bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parkinsonism and motor neuron diseases: Twenty‐seven patients with diverse overlap syndromes
Authors: Gilbert Rebecca M. Wolf , Fahn Stanley , Mitsumoto Hiroshi , Rowland Lewis P.
Published: July 2010

It has long been recognized that signs of motor neuron disease (MND) may accompany clinical evidence of parkinsonism in different neurodegenerative conditions. By using the Columbia University Division of Movement Disorders database, we reviewed data from 5,500 cases of parkinsonism and recorded the presence of upper motor neuron (UMN) dysfunction, lower motor neuron (LMN) dysfunction, or both. Among the 27 patients so identified, we counted those with autonomic dysfunction, cerebellar dysfunction, or dementia. Among the 27 cases, seven had UMN signs and LMN signs as well as parkinsonism and were diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)‐parkinsonism (Brait‐Fahn disease). Three of the seven had dementia that was not deemed to be frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Six other patients had no LMN signs but had UMN signs and parkinsonism and were classified as having primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)‐parkinsonism. Four patients had both UMN and LMN signs with parkinsonism as well as the characteristic dementia of FTD; they were diagnosed with FTD‐parkinsonism‐ALS. Seven patients had MND, parkinsonism, and autonomic or cerebellar dysfunction, a combination compatible with multiple system atrophy (MSA). Three patients had syndromes compatible with hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP). In sum, we found that MND occurs in association with diverse parkinsonian syndromes; some are heritable, others sporadic and causes are uncertain. Having MND may be a risk factor forparkinsonism. A prospective study may elucidate this possibility. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society.
Extrapyramidal symptoms in substance abusers with and without schizophrenia and in nonabusing patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Zhornitsky Simon , Stip Emmanuel , Pampoulova Tania , Rizkallah Élie , Lipp Olivier , Bentaleb Lahcen Aït , Chiasson Jean‐Pierre , Potvin Stéphane
Published: July 2010

Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) such as parkinsonism, dystonia, dyskinesia, and akathisia are conditions of impaired motor function, which are associated with chronic antipsychotic treatment in schizophrenia. In addition, EPS is often exacerbated by psychoactive substance (PAS) abuse, which is frequently observed in this population. Few studies, however, have investigated the contribution of PAS abuse on EPS in PAS‐abusers without comorbid psychosis. This study compared the occurrence of EPS in outpatient schizophrenia patients with (DD group; n= 36) and without PAS abuse (SCZ group; n = 41) as well as in nonschizophrenia PAS abusers undergoing detoxification [substance use disorder (SUD) group; n = 38]. Psychiatric symptoms were measured using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and the Calgary Depression Scale for schizophrenia. Extrapyramidal symptoms were evaluated with the Extrapyramidal Symptoms Rating Scale and the Barnes Akathisia Scale. SUD diagnoses were complemented with urine drug screenings. We found that DD patients exhibited significantly more parkinsonism than SCZ patients. Our subanalyses revealed that cocaine and alcohol abuse/dependence was responsible for the increase in parkinsonism in DD patients. Additionally, we found that SUD individuals exhibited significantly more akathisia than SCZ patients. In these latter individuals, subanalyses revealed that alcohol and cannabis abuse/dependence was responsible for the increase in akathisia. Our results suggest that PAS abuse is a contributor to EPS in individuals with and without schizophrenia. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society.
Decision making in restless legs syndrome
Authors: Bayard Sophie , Yu Huan , Langenier Muriel Croisier , Carlander Bertrand , Dauvilliers Yves
Published: July 2010

The dopamine system is implicated in reward‐based decision making with explicit information (decision making under risk) and implicit probabilities (decision making under ambiguity). Although the pathophysiology of restless legs syndrome (RLS) is not yet fully understood, the genetic factors, iron status, and dopaminergic system are thought to play a role. RLS provides an opportunity to test the dopaminergic hypothesis in a drug‐free population and to characterize reward processing using decision‐making paradigms. We investigated impulsivity, impulse control disorders, and decision making in 50 untreated patients with primary RLS compared with 60 sex‐ and age‐matched normal controls using one night of polysomnography recording, a structured psychiatric interview, and questionnaires (RLS Severity Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Urgency Premeditation Perseverance Impulsive Behavior Scale). Subjects performed the Iowa Gambling Task to assess decision making under ambiguity and the Game of Dice Task to assess decision making under risk. Patients with RLS showed selective changes in decision making on the Iowa Gambling Task and normal decision making on the Game of Dice Task compared with controls. Patients with RLS had greater depressive symptoms than controls, but no difference was found in impulsivity, impulse control disorders, or addictive behaviors. Clinical and polysomnographic variables were unrelated to decision‐making performance. Results indicate reduced decision‐making performance under ambiguity in drug‐free patients with RLS. From a clinical perspective, when using dopaminergic medication to treat RLS, patients with abnormal baseline behaviors should be closely monitored. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
The impact of vascular leg disorders on physical activity in methadone‐maintained adults
Authors: Pieper Barbara , Templin Thomas N. , Kirsner Robert S. , Birk Thomas J.
Published: July 2010

Chronic venous disorders (CVD) and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) may affect diverse physical activity domains. How CVD and PAD and other relevant variables affect physical activity was examined in 569 opioid‐addicted adults. Both CVD and PAD were significantly inversely related to daily walking, sports, and active living. Effects remained significant in the latent variable regression after controlling covariates. Overall activity was very low; most participants walked less than a half mile daily and rarely engaged in sports. Motivation for physical activity was the strongest predictor (β = .55) of daily physical activity. Health‐care professionals promoting physical activity for injection users should consider the vascular health of their legs and motivational variables in addition to general health. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 33:426–440, 2010
Psychological distress in different social network members of breast and prostate cancer survivors
Authors: Segrin Chris , Badger Terry A.
Published: July 2010

The purposes of this investigation were to compare psychological distress among cancer survivors' social network members with different relationships with the survivors and to compare their reported levels of distress with population norms. Participants in this investigation included spouses/significant others (n = 153), siblings (n = 11), adult children (n = 25), parents (n = 10), cousins (n = 6), and friends/others (n = 10) of English or Spanish speaking women with breast cancer and English speaking men with prostate cancer. Network members reported on their symptoms of depression, positive and negative affect, anxiety, and relationship satisfaction. The psychological distress among all relationship types was similar. Spouses, and to a lesser extent, adult children were the only groups whose levels of psychological distress were above population norms. Relationship satisfaction was negatively associated with social network members' psychological distress, and female network members had higher levels of depression than male network members due, in part, to higher perceived stress among female network members. These findings highlight the need to consider the potentially deleterious impact of cancer not just on survivors' spouses, but on other social network members as well and to make services available to network members who may play an important role in the survivor's care and adjustment. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 33:450–464, 2010
Mucinous carcinoma of the breast is genomically distinct from invasive ductal carcinomas of no special type
Authors: Lacroix‐Triki Magali , Suarez Paula H , MacKay Alan , Lambros Maryou B , Natrajan Rachael , Savage Kay , Geyer Felipe C , Weigelt Britta , Ashworth Alan , Reis‐Filho Jorge S
Published: July 2010

Mucinous carcinomas are a rare entity accounting for up to 2% of all breast cancers, which have been shown to display a gene expression profile distinct from that of invasive ductal carcinomas of no special type (IDC‐NSTs). Here, we have defined the genomic aberrations that are characteristic of this special type of breast cancer and have investigated whether mucinous carcinomas might constitute a genomic entity distinct from IDC‐NSTs. Thirty‐five pure and 11 mixed mucinous breast carcinomas were assessed by immunohistochemistry using antibodies against oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor, HER2, Ki67, cyclin D1, cortactin, Bcl‐2, p53, E‐cadherin, basal markers, neuroendocrine markers, and WT1. Fifteen pure mucinous carcinomas and 30 grade‐ and ER‐matched IDC‐NSTs were microdissected and subjected to high‐resolution microarray‐based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH). In addition, the distinct components of seven mixed mucinous carcinomas were microdissected separately and subjected to aCGH. Pure mucinous carcinomas consistently expressed ER (100%), lacked HER2 expression (97.1%), and showed a relatively low level of genetic instability. Unsupervised hierarchical cluster analysis revealed that pure mucinous carcinomas were homogeneous and preferentially clustered together, separately from IDC‐NSTs. They less frequently harboured gains of 1q and 16p and losses of 16q and 22q than grade‐ and ER‐matched IDC‐NSTs, and no pure mucinous carcinoma displayed concurrent 1q gain and 16q loss, a hallmark genetic feature of low‐grade IDC‐NSTs. Finally, both components of all but one mixed mucinous carcinoma displayed similar patterns of genetic aberrations and preferentially clustered together with pure mucinous carcinomas on unsupervised clustering analysis. Our results demonstrate that mucinous carcinomas are more homogeneous between themselves at the genetic level than IDC‐NSTs. Both components of mixed mucinous tumours are remarkably similar at the molecular level to pure mucinous cancers, suggesting that mixed mucinous carcinomas may be best classified as variants of mucinous cancers rather than of IDC‐NSTs. Copyright © 2010 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rasch analysis of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale among caregivers of cancer survivors: implications for its use in psycho‐oncology
Authors: Lambert Sylvie , Pallant Julie F. , Girgis Afaf
Published: July 2010

Objective: The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) is often used to screen for cancer caregivers' anxiety and depression, despite few studies examining the tool's psychometric performance within this population. The purpose of this article is to use Rasch analysis to assess the psychometric properties of the HADS in a sample of cancer caregivers.

Methods: HADS was administered to 541 caregivers of a population‐based sample of patients diagnosed with one of the eight most incident cancers in Australia. Rasch analysis was conducted using RUMM2020.

Results: More than two‐thirds of caregivers were women and most participants were married (95.9%) and caring for their spouse/partner with cancer (89.8%). The HADS‐Anxiety (HADS‐A) subscale showed good fit to the model, with appropriate internal consistency after removal of item 11. There were no disordered thresholds and no differential item functioning (DIF) for sex or age. To achieve satisfactory model fit for the HADS‐Depression (HADS‐D) subscale item 8 was removed due to DIF for sex and item 14 was rescored to resolve disordered thresholds. Analyses supported the unidimensionality of the individual subscales; however, there was no support for the combination of subscales to form a HADS‐Total.

Conclusions: The results of Rasch analysis support the use of a modified version of the HADS‐A and HADS‐D among cancer caregivers. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and identify revised clinical cut‐points. Findings reinforce the need for clinicians and researchers to formally test the psychometric properties of the instruments that they intend to use with different samples. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Communication analysis in oncology care. Performance of a combination of a content analysis system and a global scale
Authors: Fagerlind Hanna , Bergström Ida , Lindblad Åsa Kettis , Velikova Galina , Glimelius Bengt , Ring Lena
Published: July 2010

Objective: The aim was to assess the feasibility and reliability of Velikova's Content Analysis System (VCAS) and the Medical Interaction Process System (MIPS) global scale for evaluation of communication in oncology care.

Methods: Seventy routine physician consultations with gastro‐intestinal (GI) cancer patients were audio‐recorded.

Two coders applied VCAS and MIPS global scale to the consultations. VCAS captures aspects of communication like symptoms, side effects, functional issues (e.g. emotional, social, physical), health‐related quality of life and medical decision making. MIPS global scale measures the total impression of the consultation, e.g. patient centredness and psychosocial focus.

Results: In total, 61 of 70 consultations were coded. The coding took twice the consultations' actual durations in minutes for VCAS. The time for coding MIPS global scale equalled the consultations length. However, the coder had then listened to the consultation twice before, coding for VCAS. Cohen's kappa for all aspects measured by VCAS varied between 0.20 and 1, mean 0.80. One category (Info on test) had a kappa of 0.20, the other categories were all above 0.60. Weighted Kappa for MIPS global scale varied between 0.25 and 0.73, mean 0.42.

Conclusions: VCAS and MIPS global scale is a feasible combination of tools for evaluating patient–physician communication regarding content, medical decision making and global aspects of communication. VCAS showed high reliability. The MIPS global scale showed lower reliability, due to its sensitivity to the individual coders' unique values, common for all global scales. Further development of the combination of content and global instruments would be valuable. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The reciprocal influences of asthma and obesity on lung function testing, ahr, and airway inflammation in prepubertal children
Authors: Consilvio Nicola P. , Di Pillo Sabrina , Verini Marcello , de Giorgis Tommaso , Cingolani Anna , Chiavaroli Valentina , Chiarelli Francesco , Mohn Angelika
Published: July 2010

Although asthma and obesity are among the major chronic disorders their reciprocal or independent influences on lung function testing, airways hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and bronchial inflammation has not been completely elucidated.

In 118 pre‐pubertal Caucasian children anthropometric measurements functional respiratory parameters (flow/volume curves at baseline and after 6‐minute walk test [6MWT]) together with bronchial inflammatory index (FeNO) were assessed. The study population was divided into four groups according to BMI and the presence or absence of asthma: Obese asthmatic (ObA) Normal‐weight asthmatic (NwA), Obese non‐asthmatic (Ob), non‐asthmatic normal‐weight children (Nw).

Baseline PEF and MEF75 (%‐expected) were significantly different across the four groups with significantly lower values of MEF75 in ObA and Ob children when compared to Nw children (P = 0.004 and P = 0.0001, respectively) and this independent role of obesity on upper respiratory flows was confirmed by multiple analysis of covariance.

After 6 MWT respiratory parameters decreased only in ObA and NwA children and 12 children presented a positive fall in FEV1, in contrast no changes of respiratory function testing were detected in Ob and Nw children, and only 2 Ob children presented a significant fall in FEV1.

FeNO analysis demonstrated significantly higher values in ObA and NwA children when compared to Ob (P = 0.008 and P = 0.0002, respectively) and Nw children (P = 0.0001 and P = 0.0003, respectively), although a significant difference was found between Ob and Nw children (P = 0.0004). Multiple analysis of covariance confirmed an independent role of asthma on this parameter.

In conclusion while AHR and airway inflammation are clearly associated with an asthmatic status, obesity seems to induce reduction of upper airways flows associated with a certain degree of pro‐inflammatory changes. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010;45:1103–1110. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Laminin‐332 cleavage by matriptase alters motility parameters of prostate cancer cells
Authors: Tripathi Manisha , Potdar Alka A. , Yamashita Hironobu , Weidow Brandy , Cummings Peter T. , Kirchhofer Daniel , Quaranta Vito
Published: July 2010

BACKGROUND

Matriptase, a type II transmembrane serine protease, has been linked to initiation and promotion of epidermal carcinogenesis in a murine model, suggesting that deregulation of its role in epithelia contributes to transformation. In human prostate cancer, matriptase expression correlates with progression. It is therefore of interest to determine how matriptase may contribute to epithelial neoplastic progression. One approach for studying this is to identify potential matriptase substrates involved in epithelial integrity and/or transformation like the extracellular matrix macromolecule, laminin‐332 (Ln‐332), which is found in the basement membrane of many epithelia, including prostate. Proteolytic processing of Ln‐332 regulates cell motility of both normal and transformed cells, which has implications in cancer progression.

METHODS

In vitro cleavage experiments were performed with purified Ln‐332 protein and matriptase. Western blotting, enzyme inhibition assays, and mass spectrometry were used to confirm cleavage events. Matriptase overexpressing LNCaP prostate cancer cells were generated and included in Transwell migration assays and single cell motility assays, along with other prostate cells.

RESULTS

We report that matriptase proteolytically cleaves Ln‐332 in the β3 chain. Substrate specificity was confirmed by blocking cleavage with the matriptase inhibitor, Kunitz domain‐1. Transwell migration assays showed that DU145 cell motility was significantly enhanced when plated on matriptase‐cleaved Ln‐332. Similarly, Transwell migration of matriptase‐overexpressing LNCaP cells was significantly increased on Ln‐332 and, as determined by live single‐cell microscopy, two motility parameters of this cell line, speed and directional persistence, were also higher.

CONCLUSIONS

Proteolytic processing of Ln‐332 by matriptase enhances speed and directional persistence of prostate cancer cells. Prostate 71: 184–196, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Templated self‐assembly of block copolymers – Toward the rational design of plasmonic nanorods
Authors: Bohley Christian , Yau Man Yan Eric , Erk Christoph , Wang Yong , Wehrspohn Ralf B. , Schlecht Sabine , Steinhart Martin
Published: July 2010

Shape‐defining hard templates containing arrays of aligned cylindrical nanopores have been exploited as a powerful tool in the synthesis of tubular and solid, rod‐like one‐dimensional (1D) nanostructures consisting of inorganic and polymeric materials. Gaining control over the mesoscopic fine structure in the 1D nanostructures thus obtained has remained challenging. However, it is easy to conceive that their properties largely depend on internal features characterized by mesoscopic length scales. The self‐assembly of block copolymers inside nanopores with hard confining pore walls can be exploited to rationally generate 1D nanostructures with internal self‐assembled mesoscopic fine structures. These self‐assembled mesoscopic fine structures can be converted to mesopores, into which functional inorganic materials can be deposited. Thus, 1D nanostructures that contain replicas of helical mesopores consisting of functional inorganic materials could be obtained. The complex shapes of the inorganic entities might add additional functionalities to those associated with the bulk inorganic material and with the anisotropy of plain 1D nanostructures. In this way, helical structure motifs can be generated that may exhibit specific optical properties, such as circular dichroism, as shown by simulations.
Intersubband optical absorption coefficients and refractive index changes in a V‐groove quantum wire
Authors: Khordad R. , Khaneghah S. K.
Published: July 2010

In this paper, the intersubband optical absorption coefficients and the refractive index changes are studied in a V‐groove quantum wire. We use analytical expressions for these properties obtained by the compact‐density matrix formalism. In this regard, the linear, nonlinear and total intersubband absorption coefficients and refractive index changes are investigated as a function of the bend width wire (b), the incident optical intensity (I), and the angle θ. According to the results obtained from the present work, it is deduced that: (i) The linear terms in the refractive index changes and absorption coefficients dose not change with incident optical intensity whereas nonlinear terms depend on incident optical intensity; (ii) The total refractive index changes and the absorption coefficients reduce as the incident optical intensity increases; (iii) The total absorption coefficient and refractive index changes increase and also shift toward higher energies as the bend width wire increases; and (iv) The total refractive index changes and absorption coefficients shift toward higher energies as the angle θ increases.
Study of Open Eye Formation in an Argon Stirred Ladle
Authors: Wu L. , Valentin P. , Sichen D.
Published: July 2010

Two cold models were employed to simulate the formation of open‐eyes in a gas stirred ladle. In the first model, water and silicon oils were employed to simulate liquid steel and slag respectively. In the second one, liquid Ga‐In‐Sn alloy was used to simulate liquid steel, while 12% hydrochloric acid simulated the top slag. The experimental results indicated that the gas flow rate, height of the lower liquid and height of the top liquid had a strong impact on the open‐eye size. On the other hand, the viscosity of the top liquid and the interfacial tension between the two liquids had only little effect on the open‐eye size. A semi‐empirical model was developed to describe the size of open‐eye as a function of the heights of the two liquids and the gas flow rate. The two sets of parameters obtained for the water and Ga‐In‐Sn models were very different. Industrial trials were also conducted to examine the applicability of the models. The model developed based on the Ga‐In‐Sn model could well predict the formation of an open‐eye during ladle treatment. The model could be adopted by the industry to estimate the real gas flow rate by measuring the size of the open‐eye online. On the other hand, the mathematical model based on water model experiments was unsatisfactory when applied to the industrial ladle process.
Nanoimaging and neurological surgery
Authors: Grosu Ion Dan , Toms Madalina Alexandra , Toms Steven A.
Published: July 2010

Over 32 million surgical procedures are performed in the United States each year. Increasingly, image guidance is used in order to aid in the surgical localization of pathology, minimization of incisions, and improvement of surgical intervention outcomes. A variety of imaging modalities using different portions of the electromagnetic spectrum are used in neurological surgery. These include wavelengths used in ultrasonography, optical, infrared, ionizing radiation, and magnetic resonance. The use of currently available image‐guidance tools for neurological surgery is reviewed. Advances in nanoparticulates and their integration into the neurosurgical operating room environment are discussed. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2010 2 601–617

This article is categorized under:

Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanoscale Tools and Techniques in Surgery
Salt‐like Structures of Oligomeric Gold Complexes and Polyoxometalates
Authors: Gruber Franziska , Jansen Martin
Published: July 2010

By cleaving large gold clusters, dimeric and trimeric cationic gold complexes were generated and combined with polyoxometalates to form salt‐like intercluster compounds. Four of them comprise binuclear gold complexes [Au2(dppx)2]2+ with dppx = Ph2P(CH2)nPPh2 with n = 1–3. Short chain lengths with n = 1 and 2, respectively, either enforce, or allow for short gold–gold distances. With n = 3 the gold atoms are kept at distances not allowing significant metallophilic interactions. The overall packing of these compounds can be related to the anti‐As2O3, CsCl, anti‐CaCl2 type. (nBu4N)2[Au3dppm2Cl2][PW12O40] contains a trinuclear gold complex and realizes a distorted Li3Bi‐type of topology.
A Case Study of Participatory Action Research in a Public New England Middle School: Empowerment, Constraints and Challenges
Authors: Phillips Evelyn Newman , Berg Marlene J. , Rodriguez Chiedza , Morgan Damion
Published: July 2010

PAR recognizes teachers and students as co‐creators in a learning process that builds self‐efficacy essential to long‐term educational success. In enabling contexts, PAR projects also allow teachers to critically deconstruct societal power, examine how these dynamics are reproduced in the classroom, and work against the silencing of student voices. This case study describes the process of implementing an inquiry‐based PAR model into a formal urban middle school program intended to reduce drop out rates. The anthropologist/researchers employed participant observation, interviews, and review of student work to explore the dynamics, challenges, and constraints confronted during the process. The intervention demonstrated the gap between practice and theory in a middle school environment marked by well‐defined hierarchies and roles as well as high‐stakes testing.
Ball catching in children with developmental coordination disorder: control of degrees of freedom
Authors: Utley Andrea , Steenbergen Bert , Astill Sarah Louise
Published: July 2010

This study investigated two‐handed catching in eight children (four males, four females) aged 7 to 8 years (mean 7y 4mo [SD 3mo]) with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and their age‐matched controls (AMCs). Kinematic data were collected to examine Bernstein's (1967) notion of freezing and releasing degrees of freedom (DF). Participants were asked to catch a ball 30 times, delivered in three blocks of 10 trials. Video analysis showed that children with DCD caught significantly fewer balls than their AMCs (p≤0.001) counterparts. Kinematic analyses showed that children with DCD exhibited smaller ranges of motion and less variable angular excursions of the elbow joints than their AMCs, and that their elbows are more rigidly coupled (p≤0.001). These data suggest that children with DCD rigidly fix and couple their limbs to reduce the number of DF actively involved in the task.
Ankle dorsiflexion fMRI in children with cerebral palsy undergoing intensive body‐weight‐supported treadmill training: a pilot study
Authors: Phillips John P , Sullivan Katherine J , Burtner Patricia A , Caprihan Arvind , Provost Beth , Bernitsky‐Beddingfield Ann
Published: July 2010

This pilot study investigated the feasibility of using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) as a physiological marker of brain plasticity before and after an intensive body‐weight‐supported treadmill training (BWSTT) program in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Six ambulatory children (four males, two females; mean age 10y 6mo, age range 6–14y) with spastic CP (four hemiplegia, two asymmetric diplegia, all Gross Motor Function Classification System Level I) received BWSTT twice daily for 2 weeks. All children tolerated therapy; only one therapy session was aborted due to fatigue. With training, over ground mean walking speed increased from 1.47 to 1.66m/s (p=0.035). There was no change in distance walked for 6 minutes (pre‐: 451m; post‐: 458m;p 0.851). In three children, reliable fMRIs were taken of cortical activation pre‐ and post‐intervention. Post‐intervention increases in cortical activation during ankle dorsiflexion were observed in all three children. This study demonstrates that children with CP between 6 and 14 years of age can tolerate intensive locomotor training and, with appropriate modifications, can complete an fMRI series. This study supports further studies designed to investigate training‐dependent plasticity in children with CP.
A new climate era in the sub‐Arctic: Accelerating climate changes and multiple impacts
Authors: Callaghan Terry V. , Bergholm Fredrik , Christensen Torben R. , Jonasson Christer , Kokfelt Ulla , Johansson Margareta
Published: July 2010

Climate warming in the Swedish sub‐Arctic since 2000 has reached a level at which statistical analysis shows for the first time that current warming has exceeded that in the late 1930's and early 1940's, and has significantly crossed the 0°C mean annual temperature threshold which causes many cryospheric and ecological impacts. The accelerating temperature increase trend has driven similar trends in the century‐long increase in snow thickness, loss of lake ice, increases in active layer thickness, lake water TOC (total organic carbon) concentrations and the assemblages of diatoms, and changes in tree‐line location and plant community structure. Some of these impacts were not evident in the first warm period of the 20th Century. Changes in climate are associated with reduced temperature variability, particularly loss of cold winters and cool summers, and an increase in extreme precipitation events that cause mountain slope instability and infrastructure failure. The long term records of multiple, local environmental factors compiled here for the first time provide detailed information for adaptation strategy development while dramatic changes in an environment particularly vulnerable to climate change highlight the need to adopt global mitigation strategies.
Influence of surface clinker on the crustal structures and dynamics of 'a'ā lava flows
Authors: Applegarth L. J. , James M. R. , van Wyk de Vries B. , Pinkerton H.
Published: July 2010

Surface structures on 'a'ā and blocky lavas reflect the internal flow dynamics during emplacement and also influence the dynamics of developing flows. To investigate the effects of brittle, clinkery 'a'ā flow crusts on flow dynamics and surface structures, we conducted sand and silicone laboratory experiments that simulated the advance of lava into a preexisting channelized flow with a surface crust. Experiments carried out with relatively thin crusts produced apparently ductile surface deformation structures, while thick crusts behaved dominantly in a brittle manner. Increased crustal thickness led to increased strength under compression but favored more disruption under tension, as the flow core welled up through tensile fractures, entraining crustal material. At lava flow fronts, upwelling and entrainment would increase heat losses by radiation and advection, respectively, resulting in a positive‐feedback cooling loop. Fracturing caused heterogeneous crustal distribution near the flow front, which resulted in lobate flow advance, despite the absence of the viscoelastic layer that has previously been inferred as the primary control on flow advance and lobe formation. We therefore conclude that the influence of a purely brittle crust on the dynamics and surface morphologies of lava flows is more significant than often thought. All of the surface structures produced in the experiments have been observed on lavas or glaciers and many also on landslides and debris flows, suggesting the results can assist in the understanding of a range of natural flows.
The role of intratidal oscillations in sediment resuspension in a diurnal, partially mixed estuary
Authors: O'Callaghan J. M. , Pattiaratchi C. B. , Hamilton D. P.
Published: July 2010

Using detailed observations of the mean and turbulent properties of flow, salinity and turbidity that spanned 2001/02, we examined the physical mechanisms underpinning sediment resuspension in the low‐energy Swan River estuary, Western Australia. In this diurnal tidally‐dominated estuary, the presence of intratidal oscillations, a tidal inequality lasting 2 to 3 hours on the flood tide, generated by interactions of the four main diurnal and semidiurnal astronomical constituents, K1, O1, M2, and S2, played a major role in modifying vertical stratification and mixing. These intratidal oscillations are controlled by phase differences between the tropic and synodic months rather than being temporally‐fixed by bed friction, as occurs in semidiurnal estuaries. Intratidal oscillations are largest, at around 0.1 m, near to the Austral solstice when the lunar and solar declination are in‐phase. Despite the seemingly small change in water level, shear‐induced interfacial mixing caused destratification of the water column with the top‐to‐bottom salinity (ΔS) difference of 3.5 present early in the flood tide eroded to less than 0.3 by the end of the intratidal oscillation. High turbidity peaks, of 250 nephelometric turbidity units, coincided with these intratidal oscillations and could not be explained by bed friction since shear stress from mean flow did not exceed threshold criteria. High Reynolds stresses of ∼1 Nm−2 did, however, exceed τcr and together with negative Reynolds fluxes indicate a net downward transport of material. Destratification of the water column induced by shear instabilities resulted in large overturns capable of moving in situ material towards the bed during intratidal oscillations and these turbidities were ∼10 times greater than those from bed‐generated resuspension observed later during the flood tide.
Differential peat deformation, compressibility, and water storage between peatland microforms: Implications for ecosystem function and development
Authors: Waddington J. M. , Kellner E. , Strack M. , Price J. S.
Published: July 2010

Because peat is elastic, the daily to seasonal swelling and shrinking of the peat surface not only affects water storage but also alters peatland hydraulics and the biogeochemical and thermal properties of peat. Due to different botanical origins and degrees of decomposition, we hypothesized that different peatland microforms (ridges and lawns) display a large variation in peat deformation and compressibility. Here we examined the spatial variation of peat surface movement, peat strength, and volumetric water content at a low lawn (LL), upper lawn (UL), and ridge (R) along a 5 m transect in a peatland in Quebec, Canada. The average seasonal amplitude in peat surface level was 9, 6, and 2 cm at the LL, UL, and R sites, respectively. The surface layers in each of these sites were fairly rigid with the largest changes in peat thickness occurring between 20 and 60 cm depth in the peat profile. Compressibility varied among microforms but was not correlated to other properties within the layer in individual soil layers. However, when average profile compressibility was considered, it was significantly correlated to peat depth, von Post humification, distance to hollow, and peat strength. The total water storage by dilation below the water table was about the same as the water deficit (precipitation minus evapotranspiration) for LL, while the storage deficit for UL and especially R was lower. Including changes in entrapped gas content over the season reduced estimates of changes in water storage at all sites. Because microform type and position were significant predictors of hydrophysical properties, we argue that this suggests that peatland microtopography is self‐reinforcing through ecohydrological feedbacks. Including the variability in these properties in peatland ecohydrological models will be key for predicting the response of peatland ecosystems to disturbance.
Cassini imaging search rules out rings around Rhea
Authors: Tiscareno Matthew S. , Burns Joseph A. , Cuzzi Jeffrey N. , Hedman Matthew M.
Published: July 2010

We have conducted an intensive search using the Cassini ISS narrow‐angle camera to identify any material that may orbit Rhea. Our results contradict an earlier and surprising inference that Rhea, the second‐largest moon of Saturn, possesses a system of narrow rings embedded in a broad circum‐satellite disk or cloud.
HLA in coeliac disease: Unravelling the complex genetics of a complex disorder
Authors: Louka A.S. , Sollid L.M.
Published: July 2010

Abstract: Coeliac disease (gluten sensitive enteropathy) is a common, polygenic and multifactorial disorder that serves as a pioneering model for the study of inflammatory disease. A major environmental factor is known (ingested gluten from wheat), and there is unprecedented genetic and functional evidence pinpointing HLA‐DQA1*05‐DQB1*02 ( DQ2) and DQA1*03‐DQB1*0302 ( DQ8) in disease predisposition. We discuss the current state of play in coeliac disease genetics, focussing particularly on the HLA complex. Emerging evidence suggests that additional HLA risk loci exert weak effects, independent of DQA1*05‐DQB1*02, on the B8‐DR3‐DQ2 haplotype. There is also good evidence from linkage studies of disease gene(s) on chromosome 5q. We discuss the role and implications of linkage disequilibrium and haplotype blocks in complex disease gene mapping. We briefly address findings from studies of animal models for chronic inflammatory disease, and consider roles for both common genes associated with multiple inflammatory diseases, and genes unique to coeliac disease. The coeliac genetics research community has established a sound foundation for the identification of additional disease genes in the not‐too‐distant future. Functional studies will play a critical role, and coeliac disease has a promising future in this respect. Coeliac disease continues to function as a model disorder, facilitating the development and implementation of complex disease gene mapping strategies.
Characterization of the Influence of Unsaturated Free Fatty Acids on Brain GABA/Benzodiazepine Receptor Binding In Vitro
Authors: Witt Michael‐Robin , Nielsen Mogens
Published: July 2010

Abstract: We have investigated the effect of unsaturated free fatty acids (FFAs) on the brain GABA/benzodiazepine receptor chloride channel complex from mammalian, avian, amphibian, and fish species in vitro. Unsaturated FFAs with a carbon chain length between 16 and 22 carbon atoms enhanced [3H]diazepam binding in rat brain membrane preparations, whereas the saturated analogues had no effect. The enhancement of [3H]diazepam binding by oleic acid was independent of the incubation temperature (0‐30°C) of the binding assay and not additive to the enhancement by high concentrations of C1. In rat brain preparations, the stimulation of [3H]diazepam binding by oleic acid (10−4M) was independent of the ontogenetic development. Phylogenetically, large differences were found in the effect of unsaturated FFAs on [3H]diazepam and [3H]muscimol binding: In mammals and amphibians, unsaturated FFAs enhanced both [3H]‐muscimol and [3H]diazepam binding to 150‐250% of control binding. In 17 fish species studied, oleic acid (10−4M) stimulation of [3H]diazepam binding was weak (11 species), absent (four species), or reversed to inhibition (two species), whereas stimulation of [3H]muscimol binding was of the same magnitude as in mammals and amphibians. In 10 bird species studied, only weak enhancement of [3H]muscimol binding (110–130% of control) by oleic acid (10−4M) was found, whereas [3H]diazepam binding enhancement was similar to values in mammal species. Radiation inactivation of the receptor complex in situ from frozen rat cortex showed that the functional target size for oleic acid to stimulate [3H]flunitrazepam binding has a molecular mass of ∼200,000 daltons. Our data show that unsaturated FFAs have distinct effects on membranebound GABA/benzodiazepine receptors in vitro.
Evidence for the Involvement of Carnitine‐Dependent Long‐Chain Acyltransferases in Neuronal Triglyceride and Phospholipid Fatty Acid Turnover
Authors: Arduini Arduino , Denisova Natalia , Virmani Ashraf , Avrova Natascia , Federici Giorgio , Arrigoni‐Martelli Edoardo
Published: July 2010

Abstract: This study focuses on the potential involvement of carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CRT) on the phospholipid and triglyceride fatty acid turnover in neurons. This category of enzymes, which has been identified in several rat brain tissues, is well known for its role in modulating cellular fatty acid oxidation. Neuronal cell cultures from rat brain cortex incorporated radioactive palmitate or oleate into phospholipids and triglycerides. The largest fraction of radioactive fatty acids was recovered in phosphatidyl‐ choline followed by triglycerides and, to a lesser extent, phosphatidylethanolamine. CPT activity measured in neuronal lysates obtained from neurons treated with 40 μM 2‐tetradecylglycidic acid (TDGA) was almost completely abolished. Furthermore, between 2 and 10 μM TDGA CPT activity dropped more rapidly than between 10 and 40 μM. When the cells were pretreated with TDGA, the incorporation process of either radioactive fatty acid into triglycerides was dose‐dependently suppressed. Radioactive fatty acid incorporation into phosphatidylcholine was significantly decreased in cells treated with TDGA. In contrast, phosphatidylethanolamine reacylation was essentially not affected by the CpT inhibitor. Similar results on the fatty acid incorporation into triglycerides and phospholipids were observed with neurons treated with palmitoyl‐dl‐ aminocarnitine (PAC), a reversible CPT inhibitor, which does not consume free CoA. These effects do not seem to be the result of an inhibitory activity toward one of the steps involved in the acylation‐deacylation process of triglycerides or phospholipids, as cellular lysates from TDGA‐treated cells or lysates containing PAC incorporated radioactive fatty acids at rates comparable to controls. Our results suggest that CRT may be an important partner in the pathway of phospholipid and triglyceride fatty acid turnover in neurons.
Epidermal Growth Factor Induces PC12 Cell Differentiation in the Presence of the Protein Kinase Inhibitor K‐252a
Authors: Isono Fujio , Widmer Hans R. , Hefti Franz , Knüsel Beat
Published: July 2010

Abstract: The protein kinase inhibitors K‐252a and K‐252b have been shown earlier to block the actions of nerve growth factor and other neurotrophins and, at lower concentrations, to selectively potentiate neurotrophin‐3 actions. In the present study we show that K‐252a, but not K‐252b, enhances epidermal growth factor (EGF)‐ and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)‐induced neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells at higher concentrations than required for neurotrophin inhibition. In parallel, tyrosine phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (Erks) elicited by EGF or bFGF was also increased in the presence of K‐252a, and this signal was prolonged for 6 h. EGF‐ and bFGF‐induced phosphorylation of phospholipase C‐γ1 were not changed. The effect of K‐252a on Erks was resistant to chronic treatment with phorbol ester, indicating that protein kinase C is not involved in this potentiation. In partial contrast to the actions of K‐252a, the neurotrophin‐3‐potentiating effect of K‐252b was accompanied by an increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of the Erks and of phospholipase C‐γ1. Finally, although K‐252a alone did not induce neurite outgrowth or tyrosine phosphorylation of Erks or phospholipase C‐γ1, this compound alone stimulated phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis. Our findings identify activities of K‐252a besides the direct interaction with neurotrophin receptors and suggest that a K‐252a‐sensitive protein kinase or phosphatase might be involved in signal transduction for EGF and bFGF. Our results are further compatible with the hypothesis that sustained activation of Erks may be important in PC12 differentiation.
Leukemia Inhibitory Factor and Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor Increase Activated Ras in a Neuroblastoma Cell Line and in Sympathetic Neuron Cultures
Authors: Schwarzschild Michael A. , Dauer William T. , Lewis Susan E. , Hamill Lila K. , Fink J. Stephen , Hyman Steven E.
Published: July 2010

Abstract: The cytokines leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) have been implicated in determination of neuronal phenotype as well as promotion of neuronal survival. However, the intracellular mechanisms by which their signals are transduced remain poorly understood. We have previously studied the regulation of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide gene expression by LIF and CNTF in the NBFL neuroblastoma cell line. Because these cytokines induce tyrosine phosphorylation that may lead to Ras activation, we explored a possible role for Ras in LIF‐ and CNTF‐induced signal transduction. In NBFL cells LIF increases activated Ras in a rapid, transient, and concentration‐dependent manner. CNTF and a related cytokine, oncostatin M, produce similar increases. CNTF and LIF also increase activated Ras in neuron‐enriched dissociated cultures of sympathetic ganglia. Moreover, these cytokines rapidly and transiently induce specific tyrosine‐phosphorylated proteins, p165 and p195. The protein kinase inhibitors K252a and staurosporine block LIF‐induced increases in tyrosine phosphorylation, activated Ras, and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide mRNA in NBFL cells. These data support a possible role for Ras in the cell differentiation effects of LIF and CNTF.
Regulation of Serotonin2A Receptors in Heterologous Expression Systems
Authors: Grotewiel Michael S. , Sanders‐Bush Elaine
Published: July 2010

Abstract: The serotonin2A and serotonin2C receptors are unique among receptors coupled to guanine nucleotide binding proteins in that chronic treatment in vivo with agonists as well as antagonists decreases receptor density. In an attempt to uncover molecular events involved in down‐regulation of the serotonin2A receptor, the ability of agonists and antagonists to alter receptor density was examined in three heterologous expression systems, i.e., transfected NIH 3T3, transfected Madin‐Darby canine kidney, and transfected AtT‐20 cells. All three transfected cell lines exhibited pharmacological properties consistent with that predicted for cells expressing the serotonin2A receptor. However, the three cell lines displayed different receptor regulation properties in response to drugs acting at the serotonin2A receptor. In transfected NIH 3T3 cells, neither agonist nor antagonist treatment altered receptor density. Treatment with agonist as well as antagonist led to up‐regulation of the serotonin2A receptor in transfected Madin‐Darby canine kidney cells. In transfected AtT‐20 cells, treatment with agonist led to receptor down‐regulation, whereas antagonist treatment increased receptor density. Thus, the cellular background in which the serotonin2A receptor is expressed appears to determine the regulation properties of the receptor.