognitive clusters in four independent large cohorts with distinct clinical characteristics.
Maximum lift-drag ratio of air cushion craft
Authors: Mantle P.J. 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACTThis paper develops a method to determine the lift-drag ratio of air cushion craft and specifically the maximum value of the lift-drag ratio, its associated design speed, and related performance and economic measures. The method works from well-established equations for drag and power for air cushion craft. Such values are required to determine the performance and economic efficiency of the craft in many modes of operation. The method covers both amphibious and non-amphibious craft of the types used in both military and commercial operation. A basis is developed for an optimisation procedure to design future craft for maximum efficiency.