bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soft Folding
Authors: Zhu L. , Igarashi T. , Mitani J. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractWe introduce soft folding, a new interactive method for designing and exploring thin‐plate forms. A user specifies sharp and soft folds as two‐dimensional(2D) curves on a flat sheet, along with the fold magnitude and sharpness of each. Then, based on the soft folds, the system computes the three‐dimensional(3D) folded shape. Internally, the system first computes a fold field, which defines local folding operations on a flat sheet. A fold field is a generalization of a discrete fold graph in origami, replacing a graph with sharp folds with a continuous field with soft folds. Next, local patches are folded independently according to the fold field. Finally, a globally folded 3D shape is obtained by assembling the locally folded patches. This algorithm computes an approximation of 3D developable surfaces with user‐defined soft folds at an interactive speed. The user can later apply nonlinear physical simulation to generate more realistic results. Experimental results demonstrated that soft folding is effective for producing complex folded shapes with controllable sharpness.
Evaluation of Tone Mapping Operators for HDR‐Video
Authors: Eilertsen Gabriel , Wanat Robert , Mantiuk Rafał K. , Unger Jonas 
Published: November 2013

AbstractEleven tone‐mapping operators intended for video processing are analyzed and evaluated with camera‐captured and computer‐generated high‐dynamic‐range content. After optimizing the parameters of the operators in a formal experiment, we inspect and rate the artifacts (flickering, ghosting, temporal color consistency) and color rendition problems (brightness, contrast and color saturation) they produce. This allows us to identify major problems and challenges that video tone‐mapping needs to address. Then, we compare the tone‐mapping results in a pair‐wise comparison experiment to identify the operators that, on average, can be expected to perform better than the others and to assess the magnitude of differences between the best performing operators.
Still‐Frame Simulation for Fire Effects of Images
Authors: Son Minjung , Kim Byungmoon , Wilensky Gregg , Lee Seungyong 
Published: November 2013

AbstractWe propose various simulation strategies to generate single‐frame fire effects for images, as opposed to multi‐frame fire effects for animations. To accelerate 3D simulation and to provide a user with early hints on the final effect, we propose a 2D‐guided 3D simulation approach, which runs a faster 2D simulation first, and then guides 3D simulation using the 2D simulation result. To achieve this, we explore various boundary conditions and develop a constrained projection method. Since only the final frame will be used while intermediate frames are abandoned, earlier intermediate frames can take larger time steps and have large noise applied, quickly generating turbulent flow structures. As the final frame approaches, we increase the flow quality by reducing the time step and not adding any noise. This adaptive time stepping allows us to use more computational resource near or at the final frame. We also develop divergence and buoyancy modification methods to guide flames along arbitrary, even physically implausible, directions. Our simulation methods can effectively and efficiently generate a variety of fire effects useful for image decoration.
Symmetry Robust Descriptor for Non‐Rigid Surface Matching
Authors: Zhang Zhiyuan , Yin KangKang , Foong Kelvin W.C. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn this paper, we propose a novel shape descriptor that is robust in differentiating intrinsic symmetric points on geometric surfaces. Our motivation is that even the state‐of‐theart shape descriptors and non‐rigid surface matching algorithms suffer from symmetry flips. They cannot differentiate surface points that are symmetric or near symmetric. Hence a left hand of one human model may be matched to a right hand of another. Our Symmetry Robust Descriptor (SRD) is based on a signed angle field, which can be calculated from the gradient fields of the harmonic fields of two point pairs. Experiments show that the proposed shape descriptor SRD results in much less symmetry flips compared to alternative methods. We further incorporate SRD into a stand‐alone algorithm to minimize symmetry flips in finding sparse shape correspondences. SRD can also be used to augment other modern non‐rigid shape matching algorithms with ease to alleviate symmetry confusions.
An Efficient and Scalable Image Filtering Framework Using VIPS Fusion
Authors: Zhang J. , Chen X.H. , Zhao Y. , Li H. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractEdge‐preserving image filtering is a valuable tool for a variety of applications in image processing and computer vision. Motivated by a new simple but effective local Laplacian filter, we propose a scalable and efficient image filtering framework to extend this edge‐preserving image filter and construct an uniform implementation in O (N) time. The proposed framework is built upon a practical global‐to‐local strategy. The input image is first remapped globally by a series of tentative remapping functions to generate a virtual candidate image sequence (Virtual Image Pyramid Sequence, VIPS). This sequence is then recombined locally to a single output image by a flexible edge‐aware pixel‐level fusion rule. To avoid halo artifacts, both the output image and the virtual candidate image sequence are transformed into multi‐resolution pyramid representations. Four examples, single image dehazing, multi‐exposure fusion, fast edge‐preserving filtering and tone‐mapping, are presented as the concrete applications of the proposed framework. Experiments on filtering effect and computational efficiency indicate that the proposed framework is able to build a wide range of fast image filtering that yields visually compelling results.
EnvyDepth: An Interface for Recovering Local Natural Illumination from Environment Maps
Authors: Banterle Francesco , Callieri Marco , Dellepiane Matteo , Corsini Massimiliano , Pellacini Fabio , Scopigno Roberto 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn this paper, we present EnvyDepth, an interface for recovering local illumination from a single HDR environment map. In EnvyDepth, the user quickly indicates strokes to mark regions of the environment map that should be grouped together in a single geometric primitive. From these annotated strokes, EnvyDepth uses edit propagation to create a detailed collection of virtual point lights that reproduce both the local and the distant lighting effects in the original scene. When compared to the sole use of the distant illumination, the added spatial information better reproduces a variety of local effects such as shadows, highlights and caustics. Without the effort needed to create precise scene reconstructions, EnvyDepth annotations take only tens of seconds to produce a plausible lighting without visible artifacts. This is easy to obtain even in the case of complex scenes, both indoors and outdoors. The generated lighting environments work well in a production pipeline since they are efficient to use and able to produce accurate renderings.
Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction and Volumes: It Depends on the Imaging Method
Authors: Wood Peter W. , Choy Jonathan B. , Nanda Navin C. , Becher Harald 
Published: November 2013

Background and MethodsIn order to provide guidance for using measurements of left ventricular (LV) volume and ejection fraction (LVEF) from different echocardiographic methods a PubMed review was performed on studies that reported reference values in normal populations for two‐dimensional (2D ECHO) and three‐dimensional (3D ECHO) echocardiography, nuclear imaging, cardiac computed tomography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). In addition all studies (2 multicenter, 16 single center) were reviewed, which included at least 30 patients, and the results compared of noncontrast and contrast 2D ECHO, and 3D ECHO with those of CMR.ResultsThe lower limits for normal LVEF and the normal ranges for end‐diastolic (EDV) and end‐systolic (ESV) volumes were different in each method. Only minor differences in LVEF were found in studies comparing CMR and 2D contrast echocardiography or noncontrast 3D echocardiography. However, EDV and ESV measured with all echocardiographic methods were smaller and showed greater variability than those derived from CMR. Regarding agreement with CMR and reproducibility, all studies showed superiority of contrast 2D ECHO over noncontrast 2D ECHO and 3D ECHO over 2D ECHO. No final judgment can be made about the comparison between contrast 2D ECHO and noncontrast or contrast 3D ECHO.ConclusionContrast 2D ECHO and noncontrast 3D ECHO show good reproducibility and good agreement with CMR measurements of LVEF. The agreement of volumes is worse. Further studies are required to assess the clinical value of contrast 3D ECHO as noncontrast 3D ECHO is only reliable in patients with good acoustic windows.
The Pyramid of Danger: The Value of TEE in Detecting Risk of Aortic Perforation during TAVI
Authors: Sirker Alexander , Byrne Jonathan , Monaghan Mark 
Published: November 2013

Mini‐AbstractAn 87‐year‐old man undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for severe aortic stenosis was noted to have bulky calcification of the noncoronary aortic cusp, extending into the corresponding sinus, on transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). During balloon valvuloplasty, TEE demonstrated displacement of this calcium into the aortic wall, producing a distinctive pyramidal indentation and indicating threatened focal aortic perforation. Importantly, this hazard was not evident on corresponding x‐ray cine‐angiography and emphasizes the value of TEE in guiding TAVI procedures. This information allowed alteration in deployment technique for the TAVI valve and forewarned the team to increased risk of a major hazard at this stage.
Atrial Dissection‐Like Appearance Caused by an Inferior Sinus Venosus Atrial Septal Defect with an Unroofed Defect
Authors: Gul Murat , Ozeke Ozcan , Canpolat Ugur , Temizer Orkun , Golbasi Zehra , Tufekcioglu Omac 
Published: November 2013

Mini‐AbstractAtrial dissection is an uncommon entity and is generally associated with mitral valve interventions. However, atrial dissection‐like appearance has been also reported and atrial dissection might be considered as an important differential diagnosis. We present the interesting image of a left atrial dissection‐like appearance, which was actually caused by a dilated unroofed coronary sinus (CS) with inferior sinus venosus (SV)‐type atrial septal defect (ASD).Unexplained volume overload of right‐sided chambers should prompt for careful evaluation for SV type of ASD (superior or inferior), unroofed CS type of ASD, and partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage.
A one‐step, single tube, duplex PCR to detect predation by native predators on invasive Bemisia tabaci MEAM1 and Frankliniella occidentalis
Authors: Zhang Gui‐Fen , Wu Xia , Zhou Zhi‐Xiang , Meng Xiang‐Qin , Wan Fang‐Hao 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBemisia tabaci (Gennadius) MEAM1 (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) and Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), two important invasive species, are serious agricultural pests. In this study, a one‐step, single tube, duplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedure was developed to allow rapid, specific, and sensitive identification of B. tabaci MEAM1 and F. occidentalis in predator guts. The system and conditions used for the duplex PCR were optimized. The species specificity of the duplex PCR determined by comparison against non‐targets that might interact with B. tabaci MEAM1 and F. occidentalis showed that oligonucleotide primers amplified nuclear gene target sequences present only in B. tabaci MEAM1 or F. occidentalis. The limits of detection were 9.53 ng μl−1 for B. tabaci MEAM1 and 8.94 ng μl−1 for F. occidentalis. Within a field cage study, in which predators Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and Orius sauteri (Poppius) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) were allowed to feed on B. tabaci MEAM1 and F. occidentalis for 10 h, the B. tabaci MEAM1 DNA was detectable in 100% of H. axyridis and O. sauteri, and F. occidentalis DNA was detectable in 80% of H. axyridis and 90% of O. sauteri; this implicated that B. tabaci MEAM1 and F. occidentalis remains could be detected in native predator guts simultaneously. The accuracy and reliability of the assay suggested strongly that the duplex PCR optimized for B. tabaci MEAM1 and F. occidentalis is sensitive and specific for both invasive insects and is therefore useful in early diagnosis and monitoring of B. tabaci MEAM1 and F. occidentalis infections, and can be used to identify domestic predator species and food web relationships.
Laparoscopically‐assisted ovariohysterectomy in three mares with pyometra
Authors: Woodford N. S. , Payne R. J. , McCluskie L. K. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryOpen surgical ovariohysterectomy in the mare provides limited visualisation and a long surgical incision. Laparoscopically‐assisted ovariohysterectomy has been performed by the authors in 3 mares with pyometra. This approach does seem to offset some of these disadvantages.
Bioprecipitation: a feedback cycle linking Earth history, ecosystem dynamics and land use through biological ice nucleators in the atmosphere
Authors: Morris Cindy E. , Conen Franz , Alex Huffman J. , Phillips Vaughan , Pöschl Ulrich , Sands David C. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractLandscapes influence precipitation via the water vapor and energy fluxes they generate. Biologically active landscapes also generate aerosols containing microorganisms, some being capable of catalyzing ice formation and crystal growth in clouds at temperatures near 0 °C. The resulting precipitation is beneficial for the growth of plants and microorganisms. Mounting evidence from observations and numerical simulations support the plausibility of a bioprecipitation feedback cycle involving vegetated landscapes and the microorganisms they host. Furthermore, the evolutionary history of ice nucleation‐active bacteria such as Pseudomonas syringae supports that they have been part of this process on geological time scales since the emergence of land plants. Elucidation of bioprecipitation feedbacks involving landscapes and their microflora could contribute to appraising the impact that modified landscapes have on regional weather and biodiversity, and to avoiding inadvertent, negative consequences of landscape management.
Chronic nutrient enrichment increases prevalence and severity of coral disease and bleaching
Authors: Vega Thurber Rebecca L. , Burkepile Deron E. , Fuchs Corinne , Shantz Andrew A. , McMinds Ryan , Zaneveld Jesse R. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractNutrient loading is one of the strongest drivers of marine habitat degradation. Yet, the link between nutrients and disease epizootics in marine organisms is often tenuous and supported only by correlative data. Here, we present experimental evidence that chronic nutrient exposure leads to increases in both disease prevalence and severity and coral bleaching in scleractinian corals, the major habitat‐forming organisms in tropical reefs. Over 3 years, from June 2009 to June 2012, we continuously exposed areas of a coral reef to elevated levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. At the termination of the enrichment, we surveyed over 1200 scleractinian corals for signs of disease or bleaching. Siderastrea siderea corals within enrichment plots had a twofold increase in both the prevalence and severity of disease compared with corals in unenriched control plots. In addition, elevated nutrient loading increased coral bleaching; Agaricia spp. of corals exposed to nutrients suffered a 3.5‐fold increase in bleaching frequency relative to control corals, providing empirical support for a hypothesized link between nutrient loading and bleaching‐induced coral declines. However, 1 year later, after nutrient enrichment had been terminated for 10 months, there were no differences in coral disease or coral bleaching prevalence between the previously enriched and control treatments. Given that our experimental enrichments were well within the ranges of ambient nutrient concentrations found on many degraded reefs worldwide, these data provide strong empirical support to the idea that coastal nutrient loading is one of the major factors contributing to the increasing levels of both coral disease and coral bleaching. Yet, these data also suggest that simple improvements to water quality may be an effective way to mitigate some coral disease epizootics and the corresponding loss of coral cover in the future.
Effect of a hydrogen (H2)‐enriched solution on the albumin redox of hemodialysis patients
Authors: Terawaki Hiroyuki , Zhu Wan‐Jun , Matsuyama Yukie , Terada Tomoyoshi , Takahashi Yasuhito , Sakurai Kaoru , Kabayama Shigeru , Miyazaki Mariko , Itami Noritomo , Nakazawa Ryoichi , Ito Sadayoshi , Era Seiichi , Nakayama Masaaki 
Published: November 2013

AbstractElevated oxidative stress (OS) is associated with severe cardiovascular disease and premature death among patients treated with hemodialysis (HD). Oxidative stress is enhanced by contact between blood and dialysis membranes during HD sessions. This study aimed to clarify whether hydrogen (H2), which is a known antioxidant, is capable of suppressing increased OS induced during HD sessions. Eight patients on regular HD treatment were studied. Two HD sessions were performed in a cross‐over design trial using standard and hydrogen‐enriched solutions (mean of 50 p.p.b. H2; H2‐HD). Blood samples were obtained from the inlet and outlet of the dialyzer during HD to determine changes in plasma levels of glutathione, hydrogen peroxide, and albumin redox state as a marker of OS. Comparison of inlet and outlet blood revealed significant decreases in total glutathione and reduced glutathione, as well as significant increases in hydrogen peroxide in both HD treatments. However, the mean proportion of reversibly oxidized albumin in outlet serum was significantly lower than that in inlet serum following the H2‐HD session, whereas no significant changes were found in the standard solution session, suggesting that “intra‐dialyzer” OS is reduced by H2‐HD. In conclusion, the application of H2‐enriched solutions could ameliorate OS during HD.
Preparation and optimization of soy protein isolate–high methoxy pectin microcapsules loaded with Lactobacillus delbrueckii
Authors: Sun Qingshen , Wang Fuying , Han Dequan , Zhao Yao , Liu Zhidong , Lei Hong , Song Yong , Huang Xue , Li Xiaodi , Ma Anyun , Yuan Guangyu , Li Xueru , Yang Zaili 
Published: November 2013

SummaryThis study was aimed to use soy protein isolate (SPI) and high methoxy pectin (HMP) as encapsulating materials for probiotic bacterial (Lactobacillus delbrueckii) delivery systems. The encapsulation conditions were optimised, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to characterise the microstructural changes of the microcapsule. The results showed that the optimal conditions for microcapsule preparation were 90 mg mL−1 SPI and 1 mg mL−1 HMP, with a SPI/HMP ratio of 7:1 (v/v), and a L. delbrueckii suspension to SPI–HMP complex ratio of 1:1 (v/v). The viability of the probiotics in the microcapsules reaching the small intestine was 3 log CFU mL−1 higher than that of naked bacteria. SEM showed that the surface of the SPI–HMP compound microcapsules was smooth and that a large number of L. delbrueckii could be seen in cross‐sections of the microcapsules.
Evaluation of a peer‐led self‐management education programme PEP Talk: Diabetes, Healthy Feet and You
Authors: Woodbury M. Gail , Botros Mariam , Kuhnke Janet L. , Greene Julie 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPEP (Peer Education Programme) Talk: Diabetes, Healthy Feet and You is a peer‐led self‐management programme developed to address the problems of growing prevalence of diabetes and its complications, and limited health care dollars. An evaluation of the programme, how it might be situated within a public health perspective and potential bridges for its implementation in communities throughout Canada and worldwide, are presented. The programme consisted of workshops that were conducted by volunteer peer leaders and health care professionals in 12 communities in 10 Canadian provinces; the volunteers were supported through monthly mentoring teleconferences, on‐line tips and discussion board conversations. A web portal was developed to be used by the team, volunteers and community participants. Workshop curriculum was developed based on diabetes footcare and self‐management best practise guidelines. Community participants answered pre‐and post‐workshop statements that indicated that learning occurred, as indicated by an increase in the number of statements answered correctly. Participants' feedback about the workshops was positive. In telephone follow‐up interviews, 97% of respondents reported having changed their foot self‐management behaviours. The portal was commonly used according to website visits, but not as much as expected for registration of community participants. It is recommended that this programme be made widely available and tailored to the specific needs of the communities and that further evaluation be conducted.
Influence of breastfeeding on blood‐cell transcript‐based biomarkers of health in children
Authors: Priego T. , Sánchez J. , Picó C. , Ahrens W. , Bammann K. , De Henauw S. , Fraterman A. , Iacoviello L. , Lissner L. , Molnár D. , Moreno L. A. , Siani A. , Tornaritis M. , Veidebaum T. , Palou A. ,   IDEFICS Consortium
Published: November 2013

SummaryWhat is already known about this subject
The expression of specific genes in peripheral blood cells (PBCs) may be used as biomarkers of the metabolic status.
High levels of expression of CPT1A, SLC27A2, INSR, LEPR, FASN and PPARα in PBCs are indicative of a lower risk for the insulin resistant or dyslipidaemic state associated with obesity in children.
Breastfeeding seems to confer protective effects against obesity and its related metabolic problems.
What this study adds
Children who had been breastfed showed higher expression levels of SLC27A2, FASN, PPARα and INSR in PBCs compared with formula‐fed subjects.
The relationship of the PBC transcript levels of SLC27A2, INSR, FASN and PPARα with insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia may be dependent on the type of infant feeding (breast vs. formula).
The transcript levels of the mentioned biomarkers could be useful to distinguish the formula‐fed children who are at higher risk of metabolic alterations.
BackgroundBlood‐cell transcripts have showed to be good biomarkers of metabolic alterations and their use in early detection and prevention of future disorders is promising.ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the relation between previously proposed transcriptional biomarkers of metabolic health (SLC27A2, CPT1A, FASN, PPARα, INSR, LEPR) in peripheral blood cells and the type of infant feeding in a subset of children from the IDEFICS (Identification and Prevention of Dietary‐ and Lifestyle‐Induced Health Effects in Children and Infants) cohort.SubjectsA total of 237 children aged 2–9 years from eight European countries were studied.ResultsBreastfed children showed higher expression levels of SLC27A2, FASN, PPARα and INSR, and lower risk of being overweight and of having high plasma triglyceride levels vs. formula‐fed children. Besides, overweight formula‐fed children presented higher HOMA‐index than overweight breastfed children (1.90 vs. 1.62); however, this negative effect was absent in formula‐fed children with high expression of SLC27A2. Moreover, formula‐fed children with low expression of SLC27A2, FASN, PPARα and INSR presented higher triglyceride levels than subjects with high expression of these genes (77.7 mg dL−1 vs. 44.8 mg dL−1). This difference was absent in breastfed children.ConclusionsProtective effects of breastfeeding are reflected in higher expression levels of SLC27A2, FASN, PPARα and INSR in blood cells. These biomarkers may also serve to discriminate the formula‐fed children that are at higher risk of metabolic alterations.