bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A multicenter study of oral lichen planus in Thai patients
Authors: Thongprasom Kobkan , Youngnak‐Piboonratanakit Pornpan , Pongsiriwet Surawut , Laothumthut Titikan , Kanjanabud Patnarin , Rutchakitprakarn Lalita
Published: July 2010

Abstract Aim:  Oral lichen planus is an oral mucosal disease that affects middle‐aged patients. The characteristics of oral lichen planus in Thai patients from a multicenter were studied.

Methods:  Data of 533 patients from the oral medicine clinics at Chulalongkorn and Mahidol (central Thailand), Chiang Mai (northern Thailand), and Khon Kaen (northeastern Thailand) universities during 2002–2007 were analyzed. The diagnosis of patients with oral lichen planus was clinically and/or histopathologically confirmed.

Results:  There was a greater number of female patients than males (4:1). There were significant differences in age, sex, and some systemic diseases among the oral lichen planus patients from the three centers. Burning sensation was the most common symptom (72.9%), followed by pain (26.5%), roughness (6.4%), and then no other symptoms (7.9%). The most common site of lesions was found at the buccal mucosa (87.1%). Atrophic oral lichen planus was common in Thai patients. There were significant differences in the types of oral lichen planus, including reticular, atrophic, and ulcerative oral lichen planus among these patients from the three centers (P = 0.000). Nine cases (1.7%) showed dysplasia, but one case (0.2%) developed squamous cell carcinoma.

Conclusion:  Patients with oral lichen planus from the central, northern, and northeastern parts of Thailand presented with distinct characteristics. The malignant transformation of oral lichen planus was low in Thai patients.
Bycatches of ecological field studies: bothersome or valuable?
Authors: Buchholz Sascha , Kreuels Martin , Kronshage Andreas , Terlutter Heinrich , Finch Oliver‐D.
Published: July 2010

1. Ecological field studies dealing with invertebrates are regularly applied, often using various special kinds of traps within a relatively intensive trapping program. During such programs, large amounts of bycatch – animal material not needed for the original scientific aim of the study – are collected.

2. We discuss general aspects about the handling of such bycatches. Given that the potential utility of bycatches from trapping programs can be immense, we strongly advocate a more thorough handling of the bycatch material than is currently typically practised.

3. Ways for an efficient transfer of bycatches between taxonomic experts have to be established. Problems concerning labelling as well as concerning costs and space for storage have to be solved to facilitate adequate management of the collected material.
Rational Design of Envelope Identifies Broadly Neutralizing Human Monoclonal Antibodies to HIV-1
Authors: Wu Xueling , Yang Zhi-Yong , Li Yuxing , Hogerkorp Carl-Magnus , Schief William R. , Seaman Michael S. , Zhou Tongqing , Schmidt Stephen D. , Wu Lan , Xu Ling , Longo Nancy S. , McKee Krisha , O’Dell Sijy , Louder Mark K. , Wycuff Diane L. , Feng Yu , Nason Martha , Doria-Rose Nicole , Connors Mark , Kwong Peter D. , Roederer Mario , Wyatt Richard T. , Nabel Gary J. , Mascola John R.
Published: July 2010

Designer Anti-HIV

Developing a protective HIV vaccine remains a top global health priority. One strategy to identify potential vaccine candidates is to isolate broadly neutralizing antibodies from infected individuals and then attempt to elicit the same antibody response through vaccination (see the Perspective by

Burton and Weiss

).

Wu
et al.

(p.
856
, published online 8 July) now report the identification of three broadly neutralizing antibodies, isolated from an HIV-1–infected individual, that exhibited great breadth and potency of neutralization and were specific for the co-receptor CD4-binding site of the glycoprotein 120 (gp120), part of the viral Env spike.

Zhou
et al.

(p.
811
, published online 8 July) analyzed the crystal structure for one of these antibodies, VRC01, in complex with an HIV-1 gp120. VRC01 focuses its binding onto a conformationally invariant domain that is the site of initial CD4 attachment, which allows the antibody to overcome the glycan and conformational masking that diminishes the neutralization potency of most CD4-binding-site antibodies. The epitopes recognized by these antibodies suggest potential immunogens that can inform vaccine design.
High-Resolution Analysis of Parent-of-Origin Allelic Expression in the Mouse Brain
Authors: Gregg Christopher , Zhang Jiangwen , Weissbourd Brandon , Luo Shujun , Schroth Gary P. , Haig David , Dulac Catherine
Published: July 2010

Parental Influences

Genomic imprinting results in the preferential expression of either the paternally or the maternally inherited allele of certain genes. Two papers by

Gregg
et al.

(p.
643
, published online 8 July; and p.
682
, published online 8 July; see the Perspective by
Wilkinson
) use a genome-wide approach to characterize the repertoire of genes with parent-of-origin allelic effects in the mouse embryonic and adult brain. The studies uncovered over 1300 loci with maternal or paternal allelic bias. Comparison of the parent-of-origin allelic expression bias in the adult hypothalamus and cortex, and in the developing brain, revealed spatiotemporal, sex-specific, and isoform-specific regulation. Parent-of-origin effects thus represent a major and dynamic mode of epigenetic regulation of gene expression in the brain.
Sex-Specific Parent-of-Origin Allelic Expression in the Mouse Brain
Authors: Gregg Christopher , Zhang Jiangwen , Butler James E. , Haig David , Dulac Catherine
Published: July 2010

Parental Influences

Genomic imprinting results in the preferential expression of either the paternally or the maternally inherited allele of certain genes. Two papers by

Gregg
et al.

(p.
643
, published online 8 July; and p.
682
, published online 8 July; see the Perspective by
Wilkinson
) use a genome-wide approach to characterize the repertoire of genes with parent-of-origin allelic effects in the mouse embryonic and adult brain. The studies uncovered over 1300 loci with maternal or paternal allelic bias. Comparison of the parent-of-origin allelic expression bias in the adult hypothalamus and cortex, and in the developing brain, revealed spatiotemporal, sex-specific, and isoform-specific regulation. Parent-of-origin effects thus represent a major and dynamic mode of epigenetic regulation of gene expression in the brain.
AUTOMORPHIC ORBITS IN FREE GROUPS: WORDS VERSUS SUBGROUPS
Authors: SILVA PEDRO V. , WEIL PASCAL
Published: July 2010

We show that the following problems are decidable in a rank 2 free group F2: Does a given finitely generated subgroup H contain primitive elements? And does H meet the orbit of a given word u under the action of G, the group of automorphisms of F2? Moreover, decidability subsists if we allow H to be a rational subset of F2, or alternatively if we restrict G to be a rational subset of the set of invertible substitutions (a.k.a. positive automorphisms). In higher rank, the following weaker problem is decidable: given a finitely generated subgroup H, a word u and an integer k, does H contain the image of u by some k-almost bounded automorphism? An automorphism is k-almost bounded if at most one of the letters has an image of length greater than k.
COCOMPACT ACTIONS ON HYPERBOLIC BUILDINGS
Authors: KANGASLAMPI RIIKKA , VDOVINA ALINA
Published: July 2010

We construct and classify triangle presentations associated to the smallest generalized quadrangle. We use these constructions to find groups acting cocompactly on hyperbolic buildings with n-sided chambers for arbitrary n ≥ 3.
THE VAR AT RISK
Authors: GALICHON ALFRED
Published: July 2010

I show that the structure of the firm is not neutral with respect to regulatory capital budgeted under rules which are based on the Value-at-Risk. Indeed, when a holding company has the liberty to divide its risk into as many subsidiaries as needed, and when the subsidiaries are subject to capital requirements according to the Value-at-Risk budgeting rule, then there is an optimal way to divide risk which is such that the total amount of capital to be budgeted by the shareholder is zero. This result may lead to regulatory arbitrage by some firms.
LONG-TERM RISK MANAGEMENT FOR UTILITY COMPANIES: THE NEXT CHALLENGES
Authors: AÏD RENÉ
Published: July 2010

Since the energy markets liberalization at the beginning of the 1990s in Europe, electricity monopolies have gone through a profound evolution process. From an industrial organization point of view, they lost their monopoly on their historical business, but gained the capacity to develop in any sector. Companies went public and had to upgrade their financial risk management process to international standards and implement modern risk management concepts and reporting processes (VaR, EaR…). Even though important evolutions have been accomplished, we argue here that the long-term risk management process of utility companies has not yet reached its full maturity and is still facing two main challenges. The first one concerns the time consistency of long-term and mid-term risk management processes. We show that consistencies issues are coming from the different classical financial parameters carrying information on firms' risk aversion (cost of capital and short-term risk limits) and the concepts inherited from the monopoly period, like the loss of load value, that are still involved in the utility company decision-making process. The second challenge concerns the need for quantitative models to assess their business model. With the deregulation, utilities have to address the question of their boundaries. Although intuition can provide insights on the benefits of some firm structures like vertical integration, only sound and tractable quantitative models can bring answers to the optimality of different possible firm structures.
A REMARK CONCERNING VALUE-AT-RISK
Authors: NOVAK S. Y.
Published: July 2010

Over the past two decades Value-at-Risk (VaR) became arguably the most popular measure of financial risk. Major banks calculate VaR on daily basis in order to determine the amount of capital a bank needs to offset the market risk. Banks use calculation methods of their choice, and many estimations are based on the assumption that portfolio rates of return have normal distribution. The important question is whether the chosen method of VaR calculation is accurate. As the light-tail property of the normal distribution can cause significant underestimation of VaR, the Basel Committee suggested to calculate the amount of capital needed by multiplying the bank's internal estimate of VaR by the factor 3. It's also common to use the so-called "square root of time" rule when evaluating VaR over a longer time horizon. This article aims to refine Stahl's argument behind the "factor 3" rule and say a word of caution concerning the "square root of time" rule.
QUANTUM MARKOV FIELDS ON GRAPHS
Authors: ACCARDI LUIGI , OHNO HIROMICHI , MUKHAMEDOV FARRUKH
Published: July 2010

We introduce generalized quantum Markov states and generalized d-Markov chains which extend the notion quantum Markov chains on spin systems to that on C*-algebras defined by general graphs. As examples of generalized d-Markov chains, we construct the entangled Markov fields on tree graphs. The concrete examples of generalized d-Markov chains on Cayley trees are also investigated.
ON THE LOCAL STRUCTURE OF THE REPRESENTATION OF A LOCAL GAUGE GROUP
Authors: HIROSHI ANDO
Published: July 2010

We discuss the local structure of the net [Formula: see text] of von Neumann algebras generated by a representation of a local gauge group [Formula: see text]. Our discussion is independent of the singularity of spectral measures, which has been discussed by many authors since the pioneering work of Gelfand–Graev–Veršic. We show that, for type (S) operators UA,b, second quantized operators with some twists, the commutativity only with those U(ψ) is sufficient for the triviality of them, where ψ belongs to an arbitrary (small) neighborhood of constant function 1. Some properties of 1-cocycles for the representation V : ψ ↦ Adψare also discussed.
PROBABILITY DISTRIBUTIONS ATTACHED TO GENERALIZED BARGMANN–FOCK SPACES IN THE COMPLEX PLANE
Authors: MOUAYN ZOUHAÏR , TOUHAMI AHMED
Published: July 2010

Probability distributions attached to generalized Bargmann–Fock spaces in the complex plane are introduced by constructing a kind of generalized coherent states. Their main statistical parameters are obtained explicitly. As application, quantum photon counting statistics related to the coherent states under consideration are discussed.
WELL-POSEDNESS OF FOKKER–PLANCK TYPE EQUATIONS ON THE WIENER SPACE
Authors: LUO DEJUN
Published: July 2010

We consider Fokker–Planck type equations on the abstract Wiener space. Under the assumptions that the coefficients have a certain Sobolev regularity and they, together with their gradients and divergences, are exponentially integrable, we establish the existence of solutions to these equations, based on the estimates for solutions to Fokker–Planck equations in the finite-dimensional case. Moreover, the solution is unique if it belongs to the first-order Sobolev space.
A SIMPLE PROOF FOR MONOTONE CLT
Authors: SAIGO HAYATO
Published: July 2010

In the case of monotone independence, the transparent understanding of the mechanism to validate the central limit theorem (CLT) has been lacking, in sharp contrast to commutative, free and Boolean cases. We have succeeded in clarifying it by making use of simple combinatorial structure of peakless pair partitions.
STATISTICAL MECHANICS MODELS FOR X-CHROMOSOME INACTIVATION
Authors: SCIALDONE ANTONIO , NICODEMI MARIO
Published: July 2010

We present statistical mechanics models to understand the physical and molecular mechanisms of X-Chromosome Inactivation (XCI), the process whereby a female mammal cell inactivates one of its two X-chromosomes. During XCI, X-chromosomes undergo a series of complex regulatory processes. At the beginning of XCI, the X's recognize and pair, then only one X which is randomly chosen is inactivated. Afterwards, the two X's move to different positions in the cell nucleus according to their different status (active/silenced). Our models illustrate about the still mysterious physical bases underlying all these regulatory steps, i.e., X-chromosome pairing, random choice of inactive X, and "shuttling" of the X's to their post-XCI locations. Our models are based on general and robust thermodynamic roots, and their validity can go beyond XCI, to explain analogous regulatory mechanisms in a variety of cellular processes.
QUANTIFYING EMERGENCE IN TERMS OF PERSISTENT MUTUAL INFORMATION
Authors: BALL ROBIN C. , DIAKONOVA MARINA , MACKAY ROBERT S.
Published: July 2010

We define Persistent Mutual Information (PMI) as the Mutual (Shannon) Information between the past history of a system and its evolution significantly later in the future. This quantifies how much past observations enable long-term prediction, which we propose as the primary signature of (Strong) Emergent Behavior. The key feature of our definition of PMI is the omission of an interval of "present" time, so that the mutual information between close times is excluded: this renders PMI robust to superposed noise or chaotic behavior or graininess of data, distinguishing it from a range of established Complexity Measures. For the logistic map, we compare predicted with measured long-time PMI data. We show that measured PMI data captures not just the period doubling cascade but also the associated cascade of banded chaos, without confusion by the overlayer of chaotic decoration. We find that the standard map has apparently infinite PMI, but with well-defined fractal scaling which we can interpret in terms of the relative information codimension. Whilst our main focus is in terms of PMI over time, we can also apply the idea to PMI across space in spatially-extended systems as a generalization of the notion of ordered phases.
COMPLEX FLOW IN GRANULAR MEDIA
Authors: BRAND S. , CIAMARRA M. PICA , NICODEMI M.
Published: July 2010

By detailed Molecular Dynamics we investigate the rheology of granular suspensions driven through a fixed plate channel by a pressure gradient in the suspending fluid. We observe various possible flow states: disordered flow, ordered flow (granular crystallization) and jammed as well as make close connections to experimental results in colloidal suspensions.
TWO POSITIVE SOLUTIONS OF SOME SINGULAR BOUNDARY VALUE PROBLEMS
Authors: PRECUP RADU
Published: July 2010

The existence of two positive solutions for a class of singular boundary value problems is established by means of a combination of the Leray–Schauder principle with techniques from critical point theory.
THE BURNSIDE APPROXIMATION OF GAMMA FUNCTION
Authors: SHI XIQUAN , LIU FENGSHAN , QU HONGMIN
Published: July 2010

Different from the famous Stirling's formula [Formula: see text], Burnside presented another formula [Formula: see text]. In this paper, some estimations and a convergent asymptotic series of b(s) are obtained. At the same time, it is proved that both -b(s) and [Formula: see text] are completely monotonic on the interval (½, ∞).
A DIRECT SOLUTION TO THE FOKKER–PLANCK EQUATION FOR EXPONENTIAL BROWNIAN FUNCTIONALS
Authors: PINTOUX CAROLINE , PRIVAULT NICOLAS
Published: July 2010

The solution of the Fokker–Planck equation for exponential Brownian functionals usually involves spectral expansions that are difficult to compute explicitly. In this paper, we propose a direct solution based on heat kernels and a new integral representation for the square modulus of the Gamma function. A financial application to bond pricing in the Dothan model is also presented.
Social Relationships and Health Behavior Across the Life Course
Authors: Umberson Debra , Crosnoe Robert , Reczek Corinne
Published: July 2010

Sociological theory and research point to the importance of social relationships in affecting health behavior. This work tends to focus on specific stages of the life course, with a division between research on childhood/adolescent and adult populations. Yet recent advances demonstrate that early life course experiences shape health outcomes well into adulthood. We synthesize disparate bodies of research on social ties and health behavior throughout the life course, with attention to explaining how various social ties influence health behaviors at different life stages and how these processes accumulate and reverberate throughout the life course.
Race and Trust
Authors: Smith Sandra Susan
Published: July 2010

This review considers that aspect of the voluminous trust literature that deals with race. After discussing the social conditions within which trust becomes relevant and outlining the distinctive contours of the three most common conceptualizations of trust—generalized, particularized, and strategic—I elaborate on the extent and nature of ethnoracial trust differences and provide an overview of the explanations for these differences. Ethnoracial differences in generalized trust are attributed to historical and contemporary discrimination, neighborhood context, and ethnoracial socialization. The consequences for the radius-of-trust problem are discussed with regard to particularized trust. And ethnoracial differences in strategic trust are located in structures of trustworthiness—such as social closure—and reputational concerns. I end the review with a brief discussion of social and economic consequences for trust gaps.
Achievement Inequality and the Institutional Structure of Educational Systems: A Comparative Perspective
Authors: Van de Werfhorst Herman G. , Mijs Jonathan J.B.
Published: July 2010

We review the comparative literature on the impact of national-level educational institutions on inequality in student achievement. We focus on two types of institutions that characterize the educational system of a country: the system of school-type differentiation (between-school tracking) and the level of standardization (e.g., with regard to central examinations and school autonomy). Two types of inequality are examined: inequality in terms of dispersion of student test scores and inequality of opportunity by social background and race/ethnicity. We conclude from this literature, which mostly uses PISA, TIMSS, and/or PIRLS data, that inequalities are magnified by national-level tracking institutions and that standardization decreases inequality. Methodological issues are discussed, and possible avenues for further research are suggested.
Income Inequality: New Trends and Research Directions
Authors: McCall Leslie , Percheski Christine
Published: July 2010

Rising income inequality from the mid-1990s to the present was characterized by rapid income growth among top earners and new patterns of employment and income pooling across families and households. Research on economic inequality expanded from a more narrow focus on wage inequalities and labor markets to other domains including incentive pay, corporate governance, income pooling and family formation, social and economic policy, and political institutions. We review and provide a critical discussion of recent research in these new domains and suggest areas where sociological research may provide new insight into the character and causes of contemporary income inequality.
The Contentiousness of Markets: Politics, Social Movements, and Institutional Change in Markets
Authors: King Brayden G , Pearce Nicholas A.
Published: July 2010

While much of economic sociology focuses on the stabilizing aspects of markets, the social movement perspective emphasizes the role that contentiousness plays in bringing institutional change and innovation to markets. Markets are inherently political, both because of their ties to the regulatory functions of the state and because markets are contested by actors who are dissatisfied with market outcomes and who use the market as a platform for social change. Research in this area focuses on the pathways to market change pursued by social movements, including direct challenges to corporations, the institutionalization of systems of private regulation, and the creation of new market categories through institutional entrepreneurship. Much contentiousness, while initially disruptive, works within the market system by producing innovation and restraining capitalism from destroying the resources it depends on for survival.
Cultural Holes: Beyond Relationality in Social Networks and Culture
Authors: Pachucki Mark A. , Breiger Ronald L.
Published: July 2010

A burgeoning literature spanning sociologies of culture and social network methods has for the past several decades sought to explicate the relationships between culture and connectivity. A number of promising recent moves toward integration are worthy of review, comparison, critique, and synthesis. Network thinking provides powerful techniques for specifying cultural concepts ranging from narrative networks to classification systems, tastes, and cultural repertoires. At the same time, we see theoretical advances by sociologists of culture as providing a corrective to network analysis as it is often portrayed, as a mere collection of methods. Cultural thinking complements and sets a new agenda for moving beyond predominant forms of structural analysis that ignore action, agency, and intersubjective meaning. The notion of “cultural holes” that we use to organize our review points both to the cultural contingency of network structure and to the increasingly permeable boundary between studies of culture and research on social networks.
What Is Sociological about Music?
Authors: Roy William G. , Dowd Timothy J.
Published: July 2010

The sociology of music has become a vibrant field of study in recent decades. While its proponents are well aware of this field's contributions and relevance, we focus here on demonstrating its merit to the broader sociological community. We do so by addressing the following questions: What is music, sociologically speaking? How do individuals and groups use music? How is the collective production of music made possible? How does music relate to broader social distinctions, especially class, race, and gender? Answering these questions reveals that music provides an important and engaging purchase on topics that are of great concern to sociologists of all stripes—topics that range from the microfoundations of interaction to the macro-level dynamics of inequality.
The Decline of Cash Welfare and Implications for Social Policy and Poverty
Authors: Danziger Sandra K.
Published: July 2010

This article highlights the scope of cash welfare as a poverty program and the policy context that led to the legislative distinctions between pre- and post-1996. Trends in welfare, employment, and poverty for single-mother families are presented, as are hypotheses that guide studies of the effects of welfare reform. Social science and policy research on how the reforms have affected economic outcomes, how reform has been implemented, and how it affects children are highlighted. I next summarize research on child care subsidies, an example of an effective family support that was part of welfare reform. I also highlight lessons from studies of recipient perspectives and those focused on how leavers get by without welfare. I identify gaps in understanding the reduced role of cash welfare for low-income families and offer continuing policy and research questions for addressing poverty in the current economic crisis and recovery.
Three Faces of Identity
Authors: Owens Timothy J. , Robinson Dawn T. , Smith-Lovin Lynn
Published: July 2010

We review three traditions in research on identity. The first two traditions, which stress (a) the internalization of social positions and their meanings as part of the self structure and (b) the impact of cultural meanings and social situations on actors' identities, are closely intertwined. The third, the burgeoning literature on collective identity, has developed quite independently of the first two and focuses more on group-level processes. Unlike previous reviews of identity, which have focused on the sources of internalized identity (e.g., role relationship, group membership, or category descriptor), we focus here on the theoretical mechanisms underlying theories of identity. We organize our review by highlighting whether those mechanisms are located in the individual's self-structure, in the situation, or in the larger sociopolitical context. We especially attempt to draw connections between the social psychological literature on identity processes and the distinct, relatively independent literature on collective identity.
Dynamics of Dyads in Social Networks: Assortative, Relational, and Proximity Mechanisms
Authors: Rivera Mark T. , Soderstrom Sara B. , Uzzi Brian
Published: July 2010

Embeddedness in social networks is increasingly seen as a root cause of human achievement, social stratification, and actor behavior. In this article, we review sociological research that examines the processes through which dyadic ties form, persist, and dissolve. Three sociological mechanisms are overviewed: assortative mechanisms that draw attention to the role of actors' attributes, relational mechanisms that emphasize the influence of existing relationships and network positions, and proximity mechanisms that focus on the social organization of interaction.
Recruiting American Indian Women for a Genetic Epidemiology Study
Authors: Nadeau M. , Best L.
Published: July 2010

Due to previous negative experiences, some American Indian communities are distrustful of research in general and genetic research in particular. The Turtle Mountain Community College was awarded a National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant with 3 aims: (1) to study possible genetic influences on pre-eclampsia, (2) to encourage tribal college students to consider biomedical careers and (3) to develop the local research infrastructure. Retrospectively identified case (91) and control (188) participants were recruited into Phase I over a 3-year period and additional participants (71) were concurrently recruited from a prenatal clinic into a prospective case/control study, Phase II. This paper describes some of the challenges and solutions we encountered in the process of recruiting American Indian participants into a genetic epidemiologic study.
Significance of MRI in Diagnosis and Differential Diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Mahlknecht Philipp , Hotter Anna , Hussl Anna , Esterhammer Regina , Schocke Michael , Seppi Klaus
Published: July 2010

The differential diagnosis of parkinsonian syndromes is considered one of the most challenging in neurology, even for movement disorder specialists. Despite published consensus operational criteria for the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and the various atypical parkinsonian disorders (APDs) such as progressive supranuclear palsy, multiple system atrophy, and corticobasal syndrome, the clinical separation of APDs from PD carries a high rate of misdiagnosis. However, an early differentiation between APD and PD, each characterized by a largely different natural history, is crucial for determining the prognosis and choosing a treatment strategy. Despite limitations, the different modern magnetic resonance (MR) techniques have undoubtedly added to the differential diagnosis of neurodegenerative parkinsonism. Conventional MRI with visual assessment of T2- and T1-weighted imaging as well as various advanced MRI techniques offer objective measures and may therefore be useful tools in the diagnostic workup of PD and APDs. In clinical practice, conventional MRI is a well-established method for the exclusion of symptomatic parkinsonism due to other pathologies such as tumors, cerebral ischemia or inflammatory diseases. Furthermore, over the past two decades, advances in MR techniques have enabled to quantitatively illustrate abnormalities in the basal ganglia and infratentorial structures in APDs by methods such as magnetic resonance volumetry, diffusion-weighted imaging, magnetization transfer imaging and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. This article aims to review research findings on the value of MRI techniques in the differential diagnosis of neurodegenerative parkinsonian disorders.
Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography in Diagnosis and Differential Diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Isaias Ioannis U. , Antonini Angelo
Published: July 2010

The diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease is clinical and relies on the presence of characteristic motor symptoms such as bradykinesia, rigidity and resting tremor with non-motor features increasingly recognized among the very early manifestations of the disorder. Functional imaging with tracers targeting specifically the dopamine system and regional brain function may show discrete abnormalities helping the clinician shorten considerably the diagnostic process. In this review, we will discuss the contribution of single-photon emission computed tomography imaging in supporting the clinical diagnosis (motor and pre-motor) of Parkinson’s disease and its differential diagnosis with essential tremor and other parkinsonian syndromes.
Importance of 123I-Metaiodobenzylguanidine Scintigraphy/Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography for Diagnosis and Differential Diagnostics of Parkinson Syndromes
Authors: Jost Wolfgang H. , Del Tredici Kelly , Landvogt Christian , Braune Stefan
Published: July 2010

The goal of Parkinson syndrome diagnostics is twofold: early diagnosis on the one hand, and accurate differentiation among idiopathic and atypical Parkinson syndromes on the other. 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy is the only method that can distinguish with a high degree of sensitivity and specificity between atypical Parkinson syndromes and Parkinson’s disease or dementia with Lewy bodies. Additional advantages are the method’s widespread availability and radioactive exposure dose comparable to that for single photon emission computed tomography imaging with much lower costs. Only a single radiotracer study is necessary. 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy is an indispensable tool for purposes of differentiating among the various Parkinson syndromes.
The Relationship between Alexithymia and Circulating Cytokine Levels in Subjects Undergoing Upper Endoscopy
Authors: Mandarelli Gabriele , Tarsitani Lorenzo , Ippoliti Flora , Covotta Francesco , Zerella Maria Paola , Mirigliani Alessia , Biondi Massimo
Published: July 2010

Objective: Despite emerging evidence suggesting a link between alexithymia and immune function, previous studies yielded contrasting results. The proposed link between alexithymia and immune function remains controversial as does the role, in this relationship, of anxiety, depression and subjective stress. The aim of the study is to investigate the possible association between alexithymia and circulating levels of cytokines in subjects awaiting an upper endoscopy, a stressful procedure, controlling for anxiety levels, depression and subjective stress. Methods: Participants were recruited from among consecutive patients referred for routine diagnostic upper endoscopy. All participants completed the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Stress-related Vulnerability Scale. Serum levels of IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α and IFN-γ were measured by ELISA. Results: Of the 90 subjects initially approached, 68 completed the study. The TAS-20 identified 22 alexithymic and 36 non-alexithymic patients. ELISA detected significantly lower IL-4 and IL-6 concentrations in alexithymic than in non-alexithymic patients. According to multiple linear regression analysis, alexithymia predicted low IL-4 and IL-6 levels in the sample overall, independently of stress, anxiety, depression and other possible confounders. No between-group differences were found in serum levels of IFN-γ, IL-1β, and TNF-α. Conclusion: These findings argue against an isolated shift towards pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory mediators and suggest that circulating cytokine profiles differ in alexithymic and non-alexithymic subjects.
Autologous Implantation of Bilayered Tissue-Engineered Respiratory Epithelium for Tracheal Mucosal Regenesis in a Sheep Model
Authors: Mohd Heikal M.Y. , Aminuddin B.S. , Jeevanan J. , Chen H.C. , Sharifah S.H. , Ruszymah B.H.I.
Published: July 2010

The objective of this study was to regenerate the tracheal epithelium using autologous nasal respiratory epithelial cells in a sheep model. Respiratory epithelium and fibroblast cells were harvested from nasal turbinates and cultured for 1 week. After confluence, respiratory epithelium and fibroblast cells were suspended in autologous fibrin polymerized separately to form a tissue-engineered respiratory epithelial construct (TEREC). A 3 × 2 cm2 tracheal mucosal defect was created, and implanted with TEREC and titanium mesh as a temporary scaffold. The control groups were divided into 2 groups: polymerized autologous fibrin devoid of cells (group 1), and no construct implanted (group 2). All sheep were euthanized at 4 weeks of implantation. Gross observation of the trachea showed minimal luminal stenosis formation in the experimental group compared to the control groups. Macroscopic evaluation revealed significant mucosal fibrosis in control group 1 (71.8%) as compared to the experimental group (7%). Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed the presence of minimal overgrowth of fibrous connective tissue covered by respiratory epithelium. A positive red fluorescence staining of PKH26 on engineered tissue 4 weeks after implantation confirmed the presence of cultured nasal respiratory epithelial cells intercalated with native tracheal epithelial cells. Scanning electron microscopy showed the presence of short microvilli representing immature cilia on the surface of the epithelium. Our study showed that TEREC was a good replacement for a tracheal mucosal defect and was able to promote natural regenesis of the tracheal epithelium with minimal fibrosis. This study highlighted a new technique in the treatment of tracheal stenosis.
Coronary Artery Calcification and Its Relationship to Validated Genetic Variants for Diabetes Mellitus Assessed in the Heinz Nixdorf Recall Cohort
Authors: Pechlivanis Sonali , Scherag André , Mühleisen Thomas W. , Möhlenkamp Stefan , Horsthemke Bernhard , Boes Tanja , Bröcker-Preuss Martina , Mann Klaus , Erbel Raimund , Jöckel Karl-Heinz , Nöthen Markus M. , Moebus Susanne
Published: July 2010

Objective—

To examine the association between genomewide association study–based diabetes mellitus–related single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and coronary artery calcification (CAC), a valid risk factor for coronary heart disease, in a large, unselected, population-based cohort.

Methods and Results—

We genotyped 11 validated genomewide association study–based diabetes SNPs in 4459 participants of the Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study. We applied generalized linear regression models to explore the impact of the diabetes SNPs on CAC and to jointly model the effect of the SNPs and CAC on diabetes status. We observed a significant association between cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A/2B (
CDKN2A/2B
) variant
rs564398
and quantitative CAC (
P
=1.81×10
−5
and adjusted
P
=4.02×10
−4
; odds ratio for the presence of CAC, 1.12 [95% CI, 1.02 to 1.25]). Moreover, we observed no strong impact of CAC on diabetes risk in the presence of the other genetic variants.

Conclusion—

We show that a genetic variant near
CDKN2A/2B
that has been reported to be strongly associated with diabetes is strongly associated with CAC. In contrast, variants near insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 2 (
IGFBP2
), CDK5 regulatory subunit associated protein 1-like 1 (
CDKAL1
), solute carreir family 30 (zinc transporter), member 8 (
SLC30A8
), hematopoietically-expressed homeobox (
HHEX
), and transcription factor 7-like2 (
TCF7L2
) were clearly associated with diabetes; no evidence for an association to CAC was observable. This differential association pattern underlines the potential of endophenotypes, such as CAC, to extend the scope of disease outcome associations.
Binding of von Willebrand Factor to Collagen and Glycoprotein Ibα, But Not to Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa, Contributes to Ischemic Stroke in Mice—Brief Report
Authors: De Meyer Simon F. , Schwarz Tobias , Deckmyn Hans , Denis Cécile V. , Nieswandt Bernhard , Stoll Guido , Vanhoorelbeke Karen , Kleinschnitz Christoph
Published: July 2010

Objective—

To unravel crucial von Willebrand factor (VWF) interactions that are detrimental in stroke development.

Methods and Results—

VWF
−/−
mice received gene transfer to express mutants of VWF defective either in binding to fibrillar collagen, glycoprotein (GP)Ibα or GPIIb/IIIa, and underwent 60 minutes of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. In
VWF
−/−
mice reconstituted with VWF mutants defective in binding to collagen or GPIbα, protection against stroke was sustained, whereas VWF lacking the GPIIb/IIIa binding site restored full susceptibility similar to normal VWF.

Conclusion—

VWF-collagen and VWF-GPIbα (but not VWF-GPIIb/IIIa) interactions are instrumental in thrombus formation after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion, and their inhibition could be a promising target for stroke treatment.
Induction of Endothelial Cell Proliferation by Recombinant and Microparticle-Tissue Factor Involves β1-Integrin and Extracellular Signal Regulated Kinase Activation
Authors: Collier Mary E.W. , Ettelaie Camille
Published: July 2010

Objective—

Increased levels of circulating tissue factor (TF) in the form of microparticles increase the risk of thrombosis. However, any direct influence of microparticle-associated TF on vascular endothelial cell proliferation is not known. In this study, the influence of recombinant and microparticle-associated TF on endothelial cell proliferation and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling mechanisms was examined.

Methods and Results—

Incubation of human coronary artery endothelial cells with lipidated recombinant full-length TF, or TF-containing microparticles (50 to 200 pmol/L TF), increased the rate of cell proliferation and induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal regulated kinase 1 in a TF-dependent manner. Inhibition of extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 using PD98059 or extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 antisense oligonucleotides or inhibition of c-Jun N-terminal kinase reduced recombinant TF-mediated cell proliferation. PD98059 also reduced cell proliferation in response to TF-containing microparticles. Inclusion of FVIIa (5 nmol/L) and FXa (10 nmol/L) or preincubation of cells with an inhibitory anti-FVIIa antibody had no additional influence on TF-mediated cell proliferation. However, preincubation of exogenous TF with a β1-integrin peptide (amino acids 579 to 799) reduced TF-mediated proliferation.

Conclusion—

High concentrations of recombinant or microparticle-associated TF stimulate endothelial cell proliferation through activation of the extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 pathway, mediated through a novel mechanism requiring the interaction of exogenous TF with cell surface β1-integrin and independent of FVIIa.
Integrin Cytoplasmic Domain–Associated Protein-1 Attenuates Sprouting Angiogenesis
Authors: Brütsch René , Liebler Sven S. , Wüstehube Joycelyn , Bartol Arne , Herberich Stefanie E. , Adam M. Gordian , Telzerow Anja , Augustin Hellmut G. , Fischer Andreas
Published: July 2010

Rationale:

The ICAP1 (integrin cytoplasmic domain–associated protein-1) is a specific intracellular binding protein of β1-integrins and the cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) protein CCM1. ICAP1 recruits CCM1 to the cell membrane and activates CCM1 by changing its conformation. Because CCM1 plays a critical role for cardiovascular development, we hypothesized that its activator ICAP1 is involved in vascular differentiation.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to define the role of ICAP1 in endothelial cells.

Methods and Results:

Loss of ICAP1 in primary human endothelial cells causes excessive angiogenic branching and network formation in vitro (3D sprouting angiogenesis) and in vivo (xenotransplantation of ICAP1-silenced human endothelial cells). ICAP1 increases cell motility and the initial formation of capillary sprouts but prevents vessel outgrowth. ICAP1 inhibits Rho kinase activity and ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) phosphorylation and induces expression of the cell cycle inhibitors
p21
and
p27
, leading to less endothelial proliferation. However, ICAP1 promotes endothelial survival and AKT phosphorylation. Global gene expression analyses revealed that the ICAP1 effects are mediated by strong activation of DELTA-NOTCH signaling. Active NOTCH1 or silencing of the NOTCH ligand DLL4 phenocopy the ICAP1 effects and blockade of NOTCH cleavage rescues the ICAP1-mediated defects in endothelial cells. Both ICAP1 and NOTCH1 reduce the expression of ESM1 (endothelial cell–specific molecule-1), and silencing of ESM1 disturbs vascular endothelial growth factor– or fibroblast growth factor 2–induced sprouting angiogenesis.

Conclusions:

In this study, we identified ICAP1 as a novel regulator to prevent excessive sprouting angiogenesis.
Mitochondria Control Functional Ca
V
1.2 Expression in Smooth Muscle Cells of Cerebral Arteries
Authors: Narayanan Damodaran , Xi Qi , Pfeffer Lawrence M. , Jaggar Jonathan H.
Published: July 2010

Rationale:

Physiological functions of mitochondria in contractile arterial myocytes are poorly understood. Mitochondria can uptake calcium (Ca
2+
), but intracellular Ca
2+
signals that regulate mitochondrial Ca
2+
concentration ([Ca
2+
]
mito
) and physiological functions of changes in [Ca
2+
]
mito
in arterial myocytes are unclear.

Objective:

To identify Ca
2+
signals that regulate [Ca
2+
]
mito
, examine the significance of changes in [Ca
2+
]
mito
, and test the hypothesis that [Ca
2+
]
mito
controls functional ion channel transcription in myocytes of resistance-size cerebral arteries.

Methods and Results:

Endothelin (ET)-1 activated Ca
2+
waves and elevated global Ca
2+
concentration ([Ca
2+
]
i
) via inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP
3
R) activation. IP
3
R-mediated sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca
2+
release increased [Ca
2+
]
mito
and induced mitochondrial depolarization, which stimulated mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mitoROS) generation that elevated cytosolic ROS. In contrast, a global [Ca
2+
]
i
elevation did not alter [Ca
2+
]
mito
, mitochondrial potential, or mitoROS generation. ET-1 stimulated nuclear translocation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB p50 subunit and ET-1–induced IP
3
R-mediated mitoROS elevated NF-κB–dependent transcriptional activity. ET-1 elevated voltage-dependent Ca
2+
(Ca
V
1.2) channel expression, leading to an increase in both pressure (myogenic tone)– and depolarization-induced vasoconstriction. Baseline Ca
V
1.2 expression and the ET-1–induced elevation in Ca
V
1.2 expression were both reduced by IP
3
R inhibition, mitochondrial electron transport chain block, antioxidant treatment, and NF-κB subunit knockdown, leading to vasodilation.

Conclusions:

IP
3
R-mediated SR Ca
2+
release elevates [Ca
2+
]
mito
, which induces mitoROS generation. MitoROS activate NF-κB, which stimulates Ca
V
1.2 channel transcription. Thus, mitochondria sense IP
3
R-mediated SR Ca
2+
release to control NF-κB–dependent Ca
V
1.2 channel expression in arterial myocytes, thereby modulating arterial contractility.
Meta-Analysis of Factor V Leiden and Ischemic Stroke in Young Adults
Authors: Hamedani Ali G. , Cole John W. , Mitchell Braxton D. , Kittner Steven J.
Published: July 2010

Background and Purpose—

The factor V Leiden mutation is associated with ischemic stroke in children but not in adults. Whether it is associated with ischemic stroke in young adults, however, is uncertain.

Methods—

To address this issue, we performed a meta-analysis of 18 case-control studies of ischemic stroke in adults 50 years of age and younger published before June 2009.

Results—

Across all studies, factor V Leiden was detected in 154 of 2045 cases (7.5%) and 217 of 5307 controls (4.1%), yielding a fixed-effect odds ratio of 2.00 (95% CI, 1.59–2.51). However, further analyses revealed substantial heterogeneity among these studies (
P
=0.005 for Q-test of heterogeneity). Hypothesizing that this heterogeneity could be related to differences among studies in case selection criteria, we stratified the meta-analysis into studies for which case samples were enriched or not enriched to include cases having an increased likelihood of prothrombotic genetic involvement (“selected” ischemic stroke studies, n=9) and those that recruited cases from consecutive neurology referrals or hospitalizations (“unselected” ischemic stroke studies, n=8). Among the 9 “selected” ischemic stroke studies, factor V Leiden was more strongly associated with stroke (OR, 2.73; 95% CI, 1.98–3.75), whereas among the 8 “unselected” ischemic stroke studies, the association between factor V Leiden and stroke was substantially weaker (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 0.998–1.95). This difference was found to be statistically significant (
P
=0.003 for Woolf test for heterogeneity).

Conclusion—

We conclude that factor V Leiden is associated with ischemic stroke in young adults, particularly in patient populations in which there is an increased clinical suspicion of prothrombotic state.