bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of upstaging from PET scan on survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Misono Stephanie , Rue Tessa , Rajendran Joseph , Davis Greg E.
Published: February 2010

Background.

Stage migration occurs when new diagnostic modalities provide additional information, leading to reclassification of disease stage. Our objective was to examine whether stage migration occurs with inclusion of positron emission tomography (PET) scans in staging head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Methods.

In a retrospective cohort study, subjects were identified through university hospital and Veterans Affairs Medical Center cancer registries with incident HNSCC from 2000 to 2003. American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC 6th edition) criteria were used for TNM staging with and without PET scan results. Five‐year survival data were acquired from medical records and the Social Security Death Index.

Results.

Addition of PET changed TNM classification in 13/65 patients (20%) with stage reclassification in 5/65 patients (8%, p = .03). Apparent stage‐specific 5‐year survival was altered, although these changes were not statistically significant.

Conclusions.

Although stage migration was documented by inclusion of PET scan information in this series, stage‐specific survival was not significantly changed. Prospective investigation of this phenomenon is necessary. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
Treatment With the Leukotriene Inhibitor Montelukast for 10 Days Attenuates Portal Hypertension in Rat Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Steib Christian J. , Bilzer Manfred , op den Winkel Mark , Pfeiler Susanne , Hartmann Anna C. , Hennenberg Martin , Göke Burkhard , Gerbes Alexander L.
Published: February 2010

The mechanisms underlying intrahepatic vasoconstriction are not fully elucidated. Here we investigated the Kupffer cell (KC)-dependent increase in portal pressure by way of actions of vasoconstrictive cysteinyl leukotrienes (Cys-LTs). Liver cirrhosis was induced in rats by bile duct ligation (BDL for 4 weeks; controls: sham-operation) and thioacetamide application (18 weeks). Infusion of leukotriene (LT) C4 or LTD4 in isolated perfused livers (20 nM, BDL and sham) demonstrated that LTC4 is a more relevant vasoconstrictor. In BDL animals the Cys-LT1 receptor inhibitor montelukast (1 μM) reduced the maximal portal perfusion pressure following LTC4 or LTD4 infusion. The infusion of LTC4 or D4

in vivo

(15 μg/kg b.w.) confirmed LTC4 as the more relevant vasoconstrictor. Activation of KCs with zymosan (150 μg/mL) in isolated perfused BDL livers increased the portal perfusion pressure markedly, which was attenuated by LT receptor blockade (Ly171883, 20 μM). Cys-LTs in the effluent perfusate increased with KC activation but less with additional blockade of KCs with gadolinium chloride (10 mg/kg body weight, 48 and 24 hours pretreatment). KCs were isolated from normal rat livers and activated with zymosan or lipopolysaccharide at different timepoints. This resulted in an increase in Cys-LT production that was not influenced by preincubation with montelukast (1 μM). Infusion of LTC4 (20 nM) and the thromboxane analog U46619 (0.1 μM) further enhanced portal pressure, indicating additive effects. Treatment with montelukast for 10 days resulted in an impressive reduction in the basal portal pressure and an attenuation of the KC-dependent increase in portal pressure.

Conclusion:

Activation of isolated KCs produced Cys-LTs. Infusion of Cys-LTs increased portal pressure and, vice versa, treatment with montelukast reduced portal pressure in rat liver cirrhosis. Therefore, montelukast may be of therapeutic benefit for patients with portal hypertension. (Hepatology 2010)
Signalling through the RhoGEF Pebble in Drosophila
Authors: Gregory Stephen L. , Lorensuhewa Nirmal , Saint Robert
Published: February 2010

Small GTPase pathways of the Ras superfamily are implicated in a wide range of signalling processes in animal cells. Small GTPases control pathways by acting as molecular switches. They are converted from an inactive GDP‐bound form to an active GTP‐bound form by GTP exchange factors (GEFs). The spatial and temporal regulation of GEFs is a major component of the regulation of small GTPases. Here we review the role of the Drosophila RhoGEF, Pebble (the Drosophila ortholog of mammalian ECT2). We discuss its roles in cytokinesis and cell migration, highlighting the diversity with which Rho family signalling pathways operate in biological systems. © 2010 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 62(4): 290–295, 2010
Manganese exposure alters the expression of N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor subunit mRNAs and proteins in rat striatum
Authors: Xu Bin , Xu Zhao‐Fa , Deng Yu
Published: February 2010

Manganese is one of the ubiquitous environmental pollutants that can induce an indirect excitotoxicity caused by altered glutamate (Glu) metabolism. The present study has been carried out to investigate the effect of Mn on the expression of N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor (NR) subunit mRNAs and proteins in rat striatum when rats were in manganism. The rats were divided randomly into four groups of six males and six females each: control group (group 1) and 8, 40, and 200 μmol/kg Mn‐treated groups (groups 2–4). The control group rats were subcutaneously (s.c.) injected with normal saline. Manganese‐treated rats were s.c. injected with respectively 8, 40, and 200 μmol/kg of MnCl2 · 6H2O in normal saline. The administration of MnCl2 · 6H2O for 4 weeks significantly increased Mn concentration in the striatum. With the increase in administered MnCl2 dosage, Glu concentration and cell apoptosis rate increased significantly. The relative intensity of NR2A mRNA decreased significantly in 8 μmol/kg Mn‐treated rats. However, relative intensities of NR1 and NR2B mRNAs decreased significantly in 40 μmol/kg Mn‐treated rats. Similarly, the relative intensity of NR2A protein showed a significant decrease in 40 μmol/kg Mn‐treated rats whereas those of NR1 and NR2B decreased significantly in 200 μmol/kg Mn‐treated rats. Therefore, the expression of NR2A mRNA and protein were much more sensitive to Mn than that of NR1 and NR2B. In conclusion, the results suggested that Mn induced nerve cell damage by increasing extracellular Glu level and altered expression of NR subunit mRNAs and proteins in rat striatum. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 24:1–9, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20306
A combinatorial approach to transitive extensions of generously unitransitive permutation groups
Authors: Klin M. H. , Mesner D. M. , Woldar A. J.
Published: February 2010

Motivated by symmetric association schemes (which are known to approximate generously unitransitive group actions), we formulate combinatorial approximations to transitive extensions of generously unitransitive permutation groups. Specifically, the notions of compatible and coherent partitions are suggested and investigated in terms of the orbits of an ambient group (H, Ω) on the k‐subsets of Ω, k=2, 3, 4. We apply these ideas to investigate transitive extensions of the automorphism groups of the classical Johnson and Hamming schemes. In the latter case, we further provide algorithmic details and computer‐generated data for the particular series of Hamming schemes H(m, 3), m⩾2. Finally, our approach is compared to the concept of a symmetric association scheme on triples in the sense of Mesner and Bhattacharya. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 18:369–391, 2010
Mutually disjoint designs and new 5‐designs derived from groups and codes
Authors: Araya Makoto , Harada Masaaki , Tonchev Vladimir D. , Wassermann Alfred
Published: February 2010

The article gives constructions of disjoint 5‐designs obtained from permutation groups and extremal self‐dual codes. Several new simple 5‐designs are found with parameters that were left open in the table of 5‐designs given in (G. B. Khosrovshahi and R. Laue, t‐Designs with t⩾3, in “Handbook of Combinatorial Designs”, 2nd edn, C. J. Colbourn and J. H. Dinitz (Editors), Chapman & Hall/CRC, Boca Raton, FL, 2007, pp. 79–101), namely, 5−(v, k, λ) designs with (v, k, λ)=(18, 8, 2m) (m=6, 9), (19, 9, 7m) (m=6, 9), (24, 9, 6m) (m=3, 4, 5), (25, 9, 30), (25, 10, 24m) (m=4, 5), (26, 10, 126), (30, 12, 440), (32, 6, 3m) (m=2, 3, 4), (33, 7, 84), and (36, 12, 45n) for 2⩽n⩽17. These results imply that a simple 5−(v, k, λ) design with (v, k)=(24, 9), (25, 9), (26, 10), (32, 6), or (33, 7) exists for all admissible values of λ. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 18: 305–317, 2010
Reading, study, and discussion of the “great texts” of literature, philosophy, and politics as a complement to contemporary leadership education literature
Authors: Frank Shushok , Moore Scott H.
Published: February 2010

In his article, “Educational Research: The Hardest Science of All,” policy scholar David Berliner (2002) asserts that “no unpoetic description of the human condition can ever be complete” (p. 20). Berliner's words echo the epistemological and methodological climate of late 1970s and early 1980s social science research, a phase often characterized as the “literary turn.” In this historical moment, social science scholars turned to interdisciplinary sources, most notably literary theory and the humanities, for new means of addressing the ineffable, aesthetic aspects of human activity. This work and emphasis remains a prominent, growing genre within several fields, exemplified by widespread recognition of Margaret Wheatley's poetic approach to leadership inquiry and pedagogy (2009), frequent inclusion of aesthetic works in leading research journals (such as Qualitative Inquiry), and recent creation of arts‐ and humanities‐based educational research criteria for submissions to the American Educational Research Association's annual conference and sponsored journals.

No field of inquiry better illustrates the need to understand human activity as “poetic” than leadership, which is perhaps the quintessential marker of social existence. Accordingly, in this symposium we wish to explore how such interdisciplinary approaches, specifically those grounded in the humanities, have manifested in leadership inquiry and pedagogy. It is our hope that this collection of essays will illustrate the breadth and depth of the field of leadership studies, as well as offer our readers new perspectives and inspiration in their own research and practice.
Reconciling self, servant leadership, and learning: The Journey to the East as locus for reflection and transformation
Authors: Meixner Cara
Published: February 2010

In his article, “Educational Research: The Hardest Science of All,” policy scholar David Berliner (2002) asserts that “no unpoetic description of the human condition can ever be complete” (p. 20). Berliner's words echo the epistemological and methodological climate of late 1970s and early 1980s social science research, a phase often characterized as the “literary turn.” In this historical moment, social science scholars turned to interdisciplinary sources, most notably literary theory and the humanities, for new means of addressing the ineffable, aesthetic aspects of human activity. This work and emphasis remains a prominent, growing genre within several fields, exemplified by widespread recognition of Margaret Wheatley's poetic approach to leadership inquiry and pedagogy (2009), frequent inclusion of aesthetic works in leading research journals (such as Qualitative Inquiry), and recent creation of arts‐ and humanities‐based educational research criteria for submissions to the American Educational Research Association's annual conference and sponsored journals.

No field of inquiry better illustrates the need to understand human activity as “poetic” than leadership, which is perhaps the quintessential marker of social existence. Accordingly, in this symposium we wish to explore how such interdisciplinary approaches, specifically those grounded in the humanities, have manifested in leadership inquiry and pedagogy. It is our hope that this collection of essays will illustrate the breadth and depth of the field of leadership studies, as well as offer our readers new perspectives and inspiration in their own research and practice.
Teaching with music: An alternative pedagogy for leadership educators
Authors: Hall John L.
Published: February 2010

In his article, “Educational Research: The Hardest Science of All,” policy scholar David Berliner (2002) asserts that “no unpoetic description of the human condition can ever be complete” (p. 20). Berliner's words echo the epistemological and methodological climate of late 1970s and early 1980s social science research, a phase often characterized as the “literary turn.” In this historical moment, social science scholars turned to interdisciplinary sources, most notably literary theory and the humanities, for new means of addressing the ineffable, aesthetic aspects of human activity. This work and emphasis remains a prominent, growing genre within several fields, exemplified by widespread recognition of Margaret Wheatley's poetic approach to leadership inquiry and pedagogy (2009), frequent inclusion of aesthetic works in leading research journals (such as Qualitative Inquiry), and recent creation of arts‐ and humanities‐based educational research criteria for submissions to the American Educational Research Association's annual conference and sponsored journals.

No field of inquiry better illustrates the need to understand human activity as “poetic” than leadership, which is perhaps the quintessential marker of social existence. Accordingly, in this symposium we wish to explore how such interdisciplinary approaches, specifically those grounded in the humanities, have manifested in leadership inquiry and pedagogy. It is our hope that this collection of essays will illustrate the breadth and depth of the field of leadership studies, as well as offer our readers new perspectives and inspiration in their own research and practice.
Tissue plasminogen activator and plasminogen are critical for osmotic homeostasis by regulating vasopressin secretion
Authors: Imamura Yuhki , Morita Shoko , Nakatani Yoshihiro , Okada Kiyotaka , Ueshima Shigeru , Matsuo Osamu , Miyata Seiji
Published: February 2010

Systemic osmotic homeostasis is regulated mainly by neuroendocrine system of arginine‐vasopressin (AVP) in mammalians. In the present study, we demonstrated that the immunoreactivity of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) was observed specifically at neurosecretory granules of AVP‐positive magnocellular terminals and that of plasminogen was seen at astrocytes in the neurohypophysis (NH). Both tPA and plasminogen knockout (KO) mice revealed higher plasma osmolarity upon water deprivation, a chronic osmotic stimulation, as compared with their wild‐type (WT) animals, indicating abnormal osmotic control in these KO mice. tPA KO mice but not plasminogen ones revealed lower ability in secreting AVP into the blood circulation upon an acute osmotic stimulation. Both tPA and plasminogen KO animals showed lower ability in secreting AVP into the blood circulation upon a chronic osmotic stimulation. The recombinant tPA was able to promote the release of AVP from isolated NH. Chronic osmotic stimulation decreased the laminin expression level of neurohypophysial microvessel in WT mice but not in plasminogen KO ones. We suggest that AVP secretion is critically regulated by tPA‐dependent facilitation of AVP release from terminals and plasminogen‐dependent increase of AVP permeability across microvessels possibly via laminin degradation. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A mutation in the saposin C domain of the sphingolipid activator protein (Prosaposin) gene causes neurodegenerative disease in mice
Authors: Yoneshige Azusa , Suzuki Kinuko , Suzuki Kunihiko , Matsuda Junko
Published: February 2010

Saposins A, B, C, and D are small amphiphatic glycoproteins that are encoded in tandem within a precursor protein (prosaposin, PSAP), and are required for in vivo degradation of sphingolipids. Humans with saposin C deficiency exhibit the clinical presentation of Gaucher‐like disease. We generated two types of saposin C mutant mice, one carrying a homozygous missense mutation (C384S) in the saposin C domain of prosaposin (Sap‐C−/−) and the other carrying the compound heterozygous mutation with a second null Psap allele (Psap−/C384S). During early life stages, both Sap‐C−/− and Psap−/C384S mice grew normally; however, they developed progressive motor and behavioral deficits after 3 months of age and the majority of affected mice could scarcely move by about 15 months. They showed no signs of hepatosplenomegaly throughout their lives. No accumulation of glucosylceramide and glucosylsphingosine was detected in the brain or liver of both Sap‐C−/− and Psap−/C384S mice. Neuropathological analyses revealed patterned loss of cerebellar Purkinje cells, widespread axonal spheroids filled with membrane‐derived concentric or lamellar electron‐dense bodies, and lipofuscin‐like deposition in the neurons. Soap‐bubble‐like inclusion bodies were detected in the trigeminal ganglion cells and the vascular endothelial cells. Compound heterozygous Psap−/C384S mice showed qualitatively identical but faster progression of the neurological phenotypes than Sap‐C−/− mice. These results suggest the in vivo role of saposin C in axonal membrane homeostasis, the disruption of which leads to neurodegeneration in lysosomal storage disease. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ionic mechanisms of action of prion protein fragment PrP(106–126) in rat basal forebrain neurons
Authors: Alier Kwai , Li Zongming , MacTavish David , Westaway David , Jhamandas Jack H.
Published: February 2010

Prion diseases are neurodegenerative disorders that are characterized by the presence of the misfolded prion protein (PrP). Neurotoxicity in these diseases may result from prion‐induced modulation of ion channel function, changes in neuronal excitability, and consequent disruption of cellular homeostasis. We therefore examined PrP effects on a suite of potassium (K+) conductances that govern excitability of basal forebrain neurons. Our study examined the effects of a PrP fragment [PrP(106–126), 50 nM] on rat neurons using the patch clamp technique. In this paradigm, PrP(106–126) peptide, but not the “scrambled” sequence of PrP(106–126), evoked a reduction of whole‐cell outward currents in a voltage range between –30 and +30 mV. Reduction of whole‐cell outward currents was significantly attenuated in Ca2+‐free external media and also in the presence of iberiotoxin, a blocker of calcium‐activated potassium conductance. PrP(106–126) application also evoked a depression of the delayed rectifier (IK) and transient outward (IA) potassium currents. By using single cell RT‐PCR, we identified the presence of two neuronal chemical phenotypes, GABAergic and cholinergic, in cells from which we recorded. Furthermore, cholinergic and GABAergic neurons were shown to express Kv4.2 channels. Our data establish that the central region of PrP, defined by the PrP(106–126) peptide used at nanomolar concentrations, induces a reduction of specific K+ channel conductances in basal forebrain neurons. These findings suggest novel links between PrP signalling partners inferred from genetic experiments, K+ channels, and PrP‐mediated neurotoxicity. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Antiapoptotic and antiautophagic effects of glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor and hepatocyte growth factor after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats
Authors: Shang Jingwei , Deguchi Kentaro , Yamashita Toru , Ohta Yasuyuki , Zhang Hanzhe , Morimoto Nobutoshi , Liu Ning , Zhang Xuemei , Tian Fengfeng , Matsuura Tohru , Funakoshi Hiroshi , Nakamura Toshikazu , Abe Koji
Published: February 2010

Glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) are strong neurotrophic factors, which function as antiapoptotic factors. However, the neuroprotective effect of GDNF and HGF in ameliorating ischemic brain injury via an antiautophagic effect has not been examined. Therefore, we investigated GDNF and HGF for changes of infarct size and antiapoptotic and antiautophagic effects after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) in rats. For the estimation of ischemic brain injury, the infarct size was calculated at 24 hr after tMCAO by HE staining. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP‐biotin in situ nick end labeling (TUNEL) was performed for evaluating the antiapoptotic effect. Western blot analysis of microtubule‐associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) and immunofluorescence analysis of LC3 and phosphorylated mTOR/Ser2448 (p‐mTOR) were performed for evaluating the antiautophagic effect. GDNF and HGF significantly reduced infarct size after cerebral ischemia. The amounts of LC3‐I plus LC3‐II (relative to β‐tubulin) were significantly increased after tMCAO, and GDNF and HGF significantly decreased them. GDNF and HGF significantly increased p‐mTOR‐positive cells. GDNF and HGF significantly decreased the numbers of TUNEL‐, LC3‐, and LC3/TUNEL double‐positive cells. LC3/TUNEL double‐positive cells accounted for about 34.3% of LC3 plus TUNEL‐positive cells. This study suggests that the protective effects of GDNF and HGF were greatly associated with not only the antiapoptotic but also the antiautophagic effects; maybe two types of cell death can occur in the same cell at the same time, and GDNF and HGF are capable of ameliorating these two pathways. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of phosphorus status of the soil on selenium availability
Authors: Eich‐Greatorex Susanne , Krogstad Tore , Sogn Trine A.
Published: February 2010

Due to its importance for human and animal health, low bioavailability of selenium (Se) is of concern in large parts of the world. Among the factors determining Se availability is competition for binding sites by other anions. In order to evaluate the effect of different soil P status on Se availability from fertilizer, adsorption studies were conducted with soils ranging from low to very high available P as measured in ammonium lactate (P‐AL) and addition of Se as either selenate or selenite. Generally selenite, and to some extent also selenate, adsorption decreased with increasing P‐AL status of the soil. However, in a silt loam, the increase in P‐AL from 140 (high) to 210 mg P kg–1 (very high) did not result in a corresponding decrease in Se adsorption. Phosphorus saturation, on the other hand, was found to be lower in the sample that was very high in available P, suggesting that both the total amount of P on binding sites and the amount of plant‐available P influence Se availability. Selenate addition caused an increase in P availability, especially when added together with phosphate to a silt loam with very high P‐AL status.
Two‐beam multiplexed CARS based on a broadband oscillator
Authors: Furusawa Kentaro , Hayazawa Norihiko , Kawata Satoshi
Published: February 2010

A two‐beam multiplexed coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy setup is demonstrated by using a broadband (BB) Ti:sapphire oscillator without using any specialty fibres. A well‐defined spectral structure of the source leads to a delay‐sensitive CARS measurement in two‐colour CARS and also provides an efficient means of obtaining three‐colour CARS signals combined with the dispersion compensation of the BB pulse. Our result implies that the background suppression is limited by the onset of the spurious signals caused by the different CARS process, qualitatively differing from what is typically observed in the CARS microscopy. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microwave‐assisted extraction followed by CE for determination of catechin and epicatechin in green tea
Authors: Li Zhongbo , Huang Danni , Tang Zhuxin , Deng Chunhui
Published: February 2010

In this work, for the first time, microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) followed by CE was developed for the fast analysis of catechin and epicatechin in green tea. In the proposed method, catechin and epicatechin in green tea samples were rapidly extracted by MAE technique, and then analyzed by CE. The MAE conditions and the method's validation were studied. It is found that the extraction time of 1 min with 400 W microwave irradiation is enough to completely extract catechin and epicatechin in green tea sample, whereas the conventional ultrasonic extraction (USE) technique needs long extraction time of 60 min. The method validations were also studied in this work. The calibration curve shows good linearity in 0.01–3 mg/mL for catechin (R2=0.993), and 0.005–3 mg/mL for epicatechin (R2=0.996), respectively. The RSD values for catechin and epicatechin are 0.65 and 2.58%, respectively. This shows that the proposed method has good reproducibility. The proposed method has good recoveries, which are 118% for catechin and 120% for epicatechin. The proposed method was successfully applied to determination of the catechin and epicatechin in different green tea samples. The experiment results have demonstrated that the MAE following CE is a simple, fast and reliable method for the determination of catechin and epicatechin in green tea.
Single‐step extraction followed by LC for determination of (fluoro)quinolone drug residues in muscle, eggs, and milk
Authors: Cho Hee‐Jung , Yi Hee , Cho Soo Min , Lee Dong Goo , Cho Kyul , Abd El‐Aty A. M. , Shim Jae‐Han , Lee Soon‐Ho , Jeong Ji‐Yoon , Shin Ho‐Chul
Published: February 2010

In this study, a simplified method for the extraction and determination of seven fluoroquinolone residues (danofloxacin, difloxacin, enrofloxacin, marbofloxacin, orbifloxacin, ofloxacin, and sarafloxacin) and three quinolones (oxolinic acid, flumequine, and nalidixic acid), in porcine muscle, table eggs, and commercial whole milk, which required no cleanup step, was devised. This procedure involves the extraction of analytes from the samples via liquid‐phase extraction, and the subsequent quantitative determination was accomplished via LC‐fluorescence detection. Analyte separation was successfully conducted on an XBridge‐C18 column, with a linear gradient mobile phase composed of acetonitrile and 0.01 M oxalic acid buffer at pH=3.5. The one‐step liquid‐liquid extraction method evidenced good selectivity, precision (RSDs=0.26–15.07%), and recovery of the extractable analytes, ranging from 61.12 to 115.93% in matrices. The LOQs ranged from 0.3 to 25 μg/kg. A survey of ten samples purchased from local markets was conducted, and none of the samples harbored fluoroquinolone residues. This method is an improvement over existing methodologies, since no additional cleanup was necessary.
Frontal and associative visual areas related to visual hallucinations in dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson's disease with dementia
Authors: Sanchez‐Castaneda Cristina , Rene Ramon , Ramirez‐Ruiz Blanca , Campdelacreu Jaume , Gascon Jordi , Falcon Carles , Calopa Matilde , Jauma Serge , Juncadella Montserrat , Junque Carme
Published: February 2010

Visual Hallucinations (VH) are among the core features of Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB), but are also very frequent in demented patients with Parkinson's Disease (PDD). The purpose of this study was to investigate the pattern of gray matter and cognitive impairment underlying VH in DLB and PDD. We applied voxel‐based morphometry and behavioral assessment to 12 clinically diagnosed DLB patients and 15 PDD patients. Subjects with VH showed greater gray matter loss than non‐hallucinators, specifically in the right inferior frontal gyrus (BA 45) in the DLB patients and in the left orbitofrontal lobe (BA 10) in the PDD patients. Comparing the two subgroups with VH, DLB patients had greater decrease of the bilateral premotor area (BA 6) than PDD patients. Furthermore, decreased volume in associative visual areas, namely left precuneus and inferior frontal lobe, correlated with VH in the DLB but not in PDD patients. VH were related to impaired verbal fluency, inhibitory control of attention and visuoperception in the DLB group and to visual memory in the PDD group. In conclusion, DLB and PDD patients with VH had more frontal gray matter atrophy than non‐hallucinators, the impairment being greater in the DLB group. The patterns of structural and functional correlations were different in both pathologies. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
An early image of hemifacial spasm: Édouard Brissaud contribution
Authors: Colosimo Carlo , Berardelli Alfredo
Published: February 2010

Édouard Brissaud (1852–1909) was a French neuropsychiatrist of the Charcot school who provided in 1893 the first picture of a patient suffering from hemifacial spasm. Brissaud already suggested several possible etiologies for the involuntary movements of his patient, including the possibility of arterial malformations compressing the origin of the facial nerve. We also discuss the role of other early European authors (Schültze, Gowers, Babinski, and Negro) who contributed to the definition of hemifacial spasm in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Prediction of Microporous Aluminophosphate AlPO4‐5 Based on Resampling Using Partial Least Squares and Logistic Discrimination
Authors: Qi Miao , Lu Yinghua , Wang Jianzhong , Kong Jun
Published: February 2010

In this paper, Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression and Logistic Discrimination (LD) are employed to predict the formation of microporous aluminophosphate AlPO4‐5 based on the database of AlPO synthesis, which aims to provide a useful guidance to the rational synthesis of microporous materials as well as other inorganic crystalline materials. To deal with the problem of class imbalance, four guided resampling methods considering not only the between‐class imbalance but also the within‐class imbalance are proposed. Experimental results indicate that the presented methods are competent for predicting the formation of microporous aluminophosphate AlPO4‐5. Specially, compared with some existing resampling methods, our proposed resampling methods exhibit much better predictive results.
6‐Dehydrogingerdione, an active constituent of dietary ginger, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis through reactive oxygen species/c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase pathways in human breast cancer cells
Authors: Hsu Ya‐Ling , Chen Chung‐Yi , Hou Ming‐Feng , Tsai Eing‐Mei , Jong Yuh‐Jyh , Hung Chih‐Hsing , Kuo Po‐Lin
Published: February 2010

This study is the first to investigate the anticancer effect of 6‐dehydrogingerdione (DGE), an active constituent of dietary ginger, in human breast cancer MDA‐MB‐231 and MCF‐7 cells. DGE exhibited effective cell growth inhibition by inducing cancer cells to undergo G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis. Blockade of cell cycle was associated with increased levels of p21, and reduced amounts of cyclin B1, cyclin A, Cdc2 and Cdc25C. DGE also enhanced the levels of inactivated phosphorylated Cdc2 and Cdc25C. DGE triggered the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway indicated by a change in Bax/Bcl‐2 ratios, resulting in caspase‐9 activation. We also found the generation of reactive oxygen species is a critical mediator in DGE‐induced cell growth inhibition. DGE clearly increased the activation of apoptosis signal‐regulating kinase 1 and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), but not extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38. In addition, antioxidants vitamin C and catalase significantly decreased DGE‐mediated JNK activation and apoptosis. Moreover, blocking JNK by specific inhibitors suppressed DGE‐triggered mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Taken together, these findings suggest that a critical role for reactive oxygen species and JNK in DGE‐mediated apoptosis of human breast cancer.
Diffusion tensor imaging of renal ischemia reperfusion injury in an experimental model
Authors: Cheung Jerry S. , Fan Shu Juan , Chow April M. , Zhang Jingbo , Man Kwan , Wu Ed X.
Published: February 2010

Renal ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) is a major cause of acute renal failure. It occurs in various clinical settings such as renal transplantation, shock and vascular surgery. Serum creatinine level has been used as an index for estimating the degree of renal functional loss in renal IRI. However, it only evaluates the global renal function. In this study, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was used to characterize renal IRI in an experimental rat model. Spin‐echo echo‐planar DTI with b‐value of 300 s/mm2 and 6 diffusion gradient directions was performed at 7 T in 8 Sprague‐Dawley (SD) with 60‐min unilateral renal IRI and 8 normal SD rats. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), directional diffusivities and fractional anisotropy (FA) were measured at the acute stage of IRI. The IR‐injured animals were also examined by diffusion‐weighted imaging with 7 b‐values up to 1000 s/mm2 to estimate true diffusion coefficient (Dtrue) and perfusion fraction (Pfraction) using a bi‐compartmental model. ADC of injured renal cortex (1.69 ± 0.24 × 10−3 mm2/s) was significantly lower (p < 0.01) than that of contralateral intact cortex (2.03 ± 0.35 × 10−3 mm2/s). Meanwhile, both ADC and FA of IR‐injured medulla (1.37 ± 0.27 × 10−3 mm2/s and 0.28 ± 0.04, respectively) were significantly less (p < 0.01) than those of contralateral intact medulla (2.01 ± 0.38 × 10−3 mm2/s and 0.36 ± 0.04, respectively). The bi‐compartmental model analysis revealed the decrease in Dtrue and Pfraction in the IR‐injured kidneys. Kidney histology showed widespread cell swelling and erythrocyte congestion in both cortex and medulla, and cell necrosis/apoptosis and cast formation in medulla. These experimental findings demonstrated that DTI can probe both structural and functional information of kidneys following renal IRI. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monitoring of the effect of intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus ablation by MRI
Authors: Saar Galit , Zilberman Yoram , Shinar Hadassah , Keinan‐Adamsky Keren , Pelled Gadi , Gazit Dan , Navon Gil
Published: February 2010

In order to investigate intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration and repair, a quantitative non‐invasive tool is needed. Various MRI methods including qCPMG, which yields dipolar echo relaxation time (TDE), magnetization transfer contrast (MTC), and 1H and 2H double quantum filtered (DQF) MRI were used in the present work to monitor changes in rat IVD after ablation of the nucleus pulposus (NP), serving as a model of severe IVD degeneration. In the intact IVD, a clear distinction between the annulus fibrosus (AF) and the NP is obtained on T2 and TDE weighted images as well as on MTC maps, reflecting the high concentration of ordered collagen fibers in the AF. After ablation of the NP, the distinction between the compartments is lost. T2 and TDE relaxation times are short throughout the disc and MTC is high. 1H and 2H DQF signal, which in intact discs is obtained only for the AF, is now observable throughout the tissue. These results indicate that after ablation, there is an ingression of collagen fibers from the AF into the area that was previously occupied by the NP, as was confirmed by histology. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prediction of the human membrane proteome
Authors: Fagerberg Linn , Jonasson Kalle , von Heijne Gunnar , Uhlén Mathias , Berglund Lisa
Published: February 2010

Membrane proteins are key molecules in the cell, and are important targets for pharmaceutical drugs. Few three‐dimensional structures of membrane proteins have been obtained, which makes computational prediction of membrane proteins crucial for studies of these key molecules. Here, seven membrane protein topology prediction methods based on different underlying algorithms, such as hidden Markov models, neural networks and support vector machines, have been used for analysis of the protein sequences from the 21 416 annotated genes in the human genome. The number of genes coding for a protein with predicted α‐helical transmembrane region(s) ranged from 5508 to 7651, depending on the method used. Based on a majority decision method, we estimate 5539 human genes to code for membrane proteins, corresponding to approximately 26% of the human protein‐coding genes. The largest fraction of these proteins has only one predicted transmembrane region, but there are also many proteins with seven predicted transmembrane regions, including the G‐protein coupled receptors. A visualization tool displaying the topologies suggested by the eight prediction methods, for all predicted membrane proteins, is available on the public Human Protein Atlas portal (www.proteinatlas.org).
Computational modeling of human paraoxonase 1: preparation of protein models, binding studies, and mechanistic insights
Authors: Sanan Toby T. , Muthukrishnan Sivaramakrishnan , Beck Jeremy M. , Tao Peng , Hayes Carrigan J. , Otto Tamara C. , Cerasoli Douglas M. , Lenz David E. , Hadad Christopher M.
Published: February 2010

The enzyme human paraoxonase 1 (huPON1) has demonstrated significant potential for use as a bioscavenger for treatment of exposure to organophosphorus (OP) nerve agents. Herein we report the development of protein models for the human isoform derived from a crystal structure of a chimeric version of the protein (pdb ID: 1V04) and a homology model derived from the related enzyme diisopropylfluorophosphatase (pdb ID: 1XHR). From these structural models, binding modes for OP substrates are predicted, and these poses are found to orient substrates in proximity to residues known to modulate specificity of the enzyme. Predictions are made with regard to the role that residues play in altering substrate binding and turnover, in particular with regard to the stereoselectivity of the enzyme, and the known differences in activity related to a natural polymorphism in the enzyme. Potential mechanisms of action of the protein for catalytic hydrolysis of OP substrates are also evaluated in light of the proposed binding modes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cluster modeling of quasi‐adaptive phases in vitreous germanium selenides
Authors: Shpotyuk Oleh , Golovchak Roman , Boyko Vitaliy , Kozyukhin Sergei
Published: February 2010

The developed cluster modeling approach based on ab‐initio calculations with RHF/6‐311G* basis set testifies absence of intermediate optimally‐constrained phase in binary Gex Se100‐x system within 20 ≤ x < 26 domain. It is shown, that character “outrigger raft” carcass is conserved for all glass compositions within expected reversibility window. Thus, the structure of binary Gex Se100‐x glasses can be described in terms of “chains crossing” model in case of x < 12, mixed “chains crossing” and “outrigger raft” models in case of 12 ≤ x < 20 and modified “outrigger raft” model in case of x ≥ 20. The expected reversibility window in binary Gex Se100‐x glasses is shown to be only quasi‐adaptive phase, based on “outrigger raft” structural motive with two edge‐ and four corner‐sharing tetrahedra interconnected by optimally‐constrained Ge‐Se‐Se‐Ge bridges with extra Se atoms in ring‐like configurations replaced Se‐Se dimers. The results of quantum mechanics modeling are confirmed well by high‐resolution X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements in this system. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Regulation of insulin action by an extract of Artemisia dracunculus L. in primary human skeletal muscle culture: A proteomics approach
Authors: Kheterpal Indu , Coleman Liana , Ku Ginger , Wang Zhong Q. , Ribnicky David , Cefalu William T.
Published: February 2010

An ethanolic extract of Artemisia dracunculus L. (PMI 5011) has been observed to decrease glucose and insulin levels in animal models and enhance cellular signaling in cultured cells. To determine the mechanism of action of PMI‐5011, we have measured changes in protein expression in human primary skeletal muscle culture (HSMC) from subjects with Type 2 diabetes. After obtaining skeletal muscle biopsies, HSMCs were initiated, grown to confluence, and exposed to 10 µg/mL PMI 5011 overnight. Two‐dimensional difference in‐gel electrophoresis was used to separate proteins, and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry was used to identify differentially regulated proteins. Additionally, real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to confirm candidate proteins identified. These data demonstrate that a well characterized botanical extract of Artemisia dracunculus L. significantly modulates proteins involved in regulating inflammatory pathways, particularly the NFκB complex system. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cluster SIMS depth profiling of stereo‐specific PMMA thin films on Si
Authors: Mahoney Christine M.
Published: February 2010

Cluster SIMS, employing an SF5+ polyatomic primary ion sputter source, in conjunction with a Bi3+ analysis source, was utilized to depth profile through poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) thin films (approximately 140 nm) of variable tacticity. The damage characteristics of the stereospecific PMMA films under SF5+ bombardment were measured as a function of temperature in the range of − 75 °C–150 °C. On average, the isotactic PMMA exhibited the least amount of damage accumulation as compared to syndiotactic and atactic PMMA, with increased signal constancy as a function of SF5+ dose and sharper PMMA/Si interface widths in the temperature range of 0 °C–80 °C. These improvements in sputter properties were attributed to steric hindrances along the side‐chain moieties in isotactic PMMA, causing increased strain along the main‐chain backbone, and consequently increasing the likelihood of main‐chain scission. Similar to previous studies, − 75 °C yielded the most ideal depth profiles for all tacticities, exhibiting the least amount of damage accumulation in the form of characteristic signal loss and interfacial broadening. There were also significant improvements in the damage characteristics at higher temperatures as compared to 25 °C. However, other interfacial artifacts started to appear at or near the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the various polymers, indicative of increased interfacial damage at these higher temperatures. Published in 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of current density on the distribution of tungsten tracer in porous anodic alumina films
Authors: Zhou F. , LeClere D. J. , Garcia‐Vergara S. J. , Skeldon P. , Thompson G. E. , Habazaki H.
Published: February 2010

Porous anodic alumina films have been much studied recently due to interest in the application of the self‐ordered porosity in nanotechnological systems. Experimental investigations have identified anodising regimes that generate pores with a relatively high degree of long‐range order. However, the growth mechanism of the films, and its relation to the ordering of pores, is only partially understood. In the present work, the growth processes are studied over a range of current densities for films formed in oxalic acid. The films are formed on sputtering‐deposited substrates containing tungsten nanolayers that provide W6+ tracer species in the films. The distributions of tracer species are observed by scanning and transmission electron microscopes and the amounts of tracer species quantified by Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy. It is shown that the tungsten tracer remains within an inner region of the cells, with a tungsten‐free region being present next to the pore walls during the growth of the anodic films. Further, the thickness of the anodic film relative to that of oxidised metal increases with increasing current density, which is associated with an increase in the efficiency of film formation. This behaviour is consistent with the formation of pores by flow of film material in the barrier layer to the pore wall regions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ablative analysis of black and colored toners using LA‐ICP‐TOF‐MS for the forensic discrimination of photocopy and printer toners
Authors: Szynkowska M. I. , Czerski K. , Paryjczak T. , Parczewski A.
Published: February 2010

Photocopy and printer toners were analyzed using ICP‐TOF‐MS (inductively coupled plasma time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry) with laser ablation (LA). Isotopic analysis of black and colored toners allows identification and discrimination of covering materials from different producers. The results of 201 samples of black toners were analyzed according to the following chemometric methods: cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA). In addition, 23 samples of colored toners were tested. Chemometric manipulation of the elemental mass spectra obtained using the ‘Fingerprinting OptiMass 9500’ program showed an effective system for the rapid comparative analysis of unknown samples. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrograining of aluminium in HCl: effect of the alloy for high‐speed processing lines
Authors: Sánchez S. A. , González‐García J. , Esclapez M. D. , Díez‐García M. I. , Del Río J. F. , Gazapo J. L.
Published: February 2010

Electrograining of aluminium in hydrochloric acid is one of the most commonly used processes for manufacturing printing lithographic plates. Two of the main features to be taken into account are the final morphology of the electrograined surface and the susceptibility of the alloy to be processed or, more specifically, the speed of the processing line. Both issues determine the efficiency of the production in terms of quality and time. In this work, a widely used commercial aluminium alloy (1050) is compared with a new experimental one (1050 modified with Zn) and with a higher strength alloy (namely 1020). In order to analyse their response to a.c. graining in HCl for high‐speed lines, some techniques such as image analysis or interferometry have been used. In general, the alloys doped with Zn and Mg present a better response to litho processing in terms of graining activity and reduction of streakiness when treatment of lower time periods is applied due to their influence as pitting initiators. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Automatic verification of Java programs with dynamic frames
Authors: Smans Jan , Jacobs Bart , Piessens Frank , Schulte Wolfram
Published: February 2010

Framing in the presence of data abstraction is a challenging and important problem in the verification of object-oriented programs Leavens et al. (Formal Aspects Comput (FACS) 19:159–189, 2007). The dynamic frames approach is a promising solution to this problem. However, the approach is formalized in the context of an idealized logical framework. In particular, it is not clear the solution is suitable for use within a program verifier for a Java-like language based on verification condition generation and automated, first-order theorem proving. In this paper, we demonstrate that the dynamic frames approach can be integrated into an automatic verifier based on verification condition generation and automated theorem proving. The approach has been proven sound and has been implemented in a verifier prototype. The prototype has been used to prove correctness of several programming patterns considered challenging in related work.
Taking the “Human” Out of Human Rights
Authors: HARRIS JOHN
Published: February 2010

Human rights are universally acknowledged to be important, although they are, of course, by no means universally respected. This universality has helped to combat racism and sexism and other arbitrary and vicious forms of discrimination. Unfortunately, as we shall see, the universality of human rights is both too universal and not universal enough. It is time to take the “human” out of human rights. Indeed, it is very probable that in the future there will be no more humans as we know them now, because the further evolution of our species, either Darwinian or more likely determined by human choices, will, we must hope, result in the emergence of new sorts of beings better able to cope with the intellectual and physical challenges of the future. One example of the ways in which this is already happening is the sorts of cognitive enhancement that are already coming on stream. Another is signaled by stem cell research and the birth of regenerative medicine.