bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synaptic maturation of the Xenopus retinotectal system: Effects of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor on synapse ultrastructure
Authors: Nikolakopoulou Angeliki Maria , Meynard Margarita M. , Marshak Sonya , Cohen‐Cory Susana 
Published: November 2009

AbstractSynaptogenesis is a dynamic process that involves structural changes in developing axons and dendrites as synapses form and mature. The visual system of Xenopus laevis has been used as a model to study dynamic changes in axons and dendrites as synapses form in the living brain and the molecular mechanisms that control these processes. Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) contributes to the establishment and refinement of visual connectivity by modulating retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axon arborization and presynaptic differentiation. Here, we have analyzed the ultrastructural organization of the Xenopus retinotectal system to understand better the maturation of this synaptic circuit and the relation between synapse ultrastructure and the structural changes in connectivity that take place in response to BDNF. Expression of yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) followed by preembedding immunoelectron microscopy was used to identify RGC axons specifically in living tadpoles. Injection of recombinant BDNF was used to alter endogenous BDNF levels acutely in the optic tectum. Our studies reveal a rapid transition from a relatively immature synaptic circuit in which retinotectal synapses are formed on developing filopodial‐like processes to a circuit in which RGC axon terminals establish synapses with dendritic shafts and spines. Moreover, our studies reveal that BDNF treatment increases the number of spine synapses and docked vesicle number at YFP‐identified synaptic sites within 24 hours of treatment. These fine structural changes at retinotectal synapses are consistent with the role that BDNF plays in the functional maturation of synaptic circuits and with dynamic, rapid changes in synaptic connectivity during development. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:972–989, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Emotional response to color across media
Authors: Suk Hyeon‐Jeong , Irtel Hans 
Published: November 2009

AbstractIn this study, the characteristics of emotional responses to color are explored in two empirical studies. In particular, the relationship between color attributes and emotional dimensions—valence, arousal, and dominance—is analyzed. To account for the cognitive quantity of color, 36 color stimuli were selected following hue and tone categorizations and based on the CIELAB LCh system. In one experiment, the colors were presented on A5‐size glossy paper whereas the identical colors were displayed on CRT monitors in the other experiment. In both experiments, the subjects assessed the emotional responses to each color stimulus using a Self‐Assessment‐Manikin (SAM), which consists of three rows of five pictograms illustrating the three dimensions of emotion, respectively. The empirical results provide evidence that the patterns of affective judgment of colors can be profiled in terms of the three dimensions of emotion (Reliability coefficient, Cronbach's alpha > 0.7). All three attributes of colors, i.e. hue, Chroma, and Lightness, influenced the emotional responses (repeated measurement One‐way ANOVA, P < 0.05), and especially, Chroma was always positively correlated with each of the three emotional dimensions (r > 0.60 P < 0.01). Moreover, the results indicate that emotional responses to color vary more strongly with regard to tone than to hue categories. Comparing the SAM ratings between the two experiments, a systemic explanation has yet to be found to conclude that there is a media effect on the emotional responses to colors. Furthermore, the process of affective judgment of colors and the limit of color as an emotion elicitor are discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Col Res Appl, 2010.
Investigating the effect of texture on the performance of color difference formulae
Authors: Kandi S. Gorji , Tehran M. Amani 
Published: November 2009

AbstractTo predict the perceived color differences, the effect of the surface texture on the performance of the color difference formulae was investigated. To this end, knitted polyester fabrics with eight different textures were prepared. The fabrics were dyed by seven dyestuffs in five different depths. The selected pairs from the five samples with different depths in each hue covered small to large color differences. The assessed pair of samples had the same texture and hue, but different depths. A panel of 23 observers assessed the color differences of the pairs by gray scale method. The results showed that for the textile samples with different texture structures, the CIEDE2000 (2:1:1) performed the best followed by CMC (2:1:1), CIE94 (2:1:1), and CIELAB with approximately same performance. In addition, the magnitude of color difference influenced the ability of the formulae to predict the visual assessments and the best performance obtained for medium color differences. The comparison between eight different texture groups indicated that the texture structures of the pairs significantly affected the performance of the color difference formulae. For instance, the PF/3 measures obtained for the eight texture groups by CIEDE2000 (2:1:1) color formula could be varied between 21.98 and 33.37 PF/3 units. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Col Res Appl, 2010.
Experimental modeling of colour harmony
Authors: Szabó Ferenc , Bodrogi Peter , Schanda János 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThis study investigates colour harmony in visual experiments in order to develop a new quantitative colour harmony model. On the basis of new experimental results, colour harmony formulae were developed to predict colour harmony from the CIECAM02 hue, chroma, and lightness correlates of the members of two‐ or three‐colour combinations. In the experiments, observers were presented two‐ and three‐colour combinations displayed on a well‐characterized CRT monitor in a dark room. Colour harmony was estimated visually on an 11 category scale from −5 (meaning completely disharmonious) to +5 (meaning completely harmonious), including 0 as the neutral colour harmony impression. From these results, mathematical models of colour harmony were developed. The visual results were also compared with classical colour harmony theories. Two supplementary experiments were also carried out: one of them tested the main principles of colour harmony with real Munsell colour chips, and another one compared the visual rating of the new models with existing colour harmony theories. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 2010.
Study on the forecast effects of PI method to the North and Southwest China
Authors: Zhang Yongxian , Zhang Xiaotao , Yin Xiangchu , Wu Yongjia 
Published: November 2009

AbstractIn this paper, the codes of Pattern Informatics (PI) method put forward by Rundle et al. have been worked out according to their algorithm published, and the retrospective forecast of PI method to North China (28.0°–42.0° N, 108.0°–125.0° E) and to Southwest China (22.0°–28.3° N, 98.0°–106.0° E) has been tested. The results show that the hit rates in different regions show a great difference. In Southwest China, 32 earthquakes with ML5.0 or larger have occurred during the predicted time period 2000–2007, and 26 out of the 32 earthquakes occurred in or near the hot spots. In North China, the total number of ML5.0 or larger was 12 during the predicted time period 2000–2007, and only 3 out of the 12 earthquakes occurred in or near the hot spots. From our results, we hold that if the PI method could be applied to all kinds of regions, the parameters associated with time points and time windows should be chosen carefully to obtain the higher hit rate. We also found that the aftershocks in a strong earthquake sequence affect the PI results obviously. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interactive editing of digital fault models
Authors: Van Aalsburg Jordan , Yikilmaz M. Burak , Kreylos Oliver , Kellogg Louise H. , Rundle John B. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractWe describe an application to interactively create and manipulate digital fault maps, either by tracing existing (paper) fault maps created from geological surveys, or by directly observing fault expressions and earthquake hypocenters in remote sensing data such as high‐resolution (⩾100k × 100k elevation postings) digital elevation models with draped color imagery. Such fault maps serve as input data to finite‐element‐method simulations of fault interactions, and are crucial to understand regional tectonic processes causing earthquakes, and have tentatively been used to forecast future seismic events or to predict the shaking from likely future earthquakes. This fault editor is designed for immersive virtual reality environments such as CAVEs, and presents users with visualizations of scanned 2D fault maps and textured 3D terrain models, and a set of 3D editing tools to create or manipulate faults. We close with a case study performed by one of our geologist co‐authors (Yikilmaz), which evaluates the use of our fault editor in creating a detailed digital fault model of the North Anatolian Fault in Turkey, one of the largest, seismically active strike‐slip faults in the world. Yikilmaz, who was directly involved in program development, used our fault editor both in a CAVE and on a desktop computer, and compares it to the industry‐standard software package ArcGIS. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the Spin Behaviour of Iron(II)–Dipyridyltriazine Complexes and Their Performance as Thermal and Photonic Spin Switches
Authors: Hain Sophie K. , Heinemann Frank W. , Gieb Klaus , Müller Paul , Hörner Gerald , Grohmann Andreas 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe temperature‐dependent and photodynamic spin behaviour of three iron(II) complexes with different 2,6‐dipyridyl‐4‐phenyltriazine ligands L1–L3 was investigated in the solid state and in solution (DMSO). The ligands differ in the substituent R in the 4‐position of the phenyl ring (L1: R = H; L2: R = OCH3; L3: R = SAc), which allows the electronic properties of the ligands to be finetuned. The magnetic data for the complex [Fe(L3)2](BF4)2 in the solid state indicate an incomplete spin transition to the high‐spin form upon warming from liquid helium temperature, reaching about 30 % at 400 K. There is circumstantial evidence for paramagnetic contributions compatible with spin transitions, namely, temperature‐dependent NMR spectroscopic line shifts and line broadening in solution (DMSO). However, an efficient thermally induced spin crossover in solution is hindered by the substitution lability of the complexes, as has been detected and analyzed in an extended temperature‐dependent UV/Vis spectroscopic study. Essentially unaffected by thermally induced substitution lability, the transient dynamics of the iron(II) complexes after nanosecond laser flash excitation of their metal‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer bands provide good evidence for efficient photoinduced spin transitions in solution in all cases. The range of measured lifetimes of the high‐spin quintet states is in accord with previously published data. Importantly, in our series of iron(II) complexes, the lifetimes of the high‐spin state reflect the electron‐donating character of the ligands.
Baker's Yeast Reduction of β‐Hydroxy Ketones
Authors: Acetti Daniela , Brenna Elisabetta , Fuganti Claudio , Gatti Francesco G. , Serra Stefano 
Published: November 2009

AbstractReduction of β‐hydroxy ketones to the corresponding 1,3‐diols by baker's yeast was investigated, in order to develop methods for simultaneous control over the configurations of multiple stereogenic centres. The reactions were found to be enantiospecific and generally characterised by good diastereoselectivity. Substrates with a substituent at the carbon atom in the α position were also considered. When the substituent at the α‐carbon atom was part of a ring, higher selectivity was observed.
Constant Current Chronopotentiometric Stripping Analysis of ‘N‐Catalyst’ in Sodium Chloride Solution and Seawater
Authors: Strmečki Sladana , Plavšić Marta , Ćosović Božena 
Published: November 2009

AbstractCatalytic properties and surface activity of nitrogen containing polymeric organic material (N‐POM) were analyzed by constant current chronopotentiometric stripping analysis (CPSA) and alternating current (AC) voltammetry in sodium chloride solution (pH 8) and seawater. CPSA proved to be a suitable method for determination of low concentrations of N‐POM in seawater by measuring its ‘presodium’ catalytic peak H. A protein human serum albumin (HSA) (15% of N) was used as a model compound and the concentration of N‐POM from natural seawater samples was expressed in HSA concentration equivalents. Peak H represents an additional parameter for characterization of natural organic matter.
Stripping Voltammetry at Microdisk Electrode Arrays: Theory
Authors: Cutress Ian. J. , Compton Richard. G. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractAnodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) is an extremely powerful tool for detection of metal ions in solution through a two step process of preconcentration of the metal at the electrode surface, followed by electrodissolution. The second phase produces an electroanalytical response proportional to the amount of material deposited in the first phase. This paper utilizes theory to explore the electrochemical signals produced when considering ASV at a microelectrode or ultramicroelectrode arrays. The theory outlined is applicable mostly to thin mercury film absorption and metal adsorption.
State of the Art in the Field of Electronic and Bioelectronic Tongues – Towards the Analysis of Wines
Authors: Zeravik Jiri , Hlavacek Antonin , Lacina Karel , Skládal Petr 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThis review compares various types of (bio)electronic tongues. The design and principles of potentiometric and voltammetric electronic tongues are discussed together with applications in food and environmental analysis. Different approaches towards bioelectronic tongue are presented. Several methods for evaluation and interpretation of the measured data are described. Finally, the potential of such devices for analysis of wine is discussed.
The M‐current inhibitor XE991 decreases the stimulation threshold for long‐term synaptic plasticity in healthy mice and in models of cognitive disease
Authors: Fontán‐Lozano Ángela , Suárez‐Pereira Irene , Delgado‐García José María , Carrión Ángel Manuel 
Published: November 2009

AbstractAging, mental retardation, number of psychiatric and neurological disorders are all associated with learning and memory impairments. As the underlying causes of such conditions are very heterogeneous, manipulations that can enhance learning and memory in mice under different circumstances might be able to overcome the cognitive deficits in patients. The M‐current regulates neuronal excitability and action potential firing, suggesting that its inhibition may increase cognitive capacities. We demonstrate that XE991, a specific M‐current blocker, enhances learning and memory in healthy mice. This effect may be achieved by altering basal hippocampal synaptic activity and by diminishing the stimulation threshold for long‐term changes in synaptic efficacy and learning‐related gene expression. We also show that training sessions regulate the M‐current by transiently decreasing the levels of KCNQ/Kv7.3 protein, a pivotal subunit for the M‐current. Furthermore, we found that XE991 can revert the cognitive impairment associated with acetylcholine depletion and the neurodegeneration induced by kainic acid. Together, these results show that inhibition of the M‐current as a general strategy may be useful to enhance cognitive capacities in healthy and aging individuals, as well as in those with neurodegenerative diseases. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Imipramine treatment increases the number of hippocampal synapses and neurons in a genetic animal model of depression
Authors: Chen Fenghua , Madsen Torsten M. , Wegener Gregers , Nyengaard Jens R. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe aim was to investigate treatment effects of the antidepressant imipramine on the markers of neuronal plasticity. We investigated changes in neuron and synapse numbers in a rat strain that displays a genetic susceptibility to depressive behavior, the Flinders Sensitive and Resistant Lines (FSL/FRL). All rats were treated with imipramine (15 mg/kg) or saline (i.p) once daily for 25 days. The volume, neuron and synapse numbers in the hippocampus were estimated using design‐based stereological methods. Under untreated conditions, the volume and the number of neurons and synapses were significantly smaller in the FSL saline group (untreated “depressed” rats) compared with the FRL saline group (normal rats), showing correlation to the observed decreased immobility in the forced swim test. Imipramine treatment significantly increased the number of neurons in the granule cell layer (GCL) and spine synapses in the CA1 in the FSL imipramine group (treated “depressed” rats) compared with the FSL saline group. The neuron numbers in the GCL and Hilus showed no differences in the FSL imipramine group compared to the FRL saline group. In conclusion, baseline levels of the volume and the number of neurons and spine synapses in hippocampus were significantly smaller in the untreated FSL rats. Our findings indicate that chronic imipramine treatment reverses the suppression of neurogenesis and synaptogenesis in the hippocampus of the “depressed” FSL rats, and this occurs in correlation with behavioral effects. Our results support the neuronal plasticity hypothesis that depressive disorders may be related to impairments of structural plasticity and neuronal viability in hippocampus, furthermore, antidepressant treatment counteracts the structural impairments. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interhippocampal transfer in passive avoidance task modifies metabolic activity in limbic structures
Authors: Cimadevilla J.M. , Méndez‐López M. , Méndez M. , Arias J.L. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe hippocampus is probably the most studied brain structure regarding memory. Each brain hemisphere contains one hippocampus, and subjects with unilateral hippocampal lesions can perform adequately in several behavioral tasks. This property allows studying how both hippocampi interact. In this work, we show that the information acquired in a passive avoidance task with one hippocampus can be retrieved and used by the brain when the hippocampal side involved in the acquisition is blocked with TTX. The pre‐exposition to the context is decisive. By combining behavioral tasks and cytochrome oxidase histochemistry we demonstrated that several brain structures, including the hippocampus, amygdale and other related regions, change their activity under the above‐mentioned treatments. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of human kallikrein 7 expression as a potential biomarker in cervical neoplasia
Authors: Termini Lara , Maciag Paulo Cesar , Soares Fernando Augusto , Nonogaki Suely , Pereira Sônia Maria Miranda , Alves Venâncio Avancini Ferreira , Longatto‐Filho Adhemar , Villa Luisa Lina 
Published: November 2009

AbstractOverexpression of kallikrein 7, a proteolytic enzyme important for epithelial cell shedding, may be causally involved in carcinogenesis, particularly in tumor metastasis and invasion. In this study, we have evaluated hK7 (human kallikrein 7) protein levels by immunohistochemistry in 367 cervical histological samples including 35 cases of cervicitis, 31 low‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, 51 high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (H‐SIL), 197 squamous cervical carcinomas (SCC) and 53 cervical adenocarcinomas. We have observed that hK7 staining increased with the severity of cervical disease. Intense hK7 staining was found in 15.2% of cervicitis samples, in contrast to 55% of H‐SIL and 68% of SCC. Moreover, 92.5% of adenocarcinomas also exhibited intense hK7 staining. Differences in the expression of hK7 could potentially be used as a biomarker for the characterization of different stages of cervical disease.
Functional characterization of THY1 as a tumor suppressor gene with antiinvasive activity in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Lung Hong Lok , Cheung Arthur Kwok Leung , Cheng Yue , Kwong Fung Mei , Lo Paulisally Hau Yi , Law Evan Wai Lok , Chua Daniel , Zabarovsky Eugene R. , Wang Nancy , Tsao Sai Wah , Stanbridge Eric J. , Lung Maria Li 
Published: November 2009

AbstractTHY1 was previously identified as a candidate tumor suppressor gene (TSG) associated with lymph node metastases in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) through functional studies. It was identified by oligonucleotide microarray analysis as an interesting differentially expressed gene. However, direct functional evidence is still lacking for THY1 being a TSG in NPC, as in vivo tumorigenicity assays have not been previously reported in our last study of THY1. In this study, a tetracycline‐inducible expression vector, pETE‐Bsd, was used to obtain stable transfectants of THY1. The stringent in vivo tumorigenicity assay results show that the activation of THY1 suppresses tumor formation of HONE1 cells in nude mice, and the tumor formation ability was restored in the presence of doxycycline (a tetracycline analog), when the gene is shut off. Functional inactivation of this gene is observed in all the tumors derived from the tumorigenic transfectant. The tumor suppressive effect could be repressed by knockdown of THY1 expression in nontumorigenic microcell hybrids. Further studies indicate that expression of THY1 inhibits HONE1 cell growth in vitro by arresting cells in G0/G1 phase. It greatly reduces the ability for anchorage‐independent growth. The invasiveness of HONE1 cells was also inhibited by the expression of THY1. These findings suggest that THY1 is a TSG in NPC, which is involved in invasion and shows an association with tumor metastasis. Taken together, THY1 clearly plays an important functional role in tumor suppression in NPC.
Identification of stemonamide synthetic intermediates as a novel potent anticancer drug with an apoptosis‐inducing ability
Authors: Li Ying‐Yi , Wang Ying‐Ying , Taniguchi Tsuyoshi , Kawakami Takahiro , Baba Tomohisa , Ishibashi Hiroyuki , Mukaida Naofumi 
Published: November 2009

AbstractWe previously demonstrated that Pim‐3, a protooncogene with serine/threonine kinase activity, was aberrantly expressed in malignant lesions but not in normal tissues of endoderm‐derived organs, including pancreas, liver, colon and stomach. Moreover, aberrantly expressed Pim‐3 can prevent tumor cell apoptosis by inactivating a proapoptotic molecule, Bad, and enhancing the expression of an antiapoptotic molecule, Bcl‐XL. These observations prompted us to speculate that a chemical targeting Pim‐3 kinase may be a good candidate for a novel type of anticancer drug. Hence, we screened various low‐molecule compounds by examining their capacity to inhibit Pim‐3 kinase activity in vitro. We observed that some synthetic intermediates of stemonamide can inhibit in vitro activities of Pim‐3 kinase and its related kinases, such as Pim‐1 and Pim‐2. Moreover, these compounds inhibit in vitro cell proliferation of various human pancreatic, hepatocellular and colon cancer cell lines. Furthermore, the compounds can induce apoptosis of human pancreatic cancer cell lines in vitro by reducing the amount of phospho‐Ser112‐Bad, but not total amounts of Bad and Pim‐3. Finally, when the compound was administered to nude mice injected with a human pancreatic cancer cell line, it retarded tumor growth by increasing apoptotic cell numbers and decreasing proliferating cell numbers without causing serious adverse effects on blood counts. These observations indicate that the chemicals and its related compounds may be effective for the treatment of tumors of endoderm‐derived organs, particularly the pancreas.