bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improved bounds for minimal feedback vertex sets in tournaments
Authors: Mnich M. , Teutrine E. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWe study feedback vertex sets (FVS) in tournaments, which are orientations of complete graphs. As our main result, we show that any tournament on n nodes has at most 1.5949n minimal FVS. This significantly improves the previously best upper bound of 1.6667n by Fomin et al. [STOC 2016] and 1.6740n by Gaspers and Mnich [J. Graph Theory 72(1):72–89, 2013]. Our new upper bound almost matches the best‐known lower bound of , due to Gaspers and Mnich. Our proof is algorithmic, and shows that all minimal FVS of tournaments can be enumerated in time .
DCE‐MRI texture analysis with tumor subregion partitioning for predicting Ki‐67 status of estrogen receptor‐positive breast cancers
Authors: Fan Ming , Cheng Hu , Zhang Peng , Gao Xin , Zhang Juan , Shao Guoliang , Li Lihua 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundBreast tumor heterogeneity is related to risk factors that lead to worse prognosis, yet such heterogeneity has not been well studied.PurposeTo predict the Ki‐67 status of estrogen receptor (ER)‐positive breast cancer patients via analysis of tumor heterogeneity with subgroup identification based on patterns of dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI).Study TypeRetrospective study.PopulationSeventy‐seven breast cancer patients with ER‐positive breast cancer were investigated, of whom 51 had low Ki‐67 expression.Field Strength/SequenceT1‐weighted 3.0T DCE‐MR images.AssessmentEach tumor was partitioned into multiple subregions using three methods based on patterns of dynamic enhancement: 1) time to peak (TTP), 2) peak enhancement rate (PER), and 3) kinetic pattern clustering (KPC). In each tumor subregion, 18 texture features were computed.Statistical TestingUnivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed using a leave‐one‐out‐based cross‐validation (LOOCV) method. The partitioning results were compared with the same feature extraction methods across the whole tumor.ResultsIn the univariate analysis, the best‐performing feature was the texture statistic of sum variance in the tumor subregion with early TTP for differentiating between patients with high and low Ki‐67 expression (area under the receiver operating characteristic curves, AUC = 0.748). Multivariate analysis showed that features from the tumor subregion associated with early TTP yielded the highest performance (AUC = 0.807) among the subregions for predicting the Ki‐67 status. Among all regions, the tumor area with high PER at a precontrast MR image achieved the highest performance (AUC = 0.722), while the subregion that exhibited the highest overall enhancement rate based on KPC had an AUC of 0.731. These three models based on intratumoral texture analysis significantly (P< 0.01) outperformed the model using features from the whole tumor (AUC = 0.59).Data ConclusionTexture analysis of intratumoral heterogeneity has the potential to serve as a valuable clinical marker to enhance the prediction of breast cancer prognosis.Level of Evidence: 4Technical Efficacy: Stage 3J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017.
Responses and mechanisms of East Asian winter and summer monsoons to weakened Atlantic meridional overturning circulation using the FGOALS‐g2 model
Authors: Yu Tianlei , Cheng Jun , Lin Pengfei , Yu Yongqiang , Guo Pinwen 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the responses and mechanisms of East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM) and East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) to weakened Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) through three perturbation experiments with different intensities of freshwater hosing in the North Atlantic, using the Flexible Global Ocean – Atmosphere – Land System Model, Grid‐point Version 2. These experiments show that a subtle weakening of AMOC does not significantly influence either the EAWM or the EASM. When AMOC weakens more substantially, northerly wind anomalies emerge in East Asia throughout the year, strengthening the EAWM and weakening the EASM. The northerly wind anomalies result from an anomalous westward sea level pressure (SLP) gradient, namely positive SLP anomalies across Eurasia and negative anomalies in the western North Pacific (WNP). In winter, negative WNP SLP anomalies are found in mid‐high latitudes. They are caused by anomalous stationary wave activity, which is associated with the Aleutian Iceland seesaw teleconnection. In summer, negative WNP SLP anomalies are present in the subtropics, and are linked with an anomalous cyclonic circulation over the north of the Philippian Sea. This cyclonic circulation anomaly is induced by the anomalous warm water in the subsurface of the South China Sea and Philippian Sea through the Gill mechanism.
Cover Image, Volume 98, Issue 2
Authors: Meng Ting , Florkowski Wojciech J , Klepacka Anna M , Sarpong Daniel B , Resurreccion Anna V A , Chinnan Manjeet S , Ekielski Adam 
Published: December 2017

The cover image, by Ting Meng et al., is based on the Research Article Preferences for groundnut products among urban residents in Ghana, DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.8532. Photo Credit: Wojciech J Florkowski.
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Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes applied through seed‐priming influence early germination, root hair, growth and yield of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Joshi Anjali , Kaur Simranjeet , Dharamvir Keya , Nayyar Harsh , Verma Gaurav 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDReports of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) incorporated into plants have indicated better yield and productivity, yet the phenomena need in‐depth understanding especially when agricultural crops are tested. We primed wheat seeds with MWCNTs to understand the effects on germination, growth, anatomy, physiology and yield.RESULTThis study, carried out in field conditions, is a step forward over the previous reports. Early germination, excessive root hair, denser stomata and larger root length result in faster growth and higher yield of wheat plants. Denser root hair facilitated the uptake of both water and essential minerals such as phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), which boosted the crop yield by significantly improving grain yield per plant from 1.53 to 2.5 g, a 63% increase. Increase in cell elongation by 80% was recorded, while xylem and phloem sizes dilated to almost 83% and 85% of control, thus enhancing their capacity to conduct water and nutrients.CONCLUSIONAugmented growth of MWCNT‐primed wheat, enhancement in grain number, biomass, stomatal density, xylem–phloem size, epidermal cells, and water uptake is observed while finding no DNA damage. This opens up an entirely new aspect to using cost‐effective nanomaterials (the MWCNTs were produced in‐house) for enhancing the performance of crop plants. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparing Physical Examination With Sonographic Versions of the Same Examination Techniques for Splenomegaly
Authors: Cessford Tara , Meneilly Graydon S. , Arishenkoff Shane , Eddy Christopher , Chen Luke Y. C. , Kim Daniel J. , Ma Irene W. Y. 
Published: December 2017

ObjectivesTo determine whether sonographic versions of physical examination techniques can accurately identify splenomegaly, Castell's method (Ann Intern Med 1967; 67:1265–1267), the sonographic Castell's method, spleen tip palpation, and the sonographic spleen tip technique were compared with reference measurements.MethodsTwo clinicians trained in bedside sonography patients recruited from an urban hematology clinic. Each patient was examined for splenomegaly using conventional percussion and palpation techniques (Castell's method and spleen tip palpation, respectively), as well as the sonographic versions of these maneuvers (sonographic Castell's method and sonographic spleen tip technique). Results were compared with a reference standard based on professional sonographer measurements.ResultsThe sonographic Castell's method had greater sensitivity (91.7% [95% confidence interval, 61.5% to 99.8%]) than the traditional Castell's method (83.3% [95% confidence interval, 51.6% to 97.9%]) but took longer to perform [mean ± SD, 28.8 ± 18.6 versus 18.8 ± 8.1 seconds; P = .01). Palpable and positive sonographic spleen tip results were both 100% specific, but the sonographic spleen tip method was more sensitive (58.3% [95% confidence interval, 27.7% to 84.8%] versus 33.3% [95% confidence interval, 9.9% to 65.1%]).ConclusionsSonographic versions of traditional physical examination maneuvers have greater diagnostic accuracy than the physical examination maneuvers from which they are derived but may take longer to perform. We recommend a combination of traditional physical examination and sonographic techniques when evaluating for splenomegaly at the bedside.
Minimal clinically important difference of voice handicap index‐10 in vocal fold paralysis
Authors: Young VyVy N. , Jeong Kwonho , Rothenberger Scott D. , Gillespie Amanda I. , Smith Libby J. , Gartner‐Schmidt Jackie L. , Rosen Clark A. 
Published: December 2017

Objectives/HypothesisThe Voice Handicap Index‐10 (VHI‐10) is commonly used to measure patients' perception of vocal handicap. Clinical consensus has previously defined clinically meaningful improvement as a decrease ≥5. This study determines the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for VHI‐10 in patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) using anchor‐based methodology.Study DesignProspective cohort questionnaire analysis.MethodsTwo hundred eighty‐one UVFP patients completed the VHI‐10 on two consecutive visits (within 3 months). At the follow‐up visit, patients answered an 11‐point Global Rating of Change Questionnaire (GRCQ) scored from −5 to +5. Relationship between the GRCQ and change in VHI‐10 was quantified using analysis of variance, and MCID for the VHI‐10 was determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.ResultsOverall mean VHI‐10 change was −3.71 (standard deviation [SD] = 8.89) and mean GRCQ was 1.37 (SD = 2.51). Average interval between measurements was 1.73 months (SD = 0.83). Mean changes in VHI‐10 scores were −7.45, −0.53, and +4.40 for patients whose GRCQ scores indicated improvement, no change, and worsening, respectively. Differences between mean scores were statistically significant (P < .001). Area under the ROC curve was 0.80, demonstrating the classification accuracy of VHI‐10 change scores. A VHI‐10 change of −4 was determined to be the optimal threshold that discriminated between improvement and no improvement (sensitivity and specificity 0.62 and 0.88, respectively).ConclusionsThe MCID for improvement in VHI‐10 in UVFP patients is a decrease of 4. This information improves understanding of patients' response to treatment and allows comparison between different treatments. Future research should determine MCID for VHI‐10 across all voice disorders.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 128:1419–1424, 2018
Estimating soil redistribution patterns with 137Cs measurements in a Mediterranean mountain catchment affected by land abandonment
Authors: Lizaga Ivan , Quijano Laura , Gaspar Leticia , Navas Ana 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn Mediterranean mountainous environments, the removal of natural vegetation for developing agriculture increased the surface areas prone to erosion in the past centuries. In Southern Pre‐Pyrenees, the process was inverted during the middle of the 20th century. This work aims to assess how land use changes after widespread land abandonment affect soil redistribution. For this purpose, 137Cs was used in a 23 km2 catchment that was mostly cultivated at the beginning of the past century. After land abandonment, 16.5% of croplands persisted but afforestation and natural revegetation occupy 83.5% of the catchment area. 137Cs massic activity and related soil properties—stoniness, grain size, and organic matter contents—were analysed in 98 bulk core samples. Physiographic characteristics—slope, altitude, and solar radiation—at the sampling points were determined by using Geographic Information Systems. Soil erosion and deposition rates were derived from 137Cs measurements after applying conversion models and were spatially interpolated to estimate the amount of net soil loss. In cropland soils, mean erosion (62.6 Mg ha−1 yr−1) and deposition rates (55.2 Mg ha−1 yr−1) were significantly higher than in the other land uses. The lowest mean erosion rates (2.4 Mg ha−1 yr−1) were found in natural forests and the lowest mean deposition (2.6 Mg ha−1 yr−1) in pine afforestation evidencing the soil stabilization achieved in the last decades due to revegetation. A sediment budget with the interpolated rates, result in a specific sediment yield of 4.15 Mg ha−1 yr−1. These results outline the impact of land use changes on soil redistribution in fragile mountain agroecosystems.
Intended and Unintended Targeting of Polymeric Nanocarriers: The Case of Modified Poly(glycerol adipate) Nanoparticles
Authors: Weiss Verena M. , Lucas Henrike , Mueller Thomas , Chytil Petr , Etrych Tomáš , Naolou Toufik , Kressler Jörg , Mäder Karsten 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBiodegradable nanoparticles based on stearic acid‐modified poly(glycerol adipate) (PGAS) are promising carriers for drug delivery. In order to investigate the impact of the particle interface characteristics on the biological fate, PGAS nanoparticles are covalently and noncovalently coated with N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymers. HPMA copolymer‐modified PGAS nanoparticles have similar particle sizes, but less negative zeta‐potentials. Nanoparticles are double labeled with the fluorescent dyes DiR (noncovalently) and DYOMICS‐676 (covalently bound to HPMA copolymer), and their biodistribution is investigated noninvasively by multispectral optical imaging. Both covalent and noncovalent coatings cause changes in the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution in healthy and tumor‐bearing mice. In addition to the intended tumor accumulation, high signals of both fluorescent dyes are also observed in other organs, including liver, ovaries, adrenal glands, and bone. The unintended accumulation of nanocarriers needs further detailed and systematic investigations, especially with respect to the observed ovarian and adrenal gland accumulation.
End‐Functionalized Chains via Anionic Polymerization: Can the Problems with Using Diphenylethylene Derivatives be Solved by using Bisphenol F?
Authors: Pagliarulo Antonella , Hutchings Lian R. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe controlled functionalization of polymers via anionic polymerization draws great attention not only because of the importance of introducing functionality into otherwise unfunctionalized polymers, but also because of the possibility to use the resulting macromonomers to make a variety of complex architectures. The versatile family of 1,1‐diphenylethylene (DPE) derivatives is widely used to produce many different functionalized (co)polymers. DPE can be added either as an end‐capping agent or be activated by butyllithium to initiate the polymerization. However, each approach faces potential problems in gaining precise control over the number of DPE moieties per chain. In this work, for the first time, the effectiveness of each approach is compared by the characterization of 1,1‐bis(4‐tert‐butyldimethylsiloxyphenyl)ethylene functionalized polystyrene, synthesized via both the procedures. A combination of NMR, size exclusion chromatography, matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization‐time of flight (MALDI‐ToF) mass spectrometry, and interaction chromatography is used. To overcome the limitations of DPE derivatives, the use of a novel (protected) bisphenol F potassium initiator is proposed.
Gerichtet erstarrte Mo‐Zr‐B‐Legierungen
Authors: Bolbut V. , Bogomol I. , Bauer C. , Krüger M. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAuf der Grundlage der Literatur wurden in dieser Arbeit zwei potenzielle eutektische Legierungen, Mo‐13Zr‐25,9B und Mo‐17,4Zr‐34,8B (in At. %), über das Zonenschmelzverfahren (ZM) hergestellt und analysiert [1, 2]. Rasterelektronenmikroskop‐Untersuchungen des Gefüges zeigten, dass keine dieser Legierungen vollständige eutektische Strukturen ausbildet. Die Legierung Mo‐13Zr‐25,9B weist eine gerichtete Anordnung der Gefügebestandteile entlang der Kristallisationsrichtung auf. Mittels Röntgenbeugungsanalyse wurden in den beiden Legierungen neben der Molybdän‐Mischkristallphase und Zirkoniummonoborid (ZrB) auch weitere Phasen detektiert, wobei die Legierung Mo‐13Zr‐25,9B zusätzlich die Phasen Mo2Zr und Dimolybdänborid (Mo2B) und die Legierung Mo‐17,4Zr‐34,8B die Phase Zirkoniumdiborid (ZrB2) enthielt. Des Weiteren wurden die Mikrohärten der einzelnen Phasen bestimmt. Die Bruchzähigkeiten von beiden Werkstoffen wurden mit dem SEVNB‐Verfahren nach DIN EN ISO 23146 gemessen. Außerdem wurden die Kriechbeständigkeit der Legierungen bei 1100 °C unter Druckbelastung untersucht und mit anderen Molybdänbasiswerkstoffen sowie einer einkristallinen Nickelbasissuperlegierung verglichen.
Effect of abrasive jet process parameters on machining glass fibre reinforced polymer composite
Authors: Madhu S. , Balasubramanian M. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAn experimental and theoretical research work on abrasive jet machining of glass fiber reinforced polymer composite materials was conducted using abrasive jet machining setup fabricated in our workshop. The objective of this research work is to machine holes on the glass fiber reinforced polymer composite using an abrasive jet machine under various levels of process parameter. The material removal rate and hole geometry (kerf analysis) were observed as a part of the investigation. Four factors five levels central composite rotatable design matrix was used for optimizing the required number of experiments. The objective of the present investigation is to develop mathematical models using the response surface methodology. The adequacy of the models has been checked using the ANOVA technique. Use of the developed mathematical models, material removal rate and hole geometry of the machined glass fibre reinforced polymer composite helps prediction at 95% confidence level.
Selection application of material to be used in hip prosthesis production with analytic hierarchy process
Authors: Çelik İ. , Eroğlu H. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractMetallic biomaterials used in making hip prosthesis are required to meet expectations in terms of fatigue strength, corrosion resistance, wear resistance, cost and biocompatibility. It is also desirable that the modulus of elasticity they possess is close to the level of the possible bone. Metallic biomaterials face the problem of ion release even though they meet the criteria mentioned above. As a result, the choice of metallic material to be preferred in the manufacture of hip prosthesis can be made by evaluating all these criteria among themselves and by the performances of biomaterials to be compared according to these criteria. In this study, firstly the criteria expected from the metals to be used as biomaterials have been determined. Expert opinions about the subject and criteria determined in accordance with the studies in the literature by using analytical hierarchy process have been graded according to each other. Afterwards, selection of the most appropriate material was ensured by making the order of importance according to the criteria of the candidate materials.
Impact of diabetes on free flap surgery of the head and neck: A NSQIP analysis
Authors: Brady Jacob S. , Govindan Aparna , Crippen Meghan M. , Filimonov Andrey , Eloy Jean Anderson , Baredes Soly , Park Richard Chan Woo 
Published: December 2017

ObjectiveDiabetes is associated with microvascular pathology and may predispose patients undergoing microvascular surgery to complications. This study assesses diabetes as a risk factor for complications following free flap surgery of the head and neck.Patients and methodsIn this retrospective cohort study, data on free flap surgeries of the head and neck between 2005 and 2014 was collected from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. A propensity‐matching algorithm (PSM) was used to equilibrate distribution of numerous covariates between the diabetic and nondiabetic cohorts. A sub‐analysis was performed to examine the impact of insulin‐dependency.ResultsThe initial dataset contained 2187 free flaps of the head and neck. After implementing PSM, a new population was created containing 506 total cases with 253 DM patients. The majority of cases were male and white. The matched cohort did not contain any demographics or comorbidities associated with DM. Complications significantly elevated in the DM group were severe bleeding (P = .046), postoperative ventilation greater than 48 hours (P < .001), and pneumonia (P < .048). In patients with insulin‐dependent diabetes, reintubation (P = .005), cardiac arrest (P = .010), severe bleeding (P = .006), overall surgical complications (P = .015), and overall complications (P = .005) were significantly increased.ConclusionThis study examines the impact of diabetes on postoperative complications following free flap reconstruction of the head and neck. Propensity score matching was utilized. Analysis of the PSM cohort suggests that diabetic patients have elevated rates of postoperative pulmonary complications. Additionally, patients with insulin‐dependent diabetes have significantly elevated rates of medical and surgical complications.
Report of AAPM Task Group 162: Software for planar image quality metrology
Authors: Samei Ehsan , Ikejimba Lynda C. , Harrawood Brian P. , Rong John , Cunningham Ian A. , Flynn Michael J. 
Published: December 2017

PurposeThe AAPM Task Group 162 aimed to provide a standardized approach for the assessment of image quality in planar imaging systems. This report offers a description of the approach as well as the details of the resultant software bundle to measure detective quantum efficiency (DQE) as well as its basis components and derivatives.MethodsThe methodology and the associated software include the characterization of the noise power spectrum (NPS) from planar images acquired under specific acquisition conditions, modulation transfer function (MTF) using an edge test object, the DQE, and effective DQE (eDQE). First, a methodological framework is provided to highlight the theoretical basis of the work. Then, a step‐by‐step guide is included to assist in proper execution of each component of the code. Lastly, an evaluation of the method is included to validate its accuracy against model‐based and experimental data.ResultsThe code was built using a Macintosh OSX operating system. The software package contains all the source codes to permit an experienced user to build the suite on a Linux or other *nix type system. The package further includes manuals and sample images and scripts to demonstrate use of the software for new users. The results of the code are in close alignment with theoretical expectations and published results of experimental data.ConclusionsThe methodology and the software package offered in AAPM TG162 can be used as baseline for characterization of inherent image quality attributes of planar imaging systems.