bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Image Thresholding by Improved Convergent Floating Thresholding Method Using Extended Control Value
Authors: Ueno Kazuki , Yamaguchi Jun'ichi 
Published: December 2013

SUMMARYIn this paper, the authors propose a threshold setting method for binary images. This method consists of two steps which are different threshold calculating algorithms. The first step is an improved model of the Convergent Floating Thresholding Method, with switching between two control values to update a tentative threshold. By this step, thresholding of a boundary area of gray level change is performed. The second step is composed of the discriminant analysis method and is applied to flat areas of gray level. A feature of the proposed method is comparison of the gray level with two final tentative thresholds which are obtained using two coefficients as control values. With this method, it is possible to decrease thresholding error which occurs in the case of low contrast and brightness change. Pattern in similar gray‐level areas can also be clarified. The proposed method and the conventional methods were tested, using general outdoor scene images. The results showed that the proposed method can output good‐quality binary images and is useful for thresholding of scene images. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 97(1): 82–88, 2014; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.11495
One‐Pot Solvothermal Coating of Carbon Spheres with ZnS Nanocrystallites and Their Use in the Photodegradation of Dyes
Authors: Samant Kanchan M. , Suroshe Jagruti S. , Garje Shivram S. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIn the present investigation, an easy approach for the synthesis of nanostructures composed of carbon spheres (CSs) and ZnS was demonstrated. CSs were prepared by aerosol‐assisted chemical vapor deposition of toluene at 1050 °C and were characterized by different techniques, including X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Further, their composite with ZnS nanoparticles (NPs) was synthesized by using solvothermal decomposition of a single‐source precursor in the presence of ethylene glycol. The competence of the resultant composite material was tested in the photodegradation of eriochrome black‐T and methylene blue, and the results were compared with those obtained for the bare ZnS NPs. The substantial increase in the photodegradation efficiency of the composite is attributed to the large surface area provided by the CSs to the ZnS NPs for dye reduction.
Dimerization Behavior of Substituted Bicyclo[3.1.0]hex‐1‐ene Derivatives
Authors: Zheng Jun‐Cheng , Liu Huaqing , Lee Nam‐Kyu , Lee Daesung 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe different reaction profiles of lithium trimethylsilyldiazomethane with various 4‐alkenyl ketones are described. It was found that the individual steps along the reaction pathway including a Brook rearrangement, elimination of lithium trimethylsilanolate to form alkylidene carbenes, and their addition to an alkene to form strained bicyclo[3.1.0]hex‐1‐ene derivatives were significantly affected by the substituents near or on the alkene moiety. Especially, the dimerization of bicyclo[3.1.0]hex‐1‐enes depends critically on the substituent pattern of the alkene, which controls the reaction to proceed in a concerted or a stepwise manner. On the basis of X‐ray diffraction analysis, the dimers, which are of unprecedented structural complexity, were unambiguously elucidated.
20 Jahre Gründungssysteme mit geokunststoffummantelten Säulen
Authors: Raithel Marc , Küster Volker , Alexiew Dimiter 
Published: December 2013

AbstractGründungssysteme mit geokunststoffummantelten Säulen für Erdbauwerke auf gering tragfähigen Böden wurden vor rund 20 Jahren in der Geotechnik eingeführt und sind in Deutschland mittlerweile Stand der Technik. Das System bietet eine geotechnische Lösung für Gründungen in stark verformbaren, sehr gering scherfesten Böden, in denen traditionelle Verfahren der Bodenverbesserung ihre Anwendungsgrenzen erreichen. In diesem Beitrag werden das System der geokunststoffummantelten Säulen, die Berechnungsverfahren und insbesondere die Ergebnisse von Langzeitmessungen beschrieben. Weitere Informationen betreffen die laufende Weiterentwicklung des Systems nach den technischen und wirtschaftlichen Anforderungen großer Tiefbauprojekte sowie weitere potenzielle Anwendungsmöglichkeiten.20 years of foundation systems with geotextile encased columns. Foundation systems using geotextile encased columns for earth structures (e.g. embankments) on soft subsoil with a low bearing capacity were established in geotechnical engineering about 20 years ago and today are state‐of‐the‐art in Germany. The system offers a geotechnical solution for foundations even in highly deformable soils of extremely low shear strength, in which traditional soil improvement techniques reach their limit of practicability. This paper gives a description of the system of geotextile encased columns, of design and construction procedures and in particular of the results of long‐term measurements. Further information is given on ongoing developments of the system corresponding to technical and economical requirements of major geotechnical projects as well as further application options.
Cross‐Border Debt Adjustment – Open Questions in European Insolvency Proceedings
Authors: Linna Tuula 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAt present, 18 European Union member states have some form of legislation on adjustment of the debts of a private individual. Only half of these debt adjustment proceedings are mentioned in Annex A of the European Insolvency Regulation (EIR) and therefore fall within the scope of it. As most of the debt adjustment proceedings are not included in the scope of the Brussels I Regulation, there is a regulatory gap in the European insolvency proceedings with unpleasant impacts on the free movement of labour. Fortunately, changes are coming, in the form of the EIR reform.In order to bring debt adjustment within the scope of the EIR, the Commission proposes to loosen the prerequisite concerning the legal effects, which the opening of the proceedings has on the debtor. Regarding the jurisdiction to open main proceedings, the Commission proposes that COMI (the debtor's centre of main interests) would be the place of habitual residence. The open question is, whether residency requires a certain continuity or stability. This issue is discussed in the paper taking into account recent Court of Justice of the European Union case law.The challenge of the EIR reform is that only provisions on scope and jurisdiction have been modified as to debt adjustment. One may ask, e.g. when the prerequisites concerning the opening of secondary proceedings are fulfilled if the debtor is a private individual. Copyright © 2013 INSOL International and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Divergent palate morphology in turtles and birds correlates with differences in proliferation and BMP2 expression during embryonic development
Authors: Abramyan John , Leung Kelvin Jia‐Mien , Richman Joy Marion 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTDuring embryonic development, amniotes typically form outgrowths from the medial sides of the maxillary prominences called palatal shelves or palatine processes. In mammals the shelves fuse in the midline and form a bony hard palate that completely separates the nasal and oral cavities. In birds and lizards, palatine processes develop but remain unfused, leaving a natural cleft. Adult turtles do not possess palatine processes and unlike other amniotes, the internal nares open into the oral cavity. Here we investigate craniofacial ontogeny in the turtle, Emydura subglobosa to determine whether vestigial palatine processes develop and subsequently regress, or whether development fails entirely. We found that the primary palate in turtles develops similarly to other amniotes, but secondary palate ontogeny diverges. Using histology, cellular dynamics and in situ hybridization we found no evidence of palatine process development at any time during ontogeny of the face in the turtle. Furthermore, detailed comparisons with chicken embryos (the model organism most closely related to turtles from a molecular phylogeny perspective), we identified differences in proliferation and gene expression patterns that correlate with the differences in palate morphology. We propose that, in turtles, palatine process outgrowth is never initiated due to a lack of mesenchymal bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) expression in the maxillary mesenchyme, which in turn fails to induce the relatively higher cellular proliferation required for medial tissue outgrowth. It is likely that these differences between turtles and birds arose after the divergence of the lineage leading to modern turtles. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 322B: 73–85, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quick diagnosis units—an effective alternative to hospitalization for diagnostic workup: A systematic review
Authors: Gupta Shweta , Sukhal Shashvat , Agarwal Rajender , Das Krishna 
Published: December 2013

INTRODUCTIONThis era of healthcare reform emphasizes improving value of care. Inpatient admissions for diagnostic evaluation put economic pressure on an already strained healthcare system. We conducted a systematic review of effectiveness of quick diagnosis units (QDUs), an established outpatient model for early diagnostic workups in Europe.METHODSWe searched MEDLINE and Embase for studies that focused on implementation of quick/rapid diagnosis units, with relevant Medical Subject Headings terms and keywords. Of 2047 studies, we selected 13 for full‐text screening and bibliography review. Of these, 5 studies included at least 2 primary outcomes of interest and were included in our review. These units functioned as outpatient clinics, staffed by internists, nurses, and clerical staff, with expedited scheduling of outpatient diagnostic tests. Our primary outcome measures were final diagnosis, the mean time to final diagnosis, inpatient bed‐days saved per patient, and costs saved per patient. We also studied discharge disposition, care preferences, and safety data.RESULTSAbout 18% to 30% of patients were diagnosed with malignancy, with an average time to diagnosis of 6 to 11 days. Inpatient bed‐days saved per patient ranged from 4.5 to 7. Savings from fixed costs of hospitalization ranged from $2336(€1764) to $3304(€2514) for each patient enrolled in the protocol. The QDU model was preferred by 88% of patients, and patient satisfaction rates were 95% to 97%.CONCLUSIONSQDUs seem an effective and cost‐saving alternative to inpatient hospitalization, and appear to be a safe approach for diagnostic workup of potentially severe diseases in select patient populations, although there are limited safety data available. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2014;9:54–59. © 2013 Society of Hospital Medicine
Hearing loss following ventriculoperitoneal shunt in communicating hydrocephalus patients: A pilot study
Authors: Lim Hyun Woo , Shim Byoung Soo , Yang Chan Joo , Kim Jeong Hoon , Cho Young Hyun , Cho Yang‐Sun , Kong Doo‐Sik , Koo Ja‐Won , Han Jung‐Ho , Chung Jong Woo 
Published: December 2013

Objectives/HypothesisHearing loss can be associated with a decrease in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure because changes in CSF pressure induce changes in perilymph pressure. Hearing loss after neurosurgical procedures have been reported, but clinical information on hearing loss after the placement of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts, the most commonly used CSF shunt for hydrocephalus patients, is limited. This study is aimed to show the relationship between VP shunt and hearing loss.Study DesignProspective study.MethodsPure tone threshold and electrocochleography were preoperatively performed in nine patients (18 ears) undergoing elective VP shunt placement. Five‐day and 1‐month post‐shunt placement hearing thresholds were compared with baseline data. A correlation analysis was conducted between the threshold and summating potential/action potential (SP/AP) ratio changes at 5 days and 1 month after shunt placement. Cochlear aqueduct dimensions measured by high‐resolution CT were compared between ears with and without hearing loss.ResultsAbout 40% of subject ears showed hearing loss with a threshold elevation of at least 15 dB in one or more frequencies. After VP shunt placement, the mean threshold of all ears showed a significant increase in most frequencies and the pure tone average. The change in the SP/AP ratios was significantly correlated with the change in the pure tone average at both 5 days and 1 month after shunt placement. Cochlear aqueduct dimensions were not correlated with hearing loss occurrence.ConclusionsHearing thresholds may increase following VP shunt placement, possibly due to secondary endolymphatic hydrops.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 124:1923–1927, 2014
Making the Most of Culture Clash in M&A
Authors: Lee Marks Mitchell , Mirvis Philip , Ashkenas Ron 
Published: December 2013

AbstractMerging different corporate cultures after mergers, so often a point of contention, can actually be a source of strength; according to Marks, Mirvis, and Ashkenas. There are predictable steps in a culture clash, in which the two companies perceive and magnify differences, engage in the labeling of stereotypes, and offer put‐downs. Managing culture clashes requires six specific steps: (1) assess cultural fit during due diligence, (2) clarify the cultural end‐state, (3) educate people on culture clash, (4) engage in deep cultural learning, (5) end the old culture to get to the new one, and (6) align HR practices with the desired new culture.
Main‐Chain Supramolecular Polymers Based on Orthogonal Benzo‐21‐Crown‐7/Secondary Ammonium Salt and Terpyridine/Metal Ion Recognition Motifs
Authors: Tian Yu‐Kui , Wang Feng 
Published: December 2013

Orthogonal self‐assembly of multiple components represents an efficient strategy to afford hierarchical and multifunctional assemblies. Here, we demonstrate the orthogonal recognition behaviors between benzo‐21‐crown‐7/secondary ammonium salt and terpyridine/metal ions (Fe2+ or Zn2+) recognition motifs. Main‐chain supramolecular polymers are subsequently achieved via “one‐pot” mixing of the three monomers together (heteroditopic monomer 1, homoditopic secondary ammonium salt monomer 2, and Fe(BF4)2•6H2O or Zn(OTf)2), which are confirmed by 1H NMR, UV–Vis, DOSY, and viscosity measurements. Moreover, different metal ions (Fe2+ or Zn2+) exert considerable effects on the size of the resulting supramolecular polymers. Integration of two different types of non‐covalent interactions renders dynamic and responsive properties for the resulting supramolecular polymers, as triggered by a variety of external stimuli such as temperature, potassium cation, as well as stronger chelating ligands. Therefore, the current work is a prerequisite for the future application of such orthogonal assemblies as intelligent supramolecular materials.
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Effects of a novel MC4R agonist on maintenance of reduced body weight in diet‐induced obese mice
Authors: Skowronski Alicja A. , Morabito Michael V. , Mueller Bridget R. , Lee Samuel , Hjorth Stephan , Lehmann Anders , Watanabe Kazuhisa , Zeltser Lori M. , Ravussin Yann , Rosenbaum Michael , LeDuc Charles A. , Leibel Rudolph L. 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveThe physiology of the weight‐reduced (WR) state suggests that pharmacologic agents affecting energy homeostasis may have greater efficacy in WR individuals. Our aim was to establish a protocol that allows for evaluation of efficacy of weight maintenance agents and to assess the effectiveness of AZD2820, a novel melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) agonist in such a paradigm.MethodsMC4R agonist was administered in stratified doses to mice who were either fed high‐fat diet ad libitum (AL) throughout the study; or stabilized at a 20% reduced body weight (BW), administered the drug for 4 weeks, and thereafter released from caloric restriction while continuing to receive the drug (WR).ResultsAfter release of WR mice to AL feeding, the high‐dose group (53.4 nmol/day) regained 12.4% less BW than their vehicle‐treated controls since the beginning of drug treatment. In WR mice, 10.8 nmol/day of the agonist was sufficient to maintain these animals at 95.1% of initial BW versus 53.4 nmol/day required to maintain the BW of AL animals (94.5%).ConclusionsIn the WR state, the MC4R agonist was comparably efficacious to a five‐fold higher dose in the AL state. This protocol provides a model for evaluating the mechanisms and quantitative efficacy of weight‐maintenance strategies and agents.
Innovative Raman Sampling
Authors: Mattley Yvette , Allen Michael W. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractConventional portable and handheld Raman systems are based on a dispersive design. The drawback of this design is the tradeoff between laser spot size and resolution. Most conventional instruments have a very small laser spot size. This tightly focused beam produces high resolution but may miss the target material completely. Increasing the sampling area using a large beam requires a larger aperture and consequently, a corresponding loss of resolution, making accurate library matching difficult and prone to error.
Imaging of Living Embryos
Authors: Briggs Stephan 
Published: December 2013

AbstractMultiphoton Microscopy is an advanced imaging technique for biological material that differs from standard confocal approaches. Multiphoton systems are the preferred choice for living, cellular imaging as it utilizes longer infrared wavelengths for excitation as opposed to shorter UV blue wavelengths that are more harmful to cellular tissue. This is done by taking advantage of the vibrational energy states of living tissue and results in an emission signal that is shorter than the excitation wavelengths. Multiphoton microscopy does not have the level of resolution that confocal microscopy has, but users are able to image deeper into living specimens which is extremely beneficial for non‐invasive biopsies performed in vivo. One application that truly demonstrates the benefits and differences between the two techniques is the imaging and analysis of living embryos.
Fluid Flows under Investigation
Authors: Trescher Bert , Wehrstein‐Kuhnen Christine 
Published: December 2013

AbstractParticle image velocimetry (PIV) is a non‐contact optical measurement technology for flow measurement and the visualization of complete flow fields in fluid mechanics. It is used in wind tunnels and flow channels, increasingly in medical technology, and all areas that require non‐contact, non‐deflecting assessment of fluid flow directions and velocities. Laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) – or LDA (laser Doppler anemometry) – is also a non‐contact technique, but in contrast to PIV, it has its main applications in the in‐situ detection of fluid flow via Doppler shift. Besides research applications, the main fields of utilization include calibration of sensors and flow measurements.
Silver Salt of 4,6‐Diazido‐N‐nitro‐1,3,5‐triazine‐2‐amine – Characterization of this Primary Explosive
Authors: Musil Tomáš , Matyáš Robert , Vala Roman , Růžička Aleš , Vlček Milan 
Published: December 2013

AbstractA new primary explosive, the silver salt of 4,6‐diazido‐N‐nitro‐1,3,5‐triazine‐2‐amine (AgDANT), was synthesized and characterized. AgDANT was prepared with a 97 % yield and characterized by IR spectroscopy, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, and DTA. The crystal density of AgDANT is 2.530 g cm−3 and the molecule consists of a centro‐symmetric dimer with a high degree of planarity. The intramolecular AgAg distance is relatively low (331 pm) and can be considered as a strong argentophilic interaction. AgDANT is non‐hygroscopic and its solubility in water (1.27 mg in 100 mL at 23 °C) is on a similar level of solubility to that of silver azide. The sensitivity of AgDANT to impact is slightly higher than that for MF, sensitivity to friction is the same as for LA, and sensitivity to electric discharge is between that for LS and MF. Initiation efficiency of AgDANT was tested in electric detonators and compared to dextrinated lead azide (initiation efficiency of AgDANT is 40 mg for PETN secondary charge). The thermal resistance of detonators with AgDANT is satisfactory; all detonators were fully functional after exposure at 65 °C (30 d) and 85 °C (2 d).
Multilevel structural characteristics for the natural substrate proteins of bacterial small heat shock proteins
Authors: Fu Xinmiao , Chang Zengyi , Shi Xiaodong , Bu Dongbo , Wang Chao 
Published: December 2013

AbstractSmall heat shock proteins (sHSPs) are ubiquitous molecular chaperones that prevent the aggregation of various non‐native proteins and play crucial roles for protein quality control in cells. It is poorly understood what natural substrate proteins, with respect to structural characteristics, are preferentially bound by sHSPs in cells. Here we compared the structural characteristics for the natural substrate proteins of Escherichia coli IbpB and Deinococcus radiodurans Hsp20.2 with the respective bacterial proteome at multiple levels, mainly by using bioinformatics analysis. Data indicate that both IbpB and Hsp20.2 preferentially bind to substrates of high molecular weight or moderate acidity. Surprisingly, their substrates contain abundant charged residues but not abundant hydrophobic residues, thus strongly indicating that ionic interactions other than hydrophobic interactions also play crucial roles for the substrate recognition and binding of sHSPs. Further, secondary structure prediction analysis indicates that the substrates of low percentage of β‐sheets or coils but high percentage of α‐helices are un‐favored by both IbpB and Hsp20.2. In addition, IbpB preferentially interacts with multi‐domain proteins but unfavorably with α + β proteins as revealed by SCOP analysis. Together, our data suggest that bacterial sHSPs, though having broad substrate spectrums, selectively bind to substrates of certain structural features. These structural characteristic elements may substantially participate in the sHSP–substrate interaction and/or increase the aggregation tendency of the substrates, thus making the substrates more preferentially bound by sHSPs.
The critical role of the loops of triosephosphate isomerase for its oligomerization, dynamics, and functionality
Authors: Katebi Ataur R. , Jernigan Robert L. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractTriosephosphate isomerase (TIM) catalyzes the reaction to convert dihydroxyacetone phosphate into glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate, and vice versa. In most organisms, its functional oligomeric state is a homodimer; however, tetramer formation in hyperthermophiles is required for functional activity. The tetrameric TIM structure also provides added stability to the structure, enabling it to function at more extreme temperatures. We apply Principal Component Analysis to find that the TIM structure space is clearly divided into two groups—the open and the closed TIM structures. The distribution of the structures in the open set is much sparser than that in the closed set, showing a greater conformational diversity of the open structures. We also apply the Elastic Network Model to four different TIM structures—an engineered monomeric structure, a dimeric structure from a mesophile—Trypanosoma brucei, and two tetrameric structures from hyperthermophiles Thermotoga maritima and Pyrococcus woesei. We find that dimerization not only stabilizes the structures, it also enhances their functional dynamics. Moreover, tetramerization of the hyperthermophilic structures increases their functional loop dynamics, enabling them to function in the destabilizing environment of extreme temperatures. Computations also show that the functional loop motions, especially loops 6 and 7, are highly coordinated. In summary, our computations reveal the underlying mechanism of the allosteric regulation of the functional loops of the TIM structures, and show that tetramerization of the structure as found in the hyperthermophilic organisms is required to maintain the coordination of the functional loops at a level similar to that in the dimeric mesophilic structure.