bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Response of Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Exposed to Chitosan Materials Prepared with Different Cross-Linkers
Authors: Lai Jui-Yang , Li Ya-Ting , Wang Tsu-Pin
Published: December 2010

The interaction between cells and biopolymers is the evaluation indicator of the biocompatibility of materials. The purpose of this work was to examine the responses of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells to genipin (GP) or glutaraldehyde (GTA) cross-linked chitosan by means of cell viability assays, cytokine expression analyses, and apoptosis assays. Evaluations of non-cross-linked chitosan were conducted simultaneously for comparison. Both GP and GTA treated samples with the same extent of cross-linking (around 80%) were prepared by varying cross-linking time. Our results showed that GP cross-linking was carried out by either radical polymerization of the monomers or SN2 nucleophilic substitution reaction involving the replacement of the ester group on the monomer with a secondary amide linkage. On the other hand, GTA could react with free amino groups of chitosan, leading to the formation of either the Schiff bases or the Michael-type adducts with terminal aldehydes. The biocompatibility of non-cross-linked chitosan membranes was demonstrated by the absence of any signs of toxicity or inflammation reaction. The present study showed that the ARPE-19 cells exposed to GTA cross-linked chitosan membranes had significantly higher cytotoxicity, interleukin-6 levels, and number of TUNEL-positive nuclei than did those exposed to GP treated samples. In addition, the materials modified with GTA trigger apoptosis at an early stage and may induce toxicity in the RPE cells later. The findings suggest that while the chitosan molecules bridged by GP are satisfactorily cytocompatible, the counterparts treated by GTA do not seem to be tolerated. In terms of material safety, the GP cross-linked chitosan may be compatible with human RPE cells and may have a potential application as delivery carriers in the treatment of posterior segment diseases.
Frameshifting in the P6 cDNA Phage Display System
Authors: Govarts Cindy , Somers Klaartje , Stinissen Piet , Somers Veerle
Published: December 2010

Phage display is a powerful technique that enables easy identification of targets for any type of ligand. Targets are displayed at the phage surface as a fusion protein to one of the phage coat proteins. By means of a repeated process of affinity selection on a ligand, specific enrichment of displayed targets will occur. In our studies using C-terminal display of cDNA fragments to phage coat protein p6, we noticed the occasional enrichment of targets that do not contain an open reading frame. This event has previously been described in other phage display studies using N-terminal display of targets to phage coat proteins and was due to uncommon translational events like frameshifting. The aim of this study was to examine if C-terminal display of targets to p6 is also subjected to frameshifting. To this end, an enriched target not containing an open reading frame was selected and an E-tag was coupled at the C-terminus in order to measure target display at the surface of the phage. The tagged construct was subsequently expressed in 3 different reading frames and display of both target and E-tag measured to detect the occurrence of frameshifting. As a result, we were able to demonstrate display of the target both in the 0 and in the +1 reading frame indicating that frameshifting can also take place when C-terminal fusion to minor coat protein p6 is applied.
Facile and Convenient Synthesis of New Thieno[2,3-b]-Thiophene Derivatives
Authors: Mabkhot Yahia Nasser , Abd Elshafy Kheder Nabila , Al-Majid Abdullah Mohammad
Published: December 2010

A facile and convenient synthesis of bis(2-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2(3H)-ylidene)-3-oxopropanenitrile), bis((3-amino-5-(methylthio)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methanone) and bis(2-thioxo-1,2-dihydropyrimidine-5-carbonitrile) derivatives incorporating a thieno- [2,3-b]thiophene moiety via versatile, readily accessible diethyl 3,4-dimethylthieno-[2,3-b]thiophene-2,5-dicarboxylate (1) is described.
Food Intake of Kansans Over 80 Years of Age Attending Congregate Meal Sites
Authors: Weeden Allisha M. , Remig Valentina M.
Published: December 2010

As the population of the United States continues to age, it has become increasingly more important to recognize the food intake and eating habits of older adults. The objective of this study was to describe the food group intake, factors predicting food group intake, and the food choices of community-dwelling Kansans, 80 years of age and older who participate in congregate meal programs. Participants completed a short questionnaire querying demographic information, current health status, and dietary supplement use. Participants (n = 113) were then followed up via telephone to complete two 24-hour diet recalls. Data were analyzed to determine adequacy of food group intake and mean intake. Regression analyses were used to determine factors predicting intake and frequency analysis established food typically consumed. Female participants were significantly more likely to consume more fruit servings than males. Intake was low for all five of the food groups, especially dairy. Chronic health conditions and dietary supplement use were consistently predictive factors of the amount of each food group consumed.
Use of Multi-Functional Flexible Micro-Sensors for in situ Measurement of Temperature, Voltage and Fuel Flow in a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell
Authors: Lee Chi-Yuan , Chan Pin-Cheng , Lee Chung-Ju
Published: December 2010

Temperature, voltage and fuel flow distribution all contribute considerably to fuel cell performance. Conventional methods cannot accurately determine parameter changes inside a fuel cell. This investigation developed flexible and multi-functional micro sensors on a 40 μm-thick stainless steel foil substrate by using micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and embedded them in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) to measure the temperature, voltage and flow. Users can monitor and control in situ the temperature, voltage and fuel flow distribution in the cell. Thereby, both fuel cell performance and lifetime can be increased.
Performance Bound for Extended Target Tracking Using High Resolution Sensors
Authors: Zhong Zhiwen , Meng Huadong , Zhang Hao , Wang Xiqin
Published: December 2010

This article concerns the problem of the estimation bound for tracking an extended target observed by a high resolution sensor. Two types of commonly used models for extended targets and the corresponding posterior Cramer-Rao lower bound (PCRLB) are discussed. The first type is the equation-extension model which extends the state space to include parameters such as target size and shape. Thus, the extended state vector can be estimated through the measurements obtained by a high resolution sensor. The measurement vector is also an expansion of the conventional one, and the additional measurements such as target extent can provide extra information for the estimation. The second model is based on multiple target measurements, each of which is an independent random draw from a spatial probability distribution. As the number of measurements per frame is unknown and random, the general form of the measurement contribution to the Fisher information matrix (FIM) conditional on the number of measurements is presented, and an extended information reduction factor (EIRF) approach is proposed to calculate the overall FIM and, therefore, the PCRLB. The bound of the second extended target model is also less than that of the point model, on condition that the average number of measurements is greater than one. Illustrative simulation examples of the two models are discussed and demonstrated.
Phenylboronic-Acid-Based Carbohydrate Binders as Antiviral Therapeutics: Bisphenylboronic Acids
Authors: Trippier Paul C , Balzarini Jan , McGuigan Christopher
Published: December 2010

Background:

Carbohydrate-binding agents are considered as potential therapeutic agents for the inhibition of highly glycosylated enveloped viruses such as HIV type-1. Phenylboronic acids are well-known to bind the cis-diol functionality of carbohydrate structures, thereby identifying themselves as potential lead structures.

Methods:

Bisphenylboronic acids connected via a functionalized linker at variable length (1–13 atoms) bearing the binding boronic acid functionality at the three possible ring geometries relative to the linker have been investigated as probes for selective and non-selective saccharide sensors. Herein, we describe the compilation of a ‘linker-diverse’ compound library of bisphenylboronic acids and the determination of the structure–activity relationship versus a variety of enveloped viruses. Molecular modelling of the gp120 glycans of simian immunodeficiency virus was undertaken to ascertain a theoretical minimum length of the linker unit.

Results:

The compounds demonstrated no pronounced antiviral activity. The general low toxicity of the boronic acids became evident in this study, thereby justifying further studies.

Conclusions:

A higher concentration of phenylboronate functional groups per molecule, resulting in multivalency, might be necessary to bind with sufficient potency to HIV type-1 gp120 and to elicit an antiviral action.
Cotransplantation of Adipose Tissue-Derived Insulin-Secreting Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Hematopoietic Stem Cells: A Novel Therapy for Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Vanikar A. V. , Dave S. D. , Thakkar U. G. , Trivedi H. L.
Published: December 2010

Aims. Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is believed to be an autoimmune disorder with disturbed glucose/insulin metabolism, requiring life-long insulin replacement therapy (IRT), 30% of patients develop end-organ failure. We present our experience of cotransplantation of adipose tissue derived insulin-secreting mesenchymal stem cells (IS-AD-MSC) and cultured bone marrow (CBM) as IRT for these patients.Methods. This was a prospective open-labeled clinical trial to test efficacy and safety of IS-AD-MSC+CBM co-transplantation to treat IDDM, approved by the institutional review board after informed consent in 11 (males : females: 7 : 4) patients with 1–24-year disease duration, in age group: 13–43 years, on mean values of exogenous insulin requirement of 1.14 units/kg BW/day, glycosylated hemoglobin (Hb1Ac): 8.47%, and c-peptide levels: 0.1 ng/mL. Intraportal infusion of xenogeneic-free IS-AD-MSC from living donors, subjected to defined culture conditions and phenotypically differentiated to insulin-secreting cells, with mean quantum: 1.5 mL, expressing Pax-6, Isl-1, and pdx-1, cell counts: /μL, CD45−/90+/73+:40/30.1%, C-Peptide level:1.8 ng/mL, and insulin level: 339.3  IU/mL with CBM mean quantum: 96.3 mL and cell counts: /μL, CD45−/34+:0.62%, was carried out.Results. All were successfully transplanted without any untoward effect. Over mean followup of 23 months, they had a decreased mean exogenous insulin requirement to 0.63 units/kgBW/day, Hb1Ac to 7.39%, raised serum c-peptide levels to 0.38 ng/mL, and became free of diabetic ketoacidosis events with mean 2.5 Kg weight gain on normal vegetarian diet and physical activities.Conclusion. This is the first report of treating IDDM with insulin-secreting-AD-MSC+CBM safely and effectively with relatively simple techniques.
Chronic Cerebral Ischaemia Forms New Cholinergic Mechanisms of Learning and Memory
Authors: Zakharova E. I. , Storozheva Z. I. , Dudchenko A. M. , Kubatiev A. A.
Published: December 2010

The purpose of this research was a comparative analysis of cholinergic synaptic organization following learning and memory in normal and chronic cerebral ischaemic rats in the Morris water maze model. Choline acetyltransferase and protein content were determined in subpopulations of presynapses of “light” and “heavy” synaptosomal fractions of the cortex and the hippocampus, and the cholinergic projective and intrinsic systems of the brain structures were taken into consideration. We found a strong involvement of cholinergic systems, both projective and intrinsic, in all forms of cognition. Each form of cognition had an individual cholinergic molecular profile and the cholinergic synaptic compositions in the ischaemic rat brains differed significantly from normal ones. Our data demonstrated that under ischaemic conditions, instead of damaged connections new key synaptic relationships, which were stable against pathological influences and able to restore damaged cognitive functions, arose. The plasticity of neurochemical links in the individual organization of certain types of cognition gave a new input into brain pathology and can be used in the future for alternative corrections of vascular and other degenerative dementias.
α-Synuclein TransgenicDrosophilaAs a Model of Parkinson's Disease and Related Synucleinopathies
Authors: Mizuno Hideya , Fujikake Nobuhiro , Wada Keiji , Nagai Yoshitaka
Published: December 2010

α-Synuclein (α-Syn) is a major component of protein inclusions known as Lewy bodies, which are hallmarks of synucleinopathies such as Parkinson's disease (PD). Theα-Syn gene is one of the familial PD-causing genes and is also associated with an increased risk of sporadic PD. Numerous studies usingα-Syn expressing transgenic animals have indicated thatα-Syn plays a critical role in the common pathogenesis of synucleinopathies.Drosophila melanogasterhas several advantages for modeling human neurodegenerative diseases and is widely used for studying their pathomechanisms and therapies. In fact,Drosophilamodels expressingα-Syn have already been established and proven to replicate several features of human PD. In this paper, we review the current research on synucleinopathies usingα-SynDrosophilamodels and, moreover, explore the possibilities of these models for comprehensive genetic analyses and large-scale drug screening towards elucidating the molecular pathogenesis and developing therapies for synucleinopathies.
Long-Term Effect of Mediterranean-Style Diet and Calorie Restriction on Biomarkers of Longevity and Oxidative Stress in Overweight Men
Authors: Esposito Katherine , Di Palo Carmen , Maiorino Maria Ida , Petrizzo Michela , Bellastella Giuseppe , Siniscalchi Isabella , Giugliano Dario
Published: December 2010

We report the effects of a Mediterranean-style diet, with or without calorie restriction, on biomarkers of aging and oxidative stress in overweight men. 192 men were randomly assigned to either a Mediterranean-style diet or a conventional diet. The intervention program was based on implementation of a Mediterranean dietary pattern in the overweight group (MED diet group), associated with calorie restriction and increased physical activity in the obese group (lifestyle group). Both groups were compared with participants in two matched control groups (advice groups). After 2 years, there was a significant difference in weight loss between groups, which was −14 kg (95% CI −20 to −8) in lifestyle groups and −2.0 kg (−4.4 to 0) in the advice groups, with a difference of −11.9 kg (CI −19 to −4.7 kg, ); moreover, there was a significant difference between groups at 2 years for insulin (), 8-iso-PGF2α(), glucose (), and adiponectin (). Prolonged adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet, with or without caloric restriction, in overweight or obese men is associated with significant amelioration of multiple risk factors, including a better cardiovascular risk profile, reduced oxidative stress, and improved insulin sensitivity.
Mechanisms of Amyloid‐Beta Peptide Uptake by Neurons: The Role of Lipid Rafts and Lipid Raft‐Associated Proteins
Authors: Lai Aaron Y. , McLaurin JoAnne
Published: December 2010

A hallmark pathological feature of Alzheimer′s disease (AD) is the accumulation of extracellular plaques composed of the amyloid‐beta (Aβ) peptide. Thus, classically experiments were designed to examine Aβ toxicities within the central nervous system (CNS) from the extracellular space. However, a significant amount of evidence now suggests that intraneuronal accumulation of Aβ is neurotoxic and may play an important role in the disease progression of AD. One of the means by which neurons accumulate intracellular Aβ is through uptake of extracellular Aβ peptides, and this process may be a potential link between Aβ generation, synaptic dysfunction, and AD pathology. Recent studies have found that neuronal internalization of Aβ involves lipid rafts and various lipid raft‐associated receptor proteins. Uptake mechanisms independent of lipid rafts have also been implicated. The aim of this paper is to summarize these findings and discuss their significance in the pathogenesis of AD.
Loading and Skeletal Development and Maintenance
Authors: Bergmann P. , Body J. J. , Boonen S. , Boutsen Y. , Devogelaer J. P. , Goemaere S. , Kaufman J. , Reginster J. Y. , Rozenberg S.
Published: December 2010

Mechanical loading is a major regulator of bone mass and geometry. The osteocytes network is considered the main sensor of loads, through the shear stress generated by strain induced fluid flow in the lacuno-canalicular system. Intracellular transduction implies several kinases and phosphorylation of the estrogen receptor. Several extra-cellular mediators, among which NO and prostaglandins are transducing the signal to the effector cells. Disuse results in osteocytes apoptosis and rapid imbalanced bone resorption, leading to severe osteoporosis. Exercising during growth increases peak bone mass, and could be beneficial with regards to osteoporosis later in life, but the gain could be lost if training is abandoned. Exercise programs in adults and seniors have barely significant effects on bone mass and geometry at least at short term. There are few data on a possible additive effect of exercise and drugs in osteoporosis treatment, but disuse could decrease drugs action. Exercise programs proposed for bone health are tedious and compliance is usually low. The most practical advice for patients is to walk a minimum of 30 to 60 minutes per day. Other exercises like swimming or cycling have less effect on bone, but could reduce fracture risk indirectly by maintaining muscle mass and force.
Long-Term Prognosis of Ischemic Stroke in Young Adults
Authors: Varona Jose F.
Published: December 2010

There is limited information about long-term prognosis of ischemic stroke in young adults. Giving the potentially negative impact in physical, social, and emotional aspects of an ischemic stroke in young people, providing early accurate long-term prognostic information is very important in this clinical setting. Moreover, detection of factors associated with bad outcomes (death, recurrence, moderate-to-severe disability) help physicians in optimizing secondary prevention strategies. The present paper reviews the most relevant published information concerning long-term prognosis and predictors of unfavorable outcomes of ischemic stroke affecting young adults. As a summary, we can conclude that, in the long term, stroke in the young adult increases slightly the risk of mortality, implies higher risk of future cardiovascular events, and determines functional limitations in a significant percentage of patients. Nevertheless, in every individual case the prognosis has to be considered depending on several factors (stroke subtype, initial severity, cardiovascular risk factors) that determine the long-term outcomes.
Primary Oral Tuberculosis as an Indicator of HIV Infection
Authors: Khammissa R. A. G. , Wood N. H. , Meyerov R. , Lemmer J. , Raubenheimer E. J. , Feller Liviu
Published: December 2010

We present a case of primary oral tuberculosis that led to the diagnosis of HIV infection. Our patient had clinically nonspecific ulcers on the labial mucosa and on the ventral surface of the tongue which were diagnosed as being tuberculous only on histological examination. This raised the suspicion of HIV infection that was subsequently confirmed by blood tests. The oral lesions resolved after 4 weeks of antituberculosis treatment. Some aspects of the pathogenesis of HIV-tuberculosis coinfection are discussed.
Anisotropic finite-size scaling of an elastic string at the depinning threshold in a random-periodic medium
Authors: Bustingorry Sebastián , Kolton Alejandro B.
Published: December 2010

We numerically study the geometry of a driven elastic string at its sample-dependent depinning threshold in random-periodic media. We find that the anisotropic finite-size scaling of the average square width $\overline{w^2}$ and of its associated probability distribution are both controlled by the ratio $k=M/L^{\zeta_{dep}}$, where $\zeta_{dep}$ is the random-manifold depinning roughness exponent, $L$ is the longitudinal size of the string and $M$ the transverse periodicity of the random medium. The rescaled average square width $\overline{w^2}/L^{2\zeta_{dep}}$ displays a non-trivial single minimum for a finite value of $k$. We show that the initial decrease for small $k$ reflects the crossover at $k \sim 1$ from the random-periodic to the random-manifold roughness. The increase for very large $k$ implies that the increasingly rare critical configurations, accompanying the crossover to Gumbel critical-force statistics, display anomalous roughness properties: a transverse-periodicity scaling in spite that $\overline{w^2} \ll M$, and subleading corrections to the standard random-manifold longitudinal-size scaling. Our results are relevant to understanding the dimensional crossover from interface to particle depinning. Received: 20 October 2010, Accepted: 1 December 2010; Edited by:  A. Vindigni; Reviewed by: A. A. Fedorenko, CNRS-Lab. de Physique, ENS de Lyon, France; DOI: 10.4279/PIP.020008
Global ozone monitoring by occultation of stars: an overview of GOMOS measurements on ENVISAT
Authors: Bertaux J. L. , Kyrölä E. , Fussen D. , Hauchecorne A. , Dalaudier F. , Sofieva V. , Tamminen J. , Vanhellemont F. , Fanton d'Andon O. , Barrot G. , Mangin A. , Blanot L. , Lebrun J. C. , Pérot K. , Fehr T. , Saavedra L. , Leppelmeier G. W. , Fraisse R.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. GOMOS on ENVISAT (launched in February, 2002) is the first space instrument dedicated to the study of the atmosphere of the Earth by the technique of stellar occultations (Global Ozone Monitoring by Occultation of Stars). Its polar orbit makes good latitude coverage possible. Because it is self-calibrating, it is particularly well adapted to long time trend monitoring of stratospheric species. With 4 spectrometers, the wavelength coverage of 248 nm to 942 nm enables monitoring ozone, H2O, NO2, NO3, air density, aerosol extinction, and O2. Two additional fast photometers (with 1 kHz sampling rate) enable the correction of the effects of scintillations, as well as the study of the structure of air density irregularities resulting from gravity waves and turbulence. A high vertical resolution profile of the temperature may also be obtained from the time delay between the red and the blue photometer. Noctilucent clouds (Polar Mesospheric Clouds, PMC) are routinely observed in both polar summers and global observations of OClO and sodium are achieved. The instrument configuration, dictated by the scientific objectives' rationale and technical constraints, is described, together with the typical operations along one orbit, along with the statistics from over 6 years of operation. Typical atmospheric transmission spectra are presented and some retrieval difficulties are discussed, in particular for O2 and H2O. An overview is presented of a number of scientific results already published or found in more detail as companion papers in the same ACP GOMOS special issue. This paper is particularly intended to provide an incentive for the exploitation of GOMOS data available to the whole scientific community in the ESA data archive, and to help GOMOS data users to better understand the instrument, its capabilities and the quality of its measurements, thus leading to an increase in the scientific return.
Specific interplanetary conditions for CIR-, Sheath-, and ICME-induced geomagnetic storms obtained by double superposed epoch analysis
Authors: Yermolaev Yu. I. , Nikolaeva N. S. , Lodkina I. G. , Yermolaev M. Yu.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. A comparison of specific interplanetary conditions for 798 magnetic storms with Dst <−50 nT during 1976–2000 was made on the basis of the OMNI archive data. We categorized various large-scale types of solar wind as interplanetary drivers of storms: corotating interaction region (CIR), Sheath, interplanetary CME (ICME) including both magnetic cloud (MC) and Ejecta, separately MC and Ejecta, and "Indeterminate" type. The data processing was carried out by the method of double superposed epoch analysis which uses two reference times (onset of storm and minimum of Dst index) and makes a re-scaling of the main phase of the storm in a such way that all storms have equal durations of the main phase in the new time reference frame. This method reproduced some well-known results and allowed us to obtain some new results. Specifically, obtained results demonstrate that (1) in accordance with "output/input" criteria the highest efficiency in generation of magnetic storms is observed for Sheath and the lowest one for MC, and (2) there are significant differences in the properties of MC and Ejecta and in their efficiencies.
Estimation of high return period flood quantiles using additional non-systematic information with upper bounded statistical models
Authors: Botero B. A. , Francés F.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. This paper proposes the estimation of high return period quantiles using upper bounded distribution functions with Systematic and additional Non-Systematic information. The aim of the developed methodology is to reduce the estimation uncertainty of these quantiles, assuming the upper bound parameter of these distribution functions as a statistical estimator of the Probable Maximum Flood (PMF). Three upper bounded distribution functions, firstly used in Hydrology in the 90's (referred to in this work as TDF, LN4 and EV4), were applied at the Jucar River in Spain. Different methods to estimate the upper limit of these distribution functions have been merged with the Maximum Likelihood (ML) method. Results show that it is possible to obtain a statistical estimate of the PMF value and to establish its associated uncertainty. The behaviour for high return period quantiles is different for the three evaluated distributions and, for the case study, the EV4 gave better descriptive results. With enough information, the associated estimation uncertainty for very high return period quantiles is considered acceptable, even for the PMF estimate. From the robustness analysis, the EV4 distribution function appears to be more robust than the GEV and TCEV unbounded distribution functions in a typical Mediterranean river and Non-Systematic information availability scenario. In this scenario and if there is an upper limit, the GEV quantile estimates are clearly unacceptable.
Model-based tsunami warnings derived from observed impacts
Authors: Allen S. C. R. , Greenslade D. J. M.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. The Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre uses the T2 tsunami scenario database to provide forecast guidance for potential tsunami threats to the coastlines of mainland Australia and its external territories. This study describes a method for generating coastal tsunami warnings from model data obtained from the T2 scenario database. Consideration of observed coastal impacts for nine past events leads to retrospective or "ideal" warning schemes being designed. The 95th percentile values of maximum amplitude within designated coastal zones are examined and thresholds that produce the best match for the ideal schemes are selected. This empirical method is impact-based and allows the T2 scenarios to be used as a proxy for potential impacts on the coast in order to generate warnings for the Australian region.
Preliminary results of the Social Impact Research Group of MEDEX: the request database (2000–2002) of two Meteorological Services
Authors: Amaro J. , Gayà M. , Aran M. , Llasat M. C.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. One of the aims of the MEDEX project is to improve the knowledge of high-impact weather events in the Mediterranean. According to the guidelines of this project, a pilot study was carried out in two regions of Spain (the Balearic Islands and Catalonia) by the Social Impact Research group of MEDEX. The main goal is to suggest some general and suitable criteria about how to analyse requests received in Meteorological Services arising out of the damage caused by weather events. Thus, all the requests received between 2000 and 2002 at the Servei Meteorològic de Catalunya as well as at the Division of AEMET in the Balearic Islands were analysed. Firstly, the proposed criteria in order to build the database are defined and discussed. Secondly, the temporal distribution of the requests for damage claims is analysed. On average, almost half of them were received during the first month after the event happened. During the first six months, the percentage increases by 90%. Thirdly, various factors are taken into account to determine the impact of specific events on society. It is remarkable that the greatest number of requests is for those episodes with simultaneous heavy rain and strong wind, and finally, those that are linked to high population density.
Identification of a Novel Mutation in the PTCH Gene in a Patient with Gorlin-Goltz Syndrome with Unusual Ocular Disorders
Authors: Romano Mary , lacovello Daniela , Cascone Nikhil C. , Contestabile Maria Teresa
Published: December 2010

Purpose

TO document the clinical, functional, and in vivo microanatomic characteristics of a patient with Gorlin-Goltz syndrome with a novel nonsense mutation in PTCH (patched).

Methods

Optical coherence tomography (OCT), fluorescein angiography, electrophysiologic testing, visual field, magnetic resonance imaging, and mutation screening of PTCH gene.

Results

Visual acuity was 20/20 in the right eye and 20/25 in the left. Fundus examination revealed myelinated nerve fibers in the left eye and bilateral epiretinal membranes with lamellar macular hole also documented with macular OCT. A reduction of the retinal nerve fiber layers in both eyes was found with fiber nervous OCT. Fluorescein angiography showed bilaterally foveal hyperfluorescence and the visual field revealed inferior hemianopia in the right eye. Pattern visual evoked potentials registered a reduction of amplitude in both eyes and latency was delayed in the left eye. Pattern electroretinogram showed a reduction in P50 and N95 peak time and a delay in P50 peak time in the left eye. Flash electroretinogram was reduced in rod response, maximal response, and oscillatory potentials in both eyes. Cone response was normal and 30-Hz flicker was slightly reduced in both eyes. Mutation screening identified a novel nonsense mutation in PTCH.

Conclusions

A novel nonsense mutation in the PTCH gene was found. We report the occurrence of epiretinal membranes and the persistence of myelinated nerve fibers. Electrophysiologic and visual field alterations, supporting a neuroretinal dysfunction, were also documented.
Genetic Influences on Neural Plasticity
Authors: Pearson‐Fuhrhop Kristin M. , Cramer Steven C.
Published: December 2010

Neural plasticity refers to the capability of the brain to alter function or structure in response to a range of events and is a crucial component of both functional recovery after injury and skill learning in healthy individuals. A number of factors influence neural plasticity and recovery of function after brain injury. The current review considers the impact of genetic factors. Polymorphisms in the human genes coding for brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and apolipoprotein E have been studied in the context of plasticity and stroke recovery and are discussed here in detail. Several processes involved in plasticity and stroke recovery, such as depression or pharmacotherapy effects, are modulated by other genetic polymorphisms and are also discussed. Finally, new genetic polymorphisms that have not been studied in the context of stroke are proposed as new directions for study. A better understanding of genetic influences on recovery and response to therapy might allow improved treatment after a number of forms of central nervous system injury.
Cortical Stimulation as an Adjuvant to Upper Limb Rehabilitation After Stroke
Authors: Harvey Richard L. , Stinear James W.
Published: December 2010

Recovery of upper limb function after stroke remains a clinical challenge in rehabilitation. New insights into the role of activity‐dependent motor recovery have guided clinicians to develop novel task‐oriented therapies that are effective in reducing functional limitations in hand use after stroke. A number of brain‐stimulation techniques have been examined as therapeutic adjuvants applied to enhance functional outcomes. Cortical stimulation with the use of either noninvasive techniques or implanted technology has shown some promise as an adjuvant therapy but has yet to be supported in well‐designed clinical trials. In this article, we review the physiology of neural plasticity and of cortical stimulation. Laboratory studies and early clinical trials of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, and epidural cortical stimulation are reported. Cortical stimulation may have a role in facilitating motor recovery after stroke, but a better understanding of the physics of cortical stimulation, biological response to stimulation, effective stimulation protocols, and proper patient selection is needed.
Exploring the Potential for Neural Recovery After Incomplete Tetraplegia Through Nonsurgical Interventions
Authors: Backus Deborah
Published: December 2010

Persons with tetraplegia resulting from a cervical spinal cord injury believe that increasing upper limb (UL) function will improve their quality of life. Various lines of evidence demonstrate that persons with incomplete tetraplegia have the potential for improvements in both neural plasticity and function of the arms and hands. Therefore treatment to improve UL function in persons with incomplete tetraplegia should focus on improving motor control, not just compensation for the paralysis and sensory loss that follows a spinal cord injury. This article highlights the principles that underlie the facilitation of neural plasticity and functional changes: intensity, repeated practice, attention, and somatosensory augmentation. Evidence is presented for the application of these principles through the use of activity‐based interventions in persons with tetraplegia and the hypothesis is proposed that the use of activity‐based interventions will lead to greater, more beneficial neural plasticity as well as gains in UL function, in persons with incomplete tetraplegia.
Genetic Factors Modulating Outcome After Neurotrauma
Authors: McAllister Thomas W.
Published: December 2010

Wide variation in outcomes after neurotrauma, despite apparently similar injury severity, suggests that host factors may influence the recovery process. Genetically determined individual differences might be one such factor. The study of the genetic modulation of outcome after neurotrauma is at an early stage. Nevertheless, several important components of the response to neurotrauma can be identified in which genetic differences contribute to variability in outcome. These components include genetic modulators of pre‐ and postinjury cognitive reserve and behavioral homeostasis, and processes that modulate cytotoxic injury cascades (extent of injury) and injury repair. This work reviews what is known of the role of genetic variation in outcome after neurotrauma with a focus on clinical outcomes after traumatic brain injury. Polymorphisms reported to influence outcome after traumatic brain injury that illustrate important underlying mechanisms are emphasized.
Neural Plasticity and Locomotor Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Tansey Keith E.
Published: December 2010

The discussion of neural plasticity and locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI) focuses on 2 main themes, the issues associated with detecting neural plasticity in human beings and the issue of how to translate information from animal models, in which neural plasticity can be more readily studied, to human clinical research and application. This article discusses the importance of studying neural plasticity to better understand the effects of current rehabilitation interventions and to devise the next generation of therapies. It reviews the current spectrum of clinical, functional, anatomical, and neurophysiological assessments of patients that can be made in neurorehabilitation and the relationship between those measures and the study of neural plasticity. Then the similarities and differences between animal models and human SCI are discussed in relation to the severity of injury, the effect of locomotor training on gait recovery, the localization of neural plasticity associated with that gait recovery, and the implications for interpreting the “translatability” of animal model data to human study and clinical practice. In summary, it is concluded that the study of neural plasticity and locomotor recovery after SCI is really in its infancy but that it is critical for the advancement of the science of neurorehabilitation and “restorative neurology.”
Oscillating Field Stimulation in the Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Walters Beverly C.
Published: December 2010

The application of electrical current to injured tissue is known to promote healing. The use of this modality in healing the injured spinal cord to promote neurologic recovery has been introduced as a potential treatment for patients who previously had minimal hope of recovery. In in vitro and in vivo experiments, neural regeneration has been seen to occur, especially when an oscillating field is used. With this modality, an electrical current is applied in which the polarity changes direction on a periodic basis, preventing the “die‐back” phenomenon of severed neural pathways. This mechanism of recovery has been demonstrated in several species in which sacrifice has been undertaken and spinal cords examined. In a study of humans, a small number of patients participated in a single phase Ia trial in which the safety of an implantable device was demonstrated, with indications of probable benefit, consistent with laboratory and animal studies. In addition, a number of additional patients were treated, and their results were examined along with the original cohort and were compared with historical control subjects. The device used in this mode of treatment has not been approved for use in the general spinal cord–injured population, pending further study. A larger multi‐institutional trial needs to be done to further demonstrate efficacy and effectiveness, and outcomes will need to be agreed upon by spinal cord injury researchers, patients, and regulators before widespread use will be permitted. Unfortunately, some subtle changes experienced and valued by patients are not recognized as important or desirable by regulators or by all researchers.
Neural Plasticity: The Biological Substrate For Neurorehabilitation
Authors: Warraich Zuha , Kleim Jeffrey A.
Published: December 2010

Decades of basic science have clearly demonstrated the capacity of the central nervous system (CNS) to structurally and functionally adapt in response to experience. The field of neurorehabilitation has begun to use this body of work to develop neurobiologically informed therapies that harness the key behavioral and neural signals that drive neural plasticity. The present review describes how neural plasticity supports both learning in the intact CNS and functional improvement in the damaged or diseased CNS. A pragmatic, interdisciplinary definition of neural plasticity is presented that may be used by both clinical and basic scientists studying neurorehabilitation. Furthermore, a description of how neural plasticity may act to drive different neural strategies underlying functional improvement after CNS injury or disease is provided. The understanding of the relationship between these different neural strategies, mechanisms of neural plasticity, and changes in behavior may facilitate the development of novel, more effective rehabilitation interventions.
Wie wir unser motorisches System nutzen, um Ereignisse vorherzusagen
Authors: Schubotz Ricarda I.
Published: December 2010

Zusammenfassung. Imitieren oder im Wortsinne nach-vollziehen können wir weder unbelebte Ereignisse, wie etwa anbrandende Meereswellen, noch nicht-humane belebte, wie einen vorbeilaufenden Hund. Wir können aber antizipieren, wie sie sich entwickeln, und neuere Studien zeigen, dass dabei unser motorisches System aktiv ist. Diese Phänomene sind erklärlich, wenn man eine prädiktive Darstellung des motorischen Systems von der Handlungs- auf die Ereignis-Wahrnehmung generalisiert. Demnach sagen wir Ereignisse, die wir nicht selber reproduzieren können, auf der Grundlage audio- und visuo-motorischer Repräsentationen vorher, die ihrerseits niemals einer tatsächlichen Handlung entsprechen, weil ihnen propriozeptive und andere interozeptive Informationen fehlen. Diese Perspektive regt zu einer neuen Sichtweise auf das überkommene Konzept des „motorischen” Systems an.
Three‐dimensional structure of the submarine flanks of La Réunion inferred from geophysical data
Authors: Gailler Lydie‐Sarah , Lénat Jean‐François
Published: December 2010

La Réunion (Indian Ocean) constitutes a huge volcanic oceanic system of which most of the volume is submerged. We present a study of its submarine part based on the interpretation of magnetic and gravity data compiled from old and recent surveys. A model of the submarine internal structure is derived from 3‐D and 2‐D models using constraints from previous geological and geophysical studies. Two large‐scale, previously unknown, buried volcanic construction zones are discovered in continuation of the island's construction. To the east, the Alizés submarine zone is interpreted as the remnants of Les Alizés volcano eastward flank whose center is marked by a large hypovolcanic intrusion complex. To the southwest, the Etang Salé submarine zone is interpreted as an extension of Piton des Neiges, probably fed by a volcanic rift zone over a large extent. They were predominantly built during the Matuyama period and thus probably belong to early volcanism. A correlation exists between their top and seismic horizons recognized in previous studies and interpreted as the base of the volcanic edifice. Their morphology suggested a lithospheric bulging beneath La Réunion, not required to explain our data, since the seismic interfaces match the top of our volcanic constructions. The coastal shelf coincides with a negative Bouguer anomaly belt, often associated with magnetic anomalies, suggesting a shelf built by hyaloclastites. A detailed analysis of the offshore continuation of La Montagne Massif to the north confirms this hypothesis. The gravity analysis confirms that the bathymetric bulges, forming the northern, eastern, southern, and western submarine flanks, are predominantly built by debris avalanche deposits at the surface.
Buoyancy flux, turbulence, and the gas transfer coefficient in a stratified lake
Authors: MacIntyre Sally , Jonsson Anders , Jansson Mats , Aberg Jan , Turney Damon E. , Miller Scott D.
Published: December 2010

Gas fluxes from lakes and other stratified water bodies, computed using conservative values of the gas transfer coefficient k600, have been shown to be a significant component of the carbon cycle. We present a mechanistic analysis of the dominant physical processes modifying k600 in a stratified lake and resulting new models of k600 whose use will enable improved computation of carbon fluxes. Using eddy covariance results, we demonstrate that i) higher values of k600 occur during low to moderate winds with surface cooling than with surface heating; ii) under overnight low wind conditions k600 depends on buoyancy flux β rather than wind speed; iii) the meteorological conditions at the time of measurement and the inertia within the lake determine k600; and iv) eddy covariance estimates of k600 compare well with predictions of k600 using a surface renewal model based on wind speed and β.
Candidate ice‐rich material within equatorial craters on Mars
Authors: Shean David E.
Published: December 2010

The floors and walls of many mid‐latitude (∼30–60°) craters on Mars appear to be mantled by relatively young material(s) with distinct morphology and erosional properties. Collectively, this material (“fill”) is often interpreted as ice‐rich, with emplacement and modification related to climatological processes. Here, I document material and associated landforms within 38 craters between 4–13°S in the Sinus Sabaeus region that appear morphologically similar to material and landforms within mid‐latitude craters. These equatorial/mid‐latitude materials may also share a common composition and emplacement mechanism. Near‐surface ice is unstable at equatorial latitudes under present conditions, suggesting that emplacement could have occurred under different climate conditions in the past. High‐obliquity (35–45°) general circulation model (GCM) simulations show surface ice accumulation in Sinus Sabaeus and Tharsis, where similar material and landforms have been documented. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that past obliquity‐driven climate change resulted in equatorward volatile migration on Mars.
Infrared sounding of the trade‐wind boundary layer: AIRS and the RICO experiment
Authors: Martins João P. A. , Teixeira João , Soares Pedro M. M. , Miranda Pedro M. A. , Kahn Brian H. , Dang Van T. , Irion Frederick W. , Fetzer Eric J. , Fishbein Evan
Published: December 2010

The new generation of remote sensors on board NASA's A‐Train constellation offers the possibility of observing the atmospheric boundary layer in different regimes, with or without clouds. In this study we use data from the Atmospheric InfraRed Sounder (AIRS) and of the Rain In Cumulus over the Ocean (RICO) campaign, to verify the accuracy and precision of the AIRS Version 5 Level 2 support product. This AIRS product has an improved vertical sampling that is necessary for the estimation of boundary layer properties. Good agreement is found between AIRS and RICO data, in a regime of oceanic shallow cumulus that is known to be difficult to analyze with other remote sensing data, and also shows a low sensitivity to cloud or land fraction. This suggests that AIRS data may be used for global boundary layer studies to support parameterization development in regions of difficult in‐situ observation.