bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Processing the image gradient field using a topographic primal sketch approach
Authors: Gambaruto A. M. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryThe spatial derivatives of the image intensity provide topographic information that may be used to identify and segment objects. The accurate computation of the derivatives is often hampered in medical images by the presence of noise and a limited resolution. This paper focuses on accurate computation of spatial derivatives and their subsequent use to process an image gradient field directly, from which an image with improved characteristics can be reconstructed. The improvements include noise reduction, contrast enhancement, thinning object contours and the preservation of edges.Processing the gradient field directly instead of the image is shown to have numerous benefits. The approach is developed such that the steps are modular, allowing the overall method to be improved and possibly tailored to different applications. As presented, the approach relies on a topographic representation and primal sketch of an image.Comparisons with existing image processing methods on a synthetic image and different medical images show improved results and accuracy in segmentation. Here, the focus is on objects with low spatial resolution, which is often the case in medical images. The methods developed show the importance of improved accuracy in derivative calculation and the potential in processing the image gradient field directly. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Appearance, motion, and embodiment: unpacking avatars by fine‐grained communication analysis
Authors: Tanaka Kazuaki , Nakanishi Hideyuki , Hiroshi Ishiguro 
Published: February 2015

SummaryThanks to the maturity of motion tracking technologies, it became easy and inexpensive to use avatars that reflect the user's facial and body motions in real time. There is a possibility that those real‐time avatars can serve as a substitute for videos in distant communication. We conducted two experiments to confirm positive effects of avatars on distant communication. In the first experiment, the subjects watched a conversation partner's video, avatar, photo, or nothing when speaking to the partner. Because the video and avatar delivered the partner's motion while the video and photo delivered the partner's appearance, we were able to observe the effects of the motion and appearance separately. As a result, we found that presenting the motion via a video or an avatar increased the degree of the smoothness of speaking to the partner, but the appearance did not significantly affect such an influence. In the second experiment, we compared the avatar and teleoperated robot to find how a physical embodiment influences the degree of the smoothness of speech. Teleoperated robots resemble avatars in transmitting the user's body motions without disclosing the user's appearance but differ in reflecting these motions onto a robot that has a physical embodiment. We predicted that the robot produces smoother speech because the physical embodiment might make the body motions recognizable. However, the robot decreased the degree of the smoothness of speech against our expectation. The results of these experiments showed that real‐time avatars that present only body motions are enough to smooth distant communication. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metal–Inorganic–Organic Matrices as Efficient Sorbents for Hydrogen Storage
Authors: Azzouz Abdelkrim , Nousir Saadia , Bouazizi Nabil , Roy René 
Published: February 2015

AbstractStabilization of metal nanoparticles (MNPs) without re‐aggregation is a major challenge. An unprecedented strategy is developed for achieving high dispersion of copper(0) or palladium(0) on montmorillonite‐supported diethanolamine or thioglycerol. This results in novel metal–inorganic–organic matrices (MIOM) that readily capture hydrogen at ambient conditions, with easy release under air stream. Hydrogen retention appears to involve mainly physical interactions, slightly stronger on thioglycerol‐based MIOM (S‐MIOM). Thermal enhancement of desorption suggests also a contribution of chemical interactions. The increase of hydrogen uptake with prolonged contact times arises from diffusion hindrance, which appears to be beneficial by favoring hydrogen entrapment. Even with compact structures, MIOMs act as efficient sorbents with much higher efficiency factor (1.14–1.17 mmol m−2) than many other sophisticated adsorbents reported in the literature. This opens new prospects for hydrogen storage and potential applications in microfluidic hydrogenation reactions.
FPN‐SAODV: using fuzzy petri nets for securing AODV routing protocol in mobile Ad hoc network
Authors: Pouyan Ali A. , Yadollahzadeh Tabari Meisam 
Published: February 2015

SummaryIn this paper, we use fuzzy Petri nets (FPNs) to propose a secure routing protocol in mobile ad hoc network. The proposed method is based on secure ad hoc on‐demand distance vector (SAODV), which is named FPN‐SAODV. In FPN‐SAODV routing protocol, for each packet delivery or firing each transition, a type of bidirectional node‐to‐node fuzzy security verification is conducted that can be carried out with five security threshold levels. This inference uses four fuzzy variables that have been selected to well represent the malicious behaviors of some public attacks in mobile ad hoc network. Furthermore, a through route security verification has been used for selecting the most secure route among each candidate path through source node to destination. Both of these verifications utilize FPN inherent features for their operation. For evaluation purpose, we used the metrics such as packet delivery ratio, end‐to‐end delay, average security level of the nodes, and percentage of true/false detector nodes. These metrics have been used for investigating the inner operation of FPN‐SAODV as determining the proper level of security threshold level in node‐to‐node security verification module. Also, these are used for comparison of FPN‐SAODV performance versus the original AODV. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Physiological ecology meets climate change
Authors: Bozinovic Francisco , Pörtner Hans‐Otto 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIn this article, we pointed out that understanding the physiology of differential climate change effects on organisms is one of the many urgent challenges faced in ecology and evolutionary biology. We explore how physiological ecology can contribute to a holistic view of climate change impacts on organisms and ecosystems and their evolutionary responses. We suggest that theoretical and experimental efforts not only need to improve our understanding of thermal limits to organisms, but also to consider multiple stressors both on land and in the oceans. As an example, we discuss recent efforts to understand the effects of various global change drivers on aquatic ectotherms in the field that led to the development of the concept of oxygen and capacity limited thermal tolerance (OCLTT) as a framework integrating various drivers and linking organisational levels from ecosystem to organism, tissue, cell, and molecules. We suggest seven core objectives of a comprehensive research program comprising the interplay among physiological, ecological, and evolutionary approaches for both aquatic and terrestrial organisms. While studies of individual aspects are already underway in many laboratories worldwide, integration of these findings into conceptual frameworks is needed not only within one organism group such as animals but also across organism domains such as Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya. Indeed, development of unifying concepts is relevant for interpreting existing and future findings in a coherent way and for projecting the future ecological and evolutionary effects of climate change on functional biodiversity. We also suggest that OCLTT may in the end and from an evolutionary point of view, be able to explain the limited thermal tolerance of metazoans when compared to other organisms.
Renal effects of the angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor LCZ696 in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Voors Adriaan A. , Gori Mauro , Liu Licette C.Y. , Claggett Brian , Zile Michael R. , Pieske Burkert , McMurray John J.V. , Packer Milton , Shi Victor , Lefkowitz Martin P. , Solomon Scott D. ,   for the PARAMOUNT Investigators
Published: February 2015

BackgroundIncreases in serum creatinine with renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors can lead to unnecessary discontinuation of these agents. The dual‐acting angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor LCZ696 improves clinical outcome patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, and pilot data suggest potential benefit in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The effects of LCZ696 on renal function have not been assessed.Methods and resultsA total of 301 HFpEF patients were randomly assigned to LCZ696 or valsartan in the PARAMOUNT trial. We studied renal function [creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), cystatin C, and urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR)] at baseline, 12 weeks, and after 36 weeks of treatment. Worsening renal function (WRF) was determined as an serum creatinine increase of >0.3 mg/dL and/or >25% between two time‐points. Mean eGFR at baseline was 65.4 ± 20.4 mL/min per 1.73 m2. The eGFR declined less in the LCZ696 group than in the valsartan group (–1.5 vs. –5.2 mL/min per 1.73 m2; P = 0.002). The incidence of WRF was lower in the LCZ696 group (12%) than in the valsartan group (18%) at any time‐point, but this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.18). Over 36 weeks, the geometric mean of UACR increased in the LCZ696 group (2.4–2.9 mg/mmol), whereas it remained stable in the valsartan group (2.1–2.0 mg/mmol; P for difference between groups = 0.016).ConclusionIn patients with HFpEF, therapy with LCZ696 for 36 weeks was associated with preservation of eGFR compared with valsartan therapy, but an increase in UACR.
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction induces molecular, mitochondrial, histological, and functional alterations in rat respiratory and limb skeletal muscle
Authors: Bowen T. Scott , Rolim Natale P. L. , Fischer Tina , Bækkerud Fredrik H. , Medeiros Alessandra , Werner Sarah , Brønstad Eivind , Rognmo Oivind , Mangner Norman , Linke Axel , Schuler Gerhard , Silva Gustavo J. J. , Wisløff Ulrik , Adams Volker ,   on behalf of the Optimex Study Group
Published: February 2015

AimsPeripheral muscle dysfunction is a key mechanism contributing to exercise intolerance (i.e. breathlessness and fatigue) in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF); however, the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms remain unknown. We therefore used an animal model to elucidate potential molecular, mitochondrial, histological, and functional alterations induced by HFpEF in the diaphragm and soleus, while also determining the possible benefits associated with exercise training.Methods and resultsFemale Dahl salt‐sensitive rats were fed a low (CON; n = 10) or high salt (HFpEF; n = 11) diet of 0.3% or 8% NaCl, respectively, or a high salt diet in combination with treadmill exercise training (n = 11). Compared with low‐salt rats, high‐salt rats developed (P < 0.05) HFpEF. Compared with CON, the diaphragm of HFpEF rats demonstrated (P < 0.05): a fibre type shift from fast‐to‐slow twitch; fibre atrophy; a decreased pro‐oxidative but increased anti‐oxidant capacity; reduced proteasome activation; impaired in situ mitochondrial respiration; and in vitro muscle weakness and increased fatigability. The soleus also demonstrated numerous alterations (P < 0.05), including fibre atrophy, decreased anti‐oxidant capacity, reduced mitochondrial density, and increased fatigability. Exercise training, however, prevented mitochondrial and functional impairments in both the diaphragm and soleus (P < 0.05).ConclusionOur findings are the first to demonstrate that HFpEF induces significant molecular, mitochondrial, histological, and functional alterations in the diaphragm and soleus, which were attenuated by exercise training. These data therefore reveal novel mechanisms and potential therapeutic treatments of exercise intolerance in HFpEF.
A Bioinspired Light‐Controlled Ionic Switch Based on Nanopipettes
Authors: Li Ting , He Xiulan , Yu Ping , Mao Lanqun 
Published: February 2015

AbstractDevelopment of new principles for fabrication of novel ionic devices has attracted much attention due to the potential applications of ionic devices in molecular computer, biosensing and electronic circuit. Inspired by optogenetics altering membrane voltage via light‐controlled proteins, a new kind of light‐controlled ionic switch was demonstrated here based on nanopipettes. Upon exposure to visible light, spiropyran (SP) does not coordinate with Zn2+, resulting in a relatively large ionic current. While, upon UV light irradiation, SP was transformed into merocyanine (MC) that coordinates with Zn2+ and thereby results in the decrease in the ionic current. The ionic current could be reversibly modulated by UV/Vis light irradiation. The finite‐element simulation was performed to understand the possible mechanism underlying the light‐controlled ionic switch based on nanopipettes.
Topographic prominence as a method for cluster identification in single‐molecule localisation data
Authors: Griffié Juliette , Boelen Lies , Burn Garth , Cope Andrew P. , Owen Dylan M. 
Published: February 2015

Single‐molecule localisation based super‐resolution fluorescence imaging produces maps of the coordinates of fluorescent molecules in a region of interest. Cluster analysis algorithms provide information concerning the clustering characteristics of these molecules, often through the generation of cluster heat maps based on local molecular density. The goal of this study was to generate a new cluster analysis method based on a topographic approach. In particular, a topographic map of the level of clustering across a region is generated based on Getis' variant of Ripley's K‐function. By using the relative heights (topographic prominence, TP) of the peaks in the map, cluster characteristics can be identified more accurately than by using previously demonstrated height thresholds. Analogous to geological TP, the concepts of wet and dry TP and topographic isolation are introduced to generate binary maps. The algorithm is validated using simulated and experimental data and found to significantly outperform previous cluster identification methods.
Illustration of the topographic prominence based cluster analysis algorithm.magnified imageIllustration of the topographic prominence based cluster analysis algorithm.
Defective Proteolytic Processing of Fibrillar Procollagens and Prodecorin Due to Biallelic BMP1 Mutations Results in a Severe, Progressive Form of Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Authors: Syx Delfien , Guillemyn Brecht , Symoens Sofie , Sousa Ana Berta , Medeira Ana , Whiteford Margo , Hermanns-Lê Trinh , Coucke Paul J , De Paepe Anne , Malfait Fransiska 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACT

Whereas the vast majority of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is caused by autosomal dominant defects in the genes encoding type I procollagen, mutations in a myriad of genes affecting type I procollagen biosynthesis or bone formation and homeostasis have now been associated with rare autosomal recessive OI forms. Recently, homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in BMP1, encoding the metalloproteases bone morphogenetic protein-1 (BMP1) and its longer isoform mammalian Tolloid (mTLD), were identified in 5 children with a severe autosomal recessive form of OI and in 4 individuals with mild to moderate bone fragility. BMP1/mTLD functions as the procollagen carboxy-(C)-proteinase for types I to III procollagen but was also suggested to participate in amino-(N)-propeptide cleavage of types V and XI procollagens and in proteolytic trimming of other extracellular matrix (ECM) substrates. We report the phenotypic characteristics and natural history of 4 adults with severe, progressive OI characterized by numerous fractures, short stature with rhizomelic shortening, and deformity of the limbs and variable kyphoscoliosis, in whom we identified novel biallelic missense and frameshift mutations in BMP1. We show that BMP1/mTLD-deficiency in humans not only results in delayed cleavage of the type I procollagen C-propeptide but also hampers the processing of the small leucine-rich proteoglycan prodecorin, a regulator of collagen fibrillogenesis. Immunofluorescent staining of types I and V collagen and transmission electron microscopy of the dermis show impaired assembly of heterotypic type I/V collagen fibrils in the ECM. Our study thus highlights the severe and progressive nature of BMP1-associated OI in adults and broadens insights into the functional consequences of BMP1/mTLD-deficiency on ECM organization. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Daylight photodynamic therapy: The Southern California experience
Authors: Lane Kathryn LS. , Hovenic Whitney , Ball Kaity , Zachary Christopher B. 
Published: February 2015

BackgroundPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) is a safe and effective treatment for actinic keratoses (AKs) and photoactinic damage. Three elements are needed for PDT: a photosensitizer, oxygen, and a light source. Conventional PDT is performed with a variety of different laser and light sources including blue, yellow and red in addition to filtered intense pulsed lights (IPL). Daylight PDT, using ambient visible light has been reported as safe, time‐ and cost‐efficient, and more comfortable than with other light sources. We report our experience with daylight PDT in 80 patients.Material and MethodsEighty patients with multiple actinic keratoses related to chronic photodamage underwent one or two sessions with daylight PDT. Anatomic locations treated included face, chest, arms, and legs. Aminolevulinic acid (ALA, Levulan, Kerastick Dusa USA) was applied one hour prior to light exposure. Thick actinic keratoses were gently curetted prior to ALA application. A chemical sunscreen was applied thirty minutes into the incubation and subsequently patients sat outside in the shade for 2.5 hours. The following day, patients applied a chemical sunscreen and went into either shaded or direct sunlight for 15–30 extra minutes depending on sensitivity. Significant pain associated with this second day exposure was an indication to return indoors immediately. After the second exposure they were instructed to stay inside for the remainder of the 48 hour post treatment period.ResultsAll patients tolerated the procedure well. Patients denied any pain during the first two and half hour exposure. The second day exposure elicited a mild burning sensation that patients rated as a 2–3/10 though some patients elected to go outside protocol and ‘tough it out' despite more significant discomfort. Patients and physicians noted significant reduction in photoactinic damage and actinic keratoses. Patients appreciated the convenience of the treatment. There were no significant adverse events, and no patients reported scarring.ConclusionIn this case series, daylight PDT achieved obvious improvement in photodamage, specifically precancerous lesions, and in photoaging with a reduction in lentigenes and other signs of aging. Patients reported significantly less pain than with conventional PDT and enjoyed the convenience of treatment generally in their backyard. It was noted to be a safe procedure with no significant adverse events such as scarring. Additionally, the cost of the procedure was significantly reduced, with ALA and its application being the only expenses. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:168–172, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Proteomic analysis of mouse soleus muscles affected by hindlimb unloading and reloading
Authors: Wang Fei , Zhang Peng , Liu Hongju , Fan Ming , Chen Xiaoping 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Disuse muscle atrophy, induced by prolonged space flight, bed rest, or denervation, is a common process with obvious changes in slow‐twitch soleus muscles. Methods: Proteomic analysis was performed on mouse soleus subjected to hindlimb unloading (HU) and hindlimb reloading (HR) to identify new dysregulated proteins. Results: Following HU, the mass and cross‐sectional area of muscle fibers decreased, but they recovered after HR. Proteomic analyses revealed 9 down‐regulated and 7 up‐regulated proteins in HU, and 2 down‐regulated and 5 up‐regulated proteins in HR. The dysregulated proteins were mainly involved in energy metabolism, protein degradation, and cytoskeleton stability. Among the dysregulated proteins were fatty acid binding protein 3, α‐B crystalline, and transthyretin. Conclusions: These results indicate that muscle atrophy induced by unloading is related to activation of proteolysis, metabolic alterations toward glycolysis, destruction of myofibrillar integrity, and dysregulation of heat shock proteins (HSPs). The dysregulated proteins may play a role in muscle atrophy and the recovery process. Muscle Nerve 52: 803–811, 2015
Coordinated coalition formation in throughput‐efficient cognitive radio networks
Authors: Umar Raza , Mesbah Wessam 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIn this paper, we consider the problem of joint coalition formation (CF) and bandwidth allocation in cognitive radio networks. We assume that the secondary links will be partitioned into disjoint coalitions, by which the available spectrum will be reused. On the other hand, we assume that the members of each coalition will transmit over orthogonal sub‐bands with the available spectrum being optimally allocated among them. We formulate the problem as a coordinated CF game, where the optimization is held at a secondary coordinator that has all the required channel information. Given these assumptions, we derive a closed‐form expression of the optimal bandwidth allocation for any given network partition, and we propose an efficient algorithm to reach a Nash‐stable partition (coalition structure), with the objective of improving the network throughput. Furthermore, we provide a probabilistic analysis of the stability of a grand structure and a singleton structure, and we employ this to obtain a lower bound on the stability of a general coalition structure (other than grand and singleton). Performance analysis shows that the proposed CF algorithm with optimal bandwidth allocation provides a substantial gain in the network throughput over existing CF techniques as well as the simple cases of singleton and grand coalitions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Triangular Ge3Units in a New Modification of EuGe3
Authors: Castillo Rodrigo , Baranov Alexey I. , Burkhardt Ulrich , Grin Yuri , Schwarz Ulrich 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe hexagonal modificationhP8 of the binary compound EuGe3was obtained by high‐pressure high‐temperature reaction at 12(1) GPa and 1100(110) K. The compound adopts an Mg3Cd‐type crystal structure, forming infinite columnar units of germanium triangles in staggered conformation which are stacked along the [001] direction. X‐ray absorption spectroscopy together with magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate the electron configuration 4f7(2+) of the europium atoms. Chemical bonding analysis reveals covalent bonding within the triangular Ge3units and between Eu and Ge. Physical properties measurements indicate bad‐metal type electrical conductivity and an antiferromagnetic ordering of the europium moments below 36(1) K. At 8 GPa and 1000 K, EuGe3forms the modificationhR36.