bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Introducing Wpt (Waypoint): A color equivalency representation for defining a material adjustment transform
Authors: Derhak Maxim W. , Berns Roy S. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe basis of this research is the manipulation of sensor excitation values to account for differences in observer or illuminant when spectral data are unknown. This touches on several related topics: color constancy, chromatic adaptation, and white balancing. The central premise is that these concepts make use of some form of intermediate color equivalency representation or waypoint system that makes comparison and color transformations possible. Differences between these concepts are related to the kind of color equivalency representation system used and how transformations are made into and out of it. A new sensor excitation normalization method was derived that has been optimized to predict changes in material color as Wpt (pronounced Waypoint) coordinates, which can be used to form a material adjustment transform. The prediction of such changes is also known as least dissimilar color matching. This is contrasted with a chromatic adaptation transform, which is optimized to predict corresponding color changes. As such a distinction is made between adaptation (which is based on corresponding color) and adjustment (which is based on other criteria). © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 40, 535–549, 2015
The dynein inhibitor Ciliobrevin D inhibits the bidirectional transport of organelles along sensory axons and impairs NGF‐mediated regulation of growth cones and axon branches
Authors: Sainath Rajiv , Gallo Gianluca 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTThe axonal transport of organelles is critical for the development, maintenance, and survival of neurons, and its dysfunction has been implicated in several neurodegenerative diseases. Retrograde axon transport is mediated by the motor protein dynein. In this study, using embryonic chicken dorsal root ganglion neurons, we investigate the effects of Ciliobrevin D, a pharmacological dynein inhibitor, on the transport of axonal organelles, axon extension, nerve growth factor (NGF)‐induced branching and growth cone expansion, and axon thinning in response to actin filament depolymerization. Live imaging of mitochondria, lysosomes, and Golgi‐derived vesicles in axons revealed that both the retrograde and anterograde transport of these organelles was inhibited by treatment with Ciliobrevin D. Treatment with Ciliobrevin D reversibly inhibits axon extension and transport, with effects detectable within the first 20 min of treatment. NGF induces growth cone expansion, axonal filopodia formation and branching. Ciliobrevin D prevented NGF‐induced formation of axonal filopodia and branching but not growth cone expansion. Finally, we report that the retrograde reorganization of the axonal cytoplasm which occurs on actin filament depolymerization is inhibited by treatment with Ciliobrevin D, indicating a role for microtubule based transport in this process, as well as Ciliobrevin D accelerating Wallerian degeneration. This study identifies Ciliobrevin D as an inhibitor of the bidirectional transport of multiple axonal organelles, indicating this drug may be a valuable tool for both the study of dynein function and a first pass analysis of the role of axonal transport. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 75: 757–777, 2015
Filter‐Based Short‐Term Electric Load Prediction Considering Characteristics of Load Curve
Authors: Namerikawa Toru , Hosoda Yasuhiko 
Published: November 2014

SUMMARYThis paper deals with filter‐based short‐term electric load prediction taking into consideration the characteristics of the load curve. We propose a predictive method to forecast the future electric load demand for 36 h from 12:00 PM, and evaluate the peak and bottom of the load curves on the next day. We propose a load model, estimate the unknown parameters of the model by means of an filter using the data separated for nonworking days and weekdays, with the same pattern of the previous data chosen and assigned to the model parameters. The simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed prediction methodology.
Rubbing Detection of Sliding Bearings in Early Stage by Frequency Modulation Analysis
Authors: Sako Takashi , Tokumo Koutaro , Yoshie Osamu 
Published: November 2014

SUMMARYIt is important in maintenance to detect rubbing of sliding bearings in the early stage. An experiment on mild rubbing conditions was conducted, and the changes in vibration were examined. Importantly, a newly found fact is that peaks in the spectral domain with respect to the rotational period occur as a result of rubbing. Consequently, cepstrum analysis was shown to be effective for the detection of rubbing in the early stage. A device that can follow the level of the quefrency was developed based upon this idea. Utilizing the device is a highly efficient way to monitor the condition of a sliding bearing.
Mathematical Analysis of Manufacturing Lead Time: Applications to Deadline Scheduling in Manufacturing Systems
Authors: Shirai Kenji , Amano Yoshinori 
Published: November 2014

SUMMARYIn this paper, we apply a stochastic differential equation (SDE) as a mathematical model that describes the manufacturing process from input of materials to the end of the process. We utilize the risk‐neutral principle in stochastic calculus based on the SDE. We extend the mathematical model to allow for objective evaluation. In order to improve the lead time in a manufacturing process, we introduce an evaluation equation that satisfies a certain compatibility constraint with respect to the lead time; this compatibility constraint with lead time refers to a strategy that eliminates irrelevant processes from the overall process, and results in improvements to the process. We assume a probability density function of log‐normal type, which is the probability density function from the input materials to the end of the process. The present paper evaluates a certain compatibility constraint with lead time by applying risk neutrality and the martingale measure of the stochastic integral under this assumption. After the evaluation value is calculated by the evaluation equation, a process control system evaluates each subprocess and performs rescheduling to improve the utilization efficiency of the entire manufacturing process. Thus, a front‐end process is used to cancel requests to the process, and follows the instructions in the process control systems. However, the present paper gives only a simulation evaluation in which the parameters are calculated, and does not discuss compatibility between an evaluation value based on the calculated manufacturing lead time compatibility constraint and a real system. However, the paper offers an idea for finding bottleneck subprocesses in a manufacturing process, and for use as a software tool for process synchronization.
Status of Soft Contact Lens Biosensor Development for Tear Sugar Monitoring: A Review
Authors: Kudo Hiroyuki , Arakawa Takahiro , Mitsubayashi Kohji 
Published: November 2014

SUMMARYNoninvasive and continuous glucose monitoring is of increasing significance since diabetes mellitus has become a global problem, not only in developed countries. Usually, continuous glucose monitors use the relationship between blood glucose and other body fluids. In particular, we focused on the relationship between blood glucose and tear glucose. A soft contact lens (SCL) biosensor has been developed for the assessment of blood glucose by real‐time tear sugar monitoring. The SCL biosensor has film electrodes on the rounded surface of a polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS) contact lens, and glucose oxidase (GOD) is immobilized on the sensing region of the electrodes. In this paper, the status of SCL biosensor development and the application of the SCL biosensor in the real‐time monitoring of tear glucose are reviewed.
N‐Substituted Glycines with Functional Side‐Chains for Peptoid Synthesis
Authors: René Adeline , Martinez Jean , Cavelier Florine 
Published: November 2014

AbstractN‐Substituted glycines (NSG) constitute mimics of natural amino acids, and bring stability to peptide analogues. We developed a method to synthesize NSG bearing reactive secondary heterofunctionality. It was shown that persilylation could be used for temporary protection of reactive groups present on the substrate, with the aim of selectively alkylating the amine groups. NSG ready for peptide coupling were obtained by C‐terminal deprotection and N‐terminal protection of the resulting amino acid derivatives. This method was applied to prepare N‐alkylated glycines as analogues of serine, cysteine, tyrosine and tryptophan. The last two derivatives were obtained in good yields and N‐homotyrosine (N‐hTyr) has been introduced into a peptide sequence of interest using automated solid‐phase peptide synthesis (SPPS).
Sedimentary effects of flood‐producing windstorms in playa lakes and their role in the movement of large rocks
Authors: Sanz‐Montero M. E. , Cabestrero Ó. , Rodríguez‐Aranda J. P. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThis paper sheds light on the hydrodynamic conditions of transport and sedimentary effects of wind‐induced water currents produced during strong windstorms in low gradient systems. Repeated field surveys were conducted in a playa lake in central Spain to determine the impacts of major winter storms on the bed form morphology in real time. The succession of storms that passed through the area from mid‐December 2013 to early February 2014 left behind a variety of sedimentary structures: mainly ripple marks showing complex patterns and erosional structures. The latter include obstacle scours, grooves and other tool marks. In situ observations revealed that strong storm events in almost flat, extremely shallow lakes (less than 5 cm) have enough hydraulic energy to erode and remove high volumes of sediments and may also lead to large stones sliding across the bed, thus creating long grooves.Sole marks found in ancient continental successions have been typically attributed to fluvial conditions. We suggest that shallow lake basins should not be discounted when storm‐generated structures are preserved in ancient rocks. The identification of such sedimentary structures provides valuable information for reconstructing hydrodynamic conditions and paleoclimatic conditions in semi‐arid environments. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isomeric ent‐Labdane‐Type Diterpenoids from the Stems of Rhizophora mucronata
Authors: Madhu Ankireddy , Suresh Chandra Venkata Appa Rao Annam , Sushma Sukki , Mangala Gowri Ponnapalli , Venugopal Raju Tuniki 
Published: November 2014

AbstractTwo new constitutional isomers of ent‐labdane‐type diterpenoids, 1 and 2, with an unusual seven‐membered lactone moiety (i.e., 1), together with two known compounds, 3 and 4, were isolated from the acetone extract of Rhizophora mucronata. Their structures were elucidated as rhizomucronol A and B (1 and 2, resp.) by spectroscopic analyses and chemical evidence. The absolute configuration of 2 was established by applying the Mosher ester procedure.
An extended non‐local means algorithm: Application to brain MRI
Authors: Iftikhar Muhammad Aksam , Jalil Abdul , Rathore Saima , Ali Ahmad , Hussain Mutawarra 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTImproved adaptive nonlocal means (IANLM) is a variant of classical nonlocal means (NLM) denoising method based on adaptation of its search window size. In this article, an extended nonlocal means (XNLM) algorithm is proposed by adapting IANLM to Rician noise in images obtained by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging modality. Moreover, for improved denoising, a wavelet coefficient mixing procedure is used in XNLM to mix wavelet sub‐bands of two IANLM‐filtered images, which are obtained using different parameters of IANLM. Finally, XNLM includes a novel parameter‐free pixel preselection procedure for improving computational efficiency of the algorithm. The proposed algorithm is validated on T1‐weighted, T2‐weighted and Proton Density (PD) weighted simulated brain MR images (MRI) at several noise levels. Optimal values of different parameters of XNLM are obtained for each type of MRI sequence, and different variants are investigated to reveal the benefits of different extensions presented in this work. The proposed XNLM algorithm outperforms several contemporary denoising algorithms on all the tested MRI sequences, and preserves important pathological information more effectively. Quantitative and visual results show that XNLM outperforms several existing denoising techniques, preserves important pathological information more effectively, and is computationallyefficient.
Evaluation of polyvinyl alcohol cryogel as an acoustic coupling medium for low‐intensity transcranial focused ultrasound
Authors: Lee Wonhye , Lee Stephanie D. , Park Michael Y. , Yang Jaechun , Yoo Seung‐Schik 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTTranscranial focused ultrasound (FUS) has emerged as a noninvasive neuromodulatory modality with exquisite depth penetration and spatial selectivity. Liquids, such as degassed water or mineral oil, are used as acoustic coupling media between the ultrasound‐generating transducer and the brain; however, they require a separate container that limits the spatial orientation of the transducers with respect to the sonication target. Nonliquid, gel‐like materials that do not require a housing container have been sought after as coupling media to overcome such limitations. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), when dissolved in water and undergone freeze–thaw cycle(s), forms a flexible hydrogel having a high level of acoustic transmission. To examine the feasibility of the PVA cryogel as the coupling material for transcranial FUS, the mechanical properties (in terms of its Young's modulus) and acoustic attenuation of the PVA cryogel were examined using different concentrations and number of freeze–thaw cycles. The cryogel with 6 or 7% (w/v) concentrations and two freeze–thaw cycles showed minimum pressure attenuation (on the order of 1%) across the different ultrasound frequencies (250–650 kHz). The cryogel was molded to fit around a single‐element FUS transducer and was applied to a head phantom, showing the flexibility in orienting the sonication paths at different angles and depths. The use of the cryogel did not alter the location and shape of acoustic focal profile compared to the one measured in the degassed water. The present work suggests that PVA cryogel may be used as an alternative acoustic coupling medium for low‐intensity FUS applications.
A study of long‐term fMRI reproducibility using data‐driven analysis methods
Authors: Song Xiaomu , Panych Lawrence P. , Chou Ying‐Hui , Chen Nan‐Kuei 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTThe reproducibility of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is important for fMRI‐based neuroscience research and clinical applications. Previous studies show considerable variation in amplitude and spatial extent of fMRI activation across repeated sessions on individual subjects even using identical experimental paradigms and imaging conditions. Most existing fMRI reproducibility studies were typically limited by time duration and data analysis techniques. Particularly, the assessment of reproducibility is complicated by a fact that fMRI results may depend on data analysis techniques used in reproducibility studies. In this work, the long‐term fMRI reproducibility was investigated with a focus on the data analysis methods. Two spatial smoothing techniques, including a wavelet‐domain Bayesian method and the Gaussian smoothing, were evaluated in terms of their effects on the long‐term reproducibility. A multivariate support vector machine (SVM)‐based method was used to identify active voxels, and compared to a widely used general linear model (GLM)‐based method at the group level. The reproducibility study was performed using multisession fMRI data acquired from eight healthy adults over 1.5 years' period of time. Three regions‐of‐interest (ROI) related to a motor task were defined based upon which the long‐term reproducibility were examined. Experimental results indicate that different spatial smoothing techniques may lead to different reproducibility measures, and the wavelet‐based spatial smoothing and SVM‐based activation detection is a good combination for reproducibility studies. On the basis of the ROIs and multiple numerical criteria, we observed a moderate to substantial within‐subject long‐term reproducibility. A reasonable long‐term reproducibility was also observed from the inter‐subject study. It was found that the short‐term reproducibility is usually higher than the long‐term reproducibility. Furthermore, the results indicate that brain regions with high contrast‐to‐noise ratio do not necessarily exhibit high reproducibility. These findings may provide supportive information for optimal design/implementation of fMRI studies and data interpretation.
Endoscopic capsule robots using reconfigurable modular assembly: A pilot study
Authors: Yoo Seung‐Schik , Rama Suraj , Szewczyk Benjamin , Pui Jason W.Y. , Lee Wonhye , Kim Laehyun 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTIngestible capsule endoscopy provides a method of imaging the gastrointestinal (GI) tract with increased patient comfort compared to traditional tube‐based endoscopy. However, many capsule endoscopic platforms lack locomotion and inherent size‐restrictions prohibit the implementation of high‐order functionality other than image acquisition. To overcome these limitations, we proposed a modular system of robots containing steerable locomotive elements with unique functionalities that are capable of assembling into a larger and more complex robot via mutual docking. The prototype capsules were approximately the size of D‐cell batteries. The three sets of radio‐controlled modular robotic capsules were designed to move using a combination of continuous‐rotational servos and angular servos for steering and locomotion. A docking mechanism was achieved by permanent magnets (attached to the linear servo installed in the capsule) while a structural slit allowed for correct docking orientation. Additional center capsules were capable of rotational locomotion or image transfer via a housed camera and three docking ports for the capsules to dock. When fully assembled, a four‐capsule assembly exhibited controlled locomotion and wireless video transmission. With potential integration with wireless power transmission, as demonstrated by the acoustic power transmission via focused ultrasound, the proposed reconfigurable robotic capsule platform may provide unique opportunities in administering minimally invasive theragnostic applications.
The Enamel Protein Amelotin Is a Promoter of Hydroxyapatite Mineralization
Authors: Abbarin Nastaran , San Miguel Symone , Holcroft James , Iwasaki Kengo , Ganss Bernhard 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT

Amelotin (AMTN) is a recently discovered protein that is specifically expressed during the maturation stage of dental enamel formation. It is localized at the interface between the enamel surface and the apical surface of ameloblasts. AMTN knock-out mice have hypomineralized enamel, whereas transgenic mice overexpressing AMTN have a compact but disorganized enamel hydroxyapatite (HA) microstructure, indicating a possible involvement of AMTN in regulating HA mineralization directly. In this study, we demonstrated that recombinant human (rh) AMTN dissolved in a metastable buffer system, based on light scattering measurements, promotes HA precipitation. The mineral precipitates were characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy and electron diffraction. Colloidal gold immunolabeling of AMTN in the mineral deposits showed that protein molecules were associated with HA crystals. The binding affinity of rh-AMTN to HA was found to be comparable to that of amelogenin, the major protein of the forming enamel matrix. Overexpression of AMTN in mouse calvaria cells also increased the formation of calcium deposits in the culture medium. Overexpression of AMTN during the secretory stage of enamel formation in vivo resulted in rapid and uncontrolled enamel mineralization. Site-specific mutagenesis of the potential serine phosphorylation motif SSEEL reduced the in vitro mineral precipitation to less than 25%, revealing that this motif is important for the HA mineralizing function of the protein. A synthetic short peptide containing the SSEEL motif was only able to facilitate mineralization in its phosphorylated form (PSPSEEL), indicating that this motif is necessary but not sufficient for the mineralizing properties of AMTN. These findings demonstrate that AMTN has a direct influence on biomineralization by promoting HA mineralization and suggest a critical role for AMTN in the formation of the compact aprismatic enamel surface layer during the maturation stage of amelogenesis. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Poverty Effects of Remittances: a Comparative Analysis
Authors: Majeed Muhammad Tariq 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThis paper studies the impact of remittances on cross‐country poverty using a panel data set from 65 developing counties over a long period 1970–2008. This study differs from the existing literature on poverty impact of remittances by explicitly noting the importance of financial development in shaping the link. This analysis shows that the effect of remittances on poverty depends on the level of financial development of a remittances receiving economy. Those economies that have a low level of financial development seem to acquire an unfavourable effect of remittances while economies with comparatively developed financial systems do not suffer from the adverse effects of remittances. In sum, remittances accentuate not ameliorate poverty in countries with the low level of financial development. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simulations of 21st century snow response to climate change in Switzerland from a set of RCMs
Authors: Schmucki Edgar , Marty Christoph , Fierz Charles , Lehning Michael 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTTwenty‐first century snow depth and snow water equivalent (SWE) changes are assessed for three time periods (2020–2049, 2045–2079 and 2070–2099) at 11 stations in Switzerland with the physics‐based snow model SNOWPACK and meteorological input data perturbed by the output from ten regional climate models (RCMs) through the delta change method. Unlike in previous studies, incoming long‐wave radiation has also been modified for future climatic conditions. We thus show the range of future snow simulations assuming different RCM projections.Model validation yields satisfying results for simulating snow depth and SWE for the reference period with errors in the order of 9% and 15%, respectively. For the end of the century, the stations between 1000–1700 m a.s.l. show no pronounced elevation dependence but surprisingly react quite similarly in terms of the relative magnitude of snow cover decrease, which may reach 90%. The projected small increase in winter precipitation has almost no effect at these stations, but incoming long‐wave radiation has an important effect. At the high‐elevation station Weissfluhjoch (2540 m a.s.l.) however, the precipitation increase is partly able to compensate for the increased temperature. This would imply that the snow cover at mid‐elevation stations becomes temperature and radiation dominated and will react similarly to the spatially small differences in the projected temperature change. The low‐elevation stations already show a strong decrease in the near future, and the inclusion of modified incoming long‐wave radiation has almost no effect on the decrease of future snow depth and SWE because the temperatures are already close to the melting point in the reference period. At the end of the century, mean snow depth/SWE are reduced by 35/32%, 83/86% and 96/97% at high‐, mid‐ and low‐elevations, respectively.