bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population Composition and Ectoparasite Prevalence on Bats (Sturnira ludovici; Phyllostomidae) in Forest Fragments and Coffee Plantations of Central Veracruz, Mexico
Authors: Saldaña‐Vázquez Romeo A. , Castro‐Luna Alejandro A. , Sandoval‐Ruiz Cesar A. , Hernández‐Montero Jesús R. , Stoner Kathryn E.
Published: November 2012

Studies comparing the abundance of frugivorous bats in shade‐coffee plantations and forest fragments report contradictory results, and have not taken into account the landscape context in which coffee plantations are immersed. Variables of population composition such as abundance, sex proportion, and reproductive condition, together with biological tags (i.e., bat fly prevalence), can provide information about spatiotemporal dynamics of habitats used by bats. In the central part of Veracruz, Mexico, we compared population variables and ectoparasite prevalence of the highland yellow‐shouldered bat (Sturnira ludovici) in two landscapes, one dominated by shade‐coffee plantations and another by forest fragments. Comparing these attributes between these two landscapes will increase our knowledge about the role of this agro‐ecosystem in the conservation of this species, which is an important seed disperser of cloud forest vegetation. Total abundance and proportion of females was greater in forest fragments than in coffee plantations, whereas the percentage of reproductive females and bat fly prevalence was similar between landscapes. Our results show that landscapes with forest fragments harbor the greatest abundance of S. ludovici, but shade‐coffee plantations also are utilized by S. ludovici and likely adjacent forest remnants provide enough food resources for this species and other frugivores. Moreover, this study provides more evidence documenting the importance of preserving the last cloud forest fragments in the central region of Veracruz, Mexico, and suggests that using shade‐coffee plantations to connect forest fragments may be an effective way of maintaining populations of S. ludovici and likely other volant frugivores.
Synthesis and Antitubercular Activity of 2‐(substituted phenyl/benzyl‐amino)‐6‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐5‐(methoxycarbonyl)‐4‐methyl‐3,6‐dihydropyrimidin‐1‐ium Chlorides
Authors: Narayanaswamy Venugopala K. , Nayak Susanta K. , Pillay Melendhran , Prasanna Renuka , Coovadia Yacoob M. , Odhav Bharti
Published: November 2012

A series of 2‐(substituted phenyl/benzyl‐amino)‐6‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐5‐(methoxycarbonyl)‐4‐methyl‐3,6‐dihydropyrimidin‐1‐ium chlorides 7–13 and 15 was synthesized in their hydrochloride salt form. The title compounds were characterized by FT‐IR, NMR (1H and 13C) and elemental analysis. They were evaluated for their in vitro antitubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv, multidrug resistance tuberculosis and extensively drug resistance tuberculosis by agar diffusion method and tested for the cytotoxic action on peripheral blood mononuclear cells by MTT assay. Among all the tested compounds in the series, compounds 7 and 11 emerged as promising antitubercular agents at 16 μg/mL against multidrug resistance tuberculosis and over 64 μg/mL against extensively drug resistance tuberculosis. The conformational features and supramolecular assembly of the promising compounds 7 and 11 were determined by single crystal X‐ray study.
Is Bruxism a Risk Factor for Dental Implants? A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Manfredini Daniele , Poggio Carlo E. , Lobbezoo Frank
Published: November 2012

Purpose

To systematically review the literature on the role of bruxism as a risk factor for the different complications on dental implant‐supported rehabilitations.

Material and Methods

A systematic search in the National Library of Medicine's Medline Database was performed to identify all peer‐reviewed papers in the English literature assessing the role of bruxism, as diagnosed with any other diagnostic approach (i.e., clinical assessment, questionnaires, interviews, polysomnography, and electromyography), as a risk factor for biological (i.e., implant failure, implant mobility, and marginal bone loss) or mechanical (i.e., complications or failures of either prefabricated components or laboratory‐fabricated suprastructures) complications on dental implant‐supported rehabilitations. The selected articles were reviewed according to a structured summary of the articles in relation to four main issues, viz., “P” – patients/problem/population, “I” – intervention, “C” – comparison, and “O” – outcome.

Results

A total of 21 papers were included in the review and split into those assessing biological complications (n = 14) and those reporting mechanical complications (n = 7). In general, the specificity of the literature for bruxism diagnosis and for the study of the bruxism's effects on dental implants was low. From a biological viewpoint, bruxism was not related with implant failures in six papers, while results from the remaining eight studies did not allow drawing conclusions. As for mechanical complications, four of the seven studies yielded a positive relationship with bruxism.

Conclusions

Bruxism is unlikely to be a risk factor for biological complications around dental implants, while there are some suggestions that it may be a risk factor for mechanical complications.
Northward extrusion of the ultrahigh‐pressure units in the southern Dabie metamorphic belt, east‐central China
Authors: Yamamoto Hiroshi , Terabayashi Masaru , Okura Hyugo , Matsui Takashi , Kaneko Yoshiyuki , Ishikawa Masahiro , Maruyama Shigenori
Published: November 2012

The Dabie orogenic belt in central China extends along the Triassic suture between the Sino–Korean and Yangtze cratons. The structure of the metamorphic rocks have been investigated in the Shima–Wumiao area near the southeastern end of the Dabie orogenic belt. Detailed mapping revealed that the metamorphic sequence in this area can be subdivided into four subhorizontal lithotectonic units. These units are denoted by I, II, III, and IV in the order of structural bottom to top. Unit I is composed of felsic gneiss, eclogite, and minor pelitic gneiss. Unit II consists of felsic gneiss and eclogite with coesite pseudomorphs. Unit III consists of felsic gneiss, pelitic gneiss, metacarbonate, and eclogite with occasional coesite inclusion. Unit IV is composed of felsic gneiss, amphibolite, and minor pelitic gneiss. Those metamorphic rocks underwent penetrative ductile deformation which is denoted by gently south‐dipping or subhorizontal foliation and NNW‐trending mineral lineation. Deformation microstructures in oriented samples from Units I and II indicate consistent northward displacements of the hanging wall and those from Units III and IV indicate southward displacements. The subhorizontal structure and opposite shear directions between Units I–II and Units III–IV suggest northward extrusion of UHP metamophic units (II and III). The subduction polarity could be opposite to the extrusion trend. The UHP metamorphism in the Dabie orogenic belt is attributable to southward subduction of the Sino–Korean craton beneath the Yangtze craton.
Preincubation in the Prothrombinase‐induced Clotting Time test (PiCT) is necessary for in vitro evaluation of fondaparinux and to be avoided for the reversible, direct factor Xa inhibitor, rivaroxaban
Authors: Kluft C. , Meijer P. , Kret R. , Burggraaf J.
Published: November 2012

Introduction

There is no clear consensus about tests in vitro that are suitable for evaluating various factor Xa inhibitors. The availability of reversible and irreversible inhibitors further complicates the application of available assays.

Methods

We evaluated the suitability of the prothrombinase‐induced clotting test (PiCT) for fondaparinux and rivaroxaban, as representatives for irreversible and reversible inhibition of factor Xa, with specific attention to preincubation times prior to re‐calcification, in the context of automate program limitations.

Results

We demonstrate that the PiCT assay requires a preincubation step to allow inhibitory activity by fondaparinux. Without this step, inhibition in the test is minimal and lacking sufficient dynamic range. In contrast, to measure the reversible inhibition by rivaroxaban, we found any preincubation introduced an artifact in inhibition as exemplified by a biphasic pattern and only the test without a preincubation phase gave informative results.

Conclusion

It is concluded that PiCT in its format with two steps is suitable for fondaparinux evaluation, while its format without preincubation (the one‐addition format) is suitable for reversible inhibitors such as rivaroxaban. Unfortunately, both types of inhibitors cannot be compared in vitro in a single assay format.
Systemic thromboembolism after anti‐cancer chemotherapy in a woman with ovarian germ cell tumor
Authors: Yanazume Shintaro , Tsuji Takahiro , Matsuo Takashi , Kamio Masaki , Terao Sayori , Douchi Tsutomu
Published: November 2012

A high cure rate of ovarian germ cell tumors was achieved by establishment of a cisplatin‐containing regimen. We encountered a rare case of a 33‐year‐old, nulligravida Japanese woman with systemic thromboembolism following anti‐cancer chemotherapy with cisplatin, etoposide, and bleomycin in ovarian germ cell tumor. She suffered from brain infarction, multiple embolisms in the bilateral pulmonary artery and pelvic vein, and a broad range of deep vein thromboses in the right extremities vein. When thrombosis is detected during anti‐cancer chemotherapy, we must investigate whether the presence of thrombosis is systemic or local.
Burrow morphology of Uca uruguayensis and Uca leptodactylus (Decapoda: Ocypodidae) from a subtropical mangrove forest in the western Atlantic
Authors: MACHADO Glauco B. O. , GUSMÃO‐JUNIOR João B. L. , COSTA Tânia M.
Published: November 2012

The continuous excavation of burrows by fiddler crabs generates bioturbation in the sediment, which can be estimated from burrow morphology. The aim of the present study was to describe the burrow morphology of Uca uruguayensis and U. leptodactylus and its relationship with demography of resident individuals and to estimate the level of bioturbation in the sediment generated by each species. For all individuals from each of the 2 species, sex was determined and the carapace width (CW; mm) measured. Burrows were characterized according to burrow diameter (BD; mm), maximum burrow depth (MBD; mm) and burrow volume (BV; cm3). The density of each species in the study area was also evaluated. In both species, the males were larger and occupied burrows with higher BV compared to females. Differences between sexes in relation to the burrow characteristics might reflect sexual dimorphism within the group and are probably related to the fact that males use the burrows for mating. BD and BV showed significant positive relationships with the size of resident crabs. The amount of sediment removed per burrow was estimated from mean BV: 10.78 cm3 of sediment/burrow for U. uruguayensis and 12.38 cm3 of sediment/burrow for U. leptodactylus. Despite the density and depth differences between the 2 species, the similarity in burrow volume suggests that U. uruguayensis and U. leptodactylus present the same importance in terms of the bioturbation process. Burrow morphology is highly associated with characteristics of the occupant, although extrinsic factors should also be considered, and its description can provide estimates on the bioturbation generated by Uca species in mangrove forests.
Identification of Patients with Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Who Have a Favorable Cost Profile with Pregabalin Treatment
Authors: Udall Margarita , Mardekian Jack , Cabrera Javier
Published: November 2012

Objective

To characterize patient populations with favorable costs after the initiation of pregabalin for the treatment of painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (pDPN) relative to duloxetine, gabapentin, and amitriptyline.

Methods

Patients were identified from MarketScan having ≥ 1 claim for pDPN (ICD‐9‐CM codes 250.6 or 357.2) within 60 days of first prescription (index) for pregabalin, duloxetine, gabapentin, or amitriptyline in 2008 and continuous enrollment 12 months pre‐ and postindex. Pregabalin patients were propensity‐score‐matched to each comparator. Using cutoff values ≥ 80% proportion of days covered (PDC) and ≥ 65 years for age, pre‐ to postindex changes in healthcare costs were estimated for pregabalin vs. comparators.

Results

Of 987 patients initiated on pregabalin, 349 matched to duloxetine; 987 to gabapentin; 276 to amitriptyline. The pre‐ to postindex changes in total healthcare costs were similar between cohorts: $3272 with pregabalin vs. $2290 with duloxetine (P = 0.5280); $3687 with pregabalin vs. $5498 with amitriptyline (P = 0.5863); $3869 with pregabalin vs. $4106 with gabapentin (P = 0.8303). For the high‐age/high‐PDC population, the pre‐ to postindex differences in mean total costs were significantly lower with pregabalin (P < 0.001) relative to comparators ($3573 vs. $8288 for duloxetine; $1423 vs. $3167 for gabapentin; $2285 vs. $6160 for amitriptyline).

Conclusions

The association of lower total costs among older individuals with pDPN who maintain high adherence to pregabalin therapy relative to key comparators suggests a pharmacoeconomic advantage of pregabalin in this population combined with a need for strategies promoting adherence.
Designing Regenerative Biomaterial Therapies for the Clinic
Authors: Pashuck E. Thomas , Stevens Molly M.
Published: November 2012

Several academic, regulatory, and clinical aspects should be considered when moving biomaterials from the lab to the patient.
Building Vascular Networks
Authors: Bae Hojae , Puranik Amey S. , Gauvin Robert , Edalat Faramarz , Carrillo-Conde Brenda , Peppas Nicholas A. , Khademhosseini Ali
Published: November 2012

Advances in generating vascular networks in biomaterials may aid translation of tissue engineering technologies.
Regenerative Engineering
Authors: Laurencin Cato T. , Khan Yusuf
Published: November 2012

The future of tissue regeneration lies in “regenerative engineering,” with biomaterials playing a key role.
What Is the Greatest Regulatory Challenge in the Translation of Biomaterials to the Clinic?
Authors: Prestwich Glenn D. , Bhatia Sangeeta , Breuer Christopher K. , Dahl Shannon L. M. , Mason Chris , McFarland Richard , McQuillan David J. , Sackner-Bernstein Jonathan , Schox Jeffrey , Tente William E. , Trounson Alan
Published: November 2012

Leaders in the field comment on what they perceive to be the greatest barriers to biomaterial translation.
Reactivating the Natural Killer
Authors: Bettegowda Chetan
Published: November 2012

Natural killer cell dysfunction after surgical stress can be reversed with oncolytic viruses.
Weighty Considerations
Authors: Nakamura Takahisa
Published: November 2012

Weight loss–regulated marker is associated with glucose and fatty acid metabolism.
Integrated Bioinformatic and Targeted Deletion Analyses of the SRS Gene Superfamily Identify SRS29C as a Negative Regulator ofToxoplasmaVirulence
Authors: Wasmuth James D. , Pszenny Viviana , Haile Simon , Jansen Emily M. , Gast Alexandra T. , Sher Alan , Boyle Jon P. , Boulanger Martin J. , Parkinson John , Grigg Michael E.
Published: November 2012

TheToxoplasma gondiiSRSgene superfamily is structurally related toSRS29B(formerlySAG1), a surface adhesin that binds host cells and stimulates host immunity. Comparative genomic analyses of threeToxoplasmastrains identified 182SRSgenes distributed across 14 chromosomes at 57 genomic loci. Eight distinctSRSsubfamilies were resolved. A core 69 functional gene orthologs were identified, and strain-specific expansions and pseudogenization were common. Gene expression profiling demonstrated differential expression ofSRSgenes in a developmental-stage- and strain-specific fashion and identified nineSRSgenes as priority targets for gene deletion among the tissue-encysting coccidia. A Δsag1 ∆sag2Amutant was significantly attenuated in murine acute virulence and showed upregulated SRS29C (formerly SRS2) expression. Transgenic overexpression of SRS29C in the virulent RH parent was similarly attenuated. Together, these findings reveal SRS29C to be an important regulator of acute virulence in mice and demonstrate the power of integrated genomic analysis to guide experimental investigations.

IMPORTANCEParasitic species employ large gene families to subvert host immunity to enable pathogen colonization and cause disease.Toxoplasma gondiicontains a large surface coat gene superfamily that encodes adhesins and virulence factors that facilitate infection in susceptible hosts. We generated an integrated bioinformatic resource to predict which genes from within this 182-gene superfamily of adhesin-encoding genes play an essential role in the host-pathogen interaction. Targeted gene deletion experiments with predicted candidate surface antigens identified SRS29C as an important negative regulator of acute virulence in murine models ofToxoplasmainfection. Our integrated computational and experimental approach provides a comprehensive framework, or road map, for the assembly and discovery of additional key pathogenesis genes contained within other large surface coat gene superfamilies from a broad array of eukaryotic pathogens.
The primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute anterior myocardial infarction in a middle-aged male patient with bilateral coronary artery to pulmonary artery fistulas
Authors: Altay Servet , Cakmak Huseyin Altug , Velibey Yalcin , Erer Betul
Published: November 2012

A 38-year-old man admitted to emergency department with 2 h of typical substernal chest pain, shortness of breath and nausea. The ECG revealed sinus rhythm with a 3 mm ST elevation in precordial leads V1–V6. The coronary angiography revealed acute total occlusion in left anterior descending artery (LAD) with normal circumflex and right coronary artery (RCA) along with bilateral fistulas arising from the proximal LAD and ostial RCA draining into the main pulmonary artery. Therefore, primary percutaneous coronary intervention and bare metal stent implantation was performed to culprit LAD lesion. The electrocardiographically gated 64-slice multidetector-row CT showed two large, tortuous abnormal vessels which arose from the both ostial part of the RCA and LAD draining into the main pulmonary artery. We report an unusual case of bilateral coronary artery to pulmonary artery fistulas leading to acute anterior myocardial infarction in a middle-aged male patient.
Hypokalaemia: common but not always benign. Severe, persistent hypokalaemia secondary to ectopic ACTH from a carcinoid tumour
Authors: Mahmood Muhammad Muzaffar , John Kurien
Published: November 2012

Hypokalaemia is a common and often benign observation. There is usually an obvious underlying cause for the anomaly. However, hypokalaemia can very rarely be the sole presentation of a more sinister disease. A high index of suspicion and a systematic approach are therefore required to avoid delays in the management, especially in the context of presentation to a medical team. We present a case of a patient with severe and persistent hypokalaemia due to ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion secondary to a carcinoid tumour. The case report is followed by a brief discussion on the approach to the management of hypokalaemia and additional tests to confirm ectopic ACTH.
Isolated cystic cervical oesophageal duplication: a rare congenital anomaly
Authors: Verma Shraddha , Garge Saurabh , Samujh Ram , Narasimha Rao Katragadda Lakshmi
Published: November 2012

Oesophageal duplication is a rare congenital anomaly. The cystic form is the usual presentation of the duplication, found predominantly in the lower third. Less than 20 cases of isolated cystic oesophageal duplication in the cervical region have been reported till date in the English literature. We are reporting this case because of its rarity.
Physical activity counselling in sports medicine: a call to action
Authors: Joy Elizabeth (Liz) , Blair Steven N , McBride Patrick , Sallis Robert
Published: November 2012

Physical activity (PA) is a key component of healthy lifestyle and disease prevention. In contrast, physical inactivity accounts for a significant proportion of premature deaths worldwide. Physicians are in a critical position to help patients develop healthy lifestyles by actively counseling on PA. Sports medicine physicians, with their focus on sports and exercise medicine are uniquely trained to provide such expertise to patients, learners and colleagues. To succeed, physicians need clinical tools and processes that support PA assessment and counseling. Linking patients to community resources, and specifically to health and fitness professionals is a key strategy. Efforts should be made to expand provider education during medical school, residency and fellowship training, and continuing medical education. Lastly, physically active physicians are more likely to counsel patients to be active. A key message for the sports medicine community is the importance of serving as a positive PA role model.
Suboptimal access to primary healthcare among street-based sex workers in southwest Switzerland
Authors: Darling Katharine Elizabeth Anna , Gloor Elodie , Ansermet-Pagot Anne , Vaucher Paul , Durieux-Paillard Sophie , Bodenmann Patrick , Cavassini Matthias
Published: November 2012

Objectives

Street-based sex workers (SSWs) in Lausanne, Switzerland, are poorly characterised. We set out to quantify potential vulnerability factors in this population and to examine SSW healthcare use and unmet healthcare requirements.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey among SSWs working in Lausanne's red light district between 1 February and 31 July 2010, examining SSW socio-demographic characteristics and factors related to their healthcare.

Results

We interviewed 50 SSWs (76% of those approached). A fifth conducted their interviews in French, the official language in Lausanne. 48 participants (96%) were migrants, of whom 33/48 (69%) held no residence permit. 22/50 (44%) had been educated beyond obligatory schooling. 28/50 (56%) had no health insurance. 18/50 (36%) had been victims of physical violence. While 36/50 (72%) had seen a doctor during the preceding 12 months, only 15/50 (30%) were aware of a free clinic for individuals without health insurance. Those unaware of free services consulted emergency departments or doctors outside Switzerland. Gynaecology, primary healthcare and dental services were most often listed as needed. Two individuals (of 50, 4%) disclosed positive HIV status; of the others, 24/48 (50%) had never had an HIV test.

Conclusions

This vulnerable population comprises SSWs who, whether through mobility, insufficient education or language barriers, are unaware of services they are entitled to. With half the participants reporting no HIV testing, there is a need to enhance awareness of available facilities as well as to increase provision and uptake of HIV testing.
Low chloroplast diversity despite phylogenetically divergent haplotypes in Japanese populations of Ailanthus altissima (Simaroubaceae)
Authors: Kurokochi Hiroyuki , Saito Yoko , Chuman Misaki , Ide Yuji
Published: November 2012

Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle (Simaroubaceae) has succeeded in expanding its distribution widely over the past 100 years in Japan. We investigated which maternal lines of A. altissima are expanding in Japan and whether the introduced populations are different in various regions of Japan. Chloroplast DNA polymorphisms were analyzed on A. altissima trees (n = 449) sampled from 64 nonindigenous Japanese populations and four indigenous Chinese populations. Six haplotypes were identified. Three haplotypes (H1, H2, and H3) were observed in Japan, whereas four (H3, H4, H5, and H6) were detected in Chinese populations. Most A. altissima trees in Japan harbor either H1 or H3, and these two haplotypes were not genetically similar. Analysis of molecular variation showed some genetic differentiation among populations. In addition, significant isolation by distance was not detected. Twenty-two Japanese populations contained two haplotypes within each population, whereas the other 42 Japanese populations were composed of only one haplotype. These results indicate that Japanese populations of A. altissima may have derived from a limited number of seed introductions, but they were then widely spread in various regions.
Deploying initial attack resources for wildfire suppression: spatial coordination, budget constraints, and capacity constraints
Authors: Lee Yohan , Fried Jeremy S. , Albers Heidi J. , Haight Robert G.
Published: November 2012

We combine a scenario-based, standard-response optimization model with stochastic simulation to improve the efficiency of resource deployment for initial attack on wildland fires in three planning units in California. The optimization model minimizes the expected number of fires that do not receive a standard response — defined as the number of resources by type that must arrive at the fire within a specified time limit — subject to budget and station capacity constraints and uncertainty about the daily number and location of fires. We use the California Fire Economics Simulator to predict the number of fires not contained within initial attack modeling limits. Compared with the current deployment, the deployment obtained with optimization shifts resources from the planning unit with highest fire load to the planning unit with the highest standard response requirements but leaves simulated containment success unchanged. This result suggests that, under the current budget and capacity constraints, a range of deployments may perform equally well in terms of fire containment. Resource deployments that result from relaxing constraints on station capacity achieve greater containment success by encouraging consolidation of resources into stations with high dispatch frequency, thus increasing the probability of resource availability on high fire count days.
Relationships between nitrogen, acid-unhydrolyzable residue, and climate among tree foliar litters
Authors: Berg Björn , Liu Chunjiang , Laskowski Ryszard , Davey Matthew
Published: November 2012

Using literature data, we investigated coniferous and broadleaf litter from 58 tree species using a database encompassing concentrations of N and acid-unhydrolyzable residue (AUR) (gravimetric lignin) in newly shed litter, mean annual temperature, and mean annual precipitation. Our aims were to (i) demonstrate any large-scale relationships between concentrations of N and AUR in foliar litter and (ii) determine differences in this respect among litter from Pinus and Quercus. To this end, we had collected foliar litter data for Asia and Europe, forming a climate gradient. Litter from broadleaf and coniferous trees differed significantly in concentrations of N (p < 0.0001, 9.64 versus 5.50 mg/g, respectively) and AUR (p < 0.0001, 219 versus 292 mg/g, respectively). There were highly significant positive linear relationships between concentrations of N and AUR for broadleaf (p < 0.0001) and coniferous litter (p < 0.0001). There were also significant positive relationships for AUR as a function of N concentration for the genera Pinus and Quercus but not within species. That for Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) was negative and that for common oak (Quercus robur L.) not significant.
Effect of vegetation on the presence and genetic diversity ofBacillus thuringiensisin soil
Authors: Ricieto Ana Paula Scaramal , Fazion Fernanda Aparecida Pires , Carvalho Filho Celso Duarte , Vilas-Boas Laurival Antonio , Vilas-Bôas Gislayne Trindade
Published: November 2012

Bacillus thuringiensis isolates were obtained from soil samples collected at different sites located in the same region but with different vegetation. The sites showed different frequencies of B. thuringiensis, depending on the type of vegetation. Strains of B. thuringiensis were found to be less common in samples of riparian forest soil than in soil of other types of vegetation. The rate of occurrence of B. thuringiensis in the samples also varied according to the vegetation. These results show that whenever this bacterium was found, it showed a high rate of occurrence, indicating that this species could be better adapted to using soil as a reservoir than other Bacillus species. The presence of cry genes was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction, and genes that exhibited activity against Diptera species were the most commonly found. The isolates obtained were characterized by random amplified polymorphic DNA, and 50% were clustered into clonal groups. These results demonstrated the possible occurrence of a high number of genetically similar strains when samples are collected from the same region, even if they are from locations with different vegetation.
Exposure to bisphenol A modulates hormone concentrations in Gammarus pseudolimnaeus
Authors: Lewis S.E. , Yokofich A. , Mohr M. , Kurth C. , Giuliani R. , Baldridge M.G.
Published: November 2012

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting compound that can enter aquatic systems through landfill leachate or wastewater effluent. Although impacts of BPA on vertebrates are well documented, its effects on invertebrates are less clear. Amphipods such as Gammarus pseudolimnaeus Bousfield, 1958 are often prevalent invertebrates in freshwater ecosystems and can provide a powerful invertebrate model system to investigate the endocrine-disruptive capabilities of BPA. However, techniques to assay hormone concentrations in amphipods, especially vertebrate-like steroid sex hormones, are not widespread. In this study, we (i) quantified estrogen concentrations in juveniles and in adult female amphipods; (ii) quantified testosterone concentrations in juveniles and in adult male amphipods; and (iii) delineated changes to estrogen and testosterone concentrations of adults and juveniles following a 9-day exposure to BPA at four levels: 0 (control), 10, 50, and 100 µg/L BPA. Tissue extracts from homogenized samples were analyzed for estrogen or testosterone concentrations via radioimmunoassay for each reproductive class of amphipod. Low concentrations of BPA significantly increased estrogen concentrations in adult females and in juveniles. Moderate and high concentrations of BPA significantly increased testosterone concentrations in adult males, and low and moderate concentrations of BPA significantly increased testosterone concentrations of juveniles.
ON POISSON GEOMETRY AND SUPERSYMMETRIC SIGMA MODELS
Authors: KLIMČÍK C.
Published: November 2012

By using the Poisson geometry, we develop a manifestly invariant and calculation-friendly formalism for handling UOSp(2|1)-supersymmetric field theories. In particular, the super-Langrangians are written solely in terms of superfields, Poisson brackets and the moment map generating the UOSp(2|1) action. As an application of this formalism, we construct the Kalb–Ramond term for supersymmetric sigma models on the supersphere.
Chopper
Authors: Luo Linjie , Baran Ilya , Rusinkiewicz Szymon , Matusik Wojciech
Published: November 2012

3D printing technology is rapidly maturing and becoming ubiquitous. One of the remaining obstacles to wide-scale adoption is that the object to be printed must fit into the working volume of the 3D printer. We propose a framework, called Chopper, to decompose a large 3D object into smaller parts so that each part fits into the printing volume. These parts can then be assembled to form the original object. We formulate a number of desirable criteria for the partition, including assemblability, having few components, unobtrusiveness of the seams, and structural soundness. Chopper optimizes these criteria and generates a partition either automatically or with user guidance. Our prototype outputs the final decomposed parts with customized connectors on the interfaces. We demonstrate the effectiveness of Chopper on a variety of non-trivial real-world objects.
Quality prediction for image completion
Authors: Kopf Johannes , Kienzle Wolf , Drucker Steven , Kang Sing Bing
Published: November 2012

We present a data-driven method to predict the quality of an image completion method. Our method is based on the state-of-the-art non-parametric framework of Wexler
et al
. [2007]. It uses automatically derived search space constraints for patch source regions, which lead to improved texture synthesis and semantically more plausible results. These constraints also facilitate performance prediction by allowing us to correlate output quality against features of possible regions used for synthesis. We use our algorithm to first crop and then complete stitched panoramas. Our predictive ability is used to find an optimal crop shape
before
the completion is computed, potentially saving significant amounts of computation. Our optimized crop includes as much of the original panorama as possible while avoiding regions that can be less successfully filled in. Our predictor can also be applied for hole filling in the interior of images. In addition to extensive comparative results, we ran several user studies validating our predictive feature, good relative quality of our results against those of other state-of-the-art algorithms, and our automatic cropping algorithm.
Example-based synthesis of 3D object arrangements
Authors: Fisher Matthew , Ritchie Daniel , Savva Manolis , Funkhouser Thomas , Hanrahan Pat
Published: November 2012

We present a method for synthesizing 3D object arrangements from examples. Given a few user-provided examples, our system can synthesize a diverse set of plausible new scenes by learning from a larger scene database. We rely on three novel contributions. First, we introduce a
probabilistic model for scenes
based on Bayesian networks and Gaussian mixtures that can be trained from a small number of input examples. Second, we develop a clustering algorithm that groups objects occurring in a database of scenes according to their local scene neighborhoods. These
contextual categories
allow the synthesis process to treat a wider variety of objects as interchangeable. Third, we train our probabilistic model on a mix of user-provided examples and relevant scenes retrieved from the database. This
mixed model
learning process can be controlled to introduce additional variety into the synthesized scenes. We evaluate our algorithm through qualitative results and a perceptual study in which participants judged synthesized scenes to be highly plausible, as compared to hand-created scenes.
An interactive approach to semantic modeling of indoor scenes with an RGBD camera
Authors: Shao Tianjia , Xu Weiwei , Zhou Kun , Wang Jingdong , Li Dongping , Guo Baining
Published: November 2012

We present an interactive approach to semantic modeling of indoor scenes with a consumer-level RGBD camera. Using our approach, the user first takes an RGBD image of an indoor scene, which is automatically segmented into a set of regions with semantic labels. If the segmentation is not satisfactory, the user can draw some strokes to guide the algorithm to achieve better results. After the segmentation is finished, the depth data of each semantic region is used to retrieve a matching 3D model from a database. Each model is then transformed according to the image depth to yield the scene. For large scenes where a single image can only cover one part of the scene, the user can take multiple images to construct other parts of the scene. The 3D models built for all images are then transformed and unified into a complete scene. We demonstrate the efficiency and robustness of our approach by modeling several real-world scenes.
A
search-classify
approach for cluttered indoor scene understanding
Authors: Nan Liangliang , Xie Ke , Sharf Andrei
Published: November 2012

We present an algorithm for recognition and reconstruction of scanned 3D indoor scenes. 3D indoor reconstruction is particularly challenging due to object interferences, occlusions and overlapping which yield incomplete yet very complex scene arrangements. Since it is hard to assemble scanned segments into complete models, traditional methods for object recognition and reconstruction would be inefficient. We present a
search-classify
approach which interleaves segmentation and classification in an iterative manner. Using a robust classifier we traverse the scene and gradually propagate classification information. We reinforce classification by a template fitting step which yields a scene reconstruction. We
deform-to-fit
templates to classified objects to resolve classification ambiguities. The resulting reconstruction is an approximation which captures the general scene arrangement. Our results demonstrate successful classification and reconstruction of cluttered indoor scenes, captured in just few minutes.
Automatic stylistic manga layout
Authors: Cao Ying , Chan Antoni B. , Lau Rynson W. H.
Published: November 2012

Manga layout is a core component in manga production, characterized by its unique styles. However, stylistic manga layouts are difficult for novices to produce as it requires hands-on experience and domain knowledge. In this paper, we propose an approach to automatically generate a stylistic manga layout from a set of input artworks with user-specified semantics, thus allowing less-experienced users to create high-quality manga layouts with minimal efforts. We first introduce three parametric style models that encode the unique stylistic aspects of manga layouts, including layout structure, panel importance, and panel shape. Next, we propose a two-stage approach to generate a manga layout: 1) an initial layout is created that best fits the input artworks and layout structure model, according to a generative probabilistic framework; 2) the layout and artwork geometries are jointly refined using an efficient optimization procedure, resulting in a professional-looking manga layout. Through a user study, we demonstrate that our approach enables novice users to easily and quickly produce higher-quality layouts that exhibit realistic manga styles, when compared to a commercially-available manual layout tool.
An inverse problem approach for automatically adjusting the parameters for rendering clouds using photographs
Authors: Dobashi Yoshinori , Iwasaki Wataru , Ono Ayumi , Yamamoto Tsuyoshi , Yue Yonghao , Nishita Tomoyuki
Published: November 2012

Clouds play an important role in creating realistic images of outdoor scenes. Many methods have therefore been proposed for displaying realistic clouds. However, the realism of the resulting images depends on many parameters used to render them and it is often difficult to adjust those parameters manually. This paper proposes a method for addressing this problem by solving an inverse rendering problem: given a non-uniform synthetic cloud density distribution, the parameters for rendering the synthetic clouds are estimated using photographs of real clouds. The objective function is defined as the difference between the color histograms of the photograph and the synthetic image. Our method searches for the optimal parameters using genetic algorithms. During the search process, we take into account the multiple scattering of light inside the clouds. The search process is accelerated by precomputing a set of intermediate images. After ten to twenty minutes of precomputation, our method estimates the optimal parameters within a minute.
Lighting hair from the inside
Authors: Herrera Tomas Lay , Zinke Arno , Weber Andreas
Published: November 2012

Generating plausible hairstyles is a very challenging problem. Despite recent efforts no definite solution was presented so far. Many of the current limitations are related to the optical complexity of hair. In this paper we present a technique for hair reconstruction based on thermal imaging. By using this technique several issues of conventional image-based techniques, such as shadowing and anisotropy in reflectance, can be avoided. Moreover, hair-skin segmentation becomes a trivial problem, and no special care about lighting has to be taken, as the hair is "lit from inside" with the head as light source. The capture process is fast and requires a single hand-held device only. The potential of the proposed method is demonstrated by several challenging examples.
Automated constraint placement to maintain pile shape
Authors: Hsu Shu-Wei , Keyser John
Published: November 2012

We present a simulation control to support art-directable stacking designs by automatically adding constraints to stabilize the stacking structure. We begin by adapting equilibrium analysis in a local scheme to find "stable" objects of the stacking structure. Next, for stabilizing the structure, we pick suitable objects from those passing the equilibrium analysis and then restrict their DOFs by managing the insertion of constraints on them. The method is suitable for controlling stacking behavior of large scale. Results show that our control method can be used in varied ways for creating plausible animation. In addition, the method can be easily implemented as a plug-in into existing simulation solvers without changing the fundamental operations of the solvers.
Stackabilization
Authors: Li Honghua , Alhashim Ibraheem , Zhang Hao , Shamir Ariel , Cohen-Or Daniel
Published: November 2012

We introduce the geometric problem of
stackabilization
: how to geometrically modify a 3D object so that it is more amenable to stacking. Given a 3D object and a stacking direction, we define a measure of stackability, which is derived from the gap between the lower and upper envelopes of the object in a stacking configuration along the stacking direction. The main challenge in stackabilization lies in the desire to modify the object's geometry only subtly so that the intended functionality and aesthetic appearance of the original object are not significantly affected. We present an automatic algorithm to deform a 3D object to meet a target stackability score using energy minimization. The optimized energy accounts for both the scales of the deformation parameters as well as the preservation of pre-existing geometric and structural properties in the object, e. g., symmetry, as a means of maintaining its functionality. We also present an intelligent editing tool that assists a modeler when modifying a given 3D object to improve its stackability. Finally, we explore a few fun variations of the stackabilization problem.
Capturing and animating the morphogenesis of polygonal tree models
Authors: Pirk Sören , Niese Till , Deussen Oliver , Neubert Boris
Published: November 2012

Given a static tree model we present a method to compute developmental stages that approximate the tree's natural growth. The tree model is analyzed and a graph-based description its skeleton is determined. Based on structural similarity, branches are added where pruning has been applied or branches have died off over time. Botanic growth models and allometric rules enable us to produce convincing animations from a young tree that converge to the given model. Furthermore, the user can explore all intermediate stages. By selectively applying the process to parts of the tree even complex models can be edited easily. This form of reverse engineering enables users to create rich natural scenes from a small number of static tree models.
A vectorial solver for free-form vector gradients
Authors: Boyé Simon , Barla Pascal , Guennebaud Gaël
Published: November 2012

The creation of free-form vector drawings has been greatly improved in recent years with techniques based on (bi)-harmonic interpolation. Such methods offer the best trade-off between sparsity (keeping the number of control points small) and expressivity (achieving complex shapes and gradients). In this paper, we introduce a
vectorial
solver for the computation of free-form vector gradients. Based on Finite Element Methods (FEM), its key feature is to output a low-level vector representation suitable for very fast GPU accelerated rasterization and close-form evaluation. This intermediate representation is hidden from the user: it is dynamically updated using FEM during drawing when control points are edited. Since it is output-insensitive, our approach enables novel possibilities for (bi)-harmonic vector drawings such as instancing, layering, deformation, texture and environment mapping. Finally, in this paper we also generalize and extend the set of drawing possibilities. In particular, we show how to locally control vector gradients.
Transfusive image manipulation
Authors: Yücer Kaan , Jacobson Alec , Hornung Alexander , Sorkine Olga
Published: November 2012

We present a method for consistent automatic transfer of edits applied to one image to many other images of the same object or scene. By introducing novel, content-adaptive weight functions we enhance the non-rigid alignment framework of Lucas-Kanade to robustly handle changes of view point, illumination and non-rigid deformations of the subjects. Our weight functions are content-aware and possess high-order smoothness, enabling to define high-quality image warping with a low number of parameters using spatially-varying weighted combinations of affine deformations. Optimizing the warp parameters leads to subpixel-accurate alignment while maintaining computation efficiency. Our method allows users to perform precise, localized edits such as simultaneous painting on multiple images in real-time, relieving them from tedious and repetitive manual reapplication to each individual image.
All-hex meshing using singularity-restricted field
Authors: Li Yufei , Liu Yang , Xu Weiwei , Wang Wenping , Guo Baining
Published: November 2012

Decomposing a volume into high-quality hexahedral cells is a challenging task in geometric modeling and computational geometry. Inspired by the use of cross field in quad meshing and the CubeCover approach in hex meshing, we present a complete all-hex meshing framework based on
singularity-restricted field
that is essential to induce a valid all-hex structure. Given a volume represented by a tetrahedral mesh, we first compute a boundary-aligned 3D frame field inside it, then convert the frame field to be singularity-restricted by our effective topological operations. In our all-hex meshing framework, we apply the CubeCover method to achieve the volume parametrization. For reducing degenerate elements appearing in the volume parametrization, we also propose novel tetrahedral split operations to preprocess singularity-restricted frame fields. Experimental results show that our algorithm generates high-quality all-hex meshes from a variety of 3D volumes robustly and efficiently.
A luminance-contrast-aware disparity model and applications
Authors: Didyk Piotr , Ritschel Tobias , Eisemann Elmar , Myszkowski Karol , Seidel Hans-Peter , Matusik Wojciech
Published: November 2012

Binocular disparity is one of the most important depth cues used by the human visual system. Recently developed stereo-perception models allow us to successfully manipulate disparity in order to improve viewing comfort, depth discrimination as well as stereo content compression and display. Nonetheless, all existing models neglect the substantial influence of luminance on stereo perception. Our work is the first to account for the interplay of luminance contrast (magnitude/frequency) and disparity and our model predicts the human response to complex stereo-luminance images. Besides improving existing disparity-model applications (e.g., difference metrics or compression), our approach offers new possibilities, such as joint luminance contrast and disparity manipulation or the optimization of auto-stereoscopic content. We validate our results in a user study, which also reveals the advantage of considering luminance contrast and its significant impact on disparity manipulation techniques.