bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating Magnetic Ghosts on an Early Middle Age Settlement: Comparison of Data from Stripped and Non‐stripped Areas
Authors: Simon François‐Xavier , Koziol Agnieszka , Thiesson Julien
Published: August 2012

Statute laws concerning preventative archaeology adopted in France in 2001 for threatened sites required development of evaluation techniques. The common methodology used during the past 10 years has been extensive excavation. This method delivers a direct record of the discovered archaeological features and of their distribution. However, the success of visual observation can be variable, depending on geological context and the feasibility of envisaging the entire archaeological settlement from the part that is observed. We report here a case study from an early Middle Age settlement located on a floodplain. It was partially excavated and the alluvial context makes the features difficult to recognize for archaeologists. We show how the geophysical survey complemented the archaeological survey and allowed the detection of previously unrecognized features. In a second step, we compare the results of surveys with magnetic and electromagnetic methods on a topsoil stripped area and the neighbouring surface. From this analysis we conclude that a significant part of the unrecognized features discovered were present above the level of stripping. This example underlines that the practice of topsoil stripping has to be reconsidered, and should be integrated with geophysical survey to limit the potential loss of archaeological information. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tracing High‐temperature Crafts: Magnetometry on the Island of Gotland, Sweden
Authors: Gustafsson Ny Björn , Viberg Andreas
Published: August 2012

Gradiometer surveys have been carried at three Iron Age and early medieval sites on the island of Gotland, Sweden. Previous experiences of poorly executed magnetic surveys combined with a misconception among archaeologists that the Gotlandic sedimentary bedrock would preclude the success of any magnetic investigations on the island have, until now, prevented the extended use of the method within archaeological projects. The purpose of the present study was to test this presumption while searching for in situ buried remains of high‐temperature crafts, such as metal and glass working. The location of the survey grids was guided by concentrations of previously recovered high‐temperature craft finds from metal detector surveys and excavations. The results indicate that the magnetometer is a valuable tool for detecting the presence of preserved high‐temperature craft structures in the Gotlandic soil. An additional result indicates that in this area the magnetometer can easily identify remains of ploughed‐over Iron Age stone foundation houses and stone boundary walls. This is possible because of the prehistoric population's preference of using glacially deposited, igneous rocks in such constructions. It can thus be concluded that the uniformly non‐magnetic character of the Gotlandic bedrock provides excellent conditions for conducting magnetic surveys. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimation and interpretation of incidence rate difference for recurrent events when the estimation model is misspecified
Authors: Xu Ying , Cheung Yin Bun , Lam K. F. , Milligan Paul
Published: August 2012

Recurrent events data are common in experimental and observational studies. It is often of interest to estimate the effect of an intervention on the incidence rate of the recurrent events. The incidence rate difference is a useful measure of intervention effect. A weighted least squares estimator of the incidence rate difference for recurrent events was recently proposed for an additive rate model in which both the baseline incidence rate and the covariate effects were constant over time. In this article, we relax this model assumption and examine the properties of the estimator under the additive and multiplicative rate models assumption in which the baseline incidence rate and covariate effects may vary over time. We show analytically and numerically that the estimator gives an appropriate summary measure of the time‐varying covariate effects. In particular, when the underlying covariate effects are additive and time‐varying, the estimator consistently estimates the weighted average of the covariate effects over time. When the underlying covariate effects are multiplicative and time‐varying, and if there is only one binary covariate indicating the intervention status, the estimator consistently estimates the weighted average of the underlying incidence rate difference between the intervention and control groups over time. We illustrate the method with data from a randomized vaccine trial.
Ternary Polymer Composite of Graphene, Carbon Nitride, and Poly(3‐hexylthiophene): an Efficient Photocatalyst
Authors: Gawande Sandeep , Thakare Sanjay R.
Published: August 2012

Herein we report on the synthesis of a ternary polymer composite of graphene, carbon nitride, and poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (G‐g‐C3N4‐P3HT) by a solvothermal method. The prepared polymer composite catalysts are characterized by TEM, XRD, FTIR spectroscopy, and photoluminescence techniques for their morphology, structure and photocatalytic efficiency. Graphene‐loaded polymer composites of carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) and poly(3‐hexylthiophene) act as efficient photocatalysts for waste water treatment. Methylene blue is used as the model pollutant and the rate of its photocatalytic degradation with G‐g‐C3N4‐P3HT is three times higher than that achieved with a g‐C3N4‐P3HT composite.
Resource Efficiency in Changing Global Markets for Industrial Metals
Authors: Deike Rüdiger
Published: August 2012

Durch oligopolistische Strukturen hat die Volatilität der Rohstoffmärkte deutlich zugenommen. Extreme Beispiele dafür sind die Preissteigerungen bei den Seltenen Erden, aber auch bei anderen Industriemetallen sind aufgrund ähnlicher Marktmechanismen identische Entwicklungen zu identifizieren. Steigende Preise führen aber auch dazu, dass bisher unwirtschaftliche Recyclingverfahren eventuell doch ökonomisch erfolgreich betrieben werden können. Mit Stahl und Gusseisen sind bereits heute schon Recyclingprozesse in weitgehend geschlossenen Stoffkreisläufen realisiert, die zudem unendlich oft wiederholt werden können. Hingegen sind in den Fällen, in denen die Wertstoffe in einer ausgeprägten dissipativen Verteilung in den Reststoffen vorliegen, aufwendigere Prozesse notwendig, da hier komplexere Problemstellungen zu lösen sind.
Optimized Process Control for Resources Efficient Steelmaking in Converter Process
Authors: Kleimt Bernd , Schlautmann Martin , Weinberg Matthias , Bongers Jörn , Berg Peter , Ide Norman
Published: August 2012

Die Entkohlung einer Stahlschmelze über Aufblasen von Sauerstoff im Konverterprozess ist mit einem unerwünschten Abbrand der metallischen Einsatzstoffe verbunden. Durch eine Optimierung der Prozessführung für den Blasstahlkonverter auf der Grundlage von dynamischen Modellen und innovativen messtechnischen Verfahren zur schnellen Abgasanalyse kann die Ressourceneffizienz des Konverterprozesses hinsichtlich des metallischen Ausbringens signifikant erhöht werden.
Expression of nuclear factor one A and ‐B in the olfactory bulb
Authors: Plachez Céline , Cato Kathleen , McLeay Robert C. , Heng Yee Hsieh Evelyn , Bailey Timothy L. , Gronostasjki Richard M. , Richards Linda J. , Puche Adam C. , Piper Michael
Published: August 2012

The nuclear factor one (NFI) family of transcription factors consists of four members in vertebrates, NFIA, NFIB, NFIC, and NFIX, which share a highly conserved N‐terminal DNA‐binding domain. NFI genes are widely expressed in the developing mouse brain, and mouse mutants lacking NFIA, NFIB, or NFIX exhibit developmental deficits in several areas, including the cortex, hippocampus, pons, and cerebellum. Here we analyzed the expression of NFIA and NFIB in the developing and adult olfactory bulb (OB), rostral migratory stream (RMS), and subventricular zone (SVZ). We found that NFIA and NFIB are expressed within these regions during embryonic and postnatal development and in the adult. Immunohistochemical analysis using cell‐type‐specific markers revealed that migrating neuroblasts in the adult brain express NFI transcription factors, as do astrocytes within the RMS and progenitor cells within the SVZ. Moreover, astrocytes within the OB express NFIA, whereas mitral cells within the OB express NFIB. Taken together these data show that NFIA and NFIB are expressed in both the developing and the adult OB and in the RMS and SVZ, indicative of a regulatory role for these transcription factors in the development of this facet of the olfactory system. J. Comp. Neurol., 520:3135–3149, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Visualizing corticotropin‐releasing hormone receptor type 1 expression and neuronal connectivities in the mouse using a novel multifunctional allele
Authors: Kühne Claudia , Puk Oliver , Graw Jochen , Hrabě de Angelis Martin , Schütz Günther , Wurst Wolfgang , Deussing Jan M.
Published: August 2012

The corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH) and its type 1 receptor (CRHR1) play a central role in coordinating the endocrine, autonomic, and behavioral responses to stress. A prerequisite to functionally dissect the complexity of the CRH/CRHR1 system is to unravel the identity of CRHR1‐expressing neurons and their connectivities. Therefore, we used a knockin approach to genetically label CRHR1‐expressing cells with a tau‐lacZ (tZ) reporter gene. The distribution of neurons expressing β‐galactosidase in the brain and the relative intensity of labeling is in full accordance with previously described Crhr1 mRNA expression. Combining the microtubule‐binding properties of TAU with the Cre‐loxP system allowed to direct the β‐galactosidase to proximal dendrites, and in particular to axons. Thereby, we were able to visualize projections of CRHR1 neurons such as glutamatergic and dopaminergic afferent connections of the striatum and GABAergic CRHR1‐expressing neurons located within its patch compartment. In addition, the tZ reporter gene revealed novel details of CRHR1 expression in the spinal cord, skin, and eye. CRHR1 expression in the retina prompted the identification of a new physiological role of CRHR1 related to the visual system. Besides its reporter properties, this novel CRHR1 allele comprises the possibility to conditionally restore or delete CRHR1 via Flp and Cre recombinase, respectively. Finally, the allele is suitable for further manipulations of the CRHR1 locus by recombinase‐mediated cassette exchange. Taken together, this novel mouse allele will significantly facilitate the neuroanatomical analysis of CRHR1 circuits and opens up new avenues to address CRHR1 function in more detail. J. Comp. Neurol., 520:3150–3180, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transitory and activity‐dependent expression of neurogranin in olfactory bulb tufted cells during mouse postnatal development
Authors: Gribaudo S. , Bovetti S. , Friard O. , Denorme M. , Oboti L. , Fasolo A. , De Marchis S.
Published: August 2012

Neurogranin (Ng) is a brain‐specific postsynaptic calmodulin‐binding protein involved in synaptic activity‐dependent plasticity. In the adult olfactory bulb (OB), Ng is expressed by a large population of GABAergic interneurons in the granule cell layer. We show here that, during postnatal development, Ng is also expressed by OB neurons in the superficial external plexiform layer (sEPL) and glomerular layer (GL). These Ng‐positive neurons display morphological and neurochemical features of superficial and external tufted cells. Ng expression in these cells is transient during OB development: few elements express Ng at postnatal day (P) 5, increasing in number and reaching a peak at P10, then progressively decreasing. At P30, Ng is rarely detectable in these neurons. Ng expression in developing tufted cells is also modulated at the cellular level: at earlier stages, Ng labeling is distributed throughout the cell body and dendritic arborization in the GL, but, at P20, when the glomerular circuits are fully matured, Ng becomes restricted to the soma and proximal portion of tufted cell apical dendrites. We show that olfactory deprivation at early postnatal stages induces a strong increase in Ng‐positive tufted cells from P10 to P20, whereas no changes have been observed following olfactory deprivation in adult mice. These findings demonstrate that Ng expression in sEPL‐GL is restricted to developmental stages and indicate its activity‐dependent regulation in a time window critical for glomerular circuit development, suggesting a role for Ng in maturation and dendritic remodeling of tufted cells. J. Comp. Neurol., 520:3055–3069, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Polyelectrolyte‐Assisted Noncovalent Functionalization of Carbon Nanotubes with Ordered Self‐Assemblies of a Water‐Soluble Porphyrin
Authors: Andrade Suzana M. , Raja Perumal , Saini Vipin K. , Viana Ana S. , Serp Philippe , Costa Sílvia M. B.
Published: August 2012

The self‐assembly and induced supramolecular chirality of meso‐tetrakis(4‐sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (TSPP) on both single‐wall (SWCNT) and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) are investigated. Under mild pH conditions (pH 3), TSPP forms aggregates when CNTs are dispersed in an aqueous solution containing positively charged polyelectrolytes such as poly‐L‐lysine (PLL) or poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH). Evidence for the geometry of the porphyrin aggregates is obtained from absorption spectra, whereby the fingerprints of J‐ and H‐aggregates are clearly seen only in the presence of smaller‐diameter nanotubes. J‐aggregates are better stabilized with PLL, whereas in the presence of PAH mainly H‐aggregates prevail. Excited‐state interactions within these nanohybrids are studied by steady‐state and time‐resolved fluorescence. The porphyrin emission intensity in the nanohybrid solution is significantly quenched compared to that of TSPP alone, and this implies strong electronic interaction between CNTs and porphyrin molecules. Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) further supports that porphyrin arrays are associated with the MWCNT sidewalls wrapped in PLL. In the case of the SWCNT hybrid, spherical structures associated with longer fluorescence lifetime appeared after one week, indicative of H‐aggregates of TSPP. The latter are the result of π–π stacking of porphyrin units on neighboring nanotubes facilitated by the strong tendency of these nanotubes to interact with each other. These results highlight the importance of optimum dimensions and surface‐area architectures of CNTs in the control/stability of the porphyrin aggregates with promising properties for light harvesting.
Visualization of dynamic fault tolerance rerouting for data traffic in wireless sensor network
Authors: Jeong Young‐Sik , Park Jong Hyuk
Published: August 2012

In wireless sensor network environments, a phenomenon of data concentration may occur in one or certain sensor nodes in the process of transmitting sensing data from a source sensor node to a sink node. In this case, the overhead that occurs in the sensor node affects the performance of the entire sensor network. In addition, in the sensor network, excessive sensing data traffic or data loss may occur depending on the variability of the topology of the sensor network. In this paper, visualization for dynamic rerouting is designed and implemented, which visibly provides packet movement routes between sensor nodes and transmitted packet traffic transmission capacity to Geography Markup Language‐based maps having GPS coordinate information. A mechanism for the visualization for dynamic rerouting to detect sensing data overheads and sensor node faults occurring in sensor networks and dynamically rerouting of data is proposed. In addition, information on rerouting route paths from source sensors to sink nodes is visually provided. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Generation of CD4CreERT2 transgenic mice to study development of peripheral CD4‐T‐cells
Authors: Aghajani Katayoun , Keerthivasan Shilpa , Yu Yu , Gounari Fotini
Published: August 2012

After thymic emigration CD4‐T‐cells continue to differentiate into multiple effector and suppressor sublineages in peripheral lymphoid organs. In vivo analysis of peripheral CD4‐T‐cell differentiation has relied on animal models with targeted gene mutations. These are expressed either constitutively or conditionally after Cre mediated recombination. Available Cre transgenic strains to specifically target T‐cells act at stages of thymocyte development that precede thymic selection. Tracing gene functions in CD4‐T‐cell development after thymic exit becomes complicated when the targeted gene is essential during thymic development. Other approaches to conditionally modify gene functions in peripheral T‐cells involve infection of in vitro activated cells with Cre expressing lenti‐, retro‐, or adenoviruses, which precludes in vivo analyses. To study molecular mechanisms of peripheral CD4‐T‐cell differentiation in vivo and in vitro we generated transgenic mice expressing a tamoxifen inducible Cre recombinase (CreERT2) under the control of the CD4 gene promoter. We show here that in CD4CreERT2 mice Cre is inducibly and selectively activated in CD4‐T‐cells. Tamoxifen treatment both in vivo and in vitro results in efficient recombination of loci marked by LoxP sites. Moreover, this strain shows no abnormalities related to transgene insertion. Therefore it provides a valuable tool for studying gene function during differentiation of naïve peripheral CD4‐T‐cells into effector or suppressor sub‐lineages. genesis 50:908–913, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intercalation of Amino Acids into Eu3+‐Doped Layered Gadolinium Hydroxide and Quenching of Eu3+ Luminescence
Authors: Gu Qingyang , Sun Yahong , Chu Nankai , Ma Shulan , Jia Zhiqian , Yang Xiaojing
Published: August 2012

The NO3–‐type Eu3+‐doped layered gadolinium hydroxide (NO3–LGdH:Eu) was prepared by a developed homogeneous precipitation method through hexamethylenetetramine (HMT) hydrolysis with hydrothermal treatment. Two amino acid anions, phenylalanine (Phe) and tyrosine (Tyr), were intercalated into LGdH:Eu to form composites Phe–LGdH:Eu and Tyr–LGdH:Eu. Photoluminescence studies show that the incorporation of Phe and Tyr into the host layer can sharply quench the Eu3+ luminescence. This simple method is expected to be applied in biological systems for detecting amino acids.
Isotachophoresis on a chip with indirect fluorescence detection as a field deployable system for analysis of carboxylic acids
Authors: Smejkal Petr , Breadmore Michael C. , Guijt Rosanne M. , Foret František , Bek Fritz , Macka Mirek
Published: August 2012

ITP with indirect fluorescence detection (IFD) was introduced three decades ago. Despite this fact, the method has never become widely adopted. The main aim of this work was to utilize the ITP–IFD for the separation of carboxylic acids by using a commercially available, portable, microfluidic chip electrophoresis system. On the 16.8‐mm effective length separation channel, a maximum of eight carboxylic acids could be separated, with LOD values in a range from 0.12 to 0.4 mM. The commercial chips used for all experiments have multichannel structures important for analysis of more than one sample per a chip in case of standard use. This multichannel structure was used to investigate the possibility of multiple sample loading for ITP separation. Application of ITP–IFD was investigated for analysis of benzoate in diet soft drinks and the results were in good agreement with results of a CE method.
Determination of neonicotinoid insecticides in environmental samples by micellar electrokinetic chromatography using solid‐phase treatments
Authors: Ettiene Gretty , Bauza Roberto , Plata María R. , Contento Ana M. , Ríos Ángel
Published: August 2012

A sensitive and reliable method based on MEKC has been developed and validated for trace determination of neonicotinoid insecticides (thiamethoxam, acetamiprid, and imidacloprid) and the metabolite 6‐chloronicotinic acid in water and soil matrices. Optimum separation of the neonicotinoid insecticides was obtained on a 58 cm long capillary (75 μm id) using as the running electrolyte 40 mM SDS, 5 mM borate (pH 10.4), and 5% (v/v) methanol at a temperature of 25°C, a voltage of 25 kV and with hydrodynamic injection (10 s). The analysis time was less than 7 min. Prior to MEKC determination, the samples were purified and enriched by carrying out extraction‐preconcentration steps. For aqueous samples, off‐line SPE with a sorptive material such as Strata‐X (polymeric hydrophobic sorbent) and octadecylsilane (C18) was carried out to clean up and preconcentrate the insecticides. However, for soil samples, matrix solid‐phase dispersion (MSPD) was applied with C18 used as the dispersant. Good linearity, accuracy, and precision were obtained and the detection limits were in the range between 0.01 and 0.07 μg mL−1 for river water and 0.17 and 0.37 μg g−1 for soil samples. Recovery levels reached greater than 92% for all of the assayed neonicotinoids in river water samples with Strata‐X. In soil matrices, the best recoveries (63–99%) were obtained with MSPD.
Preparation of Er3+:Y3Al5O12/TiO2‐ZnO composite and application of solar energy in photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes
Authors: Yin Linuan , Li Ying , Wang Jun , Zhai Yu , Wang Jian , Kong Yumei , Wang Baoxin , Zhang Xiangdong
Published: August 2012

The Er3+:Y3Al5O12, which is able to transform the visible light from solar light into ultraviolet light as an upconversion luminescence agent, was prepared by nitrate‐citrate acid and heat‐treated method. And then, a novel photocatalyst, Er3+:Y3Al5O12/TiO2‐ZnO composite, which could effectively utilize the solar energy, was synthesized by ultrasonic dispersion and liquids boil method. In succession, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the structural morphology of the Er3+:Y3Al5O12/TiO2‐ZnO composite. And the degradation performances were also tested by UV‐vis spectrum and Ion chromatograph. To inspect the photocatalytic activity of Er3+:Y3Al5O12/TiO2‐ZnO composite, the Azo Fuchsine dye as target organic pollutant was degraded under solar light irradiation. The key impact parameters on the photocatalytic activity of Er3+:Y3Al5O12/TiO2‐ZnO such as Ti/Zn molar ratio, heat‐treated temperature and heat‐treated time were studied. Otherwise, the effects of dye initial concentration, Er3+:Y3Al5O12/TiO2‐ZnO, solar light irradiation time and other organic dyes were also investigated. It was found that the photocatalytic activity of Er3+:Y3Al5O12/TiO2‐ZnO composite was superior to TiO2‐ZnO powder in the similar system. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 32: 697–704, 2013
Influence of mineral fillers on the fire retardant properties of wood‐polypropylene composites
Authors: Nikolaeva Marina , Kärki Timo
Published: August 2012

The effects of mineral fillers on the fire retardancy of wood‐polypropylene composites have been studied. Wood‐polypropylene composites containing mineral fillers have been compounded in a conical twin‐screw extruder. A composite manufactured without any mineral filler addition has been used as a reference. The flame resistance properties of the composite materials have been studied using the cone calorimeter. The results show that the introduction of mineral fillers into the wood‐polypropylene composites has a favourable effect on the fire resistance properties of the composite materials. The reaction‐to‐fire properties have been improved according to the fire classification of construction products based on the Euroclass system. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Contrast enhancement of computed tomography images by adaptive histogram equalization‐application for improved ischemic stroke detection
Authors: Tan T. L. , Sim K. S , Tso C. P. , Chong A. K.
Published: August 2012

The visualization of computed tomography brain images is basically done by performing the window setting, which stretches an image from the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine format into the standard grayscale format. However, the standard window setting does not provide a good contrast to highlight the hypodense area for the detection of ischemic stroke. While the conventional histogram equalization and other proposed enhanced schemes insufficiently enhance the image contrast, they also may introduce unwanted artifacts on the so‐called “enhanced image.” In this article, a new adaptive method is proposed to excellently improve the image contrast without causing any unwanted defects. The method first decomposed an image into equal‐sized nonoverlapped sub‐blocks. After that, the distribution of the extreme levels in the histogram for a sub‐block is eliminated. The eliminated distribution pixels are then equally redistributed to the other grey levels with threshold limitation. Finally, the grey level reallocation function is defined. The bilinear interpolation is used to estimate the best value for each pixel in the images to remove the potential blocking effect. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 22, 153–160, 2012
A new approach to medical image stitching using minimum average correlation energy filter and peak to side‐lobe ratio
Authors: Salbiah S. , Somaya A. , Arof H. , Saleh Z. S. , Ibrahim F.
Published: August 2012

Standard X‐ray images using conventional screen‐film technique have a limited field of view and failed to visualize the entire long bone on a single image. To produce images with whole body parts, digitized images from the films that contain portions of the body parts are assembled using image stitching. This article presents a new medical image stitching method that uses minimum average correlation energy filters to identify and merge pairs of X‐ray medical images. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated in the experiments involving two databases that contain a total of 40 pairs of overlapping and nonoverlapping images. Then the experimental results are compared to those of the normalized cross correlation (NCC) method. It is found that the proposed method outperforms the NCC method in identifying both the overlapping and nonoverlapping medical images. The efficacy of the proposed method is further vindicated by its average execution time which is about five times shorter than that of the NCC method. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 22, 166–171, 2012
Image‐guided navigation of single‐element focused ultrasound transducer
Authors: Kim Hyungmin , Chiu Alan , Park Shinsuk , Yoo Seung‐Schik
Published: August 2012

The spatial specificity and controllability of focused ultrasound (FUS), in addition to its ability to modify the excitability of neural tissue, allows for the selective and reversible neuromodulation of the brain function, with great potential in neurotherapeutics. Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance has limitations due to its complicated examination logistics, such as fixation through skull screws to mount the stereotactic frame, simultaneous sonication in the MRI environment, and restrictions in choosing MR‐compatible materials. To overcome these limitations, an image‐guidance system based on optical tracking and preoperative imaging data is developed, separating the imaging acquisition for guidance and sonication procedure for treatment. Techniques to define the local coordinates of the focal point of sonication are presented. First, mechanical calibration detects the concentric rotational motion of a rigid‐body optical tracker, attached to a straight rod mimicking the sonication path, pivoted at the virtual FUS focus. The spatial error presented in the mechanical calibration was compensated further by MRI‐based calibration, which estimates the spatial offset between the navigated focal point and the ground‐truth location of the sonication focus obtained from a temperature‐sensitive MR sequence. MRI‐based calibration offered a significant decrease in spatial errors (1.9 ± 0.8 mm; 57% reduction) compared to the mechanical calibration method alone (4.4 ± 0.9 mm). Using the presented method, pulse‐mode FUS was applied to the motor area of the rat brain, and successfully stimulated the motor cortex. The presented techniques can be readily adapted for the transcranial application of FUS to intact human brain. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 22, 177–184, 2012
ENTRY INTO PHARMACEUTICAL SUBMARKETS: A BAYESIAN PANEL PROBIT ANALYSIS
Authors: Amisano Gianni , Giorgetti Maria Letizia
Published: August 2012

We study entry into pharmaceutical submarkets by using a dynamic panel probit model. We develop a Bayesian version of Wooldridge's approach to dealing with unobserved heterogeneity. We distinguish between greenfield entry (entry with first product) and undifferentiated entry, which may take the form of introducing further products. We extend the standard reduced form model to consider company size in the submarket and across all submarkets. We find that greenfield and undifferentiated entries have different determinants, that global and submarket size measures have different effects and that sunk costs often have positive effects on entry due to a commitment mechanism. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investment decisions in manufacturing: assessing the effects of real oil prices and their uncertainty
Authors: Drakos Konstantinos , Konstantinou Panagiotis Th.
Published: August 2012

We investigate the effects of real oil prices and their uncertainty on investment decisions. Making use of plant‐level data, we estimate dynamic, discrete‐choice models that allow modeling investment inaction, under different assumptions related to initial conditions and unobserved heterogeneity. We find that increases in real oil price changes and in real oil price uncertainty significantly reduce the likelihood of investment action, in line with the predictions of irreversible investment theory. We also document that investment decisions exhibit strong, pure state dependence and are also significantly affected by initial conditions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of methylmercury exposure on behavior and cerebellar granule cell physiology in aged mice
Authors: Bellum Sairam , Thuett Kerry A. , Bawa Bhupinder , Abbott Louise C.
Published: August 2012

Epidemiology studies have clearly documented that the central nervous system is highly susceptible to methylmercury toxicity, and exposure to this neurotoxicant in humans primarily results from consumption of contaminated fish. While the effects of methylmercury exposure have been studied in great detail, comparatively little is known about the effects of moderate to low dose methylmercury toxicity in the aging central nervous system. We examined the toxic effects of a moderate dose of methylmercury on the aging mouse cerebellum. Male and female C57BL/6 mice at 16–20 months of age were exposed to methylmercury by feeding a total dose of 5.0 mg kg−1 body weight and assessed using four behavioral tests. Methylmercury‐treated aged mice performed significantly worse in open field, footprint analysis and the vertical pole test compared with age‐matched control mice. Isolated cerebellar granule cells from methylmercury‐treated aged mice exhibited higher levels of reactive oxygen species and reduced mitochondrial membrane potentials, but no differences in basal intracellular calcium ion levels compared with age‐matched control mice. When aged mice were exposed to a moderate dose of methylmercury, they exhibited a similar degree of impairment when compared with young adult mice exposed to the same moderate dose of methylmercury, as reported in earlier studies from this laboratory. Thus, at least in mice, exposure of the aged brain to moderate concentrations methylmercury does not pose greater risk compared with the young adult brain exposed to similar concentrations of methylmercury. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Newly developed mouse newborn behavioral testing method for evaluating the risk of neurotoxicity of environmental toxicants
Authors: Nagao Tetsuji , Kagawa Nao , Komada Munekazu
Published: August 2012

Although there have been a vast number of behavioral toxicology studies carried out on adult mice and rats, there have been few neurobehavioral studies utilizing their newborn animals. Thus, we developed a mouse newborn behavioral testing method for evaluating the risk of neurotoxicity of chemicals, by means of determining the newborn's activity using the tare function of an analytical balance. The unstable weighing values resulting from movement of the newborn on the balance recorded by a personal computer every 0.1 s, and the total activities of a newborn from the start time of weighing to individual times of evaluation were calculated. In addition, we confirmed the usefulness of our method by determining the activity of mouse newborns with microcephaly induced by prenatal exposure to a neurotoxicant, methylnitrosourea. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of large‐area irradiated laser phototherapy on peripheral nerve regeneration across a large gap in a biomaterial conduit
Authors: Shen Chiung‐Chyi , Yang Yi‐Chin , Liu Bai‐Shuan
Published: August 2012

This paper proposes a novel biodegradable nerve conduit comprising 1‐ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) cross‐linked gelatin, annexed with β‐tricalcium phosphate (TCP) ceramic particles (EDC‐Gelatin‐TCP, EGT). In this study, the EGT‐implant site in rats was irradiated using a large‐area 660 nm AlGaInP diode laser (50 mW) to investigate the feasibility of laser stimulation in the regeneration of a 15‐mm transected sciatic nerve. The animals were divided into three groups: a sham‐irradiated group (EGT/sham); an experimental group undergoing low‐level laser (LLL) therapy (EGT/laser); a control group undergoing autologous nerve grafts (autografts). Twelve weeks after implantation, walking track analysis showed a significantly higher sciatic functional index (p < 0.05) and improved toe spreading development in the EGT/laser and autograft groups than in the EGT/sham group. In electrophysiological measurement, both the mean peak amplitude and the area under the compound muscle action potential curves in the EGT/laser and autograft groups showed significantly improved functional recovery than the EGT/sham group (p < 0.05). Compared with the EGT/sham group, the EGT/laser and autograft groups displayed a reduction in muscular atrophy. Histomorphometric assessments revealed that the EGT/laser group had undergone more rapid nerve regeneration than the EGT/sham group. The laser‐treated group also presented greater neural tissue area as well as larger axon diameter and thicker myelin sheath than the tube group without the laser treatment, indicating improved nerve regeneration. Thus, these assessments demonstrate that LLL therapy can accelerate the repair of a transected peripheral nerve in rats after being bridged with EGT conduit. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 101A:239–252, 2013.
In vitro evaluation of the effects of yttria–alumina–silica microspheres on human keratinocyte cells
Authors: Radu T. , Chiriac M. T. , Popescu O. , Simon V. , Simon S.
Published: August 2012

The behavior of yttria–alumina–silica spray‐dried microspheres was investigated in vitro on a human keratinocyte cell line, first to exclude their cytotoxicity. The HaCaT cells were chosen due to their well‐characterized phenotype and their phagocytic ability. Microscopic analysis and cell viability tests showed no negative effect of the microspheres on cells morphology and behavior. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy results evidenced the cellular internalization of the microspheres at 48 h after their incubation with cultured cells. The shape, size distribution, structure, composition, and chemical states of the elements on samples surface were analyzed by SEM, transmission electron microscopy, x‐ray diffraction, and x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, because these properties could influence their internalization by cells. The yttrium distribution on the microspheres surface was indicated by fluorescence microscopy imaging. The microspheres dimension and shape inside the cells was in accordance with their dimension and shape before incubation. The microspheres seemed captured and engulfed by the cells in native form and appeared resistant to degradation over the first 48 h. Most of the analyzed cells took up more microspheres, suggesting that the microspheres were actively phagocytosed by the cells and accumulated within the cytoplasm. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results on Al and Si atomic environments denoted Al–O–Si crosslinks, which improve the surface protection to corrosion. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
Therapeutic plasmapheresis and red blood cell exchange in a sickle cell trait patient with rhabdomyolysis
Authors: Huang Richard S.P. , Tholpady Ashok , Wahed Amer , Chang Brian , Bai Yu
Published: August 2012

We report a case of a 16‐year‐old African‐American male with sickle cell trait and a past medical history significant for asthma that was transferred to our hospital for management of respiratory failure. On the fourth day of hospitalization, the patient was found to have increased creatine kinase (CK) levels and urine myoglobin levels consistent with rhabdomyolysis. No clear etiology was identified. Aggressive standard hydration and urine alkalization were applied without response. On the sixth day of hospitalization, the patient underwent a 1–1.5 plasma volume therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) resulting in a transient reduction of serum CK and myoglobin by 50%, which became elevated once again within 4 h. Since his clinical presentation resembles exertional rhabdomyolysis documented in patients with sickle cell trait, RBC exchange was performed. The patient tolerated the procedure without complications. In addition to his improved overall condition, the patient's post‐exchange CK and serum myoglobin levels dropped dramatically without rebound. To our knowledge, this case represents the first reported case of TPE followed by RBC exchange in a SCT patient with rhabdomyolysis. J. Clin. Apheresis 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Perforated meckel's diverticulum presenting as a hematocele on scrotal sonography
Authors: Kwait Dylan C. , Nazarenko Anna , Derman Anna , Lui Paul
Published: August 2012

Hemorrhage from ectopic gastric mucosa is the most common presenting symptom of Meckel's diverticulum. Diverticular perforation, although rare, is a potentially life‐threatening complication. Various imaging modalities can aid in the preoperative detection of Meckel's diverticulum. We report the sonographic findings of a hematocele as the heralding sequela of a perforated Meckel's diverticulum in an 11‐month‐old boy. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2013
Development by Technology Seeding
Authors: Moseson Alexander J. , Lama Lewis , Tangorra James
Published: August 2012

Technology is critical to international development, but the theory and practice of leveraging technology for humanitarian goals is not well developed. Technology Seeding is thus presented as a comprehensive model that draws upon proven design and technology transfer scholarship. Key characteristics include (i) design as the point of intervention, (ii) the building of technology from first principles (both scientific and disciplinary) and (iii) local adaptation. A case study that led in part to the methodology's development is presented. Technology Seeding, which enables and empowers the marginalized, is shown to be well suited for socially just long‐term sustainable development. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conceptions of Creativity and Relations with Judges' Intelligence and Personality
Authors: Storme Martin , Lubart Todd
Published: August 2012

The aim of this study is to describe naïve conceptions of creativity and offer some explanation for their variability. Two methods are used to analyze conceptions of creativity. The first one consists of analyzing adjectives that are associated by naïve judges with the notion of creativity of an advertisement. The second one consists of predicting the evaluation of creative level of advertisements by naïve judges, through the assessment of dimensions such as the originality of these advertisements or the quality of their design. Results show that with both methods, originality is always the most characteristic dimension of creativity. Moreover, the results show that the variability of the importance given to the dimensions of creativity is linked to certain characteristics of judges. In particular, factor g is positively related to the weight given to originality in creativity. A personality trait, preference for novelty, is also positively associated with greater weight for originality in creativity judgments.
Thinking Outside the Clocks: The Effect of Layered‐Task Time on the Creative Climate of Meetings
Authors: Agypt Brett , Rubin Beth A. , Spivack April J.
Published: August 2012

The turbulence of the new economy puts demands on organizations to respond rapidly, flexibly and creatively to changing environments. Meetings are one of the organizational sites in which organizational actors “do” creativity; interaction in groups can be an important site for generating creative ideas and brainstorming. Additionally, Blount (2004) demonstrated the importance of organizational temporalities for group performance. We draw on both of these literatures and examine how temporal structures influence the climate for creativity, or the extent to which creativity is fostered, within groups. Specifically, we develop a hypothesis linking organization‐ and job‐level temporal structures to the extent to which managers structure meetings with a climate supportive of creativity. Our results demonstrate that a nuanced relationship exists between temporal structures and creative climate such that certain temporal structures appear to either enhance or decrease the creative climate of meetings. We end with a discussion of the implications of the findings for management.
Commercialization of high oleic canola oils
Authors: DeBonte Lorin , Iassonova Diliara , Liu Linsen , Loh Willie
Published: August 2012

High oleic canola oils were developed through plant breeding in the 1980's as a trans fat solution. More than 25 years after its initial launch, high oleic canola oils include a series of products with fatty acid profiles tailored for both foodservice and food processing. High oleic canola oil has taken most of the market for trait enhanced oils while other specialty oils have either seen significant market share reduction or failure. High oleic canola oils with 23%–27% linoleic acid are ideal for fried foods, while those with less than 20% are most suitable in the manufacture of shelf stable foods. In addition to improved nutrition, the next generation of high oleic canola oils will significantly reduce packaging costs.
Analysis of EPA and DHA and distinction between fish oils and concentrates
Authors: Sun Pan Bonnie
Published: August 2012

Fish oil is the major dietary source of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Adequate dietary intake of these n‐3 PUFA is beneficial to reduce the risks of cardiovascular mortality, prostate cancer, and neurological disorders in children and adults. There is a surge in demand for fish oil in the functional food market. Microencapsulation of fish oil is the trend to improve its stability and sensory quality. The EPA and DHA content of the fish oil products may vary markedly from the label due to their susceptibility to oxidation. Quick and reliable methods other than the AOAC BF3 method have been exploited to quantify EPA and DHA in the encapsulated fish oil and the microencapsulated powdered products such as infant formula. This article describes a method to differentiate the ethyl‐ester form from the TAG form of EPA and DHA in encapsulated fish oil which may be a mixture of natural triacylglycerol enriched with ethyl esterified EPA and DHA. A method is recommended due to the difference in apparent potency of these two esterified forms, which may be a concern in infant formula and elsewhere.
Predictors of early graft survival after pediatric liver transplantation
Authors: Ciria Ruben , Davila Diego , Khorsandi Shirin E. , Dar Faisal , Valente Roberto , Briceño Javier , Vilca-Melendez Hector , Dhawan Anil , Rela Mohamed , Heaton Nigel D.
Published: August 2012

The objective of this study was to identify peritransplant predictors of early graft survival and posttransplant parameters that could be used to predict early graft outcomes after pediatric liver transplantation (PLT). The response of children to liver dysfunction after liver transplantation (LT) is poor. No data have been reported for early predictors of poor graft survival, which would potentially be valuable for rescuing children at risk after LT. A retrospective cohort study of 422 PLT procedures performed from 2000 to 2010 at a single center was conducted. Multiple peritransplant variables were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses using receiver operating characteristic curves were performed to identify predictors of early graft loss (ie, at 30, 60, and 90 days). The number needed to treat (NNT) was calculated when the risk factors were identified. Comparisons with the Olthoff criteria for early graft dysfunction in adults were performed. The overall 30-, 60-, and 90-day graft survival rates were 93.6%, 92.6%, and 90.7%, respectively. A recipient age of 0 to 2 or 6 to 16 years, acute liver failure, and a posttransplant day 7 serum bilirubin level > 200 μmol/L were risk factors for graft loss in the 3-strata Cox models. The product of the peak aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level, day 2 international normalized ratio (INR) value, and day 7 bilirubin level [with 30-, 60-, and 90-day areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROCs) of 0.774, 0.752, and 0.715, respectively] and a day 7 bilirubin level > 200 μmol/L (with 30-, 60-, and 90-day AUROCs of 0.754, 0.661, and 0.635, respectively) provided excellent prediction rates for early graft loss (30-days for Day-7-bilirubin level > 200) in the pediatric population (sensitivity = 72.7%, specificity = 96.6%, positive predictive value = 95.5%, negative predictive value = 78%). The NNT with early retransplantation when the day 7 bilirubin level was >200 μmol/L was 2.17 (unadjusted) or 2.76 (adjusted for graft survival). In conclusion, 2 scores—the product of the peak AST level, day 2 INR value, and day 7 bilirubin level and a posttransplant day 7 bilirubin level > 200 μmol/L—have been identified as clinically valuable tools with high accuracy for predicting early graft loss. A more aggressive attitude to considering early retransplantation in this group may further improve survival after LT. Liver Transpl 18:1324–1332, 2012. © 2012 AASLD.