bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Removing the Noise in Monte Carlo Rendering with General Image Denoising Algorithms
Authors: Kalantari Nima Khademi , Sen Pradeep 
Published: May 2013

AbstractMonte Carlo rendering systems can produce important visual effects such as depth of field, motion blur, and area lighting, but the rendered images suffer from objectionable noise at low sampling rates. Although years of research in image processing has produced powerful denoising algorithms, most of them assume that the noise is spatially‐invariant over the entire image and cannot be directly applied to denoise Monte Carlo rendering. In this paper, we propose a new approach that enables the use of any spatially‐invariant image denoising technique to remove the noise in Monte Carlo renderings. Our key insight is to use a noise estimation metric to locally identify the amount of noise in different parts of the image, coupled with a multilevel algorithm that denoises the image in a spatially‐varying manner using a standard denoising technique. We also propose a new way to perform adaptive sampling that uses the noise estimation metric to identify the noisy regions in which to place more samples. We show that our framework runs in a few seconds with modern denoising algorithms and produces results that outperform state‐of‐the‐art techniques in Monte Carlo rendering.
Bilateral Hermite Radial Basis Functions for Contour‐based Volume Segmentation
Authors: Ijiri Takashi , Yoshizawa Shin , Sato Yu , Ito Masaaki , Yokota Hideo 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIn this paper, we propose a novel contour‐based volume image segmentation technique. Our technique is based on an implicit surface reconstruction strategy, whereby a signed scalar field is generated from user‐specified contours. The key idea is to compute the scalar field in a joint spatial‐range domain (i.e., bilateral domain) and resample its values on an image manifold. We introduce a new formulation of Hermite radial basis function (HRBF) interpolation to obtain the scalar field in the bilateral domain. In contrast to previous implicit methods, bilateral HRBF (B‐HRBF) generates a segmentation boundary that passes through all contours, fits high‐contrast image edges if they exist, and has a smooth shape in blurred areas of images. We also propose an acceleration scheme for computing B‐HRBF to support a real‐time and intuitive segmentation interface. In our experiments, we achieved high‐quality segmentation results for regions of interest with high‐contrast edges and blurred boundaries.
Microhabitat use by southern brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) in a headwater North Carolina stream
Authors: Anglin Zachary W. , Grossman Gary D. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBrook trout are the one of the only Salvelinus species native to eastern North America and range from Canada to Georgia. Very little is known, however, about the ecology of the southern form of this species. We quantified microhabitat use of southern brook trout in Ball Creek NC, a third‐order stream, during six seasonal samples (summer 2010, autumn 2010, spring 2011, summer 2011, autumn 2011 and spring 2012). In general, trout preferentially occupied deeper microhabitats with lower mean velocities and higher amounts of erosional substrata than were randomly available. Older trout (1+ and 2+) occupied deeper microhabitats with lower mean velocities than yearling trout. These microhabitats typically represent ‘plunge pools’. Southern brook trout also occupied focal point velocities that were statistically indistinguishable from optimal velocities calculated for rainbow trout in the same system and thus may chose microhabitats that maximise net energy gain. Southern brook trout are found in isolated populations, and management strategies should focus on the preservation of plunge pool habitat for conservation of this subspecies.
Pedogenic processes of placic and spodic horizons in subtropical subalpine forest soils with contrasting textures
Authors: Jien S. H. , Pai C. W. , Iizuka Y. , Chiu C. Y. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryPlacic (Bsm) and spodic (Bhs) horizons are common in subalpine or alpine forest soils in Taiwan. Bsm horizons are found more usually in finer textured soils than those with Bhs horizons. To understand the different formation processes in Bsm and Bhs horizons in a humid subtropical ecosystem, we identified micro‐morphological features by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and electron probe micro‐analysis (EPMA), and determined the physiochemical properties by chemical extractions and clay mineralogy. The study included four pedons with well‐developed Bsm horizons from our previous study and four with well‐developed Bhs horizons at other sites. Both sites were in subtropical mountain forests with similar climate, topography and general geology but over regoliths with distinctly different textures. Micro‐morphology revealed a vughy (small cavities lined with in‐washed materials) microstructure in Bsm horizons but a granular structure with bridge microstructures between coarse grains in Bhs horizons. Chemical analysis revealed more free pedogenic iron (Fed) and aluminium (Ald) in Bsm than in Bhs horizons, but more organically complexed Al (Alp) in Bhs horizons. Energy dispersive spectrometry revealed predominant Fe, oxygen (O) and carbon (C) in the matrix of the Bsm horizons, whereas Al, silicon (Si) and C were the major elements of interstitial materials in Bhs horizons. Polarizing microscopy and EPMA spectra confirmed the illuvial nature of organic Al complexes in Bhs horizons. The transformation of clay minerals showed more intense podzolization in Bhs horizons than in Bsm horizons. The different formation mechanisms in Bsm and Bhs horizons result from contrasting texture; redox processes are predominant in Bsm horizons because of the clayey texture whereas podzolization is predominant in sandy Bhs horizons.
Model‐to‐model and model‐to‐text: looking for the automation of VigilAgent
Authors: Gascueña José Manuel , Navarro Elena , Fernández‐Caballero Antonio , Martínez‐Tomás Rafael 
Published: May 2013

AbstractVigilAgent is a methodology for the development of agent‐oriented monitoring applications that uses agents as the key abstraction elements of the involved models. It has not been developed from scratch, but it reuses fragments from Prometheus and INGENIAS methodologies for modelling tasks and the ICARO framework for implementation purposes. As VigilAgent intends to automate as much as possible the development process, it exploits.Model transformation techniques are one of the key aspects of the model‐driven development approach. A model‐to‐model transformation is used to facilitate the interoperability between Prometheus and INGENIAS methodologies. Also, a model‐to‐text transformation is performed to generate ICARO code from the INGENIAS model. A case study based on access control is used to illustrate the fundamentals of the model‐to‐model and model‐to‐text transformations implemented in VigilAgent.
Probabilistic sensitivity analysis of dwell‐fatigue crack initiation life for a two‐grain microstructural model
Authors: Sparkman D. M. , Millwater H. R. , Ghosh S. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTCrack initiation in Ti‐6242 has been observed to occur in a grain with a hard orientation for basal slip neighbouring a grain with a soft orientation. Because there is significant variability in microstructural features and crack initiation life, it is useful to explore the effects of the variability of the microstructural components through a probabilistic sensitivity analysis. In this paper, a probabilistic crystal plasticity finite element model of a hard−soft grain combination (2 grains) was exercised considering the Schmid factor of the soft grain, the misorientation angle between the two grains, and the soft grain size as random variables. A probabilistic sensitivity analysis of the time‐to‐crack initiation was then employed in order to ascertain the relative importance of the random variables. The results indicate that the variance in the Schmid factor accounts for the majority of the variance in the time‐to‐crack initiation. A local sensitivity analysis found that larger Schmid factors result in smaller mean life and larger variance. The neighbouring soft grain size was found to be less important than the Schmid factor and misorientation angle.
Ultraviolet‐B‐driven pigmentation and genetic diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates from high‐altitude Andean streams
Authors: Loayza‐Muro Raúl A. , Marticorena‐Ruíz Jenny K. , Palomino Edwin J. , Merritt Camille , Breeuwer Johannes A. J. , Kuperus Peter , Kraak Michiel H. S. , Admiraal Wim 
Published: May 2013

Summary

Photoprotective pigments in benthic macroinvertebrates may reduce the damage caused by the blistering UV‐B radiation in Andean high‐altitude streams above 3500 m. The aim of this study was therefore to determine whether melanisation in macroinvertebrates inhabiting high‐altitude Andean streams is an adaptive response to high UV‐B radiation. To explore whether altitude‐related differences in melanin concentration between taxa were due to a variable community composition or due to population differentiation, mayfly species were identified genetically.

We measured UV‐B radiation from 650 to 4000 m and compared body melanin concentrations from several benthic macroinvertebrate orders sampled at these altitudes. Five genera belonging to the mayfly family Baetidae were genetically identified to the species level. DNA sequencing was performed in individual larval legs to group genetically similar individuals before pigment analysis in the corresponding bodies.

The UV‐B radiation at 4000 m was twice that at 3200 m, four times that at 1900 m and five times that at 650 m. The melanin concentration in families belonging to Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera, Diptera and Turbellaria was twice as high at 4000 m as at 3200 m, but did not differ among taxa or between seasons. Five genera of the family Baetidae were identified: Americabaetis, Dactylobaetis, Tupiara, Baetodes and Thraulodes. Genetic differences were evident between Americabaetis sp. at 4000 m from the Cordillera Blanca and at 3200 m from the Rímac River valley, and between Tupiara taxa at 650 and 1900 m in the Rímac River. In Americabaetis, melanin increased fivefold from 1900 to 4000 m, while in Dactylobaetis and Tupiara, it was twice as high at 1900 m as at 650 m. In Baetodes, melanin at 4000 m was twice that at 650 and 1900 m, while in Thraulodes, it was almost three times higher at 4000 m than at 3200 m.

In Tupiara, the differences in melanin levels were probably associated with species with different vertical distribution, while in Dactylobaetis, these differences were interpreted as phenotypic plasticity. Our results thus indicate that mayfly species within a single family have both constitutive and adjustable melanin concentrations, enabling them to cope with the strong selective UV‐B environment. Adjustable melanin levels have commonly been observed under moderate UV‐B regimes, while the constitutive, high melanin concentration is probably an attribute of high‐altitude invertebrate fauna in the tropics.
Results from a large multinational clinical trial (guardian™1) using prophylactic treatment with turoctocog alfa in adolescent and adult patients with severe haemophilia A: safety and efficacy
Authors: Lentz S. R. , Misgav M. , Ozelo M. , Šalek S. Z. , Veljkovic D. , Recht M. , Cerqueira M. , Tiede A. , Brand B. , Mancuso M. E. , Seremetis S. , Lindblom A. , Martinowitz U. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryRecombinant factor VIII (rFVIII) products provide a safe and efficacious replacement therapy for prophylaxis and treatment of bleeding episodes in patients with severe haemophilia A. This multinational, open‐label, non‐controlled trial investigated the safety and efficacy of turoctocog alfa, a new rFVIII product. The primary objective was to evaluate safety. A total of 150 patients (24 adolescents and 126 adults) with severe haemophilia A (FVIII activity ≤1%), with at least 150 exposure days (EDs) to any FVIII product and no history of inhibitors were enrolled, and 146 patients (97%) completed the trial. All patients received prophylaxis with turoctocog alfa for approximately 6 months and had a mean of 85 EDs during the trial. None of the patients developed FVIII inhibitors, there were no indications of early FVIII inhibitor development and no safety concerns were identified. A total of 225 adverse events were reported in 100 (67%) patients, with the most common being events associated with dosing procedures, headaches, and nasopharyngitis. A total of 499 bleeding episodes were reported during the trial, the majority (89%) were controlled with 1–2 infusions of turoctocog alfa. Based on patient reports, the success rate (defined as ‘excellent’ or ‘good’ haemostatic response) for treatment of bleeding episodes was 81%. The overall median annualized bleeding rate was 3.7 (interquartile range: 8.7) bleeds/patient/year. In conclusion, turoctocog alfa provides a new, safe and effective alternative for prophylaxis and treatment of bleeding episodes in patients with haemophilia A.
Phyllodes tumours of the breast: the role of CD34, vascular endothelial growth factor and β‐catenin in histological grading and clinical outcome
Authors: Ho Soo Keng , Thike Aye Aye , Cheok Poh Yian , Tse Gary M‐K , Tan Puay Hoon 
Published: May 2013

AimsThe grading and prognostication of breast phyllodes tumours remain challenging, and the value of biological markers continues to be elusive. The aim of this study was to evaluate CD34, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and β‐catenin in a series of 185 breast phyllodes tumours comprising 120 benign, 48 borderline and 17 malignant lesions.Methods and resultsImmunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays of phyllodes tumours was performed. CD34, VEGF and β‐catenin in stromal cells were expressed, respectively, in: 38.3%, 29.2% and 27.5% of benign phyllodes tumours; 33.3%, 58.3% and 54.2% of borderline phyllodes tumours; and 5.9%, 64.7% and 76.5% of malignant phyllodes tumours; these associations with histological grade were statistically significant. There was a statistically significant inverse association of CD34 stromal expression with adverse histological features, and a positive correlation of VEGF and cytoplasmic β‐catenin stromal staining with unfavourable microscopic parameters. At a median follow‐up duration of 42 months, 11 women suffered recurrences, with three succumbing from phyllodes tumour. Patients whose tumours expressed VEGF had poorer overall survival (P = 0.033), and there was a trend for worse overall survival in patients with tumour β‐catenin cytoplasmic expression.ConclusionsCD34, VEGF and β‐catenin play biological roles in breast phyllodes tumours, and may provide insights into tumour progression, with differential expression accompanying higher grades.
A preliminary investigation of the impact of oily skin on quality of life and concordance of self‐perceived skin oiliness and skin surface lipids (sebum)
Authors: Wu Y. , Niu Y. , Zhong S. , Liu H. , Zhen Y. , Saint‐Leger D. , Verschoore M. 
Published: May 2013

SynopsisObjectiveThis preliminary study investigated both the impact of oily skin on quality of life (QoL) and the agreement between subjective oily skin self‐assessment and objective skin surface sebum measurement in young to middle‐aged Chinese women in Beijing.MethodsA 18‐item Chinese version of the Oily Skin Self‐Image Questionnaire (OSSIQ) was used to assess the impact of oily skin on QoL in 300 healthy female subjects (age groups: 20–25; 26–30; 31–35,). The subjects were divided equally into the oily skin group and the non‐oily skin group based on their self‐perception of skin oiliness. The level of skin surface lipids (SSL) was measured on the middle of the forehead, and both cheeks using the Sebumeter®. In order to assess the agreement between self‐perceived skin oiliness and measured SSL, we tentatively used the SSL median value as a dividing point to regroup all subjects.ResultsThe results indicate that the Chinese version of the OSSIQ distinguished the oily skin group from the non‐oily skin group. Subjects in the oily skin group had significant higher emotional status score and behavior score when compared with subjects in the non‐oily skin group. Subjects in the oily skin group had higher SSL when compared with subjects in the non‐oily skin group, especially in younger age groups. The agreement between self‐perceived skin oiliness and measured SSL was moderately strong in younger age groups, and declined with age.ConclusionThese results strongly suggest that having oily skin can cause a significant negative impact on QoL among Chinese women. The Chinese version of the OSSIQ is a reliable and valid tool for assessing the impact of oily skin on QoL. The accuracy of oily skin self‐assessment declines with age.
Relationships between oral infections and blood glucose concentrations or HbA1c levels in normal and diabetic rats
Authors: Cintra L. T. A. , Samuel R. O. , Facundo A. C. S. , Prieto A. K. C. , Sumida D. H. , Bomfim S. R. M. , Souza J. C. , Dezan‐Júnior E. , Gomes‐Filho J. E. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAimTo measure glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in a diabetic model as a means of investigating apical periodontitis and periodontal disease for their effects on both blood glucose concentrations and long‐term glycaemic control.MethodologyWistar rats (n = 80) were assigned to one of eight groups (10 animals/group): control (G1), apical periodontitis (G2), periodontal disease (G3), apical periodontitis and periodontal disease (G4), diabetic (G5), diabetic with apical periodontitis (G6), diabetic with periodontal disease (G7) and diabetic with apical periodontitis and periodontal disease (G8). A diabetic state was induced with streptozotocin. Apical periodontitis was induced by dental exposure to the oral environment. Periodontal disease was induced by periodontal ligature. Blood glucose concentrations were measured at 0, 6, 30 and 60 days. After euthanization, rat maxillae were excised and processed for histopathology and for measurement of HbA1c levels by ion exchange chromatography. Data were tabulated and subject to statistical analysis (P < 0.05).ResultsThe inflammatory infiltrate and alveolar bone resorption were more severe in diabetic rats (P < 0.05). Diabetic rats exhibited higher levels of HbA1c independent of apical periodontitis or periodontal disease (P < 0.05). However, the presence of oral infections in diabetic rats was associated with increased blood glucose concentrations (P < 0.05).ConclusionsOral infections affect glycaemic conditions in diabetic rats and increase HbA1c levels in normoglycaemic or diabetic rats.
Salivary carriage of periodontal pathogens in generalized aggressive periodontitis families
Authors: Monteiro Mabelle Freitas , Casati Marcio Zaffalon , Taiete Tiago , Sallum Enilson Antonio , Nociti‐Jr Francisco Humberto , Ruiz Karina Gonzales , Casarin Renato Corrêa Viana 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundGeneralized aggressive periodontitis (GAP) is a multifactorial disease that shows a specific microbial profile and a familial aggregation.AimThis study evaluated the salivary microbial profile of families with a history of GAP and compared them with healthy families.DesignFifteen families with parents presenting periodontal health and 15 with parents with a history of GAP were selected. Each family had a child aged 6–12 years. Stimulated saliva was collected from all subjects, and Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Tannerella forsythia (Tf), and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) amounts were determined.ResultsChildren of GAP families showed higher detection of Aa (90%) than children of healthy families (45%) (P < 0.05). Parents with GAP showed a Pg salivary concentration statistically higher than that of healthy parents (P < 0.05).Children of GAP families, however, exhibited similar Pg concentration than healthy children (P > 0.05). Tf amounts did not differ either in parents or in children (P > 0.05) The infection risk calculation indicates that children who have one parent who is positive for Aa have 16.3 times (95% CI 3.1–87.2) more risk of being infected with Aa (P < 0.05) than children from an Aa‐negative family.ConclusionIt may be concluded that children of parents with aggressive periodontitis have higher levels and higher risk of Aa infection.
Exploring social network interactions in enterprise systems: the role of virtual co‐presence
Authors: Subramaniam Niran , Nandhakumar Joe , Baptista (John) João 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThis paper investigates the impact of social media interactions on the use context of enterprise systems (ES) at a global telecommunications company based in Europe. We conducted a detailed field study of users in three countries who execute tasks collectively using social media capabilities within their ES. The findings provide rich insights into these social media interactions, their influence on ES users' sense of ‘presence’ and their impact on the completion of tasks. Our key research contribution is to introduce the idea of ‘virtual co‐presence’ as a means of understanding the digitally mediated presence of ES users. In addition, we demonstrate how virtual co‐presence and the relationships afforded by social media shape ES users' interactions and collective completion of tasks in a dispersed work context. Drawing on the insights gained from the effect of virtual co‐presence on ES users, the paper outlines some implications for the theory and practice of collective work in ES use.
Chromatophore radial muscle fibers anchor in flexible squid skin
Authors: Bell George R.R. , Kuzirian Alan M. , Senft Stephen L. , Mäthger Lydia M. , Wardill Trevor J. , Hanlon Roger T. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractCephalopod skin is soft, flexible, and produces rapid color changes for camouflage and signaling primarily by regulating the shapes of its numerous chromatophore organs. Each chromatophore has 10–30 radial muscle cells, termed fibers, under central nervous system control. Each fiber contains myofilaments that contract in concert to stretch the pigment‐containing cell from its punctate, spherical state to a fully expanded thin disk of color. Expansion occurs in less than one second and can result in a 14‐fold expansion in pigment cell diameter. We investigated the anchoring mechanism of radial muscle fibers that expand pigment cells in the longfin squid,Doryteuthis (Loligo) pealeii. The proximal Active Zone of a radial muscle fiber adheres to the pigment cell within an ensheathing sinus. The distal portion forms terminal arbors, thereby increasing the surface area, to adhere it to the dermal extracellular matrix (ECM). While the muscle fiber is attached to the pigment cell with haptosomes, the remainder of the fiber is adhered to the surrounding basal lamina (part of theECM) by numerous, closely spaced, small costamere‐like projections. Branching of the radial muscle fiber termini and the costamere‐like attachments are key anatomical specializations that anchor the radial muscle fibers in the pliable skin while allowing the freedom of movement required for large changes in pigment cell diameter. We postulate that these features may be relevant for the development of soft actuation models in materials science.