bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Simple Algorithm for Maximal Poisson‐Disk Sampling in High Dimensions
Authors: Ebeida Mohamed S. , Mitchell Scott A. , Patney Anjul , Davidson Andrew A. , Owens John D. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractWe provide a simple algorithm and data structures for d‐dimensional unbiased maximal Poisson‐disk sampling. We use an order of magnitude less memory and time than the alternatives. Our results become more favorable as the dimension increases. This allows us to produce bigger samplings. Domains may be non‐convex with holes. The generated point cloud is maximal up to round‐off error. The serial algorithm is provably bias‐free. For an output sampling of size n in fixed dimension d, we use a linear memory budget and empirical θ(n) runtime. No known methods scale well with dimension, due to the “curse of dimensionality.” The serial algorithm is practical in dimensions up to 5, and has been demonstrated in 6d. We have efficient GPU implementations in 2d and 3d. The algorithm proceeds through a finite sequence of uniform grids. The grids guide the dart throwing and track the remaining disk‐free area. The top‐level grid provides an efficient way to test if a candidate dart is disk‐free. Our uniform grids are like quadtrees, except we delay splits and refine all leaves at once. Since the quadtree is flat it can be represented using very little memory: we just need the indices of the active leaves and a global level. Also it is very simple to sample from leaves with uniform probability.
Computational Design of Rubber Balloons
Authors: Skouras Mélina , Thomaszewski Bernhard , Bickel Bernd , Gross Markus 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThis paper presents an automatic process for fabrication‐oriented design of custom‐shaped rubber balloons. We cast computational balloon design as an inverse problem: given a target shape, we compute an optimal balloon that, when inflated, approximates the target as closely as possible. To solve this problem numerically, we propose a novel physics‐driven shape optimization method, which combines physical simulation of inflatable elastic membranes with a dedicated constrained optimization algorithm. We validate our approach by fabricating balloons designed with our method and comparing their inflated shapes to the results predicted by simulation. An extensive set of manufactured sample balloons demonstrates the shape diversity that can be achieved by our method.
Private Equity Lemons?Evidence on Value Creation in Secondary Buyouts
Authors: Achleitner Ann‐Kristin , Figge Christian 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThis paper analyses whether secondary buyouts have a value creation profile and offer equity returns different from those of primary buyouts. Using a sample of 2,456 buyout transactions (including 448 secondary buyouts), we find no evidence that secondary buyouts generate lower equity returns or offer fundamentally lower operational value creation potential. However, we can show that secondary buyouts obtain 28–30% more leverage than primary buyouts, even after controlling for debt market conditions. Furthermore, we find evidence that secondary buyouts are 6–9% more expensive than other buyouts.
The effect of rock composition on cyanobacterial weathering of crystalline basalt and rhyolite
Authors: Olsson‐Francis K. , Simpson A. E. , Wolff‐Boenisch D. , Cockell C. S. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe weathering of volcanic rocks contributes significantly to the global silicate weathering budget, effecting carbon dioxide drawdown and long‐term climate control. The rate of chemical weathering is influenced by the composition of the rock. Rock‐dwelling micro‐organisms are known to play a role in changing the rate of weathering reactions; however, the influence of rock composition on bio‐weathering is unknown. Cyanobacteria are known to be a ubiquitous surface taxon in volcanic rocks. In this study, we used a selection of fast and slow growing cyanobacterial species to compare microbial‐mediated weathering of bulk crystalline rocks of basaltic and rhyolitic composition, under batch conditions. Cyanobacterial growth caused an increase in the pH of the medium and an acceleration of rock dissolution compared to the abiotic controls. For example,
Anabaena cylindrica increased the linear release rate () of Ca, Mg, Si and K from the basalt by more than fivefold (5.21–12.48) and increased the pH of the medium by 1.9 units. Although A. cylindrica enhanced rhyolite weathering, the increase in was less than threefold (2.04–2.97) and the pH increase was only 0.83 units. The values obtained with
A. cylindrica were at least ninefold greater with the basalt than the rhyolite, whereas in the abiotic controls, the difference was less than fivefold. Factors accounting for the slower rate of rhyolite weathering and lower biomass achieved are likely to include the higher content of quartz, which has a low rate of weathering and lower concentrations of bio‐essential elements, such as, Ca, Fe and Mg, which are known to be important in controlling cyanobacterial growth. We show that at conditions where weathering is favoured, biota can enhance the difference between low and high Si‐rock weathering. Our data show that cyanobacteria can play a significant role in enhancing rock weathering and likely have done since they evolved on the early Earth.
Antidepressant‐like effect of bis‐eugenol in the mice forced swimming test: evidence for the involvement of the monoaminergic system
Authors: do Amaral Jeferson Falcão , Silva Maria Izabel Gomes , de Aquino Neto Manuel Rufino , Moura Brinell Arcanjo , de Carvalho Alyne Mara Rodrigues , Vasconcelos Patrícia Freire , Barbosa Filho José Maria , Gutierrez Stanley Juan Chavez , Vasconcelos Silvânia Maria Mendes , Macêdo Danielle Silveira , de Sousa Francisca Cléa Florenço 
Published: June 2012

AbstractDehydrodieugenol, known as bis‐eugenol, is a eugenol ortho dimer, and both compounds were able to exhibit anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant activities in previous studies. Furthermore, eugenol showed antidepressant‐like effect; however, the biological actions of bis‐eugenol on experimental models for screening antidepressant activity are still unknown. The present study investigated a possible antidepressant‐like activity of bis‐eugenol in the forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) in mice and the involvement in the monoaminergic system in this effect. In addition, a neurochemical analysis on brain monoamines of mice acutely treated with bis‐eugenol was also conducted. Bis‐eugenol decreased the immobility time in the FST and TST without accompanying changes in ambulation in the open field test at 10 mg/kg, i.p.. Nevertheless, it induced ambulation at 25 and 50 mg/kg doses. The anti‐immobility effect of bis‐eugenol (10 and 50 mg/kg, i.p.) was prevented by pretreatment of mice with p‐chlorophenylalanine (PCPA, 100 mg/kg, i.p., an inhibitor of serotonin synthesis, for four consecutive days), yohimbine (1 mg/kg, i.p., an α2‐adrenoceptor antagonist), SCH23390 (15 μg/kg, s.c., a dopamine D1 receptor antagonist) and sulpiride (50 mg/kg, i.p., a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist). Monoamines analysis using high‐performance liquid chromatograph revealed significant increase in the 5‐HT, NE and DA levels in brain striatum. The present study indicates that bis‐eugenol possesses antidepressant‐like activity in FST and TST by altering dopaminergic, serotonergic and noradrenergic systems function.
Assessment of changes in cardiac autonomic tone resulting from inflammatory response to the influenza vaccination
Authors: Perring S. , Jones E. 
Published: June 2012

SummaryA total of 71 healthy volunteers opting to have a routine influenza vaccination were investigated for potential changes in cardiovascular autonomic tone resulting from the temporary inflammatory effects of an influenza vaccination. A number of temporal and frequency domain parameters of heart rate and breathing were assessed 2–5 days prior to vaccination and 1–4 days postvaccination. Three lead electrocardiograph (ECG), beat‐to‐beat finger blood pressure and chest plethysmography signals were measured. After an extended resting period, patients performed metronome‐guided breathing at six breaths per min for a period of 2 min. Standard Ewing tests of autonomic function were also performed. All volunteers completed a vaccine symptom questionnaire. A subgroup of 15 volunteers who reported significant symptomatic reaction to the vaccination for at least 24 h following vaccination were identified based on the results of the questionnaire. A significant reduction in measures of heart rate variability (HRV) obtained during metronome‐guided breathing was noted following vaccination in the subgroup of 15 symptomatic volunteers. No significant changes were observed in standard Ewing assessment, fractal dimension analysis, baroreflex sensitivity assessment or resting HRV. There was no evidence of significant reduction in autonomic tone following vaccination in the full sample of 71 volunteers. Results suggest a significant change in HRV response to a small inflammatory provocation and suggest further investigation of the inflammatory causes of dysautonomia is of value.
Phosphorus sorption and desorption properties of soils developed on basic rocks under a subhumid Mediterranean climate
Authors: Horta C. , Monteiro F. , Madeira M. , Torrent J. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractRepresentative samples of A, B and C horizons from 11 pedons (Luvisols, Solonetzs and Cambisols) developed on intermediate and basic rocks were studied regarding evaluation of phosphorus (P) behaviour, with the aim of delineating site‐specific management practices. For this purpose, (i) sorption properties were evaluated by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, (ii) soil samples were fertilized to a level of ca. 0.5 mg P/L, estimated by the Freundlich isotherm fitted to each horizon and (iii) the amount of phosphate‐P desorbed to a dilute electrolyte mimicking fresh water over periods of up to 60 days at soil:solution ratios of 1:100, 1:1000 and 1:10 000 was measured. The pedons had a slightly acidic or alkaline reaction and a limited capacity to sorb P, sorption seemingly occurring by both adsorption and precipitation. The nature of the sorption processes seemed to change with depth: precipitation dominated in C horizons, adsorption in A horizons and both types of processes being balanced in B horizons. The short‐term capacity of the soil to transfer P to water was related to the sorption curve parameters and the nature of the process seemingly controlling sorption. The ability of soil to desorb P increased with decreasing soil:solution ratio and when precipitation was the dominant process in sorption. After P fertilizer application, soils exhibited a high capacity to transfer P to water, thus making it advisable to use a replacement P strategy to prevent P accumulation in the topsoil and its downward movement.
Does obesity really matter? The impact of BMI on embryo quality and pregnancy outcomes after IVF in women aged ≤38 years
Authors: Zander‐Fox Deirdre L. , Henshaw Richard , Hamilton Hamish , Lane Michelle 
Published: June 2012

BackgroundThe increasing prevalence of obesity in women of child‐bearing age is of growing concern in the health community. Obesity is associated with sub‐optimal reproductive performance; therefore, it is understandable that the number of young women with elevated body mass index (BMI) accessing assisted reproductive treatment (ART) is on the rise. Consequently, this study not only assessed the impact of BMI on fertilisation rates, embryo development and freezing during ART in women aged ≤38 years but also determined their subsequent pregnancy and delivery rates.MethodsData were retrospectively analysed from all cycles initiated in 2006/2007 for women aged ≤38 years. The BMI categorisations were as follows: normal – 18.5–24.9 kg/m2; overweight – 25–29.9 kg/m2; obese – 30–34.9 kg/m2; morbidly obese class I – 35–39.9 kg/m2; morbidly obese class П –≥40 kg/m2.ResultsObese and morbidly obese women required a significantly higher follicle stimulating hormone start dose than normal BMI women; however, they obtained significantly fewer oocytes (P < 0.05). Although BMI did not affect embryo development, morbidly obese class Π women had significantly reduced pregnancy rates compared to normal BMI women (30.5 vs 41.7%, respectively; P < 0.05). Furthermore, increasing BMI was positively correlated to increasing rates of preterm delivery (P < 0.05). Increasing BMI was also positively correlated to increasing delivery rates of singleton term macrosomic offspring (≥4000 g).ConclusionObesity in women aged≤38 years does not affect embryo development; however, it does reduce clinical pregnancy rates in women with a BMI≥40 and increases rates of preterm labour and delivery of macrosomic offspring.
The Diagnosis of Tuberculosis in Dialysis Patients
Authors: Richardson Robert M. A. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractTuberculosis is an important issue for nephrologists caring for dialysis patients. Because dialysis patients are immunocompromised, they are at higher risk for reactivation of latent tuberculosis, and they frequently have atypical presentation. Furthermore, hemodialysis units may foster rapid spread of active pulmonary tuberculosis. The diagnosis of active pulmonary tuberculosis still depends on detection of organisms by smear and culture. Newer nucleic acid detection techniques are more sensitive and specific. Nephrologists should remember that nonspecific presentation of tuberculosis including fever, weight loss, and adenopathy are more common in dialysis patients than in the general population, and diagnosis may require biopsy of extrapulmonary tissue. Detection of latent tuberculosis in dialysis patients should only be undertaken if treatment is planned. Generally, this should apply only to potential transplant candidates and younger dialysis patients with longer life expectancy. Tuberculin skin test is very insensitive in dialysis patients, and false‐positives occur in patients born in countries where Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin vaccine has been used. Blood tests using stimulation of gamma interferon have been shown to be more sensitive tests of latent tuberculosis and may be used in conjunction with tuberculin skin tests.
Human herpesvirus 6 and 7 in febrile status epilepticus: The FEBSTAT study
Authors: Epstein Leon G. , Shinnar Shlomo , Hesdorffer Dale C. , Nordli Douglas R. , Hamidullah Aaliyah , Benn Emma K. T. , Pellock John M. , Frank L. Matthew , Lewis Darrell V. , Moshe Solomon L. , Shinnar Ruth C. , Sun Shumei ,   the FEBSTAT study team
Published: June 2012

SummaryPurpose:  In a prospective study, Consequences of Prolonged Febrile Seizures in Childhood (FEBSTAT), we determined the frequency of human herpesvirus (HHV)‐6 and HHV‐7 infection as a cause of febrile status epilepticus (FSE).Methods:  Children ages 1 month to 5 years presenting with FSE were enrolled within 72 h and received a comprehensive assessment including specimens for HHV‐6 and HHV‐7. The presence of HHV‐6A, HHV‐6B, or HHV‐7 DNA and RNA (amplified across a spliced junction) determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) at baseline indicated viremia. Antibody titers to HHV‐6 and HHV‐7 were used in conjunction with the PCR results to distinguish primary infection from reactivated or prior infectionKey Findings:  Of 199 children evaluated, HHV‐6 or HHV‐7 status could be determined in 169 (84.9%). HHV‐6B viremia at baseline was found in 54 children (32.0%), including 38 with primary infection and 16 with reactivated infection. No HHV‐6A infections were identified. HHV‐7 viremia at baseline was observed in 12 children (7.1%), including eight with primary infection and four with reactivated infection. Two subjects had HHV‐6/HHV‐7 primary coinfection at baseline. There were no differences in age, characteristics of illness or fever, seizure phenomenology or the proportion of acute EEG or imaging abnormalities in children presenting with FSE with or without HHV infection.Significance:  HHV‐6B infection is commonly associated with FSE. HHV‐7 infection is less frequently associated with FSE. Together, they account for one third of FSE, a condition associated with an increased risk of both hippocampal injury and subsequent temporal lobe epilepsy.
Higher Levels of Hair Ethyl Glucuronide in Patients with Decreased Kidney Function
Authors: Høiseth Gudrun , Morini Luca , Ganss Rudiger , Nordal Kristin , Mørland Jørg 
Published: June 2012

BackgroundHair levels of ethyl glucuronide (EtG) are often used to differentiate social drinking from heavy drinking. Patients with decreased kidney function have delayed excretion of EtG, and increased incorporation into hair could be suspected. The aim of this study was to compare hair EtG levels in patients with decreased kidney function to those seen in healthy volunteers.MethodsTwelve patients with renal disease were included. The levels of EtG in hair were adjusted to estimated daily intake of ethanol (EDI) and compared to 21 previously published healthy individuals.ResultsThe levels of hair EtG in the 12 patients ranged between < limit of detection and 134 pg/mg, and the EDI ranged between 0.1 and 12 g. The levels of EtG in hair were significantly higher in the patients compared to healthy volunteers (p = 0.009).ConclusionsThese preliminary results indicate that hair levels of EtG in a population of patients with decreased kidney function should be interpreted with caution.
The Fate of Organic Sources of Carbon in Moss‐rich Tundra Soil Microbial Communities: A Laboratory Experimental Study
Authors: Anderson O. R. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractEffects of glucose‐carbon supplementation on soil respiration and bacterial and protist biomass were investigated in laboratory studies of three soil samples from Alaskan tundra: spring tussock sample 1 (thin surface moss), spring tussock sample 2 (thick surface moss), and a summer tundra open field sample. Addition of 1% (w/v) glucose solution produced an immediate, pronounced two to three fold increase in respiration above basal rate, which declined over 4 h to baseline levels. Less than 1% (w/w) of glucose‐C supplement was respired during the respiratory spike, relative to the 89 μg/g added. A more substantial amount of the glucose‐C became incorporated in microbial biomass. The total difference in microbial carbon (μg/g) between the experimental treatments and controls without glucose after 1 wk was as follows: spring sample 1 (8), spring sample 2 (31), and summer sample (70). The percent (w/w) of glucose‐C incorporated was: spring sample 1 (5%), spring sample 2 (17%), and summer sample (39%), most attributed to biomass of bacteria and heterotrophic nanoflagellates. Although respiratory response to pulsed glucose‐C was minimal, the overall mean basal rate after 1 wk ranged between 4 and 6 nmol/min/g soil, indicating a significant assimilation and respiration of constituent soil organic carbon.
Herbivore egg deposition induces tea leaves to arrest the egg‐larval parasitoid Ascogaster reticulata
Authors: Deshpande Sujata A. , Kainoh Yooichi 
Published: June 2012

AbstractPlants are able to activate direct and indirect defences against egg deposition by herbivorous insects. A known indirect defence is the production of synomones to help egg‐ and egg‐larval parasitoids to locate their hosts. The wasp Ascogaster reticulata Watanabe (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a solitary egg‐larval parasitoid of the moth Adoxophyes honmai Yasuda (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), which lays eggs and feeds as caterpillars on the leaves of the tea plant Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze (Theaceae). Here, we studied whether or not oviposition by A. honmai induces tea plants to produce synomones that help the parasitoid to locate its host. An olfactometer bioassay suggested that synomones produced by the infested plants did not attract the parasitoid over a short range. However, a contact bioassay showed that tea leaves were induced to arrest the parasitoid 24 h after egg deposition and remained induced until the host‐egg masses were no more attractive to the parasitoids. Wing scales and deposits of adult moths and the contents of the egg masses did not induce the tea leaves to arrest the parasitoid, but the contents of the female moth's reproductive system did. Synomone induction was systemic: uninfested leaves in the vicinity of egg‐laden leaves also arrested the parasitoid.
Differential acceptance of and survivorship on a non‐host plant between two geographically separate populations of the phytophagous ladybird beetle Henosepilachna yasutomii
Authors: Matsubayashi Kei W. , Katakura Haruo 
Published: June 2012

AbstractPhytophagous specialists among insects occasionally accept plants they do not or only rarely utilize under natural conditions. This non‐host acceptance could represent an initial stage in host‐range evolution. Here, we examined adult acceptance of and larval survivorship on a non‐host plant – wild thistle, Cirsium kamtschaticum Ledeb. (Asteraceae) – for two geographically separate populations of the phytophagous ladybird beetle Henosepilachna yasutomii Katakura (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), which normally utilizes blue cohosh, Caulophyllum robustum Maxim. (Berberidaceae), in the wild. The two beetle populations showed lower acceptance of and survivorship on the non‐host plant (thistle) than on the normal host plant (blue cohosh). Furthermore, they differed significantly in their responses to thistle but not to blue cohosh. Even for the beetle population that more readily accepted thistle as adults, acceptance was moderate and the eclosion rate was low, indicating reduced performance on the non‐host plant. Although studies have infrequently focused on non‐host acceptance, this is likely common in phytophagous specialists and thus is a potentially important evolutionary factor, as it may determine the future direction of food‐range evolution.
Monocytic microparticles promote atherogenesis by modulating inflammatory cells in mice
Authors: Hoyer Friedrich Felix , Giesen Meike Kristin , Nunes França Carolina , Lütjohann Dieter , Nickenig Georg , Werner Nikos 
Published: June 2012

AbstractMicroparticles (MP) are generated during a vast number of biological processes such as inflammation, cell activation and apoptosis. Increasing evidence points towards an important role of MP as intercellular messengers of biological information. During atherogenesis, monocytes infiltrate the vascular wall and foster inflammation, accompanied by the release of monocytic MP (mono‐MP). To date, only little is known about the biological function of mono‐MP in the vascular wall. Here, we investigated the role of mono‐MP during atherogenesis. Mono‐MP were generated by starvation of THP‐1 monocytes and isolated by ultracentrifugation. To investigate whether mono‐MP influence atherogenesis, ApoE−/− mice were fed a high‐fat, cholesterol‐rich diet for 8 weeks and simultaneously treated with mono‐MP or vehicle twice a week. Mice treated with mono‐MP showed significantly increased monocyte and T‐cell infiltration into the vessel wall, as assessed by Moma‐2 and CD3 staining, and enhanced plaque formation, as assessed by oil‐red‐O staining. However, atherosclerotic plaque composition was not influenced by mono‐MP application. In vitro, incubation of mono‐MP with murine macrophages and endothelial cells resulted in the uptake of calcein‐labelled mono‐MP. Mono‐MP uptake initiated the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species. Murine macrophages pre‐treated with mono‐MP showed significantly enhanced expression of CCR2, migration to MCP‐1 and increased release of pro‐inflammatory interleukin‐6. Co‐incubation of mono‐MP with endothelial cells resulted in significantly increased expression of ICAM‐1, as assessed by RT‐PCR and ELISA. Mono‐MP act as paracrine messengers that intensify inflammation during atherogenesis by stimulating vascular‐bound and inflammatory cells in their vicinity.