bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive investigation of elastic and electrical properties of Li/Ta-modified (K,Na)NbO3 lead-free piezoceramics
Authors: Yao Fang-Zhou , Wang Ke , Li Jing-Feng
Published: May 2013

A full set of elastic and electrical coefficients of (K,Na)NbO3-based lead-free piezoceramics with a nominal composition of Li0.03(K0.48Na0.52)0.97(Nb0.8Ta0.2)O3 (abbreviated as KNNLT) was evaluated by the standard resonance method, and compared to those of K4CuNb8O23 doped (K0.45Na0.55)NbO3 (KNN-KCN) as well as typical Pb(Zr,Ti)O3-based piezoceramics PZT5A. The measurement of intermediate elastic stiffness and compliance coefficients of KNNLT indicated that KNNLT is elastically “softer” than KNN-KCN but “harder” than PZT5A. An extremely high piezoelectric stiffness coefficient h33 = 68.8 × 108 V/m was obtained, due to an especially low clamped dielectric constant ε33S of 361. And a large longitudinal electromechanical coupling factor k33 = 57% was observed in the KNNLT system. Furthermore, the piezoelectric coefficient d33 of KNNLT was characterized via three distinctive methods: the resonance method, the Berlincourt method, and the converse piezoelectric strain measurement; while these three techniques yielded values of 174 pC/N, 195 pC/N, and 308 pm/V, respectively. The difference in d33 values determined by the three methods may be attributed to different measurement frequencies and extrinsic piezoelectric contributions related to domain wall vibration and domain switching. Besides, the piezoelectric performances of KNNLT piezoceramics were found insensitive to frequency but susceptible to temperature and electric field cycling.
Tilt of the columnar microstructure in off-normally deposited thin films using highly ionized vapor fluxes
Authors: Elofsson V. , Magnfält D. , Samuelsson M. , Sarakinos K.
Published: May 2013

The tilt of the columnar microstructure has been studied for Cu and Cr thin films grown off-normally using highly ionized vapor fluxes, generated by the deposition technique high power impulse magnetron sputtering. It is found that the relatively large column tilt (with respect to the substrate normal) observed for Cu films decreases as the ionization degree of the deposition flux increases. On the contrary, Cr columns are found to grow relatively close to the substrate normal and the column tilt is independent from the ionization degree of the vapor flux when films are deposited at room temperature. The Cr column tilt is only found to be influenced by the ionized fluxes when films are grown at elevated temperatures, suggesting that film morphology during the film nucleation stage is also important in affecting column tilt. A phenomenological model that accounts for the effect of atomic shadowing at different nucleation conditions is suggested to explain the results.
La-doped SrTiO3 films with large cryogenic thermoelectric power factors
Authors: Cain Tyler A. , Kajdos Adam P. , Stemmer Susanne
Published: May 2013

The thermoelectric properties at temperatures between 10 K and 300 K of La-doped SrTiO3 thin films grown by hybrid molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) on undoped SrTiO3 substrates are reported. Below 50 K, the Seebeck coefficients exhibit very large magnitudes due to the influence of phonon drag. Combined with high carrier mobilities, exceeding 50 000 cm2 V−1 s−1 at 2 K for the films with the lowest carrier densities, this leads to thermoelectric power factors as high as 470 μWcm−1 K−2. The results are compared with other promising low temperature thermoelectric materials and discussed in the context of coupling with phonons in the undoped substrate.
Opposite crystal polarities observed in spontaneous and vapour-liquid-solid grown ZnO nanowires
Authors: Sallet V. , Sartel C. , Vilar C. , Lusson A. , Galtier P.
Published: May 2013

ZnO one-dimensional nanostructures were synthesized using the vapour-liquid-solid (VLS) process. Highly C-axis oriented ZnO nanowires, exhibiting a gold droplet on their top, were observed by scanning electron microscopy. Growth mechanisms are discussed, and the issue of supersaturation and precipitation of zinc in the gold droplet is debated. Transmission electron microscopy was carried out to investigate the crystalline properties and the polarity of the synthesized structures. In particular, an unexpected result shows that VLS ZnO nanowires grow with O-polarity, whereas spontaneous (catalyst-free) ZnO nanowires grow with Zn-polarity. The process at the origin of this polarity inversion is discussed.
Note: High-performance HeNe laser feedback interferometer with birefringence feedback cavity scanned by piezoelectric transducer
Authors: Wu Yun , Tan Yidong , Zeng Zhaoli , Zhang Shulian
Published: May 2013

We demonstrate a high-performance HeNe laser feedback interferometer (HLFI) based on a birefringence feedback cavity scanned by a piezoelectric transducer (PZT). The PZT scanning technique leads to a significant improvement in the HLFI's anti-jamming capability. The null drift under general laboratory conditions is approximately ±32 nm, corresponding to ±2 pulses. The phase difference between the two measurement signals does not vary when the feedback cavity length changes. This ensures a large measurement range for the HLFI. The HLFI presented here features a large measurement range (>1 m), nanometer-scale resolution (15.82 nm), a compact configuration, and low cost.
Organic-inorganic hybrid thin film solar cells using conducting polymer and gold nanoparticles
Authors: Hwan Jung Hyung , Ho Kim Dong , Su Kim Chang , Bae Tae-Sung , Bum Chung Kwun , Yoon Ryu Seung
Published: May 2013

We employed poly(styrenesulfonate)-doped poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT:PSS) as a p-layer on textured fluorine-tin-oxide (FTO) glass in pin-type hydrogenated amorphous silicon solar cells (a-Si:H SCs). An amorphous tungsten oxide (WO3) layer and gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) 10 nm in size were included to prevent the degradation and to increase short-circuit current by the Plasmon effect, respectively, between the PEDOT:PSS and intrinsic-Si layer. The energy band between PEDOT:PSS and WO3 was meaningfully adjusted by Au-NPs. The p-type PEDOT:PSS layer in these organic-inorganic hybrid a-Si:H SCs results in an increased conversion efficiency from ∼2.42% to ∼5.49% and an increased open-circuit voltage from ∼0.29 V to ∼0.56 V. PEDOT:PSS on textured FTO glass is sufficiently showing that it can replace the p-type Si layer in pin-type a-Si:H SCs.
Chemical composition on the top of a surface determined with the evolution of surface states
Authors: Luh Dah-An , Huang Chih-Hao , Cheng Cheng-Maw , Tsuei Ku-Ding
Published: May 2013

The epitaxial growth of Cu on Ag(111) was explored on monitoring the evolution of its surface states with angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy; the chemical element on the top of Cu islands on Ag(111) with a (9×9) reconstruction was determined to be not Cu but Ag. Our result demonstrates a technique with which the chemical property associated with a surface state is explorable and an identification of the chemical element in the topmost layer of the surface becomes feasible.
The potential for probiotics to prevent reproductive tract lesions in free-range laying hens
Authors: Shini S. , Shini A. , Blackall P. J.
Published: May 2013

A study was undertaken to investigate the ability of two commercial probiotics applied in free-range laying hens (from 18 to 22 weeks of age) in reducing the occurrence of reproductive tract pathologies, and improving hen health and performance. In all, 630 17-week-old brown layers were transferred to a freshly cleaned free-range laying facility, and randomly divided into three groups, with three replicates of 70 birds each. Both probiotics were administered in the drinking water (Groups 1 and 2) on a daily basis for 4 weeks, while Group 3 was left untreated. At 38 weeks of age, the results demonstrated that treatment with either probiotic significantly reduced the occurrence of reproductive tract pathologies (control vs probiotics, 33% vs 22% and 11%; P < 0.01), mortalities (control vs probiotics; 3.8% vs 1.5 and 1.9%; P < 0.01), and increased the performance of hens, for another 20 weeks post-treatments (hen day production for control vs probiotics 75% vs 90% and 94%; P < 0.01). Birds treated with probiotics maintained their bodyweight and egg weights at standard ranges, while untreated birds did not perform at this level. Although we were unable to show any effect on cloacal bacterial colonisation, the results of the present study provided some initial evidence that reproductive pathologies that often cause drops in egg production and sudden deaths of birds, can be reduced if free range hens are treated with a commercial probiotic before or during the onset of lay. The use of a probiotic benefits the health and performance status of hens, resulting in better hen welfare and significant economic gains to egg producers.
Consideration of gender in diagnosis and management of blood-borne viruses: the case of hepatitis C
Authors: Olsen Anna , Temple-Smith Meredith , Banwell Cathy
Published: May 2013

Gender-sensitive health education and clinical management are key components of successful care for people living with chronic illness, yet there is little research available on the specific needs of women living with hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection. This paper reports on a qualitative investigation of HCV diagnosis, symptoms, health care and wellbeing among 109 women living with HCV in two major cities in Australia. Women’s experiences of HCV reflect several gender-specific needs around diagnosis, reproductive health and psycho-social wellbeing. Personal relationships were central to women’s experiences of health and health care and remained dominant in their considerations for the future. Particularly because women are more likely than men to be responsible for family, we highlight the need to consider the social issues of stigma, poverty and drug use when caring for Australian women living with HCV.
Triviality of some representations of 𝑀𝐶𝐺(𝑆_{𝑔}) in 𝐺𝐿(𝑛,ℂ),𝔻𝕚𝕗𝕗(𝕊²) and ℍ𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕠(𝕋²)
Authors: Franks John , Handel Michael
Published: May 2013

We show the triviality of representations of the mapping class group of a genus

g
g

surface in

G
L
(
n
,

C

)
,
Diff
⁡
(

S
2

)

GL(n,\mathbb {C}), \operatorname {Diff}(S^2)

and

Homeo
⁡
(

T

2

)

\operatorname {Homeo}(\mathbb {T}^2)

when appropriate restrictions on the genus

g
g

and the size of

n
n

hold. For example, if

S
S

is a surface of finite type with genus

g
≥
3

g \ge 3

and

ϕ
:
MCG
⁡
(
S
)
→
G
L
(
n
,

C

)

\phi : \operatorname {MCG}(S) \to GL(n,\mathbb {C})

is a homomorphism, then

ϕ
\phi

is trivial provided

n
>
2
g
.

n > 2g.

We also show that if

S
S

is a closed surface with genus

g
≥
7

g \ge 7

, then every homomorphism

ϕ
:
MCG
⁡
(
S
)
→
Diff
⁡
(

S
2

)

\phi : \operatorname {MCG}(S) \to \operatorname {Diff}(S^2)

is trivial and that if

g
≥
3

g \ge 3

, then every homomorphism

ϕ
:
MCG
⁡
(
S
)
→
Homeo
⁡
(

T

2

)

\phi : \operatorname {MCG}(S)\to \operatorname {Homeo}(\mathbb {T}^2)

is trivial.
Effect of Low‐Dose Electron Beam Irradiation on Quality of Ground Beef Patties and Raw, Intact Carcass Muscle Pieces
Authors: Kundu Devapriya , Holley Richard
Published: May 2013

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of a low‐dose (≤1 kGy), low‐penetration electron beam on the sensory qualities of (1) raw muscle pieces of beef and (2) cooked ground beef patties. Outside flat, inside round, brisket and sirloin muscle pieces were used as models to demonstrate the effect of irradiation on raw beef odor and color, as evaluated by a trained panel. Ground beef patties were also evaluated by a trained panel for tenderness, juiciness, beef flavor, and aroma at 10%, 20%, and 30% levels of fat, containing 0% (control), 10%, 20%, 50%, and 100% irradiated meat. With whole muscle pieces, the color of controls appeared more red (P < 0.05) than irradiated muscles, however, both control and treatments showed a gradual deterioration in color over 14 d aerobic storage at 4 °C. Off‐aroma intensity of both control and treatments increased with storage time, but by day 14, the treated muscles showed significantly (P < 0.05) less off‐aroma than the controls, presumably as a result of a lower microbial load. It was found that a 1 kGy absorbed dose had minimal effects on the sensory properties of intact beef muscle pieces. Irradiation did not have a significant effect (P > 0.05) on any of the sensory attributes of the patties. Low‐dose irradiation of beef trim to formulate ground beef appears to be a viable alternative processing approach that does not affect product quality.
Quality Change of Apple Slices Coated withAloe veraGel during Storage
Authors: Song Hye‐Yeon , Jo Wan‐Shin , Song Nak‐Bum , Min Sea C. , Song Kyung Bin
Published: May 2013

Fresh‐cut apples are easily susceptible to browning and microbial spoilage. In this study, an edible coating prepared fromAloe veragel containing antibrowning solution was applied to preserve the quality of fresh‐cut apples during storage. Fresh‐cut apples were treated with both anAloe veragel and anAloe veragel containing 0.5% cysteine and then stored at 4 °C for 16 d. The color, firmness, weight loss, soluble solid content, titratable acidity, microbial analysis, and sensory evaluation were analyzed during storage. Fresh‐cut apples coated with theAloe veragel showed delayed browning and reduced weight loss and softening compared to the control. TheAloe veragel coating was also effective in reducing the populations of the total aerobic bacteria and yeast and molds. In particular,Aloe veragel containing 0.5% cysteine was most effective in delaying browning and the reduction of microbial populations among the treatments. These results suggest that anAloe veragel coating can be used for maintaining the quality of fresh‐cut apples.
False Positive Detection of Peanut Residue in Liquid Caramel Coloring Using Commercial ELISA Kits
Authors: Stelk T. , Niemann L. , Lambrecht D. M. , Baumert J. L. , Taylor S. L.
Published: May 2013

Initial food industry testing in our laboratory using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods indicated that the darkest caramel color (class IV) unexpectedly contained traces of peanut protein, a potential undeclared allergen issue. Caramel production centers on the heating of sugars, often glucose, under controlled heat and chemical processing conditions with other ingredients including ammonia, sulfite, and/or alkali salts. These ingredients should not contain any traces of peanut residue. We sought to determine the reliability of commercially available peanut allergen ELISA methods for detection of apparent peanut residue in caramel coloring. Caramel color samples of classes I, II, III, and IV were obtained from 2 commercial suppliers and tested using 6 commercially available quantitative and qualitative peanut ELISA kits. Five lots of class IV caramel color were spiked with a known concentration of peanut protein from light roasted peanut flour to assess recovery of peanut residue using a spike and recovery protocol with either 15 ppm or 100 ppm peanut protein on a kit‐specific basis. A false positive detection of peanut protein was found in class IV caramel colors with a range of 1.2 to 17.6 parts per million recovered in both spiked and unspiked liquid caramel color samples. ELISA kit spike/recovery results indicate that false negative results might also be obtained if peanut contamination were ever to actually exist in class IV caramel color. Manufacturers of peanut‐free products often test all ingredients for peanut allergen residues using commercial ELISA kits. ELISA methods are not reliable for the detection of peanut in class IV caramel ingredients and their use is not recommended with this matrix.
What is health?
Authors: Brüssow Harald
Published: May 2013

Classical medical research is disease focused and still defines health as absence of disease. Languages, however, associate a positive concept of wholeness with health as does the WHO health definition. Newer medical health definitions emphasize the capacity to adapt to changing external and internal circumstances. The results of the 2010 Global Burden of Disease study provides keys for a quantifiable health metrics by developing statistical tools calculating healthy life expectancy. Of central social and economic importance is the question whether healthy ageing can be achieved. This concept hinges on theories on the biological basis of lifespan determination and whether negligible senescence and the compression of morbidity can be achieved in human societies. Since the health impact of the human gut microbiome is currently a topical research area, microbiologists should be aware of the problems in defining health.
Antiarrhythmic Effect of Ranolazine in Combination with Class III Drugs in an Experimental Whole‐Heart Model of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Frommeyer Gerrit , Milberg Peter , Uphaus Timo , Kaiser Dennis , Kaese Sven , Breithardt Günter , Eckardt Lars
Published: May 2013

Background

Ranolazine is evaluated for antiarrhythmic therapy of atrial fibrillation (AF). The electrophysiologic mechanisms of ranolazine in combination with class III drugs were studied in an isolated whole‐heart model of stretch‐related AF.

Methods and Results

Thirty rabbits were fed with amiodarone (50 mg/kg/day, n = 10), dronedarone (50 mg/kg/day, n = 10), or placebo (n = 10) for 6 weeks. Subsequently, in isolated hearts, AF was induced by high‐rate atrial pacing and acute atrial dilatation. In placebo‐treated hearts, d,l‐sotalol (50 μM) was acutely administered. Ranolazine (10 μM) was additionally infused in all groups. Chronic amiodarone (+26 ± 7 ms, P < 0.05) or dronedarone (+22 ± 4 ms, P < 0.05) as well as acute application of d,l‐sotalol (+20 ± 3 ms, P < 0.05) increased atrial action potential duration (aAPD90). Additional treatment with ranolazine did not significantly change aAPD90 (P = ns). Class III drugs did not affect interatrial conduction time, while ranolazine significantly increased it (amiodarone group: +15 ± 3 ms, dronedarone group: +11 ± 3 ms, sotalol group: +15 ± 6 ms; P < 0.05 each). Ranolazine led to an additional increase in atrial effective refractory period (aERP), thus leading to an enhanced atrial postrepolarization refractoriness (aPRR, +17 ± 6 ms, +21 ± 4 ms and +16 ± 8 ms, P < 0.05, respectively). Acute atrial dilatation increased AF incidence compared with baseline. Amiodarone‐pretreated hearts showed a lower incidence of AF. Additional infusion of ranolazine further diminished AF. Dronedarone or acute infusion of sotalol did not significantly suppress AF, while additional treatment with ranolazine in these groups also reduced AF incidence.

Conclusion

In this study, ranolazine on top of class III antiarrhythmic therapy had a beneficial effect. The increase in interatrial conduction time and marked atrial aPRR suppressed AF. These results shed further light on a potential therapeutic benefit of ranolazine on top of conventional antiarrhythmic therapy for rhythm control in AF.
Oral health and oral diseases in pregnancy: a multicentre survey of Italian postpartum women
Authors: Villa A , Abati S , Pileri P , Calabrese S , Capobianco G , Strohmenger L , Ottolenghi L , Cetin I , Campus GG
Published: May 2013

Background

The aim of this study was to explore the oral hygiene practices and oral health status of Italian postpartum women.

Methods

A self‐administered questionnaire assessed socio‐demographic information, oral hygiene habits and frequency of dental visits. All women received a thorough oral examination within five days after delivery. Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for exposures of interest and the presence of ‘severe’ periodontitis.

Results

Seven hundred and fifty women participated in the study; 99.1% brushed their teeth everyday and 59.9% visited the dentist annually. The mean frequency of sites with bleeding on probing was 16.1% and the median clinical attachment level was 2.1 mm. The mean caries experience score (DMFT) was 8. Severe periodontal disease was present in 21.9% of individuals. Patients who reported visiting a dentist only when in pain and women with three dental caries or more were significantly more likely to have periodontitis (OR: 1.6; 95% CI: 1.1–2.2; p < 0.05 and OR: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.5–3.5; p < 0.01, respectively).

Conclusions

Given the possible association between maternal and infant oral health, and between periodontal infection and general health, antenatal care providers should collaborate with dentists to encourage all pregnant women to comply with the oral health professionals' recommendations regarding appropriate dental brushing techniques and the importance of dental visits.
Increased rainfall frequency triggers an increase in litter fall rates of reproductive structures in an arid eucalypt woodland
Authors: Travers Samantha K. , Eldridge David J.
Published: May 2013

The diversity of responses to episodic rainfall events among perennial plant species is critical for the maintenance of ecosystem functions in arid systems. We use a litter fall study to capture the responses of three species to shifts in environmental conditions. We examined the effects of landform, rainfall and other meteorological variables (temperature, evaporation, relative humidity, solar exposure, wind speed and cloud cover) on the mass of reproductive structures falling from two shrubs (Senna artemisioides ssp. filifolia, Acacia burkittii) and one tree (Eucalyptus gracilis) species in a eucalypt mallee woodland in semi‐arid eastern Australia. Data were collected over three years. The first year received below‐average rainfall and the following years received about twice the average annual rainfall. We assessed the relative importance of our explanatory variables, for each species separately, comparing the results using two methods: (1) multi‐model inference of a zero‐inflated negative binomial generalized linear model, and (2) structural equation modelling. Multi‐model inference showed rainfall frequency, at species‐specific lag intervals, to be of highest relative importance for all three species. Wind speed was also relatively important for all three species. Structural equation modelling supported these results, with strong, direct path coefficients for the number of days of rainfall in the past 12 months. There was, however, no strong effect of the average rainfall event size. Our analyses demonstrate the strong, direct and positive effect of rainfall, and highlight the importance of rainfall frequency rather than rainfall event size. Furthermore, we found species‐specific responses to environmental variables associated with wind, solar exposure and landform, further driving the litter fall of reproductive structures in perennial plants in semi‐arid environments. Understanding how different species respond to rainfall and other meteorological conditions can give us greater insights into the capacity of these systems to adapt, which will be important in a changing climate.
Detection of signatures of selective sweeps in the Blonde d'Aquitaine cattle breed
Authors: Boitard S. , Rocha D.
Published: May 2013

Identifying recent positive selection signatures in domesticated animals could provide information on genome response to strong directional selection from domestication and artificial selection and therefore could help in identifying mutations responsible for improved traits. We used genotyping data generated using Illumina's BovineSNP50 Genotyping BeadChips to identify selection signatures in the Blonde d'Aquitaine breed, a well‐muscled French beef breed. For this purpose, we employed a hidden Markov model‐based test, which detects selection by studying local variations in the allele frequency spectrum along the genome, within a single population. Three regions containing selective sweeps were identified. Annotation of genes located within these regions revealed interesting candidate genes. For example, myostatin (also known as GDF8), a known muscle growth factor inhibitor, is located within the selection signature region found on chromosome 2. In addition, we have identified chromosomal regions that show some evidence of selection within QTL regions for economically important traits. The results of this study could help to better understand the mechanisms related to the selection of the Blonde d'Aquitaine breed.
Predictors of mortality in cirrhotic patients undergoing extrahepatic surgery: comparison of Child–Turcotte–Pugh and model for end‐stage liver disease‐based indices
Authors: Kim Dong Hyun , Kim Sung Hoon , Kim Kyung Sik , Lee Woo Jung , Kim Nam Kyu , Noh Sung Hoon , Kim Choong Bai
Published: May 2013

Background

Underlying liver cirrhosis is associated with high morbidity and mortality after surgery. Previous studies have reported conflicting results about the value of Child–Turcotte–Pugh (CTP) and model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) scores as predictors of post‐operative mortality. This study was designed to compare the capacities of CTP, MELD and MELD‐based indices in predicting mortality for patients with liver cirrhosis who underwent elective extrahepatic surgery.

Methods

The medical records of 79 patients with liver cirrhosis who underwent elective extrahepatic surgery under general anaesthesia from December 2000 to December 2009 were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

The median follow‐up period was 21 months, and the mortality rate was 24.1% (n = 19). Among the 19 mortalities, nine (11.4%) occurred while the patient was hospitalized after surgery. Intraoperative transfusion amount (≥700 mL; odds ratio 6.294, P = 0.004) and the integrated MELD score (≥34; odds ratio 6.654, P = 0.007) were significantly correlated with post‐operative mortality. CTP score (hazard ratio 1.575, P = 0.012) was significantly correlated with overall mortality.

Conclusions

Integrated MELD may be a more accurate predictor of operative mortality in cirrhotic patients undergoing extrahepatic surgery than CTP and other MELD‐Na based indices. However, overall mortality may be reflected more accurately by CTP score. Further large‐scale study will be needed to validate this result.
Liposome‐Encapsulated Hemoglobin Ameliorates Ischemic Stroke in Nonhuman Primates: Longitudinal Observation
Authors: Kawaguchi Akira T. , Haida Munetaka , Ohba Hiroyuki , Yamano Mariko , Fukumoto Dai , Tsukada Hideo
Published: May 2013

Liposome‐encapsulated hemoglobin (LEH) is protective early after brain ischemia in rats and nonhuman primates, but it remains unclear whether the protection persists and confers any benefits beyond the acute phase of brain ischemia and reperfusion. Ten monkeys underwent middle cerebral artery occlusion, received LEH (2 mL/kg, n = 5) or saline (2 mL/kg, n = 5) 5 min later, and reperfusion 3 h later. Positron emission tomography studies were repeated for the cerebral metabolic rate of O2 (CMRO2) as well as glucose (CMRglc) up to 8 days after reperfusion, when the animals were euthanized for morphological studies. There was no difference in O2 metabolism until 3 h after reperfusion, when CMRO2 was significantly better preserved in the cortex, but not in basal ganglia, on Day 0 in LEH‐treated monkeys. The extent of cortical infarction (saline 68 ± 10% vs. LEH 38 ± 9%, P < 0.05) and CMRO2 (mild suppression: saline 34 ± 10% vs. LEH 14 ± 4%, P < 0.05) remained significantly better preserved 8 days later, when CMRglc showed a similar pattern of cortical protection (mild suppression: saline 49 ± 15% vs. LEH 37 ± 4%, P < 0.05) in LEH‐treated monkeys, together with regained body weight. Somatic weight control, morphological integrity, CMRO2, and CMRglc were better preserved immediately, as well as 8 days after occlusion and reperfusion of the middle cerebral artery in monkeys receiving LEH early after onset of ischemia.
Evolving neonatal steroid prescription habits and patient outcomes
Authors: Fortin‐Pellerin Étienne , Petersen Claire , Lefebvre Francine , Barrington Keith J , Janvier Annie
Published: May 2013

Aim

Indications for post‐natal steroids among preterm infants are evolving. The objective of this study was to compare steroid use in 2 cohorts 5 years apart and to document the short‐ and long‐term outcomes of our most recent cohort.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of infants born under 28 weeks of gestational age for two cohorts (January 2002‐August 2003 and July 2008‐March 2010).

Results

Two hundred and fourteen infants were included. More infants received steroids in the later cohort (20% vs 35%, p = 0.021) but survival rates did not improve. There was a shift towards hydrocortisone use (<7% vs 76%) and pulmonary indications (36% vs 61% of courses; p = 0.021). Patients died later (8 days vs 30 days; p = 0.02), with a strong correlation between time of death and total dose of steroids (r = 0.91; p = 0.01). Neurodevelopmental outcomes for patients who received steroids for pulmonary indications were inferior to those for the rest of the cohort (severe adverse outcome 26% vs 4.8%, p = 0.03).

Conclusion

The improvement in short‐term respiratory status of ill preterm patients was offset by a disturbing increase in age at death and no improvement in survival rates.
Stylized and Performative Gaze for Character Animation
Authors: Pejsa Tomislav , Mutlu Bilge , Gleicher Michael
Published: May 2013

Existing models of gaze motion for character animation simulate human movements, incorporating anatomical, neurophysiological, and functional constraints. While these models enable the synthesis of humanlike gaze motion, they only do so in characters that conform to human anatomical proportions, causing undesirable artifacts such as cross‐eyedness in characters with non‐human or exaggerated human geometry. In this paper, we extend a state‐of‐the‐art parametric model of human gaze motion with control parameters for specifying character geometry, gaze dynamics, and performative characteristics in order to create an enhanced model that supports gaze motion in characters with a wide range of geometric properties that is free of these artifacts. The model also affords “staging effects” by offering softer functional constraints and more control over the appearance of the character's gaze movements. An evaluation study showed that the model, compared with the state‐of‐the‐art model, creates gaze motion with fewer artifacts in characters with non‐human or exaggerated human geometry while retaining their naturalness and communicative accuracy.
Animal Locomotion Controllers From Scratch
Authors: Wampler Kevin , Popović Jovan , Popović Zoran
Published: May 2013

There exists a large body of research devoted to creating real time interactive locomotion controllers which are targeted at some specific class of character, most often humanoid bipeds. Relatively little work, however, has been done on approaches which are applicable to creatures with a wide range of different forms – partially due to the lack of easily obtainable motion‐capture data for animals and fictional creatures. We show how a locomotion controller can be created despite this dearth of data by synthesizing it from scratch. Our method only requires as input a description of the shape of the animal, the gaits which it can perform, and a model of the task or tasks for which the controller will be used. From this a sequence of motion clips are automatically synthesized and assembled into a motion graph which defines a physically realistic controller capable of performing the specified tasks. The method attempts to minimize the computational time required to generate this controller and we show its effectiveness at creating interactive controllers for a range of tasks for bipeds, tripeds, and quadrupeds.
Geosemantic Snapping for Sketch‐Based Modeling
Authors: Shtof A. , Agathos A. , Gingold Y. , Shamir A. , Cohen‐Or D.
Published: May 2013

Modeling 3D objects from sketches is a process that requires several challenging problems including segmentation, recognition and reconstruction. Some of these tasks are harder for humans and some are harder for the machine. At the core of the problem lies the need for semantic understanding of the shape's geometry from the sketch. In this paper we propose a method to model 3D objects from sketches by utilizing humans specifically for semantic tasks that are very simple for humans and extremely difficult for the machine, while utilizing the machine for tasks that are harder for humans. The user assists recognition and segmentation by choosing and placing specific geometric primitives on the relevant parts of the sketch. The machine first snaps the primitive to the sketch by fitting its projection to the sketch lines, and then improves the model globally by inferring geosemantic constraints that link the different parts. The fitting occurs in real‐time, allowing the user to be only as precise as needed to have a good starting configuration for this non‐convex optimization problem. We evaluate the accessibility of our approach with a user study.
Fleshing: Spine‐driven Bending with Local Volume Preservation
Authors: Zhuo Wei , Rossignac Jarek
Published: May 2013

Several design and animation techniques use a one‐dimensional proxy C (a spine curve in 3D) to control the deformation or behavior of a digital model of a 3D shape S. We propose a modification of these “skinning” techniques that ensures local volume preservation, which is important for the physical plausibility of digital simulations. In the proposed “fleshing” techniques, as input, we consider a smooth spine C0, a model S0 of a solid that lies “sufficiently close” to C0, and a deformed version C1 of C0 that is “not overly bent”. (We provide a precise characterization of these restrictions.) As output, we produce a bijective mapping M, that maps any point X of S onto a point M(X) of M(S). M satisfies two properties: (1) The closest projection of X on C0 and of M(X) on C1 have the same arc length parameter. (2) U and M(U) have the same volume, where U is any subset of S. We provide three different closed form expressions for radial, normal and binormal fleshing and discuss the details of their practical real‐time implementation.
By–example synthesis of curvilinear structured patterns
Authors: Zhou Shizhe , Lasram Anass , Lefebvre Sylvain
Published: May 2013

Many algorithms in Computer Graphics require to synthesize a pattern along a curve. This is for instance the case with line stylization, to decorate objects with elaborate patterns (chains, laces, scratches), or to synthesize curvilinear features such as mountain ridges, rivers or roads.

We describe a simple yet effective method for this problem. Our method addresses the main challenge of maintaining the continuity of the pattern while following the curve. It allows some freedom to the synthesized pattern: It may locally diverge from the curve so as to allow for a more natural global result. This also lets the pattern escape areas of overlaps or fold‐overs. This makes our method particularly well suited to structured, detailed patterns following complex curves.

Our synthesizer copies tilted pieces of the exemplar along the curve, following its orientation. The result is optimized through a shortest path search, with dynamic programming. We speed up the process by an efficient parallel implementation. Finally, since discontinuities may always remain we propose an optional post‐processing step optimally deforming neighboring pieces to smooth the transitions.
Example‐based Interpolation and Synthesis of Bidirectional Texture Functions
Authors: Ruiters Roland , Schwartz Christopher , Klein Reinhard
Published: May 2013

Bidirectional Texture Functions (BTF) have proven to be a well‐suited representation for the reproduction of measured real‐world surface appearance and provide a high degree of realism. We present an approach for designing novel materials by interpolating between several measured BTFs. For this purpose, we transfer concepts from existing texture interpolation methods to the much more complex case of material interpolation. We employ a separation of the BTF into a heightmap and a parallax compensated BTF to cope with problems induced by parallax, masking and shadowing within the material. By working only on the factorized representation of the parallax compensated BTF and the heightmap, it is possible to efficiently perform the material interpolation. By this novel method to mix existing BTFs, we are able to design plausible and realistic intermediate materials for a large range of different opaque material classes. Furthermore, it allows for the synthesis of tileable and seamless BTFs and finally even the generation of gradually changing materials following user specified material distribution maps.
Primitive Trees for Precomputed Distance Queries
Authors: Lee Sung‐Ho , Park Taejung , Kim Chang‐Hun
Published: May 2013

We propose the primitive tree, a novel and compact space‐partition method that samples and reconstructs a distance field with high accuracy, even for regions far from the surfaces. The primitive tree is based on the octree and stores the indices of the nearest primitives in its leaf nodes. Most previous approaches have involved a trade‐off between accuracy and speed in distance queries, but our method can improve both aspects simultaneously. In addition, our method can sample unsigned distance fields effectively, even for self‐intersecting and nonmanifold models. We present test results showing that our method can sample and represent large scenes, with more than ten million triangles, rapidly and accurately.
Rendering Gigaray Light Fields
Authors: Birklbauer C. , Opelt S. , Bimber O.
Published: May 2013

We present a caching framework with a novel probability‐based prefetching and eviction strategy applied to atomic cache units that enables interactive rendering of gigaray light fields. Further, we describe two new use cases that are supported by our framework: panoramic light fields, including a robust imaging technique and an appropriate parameterization scheme for real‐time rendering and caching; and light‐field‐cached volume rendering, which supports interactive exploration of large volumetric datasets using light‐field rendering. We consider applications such as light‐field photography and the visualization of large image stacks from modern scanning microscopes.
Retrospective success and survival rates of dental implants placed with simultaneous bone augmentation in partially edentulous patients
Authors: Bazrafshan Nima , Darby Ivan
Published: May 2013

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the success and survival rate of dental implants placed with simultaneous hard tissue grafting.

Material and methods

All patients treated in Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne who had implant placement with and without guided bone regeneration (GBR) procedures were identified. Seventy‐three attended a follow‐up appointment. These patients were examined recording probing depth, bleeding on probing, plaque accumulation and radiographic bone loss by one examiner. Clinical and radiographic findings were compared in grafted and non‐grafted groups and also analysed for years in function.

Results

Approximately 50% of implants were placed simultaneous guided bone regeneration technique. In the majority of cases, defects were filled by deproteinized bovine bone mineral and covered with collagen membrane. The range of time in function was 20–88 months with a mean 34.8 (±1.7). Seventy‐nine per cent of the implants placed in anterior maxilla were placed with GBR, while only 18% in posterior mandible needed grafting procedure. The cumulative implant survival rates at the time of examination was 97.95% for both GBR and non‐GBR group. The mean PPD, BOP, and Plaque index were not statistically significantly different in GBR vs. non‐GBR groups two to seven years in function. However, bone loss is significantly less in GBR group 2–7 years after function. The overall success rate was around 90% after 2–7 years in function with the GBR group slightly less than the non‐GBR group, but not statistically significant.

Conclusions

For the subjects included in this retrospective study, the data demonstrate that GBR is a predictable procedure. The survival and success rates of the implants inserted with simultaneous GBR were similar, if slightly lower, to the non‐grafted implants.
Effects of Road Mortality and Mitigation Measures on Amphibian Populations
Authors: BEEBEE TREVOR J. C.
Published: May 2013

Road mortality is a widely recognized but rarely quantified threat to the viability of amphibian populations. The global extent of the problem is substantial and factors affecting the number of animals killed on highways include life‐history traits and landscape features. Secondary effects include genetic isolation due to roads acting as barriers to migration. Long‐term effects of roads on population dynamics are often severe and mitigation methods include volunteer rescues and under‐road tunnels. Despite the development of methods that reduce road kill in specific locations, especially under‐road tunnels and culverts, there is scant evidence that such measures will protect populations over the long term. There also seems little likelihood that funding will be forthcoming to ameliorate the problem at the scale necessary to prevent further population declines.

Efectos de la Mortalidad en Carreteras y Medidas de Mitigación en Poblaciones de Anfibios Beebee
Rethinking Corruption in Conservation Crime: Insights from Madagascar
Authors: Gore Meredith L. , Ratsimbazafy Jonah , Lute Michelle L.
Published: May 2013

Corruption affects biodiversity conservation. Mechanisms that more effectively reform corruption and mitigate negative effects of corruption on conservation are needed, especially in biodiversity hotspots such as Madagascar. Local definitions of corrupt behavior, attitudes about reforms, and motivations for noncompliance may generate deeper understanding about corruption, which in turn may advance the conservation community's thinking and invite new solutions. We conducted in‐depth interviews with Malagasy residents living adjacent to the Makira/Masoala Conservation Area, querying perceptions about regional corruption, rules in use (i.e., social norms or rules in action), rule breaking, and mechanisms for reform. Most participants framed noncompliance with conservation rules as a deficit/absence (e.g., lack of knowledge of rules), defined local corruption more as an omission of duty than a commission of crime, and discussed poverty, unfairness, and diverse rules in use related to corruption. Traditional framing of corruption singularly as a lack or absence of honesty and morality or as a normative phenomenon does not seem wholly accurate at reflecting, or for thinking about, the local context. Data herein allude such inaccuracy may be most noteworthy at the level of corruption reform. Rethinking corruption in conservation crime as a blend of dimensions may liberalize the suite of reform mechanisms available to conservationists.
Corporate Governance and Performance in Socially Responsible Corporations: New Empirical Insights from a Neo‐Institutional Framework
Authors: Ntim Collins G. , Soobaroyen Teerooven
Published: May 2013

Manuscript Type

Empirical

Research Question/Issue

This paper investigates the relationship between corporate governance (CG) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) and, consequently, examines whether CG can positively moderate the association between corporate financial performance (CFP) and CSR.

Research Findings/Insights

Using a sample of large listed corporations from 2002 to 2009, we find that, on average, better‐governed corporations tend to pursue a more socially responsible agenda through increased CSR practices. We also find that a combination of CSR and CG practices has a stronger positive effect on CFP than CSR alone, implying that CG positively influences the CFP‐CSR relationship. Our results are robust to controlling for different types of endogeneities, as well as alternative CFP, CG and CSR proxies.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

The paper generally contributes to the literature on CG, CSR, and CFP. Specifically, we make two main new contributions to the extant literature by drawing on new insights from an overarching neo‐institutional framework. First, we show why and how better‐governed corporations are more likely to pursue a more socially responsible agenda. Second, we provide evidence on why and how CG might strengthen the link between CFP and CSR.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Our findings have important implications for corporate regulators and policy‐makers. Since our evidence suggests that better‐governed corporations are more likely to be more socially responsible with a consequential positive effect on CFP, it provides corporate regulators, managers and policy‐makers with a new impetus to develop a more explicit agenda of jointly pursuing CG and CSR reforms, instead of merely considering CSR as a peripheral component of CG or as an independent corporate activity.
Economic aspects of post‐border weed risk management
Authors: Hester Susan M. , Cacho Oscar J. , Dane Panetta F. , Hauser Cindy E.
Published: May 2013

Aim

Decision‐making in weed management involves consideration of limited budgets, long time horizons, conflicting priorities, and as a result, trade‐offs. Economics provides tools that allow these issues to be addressed and is thus integral to management of the risks posed by weeds. One of the critical issues in weed risk management during the early stages of an invasion concerns feasibility of eradication. We briefly review how economics may be used in weed risk management, concentrating on this management strategy.

Location

Australia.

Methods

A range of innovative studies that investigate aspects of weed risk management are reviewed. We show how these could be applied to newly invading weeds, focussing on methods for investigating eradication feasibility. In particular, eradication feasibility is analysed in terms of cost and duration of an eradication programme, using a simulation model based on field‐derived parameter values for chromolaena, Chromolaena odorata.

Results

The duration of an eradication programme can be reduced by investing in progressively higher amounts of search effort per hectare, but increasing search area will become relatively more expensive as search effort increases. When variation in survey and control success is taken into account, increasing search effort also reduces uncertainty around the required duration of the eradication programme.

Main conclusions

Economics is integral to the management of the risks posed by weeds. Decision analysis, based on economic principles, is now commonly used to tackle key issues that confront weed managers. For eradication feasibility, duration and cost of a weed eradication programme are critical components; the dimensions of both factors can usefully be estimated through simulation.