bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On approximation of the Laplace–Beltrami operator and the Willmore energy of surfaces
Authors: Hildebrandt Klaus , Polthier Konrad 
Published: August 2011

AbstractDiscrete Laplace–Beltrami operators on polyhedral surfaces play an important role for various applications in geometry processing and related areas like physical simulation or computer graphics. While discretizations of the weak Laplace–Beltrami operator are well‐studied, less is known about the strong form. We present a principle for constructing strongly consistent discrete Laplace–Beltrami operators based on the cotan weights. The consistency order we obtain, improves previous results reported for the mesh Laplacian. Furthermore, we prove consistency of the discrete Willmore energies corresponding to the discrete Laplace–Beltrami operators.
VASE: Volume‐Aware Surface Evolution for Surface Reconstruction from Incomplete Point Clouds
Authors: Tagliasacchi Andrea , Olson Matt , Zhang Hao , Hamarneh Ghassan , Cohen‐Or Daniel 
Published: August 2011

AbstractObjects with many concavities are difficult to acquire using laser scanners. The highly concave areas are hard to access by a scanner due to occlusions by other components of the object. The resulting point scan typically suffers from large amounts of missing data. Methods that use surface‐based priors rely on local surface estimates and perform well only when filling small holes. When the holes become large, the reconstruction problem becomes severely under‐constrained, which necessitates the use of additional reconstruction priors. In this paper, we introduce weak volumetric priors which assume that the volume of a shape varies smoothly and that each point cloud sample is visible from outside the shape. Specifically, the union of view‐rays given by the scanner implicitly carves the exterior volume, while volumetric smoothness regularizes the internal volume. We incorporate these priors into a surface evolution framework where a new energy term defined by volumetric smoothness is introduced to handle large amount of missing data. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our method on objects exhibiting deep concavities, and show its general applicability over a broader spectrum of geometric scenario.
Single‐Tooth Implants with Different Neck Designs: A Randomized Clinical Trial Evaluating the Aesthetic Outcome
Authors: den Hartog Laurens , Raghoebar Gerry M. , Slater James J. Huddleston , Stellingsma Kees , Vissink Arjan , Meijer Henny J. A. 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTAim: To evaluate the aesthetic outcome of single‐tooth implants in the aesthetic zone with different neck designs from a professional's and patient's perception.Materials and Methods: Ninety‐three patients with a missing anterior tooth in the maxilla were randomly assigned to be treated with an implant with a smooth neck, a rough neck with grooves or a scalloped rough neck with grooves. Implants were installed in healed sites. One year after definitive crown placement (18 months post‐implant placement), photographs were taken and the aesthetic outcome was assessed according to two objective aesthetic indexes: pink esthetic score/white esthetic score (PES/WES) and implant crown aesthetic index (ICAI). A questionnaire was used to assess the aesthetic outcome and general satisfaction from a patient's perception. Standardized radiographs were taken to measure marginal bone level changes.Results: One implant was lost. Although there was a significant difference in marginal bone loss between the different implant neck designs (smooth neck 1.19 ± 0.82 mm, rough neck 0.90 ± 0.57 mm, scalloped neck 2.01 ± 0.77 mm), there were no differences in aesthetic outcome. According to the professional's assessments using PES/WES and ICAI, 79.3% and 62% of the cases showed acceptable crown aesthetics, and 59.8% and 56.5% of the cases showed acceptable mucosa aesthetics. Overall, patients were satisfied about the aesthetics of the mucosa (81.5%) and crown (93.3%), and general patient satisfaction was high (9.0 ± 1.0 out of a maximum of 10). According to the professional's assessment, a pre‐implant augmentation procedure was associated with less favorable aesthetics of the mucosa.Conclusion: This study shows that the aesthetics of single‐tooth implants in the maxillary aesthetic zone appears to be independent of the implant neck designs applied but dependent on the need for pre‐implant surgery.
Multidimensional scaling for n‐tuples
Authors: Cox Trevor F. , Cox Michael A. A. , Branco Joao A. 
Published: August 2011

Wide use has been made of multidimensional scaling (MDS) techniques since the pioneering papers of Shepard and Kruskal. In the main, dissimilarities used in the various MDS techniques are derived for pairs of objects or stimuli. This is termed 2‐way, 1‐mode data, meaning pairs of objects within a single set are considered. Some MDS techniques are designed for 3‐way or even higher, and for 2‐mode, 3‐mode or more. One such example is the CANDECOMP model which can deal with n‐way, m‐mode data where 3≤n≤7 and 2≤m≤7. This model considers n‐tuples of objects at a time, selecting these from m different sets.To date there are no models which consider n‐way, 1‐mode data, where n≥3. An attempt is made in this paper to cater for this situation by an extension of the Shepard‐Kruskal approach to non‐metric multidimensional scaling which deals with dissimilarities defined for three or more objects. A computer program has been written using the new model to produce a configuration in Euclidean space to represent the objects. Some historical voting data and some artificial data are then analysed.
Bucking the Trend: A Look at Zyme Solutions' Non-linear Business Model for IT Services from India
Authors: Seshadri D.V.R. 
Published: August 2011

The case describes XGen Technologies (name disguised), an India-based IT Enabled Services (ITES) company having to grapple with the issues of linear growth. The company's headcount had touched a whopping 40,000 and managing such a large setup was becoming a severe challenge, putting immense pressure on Partha Sen, the CEO, to adopt an innovative business model to sustain historical growth rates of revenue and profitability. This situation was similar to what most Indian ITES companies faced: they had been clocking impressive growth, yet there were concerns about the future. The case then describes some of the strategies that software companies have been adopting in order to achieve greater non-linearity in their business. In particular, the case concentrates on Zyme Solutions, Inc., a fully outsourced hosted data service provider to the high-tech vertical market, which has built as a non-linear business from the ground up, without the legacy of the linear business models to contend with. Students are put in the place of Partha Sen, having to decide on an approach that established companies like XGen could adopt to transit to a non-linear model.
Radar Nowcasting of Total Lightning over the Kennedy Space Center
Authors: Seroka Gregory N. , Orville Richard E. , Schumacher Courtney 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
A long-term radar dataset over Melbourne, Florida, was matched with three-dimensional lightning data to optimize radar-derived predictors of total lightning over the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Four years (2006–09) of summer (June–August) daytime (about 1400–0000 UTC) Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler data were analyzed. Convective cells were tracked using a modified version of the Storm Cell Identification and Tracking (SCIT) algorithm, and correlated to cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning data from the National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN) and grouped intracloud (IC) flash data from the KSC Lightning Detection and Ranging (LDAR) I and II networks. Reflectivity values at isothermal levels and a vertically integrated ice (VII) product were used to optimize radar-based forecasting of both IC and CG lightning. Results indicate the best reflectivity threshold predictors of CG and IC lightning according to the critical success index (CSI) were 25 dBZ at −20°C and 25 dBZ at −15°C, respectively. The best VII predictors of CG and IC were the 30th (0.840 kg m−2) and 5th percentiles (0.143 kg m−2), respectively, suggesting less ice mass is needed in the main mixed-phase region for IC flashes to occur. In addition, VII at lightning initiation (both CG and IC) was higher than at cessation. Seventy-six percent of cells had IC initiation before CG initiation. Using the first IC flash as a predictor of CG occurrence also statistically outperformed other CG predictors, but yielded a 2.4-min average lead time. However, this lead time is comparable to the reflectivity threshold and VII methods when accounting for radar scan and processing time.
High maternal mortality estimated by the sisterhood method in a rural area of Mali
Authors: Aa Ingvill , Grove Mari A , Haugsjå Anita H , Hinderaker Sven G 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
Maternal mortality is high in Mali. Nevertheless, there are few studies on this topic from rural areas, and current estimates are mostly based on studies from urban settings. Our objective was to estimate the maternal mortality ratio in Kita, rural Mali.

Methods
Using the "sisterhood method", we interviewed participants aged 15-50 years from 20 villages in Kita, Mali, and thereby created a retrospective cohort of their sisters in reproductive age. Based on population and fertility estimates, we calculated the lifetime risk of maternal death, and from that the estimated approximate maternal mortality ratio.

Results
The 2,039 respondents reported 4,628 sisters who had reached reproductive age. Of these 4,628 sisters, almost a third (1,233; 27%) had died, and 429 (9%) had died during pregnancy or childbirth. This corresponded to a lifetime risk of maternal death of 20% and a maternal mortality ratio of 3,131 per 100,000 live births (95% confidence interval 2,967-3,296), with a time reference around 1999.

Conclusions
We found a very high maternal mortality in rural Mali and this highlights the urgent need for obstetric services in the remote rural areas.
Extracellular secretion of a recombinant therapeutic peptide by Bacillus halodurans utilizing a modified flagellin type III secretion system
Authors: Berger Eldie , Crampton Michael C , Nxumalo Nolwandle P , Louw Maureen E 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
Through modification of the flagellin type III secretion pathway of Bacillus halodurans heterologous peptides could be secreted into the medium as flagellin fusion monomers. The stability of the secreted monomers was significantly enhanced through gene-targeted inactivation of host cell extracellular proteases. In evaluating the biotechnological potential of this extracellular secretion system an anti-viral therapeutic peptide, Enfuvirtide, was chosen. Currently, Enfuvirtide is synthesised utilizing 106 chemical steps. We used Enfuvirtide as a model system in an effort to develop a more cost-effective biological process for therapeutic peptide production.

Results
An attempt was made to increase the levels of the fusion peptide by two strategies, namely strain improvement through gene-targeted knock-outs, as well as vector and cassette optimization. Both approaches proved to be successful. Through chromosomal inactivation of the spo0A, lytC and lytE genes, giving rise to strain B. halodurans BhFDL05S, the secretion of recombinant peptide fusions was increased 10-fold. Cassette optimization, incorporating an expression vector pNW33N and the N- and C-terminal regions of the flagellin monomer as an in-frame peptide fusion, resulted in a further 3.5-fold increase in the secretion of recombinant peptide fusions.

Conclusions
The type III flagellar secretion system of B. halodurans has been shown to successfully secrete a therapeutic peptide as a heterologous flagellin fusion. Improvements to both the strain and expression cassette led to increased levels of recombinant peptide, showing promise for a biotechnological application.
Novel innate cancer killing activity in humans
Authors: Blanks Michael J , Stehle John R , Du Wei , Adams Jonathan M , Willingham Mark C , Allen Glenn O , Hu Jennifer J , Lovato James , Molnar Istvan , Cui Zheng 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
In this study, we pilot tested an in vitro assay of cancer killing activity (CKA) in circulating leukocytes of 22 cancer cases and 25 healthy controls.

Methods
Using a human cervical cancer cell line, HeLa, as target cells, we compared the CKA in circulating leukocytes, as effector cells, of cancer cases and controls. The CKA was normalized as percentages of total target cells during selected periods of incubation time and at selected effector/target cell ratios in comparison to no-effector-cell controls.

Results
Our results showed that CKA similar to that of our previous study of SR/CR mice was present in human circulating leukocytes but at profoundly different levels in individuals. Overall, males have a significantly higher CKA than females. The CKA levels in cancer cases were lower than that in healthy controls (mean ± SD: 36.97 ± 21.39 vs. 46.28 ± 27.22). Below-median CKA was significantly associated with case status (odds ratio = 4.36; 95% Confidence Interval = 1.06, 17.88) after adjustment of gender and race.

Conclusions
In freshly isolated human leukocytes, we were able to detect an apparent CKA in a similar manner to that of cancer-resistant SR/CR mice. The finding of CKA at lower levels in cancer patients suggests the possibility that it may be of a consequence of genetic, physiological, or pathological conditions, pending future studies with larger sample size.
Convolution and Reciprocity Formulas for Bernoulli Polynomials
Authors: Agoh Takashi , Dilcher Karl 
Published: August 2011

AbstractWe prove a new convolution identity for sums of products of two Bernoulli polynomials. This can be rewritten to obtain a reciprocity relation for a related sum. The proof uses some results on Stirling numbers of both kinds which are of independent interest. In particular, a class of polynomials related to the Stirling numbers of the second kind turns out to be a useful tool.
Counting Finite Languages by Total Word Length
Authors: Gerhold Stefan 
Published: August 2011

AbstractWe investigate the number of sets of words that can be formed from a finite alphabet, counted by the total length of the words in the set. An explicit expression for the counting sequence is derived from the generating function, and asymptotics for large alphabet size and large total word length are discussed. Moreover, we derive a Gaussian limit law for the number of words in a random finite language.
Selmer's Multiplicative Algorithm
Authors: Kops J. Christopher 
Published: August 2011

Abstract.The behavior of the multiplicative acceleration of Selmer's algorithm is widely unknown and no general result on convergence has been detected yet. Solely for its 2-dimensional, periodic expansions, there exist some results on convergence and approximation due to Fritz Schweiger. In this paper we show that periodic expansions of any dimension do in fact converge and that the coordinates of the limit points are rational functions of the largest eigenvalue of the periodicity matrix.
Development of PET molecular targeting agents with gallium-68
Authors: Cutler C. S. , Sisay N. , Cantorias M. , Galazzi F. , Quinn T. P. , Smith C. J. 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
The utilization of positron emission tomography (PET) is increasing due to its superior imaging quality and its ability to be used for in vivo quantification. Radionuclides that decay by positron emission can be attached to the same chelators used for radiotherapy applications in diagnosis and staging. One such isotope is 68Ga (T
1/2 = 68 min), which can be obtained from a long-lived generator by decay of the parent 68Ge (T
1/2 = 270.8 d). The availability of 68Ga from a generator plus its ability to be stably incorporated with a variety of chelates hold promise for expanding PET utilization to facilities unable to afford their own cyclotron. In collaboration with researchers at the University of Missouri, we have developed and evaluated peptides that target the melanocortin-1 receptor and the gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) receptor for peptide guided imaging and the rapy. The melanocortin-1 receptor is an attractive target for peptide guided melanoma imaging and therapy. The limited number of receptors per cell, approximately 900–5000, requires high specific activity radiolabeled peptide ligands to prevent target saturation and ensure optimal cellular uptake. GRP receptors are over-expressed by a variety of human cancers such as breast, lung, pancreatic and prostate tumors, and due to bombesin's toxicity, it is necessary to label it in high specific activity. Results are presented on NOTA and DOTA bifunctionalized α-MSH and bombesin peptides, highlighting the differences in specific activity, preparation time and in vivo characteristics.
Growth of C60 Fullerene Films on Semiconductor Surfaces
Authors: Basiuk (Golovataya-Dzhymbeeva) Elena V. , Bañuelos José G. , Esparza Alejandro , Saniger José M. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractWe report on a study of vacuum-deposited thin films of C60 fullerene on Si (100) and InP (100) semiconductor surfaces. The film morphology and C60—substrate interactions were investigated by using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). For the film deposition, both patterned Si aand InP surfaces were used. It was found that the stronger interactions occur between C60 molecules and Si surface, than between C60 molecules and InP surface. On InP surface with microrelief of parallel V-grooves oriented in [011] direction, C60 films grow preferentially above the groove walls, with C60 grains arrayed in the direction perpendicular to the groove axis.
Electrical Properties of Bi 3.25 La 0.75 Ti3O12 Thin Films with Various Grain Orientations Deposited by r.f. Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Suh Ju Hyung , Oh Sang Ho , Park Chan-Gyung 
Published: August 2011

AbstractEffects of grain orientation on the electrical polarization and leakage current characteristics of Bi3.25La0.75Ti3O12 (BLT) thin films have been investigated with respect to c-axis off-alignment. The BLT thin films from epitaxially aligned along c-axis to (117) and (014) off-aligned orientations have been successfully grown by using both different electrode materials (Pt and SrRuO3) and heat-treatments. In order to evaluate the crystallinity and the film texture of various off-aligned BLT thin films, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were carried out. The BLT thin films deposited on SrRuO3/SrTiO3 (100) substrate was grown epitaxial c-axis alignment. That is, the c-axis of the film was completely parallel to the substrate normal, resulting in a cube on cube epitaxial relationship with the underlying SrRuO3 film. The corresponding P-E curve showed nearly paraelectric property. The polycrystalline (117) and (014) oriented BLT thin films revealed that remnant polarization increased remarkably due to the anisotropy of spontaneous polarization of BLT. The surface roughness of BLT thin films was increased to result in degraded leakage current characteristic. According to the present results, it can be concluded that the grain orientation of BLT thin films is a crucial factor controlling the polarization properties and leakage current characteristics.
Development of polymorphic microsatellite markers for Incarvillea sinensis (Bignoniaceae)
Authors: Yu Hai‐Yan , Jing‐Gao  , Luo Yi‐Bo , Bai Wei‐Ning 
Published: August 2011

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed for Incarvillea sinensis var. sinensis (Bignoniaceae), an annual herb endemic to Inner Mongolia, to study the degree to which delayed self‐fertilization is favored.• Methods and Results: Eight polymorphic primer sets were isolated and characterized in two Inner Mongolia populations of I. sinensis var. sinensis with a relatively simple and fast subcloning method. Numbers of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 7, with observed and expected heterozygosities ranging from 0 to 0.261 and from 0 to 0.778, respectively.• Conclusions: These markers will be useful for future studies of self‐fertilization adaptability in I. sinensis var. sinensis.
Development and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite primers in Reaumuria soongorica (Tamaricaceae)
Authors: Chen Haikui , Zhu Lili , Cao Xiaohong , Song Dandan , Zhong Yang 
Published: August 2011

• Premise of the study: Polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed in Reaumuria soongorica, a desert shrub occurring widely in western China, to investigate its genetic diversity and population genetic structure.• Methods and Results: Using the combined biotin capture technique, 10 novel polymorphic microsatellite loci primer sets were isolated and characterized in 90 individuals from six populations of R. soongorica. Five to 14 alleles per locus were identified for these microsatellites. Observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.132 to 0.593, and 0.217 to 0.803, respectively.• Conclusions: These microsatellite markers provide a useful tool to assess the genetic variation and population structure of R. soongorica.
Carotid Encasement by a Benign Multinodular Goiter
Authors: PRK Bhargav , Venkata Pavan Kumar CH , Krishna Murthy T 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACT
Great vessels in the neck and upper mediastinum are involved either by invasion or encasement in malignant thyroid disease. Rarely benign conditions, like Riedel's thyroiditis, may involve them due to extensive extracapsular fibrosis. We report a rare case of carotid artery engulfment due to benign goiters, which is a largely unknown entity.
Measurement of Peroxiredoxin Activity
Authors: Nelson Kimberly J. , Parsonage Derek 
Published: August 2011

AbstractPeroxiredoxins are cysteine‐dependent peroxidases that react with hydrogen peroxide, larger hydroperoxide substrates, and peroxynitrite. Protocols are provided to measure Prx activity with peroxide by (1) a coupled reaction with NADPH, thioredoxin reductase, and thioredoxin, (2) the direct monitoring of thioredoxin oxidation, (3) competition with horseradish peroxidase, and (4) peroxide consumption using the FOX assay. Curr. Protoc. Toxicol. 49:7.10.1‐7.10.28. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Double 1,4‐Addition of Arylboronic Acids to β‐Aryloxyacrylates Involving β‐Oxygen Elimination
Authors: Matsuda Takanori , Shiose Shigeru , Suda Yuya 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThe rhodium‐catalyzed addition reaction of arylboronic acids to β‐aryloxyacrylates gives 3,3‐diarylpropanoates in good yields. The double arylation reaction proceeds via the intermediate cinnamates generated by β‐oxygen elimination.