bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality of life in head and neck cancer patients: Impact of HPV and primary treatment modality
Authors: Maxwell Jessica H. , Mehta Vikas , Wang Hong , Cunningham Diana , Duvvuri Umamaheswar , Kim Seungwon , Johnson Jonas , Ferris Robert L. 
Published: November 2013

Objectives/HypothesisTo determine posttreatment quality of life (QOL) in head and neck cancer patients, stratifying by human papillomavirus (HPV)/p16 status and primary treatment modality.Study DesignRetrospective study.MethodsOne hundred and seventy‐seven patients (N = 177) with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and known HPV/p16 status were included. All patients completed at least one baseline or posttreatment University of Washington QOL survey. QOL scores were averaged and compared across patients, stratifying by HPV/p16 status and primary treatment modality (surgical vs. nonsurgical). In the analysis, p16 was used as a surrogate marker for HPV.ResultsOf the 177 patients, 80 (45.2%) were p16‐positive and 49.7% of subsites were oropharyngeal. Nearly 60% (105/177) of patients underwent primary surgery, 26.7% (28/105) of patients with transoral robotic or laser techniques. The remainder 40.7% of patients underwent primary radiation and/or chemotherapy. Overall, QOL scores were better for p16‐positive patients compared to p16‐negative patients at baseline (P = 0.008), at 6 months posttreatment (P = 0.034), and at greater than 1 year posttreatment (P = 0.013). P16‐positive patients had better QOL scores in speech (P = 0.0009), chewing (P = 0.0004), and swallowing (P = 0.021) after 1 year posttreatment compared to p16‐negative patients. Primary treatment modality did not affect overall QOL or any of the 12 QOL categories in p16‐positive patients at any time point. At over 1 year posttreatment, QOL was at or above baseline in both p16‐positive treatment groups.ConclusionThe p16‐positive patients had better baseline and posttreatment overall QOL compared to p16‐negative patients. The overall and category specific QOL scores for p16‐positive patients were not affected by primary treatment modality.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 124:1592–1597, 2014
Interrater reliability of sleep videofluoroscopy for airway obstruction in obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Kim Dong‐Kyu , Lee Woo‐Hyun , Lee Chul Hee , Rhee Chae Seo , Kim Jeong‐Whun 
Published: November 2013

Objectives/HypothesisSleep videofluoroscopy (SVF) has been introduced to identify upper airway obstruction. This study was aimed to determine the interrater reliability of SVF in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).Study DesignA retrospective analysis.MethodsOn the basis of apnea‐hypopnea index in full‐night attended polysomnography, 374 consecutive OSA patients who underwent SVF were enrolled in this study. The SVF was evaluated by three independent reviewers. Interrater reliabilities were assessed by evaluating agreement of the obstructive anatomic structures (soft palate, tongue base, tonsils, and epiglottis) and airway levels (velopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx) between the reviewers.ResultsIn a comparison between an unblinded and a blinded well‐experienced sleep surgeons, the interrater reliability for the presence of obstruction was the highest for the soft palate at the level of the velopharynx (Cohen's kappa value, 0.919) and the lowest for the soft palate at the level of the oropharynx (Cohen's kappa value, 0.757). In a blind comparison between a well‐experienced and less‐experienced sleep surgeons, the interrater reliability for the presence of obstruction was also the highest for the soft palate at the level of the velopharynx (Cohen's kappa value, 0.938) and the lowest for the palatine tonsils at the level of the oropharynx (Cohen's kappa value, 0.635).ConclusionThis study showed that SVF was a diagnostic modality that can be used to evaluate upper airway obstruction without significant interrater disagreements.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 124:1267–1271, 2014
A Clustering‐based Methodology for Discontinuous Pareto Frontier Representation
Authors: Padmanabhan Dhanesh 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTThis paper presents a methodology for capturing complex trade‐off relationships among objective functions and the underlying design principles through Pareto frontier representations, for Multi‐Objective Optimization problems in complex engineering design processes. The methodology provides engineers a way to quickly assess achievability of target values on objective functions (referred to as f‐feasibility), and propose design solutions that meet or exceed these targets. Obtaining Pareto frontier representations can be challenging for cases when there are discontinuities in the Pareto frontiers and when the trade‐off relationships vary across these discontinuities. The proposed methodology addresses this issue by first identifying discontinuities in the Pareto frontier through a clustering procedure, and then obtaining functional approximations of the trade‐off relationships for each of the discontinuous portion of the Pareto frontier. A two‐stage approach for clustering is employed. In the first stage, a DBSCAN clustering technique is used to classify disjoint Pareto sets in the objective space (f‐space) into different groups. In the second stage, a frequent set mining algorithm named ECLAT and a subsequent filtering procedure are used to extract design constraint combinations that are active (binding) within each of these groups to form subgroups. Approximations are obtained for each of the subgroups using a constrained least squares technique, which are then combined to obtain an overall equation for assessing f‐feasibility of any arbitrary point in objective space. In the two implementation studies, it is observed that the two‐stage approach for clustering is highly effective in yielding good quality Pareto frontier representations and f‐feasibility assessments. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhancing the device performance of a blue light‐emitting copolymer using CdSe/ZnS quantum dots
Authors: Mucur Selin Pıravadılı , Lenkeit Daniel , Kanelidis Ioannis , San Sait Eren , Holder Elisabeth , Tekin Emine 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTAn alternating triarylamine‐functionalized fluorene‐based copolymer synthesized using a Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling procedure is used as blue emitting layer in polymer light‐emitting diodes (PLEDs). Subsequently, the effects of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) on the optoelectronic properties of the copolymer are investigated. Therefore, CdSe/ZnS QDs are embedded into the copolymer matrix and hybrid PLEDs are fabricated. The devices comprised of CdSe/ZnS QDs reveal enhanced performances, yielding about 3.4 times more luminous efficiency than that of the device without QDs. Further enhancement is achieved by using electron transport layer; the luminous efficiency rose from 0.065 to 1.740 cd A−1 for the hybrid PLEDs, corresponding to a superb 27‐fold intensification of the efficiency. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014, 52, 147–156
Energetic Residues from the Detonation of IMX‐104 Insensitive Munitions
Authors: Walsh Michael R. , Walsh Marianne E. , Ramsey Charles A. , Thiboutot Sonia , Ampleman Guy , Diaz Emmanuela , Zufelt Jon E. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe development of insensitive munitions by NATO countries is an ongoing effort. Less‐sensitive ingredients in both explosives and propellants will ensure the protection of deployed troops against an unwanted reaction to an external stimulus on the munitions stockpile. In the US Army, current efforts are directed towards the development of melt cast insensitive explosive formulations. Various formulations, mainly based on DNAN and NTO, have been developed and are now being fielded. Our research goal is to measure the deposition rate of energetics compounds from various insensitive munitions detonation scenarios. Our hypothesis is that the relative insensitiveness of these formulations leads to slightly higher deposition rates than conventional explosive formulations. This paper describes detonation residues research on mortar rounds containing IMX‐104 explosive. Analyses indicate that high‐order detonation residues are slightly greater for this formulation than for conventional munitions. However, blow‐in‐place detonations (BIPs) resulted in much higher residues deposition, indicating that a larger donor charge is required for efficient detonation. The highly soluble compound NTO was particularly problematic, with BIP deposition approaching 95 % of the original load. Toxicological studies of NTO are not finalized, leaving considerable uncertainty regarding the feasibility of approving these rounds for distribution.
Electric control of magnetism in a multiferroic metal–organic framework
Authors: Tian Ying , Cong Junzhuang , Shen Shipeng , Chai Yisheng , Yan Liqin , Wang Shouguo , Sun Young 
Published: November 2013

AbstractElectric control of magnetism is demonstrated in a multiferroic metal–organic framework with a perovskite structure. A moderate electric field of a few kV/cm applied during the cooling process is able to cause a large (more than 50%) change of the magnetization at low temperature. This significant magnetoelectric effect is ascribed to the electric field manipulation of orientation of hydrogen bonds that modify the superexchange interaction between metal ions.magnified imageElectric‐field cooling causes a large change in the magnetization of a multiferroic MOF.(© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Network‐coded diversity protocol for collision recovery in slotted ALOHA networks
Authors: Cocco G. , Alagha N. , Ibars C. , Cioni S. 
Published: November 2013

SUMMARYWe propose a collision recovery scheme for symbol‐synchronous slotted ALOHA based on physical layer network coding over extended Galois fields. Information is extracted from colliding bursts allowing to achieve higher maximum throughput with respect to previously proposed collision recovery schemes. An energy efficiency analysis is also performed, and it is shown that by adjusting the transmission probability, high energy efficiency can be achieved. A performance evaluation is carried out using the proposed algorithms, revealing remarkable performance in terms of normalized throughput. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prospects for analyzing ancient RNA in preserved materials
Authors: Guy Paul L. 
Published: November 2013

An ever increasing wealth of ancient biological material is providing opportunities to study biomolecules. Animal, plant, and microbial samples dating back hundreds, thousands, and even millions of years have been preserved in a dry state under climatic conditions ranging from the arctic to hot deserts. Various small molecules, often crystalized or polymerized, have improved preservation. Modern methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), mass spectrometry, and shotgun sequencing have detected and characterized ancient biomolecules. Modern sequencing has the capacity not only to assemble the whole genome of the target host but also those of the host's parasites, mutualists, and commensals. The study of ancient RNA has barely begun. Several studies show that RNA has been preserved for decades to hundreds of years and the germination of ancient seeds implies that messenger RNA can be preserved for thousands of years. This review briefly examines the types of ancient materials available and assesses their suitability for the study of ancient RNA. Sequencing RNA from this material has the potential not only to illuminate the target host's transcriptome and small RNAs but also to characterize the host's RNA parasites: viruses and viroids. WIREs RNA 2014, 5:87–94. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1199This article is categorized under:

RNA Evolution and Genomics > RNA and Ribonucleoprotein Evolution
RNA Methods > RNA Analyses In Vitro and In Silico
Significance of Serum Potassium Level Monitoring during the Course of Post‐Operative Rehabilitation in Patients with Hypokalemia
Authors: Lu Guanzhen , Xu Lingfang , Zhong Yan , Shi Ping , Shen Xuhui 
Published: November 2013

AbstractObjectiveOur objective was to evaluate the significance of pre‐hospital and post‐operative serum potassium level monitoring and hypokalemia intervention in laparotomy patients with hypokalemia.MethodA total of 118 laparotomy patients with hypokalemia were randomly divided into an intervention group (N = 60) and a control group (N = 58). Blood samples were collected for measurement of potassium levels at various time points (pre‐admission, admission, 24 h and 48 h post‐operation) for both groups. Hypokalemia interventions were administered to patients in the intervention group in the pre‐admission period and the post‐operative period. Visceral dynamics were assessed after laparotomy in both groups.ResultAverage serum potassium levels at admission, time period of drinking, and time of first bowel sound after laparotomy differed significantly (p < 0.001) between the two groups. Average serum potassium levels, first time of defecation, urination, and ambulation at 24 h and 48 h post‐operation differed significantly (p < 0.05) between the two groups.ConclusionAn optimal pathway of serum potassium monitoring not only saves limited ward space but also allows for early correction of hypokalemia in patients undergoing laparotomy.
Ecological consequences through responses of plant and soil communities to changing winter climate
Authors: Mori Akira S. , Fujii Saori , Kurokawa Hiroko 
Published: November 2013

AbstractCommunity processes are now undergoing substantial reconfiguration because of climate change. Although the effects of climate change on ecosystems are currently a major concern, the issues tightly associated with winter climate change have been underrepresented. Given the importance of winter climate variables and events for determining the spatial distribution of communities and their phenological and physiological responses, and the functional roles of each species, all of which are expected to substantially influence community dis/re‐assemble in the future, this review focuses on the ecological responses and consequences of terrestrial communities to changing winter climate. In particular, the effects on processes supported by biological interactions are largely undetermined. In this context, focusing on plant–soil feedback as a major interactive multi‐system is worthwhile; these interactions can be disentangled through careful evaluation of the functional roles of organisms involved in the feedback (i.e., plants and soil organisms). The underlying mechanisms are indeed complex because direct (i.e., changes in physical conditions) and indirect pathways (i.e., plant‐mediated influences on soil‐organisms and vice versa) from winter climate change influence the functionality of future ecosystems. To face these issues, the framework of response–effect‐traits deserves research priority since this can define community re‐organization as the accumulated responses of individual species, which determines the stability and performance of ecosystem functioning. Thus, research that quantifies functional responses and roles of organisms under a changing climate will continue to be essential for the issues of winter climate change, which may become more serious and significant in the near future.
Comparison of the Effect of Individual and Combined Zr and Mn Additions on the Fracture Behavior of Al-Cu-Li Alloy AA2198 Rolled Sheet
Authors: Tsivoulas Dimitrios , Prangnell Philip B. 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
The effect of individual and combined addition of dispersoid-forming alloying elements Zr and Mn on the fracture behavior of the Al-Cu-Li alloy 2198 has been investigated by the Kahn tear test. Overall, the standard baseline 2198 alloy containing only Zr exhibited the best performance, while the alloy with the combined presence of Zr and Mn was slightly inferior. The lowest properties were seen for a Zr-free 2198-0.4Mn alloy variant. In the T351 temper fracture initiated at coarse constituent particles that formed large cavities and microvoid sheets linked the initial sites of void growth. In the Mn-containing alloys microvoids clearly nucleated at the coarser Al20Cu2Mn3 dispersoids within the microstructure, while this was not identifiable for the finer coherent Al3Zr dispersoids. However, this difference in the mechanism of cavity linkage had little effect on the overall toughness of the materials, which was more closely related to the effect of Mn and Zr on the level of recrystallization. Extended artificial aging promoted grain boundary decohesion due to the precipitation of high densities of T1 particles on GBs and favored a cleavage fracture mode. Particle decohesive fracture was also promoted by T1 precipitation on the Mn dispersoids.
The efficacy of neuroprosthesis in young hemiplegic patients, measured by three different gait indices: Early results
Authors: Danino Barry , Khamis Sam , Hemo Yoram , Batt Reuven , Snir Erel , Wientroub Shlomo , Hayek Shlomo 
Published: November 2013

Purpose To evaluate functional electrical stimulation (FES) neuroprothesis as a method to improve gait in hemiplegic patients, using three different gait scoring methods as measures. Methods Five hemiplegic patients (four with cerebral palsy at GMFCS I, one with diffuse pontine glioma) with a mean age of 16.5 years were given a FES neuroprosthesis (NESS® L300™) that was applied and calibrated individually. After an adaptation period during which the participants increased their daily use of the neuroprosthesis, gait was assessed with the stimulation off and with the FES on. Kinematic, kinetic, and temporal spatial data were determined using motion analysis and summarized by three scoring methods: Gait Profile Score (GPS), Gait Deviation Index (GDI), and Gillette Gait Index (GGI). Indices were calculated using the Gaitabase program available online. Patients were followed for a minimum of 1 year. Results When comparing gait with and without stimulation, all scoring methods showed improvement. GPS and GDI of the affected leg were significantly improved: 12.23–10.23° ( p = 0.017) and 72.36–78.08 ( p = 0.002), respectively. By applying the movement analysis profile, the decomposed GPS score, we found that only the ankle dorsiflexion and the foot progression angle were significantly changed. GGI of the affected leg showed improvement, but without statistical significance: 168.88–131.64 ( p = 0.221). Total GPS of legs and the GPS, GDI, and GGI of the nonaffected leg showed improvement without statistical significance. At the 1-year follow-up, all patients expressed high satisfaction and continued to use the device. Conclusions Dorsiflexion functional electrical stimulation improves gait in hemiplegic patients, as reflected by GPS, GDI, and GGI.
Regional atrophy is associated with impairment in distinct cognitive domains in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Smits Lieke L. , Tijms Betty M. , Benedictus Marije R. , Koedam Esther L.G. E. , Koene Teddy , Reuling Ilona E.W. , Barkhof Frederik , Scheltens Philip , Pijnenburg Yolande A.L. , Wattjes Mike P. , van der Flier Wiesje M. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundIn Alzheimer's disease (AD), some patients present with cognitive impairment other than episodic memory disturbances. We evaluated whether occurrence of posterior atrophy (PA) and medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA) could account for differences in cognitive domains affected.MethodsIn 329 patients with AD, we assessed five cognitive domains: memory, language, visuospatial functioning, executive functioning, and attention. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was rated visually for the presence of MTA and PA. Two‐way analyses of variance were performed with MTA and PA as independent variables, and cognitive domains as dependent variables. Gender, age, and education were covariates. As PA is often encountered in younger patients, analyses were repeated after stratification for age of onset (early onset, ≤ 65 years).ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 67 years, 175 (53%) were female, and the mean Mini‐Mental State Examination (score ± standard deviation) was 20 ± 5 points. Based on dichotomized magnetic resonance imaging ratings, 84 patients (26%) had MTA and PA, 98 (30%) had MTA, 57 (17%) had PA, and 90 (27%) had neither. MTA was associated with worse performance on memory, language, and attention (all, P < .05), and PA was associated with worse performance on visuospatial and executive functioning (both, P < .05). Stratification for age showed in patients with late‐onset AD (n = 173) associations between MTA and impairment on memory, language, visuospatial functioning, and attention (all, P < .05); in early‐onset AD (n = 156), patients with PA tended to perform worse on visuospatial functioning.ConclusionsRegional atrophy is related to impairment in specific cognitive domains in AD. The prevalence of PA in a large set of patients with AD and its association with cognitive functioning provides support for the usefulness of this visual rating scale in the diagnostic evaluation of AD.
Back Strength Predicts Walking Improvement in Obese, Older Adults With Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Vincent Heather K. , Vincent Kevin R. , Seay Amanda N. , Conrad Bryan P. , Hurley Robert W. , George Steven Z. 
Published: November 2013

ObjectiveTo compare the effects of 4 months of isolated lumbar resistance exercise and total body resistance exercise on walking performance in obese, older adults with chronic low back pain. A secondary analysis examined whether responsiveness to training modulated walking improvement.DesignRandomized, controlled trial.SettingResearch laboratory affiliated with tertiary care facility.Methods and InterventionParticipants (N = 49; 60–85 years) were randomized into a 4‐month resistance exercise intervention (TOTRX), lumbar extensor exercise intervention (LEXT), or a control group (CON).Main Outcome MeasurementsWalking performance, maximal low back strength and leg strength, and average resting and low back pain severity score (from an 11‐point numerical pain rating scale; NRSpain) were collected at baseline and month 4.ResultsThe TOTRX and LEXT improved lumbar extensor strength relative to CON, and the TOTRX (P < .05). NRSpain scores at month 4 were lowest in the TOTRX group compared with the LEXT and CON groups, respectively (2.0 ± 1.7 points vs 3.7 ± 2.6 points and 4.6 ± 2.4 points; P < .006). A total of 53% and 67% of participants in the TOTRX and LEXT groups were responders who made lumbar extensor strength gains that achieved ≥20% greater than baseline values. Although the TOTRX demonstrated the greatest improvement in walking endurance among the intervention groups, this did not reach significance (10.1 ± 12.2% improvement in TOTRX vs 7.4 ± 30.0% LEXT and −1.7 ± 17.4% CON; P = .11). Gait speed increased most in the TOTRX (9.0 ± 13.5%) compared with the LEXT and CON groups (P < .05). The change in lumbar extensor strength explained 10.6% of the variance of the regression model for the change in walking endurance (P = .024).ConclusionsThe use of LEXT and TOTRX produced similar modest improvements in patients’ walking endurance. Lumbar extensor strength gain compared with leg strength gain is a moderate but important contributor to walking endurance in obese older adults with chronic low back pain. Responders to resistance exercise programs (event those with only lumbar extension exercise) who make at least a 20% improvement in strength can expect better improvement in walking endurance than those who do not achieve this strength improvement.