bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Translucent Image Recoloring through Homography Estimation
Authors: Huang Yifei , Wang Changbo , Li Chenhui 
Published: October 2018

AbstractImage color editing techniques are of great significance for users who wish to adjust the image color. However, previous works paid less attention to the translucent images. In this paper, we propose a new method to recolor the translucent images while preserving detailed information and color relationships of the source image. We consider the recolor problem as a location transformation problem and solve it in two steps: automatic palette extraction and homography estimation. First, we propose the Hmeans method to extract the dominant colors of the source image based on histogram statistics and clustering. Then, we propose homography estimation to map the source colors to desired colors in the CIE‐LAB color space. Further, we adopt a non‐linear optimization approach to improve the result generated by the last step. The proposed method maintains high fidelity of the source image. Experiments have shown that our method generates a state‐of‐the‐art visual result, in particular in the shadow areas. The source images with ground truth generated by a ray tracer further verify the effectiveness of our method.
Subdivision schemes with optimal bounded curvature near extraordinary vertices
Authors: Ma Yue , Ma Weiyin 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWe present a novel method to construct subdivision stencils near extraordinary vertices with limit surfaces having optimal bounded curvature at extraordinary positions. With the proposed method, subdivision stencils for newly inserted and updated vertices near extraordinary vertices are first constructed to ensure subdivision with G1 continuity and bounded curvature at extraordinary positions. The remaining degrees of freedom of the constructed subdivision stencils are further used to optimize the eigenbasis functions corresponding to the subsubdominant eigenvalues of the subdivision with respect to G2 continuity constraints. We demonstrate the method by replacing subdivision stencils near extraordinary vertices for Catmull‐Clark subdivision and compare the results with the original Catmull‐Clark subdivision and previous tuning schemes known with small curvature variation near extraordinary positions. The results show that the proposed method produces subdivision schemes with better or comparable curvature behavior around extraordinary vertices with comparatively simple subdivision stencils.
Curvature continuity conditions between adjacent toric surface patches
Authors: Sun Lanyin , Zhu Chungang 
Published: October 2018

AbstractToric surface patch is the multi‐sided generalization of classical Bézier surface patch. Geometric continuity of the parametric surface patches plays a crucial role in geometric modeling. In this paper, the necessary and sufficient conditions of curvature continuity between toric surface patches are illustrated with the theory of toric degeneration. Furthermore, some practical sufficient conditions of curvature continuity of toric surface patches are also developed.
Longitudinal trajectories and reference centiles for the impact of health conditions on daily activities of children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Bartlett Doreen J , Gorter Jan Willem , Jeffries Lynn M , Avery Lisa , Hanna Steven E ,   On Track Study Team
Published: October 2018

AimFirst, to describe the impact of health conditions on daily activities over time in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and to create age‐specific reference centiles. Second, to determine the amount of change typical over a 1‐year period, across Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels.MethodA prospective, cohort design, with five assessments over 2 years, involved 708 children with a confirmed diagnosis of CP participating in the On Track Study (396 males, 312 females; mean age 6y [SD 2y 7mo]; range 18mo–12y at first assessment; 32.1% in GMFCS level I, 22.7% in GMFCS level II, 11.2% in GMFCS level III, 18.2% in GMFCS level IV, 15.7% in GMFCS level V). The impact of health conditions on daily activities was assessed using the Child Health Conditions Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using mixed‐effects models and quantile regression.ResultsLinear longitudinal trajectories describe the relatively stable impact of health conditions over time for each functional level for children aged 2 years to 12 years, with the lowest scores (least impact) in GMFCS level I and the highest scores (highest impact) in GMFCS level V. Centiles were created for children in each GMFCS level. A system to interpret the magnitude of change over time in centiles was developed.InterpretationLongitudinal trajectories of co‐occurring health conditions assist with understanding children's prognoses. Centiles assist in understanding a child's experience relative to children in similar GMFCS levels. Guidelines are provided to determine if children are progressing ‘as expected’, ‘better than expected’ or ‘more poorly than expected’ in regard to the impact of health conditions on daily activities.What this paper adds

For children with cerebral palsy, the mean impact of health conditions on daily activities is relatively stable.

Significant intraindividual and interindividual variability for the impact of health conditions exists, which complicates prognosis.

Centiles enable interpretation of the impact of health conditions relative to Gross Motor Function Classification System level.
Influence of Ambient Temperature, Precipitation, and Groundwater Level on Natural Source Zone Depletion Rates at a Large Semiarid LNAPL Site
Authors: McAlexander Benjamin , Sihota Natasha 
Published: October 2018

AbstractNatural source zone depletion (NSZD) is increasingly being integrated into management strategies for petroleum release sites. Measurements of NSZD rates can be used to evaluate naturally occurring hydrocarbon (HC) mass losses, and provide a baseline for evaluating engineered recovery systems. Here, nominal saturated and unsaturated zone HC losses were quantified by groundwater sampling and ground surface CO2 effluxes approximately monthly over a 1‐year period. In addition, subsurface gas profiles and temperature, precipitation, and groundwater elevation were evaluated to elucidate dominant environmental factors controlling NSZD rates. Results showed that NSZD rates estimated by surface CO2 effluxes were, on average, more than a factor of 3 greater than those estimated by uptake of electron acceptors (primarily sulfate) in extracted groundwater. This may indicate that vadose zone mass loss mechanisms (e.g., volatilization and subsequent biodegradation) were dominant in this system, but possible transfer of gases from the saturated zone to the vadose zone confounds this interpretation. Results for this semiarid site revealed that increasing NSZD rates tended to occur with increasing ambient monthly precipitation and temperature when accounting for time lags associated with subsurface transport. However, groundwater elevation was not found to be significantly related to NSZD rates. This result is counter to an expectation that increased smear zone exposure increases HC mass losses, and suggests that the pump‐and‐treat system did not greatly influence total NSZD rates directly through smear zone flushing or indirectly by lowering the regional water table.
Rosemary powder filtrate improves the oxidative stability and antioxidant properties of rapeseed oil: potential applications for domestic cooking
Authors: Redondo‐Cuevas Lucía , Hayes Helen , Nicol Fergus , Raikos Vassilios 
Published: October 2018

SummaryRapeseed oil is an important source of edible oil for the human diet but is also highly susceptible to oxidative deterioration. Previous research has demonstrated that rosemary powder and its extracts can increase the oxidative stability of rapeseed oil. In this study, the protective effect of ground rosemary powder (0.25–2.0%) against the oxidative degradation of filtered rapeseed oil was assessed. Rapeseed oil filtrate showed enhanced antioxidant capacity and higher induction periods (IP) based on Rancimat analysis. Lower conductivity changes and total colour differences, reduced malondialdehyde and conjugated dienes content, and higher levels of tocopherols and carotenoids were observed for the oils formulated with rosemary powder after 1.5 and 3 h of exposure to accelerated oxidation. The use of rosemary powder filtrate could be an effective way to protect rapeseed oil from oxidation during storage or cooking with domestic and commercial applications.
Antihyperuricemic effect of tuna protein hydrolysate and derived products after in vitro digestion or Maillard reaction on oteracil potassium‐induced hyperuricemia rats
Authors: Liu Yang , Zou Jing , Zhao Yaqi , Sun‐Waterhouse Dongxiao , Zhao Mouming , Su Guowan 
Published: October 2018

SummaryTo investigate the effect of Maillard reaction (MR) and gastrointestinal digestion (GID) on the antihyperuricemic activity of tuna protein hydrolysate (TPH), hyperuricemia rats were treated with TPH, its MR products (TPH‐M) and gastrointestinal digesta (TPH‐D) in this work. Although the XO inhibitory activity of TPH‐M was higher than TPH, TPH‐M exhibited even lower serum‐uric‐acid‐lowering activity than TPH. Additionally, there was no significant (P < 0.05) difference observed in the inhibition of XO activity in vitro and antihyperuricemic activity of TPH and TPH‐D, indicated that the antihyperuricemic activity of TPH would not decrease after GID. Additionally, TPH, TPH‐M and TPH‐D could effectively inhibit XO activity and downregulate XO mRNA expression in vivo, suggesting the mechanisms of antihyperuricemic effect was related to XO inhibitory activity and XO mRNA expression. As a whole, TPH could be a useful functional ingredient against hyperuricemia.
Plasticity of antimicrobial and phagocytic programs in human macrophages
Authors: Montoya Dennis , Mehta Manali , Ferguson Benjamin G. , Teles Rosane M. B. , Krutzik Stephan R. , Cruz Daniel , Pellegrini Matteo , Modlin Robert L. 
Published: October 2018

SummaryMacrophage (MΦ) polarization is triggered during the innate immune response to defend against microbial pathogens, but can also contribute to disease pathogenesis. In a previous study, we found that interleukin‐15 (IL‐15) ‐derived classically activated macrophages (M1 MΦ) have enhanced antimicrobial activity, whereas IL‐10‐derived alternatively activated macrophages (M2 MΦ) were highly phagocytic but lacked antimicrobial activity. Given that the ability to modulate MΦ polarization from M2 MΦ to M1 MΦ may promote a more effective immune response to infection, we investigated the plasticity of these MΦ programs. Addition of IL‐10 to M1 MΦ induced M2‐like MΦ, but IL‐15 had little effect on M2 MΦ. We determined the set of immune receptors that are present on M2 MΦ, elucidating two candidates for inducing plasticity of M2 MΦ, Toll‐like receptor 1 (TLR1) and interferonγ (IFN‐γ) receptor 1. Stimulation of M2 MΦ with TLR2/1 ligand (TLR2/1L) or IFN‐γ alone was not sufficient to alter M2 MΦ phenotype or function. However, co‐addition of TLR2/1L and IFN‐γ re‐educated M2 MΦ towards the M1 MΦ phenotype, with a decrease in the phagocytosis of lipids and mycobacteria, as well as recovery of the vitamin‐D‐dependent antimicrobial pathway compared with M2 MΦ maintained in polarizing conditions. Similarly, treatment of M2 MΦ with both TLR2/1L and anti‐IL‐10 neutralizing antibodies led to polarization to the M1‐like MΦ phenotype and function. Together, our data demonstrate an approach to induce MΦ plasticity that provides the potential for re‐educating MΦ function in human mycobacterial disease to promote host defense and limit pathogenesis.
Stock market reactions to dividend and earnings announcements in a tax‐free environment
Authors: Tee Kienpin , Tessema Abiot M. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis paper investigates the stock market reactions to dividend and earnings announcements for firms listed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where there is no tax on dividend income or capital gains. This tax‐free setting allows us to examine the tax‐based signalling hypothesis, which holds that a change in dividends does not offer important information when dividend income is not taxed. Contrary to the tax‐based signalling theory, we find a positive (negative) price reaction to dividend initiations and increases (dividend omissions and decreases). We further examine the signalling hypothesis, which proposes that dividends convey information about firms' future earnings. We find that the size of the dividend increases or decreases does not predict future earnings.
Insurance activity and economic performance: Fresh evidence from asymmetric panel causality tests
Authors: Hatemi‐J Abdulnasser , Lee Chi‐Chuan , Lee Chien‐Chiang , Gupta Rangan 
Published: October 2018

AbstractInsurance plays a fundamental role in any modern economy, but the literature has not accounted for the potential asymmetric causal impacts from the dynamic interaction between the insurance market and economic performance. This paper aims to fill this gap by studying the causal relationship between several measures of insurance per capita and real GDP per capita in the G7 countries over the period 1980–2014 via asymmetric panel causality tests. Our results show that insurance market activity and economic performance exhibit bidirectional causalities, but their direction, intensity and significance are different due to distinct market situations. In general, insurance activity plays a passive role in economic performance, while economic performance has a significant role in insurance activity. These findings offer several useful insights for policy makers and researchers.
Mechanochemical synthesis of α‐Al2O3‐Cr3+ (Ruby) and χ‐Al2O3
Authors: Cortes‐Vega Fernando D. , Yang Wenli , Zarate‐Medina Juan , Brankovic Stanko R. , Calderon Hector A. , Robles Hernandez Francisco C. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn this work we present a unique method to synthesize χ‐Al2O3 and α‐Al2O3 doped with Cr3+ (ruby). The ruby is synthesized by mechanical milling of pseudoboehmite that is doped in‐situ with chromium. The doping is carried by adding chromium sulfate hydrate to an aqueous solution rich in aluminum sulfate hydrate. The pH in the solution is controlled to be between 9 and 10 by using ammonia, which induces the pseudoboehmite precipitation. The Cr3+ is added for its remarkable effects on the detectability of ruby emitting luminescent R1 and R2 bands that are traceable in Raman spectroscopy. The formation of ruby is detected at milling times as short as 5 hours and increased with the milling time. Ruby phase is further confirmed by means of true atomic resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).
An intervention using the Parenting Toolkit “Children—What does it involve?” and the Real‐Care‐Baby simulator among students with intellectual disability—A feasibility study
Authors: Janeslätt Gunnel , Larsson Margareta , Wickström Maria , Springer Lydia , Höglund Berit 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundThere is limited knowledge about how young people with intellectual disability can be facilitated in their process of deciding about parenthood. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of an upcoming trial to evaluate an intervention using the Toolkit “Children—what does it involve?” and the “Real‐Care‐Baby” (RCB) simulator among students with intellectual disability.MethodsSix students with intellectual disability participated in an intervention with eight educational sessions and a 3‐day caring session with the RCB simulator. Data were collected with questionnaires and interviews.ResultsThe study showed that it is possible to evaluate an intervention using these instruments among students with intellectual disability in order to provide them with further insights about parenthood.ConclusionIt is feasible to evaluate the Toolkit and the RCB in a cluster‐randomized study and that such a study could add to our knowledge about possible intervention strategies regarding reproduction and parenting among students with intellectual disability.
A qualitative study about quality of life in Brazilian families with children who have severe or profound intellectual disability
Authors: Rodrigues Stephania A. , Fontanella Bruno J. B. , de Avó Lucimar R. S. , Germano Carla M. R. , Melo Débora G. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundThis study investigated the psychocultural perspectives concerning family quality of life among Brazilian families with children who have severe or profound intellectual disability.MethodsIndividual in‐depth semi‐structured interviews conducted with 15 mothers, selected by convenience, were analysed using a categorical thematic analysis technique. The themes were examined to allow for an interpretative approach of the results.ResultsMothers revealed that their children with disabilities had insufficient access to services and support related to health care, transportation and recreation. Family quality of life was negatively affected by financial restrictions and social interaction difficulties. Caring for a child with disabilities seemed to be centred on the mother and religious coping appeared as a common psychological adjustment strategy.ConclusionsImproving emotional and psychological cares, as well as social and practical measures comprising income support and access to appropriate health care, were inferred to be the mothers’ priorities to improve their families’ quality of life.
Touch‐typing for better spelling and narrative‐writing skills on the computer
Authors: van Weerdenburg Marjolijn , Tesselhof Mariëtte , van der Meijden Henny 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis study investigated the effect of a touch‐typing course on the spelling and narrative‐writing skills on the computer of elementary school students. Data of 207 students in Grades 4, 5, and 6 were analysed using a pretest–posttest design. Students in the experimental group (n = 154) followed a touch‐typing course, and those in the control group (n = 53) did not. The experimental group showed more progress in typing, spelling, and narrative‐writing skills on the computer than the control group. It can be concluded that the touch‐typing course had a positive effect, not only on typing skills but also on spelling and narrative‐writing skills on the computer.
Microglial Mincle receptor in the PVN contributes to sympathetic hyperactivity in acute myocardial infarction rat
Authors: Wang Yu , Yin Jie , Wang Cailing , Hu Hesheng , Li Xiaolu , Xue Mei , Liu Ju , Cheng Wenjuan , Wang Ye , Li Yan , Shi Yugen , Tan Jiayu , Li Xinran , Liu Fuhong , Liu Qiang , Yan Suhua 
Published: October 2018

AbstractMalignant ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) following myocardial infarction (MI) is a lethal complication resulting from sympathetic nerve hyperactivity. Numerous evidence have shown that inflammation within the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) participates in sympathetic hyperactivity. Our aim was to explore the role of Macrophage‐inducible C‐type lectin (Mincle) within the PVN in augmenting sympathetic activity following MI,and whether NOD‐like receptor family pyrin domain‐containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome/IL‐1β axis is involved in this activity. MI was induced by coronary artery ligation. Mincle expression localized in microglia within the PVN was markedly increased at 24 hours post‐MI together with sympathetic hyperactivity, as indicated by measurement of the renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) and norepinephrine (NE) concentration. Mincle‐specific siRNA was administrated locally to the PVN, which consequently decreased microglial activation and sympathetic nerve activity. The MI rats exhibited a higher arrhythmia score after programmed electric stimulation than that treated with Mincle siRNA, suggesting that the inhibition of Mincle attenuated foetal ventricular arrhythmias post‐MI. The underlying mechanism of Mincle in sympathetic hyperactivity was investigated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐primed naïve rats. Recombinant Sin3A‐associated protein 130kD (rSAP130), an endogenous ligand for Mincle, induced high levels of NLRP3 and mature IL‐1β protein. PVN‐targeted injection of NLRP3 siRNA or IL‐1β antagonist gevokizumab attenuated sympathetic hyperactivity. Together, the data indicated that the knockdown of Mincle in microglia within the PVN prevents VAs by attenuating sympathetic hyperactivity and ventricular susceptibility, in part by inhibiting its downstream NLRP3/IL‐1β axis following MI. Therapeutic interventions targeting Mincle signalling pathway could constitute a novel approach for preventing infarction injury.
CUDC‐907 blocks multiple pro‐survival signals and abrogates microenvironment protection in CLL
Authors: Chen Yixiang , Peubez Chloé , Smith Victoria , Xiong Shiqiu , Kocsis‐Fodor Gabriella , Kennedy Ben , Wagner Simon , Balotis Constantine , Jayne Sandrine , Dyer Martin J. S. , Macip Salvador 
Published: October 2018

AbstractCUDC‐907, a dual PI3K/HDAC inhibitor, has been proposed to have therapeutic potential in hematopoietic malignancies. However, the molecular mechanisms of its effects in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) remain elusive. We show that CLL cells are sensitive to CUDC‐907, even under conditions similar to the protective microenvironment of proliferation centres. CUDC‐907 inhibited PI3K/AKT and HDAC activity, as expected, but also suppressed RAF/MEK/ERK and STAT3 signalling and reduced the expression of anti‐apoptotic BCL‐2 family proteins BCL‐2, BCL‐xL, and MCL‐1. Moreover, CUDC‐907 downregulated cytokines BAFF and APRIL and their receptors BAFFR, TACI, and BCMA, thus blocking BAFF‐induced NF‐κB signalling. T cell chemokines CCL3/4/17/22 and phosphorylation of CXCR4 were also reduced by CUDC‐907. These data indicated that CUDC‐907 abrogates different protective signals and suggested that it might sensitize CLL cells to other drugs. Indeed, combinations of low concentrations of CUDC‐907 with inhibitors of BCL2, BTK, or the NF‐κB pathway showed a potent synergistic effect. Our data indicate that, apart from its known functions, CUDC‐907 blocks multiple pro‐survival pathways to overcome microenvironment protection in CLL cells. This provides a rationale to evaluate the clinical relevance of CUDC‐907 in combination therapies with other targeted inhibitors.
The effects of stenting on coronary endothelium from a molecular biological view: Time for improvement?
Authors: Cornelissen Anne , Vogt Felix Jan 
Published: October 2018

AbstractCoronary artery stenting following balloon angioplasty represents the gold standard in revascularization of coronary artery stenoses. However, stent deployment as well as percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) alone causes severe injury of vascular endothelium. The damaged endothelium is intrinsically repaired by locally derived endothelial cells and by circulating endothelial progenitor cells from the blood, leading to re‐population of the denuded regions within several weeks to months. However, the process of re‐endothelialization is often incomplete or dysfunctional, promoting in‐stent thrombosis and restenosis. The molecular and biomechanical mechanisms that influence the process of re‐endothelialization in stented segments are incompletely understood. Once the endothelium is restored, endothelial function might still be impaired. Several strategies have been followed to improve endothelial function after coronary stenting. In this review, the effects of stenting on coronary endothelium are outlined and current and future strategies to improve endothelial function after stent deployment are discussed.