bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fluoxetine administration modulates the cytoskeletal microtubular system in the rat hippocampus
Authors: Bianchi Massimiliano , Shah Ajit J. , Fone Kevin C.F. , Atkins Alan R. , Dawson Lee A. , Heidbreder Christian A. , Hows Mark E. , Hagan Jim J. , Marsden Charles A. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractA number of studies suggest that stressful conditions can induce structural alterations in the hippocampus and that antidepressant drugs may prevent such deficits. In particular, the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) fluoxetine was more effective in modulating different neuronal plasticity phenomena and related molecules in rat hippocampus. Cytoskeletal microtubule dynamics are fundamental to dendrites and axons remodeling, leading to the hypothesis that fluoxetine may affect the microtubular system. However, despite reports of stress‐induced alterations in microtubule dynamics by different stressors, only few studies investigated the in vivo effects of antidepressants on microtubules in specific rat brain regions. The present study investigated the dose‐related (1, 5, or 10 mg/kg i.p.) effects of acute and chronic (21 days) treatments with fluoxetine on the ratio of hippocampal α‐tubulin isoforms which is thought to reflect microtubule dynamics. Western Blot analysis was used to quantify α‐tubulin isoforms, high‐performance liquid chromatography and fluorescence detection was used to measure ex vivo monoamine metabolism. The results showed that acute fluoxetine increased the stable forms acetylated and detyrosinated α‐tubulin. Conversely, chronic fluoxetine decreased acetylated α‐tubulin, indicative of increased microtubule dynamics. The neuron‐specific Δ2‐Tubulin was increased by chronic fluoxetine indicating neuronal involvement in the observed cytoskeletal changes. Although acute and chronic fluoxetine similarly altered serotonin metabolism by inhibition of serotonin reuptake, this showed no apparent correlation to the cytoskeletal perturbations. Our findings demonstrate that fluoxetine administration modulates microtubule dynamics in rat hippocampus. The cytoskeletal effect exerted by fluoxetine may eventually culminate in promoting events of structural neuronal remodeling. Synapse 63:359–364, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Magnetic quantum dots for multimodal imaging
Authors: Koole Rolf , Mulder Willem J. M. , van Schooneveld Matti M. , Strijkers Gustav J. , Meijerink Andries , Nicolay Klaas 
Published: January 2009

AbstractMultimodal contrast agents based on highly luminescent quantum dots (QDs) combined with magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) or ions form an exciting class of new materials for bioimaging. With two functionalities integrated in a single nanoparticle, a sensitive contrast agent for two very powerful and highly complementary imaging techniques [fluorescence imaging and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)] is obtained. In this review, the state of the art in this rapidly developing field is given. This is done by describing the developments for four different approaches to integrate the fluorescence and magnetic properties in a single nanoparticle. The first type of particles is created by the growth of heterostructures in which a QD is either overgrown with a layer of a magnetic material or linked to a (superpara, or ferro) MNP. The second approach involves doping of paramagnetic ions into QDs. A third option is to use silica or polymer nanoparticles as a matrix for the incorporation of both QDs and MNPs. Finally, it is possible to introduce chelating molecules with paramagnetic ions (e.g., Gd‐DTPA) into the coordination shell of the QDs. All different approaches have resulted in recent breakthroughs and the demonstration of the capability of bioimaging using both functionalities. In addition to giving an overview of the most exciting recent developments, the pros and cons of the four different classes of bimodal contrast agents are discussed, ending with an outlook on the future of this emerging new field Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging
Nanostructured polymer scaffolds for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
Authors: Smith I. O. , Liu X. H. , Smith L. A. , Ma P. X. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThe structural features of tissue engineering scaffolds affect cell response and must be engineered to support cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. The scaffold acts as an interim synthetic extracellular matrix (ECM) that cells interact with prior to forming a new tissue. In this review, bone tissue engineering is used as the primary example for the sake of brevity. We focus on nanofibrous scaffolds and the incorporation of other components including other nanofeatures into the scaffold structure. Since the ECM is comprised in large part of collagen fibers, between 50 and 500 nm in diameter, well‐designed nanofibrous scaffolds mimic this structure. Our group has developed a novel thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) process in which a solution of biodegradable polymer is cast into a porous scaffold, resulting in a nanofibrous pore‐wall structure. These nanoscale fibers have a diameter (50–500 nm) comparable to those collagen fibers found in the ECM. This process can then be combined with a porogen leaching technique, also developed by our group, to engineer an interconnected pore structure that promotes cell migration and tissue ingrowth in three dimensions. To improve upon efforts to incorporate a ceramic component into polymer scaffolds by mixing, our group has also developed a technique where apatite crystals are grown onto biodegradable polymer scaffolds by soaking them in simulated body fluid (SBF). By changing the polymer used, the concentration of ions in the SBF and by varying the treatment time, the size and distribution of these crystals are varied. Work is currently being done to improve the distribution of these crystals throughout three‐dimensional scaffolds and to create nanoscale apatite deposits that better mimic those found in the ECM. In both nanofibrous and composite scaffolds, cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation improved when compared to control scaffolds. Additionally, composite scaffolds showed a decrease in incidence of apoptosis when compared to polymer control in bone tissue engineering. Nanoparticles have been integrated into the nanostructured scaffolds to deliver biologically active molecules such as growth and differentiation factors to regulate cell behavior for optimal tissue regeneration Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.This article is categorized under:

Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanomaterials and Implants
Archaeological analysis of Roman glass excavated from Zadar, Croatia, by a newly developed portable XRF spectrometer for glass
Authors: Tantrakarn K. , Kato N. , Hokura A. , Nakai I. , Fujii Y. , Gluščević S. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractA newly developed portable x‐ray fluorescence spectrometer has been evaluated through the onsite and nondestructive analyses of 109 Roman glass artifacts excavated at a Roman cemetery found in Zadar, Croatia. The spectrometer has been designed for on‐site analysis of archaeological glass objects. The instrument consists of an x‐ray tube with a Pd target operated at up to 40 kV, silicon drift detector (SDD) with a polymer window, and an enlargeable vacuum sampling chamber. With this system, quantitative analysis of the light elements such as Na and Mg that are important components of glass, as well as heavy trace elements, was successfully carried out. The obtained results evidenced the use of Natron as fluxing agent with alkali contents of 14–22 wt% Na2O, 0.5 wt% MgO and 1.2 wt% Al2O3. In addition, it was found that the differences in the use of Mn and/or Sb as decolorizing agent in colorless bell‐shaped flasks collected from 10 different localities along the coast of Croatia comparing with the same type flasks excavated from Zadar. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Safety of supplementing infant formula with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and Bifidobacterium lactis in term infants: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Gibson Robert A. , Barclay Denis , Marshall Helen , Moulin Julie , Maire Jean-Claude , Makrides Maria 
Published: January 2009

Probiotics and long-chain PUFA (LC-PUFA) may be beneficial supplements for infants who are not breast-fed. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the safety of an infant formula containing the LC-PUFA DHA and arachidonic acid (AA) and the probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis by comparing the growth rate of infants fed the supplemented and unsupplemented formulas. One hundred and forty-two healthy, term infants were enrolled in a single-centre, randomised, double-blind, controlled, parallel-group trial, and allocated to receive either standard or probiotic and LC-PUFA-containing experimental formulas. The infants were fed with their assigned formulas for 7 months. The primary outcome (weight gain) and the secondary outcomes (length, head circumference and formula tolerance) were measured throughout the study. LC-PUFA status was assessed at 4 months of age and immune response to childhood vaccines was measured at 7 months of age. There was no significant difference in growth between the two groups. The 90 % CI for the difference in mean weight gain was − 0·08, 3·1 g in the intention-to-treat population and 0·1–3·8 g in the per protocol population, which lay within the predefined boundaries of equivalence, − 3·9–3·9. There were no significant differences in mean length and head circumference. DHA and AA concentrations were higher in infants in the experimental formula group compared with the control formula group. No influence of the supplements on the response to vaccines was observed. Growth characteristics of term infants fed the starter formula containing a probiotic and LC-PUFA were similar to standard formula-fed infants.
Calvin as an Ecumenical Churchman
Authors: McNeill John T. 
Published: January 2009

Many years ago, almost on my first acquaintance with Calvin, I was impressed by a phrase in that last brief letter of his to his old companion in labor and battle, William Farel:Live mindful of our union which, as it has been useful to the Church of God, so its fruits await us in heaven.We may begin here, though it is where Calvin's work ended. His friendships, labors, struggles, and studies had as their aim to be “useful to the Church of God.” It was in Geneva that they had been fellow-laborers, but it is not merely to the Church of Geneva that he thinks their labor to have been useful. It was a contribution to a far wider community, the Church of God, that has no boundaries narrower than the communion of believers, the divine society extending over all the world and throughout all the ages of mankind's history. The Holy Catholic Church was for him a universal reality, however hidden from men's eyes through the prevailing abuses and the proud assumptions of those who claimed to rule and speak for the Church.
Hypobaric pressure exposure effects on cochlear frequency selectivity in fluctuating, low-frequency hearing loss
Authors: Brännström K J , Grenner J 
Published: January 2009

AbstractAim:To study the effects of hypobaric pressure chamber exposure on the cochlear frequency selectivity of subjects with monaural, fluctuating, low-frequency hearing loss, such as occurs in Ménière's disease.Methods:We used a hypobaric pressure chamber to create relative underpressure in the ear canal, in order to impose positive pressure gradients on the inner ear. Psychophysical tuning curves, transiently evoked otoacoustic emissions and speech recognition scores in noise were measured in 10 subjects with fluctuating, low-frequency hearing loss, before and after pressure exposure.Results:After the exposure, subjects’ overall pure tone averages showed no improvement, but individual results showed improved speech recognition scores in noise (six subjects), increased transiently evoked otoacoustic emission strength (three subjects) and increased psychophysical tuning curve steepness (two subjects). Deteriorations were also seen, mainly in psychophysical tuning curves. No association could be established between the different tests, and the measured parameters could not predict subjective improvement.Conclusion:The results suggest variable effects of hypobaric pressure exposure on inner-ear physiology.
Effect of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor on hearing
Authors: Okuyucu S , Guven O E , Akoglu E , Uçar E , Dagli S 
Published: January 2009

AbstractObjective:Following a report of sudden hearing loss in a patient taking phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, and a Food and Drug Administration announcement concerning this class of drugs, a study was planned to investigate if ototoxicity occurs in patients using phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor for erectile dysfunction.Methods:Eighteen patients with erectile dysfunction who had been using phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor were included in the study. Audiometric tests were performed on all patients, between the frequencies 250 and 16 000 Hz, before and 1, 5 and 72 hours after drug ingestion.Results:Four patients showed a unilateral threshold decrease compatible with ototoxicity criteria; this change was reversible. A statistically significant difference in pre- versus post-drug hearing thresholds was observed in the right ear at 10 000 Hz (p = 0.008). There were no statistically significant hearing threshold differences at any other frequencies (p > 0.05).Conclusion:Although temporary ototoxicity was noted in four patients, we could not find any permanent, deleterious effect of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor on hearing thresholds.
Sensitivity and specificity of computed tomography for detection of extranodal spread from metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Souter M A , Allison R S , Clarkson J H , Cowan I A , Coates M H , Wells J E 
Published: January 2009

AbstractAim:To estimate the sensitivity and specificity of computed tomography used for the detection of extranodal spread of metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, by experienced head and neck radiologists.Materials and methods:Participants had undergone a neck dissection for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, together with computed tomography scanning prior to surgery (accessible for reporting). Computed tomography images were independently examined by two experienced head and neck radiologists. Nodal involvement by squamous cell carcinoma and the presence or absence of extranodal spread were recorded. Results were compared to the histological specimen. The sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of using computed tomography for the detection of nodal involvement and presence or absence of extranodal spread were estimated, and 95 per cent confidence intervals were calculated.Results and analysis:The study analysed 149 neck dissections. When using computed tomography to detect the extranodal spread of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, radiologists A and B had sensitivities of 66 and 80 per cent, specificities of 91 and 90 per cent, and positive predictive values of 85 and 87 per cent, respectively.Discussion:The sensitivity and specificity of radiological detection of extranodal spread from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is not well reported in the literature. Accuracy of reporting improves in the hands of experienced head and neck radiologists. This finding has clinical implications for surgical planning and adjuvant therapy requirements.
On Moser’s boundedness problem of dual Billiards
Authors: LI LONG 
Published: January 2009

AbstractIn this paper, the boundedness of the dual billiard orbits of trapezoids is obtained. This gives an example showing that there are also polygons, which are neither rational nor quasi-rational, with all of their dual billiard orbits bounded. Moreover, most of the orbits are Poisson-stable, which means that most points will come sufficiently near to their original positions under iterations of the dual billiard map.
Harmonic functions on ℝ-covered foliations
Authors: FENLEY S. , FERES R. , PARWANI K. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractLet (M,ℱ) be a compact codimension-one foliated manifold whose leaves are endowed with Riemannian metrics, and consider continuous functions on M that are harmonic along the leaves of ℱ. If every such function is constant on leaves, we say that (M,ℱ) has the Liouville property. Our main result is that codimension-one foliated bundles over compact negatively curved manifolds satisfy the Liouville property. A related result for ℝ-covered foliations is also established.
Invariant densities for piecewise linear maps of the unit interval
Authors: GÓRA PAWEŁ 
Published: January 2009

AbstractWe find an explicit formula for the invariant densityhof an arbitrary eventually expanding piecewise linear mapτof an interval [0,1]. We do not assume that the slopes of the branches are the same and we allow arbitrary number of shorter branches touching zero or touching one or hanging in between. The construction involves the matrixSwhich is defined in a way somewhat similar to the definition of the kneading matrix of a continuous piecewise monotonic map. Under some additional assumptions, we prove that if 1 is not an eigenvalue ofS, then the dynamical system (τ,h⋅m) is ergodic with full support.
The contribution of language skills to reading fluency: A comparison of two orthographies for Hebrew
Authors: COHEN-MIMRAN RAVIT 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTThe purpose of the present study was to explore the contribution of phonological and general language skills to reading fluency of pointed and unpointed Hebrew scripts. Reading, language and memory tasks were performed by 48 fifth-grade monolingual native Hebrew speakers. Results showed that the most marked predictor for both pointed and unpointed reading texts was the morphological measure, whereas the phonological awareness measure contributed to neither of them. The semantic and syntactic measures contributed only to unpointed text reading fluency. The discussion highlights how readers in script, such as unpointed Hebrew, rely on general language skills in order to achieve fluent reading.
An Introduction to Survey Research on Chinese Politics
Authors: Manion Melanie 
Published: January 2009

AbstractIn a political environment that remains (at best) officially sceptical about the enterprise, representative surveys on Chinese politics have nevertheless grown substantially in number in the past two decades: political scientists trained and based outside mainland China conducted a mere two such surveys in the 1980s, but the number increased more than tenfold in the 1990s and continues to rise steadily.
The Chinese Urban Caste System in Transition
Authors: Tang Wenfang , Yang Qing 
Published: January 2009

AbstractUsing data from a 2004 national survey, we examine the recent trends in the conditions of migrant workers in China. Our discussion engages the debate in the existing literature between the migrant workers as victims of China's economic growth and as a newly emerging political force with growing bargaining power. The study focuses on three dimensions of migrant workers' status: their socio-economic conditions, relations with rural and urban residents, and conflict resolution behaviour. The findings indicate that while migrant workers continue to occupy more blue-collar and service jobs than urban residents, their economic, social and political status has improved. In some areas, migrant workers show even more political activism than both rural and urban residents. Migrant workers' growing social influence is a positive development in China's political diversification.
Allies of the State: Democratic Support and Regime Support among China's Private Entrepreneurs
Authors: Chen Jie , Dickson Bruce J 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThis article examines the intensity and sources of Chinese private entrepreneurs' support for the current political system. The study presented here is based on data from a representative sample of private entrepreneurs collected from five coastal provinces in late 2006 and early 2007. In general, China's private entrepreneurs tend to support the current party-state and to be in favour of the status quo. Subjective values are far more important than CCP membership and relationship to the state in determining which capitalists are regime supporters. Among all the factors analysed in this study, democratic values, life satisfaction, evaluation of government policy performance and perception of official corruption play the most decisive roles in shaping private entrepreneurs' support for the incumbent regime. Only red capitalists who are former cadres are likely to be reliable supporters of the regime when subjective values are also considered; other ties to the state do not create support for the regime. The degree of regime support also exhibits considerable regional variation. These findings have important implications for the survival of the regime and for the role of private entrepreneurs in a potential political change towards democracy.
Understanding the Falsification of Village Income Statistics
Authors: Tsai Lily L 
Published: January 2009

AbstractDespite the general consensus on problems with official income statistics, quantitative data on the falsification of income statistics have been scarce. This article draws on original survey data from 2001 to provide estimates of the extent and magnitude of income data falsification by village cadres and uses statistical analysis to identify factors that are correlated with the inflation of village income per capita. Evidence from survey data as well as village case studies suggests that village cadres were less likely to inflate village income per capita when they were cadre-entrepreneurs, when they were located in villages with well implemented elections, when they were embedded in village-wide solidary groups such as temples and lineages, when they experienced less direct supervision from township officials, and when they relied less on revenue from village levies.
Training China's Political Elite: The Party School System
Authors: Shambaugh David 
Published: January 2009

AbstractOne of the most important, but under-researched and least well understood, instruments of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is the extensive national network of Party schools (approximately 2,700). They serve as the key institution of mid-career training and indoctrination for all Party cadres, many government cadres, some military officers and selected businessmen. In addition to its training and indoctrination functions, the Party school system (particularly the Central Party School in Beijing) is also an important generator of policy initiatives. Not all Party schools are stalwart institutions, with some being involved in corruption scandals, but on the whole they have come to play an increasingly important role in the CCP's rebuilding efforts in recent years.
Buddhism in Singapore–China Relations: Venerable Hong Choon and His Visits, 1982–1990
Authors: Tat Chia Jack Meng 
Published: January 2009

AbstractVenerable Hong Choon (1907–90) made eight visits to China between 1982 and 1990. During these visits, the Venerable met national and religious leaders, made pilgrimages to sacred Buddhist sites, helped to restore the monasteries associated with his master Venerable Hui Quan, and officiated at religious ceremonies. This study aims to examine the diplomatic significance of Venerable Hong Choon's visits to China. It positions these religious exchanges within the broader context of Singapore–China relations since the reopening of China in the late 1970s, and argues that Buddhism played a role in fostering international relations between the two countries in the period prior to the official establishment of diplomatic ties. In the absence of formal diplomatic channels between Singapore and China, Venerable Hong Choon's religious visits could thus be seen as a form of informal diplomacy with the aim of confidence building.