bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dimensional scalable lossless compression of MRI images using haar wavelet lifting scheme with EBCOT
Authors: Anusuya V. , Srinivasa Raghavan V. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTModern medical imaging requires storage of large quantities of digitized clinical data. To provide high bandwidth and to reduce the storage space, a medical image must be compressed before transmission. One of the best image compression techniques is using the Haar wavelet transform. The method of discrete cosine transform (DCT) is chosen to be the preprocessing scheme to identify the image frequency information and has excellent energy compaction property. The block coding algorithm uses a wavelet transform to generate the sub band samples, which can be quantized and coded. It is more robust to errors than many other wavelet‐based schemes. In this article, simulations are carried out on different medical Images and it demonstrates the performance in terms of peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) & bits per pixel (BPP). Our proposed method is found to preserve information fidelity while reducing the amount of data. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 24, 175–181, 2014
Renal intraspecific variation along an aridity gradient detected by new renal indices in a desert herbivorous rodent
Authors: Tejo Riquelme Patricia A. , Diaz Isenrath Gabriela B. , Andino Natalia , Borghi Carlos E. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTMammals that live in arid and semi‐arid environments in South America present physiological mechanisms that enable them to conserve water. Body water is lost through the kidneys, lungs, skin, and intestines. Regarding renal adaptation for water conservation, several indices have been used to estimate the capacity of the kidneys to produce a maximum urine concentration. Most studies were conducted at an inter‐specific level, with only few performed at the intraspecific level. In this work, we compare renal function and morphology among five populations of Southern mountain cavy, Microcavia australis, present along an aridity gradient. We hypothesized that individuals from drier zones would present morphological and functional renal modifications that imply a greater capability to conserve body water. These features were studied considering the classical indices (RMT, PMT, PMA, and RMA) and three new indices that consider area measurements; the latter showed to be more adequate to reflect intraspecific differences. Our results suggest that the morphological modifications of kidneys, that is, the greater areas of renal inner medulla, would be related to the aridity gradient where populations of Southern mountain cavy occur. J. Exp. Zool. 321A: 348–356, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nonvertex‐Balanced Factors in Random Graphs
Authors: Gerke Stefanie , McDowell Andrew 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWe prove part of a conjecture by Johansson, Kahn, and Vu (Factors in random graphs, Random Struct. Algorithms 33 (2008), 1, 1–28.) regarding threshold functions for the existence of an H‐factor in a random graph . We prove that the conjectured threshold function is correct for any graph H which is not covered by its densest subgraphs. We also demonstrate that the main result of Johansson, Kahn, and Vu (Factors in random graphs, Random Struct. Algorithms 33 (2008), 1, 1–28) generalizes to multigraphs, digraphs, and a multipartite model.
Clinical value of spleen‐preserving distal pancreatectomy: a case‐matched analysis with a special emphasis on the postoperative systemic inflammatory response
Authors: Dumitrascu Traian , Dima Simona , Stroescu Cezar , Scarlat Andra , Ionescu Mihnea , Popescu Irinel 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe impact of splenectomy on outcomes after distal pancreatectomy was assessed in the present study, with a special emphasis on the postoperative systemic inflammatory response.MethodsThirty‐three patients with spleen‐preserving distal pancreatectomy—Kimura technique (SPDP group) were compared with a group of distal pancreatectomies with splenectomy (DPS group). The two groups were 1:1 matched for age, gender, co‐morbidities and pathology.ResultsNo differences between the groups were observed regarding the overall/severe/infectious morbidity, pancreatic fistulae and postoperative diabetes rates (P‐values ≥ 0.475). An increased blood loss (P = 0.031) and need for intraoperative transfusions (P = 0.004) was observed in the DPS group. Postoperative platelet count and platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio were significantly higher in the DPS group (P < 0.001).ConclusionSpleen removal during DP is not associated with a higher morbidity but with an increased blood loss and need for intraoperative transfusions. Although the postoperative systemic inflammatory response is higher when the splenectomy is performed, the number of postoperative infectious complications is not influenced. Preservation of the spleen during DP for benign and low‐grade malignant tumor of the distal pancreas appears to be worthy and should be the first option whenever is technically feasible and it can be safely achieved.
Suppressing charge recombination by incorporating 3,6‐carbazole into poly[9‐(heptadecan‐9‐yl)‐9H‐carbazole‐2,7‐diyl‐alt‐(5,6‐bis‐(octyloxy)‐4,7‐di(thiophen‐2‐yl)benzo[1,2,5]‐thiadiazole)‐5,5‐diyl]
Authors: Lee Gang‐Young , Moon Byung‐Joon , Song Seulki , Lee Won Ho , Woo Han Young , Park Taiho 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTA series of poly[9‐(heptadecan‐9‐yl)‐9H‐carbazole‐2,7‐diyl‐alt‐(5,6‐bis‐(octyloxy)‐4,7‐di(thiophen‐2‐yl)benzo‐[1,2,5]‐thia‐diazole)‐5,5‐diyl] compositions containing various ratios of 3,6‐carbazole was synthesized for testing in a polymer solar cell. An appropriate amount of 3,6‐carbazole units incorporated into the copolymer improved intermolecular charge transport, whereas excess amount of 3,6‐carbazole units temporarily seized on the partial negative charge generated in the conjugation breaks. We extensively studied the effects of the incorporated 3,6‐carbazole units on the intermolecular interactions, which can affect nongeminated recombination in bulk heterojunction‐polymer solar cells. These properties were investigated using photocurrent‐ and light intensity‐dependent measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 2047–2056
Optimized bandwidth allocation in broadband wireless access networks
Authors: Nasser Nidal , Miller Reid , Esmailpour Amir , Taha Abd‐Elhamid M. , Bejaoui Tarek 
Published: May 2014

AbstractTowards satisfying the requirements of International Mobile Telecommunications–Advanced, both the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) introduced revolutionary wireless technologies, exploiting advanced technologies and architectures. Both IEEE's 802.16 (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX)) and 3GPP's Long Term Evolution have been introduced to accommodate the increasing demand for mobile services and applications. To realize the true potential of these technologies, however, opportunistic frameworks for radio resource management must be designed to exploit the adaptive nature of mobile traffic. The utility optimized quality‐of‐service (QoS) framework proposed in this paper for the mobile WiMAX networks achieves this objective. To maintain support for QoS guarantees, the framework capitalizes on the adaptive nature of WiMAX traffic by individually linking connections with a utility function designed to both uphold the end users’ perceived performance and determine bandwidth allocations by a search tree maximization algorithm. In doing so, bandwidth utilization is maximized for all active connections, and blocking and dropping probabilities for new and handover calls, respectively, are minimized. The framework is evaluated through an extensive simulation model and is shown to outperform state‐of‐the‐art solutions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sliding wear behaviors of Nomex fabric/phenolic composite under dry and water-bathed sliding conditions
Authors: Ren Guina , Zhang Zhaozhu , Zhu Xiaotao , Men Xuehu , Jiang Wei , Liu Weimin 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
A Nomex fabric/phenolic composite was prepared, and its tribological properties were evaluated under dry and water-bathed sliding conditions by a pin-on-disk tribometer. The resulting size of the friction coefficient for the Nomex fabric/phenolic composite in the study occurred in the following order: dry sliding condition > distilled water-bathed sliding condition > sea water-bathed sliding condition. The fabric composite’s wear rate from high to low was as follows: distilled water-bathed sliding condition > sea water-bathed sliding condition > dry sliding condition. Under water-bathed sliding conditions, penetration of water into the cracks accelerated the composite’s invalidation process, resulting in a higher wear rate. We also found that the extent of corrosion and transfer film formed on the counterpart pin significantly influenced the wear rate of the Nomex fabric composite. Discussion of the Nomex fabric composite’s wear mechanisms under the sliding conditions investigated is provided on the basis of the characterization results.
First record of vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus faecium in Canadian wildlife
Authors: Oravcova Veronika , Janecko Nicol , Ansorge Antonin , Masarikova Martina , Literak Ivan 
Published: May 2014

SummaryIn this study, we focused on spreading of vancomycin‐resistant enterococci (VRE) to the environment. We studied that weather crows in Canada may be carriers and potentially reservoirs of VRE with vanA gene. We have found one multi‐resistant isolate of Enterococcus faecium sequence type (ST) 448 with vanA gene on Prince Edward Island. This study is the first report of VRE in Canadian wildlife.
X chromosome parental origin and aortic stiffness in turner syndrome
Authors: Abd‐Elmoniem Khaled Z. , Bakalov Vladimir K. , Matta Jatin R. , Muldoon Nancy , Hanover John A. , Bondy Carolyn A. , Gharib Ahmed M. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryIntroductionAortic abnormalities contribute to increased morbidity and mortality of women with Turner syndrome (TS). Impaired aortic stiffness may prove to have clinical prognostic value in TS as is the case in other diseases such as Marfan syndrome, diabetes and hypertension. Additionally, the parental origin of the X chromosome in TS may influence aortic stiffness.ObjectiveTo assess the relation between X chromosome parental origin and aortic stiffness in TS patients.MethodsTwenty‐four subjects with TS participated in this cross‐sectional study at a tertiary care centre. The parental origin of the X chromosome was determined. Cardiac‐gated multidetector computerized tomography (MDCT) was performed and distensibility of the ascending aorta (AA), a measure of aortic stiffness, was calculated.ResultsFourteen women were Xm (maternal origin) and 10 were Xp (paternal origin) for their inheritance of the single X chromosome. Age, body size, blood pressure and AA areas were similar in the two groups. However, the calculated AA distensibility was significantly lower in the Xm group (2·8 ± 1·1 mm/Hg) than in the Xp group (4·1 ± 1·5 mm/Hg); P < 0·05.Conclusion This study demonstrates that TS subjects that inherit their single X chromosome from their mother (Xm) have a significantly stiffer aorta compared with the TS with a paternally originating X chromosome (Xp), consistent with a potentially greater risk for cardiovascular complications. These findings suggest that parental chromosomal analysis and aortic stiffness measurements would be useful for the risk assessment and clinical management of TS patients.
A prospective cohort study on the impact of smoking on soft tissue alterations around single implants
Authors: Raes Stefanie , Rocci Antonio , Raes Filiep , Cooper Lyndon , De Bruyn Hugo , Cosyn Jan 
Published: May 2014

AbstractObjectivesTo compare smokers to non‐smokers in terms of soft tissue alterations following single implant treatment in healed bone.Material and methodsNon‐smoking and smoking patients with sufficient bone volume in need of a single implant in the anterior maxilla (15–25) were consecutively recruited in three centres. Conventional single implant surgery was performed and an immediate provisional crown was installed. Eight to 12 weeks later, the latter was replaced by a permanent one (baseline). Papilla regrowth and midfacial recession was registered after 2 years of function.ResultsThe sample consisted of 39 non‐smokers (21 females; mean age 42) and 46 smokers (22 females; mean age 45). Smokers had three early failures, whereas all implants integrated successfully in non‐smokers. Statistically significant papilla regrowth was observed in non‐smokers (distal 0.63 mm, mesial 0.76 mm), whereas smokers showed stable papillae (between cohorts: P ≤ 0.025). Midfacial soft tissue level demonstrated statistically significant regrowth in non‐smokers (0.53 mm), whereas it remained stable in smokers (between cohorts: P = 0.004).ConclusionSmokers failed to demonstrate papilla regeneration and showed more midfacial recession following single implant treatment when compared to non‐smokers.
Placing the River in Context: James C. Knox, Fluvial Geomorphology, and Physical Geography
Authors: Bendix Jacob , Vale Thomas R. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWe characterize the fluvial geomorphology research of James C. Knox by considering five of his scholarly papers, selected to illustrate not only some of Knox's methods and results but also his conviction that stream‐sediment interactions are intricately connected to a range of environmental variables reflecting the scope of physical geography. Those variables, as we discuss, included hydrology, climate, vegetation, position in the drainage network, and human land use. We conclude with the suggestion that Knox's breadth of geomorphic vision was echoed in his approach to his own academic career, and his belief that academic institutions are best served by broad and integrative perspectives.
Online consensus conferences for clinical guidelines development – a survey among participants from the International Guidelines for the Treatment of Actinic Keratosis
Authors: Werner Ricardo N. , Jacobs Anja , Rosumeck Stefanie , Nast Alexander 
Published: May 2014

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesGuideline development requires considerable time and financial resources. New technical devices such as software for online conferences may help to reduce time and financial efforts of guidelines development. The present survey may serve as an explorative pilot for a future study to determine the technical feasibility, acceptability and possible weaknesses of online consensus conferences for clinical guidelines development.MethodsAn anonymous online survey was conducted among participants in the online consensus conference of the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) Guidelines for the Treatment of Actinic Keratosis.ResultsThe majority of participants reported no technical problems with the participation in the online consensus conference; one participant had substantial technical problems accountable to a regional telephone breakdown. The majority of participants would not have preferred a traditional face‐to‐face conference, and all participants rated online consensus conferences for international guidelines as absolutely acceptable. Rates of acceptance were particularly high among those participants with prior experience with consensus conferences. Certain aspects, particularly the possibilities of debating, were rated as possibly superior in face‐to‐face conferences by some participants.ConclusionsThe data from the online survey indicate that online consensus conferences may be an appropriate alternative to traditional face‐to‐face consensus conferences, especially within the frame of international guidelines that would require high travel costs and time. Further research is necessary to confirm the data from this explorative pilot study.
Induction of depressive‐like effects by subchronic exposure to cocaine or heroin in laboratory rats
Authors: Zilkha Noga , Feigin Eugene , Barnea‐Ygael Noam , Zangen Abraham 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe effect of psychoactive drugs on depression has usually been studied in cases of prolonged drug addiction and/or withdrawal, without much emphasis on the effects of subchronic or recreational drug use. To address this issue, we exposed laboratory rats to subchronic regimens of heroin or cocaine and tested long‐term effects on (i) depressive‐like behaviors, (ii) brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in reward‐related brain regions, and (iii) depressive‐like behavior following an additional chronic mild stress procedure. The long‐term effect of subchronic cocaine exposure was a general reduction in locomotor activity whereas heroin exposure induced a more specific increase in immobility during the forced swim test. Both cocaine and heroin exposure induced alterations in BDNF levels that are similar to those observed in several animal models of depression. Finally, both cocaine and heroin exposure significantly enhanced the anhedonic effect of chronic mild stress. These results suggest that subchronic drug exposure induces depressive‐like behavior which is accompanied by modifications in BDNF expression and increases the vulnerability to develop depressive‐like behavior following chronic stress. Implications for recreational and small‐scale drug users are discussed.
imageIn the present study, we examined the long‐term effects of limited subchronic drug exposure on depressive‐like symptoms. Our results demonstrate that short‐term, subchronic administration of either cocaine or heroin promotes some depressive‐like behaviors, while inducing alterations in BDNF protein levels similar to alterations observed in several animal models of depression. In addition, subchronic cocaine or heroin enhanced the anhedonic effect of chronic stress.
Identification and differential distribution of CART in the small intestine depending on the diet
Authors: Janiuk I. , Olkowski B. , Szczotka‐Bochniarz A. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryThis study was aimed at identifying and locating cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript (CART) in the small intestine of broilers in relation to the diet. The feeding regime of the chicks was based on diets largely consisting of maize and one of four protein sources: post‐extraction soya bean meal (SBM) or non‐GM seed meal – meal from traditional variety of soy seeds Glicine max (FFS) and meal from seeds of Lupinus angustifolius (LA) and Lupinus luteus L (LY). The presence of cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript immunoreactive (CART‐IR) in the wall of the small intestine of the chicks was determined on the basis of staining patterns produced by the immunohistochemical method (IHC). CART‐IR structures were found in the myenteric plexus (MP), submucosus plexus (SP), in endomucosal fibres, and fibres innervating miocytes and blood vessels in the muscularis membrane and adipocytes of the white adipose tissue (WAT) located on the perimeter of the serous membrane and single cells of the diffuse neuroendocrine system. Based on microscopic observation and result analysis, the lowest number of CART‐IR structures was identified in the group that was fed the SBM‐based diet. This study confirms previous observations concerning CART distribution in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of animal and broadens current knowledge by inclusion of chicken in the list of CART‐positive species. Moreover, this work provides evidence that dietary composition can be a factor that stimulates post‐prandial CART secretion in intestinal nerve structures.
FhaC takes a bow to FHA in the two‐partner do‐si‐do
Authors: Noinaj Nicholas , Buchanan Susan K. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryFhaC is an outer membrane transporter from Bordetella pertussis belonging to the two‐partner secretion (TPS) pathway with its primary role being the secretion of the virulence factor filamentous haemagglutinin (FHA). FhaC serves as a model transporter of the TPS pathway and significant work has been done to characterize the role of FhaC in FHA secretion. Recent studies characterized interactions between FHA and the POTRA domains of FhaC, suggesting that secretion may involve a successive translocation mechanism mediated by β‐augmentation and/or electrostatic interactions. Moreover, it was also shown that reconstituted FhaC is necessary and sufficient to transport FHA into proteoliposomes. While the crystal structure of FhaC clearly suggests a role in transport, the putative transport pore is plugged by an N‐terminal α‐helix (H1 helix) that occludes access by FHA. Therefore, it has been proposed that the H1 helix must be expelled from the pore in order for secretion of FHA to occur. However, this has yet to be shown experimentally. Guérin et al. (2014) report the first direct experimental evidence to show that the FhaC H1 helix is quite dynamic and exchanges between closed and open states upon interaction with FHA.
A role of Anabaena sensory rhodopsin transducer (ASRT) in photosensory transduction
Authors: Kim So Young , Yoon Sa Ryong , Han SongI , Yun Yuna , Jung Kwang‐Hwan 
Published: May 2014

SummaryIn 2003, Anabaena sensory rhodopsin (ASR), a membrane‐bound light sensor protein, was discovered in cyanobacteria. Since then, a large number of functions have been described for ASR, based on protein biochemical and biophysical studies. However, no study has determined the in vivo mechanism of photosensory transduction for ASR and its transducer protein (ASRT). Here, we aimed to determine the role of ASRT in physiological photo‐regulation. ASRT is known to be related to photochromism, because it regulates the expression of phycocyanin (cpc‐gene) and phycoerythrocyanin (pec gene), two major proteins of the phycobilisome in cyanobacteria. By examining wild type and knockout mutant Anabaena cells, we showed that ASRT repressed the expression of these two genes. We also demonstrated physical interactions between ASRT, ASR, and the promoter regions of cpc, pec, kaiABC (circadian clock gene) and the asr operon, both in vitro and in vivo. Binding assays indicated that ASRT had different sites of interaction for binding to ASR and DNA promoter regions. ASRT also influenced the retinal re‐isomerization rate in dark through a physical interaction with ASR, and it regulated reporter gene expression in vivo. These results suggested that ASRT relayed the photosignal from ASR and directly regulated gene expression.
Cell dynamics in Hertwig's epithelial root sheath and surrounding mesenchyme in mice irradiated to the head
Authors: Ide Y , Nakahara T , Nasu M , Ishikawa H 
Published: May 2014

ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms that cause damage to root formation as a result of irradiation to the mouse head, morphological changes in molar dental roots and cell dynamics in Hertwig's epithelial root sheath (HERS), and surrounding mesenchymal tissue were examined.Materials and MethodsTo perform the experiments, 5‐day‐old C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups: the control group (0 Gy) and irradiated groups (10 and 20 Gy). Micro‐CT analysis, HE staining, immunohistochemistry analysis, and TUNEL assay were then performed.ResultsRoots in irradiated mice were dose‐dependently shorter than those of control mice. Cells located outside the root dentin, with abnormal morphology in irradiated mice, were positive for an odontoblast marker. HERS fragmentation occurred earlier in irradiated mice than in control mice, and HERS was trapped by the calcified apical tissue. A dose‐dependent reduction in the number of proliferating cells within the apical dental pulp and periapical periodontal ligament surrounding HERS was observed in irradiated mice. Apoptotic cells in the dental pulp and periodontal ligament surrounding HERS were hardly seen.ConclusionsThese results indicate that the early disappearance of HERS and the proliferative suppression of the surrounding mesenchymal cells, which was induced by irradiation, caused dental root malformation.