bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical Study and Direct Determination of Adenosine‐5′‐Monophosphate Coupled to 6‐Thioguanosine and a Glassy Carbon Modified Electrode with Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Mora Laura , Hernández Pedro , Vicente José , Galán Fernando , Hernández Lucas
Published: August 2008

The direct accumulation of 6‐thioguanosine (6‐TG) and its electrochemistry has been studied by cyclic voltammetry in different conditions physical and chemical. In a first moment the surface of electrode was modified with gold nanoparticles. This modification was realized by electrodeposition on the active surface of a glassy carbon electrode with a HAuCl4 solution. The nucleotide 6‐thioguanosine was deposited in this gold nanoparticles monolayer. The study of accumulation of other nucleotide, adenosine 5′‐monophosphate (AMP), was realized by the direct reaction with 6‐TG deposited. The conditions of the reaction and its electrochemical response were tested to fix the ideal conditions of its determination. The ideal conditions of formation of the monolayer and its electrochemical response were studied; the possibility of preconcentration of 6‐TG nucleotide in gold nanoparticles, the possibility of catalysis and limits of identification and quantification were also determined. The method proposed can be applied in direct determination of oligonucleotides. In this respect we applied it in the determination of AMP in a commercial product of infantile nutrition.
Detection of Biomarkers for Liver Fibrosis Using High‐Throughput Electrochemical Microimmunosensor
Authors: Peng Youyuan , Shi Mianhong , Kong Jilie
Published: August 2008

A high‐throughput electrochemical microimmunosensor for the detection of biomarkers for liver fibrosis was developed. The antibodies, hyaluronic acid binding protein (HABP), lamin antibody (a‐LN) and type IV‐collagen antibody (a‐IVC), are immobilized on different electrodes of the microelectrode array by copolymerizing into the partly insulated poly(o‐phenylenediamine) by means of cyclic voltammetry. Electrochemical detection of the corresponding antigen was based on the extent of electrode insulation toward a redox probe (ferrocenemethanol) solubilized in the electrolyte as a result of the formation of the antigen‐antibody complex at the electrode surface. The microimmunosensor exhibits enough sensitivity to detect the three biomarkers at a concentration level down to 3 ng/mL. The microimmunosensor has been applied to real samples, the results agree well with those obtained by radioimmunoassay (RIA). With the possibility of being portable and considering its ease of use, robustness, and simplicity, the microimmunosensor has great potential as a tool for the screening and early detection of liver fibrosis.
Speciation Analysis of Chromium by Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetry in Tap and River Water Samples
Authors: Grabarczyk Malgorzata
Published: August 2008

An adsorptive stripping voltammetric method for speciation analysis of chromium in natural water samples has been developed. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) were used as complexing agents for Cr(III) present in the sample and formed as products of Cr(VI) reduction, respectively. Under optimum experimental conditions linear relations in the range from 1×10−6 to 3×10−5 mol L−1 without accumulation and from 1×10−9 to 1×10−7 at 30 s accumulation time were obtained for Cr(III) and Cr(VI), respectively. For samples in which Cr(III) concentration is higher than 1×10−6 mol L−1 the Cr(III) and Cr(VI) were determined simultaneously in one voltammetric cell. For samples in which Cr(III) concentration is below 1×10−6 mol L−1 only Cr(VI) was selectively determined in the presence of Cr(III), which did not influence the Cr(VI) signal. The determination of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) was successful with the application of the proposed procedure in the presence of common foreign ions. The presented method was applied for the speciation of chromium in spiked tap and river water samples with satisfactory results.
Comparison of Electrochemical and Surface Plasmon Resonance Immunosensor Responses on Single Thin Film
Authors: Kurita Ryoji , Nakamoto Kohei , Ueda Akio , Niwa Osamu
Published: August 2008

This paper reports results obtained when comparing an electrochemical enzyme immunosensor and a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) based immunosensor on the same gold surface installed in an electrochemical SPR flow cell. Simultaneous electrochemical and SPR measurements were performed on a gold surface modified with multilayers of poly‐L‐lysine and poly‐styrenesulfonate assembled with the layer‐by‐layer method. First, we obtained the SPR response induced by the formation of an immunocomplex from the shift in the SPR angle by injecting an anti tumor necrosis factor‐α antibody solution labeled with alkaline phosphatase into the flow cell containing the multilayer modified with tumor necrosis factor‐α. Then we compared this SPR result with that obtained for the electrochemical oxidation current of p‐aminophenol catalyzed by alkaline phosphatase from p‐aminophenolphosphate on the same gold film. We compared the two immunosensor responses obtained using the different measurement principles and found that there was a high correlation efficient of 0.973 between them. This was because we were able to immobilize the immunoreagents with good stability and without losing the transport of the enzyme product in the multilayer whose thickness we easily controlled with nanometer scale accuracy. We also report that the detection limit of our electrochemical immunosensor after optimization was around 100 pg/mL (0.4 pM), which is one of the lowest values yet reported for an electrochemical immunosensor.
Direct Electron Transfer and Electrocatalysis of Hemoglobin on Chitosan‐TiO2 Nanorods‐Glass Carbon Electrode
Authors: Xiao Xiaoling , Lu Wu , Yao Xin
Published: August 2008

The direct electron transfer between hemoglobin (Hb) and the glassy carbon electrode (GC) can be readily achieved via a high biocompatible composite system based on biopolymer chitosan (CHT) and TiO2 nanorods (TiO2‐NRs). TiO2‐NRs greatly promote the electron transfer between Hb and GC, which contribute to the higher redox peaks. UV‐vis spectra result indicated the Hb entrapped in the composite film well keep its native structure. The immobilized Hb remains its bioelectrocatalytical activity to the reduction of H2O2 with a lower detection limit. A novel, sensitive, reproducible and stable electrochemical biosensing platform of H2O2 based on Hb‐TiO2‐CHT electrode is explored.
Die Geschichte der „Exkursionsflora”︁ von Werner Rothmaler
Authors: Jäger Eckehart Johannes , Werner K.
Published: August 2008

Werner Rothmaler hat in der Erarbeitung von Floren eine wesentliche Aufgabe der Pflanzensystematik gesehen. Der im Zweiten Weltkrieg gefasste Plan einer „Flora Europaea”︁, von der die beiden ersten Bände Ende 1944 fertig werden und 1945 erscheinen sollten, konnte nicht realisiert werden. Ein zunächst ganz bescheidenes Vorhaben war die für den Schul‐ und Universitätsunterricht gedachte Exkursionsflora (der DDR), die er nach dem Krieg erarbeitete. Diese Flora erlebte von 1952 bis 1957 sieben Auflagen; 1958 wurde sie auf ganz Deutschland erweitert. Ein Jahr später folgte der Atlasband. Kurz nach Rothmalers Tod (1962) erschien der Kritische Ergänzungsband, für den Rothmaler zahlreiche bekannte Wissenschaftler zur Mitarbeit gewonnen hatte. Konzipiert war damals auch schon der Band 1 (Niedere Pflanzen), aber es dauerte bis zu seinem Erscheinen noch zwei Jahrzehnte. Zusammen mit dem 2007 publizierten Band 5 (Zier‐ und Nutzpflanzen) umfasst das Werk jetzt 4052 Seiten, gestattet die Bestimmung von etwa 12000 Pflanzensippen und ist zur wichtigsten Flora Deutschlands geworden. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Greifswalder vegetationskundliche Arbeiten der „Rothmaler‐Schule”︁ 1954 bis 1992
Authors: Jeschke L.
Published: August 2008

1953 übernahm Werner Rothmaler, zunächst geschäftsführend, die Leitung des Instituts für Agrobiologie der Ernst‐Moritz‐Arndt‐Universität Greifswald und begründete damit in Greifswald eine moderne vegetationskundliche Arbeitsrichtung. Nach dem Ableben von Werner Rothmaler führte Franz Fukarek, der erste Habilitand Werner Rothmalers, die Arbeiten bis 1992 fort. Während dieser Zeit wurden vegetationskundlich Staatsexamens‐ und Diplomarbeiten sowie Dissertationen von folgenden Schülern Rothmalers angefertigt: Bochnig, Erhard: 1957 Dissertation; Holdack, Helga: 1957 Diplom (1959); Jeschke, Lebrecht: 1957 Diplom (1959), 1962 Dissertation (1964); Kloss, Klaus: 1958 Diplom (1960), 1963 Dissertation; Fukarek, Franz: 1961 Habilitation; Voigtländer, Ulrich: 1964 Diplom (1966), 1971 Dissertation A.; Succow, Michael: 1965 Diplom (1967), 1970 Dissertation A, 1981 Dissertation B (1988); Hofemeister, Brigitte: 1966 Diplom; Henker, Heinz: 1972 Dissertation A; Schmidt, Dietrich: 1965 Diplom, 1977 Dissertation A, (1981); Krisch, Haubold: 1972 Dissertation A, 1987 Dissertation B; Slobodda, Siegfried: 1965 Staatsexamen, 1977 Dissertation A, 1989 Dissertation B.

In (Klammern) gesetzte Jahreszahlen beziehen sich auf die Publikation der Arbeit.

Der Inhalt dieser Arbeiten wird kurz charakterisiert, und es wird auf einige, aus heutiger Sicht bemerkenswerte Ergebnisse eingegangen. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Monokotylen in der mitteleozänen Braunkohle des Geiseltales bei Merseburg (Sachsen‐Anhalt) und ihre ökologische Bedeutung
Authors: Kahlert Eberhard , Rüffle Ludwig
Published: August 2008

Aus dem Mitteleozän des Geiseltales werden Epidermen von Dioscoreaceae, Pandanaceae, Liliaceae und zwei fossile Blätter von Alismataceae, Liliaceae und Smilacoideae beschrieben. Ökologische Hinweise auf Trockenheit durch Smilacoideae (Dry Tropic Forest) werden angezeigt. Feuchtes Klima ist nicht nachweisbar. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Neue oder kritische Cotoneaster ‐Arten X (Rosaceae)
Authors: Klotz Gerhard
Published: August 2008

Ausgehend von der Biodiversity‐Situation in der Rosaceaen‐Gattung Cotoneaster Medik. sowie neuen Publikationen zum Cotoneaster ‐Bestand Indiens (Kumar & Panigrahi 1995) und Chinas (Yü & Lu 1974; Lu & Brach 2003) werden auf der Basis des Typmaterials und von neu (seit 1990) aufgesammeltem Herbarmaterial die Cotoneaster ‐Series Acuminati, Adpressi und Alpigeni diskutiert. Die Spaliersträucher mit zweizeilig angeordneten, dünnledrigen Blättern und nickenden Früchten werden aus den Alpigeni gesondert und in der neuen Serie Repentes G.Klotz, ser. nov. zusammengefasst. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A hybrid design: case‐parent triads supplemented by control‐mother dyads
Authors: Vermeulen Sita H. , Shi Min , Weinberg Clarice R. , Umbach David M.
Published: August 2008

Hybrid designs arose from an effort to combine the benefits of family‐based and population‐based study designs. A recently proposed hybrid approach augments case‐parent triads with population‐based control‐parent triads, genotyping everyone except the control offspring. Including parents of controls substantially improves statistical efficiency for testing and estimating both offspring and maternal genetic relative risk parameters relative to using case‐parent triads alone. Moreover, it allows testing of required assumptions. Nevertheless, control fathers can be hard to recruit, whereas control offspring and their mothers may be readily available. Consequently, we propose an alternative hybrid design where offspring‐mother pairs, instead of parents, serve as population‐based controls. We compare the power of our proposed method with several competitors and show that it performs well in various scenarios, though it is slightly less powerful than the hybrid design that uses control parents. We describe approaches for checking whether population stratification will bias inferences that use controls and whether the mating‐symmetry assumption holds. Surprisingly, if mating symmetry is violated, even though mating‐type parameters cannot be directly estimated using control‐mother dyads alone, and maternal effects cannot be estimated using case‐parent triads alone, combining both sources of data allows estimation of all the parameters. This hybrid design can also be used to study environmental influences on disease risk and gene‐by‐environment interactions.Genet. Epidemiol. 2008. Published 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparative study of cytotoxicity, oxidative stress and genotoxicity induced by four typical nanomaterials: the role of particle size, shape and composition
Authors: Yang Hui , Liu Chao , Yang Danfeng , Zhang Huashan , Xi Zhuge
Published: August 2008

Although the biological effects of some nanomaterials have already been assessed, information on toxicity and possible mechanisms of various particle types are insufficient. Moreover, the role of particle properties in the toxic reaction remains to be fully understood. In this paper, we aimed to explore the interrelationship between particle size, shape, chemical composition and toxicological effects of four typical nanomaterials with comparable properties: carbon black (CB), single wall carbon nanotube, silicon dioxide (SiO2) and zinc dioxide (ZnO) nanoparticles. We investigated the cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and oxidative effects of particles on primary mouse embryo fibroblast cells. As observed in the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) and water‐soluble tetrazolium (WST) assays, ZnO induced much greater cytotoxicity than non‐metal nanoparticles. This was significantly in accordance with intracellular oxidative stress levels measured by glutathione depletion, malondialdehyde production, superoxide dismutase inhibition as well as reactive oxygen species generation. The results indicated that oxidative stress may be a key route in inducing the cytotoxicity of nanoparticles. Compared with ZnO nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes were moderately cytotoxic but induced more DNA damage determined by the comet assay. CB and SiO2 seemed to be less effective. The comparative analysis demonstrated that particle composition probably played a primary role in the cytotoxic effects of different nanoparticles. However, the potential genotoxicity might be mostly attributed to particle shape. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Filler particles used in dental biomaterials induce production and release of inflammatory mediators in vitro
Authors: Ansteinsson Vibeke E. , Samuelsen Jan Tore , Dahl Jon E.
Published: August 2008

Although dental composites are in extensive use today, little is known about the biological effects of the filler particles. As composite materials are gradually broken down in the aggressive environment of the oral cavity, the filler particles may leak and induce toxic effects on the surrounding tissue and cells. The aim of this study was to elucidate possible adverse biological effects of commonly used dental filler particles; bariumaluminiumsilica (BaAlSi) and bariumaluminiumfluorosilica (BaAlFSi) with mean size of 1 μm. BEAS‐2B cells were used as a model system. Particle morphology, mean particle size in solution, and particle surface charge were determined by scanning electron microscopy and Malvern zetasizer technology, respectively. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect secretion of cytokine and chemokine (IL‐8 and IL‐6) and quantitative PCR for detection of gene activity. Both types of particle increased the release of IL‐6 and IL‐8 in a dose‐dependent manner. BaAlFSi particles induced a more marked IL‐8 response compared to BaAlSi particles, whereas no significant difference was observed for the IL‐6 response. Mechanistic studies using specific inhibitors and activators indicated that cyclic AMP‐dependent protein kinase A is partly involved in the observed IL‐8 response. In conclusion, we consider dental filler particles to have potential to induce adverse biological response in cell cultures. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Neural differentiation of human embryonic stem cells
Authors: Dhara Sujoy K. , Stice Steven L.
Published: August 2008

Availability of human embryonic stem cells (hESC) has enhanced human neural differentiation research. The derivation of neural progenitor (NP) cells from hESC facilitates the interrogation of human embryonic development through the generation of neuronal subtypes and supporting glial cells. These cells will likely lead to novel drug screening and cell therapy uses. This review will discuss the current status of derivation, maintenance and further differentiation of NP cells with special emphasis on the cellular signaling involved in these processes. The derivation process affects the yield and homogeneity of the NP cells. Then when exposed to the correct environmental signaling cues, NP cells can follow a unique and robust temporal cell differentiation process forming numerous phenotypes. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 633–640, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Context matters: In vivo and in vitro influences on muscle satellite cell activity
Authors: Cornelison D.D.W.
Published: August 2008

Skeletal muscle is formed during development by the progressive specification, proliferation, migration, and fusion of myoblasts to form terminally differentiated, contractile, highly patterned myofibers. Skeletal muscle is repaired or replaced postnatally by a similar process, involving a resident myogenic stem cell population referred to as satellite cells. In both cases, the activity of the myogenic precursor cells in question is regulated by local signals from the environment, frequently involving other, non‐muscle cell types. However, while the majority of studies on muscle development were done in the context of the whole embryo, much of the current work on muscle satellite cells has been done in vitro, or on satellite cell‐derived cell lines. While significant practical reasons for these approaches exist, it is almost certain that important influences from the context of the injured and regenerating muscle are lost, while potential tissue culture artifacts are introduced. This review will briefly address extracellular influences on satellite cells in vivo and in vitro that would be expected to impinge on their activity. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 663–669, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of heavy metals on cultural and morphological growth characteristics of halotolerant Penicillium morphotypes
Authors: Nazareth Sarita , Marbaniang Tabitha
Published: August 2008

Four different morphotypes of halotolerant Penicillium isolated from mangroves and salterns, selected on the basis of their morphological dissimilarities, namely, monoverticillate, biverticillate symmetric, biverticillate asymmetric and terverticillate, were studied for their response to the presence of heavy metals – lead, copper and cadmium salts. Lead was the most easily tolerated of the heavy metals tested, and caused the least variations in cultural and morphological characteristics, while cadmium was the most toxic, causing significant cultural and morphological variations. More striking was the observation that resistance to the heavy metals was highest by the terverticillate Penicillium, decreasing in the biverticillate isolates, the monoverticillate isolate showing the least resistance. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Cloning of glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase from an Antarctic psychrophilic bacterium by inverse and splinkerette PCR
Authors: Too W.C. See , Liew Y.C. , Few L.L.
Published: August 2008

Psychrophiles are organisms that thrive in cold environments. One of the strategies for their cold adaptation is the ability to synthesize cold‐adapted enzymes. These enzymes usually display higher catalytic efficiency and thermolability at lower temperatures compared to their mesophilic and thermophilic counterparts. In this work, a psychrophilic bacterium codenamed π9 was selected for the cloning of the gene encoding glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), an enzyme in the glycolytic pathway. Here, the cloning of an 1113 bp fragment of GAPDH gene which covers the 1002 bp open reading frame by using multiple PCR steps is described. The partial sequence of this gene was PCR amplified by using degenerate primers followed by the cloning of the flanking sequences by inverse and splinkerette PCR techniques. The success in cloning the GAPDH gene by PCR has bypassed the more time consuming genomic library construction and screening method. The full length GAPDH protein was subsequently expressed in E. coli, purified as His‐tag protein and confirmed to be catalytically active. This work demonstrated the use of multiple PCR techniques to clone a gene based solely on sequence comparison. It also laid the foundation for further biochemical and structural characterizations of GAPDH from a psychrophilic bacterium by providing a highly purified recombinant protein sample. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Chromate resistance, transport and bioreduction by Exiguobacterium sp. ZM‐2 isolated from agricultural soil irrigated with tannery effluent
Authors: Alam Mohammad Zubair , Malik Abdul
Published: August 2008

Bacterial strain Exiguobacterium sp. ZM‐2 isolated from agricultural soil irrigated with tannery effluents, was examined for its resistance to hexavalent chromium. Exiguobacterium sp. ZM‐2 could resist 12.37 mM of potassium chromate. The isolate was also found resistant to other heavy metal ions. Exiguobacterium sp. ZM‐2 was able to reduce 500 μM hexavalent chromium completely within 56 h under in vitro conditions. Chromate reduction was severely affected in presence of metabolic inhibitors, sodium cyanide and sodium azide. No chromate reduction was observed in presence of 1 mM sodium cyanide while only 17% of 250 μM chromate was reduced when medium contained 1 mM sodium azide. A 10 mM sodium sulphate inhibited hexavalent chromium reduction up to 35%. On the other hand, use of 1 mM 2, 4‐dinitrophenol, an uncoupling agent, stimulated the chromate reduction, indicating that the respiratory‐chain‐linked electron transport to Cr (VI) was limited by the rate of dissipation of the proton motive force. Cell free extract of Exiguobacterium sp. ZM‐2 readily reduce Cr (VI) to Cr (III). The kinetics of chromate reductase fit well in the linearized Lineweaver‐Burk plot and showed a Km of 106.1 μM Cr (VI) and Vmax of 1.24 μmol/min per mg of protein. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The influence of tempeh fermentation and conventional cooking on anti‐nutrient level and protein bioavailability (in vitro test) of grass‐pea seeds
Authors: Stodolak Bożena , Starzyńska‐Janiszewska Anna
Published: August 2008

BACKGROUND: The solid state fermentation tempeh type is known to result in the decomposition of anti‐nutrients and the improvement of nutritional value of legume seeds. The aim of the research was to study the influence of tempeh fermentation and conventional cooking on (1) levels of 3‐N‐oxalyl‐L‐2,3‐diaminopropionic acid (ODAP), soluble phenols, trypsin inhibitors and inositol phosphates; and (2) the in vitro bioavailability of proteins in grass‐pea seeds.

RESULTS: Tempeh fermentation reduced the level of ODAP, trypsin inhibitors and phytates by 93, 99 and 22%, respectively, and increased protein bioavailability by about 25%. Protein bioavailability from conventionally cooked seeds was higher than from fermented seeds. However, during the in vitro test more soluble protein (approx. 10%) was released from 100 g tempeh product than from cooked seeds.

CONCLUSIONS: Solid state fermentation and cooking resulted in seeds of comparable quality but the tempeh contained much less ODAP, which is very promising in the context of popularising grass pea. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
The nociceptin/orphanin FQ (NOP) receptor antagonist J‐113397 enhances the effects of levodopa in the MPTP‐lesioned nonhuman primate model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Visanji Naomi P. , de Bie Rob M.A. , Johnston Tom H. , McCreary Andrew C. , Brotchie Jonathan M. , Fox Susan H.
Published: August 2008

The anti‐parkinsonian and levodopa‐sparing potential of the nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor (NOP) antagonist J‐113397 has been demonstrated in rodent models of Parkinson's disease. Here, we describe the levodopa‐sparing potential of J‐113397 in MPTP‐lesioned marmosets. Coadministration of J‐113397 (30 mg/kg) with a sub‐therapeutic dose of levodopa (12.5 mg/kg) produced an anti‐parkinsonian action equivalent to that of a therapeutic dose of levodopa. However, these effects were accompanied by an equivalent level of dyskinesia. The actions of NOP antagonists seen in rodents translate to nonhuman primates. However, the present study raises the possibility that these levodopa‐sparing benefits may be offset by a propensity to exacerbate dyskinesia. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Effects of a NR2B selective NMDA glutamate antagonist, CP‐101,606, on dyskinesia and parkinsonism
Authors: Nutt John G. , Gunzler Steven A. , Kirchhoff Trish , Hogarth Penelope , Weaver Jerry L. , Krams Michael , Jamerson Brenda , Menniti Frank S. , Landen Jaren W.
Published: August 2008

Glutamate antagonists decrease dyskinesia and augment the antiparkinsonian effects of levodopa in animal models of Parkinson's disease (PD). In a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial, we investigated the acute effects of placebo and two doses of a NR2B subunit selective NMDA glutamate antagonist, CP‐101,606, on the response to 2‐hour levodopa infusions in 12 PD subjects with motor fluctuations and dyskinesia. Both doses of CP‐101,606 reduced the maximum severity of levodopa‐induced dyskinesia ∼30% but neither dose improved Parkinsonism. CP‐101,606 was associated with a dose‐related dissociation and amnesia. These results support the hypothesis that glutamate antagonists may be useful antidyskinetic agents. However, future studies will have to determine if the benefits of dyskinesia suppression can be achieved without adverse cognitive effects. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
The prodromal phase of sporadic Parkinson's disease: Does it exist and if so how long is it?
Authors: Hawkes Christopher H.
Published: August 2008

It is frequently assumed that idiopathic Parkinson's disease starts with several nonmotor symptoms and signs, but the evidence for this stage in the disease process is of variable quality. This review evaluates the more robust prospective or pathologically confirmed publications to establish whether there is a premotor period and if so what is its duration. The most informative studies are considered to be those concerned with olfaction, dysautonomia, and sleep disorder. Estimates for the duration of the prodromal phase vary from months to decades. It is concluded that there probably is an early phase in the disease where a variety of nonmotor features develop, but the sequence and time of onset of such features is not well established. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Deep brain stimulation and the ethics of protection and caring for the patient with Parkinson's dementia
Authors: Farris Sierra , Ford Paul , DeMarco Joseph , Giroux Monique L
Published: August 2008

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective neurosurgical treatment for patients with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) suffering from motor complications that are refractory to further medication management. DBS requires an invasive procedure of implanting brain electrodes while awake, followed by implantation of neurostimulators under general anesthesia. The neurostimulator requires battery monitoring and replacement approximately every 3 to 5 years. These two elements of the technology provide numerous decision points about continuing therapies that can involve ethical choices. Although motor function can be improved with subthalamic nucleus (STN) DBS, the long‐term risks of living with implanted hardware should be carefully evaluated for patients with diminishing cognitive capacity. We describe two cases where ethical dilemmas occurred postoperatively as a result of cognitive decline and describe salient ethical dimensions that illustrate the need for a proactive postoperative plan for supervision as a prerequisite for surgery to include neuropsychological testing to predict the likelihood of net benefit to the patient and family beyond just motor improvement. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
A neurophysiological study of myoclonus in patients with DYT11 myoclonus‐dystonia syndrome
Authors: Marelli Cecilia , Canafoglia Laura , Zibordi Federica , Ciano Claudia , Visani Elisa , Zorzi Giovanna , Garavaglia Barbara , Barzaghi Chiara , Albanese Alberto , Soliveri Paola , Leone Massimo , Panzica Ferruccio , Scaioli Vidmer , Pincherle Alessandro , Nardocci Nardo , Franceschetti Silvana
Published: August 2008

Mutations in the ϵ‐sarcoglycan (SGCE) gene have been associated with DYT11 myoclonus‐dystonia syndrome (MDS). The aim of this study was to characterize myoclonus in 9 patients with DYT11‐MDS presenting with predominant myoclonus and mild dystonia by means of neurophysiological techniques. Variously severe multifocal myoclonus occurred in all of the patients, and included short (mean 89.1 ± 13.3 milliseconds) electromyographic bursts without any electroencephalographic correlate, sometimes presenting a pseudo‐rhythmic course. Massive jerks could be evoked by sudden stimuli in 5 patients, showing a “startle‐like” muscle spreading and latencies consistent with a brainstem origin. Somatosensory evoked potentials and long‐loop reflexes were normal, as was silent period and long‐term intracortical inhibition evaluated by means of transcranial magnetic stimulation; however, short‐term intracortical inhibition revealed subtle impairment, and event‐related synchronization (ERS) in the beta band was delayed. Blink reflex recovery was strongly enhanced. Myoclonus in DYT11‐MDS seems to be generated at subcortical level, and possibly involves basal ganglia and brainstem circuitries. Cortical impairment may depend from subcortical dysfunction, but it can also have a role in influencing the myoclonic presentation. The wide distribution of the defective SCGE in DYT11‐MDS may justify the involvement of different brain areas. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Mutation analyses in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/parkinsonism–dementia complex of the Kii peninsula, Japan
Authors: Tomiyama Hiroyuki , Kokubo Yasumasa , Sasaki Ryogen , Li Yuanzhe , Imamichi Yoko , Funayama Manabu , Mizuno Yoshikuni , Hattori Nobutaka , Kuzuhara Shigeki
Published: August 2008

To clarify the genetic background of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/parkinsonism–dementia complex (PDC) of the Kii peninsula, Japan (Kii ALS/PDC), we performed extended mutation analyses of three patients with pathologically diagnosed Kii ALS/PDC. Direct sequencing analyses were performed in 19 genes, including ALS/frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD)‐related genes (SOD2, SOD3, ALS2/alsin, SMN1, PGRN, ANG, VEGF, VCP, VAPB, DCTN1, CHMP2B, and TARDBP or TDP‐43), tauopathy‐related gene (GSK3β), and parkinsonism‐related genes (alpha‐synuclein, LRRK2, parkin, DJ‐1, PINK1, and ATP13A2). Gene dosage analyses were conducted in screening of MAPT, alpha‐synuclein, TDP‐43 (or TARDBP), GSK3β, and parkin. We found no mutation in the 19 genes. We found a homozygous nonsynonymous SNP (ALS2/alsin V368M) shared by all the three patients. Gene dosage was normal in MAPT, alpha‐synuclein, TDP‐43, GSK3β, and parkin. The present findings, together with a previous negative study on MAPT and SOD1 mutation, further elucidated the lack of causative mutations in all exons, exon–intron boundaries, or some rearrangements of the reported major causative or susceptible genes related to ALS, FTLD, parkinsonism, synucleinopathy, TDP‐43 proteinopathy, and tauopathy. However, the familial aggregation and lack of any environment factors suggest that Kii ALS/PDC is caused by other yet unidentified genetic factors. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Microstructural abnormalities of striatum and thalamus in children with Tourette syndrome
Authors: Makki Malek I. , Behen Michael , Bhatt Arpi , Wilson Benjamin , Chugani Harry T.
Published: August 2008

We applied diffusion‐tensor MRI (DT‐MRI) to investigate directly the water diffusivity within subcortical gray matter structures comprising the fronto‐striato‐thalamic (FST) circuit, which is implicated in the pathophysiology of Tourette syndrome (TS). We investigated the structural integrity of basal ganglia and thalamus in 23 children with TS and 35 age‐matched healthy controls (NC), and examined the association of DT‐MRI measures to tic severity and comorbid symptoms. We measured parallel (λ1) and perpendicular (λ23) diffusivity, mean diffusivity (MD), and fractional anisotropy (FA) in both hemispheres. Compared with NC, the TS group showed a significant increase in λ1 (P = 0.003) and MD (P = 0.027) in the bilateral putamen, an increase in λ23 in right thalamus (P = 0.008), and a reversed asymmetry of FA (P = 0.03) in the thalamus. There was a significant positive correlation between λ23 in right thalamus and tic severity. TS patients showed significantly lower left caudate volume (P = 0.011) and bilateral thalamic volumes (left, P = 0.035, right P = 0.006) compared with NC. These findings support the notion that microstructural dysfunction measured by DT‐MRI in component regions of the FST circuit contribute to the pathophysiology in TS. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Deep brain stimulation of the ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus in medically refractory orthostatic tremor: Preliminary observations
Authors: Espay Alberto J. , Duker Andrew P. , Chen Robert , Okun Michael S. , Barrett Edwin T. , Devoto Johnna , Zeilman Pamela , Gartner Maureen , Burton Noël , Miranda Helard A. , Mandybur George T. , Zesiewicz Theresa A. , Foote Kelly D. , Revilla Fredy J.
Published: August 2008

Orthostatic tremor (OT) is a disabling movement disorder associated with postural and gait impairment in the elderly. Medical therapy often yields insufficient benefit. We report the clinical and electrophysiological data on two patients with medication‐refractory OT treated with deep brain stimulation of the ventral intermediate thalamic nucleus (Vim DBS). Patient 1 underwent bilateral deep brain stimulation (DBS) and Patient 2 unilateral Vim DBS following 28 and 30 years of disease duration, respectively. Both patients showed increased latency to symptom onset after rising from a seated position, improved tolerance for prolonged standing, and slower crescendo of tremor severity when remaining upright. Postoperative evaluation demonstrated decreased amplitude of electromyographic activity with persistence of well‐defined oscillatory behavior showing strong coherence at 15 Hz between all muscles tested in the upper and lower limbs. Postural sway was unchanged. Clinical benefits have been sustained for over 18 months in Patient 1, and receded after 3 months in Patient 2. These findings support the consideration of bilateral Vim DBS implantation as a therapeutic option in patients with medically refractory OT. Further efficacy studies on chronic stimulation to disrupt the abnormal oscillatory activity in this disorder are warranted. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Case series of painful legs and moving toes: Clinical and electrophysiologic observations
Authors: Alvarez Maria V. , Driver‐Dunckley Erika E. , Caviness John N. , Adler Charles H. , Evidente Virgilio Gerald H.
Published: August 2008

We present a retrospective review of cases of painful legs and moving toes (PLMT) syndrome. Out of 4,780 database patients with movement disorders diagnosed at Mayo Clinic Arizona from 1996 to 2006, we identified 14 cases of PLMT and its variants (6 men, 8 women). Ages ranged from 25 to 84 years (mean, 69 years). Movements were bilateral in 12 and unilateral in 2. Pain preceding the movements was most commonly burning; movements consisted of flexion/extension, abduction/adduction, fanning, or clawing of toes, fingers, and sometimes the foot or hand. The most common predisposing factors were neuropathy and radiculopathy. Surface electromyography showed movements suggestive of both chorea and dystonia. Movements were partially suppressible and were diminished but still apparent during light sleep. GABAergic agents were most effective in controlling the pain and the movements. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Subthalamic nucleus stimulation restores corticospinal facilitation in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Pötter‐Nerger Monika , Ilic Tihomir V. , Siebner Hartwiq R. , Deuschl Günther , Volkmann Jens
Published: August 2008

We have previously shown that in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), high‐frequency stimulation (HFS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) modifies spinal excitability via subcortical reticulospinal routes. To investigate whether STN‐HFS also modifies spinal excitability via transcortical routes in PD, 10 patients with PD (9 men, 1 woman; 58.3 ± 8.3 years) were investigated in the medical OFF‐state with or without STN‐HFS. The H‐reflex of the right soleus muscle was recorded during slight plantar flexion at 20% of maximum force. A conditioning transcranial stimulus was applied at 95% of active motor threshold to the contralateral primary motor leg area (M1) 0–5 ms after eliciting the H‐reflex. The same paradigm was applied to 8 healthy individuals (5 men, 3 women; 50.8 ± 3.0 years). Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) facilitated the H‐reflex amplitude in healthy controls. A facilitatory effect of the corticospinal input on the H‐reflex was also found in patients with PD, but only with STN‐HFS switched on. When STN‐HFS was discontinued, the H‐reflex was no longer facilitated by the TMS pulse. Accordingly, analysis of variance showed a main effect of stimulation (F = 11.15; P = 0.005), ISI (F = 6.1; P = 0.003), and an interaction between stimulation and group (PD vs. control) (F = 8.9; P = 0.01). STN‐HFS restores the normal facilitatory drive of a transcranially evoked motor cortical response to the spinal motoneuron pool. In addition to subcortical routes, STN‐DBS also alters spinal excitability via transcortical pathways. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society.
Early symptoms in spinocerebellar ataxia type 1, 2, 3, and 6
Authors: Globas Christoph , du Montcel Sophie Tezenas , Baliko Laslo , Boesch Syliva , Depondt Chantal , DiDonato Stefano , Durr Alexandra , Filla Alessandro , Klockgether Thomas , Mariotti Caterina , Melegh Bela , Rakowicz Maryla , Ribai Pascale , Rola Rafal , Schmitz‐Hubsch Tanja , Szymanski Sandra , Timmann Dagmar , Van de Warrenburg Bart P. , Bauer Peter , Schols Ludger
Published: August 2008

Onset of genetically determined neurodegenerative diseases is difficult to specify because of their insidious and slowly progressive nature. This is especially true for spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) because of varying affection of many parts of the nervous system and huge variability of symptoms. We investigated early symptoms in 287 patients with SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, or SCA6 and calculated the influence of CAG repeat length on age of onset depending on (1) the definition of disease onset, (2) people defining onset, and (3) duration of symptoms. Gait difficulty was the initial symptom in two‐thirds of patients. Double vision, dysarthria, impaired hand writing, and episodic vertigo preceded ataxia in 4% of patients, respectively. Frequency of other early symptoms did not differ from controls and was regarded unspecific. Data about disease onset varied between patients and relatives for 1 year or more in 44% of cases. Influence of repeat length on age of onset was maximum when onset was defined as beginning of permanent gait disturbance and cases with symptoms for more than 10 years were excluded. Under these conditions, CAG repeat length determined 64% of onset variability in SCA1, 67% in SCA2, 46% in SCA3, and 41% in SCA6 demonstrating substantial influence of nonrepeat factors on disease onset in all SCA subtypes. Identification of these factors is of interest as potential targets for disease modifying compounds. In this respect, recognition of early symptoms that develop before onset of ataxia is mandatory to determine the shift from presymptomatic to affected status in SCA. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Neurological effects of recombinant human erythropoietin in Friedreich's ataxia: A clinical pilot trial
Authors: Boesch Sylvia , Sturm Brigitte , Hering Sascha , Scheiber‐Mojdehkar Barbara , Steinkellner Hannes , Goldenberg Hans , Poewe Werner
Published: August 2008

In a “proof‐of‐concept” study, we demonstrated that recombinant human erythropoietin (rhuEPO) increases frataxin levels in Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) patients. We now report a 6‐month open‐label clinical pilot study of safety and efficacy of rhuEPO treatment in FRDA. Eight adult FRDA patients received 2.000 IU rhuEPO thrice a week subcutaneously. Clinical outcome measures included Ataxia Rating Scales. Frataxin levels and indicators for oxidative stress were assessed. Hematological parameters were monitored biweekly. Scores in Ataxia Rating Scales such as FARS (P = 0.0063) and SARA (P = 0.0045) improved significantly. Frataxin levels increased (P = 0.017) while indicators of oxidative stress such as urine 8‐OHdG (P = 0.012) and peroxide levels decreased (P = 0.028). Increases in hematocrit requiring phlebotomies occurred in 4 of 8 patients. In this explorative open‐label clinical pilot study, we found an evidence for clinical improvement together with a persistent increase of frataxin levels and a reduction of oxidative stress parameters in patients with FRDA receiving chronic treatment with rhuEPO. Safety monitoring with regular blood cell counts and parameters of iron metabolism is a potential limitation of this approach. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Structure elucidation of two new xanthone derivatives from the marine fungus Penicillium sp. (ZZF 32#) from the South China Sea
Authors: Shao Changlun , Wang Changyun , Wei Meiyan , Gu Yucheng , Xia Xuekui , She Zhigang , Lin Yongcheng
Published: August 2008

Two new xanthones, 8‐(methoxycarbonyl)‐1‐hydroxy‐9‐oxo‐9H‐xanthene‐3‐carboxylic acid (1) and dimethyl 8‐methoxy‐9‐oxo‐9H‐xanthene‐1, 6‐dicarboxylate (2) and one known xanthone methyl 8‐hydroxy‐6‐methyl‐9‐oxo‐9H‐xanthene‐1‐carboxylate (3) were isolated from the culture broth of the mangrove fungus Penicillium sp. (ZZF 32#) collected from the South China Sea. Their structures were established by comprehensive analysis of one‐dimensional (1D) and two‐dimensional (2D) NMR data. The structure of compound 3 was confirmed by X‐ray crystallography, which led to the suggestion that janthinone (4) might have the same structure as 3. Compounds 1–3 were inactive against KB or KBv200 cells during cytotoxicity evaluations. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing optic nerve pathology with diffusion MRI: from mouse to human
Authors: Xu Junqian , Sun Shu‐Wei , Naismith Robert T. , Snyder Abraham Z. , Cross Anne H. , Song Sheng‐Kwei
Published: August 2008

The optic nerve is often affected in patients with glaucoma and multiple sclerosis. Conventional MRI can detect nerve damage, but it does not accurately assess the underlying pathologies. Mean diffusivity and diffusion anisotropy indices derived from diffusion tensor imaging have been shown to be sensitive to a variety of central nervous system white matter pathologies. Despite being sensitive, the lack of specificity limits the ability of these measures to differentiate the underlying pathology. Directional (axial and radial) diffusivities, measuring water diffusion parallel and perpendicular to the axonal tracts, have been shown to be specific to axonal and myelin damage in mouse models of optic nerve injury, including retinal ischemia and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. The progression of Wallerian degeneration has also been detected using directional diffusivities after retinal ischemia. However, translating these findings to human optic nerve is technically challenging. The current status of diffusion MRI of human optic nerve, including imaging sequences and protocols, is summarized herein. Despite the lack of a consensus among different groups on the optimal sequence or protocol, increased mean diffusivity and decreased diffusion anisotropy have been observed in injured optic nerve from patients with chronic optic neuritis. From different mouse models of optic nerve injuries to the emerging studies on patients with optic neuritis, directional diffusivities show great potential to be specific biomarkers for axonal and myelin injury. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TK‐AKA: using temporary key on Authentication and Key Agreement protocol on UMTS
Authors: Ou Hsia‐Hung , Lin Iuon‐Chang , Hwang Min‐Shiang , Jan Jinn‐Ke
Published: August 2008

Mobile communication is definitely one of the major high‐technology applications that offer present‐day people a modern life of appropriate convenience. In recent years, the third‐generation cell phone system has approached maturity. The Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) is currently the most widely used system around the world. The Third Generation Partnership Project is equipped with the Authentication and Key Agreement (AKA) protocol to maintain secrecy and security both during the authentication process and during the telecommunication session through UMTS. However, Hung and Li have pointed out that the UMTS‐AKA protocol has three problems, involving bandwidth consumption, space overhead and synchronization of the sequence number, which are yet to be resolved. In addition, they have proposed an extension of the UMTS‐AKA protocol, named the X‐AKA protocol, to overcome these obstacles. Nevertheless, the X‐AKA protocol too appears to have problems of its own. In this article, the weaknesses of X‐AKA are enumerated. In addition, a more practical AKA protocol for UMTS is presented. The new protocol, based on the same framework as its predecessor, proves to be more efficient and practical, satisfying the requirements of modern living. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A dissipation‐based arc‐length method for robust simulation of brittle and ductile failure
Authors: Verhoosel Clemens V. , Remmers Joris J. C. , Gutiérrez Miguel A.
Published: August 2008

A robust method to trace the equilibrium path in non‐linear solid mechanics problems is proposed. A general arc‐length constraint based on the energy release rate is developed. Constraints have been derived for the cases of geometrically linear damage, geometrically linear plasticity and geometrically non‐linear damage. All three constraints can efficiently be applied in a finite element context. Numerical simulations demonstrate that the proposed framework gives robust results for these cases. Applicability of the proposed framework to other types of constitutive and/or kinematic behaviour is predicted. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An efficient and conservative hybrid method for solving multidimensional conservation laws
Authors: Manzini Gianmarco
Published: August 2008

We have developed an efficient hybrid technique for solving nonlinear conservation laws. Previous hybrid techniques have been accurate but lacked the property of conservation, whereas our technique is both accurate and conservative. To achieve this, we superimposed all possible stencils for ENO polynomials and weighted the value from each cells in a way that depends on the numerical solution. Computational efficiency relies on switching from central data where the exact solution is smooth to noncentral data near discontinuities. We prove the theoretical consistency of the technique and discuss the connection with ENO and WENO methods. We introduce time dependency by combining our method with Runge‐Kutta schemes that are TVD preserving. We have verified our technique experimentally by solving a suite of test problems with convex and non‐convex flux functions taken from the literature. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 2009