bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On packing spanning arborescences with matroid constraint
Authors: Fortier Quentin , Király Csaba , Szigeti Zoltán , Tanigawa Shin‐ichi 
Published: August 2019

AbstractLet be a digraph with a designated root vertex . Edmonds’ seminal result (see J. Edmonds [4]) implies that has a packing of spanning ‐arborescences if and only if has a packing of ‐paths for all , where a packing means arc‐disjoint subgraphs. Let be a matroid on the set of arcs leaving . A packing of ‐paths is called ‐based if their arcs leaving form a base of while a packing of ‐arborescences is called ‐based if, for all , the packing of ‐paths provided by the arborescences is ‐based. Durand de Gevigney, Nguyen, and Szigeti proved in [3] that has an ‐based packing of ‐arborescences if and only if has an ‐based packing of ‐paths for all . Bérczi and Frank conjectured that this statement can be strengthened in the sense of Edmonds’ theorem such that each ‐arborescence is required to be spanning. Specifically, they conjectured that has an ‐based packing of spanning ‐arborescences if and only if has an ‐based packing of ‐paths for all . In this paper we disprove this conjecture in its general form and we prove that the corresponding decision problem is NP‐complete. We also prove that the conjecture holds for several fundamental classes of matroids, such as graphic matroids and transversal matroids. For all the results presented in this paper, the undirected counterpart also holds.
Gallai's path decomposition conjecture for graphs with treewidth at most 3
Authors: Botler Fábio , Sambinelli Maycon , Coelho Rafael S. , Lee Orlando 
Published: August 2019

AbstractA path decomposition of a graph is a set of edge‐disjoint paths of that covers the edge set of . Gallai (1968) conjectured that every connected graph with vertices admits a path decomposition of size at most . Gallai's conjecture was verified for many classes of graphs. In particular, Lovász (1968) verified this conjecture for graphs with at most one vertex of even degree, and Pyber (1996) verified it for graphs in which every cycle contains a vertex of odd degree. Recently, Bonamy and Perrett verified Gallai's conjecture for graphs with maximum degree at most 5. In this paper, we verify Gallai's conjecture for graphs with treewidth at most 3. Moreover, we show that the only graphs with treewidth at most 3 that do not admit a path decomposition of size at most are isomorphic to or , the graph obtained from by removing an edge.
Disjoint cycles covering matchings in graphs with partial degrees
Authors: Wang Hong 
Published: August 2019

AbstractLet be a graph of order . Let be a positive integer and a matching of with such that for each , where is the set of vertices that are endvertices of edges of . We prove that for any integers with contains disjoint cycles such that contains edges of for all . We conjecture that the same conclusion holds if the degree condition is changed to that for all .
The optimal general upper bound for the distinguishing index of infinite graphs
Authors: Pilśniak Monika , Stawiski Marcin 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe distinguishing index of a graph is the least cardinal number such that has an edge‐coloring with colors, which is preserved only by the trivial automorphism. We prove a general upper bound for any connected infinite graph with finite maximum degree . This is in contrast with finite graphs since for every there exist infinitely many connected, finite graphs with . We also give examples showing that this bound is sharp for any maximum degree .
Pure laparoscopic versus open hemihepatectomy: a critical assessment and realistic expectations – a propensity score‐based analysis of right and left hemihepatectomies from nine European tertiary referral centers
Authors: Cipriani Federica , Alzoubi Mohammad , Fuks David , Ratti Francesca , Kawai Takayuki , Berardi Giammauro , Barkhatov Leonid , Lainas Panagiotis , Van der Poel Marcel , Faoury Morad , Besselink Marc G. , D’Hondt Mathieu , Dagher Ibrahim , Edwin Bjorn , Troisi Roberto Ivan , Scatton Olivier , Gayet Brice , Aldrighetti Luca , Abu Hilal Mohammad 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIntroductionA stronger evidence level is needed to confirm the benefits and limits of laparoscopic hemihepatectomies.MethodsLaparoscopic and open hemihepatectomies from nine European referral centers were compared after propensity score matching (right and left hemihepatectomies separately, and benign and malignant diseases sub‐analyses).ResultsFive hundred and forty‐five laparoscopic hemihepatectomies were compared with 545 open. Laparoscopy was associated with reduced blood loss (P < 0.001), postoperative stay (P < 0.001) and minor morbidity (P = 0.002), supported by a lower Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI) (P = 0.035). Laparoscopic right hemihepatectomies were associated with lower ascites (P = 0.016), bile leak (P = 0.001) and wound infections (P = 0.009). Laparoscopic left hemihepatectomies exhibited a lower incidence of bile leak and cardiovascular complications (P = 0.024; P = 0.041), lower minor and major morbidity (P = 0.003; P = 0.044) and reduced CCI (P = 0.002). Laparoscopic major hepatectomies (LMH) for benign disease were associated with lower blood loss (P = 0.001) and bile leaks (P = 0.037) and shorter total stay (P < 0.001). LMH for malignancy were associated with lower blood loss (P < 0.001) and minor morbidity (P = 0.027) supported by a lower CCI (P = 0.021) and shorter stay (P < 0.001).ConclusionThis multicenter study confirms some associated advantages of laparoscopic left and right hemihepatectomies in malignant and benign conditions highlighting the need for realistic expectations of the minimally invasive approach based on the resected hemiliver and the patients treated.
Malignant conversion and peritoneal dissemination after endoscopic ultrasound‐guided ethanol ablation in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas
Authors: Jang Jin‐Young , Byun Yoonhyeong , Han Youngmin , Kim Hongbeom , Kwon Wooil 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundWith the increasing detection of pancreatic cysts, many centers have applied endoscopic ultrasound‐guided pancreatic cyst ablation (EUS‐PCA), even in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) of the pancreas based on early promising outcomes. However, long‐term effects of ethanol ablation have been rarely reported, especially regarding oncologic outcomes.Methods and ResultsWe report eight cases of malignancy conversion after EUS‐PCA in patients with IPMNs who had worrisome features. Moreover, two patients showed tumor spillage or peritoneal seeding (carcinomatosis) after EUS‐PCA.ConclusionsEndoscopic ultrasound‐guided pancreatic cyst ablation must not be performed as a treatment for IPMNs, considering adverse results such as tumor spillage and the lack of oncological therapeutic effect.
Integration of multiple computer modeling software programs for characterization of a brain natriuretic peptide sandwich DNA aptamer complex
Authors: Bruno John G. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractSeveral molecular modeling programs including Pep‐Fold 3, Vienna RNA, RNA Composer, Avogadro, PatchDock, RasMol, and VMD were used to define the three‐dimensional and basic binding characteristics of an extant sandwich DNA aptamer assay complex for human brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). In particular, the theoretical question of demonstrating likely binding of 72 base capture and reporter aptamers to at least two separate “epitopes” or binding sites on the small 32‐amino acid BNP target was addressed, and the data support the existence of separate aptamer binding sites on BNP. The binding model was based on first docking BNP to the capture aptamer based on shape complementarity with PatchDock, followed by docking the capture aptamer‐BNP complex with the reporter aptamer in PatchDock. Although, shape complementarity clearly dominated this binding model and aptamers are known to be somewhat flexible, the model demonstrates hydrogen bond stabilization within each of the two different aptamers and between the aptamers and the BNP target, thus suggesting a strong binding and high affinity sandwich assay that matches the author's former published assay results (Bruno et al., Microchem. J. 2014;115:32‐38) with subpicogram per milliliter sensitivity and good specificity. Other aspects such as capture and reporter aptamer interactions in the absence of BNP are illustrated and suggest means for potentially improving the existing assay by truncating the capture and reporter aptamers where they overlap to further decrease background signal levels.
Hepatocellular adenomas: Understanding the pathomolecular lexicon, MRI features, terminology, and pitfalls to inform a standardized approach
Authors: Zulfiqar Maria , Sirlin Claude B. , Yoneda Norihide , Ronot Maxime , Hecht Elizabeth M. , Chernyak Victoria , Matsui Osamu , Bastati Nina , Ba‐Ssalamah Ahmed , Chatterjee Deyali , Bashir Mustafa , Fowler Kathryn J. 
Published: August 2019

Hepatocellular adenomas (HCAs) are benign hepatic tumors that can be complicated by bleeding and/or malignant transformation. The epidemiology of HCAs has changed over recent decades, primarily influenced by an increased incidence of obesity in both men and women. Currently, at least eight distinct pathomolecular subtypes of HCAs have been identified, several of which have distinguishing and pertinent imaging features on MRI. Emerging evidence suggests that hepatobiliary phase appearance may provide diagnostic and prognostic information. The purpose of this article is to review the current pathomolecular lexicon and imaging features with emphasis on hepatobiliary phase appearance.Level of Evidence: 5Technical Efficacy: Stage 3J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:1630–1640.
Combining non‐invasive brain stimulation with functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate the neural substrates of cognitive aging
Authors: Abellaneda‐Pérez Kilian , Vaqué‐Alcázar Lídia , Solé‐Padullés Cristina , Bartrés‐Faz David 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAs aging population is increasing, new methodologies to apprehend and enhance the mechanisms related to optimal brain function in advancing age become urgent. This review describes how the combined use of non‐invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) provides novel experimental data on the putative neurophysiological mechanisms underlying inter‐individual differences in cognitive status among older adults, also further illuminating our understanding of theoretical models proposed within the cognitive neuroscience of aging literature. In addition, it explores published evidence of how this combined procedure entails the capacity to modify the activity and connectivity of specific brain networks in older adults, potentially leading to improvements in cognitive function and other measures reflecting mental health status. Although additional research is needed, combining NIBS with fMRI might provide innovative understanding of how fundamental brain plasticity mechanisms operate in advancing age, a knowledge that may be eventually used to refine more individually tailored approaches to promote brain health in aged populations.
Dexmedetomidine inhibits the lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated inflammatory response in microglia through the pathway involving TLR4 and NF‐κB
Authors: Zhou Xue‐Yue , Liu Jing , Xu Zhi‐Peng , Fu Qiang , Wang Pei‐Qi , Zhang Hong 
Published: August 2019

AbstractTo investigate the effects of dexmedetomidine (DEX) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced neuroinflammation in BV2 microglia. BV2 microglial cells were treated with various concentrations of DEX (0, 1, 10, and 100 ng/mL) for 1 hour, and then incubated in the presence or absence of 0.1 μg/mL LPS for 24 hours. Cell viability was assessed by Cell Counting Kit‐8 assays. The expression levels of IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α were determined using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expressions of TLR4 and NF‐кB were detected by western blotting. Moreover, BV2 microglial cells were transfected with small interfering RNA (siRNA) specific for TLR4 (si‐TLR4 group) or negative control siRNA (si‐NC group) for 24 hours, followed by exposing to 0.1 μg/mL LPS for 24 hours. TLR4, IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α expressions were detected by quantitative real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). There were no significant differences in cell viability with the different treatments. Compared with the control group, LPS markedly increased the release of IL‐6, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, TLR4, and NF‐κB, but these increases were significantly attenuated by pretreatment with 10 or 100 ng/mL DEX in a dose‐dependent relationship, but not with 1 ng/mL DEX. Gene expression levels of IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α were obviously upregulated in si‐NC group and si‐TLR4 group when cells were exposed to 0.1 μg/mL LPS for 24 hours. Meanwhile, si‐TLR4 group had significantly lower IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α expressions than si‐NC group. The anti‐inflammatory effects of DEX on LPS‐induced BV2 microglia may be mediated through pathway involving TLR4 and NF‐κB.
Anemia and blood transfusion requirements in endoscopic sinus surgery: A propensity‐matched analysis
Authors: Povolotskiy Roman , Cerasiello Samantha Y. , Siddiqui Sana H. , Baredes Soly , Eloy Jean Anderson , Hsueh Wayne D. 
Published: August 2019

ObjectiveMassive bleeding requiring blood transfusion is a feared complication of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). In an effort to improve healthcare quality and outcomes, research is focused on identifying the risk factors for complications following surgical procedures. Blood transfusions have been linked to increased complication rates, but their role has not been extensively studied in ESS.MethodsThe American College of Surgeons National Surgery Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) participant user files 2005 to 2014 were queried for all cases of ESS. Patients were divided into cohorts based on anemia (hematocrit <39.00 in men and <36.00 in women) and hematocrit levels. Univariate analyses and a propensity score‐matching algorithm were employed.ResultsOf 630 cases of ESS, 117 (18.6%) had preexisting anemia. Anemic patients were more likely to be black (19.8% vs. 6.7%, P ≤ 0.001), undergo longer operation times (117.50 minutes ±155.73 vs. 129.85 minutes ±36.03, P = 0.005), have diabetes (28.2% vs. 10.9%, P ≤ 0.001), and have hypertension (46.2% vs. 33.1%, P = 0.010). Following propensity score matching, 109 cases were selected for each cohort, with no significant differences in demographics, comorbidities, operation time, or outpatient status. The anemic cohort was independently associated with an increase in overall postoperative complications (17.4% vs. 7.3%, P = 0.038). Transfusion use was significantly associated with preoperative hematocrit levels <30 (30.0% vs. 4.5%, P = 0.001) and between 30 and 34.99 (13.9% vs. 2.5%, P = 0.011).ConclusionPreoperative anemia is a significant predictor of overall complications and bleeding requiring transfusion for patients undergoing ESS. These results highlight the need for careful preoperative assessment and management of anemia in this population.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 130:1377–1382, 2020
Frontal inverted papillomas: A 25‐year study
Authors: Sham Cheuk Lun , van Hasselt C. Andrew , Chow Samuel M. W. , Lee Dennis L. Y. , Cho Ryan H. W. , Woo John K. S. , Tong Michael C. F. 
Published: August 2019

Objectives/HypothesisThis study analyzes the treatment outcomes of frontal inverted papillomas (FIPs) in an attempt to provide guidelines for surgery selection.Study DesignRetrospective case series.MethodsThe treatment results of 29 FIPs classified into five categories were retrospectively analyzed. The five categories are F1, tumor prolapsed into frontal sinus, tumor origin outside frontal sinus; F2, tumor origin inside frontal sinus, medial to the plane of lamina papyracea; F3, tumor origin inside frontal sinus, lateral to the plane of lamina papyracea; F4, bilateral; and F5, extrasinonasal.ResultsOf the 11 F1 cases, 73% had Draf I and 27% had Draf IIA procedures. There was one (9%) frontal recurrence and one (9%) frontal stenosis. Of the 10 F2 cases, 10% had Draf I, 40% had Draf IIA, 40% had Draf IIB, and 10% had Draf III surgery with a trephination. One patient (10%) had a frontal recurrence. Of the five F3 cases, 40% had Draf IIA surgery, 20% had external frontoethmoidectomy, and 40% had external frontal sinusotomy. The recurrence rate was 60%, and frontal stenosis rate was 60%. The two F4 cases had external frontal sinusotomies and Draf III surgery with no frontal recurrence or stenosis. The patient with the F5 had a frontal recurrence after Draf IIA surgery and external frontoethmoidectomy.ConclusionsDraf I or IIA surgery is adequate for most F1 tumors, and Draf II surgery is adequate for most F2 tumors. F3 and F4 tumors can be managed initially by Draf III surgery with external frontal sinusotomy added when required. F5 tumors probably require combined surgical approaches.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 130:1622–1628, 2020
Trees in African drylands can promote deep soil and groundwater recharge in a future climate with more intense rainfall
Authors: Bargués‐Tobella Aida , Hasselquist Niles J. , Bazié Hugues R. , Bayala Jules , Laudon Hjalmar , Ilstedt Ulrik 
Published: August 2019

AbstractTropical regions are likely to experience more intense rainfall events in the future. Such an increase in rainfall intensities will affect soil and groundwater recharge, with potential consequences for millions of people. However, little is known about the impact of tree cover on soil and groundwater recharge under higher rainfall intensities. Here, we investigated the effect of tree cover and rainfall intensity on soil water drainage in an agroforestry parkland in West Africa. We collected soil water drainage from lysimeters located at 50 and 150 cm depth in both small and large open areas among trees, which represent contrasting degrees of tree cover, and analyzed a subset of water samples for δ18O and δ2H to gain insights into the mechanisms of water flow within the soil profile. We found that under high rainfall intensities (>20 mm d−1), the median daily soil water drainage amount at 150 cm was 13 times higher in the small compared with the large open areas, whereas at 50 cm, there were no significant differences. Low rainfall intensities (<10 mm d−1) resulted in little soil water drainage both at 50 and 150 cm depth, regardless of canopy opening size. The isotopic signature of soil water drainage suggested less evaporation and a higher degree of preferential flow in small compared with large open areas. Our results suggest that maintaining or promoting an appropriate tree cover in tropical African drylands may be key to improving deep soil and groundwater recharge under a future climate with more heavy rainfall.
Enhancing the Thermal Stability of Polypropylene by Blending with Low Amounts of Natural Antioxidants
Authors: Hernández‐Fernández Joaquín , Rayón Emilio , López Juan , Arrieta Marina P. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractNatural antioxidants are added in very low amounts to protect a polypropylene (PP) matrix against thermo‐oxidative degradation during processing. Thus, PP is melt‐blended with caffeic, chlorogenic, trans‐ferrulic, andp‐coumaric acids, and also with flavone and 3‐hydroxyflavone at 0.1 wt% with respect to the PP matrix. Neat PP and PP blended with three traditional antioxidants are prepared for comparison. A complete structural, thermal, and mechanical characterization is conducted. Ferrulic acid and particularly caffeic acid increases the thermal stability, showing also the highest activation energy. The structural changes of PP‐based films due to the polymer thermal degradation at high temperature (i.e., 400 °C) followed by FTIR reveal that antioxidants effectively delay the thermal degradation process. The wettability and the mechanical performance are also studied to get information regarding the industrial application of such films. While caffeic acid provides a more flexible material, ferrulic acid provides higher water resistance. Finally, AFM‐QNM shows that PP with caffeic acid has the highest miscibility.
Rapid point‐of‐care diagnostics for the detection of Chlamydia pecorum in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) using loop‐mediated isothermal amplification without nucleic acid purification
Authors: Hulse Lyndal S. , McDonald Sean , Johnston Stephen D. , Beagley Kenneth W. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractInfectious disease, predominately chlamydiosis, contributes significantly to the decline in health of wild koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) populations in some regions of Australia. In this study, we describe the development and evaluation of a simple, sensitive, and specific loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for the detection of Chlamydia pecorum in koalas as a point‐of‐care diagnostic tool that can be used in any wildlife hospital and in the field on specialized instrumentation. A set of primers targeting a 188‐bp region of the C. pecorum genome was designed. 100% specificity of the LAMP assay was revealed by demonstrating no cross‐reactivity with 33 nontarget pathogens, and complete correlation with qPCR results for 43 clinical swabs collected opportunistically from wildlife hospitals. In sensitivity evaluations, the technique successfully detected serial dilutions of extracted C. pecorum DNA with a detection limit of 44 IFU/ml.
Gene–gene interaction among cell adhesion genes and risk of nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate in Chinese case‐parent trios
Authors: Liu Dongjing , Wang Mengying , Yuan Yuan , Schwender Holger , Wang Hong , Wang Ping , Zhou Zhibo , Li Jing , Wu Tao , Zhu Hongping , Beaty Terri H. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundNonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) is a common birth defect with complex etiology. One strategy for studying the genetic risk factors of NSCL/P is to consider gene–gene interaction (G × G) among gene pathways having a role in craniofacial development. The present study aimed to investigate the G × G among cell adhesion gene pathway.MethodsWe carried out an interaction analysis of eight genes involved in cell adherens junctions among 806 NSCL/P Chinese case‐parent trios originally recruited for a genome‐wide association study (GWAS). Regression‐based approach was used to test for two‐way G × G interaction, while machine learning algorithm was run for exploring both two‐way and multi‐way interaction that may affect the risk of NSCL/P.ResultsA two‐way ACTN1 × CTNNB1 interaction reached the adjusted significance level. The single nucleotide polymorphisms pair composed of rs17252114 (CTNNB1) and rs1274944 (ACTN1) yielded a p value of .0002, and this interaction was also supported by the logic regression algorithm. Higher order interactions involving ACTN1, CTNNB1, and CDH1 were picked out by logic regression, suggesting a potential role in NSCL/P risk.ConclusionThis study suggests for the first time evidence of both two‐way and multi‐way G × G interactions among cell adhesion genes contributing to the NSCL/P risk.