bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimizing window settings for improved presentation of virtual monoenergetic images in dual‐energy computed tomography
Authors: Fu Wanyi , Marin Daniele , Ramirez‐Giraldo Juan Carlos , Choudhury Kingshuk Roy , Solomon Justin , Schabel Christoph , Patel Bhavik N. , Samei Ehsan 
Published: August 2017

PurposeDual‐energy computed tomography virtual monoenergetic imaging (VMI) at 40 keV exhibits superior contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR), although practicing radiologists do not consistently prefer it over VMI at 70 keV due to high perceivable noise. We hypothesize that the presentation of 40 keV VMI may be compromised using window settings (i.e., window‐and‐level values [W‐L values]) designed for conventional single‐energy CT. This study aimed to devise optimum window settings that reduce the apparent noise and utilize the high CNR of 40 keV VMI, in order to improve the conspicuity of hypervascular liver lesions.Materials and MethodsThree W‐L value adjustment methods were investigated to alter the presentation of 40 keV VMI. To harness the high CNR of 40 keV VMI, the methods were designed to achieve (a) liver histogram distribution, (b) lesion‐to‐liver contrast, or (c) liver background noise comparable to those perceived in 70 keV VMI. This IRB‐approved study included 18 patient abdominal datasets reconstructed at 40 and 70 keV. For each patient, the W‐L values were determined using the three methods. For each of the images with default or adjusted W‐L values, the noise, contrast, and CNR were calculated in terms of both display space and native CT number (referred to as HU) space. An observer study was performed to compare the 40 keV images with the three adjusted W‐L values, and 40 and 70 keV images with default W‐L values in terms of noise, contrast, and diagnostic preference. A comparison was also made in terms of the applicability of using patient‐specific or patient‐averaged W‐L values.ResultsUsing the default W‐L values, 40 keV VMI exhibited higher HU CNR than 70 keV VMI by 24.6 ± 14.9% (P < 0.001) but lower display CNR by 38.0 ± 16.4% (P < 0.001). Using adjusted W‐L values, 40 keV images showed increased display CNR as compared to 70 keV images, by 21.2 ± 13.1%, 17.4 ± 13.6%, and 24.2 ± 15.9% (P < 0.001) for histogram‐, noise‐, and contrast equalization methods, respectively. The 40 keV images with all three W‐L value adjustment methods showed improved perceived conspicuity (CNR) of liver presentation by 103–120% (P < 0.001), as compared to default W‐L values. The qualitative observer study revealed that 40 keV images with noise‐ and histogram‐equalized W‐L values were the most preferred, followed by 40 keV images with contrast‐equalized W‐L values and 70 keV images with default W‐L values. The 40 keV images with default W‐L values were the least preferred. Patient‐specific W‐L values offered similar results to those of patient‐averaged W‐L values.ConclusionThe adjusted W‐L values can significantly improve the perception of VMI dataset image quality by improving the actual display CNR.
Assessment of different patient‐to‐phantom matching criteria applied in Monte Carlo–based computed tomography dosimetry
Authors: Stepusin Elliott J. , Long Daniel J. , Marshall Emily L. , Bolch Wesley E. 
Published: August 2017

PurposeTo quantify differences in computationally estimated computed tomography (CT) organ doses for patient‐specific voxel phantoms to estimated organ doses in matched computational phantoms using different matching criteria.Materials and methodsFifty‐two patient‐specific computational voxel phantoms were created through CT image segmentation. In addition, each patient‐specific phantom was matched to six computational phantoms of the same gender based, respectively, on age and gender (reference phantoms), height and weight, effective diameter (both central slice and exam range average), and water equivalent diameter (both central slice and exam range average). Each patient‐specific phantom and matched computational phantom were then used to simulate six different torso examinations using a previously validated Monte Carlo CT dosimetry methodology that accounts for tube current modulation. Organ doses for each patient‐specific phantom were then compared with the organ dose estimates of each of the matched phantoms.ResultsRelative to the corresponding patient‐specific phantoms, the root mean square of the difference in organ dose was 39.1%, 20.3%, 22.7%, 21.6%, 20.5%, and 17.6%, for reference, height and weight, effective diameter (central slice and scan average), and water equivalent diameter (central slice and scan average), respectively. The average magnitude of difference in organ dose was 24%, 14%, 16.9%, 16.2%, 14%, and 11.9%, respectively.ConclusionOverall, these data suggest that matching a patient to a computational phantom in a library is superior to matching to a reference phantom. Water equivalent diameter is the superior matching metric, but it is less feasible to implement in a clinical and retrospective setting. For these reasons, height‐and‐weight matching is an acceptable and reliable method for matching a patient to a member of a computational phantom library with regard to CT dosimetry.
Adaptive traffic sampling for P2P botnet detection
Authors: He Jie , Yang Yuexiang , Wang Xiaolei , Tan Zhiguo 
Published: August 2017

SummaryPeer‐to‐peer (P2P) botnets have become one of the major threats to network security. Most existing botnet detection systems detect bots by examining network traffic. Unfortunately, the traffic volumes typical of current high‐speed Internet Service Provider and enterprise networks are challenging for these network‐based systems, which perform computationally complex analyses. In this paper, we propose an adaptive traffic sampling system that aims to effectively reduce the volume of traffic that P2P botnet detectors need to process while not degrading their detection accuracy. Our system first identifies a small number of potential P2P bots in high‐speed networks as soon as possible, and then samples as many botnet‐related packets as possible with a predefined target sampling rate. The sampled traffic then can be delivered to fine‐grained detectors for further in‐depth analysis. We evaluate our system using traffic datasets of real‐world and popular P2P botnets. The experiments demonstrate that our system can identify potential P2P bots quickly and accurately with few false positives and greatly increase the proportion of botnet‐related packets in the sampled packets while maintain the high detection accuracy of the fine‐grained detectors.
Electrochemical Reaction Mechanism for Bi1‐xBaxF3‐x (x=0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4) Electrodes in Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Konishi Hiroaki , Minato Taketoshi , Abe Takeshi , Ogumi Zempachi 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe electrochemical reaction mechanism for Bi1‐xBaxF3‐x (x=0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4) electrode materials, which have several crystal structures, was investigated. As the barium content x increased, the crystal structure changed from orthorhombic (x=0) to hexagonal (x=0.1 and 0.2) and cubic (x=0.4). For x=0.1 and 0.2, the discharge voltage and capacity decreased during cycling. In contrast, for x=0 and 0.4, the discharge voltage increased from the 1st to the 2nd cycle. The results obtained by X‐ray diffraction measurements showed that the crystal structures of Bi1‐xBaxF3‐x (x=0 and 0.4) changed from orthorhombic and cubic to hexagonal after one cycle. This indicates that the transformation of the structure to hexagonal contributes to the improvement of electrochemical properties. Furthermore, when Bi1‐xBaxF3‐x (x=0) in which the orthorhombic and hexagonal phases coexisted was partly discharged, the hexagonal phase contributed preferentially to the discharge reaction. These results indicate that, for Bi1‐xBaxF3‐x, regardless of the crystal structure in the pristine state, the crystal structure changes into the hexagonal phase after one discharge‐charge cycle, and this structural change improves the electrochemical performance of the electrode materials.
Three‐Component Cascade Reaction in a Tube: In Situ Synthesis of Pd Nanoparticles Supported on mpg‐C3N4, Dehydrogenation of Ammonia Borane and Hydrogenation of Nitroarenes
Authors: Nişancı Bilal , Turgut Muhammet , Sevim Melike , Metin Önder 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWe report herein a facile in situ synthesis of Pd nanoparticles (NPs) supported on mesoporous graphitic carbon nitride (mpg‐C3N4/Pd) during the tandem dehydrogenation of ammonia borane (AB) and hydrogenation of nitroarenes at room temperature. In the presented protocol, a three‐component cascade reaction is realized in a pressure tube at room temperature, encompassing (i) in situ generation of Pd NPs supported on mpg‐C3N4 via reduction of mpg‐C3N4/Pd(II) nanocomposites by AB, (ii) the mpg‐C3N4/Pd catalyzed dehydrogenation of AB and (iii) the transfer hydrogenation of nitro groups through the mpg‐C3N4/Pd catalyst. The scope of the mpg‐C3N4/Pd catalyzed tandem dehydrogenation of AB and hydrogenation reactions were studied over a wide range of nitroarenes (10 examples), which are all selectively converted to the corresponding anilines within only 1–2 min with the yields up to 99 % under ambient conditions. It was also shown that the mpg‐C3N4/Pd catalysts could be scaled up to large scale production of anilines and reused up to ten times without any significant loss in the yields. Additionally, the mpg‐C3N4/Pd catalysts were isolated after the hydrogenation reactions and tested as catalysts in the hydrolysis of AB by studying the detailed reaction kinetics. The isolated mpg‐C3N4/Pd nanocatalysts showed a very high performance in hydrogen generation from the hydrolysis of AB by providing an initial turnover frequency (TOF) of 66.3 min−1.
Synchrotron radiation induced X‐ray production cross sections of 66Dy at energies across its Li (i = 1–3) subshell absorption edges
Authors: Kaur Rajnish , Kumar Anil , Czyzycki M. , Migliori A. , Karydas A.G. , Puri Sanjiv 
Published: August 2017

The X‐ray production (XRP) cross sections for the 66Dy Lk (k = l, α, η, β2,6,7,15, β1,6, β1,3,4,6, β2,7,15, γ1,5, γ2,3) emission lines have been measured by tuning the incident synchrotron radiation at energies over the range 7.8–9.2 keV and ~10–370 eV above the respective Li (i = 1–3) absorption edges. These measurements aim to check the reliability of the independent particle approximation models used to generate the theoretical data sets of different physical parameters required to calculate the XRP cross sections and also investigate the influence of many body effects on the photoionization process. The measured values have been compared with 4 sets of XRP cross sections calculated using the Dirac–Fock model‐based X‐ray emission rates, 2 sets of the Li (i = 1–3) subshell photoionization cross sections deduced from the self‐consistent Dirac–Hartree–Fock model‐based values and the nonrelativistic Hartree–Fock–Slater model‐based values, and 2 sets of the fluorescence (ωi) and Coster–Kronig (fij) yields. The present measured Lγ2,3 (originating from decay of the L1 subshell vacancies) XRP cross sections are found to be significantly higher than different sets of theoretical values, whereas a good agreement is generally observed for the various other XRP cross sections and relative intensities.
Analgesics and Sport Performance: Beyond the Pain‐Modulating Effects
Authors: Holgado Darias , Hopker James , Sanabria Daniel , Zabala Mikel 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAnalgesics are used widely in sport to treat pain and inflammation associated with injury. However, there is growing evidence that some athletes might be taking these substances in an attempt to enhance performance. Although the pharmacologic action of analgesics and their use in treating pain with and without anti‐inflammatory effect is well established, their effect on sport performance is debated. The aim of this review was to evaluate the evidence of whether analgesics are capable of enhancing exercise performance and, if so, to what extent. Paracetamol has been suggested to improve endurance and repeated sprint exercise performance by reducing the activation of higher brain structures involved in pain and cognitive/affective processing. Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs affect both central and peripheral body systems, but investigation on their ergogenic effect on muscle strength development has provided equivocal results. The therapeutic use of glucocorticoids is indubitable, but clear evidence exists for a performance‐enhancing effect after short‐term oral administration. Based on the evidence presented in this review article, the ergogenic benefit of analgesics may warrant further consideration by regulatory bodies. In contrast to the aforementioned analgesics, there is a paucity of research on the use of opioids such as tramadol on sporting performance.Level of EvidenceIII
New Discoveries and New Directions for the Archaeological Archives at the Autry Museum of the American West
Authors: Richardson Karimah Kennedy , Posas Anna Liza , Posadas Lylliam , Bardolph Paige 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTIn 2003, the Autry Museum of the American West merged with the Southwest Museum of the American Indian, which housed the second largest collection of Native American objects in the country. Included within this collection is the Braun Research Library Collection, which consists of works of art on paper, rare books, scholarly publications, manuscripts, photographs, correspondences, maps and sound recordings, and other archival materials, many of which relate to the early development of the disciplines of archaeology and anthropology in the United States. For over a century, both national and international researchers have used the museum's collections and archival materials with a relative open access. However, due to the culturally sensitive nature of many of these collections and the growth of how information can be made accessible, the Autry institution is currently developing procedures that affect access, especially for those researchers who wish to study archaeological archives. Staff from multiple departments are collaborating on addressing these concerns, including developing new policies while improving access to Native American tribes, communities, and researchers in preparation for the new off-site Autry Resources Center and storage facility where the collection will be housed in the future.
Global distributions and strain diversity of avian infectious bronchitis virus: a review
Authors: Bande Faruku , Arshad Siti Suri , Omar Abdul Rahman , Hair-Bejo Mohd , Mahmuda Aliyu , Nair Venugopal 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe poultry industry faces challenge amidst global food security crisis. Infectious bronchitis is one of the most important viral infections that cause huge economic loss to the poultry industry worldwide. The causative agent, infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is an RNA virus with great ability for mutation and recombination; thus, capable of generating new virus strains that are difficult to control. There are many IBV strains found worldwide, including the Massachusetts, 4/91, D274, and QX-like strains that can be grouped under the classic or variant serotypes. Currently, information on the epidemiology, strain diversity, and global distribution of IBV has not been comprehensively reported. This review is an update of current knowledge on the distribution, genetic relationship, and diversity of the IBV strains found worldwide.
When Formulas Go Political: The Curious Case of Japan's Financial Index
Authors: MCMICHAEL TAYLOR C. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractScholars of distributive politics in Japan have shifted from large items in the general account budget to more geographically targeted spending known as intergovernmental transfers. However, a portion of the funds sent to prefectural governments are ostensibly determined by the apolitical ‘financial index’. However, even though the financial index is included in most studies of intergovernmental transfers, only slight attention focuses on the financial index and its determination. Using prefectural level data on intergovernmental transfers, economic indicators and electoral support for the LDP, this research shows that the LDP possesses strong incentives to manipulate the index and that politics is a significant determinant of the financial index.
Personality Traits and Voter Turnout in South Korea: The Mediation Argument
Authors: WANG CHING-HSING , WENG DENNIS LU-CHUNG , CHA HYUN-JIN 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis study examines the effects of personality traits on voter turnout in South Korea. While it has been demonstrated that no direct relationships exist between personality traits and voter participation in South Korea, we argue that personality traits have indirect effects on turnout through such attitudinal factors as political interest, political efficacy, partisanship, and ideology. Using data from Korean General Social Survey (KGSS) 2012, we find that political interest and political efficacy play an important role in mediating the relationships between personality traits and voter turnout in South Korea. However, contrary to our expectations, there is either weak or no evidence on the mediating role of partisanship and ideology in the relationships between personality traits and voter turnout. To sum up, our findings provide some support to the indirect relationships between personality traits and voter turnout in South Korea and imply that the impacts of personality traits on voter participation vary by country or geographic region.
Metabolic and spatio-taxonomic response of uncultivated seafloor bacteria following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill
Authors: Handley K M , Piceno Y M , Hu P , Tom L M , Mason O U , Andersen G L , Jansson J K , Gilbert J A 
Published: August 2017

Abstract
The release of 700 million liters of oil into the Gulf of Mexico over a few months in 2010 produced dramatic changes in the microbial ecology of the water and sediment. Here, we reconstructed the genomes of 57 widespread uncultivated bacteria from post-spill deep-sea sediments, and recovered their gene expression pattern across the seafloor. These genomes comprised a common collection of bacteria that were enriched in heavily affected sediments around the wellhead. Although rare in distal sediments, some members were still detectable at sites up to 60 km away. Many of these genomes exhibited phylogenetic clustering indicative of common trait selection by the environment, and within half we identified 264 genes associated with hydrocarbon degradation. Alkane degradation ability was near ubiquitous among candidate hydrocarbon degraders, whereas just three harbored elaborate gene inventories for the degradation of alkanes and aromatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Differential gene expression profiles revealed a spill-promoted microbial sulfur cycle alongside gene upregulation associated with PAH degradation. Gene expression associated with alkane degradation was widespread, although active alkane degrader identities changed along the pollution gradient. Analyses suggest that a broad metabolic capacity to respond to oil inputs exists across a large array of usually rare indigenous deep-sea bacteria.
Critical role for arginase 2 in obesity-associated pancreatic cancer
Authors: Zaytouni Tamara , Tsai Pei-Yun , Hitchcock Daniel S. , DuBois Cory D. , Freinkman Elizaveta , Lin Lin , Morales-Oyarvide Vicente , Lenehan Patrick J. , Wolpin Brian M. , Mino-Kenudson Mari , Torres Eduardo M. , Stylopoulos Nicholas , Clish Clary B. , Kalaany Nada Y. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractObesity is an established risk factor for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA). Despite recent identification of metabolic alterations in this lethal malignancy, the metabolic dependencies of obesity-associated PDA remain unknown. Here we show that obesity-driven PDA exhibits accelerated growth and a striking transcriptional enrichment for pathways regulating nitrogen metabolism. We find that the mitochondrial form of arginase (ARG2), which hydrolyzes arginine into ornithine and urea, is induced upon obesity, and silencing or loss of ARG2 markedly suppresses PDA. In vivo infusion of 15N-glutamine in obese mouse models of PDA demonstrates enhanced nitrogen flux into the urea cycle and infusion of 15N-arginine shows that Arg2 loss causes significant ammonia accumulation that results from the shunting of arginine catabolism into alternative nitrogen repositories. Furthermore, analysis of PDA patient tumors indicates that ARG2 levels correlate with body mass index (BMI). The specific dependency of PDA on ARG2 rather than the principal hepatic enzyme ARG1 opens a therapeutic window for obesity-associated pancreatic cancer.
Windblown sediment transport and loss in a desert–oasis ecotone in the Tarim Basin
Authors: Pi Huawei , Sharratt Brenton , Lei Jiaqiang 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe Tarim Basin is regarded as one of the most highly erodible areas in China. Desert comprises 64% of the land use in the Basin, but the desert–oasis ecotone plays a prominent role in maintaining oasis ecological security and stability. Yet, little is known concerning the magnitude of windblown sediment transport in a desert-oasis ecotone. Therefore, aeolian sediment transport and loss was assessed from a desert-oasis experimental site located near Alaer City in the northwestern Tarim Basin. Sediment transport and factors governing transport were measured during three high wind events in 2012 and four events in 2013. Sediment transport was measured to a height of 10 m using passive aeolian airborne sediment samplers. The mass flux profile over the eroding surface was well represented by the power-law (R2 > 0.77). Sediment loss from the site ranged from 118 g m−2 for the 20–24Apr 2012 wind event to 2925 g m−2 for the 31Mar–11Apr 2012 event. Suspension accounted for 67.4 to 84.8% of sediment loss across all high wind events. Our results indicate the severity of wind erosion in a desert-oasis ecotone and thus encourage adoption of management practices that will enhance oasis ecological security.
Evaluation on quality consistency of Ganoderma lucidum dietary supplements collected in the United States
Authors: Wu Ding-Tao , Deng Yong , Chen Ling-Xiao , Zhao Jing , Bzhelyansky Anton , Li Shao-Ping 
Published: August 2017

AbstractGanoderma lucidum is a well-known medicinal mushroom. At present, numerous G. lucidum products have emerged in the form of dietary supplements in the United States due to its various benefits. However, the quality consistency of these products based on their label ingredients has seldom been evaluated due to the lack of a suitable toolkit. In this study, 19 batches of products of G. lucidum (Red Reishi, Reishi), herbal/mushroom supplements purchased in the United States, were evaluated based on their bioactive components including triterpenes and polysaccharides by using chromatographic methods and saccharide mapping. The results showed that the measured ingredients of only 5 tested samples (26.3%) were in accordance with their labels, which suggested the quality consistency of G. lucidum dietary supplements in the U.S. market was poor, which should be carefully investigated.