bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The adjuvant effect of TLR agonists on CD4+ effector T cells is under the indirect control of regulatory T cells
Authors: Olivier Aurélie , Sainz‐Perez Alexander , Dong Hui , Sparwasser Tim , Majlessi Laleh , Leclerc Claude 
Published: April 2011

AbstractTLR agonists have been suggested to directly impact Tregs, thereby enhancing or reversing their suppressive function. Here, in order to select TLR agonists leading to potent effector T‐cell responses, while minimizing Treg inhibitory function, we used a model antigen, covalently linked to an inert delivery system, combined with a large panel of TLR agonists, for the immunization of mice with an attenuated/depleted or intact Treg subset. We observed that the negative modulation of effector CD4+ T cells exerted by Tregs cannot be circumvented, whatever the TLR agonist used as adjuvant. To better understand the impact of TLR agonists on Tregs, we investigated (i) the TLR expression profile of highly purified CD4+ Foxp3+ Tregs, at steady state or subsequent to in vivo activation by TLR agonists and (ii) the Treg phenotype after in vivo and in vitro activation by TLR agonists. Our results demonstrate that TLR agonists, as single signal inducers, are not able to directly activate Tregs. The phenotypic Treg activation observed in vivo, following TLR administration, does not result from cross‐talk with conventional T cells but is rather a consequence of the interaction with other immune cell type(s).
A Solid‐State Electrochemiluminescence Immunosensor Based on MWCNTs‐Nafion and Ru(bpy)32+/Nano‐Pt Nanocomposites for Detection of α‐Fetoprotein
Authors: Cao Yaling , Yuan Ruo , Chai Yaqin , Mao Li , Yang Xia , Yuan Shirong , Yuan Yali , Liao Yuhong 
Published: April 2011

AbstractA approach was successfully employed for constructing a solid‐state electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunosensor by layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)‐Nafion composite film, Ru(bpy)32+/nano‐Pt aggregates (Ru‐PtNPs) and Pt nanoparticles (PtNPs). The influence of Pt nanoparticles on the ECL intensity was quantitatively evaluated by calculating the electroactive surface area of different electrodes with or without PtNPs to immobilize Ru(bpy)32+. The principle of ECL detection for target α‐fetoprotein antigen (AFP) was based on the increment of resistance after immunoreaction, which led to a decrease in ECL intensity. The linear response range was 0.01–10 ng mL−1 with the detection limit of 3.3 pg mL−1. The immunosensor exhibited advantages of simple preparation and operation, high sensitivity and good selectivity.
Modeling of RC columns strengthened with RC jackets
Authors: Lampropoulos A. P. , Dritsos S. E. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractConstructing concrete jackets is a common technique when strengthening reinforced concrete (RC) columns, particularly in seismic regions. However, there are many uncertainties concerning the behavior of the composite specimen, particularly at the interface between the old and new concrete. In this paper, monotonic finite element (FE) analyses are performed to examine the behavior of strengthened columns under monotonic and cyclic loading. Through investigating two independent series of experimental results, it is demonstrated that monotonic FE analysis with appropriate assumptions can simulate both monotonic and cyclic loading conditions to a reasonable degree of accuracy. According to the results of this study, it is found that a simulation of the interface between the old and the new concrete is vital and cannot be ignored by simply considering a perfect bond at the interface. In the case of strengthened RC columns subjected to cyclic loading, strength degradation at the interface has to be included and can be effectively modeled by reducing the coefficients of friction and adhesion by using a proposed formula. Finally, the effect of jacket concrete shrinkage is simulated that leads to a reduced maximum load and stiffness of strengthened columns. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of indirect pesticide effects on worm-eating warbler populations in a managed forest ecosystem
Authors: Awkerman Jill A , Marshall Matthew R , Williams Alan B , Gale George A , Cooper Robert J , Raimondo Sandy 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Ecological risk assessments rarely evaluate indirect pesticide effects. Pesticides causing no direct mortality in wildlife can still reduce prey availability, resulting in a lower reproductive rate or poor juvenile condition. Few studies have examined these consequences at the population level. We use a four-year data set from a forest ecosystem in which Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Btk) was applied to control gypsy moths (Lymantria dispar L.). Lower worm-eating warbler (Helmitheros vermivorus) productivity on Btk plots contributed to an intrinsic growth rate &lt;1. Altered provisioning behavior by adults led to lower nestling mass in Btk-treated plots, and simulations of reduced juvenile survival expected as a result further reduced population growth rate. The present study explored different spatial representations of treated areas, using a two-patch matrix model incorporating dispersal. Minimal migration from areas with increasing subpopulations could compensate for detrimental reductions in reproductive success and juvenile survival within treated subpopulations. We also simulated population dynamics with different proportions of treated areas to inform management strategies in similar systems. Nontoxic insecticides are capable of impacting nontarget populations with consistent, long-term use and should be evaluated based on the spatial connectivity representative of habitat availability and the time period appropriate for risk assessment of pesticide effects in wildlife populations. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. © 2011 SETAC
Predicting functional motor potential in chronic stroke patients using diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: Lindenberg Robert , Zhu Lin L. , Rüber Theodor , Schlaug Gottfried 
Published: April 2011

AbstractElectrophysiological and neuroimaging studies suggest that the integrity of ipsilesional and inter‐hemispheric motor circuits is important for motor recovery after stroke. However, the extent to which each of these tracts contributes to the variance in outcome remains unclear. We examined whether diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)‐derived measures of corticospinal and transcallosal tracts predict motor improvement in an experimental neurorehabilitation trial. 15 chronic stroke patients received bihemispheric transcranial direct current stimulation and simultaneous physical/occupational therapy for five consecutive days. Motor impairment was assessed prior to and after the intervention. At baseline, the patients underwent DTI; probabilistic fiber tracking was used to reconstruct the pyramidal tract (PT), alternate descending motor fibers (aMF), and transcallosal fibers connecting primary motor cortices (M1‐M1). Ipsilesional corticospinal tracts (PT, aMF) and M1‐M1 showed significantly decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) and increased directional diffusivities when compared to age‐matched healthy controls. Partial correlations revealed that greater gains in motor function were related to higher FA values and lower directional diffusivities of transcallosal and ipsilesional corticospinal tracts. M1‐M1 diffusivity had the greatest predictive value. An additional slice‐by‐slice analysis of FA values along the corticospinal tracts demonstrated that the more the ipsilesional FA profiles of patients resembled those of healthy controls, the greater their functional improvement. In conclusion, our study shows that DTI‐derived measures can be used to predict functional potential for subsequent motor recovery in chronic stroke patients. Diffusivity parameters of individual tracts and tract combinations may help in assessing a patient's individual recovery potential and in determining optimal neurorehabilitative interventions. Hum Brain Mapp, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Attention‐related networks in Alzheimer's disease: A resting functional MRI study
Authors: Li Rui , Wu Xia , Fleisher Adam S. , Reiman Eric M. , Chen Kewei , Yao Li 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIn addition to memory deficits, attentional impairment is a common manifestation of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The present study examines the abnormalities of attention‐related functional networks in AD using resting functional MRI (fMRI) technique and evaluates the sensitivity and specificity of these networks as potential biomarkers compared with the default mode network (DMN). Group independent component analysis (Group ICA) was applied to fMRI data from 15 AD patients and 16 normal healthy elderly controls (NC) to derive the dorsal attention network (DAN) and the ventral attention network (VAN) which are respectively responsible for the endogenous attention orienting (“top‐down”) process and the exogenous attention re‐orienting (“bottom‐up”) process. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed for activity in core regions within each of these networks. Functional connectivity analysis revealed disrupted DAN and preserved (less impaired) VAN in AD patients compared with NC, which might indicate impairment of a “top‐down” and intact “bottom‐up” attentional processing mechanisms in AD. ROC curve analysis suggested that activity in the left intraparietal sulcus and left frontal eye field from DAN as well as the posterior cingulate cortex from the DMN could serve as sensitive and specific biomarkers distinguishing AD from NC. Hum Brain Mapp, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Longitudinal gray matter changes in multiple sclerosis—Differential scanner and overall disease‐related effects
Authors: Bendfeldt Kerstin , Hofstetter Louis , Kuster Pascal , Traud Stefan , Mueller‐Lenke Nicole , Naegelin Yvonne , Kappos Ludwig , Gass Achim , Nichols Thomas E. , Barkhof Frederik , Vrenken Hugo , Roosendaal Stefan D. , Geurts Jeroen J.G. , Radue Ernst‐Wilhelm , Borgwardt Stefan J. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractVoxel‐based morphometry (VBM) has been used repeatedly in single‐center studies to investigate regional gray matter (GM) atrophy in multiple sclerosis (MS). In multi‐center trials, across‐scanner variations might interfere with the detection of disease‐specific structural abnormalities, thereby potentially limiting the use of VBM. Here we evaluated longitudinally inter‐site differences and inter‐site comparability of regional GM in MS using VBM. Baseline and follow up 3D T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data of 248 relapsing‐remitting (RR) MS patients, recruited in two clinical centers, (center1/2: n = 129/119; mean age 42.6 ± 10.7/43.3 ± 9.3; male:female 33:96/44:75; median disease duration 150 [72–222]/116 [60–156]) were acquired on two different 1.5T MR scanners. GM volume changes between baseline and year 2 while controlling for age, gender, disease duration, and global GM volume were analyzed. The main effect of time on regional GM volume was larger in data of center two as compared to center one in most of the brain regions. Differential effects of GM volume reductions occured in a number of GM regions of both hemispheres, in particular in the fronto‐temporal and limbic cortex (cluster P corrected <0.05). Overall disease‐related effects were found bilaterally in the cerebellum, uncus, inferior orbital gyrus, paracentral lobule, precuneus, inferior parietal lobule, and medial frontal gyrus (cluster P corrected <0.05). The differential effects were smaller as compared to the overall effects in these regions. These results suggest that the effects of different scanners on longitudinal GM volume differences were rather small and thus allow pooling of MR data and subsequent combined image analysis. Hum Brain Mapp, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
How do weak Z–X–X and stronger X–Z–X interactions affect NMR chemical shifts of chalcogenide dihalides, R2Z·X2? Theoretical background on the structural prediction of R2Z·X2 through chemical shifts in solutions
Authors: Tanioku Akito , Nakai Takahito , Hayashi Satoko , Nakanishi Waro 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe mechanism is clarified for the high applicability of criteria to distinguish molecular complexes (MC) from pseudo‐trigonal bipyramidal adducts (TBP) of chalcogenide dihalogens in solutions, based on the NMR chemical shifts. The criteria are theoretically investigated employing MC and TBP of MeSeMe (1), EtSeEt (3), PhSePh (7), PhSPh (8), and PhSeH (22) with chlorine and/or bromine. The adducts of (CH2CH)2Se (26), H2C(CHCH)2Se (27), and H2C(CHCH)2S (28) are also investigated. Behaviors of total absolute magnetic tensors (σt) for the atoms in question are analyzed separately by the diamagnetic and paramagnetic terms, which well support the observed NMR chemical shifts of the MC and TBP adducts in solutions. As a result, the criteria are thoroughly supported on the basis of theoretical background and the mechanism of criteria is clarified with the diamagnetic and paramagnetic terms. The results shed light on the specific effect of weak ZXX and stronger XZX interactions on the NMR chemical shifts of the adducts, R2Z·X2. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 22:446–456, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/hc.20707
Comparative study of hydrophilic and hydrophobic ionic liquids for observing cultured human cells by scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Ishigaki Yasuhito , Nakamura Yuka , Takehara Teruaki , Kurihara Takayuki , Koga Hironori , Takegami Tsutomu , Nakagawa Hideaki , Nemoto Noriko , Tomosugi Naohisa , Kuwabata Susumu , Miyazawa Shichiro 
Published: April 2011

AbstractAn ionic liquid (IL) is a salt that remains in the liquid state at room temperature. It does not vaporize under vacuum and imparts electrical conductivity to samples for observation by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Recently, the usefulness of ILs has been widely recognized. In our previous study, one of the ILs 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (EtMelm+BF4−) was used for SEM analysis of biological samples. In comparison with the conventional method, samples prepared using EtMelm+BF4− provided more detailed SEM images of the cell ultrastructure, enabling the observation of protrusions. In addition, the IL treatment is a less time consuming and simple method that does not include dehydration, drying, and conductivity treatments, which are an essential parts of the conventional method. In this study, we compared the usefulness of four hydrophobic and three hydrophilic ILs for SEM to observe fixed cultured human A549 cells. All ILs worked well to prevent “charge‐up” effect for SEM observation. However, the hydrophilic ILs tended to provide clearer images than the hydrophobic ILs. We concluded that various ILs can be used for SEM sample preparation and their application to a wide range of fields is anticipated in future. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Shape Memory Polyurethanes from Renewable Polyols Obtained by ATMET Polymerization of Glyceryl Triundec‐10‐enoate and 10‐Undecenol
Authors: del Río Enrique , Lligadas Gerard , Ronda Juan Carlos , Galià Marina , Cádiz Virginia , Meier Michael A. R. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe synthesis of branched polyols from glyceryl triundec‐10‐enoate by acyclic triene metathesis polymerization (ATMET) is reported. 10‐Undecenol is used as a monofunctional comonomer to end‐cap polymer chains, functionalize the periphery of the resulting branched materials, and to control the molecular weight. The thus obtained castor oil derived polyols are reacted with 4,4′‐methylenebis(phenylisocyanate) (MDI) to yield a series of semicrystalline polyurethane networks. The investigation of the thermal stability and the thermomechanical and mechanical properties of these thermosets revealed good shape memory properties. magnified image
A randomized, double‐blind trial of transcranial electrostimulation in early Parkinson's disease
Authors: Shill Holly A. , Obradov Sanja , Katsnelson Yakov , Pizinger Ray 
Published: April 2011

AbstractWe studied the effects of noninvasive transcranial electrical stimulation on the motor and psychological symptoms of early Parkinson's disease. Twenty‐three subjects were treated with 10 days of placebo versus active treatment and then followed for 14 weeks. Baseline off medication Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale parts I–III was 29.4 ± 10.0. The primary end point, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale in week 2 following treatment, reduced by 5.3 ± 9.7 for those in active treatment and 7.7 ± 4.8 for those receiving placebo (not significant). Similarly, no significant differences were seen in the Hamilton Anxiety Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale over the duration of the study. The treatment was well tolerated without device‐related adverse events. Despite the negative study, nonpharmacological approaches should continue to be pursued in Parkinson's disease, as they are generally well received by patients. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Genetic LRRK2 models of Parkinson's disease: Dissecting the pathogenic pathway and exploring clinical applications
Authors: Yue Zhenyu , Lachenmayer M. Lenard 
Published: April 2011

AbstractDominantly inherited mutations in leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 are the most common cause of familial Parkinson's disease. Understanding leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 biology and pathophysiology is central to the elucidation of Parkinson's disease etiology and development of disease intervention. Recently, a number of genetic mouse models of leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 have been reported utilizing different genetic approaches. Some similarities in Parkinson's disease‐related pathology emerge in these genetic models despite lack of substantial neuropathology and clinical syndromes of Parkinson's disease. The systematic characterization of these models has begun to shed light on leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 biology and pathophysiology and is expected to offer the identification and validation of drug targets. In this review, we summarize the progress of genetic leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 mouse models and discuss their utility in understanding much needed knowledge regarding early‐stage (presymptomatic) disease progression, identifying drug targets, and exploring the potential to aid compound screening focused on inhibitors of kinase activity of leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
The modified bradykinesia rating scale for Parkinson's disease: Reliability and comparison with kinematic measures
Authors: Heldman Dustin A. , Giuffrida Joseph P. , Chen Robert , Payne Megan , Mazzella Filomena , Duker Andrew P. , Sahay Alok , Kim Sang Jin , Revilla Fredy J. , Espay Alberto J. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBradykinesia encompasses slowness, decreased movement amplitude, and dysrhythmia. Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale–based bradykinesia‐related items require that clinicians condense abnormalities in speed, amplitude, fatiguing, hesitations, and arrests into a single score. The objective of this study was to evaluate the reliability of a modified bradykinesia rating scale, which separately assesses speed, amplitude, and rhythm and its correlation with kinematic measures from motion sensors. Fifty patients with Parkinson's disease performed Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale–directed finger tapping, hand grasping, and pronation–supination while wearing motion sensors. Videos were rated blindly and independently by 4 clinicians. The modified bradykinesia rating scale and Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale demonstrated similar inter‐ and intrarater reliability. Raters placed greater weight on amplitude than on speed or rhythm when assigning a Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale score. Modified bradykinesia rating scale scores for speed, amplitude, and rhythm correlated highly with quantitative kinematic variables. The modified bradykinesia rating scale separately captures bradykinesia components with interrater and intrarater reliability similar to that of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale. Kinematic sensors can accurately quantify speed, amplitude, and rhythm to aid in the development and evaluation of novel therapies in Parkinson's disease. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Mechanistic issues concerning cancer prevention by tea catechins
Authors: Yang Chung S. , Wang Hong 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe cancer preventive activities of tea (Camellia sinensis, Theaceae) have been demonstrated in animal models for cancers at different organ sites and suggested by some epidemiological studies. Many mechanisms for cancer prevention have been proposed based on studies in cell lines, which demonstrated the modulation of signal transduction and metabolic pathways by (−)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG), the most abundant and active polyphenol in green tea. These molecular events may result in cellular changes, such as enhancement of apoptosis, suppression of cell proliferation, and inhibition of angiogenesis. Nevertheless, it is not known whether these are the molecular mechanisms of inhibition of carcinogenesis in animals and humans. This article discusses the key issues involved in extrapolating results from cell line studies to mechanistic information in vivo and in translating animal studies to human cancer prevention.
Electrophysiological entrapment syndromes in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Authors: Rajabally Yusuf A. , Narasimhan Manisha 
Published: April 2011

AbstractWe do not know if peripheral nerves are more susceptible to entrapment syndromes in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). We studied 31 prospectively recruited patients with CIDP. We determined whether entrapment zones were more frequently affected by demyelination than adjacent segments. The median, ulnar, and fibular nerves were studied at the wrist, elbow, and fibular head bilaterally. Motor conduction velocity and motor conduction block were evaluated at entrapment sites and compared with contiguous segments. Demyelination was significantly more frequent for ulnar and fibular nerves away from entrapment sites. No significant difference was observed for median nerves. CIDP is not associated with increased frequency of demyelination at entrapment sites. The presence of diffuse entrapment neuropathies at compression sites does not favor a diagnosis of CIDP. Although electrophysiological study of entrapment sites is not diagnostically useful in CIDP, it may help distinguish it from other neuropathies and confirm clinically relevant, surgically treatable compressions. Muscle Nerve 44: 444–447, 2011
Bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy due to Chlamydia pneumoniae infection
Authors: Fretzayas Andrew , Moustaki Maria , Priftis Konstantinos N. , Yiallouros Panagiotis , Paschalidou Maria , Nicolaidou Polyxeni 
Published: April 2011

AbstractWe here report a 5‐year‐old boy who presented with cough and bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy with a family history of sarcoidosis. The laboratory investigations did not confirm this diagnosis. The child was serologically proven to have Chlamydia pneumoniae infection. He responded well to a course of erythromycin resulting in complete resolution of his symptoms and the presenting radiographic findings on his initial chest X‐ray. Pediatr. Pulmonol. 2011; 46:1038–1040. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.