bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Processes controlling the accelerated warming of the Arabian Sea
Authors: D'Mello Joshua Rosario , Prasanna Kumar S. 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTThe Arabian Sea (AS) has undergone a regime shift after 1995, manifesting the disruption of its natural decadal cycle over‐riding a secular rise in its sea‐surface temperature (SST). Using a suite of in situ and remote sensing data, we show that the rate of post‐1995 accelerated warming is spatially different, due to regionally and seasonally differing oceanographic processes. Along parts of the western boundary, the accelerated warming was mediated by a reduction in the post‐1995 linear trend of wind speed during summer monsoon leading to reduced upwelling and also reduced evaporation trend. In the northeast AS, post‐1995 increase in specific humidity during late winter, lead to a decrease in the evaporative cooling and subsequent convective mixing resulting in the increased rate of warming. The continued warming seen in the northeast AS until spring inter‐monsoon was due to the increasing net heat flux trend into the ocean along with reducing trend in evaporation. The accelerated warming in the central AS was linked to the reduced wind speed trend.
Credit quality and guarantees: How to interpret the Central Credit Register for a better access to credit
Authors: Gai Lorenzo , Ielasi Federica 
Published: July 2017

AbstractExternal guarantees on loans represent an important tool for mitigating the loss given default for a bank, but they are able to produce a negative effect on the firm’s probability of default, affecting the overall level of credit risk. The Central Credit Register plays a leading role in determining the rating assigned by banks to firms, typically small and medium enterprises. Firm‐level defaulted and in bonis positions, as well as guaranteed and unsecured loans, are compared using 63,377 reports from the Italian Central Credit Register for a period of 36 months, from 2012 to 2015. External guarantees are able to affect the credit quality of loans to small businesses.
Optimizing value creation and value capture with a digital multi‐sided business model
Authors: Gandia Romain , Parmentier Guy 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIn digital industries, a multi‐sided business model architecture allows optimization of value creation and value capture for the growth and survival of innovative SMEs. The optimization of value creation and value capture in a multi‐sided business model is possible by creating complementary sides, which each independently add a part of the value proposition but are interdependent with regard to value creation and value capture. A multi‐sided business model can be built from an architecture of user community (with interdependent user categories in one market) or from an architecture of technical platforms (with interdependent platforms of diffusion in multiple markets). The combination of open cooperation with users regarding artistic content and the SMEs’ internal technology control optimizes economic value capture.
Competitive strategy, dynamic capability, and value creation: Some empirical evidence from UK telecommunications firms
Authors: Rashidirad Mona , Salimian Hamid , Soltani Ebrahim , Fazeli Zahra 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe overall interplay between competitive strategies and dynamic capabilities is an integral part of value creation in terms of novelty, lock‐in, complementarities, and efficiency. In response to insufficient systematic research on the impact of competitive strategies and dynamic capabilities on value creation, this study expands prior studies (Rashidirad et al., 2013) by proposing carefully testable research hypotheses and empirically explores the research phenomenon. This study analyzes the complex interrelationships between competitive strategies and dynamic capabilities and the resulting impact on value creation through adopting a multidimensional approach in which each construct is decomposed to its dimensions. This study prompts rethinking of the impact of dynamic capability and competitive strategy on value creation in firms by using a multidimensional perspective.
Adoption of open‐source software versus proprietary software: An exploratory study
Authors: Dhir Swati , Dhir Sanjay 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIncreases in cost, stability, more commercial support, and ease of software development facilitate people moving to proprietary solutions while for better security, free support, and ease of software development, people tend to move to open‐source solutions. Across all segments of ICT, users move toward open source as they get “free online support" for open‐source products. People prefer proprietary products as they wish to have “commercial support." Adoption of open‐source software is proliferating, because of the huge cost saving in software systems.
Intraobserver and Interobserver Variability in Ultrasound Measurements of Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Lee Hyung Jin , Yoon Dae Young , Seo Young Lan , Kim Jin Ho , Baek Sora , Lim Kyoung Ja , Cho Young Kwon , Yun Eun Joo 
Published: July 2017

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to assess the intraobserver and interobserver variability in ultrasound (US) measurements of thyroid nodules.MethodsWe performed a prospective study of the US examinations of 73 patients with 122 thyroid nodules greater than 5 mm in size. Ultrasound measurements in 4 dimensions (anteroposterior, transverse, longitudinal, and maximum diameters) and measurement of the estimated volume (using the ellipsoid formula) of each thyroid nodule were performed twice by 2 independent radiologists (A and B, with 10 years and 6 months of experience, respectively). The intraobserver and interobserver variability in measurements of thyroid nodules was assessed by a Bland‐Altman analysis of agreement. The absolute values for intraobserver and interobserver variability were compared by a paired t test.ResultsThe 95% intraobserver and interobserver limits of agreement for the anteroposterior, transverse, longitudinal, and maximum diameters and estimated volume of thyroid nodules were ±18.2%, ± 14.3%, and ±21.0%; ± 17.2%%, ± 17.3%, and 18.2%; ± 14.6%, ± 15.5%, and ±22.3%; ± 13.8%, ± 15.5%, and ±19.6%; and ±30.2%, ± 27.7%, and ±44.1%, respectively. The absolute values for intraobserver variability were lower than those for interobserver variability for all measurements.ConclusionsThere was considerable intraobserver and interobserver variability in US measurement of thyroid nodules, which must be taken into account during follow‐up US examinations of patients with thyroid nodules.
Understanding the Influence of Flow Velocity, Wall Motion Filter, Pulse Repetition Frequency, and Aliasing on Power Doppler Image Quantification
Authors: Martins Maricy R. , Martins Wellington P. , Soares Carlos A. M. , Miyague Andre H. , Kudla Marek J. , Pavan Theo Z. 
Published: July 2017

ObjectivesAlthough power Doppler imaging has been used to quantify tissue and organ vascularity, many studies showed that limitations in defining adequate ultrasound machine settings and attenuation make such measurements complex to be achieved. However, most of these studies were conducted by using the output of proprietary software, such as Virtual Organ computer‐aided analysis (GE Healthcare, Kretz, Zipf, Austria); therefore, many conclusions may not be generalizable because of unknown settings and parameters used by the software. To overcome this limitation, our goal was to evaluate the impact of the flow velocity, pulse repetition frequency (PRF), and wall motion filter (WMF) on power Doppler image quantification using beam‐formed ultrasonic radiofrequency data.MethodsThe setup consisted of a blood‐mimicking fluid flowing through a phantom. Radiofrequency signals were collected using PRFs ranging from 0.6 to 10 kHz for 6 different flow velocities (5–40 cm/s). Wall motion filter cutoff frequencies were varied between 50 and 250 Hz.ResultsThe power Doppler magnitude was deeply influenced by the WMF cutoff frequency. The effect of using different WMF values varied with the PRF; therefore, the power Doppler signal intensity was dependent on the PRF. Finally, we verified that power Doppler quantification can be affected by the aliasing effect, especially when using a PRF lower than 1.3 kHz.ConclusionsThe WMF and PRF greatly influenced power Doppler quantification, mainly when flow velocities lower than 20 cm/s were used. Although the experiments were conducted in a nonclinical environment, the evaluated parameters are equivalent to those used in clinical practice, which makes them valuable for aiding the interpretation of related data in future research.
Quality Management of Ultrasound Surveillance for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Under the Korean National Cancer Screening Program
Authors: Choi Moon Hyung , Jung Seung Eun , Choi Joon‐Il , Jeong Woo Kyoung , Kim Hyun Cheol , Kim Yongsoo , Kim Yeol , Park Boyoung 
Published: July 2017

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the quality of ultrasound (US) examinations for hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance under the Korean National Cancer Screening Program and to assess knowledge and experience about liver US of physicians who perform US examinations.MethodsThe investigation about the quality of liver US for hepatocellular carcinoma screening was based on the results of a nationwide quality assurance (QA) evaluation between 2012 and 2014 at all medical institutions participating in the National Cancer Screening Program. The QA evaluation was for personnel, equipment, education, and clinical images. Medical institutions with fewer than 60 of 100 points were considered to have failed the evaluation. Follow‐up education in the form of a hands‐on workshop was provided for physicians who worked in medical institutions that failed the QA evaluation. A questionnaire about basic knowledge and experience with US was administered during follow‐up education.ResultsAfter the QA evaluation, 542 of 685 hospitals and 1340 of 1985 private clinics passed the test. The evaluation of private clinics and hospitals showed substantial differences in the frequency of adequacy or mean scores between the pass and fail groups for all QA items, even requirements. Among 233 participants in the hands‐on workshops, 187 physicians (80.2%) responded to the questionnaire. Results revealed that physicians had deficient knowledge and experience about liver US.ConclusionsThe quality of liver US for hepatocellular carcinoma screening remains suboptimal. Education for physicians who perform liver US examinations is unsatisfactory in Korea. We should make an effort to improve the quality of liver US and teach basic US techniques to physicians.
Time course of recovery of idiopathic vocal fold paralysis
Authors: Husain Solomon , Sadoughi Babak , Mor Niv , Levin Ariana M. , Sulica Lucian 
Published: July 2017

Objectives/HypothesisTo clarify the time course of recovery in patients with idiopathic vocal fold paralysis.Study DesignRetrospective chart review.MethodsMedical records for all patients with idiopathic vocal fold paralysis over a 10‐year period were reviewed to obtain demographic and clinical information, including onset of disease and recovery of vocal function. Stroboscopic exams of patients who recovered voice were reviewed blindly to assess return of vocal fold motion.ResultsThirty‐eight of 55 patients (69%) recovered vocal function. Time course of recovery could be assessed in 34 patients who did not undergo injection augmentation. The mean time to recovery was 152.8 ± 109.3 days (left, 179.8 ± 111.3 days; right, 105.3 ± 93.7 days; P = .088). Two‐thirds of patients recovered within 6 months. Probability of recovery declined over time. Five of 22 patients who recovered voice had return of vocal fold motion; 17 did not. The mean time to recovery did not differ between these groups (return of motion, 127.4 ± 132.3 days; no return of motion, 160.1 ± 105.1 days; P = .290).ConclusionsSixty‐nine percent of patients with idiopathic vocal fold paralysis recovered vocal function, two‐thirds doing so within 6 months of onset. Age, gender, laterality, use of injection augmentation did not influence recovery rate. Declining probability of recovery over time leads us to consider framework surgery after 6 months in patients with idiopathic paralysis.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 128:148–152, 2018
Self‐Assembled Polyprodrug Amphiphile for Subcutaneous Xenograft Tumor Inhibition with Prolonged Acting Time In Vivo
Authors: Chen Dong , Huang Yu , Xu Shuting , Jiang Huangyong , Wu Jieli , Jin Xin , Zhu Xinyuan 
Published: July 2017

AbstractPolymeric drug delivery system termed as “polyprodrug amphiphile” poly(2‐methylacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine)‐b‐poly(10‐hydroxy‐camptothecin methacrylate (pMPC‐b‐pHCPT) is developed for the prolonged‐acting cancer therapy. It is obtained by two‐step reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization of zwitterionic monomer MPC and an esterase‐responsive polymerizable prodrug methacrylic anhydride–CPT, respectively. This diblock polymer is composed of both antifouling (pMPC) and bioactive (pHCPT) segments and the drug is designed as a building block to construct the polymer skeleton directly. Due to its distinct amphiphilicity, the polymer can self‐assemble into micelles with different dynamic sizes by facilely tuning the ratio of MPC/HCPT under physiological conditions. The outer pMPC shell is superhydrophilic to form dense hydrate layer preventing the nanosystem from unwanted nonspecific protein adsorption, which is the main lead cause of the rapid clearance of nanoparticles in vivo, thus facilitating the accumulation of drugs in tumor sites via enhanced permeability and retention effect. The configuration of the polyprodrug amphiphile is confirmed by several measurements. The resistance to albumin adsorption, prolonged plasma retention time, accumulation in tumor sites, and anticancer activity of the micelles is also investigated in vitro and in vivo. This novel amphiphile can be expected as a promising agent for the passive targeted prolonged‐acting cancer therapy.
Bacterial and fungal communities and contribution of physicochemical factors during cattle farm waste composting
Authors: Huhe  , Jiang Chao , Wu Yanpei , Cheng Yunxiang 
Published: July 2017

AbstractDuring composting, the composition of microbial communities is subject to constant change owing to interactions with fluctuating physicochemical parameters. This study explored the changes in bacterial and fungal communities during cattle farm waste composting and aimed to identify and prioritize the contributing physicochemical factors. Microbial community compositions were determined by high‐throughput sequencing. While the predominant phyla in the bacterial and fungal communities were largely consistent during the composting, differences in relative abundances were observed. Bacterial and fungal community diversity and relative abundance varied significantly, and inversely, over time. Relationships between physicochemical factors and microbial community compositions were evaluated by redundancy analysis. The variation in bacterial community composition was significantly related to water‐soluble organic carbon (WSOC), and pile temperature and moisture (p < .05), while the largest portions of variation in fungal community composition were explained by pile temperature, WSOC, and C/N (p < .05). These findings indicated that those parameters are the most likely ones to influence, or be influenced by the bacterial and fungal communities. Variation partitioning analyses indicated that WSOC and pile temperature had predominant effects on bacterial and fungal community composition, respectively. Our findings will be useful for improving the quality of cattle farm waste composts.
Living with a rare disorder: a systematic review of the qualitative literature
Authors: von der Lippe Charlotte , Diesen Plata S. , Feragen Kristin B. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundIndividuals with rare diseases may face challenges that are different from those experienced in more common medical conditions. A wide range of different rare conditions has resulted in a myriad of studies investigating the specificities of the diagnosis in focus. The shared psychological experiences of individuals with a rare condition, however, have not been reviewed systematically.MethodsWe performed a systematic review, including qualitative studies on adults, published between 2000 and 2016. Papers including more than one rare genetic or nongenetic diagnosis were included. Studies based on single diagnoses were excluded except for four specific conditions: hemophilia (bleeding disorder), phenylketonuria (metabolic disorder), Fabry disease (lysosomal storage disorder), and epidermolysis bullosa (skin disorder).ResultsThe review identified 21 studies. Findings were synthesized and categorized according to three main themes: (1) Consequences of living with a rare disorder, (2) Social aspects of living with a rare disorder, and (3) Experiences with the health care system. Findings point to several unique challenges, such as the psychological, medical, and social consequences of a lack of knowledge about the condition in health care and social settings.ConclusionThe findings highlight the need for more research on the shared psychological and social impact of living with a rare diagnosis across conditions, in order to identify risk factors and inform clinical practice.
Evaluation of spiral acquisition variants for functional imaging of human superior colliculus at 3T field strength
Authors: Singh Vimal , Pfeuffer Josef , Zhao Tiejun , Ress David 
Published: July 2017

PurposeHigh‐resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging of human subcortical brain structures is challenging because of their deep location in the cranium, and their comparatively weak blood oxygen level dependent responses to strong stimuli. Magnetic resonance imaging data for subcortical brain regions exhibit both low signal‐to‐noise ratio and low functional contrast‐to‐noise ratio. To overcome these challenges, this work evaluates the use of dual‐echo spiral variants that combine outward and inward trajectories. Specifically, in‐in, in‐out, and out‐out combinations are evaluated. For completeness, single‐echo spiral‐in and parallel‐receive‐accelerated echo‐planar‐imaging sequences are also evaluated.MethodsSequence evaluation was based on comparison of functional contrast‐to‐noise ratio within retinotopically predefined regions of interest. Superior colliculus was chosen as sample subcortical brain region because it exhibits a strong visual response. All sequences were compared relative to a single‐echo spiral‐out trajectory to establish a within‐session reference.ResultsIn superior colliculus, the dual‐echo out‐out outperformed the reference trajectory by 55% in contrast‐to‐noise ratio, while all other trajectories had performance similar to the reference. The sequences were also compared in early visual cortex. Here, both dual‐echo spiral out‐out and in‐out outperformed the reference by ∼25%.ConclusionDual‐echo spiral variants offer improved contrast‐to‐noise ratio performance for high‐resolution imaging for both superior colliculus and cortex. Magn Reson Med 79:1931–1940, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Fast and reproducible in vivo T1 mapping of the human cervical spinal cord
Authors: Battiston Marco , Schneider Torben , Prados Ferran , Grussu Francesco , Yiannakas Marios C. , Ourselin Sebastien , Gandini Wheeler‐Kingshott Claudia A. M. , Samson Rebecca S. 
Published: July 2017

PurposeTo develop a fast and robust method for measuring T1 in the whole cervical spinal cord in vivo, and to assess its reproducibility.MethodsA spatially nonselective adiabatic inversion pulse is combined with zonally oblique‐magnified multislice echo‐planar imaging to produce a reduced field‐of‐view inversion‐recovery echo‐planar imaging protocol. Multi‐ inversion time data are obtained by cycling slice order throughout sequence repetitions. Measurement of T1 is performed using 12 inversion times for a total protocol duration of 7 min. Reproducibility of regional T1 estimates is assessed in a scan‐rescan experiment on five heathy subjects.ResultsRegional mean (standard deviation) T1 was: 1108.5 (±77.2) ms for left lateral column, 1110.1 (±83.2) ms for right lateral column, 1150.4 (±102.6) ms for dorsal column, and 1136.4 (±90.8) ms for gray matter. Regional T1 estimates showed good correlation between sessions (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.89 (P value < 0.01); mean difference = 2 ms, 95% confidence interval ± 20 ms); and high reproducibility (intersession coefficient of variation approximately 1% in all the regions considered, intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.88 (P value < 0.01, confidence interval 0.71–0.95)).ConclusionsT1 estimates in the cervical spinal cord are reproducible using inversion‐recovery zonally oblique‐magnified multislice echo‐planar imaging. The short acquisition time and large coverage of this method paves the way for accurate T1 mapping for various spinal cord pathologies. Magn Reson Med 79:2142–2148, 2018. © 2017 The Authors Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
An adaptive approach for elephant flow detection with the rapidly changing traffic in data center network
Authors: Liu Zehui , Gao Deyun , Liu Ying , Zhang Hongke , Foh Chuan Heng 
Published: July 2017

SummarySoftware‐defined network, which separates control plane from the underlying physical devices, has the advantages of global visibility and high flexibility. Among the most typical applications in software‐defined network, there is significant interest on classifying flows, especially for elephant flow detection. Previous studies show that detecting and rerouting elephant flows (flows that transfer significant amount of data) effectively can lead to a 113% improvement in aggregate throughput compared with the traditional routing. However, the threshold of the existing detection approach was preconfigured without the consideration of the rapidly changing traffic in data center networks. This phenomenon could cause high detection error rate. To address this problem, we propose an adaptive approach for elephant flow detection, which could efficiently identify elephant flows with low latency and low overhead. Particularly, to meet the demands of the traffic characteristics in data center networks, dynamical traffic learning algorithm is adopted to configure the threshold value real timely and dynamically. Numerical results and experimental tests show that the mean error rate of detection is only 4.61% and the maximum number of packet‐in messages is minimum compared to other methods.