bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Representation of the brain's superior protocerebrum of the flesh fly, Neobellieria bullata, in the central body
Authors: Phillips‐Portillo James , Strausfeld Nicholas J. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe central complex of the insect brain is a system of midline neuropils involved in transforming sensory information into behavioral outputs. Genetic studies focusing on nerve cells supplying the central complex from the protocerebrum propose that such neurons play key roles in circuits involved in learning the distinction of visual cues during operant conditioning. To better identify the possible sites of such circuits we used Bodian and anti‐synapsin staining to resolve divisions of the superior protocerebrum into discrete neuropils. Here we show that in the fly Neobellieria bullata, the superior protocerebrum is composed of at least five clearly defined regions that correspond to those identified in Drosophila melanogaster. Intracellular dye fills and Golgi impregnations resolve “tangential neurons” that have intricate systems of branches in two of these regions. The branches are elaborate, decorated with specializations indicative of pre‐ and postsynaptic sites. The tangentially arranged terminals of these neurons extend across characteristic levels of the central complex's fan‐shaped body. In this and another blowfly species, we identify an asymmetric pair of neuropils situated deep in the fan‐shaped body, called the asymmetric bodies because of their likely homology with similar elements in Drosophila. One of the pair of bodies receives collaterals from symmetric arrangements of tangential neuron terminals. Cobalt injections reveal that the superior protocerebrum is richly supplied with local interneurons that are likely participants in microcircuitry associated with the distal processes of tangential neurons. Understanding the morphologies and arrangements of these and other neurons is essential for correctly interpreting functional attributes of the central complex. J. Comp. Neurol., 520:3070–3087, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dependence of paranodal junctional gap width on transverse bands
Authors: Rosenbluth Jack , Petzold Chris , Peles Elior 
Published: March 2012

AbstractMouse mutants with paranodal junctional (PNJ) defects display variable degrees of neurological impairment. In this study we compare control paranodes with those from three mouse mutants that differ with respect to a conspicuous PNJ component, the transverse bands (TBs). We hypothesize that TBs link the apposed junctional membranes together at a fixed distance and thereby determine the width of the junctional gap, which may in turn determine the extent to which nodal action currents can be short‐circuited underneath the myelin sheath. Electron micrographs of aldehyde‐fixed control PNJs, in which TBs are abundant, show a consistent junctional gap of ∼3.5 nm. In Caspr‐null PNJs, which lack TBs entirely, the gap is wider (∼6–7 nm) and more variable. In CST‐null PNJs, which have only occasional TBs, the mean PNJ gap width is comparable to that in Caspr‐null mice. In the shaking mutant, in contrast, which has approximately 60% of the normal complement of TBs, mean PNJ gap width is not significantly different from that in controls. Correspondingly, shaking mice are much less impaired neurologically than either Caspr‐null or CST‐null mice. We conclude that in the absence or gross diminution of TBs, mean PNJ gap width increases significantly and suggest that this difference could underlie some of the neurological impairment seen in those mutants. Surprisingly, even in the absence of TBs, paranodes are to some extent maintained in their usual form, implying that in addition to TBs, other factors govern the formation and maintenance of overall paranodal structure. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:2774–2784, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Non‐conforming finite elements for axisymmetric charged droplet deformation dynamics and Coulomb explosions
Authors: Radcliffe A.J. 
Published: March 2012

SUMMARYThe deformations of both electrically charged and uncharged incompressible axisymmetric Newtonian viscous liquid droplets acting under the effects of surface tension (but not gravity) are studied using a non‐conforming, discontinuous Galerkin finite element procedure with moving meshes.The full Navier–Stokes equations are discretized and solved in an Eulerian manner with a simple predictor–corrector Lagrangian updating of the free boundary location coincident with the droplet surface at each solution iteration.By using linear Crouzeix–Raviart basis functions for the velocity and piecewise constant pressures, results are presented both for the simple (oscillatory) relaxation of elongated electrically charged/uncharged droplets to a sphere and for the deformation to steady state/Coulomb explosions of initially slightly oblate/prolate spheroidal droplets charged beyond/to the Rayleigh limit. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tuberous sclerosis and epilepsy: Role of astrocytes
Authors: Wong Michael , Crino Peter B. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractTuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant disorder that is among the most common genetic causes of epilepsy. Focal brain lesions in TSC, known as cortical tubers, have been implicated in promoting epileptogenesis in TSC. Histological, cellular, and molecular abnormalities in astrocytes are characteristic features of tubers and perituberal cortex, suggesting that astrocyte dysfunction may contribute to the pathophysiology of epilepsy in TSC. Numerous astrocytes can be seen histologically in tubers expressing glial fibrillary acidic and S100 proteins. In some analyses, astrocytes exhibit enhanced activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin suggesting a link betweenTSC1andTSC2mutations and astrocytic proliferation. Astrocytic proliferation in subependymal giant cell astrocytoma is associated with progressive growth and compression of surrounding brain structures by these lesions. Increased numbers of enlarged astrocytes has been observed in several TSC mouse models and may be intimately linked to epileptogenesis. Impairment of astrocytic buffering mechanisms for glutamate and potassium has been identified in TSC animal models and human tuber tissue and likely promotes neuronal excitability and seizures in TSC. Targeting these defects in astrocytes may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for epilepsy in patients with TSC. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rainfall trend and its implications for water resource management within the Yarra River catchment, Australia
Authors: Barua Shishutosh , Muttil Nitin , Ng A. W. M. , Perera B. J. C. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractRainfall is the key climatic variable that governs the regional hydrologic cycle and availability of water resources. Recent studies have analysed the changes in rainfall patterns at global as well as regional scales in Australia. Recent studies have also suggested that any analysis of hydroclimatic variables should be performed at the local scale rather than at a large or global scale because the trends and their effects may be different from one location to the other. Because no studies were found specific to the Yarra River catchment, which is an important catchment in Victoria, Australia, this study performs a spatiotemporal trend analysis on long‐term rainfall records at 15 measuring stations within the catchment. The Mann–Kendall test was used to detect trends, and Sen's slope estimator was used to calculate the slopes in both monthly and annual rainfall. Moreover, a cumulative summation technique was used to identify the trend beginning year, and prewhitening criteria were tested to check for autocorrelation in the data. The results showed that the monthly rainfall has generally decreasing trends except in January and June. Significant decreasing rainfall trends were observed in May (among the autumn months of March, April and May) at most stations and also in some other months at several stations. A decreasing trend was also observed in the annual rainfall at all stations. This study indicates that there has been a consistent reduction in rainfall over the catchment, both spatially and temporally over the past 50 years, which will have important implications for the future management of water resources. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DO CREDIT RATING AGENCIES ADD VALUE? EVIDENCE FROM THE SOVEREIGN RATING BUSINESS
Authors: Cavallo Eduardo , Powell Andrew , Rigobon Roberto 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTThe debt crisis in several European Union nations has resulted in a set of downgrades in sovereign ratings, sparking a lively debate whether these opinions actually matter. Ratings and bond spreads may both be considered as noisy signals of fundamentals. Ratings only add value if, controlling for spreads and observable country fundamentals, they help explain other market variables. We employed a unique dataset of over 75 000 daily observations on emerging countries around rating actions by the three major agencies. We found that ratings do indeed add information, and this finding is robust to a variety of different tests. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fast non‐negative temporal deconvolution for laser scanning microscopy
Authors: Podgorski Kaspar , Haas Kurt 
Published: March 2012

AbstractLaser scanning microscopy (LSM) is a common technique for high resolution fluorescent imaging. Here we describe a fast algorithm for non‐negative deconvolution and apply it to readout of LSM detector photocurrents. By broadening photon impulses and deconvolving sampled photocurrent, effective quantum efficiency of the imaging system is increased. Using simulation and imaging with a custom‐built two‐photon microscope, we demonstrate improved fidelity of images acquired at short dwell times over a wide range of photon rates. Images formed show increased correlation‐to‐sample equivalent to a 25% increase in photon rate, lower noise, and reduced bleed‐through compared to conventional image generation. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Synthesis and characterization of wool keratin/hydroxyapatite nanocomposite
Authors: Li Jiashen , Liu Xuan , Zhang Jing , Zhang Yu , Han Yanxia , Hu Junyan , Li Yi 
Published: March 2012

AbstractTaking the inspiration from the biomineral, the wool keratin was selected to modulate the assembly of nanosized hydroxyapatite (HA) crystals via a coprecipitation method. A series of keratin/HA nanocomposite with different ratios were synthesized by adjusting the concentrations of keratin solutions and calcium phosphate and their final components were detected by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed that keratin in the composite decreased the crystallinity of HA. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to examine the chemical and surface structure of the composites. In vitro biocompatibility results revealed that cells showed better viability on keratin/HA composites which have a ratio of organics and inorganics similar to that of natural bones. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
A phase 3 trial of the efficacy and safety of oral recombinant calcitonin: The oral calcitonin in postmenopausal osteoporosis (ORACAL) trial
Authors: Binkley Neil , Bolognese Michael , Sidorowicz-Bialynicka Anna , Vally Tasneem , Trout Richard , Miller Colin , Buben Christine E , Gilligan James P , Krause David S ,   for the Oral Calcitonin in Postmenopausal Osteoporosis (ORACAL) Investigators
Published: March 2012

Abstract
The Oral Calcitonin in Postmenopausal Osteoporosis (ORACAL) study was a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, active- and placebo-controlled, multiple-dose, phase 3 study to assess the efficacy and safety of oral recombinant calcitonin for treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. A total of 565 women age 46 to 86 (mean 66.5) years were randomized (4:3:2) to receive oral recombinant salmon calcitonin (rsCT) tablets (0.2 mg/d) plus placebo nasal spray, synthetic salmon calcitonin (ssCT) nasal spray (200 IU/d) plus placebo tablets, or placebo (placebo tablets plus placebo nasal spray), respectively for 48 weeks. All women received calcium (≥1000 mg/d) and vitamin D (800 IU/d). Women randomized to oral rsCT had a mean ± SD percent increase from baseline in lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) (1.5% ± 3.2%) that was greater than those randomized to ssCT nasal spray (0.78% ± 2.9%) or placebo (0.5% ± 3.2%). Lumbar spine BMD change in those receiving nasal calcitonin did not differ from placebo. Oral rsCT treatment also resulted in greater improvements in trochanteric and total proximal femur BMD than ssCT nasal spray. Reductions in bone resorption markers with oral rsCT were greater than those observed in ssCT nasal spray or placebo recipients. Approximately 80% of subjects in each treatment group experienced an adverse event, the majority of which were mild or moderate in intensity. Gastrointestinal system adverse events were reported by nearly one-half of women in all treatment groups and were the principal reason for premature withdrawals. Less than 10% of women experienced a serious adverse event and no deaths occurred. Overall, oral rsCT was superior to nasal ssCT and placebo for increasing BMD and reducing bone turnover. Oral rsCT was safe and as well tolerated as ssCT nasal spray or placebo. Oral calcitonin may provide an additional treatment alternative for women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Enhancement of DNA vaccine efficacy by targeting the xenogeneic human chorionic gonadotropin, survivin and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 combined tumor antigen to the major histocompatibility complex class II pathway
Authors: Wei Yuying , Sun Yuanjie , Song Chaojun , Li Haitao , Li Yongming , Zhang Kui , Gong Jiuyu , Liu Fei , Liu Zhijia , August J. T. , Jin Boquan , Yang Kun 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackgroundA number of strategies have been used to improve the efficacy of the DNA vaccine for the treatment of tumors. These strategies, ranging from activating CD4+ T cell, manipulating antigen presentation and/or processing to anti‐angiogenesis, focus on one certain aspect in the functioning of the vaccine. Therefore, their combination is necessary for rational DNA vaccines design by synergizing different regimens and overcoming the limitations of each strategy.MethodsA DNA fragment (HSV) encoding the C terminal 37 amino acids of human chorionic gonadotropin β chain (hCGβ), 5 different HLA‐restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte epitopes from human survivin and the third and fourth extracellular domains of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) was inserted into the sequence between the luminal and transmembrane domain of human lysosome‐associated membrane protein‐1 cDNA for the construction of a novel DNA vaccine.ResultsThis novel vaccine, named p‐L/HSV, has a potent antitumor effect on the LL/2 lung carcinoma model in syngeneic C57BL/6 mice. The immunologic mechanism involved in the antitumor effect referred to the activation of both cellular and humoral immune response. In addition, the tumor vasculature was abrogated as observed by immunohistochemistry in p‐L/HSV immunized mice. Furthermore, the immunized mice received an additional boost with p‐L/HSV 6 months later and showed a strong immune recall response.ConclusionsThe present study indicates that the strategies of combining antitumor with antiangiogenesis and targeting the tumor antigen to the major histocompatibility complex class II pathway cooperate well. Such a study may shed new light on designing vaccine for cancer in the future. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impacts of the Global Economic Crisis on Cyprus Tourism and Policy Responses
Authors: Boukas Nikolaos , Ziakas Vassilios 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTThis study examines the impacts of the global economic crisis on Cyprus tourism and the pertinent policy responses. A qualitative approach was adopted by conducting eight semi‐structured interviews with tourism authorities and suppliers/professionals. Findings indicated the main impacts of the crisis on Cypriot tourism: lack of competitiveness, decreased visitation/revenues, inadequate quality and escalated pricing. Furthermore, findings identify three types of policy measures: (i) immediate response measures; (ii) foreign investment in tourism; and (iii) diversification of the tourism product and quality improvement. The study highlights the need for Cyprus to develop a comprehensive tourism planning framework. It is suggested that crisis plans of small island states should be developed upon a holistic framework that leverages their destination capitals. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
IDENTIFYING DESERT THRESHOLDS BY MAPPING INVERSE ERODIBILITY AND RECOVERY POTENTIALS IN PATCH PATTERNS USING SPECTRAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL ALGORITHMS
Authors: Shoshany M. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTDesert thresholds are narrow zones of spatial instability between semi‐arid and arid regions. Identifying and mapping such thresholds is difficult because of the high diversity of vegetation, soil and bare rock patterns in these regions. Here, we suggest incorporating pattern information from remote sensing imagery in the assessment of eco‐geomorphic transitions. A new methodology was developed for this purpose based on the analysis of potential inverse trends of erosion and recovery embedded in these patterns. The methodology applies spectral mixing analysis to map surface conditions and uses mathematical morphology algorithms of dilation and erosion to identify potential erodibility and recovery trends. Boundary lines are then delineated by classifying combinations of these inverse trends and assessed with reference to their separability. This approach is implemented along the climatic gradient between the Judean Mountains and the Dead Sea in central Israel using mid‐resolution Landsat TM data. The identified threshold lines fit well with lithological, soil and phytogeographical boundaries as delineated in low‐scale maps, yet add significant explicitness to their spatial definition. Such explicitness is instrumental for assessing future desert shifts because of global warming and extended overgrazing. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of silica nanopowder on the properties of wood flour/polymer composite
Authors: Deka Biplab K. , Maji Tarun K. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractLow‐density polyethylene (LDPE), high‐density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) (1:1:1:0.5) were solution blended by using a mixture of solvents consisting of xylene and tetrahydrofuran (THF) (70:30). SiO2 nanoparticles were modified by cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). Wood polymer composites (WPC) were prepared by using polymer mixture, polyethylene‐co‐glycidyl methacrylate (PE‐co‐GMA), wood flour, and modified SiO2. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) studies showed that the intensity of the peaks of polymer mixture decreased due to incorporation of SiO2. The dispersion of SiO2 nanoparticles and morphological characteristics were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The interaction between SiO2 nanoparticles, PE‐co‐GMA, polymer mixture, and wood was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Tensile and flexural properties of the composites improved significantly due to the incorporation of SiO2 nanoparticles. Thermal stability, hardness, flame retardancy, and water resistance capacity were also found to enhance. Maximum improvement in properties was observed by the inclusion of 3 phr modified SiO2 in WPC. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Comparison of melt extrusion and thermokinetic mixing methods in poly(ethylene terephthalate)/montmorillonite nanocomposites
Authors: Özen İlhan , İnceoǧlu Funda , Acatay Kazım , Menceloǧlu Yusuf Ziya 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe scope of this study consists in studying the effects of processing type on thermal stability of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and its nanocomposites prepared with organically modified clays. To achieve this goal, an intercalating agent was synthesized and montmorillonite type of clay modified with this intercalating agent was mixed with the PET by using melt extrusion and high‐shear thermokinetic mixing method. According to the results, manganese in the raw clay—though chemically bound—was found to be responsible for the decreased intrinsic viscosity (IV) values, i.e. decreased molecular weight in PET/organoclay nanocomposites. Besides, it was revealed that working on the thermokinetic mixer provided substantial contributions such as shorter processing times in comparison to the melt extrusion method, elimination of drying step before melt processing, which has been accepted as an inevitable process for PET so far, less thermal degradation because of short processing times, and more homogeneous and better dispersion of the clay particles in PET matrix phase. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Melt flow behavior in capillary extrusion of nanosized calcium carbonate‐filled poly(L‐lactic acid) biocomposites
Authors: Liang Ji‐Zhao , Tang Chak‐Yin , Zhou Lin , Tsui Chi‐Pong , Li Feng‐Jiao 
Published: March 2012

AbstractNanosized calcium carbonate (nano‐CaCO3)‐filled poly‐L‐lactide (PLLA) biocomposites were compounded by using a twin‐screw extruder. The melt flow behavior of the composites, including their entry pressure drop, melt shear flow curves, and melt shear viscosity were measured through a capillary rheometer operated at a temperature range of 170–200°C and shear rates of 50–103 s−1. The entry pressure drop showed a nonlinear increase with increasing shear stress and reached a minimum for the filler weight fraction of 2% owing to the “bearing effect” of the nanometer particles in the polymer matrix melt. The melt shear flow roughly followed the power law, while the effect of temperature on the melt shear viscosity was estimated by using the Arrhenius equation. Hence, adding a small amount of nano‐CaCO3 into the PLLA could improve the melt flow behavior of the composite. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 52:1839–1844, 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Project onward: an innovative e‐health intervention for cancer survivors
Authors: Duffecy Jennifer , Sanford Stacy , Wagner Lynne , Begale Mark , Nawacki Ewa , Mohr David C. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractObjectiveThis study examined the feasibility and acceptability of an Individual Internet Intervention (III) embedded and integrated into an Internet Support Group (ISG) with the ultimate goal of enhancing adherence and learning, compared with an individual internet invention alone.MethodThirty‐one posttreatment cancer survivors were randomized in groups of seven to nine to either the 8‐week III + ISG intervention or the 8‐week III condition. Seventeen participants met the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) criteria for depressive symptoms (HADS ≥ 8).ResultsAmong all participants, the mean number of logins over 8 weeks was 20.8 ± 17.7 logins for the III + ISG compared with 12.5 ± 12.5 in III‐only (p = 0.15). Two participants in the III + ISG dropped out, compared with five in III (p = 0.39). Among the 17 participants with depressive symptoms at baseline, both the Onward and the III‐only condition showed large reductions in the depression scale of HADS (d = 1.27 and 0.89, respectively). Improvement over time and time x treatment effects only reached trend significance levels (ps = 0.07 & 0.12) as this pilot was not powered to detect these differences.ConclusionBoth the III + ISG and III‐only demonstrated pre‐post reductions in depressive symptoms and high rates of utilization compared with other web‐based treatments for depression. Although it is premature to make any determination as to the efficacy of the interventions tested in this feasibility study, these results indicate that pursuing the III + ISG model, as well as standard IIIs, may be fruitful areas of future research. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.