bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparing simple root phenotyping methods on a core set of rice genotypes
Authors: Shrestha R. , Al‐Shugeairy Z. , Al‐Ogaidi F. , Munasinghe M. , Radermacher M. , Vandenhirtz J. , Price A. H. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractInterest in belowground plant growth is increasing, especially in relation to arguments that shallow‐rooted cultivars are efficient at exploiting soil phosphorus while deep‐rooted ones will access water at depth. However, methods for assessing roots in large numbers of plants are diverse and direct comparisons of methods are rare. Three methods for measuring root growth traits were evaluated for utility in discriminating rice cultivars: soil‐filled rhizotrons, hydroponics and soil‐filled pots whose bottom was sealed with a non‐woven fabric (a potential method for assessing root penetration ability). A set of 38 rice genotypes including the OryzaSNP set of 20 cultivars, additional parents of mapping populations and products of marker‐assisted selection for root QTLs were assessed. A novel method of image analysis for assessing rooting angles from rhizotron photographs was employed. The non‐woven fabric was the easiest yet least discriminatory method, while the rhizotron was highly discriminatory and allowed the most traits to be measured but required more than three times the labour of the other methods. The hydroponics was both easy and discriminatory, allowed temporal measurements, but is most likely to suffer from artefacts. Image analysis of rhizotrons compared favourably to manual methods for discriminating between cultivars. Previous observations that cultivars from the indica subpopulation have shallower rooting angles than aus or japonica cultivars were confirmed in the rhizotrons, and indica and temperate japonicas had lower maximum root lengths in rhizotrons and hydroponics. It is concluded that rhizotrons are the preferred method for root screening, particularly since root angles can be assessed.
Microgravity effects on different stages of higher plant life cycle and completion of the seed‐to‐seed cycle
Authors: De Micco V. , De Pascale S. , Paradiso R. , Aronne G. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractHuman inhabitation of Space requires the efficient realisation of crop cultivation in bioregenerative life‐support systems (BLSS). It is well known that plants can grow under Space conditions; however, perturbations of many biological phenomena have been highlighted due to the effect of altered gravity and its possible interactions with other factors. The mechanisms priming plant responses to Space factors, as well as the consequences of such alterations on crop productivity, have not been completely elucidated. These perturbations can occur at different stages of plant life and are potentially responsible for failure of the completion of the seed‐to‐seed cycle. After brief consideration of the main constraints found in the most recent experiments aiming to produce seeds in Space, we focus on two developmental phases in which the plant life cycle can be interrupted more easily than in others also on Earth. The first regards seedling development and establishment; we discuss reasons for slow development at the seedling stage that often occurs under microgravity conditions and can reduce successful establishment. The second stage comprises gametogenesis and pollination; we focus on male gamete formation, also identifying potential constraints to subsequent fertilisation. We finally highlight how similar alterations at cytological level can not only be common to different processes occurring at different life stages, but can be primed by different stress factors; such alterations can be interpreted within the model of ‘stress‐induced morphogenic response’ (SIMR). We conclude by suggesting that a systematic analysis of all growth and reproductive phases during the plant life cycle is needed to optimise resource use in plant‐based BLSS.
Behind the scenes: How visual memory load biases selective attention during processing of visual streams
Authors: Klaver Peter , Talsma Durk 
Published: September 2013

AbstractWe recorded ERPs to investigate whether the visual memory load can bias visual selective attention. Participants memorized one or four letters and then responded to memory‐matching letters presented in a relevant color while ignoring distractor letters or letters in an irrelevant color. Stimuli in the relevant color elicited larger frontal selection positivities (FSP) and occipital selection negativities (OSN) compared to irrelevant color stimuli. Only distractors elicited a larger FSP in the high than in the low memory load task. Memory load prolonged the OSN for all letters. Response mapping complexity was also modulated but did not affect the FSP and OSN. Together, the FSP data suggest that high memory load increased distractability. The OSN data suggest that memory load sustained attention to letters in a relevant color until working memory processing was completed, independently of whether the letters were in working memory or not.
Sleep duration and cardiovascular responses to stress in undergraduate men
Authors: Mezick Elizabeth J. , Matthews Karen A. , Hall Martica H. , Richard Jennings J. , Kamarck Thomas W. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractShort sleep has been related to incident cardiovascular disease, but physiological mechanisms accounting for this relationship are largely unknown. This study examines sleep duration and cardiovascular stress responses in 79 healthy, young men. Sleep duration was assessed by wrist actigraphy for seven nights. Participants then completed a series of laboratory stress tasks while heart rate and blood pressure were monitored. Shorter total sleep time was related to a greater reduction in high‐frequency heart rate variability during stress tasks, and to prolonged elevations in heart rate and diastolic pressure following tasks. Associations were independent of age, race, body mass index, caffeine intake, and smoking status. In sum, healthy young men with shorter actigraphy‐assessed sleep exhibit less cardiac vagal activity, and poorer heart rate and diastolic blood pressure recovery, upon encountering stressful stimuli, than those with longer sleep.
Stimulating Natural Regeneration of Tropical Forest on Degraded Land: Approaches, Outcomes, and Information Gaps
Authors: Shoo Luke P. , Catterall Carla P. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractExtensive land clearing in many parts of the global tropics is a major threat to biodiversity, and strategies are urgently needed to reinstate forest. Tree planting is a commonly used strategy to rapidly restore forest to degraded landscapes. However, tree planting is expensive, and in most cases financial constraints prevent its use at a scale needed to address the ongoing legacy of land clearing. Here, we conduct a quantitative review of literature from the global tropics and evaluate outcomes of less intensive interventions (i.e. non‐planting) aimed at stimulating natural regeneration of forest. We focus specifically on overcoming barriers to native plant regeneration that predominate in the earliest stages of succession. Common interventions include varied strategies to suppress herbaceous vegetation (e.g. cutting or herbicide treatment), and measures to bolster propagule supply (e.g. direct seeding and artificial bird perches). There was an apparent trend among pair‐wise comparisons of effect sizes to suggest that combined interventions to simultaneously suppress herbaceous vegetation and increase propagule supply resulted in the most consistent outcomes in terms of promoting progress toward restoring forest structure. Despite an obvious demand for lower cost interventions, a paucity of information means that it is still premature to generalize outcomes of specific interventions and their overall cost relative to active tree planting. Nevertheless, we report an increase in research effort in this area, and suggest promising directions to accelerate progress that will improve capacity to select optimal, cost effective strategies that achieve long‐term restoration objectives with a particular level of certainty.
Urban Grassland Restoration: A Neglected Opportunity for Biodiversity Conservation
Authors: Klaus Valentin H. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractUrbanization is one of the most severe threats to biodiversity, so why should not we use green space in cities to counteract the biodiversity loss as much as possible? Urban grasslands provide a large number of social, financial, recreational, and environmental ecosystem services but can also support high biodiversity. In this article, I describe the importance of urban grasslands for (local) biodiversity and recommend strengthening restoration ecological research and efforts to optimize these novel ecosystems for conservation purposes. The management intensity of a high proportion of urban grasslands decreased over the last decades. However, species richness of these grasslands is still low, although there is now a great potential for higher plant, but also animal diversity. While communal authorities are interested in cost‐efficient but at the same time biodiversity‐friendly management of urban grasslands, a well‐founded scientific basis for the restoration of urban grassland is still missing. I argue that besides all challenges associated with the restoration of urban habitats we should urgently proceed in the development of appropriate and effective restoration approaches and communicate knowledge gained to urban planners and stakeholders. Widening the scope of restoration ecological research to novel ecosystems such as urban grasslands is one of the most important recent challenges for biodiversity restoration and it gives urban habitats the significance they deserve.
Caries risk profile of Korean dental patients with severe intellectual disabilities
Authors: Chang Juhea , Lee Jung‐Hyun , Son Ho‐Hyun , Kim Hae‐Young 
Published: September 2013

ABSTRACTThis study evaluated the caries risk profile of patients with severe intellectual disabilities (IDs) who received dental treatment under general anesthesia. One hundred and two patients with ID [ID group, mean age (SD); 23.8(9.3)] and 100 healthy patients without ID [NID group, mean age (SD); 23.19(3.3)] were included. Medication, disability type, oral hygiene maintenance, and cooperation of the patients were investigated. Dietary habits, plaque index, mutans streptococci counts, fluoride availability, and salivary buffering were scored and analyzed using the Cariogram. The mean chance of avoiding caries (SD) was 28.1(20.4) in the ID group and 54.7(18.4) in the NID group. The ID group had significantly higher numbers of decayed and missing teeth, but fewer filled teeth than the NID group (p < .05). Significant disparities existed in the distributions of all caries‐related factors except for mutans streptococci counts between the two groups (p < .05). The low chance to avoid future caries in ID patients was closely associated with insufficient oral hygiene maintenance (p < .05). Fluoride availability was strongly associated with the chance of avoiding caries in the ID group. Dental patients with severe ID exhibited a higher risk of developing caries than normal patients. Among several caries‐related factors, insufficient oral hygiene maintenance and low fluoride availability most contributed to the high risk.
Do Ketoanalogues Still Have a Role in Delaying Dialysis Initiation in CKD Predialysis Patients?
Authors: Aparicio Michel , Bellizzi Vincenzo , Chauveau Philippe , Cupisti Adamasco , Ecder Tevfik , Fouque Denis , Garneata Liliana , Lin Shanyan , Mitch William , Teplan Vladimir , Yu Xueqing , Zakar Gabor 
Published: September 2013

AbstractEarly versus later start of dialysis is still a matter of debate. Low‐protein diets have been used for many decades to delay dialysis initiation. Protein‐restricted diets (0.3–0.6 g protein/kg/day) supplemented with essential amino acids and ketoanalogues (sVLPD) can be offered, in association with pharmacological treatment, to motivated stage 4–5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients not having severe comorbid conditions; they probably represent 30–40% of the concerned population. A satisfactory adherence to such dietary prescription is observed in approximately 50% of the patients. While the results of the studies on the effects of this diet on the rate of progression of renal failure remain inconclusive, they are highly significant when initiation of dialysis is the primary outcome. The correction of uremic symptoms allows for initiation of dialysis treatment at a level of residual renal function lower than that usually recommended. Most of the CKD‐associated complications of cardiovascular and metabolic origin, which hamper both lifespan and quality of life, are positively influenced by the diet. Lastly, with regular monitoring jointly assumed by physicians and dietitians, nutritional status is well preserved as confirmed by a very low mortality rate and by the absence of detrimental effect on the long‐term outcome of patients once renal replacement therapy is initiated. On account of its feasibility, efficacy and safety, sVLPD deserves a place in the management of selected patients to safely delay the time needed for dialysis.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) toxicosis in cats: 33 cases (2004–2010)
Authors: Pugh Cassandra M. , Sweeney Joseph T. , Bloch Christopher P. , Lee Justine A. , Johnson Justine A. , Hovda Lynn R. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate a population of cats with selective‐serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) toxicosis and characterize the population affected, list products ingested, the clinical signs observed, treatments performed, length of hospitalization, patient outcome, and overall prognosis.DesignRetrospective study from 2004 to 2010.SettingReferral veterinary center.AnimalsThirty‐three witnessed cat SSRI ingestions.InterventionsNone.Measurements and Main ResultsThe medical records of cats with a witnessed SSRI ingestion identified by review of an animal poison control center electronic database were evaluated. The most common SSRIs ingested were venlafaxine (Effexor; 12/33; 36%), fluoxetine (Prozac; 12/33; 36%), citalopram (Celexa; 6/33; 18%), and escitalopram (Lexapro; 3/33; 9%). Overall, 24% of cats (8/33) became symptomatic, while 76% (25/33) remained asymptomatic. Of the symptomatic cats, sedation was the most common clinical sign (6/8; 75%), followed by gastrointestinal signs (4/8; 50%), central nervous system stimulation (1/8; 13%), cardiovascular signs (1/8; 13%), and hyperthermia (1/8; 13%). Veterinary care was sought in 20 cats (20/33; 61%). Sixteen cats (16/20; 80%) were hospitalized, while 4 cats (4/20; 20%) were treated as outpatients. Treatment for hospitalized patients included administration of IV fluid therapy (14/16; 88%), activated charcoal (12/16; 75%), anti‐arrhythmic agents (7/16; 44%), methocarbamol (6/16; 38%), cyproheptadine (6/16; 38%), anti‐emetics (5/16; 31%), and sedation (5/16; 31%). Diagnostics included blood work (7/16; 44%), blood pressure measurement (3/16; 19%), and electrocardiogram monitoring (2/16; 13%). Mean hospitalization time for all cases of SSRI ingestion was 14.6 ± 7.8 hours (n = 16). All symptomatic cats in this study (8/8; 100%) had resolution of clinical signs and survived to discharge.ConclusionsThe prognosis for SSRI ingestion in this population of cats was excellent. Decontamination and supportive care for at least 12–24 hours can be considered in cats with SSRI ingestion, particularly venlafaxine to monitor resolution of clinical signs.
Positive impact of an emergency department protocol on time to antimicrobial administration in dogs with septic peritonitis
Authors: Abelson Amanda L. , Buckley Gareth J. , Rozanski Elizabeth A. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether the development of a specific antimicrobial protocol for the treatment of canine intra‐abdominal sepsis would improve time to appropriate antimicrobial administration following diagnosis of bacterial peritonitis.DesignCase controlled observational study.SettingA tertiary referral small animal teaching hospital.AnimalsTwenty dogs undergoing surgery for septic peritonitis prior to the deployment of the abdominal sepsis protocol served as a case control population and 40 dogs identified as having septic peritonitis after deployment of the protocol served as the study population.InterventionsNone.Measurements and Main ResultsMedian time from diagnosis of septic peritonitis to antimicrobial administration was 6 hours (range 1–10 h) in the preprotocol group (PRE), and 1 hour (range 1–2 h) in the postprotocol group (POST) (P= 0.001). Five of 20 (25%) culture and sensitivity results yielded negative cultures in the PRE versus 6 of 34 (17.6%) in the POST. Inappropriate empirical antimicrobials were selected 3 of 20 times (15%) in the PRE and 3 of 34 times (8.8%) in the POST. The overall survival to discharge was 60% in the PRE and 70% in the POST (P= 0.425).ConclusionsThe development of an emergency department antimicrobial protocol significantly decreased time to antimicrobial administration following identification of septic peritonitis in dogs.
DARwIn-OP Humanoid Robot Kinematics
Authors: Williams Robert L. 
Published: September 2013

This paper presents kinematics analysis for the DARwIn-OP (Dynamic Anthropomorphic Robot with Intelligence – Open-Platform) robot. This is a 20-dof humanoid walking robot developed by Virginia Tech, Purdue, and the University of Pennsylvania and marketed by Robotis Inc. The robot version analyzed in this paper is 455 mm tall and has a mass of 2.8 kg. Ohio University has two of these units for robot applications research and teaching.
Presented are a description of DARwIn-OP, the Denavit-Hartenberg Parameters for each serial chain (2-dof head pan/tilt, 3-dof arms, and 6-dof legs), specific length parameters, joint angle limits, plus forward pose kinematics equations and partial inverse pose kinematics solutions, with examples.
Automated Estimation of Time and Cost for Determining Optimal Machining Plans
Authors: Van Blarigan Benjamin , Campbell Matthew I. , Eftekharian Ata A. , Kurtoglu Tolga 
Published: September 2013

In any manufacturing setting, producing a machined part is a complicated, multi-step process. It requires coordination between an engineer and a machinist to ensure all goals are met. A machinist creates a part based generally on personal experience and intuition, and while they know that this will result in the finished product, it is not guaranteed that the process plan chosen is the quickest or least expensive way to make the part. In the past year, we have been developing an automated tool that analyzes a solid model to determine its best process plan. The tool is essentially comprised of a reasoning engine that determines what processes are valid for particular sections of the part, and an evaluation engine that estimates the time and cost of the candidate processes.
This paper presents the implemented evaluation engine, which assigns individual values of time and cost to machine operations. The evaluation starts with an automated tool selection strategy. The engineering model is able to determine the machining time of the tool(s) chosen. The method presented here takes a unique approach to machining time estimation that balances the trade-off between accuracy and computational time. Preliminary results suggest that the method is able to achieve accuracy near that of commercial CAM packages, with a much lower computational expense. The evaluation model takes into account non-productive manufacturing times (e.g. fixturing, inspection), and translates these to related costs. The method will be presented and discussed in this paper along with some preliminary results.
Motion Capture and Virtual Humans to Enhance Ergonomic Design and Validation of Refrigerated Display Units
Authors: Colombo Giorgio , De Vecchi Giordano , Regazzoni Daniele , Rizzi Caterina 
Published: September 2013

This paper presents a computer-aided environment to analyze postures and movements in order to ergonomically validate the design of potentially any device a man or woman may have to deal with. The proposed environment integrates virtual prototyping techniques with Digital Human Modeling and Motion Capture techniques to determine fatigue, stress and risk for workers’ health. We considered a vertical refrigerated display unit as case study to analyze the interaction of supermarket staff filling the shelves with goods with the main goal determining the suitability of operators’ working condition and, eventually, providing a feedback to the design step.
The paper, after a brief description of the state of the art of the Motion Capture system and Digital Human Modeling, presents the architecture of the integrated environment developed and the working paradigm. At last preliminary results of the experimentation as well benefits and the limits of the outcomes achieved so far in the automation of ergonomics in machines design are presented.
Efficient Sampling Methods for Tradeoff Studies Under Uncertainty
Authors: Bily Christopher S. , Malak Richard J. 
Published: September 2013

Tradeoff studies help designers better understand how different design considerations relate to one another and to make decisions. Generally a tradeoff study involves a systematic multi-criteria evaluation of various alternatives for a particular system or subsystem. After evaluating these alternatives, designers eliminate those that perform poorly using the Pareto dominance criterion and explore more carefully those that remain.
An analogous procedure is possible when design criteria are uncertain. This approach is based on stochastic dominance principles that involve comparisons of probability distributions defined in the design criteria space. Although this is well-founded mathematically, the procedure can be computationally expensive because it typically entails a sampling-based uncertainty propagation method (e.g. Monte Carlo or quasi-Monte Carlo methods) for each alternative being considered.
In this paper we describe a statistically sound method which allows designers to sample the minimum number of samples necessary to eliminate dominated design alternatives under uncertainty. Dominance is evaluated using the appropriate hypothesis testing with specified confidence for a small sample, and the sample incrementally increased until dominance conditions can be determined. The method is demonstrated in the context of a tradeoff study for an automobile transmission.
Filling N-Sided Holes Using Trimmed B-Spline Surfaces
Authors: Liu Xiaodong 
Published: September 2013

Using one single trimmed B-Spline surface to fill an n-sided hole is a much desired operation in CAD, but few papers have addressed this issue. The paper presents the method of using trimmed B-Spline surfaces to fill n-sided holes based on energy minimization or variational technique. The method is efficient and robust, and takes less than one second to fill n-sided holes with high quality B-Spline surfaces under complex constraints.
As the foundation of filling n-sided holes, some key issues on variational B-Spline technique are also discussed. The variational technique discussed is significantly much more efficient and powerful than previous research, and the result is very accurate to satisfy CAD systems’ high-precision requirements. We demonstrate that, without any pre-calculation, the discussed technique is efficient enough to solve a B-Spline surface with up to 20,000 control points in real time while satisfying an arbitrary combination of point and curve constraints.