bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AUTOMORPHISM GROUPS OF SQUARES AND OF FREE ALGEBRAS
Authors: KEARNES KEITH A. , TSCHANTZ STEVEN T.
Published: May 2007

We show that certain finite groups do not arise as the automorphism group of the square of a finite algebraic structure, nor as the automorphism group of a finite, 2-generated, free, algebraic structure.
THE HOMOLOGICAL FINITENESS PROPERTY FP1AND FINITE GENERATION OF MONOIDS
Authors: KOBAYASHI YUJI
Published: May 2007

We study the homological finiteness properties bi-FP1, left-FP1and right-FP1for monoids. It is known that, for a group G, these properties coincide and are equivalent to that G is finitely generated. In this paper, we show that, for a monoid M, these conditions are different and related to finite generation of M in some weak sense.
IRREDUCIBLE COXETER GROUPS
Authors: PARIS LUIS
Published: May 2007

We prove that a non-spherical irreducible Coxeter group is (directly) indecomposable and that an indefinite irreducible Coxeter group is strongly indecomposable in the sense that all its finite index subgroups are (directly) indecomposable. Let W be a Coxeter group. Write W = WX1× ⋯ × WXb× WZ3, where WX1, … , WXbare non-spherical irreducible Coxeter groups and WZ3is a finite one. By a classical result, known as the Krull–Remak–Schmidt theorem, the group WZ3has a decomposition WZ3= H1× ⋯ × Hqas a direct product of indecomposable groups, which is unique up to a central automorphism and a permutation of the factors. Now, W = WX1× ⋯ × WXb× H1× ⋯ × Hqis a decomposition of W as a direct product of indecomposable subgroups. We prove that such a decomposition is unique up to a central automorphism and a permutation of the factors. Write W = WX1× ⋯ × WXa× WZ2× WZ3, where WX1, … , WXaare indefinite irreducible Coxeter groups, WZ2is an affine Coxeter group whose irreducible components are all infinite, and WZ3is a finite Coxeter group. The group WZ2contains a finite index subgroup R isomorphic to ℤd, where d = |Z2| - b + a and b - a is the number of irreducible components of WZ2. Choose d copies R1, … , Rdof ℤ such that R = R1× ⋯ × Rd. Then G = WX1× ⋯ × WXa× R1× ⋯ × Rdis a virtual decomposition of W as a direct product of strongly indecomposable subgroups. We prove that such a virtual decomposition is unique up to commensurability and a permutation of the factors.
APPROXIMATION OF THE ANISOTROPIC MEAN CURVATURE FLOW
Authors: CHAMBOLLE ANTONIN , NOVAGA MATTEO
Published: May 2007

In this paper, we provide simple proofs of consistency for two well-known algorithms for mean curvature motion, Almgren–Taylor–Wang's1 variational approach, and Merriman–Bence–Osher's algorithm.29 Our techniques, based on the same notion of strict sub- and superflows, also work in the (smooth) anisotropic case.
Regulation of heme oxygenase-1 expression by demethoxy curcuminoids through Nrf2 by a PI3-kinase/Akt-mediated pathway in mouse β-cells
Authors: Pugazhenthi Subbiah , Akhov Leonid , Selvaraj Gopalan , Wang Maorong , Alam Jawed
Published: May 2007

Curcumin (diferuloylmethane), a component of turmeric, has been shown to have therapeutic properties. Induction of phase 2 detoxifying enzymes is a potential mechanism through which some of the actions of curcumin could proceed. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), an antioxidant phase 2 enzyme, has been reported to have cytoprotective effects in pancreatic β-cells. Curcumin on further purification yields demethoxy curcumin (DMC) and bisdemethoxy curcumin (BDMC). The objective of the present study was to determine the mechanism by which these purified curcuminoids induce HO-1 in MIN6 cells, a mouse β-cell line. Demethoxy curcuminoids induced HO-1 promoter linked to the luciferase reporter gene more effectively than curcumin. The induction was dependent on the presence of antioxidant response element (ARE) sites containing enhancer regions (E1 and E2) in HO-1 promoter and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-E2-related factor (Nrf2), the transcription factor that binds to ARE. Curcuminoids stimulated multiple signaling pathways that are known to induce HO-1. Inhibition of specific signaling pathways with pharmacological inhibitors and cotransfection experiments suggested the involvement of phosphotidylinositol 3-kinase and Akt. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed significant elevation in the mRNA levels of HO-1 and two other phase 2 enzymes, the regulatory subunit of glutamyl cysteine ligase, which is needed for the synthesis of glutathione, and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase, which detoxifies quinones. DMC and BDMC induced the expression of HO-1 and translocated Nrf2 to nucleus in β-cells of mouse islets. Our observations suggest that demethoxy curcuminoids could be used to induce a cellular defense mechanism in β-cells under conditions of stress as seen in diabetes.
Anti- and Proinflammatory Effects of 15-Deoxy-Δ12,14-Prostaglandin J2(15d-PGJ2) on Human Eosinophil Functions
Authors: Ueki Shigeharu , Kato Hikari , Kobayashi Yoshiki , Ito Wataru , Adachi Tetsuya , Nagase Hiroyuki , Ohta Ken , Kayaba Hiroyuki , Chihara Junichi
Published: May 2007

The cyclopentenone prostaglandin 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) is recognized as a potent lipid mediator that is derived from PGD2, which is produced abundantly in allergic inflammatory sites. It is now established that 15d-PGJ2 negatively regulates cellular functions through its intracellular targets such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ). However, recent studies revealed that 15d-PGJ2 appears to possess not only anti-inflammatory activities but also a proinflammatory potential depending on its concentration and the activation state of the target cell. For instance, at low concentrations, 15d-PGJ2 enhances eotaxin-induced chemotaxis, shape change, and actin reorganization in eosinophils through its ligation with PPARγ. Moreover, 15d-PGJ2 itself is a potent chemoattractant, and it induces calcium mobilization, and up-regulates CD11b expression through its membrane receptor – chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on Th2 cells (CRTH2). Conversely, at high concentrations, 15d-PGJ2 inhibits eosinophil survival by inducing apoptosis in a PPARγ-independent manner. Here, we discuss the pathophysiological roles of 15d-PGJ2 that could act as a paracrine, autocrine, and intracrine substance to regulate eosinophil functions.
Eosinophils Do Not Enhance the Trans-Basement Membrane Migration of Neutrophils
Authors: Kobayashi Takehito , Takaku Yotaro , Kikuchi Izumi , Soma Tomoyuki , Hagiwara Koichi , Kanazawa Minoru , Nagata Makoto
Published: May 2007

Background: There is increasing evidence that both neutrophilic and eosinophilic inflammation persist in the airways of patients with severe asthma. We have reported a positive relationship between the concentrations of eosinophils and neutrophils in sputum from severe asthmatics, suggesting a possible role of eosinophils in regulating neutrophilic inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether activated eosinophils modify the trans-basement membrane migration (TBM) of neutrophils. Methods: Eosinophils and neutrophils were isolated from peripheral blood drawn from healthy donors. The TBM of neutrophils in response to a variety of chemoattractants was evaluated in the presence or absence of eosinophils by using the chambers with a Matrigel®-coated Transwell® insert. Results: As expected, eotaxin (10 nM) and RANTES (10 nM), but not IL-8 (10 nM), induced the TBM of eosinophils. On the contrary, only IL-8 induced the TBM of neutrophils. When eosinophils were coincubated with neutrophils and stimulated with IL-8, the TBM of eosinophils was significantly augmented. On the other hand, when neutrophils were coincubated with eosinophils and stimulated with eotaxin or RANTES, the TBM of neutrophils was not modified. Conclusions: Neutrophils migrated by IL-8 may lead eosinophils to accumulate in the airways of patients with severe asthma. On the other hand, it is unlikely that eosinophils migrated by chemoattractants such as CC chemokines regulate neutrophilic inflammation.
B and T Lymphocyte Attenuator Inhibits Antigen-Induced Eosinophil Recruitment into the Airways
Authors: Tamachi Tomohiro , Watanabe Norihiko , Oya Yoshihiro , Kagami Shin-ichiro , Hirose Koich , Saito Yasushi , Iwamoto Itsuo , Nakajima Hiroshi
Published: May 2007

Background: Signaling through CD28 family co-receptors regulates activation of CD4+ T cells positively and negatively. It has been shown that stimulatory co-receptors such as CD28 and ICOS play critical roles in the induction of allergic airway inflammation. However, the role of B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA), an inhibitory co-receptor expressed preferentially in Th1 cells, in the regulation of allergic airway inflammation remains to be determined. Methods: We examined antigen-induced eosinophil recruitment and cytokine production in the airways in antigen-sensitized BTLA-deficient (BTLA–/–) mice. We also examined antigen-induced cytokine production and cell proliferation of splenic T cells in antigen-sensitized BTLA–/– mice. Results: Antigen-induced eosinophil recruitment and IL-5 production in the airways was enhanced in antigen-sensitized BTLA–/– mice. On the other hand, antigen-induced Th1 and Th2 cytokine production as well as T cell proliferation of splenocytes was normal in BTLA–/–mice. Conclusion: BTLA inhibits antigen-induced eosinophil recruitment into the airways by preventing IL-5 production from Th2 cells.
IL-9 Production by Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Atopic Asthmatics
Authors: Umezu-Goto Makiko , Kajiyama Yuichiro , Kobayashi Noriaki , Kaminuma Osamu , Suko Matsunobu , Mori Akio
Published: May 2007

Background: IL-9 might play a critical role in pathogenesis and development of atopic asthma, but there are few reports on allergen-specific IL-9 production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from adult asthmatics. Methods: PBMCs were obtained from adult atopic asthmatics and incubated with Dermatophagoides farinae(Der f) extract for the designated time periods. The resulting supernatants were assayed for IL-9 by specific sandwich ELISA. Results: IL-9 production was detectable on day 2 and reached maximum on day 6 after stimulation of PBMCs with Der f extract. IL-9 production in response to Der f extract increased in a dose-dependent manner. CD2- or CD4-bearing cell depletion completely abolished IL-9 production by PBMCs, while CD8-bearing cell depletion did not affect it. Conclusion: CD4+ lymphocytes are the principal source of IL-9 produced by PBMCs of adult atopic asthmatics.
Effect of Formoterol on Allergen-Induced Cytokine Synthesis by Atopic Asthmatics
Authors: Hashimoto Tomomi , Kitamura Noriko , Kobayashi Noriaki , Suko Matsunobu , Kaminuma Osamu , Mori Akio
Published: May 2007

Background: Effect of formoterol, long-acting β2 agonists, on T cell cytokine synthesis was examined. Methods: Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were obtained from atopic asthmatics, and stimulated with Dermatophagoidesfarinae extract. Various concentrations of formoterol were added from the start of some cultures. Cytokine production and cell proliferation were analyzed. Results: Allergen-induced IL-5, IL-13, and IFN-γ production of PBMC were significantly suppressed by formoterol in a dose-dependent manner, whereas the proliferation response was not suppressed. Conclusion: Formoterol downregulates T cell functions of atopic asthmatics in vitro.
Effects of Stereotactic Lesions of the Dentate Nucleus of the Cerebellum in Man
Authors: Fraioli B. , Guidetti B.
Published: May 2007

In a series of 50 patients, 94 stereotactic lesions involving different parts of the dentate nuclei of the cerebellum were performed. 47 patients exhibited various dyskinetic syndromes; among these, 7 were also affected by epilepsy. In 3 patients epileptic disorders were exclusively present. Favourable results were obtained in dystonic and dystonic-athetoid infantile syndromes, more than in spastic syndromes. Some interesting effects on the epilepsy and ocular motility are also noted.
Prognostic Value of Visual Evoked Potentials in Occipital Blindness following Basilar Artery Occlusion
Authors: Abraham F.A. , Melamed E. , Lavy S.
Published: May 2007

Three patients suffering from sudden occipital blindness following basilar artery occlusion underwent electroretinography and visual evoked potential (VEP) examinations. The VEPs performed early in those blind patients and repeated later seem to be of prognostic value. Responses of normal shape and amplitude after monocular and binocular stimulation were followed by complete recovery of vision. Unequal and subnormal VEPs obtained following monocular stimulation, and even smaller responses reached after binocular stimulation, accompanied permanent unilateral occipital damage resulting in homonymous hemianopsia. Lack of VEP was proved to be a preceding sign of permanent blindness.
Addison-Schilder’s Disease Report of a Case with Probable Relapsing Addisonian Encephalopathy
Authors: Bugiani O. , Balestreri R.
Published: May 2007

A case of Addison-Schilder’s disease is reported. Relapsing vomiting with headache and confusion and oedema of parts of the white matter spared by the inflammatory demyelination suggest that Addisonian encephalopathy accompanies Schilder’s disease.
Toward an Understanding of the Pathophysiology of Huntington’s Chorea
Authors: Klawans Jr. H.L. , Ilahi M.M. , Ringel S.P.
Published: May 2007

A theory is proposed suggesting that 2 separate striatal nerve cell populations exist, one dopamine facilitated and one dopamine inhibited. The abnormal movements in Huntington’s chorea are due to an exaggerated or altered facilitatory effect of normal amounts of dopamine acting upon altered striatal neurons.
Electrocardiographic Abnormalities in Patients with Brain-Stem Tumors
Authors: Korczyn A.D. , Spitzer S. , Kott E. , Bornstein B.
Published: May 2007

Review of 50 consecutive ECG records obtained from patients with tumors of the brain stem and intracranial hypertension showed only few cases with the ECG changes usually associated with cerebral vascular disease. However, changes of the P-R interval, sinus or supraventricular tachycardia and extrasystoles were recorded and may be associated with the regulatory role of the brain stem in cardiovascular function.
Stereotaxic Cerebellar Surgery
Authors: Siegfried J.
Published: May 2007

The stereotaxic approach to cerebellar surgery is becoming increasingly important in treatment of central nervous system motor disorders. At this time, the preferred target is the dentate nucleus for cases of muscular hypertonicity, particularly when spasticity is evident. A lesion of the dentate nucleus can also help to improve the various hyperkinesias. Bilateral symmetrical lesions may be performed in one session without involving undue side effects. The history of stereotaxic cerebellar surgery, the choice of target points and the peroperative neurophysiological exploration will be reviewed. The clinical effects of destruction of the dentate nucleus will be analyzed.
Administration of Anti-IgE to a Churg-Strauss Syndrome Patient
Authors: Giavina-Bianchi Pedro , Giavina-Bianchi Mara , Agondi Rosana , Kalil Jorge
Published: May 2007

Background: Treatment of the Churg-Strauss syndrome (CCS) remains a challenge. Many patients relapse after achieving remission, and a substantial proportion of them present adverse drug reactions with relevant morbidity. In most patients, severe asthma and upper respiratory symptoms persist, requiring continuous therapy. The aim of the present study is to describe a patient with CSS who was administered anti-IgE. Case Report: A 46-year-old male patient with CSS followed up for 17 years is described. Upon treatment, CSS showed remission but asthma failed to improve despite high-dose inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting β2-agonists and several courses of systemic steroids. In order to better control asthma, anti-IgE was administered. Following omalizumab administration, asthma symptoms (according to clinical features and lung function tests) and eosinophilia improved. Conclusions: Anti-IgE offers the potential not only to decrease asthma activity but also to reduce the risk of morbidity that can result from currently available treatment options. Whether it can also affect the activity of other CSS components is an open question. As far as we know, there are no published reports about the prescription of omalizumab to patients with CSS and with non-allergic asthma. Anti-IgE improved our patient’s asthma and decreased the eosinophil blood count but did not worsen the outcome of CSS. However, large and long-term studies are necessary before a more widespread utilization of anti-IgE in CSS patients can be implemented.
Links between Pollen, Atopy and the Asthma Epidemic
Authors: Taylor Philip E. , Jacobson Kraig W. , House James M. , Glovsky M. Michael
Published: May 2007

Pollen allergy has been found in 80–90% of childhood asthmatics and 40–50% of adult-onset asthmatics. Despite the high prevalence of atopy in asthmatics, a causal relationship between the allergic response and asthma has not been clearly established. Pollen grains are too large to penetrate the small airways where asthma occurs. Yet pollen cytoplasmic fragments are respirable and are likely correlated with the asthmatic response in allergic asthmatics. In this review, we outline the mechanism of pollen fragmentation and possible pathophysiology of pollen fragment-induced asthma. Pollen grains rupture within the male flowers and emit cytoplasmic debris when winds or other disturbances disperse the pollen. Peak levels of grass and birch pollen allergens in the atmosphere correlated with the occurrence of moist weather conditions during the flowering period. Thunderstorm asthma epidemics may be triggered by grass pollen rupture in the atmosphere and the entrainment of respirable-sized particles in the outflows of air masses at ground level. Pollen contains nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (reduced) oxidases and bioactive lipid mediators which likely contribute to the inflammatory response. Several studies have examined synergistic effects and enhanced immune response from interaction in the atmosphere, or from co-deposition in the airways, of pollen allergens, endogenous pro-inflammatory agents, and the particulate and gaseous fraction of combustion products. Pollen and fungal fragments also contain compounds that can suppress reactive oxidants and quench free radicals. It is important to know more about how these substances interact to potentially enhance, or even ameliorate, allergic asthma.
Resveratrol-Induced Apoptosis Is Associated with Activation of p53 and Inhibition of Protein Translation in T47D Human Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Alkhalaf Moussa
Published: May 2007

Background and Purpose:Trans-resveratrol (RSVL; 3,4′,5-trihydroxystilbene), a natural compound found in grapes, berries, peanuts and red wine exerts certain anticancer roles in different human cancer types. However, the exact molecular mechanism(s) behind such a role remains to be elucidated, thus the aim of this study. Experimental Approach: T47D human breast cancer cells were treated with RSVL and cell proliferation was measured by cell counting. Apoptosis was analyzed by Giemsa staining, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) fragmentation analysis and annexin V assay. Regulation of p53 tumor suppressor protein, p70S6K, and pS6 ribosomal protein was measured by detecting their phosphorylated active forms using ECL-immunoblot analysis. Results: The present results show that RSVL-induced growth inhibition in T47D cells is caused by apoptosis as demonstrated by morphological changes and PARP fragmentation. RSVL-induced apoptosis is associated with the activation of the p53 in a dose- and a time-dependent manner. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors, wortmannin and LY294002 abolished the effect of RSVL on p53 activation. Interestingly, RSVL inhibits the expression of p70S6K and the phosphorylation of pS6RP. Conclusions and Implications: These findings demonstrate that RSVL affects multiple intracellular signaling transduction pathways such as p53 activation/protein translation inhibition/apoptosis, and strongly support a contemplated use of this natural compound as a preventive and/or an adjuvant therapeutic drug for breast cancer. The data indicate that these proteins may be used as predictive biomarkers to evaluate the treatment efficacy of RSVL in clinical trials.
Chronic Administration of Carvedilol Improves Cardiac Function in 6-Month-Old Syrian Cardiomyopathic Hamsters
Authors: Cruz Nildris , Arocho Luz , Rosario Luis , Crespo Maria J.
Published: May 2007

Heart failure (HF) is a multifactorial and progressive disease that has been linked to activation of the renin-angiotensin and sympathetic systems. In recent years, β-blockers have been shown to improve the status of HF patients, although the precise mechanisms remain unclear. The present study evaluates the effect of β-blockade with carvedilol (1 mg/kg/day) on cardiovascular function in 2- and 6-month-old cardiomyopathic hamsters (SCH) after 1-month and 5-month treatment periods with the drug, respectively. Age-matched golden hamsters were used as controls (CT). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and echocardiographic studies were evaluated. The latter studies included left ventricular end-systolic (LVESV) and end-diastolic (LVEDV) volumes, ejection fraction (EF), cardiac output index (COI), heart rate (HR), and left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWT). In 2-month-old SCH, carvedilol administration during a 1-month period reduced SBP from 107.59 ± 3.49 to 77.26 ± 3.49 mm Hg (n = 5, p < 0.05). At this stage, cardiac parameters in SCH were similar to those of controls and were not affected by carvedilol administration. In 6-month-old SCH, 5-month administration of carvedilol decreased SBP from 102.16 ± 3.61 to 90.60 ± 2.80 mm Hg (n = 5, p < 0.05), HR from 363 ± 14 to 324 ± 14 bpm (n = 5, p < 0.05), and LVESV from 0.18 ± 0.01 to 0.13 ± 0.01 ml/100 g BW (n = 5, p < 0.05), and increased EF and COI by 14 and 23%, respectively (n = 5, p < 0.05). The drug did not modify LVEDV or LVPWT. These results reveal that carvedilol significantly improves cardiac function in 6-month-old cardiomyopathic hamsters, but it does not prevent ventricular dilatation. Improved cardiac function appears to be secondary to decreased total peripheral resistance, due mainly to the vasodilator properties of the drug. Thus, overactivation of the sympathetic system is not likely to be a determining factor in the etiology of dilated cardiomyopathy in this animal model.
Dairy Products, Calcium and the Risk of Breast Cancer: Results of the French SU.VI.MAX Prospective Study
Authors: Kesse-Guyot Emmanuelle , Bertrais Sandrine , Duperray Bernard , Arnault Nathalie , Bar-Hen Avner , Galan Pilar , Hercberg Serge
Published: May 2007

The aim was to estimate the association between dairy products (total and their subgroups), calcium intake and the risk of breast cancer. As few studies have considered menopausal status, we also investigated stratified analyses. This analysis included 3,627 women from the French SU.VI.MAX study, among whom 92 developed breast cancer during the follow-up period. Food consumption was assessed based on five 24-hour records completed during the previous 18 months to follow-up. Calcium intake was calculated using an ad-hoc food composition database. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate relative risk (RR), comparing 4th quartile vs. 1st quartile, and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). A lower risk of breast cancer was observed with high total dairy product consumption in the whole population (RR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.29–1.03, ptrend = 0.03) and among premenopausal women with a RR of 0.35 (95% CI = 0.12–0.95, ptrend = 0.01). None of these associations remained after control for calcium intake. Increasing calcium intake was inversely associated with breast cancer risk considering the whole population (RR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.27–0.91, ptrend = 0.04) and among the subgroup of premenopausal women (RR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.10–0.71, ptrend = 0.01) respectively. Our data support the hypothesis that dairy products, through calcium content or a correlated component, might have a negative association with the risk of breast cancer, particularly among premenopausal women.
Self-Reported Dietary Supplement Use Is Confirmed by Biological Markers in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa)
Authors: Brantsæter Anne Lise , Haugen Margaretha , Hagve Tor-Arne , Aksnes Lage , Rasmussen Salka E. , Julshamn Kåre , Alexander Jan , Meltzer Helle Margrete
Published: May 2007

Background/Aims: A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and a database for dietary supplements were developed for use in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa). The aim of the present study was to investigate the relation between reported use and biomarkers in supplement and nonsupplement users and to validate self-reported intake of dietary supplements in mid pregnancy. Method: 120 women were recruited from MoBa, and 119 subjects completed the MoBa FFQ and a 4-day weighed food diary. Information on supplement use was collected by both methods. Venous blood specimens and 24-hour urine samples were obtained for measurement of dietary biomarkers. Results: Biomarker concentration/excretion and intake differed significantly between supplement and nonsupplement users for vitamin D, carotenoids, folate, the n–6/n–3 fatty acid ratio and iodine (p < 0.05 for all variables). Flavonoid excretion was higher in flavonoid-supplement users (p < 0.05). Significant correlations between total dietary intake (food and supplements) and biomarker concentration/excretion were found for vitamin D (r = 0.45, p < 0.001), folate (r = 0.26, p = 0.005), the n–6/n–3 fatty acid ratio (r = 0.36, p < 0.001) and iodine (r = 0.42, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The biochemical indicators examined in this study confirmed differences in self-reported micronutrient intake between supplement and nonsupplement users for vitamin D, beta-carotene, folate, n–3 fatty acids, flavonoids and iodine.
Functional Anatomy of the Dentate nucleus in the Light of Stereotaxic Operations
Authors: Siegfried J. , Esslen E. , Gretener U. , Ketz E. , Perret E.
Published: May 2007

A stereotaxic lesion presumably localized in the ventrolateral part of the dentate nucleus in cases of spasticity and hyperkinesia is able to reduce obviously the spasticity and to a lesser degree the involuntary movements on the ipsilateral side. EMG examinations before and after the operation have confirmed the clinical impression. No complications have been seen if the lesion is localized ventrolaterally. Postoperative cerebellar dysfunction was not seen and this was proved by means of a test of precision and speed of arm movement. EEG studies showed no changes of the pre-operative activity after the operation. During the operation, a slow fluctuation in the parietal and temporal region on the opposite side was observed at the time of the electrical stimulation of the dentate nucleus. Clinically, this electrical stimulation was accompanied by ipsilateral motor tonic effects which are all the more distal as the electrode is in-serted deeper. The authors suggest that the ventrolateral part of the dentate nucleus is the best target for the surgical therapy of cerebral palsy where thalamotomy would fail and in cases of spasticity where thalamotomy is of no use. Moreover, the absence of complications whenever the lesion is well placed, both with unilateral and bilateral operation, permits more effective action than thalamotomy, where bilateral lesions always present complication problems that have not been solved.
Electroencephalographic and Electromyographic Changes in a Case of Angiokeratoma corporis diffusum (Fabry's Disease)
Authors: Visser S.L. , de Groot W.P.
Published: May 2007

A report is presented on a 19-year-old male suffering from angiokeratoma corporis diffusum. The EEG showed mild, mainly left-sided changes especially during hyperventilation. This was interpreted as suggestive of a subclinical manifestation of a less than optimal cerebral circulation. The EMG revealed an affection of the peripheral motor neuron in the region of the left N. ulnaris. This was interpreted as neuropathy on the basis of abnormalities of the vasa nervorum. Affection of the peripheral motor neuron with EMG changes has not so far been described in this disease. EEG and EMG studies can give information, in a very early stage, on the damage which the vascular affection in angiokeratoma corporis diffusum inflicts on the central and peripheral cerebrospinal nervous system.
Vegetative, EEG and Nystagmic Reactivity to Vestibular Stimulation in Patients with Cerebral Vascular Disorders
Authors: Poilici I. , Crighel E.
Published: May 2007

Nystagmic, EEG and vegetative reactions i. e. digital plethysmogram, electrodermogram, rheoencephalogram, were investigated in 15 controls and in 42 patients with cerebro-vascular diseases. The frequency of autonomic, EEG and nystagmic reactions to vestibular stimuli was significantly different in patients with cerebro-vascular diseases from controls. That pointed to differentiated reactions depending on the type of lesion and on the site of connection between the vestibular afferents and oculomotor and autonomic efferents. It was also possible to distinguish the nonspecific orienting reflex, appearing at the beginning of ear irrigation and the vestibular reaction, appearing late, after the end of irrigation.
Infantile Neuroaxonal Dystrophy
Authors: Kohn R. , Mundel G. , Wallis K.
Published: May 2007

Four cases of infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy (a familial progressive disorder of the central nervous system) are presented with clinical and pathological findings. The clinical picture is characterized by a fairly normal development of the children up to about one year of age when a standstill and regression of motor and psychic development became apparent. Some children develop a marked generalized hypotonia, others a spasticity. Optic nerve atrophy is usually another early clinical sign. Pathologically a marked cerebellar atrophy and the occurrence of so-called ''speroid bodies'' are characteristic; the latter are signs of neuroaxonal degeneration. One of the patients presented here showed extrapyramidal signs which so far have not been seen in infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy.
Neural Dynamics of Rejection Sensitivity
Authors: Kross Ethan , Egner Tobias , Ochsner Kevin , Hirsch Joy , Downey Geraldine
Published: May 2007

Rejection sensitivity (RS) is the tendency to anxiously expect, readily perceive, and intensely react to rejection. This study used functional magnetic resonance imaging to explore whether individual differences in RS are mediated by differential recruitment of brain regions involved in emotional appraisal and/or cognitive control. High and low RS participants were scanned while viewing either representational paintings depicting themes of rejection and acceptance or nonrepresentational control paintings matched for positive or negative valence, arousal and interest level. Across all participants, rejection versus acceptance images activated regions of the brain involved in processing affective stimuli (posterior cingulate, insula), and cognitive control (dorsal anterior cingulate cortex; medial frontal cortex). Low and high RS individuals' responses to rejection versus acceptance images were not, however, identical. Low RS individuals displayed significantly more activity in left inferior and right dorsal frontal regions, and activity in these areas correlated negatively with participants' self-report distress ratings. In addition, control analyses revealed no effect of viewing negative versus positive images in any of the areas described above, suggesting that the aforementioned activations were involved in rejection-relevant processing rather than processing negatively valenced stimuli per se. Taken together, these findings suggest that responses in regions traditionally implicated in emotional processing and cognitive control are sensitive to rejection stimuli irrespective of RS, but that low RS individuals may activate prefrontal structures to regulate distress associated with viewing such images.
Grammar or Serial Order?: Discrete Combinatorial Brain Mechanisms Reflected by the Syntactic Mismatch Negativity
Authors: Pulvermüller Friedemann , Assadollahi Ramin
Published: May 2007

If word strings violate grammatical rules, they elicit neurophysiological brain responses commonly attributed to a specifically human language processor or grammar module. However, an ungrammatical string of words is always also a very rare sequence of events and it is, therefore, not always evident whether specifically linguistic processes are at work when neurophysiological grammar indexes are being reported. We here investigate the magnetic mismatch negativity (MNN) to ungrammatical word strings, to very rare grammatical strings, and to common grammatical phrases. In this design, serial order mechanism mapping the sequential probability of words should neurophysiologically dissociate frequent grammatical phrases from both ungrammatical and rare grammatical strings. However, if syntax as a discrete combinatorial system is reflected, the prediction is that the rare, correctly combined items group with the highly frequent grammatical strings and stand out against ungrammatical strings. Using magnetoencephalography as a measure of human brain activity, we replicated the previously reported syntactic mismatch negativity (sMMN), which distinguishes highly unfamiliar ungrammatical word sequences from common grammatical strings. Crucially, a significant interaction demonstrated that the sMMN specifically distinguished syntactic violations from common grammatical strings, but not uncommon from common grammatical word strings. This significant interaction argues in favor of a genuinely grammatical origin of the sMMN and provides direct neurophysiological evidence for a discrete combinatorial system for word and morpheme sequences in the human brain. The data are more difficult to explain in the context of serial order models that map co-occurrence probabilities of words.
Variability of North Pacific Sea Ice and East Asia–North Pacific Winter Climate
Authors: Liu Jiping , Zhang Zhanhai , Horton Radley M. , Wang Chunyi , Ren Xiaobo
Published: May 2007

Sea ice variability in the North Pacific and its associations with the east Asia–North Pacific winter climate were investigated using observational data. Two dominant modes of sea ice variability in the North Pacific were identified. The first mode features a dipole pattern between the Sea of Okhotsk and the Bering Sea. The second mode is characterized by more uniform ice changes throughout the North Pacific.

Using the principal components of the two dominant modes as the indices (PC1 and PC2), analyses show that the positive phases of PC1 feature a local warming (cooling) in the Sea of Okhotsk (the Bering Sea), which is associated with the formation of the anomalous anticyclone extending from the northern Pacific to Siberia, accompanied by a weakening of the east Asian jet stream and trough. The associated anomalous southeasterlies/easterlies reduce the climatological northwesterlies/westerlies, leading to warm and wet conditions in northeast China and central Siberia. The positive phases of PC2 are characterized by a strong local warming in the northern Pacific that coincides with the anomalous cyclone occupying the entire North Pacific, accompanied by a strengthening of the east Asia jet stream and trough. The associated anomalous northerlies intensify the east Asian winter monsoon (EAWM), leading to cold and dry conditions in the east coast of Asia. The intensified EAWM also strengthens the local Hadley cell, which in turn strengthens the east Asian jet stream and leads to a precipitation deficit over subtropical east Asia. The linkages between PC1 and PC2 and large-scale modes of climate variability were also discussed. It is found that PC1 is a better indicator than the Arctic Oscillation of the recent Siberian warming, whereas PC2 may be a valuable predictor of EAWM.
Partisan Preferences, Electoral Prospects, and Economic Expectations
Authors: Ladner Matthew , Wlezien Christopher
Published: May 2007

Research shows that economic expectations reflect partisan preferences. Those who support the current government tend to think the future will go well, at least by comparison with those who oppose the government. But, there always is uncertainty surrounding the political future, especially in the period before elections. This article considers whether the uncertainty matters. Specifically, it examines whether people's economic expectations are conditional on their own estimates of who will win. The analysis relies on data from five election study panels in the United States and the United Kingdom, both majoritarian systems, where the effects of partisan winning and losing are most likely. The results imply that people in these countries do anticipate election outcomes; that is, economic expectations prior to elections reflect both the political present and future. This tells us not only that expectations in these systems are substantially rational but that politics plays a much bigger role in our economic thinking than originally thought.
Clinical Presentation, Differential Diagnosis, and Vasodilator Testing of Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Edelman Jeffrey D.
Published: May 2007

Clinicians should be cognizant of the symptoms and risk factors associated with pulmonary hypertension (PH). While known PH poses significant therapeutic challenges, occult PH carries the added potential for unanticipated complications when treating concurrent medical illnesses. PH may occur with underlying medical conditions and risk factors or may occur de novo as idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). Symptoms of PH are frequently attributed to more common conditions, and their nonspecific nature and insidious onset may lead to delay in presentation, evaluation, and diagnosis. Initial symptoms are dyspnea, fatigue, chest pain, and palpitations. Lower extremity edema, presyncope, and syncope are symptoms of more advanced disease. Thorough evaluation of symptoms and identification of patients with risk factors for PH are critical in making a timely diagnosis. History and physical examination can identify patients with suspected PH. Further testing is necessary for definitive diagnosis, classification, assessment of severity, and guiding therapeutic decisions.
Management of Pulmonary Hypertension in the Operating Room
Authors: Subramaniam Kathirvel , Yared Jean-Pierre
Published: May 2007

Pulmonary artery hypertension is defined as persistent elevation of mean pulmonary artery pressure > 25 mm Hg with pulmonary capillary wedge pressure < 15 mm Hg or elevation of exercise mean pulmonary artery pressure > 35 mm Hg. Although mild pulmonary hypertension rarely impacts anesthetic management, severe pulmonary hypertension and exacerbation of moderate hypertension can lead to acute right ventricular failure and cardiogenic shock. Knowledge of anesthetic drug effects on the pulmonary circulation is essential for anesthesiologists. Intraoperative management should include prevention of exacerbating factors such as hypoxemia, hypercarbia, acidosis, hypothermia, hypervolemia, and increased intrathoracic pressure; monitoring and optimizing right ventricular function; and treatment with selective pulmonary vasodilators. Recent advances in pharmacology provide anesthesiologists with a wide variety of options for selective pulmonary vasodilatation. Pulmonary hypertension is a major determinant of perioperative morbidity and mortality in special situations such as heart and lung transplantation, pneumonectomy, and ventricular assist device placement.
The Politics of Privatization and Europeanization in Europe's Periphery: Slovenian Banks and Breweries for Sale?
Authors: Lindstrom Nicole , Piroska Dóra
Published: May 2007

Many theoretical approaches to Europeanization of EU applicant states portray the process as top-down: governing elites in applicant states conform to EU conditions, constituents provide a permissive consensus and all applicant states converge toward a single EU model. Such approaches direct less attention to how Europeanization is a dynamic, contradictory and contestable process. This case study considers how common pressures of Europeanization both constrain and enable domestic politics in particular domestic fields. We focus on two sites of Europeanization in Slovenia: political debates surrounding the restructuring of the Slovenian banking sector and political turmoil over the sale of Slovenian breweries to foreign investors. In both cases, domestic societal actors managed to hinder and, in one case, halt, the full-scale liberalization and privatization of the Slovenian economy. These actors not only appealed to nationalist interests, namely the preservation of Slovenia's gradualist or nationalist–capitalist development path; they also framed these political struggles within a larger European political sphere.
The Role of the EU in the (Trans)formation of Corporate Governance Regulation in Central Eastern Europe — The Case of the Czech Republic
Authors: Vliegenthart Arjan , Horn Laura
Published: May 2007

The European Union (EU) has a crucial influence on the institutional development of corporate governance structures in Central Eastern Europe (CEE). As most political forces in the region favoured quick entry to the EU, one outcome has been an asymmetrical power balance between European regulators and national socio-economic configurations. We identify the EU's objectives and strategy with regard to the restructuring of corporate governance as crucial to understanding the role the EU is playing within the transformation of governance structures in CEE. Using the case of the banking and financial sector in the Czech Republic we analyse the changing regulatory framework of corporate governance. Central to our analysis is the role of the European Commission, which as a transnational actor, has played a major role in promoting and advocating regulatory policies conducive to further embedding socio-economic structures in CEE into the transnational political economy of neoliberal capitalist restructuring.
Too Much Shock, Not Enough Therapy: Transnational Capital and the Social Implications of Poland's Ongoing Transition to a Market
Authors: Shields Stuart
Published: May 2007

In this article, an argument is presented for the return of labour to centre stage in the critical study of transition. The transition to capitalism in Eastern Central Europe generally, and Poland in particular, is discussed and the negative social impacts of transnational capital in post-communist development and the reconstitution of the Polish state in favour of (transnational) capital interrogated, through an exploration of the ever-deeper embedding of neoliberalization. There has been a reworking of the institutional infrastructures where the communist and post-communist political economy was grounded and transnationally oriented social forces in the EU continue to export the core of the neoliberal deregulatory programme to the east. Enlargement measures have further embedded a highly selective application of Europeanisation in what is becoming an increasingly vituperative variant of neoliberalism. The article concludes by assessing the recent neo-populist turn in Poland and how this might be reconciled with neoliberal strategies.
Platelet activation in patients with sickle disease, hemolysis-associated pulmonary hypertension, and nitric oxide scavenging by cell-free hemoglobin
Authors: Villagra José , Shiva Sruti , Hunter Lori A. , Machado Roberto F. , Gladwin Mark T. , Kato Gregory J.
Published: May 2007

Increased platelet activation is recognized in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), but its pathogenesis and clinical relevance remain uncertain. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), an important complication of SCD, is characterized by a proliferative pulmonary vasculopathy, in situ thrombosis, and vascular dysfunction related to scavenging of nitric oxide (NO) by hemoglobin released into blood plasma during intravascular hemolysis. We investigated links between platelet activation, PAH and NO scavenging in patients with SCD. Platelet activation marked by activated fibrinogen receptor correlated to the severity of PAH (r = 0.58, P < .001) and to laboratory markers of intravascular hemolysis, such as reticulocyte count (r = 0.44, P = .02). In vitro exposure of platelets to pathologically relevant concentrations of cell-free hemoglobin promoted basal- and agonist-stimulated activation and blocked the inhibitory effects on platelet activation by an NO donor. In patients with SCD, administration of sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor that potentiates NO-dependent signaling, reduced platelet activation (P = .01). These findings suggest a possible interaction between hemolysis, decreased NO bioavailability, and pathologic platelet activation that might contribute to thrombosis and pulmonary hypertension in SCD, and potentially other disorders of intravascular hemolysis. This supports a role for NO-based therapeutics for SCD vasculopathy. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as no. NCT00352430.
Regulation of p73 by Hck through kinase-dependent and independent mechanisms
Authors: Paliwal Preeti , Radha Vegesna , Swarup Ghanshyam
Published: May 2007

Background

p73, a p53 family member is a transcription factor that plays a role in cell cycle, differentiation and apoptosis. p73 is regulated through post translational modifications and protein interactions. c-Abl is the only known tyrosine kinase that phosphorylates and activates p73. Here we have analyzed the role of Src family kinases, which are involved in diverse signaling pathways, in regulating p73.

Results

Exogenously expressed as well as cellular Hck and p73 interactin vivo.In vitrobinding assays show that SH3 domain of Hck interacts with p73. Co-expression of p73 with Hck or c-Src in mammalian cells resulted in tyrosine phosphorylation of p73. Using site directed mutational analysis, we determined that Tyr-28 was the major site of phosphorylation by Hck and c-Src, unlike c-Abl which phosphorylates Tyr-99. In a kinase dependent manner, Hck co-expression resulted in stabilization of p73 protein in the cytoplasm. Activation of Hck in HL-60 cells resulted in tyrosine phosphorylation of endogenous p73. Both exogenous and endogenous Hck localize to the nuclear as well as cytoplasmic compartment, just as does p73. Ectopically expressed Hck repressed the transcriptional activity of p73 as determined by promoter assays and semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis of the p73 target, Ipaf and MDM2. SH3 domain- dependent function of Hck was required for its effect on p73 activity, which was also reflected in its ability to inhibit p73-mediated apoptosis. We also show that Hck interacts with Yes associated protein (YAP), a transcriptional co-activator of p73, and shRNA mediated knockdown of YAP protein reduces p73 induced Ipaf promoter activation.

Conclusion

We have identified p73 as a novel substrate and interacting partner of Hck and show that it regulates p73 through mechanisms that are dependent on either catalytic activity or protein interaction domains. Hck-SH3 domain-mediated interactions play an important role in the inhibition of p73-dependent transcriptional activation of a target gene, Ipaf, as well as apoptosis.