bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Excluded Minors and the Ribbon Graphs of Knots
Authors: Moffatt Iain 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIn this article we consider minors of ribbon graphs (or, equivalently, cellularly embedded graphs). The theory of minors of ribbon graphs differs from that of graphs in that contracting loops is necessary and doing this can create additional vertices and components. Thus, the ribbon graph minor relation is incompatible with the graph minor relation. We discuss excluded minor characterizations of minor closed families of ribbon graphs. Our main result is an excluded minor characterization of the family of ribbon graphs that represent knot and link diagrams.
[18F]6‐fluoro‐3,4‐dihydroxy‐ l‐phenylalanine – recent modern syntheses for an elusive radiotracer
Authors: Edwards Richard , Wirth Thomas 
Published: April 2015

Abstract[18F]6‐fluoro‐3,4‐dihydroxy‐ l‐phenylalanine ([18F]F‐DOPA) has been known to be a useful radiotracer for over 30 years. Its widespread clinical use has been hampered by the lack of a robust, high yielding synthesis. This review summarises new developments in radiochemistry that are providing solutions to long standing problems involved in the synthesis of this important but elusive radiotracer. Considerable advances in nucleophilic synthesis have been achieved by optimising multistep strategies and using both hypervalent iodine chemistry and transition metal‐mediated fluorinations allowing for the production of high specific activity [18F]F‐DOPA.
Vascular risk factor burden correlates with cerebrovascular reactivity but not resting state coactivation in the default mode network
Authors: Tchistiakova Ekaterina , Crane David E. , Mikulis David J. , Anderson Nicole D. , Greenwood Carol E. , Black Sandra E. , MacIntosh Bradley J. 
Published: April 2015

PurposeWhite matter hyperintensities (WMH) are prevalent among older adults and are often associated with cognitive decline and increased risk of stroke and dementia. Vascular risk factors (VRFs) are linked to WMH, yet the impact of multiple VRFs on gray matter function is still unclear. The goal of this study was to test for associations between the number of VRFs and cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) and resting state (RS) coactivation among individuals with WMH.Materials and MethodsTwenty‐nine participants with suspected WMH were grouped based on the number of VRFs (subgroups: 0, 1, or ≥2). CVR and RS coactivation were measured with blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) imaging on a 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system during hypercapnia and rest, respectively. Default‐mode (DMN), sensory‐motor, and medial‐visual networks, generated using independent component analysis of RS‐BOLD, were selected as networks of interest (NOIs). CVR‐BOLD was analyzed using two methods: 1) a model‐based approach using CO2 traces, and 2) a dual‐regression (DR) approach using NOIs as spatial inputs. Average CVR and RS coactivations within NOIs were compared between VRF subgroups. A secondary analysis investigated the correlation between CVR and RS coactivation.ResultsVRF subgroup differences were detected using DR‐based CVR in the DMN (F20,2 = 5.17, P = 0.015) but not the model‐based CVR nor RS coactivation. DR‐based CVR was correlated with RS coactivation in the DMN (r2 = 0.28, P = 0.006) but not the sensory‐motor nor medial‐visual NOIs.ConclusionIn individuals with WMH, CVR in the DMN was inversely associated with the number of VRFs and correlated with RS coactivation. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:1369–1376.
Asymmetry of cerebral blood flow measured with three‐dimensional pseudocontinuous arterial spin‐labeling mr imaging in temporal lobe epilepsy with and without mesial temporal sclerosis
Authors: Guo Xiaoqin , Xu Shangchen , Wang Guangbin , Zhang Yi , Guo Lingfei , Zhao Bin 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundTo investigate the asymmetry of quantitative cerebral blood flow (CBF) values in interictal temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients with (TLE‐MTS) and without (TLE‐no) mesial temporal sclerosis.MethodsTwenty‐six TLE patients (14 TLE‐MTS/12 TLE‐no) and 22 controls were studied with a three‐dimensional whole‐brain pseudocontinuous arterial spin‐labeling technique at 3.0 Tesla. Regions of interest were placed at the bilateral hippocampal heads, amygdalas and temporal lobes to get the average regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and calculate asymmetry indices (AIs). Statistical parametric mapping detected the whole‐brain CBF changes of the two subgroups (right‐sided).ResultsAIs of the hippocampus and amygdala in TLE‐MTS and AIs of hippocampus in TLE‐no were significantly different versus controls (P < 0.001, P = 0.001, and P = 0.013). The lateralizing sensitivity increased to 96.154% by combining structural MRI and AIs of rCBF with optimal cutoff values. Hypoperfusion regions in the right TLE‐MTS mainly clustered in the bilateral temporal lobes, frontal lobes, insular lobes, and left caudate nucleus. The right TLE‐no showed hypoperfusion in the bilateral temporal lobes, frontal lobes, right insular lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe, and caudate nucleus.ConclusionAsymmetry of CBF in the TLE‐MTS and TLE‐no is different and improves MRI performance in lateralizing the TLE. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:1386–1397.
Heterogeneity in intratumoral regions with rapid gadolinium washout correlates with estrogen receptor status and nodal metastasis
Authors: Chaudhury Baishali , Zhou Mu , Goldgof Dmitry B. , Hall Lawrence O. , Gatenby Robert A. , Gillies Robert J. , Patel Bhavika K. , Weinfurtner Robert J. , Drukteinis Jennifer S. 
Published: April 2015

PurposeTo evaluate heterogeneity within tumor subregions or “habitats” via textural kinetic analysis on breast dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI) for the classification of two clinical prognostic features; 1) estrogen receptor (ER)‐positive from ER‐negative tumors, and 2) tumors with four or more viable lymph node metastases after neoadjuvant chemotherapy from tumors without nodal metastases.Materials and MethodsTwo separate volumetric DCE‐MRI datasets were obtained at 1.5T, comprised of bilateral axial dynamic 3D T1‐weighted fat suppressed gradient recalled echo‐pulse sequences obtained before and after gadolinium‐based contrast administration. Representative image slices of breast tumors from 38 and 34 patients were used for ER status and lymph node classification, respectively. Four tumor habitats were defined based on their kinetic contrast enhancement characteristics. The heterogeneity within each habitat was quantified using textural kinetic features, which were evaluated using two feature selectors and three classifiers.ResultsTextural kinetic features from the habitat with rapid delayed washout yielded classification accuracies of 84.44% (area under the curve [AUC] 0.83) for ER and 88.89% (AUC 0.88) for lymph node status. The texture feature, information measure of correlation, most often chosen in cross‐validations, measures heterogeneity and provides accuracy approximately the same as with the best feature set.ConclusionHeterogeneity within habitats with rapid washout is highly predictive of molecular tumor characteristics and clinical behavior. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:1421–1430.
Determination of florfenicol residues in broiler meat and liver samples using RP‐HPLC with UV–visible detection
Authors: Nasim Asma , Aslam Bilal , Javed Ijaz , Ali Asghar , Muhammad Faqir , Raza Ahmad , Sindhu Zia‐ud‐Din 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDBroilers are vulnerable to various types of microorganisms, including Salmonella, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, resulting in multiple infections. Broad‐spectrum antibacterial drugs such as florfenicol (FF) are widely used in the treatment of such infections. Suspected residues of these drugs in body tissues of treated birds can be passed to humans through meat consumption and thus lead to serious ill effects on human health. The present study was designed to estimate the presence of FF residues in broiler meat and liver samples.RESULTSThe mean residual concentrations of FF in broiler meat and liver samples were 311.42 ± 186.56 and 2585.44 ± 1759.71 µg kg−1 respectively, which are higher than their respective maximum residual limits (MRLs). The results showed that 126 and 24 samples were FF‐positive and FF‐negative respectively. Of the positive samples, 84 and 42 samples were above and below the MRL respectively.CONCLUSIONThe results indicate the presence of FF residues in broiler meat and liver samples. Usage of this contaminated meat causes resistance in consumers and poses a public health threat. Thus there is a need to educate farmers about the ill effects of residual drugs on human health and their withdrawal times in poultry. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
High‐molecular‐weight glutenin subunit‐deficient mutants induced by ion beam and the effects of Glu‐1 loci deletion on wheat quality properties
Authors: Zhang Lujun , Chen Qiufang , Su Mingjie , Yan Biao , Zhang Xiangqi , Jiao Zhen 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDHigh‐molecular‐weight glutenin subunits (HMW‐GSs) play a critical role in determining the viscoelastic properties of wheat. Mutations induced by ion beam radiation have been applied to improve the yield and quality of crop. In this study, HMW‐GS‐deficient mutant lines were selected and the effects of Glu‐1 loci deletion on wheat quality properties were illustrated according to the analysis of dry seeds of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Xiaoyan 81 treated with a nitrogen ion beam.RESULTSThree HMW‐GS‐deficient mutant lines were obtained and then detected by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Large‐chromosome‐fragment deletion resulted in specific deficiencies, and the deleted region sizes were determined using molecular markers. Agronomic characters, quantity and proportion of glutenins and dough microstructure of the deletion lines all proved to be quite different from those of wild‐type Xiaoyan 81. Analysis of quality properties suggested that GluA1− had superior property parameters, while GluB1− and GluD1− both showed a significant decrease in quality properties compared with Xiaoyan 81.CONCLUSIONThe effects of the three Glu‐1 loci on flour and dough quality‐related parameters should be Glu‐D1 > Glu‐B1 > Glu‐A1. Ion beam radiation can be used as a mutagen to create new crop mutants. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Volumetric MRI analysis pre‐ and post‐Transoral robotic surgery for obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Chiffer Rebecca C. , Schwab Richard J. , Keenan Brendan T. , Borek Ryan C. , Thaler Erica R. 
Published: April 2015

Objectives/HypothesisTo quantitatively measure volumetric changes in upper airway soft tissue structures using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) pre‐ and post transoral robotic surgery for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA‐TORS).Study DesignProspective, nonrandomized, institutional board‐approved study.MethodsApneics undergoing OSA‐TORS, which included bilateral posterior hemiglossectomy with limited pharyngectomy and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, had upper airway MRIs pre‐ and postoperatively. Changes (percent and absolute values) in upper airway and surrounding soft tissue volumes were calculated. We assessed whether there were significant volumetric changes and if changes correlated with apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) changes.ResultsNineteen MRIs and 18 polysomnograms were analyzed pre‐ and postoperation. Total airway volume increased by 19.4% (P = 0.030). Soft palate and tongue volumes decreased by 18.3% (P = 0.002) and 5.8% (P = 0.013), respectively. Retropalatal and total lateral wall volumes decreased by 49.8% (P = 0.0001) and 17.9% (P = 0.008), respectively. Changes in other structures were not significant. Eleven patients had surgical success, with a mean AHI decrease of 52.9; six were nonsuccesses with a mean AHI decrease of 4.5 (P =0.006). Decreased retropalatal lateral wall volume correlated with decreased AHI.ConclusionAirway, tongue, soft palate, and lateral wall volumes change significantly after OSA‐TORS. Changes in the volume of the lateral walls correlated with changes in AHI. Volumetric upper airway MRI may be a helpful tool to better understand reasons for surgical success.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 125:1988–1995, 2015
Impact of Irradiation on laryngeal hydration and lubrication in rat larynx
Authors: Lee Songyi , Choi Jeong‐Seok , Kim Hun Jung , Kim Young‐Mo , Lim Jae‐Yol 
Published: April 2015

ObjectivesThe larynx is susceptible to irradiation, which causes significant vocal fold (VF) edema and dehydration shortly after radiotherapy for head and neck cancers. However little is known about radiation‐induced damage to VF liquid homeostasis. To evaluate the effects of irradiation on VF hydration and lubrication, we investigated changes in water transporters (aquaporins [AQPs]) and mucin production in vivo and ex vivo, as well as morphometric changes in the laryngeal mucosa and glands of irradiated rat larynges.Study DesignAnimal study.Materials and MethodsLocal irradiation at 18 Gy was delivered to rat larynges. Histologic changes in laryngeal mucosa and glands were observed by light microscopy, and the distributions of AQPs and mucin were investigated by immunofluorescence staining 3 months after irradiation. Early effects on gene regulation of AQPs and mucin were evaluated by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction of the extirpated VFs and subglottic laryngeal mucosa at 12, 24, and 72 hours after irradiation.ResultsLaryngeal glands exhibited severe atrophic changes and showed decreased density throughout the irradiated larynx. The expression of AQP1, 4, 5, and mucin in VFs, as well as AQP5 and mucin in submucosal laryngeal glands, decreased significantly 3 months after irradiation. An ex vivo study revealed that the gene expression of AQP5 in VF tissues was significantly downregulated at 12 hours postirradiation.ConclusionLaryngeal irradiation induces damage in laryngeal mucosal barriers and alters laryngeal liquid homeostasis, which may be one reason for vocal dysfunction following irradiation.Level of EvidenceN/A. Laryngoscope, 125:1900–1907, 2015
Vestibular function in cochlear implantation: Correlating objectiveness and subjectiveness
Authors: Batuecas‐Caletrio Angel , Klumpp Micah , Santacruz‐Ruiz Santiago , Gonzalez Fernando Benito , Sánchez Enrique Gonzalez , Arriaga Moises 
Published: April 2015

ObjectiveTo evaluate vestibular function before and after cochlear implantation (CI)Study DesignA prospective descriptive study.Material and Methods: Thirty consecutive patients with profound sensorineural hearing loss undergoing CI. Objective assessment of vestibular function was performed with the caloric test and video head impulse test (vHIT) in patients before and after CI. Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) was used for subjective assessment before and after CI.ResultsThirty patients received CI with 21 by round window approach and nine by anteroinferior cochleostomy. Vestibular results were categorized into four groups: no changes (20 patients), changes in the caloric test and vHIT (3 patients, all with DHI changes; P = 0.0001), changes in vHIT gain but not in caloric test (3 patients, all with DHI changes; P = 0.005), no changes in the caloric test and vHIT gain but only saccades appear (4 patients, all with DHI changes; P = 0.011).ConclusionsAlthough CI is a safe surgery with few major complications, it is a procedure that can produce dizziness. The vHIT reveals that 30% of patients demonstrate postoperative change in vestibular function. Therefore, when examining a CI patient with postoperative symptoms of dizziness, results of the vHIT test and gain as well as the presence of saccades, along with an increase DHI score, are parameters to consider in their evaluation.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 125:2371–2375, 2015
Impact of postoperative pneumonia following Pituitary surgery
Authors: Desai Stuti V. , Fang Christina H. , Raikundalia Milap D. , Baredes Soly , Liu James K. , Eloy Jean Anderson 
Published: April 2015

Objectives/HypothesisPostoperative pneumonia (PNA) has been identified as a preventable never event by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The CMS has discussed possibly discontinuing reimbursement for this postoperative complication. In this study, risk factors, patient outcomes, and hospital charges of care associated with postoperative PNA in patients undergoing pituitary surgery were evaluated.MethodsDischarge data of patients who underwent pituitary surgery between 2002 and 2010 were obtained from the National Inpatient Sample database. Demographics, preexisting comorbidities, postoperative complications, morbidity, length of hospital stay, and hospital charges were analyzed.ResultsA total of 15,317 patients were included in this analysis. Ninety‐eight patients (0.6%) were diagnosed with PNA postoperatively. There was a significant association between postoperative PNA and older age (P < 0.001), male gender (P = 0.044), and transfrontal surgical approach (P < 0.001). Patients with anemia, congestive heart failure, chronic pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, fluid and electrolyte disorders, paralysis, and weight loss had a significantly higher rate of PNA. Patients with PNA had a significantly higher mortality (P < 0.001). They also incurred on average over four times the hospital charges and nearly five times longer hospitalizations compared to patients without PNA.ConclusionsVariables associated with an increased risk of postoperative PNA in patients undergoing pituitary surgery include older age, male gender, and transfrontal surgical approach. Patients with postoperative PNA had a longer length of hospital stay, higher hospital charges, and increased mortality.Level of Evidence2C. Laryngoscope, 125:1792–1797, 2015
Provent therapy for obstructive sleep apnea: Impact of nasal obstruction
Authors: Friedman Michael , Hwang Michelle S , Yalamanchali Sreeya , Pott Thomas , Sidhu Mandeep , Joseph Ninos J. 
Published: April 2015

Objectives/HypothesisDetermine the impact of nasal obstruction on efficacy, success, and adherence of Provent therapy in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).Study DesignProspective, two‐arm, clinical pilot study at a single clinical site.MethodsPatients with OSA who failed continuous positive airway pressure therapy were divided into two treatment arms: arm 1 were patients with no complaints of nasal obstruction and <50% nasal obstruction on exam, and arm 2 were patients with occasional complaints of nasal obstruction and 50% to 80% nasal obstruction on exam. Sleep testing at home was performed prior to the trial and on day 10 of the study with the use of Provent.ResultsApnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) decreased significantly from 20.5 ± 14.8 to 11.5 ± 16.6 (P < .001) in our total patient population. Patients in arm 1 had statistically significant improvement in their AHI (18.1 ± 13.0 to 7.4 ± 10.1, P < .001), oxygen desaturation index (ODI) (16.3 ± 10.8 to 8.2 ± 9.0, P < .001), and minimum oxygen saturation (81.3% ± 6.7% to 86.9% ± 5.6%, P = 0.008) from baseline sleep study to sleep study 2. Patients in arm 2 had improvements in their AHI (23.4 ± 16.6 to 16.5 ± 21.4), ODI (21.5 ± 14.8 to 17.0 ± 16.0) and minimum 02%. However, none of these reached statistical significance.ConclusionsIn this study, Provent therapy had a high failure rate. Patients without nasal obstruction showed greater improvements using Provent than patients with obstruction. Correction of nasal obstruction may be a useful prerequisite for treatment with Provent.Level of Evidence2B. Laryngoscope, 126:254–259, 2016
Geographic variation of endoscopic sinus surgery in the united states
Authors: Rudmik Luke , Holy Chantal E. , Smith Timothy L. 
Published: April 2015

Objectives/HypothesisThe objective of this study was to examine the rates and geographic variation of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in a representative sample of the US working population.Study DesignObservational cohort study using the MarketScan Commercial Claim and Encounters database.MethodsAll patients who received ESS between 2009 and 2013 were included. The annual adjusted rates of ESS per 1,000 people were calculated for each US state. Geographic variations were evaluated using the extremal quotient (EQ), weighted coefficient of variation (CV), systematic component of variance (SCV), and empirical Bayes statistic. The χ2 statistic tests was used to quantify variation of the adjusted ESS rates across states within the US.ResultsThe annual adjusted rate of ESS was 0.94 per 1,000 people in the US. South Dakota and Alabama were observed to have the highest rates of ESS, 1.80 and 1.69, respectively. Vermont and Arkansas were observed to have the lowest rates of ESS, 0.51 and 0.57, respectively. The mean EQ was 4.54, indicating a four‐ to fivefold difference between the highest (South Dakota) and lowest (Vermont) states. The mean CV was 31.4 and mean SCV was 10.1, which demonstrates very high variation.ConclusionsThis study observed very high geographic variation in the rates of ESS across the United States. Given that practice variation indicates the presence of potentially harmful and inefficient unwarranted care, outcomes from this study indicate a need to further evaluate the delivery of ESS to improve overall health system performance.Level of Evidence2b. Laryngoscope, 125:1772–1778, 2015
The value of 18F‐FDG‐PET/CT imaging in oral cavity cancer patients following surgical reconstruction
Authors: Müller Julian , Hüllner Martin , Strobel Klaus , Huber Gerhard F. , Burger Irene A. , Haerle Stephan K. 
Published: April 2015

ObjectiveFollow‐up of patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) after tumor resection and reconstruction with tissue transfer is challenging. We compared contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (ceCT), 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography combined with noncontrast enhanced CT (18F‐FDG‐PET/CT), and 18F‐FDG‐PET combined with ceCT (18F‐FDG‐PET/ceCT) to determine the accuracy for detection of residual/recurrent disease after flap reconstruction for OCSCC.Study Design and MethodsTwo readers (R1, R2) retrospectively reviewed a total of 27 18F‐FDG‐PET/ceCT scans in patients after resection of stage II to IV OCSCC. They recorded the presence of local persistence/recurrence (LR), lymph node metastasis, or distant metastasis independently for ceCT, 18F‐FDG‐PET/CT, and 18F‐FDG‐PET/ceCT. Histological workup, imaging follow‐up, or clinical follow‐up served as the standard of reference. Maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was evaluated to discriminate between physiological uptake and LR.ResultsThe highest accuracy to detect LR was achieved with 18F‐FDG‐PET/ceCT, with a sensitivity/specificity of 88%/89% and 88%/79% for R1 and R2, respectively, as compared to ceCT with 75%/79% for R1 and 88%/68% for R2 and 18F‐FDG‐PET/CT with 88%/58% for both R1 and R2. Receiver‐operating‐characteristic analysis determined a cutoff value for SUVmax of 7.2, yielding a sensitivity and specificity of 75% and 94%, respectively, to distinguish LR from physiological 18F‐FDG uptake.Conclusion18F‐FDG‐PET/ceCT seems to be the most reliable tool for locoregional surveillance of OCSCC patients after resection and reconstruction.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 125:1861–1868, 2015