bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Facial transplantation as an option in reconstructive surgery: no mountains too high?
Authors: Błogowski Wojciech 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground: Human facial allotransplantation (FA) is a testament to the impressive progress, which was and is still happening in the field of transplantation medicine and reconstructive surgery. Like every pioneering treatment option, FA faces both the clinicians' and public opinion with a huge amount of medical and psychosocial dilemmas, which, in order to introduce FA as a scientifically and socially accepted procedure into clinical practice, need to be discussed, answered and solved.Methods: This review is based on a detailed literature research in all relevant databases (MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, specialist textbooks), however, recent papers (published between 2006 and 2008) were given highest priority for inclusion.Results: In this review, two main limitations associated with facial tissue allotransplantation, that is, shortage of donations and life‐long need for immunosuppressive treatment, are discussed and presented in both psychosocial and medical terms.Conclusion: Although both of these limitations potentially could successfully inhibit the transformation of FA from an experimental therapy to the treatment of choice for patients with severe functional facial impairment, recent literature suggest that FA will find a meaningful place in facial reconstructive surgery.
Art of preserving health: studies on the medical supervision of physical exercise
Authors: Thurston Alan J. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractTo the ancient Greeks, physical exercise was an essential part of life, especially during adolescence and young adulthood. Long after the end of the Classical Greek era, Roman conquest brought a shift towards martial training, increased professionalism in athletic competition and a weak strand of restorative gymnastics kept barely intact by the likes of Galen. While the crux of these teachings was the use of exercise, among other things, to promote and maintain health, the emphasis began to shift to concerns about the health of athletes and the medical problems brought about by exercise. Fashions in athletic training began to change in the mid‐nineteenth century, but the mystique associated with athletic training pervaded much of the thinking and still persists today where, in this modern scientific period of exercise and health, physiologists, physical educators and physicians have become involved in seeking to apply the scientific method to what has become known as exercise science. The modern concept of sports medicine tends to emphasize the training and welfare of the elite athlete.
Supplementary motor area and anterior intraparietal area integrate fine‐graded timing and force control during precision grip
Authors: Haller Sven , Chapuis Dominique , Gassert Roger , Burdet Etienne , Klarhöfer Markus 
Published: December 2009

AbstractWe investigated the neuronal processing of the physiologically particularly important precision grip (opposition of index finger and thumb) by the combination of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and an MR‐compatible haptic interface. Ten healthy subjects performed isometric precision grip force generation with visual task instruction and real‐time visual feedback in a block design. In a 2 × 2 two‐factorial design, both the timing and force could be either constant or varying (identical average timing and force). As we expected only small changes in the fMRI response for the different fine‐graded motor control conditions, we maximized the sensitivity of the data analysis and implemented a volumes of interest (VOI) restricted general linear model analysis including non‐explanatory force regressors to eliminate directly force‐related low‐level activations. The VOIs were defined based on previous studies. We found significant associations: timing variation (variable vs. constant) and primary motor area (M1) and dorsal premotor area (PMd); force variation (variable vs. constant) and primary somatosensory area (S1), anterior intraparietal area (AIP) and PMd; interaction of timing and force and supplementary motor area (SMA) and AIP. We conclude that SMA and AIP integrate fine‐graded higher‐level timing and force control during precision grip. M1, S1 and PMd process lower‐level timing and force control, yet not their integration. These results are the basis for a detailed assessment of manual motor control in a variety of motor diseases. The detailed behavioural assessment by our MR‐compatible haptic interface is particularly valuable in patients due to expected larger inter‐individual variation in motor performance.
β‐Secretase‐1 elevation in transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease is associated with synaptic/axonal pathology and amyloidogenesis: implications for neuritic plaque development
Authors: Zhang Xue‐Mei , Cai Yan , Xiong Kun , Cai Huaibin , Luo Xue‐Gang , Feng Jia‐Chun , Clough Richard W. , Struble Robert G. , Patrylo Peter R. , Yan Xiao‐Xin 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe presence of neuritic plaques is a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the origin of extracellular β‐amyloid peptide (Aβ) deposits and the process of plaque development remain poorly understood. The present study attempted to explore plaque pathogenesis by localizing β‐secretase‐1 (BACE1) elevation relative to Aβ accumulation and synaptic/neuritic alterations in the forebrain, using transgenic mice harboring familial AD (FAD) mutations (5XFAD and 2XFAD) as models. In animals with fully developed plaque pathology, locally elevated BACE1 immunoreactivity (IR) coexisted with compact‐like Aβ deposition, with BACE1 IR occurring selectively in dystrophic axons of various neuronal phenotypes or origins (GABAergic, glutamatergic, cholinergic or catecholaminergic). Prior to plaque onset, localized BACE1/Aβ IR occurred at swollen presynaptic terminals and fine axonal processes. These BACE1/Aβ‐containing axonal elements appeared to undergo a continuing process of sprouting/swelling and dystrophy, during which extracellular Aβ IR emerged and accumulated in surrounding extracellular space. These data suggest that BACE1 elevation and associated Aβ overproduction inside the sprouting/dystrophic axonal terminals coincide with the onset and accumulation of extracellular amyloid deposition during the development of neuritic plaques in transgenic models of AD. Our findings appear to be in harmony with an early hypothesis that axonal pathogenesis plays a key or leading role in plaque formation.
Sensorimotor training promotes functional recovery and somatosensory cortical map reactivation following cervical spinal cord injury
Authors: Martinez Marina , Brezun Jean‐Michel , Zennou‐Azogui Yoh’i , Baril Nathalie , Xerri Christian 
Published: December 2009

AbstractSensorimotor activity has been shown to play a key role in functional recovery after partial spinal cord injury (SCI). Most studies in rodents have focused on the rehabilitation of hindlimb locomotor functions after thoracic or lumbar SCI, whereas forelimb motor and somatosensory abilities after cervical SCI remain largely uninvestigated, despite the high incidence of such injuries in humans. Moreover, little is known about the neurophysiological substrates of training‐induced recovery in supraspinal structures. This study was aimed at evaluating the effects of a training procedure combining both motor and sensory stimulation on behavioral performance and somatosensory cortical map remodeling after cervical (C4–C5) spinal hemisection in rats. This SCI severely impaired both sensory and motor capacities in the ipsilateral limbs. Without training, post‐lesion motor capacities gradually improved, whereas forepaw tactile abilities remained impaired. Consistently, no stimulus‐evoked responses were recorded within the forepaw representational zone in the primary somatosensory (S1) cortex at 2 months after the SCI. However, our data reveal that with training started from the 7th day post‐lesion, a nearly complete recovery (characterized by an early and rapid improvement of motor functions) was associated with a gradual compensation of tactile deficits. Furthermore, the recovery of tactile abilities was correlated with the areal extent of reactivation of S1 cortex forepaw representations. Rehabilitative training promoted post‐lesion adaptive plasticity, probably by enhancing endogenous activity within spared spinal and supraspinal circuits and pathways sustaining sensory and motor functions. This study highlights the beneficial effect of sensorimotor training in motor improvement and its critical influence on tactile recovery after SCI.
Deletion of Cav2.1(α1A) subunit of Ca2+‐channels impairs synaptic GABA and glutamate release in the mouse cerebellar cortex in cultured slices
Authors: Lonchamp Etienne , Dupont Jean‐Luc , Doussau Frédéric , Shin Hee‐Sup , Poulain Bernard , Bossu Jean‐Louis 
Published: December 2009

AbstractDeletion of both alleles of the P/Q‐type Ca2+‐channel Cav2.1(α1A) subunit gene in mouse leads to severe ataxia and early death. Using cerebellar slices obtained from 10 to 15 postnatal days mice and cultured for at least 3 weeks in vitro, we have analysed the synaptic alterations produced by genetically ablating the P/Q‐type Ca2+‐channels, and compared them with the effect of pharmacological inhibition of the P/Q‐ or N‐type channels on wild‐type littermate mice. Analysis of spontaneous synaptic currents recorded in Purkinje cells (PCs) indicated that the P/Q‐type channels play a prominent role at the inhibitory synapses afferent onto the PCs, with the effect of deleting Cav2.1(α1A) partially compensated. At the granule cell (GC) to PC synapses, both N‐ and P/Q‐type Ca2+‐channels were found playing a role in glutamate exocytosis, but with no significant phenotypic compensation of the Cav2.1(α1A) deletion. We also found that the P/Q‐ but not N‐type Ca2+‐channel is indispensable at the autaptic contacts between PCs. Tuning of the GC activity implicates both synaptic and sustained extrasynaptic γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) release, only the former was greatly impaired in the absence of P/Q‐type Ca2+‐channels. Overall, our data demonstrate that both P/Q‐ and N‐type Ca2+‐channels play a role in glutamate release, while the P/Q‐type is essential in GABA exocytosis in the cerebellum. Contrary to the other regions of the CNS, the effect of deleting the Cav2.1(α1A) subunit is partially or not compensated at the inhibitory synapses. This may explain why cerebellar ataxia is observed at the mice lacking functional P/Q‐type channels.
Motor foundations of higher cognition: similarities and differences in processing regular and violated perceptual sequences of different specificity
Authors: Bubic Andreja , Yves von Cramon D. , Schubotz Ricarda I. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractProcessing perceptual sequences relies on the motor system, which is able to simulate the dynamics of the environment by developing internal representations of external events and using them to predict the incoming stimuli. Although it has previously been demonstrated that such models may incorporate predictions based on exact stimulus properties and single stimulus dimensions, it is not known whether they can also support abstract predictions pertaining to the level of stimulus categories. This issue was investigated within the present event‐related functional magnetic resonance imaging study, which compared the processing of perceptual sequences of different specificity, namely those in which the sequential structure was based on the order of presentation of individual stimuli (token), and those in which such structure was defined by stimulus categories (type). The results obtained indicate a comparable engagement of the basic premotor–parietal network in processing both specific and categorical perceptual sequences. However, type sequences additionally elicited activations within the lateral prefrontal, occipital and posterior temporal regions that supported categorization in this task context. Introducing sequential deviants into token sequences activated parietotemporal and ventrolateral frontal cortices, whereas a less pronounced overall response, dominated by lateral prefrontal activation, was elicited by violations introduced into type sequences. Overall, the findings obtained suggest that, although forward models in perception may be able to incorporate expectations of lower specificity when compared to the motor domain, such processing is crucially dependent on additional contributions from lateral prefrontal as well as inferior occipital and temporal cortices that support categorization occurring in such a dynamic context.
Temporal characteristics of global motion processing revealed by transcranial magnetic stimulation
Authors: Stevens Laura K. , McGraw Paul V. , Ledgeway Tim , Schluppeck Denis 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe ability to detect the motion of objects is critical to survival, and understanding the cortical mechanisms involved in this process remains a key challenge in sensory neuroscience. A relatively new approach to this problem is to temporarily disrupt processing at specific cortical sites and measure the behavioural consequences. Several previous studies have shown that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of human visual area V5/MT disrupts global motion perception, but reports vary widely in the timescale of this effect. To resolve this issue we employed psychophysical techniques to investigate how discrimination of translational, rotational and radial global motion is affected by TMS. Prior to applying TMS we established baseline coherence thresholds for global motion perception. Adopting each observer’s coherence level at threshold we examined how TMS delivered to V5/MT modulated performance. Importantly, we measured the influence of single‐pulse TMS over a broad temporal range to reveal the fine temporal structure of the disruption profile for global motion perception. Results show that the disruption profile consisted of two distinct epochs during which global direction judgments were reliably impaired, separated by an interval in which performance was unaffected. The bimodal nature of the distribution profiles is consistent with feedforward and feedback processing between visual areas mediating global motion processing. We present a novel quantitative model that characterizes the contribution of each process to visual motion perception.
Evaluation of JPEG and JPEG2000 compression algorithms for dermatological images
Authors: Gulkesen KH , Akman A , Yuce YK , Yilmaz E , Samur AA , Isleyen F , Cakcak DS , Alpsoy E 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground  Some image compression methods are used to reduce the disc space needed for the image to store and transmit the image efficiently. JPEG is the most frequently used algorithm of compression in medical systems. JPEG compression can be performed at various qualities. There are many other compression algorithms; among these, JPEG2000 is an appropriate candidate to be used in future.Objective  To investigate perceived image quality of JPEG and JPEG2000 in 1 : 20, 1 : 30, 1 : 40 and 1 : 50 compression rates.Methods  In total, photographs of 90 patients were taken in dermatology outpatient clinics. For each patient, a set which is composed of eight compressed images and one uncompressed image has been prepared. Images were shown to dermatologists on two separate 17‐inch LCD monitors at the same time, with one as compressed image and the other as uncompressed image. Each dermatologist evaluated 720 image couples in total and defined whether there existed any difference between two images in terms of quality. If there was a difference, they reported the better one. Among four dermatologists, each evaluated 720 image couples in total.Results  Quality rates for JPEG compressions 1 : 20, 1 : 30, 1 : 40 and 1 : 50 were 69%, 35%, 10% and 5% respectively. Quality rates for corresponding JPEG2000 compressions were 77%, 67%, 56% and 53% respectively.Conclusion  When JPEG and JPEG2000 algorithms were compared, it was observed that JPEG2000 algorithm was more successful than JPEG for all compression rates. However, loss of image quality is recognizable in some of images in all compression rates.
Political Myth, Mythology and the European Union*
Authors: DELLA SALA VINCENT 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe EU, as is commonly held, is a different form of political rule: a polity based on rationality and functional interests, not emotional appeals. Without reference to the narrative of the nation or the state, the question emerges as to whether the European Union needs or has myths? If it does, what are they and how successful have they been? The aim of this article – indeed of the special issue – is to explore the role of political myth in creating normative and cognitive foundations for governing in the EU and to examine whether these are applicable to the case of the European Union.
Temporal requirements of insulin/IGF‐1 signaling for proteotoxicity protection
Authors: Cohen Ehud , Du Deguo , Joyce Derek , Kapernick Erik A. , Volovik Yuli , Kelly Jeffery W. , Dillin Andrew 
Published: December 2009

SummaryToxic protein aggregation (proteotoxicity) is a unifying feature in the development of late‐onset human neurodegenerative disorders. Reduction of insulin/IGF‐1 signaling (IIS), a prominent lifespan, developmental and reproductive regulatory pathway, protects worms from proteotoxicity associated with the aggregation of the Alzheimer’s disease‐linked Aβ peptide. We utilized transgenic nematodes that express human Aβ and found that late life IIS reduction efficiently protects from Aβ toxicity without affecting development, reproduction or lifespan. To alleviate proteotoxic stress in the animal, the IIS requires heat shock factor (HSF)‐1 to modulate a protein disaggregase, while DAF‐16 regulates a presumptive active aggregase, raising the question of how these opposing activities could be co‐regulated. One possibility is that HSF‐1 and DAF‐16 have distinct temporal requirements for protection from proteotoxicity. Using a conditional RNAi approach, we found an early requirement for HSF‐1 that is distinct from the adult functions of DAF‐16 for protection from proteotoxicity. Our data also indicate that late life IIS reduction can protect from proteotoxicity when it can no longer promote longevity, strengthening the prospect that IIS reduction might be a promising strategy for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders caused by proteotoxicity.
Using Scanner Technology to Collect Expenditure Data*
Authors: Leicester Andrew , Oldfield Zoë 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIn terms of collecting panel expenditure data, there are trade‐offs between the demands imposed on respondents and the detail and coverage of data collected. Comprehensive spending data tend to be cross‐sectional whilst panel studies include only limited, aggregated expenditure questions. Recently, economists have begun to use detailed, bar‐code‐level spending data from household panels collected by market research companies. However, there has not been a detailed assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of this collection method or its implications for the recorded data. This paper seeks to fill this gap by providing an in‐depth examination of data from one company, Taylor Nelson Sofres (TNS), recording grocery purchases over five years. We assess how far the ongoing demands of participation lead to ‘fatigue’ in respondents' recording of their spending and the implications for household attrition, and we provide a detailed comparison of the expenditure data collected by TNS and the well‐established Expenditure and Food Survey (EFS). Broadly, we suggest that problems of fatigue and attrition may not be particularly severe, though there are differences in expenditures that cannot be attributed to demographic or time effects and may be suggestive of survey mode effects.
Experimental Tests of Survey Responses to Expenditure Questions*
Authors: Comerford David , Delaney Liam , Harmon Colm 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThis paper tests for a number of survey effects in the elicitation of expenditure items. In particular, we examine the extent to which individuals use features of the expenditure question to construct their answers. We test whether respondents interpret question wording as researchers intend and examine the extent to which prompts, clarifications and seemingly arbitrary features of survey design influence expenditure reports. We find that over one‐quarter of respondents have difficulty distinguishing between ‘you’ and ‘your household’ when making expenditure reports; that respondents report higher pro‐rata expenditure when asked to give responses on a weekly as opposed to annual timescale; that respondents give higher estimates when using a scale with a higher midpoint; and that respondents report higher aggregated expenditure when categories are presented in a disaggregated form. In summary, expenditure reports are constructed using convenient rules of thumb and available information, which will depend on the characteristics of the respondent, the expenditure domain and features of the survey question. It is crucial to further account for these features in ongoing surveys.
Mechanism of the anti‐obesity effects induced by a novel Melanin‐concentrating hormone 1‐receptor antagonist in mice
Authors: Ito Masahiko , Ishihara A , Gomori A , Matsushita H , Ito Makoto , Metzger JM , Marsh DJ , Haga Y , Iwaasa H , Tokita S , Takenaga N , Sato N , MacNeil DJ , Moriya M , Kanatani A 
Published: December 2009

Background and purpose:  Melanin‐concentrating hormone (MCH) is an orexigenic neuropeptide expressed in the lateral hypothalamus that is involved in feeding and body weight regulation. Intracerebroventricular infusion of a peptidic MCH1 receptor antagonist ameliorated obesity in murine models. Recently, small molecule MCH1 receptor antagonists have been developed and characterized for the treatment of obesity. However, little is known of the mechanism of the anti‐obesity effects of MCH1 receptor antagonists.Experimental approach:  To examine the mechanisms of action of the anti‐obesity effect of MCH1 receptor antagonists more precisely, we conducted a pair‐feeding study in mice with diet‐induced obesity (DIO), chronically treated with an orally active and highly selective MCH1 receptor antagonist and examined changes in mRNA expression levels in liver, brown and white adipose tissues. We also assessed the acute effects of the MCH1 receptor antagonist in energy expenditure under thermoneutral conditions.Key results:  Treatment with the MCH1 receptor antagonist at 30 mg·kg−1 for 1 month moderately suppressed feeding and significantly reduced body weight by 24%. In contrast, pair‐feeding resulted in a smaller weight reduction of 10%. Treatment with the MCH1 receptor antagonist resulted in a higher body temperature compared with the pair‐fed group. TaqMan and calorimetry data suggested that the MCH1 receptor antagonist also stimulated thermogenesis.Conclusions and implications:  Our results indicate that an MCH1 receptor antagonist caused anti‐obesity effects im mice by acting on both energy intake and energy expenditure.