bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On required accuracy of mixed noise parameter estimation for image enhancement via denoising
Authors: Abramova Victoriya V , Abramov Sergey K , Lukin Vladimir V , Egiazarian Karen O , Astola Jaakko T 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Characteristics of noise (type, statistics, spatial correlation) are nowadays exploited in many image denoising and enhancement methods. However, these characteristics are often unknown, and they have to be extracted from an image at hand. There are many powerful and accurate blind methods for noise variance estimation for the cases of additive and multiplicative noise models. However, more complicated noise models containing a mixture of signal-independent (SI) and signal-dependent (SD) components are often more adequate in practice. Parameters of both components have to be automatically estimated to be used in image enhancement. This paper addresses a question of required accuracy of such estimation. Analysis is carried out for color images processed by a filter based on discrete cosine transform. The influence of errors in mixed noise parameters estimation is studied in terms of filtering efficiency. This efficiency is characterized by the conventional criterion peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and two visual quality metrics, PSNR human visual system masking (PSNR-HVS-M) and multi-scale structural similarity (MSSIM). If a reduction of filtering efficiency exceeds 0.5 dB (in terms of PSNR and PSNR-HVS-M) or 0.005 (in terms of MSSIM), mixed noise parameters estimation is assumed to be unacceptable. As the result, it is shown that SI and SD noise parameters have to be estimated with a relative error not exceeding 20%…30%.
Efficient yeast cell-surface display of exo- and endo-cellulase using the SED1 anchoring region and its original promoter
Authors: Inokuma Kentaro , Hasunuma Tomohisa , Kondo Akihiko 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
The recombinant yeast strains displaying the heterologous cellulolytic enzymes on the cell surface using the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchoring system are considered promising biocatalysts for direct conversion of lignocellulosic materials to ethanol. However, the cellulolytic activities of the conventional cellulase-displaying yeast strains are insufficient for the hydrolysis of cellulose. In this study, we constructed novel gene cassettes for the efficient cellulose utilization by cellulase-displaying yeast strains.

Results
The novel gene cassettes for the cell-surface display of Aspergillus aculeatus β-glucosidase (BGL1) and Trichoderma reeseii endoglucanase II (EGII) were constructed using the promoter and the GPI anchoring region derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae SED1. The gene cassettes were integrated into the S. cerevisiae genome, then the β-glucosidase activity of these recombinant strains was evaluated. We revealed that simultaneous utilization of the SED1 promoter and Sed1 anchoring domain in a gene cassette enabled highly-efficient enzyme integration into the cell wall. The β-glucosidase activity of recombinant yeast cells transduced with the novel gene cassette was 8.4-fold higher than that of a conventional strain. The novel EGII-displaying strain also achieved 106-fold higher hydrolysis activity against the water-insoluble cellulose than a conventional strain. Furthermore, direct ethanol production from hydrothermally processed rice straw was improved by the display of T. reeseii EGII using the novel gene cassette.

Conclusions
We have developed novel gene cassettes for the efficient cell-surface display of exo- and endo-type cellulolytic enzymes. The results suggest that this gene cassette has the wide applicability for cell-surface display and that cellulase-displaying yeasts have significant potential for cost-effective bioethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass.
The relationship between survival and socio-economic status for head and neck cancer in Canada
Authors: McDonald James Ted , Johnson-Obaseki Stephanie , Hwang Euna , Connell Chris , Corsten Martin 
Published: January 2014

Background Human papilloma virus (HPV) is emerging as the primary cause for some head and neck cancers. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between head and neck cancer (HNC) survival and socioeconomic status (SES) in Canada, and to investigate changes in the relationship between HNC survival and SES from 1992 to 2005. Methods Cases were drawn from the Canadian Cancer Registry (1992–2005), and were categorized into three subsites: oropharynx, oral cavity, and “other” (hypopharynx, larynx, and nasopharynx). Demographic and socioeconomic information were extracted from the Canadian Census of Population data for the study period, which included three census years: 1991, 1996 and 2001. We linked cases to income quintiles (InQs) according to patients’ postal codes. Results Overall survival, without controlling for smoking, for oropharyngeal cancer increased dramatically from 1992–2005 in Canada. This increase in survival for oropharynx cancer was eliminated by the introduction of controls for smoking. Survival for all head and neck cancer subsites was strongly correlated with SES, as measured by income quintile, with lower InQ's having lower survival than higher. Lastly, the magnitude of the difference in survival between the highest and lowest income quintiles increased significantly over the time period studied for oropharynx cancer, but did not statistically significantly change for oral cavity cancer or other head and neck cancers. Conclusions These data confirm a significant impact of socioeconomic deprivation on overall survival for head and neck cancers in Canada, and may provide indirect evidence that HPV-positive head and neck cancers are more common in higher socioeconomic groups.
An efficient approach to cathode operational parameters optimization for microbial fuel cell using response surface methodology
Authors: Hosseinpour Mohammadreza , Vossoughi Manouchehr , Alemzadeh Iran 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
In the recent study, optimum operational conditions of cathode compartment of microbial fuel cell were determined by using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with a central composite design to maximize power density and COD removal.

Methods
The interactive effects of parameters such as, pH, buffer concentration and ionic strength on power density and COD removal were evaluated in two-chamber microbial batch-mode fuel cell.

Results
Power density and COD removal for optimal conditions (pH of 6.75, buffer concentration of 0.177 M and ionic strength of cathode chamber of 4.69 mM) improve by 17 and 5%, respectively, in comparison with normal conditions (pH of 7, buffer concentration of 0.1 M and ionic strength of 2.5 mM).

Conclusions
In conclusion, results verify that response surface methodology could successfully determine cathode chamber optimum operational conditions.
Clinical Utility of a Plasma-Based miRNA Signature Classifier Within Computed Tomography Lung Cancer Screening: A Correlative MILD Trial Study
Authors: Sozzi Gabriella , Boeri Mattia , Rossi Marta , Verri Carla , Suatoni Paola , Bravi Francesca , Roz Luca , Conte Davide , Grassi Michela , Sverzellati Nicola , Marchiano Alfonso , Negri Eva , La Vecchia Carlo , Pastorino Ugo 
Published: January 2014

Purpose Recent screening trial results indicate that low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) reduces lung cancer mortality in high-risk patients. However, high false-positive rates, costs, and potential harms highlight the need for complementary biomarkers. The diagnostic performance of a noninvasive plasma microRNA signature classifier (MSC) was retrospectively evaluated in samples prospectively collected from smokers within the randomized Multicenter Italian Lung Detection (MILD) trial. Patients and Methods Plasma samples from 939 participants, including 69 patients with lung cancer and 870 disease-free individuals (n = 652, LDCT arm; n = 287, observation arm) were analyzed by using a quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction–based assay for MSC. Diagnostic performance of MSC was evaluated in a blinded validation study that used prespecified risk groups. Results The diagnostic performance of MSC for lung cancer detection was 87% for sensitivity and 81% for specificity across both arms, and 88% and 80%, respectively, in the LDCT arm. For all patients, MSC had a negative predictive value of 99% and 99.86% for detection and death as a result of disease, respectively. LDCT had sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 81% with a false-positive rate of 19.4%. Diagnostic performance of MSC was confirmed by time dependency analysis. Combination of both MSC and LDCT resulted in a five-fold reduction of LDCT false-positive rate to 3.7%. MSC risk groups were significantly associated with survival (χ12 = 49.53; P < .001). Conclusion This large validation study indicates that MSC has predictive, diagnostic, and prognostic value and could reduce the false-positive rate of LDCT, thus improving the efficacy of lung cancer screening.
Ototoxicity in Children With High-Risk Neuroblastoma: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Concordance of Grading Scales—A Report From the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Landier Wendy , Knight Kristin , Wong F. Lennie , Lee Jin , Thomas Ola , Kim Heeyoung , Kreissman Susan G. , Schmidt Mary Lou , Chen Lu , London Wendy B. , Gurney James G. , Bhatia Smita 
Published: January 2014

PurposePlatinum-based therapy is the mainstay for management of high-risk neuroblastoma. Prevalence of platinum-related ototoxicity has ranged from 13% to 95% in previous reports; variability is attributable to small samples and disparate grading scales. There is no consensus regarding optimal ototoxicity grading. Furthermore, prevalence and predictors of hearing loss in a large uniformly treated high-risk neuroblastoma population are unknown. We address these gaps in our study.Patients and MethodsAudiologic testing was completed after administration of cisplatin alone (< 400 mg/m2; exposure one) or after cisplatin (400 mg/m2) plus carboplatin (1,700 mg/m2; exposure two). Hearing loss was graded using four scales (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association; Brock; Chang; and Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 3 [CTCAEv3]).ResultsOf 489 eligible patients, 333 had evaluable audiologic data. Median age at diagnosis was 3.3 years. Prevalence of severe hearing loss differed by scale. For those in the exposure-one group, prevalence ranged from 8% per Brock to 47% per CTCAEv3 (Brock v CTCAEv3 and Chang, P < .01; CTCAEv3 v Chang, P = .16); for those in the exposure-two group, prevalence ranged from 30% per Brock to 71% per CTCAEv3 (all pair-wise comparisons, P < .01). In patients requiring hearing aids, hearing loss was graded as severe in 49% (Brock), 91% (Chang), and 100% (CTCAEv3). Risk factors for severe hearing loss included exposure to cisplatin and carboplatin compared with cisplatin alone and hospitalization for infection.ConclusionSevere hearing loss is prevalent among children with high-risk neuroblastoma. Exposure to cisplatin combined with myeloablative carboplatin significantly increases risk. The Brock scale underestimates severe hearing loss and should be used with caution in this setting.
Thyroid Hormone, Thyromimetics, and Metabolic Efficiency
Authors: Yehuda-Shnaidman Einav , Kalderon Bella , Bar-Tana Jacob 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThyroid hormone (TH) has long been recognized as a major modulator of metabolic efficiency, energy expenditure, and thermogenesis. TH effects in regulating metabolic efficiency are transduced by controlling the coupling of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and the cycling of extramitochondrial substrate/futile cycles. However, despite our present understanding of the genomic and nongenomic modes of action of TH, its control of mitochondrial coupling still remains elusive. This review summarizes historical and up-to-date findings concerned with TH regulation of metabolic energetics, while integrating its genomic and mitochondrial activities. It underscores the role played by TH-induced gating of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP) in controlling metabolic efficiency. PTP gating may offer a unified target for some TH pleiotropic activities and may serve as a novel target for synthetic functional thyromimetics designed to modulate metabolic efficiency. PTP gating by long-chain fatty acid analogs may serve as a model for such strategy.
Central Regulation of Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid Axis Under Physiological and Pathophysiological Conditions
Authors: Fekete Csaba , Lechan Ronald M. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractTRH is a tripeptide amide that functions as a neurotransmitter but also serves as a neurohormone that has a critical role in the central regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis. Hypophysiotropic TRH neurons involved in this neuroendocrine process are located in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus and secrete TRH into the pericapillary space of the external zone of the median eminence for conveyance to anterior pituitary thyrotrophs. Under basal conditions, the activity of hypophysiotropic TRH neurons is regulated by the negative feedback effects of thyroid hormone to ensure stable, circulating, thyroid hormone concentrations, a mechanism that involves complex interactions between hypophysiotropic TRH neurons and the vascular system, cerebrospinal fluid, and specialized glial cells called tanycytes. Hypophysiotropic TRH neurons also integrate other humoral and neuronal inputs that can alter the setpoint for negative feedback regulation by thyroid hormone. This mechanism facilitates adaptation of the organism to changing environmental conditions, including the shortage of food and a cold environment. The thyroid axis is also affected by other adverse conditions such as infection, but the central mechanisms mediating suppression of hypophysiotropic TRH may be pathophysiological. In this review, we discuss current knowledge about the mechanisms that contribute to the regulation of hypophysiotropic TRH neurons under physiological and pathophysiological conditions.
Absence of Central Circadian Pacemaker Abnormalities in Humans With Loss of Function Mutation in Prokineticin 2
Authors: Balasubramanian Ravikumar , Cohen Daniel A. , Klerman Elizabeth B. , Pignatelli Duarte , Hall Janet E. , Dwyer Andrew A. , Czeisler Charles A. , Pitteloud Nelly , Crowley William F. 
Published: January 2014

Context:
Loss of prokineticin 2 (PROK2) signaling in mice disrupts circadian rhythms, but the role of PROK2 signaling in the regulation of circadian rhythms in humans is undetermined.

Objective:
The aim of the study was to examine the circadian rhythms of humans with a complete loss-of-function PROK2 mutation using an inpatient constant routine (CR) protocol.

Design and Setting:
We conducted a case study in an academic medical center.

Subjects and Methods:
Two siblings (one male and one female, ages 67 and 62 y, respectively) with isolated GnRH deficiency (IGD) due to a biallelic loss-of-function PROK2 mutation were studied using an inpatient CR protocol. Historical data from inpatient CR protocols conducted in healthy controls (ages 65–81 y) were used for comparison.

Main Outcome Measures:
We measured circadian phase markers (melatonin, cortisol, and core body temperature) and neurobehavioral performance (psychomotor vigilance task [PVT] and subjective alertness scale).

Results:
Circadian waveforms of melatonin and cortisol did not differ between the IGD participants with PROK2 mutation and controls. In both IGD participants, neurobehavioral testing with PVT showed disproportionate worsening of PVT lapses and median reaction time in the second half of the CR.

Conclusions:
Humans with loss of PROK2 signaling lack abnormalities in circadian phase markers, indicating intact central circadian pacemaker activity in these patients. These results suggest that PROK2 signaling in humans is not required for central circadian pacemaker function. However, impaired PVT in the PROK2-null participants despite preserved endocrine rhythms suggests that PROK2 may transmit circadian timing information to some neurobehavioral neural networks.
IGFALS Gene Dosage Effects on Serum IGF-I and Glucose Metabolism, Body Composition, Bone Growth in Length and Width, and the Pharmacokinetics of Recombinant Human IGF-I Administration
Authors: Högler Wolfgang , Martin David D. , Crabtree Nicola , Nightingale Peter , Tomlinson Jeremy , Metherell Lou , Rosenfeld Ron , Hwa Vivian , Rose Stephen , Walker Joanna , Shaw Nicholas , Barrett Timothy , Frystyk Jan 
Published: January 2014

Context:
Acid labile subunit (ALS) deficiency, caused by IGFALS mutations, is a subtype of primary IGF-I deficiency (PIGFD) and has been associated with insulin resistance (IR) and osteopenia. Whether patients respond to recombinant human IGF-I (rhIGF-I) is unknown.

Objective and Design:
This study determined the 14-hour pharmacokinetic response of free and total IGF-I and IGF binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) to a single sc dose of rhIGF-I (120 μg/kg) in four ALS-deficient patients, compared with severe PIGFD, moderate PIGFD, and controls. Intravenous glucose tolerance tests, fasting blood levels, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, peripheral quantitative computed tomography, and metacarpal radiogrammetry were performed in the four patients and 12 heterozygous family members.

Results:
IGF-I and IGFBP-3 increased above baseline (P &lt; .05) for 2.5 hours, returning to baseline 7 hours after rhIGF-I injection. Mean (SD) IGF-I Z-score increased by 2.49 (0.90), whereas IGFBP-3 Z-score increased by 0.57 (0.10) only. IGF-I elimination rates in ALS deficiency were similar, but the IGF-I increment was lower than those for severe PIGFD. Significant gene dosage effects were found for all IGF-I peptides, height, forearm muscle size, and metacarpal width. Bone analysis showed that ALS deficiency creates a phenotype of slender bones with normal size-corrected density. Abnormal glucose handling and IR was found in three of four patients and 6 of 12 carriers.

Conclusions:
These gene dosage effects demonstrate that one functional IGFALS allele is insufficient to maintain normal ALS levels, endocrine IGF-I action, full growth potential, muscle size, and periosteal expansion. Similar gene dosage effects may exist for parameters of IR. Despite similar IGF-I elimination compared with severe PIGFD, ALS-deficient patients cannot mount a similar response. Alternative ways of rhIGF-I administration should be sought.
Patient acceptable symptom states after total hip or knee replacement at mid-term follow-up
Authors: Keurentjes J. C. , Van Tol F. R. , Fiocco M. , So-Osman C. , Onstenk R. , Koopman-Van Gemert A. W. M. M. , Pöll R. G. , Nelissen R. G. H. H. 
Published: January 2014

Objectives To define Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) thresholds for the Oxford hip score (OHS) and Oxford knee score (OKS) at mid-term follow-up. Methods In a prospective multicentre cohort study, OHS and OKS were collected at a mean follow-up of three years (1.5 to 6.0), combined with a numeric rating scale (NRS) for satisfaction and an external validation question assessing the patient’s willingness to undergo surgery again. A total of 550 patients underwent total hip replacement (THR) and 367 underwent total knee replacement (TKR). Results Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves identified a PASS threshold of 42 for the OHS after THR and 37 for the OKS after TKR. THR patients with an OHS ≥ 42 and TKR patients with an OKS ≥ 37 had a higher NRS for satisfaction and a greater likelihood of being willing to undergo surgery again. Conclusions PASS thresholds appear larger at mid-term follow-up than at six months after surgery. With- out external validation, we would advise against using these PASS thresholds as absolute thresholds in defining whether or not a patient has attained an acceptable symptom state after THR or TKR. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2014;3:7–13.
Investigation of the Effect of Outlet Structures on the Jet Flow Characteristics in the Circulating Jet Tank
Authors: Meng Hui-Bo , Wang Wei , Yu Yan-Fang , Wu Jian-Hua , Wang Yan-Fen , Wang Zong-Yong 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
A revised numerical model of circulating jet tank (CJT) was constructed by adding four momentum sources. The radial distribution tendency of total pressure predicted by large eddy simulation had a good agreement with experimental results. The axial velocities at the center of downcomers have parabolic attenuation tendency with the increasing axial positions. The inductive and restrictive effects of outlets on the jet flow performances were evaluated by the parameters, such as jet velocity decay, spreading rate and energy dissipation. The optimum factor of outlet structures was proposed based on the ratio of spreading rate to energy dissipation. Numerical results show that the downcomers equipped with four symmetrical rectangular outlets contribute more to reduce the decay of jet centerline velocity and make good use of the entrainment between the jet and bulk liquid to generate the largest spreading rate. Furthermore, a nearly plug flow pattern and the maximum value of optimum factor are attained compared with other types of outlets. The optimum factors of rectangular outlets firstly increase then decrease with the increasing ratios of width to diameter of the downcomers. Rectangular outlets induce the jet to expand and get the largest dimensionless jet length and spreading rate when the ratios of width to diameter w/D1 approach 0.08.
Risk Factors and Outcomes for Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteremia in the NICU
Authors: Tsai Ming-Horng , Chu Shih-Ming , Hsu Jen-Fu , Lien Reyin , Huang Hsuan-Rong , Chiang Ming-Chou , Fu Ren-Huei , Lee Chiang-Wen , Huang Yhu-Chering 
Published: January 2014

OBJECTIVES:To assess the risk factors antibiotic therapy and outcomes of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) bacteremia in NICU patients.METHODS:Episodes of MDR GNB bacteremia were compared with a non-MDR GNB bacteremia group in an 8-year cohort study.RESULTS:Of 1106 bacteremias, 393 (35.5%) were caused by GNB. Seventy (18.6%) were caused by an MDR strain. The most frequent mechanism of resistance was extended-spectrum β-lactamase production (67.1%), mainly by Klebsiella pneumoniae (59.6%). Previous antibiotic exposure to third-generation cephalosporin (odds ratio [OR]: 5.97; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.37–15.08; P &lt; .001) and carbapenem (OR: 3.60; 95% CI: 1.26–10.29; P = .017) and underlying renal disease (OR: 7.08; 95% CI: 1.74–28.83; P = .006) were identified as independent risk factors for MDR GNB acquisition. Patients with MDR GNB bacteremia more likely received inadequate initial antibiotic therapy (72.9% vs 7.8%; P &lt; .001) had higher rates of infectious complication (21.4% vs 10.5%; P = .011) and overall case fatality +rate (28.6% vs 10.5%; P &lt; .001). Independent risk factors for overall mortality were presence of infectious complications after bacteremia (OR: 3.16; 95% CI: 1.41–7.08; P = .005) and underlying secondary pulmonary hypertension with or without cor pulmonale (OR: 6.19; 95% CI: 1.88–20.31; P = .003).CONCLUSIONS:MDR GNB accounted for 18.6% of all neonatal GNB bacteremia in the NICU, especially in those with previous broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy and underlying renal disease. The most frequent mechanism of resistance was extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) production. Neonates with MDR GNB were more likely to develop infectious complications, which were independently associated with a higher overall case-fatality rate.