bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Color reduction for complex document images
Authors: Nikolaou Nikos , Papamarkos Nikos 
Published: February 2009

AbstractA new technique for color reduction of complex document images is presented in this article. It reduces significantly the number of colors of the document image (less than 15 colors in most of the cases) so as to have solid characters and uniform local backgrounds. Therefore, this technique can be used as a preprocessing step by text information extraction applications. Specifically, using the edge map of the document image, a representative set of samples is chosen that constructs a 3D color histogram. Based on these samples in the 3D color space, a relatively large number of colors (usually no more than 100 colors) are obtained by using a simple clustering procedure. The final colors are obtained by applying a mean‐shift based procedure. Also, an edge preserving smoothing filter is used as a preprocessing stage that enhances significantly the quality of the initial image. Experimental results prove the method's capability of producing correctly segmented complex color documents where the character elements can be easily extracted as connected components. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 19, 14–26, 2009
Is labour market training a curse for the unemployed? Evidence from a social experiment
Authors: Rosholm Michael , Skipper Lars 
Published: February 2009

AbstractIn 1994 a social experiment was conducted in Denmark, where unemployed applicants for classroom training were randomised into treatment and control groups. The data are contaminated by the presence of no‐shows and crossovers, biasing the traditional experimental estimator. We interpret our experiment within an economic model of agents maximising outcomes facing different cost regimes and present results interpretable within this model. Surprisingly, we find that classroom training significantly increases individual unemployment rates and decreases employability. We discuss possible reasons for this finding and some related policy issues. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of annexin A1 as a novel substrate for E6AP‐mediated ubiquitylation
Authors: Shimoji Tetsu , Murakami Kyoko , Sugiyama Yuichi , Matsuda Mami , Inubushi Sachiko , Nasu Junichi , Shirakura Masayuki , Suzuki Tetsuro , Wakita Takaji , Kishino Tatsuya , Hotta Hak , Miyamura Tatsuo , Shoji Ikuo 
Published: February 2009

AbstractE6‐associated protein (E6AP) is a cellular ubiquitin protein ligase that mediates ubiquitylation and degradation of p53 in conjunction with the high‐risk human papillomavirus E6 proteins. However, the physiological functions of E6AP are poorly understood. To identify a novel biological function of E6AP, we screened for binding partners of E6AP using GST pull‐down and mass spectrometry. Here we identified annexin A1, a member of the annexin superfamily, as an E6AP‐binding protein. Ectopic expression of E6AP enhanced the degradation of annexin A1 in vivo. RNAi‐mediated downregulation of endogenous E6AP increased the levels of endogenous annexin A1 protein. E6AP interacted with annexin A1 and induced its ubiquitylation in a Ca2+‐dependent manner. GST pull‐down assay revealed that the annexin repeat domain III of annexin A1 is important for the E6AP binding. Taken together, our data suggest that annexin A1 is a novel substrate for E6AP‐mediated ubiquitylation. Our findings raise the possibility that E6AP may play a role in controlling the diverse functions of annexin A1 through the ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway. J. Cell. Biochem. 106: 1123–1135, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Olfactory sensitivity for alkylpyrazines—a comparative study in CD‐1 mice and spider monkeys
Authors: Laska Matthias , Persson Oskar , Hernandez Salazar Laura Teresa 
Published: February 2009

AbstractUsing a conditioning paradigm, the olfactory sensitivity of four CD‐1 mice for six alkylpyrazines was investigated. With all six stimuli, the animals discriminated concentrations ≤0.1 ppm (parts per million) from the odorless solvent, and with three of the six stimuli the animals were even able to detect concentrations ≤0.1 ppb (parts per billion). Four spider monkeys tested in parallel were found to detect five of the same six stimuli at concentrations <1 ppm and with one stimulus they were able to discriminate concentrations <1 ppb from the solvent. The results showed CD‐1 mice to be more sensitive than spider monkeys with five of the six alkylpyrazines tested. There was a significant positive correlation between sensitivity and the number of alkyl groups attached to the pyrazine (Pyr) ring in both species. A comparison of the detection thresholds obtained here to those obtained in human subjects suggests that neither the number of functional olfactory receptor genes nor the absolute or the relative size of the olfactory bulbs reliably predict a species' olfactory sensitivity. These threshold data may provide useful information for the choice of adequate stimulus concentrations in electrophysiological or imaging studies of the olfactory system or investigations of the discriminative abilities of mice and spider monkeys. J. Exp. Zool. 311A:278–288, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Volatile compounds and capsaicinoid content of fresh hot peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) of different Calabrian varieties
Authors: Ziino Marisa , Condurso Concetta , Romeo Vincenza , Tripodi Gianluca , Verzera Antonella 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: Because of the great variability in size, shape, colour, pungency and aroma of Calabrian Capsicum annuum(hot pepper), this study was carried out to furnish producers with information on volatile compounds and capsaicinoid content useful for the genetic improvement of this species. Fully ripened fresh peppers of the most widely cultivated varieties were studied. Capsaicinoid content was determined by reverse phase high‐performance liquid chromatography/diode array detection (RP‐HPLC/DAD). Volatile compounds were determined by headspace solid phase microextraction/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (HS‐SPME/GC/MS).RESULTS: Sixty‐four volatile compounds were identified, the main classes being alcohols, aldehydes, terpenes and aliphatic branched‐chain hydrocarbons. The ‘Naso di cane’ (C. annuumvar. abbreviatum) variety contained the lowest amount of volatiles, especially alcohols and aldehydes, while the highest levels of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin were found in ‘Vulcan’ and ‘Corno di capra’ varieties.CONCLUSION: From statistical evaluation of the data obtained, each variety showed a typical composition of capsaicinoids and volatiles determining the taste and odour of the hot peppers. These results should be useful in the context of research aimed at selecting varieties with the best sensory characteristics. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Bioactivities of essential oil and extract of Thymus argaeus, Turkish endemic wild thyme
Authors: Sagdic Osman , Ozkan Gulcan , Aksoy Ahmet , Yetim Hasan 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: Thymus argaeus Boiss. & Bal. (Lamiaceae), an endemic plant species of Turkey known as wild thyme, is traditionally used as a spice and a wild tea in the Inner Anatolia region of Turkey. In this study the composition of the essential oil and the antimicrobial and antioxidant effects of the methanolic extract and essential oil of T. argaeus were determined.RESULTS: The main components of the essential oil were linalool (499 g kg−1), α‐terpineol (150 g kg−1), linalyl acetate (97 g kg−1) and thymol (94 g kg−1). The total phenolic, flavanol and flavonol contents of the extract were 83.31 ± 0.59 mg gallic acid equivalent g−1, 6.26 ± 0.00 mg catechin equivalent g−1 and 28.81 ± 0.21 mg rutin equivalent g−1 respectively. The antioxidant activities of the extract and essential oil determined by the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical‐scavenging method were 830.18 ± 0.42 and 20.47 ± 2.3 mg g−1 respectively. The antimicrobial activities of the extract and essential oil against 13 bacteria and two yeasts were studied by the agar diffusion method. The micro‐organisms most sensitive to the essential oil were Aeromonas hydrophila and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while the micro‐organism most sensitive to the extract was P. aeruginosa.CONCLUSION: Only the extract of T. argaeus could be used as a natural antioxidant, while both the extract and the essential oil could be useful as natural antimicrobial agents in food preservation. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of cultivar and roasting method on composition of roasted soybeans
Authors: Boge Emily L , Boylston Terri D , Wilson Lester A 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: The composition of raw soybeans and the roasting method have an important impact on the quality of roasted soybeans. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of food‐grade soybean cultivars (IA 2064, IA 1008, IA 1008LF, Prairie Brand 299, Asgrow 2247) and roasting method (oil‐ and dry‐roasting) on the composition of roasted soybeans.RESULTS: Moisture content decreased after roasting, with oil‐roasted soybeans having a significantly lower moisture content than the dry‐roasted soybeans. With the exception of the low linolenic acid cultivar (IA 2064), there were no significant differences in total lipid and fatty acid contents of the five cultivars. Oil‐roasted soybeans had significantly higher lipid content than raw and dry‐roasted soybeans owing to the absorption of oil. The soluble sugars and free amino acids contents of the five soybean cultivars were not significantly different. Decreases in the contents of free amino acids, but not soluble sugars, occurred during roasting. Greater reductions were seen in oil‐roasted soybeans because of the higher roasting temperature.CONCLUSION: Roasting method, rather than cultivar, had the greatest effect on the composition of roasted soybeans. The food‐grade soybean cultivars evaluated in this study were similar in composition. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Sporadic colorectal carcinomas with low‐level microsatellite instability in Korea: Do they form a distinct subgroup with distinguished clinicopathological features?
Authors: Kim Young‐Ho , Min Byung‐Hoon , Choi Hyo Kyung , Kim Sue Jin , Kim Kyoung‐Mee , Kim Jin Yong , Chang Dong Kyung , Son Hee Jung , Rhee Poong‐Lyul , Kim Jae J. , Rhee Jong Chul , Chun Ho‐Kyung 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackgroundThe biologic significance of low‐level microsatellite instability (MSI) in colorectal cancers (CRCs) remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate whether sporadic MSI‐low CRCs in Korea displayed distinguished clinicopathological characteristics from microsatellite stable (MSS) and MSI‐high CRCs.MethodsWe consecutively enrolled 657 patients who underwent their first surgical resections for stage I–IV sporadic CRCs and compared their clinicopathological features and prognosis after resection according to MSI status (574 MSS, 30 MSI‐low and 53 MSI‐high CRCs).ResultsWhen compared with MSS CRCs, MSI‐low CRCs showed significantly more frequent association with poorly differentiated histology, mucinous carcinoma, and large tumour size. In addition, MSI‐low CRCs demonstrated significantly less frequent lymph node metastasis and advanced tumour stage than MSS CRCs. When compared with MSI‐high CRCs, MSI‐low CRCs were significantly more frequently located in distal colon. Three‐year overall and disease‐free survival rates of MSS, MSI‐low and MSI‐high CRCs were 83.5%, 90.0% and 91.7% and 82.0%, 89.1% and 87.5%, respectively and neither demonstrated significant difference between three groups.ConclusionsThese results indicated that sporadic MSI‐low CRCs in Korea displayed distinguished clinicopathological features and might form a distinct subgroup especially from MSS CRCs. Further large studies are required to evaluate the impact of MSI‐low status on prognosis. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;99:351–355. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Material wear of polymeric tracheostomy tubes: A six‐month study
Authors: Backman Sara , Björling Gunilla , Johansson Unn‐Britt , Lysdahl Michael , Markström Agneta , Schedin Ulla , Aune Ragnhild E. , Frostell Claes , Karlsson Sigbritt 
Published: February 2009

AbstractObjectives:The objectives were to study long‐term material wear of tracheostomy tubes made of silicone (Si), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyurethane (PU) after 3 and 6 months of clinical use.Study Design:The study has a prospective and comparative design.Methods:Nineteen patients with long‐term tracheostomy, attending the National Respiratory Center in Sweden, were included, n = 6 with Si tubes, n = 8 with PVC tubes, and n = 5 with PU tubes. The tubes were exposed to the local environment in the trachea for 3 and 6 months and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry.Results:All tubes revealed severe surface changes. No significant differences were established after 3 or 6 months of exposure between the various materials. The changes had progressed significantly after this period, compared to previously reported changes after 30 days of exposure. The results from all analyzing techniques correlated well.Conclusions:All tubes, exposed in the trachea for 3–6 months, revealed major degradation and changes in the surface of the material. Polymeric tracheostomy tubes should be changed before the end of 3 months of clinical use. Laryngoscope, 2009
Initial Mohs surgery followed by planned surgical resection of massive cutaneous carcinomas of the head and neck
Authors: Ducic Yadranko , Marra Diego E. , Kennard Charles 
Published: February 2009

AbstractObjective:To review our experience with Mohs excision of massive cutaneous carcinomas for peripheral margin control, followed by planned definitive resection of the deeply invasive component of the carcinoma.Study Design:Retrospective review.Methods:All cases of massive (at least 10 cm in dimension) cutaneous carcinomas treated by the technique outlined by Yadranko Ducic from 1998–2006.Results:A total of 28 cases (7 squamous cell carcinomas, 14 basal cell carcinomas, 7 basosquamous carcinomas) were treated in this manner. Average maximal tumor dimension was 12.7 cm with a range of 10–21cm. None of the patients recurred at the peripheral margin at an average follow‐up of 3.2 years. There were a total of 7 local recurrences (5 squamous cell carcinoma and 2 basal cell carcinoma). All recurrences occurred within the deep resection bed.Conclusions:The technique appears to be an excellent means of treatment of massive, neglected, and deeply invasive cutaneous carcinomas of the face and neck. It allows for more precise margin control than can be afforded by surgical pathology, decreases length of anesthesia, and enables the surgeon to more accurately plan the required reconstruction to review with the patient preoperatively. Laryngoscope, 2009
Towards further understanding of prognostic factors for head and neck cancer patients: The example of hypopharyngeal cancer
Authors: Hall Stephen F. , Groome Patti A. , Irish Jonathan , O'Sullivan Brian 
Published: February 2009

AbstractObjectives:Knowledge of prognostic factors is essential for patient care and research. The objectives of this study were to demonstrate that prognostic factors and their impact can vary depending on study design and to examine the relationships between select prognostic factors.Methods:Retrospective population‐based study of patients with cancer of the hypopharynx in Ontario, Canada, from January 1990 to December 1999 identifying and comparing prognostic factors for different survival outcomes and different subpopulations using Kaplan Meier analysis and Cox Proportional Hazards models.Results:The impact of prognostic factors varies within subgroups of a study population, varies with treatment decisions, and varies with the outcome of interest.Conclusions:N and T category were the dominant prognostic factors in hypopharyngeal cancer. Performance status was an independent predictor of survival. Laryngoscope, 2009
Coincidence of conchachoanal polyp and complete mulberry hypertrophy of inferior concha
Authors: Akduman Davut , Karaman Murat , Aydin Eda , Korkmaz Deniz , Karaaslan Ahmet , Turgut Suat 
Published: February 2009

AbstractWe report two unique cases of 50‐ and 28‐year‐old Turkish men with coincidence of conchachoanal polyp and mulberry hypertrophy of the inferior concha. We operated on both cases with endoscopic stripping of the polypoid tissue while preserving the periosteum and healthy mucosa of the inferior nasal concha. The polypoid tile of the left inferior nasal concha was resected in the case with mulberry hypertrophy at only the tail of the concha. Both cases reported significant relief of symptoms after the operations. Laryngoscope, 2009
Disturbance of vestibular function attributable to cochlear implantation in children
Authors: Licameli Greg , Zhou Guangwei , Kenna Margaret A. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:To investigate the prevalence and severity of vestibular impairment in children with cochlear implant (CI) and raise the awareness of vestibular disturbance following cochlear implantation.Study Design:Cohort study in a pediatric tertiary care facility.Methods:Outcome analysis of the vestibular evaluation, including vestibule‐ocular reflex (VOR), computerized dynamic posturography (CDP), and vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) testing, from a total of 42 patients with cochlear implants. Intrasubject comparison of pre‐ and postcochlear implantation VEMP measurements were conducted in a group of 19 patients who were newly implanted.Results:Our review found vestibular impairment present in 60% of patients with CI, e.g., reduced gain of VOR, weakness in posture, elevation of VEMP thresholds, and decrease in VEMP amplitude. The degree of functional reduction varied from subject to subject. Pre‐ and postimplantation VEMP study revealed more than 80% of the subjects had a change in saccular function, indicated by VEMP measurements, regardless of the etiology of the hearing loss.Conclusions:Our study supports the potential negative impact on vestibular function caused by cochlear implantation, especially for children who receive bilateral implantation. Vestibular impairment or dysfunction after cochlear implantation is clinically significant and should be well addressed preoperatively. Vestibular evaluation such as VOR and VEMP testing can be used in screening vestibular function for children who are candidates for CI. Future improvements in design of CI electrodes and surgical technique may minimize the traumatic impact of cochlear implantation on the inner ear structures and functionality. Laryngoscope, 2009
Size, entropy, and density: What is the difference that makes the difference between small and large real‐world assortments?
Authors: Fasolo Barbara , Hertwig Ralph , Huber Michaela , Ludwig Mark 
Published: February 2009

AbstractConsumer research has shown the downsides of offering consumers too much choice and is now starting to explore moderators of the effect of assortment size on consumer decisions. Building on previous studies, this research examines two side effects of tyranny of choice in the marketplace: high assortment entropy and high density of attribute values. We analyze two supermarkets—one offering small, the other large assortments—to examine how size, entropy, and density relate in the marketplace. We find that larger supermarket assortments come with higher density and higher entropy. Simulations of various choice strategies in these marketplace assortments reveal that making selections from large high‐density and high‐entropy assortments is time consuming, and better choice quality is not a forgone conclusion, even for customers with ambitious aspirations. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biopsies of olfactory epithelium in patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Witt Martin , Bormann Katja , Gudziol Volker , Pehlke Kerstin , Barth Kathrin , Minovi Amir , Hähner Antje , Reichmann Heinz , Hummel Thomas 
Published: February 2009

AbstractParkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder involving several neuronal systems. Impaired olfactory function may constitute one of the earliest symptoms of PD. However, it is still unclear to what degree changes of the olfactory epithelium may contribute to dysosmia and if these changes are different from those of other hyposmic or anosmic patients. This study aimed to investigate the hypothesis that olfactory loss in PD is a consequence of specific PD‐related damage of olfactory epithelium. Biopsies of 7 patients diagnosed with PD were taken. Six patients with PD were hyposmic, one anosmic. As non‐PD controls served 9 patients with hyposmia, 9 with anosmia, and 7 normosmic individuals. Further, nasal mucosa of 4 postmortem individuals was investigated. Immunohistochemical examinations were performed with antibodies against olfactory marker protein (OMP), protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5), beta‐tubulin, (BT), proliferation‐associated antigen (Ki 67), the stem cell marker nestin, cytokeratin, p75NGFr, and α‐synuclein. Most of the biopsy specimens exhibited irregular areas of olfactory‐like, dysplastic epithelium positive for either PGP 9.5 or BT, but negative for OMP. No major histochemical differences in either the expression or distribution of these proteins were observed in the olfactory epithelium of patients with PD compared with controls. Reverse transcription PCR (RT‐PCR) data indicated mRNA for OMP in almost all subjects, independently of their olfactory performance. These data support the idea that olfactory loss in Parkinson's disease is not a consequence of damage to the olfactory epithelium but rather results from distinct central‐nervous abnormalities. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
A novel KCNA1 mutation associated with global delay and persistent cerebellar dysfunction
Authors: Demos Michelle K. , Macri Vincenzo , Farrell Kevin , Nelson Tanya N. , Chapman Kristine , Accili Eric , Armstrong Linlea 
Published: February 2009

AbstractEpisodic Ataxia Type 1 is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by episodes of ataxia and myokymia. It is associated with mutations in the KCNA1 voltage‐gated potassium channel gene. In the present study, we describe a family with novel clinical features including persistent cerebellar dysfunction, cerebellar atrophy, and cognitive delay. All affected family members have myokymia and epilepsy, but only one individual has episodes of vertigo. Additional features include postural abnormalities, episodic stiffness and weakness. A novel KCNA1 mutation (c.1222G>T) which replaces a highly conserved valine with leucine at position 408 (p.Val408Leu) was identified in affected family members, and was found to augment the ability of the channel to inactivate. Together, our data suggests that KCNA1 mutations are associated with a broader clinical phenotype, which may include persistent cerebellar dysfunction and cognitive delay. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society