bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
More than meets the Eye—Myelinated axons crowd the subthalamic nucleus
Authors: Mathai Abraham , Wichmann Thomas , Smith Yoland 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTHigh frequency deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is a successful treatment for patients with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). Although its exact mechanism of action is unknown, it is currently believed that the beneficial effects of the stimulation are mediated either by alleviating pathological basal ganglia output patterns of activity or by activation of the axons of passage that arise from the cerebral cortex and other sources. In this study, we show that the anatomical composition of the primate STN provides a substrate through which DBS may elicit widespread changes in brain activity via stimulation of fibers of passage. Using quantitative high‐resolution electron microscopy, we found that the primate STN is traversed by numerous myelinated axons, which occupy as much as 45% of its sensorimotor territory and 36% of its associative region. In comparison, myelinated axons occupy only 27% of the surface areas of the sensorimotor and associative regions of the internal segment of the globus pallidus (GPi), another target for therapeutic DBS in PD. We also noted that myelinated axons in the STN, on average, have a larger diameter than those in GPi, which may render them more susceptible to electrical stimulation. Because axons are more excitable than other neuronal elements, our findings support the hypothesis that STN DBS, even when carried out entirely within the confines of the nucleus, mediates some of its effects by activating myelinated axons of passage. © 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Second‐trimester uterine artery Doppler, PlGF, sFlt‐1, sEndoglin, and lipid‐related markers for predicting preeclampsia in a high‐risk population
Authors: Diguisto Caroline , Le Gouge Amélie , Piver Eric , Giraudeau Bruno , Perrotin Franck 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTObjectiveThis study aimed to determine if screening for preeclampsia could be improved between 20 and 24 weeks of gestation by uterine artery Doppler (UAD), biomarkers and lipid‐related markers.MethodWomen at high risk of preeclampsia according to obstetric and medical characteristics and history were prospectively enrolled. Transabdominal UAD, serum biomarkers (placenta growth factor (PlGF), soluble Fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 and sEndoglin) and lipid‐related markers (total and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides and leptin) were prospectively collected between 20 and 24 weeks of gestation. The main endpoint was preeclampsia. UAD indices and biomarker levels were compared for the groups with and without preeclampsia. Multivariate analyses took into account the laboratory and ultrasound variables significantly associated with preeclampsia in the univariate analysis and age and nulliparity.ResultsThe study at Tours University Hospital took place from March 2003 to February 2008 and included 235 women: 56 (23.8%) developed preeclampsia, 42 were severe (17.8%) and 14 occurred before 34 weeks of gestation (5.9%). The group with preeclampsia had a higher UAD pulsatility index (p = 0.0003), more frequent bilateral notches (p = .0001), lower PlGF levels (239.90 vs 302.00 pg/mL; p = 0.0015), and higher triglyceride (1.95 vs 1.70 mmol/l; p = 0.0068) and leptin levels (37.40 vs 22.55 ng/mL; p = < 0.001). No significant differences were observed for other markers. Screening for preeclampsia using these Doppler and laboratory findings produced an area under the curve of 0.795.ConclusionSecond‐trimester UAD findings, and PlGF, triglyceride and leptin levels could help to predict preeclampsia. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A critical review of methods to evaluate the impact of FDA regulatory actions
Authors: Briesacher Becky A. , Soumerai Stephen B. , Zhang Fang , Toh Sengwee , Andrade Susan E. , Wagner Joann L. , Shoaibi Azadeh , Gurwitz Jerry H. 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTPurposeTo conduct a synthesis of the literature on methods to evaluate the impacts of FDA regulatory actions and identify best practices for future evaluations.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE for manuscripts published between January 1948 and August 2011 that included terms related to FDA, regulatory actions, and empirical evaluation; the review additionally included FDA‐identified literature. We used a modified Delphi method to identify preferred methodologies. We included studies with explicit methods to address threats to validity and identified designs and analytic methods with strong internal validity that have been applied to other policy evaluations.ResultsWe included 18 studies out of 243 abstracts and papers screened. Overall, analytic rigor in prior evaluations of FDA regulatory actions varied considerably; less than a quarter of studies (22%) included control groups. Only 56% assessed changes in the use of substitute products/services, and 11% examined patient health outcomes. Among studies meeting minimal criteria of rigor, 50% found no impact or weak/modest impacts of FDA actions and 33% detected unintended consequences. Among those studies finding significant intended effects of FDA actions, all cited the importance of intensive communication efforts. There are preferred methods with strong internal validity that have yet to be applied to evaluations of FDA regulatory actions.ConclusionsRigorous evaluations of the impact of FDA regulatory actions have been limited and infrequent. Several methods with strong internal validity are available to improve trustworthiness of future evaluations of FDA policies. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Number of antigens in early childhood vaccines and neuropsychological outcomes at age 7–10 years
Authors: Iqbal Shahed , Barile John P. , Thompson William W. , DeStefano Frank 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTPurposeConcerns have been raised that children may be receiving too many immunizations under the recommended schedule in the USA. We used a publicly available dataset to evaluate the association between antibody‐stimulating proteins and polysaccharides from early childhood vaccines and neuropsychological outcomes at age 7–10 years.MethodsChildren aged 7–10 years from four managed care organizations underwent standardized tests for domain‐specific neuropsychological outcomes: general intellectual function, speech and language, verbal memory, attention and executive function, tics, achievement, visual spatial ability, and behavior regulation. Vaccination histories up to 24 months of age were obtained from medical charts, electronic records, and parents' records. Logistic regressions and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used to determine associations between total antigens up to 7, 12, and 24 months and domain‐specific outcomes.ResultsOn average, children (N = 1047) received 7266, 8127, and 10 341 antigens by ages 7, 12, and 24 months, respectively. For adjusted analyses, increase (per 1000) in the number of antigens was not associated with any neuropsychological outcomes. Antigen counts above the 10th percentile, compared with lower counts, were also not associated with any adverse outcomes. However, children with higher antigen counts up to 24 months performed better on attention and executive function tests (odds ratio for lower scores = 0.51, 95% confidence interval = 0.26, 0.99). Similar results were found with SEM analysis (b = 0.08, p = 0.02).ConclusionsWe did not find any adverse associations between antigens received through vaccines in the first two years of life and neuropsychological outcomes in later childhood. Published 2013. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
On the reliability of ensemble variance in subspaces defined by singular vectors
Authors: Leutbecher M. , Lang S. T. K. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractIn a statistically consistent ensemble forecast, ensemble variance agrees with the mean squared error of the ensemble mean when looking at a large sample of independent realizations. Here, the first goal is to introduce a new diagnostic that quantifies the reliability of ensemble variance in subspaces spanned by singular vectors of the model propagator. The second goal is to apply this technique to ensemble forecast experiments with the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Integrated Forecasting System (IFS) in order to gain new insight into essential approximations made when the sources of forecast uncertainties are represented with initial perturbations based on the leading initial singular vectors. Diagnostics are based on extratropical singular vectors optimized for growth of total energy over 48 hours. For the initial perturbations as well as the singular vector diagnostics, two versions of the tangent‐linear model are compared, which differ in terms of the accuracy of the tangent‐linear approximation.When model uncertainties are not represented, initial perturbations based solely on the leading singular vectors can achieve reliable ensemble variances in the subspace spanned by the singular vectors evolved to their optimization time. However, it is impossible to achieve at the same time reliable total variances with up to about 100 singular vectors in the extratropics. Far more singular vectors would be required to do so. Ensembles using initial perturbations based on up to 100 leading singular vectors with amplitudes tuned such that total variance matches total error suffer from overdispersion in the subspace spanned by the leading singular vectors. In the operational configuration of the ECMWF ensemble, the singular vector initial perturbations introduce overdispersion in the subspace of the leading 50 extratropical singular vectors.
Convective‐scale responses of a large‐domain, modelled tropical environment to surface warming
Authors: Igel Matthew R. , van den Heever Susan C. , Stephens Graeme L. , Posselt Derek J. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThis article explores the response of convective‐scale atmospheric characteristics to surface temperature through the lens of large‐domain, cloud‐system‐resolving model experiments run at radiative convective equilibrium. We note several features reminiscent of the response to surface warming in atmospheric general circulation models. These include an increase in the rain rate that is smaller than the modelled increase in precipitable water, a systematic decrease in sensible heating and an increase in clear‐sky cooling. However, in contrast to climate models, we note that tropospheric relative humidity increases and column‐integrated water vapour increases at the rate anticipated from the Clausius–Clapeyron relationship, but only when compared with the troposphere mean temperature rather than surface temperature. Also shown are results elucidating the changes in the vertically integrated water budget and the distribution of high precipitation rates shifting toward higher rates. Moist static energy distributions are analyzed and, from these, clouds are implicated in effecting the final equilibrium state of the atmosphere. The results indicate that, while there are aspects of the tropical equilibrium that are represented realistically in current general circulation model climate‐change experiments, there are potentially influential local interactions that are sufficiently important as to alter the mean response of the tropical water and energy balance to changes in sea‐surface temperature. Convection is shown to dictate the equilibrium state across all scales, including those unresolved in climate models, rather than only responding to surface‐induced changes.
Efficient identity‐based broadcast signcryption schemes
Authors: Kim Intae , Hwang Seong Oun 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTMost of broadcast encryption schemes do not provide source authentication property. This allows an adversary to launch impersonating attacks. Therefore, broadcast encryption scheme without source authentication is not applicable in our real life as it is. In this paper, we propose two source‐authenticated broadcast encryption schemes that achieve both confidentiality and authenticity simultaneously. Ciphertexts in both schemes are of constant size, independent of the size of the receiver set. The first scheme is particularly efficient in case of pre‐computation, whereas the overall performance of the second scheme is better than that of Selvi et al.'s scheme. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High Mechanical Performance of Layered Graphene Oxide/Poly(vinyl alcohol) Nanocomposite Films
Authors: Liu Luqi , Gao Yun , Liu Qing , Kuang Jun , Zhou Ding , Ju Siting , Han Baohang , Zhang Zhong 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe design and fabrication of strong, lightweight, and damage‐resistant composite materials are major topics of studies on composites. Biomimetics, a developing multidisciplinary field, is now leading the fabrication of novel materials with remarkable mechanical properties. Graphene oxide (GO), a graphene derivative, possesses good mechanical properties, a high aspect ratio, and good solubility in aqueous solutions, indicating great potential in nanocomposite fields. In this work, bioinspired layered GO/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanocomposite films with remarkable mechanical performances are prepared by an environmental friendly, bottom‐up assembly methodology. The structural analysis shows alternate piles of inorganic GO platelets and organic PVA binder. Tensile tests indicate that the borate‐treated GO/PVA nanocomposite films display 360 MPa of strength, which is twofold to threefold higher than that of biological materials (e.g., nacre). Toughness of GO/PVA nanocomposites is also enhanced fourfold compared with nacre. To reveal the toughening function of the intercalated polymer in the nanocomposites, the influence of polymer with varied molecular weights (Mws) on the fracture mode of the nanocomposites is systematically investigated through quasi‐static tensile and creep tests. The PVA molecules with a higherMwcan connect more neighboring GO platelets through inter‐ and intra‐linkages than those with a lowerMw,resulting in efficient stress transfer along the GO plane direction. Thus, tensile strength and toughness are improved. This work illustrates the functions of bonding types between inorganic–organic phases and intercalated polymers with differentMws on the mechanical properties of the layered nanocomposites, including stiffness, strength, and toughness.
Successfully transitioning a research project to a commercial spin‐out using an agile software process
Authors: Dowling Phelim 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe ultimate success of any research activity is to see it bears fruit in terms of real life use and commercial success. A key element in driving a good concept or idea through the various research and development stages and into full commercial use is the software process that supports it. In the early days of its evolvement, the product will require less in terms of unit test coverage and automated test packages and more in the way of room to research and discover the innovation that will make the product unique and of high value. However, as the project progresses and a horizon appears with capital investors and large customer bases, the supporting software process needs to adapt fluidly to these evolving requirements. Efficient use of resources, shorter release cycles and better levels of quality coverage are a necessity to meet stakeholder demands for new features, better features and all to be delivered more quickly. This paper examines the successful transition of a research project to a fully fledged commercial entity with an emphasis on the software process and quality methodologies used. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical and Physical Characterization of Donkey Abdominal Fat in Comparison with Cow, Pig and Sheep Fats
Authors: Xu Fuping , Zhang Lanwei , Cao Yang , Yang Lin , Zhang Hua , Li Yanyu , Zhao Huiyi , Li Yanbo 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe objective of this research was to investigate the physicochemical properties of donkey fat. Results show that donkey fat contains 59.38 % unsaturated fatty acids, 38.37 % saturated fatty acids, and 0.21 % trans fatty acids. The sn‐2 monoglyceride present in donkey fat contain 67.91 % unsaturated fatty acids and 30.97 % saturated fatty acids. Donkey fat is also characterized by a total tocopherol content of 8.59 mg/100 g fat (7.90 mg/100 g fat α‐tocopherol, 0.51 mg/100 g fat β + γ‐tocopherol, and 0.18 mg/100 g fat δ‐tocopherol), 0.0032 mg/100 g fat cholesterol, an acid value of 0.091 KOH (mg/g), an iodine value of 76.47 g/100 g, a peroxide value of 0.68 mmol/kg, a saponification value of 193 mg/g, a refractive index of 1.4666, and a specific gravity of 0.9144. The complete melting temperature was 40 °C. The content of unsaturated fatty acids (total and sn‐2) in donkey fat is higher than cow, pig and sheep, while the content of trans fatty acids is lower. The tocopherol content is also higher in donkey fat compared to cow, pig and sheep fat. Interestingly, the fat with such processing has nearly no cholesterol. Generally speaking, donkey fat could be a good animal fat for human consumption.
Theorizing through metaphorical transfer in OM/SCM research: Divorce as a metaphor for strategic buyer–supplier relationship dissolution
Authors: Chen Yi‐Su , Rungtusanatham M. Johnny , Goldstein Susan Meyer , Koerner Ascan F. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractOperations Management and Supply Chain Management (OM/SCM), as a discipline, can benefit from proper theorizing to address persistent urgings for better and new theories. This paper hopes to inspire more theorizing engagements through the formal process of metaphorical transfer. Metaphorical transfer transforms casually‐invoked metaphors in everyday language into theory‐constitutive metaphors. This transformation process first mandates theorizing to ensure equivalence between the domain of the metaphor and that of a target phenomenon or research problem of interest. Second, theorizing during metaphorical transfer occurs when abstracted insights intended to govern both the metaphor and target phenomenon materialize. Finally, metaphorical transfer supports borrowing of theories from outside of OM/SCM for testing within OM/SCM by safeguarding against common mistakes. This paper demonstrates metaphorical transfer via the example of divorce and strategic buyer–supplier relationship dissolution and concludes by highlighting other metaphors that may be invoked for a number of exemplary supply chain relationship phenomena.
Visegrad: Fit for purpose?
Authors: Fawn Rick 
Published: July 2013

Visegrad inter-state cooperation among the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia has faced numerous near-death experiences since its official birth in 1991. Furthermore, it has faced two challenges since the four member-countries’ accession to the EU in 2004. Then Visegrad was eulogized, considered deceased by many precisely for having achieved the apparently ultimate aim of EU membership. Second, having purposefully stated rumours of its death, Visegrad has since 2008 been confronted by issues from outside and ones well beyond its size – the Obama presidency and its apparent abandonment of Central and Eastern Europe in its “reset” strategy towards Moscow; a post-Lisbon EU agenda; strategic reorientations in NATO; and both the general, that is, global, financial crisis and particularly within the EU and regarding the Euro.
This article, by contrast, contends that the fundamental changes and challenges that Visegrad has faced enhanced the Group’s clear and successful strategy. It identifies and elaborates that strategy, drawing also selectively and thematically on the Group’s historical experience since 1991. These strategies include targeted rather than broad selection of aims; retaining an exclusivemembership while also inventing variable and flexible mechanisms for adding non-member countries to help them pursue specific initiatives. Through a study of annual Group Presidency agendas and reports, high-level and ministerial meeting declarations and media and secondary source analysis and interviews with National Coordinators, the article contends that the Group continues to promote realistic aims, and provides a unique platform for exercising them. This study concludes that Visegrad, despite the outside challenges remains effective in raising awareness, advancing smaller-scale policies and influencing EU policy towards theWestern Balkans and European Partnership (EaP) countries, as well as achieving specific Visegrad initiatives with those states.
Three-dimensional buoyancy-driven flow along a fractured boundary
Authors: Farcas Adrian , Woods Andrew W. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractWe describe the steady motion of a buoyant fluid migrating through a porous layer along a plane, inclined boundary from a localized well. We first describe the transition from an approximately radially spreading current near the source, to a flow which runs upslope, as it spreads in the cross-slope direction. Using the model, we predict the maximum injection rate for which, near the source, the flow does not fully flood the porous layer. We then account for the presence of a fracture on the boundary through which some of the flow can drain upwards, and calculate how the current is partitioned between the fraction that drains and the remainder which continues running upslope. The fraction that drains increases with the permeability of the fracture and also with the distance from the source, as the flow slows and has more time to drain. We introduce new scalings and some asymptotic solutions to describe both the flow near the fracture and the three-dimensional surface of the injected fluid as it spreads upslope. We extend the model to the case of multiple fractures, so that the current eventually drains away as it flows over successive fractures. We calculate the shape of the region that is invaded by the buoyant fluid and we show that this flow, draining through a series of discrete fractures, may be approximated by a flow that continuously drains through its upper boundary. The effective small uniform permeability of this upper boundary is given by ${k}_{b} \approx \int \nolimits {k}_{f} \hspace{0.167em} \mathrm{d} x/ {D}_{F} $, where $\int \nolimits {k}_{f} \hspace{0.167em} \mathrm{d} x$ is the integral of permeability across the width of the fracture and ${D}_{F} $ is the inter-fracture spacing. Finally, we discuss the relevance of the work for CO2 sequestration and we compare some simple predictions of the plume shape, volume and volume flux derived from our model with data from the Sleipner project, Norway for the plume of CO2 which developed in Horizon 1.