bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Error propagation control in Laplacian mesh compression
Authors: Váša L. , Dvořák J. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractLaplacian mesh compression, also known as high‐pass mesh coding, is a popular technique for efficiently storing both static and dynamic triangle meshes that gained further recognition with the advent of perceptual mesh distortion evaluation metrics. Currently, the usual rule of thumb that drives the decision for a mesh compression algorithm is whether or not accuracy in absolute scale is required: Laplacian mesh encoding is chosen when perceptual quality is the main objective, while other techniques provide better results in terms of mechanistic error measures such as mean squared error.In this work, we present a modification of the Laplacian mesh encoding algorithm that preserves its benefits while it substantially reduces the resulting absolute error. Our approach is based on analyzing the reconstruction stage and modifying the quantization of differential coordinates, so that the decoded result stays close to the input even in areas that are distant from anchor points. In our approach, we avoid solving an overdetermined system of linear equations and thus reduce data redundancy, improve conditioning and achieve faster processing. Our approach can be directly applied to both static and dynamic mesh compression and we provide quantitative results comparing our approach with the state of the art methods.
QuadriFlow: A Scalable and Robust Method for Quadrangulation
Authors: Huang Jingwei , Zhou Yichao , Niessner Matthias , Shewchuk Jonathan Richard , Guibas Leonidas J. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractQuadriFlow is a scalable algorithm for generating quadrilateral surface meshes based on the Instant Field‐Aligned Meshes of Jakob et al. (ACM Trans. Graph. 34(6):189, 2015). We modify the original algorithm such that it efficiently produces meshes with many fewer singularities. Singularities in quadrilateral meshes cause problems for many applications, including parametrization and rendering with Catmull‐Clark subdivision surfaces. Singularities can rarely be entirely eliminated, but it is possible to keep their number small. Local optimization algorithms usually produce meshes with many singularities, whereas the best algorithms tend to require non‐local optimization, and therefore are slow. We propose an efficient method to minimize singularities by combining the Instant Meshes objective with a system of linear and quadratic constraints. These constraints are enforced by solving a global minimum‐cost network flow problem and local boolean satisfiability problems. We have verified the robustness and efficiency of our method on a subset of ShapeNet comprising 17,791 3D objects in the wild. Our evaluation shows that the quality of the quadrangulations generated by our method is as good as, if not better than, those from other methods, achieving about four times fewer singularities than Instant Meshes. Other algorithms that produce similarly few singularities are much slower; we take less than ten seconds to process each model. Our source code is publicly available.
Statistical Modeling of the 3D Geometry and Topology of Botanical Trees
Authors: Wang Guan , Laga Hamid , Jia Jinyuan , Xie Ning , Tabia Hedi 
Published: July 2019

AbstractWe propose a framework for statistical modeling of the 3D geometry and topology of botanical trees. We treat botanical trees as points in a tree‐shape space equipped with a proper metric that captures the geometric and the topological differences between trees. Geodesics in the tree‐shape space correspond to the optimal sequence of deformations, i.e. bending, stretching, and topological changes, which align one tree onto another. In this way, the 3D tree modeling and synthesis problem becomes a problem of exploring the tree‐shape space either in a controlled fashion, using statistical regression, or randomly by sampling from probability distributions fitted to populations in the tree‐shape space. We show how to use this framework for (1) computing statistical summaries, e.g. the mean and modes of variations, of a population of botanical trees, (2) synthesizing random instances of botanical trees from probability distributions fitted to a population of botanical trees, and (3) modeling, interactively, 3D botanical trees using a simple sketching interface. The approach is fast and only requires as input 3D botanical tree models with a known upright orientation.
Fragrant and sticky allergens from the pinewood: Cohabiting and coreacting
Authors: Paulsen Evy , Andersen Flemming 
Published: July 2019

SUMMARYBackgroundTree moss (Pseudevernia furfuracea [L.] Zopf.), a lichen growing on conifers, is a frequent fragrance sensitizer. Previous studies have shown two subgroups of tree moss‐allergic patients: a group sensitized to common allergens of tree and oak moss (Evernia prunastri), and another group sensitized to colophonium‐derived allergens, which may contaminate tree moss extract.ObjectivesTo report the results of including tree moss extract in the baseline series and discuss the clinical implications.MethodsTree moss extract was included in the baseline series and sensitized patients were assessed for concomitant allergy to colophonium and oak moss, and the relevance of these reactions was analyzed.ResultsAltogether, 22 of 632 patients (3.5%) had positive reactions to tree moss. Eight patients were sensitized to tree moss only (among fragrance allergens) and 75% had relevant reactions to colophonium. Fourteen patients were sensitized to other fragrance allergens as well and 28.5% had relevant colophonium reactions.ConclusionsThe prevalence of positive tree moss reactions is high enough to justify its inclusion in the baseline series. If tree moss is not included, patients with positive colophonium reactions should be informed of possible (false) cross‐reactivity to tree moss to avoid this labeled fragrance allergen.
Longer‐term liraglutide administration at the highest dose approved for obesity increases reward‐related orbitofrontal cortex activation in response to food cues: Implications for plateauing weight loss in response to anti‐obesity therapies
Authors: Farr Olivia M. , Upadhyay Jagriti , Rutagengwa Chelsea , DiPrisco Bridget , Ranta Zachary , Adra Amal , Bapatla Neha , Douglas Vivian P. , Douglas Konstantinos A. A. , Nolen‐Doerr Eric , Mathew Hannah , Mantzoros Christos S. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAimsGLP‐1 analogs have recently risen to the forefront as effective medications for lowering weight through actions in the central nervous system (CNS). However, their actions in the CNS have not yet been studied in the human brain after longer‐term administration at the highest dose approved for obesity (liraglutide 3.0 mg).Materials and MethodsA total of 20 participants with obesity were treated with placebo and liraglutide (3.0 mg) in the context of a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, cross‐over trial after 5 weeks of dose escalation. Neurocognitive and neuroimaging (fMRI) responses to food cues were examined at the clinical research center of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.ResultsWhile using liraglutide, patients lost more weight (placebo‐subtracted −2.7%; P < .001), had decreased fasting glucose (P < .001) and showed improved cholesterol levels. In an uncontrolled analysis, brain activation in response to food images was not altered by liraglutide vs placebo. When controlled for BMI/weight, liraglutide increased activation of the right orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) in response to food cues (P < .016, corrected for multiple comparisons).ConclusionsIn contrast to prior studies, we demonstrate for the first time that liraglutide treatment, administered over a longer period at the highest doses approved for obesity, does not alter brain activation in response to food cues. A counter‐regulatory increase in reward‐related OFC activation in response to food cues can be observed when neuroimaging data are controlled for BMI changes, indicating changes in CNS that could lead to later plateaus of weight loss. These data point to a promising focus for additional interventions which, by contributing to the CNS reward system, could provide tangible benefits in reversing the plateauing phenomenon and promoting further weight loss.
Association between blood pressure variability, cardiovascular disease and mortality in type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chiriacò Martina , Pateras Konstantinos , Virdis Agostino , Charakida Marietta , Kyriakopoulou Despoina , Nannipieri Monica , Emdin Michele , Tsioufis Konstantinos , Taddei Stefano , Masi Stefano , Georgiopoulos Georgios 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAimTo investigate the associations of blood pressure variability (BPV), expressed as long‐term (visit‐to‐visit) and short‐term (ambulatory blood pressure monitoring [ABPM] and home blood pressure monitoring [HBPM]) and all‐cause mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), extended MACEs, microvascular complications (MiCs) and hypertension‐mediated organ damage (HMOD) in adult patients with type 2 diabetes.Materials and methodsPubMed, Medline, Embase, Cinahl, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov and grey literature databases were searched for studies including patients with type 2 diabetes, at least one variable of BPV (visit‐to‐visit, HBPM, ABPM) and evaluation of the incidence of at least one of the following outcomes: all‐cause mortality, MACEs, extended MACEs and/or MiCs and/or HMOD. The extracted information was analyzed using random effects meta‐analysis and meta‐regression.ResultsData from a total of 377 305 patients were analyzed. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) variability was associated with a significantly increased risk of all‐cause mortality (HR 1.12, 95% CI 1.04–1.21), MACEs (HR 1.01, 95% CI 1.04–1.17), extended MACEs (HR 1.07, 95% CI 1.03–1.11) and MiCs (HR 1. 12, 95% CI 1.01–1.24), while diastolic blood pressure was not. Associations were mainly driven from studies on long‐term SBP variability. Qualitative analysis showed that BPV was associated with the presence of HMOD expressed as carotid intima‐media thickness, pulse wave velocity and left ventricular hypertrophy. Results were independent of mean blood pressure, glycaemic control and serum creatinine levels.ConclusionsOur results suggest that BPV might provide additional information rather than mean blood pressure on the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes.
The impact of environmental regulation on Chinese spatial development
Authors: Naso Pedro , Huang Yi , Swanson Tim 
Published: July 2019

AbstractWe examine the relationship between environmental regulation and spatial development in China. Exploiting changes in national pollution standards for three industries, ammonia, paper and cement, we measure the impact of environmental regulation on industry productivity. Our results suggest that national pollution standards do not affect industry productivity, but they reallocate productivity spatially. We show that regulated industries located in developing cities increase their productivity compared to similar industries in other cities. This means that environmental regulation affects the spatial distribution of technology in China and might influence long‐term spatial development by reducing geographical disparities.
Evaluating long‐term ivermectin use and the role of dung beetles in reducing short‐term CH4and CO2emissions from livestock faeces: a mesocosm design under Mediterranean conditions
Authors: Verdú José R. , Sánchez‐Piñero Francisco , Lobo Jorge M. , Cortez Vieyle 
Published: July 2019

1. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from livestock contribute significantly to global warming, and a reduction of this source of emissions is crucial in achieving the goal of mitigating global warming.2. CO2and CH4emissions from dung pats were analysed by means of a mesocosm experiment in a Mediterranean ecosystem. The experiment consisted of a total of 30 mesocosms distributed across three treatments: a well‐preserved, undisturbed dung beetle assemblage associated with organic livestock; a dung beetle assemblage that was impoverished as a result of the long‐term use of veterinary medical products; and a control treatment without dung beetles.3. Corrections related to insect respiration allow researchers to provide more precise measurements of CO2emissions from dung, especially in the initial and final phases of dung exposure, when the percentage of CO2emitted by dung beetles can become greater than the emissions from the dung pats themselves.4. The effects of dung beetles on CO2and CH4emissions are much more accentuated in warm‐temperate conditions than in northern temperate areas previously studied. Mediterranean assemblages remove and spread dung faster and more effectively than do northern dung beetle assemblages characterised by a lower functional richness and beetle abundance and biomass.5. From a livestock management viewpoint, mesocosms representing areas with impoverished dung beetle assemblages, due to the long‐term use of veterinary medical products, such as ivermectin, emitted 1.6‐ and 2.8‐fold higher total CO2and CH4, respectively, than mesocosms mimicking sites with untreated livestock.
Anthropogenic modifications to fire regimes in the wider Serengeti‐Mara ecosystem
Authors: Probert James R. , Parr Catherine L. , Holdo Ricardo M. , Anderson T. Michael , Archibald Sally , Courtney Mustaphi Colin J. , Dobson Andrew P. , Donaldson Jason E. , Hopcraft Grant C. , Hempson Gareth P. , Morrison Thomas A. , Beale Colin M. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractFire is a key driver in savannah systems and widely used as a land management tool. Intensifying human land uses are leading to rapid changes in the fire regimes, with consequences for ecosystem functioning and composition. We undertake a novel analysis describing spatial patterns in the fire regime of the Serengeti‐Mara ecosystem, document multidecadal temporal changes and investigate the factors underlying these patterns. We used MODIS active fire and burned area products from 2001 to 2014 to identify individual fires; summarizing four characteristics for each detected fire: size, ignition date, time since last fire and radiative power. Using satellite imagery, we estimated the rate of change in the density of livestock bomas as a proxy for livestock density. We used these metrics to model drivers of variation in the four fire characteristics, as well as total number of fires and total area burned. Fires in the Serengeti‐Mara show high spatial variability—with number of fires and ignition date mirroring mean annual precipitation. The short‐term effect of rainfall decreases fire size and intensity but cumulative rainfall over several years leads to increased standing grass biomass and fuel loads, and, therefore, in larger and hotter fires. Our study reveals dramatic changes over time, with a reduction in total number of fires and total area burned, to the point where some areas now experience virtually no fire. We suggest that increasing livestock numbers are driving this decline, presumably by inhibiting fire spread. These temporal patterns are part of a global decline in total area burned, especially in savannahs, and we caution that ecosystem functioning may have been compromised. Land managers and policy formulators need to factor in rapid fire regime modifications to achieve management objectives and maintain the ecological function of savannah ecosystems.
New insights into resistance of Helicobacter pylori against third‐ and fourth‐generation fluoroquinolones: A molecular docking study of prevalent GyrA mutations
Authors: Salehi Najmeh , Attaran Bahareh , Eskini Negin , Esmaeili Maryam , Sharifirad Atefeh , Sadeghi Mehdi , Mohammadi Marjan 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundFluoroquinolones hinder bacterial DNA replication by inhibiting DNA gyrase. However, mutations, in the QRDR segment of its A subunit (GyrA), cause antibiotic resistance. Here, the interactions of levofloxacin (LVX), gemifloxacin (GXN), and moxifloxacin (MXN) with Helicobacter pylori GyrA, in LVX‐resistant vs ‐sensitive strains, were studied.MethodsLevoflixacin‐sensitive (n = 4) and ‐resistant (n = 9) H pylori strains, randomly selected from another antibiotic susceptibility study, underwent PCR amplification of gyrA gene, spanning the QRDR segment. The amplified gene fragments were sequenced and aligned. The homology model of H pylori GyrA was built based on that of Escherichia coli, and energy minimization was done. The interaction patterns of LVX, GXN, and MXN with GyrA were analyzed via molecular docking studies.ResultsSequence alignment of the 13 studied strains, created 5 categories of strains: (A) wild type‐like (H pylori ATCC26695), (B) N87K‐only, (C) D91N‐only, (D) N87K + V94L, and (E) D91N + A97V mutations. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for LVX‐sensitive (category A) and ‐resistant (categories B‐E) strains were <1 mg/L and ≥32 mg/L, respectively. The binding mode of GyrA in category A with LVX identified G35/N87/Y90/D91/V94/G114/S115/I116/D117/G118/D119, as key residues, some residing outside the QRDR segment. Category B strains lost only one interaction (G35), which led to elevated binding free energy (∆G) and full LVX resistance. Categories C‐E lost more contacts, with higher ∆G and again full LVX resistance. GXN bound to GyrA of categories A and B via a different set of key residues, while MXN retained the lost contact (G35) in LVX‐resistant, category B strains.ConclusionUsing molecular docking tools, we identified the key residues responsible for interaction of GyrA with LVX, GXN, and MXN. In the presence of N87K‐only mutation, the loss of one of these contacts (ie, G35) led to full LVX resistance. Yet, GXN and MXN overcame this mutation, by retaining all key contacts with GyrA.
A vacancy‐rich, partially inverted spinelloid silicate, (Mg,Fe,Si)2(Si,□)O4, as a major matrix phase in shock melt veins of the Tenham and Suizhou L6 chondrites
Authors: Ma Chi , Tschauner Oliver , Bindi Luca , Beckett John R. , Xie Xiande 
Published: July 2019

AbstractA new high‐pressure silicate, (Mg,Fe,Si)2(Si,□)O4 with a tetragonal spinelloid structure, was discovered within shock melt veins in the Tenham and Suizhou meteorites, two highly shocked L6 ordinary chondrites. Relative to ringwoodite, this phase exhibits an inversion of Si coupled with intrinsic vacancies and a consequent reduction of symmetry. Most notably, the spinelloid makes up about 30–40 vol% of the matrix of shock veins with the remainder composed of a vitrified (Mg,Fe)SiO3 phase (in Tenham) or (Mg,Fe)SiO3‐rich clinopyroxene (in Suizhou); these phase assemblages constitute the bulk of the matrix in the shock veins. Previous assessments of the melt matrices concluded that majorite and akimotoite were the major phases. Our contrasting result requires revision of inferred conditions during shock melt cooling of the Tenham and Suizhou meteorites, revealing in particular a much higher quench rate (at least 5 × 103 K s−1) for veins of 100–500 μm diameter, thus overriding formation of the stable phase assemblage majoritic garnet plus periclase.
Dissecting the genetic architecture of a stepwise infection process
Authors: Hall Matthew D. , Routtu Jarkko , Ebert Dieter 
Published: July 2019

AbstractHow a host fights infection depends on an ordered sequence of steps, beginning with attempts to prevent a pathogen from establishing an infection, through to steps that mitigate a pathogen's control of host resources or minimize the damage caused during infection. Yet empirically characterizing the genetic basis of these steps remains challenging. Although each step is likely to have a unique genetic and environmental signature, and may therefore respond to selection in different ways, events that occur earlier in the infection process can mask or overwhelm the contributions of subsequent steps. In this study, we dissect the genetic architecture of a stepwise infection process using a quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping approach. We control for variation at the first line of defence against a bacterial pathogen and expose downstream genetic variability related to the host's ability to mitigate the damage pathogens cause. In our model, the water‐flea Daphnia magna, we found a single major effect QTL, explaining 64% of the variance, that is linked to the host's ability to completely block pathogen entry by preventing their attachment to the host oesophagus; this is consistent with the detection of this locus in previous studies. In susceptible hosts allowing attachment, however, a further 23 QTLs, explaining between 5% and 16% of the variance, were mapped to traits related to the expression of disease. The general lack of pleiotropy and epistasis for traits related to the different stages of the infection process, together with the wide distribution of QTLs across the genome, highlights the modular nature of a host's defence portfolio, and the potential for each different step to evolve independently. We discuss how isolating the genetic basis of individual steps can help to resolve discussion over the genetic architecture of host resistance.
Winter's bite: beech trees survive complete defoliation due to spring late‐frost damage by mobilizing old C reserves
Authors: D'Andrea Ettore , Rezaie Negar , Battistelli Alberto , Gavrichkova Olga , Kuhlmann Iris , Matteucci Giorgio , Moscatello Stefano , Proietti Simona , Scartazza Andrea , Trumbore Susan , Muhr Jan 
Published: July 2019

Summary

Late frost can destroy the photosynthetic apparatus of trees. We hypothesized that this can alter the normal cyclic dynamics of C‐reserves in the wood.

We measured soluble sugar concentrations and radiocarbon signatures (Δ14C) of soluble nonstructural carbon (NSC) in woody tissues sampled from a Mediterranean beech forest that was completely defoliated by an exceptional late frost in 2016. We used the bomb radiocarbon approach to estimate the time elapsed since fixation of mobilized soluble sugars.

During the leafless period after the frost event, soluble sugar concentrations declined sharply while Δ14C of NSC increased. This can be explained by the lack of fresh assimilate supply and a mobilization of C from reserve pools. Soluble NSC became increasingly older during the leafless period, with a maximum average age of 5 yr from samples collected 27 d before canopy recovery. Following leaf re‐growth, soluble sugar concentrations increased and Δ14C of soluble NSC decreased, indicating the allocation of new assimilates to the stem soluble sugars pool.

These data highlight that beech trees rapidly mobilize reserve C to survive strong source–sink imbalances, for example due to late frost, and show that NSC is a key trait for tree resilience under global change.
An unusual lingual lesion: actinomycosis of the tongue
Authors: Won J. , De Silva H.L. , De Silva R.K. , Colambage S. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractActinomycosis is characterised by the chronic, suppurative and cellulitic invasion of soft tissues primarily caused by the bacteria genus Actinomyces. Due to unique anatomical and histophysiologic features of the tongue, lingual actinomycosis is an extremely rare finding. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, it may cause extensive tissue damage. The authors report on an unusual case of lingual actinomycosis in the hopes of aiding the present and future dental practitioners in diagnosing the lesion correctly for appropriate specialist referral and management.