bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Event‐related potentials affected by spatial frequencies of background visual pattern during a cognitive task
Authors: Kato Kazuo , Miura Osamu , Shikoda Arimitsu , Kuroki Tomohiro , Ishikawa Atsuo , Kobayashi Tetsuo 
Published: July 2013

AbstractSpatial variation in luminance, which is one of the most important attributes of a visual image, may cause characteristic reactions in higher order brain functions. We aim to characterize the event‐related potentials (ERPs) associated with a cognitive task (simple addition) in terms of how they are influenced by the spatial frequencies of the background visual pattern. We use vertically striped visual stimuli with embedded numbers (0–9) and different spatial frequency characteristics (white noise, 1/f, 1/f2, and 1/f3). The subjects are instructed to perform two tasks: an addition task that involved adding numbers presented as visual stimuli, and a reference task wherein the numbers were not added. In ERPs averaged over four types of visual stimuli for the addition task, positive components peaking at latencies of 182 ms in the central and frontal areas and 360 ms in the parietal area are observed, and significant differences are found between ERPs for the addition and reference tasks. In the addition task, the 182‐ms latency component shows a larger positive amplitude for 1/f3 compared with other stimuli in the right parietal‐occipital‐temporal area (P4, T6, O2), and the 360‐ms latency component tends to show a larger positive amplitude for 1/f compared with other stimuli in the parietal‐central area (C3, P3, Pz). We conclude that spatial frequency characteristics influence ERPs associated with the retrieval of arithmetic data and certain neural activities that accompany simple forms of addition. © 2013 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Cross‐sectional area calculation for arbitrary shape in the image using star algorithm with Green's theorem
Authors: Esmaile Maher F. , Marhaban Mohammad H. , Mahmud Rozi , Saripan M. I. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractCalculation of the cross‐sectional area is an important diagnostic tool in medical imaging modality. Curvature points arrangement (CPA) is an important step in the calculation, where the Star algorithm had been shown to be effective in segmenting the carotid artery. The algorithm however works under the assumption of circular or ellipsoid shapes, and the ability to determine its center of gravity is done by exploiting the features of equi‐space diameter of the circle. In this paper, a method of calculation of the cross‐sectional area of an arbitrary shape is discussed. The Star algorithm is modified to arrange the points of the object's edge through the CPA process in order to form a simple closed curve. Several rays are emanated from a point inside the region of interest with different angles to the far points within the segmented area. The cross‐sectional area is then calculated by using Green's theorem. To validate the concepts, several regular shaped images with different noise types (Gaussian, speckles, and salt and pepper) and ultrasound images are used in the experiments. The result shows that this method can calculate the cross‐sectional area with negligible error for an arbitrary object within the image and with different types of noises. © 2013 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Cardiac assessment in fetuses with right‐sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia: case–control study
Authors: DeKoninck P. , Richter J. , Van Mieghem T. , Van Schoubroeck D. , Allegaert K. , De Catte L. , Deprest J. A. 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo evaluate cardiac anatomy and function in fetuses with right‐sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (RCDH), and to compare these values with those of normal controls.MethodsFetal echocardiography was performed in 17 consecutive cases with isolated RCDH and 17 gestational age‐matched controls. Two‐dimensional measurements included ventricular and outflow tract diameters. Doppler ultrasound was used to measure the flow pattern in the ductus venosus and over the pulmonary and aortic valves, right and left ventricular myocardial performance index and the E/A wave ratio over the atrioventricular valves. Stroke volume, cardiac output and shortening fraction were calculated.ResultsMedian gestational age at evaluation was 27.4 (interquartile range, 24.4–28.9) weeks. RCDH cases had a significantly smaller right ventricle and pulmonary valve diameter. Furthermore, stroke volume and cardiac output from the right ventricle were lower than in controls. Myocardial contractility, however, appeared normal.ConclusionsDespite significantly reduced right ventricular dimensions and cardiac output, cardiac contractility was normal in a cohort of fetuses with RCDH. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Infantile exposure to lead and late‐age cognitive decline: Relevance to AD
Authors: Bihaqi Syed Waseem , Bahmani Azadeh , Subaiea Gehad M. , Zawia Nasser H. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundEarly‐life lead (Pb) exposure induces overexpression of the amyloid beta precursor protein and its amyloid beta product in older rats and primates. We exposed rodents to Pb during different life span periods and examined cognitive function in old age and its impact on biomarkers associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD).MethodsMorris, Y, and the elevated plus mazes were used. Western blot, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay were used to study the levels of AD biomarkers.ResultsCognitive impairment was observed in mice exposed as infants but not as adults. Overexpression of AD‐related genes (amyloid beta precursor protein and β‐site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1) and their products, as well as their transcriptional regulator—specificity protein 1 (Sp1)—occurred only in older mice with developmental exposure to Pb.ConclusionsA window of vulnerability to Pb neurotoxicity exists in the developing brain that can influence AD pathogenesis and cognitive decline in old age.
Drops walking on a vibrating bath: towards a hydrodynamic pilot-wave theory
Authors: Moláček Jan , Bush John W. M. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractWe present the results of a combined experimental and theoretical investigation of droplets walking on a vertically vibrating fluid bath. Several walking states are reported, including pure resonant walkers that bounce with precisely half the driving frequency, limping states, wherein a short contact occurs between two longer ones, and irregular chaotic walking. It is possible for several states to arise for the same parameter combination, including high- and low-energy resonant walking states. The extent of the walking regime is shown to be crucially dependent on the stability of the bouncing states. In order to estimate the resistive forces acting on the drop during impact, we measure the tangential coefficient of restitution of drops impacting a quiescent bath. We then analyse the spatio-temporal evolution of the standing waves created by the drop impact and obtain approximations to their form in the small-drop and long-time limits. By combining theoretical descriptions of the horizontal and vertical drop dynamics and the associated wave field, we develop a theoretical model for the walking drops that allows us to rationalize the limited extent of the walking regimes. The critical requirement for walking is that the drop achieves resonance with its guiding wave field. We also rationalize the observed dependence of the walking speed on system parameters: while the walking speed is generally an increasing function of the driving acceleration, exceptions arise due to possible switching between different vertical bouncing modes. Special focus is given to elucidating the critical role of impact phase on the walking dynamics. The model predictions are shown to compare favourably with previous and new experimental data. Our results form the basis of the first rational hydrodynamic pilot-wave theory.
Axisymmetric propagating vortices in centrifugally stable Taylor–Couette flow
Authors: Hoffmann C. , Altmeyer S. , Heise M. , Abshagen J. , Pfister G. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractWe present numerical as well as experimental results of axisymmetric, axially propagating vortices appearing in counter-rotating Taylor–Couette flow below the centrifugal instability threshold of circular Couette flow without additional externally imposed forces. These propagating vortices are periodically generated by the shear flow near the Ekman cells that are induced by the non-rotating end walls. These axisymmetric vortices propagate into the bulk towards mid-height, where they get annihilated by rotating, non-propagating defects. These propagating structures appear via a supercritical Hopf bifurcation from axisymmetric, steady vortices, which have been discovered recently in centrifugally stable counter-rotating Taylor–Couette flow (Abshagen et al., Phys. Fluids, vol. 22, 2010, 021702). In the nonlinear regime of the Hopf bifurcation, contributions of non-axisymmetric modes also appear.
The structure of sidewall boundary layers in confined rotating Rayleigh–Bénard convection
Authors: Kunnen R. P. J. , Clercx H. J. H. , van Heijst G. J. F. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractTurbulent rotating convection is usually studied in a cylindrical geometry, as this is its most convenient experimental realization. In our previous work (Kunnen et al., J. Fluid Mech., vol. 688, 2011, pp. 422–442) we studied turbulent rotating convection in a cylinder with the emphasis on the boundary layers. A secondary circulation with a convoluted spatial structure has been observed in mean velocity plots. Here we present a linear boundary-layer analysis of this flow, which leads to a model of the circulation. The model consists of two independent parts: an internal recirculation within the sidewall boundary layer, and a bulk-driven domain-filling circulation. Both contributions exhibit the typical structure of the Stewartson boundary layer near the sidewall: a sandwich structure of two boundary layers of typical thicknesses ${E}^{1/ 4} $ and ${E}^{1/ 3} $, where $E$ is the Ekman number. Although the structure of the bulk-driven circulation may change considerably depending on the Ekman number, the boundary-layer recirculation is present at all Ekman numbers in the range $0. 72\times 1{0}^{- 5} \leq E\leq 5. 76\times 1{0}^{- 5} $ considered here.
Exchange magnetic field torques in YIG/Pt bilayers observed by the spin-Hall magnetoresistance
Authors: Vlietstra N. , Shan J. , Castel V. , Ben Youssef J. , Bauer G. E. W. , van Wees B. J. 
Published: July 2013

The effective field torque of an yttrium-iron-garnet (YIG) film on the spin accumulation in an attached platinum (Pt) film is measured by the spin-Hall magnetoresistance (SMR). As a result, the magnetization direction of a ferromagnetic insulating layer can be measured electrically. Experimental transverse and longitudinal resistances are well described by the theoretical model of SMR in terms of the direct and inverse spin-Hall effect, for different Pt thicknesses [3, 4, 8, and 35 nm]. Adopting a spin-Hall angle of Pt θSH=0.08, we obtain the spin diffusion length of Pt (λ=1.1±0.3 nm) as well as the real (Gr=(7±3)×1014 Ω−1m−2) and imaginary part (Gi=(5±3)×1013 Ω−1m−2) of the spin-mixing conductance and their ratio (Gr/Gi=16±4).
On the generalized Fischer-Burmeister merit function for the second-order cone complementarity problem
Authors: Pan Shaohua , Kum Sangho , Lim Yongdo , Chen Jein-Shan 
Published: July 2013

It has been an open question whether the family of merit functionsψp (p>1)\psi _p\ (p>1), the generalized Fischer-Burmeister (FB) merit function, associated to the second-order cone is smooth or not. In this paper we answer it partly, and show thatψp\psi _pis smooth forp∈(1,4)p\in (1,4), and we provide the condition for its coerciveness. Numerical results are reported to illustrate the influence ofppon the performance of the merit function method based onψp\psi _p.
Complex phenological changes and their consequences in the breeding success of a migratory bird, the white storkCiconia ciconia
Authors: Gordo Oscar , Tryjanowski Piotr , Kosicki Jakub Z. , Fulín Miroslav 
Published: July 2013

SummaryThe timing of bird migration has shifted in response to climate change. However, few studies have linked the potential consequences of any phenological shift on individual fitness and even fewer have disentangled the role of plasticity and microevolution in the observed shifts.The arrival date and breeding success of white storks (Ciconia ciconia) have been recorded since the 1880s in Slovakia. We used data for two periods (1895–1913 and 1977–2007), which were considered, respectively, as populations before and after the start of climate warming. About 4000 male and 2500 female arrival dates along with 3000 breeding attempts were studied.Mean arrival dates did not differ between the two periods. During 1977–2007, males tended towards a slight delay for most fractions of arrival distribution. Protandry was reduced by 30% (1·44 days).In both sexes, the early percentiles of the arrival distribution arrived later those years with warmer temperatures at the African wintering grounds, while late percentiles advanced their arrival when temperatures were higher in the European areas flown over during migration.Mean breeding success of the Slovakian population has not changed since 1977. However, fecundity selection for arrival date reduced over the years: at the end of 1970s and 1980s, early breeders had more success than late breeders, but this seasonal trend disappeared towards the end of the study period. An early arrival and territory acquisition may have become less of an advantage due to the enhancement of feeding opportunities during the breeding season in recent decades.A century ago, stork arrival varied spatially, with earlier arrivals at low altitudes, southern slopes and warmer and drier regions. This spatial variation mostly vanished, and at present, we found little correlations with topographical and climatic gradients.We showed that long‐term temporal changes in the timing of biological events may be complex because each fraction of a population and sex may show different temporal trends in their arrival dates. In addition, the effect of biotic and abiotic factors may change consistently in space and time, and thereby phenotypes' value depends on the circumstances that are expressed due to its variable fitness consequences.
Marine protected areas facilitate parasite populations among four fished host species of central Chile
Authors: Wood Chelsea L. , Micheli Fiorenza , Fernández Miriam , Gelcich Stefan , Castilla Juan Carlos , Carvajal Juan 
Published: July 2013

Summary

Parasites comprise a substantial proportion of global biodiversity and exert important ecological influences on hosts, communities and ecosystems, but our knowledge of how parasite populations respond to human impacts is in its infancy.

Here, we present the results of a natural experiment in which we used a system of highly successful marine protected areas and matched open‐access areas in central Chile to assess the influence of fishing‐driven biodiversity loss on parasites of exploited fish and invertebrate hosts. We measured the burden of gill parasites for two reef fishes (Cheilodactylus variegatus and Aplodactylus punctatus), trematode parasites for a keyhole limpet (Fissurella latimarginata), and pinnotherid pea crab parasites for a sea urchin (Loxechinus albus). We also measured host density for all four hosts.

We found that nearly all parasite species exhibited substantially greater density (# parasites m−2) in protected than in open‐access areas, but only one parasite species (a gill monogenean of C. variegatus) was more abundant within hosts collected from protected relative to open‐access areas.

These data indicate that fishing can drive declines in parasite abundance at the parasite population level by reducing the availability of habitat and resources for parasites, but less commonly affects the abundance of parasites at the infrapopulation level (within individual hosts).

Considering the substantial ecological role that many parasites play in marine communities, fishing and other human impacts could exert cryptic but important effects on marine community structure and ecosystem functioning via reductions in parasite abundance.
FORUM: Searching for biodiversity gains through woodfuel and forest management
Authors: Fuller Robert J. 
Published: July 2013

Summary

Woodfuel extraction from established woods and forests is promoted in Western Europe as a renewable energy source. Woodfuel management is mainly carried out by silvicultural thinning or short‐rotation harvesting, including coppicing. Potential negative effects include reduction in habitat quality for saproxylic species. However, in some regions, habitats may be improved for species that have declined as a result of increased shading. Resources required by most of these species are more likely to be delivered by short‐rotation management than thinning.

Relatively little is documented on the effects of thinning intensity on ecological resources and biodiversity within European forests. Trade‐offs between canopy cover, deer browsing pressure and understorey complexity are likely to occur. Therefore, interactions between thinning treatments and deer browsing potentially affect biodiversity, in the context of both woodfuel and timber production.

Synthesis and applications. Woodfuel management is unlikely to deliver benefits for most shade‐intolerant species unless it creates substantial areas of young‐growth with low deer impacts. However, more research is needed on thinning as a potential conservation tool. Changing climate and tree diseases are creating an uncertain future for forest management. It is timely for ecologists to work with forest managers to identify how integrated forestry and deer management can deliver positive and balanced biodiversity outcomes.
Diachronic Change in Verbal Agreement Patterns withMajorité
Authors: Tristram Anna 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThis article is concerned with the description of data relating to a case of morphosyntactic variation and change in French: verbal agreement patterns with the nounmajorité‘majority’. Quantitative analysis of apparent‐time data from cloze (‘gap‐fill’) tests suggests that plural agreement with this noun is increasing; data from a diachronic corpus study confirm that this is the case. A number of factors are found to constrain this variation and change, including most importantly the presence and number of a post‐modifying noun phrase (e.g.la majorité des hommes). The implications of these findings for the definition of collective nouns in French are discussed.
Determination of optimal timing of 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid foliar applications for common scab control in potato
Authors: Thompson H.K. , Tegg R.S. , Davies N.W. , Ross J.J. , Wilson C.R. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractApplication of 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D) has been shown to be an effective control method for common scab of potato. Prior research targeted applications at or shortly after tuber initiation during the period of known susceptibility, with later treatment providing little or no control. This study examined the effect of a range of application dates and the influence of multiple applications at low and high rates on common scab control in both Russet Burbank and Desiree cultivars. We show that applications as early as 5 days after average plant emergence gave the greater disease control for both cultivars. These early treatments provide sufficient material to the tuber to induce resistance that lasts throughout the tuber susceptibility period with no requirement for, or benefit of repeated applications. Agronomic assessments suggested minor effects on total tuber mass produced with 2,4‐D treatment but these were not consistent. Effective treatments result in levels of 2,4‐D at harvest below the Australian maximum residue limit.
Food security, the labor market, and poverty in the Brazilian bio‐economy
Authors: de Souza Ferreira Filho Joaquim Bento 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThis article deals with the social implications of ethanol expansion in Brazil. The evolution of the labor market in sugarcane production in the country is analyzed together with its regional patterns of expansion, to illustrate how changes in the recent expansion are modifying the traditional pattern of labor demand in the activity. At the same time, the distributional effects of sugarcane expansion, as well as it's impacts on food security and land use change was approached with the aid of general equilibrium simulation models. The analysis shows that both the average earnings and the average years of schooling in sugarcane production are actually higher than in general agriculture in Brazil, and that this is linked to the growing increase in production in the Southeast and Central‐West. Sugarcane production in these regions is more capital intensive and has a much higher productivity than in other traditional regions in Northeast Brazil. The study concludes that the expansion in sugarcane production according to actual patterns does not have a negative effect on poverty, and has only minor impacts on food prices and deforestation. The increase in the regional economic imbalances within the country appears to be the problem that requires attention.
The effect of pars plan vitrectomy on oxygen saturation in retinal vessels – a pilot study
Authors: Šín Martin , Šínová Irena , Chrapek Oldřich , Prachařová Zuzana , Karhanová Marta , Langová Kateřina , Řehák Jiři 
Published: July 2013

Abstract.Purpose:  To determine the effect of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) on oxygen saturation in retinal vessels.Methods:  We performed a prospective consecutive interventional case series of 20 eyes of 20 patients with macular hole or epiretinal membrane. We performed automatic retinal oximetry (Oxymap Inc., Reykjavik, Iceland) in each patient 24 hr prior to and 45 days (range 42–49) after PPV (classic 20G or sutureless 23G). We analysed oxygen saturations in retinal arteries and veins. Vessel segments of first or second degree were selected. The same segment was analysed before and after PPV. Oximetry data were compared by paired two‐tailed t‐test.Results:  Pars plana vitrectomy did not alter arterial haemoglobin saturation with oxygen (98 ± 2% prior to the surgery and 98 ± 3% after the procedure, p = 0.549). The mean venous haemoglobin saturation with oxygen increased after vitrectomy from 63 ± 10% to 66 ± 8% (p = 0.012).Conclusions:  Oxygen saturation is higher in retinal veins after pars plana vitrectomy. Further studies are needed to unveil the mechanism of how vitrectomy affects oxygen metabolism in the retina.