1,193 research outputs found
On the Computational Complexity of Vertex Integrity and Component Order Connectivity
The Weighted Vertex Integrity (wVI) problem takes as input an -vertex
graph , a weight function , and an integer . The
task is to decide if there exists a set such that the weight
of plus the weight of a heaviest component of is at most . Among
other results, we prove that:
(1) wVI is NP-complete on co-comparability graphs, even if each vertex has
weight ;
(2) wVI can be solved in time;
(3) wVI admits a kernel with at most vertices.
Result (1) refutes a conjecture by Ray and Deogun and answers an open
question by Ray et al. It also complements a result by Kratsch et al., stating
that the unweighted version of the problem can be solved in polynomial time on
co-comparability graphs of bounded dimension, provided that an intersection
model of the input graph is given as part of the input.
An instance of the Weighted Component Order Connectivity (wCOC) problem
consists of an -vertex graph , a weight function ,
and two integers and , and the task is to decide if there exists a set
such that the weight of is at most and the weight of
a heaviest component of is at most . In some sense, the wCOC problem
can be seen as a refined version of the wVI problem. We prove, among other
results, that:
(4) wCOC can be solved in time on interval graphs,
while the unweighted version can be solved in time on this graph
class;
(5) wCOC is W[1]-hard on split graphs when parameterized by or by ;
(6) wCOC can be solved in time;
(7) wCOC admits a kernel with at most vertices.
We also show that result (6) is essentially tight by proving that wCOC cannot
be solved in time, unless the ETH fails.Comment: A preliminary version of this paper already appeared in the
conference proceedings of ISAAC 201
Evolutionary trends in Transmit/Receive Module for Active Phased Array Radars
Worldwide, defense technologies are rapidly evolving and are currently aiming at integrating diverse functionalities like Radar, Electronic Warfare, Communications, etc., on a singular miniaturized platform. Hence, it cannot be denied that the advancements in modern Active Phased Array Radar technologies assume a critical role towards the achievement of this goal. A typical Active Phased Array Radar comprises of an Active Antenna Array Unit (AAAU) consisting of a large number of radiating elements, Transmit/Receive (T/R) Modules with other associated RF and digital circuitry and power electronics. This paper presents mainly the developments in Transmit/Receive (T/R) Module technology, which assimilates various stages of the technological evolution - past, current and futuristic. It discusses how these technologies contribute towards the improvement of efficiency, miniaturization and reliability without compromising its performance parameters
Factors of interrupting chemotherapy in patients with Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Little is known about prognosis of metastatic patients after receiving a first-line treatment and failure. Our group already showed in pre-treated patients enrolled in phase I clinical trials that a performance status (PS) > 2 and an LDH > 600 UI/L were independent prognostic factors. In this prospective study, which included 45 patients, we identified clinical and biological variables as outcome predictors in metastatic Non-Small Cell lung cancer after first line chemotherapy were identified.</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>Forty-five patients that were previously treated for metastatic disease from 12/2000 to 11/2005 in the comprehensive cancer centre (Centre LĂ©on BĂ©rard). Clinical assessment and blood parameters were recorded and considered. Patient prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) with a 0.05-significance level in univariate analysis were entered in a multivariate Cox model for further analysis.</p> <p>Patients' median age was 58.5 years (range: 37 - 76). Sixty two percent of the patients were PS = 0 or 1. After inclusion, nine patients received second-line (22.5%), and two received third-line chemotherapy (5%). Univariate analysis showed that the factors associated with reduced OS were: PS > 2, weight loss >10%, more than one line of chemotherapy treatment and abnormal blood parameters (hemoglobin (Hb), platelet and neutrophils counts). Multiple regression analysis confirmed that PS > 2 and abnormal hemoglobin were independent predictors for low overall survival. According to the presence of none (33%), 1 (37%) and 2 (30%) prognostic factors, median OS were 12, 5 and 2 months respectively.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>From this prospective study, both PS and anemia were found as independent determinants of survival, we found that both PS and anemia were independent determinants of survival. The combination of poor PS and anemia is an effective strategy to predict survival in the case of patients with metastatic NSCLC receiving further treatment after the first line.</p
Molecular gut content analysis demonstrates that Calanus grazing on Phaeocystis pouchetii and Skeletonema marinoi is sensitive to bloom phase but not prey density
Effect of commercial rye whole-meal bread on postprandial blood glucose and gastric emptying in healthy subjects
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The intake of dietary fibre has been shown to reduce the risk of developing diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of commercial rye whole-meal bread containing whole kernels and white wheat bread on the rate of gastric emptying and postprandial glucose response in healthy subjects.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Ten healthy subjects took part in a blinded crossover trial. Blood glucose level and gastric emptying rate (GER) were determined after the ingestion of 150 g white wheat bread or 150 g whole-meal rye bread on two different occasions after fasting overnight. The GER was measured using real-time ultrasonography, and was calculated as the percentage change in antral cross-sectional area 15 and 90 minutes after completing the meal.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>No statistically significant difference was found between the GER values or the blood glucose levels following the two meals when evaluated with the Wilcoxon signed rank sum test.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The present study revealed no difference in postprandial blood glucose response or gastric emptying after the ingestion of rye whole-meal bread compared with white wheat bread.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>NCT00779298</p
Periconceptional bread intakes indicate New Zealand's proposed mandatory folic acid fortification program may be outdated: results from a postpartum survey
Abstract Background In September 2009, a folic acid fortification mandate (135 ÎŒg/100 g bread) was to be implemented in New Zealand. However, due to political and manufacturer objection, fortification was deferred until May 2012. Based on estimates of bread consumption derived from a 1997 nationally representative survey, this program was intended to deliver a mean additional intake of 140 ÎŒg folic acid/d to women of childbearing age. Little is known about current bread consumption patterns in this target group. The aim of this study was to assess bread consumption among women prior to and during pregnancy with the intent to estimate periconceptional folic acid intakes that would be derived from bread if mandatory fortification were implemented as currently proposed. Methods A retrospective survey of 723 postpartum women in hospitals and birthing centres across New Zealand was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire on bread intake prior to and during pregnancy and maternal socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics. Results Median bread intake before conception (2 slices/d) was below that of previous data upon which the current fortification proposal was modeled (3-4 slices/d). If mandatory fortification is implemented as proposed, only 31% (95% CI = 24%-37%) of childbearing-age women would attain an additional folic acid intake of â„ 140 ÎŒg/d, with a mean of 119 ÎŒg/d (95% CI = 107 ÎŒg/d-130 ÎŒg/d). Based on these data, a fortification level of 160 ÎŒg/100 g bread is required to achieve the targeted mean of 140 ÎŒg folic acid/d. Nonetheless, under the current proposal additional folic acid intakes would be greatest among the least advantaged segments of the target population: Pacific and indigenous MÄori ethnic groups; those with increased parity, lower income and education; younger and single mothers; and women with unplanned pregnancies. Subgroups predicted to derive less than adequate folic acid intakes from the proposed policy were women of Asian descent and those with a postgraduate education. Conclusions This study provides insight on the ability of a fortification policy to benefit the groups at highest risk of poor folate intakes in a population. However, bread consumption among the target group of childbearing women appears to have declined since the data used in previous dietary modeling were collected. Thus, it seems prudent to re-model dietary folic acid intakes based on more recent national survey data prior to the implementation of a mandatory folic acid fortification policy.</p
Binary and Millisecond Pulsars at the New Millennium
We review the properties and applications of binary and millisecond pulsars.
Our knowledge of these exciting objects has greatly increased in recent years,
mainly due to successful surveys which have brought the known pulsar population
to over 1300. There are now 56 binary and millisecond pulsars in the Galactic
disk and a further 47 in globular clusters. This review is concerned primarily
with the results and spin-offs from these surveys which are of particular
interest to the relativity community.Comment: 59 pages, 26 figures, 5 tables. Accepted for publication in Living
Reviews in Relativity (http://www.livingreviews.org
Fermi Large Area Telescope observations of PSR J1836+5925
The discovery of the gamma-ray pulsar PSR J1836+5925, powering the formerly
unidentified EGRET source 3EG J1835+5918, was one of the early accomplishments
of the Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT). Sitting 25 degrees off the Galactic
plane, PSR J1836+5925 is a 173 ms pulsar with a characteristic age of 1.8
million years, a spindown luminosity of 1.1 erg s, and a
large off-peak emission component, making it quite unusual among the known
gamma-ray pulsar population. We present an analysis of one year of LAT data,
including an updated timing solution, detailed spectral results and a long-term
light curve showing no indication of variability. No evidence for a surrounding
pulsar wind nebula is seen and the spectral characteristics of the off-peak
emission indicate it is likely magnetospheric. Analysis of recent XMM
observations of the X-ray counterpart yields a detailed characterization of its
spectrum, which, like Geminga, is consistent with that of a neutron star
showing evidence for both magnetospheric and thermal emission.Comment: Accepted to Astrophysical Journa
General classification of charged test particle circular orbits in ReissnerâNordström spacetime
A reliable method for the space-time fractional Burgers and time-fractional Cahn-Allen equations via the FRDTM
- âŠ