bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analyzing Visual Signals as Visual Scenes
Authors: ALLEN WILLIAM L. , HIGHAM JAMES P. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe study of visual signal design is gaining momentum as techniques for studying signals become more sophisticated and more freely available. In this paper we discuss methods for analyzing the color and form of visual signals, for integrating signal components into visual scenes, and for producing visual signal stimuli for use in psychophysical experiments. Our recommended methods aim to be rigorous, detailed, quantitative, objective, and where possible based on the perceptual representation of the intended signal receiver(s). As methods for analyzing signal color and luminance have been outlined in previous publications we focus on analyzing form information by discussing how statistical shape analysis (SSA) methods can be used to analyze signal shape, and spatial filtering to analyze repetitive patterns. We also suggest the use of vector‐based approaches for integrating multiple signal components. In our opinion elliptical Fourier analysis (EFA) is the most promising technique for shape quantification but we await the results of empirical comparison of techniques and the development of new shape analysis methods based on the cognitive and perceptual representations of receivers. Our manuscript should serve as an introductory guide to those interested in measuring visual signals, and while our examples focus on primate signals, the methods are applicable to quantifying visual signals in most taxa. Am. J. Primatol. 75:664–682, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of Reproduction and Raising Offspring in a Nursery‐Reared SPF Baboon (Papio hamadryas anubis) Colony
Authors: BUDDA MADELINE L. , ELY JOHN J. , DOAN SANDRA , CHAVEZ‐SUAREZ MARIA , WHITE GARY L. , WOLF ROMAN F. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBaboons (Papio hamadryas anubis) of a conventional breeding colony were nursery‐reared to create a specific pathogen‐free (SPF) baboon‐breeding program. Because the founding generations were nursery‐reared until 2 years of age, it was suspected that the SPF baboons would exhibit increased reproductive challenges as adults. Mothering behavior was of interest, because SPF females were not exposed to parental role models during the nursery‐rearing process. We compared reproductive data from the SPF baboon breeding program during its first 10 years with data from age‐matched baboons during the same period from an established, genetically‐similar conventional breeding colony. We also evaluated records documenting mother–infant behaviors within the SPF colony. The average age of menarche in SPF females was 3.3 years. The overall live birth rate of both SPF and conventional females was approximately 90%, with no difference in pregnancy outcome between the two colonies. The average age at first conception for SPF females was earlier (4.2 years) than that of the conventional females (4.7 years). In both colonies, primiparous females were more likely to abort than multiparous females. Similarly, primiparous females were more likely to lose their infants to death or human intervention. A mothering score system was developed in the SPF colony to facilitate intervention of poor mother–infant relationships. Records revealed 70% of SPF mothers were able to raise one or more of their infants successfully to at least 180 days of age, which did not differ from conventional mothers. SPF females returned to post‐partum amenorrhea 27 days sooner on average than the conventional females, independent of dam age. The nursery‐rearing process used for recruitment into the SPF colony therefore did not have an adverse effect on reproduction or rearing offspring. Am. J. Primatol. 75:798–806, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Internal structure of bitumen/polymer/wax ternary mixtures for warm mix asphalts
Authors: Rossi Damiano , Filippi Sara , Merusi Filippo , Giuliani Felice , Polacco Giovanni 
Published: February 2013

AbstractPolymer modified asphalts (PMA) and warm mix asphalts (WMA) are technologies widely adopted in the paving industry. The first one is well established, while the second one is relatively new, but rapidly growing since it guarantees economic and environmental advantages. Until now PMA and WMA have been used disjointedly, but it would be useful to combine them to keep the advantages of both. One of the adopted solutions to obtain a warm effect is the addition of waxes to the asphaltic binder. Therefore, a “warm mix polymer modified asphalt” may be potentially obtained with a ternary asphalt/polymer/wax system. However, the final warm effect and performances of the binder will depend on the interactions between the three components. A preliminary investigation was done by mixing asphalt, styrene‐butadiene‐styrene block copolymer and a wax chosen among the following three categories: paraffinic, partially oxidized and maleic anhydride functionalized. The morphological and calorimetric analyses and solubility tests allowed identifying different behaviors depending on the wax type, which may preferentially interact either with the asphalt or with the polymer, thus influencing the whole binder structure. With regard to the ternary mixes, it was found that: (i) the paraffinic wax preferentially resides in the polymer‐rich phase, and slightly enhances the asphalt‐polymer compatibility; (ii) the partially oxidized wax prefers the asphaltene‐rich phase and reduces the compatibility; (iii) it is not clear where the functionalized wax is located, but it has a considerable compatibilizing effect and strongly alters the colloidal equilibrium of the asphalt‐polymer blend. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Polymer electrolytes integrated with ionic liquids for future electrochemical devices
Authors: Park Moon Jeong , Choi Ilyoung , Hong Jaewan , Kim Onnuri 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe global energy crisis and an increase in environmental pollution in the recent years have drawn the attention of the scientific community towards the development of efficient electrochemical devices. Polymers containing charged species have the potential to serve as electrolytes in next‐generation devices and achieving high ion transport properties in these electrolytes is the key to improving their efficiency. In this article, we explore ways to improve the ion transport properties of solid polymer electrolytes by focusing on the use of ionic liquids (ILs). The application of IL‐incorporated polymer electrolytes in lithium batteries, high temperature fuel cells, and electro‐active actuators is summarized. For each system, the current level of understanding of the diverse factors affecting the transport properties of polymer electrolytes integrated with ILs is presented, in addition to the challenges encountered and strategies toward obtaining significantly improved device performances. The creation of self‐assembled morphologies in IL‐containing polymer electrolytes by the use of block copolymers is particularly highlighted as a novel prospective technique geared towards obtaining next‐generation electrochemical devices with enhanced performances. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Competitive binding of fluoroquinolone antibiotics and some other drugs to human serum albumin: a luminescence spectroscopic study
Authors: Seedher Neelam , Agarwal Pooja 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTCo‐administration of several drugs in multidrug therapy may alter the binding of each to human serum albumin (HSA) and hence their pharmacological activity. Thirty‐two frequently prescribed drug combinations, consisting of four fluoroquinolone antibiotics and eight competing drugs, have been studied using fluorescence and circular dichroism spectroscopic techniques. Competitive binding studies on the drug combinations are not available in the literature. In most cases, the presence of competing drug decreased the binding affinity of fluoroquinolone, resulting in an increase in the concentration of free pharmacologically active drug. The competitive binding mechanism involved could be interpreted in terms of the site specificity of the binding and competing drugs. For levofloxacin, the change in the binding affinity was small because in the presence of site II‐specific competing drugs, levofloxacin mainly occupied site I. A competitive interference mechanism was operative for sparfloxacin, whereas competitive interference as well as site‐to‐site displacement of competing drugs was observed in the case of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride. For enrofloxacin, a different behavior was observed for different combinations; site‐to‐site displacement and conformational changes as well as independent binding has been observed for various drug combinations. Circular dichroism spectral studies showed that competitive binding did not cause any major structural changes in the HSA molecule. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Feasibility study of transanal total mesorectal excision
Authors: Velthuis S , van den Boezem P B , van der Peet D L , Cuesta M A , Sietses C 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Laparoscopic resection of colorectal cancers is a safe alternative to open surgery. The conversion rate to open surgery remains fairly constant but is associated with increased morbidity. A new approach to the surgical excision of rectal cancer is transanal total mesorectal excision (TME), in which the rectum is mobilized peranally using endoscopic instruments. This feasibility study describes initial results with transanal TME.

Methods
Between June and August 2012, five consecutive unselected patients with rectal carcinoma underwent surgical excision of rectal tumours by means of transanal TME.

Results
Transanal endoscopic dissection of the complete rectum was possible in all patients. Histopathological examination confirmed clear surgical margins and an intact mesorectal fascia in all patients. One patient developed a presacral abscess. Median duration of operation was 175 (range 160–194) min.

Conclusion
Transanal TME using the down-to-up principle is feasible. Whether the oncological and clinical results are comparable with those of standard laparoscopic or open TME has yet to be proven.
Analysis of circumferential shielding as a methodto decouple radiofrequency coils for high‐field MRI
Authors: Belliveau Jean‐Guy , Gilbert Kyle M. , Abou‐Khousa MOHAMED , Menon Ravi S. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractReducing the impact of mutual coupling in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiofrequency (RF) coil transmit/receive arrays constitutes a serious design challenge. Recently, it has been shown that mutual coupling in such arrays can be significantly reduced by circumferentially shielding the individual array elements. For such a decoupling method to be optimized and readily incorporated into future array designs, comprehensive analysis of the shield's effect on overall element and array performance is required. This study is focused on methodically analyzing this decoupling method to determine the effect of shielding geometry on overall coil performance in high‐field MRI. To this end, experiments on a 7‐Tesla MRI system, as well as full‐wave electromagnetic simulations, were performed and performance metrics, such as Q‐factor, power efficiency, transmit power, signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), and specific absorption rate (SAR), were investigated for different coil/shield configurations. Differences in the geometry of a RF coil and its respective shield resulted in an increase in peak SNR of up to 40% compared to an unshielded coil. This was concurrent with a 2–4 dB reduction in the required transmit power to produce a given flip angle and a 25% reduction in peak local SAR compared to the unshielded coil. Coupling between adjacent loaded coils was strongly influenced by the coil/shield geometry and ranged from –6.5 to –22.1 dB. Based upon the analysis presented herein, example coil‐array designs are provided and have been optimized for either peripheral or whole‐brain imaging. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part B (Magn Reson Engineering) 43B:11–21, 2013
Understanding Photophysical Effects of Cucurbituril Encapsulation: A Model Study with Acridine Orange in the Gas Phase
Authors: Czar Martin F. , Jockusch Rebecca A. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractEncapsulation of dyes by cucurbituril macrocycles has proven profitable as a strategy to alter fluorescence characteristics in useful ways. Encapsulation generally results in longer fluorescence lifetimes, enhanced brightness, and solvatochromic effects not normally seen in the condensed phase. These effects have been attributed variously to both the removal of interactions with solvent molecules and to the confined environment of extremely low polarizability provided by the cucurbituril interior. It is difficult to disentangle these effects in solution. Here, we present results from gas‐phase experiments designed to separate these effects, using cucurbit[7]uril (CB7), and the cationic dye acridine orange (AOH+) as a probe. Fluorescence properties of gaseous AOH+ are compared with those of the gaseous AOH+‐CB7 complex and with the properties of the dye and complex in aqueous solution. The dependence on the local environment of several spectroscopic properties is discussed, including the fluorescence excitation and emission maxima, the size of the Stokes shift, fluorescence lifetime and relative brightness. An understanding of the modulation of fluorescence properties by the local environment, such as that promoted by this work, will aid in the rational design of improved fluorophores and fluorescent sensors.
Treatment engagement in eating disorders: Who exits before treatment?
Authors: Watson Hunna J. , Fursland Anthea , Byrne Susan 
Published: February 2013

ObjectiveTraditionally, drop‐out has been investigated subsequent to treatment entry; yet some individuals “exit early,” attending assessment but failing to commence the treatment offered. Early exit burdens administrative and clinical resources and means that individuals may not receive the care needed for recovery. This study aimed to describe the prevalence and characteristics associated with early exit at a statewide, outpatient eating disorder service.MethodFrom a pool of 972 consecutive referrals of adults and youth (16+ years), two groups were formed; an “early exit” group of individuals who attended assessment but chose to exit the service prior to treatment entry and a “non‐early exit” group that attended assessment and entered treatment. The groups were compared on sociodemographic, clinical, and administrative features.ResultsThe prevalence of early exit was 18.7%. The early exit group exhibited less pathology compared with the non‐early exit group; specifically, a lower presence of Axis I comorbidity (p = .04) and self‐induced vomiting (p = .04).DiscussionThe findings, considered in the context of previous research, suggest that there are no measured features to date that are robustly associated with early exit from outpatient eating disorder services. Future research should investigate decision‐making processes at assessment, to inform patient‐centered approaches that optimize transition to treatment. © 2013 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2013; 46:553–559)
Influence of dam‐induced hydrological regulation on summer water temperature: Sauce Grande River, Argentina
Authors: Casado Ana , Hannah David M. , Peiry Jean‐Luc , Campo Alicia M. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTThis study quantifies for the first time the influence of flow regulation on the river thermal behaviour of an ungauged basin located in central‐eastern Argentina. A 30‐day data set of continuous summer hourly data was assembled for eight water temperature gauging sites deployed along the main channel upstream and downstream from the impoundment. Analysis methods include descriptive statistics of daily temperature data, classification of diurnal regimes by relative differences in the ‘shape’ and the ‘magnitude’ of the thermographs (RSMC), and quantification of the climatic sensitivity of water temperature regimes using a sensitivity index. Results revealed that temporal fluctuations in water temperatures were linked to meteorological drivers; however, spatial variability in the shape and the magnitude of the thermographs revealed the effects of the dam in regulating river thermal behaviour downstream. Water temperatures immediately below the dam were reduced notably; diurnal cycles were reduced in magnitude, delayed in timing, and revealed overall climatic insensitivity and high temporal stability in regime shape. Dam effects persisted along the 15‐km stretch monitored, although declined in the downstream direction. These findings provide new scientific understanding about the river water quality and inform river management about potential shifts in summer water temperature with great implications for the diversity and lifecycles of Neotropical river fauna. The use of the RSMC and sensitivity index approaches in water temperature assessment is novel and has wider applicability for quantifying river thermal regimes and their sensitivity to drivers of change over a range of temporal and spatial scales. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On‐line preconcentration and determination of six sulfonylurea herbicides in cereals by MEKC with large‐volume sample stacking and polarity switching
Authors: Yi Ling‐Xiao , Chen Guan‐Hua , Fang Rou , Zhang Li , Shao Yu‐Xiu , Chen Ping , Tao Xiang‐Xiang 
Published: February 2013

A new MEKC method with large‐volume sample stacking and polarity switching was developed for on‐line preconcentration and detection of sulfonylurea herbicide (SUH) residues in cereals, including nicosulfuron (NS), thifensulfuon (methyl) (TFM), tribenuron‐methly (TBM), sulfometuron‐methyl (SMM), pyrazosulfuron‐ethyl (PSE), and chlorimuron‐ethyl (CME). In order to achieve a high resolution and enrichment factor, several parameters were optimized, such as the pH of the running buffer, the concentration of the BGE and the SDS, the separate voltage, the sample size, the pH, and the electrolyte concentration of the sample. The optimal running buffer was composed of 30 mM borate and 80 mM SDS at pH 7.0. The borate concentration in the sample was 30 mM and the pH value of the sample was the same as that of the running buffer. The concentrating voltage and the separating voltage were –15 kV and 15 kV, respectively. The sample size was 1.455 kPa × 780 s (33.11 cm). Under the optimum conditions, for NS, TFM, TBM, SMM, PSE, and CME, the enrichment factors were 613, 642, 835, 570, 709, and 599; the LODs were 0.29–0.50 ng/g, 0.22–0.36 ng/g, 0.60–0.89 ng/g, 0.39–0.72 ng/g, 0.28–0.56 ng/g, and 0.31–0.57 ng/g; the LOQs of six SUHs were all 5 ng/g; the average recoveries of the spiked sample were 86.68–92.99%, 80.73–93.65%, 81.49–94.40%, 82.97–95.1%, 82.96–98.84%, and 80.41–92.94%, respectively.
Metal and selenium concentrations in blood and feathers of petrels of the genus procellaria
Authors: Carvalho Paloma Calábria , Bugoni Leandro , McGill Rona A.R. , Bianchini Adalto 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Concentrations of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and selenium (Se) were determined in blood and feathers of spectacled (Procellaria conspicillata) and white-chinned (Procellaria aequinoctialis) petrels, species that are phylogenetically related, but with distinct ecological niches. In winter, they feed on similar foods, indicated by an overlapping range of whole-blood stable isotopes values (δ15N; δ13C). No relation was found between blood metal concentration and stable isotope values. In spectacled petrels, metal concentrations appeared lower in blood (Cu = 0.79–20.77 µg/g; Zn = 10.95–28.02 µg/g; Cd = 1.73–10.11 µg/g; Pb = 5.02–26.03 µg/g; Hg = 0.84–9.86 µg/g) than in feathers (Cu = 1.05–21.57 µg/g; Zn = 45.30–81.49 µg/g; Cd = 3.76–10.44 µg/g; Pb = 16.53–59.00 µg/g; Hg = 4.24–24.03 µg/g). In white-chinned petrels, metal concentrations also appeared lower in blood (Cu = 0.62–10.4 µg/g; Zn = 10.73–24.69 µg/g; Cd = 2.00–6.31 µg/g; Pb = 5.72–24.03 µg/g) than in feathers (Cu = 2.68–23.92 µg/g; Zn = 48.96–93.54 µg/g; Cd = 5.72–24.03 µg/g; Pb = 18.62–55.51 µg/g), except for Hg (blood = 0.20–15.82 µg/g; feathers = 0.19–8.91 µg/g). Selenium (0.24–14.18 µg/g) and Hg (0.22–1.44 µg/g) concentrations showed a positive correlation in growing feathers of spectacled petrels. Blood and feather Hg levels were higher in spectacled petrels while feathers Cu and Zn concentrations were greater in white-chinned petrels. Juvenile white-chinned petrels exhibited greater blood Hg concentrations than adults. In the south Atlantic Ocean, discards from commercial fishing operations consumed by spectacled petrels year-round and by white-chinned petrels during the wintering period have elevated Hg concentrations. Because Hg toxicity is associated with behavioral and reproductive changes in birds, it could potentially have impacts on breeding of these seabirds, as both species are listed as threatened by extinction. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:1641–1648. © 2013 SETAC
Evaluation of Sulfur Dioxide Poisoning for LSCF Cathodes
Authors: Wang F. , Yamaji K. , Cho D.‐H. , Shimonosono T. , Nishi M. , Kishimoto H. , Brito M. E. , Horita T. , Yokokawa H. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractSulfur poisoning behavior of La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3–δ (LSCF6428) cathode was investigated at T = 1073 K (800 °C) under 0.1 ppm of SO2‐air mixture gas; the amount of supplied SO2 was controlled by changing the flow rate. Two stages of the performance degradation were found: a rapid degradation at the early stage and a subsequent monotonic degradation. The elemental distributions of SrSO4 showed a strong correlation between the electrochemically active sites and SrSO4 reaction sites in the vicinity of the LSCF6428/10GDC interfaces. Considerations were made to attribute the first and the second stages of performance degradation to the SO2 adsorption and the SrSO4 formation, respectively. The SO2 adsorption mechanism was discussed in terms of the high concentration of oxide ion vacancies in the electrochemically active region under the cathodic polarization condition.
Pricing Forward Skew Dependent Derivatives. Multifactor Versus Single‐Factor Stochastic Volatility Models
Authors: Marabel Romo Jacinto 
Published: February 2013

AbstractEmpirical evidence shows that, in equity options markets, the slope of the skew is largely independent of the volatility level. Single‐factor stochastic volatility models are not flexible enough to account for the stochastic behavior of the skew. On the other hand, multifactor stochastic volatility models are able to account for the existence of stochastic skew. This study studies the effects of introducing stochastic skew in the valuation of forward skew dependent exotic options. In particular, I consider cliquet, as well as reverse cliquet structures. The study also derives a semi‐closed‐form solution for the price of forward‐start options under the multifactor stochastic specification. The empirical results indicate that the consideration of additional volatility factors in the context of stochastic volatility models allows us to generate more flexible smile patterns. This additional flexibility has a relevant impact on the valuation of forward skew dependent derivatives. In this sense, this study shows that similar calibrations of single factor and multifactor stochastic volatility models to the current market prices of plain vanilla options can lead to important discrepancies in the pricing of exotic forward skew dependent derivatives such as regular cliquet structures and reverse cliquet options. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 34:124–144, 2014