bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential involvement of reactive oxygen species in apoptosis induced by two classes of selenium compounds in human prostate cancer cells
Authors: Li Guang‐Xun , Hu Hongbo , Jiang Cheng , Schuster Todd , Lü Junxuan
Published: January 2007

Selenium is a promising chemopreventive agent for prostate cancer, possiblyviaan induction of apoptosis. Earlier studies have shown that selenite induces DNA single strand breaks (SSBs), reactive oxygen species (ROS), p53 Ser‐15 phosphorylation and caspase‐dependent and ‐independent apoptosis, whereas a methylselenol precursor methylseleninic acid (MSeA) induces caspase‐mediated apoptosis regardless of p53 status. Here we address three main questions: What types of ROS are induced by selenitevs.MSeA in LNCaP (p53 wild type, androgen‐responsive) and DU145 (mutant p53, androgen‐independent) prostate cancer cells? Does ROS generation depend on androgen signaling? What are the relationships among ROS, DNA SSBs, p53 and caspases? We show that selenite (5 μM) induced superoxide and hydrogen peroxide in LNCaP cells much more than in DU145 cells and the ROS generation was not affected by physiological androgen stimulation. MSeA (10 μM) induced apoptosis without either type of ROS in both cell lines. In LNCaP cells, we established superoxide as a primary mediator for selenite‐induced DNA SSBs, p53 activation and caspase‐mediated apoptosis. Furthermore a p53‐dominant negative mutant attenuated selenite‐induced ROS, leading to a proportionate protection against apoptosis. The results support the p53‐mitochondria axis in a feedback loop for sustaining superoxide production to lead to efficient caspase‐mediated apoptosis by selenite. In contrast, caspase‐mediated apoptosis induced by MSeA does not involve ROS induction. Since p53 is frequently mutated or deleted in prostate cancer and many other cancers, our results suggest that genotoxicvs.nongenotoxic classes of selenium may exert differential apoptosis efficacy depending on the p53 status of the cancer cells. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of disseminated tumor cells in bone marrow at diagnosis in patients with nonmetastatic prostate cancer treated by definitive radiotherapy
Authors: Berg Arne , Berner Aasmund , Lilleby Wolfgang , Bruland Øyvind S. , Fosså Sophie D. , Nesland Jahn M. , Kvalheim Gunnar
Published: January 2007

The purpose of this study was to explore whether detection of disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) in bone marrow (BM) of nonmetastatic prostate cancer (PC) was associated with other clinical or histopathological factors at diagnoses or clinical outcome subsequent to definitive radiotherapy (RT). We evaluated BM aspirates from 272 cT1‐4pN0M0 PC patients by immunocytochemistry employing anticytokeratin antibodies (AE1/AE3). BM‐status was compared with clinical and histopathological parameters. Long‐term clinical outcome was assessed in 131 of the patients who all had completed definitive RT with or without androgen deprivation (AD), initiating treatment >5 years before cut‐off date June 1, 2005. They had at least 1 unfavorable prognostic feature defined as cT3‐4 or Gleason score (GS) ≥ 7B or PSA ≥ 10 μg/l. Overall death, cause‐specific death, distant metastases (DM) as first clinical relapse, local failure as first clinical relapse and biochemical failure were defined as end‐points. DTCs were detected in 18% of the patients and were associated with increasing GS (p = 0.04) and percentage of Gleason pattern 4/5 (p = 0.04). The 7‐year cumulative risk of DM was 21% for BM‐positive patients vs. 6% for BM‐negative patients (p = 0.07). In patients receiving RT without AD (n = 75), the 7‐year cumulative risk of DM for BM‐positive patients was 28% vs. 9% for BM‐negative patients (p = 0.03). BM‐status did not have impact on other end‐points. In conclusion our study shows that presence of DTCs in BM at diagnosis was associated with the histological differentiation of the primary tumor and an increased risk of developing distant metastases after RT. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anti‐apoptotic role of TWIST and its association with Akt pathway in mediating taxol resistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells
Authors: Zhang Xiaomeng , Wang Qi , Ling Ming‐Tat , Wong Yong Chuan , Leung Steve C.L. , Wang Xianghong
Published: January 2007

TWIST, a basic helix‐loop‐helix transcription factor, has been reported to be associated with development and progression of human cancer. Recently, over expression of TWIST is found in cancer patients with shorter survival and poor response to chemotherapy. Previously, we found that upregulation of TWIST was responsible for the development of acquired resistance to taxol in a nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell line, HNE1‐T3 (Wang et al., Oncogene, 2004;24:274). In this study, we investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for the TWIST‐mediated taxol resistance. By comparison of the parental HNE1 and its derivative HNE1‐T3 cell lines, we found that the resistance to taxol in HNE1‐T3 cells was associated with suppression of taxol‐induced apoptosis evidenced by decreased expression of Bak and Bax and increased Bcl‐2, as well as inhibition of PARP and caspase cleavage and DNA ladder formation. However, there was no correlation between taxol sensitivity and alterations on G2/M cell cycle distribution, suggesting that the TWIST‐induced taxol resistance is mediated through protection against apoptosis but not mitotic arrest. Analysis of additional 8 NPC cell lines showed that upregulation of TWIST was associated with resistance to microtubule disrupting agents, especially taxol, and inactivation of TWIST through small RNA interference led to increased sensitivity to taxol‐induced cell death. Subsequent studies also demonstrated that the TWIST‐mediated taxol resistance may be regulated through its positive involvement with the Akt pathway. Our findings suggest an underlying molecular mechanism responsible for the TWIST‐mediated chemodrug resistance and suggest a target for overcoming taxol resistance in cancer cells. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mobile phone use and risk of glioma in 5 North European countries
Authors: Lahkola Anna , Auvinen Anssi , Raitanen Jani , Schoemaker Minouk J. , Christensen Helle C. , Feychting Maria , Johansen Christoffer , Klæboe Lars , Lönn Stefan , Swerdlow Anthony J. , Tynes Tore , Salminen Tiina
Published: January 2007

Public concern has been expressed about the possible adverse health effects of mobile telephones, mainly related to intracranial tumors. We conducted a population‐based case–control study to investigate the relationship between mobile phone use and risk of glioma among 1,522 glioma patients and 3,301 controls. We found no evidence of increased risk of glioma related to regular mobile phone use (odds ratio, OR = 0.78, 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.68, 0.91). No significant association was found across categories with duration of use, years since first use, cumulative number of calls or cumulative hours of use. When the linear trend was examined, the OR for cumulative hours of mobile phone use was 1.006 (1.002, 1.010) per 100 hr, but no such relationship was found for the years of use or the number of calls. We found no increased risks when analogue and digital phones were analyzed separately. For more than 10 years of mobile phone use reported on the side of the head where the tumor was located, an increased OR of borderline statistical significance (OR = 1.39, 95% CI 1.01, 1.92, p trend 0.04) was found, whereas similar use on the opposite side of the head resulted in an OR of 0.98 (95% CI 0.71, 1.37). Although our results overall do not indicate an increased risk of glioma in relation to mobile phone use, the possible risk in the most heavily exposed part of the brain with long‐term use needs to be explored further before firm conclusions can be drawn. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Less aggressive treatment and worse overall survival in cancer patients with diabetes: A large population based analysis
Authors: van de Poll‐Franse Lonneke V. , Houterman Saskia , Janssen‐Heijnen Maryska L.G. , Dercksen Marcus W. , Coebergh Jan Willem W. , Haak Harm R.
Published: January 2007

The purpose of this study was to document the prevalence of diabetes among newly diagnosed cancer patients and to evaluate the influence of diabetes on stage at diagnosis, treatment and overall survival. We performed a population‐based analyses of all 58,498 cancer patients newly diagnosed between 1995 and 2002 in the registration area of the Eindhoven Cancer Registry. Stage of cancer, cancer treatment and comorbidities were actively collected by hospital medical records review. Follow‐up of all patients was completed until January 1, 2005. Nine percent of all cancer patients had diabetes at the time of cancer diagnosis. The prevalence of diabetes was highest among patients with cancer of the pancreas (19%), uterus (14%) and among young men with kidney cancer (8%). Colon, breast and ovarian cancer patients with diabetes were more often diagnosed with a higher tumour stage (p < 0.05). Patients with diabetes and cancer of the oesophagus, colon, breast and ovary were treated less aggressively compared to those without diabetes (p < 0.05). During the follow‐up period 3,902 of 5,555 cancer patients with diabetes died and 29,909 of 52,943 cancer patients without diabetes died. For all cancers combined, in a multivariate cox‐regression model, adjusting for age, gender, stage, treatment and cardiovascular disease, patients with diabetes experienced a significant increase in overall mortality (HR = 1.44, 95% CI 1.40–1.49), ranging however from 0 to 40% for different types of cancer, compared to those without diabetes. In conclusion, diabetic cancer patients frequently were treated less aggressively and had a worse prognosis compared to those without diabetes. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fast and efficient screening system for new biomaterials in tissue engineering: A model for peripheral nerve regeneration
Authors: Bruns Stephanie , Stark Yvonne , Wieland Martin , Stahl Frank , Kasper Cornelia , Scheper Thomas
Published: January 2007

The use of three‐dimensional biodegradable matrices is one major issue in tissue engineering. Numerous materials, fabrication techniques, and modifications have been used and tested in different areas of tissue engineering recently. But nevertheless, technology is far from being optimized and optimal constructs with bioidentical and mechanical properties have not been described in the literature so far. Hence, there is great demand of new suitable biomaterials for tissue engineering applications. In this study, a fast and efficient screening system for initial testing of biomaterials for cell culture application was developed. The set up for the screening system and the decision criteria applied for the determination of suitability of new materials are presented. Hep‐G2 and PC‐12 cells were seeded onto different matrices and cultured over a period of 2 weeks. The viability of the cells was monitored via the MTT assay. Cell spreading was investigated by DAPI‐staining of cell nuclei. Furthermore, the adhesion of the cells on the different matrices was examined by counting the number of attached cells. With these general assays a classification of materials is possible with regard to their suitability. Optimal cell models must be chosen for the defined applications and at least two cell lines are necessary for a differentiating interpretation. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007
In silico determination of intracellular glycosylation and phosphorylation sites in human selectins: Implications for biological function
Authors: Ahmad Ishtiaq , Hoessli Daniel C. , Gupta Ramneek , Walker‐Nasir Evelyne , Rafik Saleem M. , Choudhary M. Iqbal , Shakoori Abdul Rauf , Nasir‐ud‐Din
Published: January 2007

Post‐translational modifications provide the proteins with the possibility to perform functions in addition to those determined by their primary sequence. However, analysis of multifunctional protein structures in the environment of cells and body fluids is made especially difficult by the presence of other interacting proteins. Bioinformatics tools are therefore helpful to predict protein multifunctionality through the identification of serine and threonine residues wherein the hydroxyl group is likely to become modified by phosphorylation or glycosylation. Moreover, serines and threonines where both modifications are likely to occur can also be predicted (YinYang sites), to suggest further functional versatility. Structural modifications of hydroxyl groups of P‐, E‐, and L‐selectins have been predicted and possible functions resulting from such modifications are proposed. Functional changes of the three selectins are based on the assumption that transitory and reversible protein modifications by phosphate and O‐GlcNAc cause specific conformational changes and generate binding sites for other proteins. The computer‐assisted prediction of glycosylation and phosphorylation sites in selectins should be helpful to assess the contribution of dynamic protein modifications in selectin‐mediated inflammatory responses and cell–cell adhesion processes that are difficult to determine experimentally. J. Cell. Biochem. 100: 1558–1572, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regulation of PAI‐1 gene expression during adipogenesis
Authors: Venugopal Joshi , Hanashiro Kazuhiko , Nagamine Yoshikuni
Published: January 2007

Obesity is characterized by elevated levels of circulating plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1), which contribute towards the development of secondary disorders such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular complications. This increase in plasma PAI‐1 levels is attributed to an increase in PAI‐1 derived from adipose tissue. This study shows that adipose tissue evolved into a major PAI‐1 producing organ by gaining capacity during adipocyte differentiation to respond to inducers of PAI‐1 transcription. This is mediated by a decrease in E2F1 protein levels, an increase in pRB levels and a decrease in pRB phosphorylation, all leading to a decrease in levels of free E2F, a known transcriptional repressor of PAI‐1. Depletion of E2F1–3 was sufficient for inducers such as insulin to potently induce PAI‐1 gene expression in pre‐adipocytes. Conversely, forced release of pRB‐bound endogenous E2F using cell‐penetrating peptides can suppress PAI‐1 gene expression in adipocytes. This study describes the novel paradigm of cellular differentiation‐associated increase in PAI‐1 gene expression which is mediated by a decrease in repressor activity, and describes a way of desensitising terminally differentiated cells to PAI‐1 inducing agents by restoring endogenous repressor activity. J. Cell. Biochem. 101: 369–380, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Theoretical study of the electronic spectra of oxidized and reduced states of lumiflavin and its derivative
Authors: Choe Yoong‐Kee , Nagase Shigeru , Nishimoto Kichisuke
Published: January 2007

Time‐dependent density functional theory has been applied to investigate the electronic absorption spectrum of oxidized and reduced lumiflavin and its derivative, 8‐NH2‐lumiflavin. The calculations allow the authors to explain the origin of the difference in spectral features between oxidized and reduced states of lumiflavin. For the reduced lumiflavin, a reasonable assignment of the experimental spectrum has been made for the first time. Furthermore, the results obtained reveal that the NH2 group plays a critical role in shaping the spectral features of 8‐NH2‐lumiflavin, and offer a reasonable explanation for the spectral changes upon substituting the NH2 group for the CH3 group of lumiflavin. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 28: 727–739, 2007
Thermodynamic calculations for molecules with asymmetric internal rotors—application to 1,3‐butadiene
Authors: Wong Bryan M. , Raman Sumathy
Published: January 2007

We present quantum mechanical partition functions, free energies, entropies, and heat capacities of 1,3‐butadiene derived from ab initio calculations. Our technique makes use of a reaction path‐like Hamiltonian to couple all 23 vibrational modes to the large‐amplitude torsion, which involves heavy asymmetric functional groups. Ab initio calculations were performed at the B3LYP, MP2, and CCSD(T) levels of theory and compared with experimental values as a reference case. By using the ab initio potentials and projected frequencies, simple perturbative expressions are presented for computing the couplings of all the vibrational modes to the large‐amplitude torsion. The expressions are particularly suited for programming in the new STAR‐P software platform which automatically parallelizes our codes with distributed memory via a familiar MATLAB interface. Using the efficient parallelization scheme of STAR‐P, we obtain thermodynamic properties of 1,3‐butadiene for temperatures ranging from 50 to 500 K. The free energies, entropies, and heat capacities obtained from our perturbative formulas are compared with conventional approximations and experimental values found in thermodynamic tables. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.J Comput Chem 28: 759–766, 2007
Optimized Monte Carlo sampling in forward–backward semiclassical dynamics
Authors: Kegerreis Jeb , Makri Nancy
Published: January 2007

Forward–backward semiclassical dynamics (FBSD) provides a rigorous and powerful methodology for calculating time correlation functions in condensed phase systems characterized by substantial quantum mechanical effects associated with zero‐point motion, quantum dispersion, or identical particle exchange symmetries. The efficiency of these simulations arises from the use of classical trajectories to capture all dynamical information. However, full quantization of the density operator makes these calculations rather expensive compared to fully classical molecular dynamics simulations. This article discusses the convergence properties of various correlation functions and introduces an optimal Monte Carlo sampling scheme that leads to a significant reduction of statistical error. A simple and efficient procedure for normalizing the FBSD results is also discussed. Illustrative examples on model systems are presented. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 28: 818–824, 2007
The influence of graphite solid additives, MoS2 and PTFE on changes in shear stress values in lubricating greases
Authors: Czarny Ryszard , Paszkowski Maciej
Published: January 2007

The paper deals with the influence of graphite solid additives, bisulphide of molybdenum and polytetrafluoroethylene on changes in shear stress values in lubricating greases. The research was done on lithium and bentonite greases. They were ‘pure’ greases — without any additives — and the compositions of these greases were with different amounts of thickeners. The results of the experiments showed that both the kind of grease and the kind of thickener applied have a significant influence on rheological properties, which result in different grease composites. The research was carried out by means of a rotary rheometer with coaxial cylinders. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aggressiveness and outcome of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) versus microcarcinoma (PMC): A mono‐institutional experience
Authors: Cappelli C. , Castellano M. , Braga M. , Gandossi E. , Pirola I. , De Martino E. , Agosti B. , Rosei E. Agabiti
Published: January 2007

Background

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) represents 70%–75% of well‐differentiated thyroid cancers. Although most reports have shown that papillary thyroid microcarcinomas (PMC) follow an indolent course, a few series have demonstrated that a significant number of them are associated with extrathyroidal extension and nodal or distant metastases.

Methods

Four hundred eighty‐four patients with papillary thyroid cancer (102, PMC; 382, PTC) were enrolled in this study. The median follow‐up was 102 months.

Results

No difference between PTC and PMC patients was observed for age, gender, multifocality, extrathyroidal extension, and lymph nodes metastasis. The prevalence of nodal involvement developing during the follow‐up period was significantly higher in PMC than PTC (58.8% vs. 38.5%, P = 0.002). An unfavorable clinical course occurred in 96 subjects (21.8%). Logistic analysis showed that the strongest association with the worst prognosis was found for age and TNM stage III (P < 0.001). Analysis also confirmed that the presence of intranodular vascularity is a predictor of unfavorable outcome (P = 0.044).

Conclusions

We suggest always performing a total thyroidectomy followed by radiometabolic therapy in papillary carcinomas independent of their size. If the choice in PMCs should be more conservative (hemithyroidectomy), we purpose to limit this procedure to the cancers without Doppler features suggesting intranodular vascular pattern. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;95:555–560. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Estrogen sulfotransferase (SULT1E1) expression in benign and malignant human bone tumors
Authors: Svoboda Martin , Thalhammer Theresia , Aust Sylvia , Arrich Ferdi , Assadian Ojan , Toma Cyril D.
Published: January 2007

Background and Objectives

17β‐estradiol regulates growth and differentiation in normal and malignant bone. E2 is inactivated to 17β‐estradiol‐sulfate through estrogen sulfotransferase (SULT1E1).

Results

In an explorative study, SULT1E1 mRNA expression was assessed in a broad range of samples from benign, primary and secondary malignant bone tumors. We detected SULT1E1 mRNA in 31/50 tumor samples (10/19 malignant, 6/13 benign tumors; 15/18 metastases). Significantly more SULT1E1‐positive samples were found in metastases than in primary bone tumors (P = 0.019). Yet, there was no difference between malignant and benign primary tumors (P = 0.718). SULT1E1 mRNA levels were not related to patients' age, gender, tumor location, stage, grading, and chemotherapy pretreatment. Relative SULT1E1 mRNA levels did not correlate with that of estrogen‐receptor alpha (ERα) as assessed by quantitative TaqMan PCR (10 malignant, 8 benign tissue samples). In the latter, ERα mRNA, but not SULT1E1 mRNA levels were significantly lower than in the malignant samples (P = 0.006 and P = 0.71, respectively). Also, pronounced expression of SULT1E1 mRNA but not of ERα mRNA was observed in osteosarcoma (MG‐63, HOS) and Ewing's sarcoma (TC‐71) cells, while human osteoblasts and BMSC contained ERα but not SULT1E1 mRNA.

Conclusion

Frequent expression of SULT1E1 mRNA in various human bone tumors suggests that sulfonation might be important to control E2 levels and activity. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;95:572–581. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The correlation of extranodal invasion with other prognostic parameters in lymph node positive breast cancer
Authors: Altinyollar Hüseyin , Berberoğlu Uğur , Gülben Kaptan , İrkin Fikret
Published: January 2007

Background

The presence of extranodal invasion (ENI) in the metastatic lymph nodes is reported to increase the risk of locoregional recurrence while shortening disease‐free and overall survival in patients with breast cancer. In this study the relationship between ENI and other prognostic parameters and survival is investigated.

Methods

Of 650 patients with breast cancer who were treated in Ankara Oncology Teaching and Research Hospital from 1996 to 2003, 368 (56.6%) had lymph node metastasis. The patients with axillary metastasis were separated into two groups as with and without invasion to lymph node capsule and the surrounding adipose tissue. Clinicopathologic features were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Of 368 patients with axillary metastasis, 135 (36.7%) had ENI. Based on multivariate analysis; the number of metastatic lymph nodes, lymphatic invasion, and tumor necrosis were found to be related with ENI. In the group with ENI, 5‐year overall survival rate was 74.8%, compared to 82.3% for patients without ENI which was significantly lower (P = 0.04).

Conclusions

In lymph node positive breast cancer with presence of ENI, adverse prognostic parameters are more frequently encountered and has a worse overall survival compared to group without ENI. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;95:567–571. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influences on what consumers know and what they think they know regarding marketer pricing tactics
Authors: Carlson Jay P. , Bearden William O. , Hardesty David M.
Published: January 2007

Although a considerable amount of research has investigated consumer knowledge of individual prices, consumer knowledge of marketer pricing tactics (e.g., partitioned prices, pennies a day) has received only limited attention. In the current research, a model depicting hypothesized antecedents of consumer knowledge (both accurate and self‐perceived) regarding pricing tactics marketers use is proposed and then investigated in two studies. Tests of the model provided support for the hypothesized antecedents of both objective and subjective pricing tactic knowledge and suggested that experience is a key moderator of the objective pricing tactic knowledge–subjective pricing tactic knowledge relationship. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of knowledge types on consumer‐perceived risk and adoption of genetically modified foods
Authors: Klerck Deon , Sweeney Jillian C.
Published: January 2007

Scientists have asserted that genetically modified (GM) food offers financial, environmental, health, and quality benefits to society, but the realization of such benefits depends on consumer acceptance of this new technology. Consumer concerns about GM food raise questions about what consumers know about GM food and to what extent this knowledge translates into their evaluations of GM products. The present research empirically examines the effect of both objective and subjective knowledge on perceived risk and, in turn, key consumer behaviors associated with GM food. The results reveal that objective knowledge about GM food significantly reduces performance and psychological risks, whereas subjective knowledge influences only physical risk, and the valence of that impact depends on the level of the consumer's objective knowledge. Furthermore, different risk types enhance consumers' information search and reduce their propensity to buy GM food. The overall findings thus suggest the need for cooperation among government, scientific institutions, and the food industry to foster effective communication strategies that increase consumers' objective knowledge, reduce their risk perceptions, and encourage consumer adoptions of GM technology. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
How to assess motor impairment in writer's cramp
Authors: Zeuner Kirsten E. , Peller Martin , Knutzen Arne , Holler Iris , Münchau Alexander , Hallett Mark , Deuschl Günther , Siebner Hartwig R.
Published: January 2007

Writer's cramp is a task‐specific hand dystonia affecting handwriting. Clinical scores such as the Arm Dystonia Disability Scale (ADDS) or Writer's Cramp Rating Scale (WCRS) as well as kinematic analysis of handwriting movements have been used to assess functional impairment in affected patients. In 21 patients with writer's cramp and healthy controls, we analyzed the kinematics of writing and cyclic drawing movements. We rated the severity of dystonia using the ADDS and WCRS and correlated the clinical scores with movement kinematics. Mean stroke frequency was significantly reduced in dystonic patients. Drawing movements showed more frequently a decrease in stroke frequency than handwriting movements. During circle drawing, mean vertical peak velocity was more variable in patients relative to controls, indicating an impaired ability to reproduce the same kinematic pattern over time. An increase in vertical writing pressure was only observed during handwriting but not during circle drawing and may reflect a compensatory effort to stabilize the pencil. Kinematic measures and individual ADDS and WCRS scores did not correlate with each other. The lack of correlation is not surprising as ADDS, WCRS, and kinematic analysis probe different aspects of motor impairment. The ADDS characterizes how dystonia affects a set of fine manual tasks, whereas the WCRS scores the manifestation of dystonia during handwriting. Therefore, the clinical scores and kinematic analysis of handwriting provide complementary insights into motor impairment. Future studies need to address which combination of clinical scores and kinematic measures are most appropriate to quantify impairment in writer's cramp. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Effects of unilateral subthalamic and pallidal deep brain stimulation on fine motor functions in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Nakamura Ken , Christine Chadwick W. , Starr Philip A. , Marks William J.
Published: January 2007

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective treatment for selected patients with disabling Parkinson's disease (PD). The two main targets are the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and the globus pallidus internus (GPi), although it has not been established whether stimulation at one target is superior to the other. This prospective randomized study assessed the effects of unilateral DBS of the STN versus GPi on fine motor skills in 33 patients with advanced PD. Stimulation of either the STN (18 subjects) or GPi (15 subjects) in the off medication state significantly improved movement time and dexterity, but had little or no effect on reaction time. Overall, the extent of improvement did not differ between the two targets. The degree of improvement in movement time, but not dexterity, was correlated with the extent of preoperative medication responsiveness. Our findings suggest that DBS of the STN or GPi results in a similar improvement in hand movements at short‐term follow‐up. Preoperative medication responsiveness predicts improvement in some but not other motor tasks. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Proteasome inhibitor model of Parkinson's disease in mice is confounded by neurotoxicity of the ethanol vehicle
Authors: Landau Anne M. , Kouassi Edouard , Siegrist‐Johnstone Rosmarie , Desbarats Julie
Published: January 2007

Defects in the ubiquitin‐proteasome system have been implicated in Parkinson's Disease (PD). Recently, a rat model of PD was developed using a synthetic proteasome inhibitor (PSI), (Z‐lle‐Glu(OtBu)‐Ala‐Leu‐al). We attempted to transfer this model to mouse studies, where genetics can be more readily investigated due to the availability of genetically modified mice. We treated C57BL/6 (B6) mice with six intraperitoneal injections of 6 mg/kg PSI in 50 μl of 70% ethanol over a 2‐week‐period. We found significant decreases in nigrostriatal dopamine in PSI‐treated mice compared with saline‐treated mice. However, we observed similar decreases in the ethanol‐treated vehicle control group. Administration of ethanol alone led to significant long‐term alterations in dopamine levels. Ethanol significantly eclipses the effects of PSI in the dopamine system, and therefore is a confounding vehicle for this model. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Validity of Hamilton depression inventory in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Dissanayaka Nadeeka N.W. , Sellbach Anna , Matheson Sally , Marsh Rodney , Silburn Peter A. , O'Sullivan John D. , Byrne Gerard J. , Mellick George D.
Published: January 2007

Studies investigating the assessment of depression in Parkinson's disease (PD) are limited. We examined the concurrent validity and the internal consistency of the Hamilton Depression Inventory (HDI) and compared it to the Hamilton and Geriatric Depression Scales. PD patients (n = 79) were recruited from neurology clinics. Diagnosis of depressive disorder was made according to DSM‐IV criteria. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to calculate sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values. The HDI exhibited an optimal cutoff for discriminating between depressed and nondepressed PD patients of 13.5/14.0 and is a valid instrument to use in the setting of PD. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Pattern of subclinical pulmonary dysfunctions in Parkinson's disease and the effect of levodopa
Authors: Pal Pramod Kumar , Sathyaprabha Talakad N. , Tuhina Prasad , Thennarasu Kandavel
Published: January 2007

We performed a detailed evaluation of pulmonary function in 53 patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) who did not have symptoms of pulmonary or cardiac dysfunction. There was a significant pulmonary dysfunction of restrictive type which partially responded to levodopa. Compared to men, women were more severely affected. Pulmonary function assessment is recommended in PD, irrespective of severity of disease. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
ELAVL4, PARK10, and the Celts
Authors: Haugarvoll Kristoffer , Toft Mathias , Ross Owen A. , Stone Jeremy T. , Heckman Michael G. , White Linda R. , Lynch Timothy , Gibson John Mark , Wszolek Zbigniew K. , Uitti Ryan J. , Aasly Jan O. , Farrer Matthew J.
Published: January 2007

Genetic variability in ELAVL4 located in the PARK10 locus was recently associated with age‐at‐onset (AAO) in a series of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients originating from the United States. We examined five markers spanning ELAVL4 in Norwegian, United States, and Irish PD case–control samples. No association was found between the examined markers and AAO or PD in Norwegian or US samples. However, ELAVL4 markers (rs967582 and rs3902720) were significantly associated with susceptibility to PD in our Irish series. Our data suggest that the association between ELAVL4 and PD previously observed might be explained by a Celtic‐founder effect. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Apolipoprotein E ε4 allele is associated with Parkinson disease risk in a Mexican Mestizo population
Authors: López Marisol , Guerrero Jorge , Yescas Petra , Boll Marie‐Catherine , Familiar Itziar , Ochoa Adriana , Rasmussen Astrid , Alonso María Elisa
Published: January 2007

We investigated the association between apolipoprotein E (APOE) alleles and genotypes and Parkinson disease (PD) in 229 unrelated Mexican Mestizo PD patients and 229 controls. Results showed that both APOE‐ε4 allele and APOE ε4/ε3 genotype are associated with PD (OR = 1.736, P = 0.011; OR = 1.688, P = 0.019, respectively). Mean age at onset of PD was not associated to any APOE allele or genotype, but was significantly earlier in familial PD when compared to sporadic cases (P = 0.025). © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
G2019S mutation in the leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 gene is not associated with multiple system atrophy
Authors: Ozelius Laurie J. , Foroud Tatiana , May Susanne , Senthil Geetha , Sandroni Paola , Low Phillip A. , Reich Stephen , Colcher Amy , Stern Matthew B. , Ondo William G. , Jankovic Joseph , Huang Neng , Tanner Caroline M. , Novak Peter , Gilman Sid , Marshall Frederick J. , Wooten G. Frederick , Chelimsky Thomas C. , Shults Clifford W. ,   The North American Multiple System Atrophy Study Group
Published: January 2007

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is characterized clinically by Parkinsonism, cerebellar dysfunction, and autonomic impairment. Multiple mutations in the LRRK2 gene are associated with parkinsonian disorders, and the most common one, the G2019S mutation, has been found in ∼1% of sporadic cases of Parkinsonism. In a well‐characterized cohort of 136 subjects with probable MSA and 110 neurologically evaluated control subjects, none carried the G2019S mutation. We conclude that the G2019S mutation in the LRRK2 gene is unlikely to be associated with MSA. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Characteristics of sensory trick‐like manoeuvres in jaw‐opening dystonia
Authors: Schramm Axel , Classen Joseph , Reiners Karlheinz , Naumann Markus
Published: January 2007

We evaluated the effect of different manipulations on the performance of a standardized counting task in 7 patients with idiopathic jaw‐opening dystonia. Patients used a small stick as sensory stimulus. Following conditions were examined: stick placed between teeth and cheek (CHEEK), biting on stick (TEETH), voluntary jaw occlusion without stick (OCCLUSION). Articulation was rated by patients and experimenters and surface electromyographic activity (EMG) was recorded. Patient‐rating (CHEEK ‐ 36.6%, TEETH ‐ 48.1%) and EMG (−18.1%; −17.3%) were significantly improved for conditions using the stick, whereas experimenter‐rating showed a trend for TEETH (−16.2%). Although jaw occlusion during speaking deteriorates articulation in healthy subjects, there was no further deterioration in patients and EMG was even significantly reduced (−18.6%). Comparable results were obtained in 1 patient using a special dental device. We conclude that sensory tricks significantly improve subjective and objective parameters. Besides tactile stimulation, altered proprioceptive feedback and antagonist activation may modulate hyperactive dystonic networks. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Postural responses to continuous unilateral neck muscle vibration in standing patients with cervical dystonia
Authors: Bove Marco , Brichetto Giampaolo , Abbruzzese Giovanni , Marchese Roberta , Schieppati Marco
Published: January 2007

Several observations support the notion that integration of neck proprioceptive input is impaired in cervical dystonia (CD). An example is the inconsistent or opposite to normal effect of lateral neck muscle vibration on body rotation during stepping. We hypothesized that lateral neck vibration produces abnormal responses also in a static task. Normal subjects and patients with CD stood quietly with eyes closed, without or with vibration applied to the sternocleidomastoid muscle, and center of foot pressure and body sway were recorded by a dynamometric platform. Patients had a larger than normal sway under control condition. They showed little or no postural responses to vibration. When body tilt occurred, it was rarely in the frontal plane as in normal subjects, but in the sagittal plane. No relationship existed between vibration‐induced tilt during stance and body rotation during stepping. Therefore, in CD, proprioceptive neck input is less used for the construction of the postural vertical during quiet stance than it is used for the definition of the subjective straight ahead during a dynamic task. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Asymptotic analysis of flow in wavy tubes and simulation of the extrusion process
Authors: Ainser A. , Dupuy D. , Panasenko G. P. , Sirakov I.
Published: January 2007

The paper is devoted to the mathematical modelling of an extrusion process. Usually, an extruder has a very complicated geometry. This generates a lot of difficulties for computations of three‐dimensional flows. In the present paper, we develop and justify the asymptotic domain decomposition strategy in order to parallelize the computational process and reduce the memory. The error estimates are proved for the Stokes steady‐state equation in the two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional cases. Then, the asymptotic domain decomposition procedure is applied for numerical testing and computations of the non‐Newtonian fluid simulating a real process of the polymer extrusion. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Central core disease due to recessive mutations in RYR1 gene: Is it more common than described?
Authors: Kossugue Patrícia M. , Paim Júlia F. , Navarro Monica M. , Silva Helga C. , Pavanello Rita C. M. , Gurgel‐Giannetti Juliana , Zatz Mayana , Vainzof Mariz
Published: January 2007

Central core disease (CCD) is an autosomal‐dominant congenital myopathy, with muscle weakness and malignant hyperthermia (MH) susceptibility. We identified two of nine Brazilian CCD families carrying two mutations in the RYR1 gene. The heterozygous parents were clinically asymptomatic, and patients were mildly affected, differing from the few autosomal‐recessive cases described previously. Recessive inheritance in CCD may therefore be more common than previously appreciated, which has important implications for genetic counseling and MH prevention in affected families. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Material Simulation and Damage Analysis at Thermal Shock Conditions
Authors: Gockel Franz‐Barthold , Mahnken Rolf
Published: January 2007

Thermal shock is an extreme form of thermo‐mechanical loading. This detailed investigation close to reality is necessary in industrial engineering in order to get a good prediction of life expectancy for high quality and safety relevant machine components. This paper addresses on experimental investigations of deformation and damage at thermal shocked cylinders. Additionally the parameters for the Chaboche model are identified on the basis of uniaxial cyclic experiments. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Modelling crack initiation by means of finite fracture mechanics
Authors: Hebel Jochen , Becker Wilfried
Published: January 2007

In this study, a generally applicable hybrid criterion for brittle crack initiation overcoming deficiencies of classical approaches is applied to regular and singular stress concentrations. Possible formulations of the resulting optimisation problem for the failure load are discussed. Examples demonstrate the capability of the model to cover relevant effects as well as a versatile finite element analysis procedure for notch problems. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Evolution of Elastic T‐stresses of Growing Mixed‐Mode Cracks
Authors: M.‐Abbasi Kianoush , Schütte Henning
Published: January 2007

Finite element simulations of growing mixed‐mode central line‐cracks (2‐D case) and internal penny‐shaped cracks (3‐D case) have been performed to address the evolution of the elastic T‐stresses acting at the crack‐tip (the non‐singular stress terms in the stress expansion formula at the crack‐front). (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Formulation of the Material Force Approach for Finite Inelasticity
Authors: Näser Bastian , Kaliske Michael , Müller Ralf , Meiners Christian
Published: January 2007

The material forces represent the thermodynamically driving forces on any kind of inhomogeneity and discontinuity. For comprehensive investigations, the balance of the inverse motion problem has to be formulated and evaluated to separate different portions of the material forces arising from different inhomogeneities and discontinuities. This paper presents a general approach for inelastic material models based on the multiplicative split of the deformation gradient in order to calculate the J ‐integral of an inelastic crack tip. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Numerical modeling of brittle fracture in porous CFC‐materials
Authors: Piat Romana
Published: January 2007

Both energy and stress criteria are necessary conditions for fracture but neither the one nor the other is sufficient. A combination of these criteria is proposed in [1]. This combined criterion is used for numerical simulation of crack propagation by the 4‐point bending test in porous materials. Examples of such materials are carbon‐carbon composites (CFC) [2, 3]. Micrographs of the cross‐sections of these materials are used for FEM modeling of the crack propagation on the basis of the proposed criterion. Results of the numerical modeling are compared with experimental results. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
On the elastic symmetries of growing mixed‐mode cracks
Authors: Schütte Henning , M.‐Abbasi Kianoush
Published: January 2007

Many continuum damage mechanics models for quasi‐brittle materials are based on the reduction of stiffness due to elliptical crack or penny‐shaped microcracks in the material. Because of this a numerical study of growing elliptical cracks in a unit cube is undertaken with the help of an FEM simulation.The propagation of the crack is governed by the principle of maximum driving force [1]. For each propagation step the tensor of elasticity is calculated and its symmetries are analyzed. It will be shown that the elastic symmetry in each step is close to orthotropy and can be approximated by an elliptical crack. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Numerical Prediction of Macroscopic Material Failure
Authors: Stanković Lidija , Mosler Jörn
Published: January 2007

The aim of this contribution is the numerical determination of macroscopic material properties based on constitutive relationships characterising the microscale. A macroscopic failure criterion is computed using a three dimensional finite element formulation. The proposed finite element model implements the Strong Discontinuity Approach (SDA) in order to include the localised, fully nonlinear kinematics associated with the failure on the microscale. This numerical application exploits further the Enhanced–Assumed–Strain (EAS) concept to decompose additively the deformation gradient into a conforming part corresponding to a smooth deformation mapping and an enhanced part reflecting the final failure kinematics of the microscale. This finite element formulation is then used for the modelling of the microscale and for the discretisation of a representative volume element (RVE). The macroscopic material behaviour results from numerical computations of the RVE. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A finite element formulation based on the Cosserat point theory
Authors: Boerner Eiris F. I. , Wriggers Peter
Published: January 2007

The theory of Cosserat points is the basis of a 3D finite element formulation for large deformations in structural mechanics, that recently was presented by [1]. First investigations [2] have revealed, that this formulation is free of showing undesired locking or hourglassing‐phenomena. It additionally shows excellent behaviour for any type of incompressible material, for large deformations and sensitive structures such as plates or shells. The formulation initially was restricted to a Neo‐Hookean material. This work will present the extension to a general elastic Ogden material and the verification of the chosen model. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Analysis of load transfer in thermo–elastic membranes
Authors: Hornig Jörg
Published: January 2007

The flexural stiffness can be negligible in the analysis of extremely thin walled shell structures. Modeling these structures as membranes simplifies the theoretical formulation and reduces the computational effort. However, in case of compressive in–plane loads, the prediction of the load transition behavior by means of the membrane theory may be incorrect, if the wrinkling phenomenon is not taken into account. Therefore wrinkling algorithms were established in the past. Thermal strains influence the occurrence of wrinkling and the state of membrane forces. In order to analyze thermo‐mechanical effects in conjunction with membrane wrinkling, the Roddeman wrinkling theory was modified. For small strains the incorporation of thermal effects into the wrinkling algorithm is straight forward. A method for large strains was developed and elaborated for thermoelastic rubber–like materials. The wrinkling algorithm is easy to implement into existing FE‐programs. Results of numerical analysis are presented. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optimization of Initial Deflection of a Beam‐Column (a Planar Problem)
Authors: Hýča Milan
Published: January 2007

The analysis present here provides formulating optimization conditions, the solution of which provides optimum variation of the initial deflection along the beam‐column eliminating internal bending moment or guaranteeing a prescribed allowable resultant deflection. Thus, a decrease in material consumption or possible increase in loading capacity may be achieved. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A Four‐node Finite Element for Piezoelectric Shell Structures in Convective Co‐ordinates
Authors: Lammering Rolf , Yang Fan
Published: January 2007

In this contribution, an isoparametric piezoelectric shell element is presented which is based on convective coordinates and which allows for the analysis of arbitrary shell geometries. A two‐field variation formulation [1, 2] is used in which the displacements and the electric potentials serve as independent variables. Especially, for thin‐walled structures under certain boundary conditions and load cases, the displacement based element tend to shear and membrane locking. In order to avoid this poor behaviour, the Assumed Natural Strain (ANS) method [3] is introduced into the piezoelectric shell element. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)