bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protective effect of curcumin, a Curcuma longa constituent, in early colonic inflammation in rats
Authors: Sánchez‐Calvo Juan Manuel , Villegas Isabel , Sánchez‐Fidalgo Susana , Camacho‐Barquero Laura , Talero Elena , Motilva Virginia , Alarcón de la Lastra Catalina
Published: July 2009

Curcumin, a polyphenol derived from the plant, Curcuma longa, has a variety of pharmacological effects, including chemotherapeutic, anti‐inflammatory, antiangiogenic, and antioxidant activities. To gain a better understanding of the effects and mechanisms of action of curcumin on the acute injury caused by intra‐colonic administration of acetic acid (AA) in rats, inflammation was assessed by histology and myeloperoxidase activity (MPO; an index of neutrophil infiltration in the mucosa); Th1 and Th2 cytokine production; histological and histochemical analysis of the lesions; nitrite production in colon mucosa; and the expression of iNOS, COX‐1 and ‐2 using Western blotting and inmmunohistochemistry. We also studied the involvement of the p38 MAPK/JNK signalling pathway in the protective effect of curcumin in acute colonic inflammation. Curcumin (50–100 mg/kg/day) reduced the degree of colonic injury, the index of neutrophil infiltration and Th1 cytokine secretion, and increased IL‐10 production, reduced colonic levels of nitrites, and reduced COX‐2 and iNOS overexpression. A reduction in the activation of p38 and JNK MAPKs was also observed. Thus, we show that the widely used food additive, curcumin reduced the development of AA‐induced colitis and alleviated the inflammatory response. Inhibition of MAPK signalling by curcumin could explain the changes on the cytokine Th1/Th2 profile, the reduction of COX‐2 and iNOS signaling, as well as the decreased nitrite production in colonic mucosa, suggesting that curcumin may be useful in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Drug Dev Res, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diabetes mellitus and gastric emptying: questions and issues in clinical practice
Authors: Samsom Melvin , Bharucha Adil , Gerich John E. , Herrmann Kathrin , Limmer Jörg , Linke Rainer , Maggs David , Schirra Jörg , Vella Adrian , Wörle Hans‐Jürgen , Göke Burkhard
Published: July 2009

It is long known that both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can be associated with changes in gastric emptying; a number of publications have linked diabetes to delayed gastric emptying of variable severity and often with poor relationship to gastrointestinal symptomatology. In contrast, more recent studies have reported accelerated gastric emptying when adjusted for glucose concentration in patients with diabetes, indicating a reciprocal relationship between gastric emptying and ambient glucose concentrations. This review proposes that gastroparesis or gastroparesis diabeticorum, a severe condition characterized by a significant impairment of gastric emptying accompanied by severe nausea, vomiting, and malnutrition, is often overdiagnosed and not well contrasted with delays in gastric emptying. The article offers a clinically relevant definition of gastroparesis that should help differentiate this rare condition from (often asymptomatic) delays in gastric emptying. The fact that delayed gastric emptying can also be observed in non‐diabetic individuals under experimental conditions in which hyperglycaemia is artificially induced suggests that a delay in gastric emptying rate when blood glucose concentrations are high is actually an appropriate physiological response to hyperglycaemia, slowing further increases in blood glucose.

The article discusses the strengths and weaknesses of various methodologies for assessing gastric emptying, especially with respect to the diabetes population, and reviews newer diabetes therapies that decelerate the rate of gastric emptying. These therapies may be a beneficial tool in managing postprandial hyperglycaemia because they attenuate rapid surges in glucose concentrations by slowing the delivery of meal‐derived glucose. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diversification of the expression patterns and developmental functions of the dishevelled gene family during chordate evolution
Authors: Gray Ryan S. , Bayly Roy D. , Green Stephen A. , Agarwala Seema , Lowe Christopher J. , Wallingford John B.
Published: July 2009

Dishevelled (Dvl) proteins are key transducers of Wnt signaling encoded by members of a multi‐gene family in vertebrates. We report here the divergent, tissue‐specific expression patterns for all three Dvl genes in Xenopus embryos, which contrast dramatically with their expression patterns in mice. Moreover, we find that the expression patterns of Dvl genes in the chick diverge significantly from those of Xenopus. In addition, in hemichordates, an outgroup to chordates, we find that the one Dvl gene is dynamically expressed in a tissue‐specific manner. Using knockdowns, we find that Dvl1 and Dvl2 are required for early neural crest specification and for somite segmentation in Xenopus. Most strikingly, we report a novel role for Dvl3 in the maintenance of gene expression in muscle and in the development of the Xenopus sclerotome. These data demonstrate that the expression patterns and developmental functions of specific Dvl genes have diverged significantly during chordate evolution. Developmental Dynamics 238:2044–2057, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Emx3 is required for the differentiation of dorsal telencephalic neurons
Authors: Viktorin Gudrun , Chiuchitu Christina , Rissler Michael , Varga Zoltán M. , Westerfield Monte
Published: July 2009

emx3 is first expressed in prospective telencephalic cells at the anterior border of the zebrafish neural plate. Knockdown of Emx3 function by morpholino reduces the expression of markers specific to dorsal telencephalon, and impairs axon tract formation. Rescue of both early and late markers requires low‐level expression of emx3 at the one‐ or two‐somite stage. Higher emx3 expression levels cause dorsal telencephalic markers to expand ventrally, which points to a possible role of emx3 in specifying dorsal telencephalon and a potential new function for Wnt/beta‐catenin pathway activation. In contrast to mice, where Emx2 plays a major role in dorsal telencephalic development, knockdown of zebrafish Emx2 apparently does not affect telencephalic development. Similarly, Emx1 knockdown has little effect. Previously, emx3 was thought to be fish‐specific. However, we found all three emx orthologs in Xenopus tropicalis and opossum (Monodelphis domestica) genomes, indicating that emx3 was present in an ancestral tetrapod genome. Developmental Dynamics 238:1984–1998, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of Rex1 (zfp42) function in embryonic stem cell differentiation
Authors: Scotland Kymora B. , Chen Siming , Sylvester Renia , Gudas Lorraine J.
Published: July 2009

Rex1 (zfp42) is a zinc finger protein expressed primarily in undifferentiated stem cells, both in the embryo and the adult. Upon all‐trans retinoic acid induced differentiation of murine embryonic stem (ES) cells, Rex1 mRNA levels decrease several fold. To characterize the function(s) of Rex1 more extensively, we generated Rex1 double knockout ES cell lines. The disruption of the Rex1 gene enhanced the expression of ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm markers as compared to wild‐type (Wt) cells. We propose that Rex1 acts to reduce retinoic acid induced differentiation in ES cells. We performed microarray analyses on Wt and Rex1−/− cells cultured in the presence or absence of LIF to identify potential Rex1 targets. We also evaluated gene expression in a Wt line that overexpresses Rex1 and in a Rex1−/− line in which Rex1 expression was restored. These data, taken together, suggest that Rex1 influences differentiation, cell cycle regulation, and cancer progression. Developmental Dynamics 238:1863–1877, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Frequency of binge eating episodes in bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder: Diagnostic considerations
Authors: Wilson G. Terence , Sysko Robyn
Published: July 2009

Objective:

In DSM‐IV, to be diagnosed with Bulimia Nervosa (BN) or the provisional diagnosis of Binge Eating Disorder (BED), an individual must experience episodes of binge eating is “at least twice a week” on average, for 3 or 6 months, respectively. The purpose of this review was to examine the validity and utility of the frequency criterion for BN and BED.

Method:

Published studies evaluating the frequency criterion were reviewed.

Results:

Our review found little evidence to support the validity or utility of the DSM‐IV frequency criterion of twice a week binge eating; however, the number of studies available for our review was limited.

Discussion:

A number of options are available for the frequency criterion in DSM‐V, and the optimal diagnostic threshold for binge eating remains to be determined. © 2009 American Psychiatric Association. Int J Eat Disord 2009
Environmental justice and Roma communities in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Harper Krista , Steger Tamara , Filčák Richard
Published: July 2009

Environmental injustice and the social exclusion of Roma communities in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) has roots in historical patterns of ethnic exclusion and widening socioeconomic inequalities following the collapse of state socialism and the transition to multi‐party parliamentary governments in 1989. In this article, we discuss some of the methodological considerations in environmental justice research, engage theoretical perspectives on environmental inequalities and social exclusion, discuss the dynamics of discrimination and environmental protection regarding the Roma in CEE, and summarize two case studies on environmental justice in Slovakia and Hungary. We argue that, when some landscapes and social groups are perceived as ‘beyond the pale’ of environmental regulation, public participation and civil rights, it creates local sites for externalizing environmental harms. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
ATP‐binding cassette transporter hallmarks tissue macrophages and modulates cytokine‐triggered polarization programs
Authors: Pradel Lydie C. , Mitchell Andrew J. , Zarubica Ana , Dufort Laetitia , Chasson Lionel , Naquet Philippe , Broccardo Cyril , Chimini Giovanna
Published: July 2009

Macrophages are central players in both lipid metabolism and innate immunity. Their determinant role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is under the control of the ATP‐binding cassette transporter (ABCA1), which by minimizing cellular lipid content, limits development of pro‐inflammatory foam cells. Considering the differential contribution of monocyte subsets to the generation of vascular lesions we analyzed the immunophenotype of ABCA1‐expressing cells in the myeloid lineage, by the combined use of flow cytometry and real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR. ABCA1 expression is limited to “non‐inflammatory” Ly6Clo circulating monocytes and tissue‐resident macrophages expressing markers of alternative activation. In ABCA1−/− peritoneal macrophages the transcriptional programs induced by LPS/IFN‐γ or IL‐4 cytokines are altered and deviated phosphorylation patterns of STAT transcriptional regulators in response to stimuli are observed.
Oxide‐supported tetraethylenepentamine for CO2 capture
Authors: Fisher James C. , Tanthana Jak , Chuang Steven S.C.
Published: July 2009

CO2 capture capacity of tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA) supported on beta zeolite, SiO2, and Al2O3 has been studied by transient flow switching approach and temperature programmed desorption (TPD) technique coupled with diffuse infrared reflectance Fourier transform spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (MS). TEPA/beta zeolite shows the highest CO2 capture capacity. Adsorbed CO2 on TEPA/beta zeolite can be characterized as weakly and strongly adsorbed CO2. The former desorbs when CO2 partial pressure decreases; the latter desorbs during TPD. Strongly adsorbed CO2 is in the form of carbonates interacting with the NH functional groups of TEPA. This interaction caused the NH and CH intensity to decrease. TEPA/Al2O3 showed the lowest CO2 capture capacity. The infrared results revealed that TEPA/Al2O3 possessed high content of H2O, which inhibited CO2 adsorption. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2009
High‐order semi‐implicit time‐integrators for a triangular discontinuous Galerkin oceanic shallow water model
Authors: Giraldo F. X. , Restelli M.
Published: July 2009

We extend the explicit in time high‐order triangular discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method to semi‐implicit (SI) and then apply the algorithm to the two‐dimensional oceanic shallow water equations; we implement high‐order SI time‐integrators using the backward difference formulas from orders one to six. The reason for changing the time‐integration method from explicit to SI is that explicit methods require a very small time step in order to maintain stability, especially for high‐order DG methods. Changing the time‐integration method to SI allows one to circumvent the stability criterion due to the gravity waves, which for most shallow water applications are the fastest waves in the system (the exception being supercritical flow where the Froude number is greater than one). The challenge of constructing a SI method for a DG model is that the DG machinery requires not only the standard finite element‐type area integrals, but also the finite volume‐type boundary integrals as well. These boundary integrals pose the biggest challenge in a SI discretization because they require the construction of a Riemann solver that is the true linear representation of the nonlinear Riemann problem; if this condition is not satisfied then the resulting numerical method will not be consistent with the continuous equations. In this paper we couple the SI time‐integrators with the DG method while maintaining most of the usual attributes associated with DG methods such as: high‐order accuracy (in both space and time), parallel efficiency, excellent stability, and conservation. The only property lost is that of a compact communication stencil typical of time‐explicit DG methods; implicit methods will always require a much larger communication stencil. We apply the new high‐order SI DG method to the shallow water equations and show results for many standard test cases of oceanic interest such as: standing, Kelvin and Rossby soliton waves, and the Stommel problem. The results show that the new high‐order SI DG model, that has already been shown to yield exponentially convergent solutions in space for smooth problems, results in a more efficient model than its explicit counterpart. Furthermore, for those problems where the spatial resolution is sufficiently high compared with the length scales of the flow, the capacity to use high‐order (HO) time‐integrators is a necessary complement to the employment of HO space discretizations, since the total numerical error would be otherwise dominated by the time discretization error. In fact, in the limit of increasing spatial resolution, it makes little sense to use HO spatial discretizations coupled with low‐order time discretizations. Published in 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
STAT1/IRF‐1 signaling pathway mediates the injurious effect of interferon‐gamma on oligodendrocyte progenitor cells
Authors: Wang Yan , Ren Zhihua , Tao Duan , Tilwalli Shilpa , Goswami Rajendra , Balabanov Roumen
Published: July 2009

Interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) is a pleiotropic cytokine that is critically involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory demyelinating diseases. There is strong evidence that IFN‐γ can function as a distinct and independent injurious factor to oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs). The intracellular signaling pathways leading to OPC death, however, remain poorly understood. In this study, we examined IFN‐γ signaling in OPCs in relation to cell death in vitro. Using expression knock‐down and forced overexpression methods, we directly demonstrated the role of signal transducer and transcription activator 1 (STAT1) and interferon‐regulated factor 1 (IRF‐1) in IFN‐γ‐ induced OPC death. In addition, our study identified two proapoptotic genes, caspase 1 and double‐stranded RNA‐dependent protein kinase (PKR), whose expression was upregulated by IFN‐γ and transcriptionally controlled by IRF‐1. The conclusion of this study is that STAT1 and IRF‐1 function as components of the signaling pathway that mediates IFN‐γ‐induced OPC death. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MAPK induces AQP1 expression in astrocytes following injury
Authors: Mccoy Eric , Sontheimer Harald
Published: July 2009

Aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) is the principle water channel and the primary route for water transport across astrocytic membranes. AQP4 co‐localizes with Kir4.1 channels at astrocytic endfeet, and it has been suggested that these channels cooperate in K+ and water homeostasis. In response to injury, two additional aquaporins, AQP1 and AQP9, can be detected in astrocytes, yet neither is found in cultured astrocytes, and therefore their contribution to astrocyte water uptake and biology is poorly investigated. In this study, we used a cortical stab wound assay to demonstrate an upregulation of AQP1 following injury in reactive glia. We were able to mimic such injury in astrocytic cultures and show that AQP1 expression is induced within 16 h following injury in vitro. This induction could be blocked by inhibition of MEK1/2 using U0126, and suggests that AQP1 is specifically induced in reactive astrocytes via the mitogen‐activated protein kinases signaling pathway. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
APOE epsilon‐4 allele and cytokine production in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Olgiati Paolo , Politis Antonis , Malitas Petros , Albani Diego , Dusi Sabrina , Polito Letizia , De Mauro Stefania , Zisaki Aikaterini , Piperi Christina , Stamouli Evangelia , Mailis Antonis , Batelli Sara , Forloni Gianluigi , De Ronchi Diana , Kalofoutis Anastasios , Liappas Ioannis , Serretti Alessandro
Published: July 2009

Objective

The APOE epsilon‐4 allele has consistently emerged as a susceptibility factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Pro‐inflammatory cytokines are detectable at abnormal levels in AD, and are thought to play a pathophysiological role. Animal studies have shown dose‐dependent correlations between the number of APOE epsilon‐4 alleles and the levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. The aims of this study were to investigate the influence of APOE genotypes on TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐1β secreted by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from human patients with AD and to analyze the correlation between cytokine production and AD clinical features.

Methods

Outpatients with AD (n = 40) were clinically evaluated for cognitive decline (MMSE) and psychiatric symptoms (Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia; Neuropsychiatric Inventory) and genotyped for APOE variants. PBMCs were isolated from the donors and used to assess spontaneous and PMA‐stimulated secretion of TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐1β. Cytokine production was determined by immuno‐enzymatic assays (ELISA).

Results

In comparison with their counterparts without APOE4, patients with at least one copy of the APOE epsilon‐4 allele showed higher spontaneous (p = 0.037) and PMA‐induced (p = 0.039) production of IL‐1β after controlling for clinical variables. Significant correlations were reported between NPI scores (psychotic symptoms) and IL‐6 production.

Conclusion

These preliminary findings suggest the involvement of inflammatory response in the pathogenic effect of the APOE epsilon‐4 allele in AD, although their replication in larger samples is mandatory. The modest correlations between pro‐inflammatory cytokines released at peripheral level and AD features emphasizes the need for further research to elucidate the role of neuroinflammation in pathophysiology of AD. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid response to paroxetine is associated with plasma paroxetine levels at 4 but not 8 weeks of treatment, and is independent of serotonin transporter promoter polymorphism in Japanese depressed patients
Authors: Yoshimura Reiji , Umene‐Nakano Wakako , Suzuki Akihito , Ueda Nobuhisa , Miyamoto Kyoko , Ikenouchi‐Sugita Atsuko , Hori Hikaru , Otani Koichi , Nakamura Jun
Published: July 2009

In the present study, we investigated the relationship between the serotonin transporter gene linked polymorphic regions (5‐HTTLPR) or plasma paroxetine levels and clinical response to paroxetine in depressed patients. Sixty patients who met the DSM‐IV criteria for major depressive disorder were enrolled in the study. Twenty‐two were male and 38 were female, with ages ranging from 25 to 71 (mean ± SD = 42 ± 16) years. The clinical improvement of patients was assessed using the Hamilton rating scale for depression (Ham‐D) before and every week after paroxetine administration. According to the data reported previously, patients with an at least 50% decrease in their Ham‐D score were classified as responders. The results showed that the plasma paroxetine levels at 4 weeks were significantly higher in responders (rapid responders) than in nonresponders. On the other hand, no significant associations were found between the L genotype (L/L, L/S) or S genotype (S/S) and the response rates either at 4 weeks or 8 weeks. These results suggest that patients with higher plasma levels at 4 weeks might respond rapidly to paroxetine treatment, but the final response rate at 8 weeks will be independent of the plasma paroxetine levels and the 5‐HTTLPR L/S genotype. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of energy drinks alone and with alcohol on neuropsychological functioning
Authors: Curry Kim , Stasio Michael J.
Published: July 2009

Objective

Caffeinated energy drinks—alone or with alcohol—are heavily marketed to young adults, many of whom believe that caffeine counteracts some negative effects of alcohol intoxication. While the effects of caffeine and alcohol have been widely investigated, few studies have examined neuropsychological performance after consumption of a beverage containing both ingredients.

Methods

In a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled design, 27 non‐caffeine‐deprived female participants were randomly assigned to consume a caffeinated energy drink alone, one containing alcohol, or a non‐alcoholic, non‐caffeinated control beverage. Pre‐ and post‐test assessments were conducted using alternate forms of the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS).

Results

Participants who consumed the energy drink plus alcohol evidenced significantly lower post‐test performance on a global score of neuropsychological status. Specifically, deficits were found in both visuospatial/constructional and language performance scores. While participants who consumed the caffeinated beverage alone trended toward improved attention scores, neuropsychological status did not show meaningful changes from the pre‐ to post‐test.

Conclusions

Consumption of an energy drink containing 6% alcohol by volume negatively influenced performance on a global measure of cognitive functioning. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Input data selection for solar radiation estimation
Authors: Ahmadi Azadeh , Han Dawei , Karamouz Mohammad , Remesan Renji
Published: July 2009

Model input data selection is a complicated process, especially for non‐linear dynamic systems. The questions on which inputs should be used and how long the training data should be for model development have been hard to solve in practice. Despite the importance of this subject, there have been insufficient reports in the published literature about inter‐comparison between different model input data selection techniques. In this study, several methods (i.e. the Gamma test, entropy theory, AIC (Akaike's information criterion)/BIC (Bayesian information criterion) have been explored with the aid of non‐linear models of LLR (local linear regression) and ANN (artificial neural networks). The methodology is tested in estimation of solar radiation in the Brue Catchment of England. It has been found that the conventional model selection tools such as AIC/BIC failed to demonstrate their functionality. Although the entropy theory is quite powerful and efficient to compute, it failed to pick up the best input combinations. On the other hand, it is very encouraging to find that the new Gamma test was able to choose the best input selection. However, it is surprising to note that the Gamma test significantly underestimated the required training data while the entropy theory did a better job in this aspect. This is the first study to compare the performance of those techniques for model input selections and still there are many unsolved puzzles. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of connectivity theory to model the impact of terrace failure on runoff in semi‐arid catchments
Authors: Meerkerk A. L. , van Wesemael B. , Bellin N.
Published: July 2009

Terraces are a common feature of Mediterranean landscapes. In many places they are no longer maintained so that the number of intact terraces is in prolonged decline. The aim of this paper is to examine the effect of terrace removal and failure on hydrological connectivity and peak discharge in an agricultural catchment (475 ha) in south‐east Spain. The situation of 2006 is compared to that in 1956 and to a scenario without terraces (S2). The spatial distribution of concentrated flow was mapped after four storms in 2006. The degree of connectivity was quantified by means of connectivity functions and related to storm characteristics, land use and topography. For 1956, 2006 and scenario S2, connectivity functions and peak discharge to the river were determined for a storm with a return period of 8·2 years. The results show that the decrease in intact terraces has led to a strong increase in connectivity and discharge. The contributing area to the river system has increased by a factor 3·2 between 1956 and 2006. If all terraces were to be removed (scenario S2), the contributing area may further increase by a factor 6·0 compared to 2006. The spatial extent of concentrated flow and the degree of connectivity are related to storm magnitude as expressed by the erosivity index (EI30). Although a large part of the concentrated flow (25–50%) occurs on dirt roads, it appears that croplands become a major source of runoff with increasing rainfall. The results suggest that connectivity theory can be used to improve rainfall–runoff models in semi‐arid areas. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surgical applications of femtosecond lasers
Authors: Chung Samuel H. , Mazur Eric
Published: July 2009

Femtosecond laser ablation permits non‐invasive surgeries in the bulk of a sample with submicrometer resolution. We briefly review the history of optical surgery techniques and the experimental background of femtosecond laser ablation. Next, we present several clinical applications, including dental surgery and eye surgery. We then summarize research applications, encompassing cell and tissue studies, research on C. elegans, and studies in zebrafish. We conclude by discussing future trends of femtosecond laser systems and some possible application directions. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Changes in the physical structure and chain dynamics of elastin network in homocysteine‐cultured arteries
Authors: Samouillan Valérie , Lamy Edouard , Dandurand Jany , Foucault‐Bertaud Alexandrine , Chareyre Corinne , Lacabanne Colette , Charpiot Philippe
Published: July 2009

The thermal and dielectric properties of the elastin network were investigated in arteries cultured with physiological and pathological concentrations of homocysteine, an aminoacid responsible of histological impairments in human arteries. The physical structure of this amorphous protein was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). To explore the molecular dynamics of the elastin network in the nanometer range, we used thermally stimulated currents (TSC), a dielectric technique running at low frequency, and measuring the dipolar reorientations in proteins subjected to a static electrical field. Combining DSC and TSC experiments reveals the molecular mobility of the proteins, both in the glassy state and in the liquid state. Significant differences are evidenced in the physical structure and relaxation behavior of elastin network in cultured arteries (physiological and pathological concentrations of homocysteine) and discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Gas‐phase reactions of XH3+ (X = C, Si, Ge) with NF3: a comparative investigation on the detailed mechanistic aspects
Authors: Antoniotti Paola , Operti Lorenza , Rabezzana Roberto , Turco Francesca , Zanzottera Cristina , Giordani Maria , Grandinetti Felice
Published: July 2009

The gas‐phase reaction of CH3+ with NF3 was investigated by ion trap mass spectrometry (ITMS). The observed products include NF2+ and CH2F+. Under the same experimental conditions, SiH3+ reacts with NF3 and forms up to six ionic products, namely (in order of decreasing efficiency) NF2+, SiH2F+, SiHF2+, SiF+, SiHF+, and NHF+. The GeH3+ cation is instead totally unreactive toward NF3. The different reactivity of XH3+ (X = C, Si, Ge) toward NF3 has been rationalized by ab initio calculations performed at the MP2 and coupled cluster level of theory. In the reaction of both CH3+ and SiH3+, the kinetically relevant intermediate is the fluorine‐coordinated isomer H3X‐F‐NF2+ (X = C, Si). This species forms from the exoergic attack of XH3+ to one of the F atoms of NF3 and undergoes dissociation and isomerization processes which eventually result in the experimentally observed products. The nitrogen‐coordinated isomers H3X‐NF3+ (X = C, Si) were located as minimum‐energy structures but do not play an active role in the reaction mechanism. The inertness of GeH3+ toward NF3 is also explained by the endoergic character of the dissociation processes involving the H3Ge‐F‐NF2+ isomer. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
γδ T cells: The overlooked T‐cell subset in demyelinating disease
Authors: Wohler Jillian E. , Smith Sherry S. , Barnum Scott R.
Published: July 2009

γδ T cells represent a small subpopulation of T cells expressing a restricted repertoire of T‐cell receptors and, unlike αβ T cells, function more as cells of the innate immune system. These cells are found in skin and mucosal sites as well as secondary lymphoid tissues and frequently act as first line of defense sentinels. γδ T cells have been implicated in the pathogenesis of demyelinating disease, although little was known regarding their trafficking and effector functions. In this Mini‐Review, we highlight recent studies demonstrating that γδ T cells migrate rapidly to the CNS during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the animal model for multiple sclerosis. γδ T‐cell trafficking to the CNS is independent of β2‐integrins and occurs well before onset of clinical signs of disease, peaking early during the acute phase of disease. γδ T‐cell‐mediated production of inflammatory cytokines, including interferon‐γ and tumor necrosis factor‐α, appears critical for EAE development, suggesting that these cells may set the stage for activation of other subsets of infiltrating effector cells. These data suggest that γδ T cells or subsets of γδ T cells may represent a new therapeutic target in demeylinating disease. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cholinesterase activity in brain of senescence‐accelerated‐resistant mouse SAMR1 and its variation in brain of senescence‐accelerated‐prone mouse SAMP8
Authors: Fernández‐Gómez Francisco José , Muñoz‐Delgado Encarnación , Montenegro María Fernanda , Campoy Francisco J. , Vidal Cecilio J. , Jordán Joaquín
Published: July 2009

The early‐onset, irreversible, severe deficits of learning and memory in the senescence‐accelerated mouse (SAM)‐prone/8 (SAMP8) support its use as an animal model for human dementias of early onset. Possible implication of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) in cognitive dysfunction of SAMP8 mice was studied by comparing cholinesterase (ChE) expression in brains of SAMP8 mice and of their normal control, SAM‐resistant/1 (SAMR1) mice. The level of ChE mRNAs was the same in SAMP8 and SAMR1 brains, which agreed with their equal AChE activity (3.09 ± 1.45 vs. 3.07 ± 1.44 μmol·hr−1·mg protein−1, U/mg), but not with a doubled BuChE activity in SAMP8 brain (0.14 ± 0.05 vs. 0.07 ± 0.02 U/mg; P < 0.01). This great increase in neural BuChE activity may contribute to cognitive deficit of SAMP8 mice. Hydrophilic (G, 8%) and amphiphilic (G, 74%) AChE tetramers, besides dimers and monomers (G + G, 18%), were identified in SAMR1 brains. They also contained G BuChE forms (18%) as well as G (53%) and G + G (29%) species. Although SAMP8 brain displayed proportions of AChE and BuChE forms that were similar to those of SAMR1 brain, phenyl‐agarose chromatography with detergent‐free extracts showed a rise in the proportion of secretory G BuChE from 35% in SAMR1 to 44% in SAMP8 brain. The strong immunolabelling of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), a marker of reactive gliosis, in SAMP8 brain and the consideration of BuChE as a marker of glial cells suggest a relationship between phenotypic changes in neuroglial cells and the excess of BuChE activity in SAMP8 brain. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effort Games and the Price of Myopia
Authors: Bachrach Yoram , Zuckerman Michael , Rosenschein Jeffrey S.
Published: July 2009

We consider Effort Games, a game‐theoretic model of cooperation in open environments, which is a variant of the principal‐agent problem from economic theory. In our multiagent domain, a common project depends on various tasks; carrying out certain subsets of the tasks completes the project successfully, while carrying out other subsets does not. The probability of carrying out a task is higher when the agent in charge of it exerts effort, at a certain cost for that agent. A central authority, called the principal, attempts to incentivize agents to exert effort, but can only reward agents based on the success of the entire project.

We model this domain as a normal form game, where the payoffs for each strategy profile are defined based on the different probabilities of carrying out each task and on the boolean function that defines which task subsets complete the project, and which do not. We view this boolean function as a simple coalitional game, and call this game the underlying coalitional game. We suggest the Price of Myopia (PoM) as a measure of the influence the model of rationality has on the minimal payments the principal has to make in order to motivate the agents in such a domain to exert effort.

We consider the computational complexity of testing whether exerting effort is a dominant strategy for an agent, and of finding a reward strategy for this domain, using either a dominant strategy equilibrium or using iterated elimination of dominated strategies. We show these problems are generally #P‐hard, and that they are at least as computationally hard as calculating the Banzhaf power index in the underlying coalitional game. We also show that in a certain restricted domain, where the underlying coalitional game is a weighted voting game with certain properties, it is possible to solve all of the above problems in polynomial time. We give bounds on PoM in weighted voting effort games, and provide simulation results regarding PoM in another restricted class of effort games, namely effort games played over Series‐Parallel Graphs (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A Tractable and Expressive Class of Marginal Contribution Nets and Its Applications
Authors: Elkind Edith , Goldberg Leslie Ann , Goldberg Paul W. , Wooldridge Michael
Published: July 2009

Coalitional games raise a number of important questions from the point of view of computer science, key among them being how to represent such games compactly, and how to efficiently compute solution concepts assuming such representations. Marginal contribution nets (MC‐nets), introduced by Ieong and Shoham, are one of the simplest and most influential representation schemes for coalitional games. MC‐nets are a rulebased formalism, in which rules take the form pattern → value, where “pattern ” is a Boolean condition over agents, and “value ” is a numeric value. Ieong and Shoham showed that, for a class of what we will call “basic” MC‐nets, where patterns are constrained to be a conjunction of literals, marginal contribution nets permit the easy computation of solution concepts such as the Shapley value. However, there are very natural classes of coalitional games that require an exponential number of such basic MC‐net rules. We present read‐once MC‐nets, a new class of MC‐nets that is provably more compact than basic MC‐nets, while retaining the attractive computational properties of basic MC‐nets. We show how the techniques we develop for read‐once MC‐nets can be applied to other domains, in particular, computing solution concepts in network flow games on series‐parallel networks (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Representing Utility Functions via Weighted Goals
Authors: Uckelman Joel , Chevaleyre Yann , Endriss Ulle , Lang Jérôme
Published: July 2009

We analyze the expressivity, succinctness, and complexity of a family of languages based on weighted propositional formulas for the representation of utility functions. The central idea underlying this form of preference modeling is to associate numerical weights with goals specified in terms of propositional formulas, and to compute the utility value of an alternative as the sum of the weights of the goals it satisfies. We define a large number of representation languages based on this idea, each characterized by a set of restrictions on the syntax of formulas and the range of weights. Our aims are threefold. First, for each language we try to identify the class of utility functions it can express. Second, when different languages can express the same class of utility functions, one may allow for a more succinct representation than another. Therefore, we analyze the relative succinctness of languages. Third, for each language we study the computational complexity of the problem of finding the most preferred alternative given a utility function expressed in that language (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The Computational Complexity of Choice Sets
Authors: Brandt Felix , Fischer Felix , Harrenstein Paul
Published: July 2009

Social choice rules are often evaluated and compared by inquiring whether they satisfy certain desirable criteria such as the Condorcet criterion, which states that an alternative should always be chosen when more than half of the voters prefer it over any other alternative. Many of these criteria can be formulated in terms of choice sets that single out reasonable alternatives based on the preferences of the voters. In this paper, we consider choice sets whose definition merely relies on the pairwise majority relation. These sets include the Copeland set, the Smith set, the Schwartz set, von Neumann‐Morgenstern stable sets, the Banks set, and the Slater set. We investigate the relationships between these sets and completely characterize their computational complexity, which allows us to obtain hardness results for entire classes of social choice rules (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Cervical dystonia affects aimed movements of nondystonic segments
Authors: Pelosin Elisa , Bove Marco , Marinelli Lucio , Abbruzzese Giovanni , Ghilardi M. Felice
Published: July 2009

Patients with focal dystonia exhibit proprioception abnormalities that can lead to kinematic deficits. Proprioceptive abnormalities are present in both symptomatic and asymptomatic body parts of dystonic patients. To ascertain whether in patients with idiopathic cervical dystonia (CD) movements performed with nondystonic segments display kinematic abnormalities, we studied trajectory formation of out and back arm reaching movements in 10 patients with CD (before and 3 weeks after treatment with Botulinum toxin) and in 10 age‐matched controls. Before treatment, patients with CD showed significant trajectory abnormalities when compared with normal controls. Patients' trajectories were more curved with asymmetrical temporal velocity profiles as well as increased hand path areas, and had longer reversal lags between the out and back segments. Treatment with botulinum toxin improved all the kinematic parameters. These results suggest that in patients with CD, movements performed with nondystonic segments are abnormal. The kinematic abnormalities are likely to derive from long‐standing defective integration of the proprioceptive input, which, in turn, causes general changes in the internal models of limb dynamics. It is plausible that treatment with botulinum toxin partially restores proprioceptive processing and thus, such internal models. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Characterisation of histone variant distribution in human embryonic stem cells by transfection of in vitro transcribed mRNA
Authors: Shaw Margaret L. , Williams Evan J. , Hawes Susan , Saffery Richard
Published: July 2009

Recent studies, primarily in mouse embryonic stem cells, have highlighted the unique chromatin state of pluripotent stem cells, including the incorporation of histone variants into specific genomic locations, and its role in facilitating faithful expression of genes during development. However, there is little information available on the expression and subcellular localisation of histone variants in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). In this study, we confirmed the expression of a panel of histone variant genes in several hESC lines and demonstrated the utility of transfection of in vitro transcribed, epitope‐tagged mRNAs to characterise the subcellular localisation of these proteins. The subcellular localisations of variant histone H3 (CENP‐A, H3.3), H2A (MACROH2A, H2AX, H2AZ, H2ABBD) and H1 (H1A, HB, H1C, H1D) were examined, revealing distinct nuclear localisation profiles for each protein. These data highlight the differences between murine (m) ESCs and hESCs, including the presence of a MACROH2A‐enriched inactive X chromosome in undifferentiated XX hESC lines. We also provide the first evidence for MACROH2A accumulation on the Y‐chromosome in XY hESCs. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 76: 1128–1142, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adductor T reflex abnormalities in patients with decreased patellar reflexes
Authors: Tataroglu Cengiz , Deneri Ersin , Ozkul Ayca , Sair Ahmet , Yaycioglu Soner
Published: July 2009

The adductor reflex (AR) is a tendon reflex that has various features that differ from other tendon reflexes. This reflex was tested in different disorders presenting with diminished patellar reflexes such as diabetic lumbosacral radiculoplexus neuropathy (DLRPN), L2–L4 radiculopathy, and distal symmetric diabetic neuropathy (diabetic PNP). The AR and crossed‐AR (elicited by tapping the contralateral patellar tendon) were recorded using concentric needle electrodes. Additionally, the patellar T reflex (vm‐TR) and vastus medialis H reflex (vm‐HR) were recorded using surface electrodes. AR was recorded in only one out of eight patients with DLRPN, but it was recorded in 21 out of 22 patients with L2–L4 radiculopathy (95.5%). Of these reflexes, only AR showed prolonged latency in the L2–L4 radiculopathy group. The latencies of AR, vm‐TR, and vm‐HR were prolonged in patients with diabetic PNP. We conclude that AR can be useful in the differential diagnosis of some lower motor neuron disorders that present with patellar reflex disturbance. Muscle Nerve 40: 264–270, 2009
Actin sliding velocity on pure myosin isoforms from dystrophic mouse muscles
Authors: Canepari Monica , Rossi Rosetta , Pansarasa Orietta , Maffei Manuela , Bottinelli Roberto
Published: July 2009

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disease characterized by skeletal muscle wasting and atrophy. Recent evidence suggests that the impaired skeletal muscle performance in DMD is not solely dependent on a loss of contractile muscle mass. In this study the myosin motor function of mdx and control (wildtype, WT) mice was compared using pure myosin isoforms in an “in vitro motility assay” (IVMA). Actin sliding velocity (Vf) on myosin 2B extracted from single muscle fibers of gastrocnemius muscles was significantly lower in mdx mice (3.48 ± 0.13 μm/s, n = 18) than in WT mice (4.02 ± 0.19 μm/s, n = 10). No difference in Vf was found between myosin 1 extracted from soleus muscles of mdx (0.84 ± 0.04 μm/s, n = 13) and of WT (0.89 ± 0.04 μm/s, n = 10). The results suggest that the dystrophic process alters myosin molecular function, and this contributes to the functional impairment in dystrophic muscles. Muscle Nerve 40: 249–256, 2009
Spinal angiography and epidural venography in juvenile muscular atrophy of the distal arm “Hirayama disease”
Authors: Elsheikh Bakri , Kissel John T. , Christoforidis Gregory , Wicklund Matthew , Kehagias Dimitri T. , Chiocca E. Antonio , Mendell Jerry R.
Published: July 2009

We studied two 16‐year‐old males with juvenile muscular atrophy of the distal arm, “Hirayama disease,” resulting in asymmetric atrophy and weakness of the distal upper extremities. Pathogenic theories include a compressive myelopathy with or without ischemia, and occasional cases are accounted for by genetic mutations. To specifically address the ischemia hypothesis we performed spinal angiography and epidural venography. Neck flexion during spinal angiography showed a forward shift of a nonoccluded anterior spinal artery without impedance to blood flow. Epidural venography demonstrated engorgement of the posterior epidural venous plexus without obstruction to venous flow. The findings do not support large vessel obstruction as a contributory factor. The Hirayama hypothesis continues to best explain the disease pathogenesis: neck flexion causes tightening of the dura and intramedullary microcirculatory compromise with resultant nerve cell damage. The age‐related factor can most likely be accounted for by a growth imbalance between the vertebral column and the cord/dural elements. Resolution of progression is associated with cessation of body growth, after which the symptoms plateau or modestly improve. Muscle Nerve 40: 206–212, 2009
Favorable response to rituximab in a patient with anti‐VGCC‐positive Lambert‐Eaton myasthenic syndrome and cerebellar dysfunction
Authors: Pellkofer Hannah L. , Voltz Raymond , Kuempfel Tania
Published: July 2009

Lambert‐Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is an autoimmune disease that is characterized by impaired transmission across the neuromuscular junction due to autoantibodies directed against the presynaptic voltage‐gated calcium channels (VGCC‐ab). Clinical symptoms are usually characterized by proximal muscle weakness and mild dysautonomia. In some patients there are signs of cerebellar dysfunction as well, usually associated with cancer. Here we report the long‐term follow‐up of a patient with VGCC‐ab‐positive LEMS and a severe cerebellar syndrome but without evidence of cancer over 5 years. While conventional immunosuppressive therapy (steroids, azathioprine) failed, he improved with plasma exchange and consecutive treatment with rituximab. Muscle Nerve 40: 305–308, 2009
Distal‐symmetric focal inflammatory myopathy distinct from focal myositis and polymyositis
Authors: Melzer Nico , Wessig Carsten , Ulzheimer Jochenc. , Reiners Karlheinz , Toyka Klausv. , Bendszus Martin , Stoll Guido
Published: July 2009

We describe an inflammatory myopathy that was symmetrically restricted to both gastrocnemius muscles in a young man. Histopathological findings were typical for polymyositis, but there were neither signs of generalization nor muscle weakness and wasting. This condition was highly sensitive to steroids and has been kept in remission for more than a year using azathioprine. Our findings add another entity to the spectrum of spatially restricted inflammatory myopathies. Muscle Nerve 40: 309–312, 2009