bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Charged amino acid motifs flanking each extreme of the αM4 transmembrane domain are involved in assembly and cell‐surface targeting of the muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
Authors: Roccamo A.M. , Barrantes F.J. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe αM4 transmembrane domain of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) is flanked by two basic amino acids (His408 and Arg429) located at its cytoplasmic‐ and extracellular‐facing extremes, respectively, at the level of the phospholipid polar head regions of the postsynaptic membrane. A series of single and double αM4 mutants (His408Ala, Arg429Ala, Arg429Glu, His408Ala/Arg429Ala, and His408Ala/Arg429Glu) of the adult muscle‐type AChR were produced and coexpressed with wild‐type β, δ, and ϵ subunits as stable clones in a mammalian heterologous expression system (CHO‐K1 cells). The mutants were studied by α‐bungarotoxin ([125I]α‐BTX) binding, fluorescence microscopy, and equilibrium sucrose gradient centrifugation. Cell‐surface [125I]α‐BTX binding diminished ∼40% in His408Ala and as much as 95% in the Arg429Ala mutant. Reversing the amino acid charge (e.g., Arg429Glu) abolished cell‐surface expression of AChR. Fluorescence microscopy disclosed that AChR was retained at the endoplasmic reticulum, with an enhanced occurrence of unassembled AChR species in the mutant clones. Centrifugation analysis confirmed the lack of fully assembled AChR pentamers in all mutants with the exception of His408Ala. We conclude that His408 and Arg429 in αM4 are involved in assembly and cell‐surface targeting of muscle AChR. Arg429 plays a more decisive role in these two processes, suggesting an asymmetric weight of the charged motifs at each extreme of the α subunit M4 transmembrane segment. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Aβ(25–35) and its C‐ and/or N‐blocked derivatives: Copper driven structural features and neurotoxicity
Authors: Giuffrida Maria Laura , Grasso Giulia , Ruvo Menotti , Pedone Carlo , Saporito Angela , Marasco Daniela , Pignataro Bruno , Cascio Claudia , Copani Agata , Rizzarelli Enrico 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe toxic properties of β‐amyloid protein, Aβ(1–42), the major component of senile plaques in Alzheimer's disease, depend on nucleation‐dependent oligomerization and aggregation. In addition, Aβ(1–42) toxicity is favored by the presence of trace metals, which affect the secondary structure of the peptide. A peptide comprising 11 residues within Aβ(1–42) [Aβ(25–35)] aggregates and retains the neurotoxic activity of Aβ(1–42). We have used both Aβ(25–35) and its C‐amidated or N‐acetylated/C‐amidated derivatives to investigate the role of copper(II) in modulating the conformation and aggregation state as well as the neurotoxic properties of amyloid peptides. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements were performed to verify the formation of copper(II)/Aβ(25–35) complexes and to determine the coordination mode, respectively. Aβ(25–35) and its derivatives were analyzed by circular dichroism spectroscopy to assess their secondary structure, subjected to thioflavine‐T (Th‐T) binding assay to reveal β‐sheet structured aggregates formation, and imaged by scanning force microscopy. Toxicity was assessed on mature cultures of rat cortical neurons. We found that β‐sheet‐structured species of Aβ(25–35) were neurotoxic, whereas the random‐coil‐structured derivatives were devoid of effect. Interestingly, copper promoted the random‐coil/β‐sheet transition of Aβ(25–35), with ensuing peptide toxicity, but it induced the toxicity of the N‐acetylated/C‐amidated derivative without affecting peptide folding. Moreover, copper did not influence either the folding or the activity of the C‐amidated Aβ(25–35), suggesting that blockade of the C‐terminus of Aβ peptides might be sufficient to prevent Aβ toxicity. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Selective use of radioactive iodine in the postoperative management of patients with papillary and follicular thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Hay Ian D. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractRadioiodine remnant ablation (RRA) was developed in the 1960s to “complete a thyroidectomy” in the initial management of papillary and follicular thyroid cancer. By the 1990s, it was claimed that RRA diminished recurrence rates in follicular cell‐derived cancer (FCDC) patients and decreased the cause‐specific mortality (CSM) in patients more than 40 years old at initial surgery. The international trend for the past decade has been towards routine RRA in most FCDC patients. Clinical guidelines have been produced by many societies, promoting such an aggressive stance. Since 1997, many papers have reported improved outcome in FCDC, when patients were subjected to RRA after bilateral lobar resection. However, during the same time‐period, it has been recognized that most FCDC patients are truly at “low‐risk” of developing life‐threatening recurrences. Accordingly, it has been suggested that rational therapy selection should lead to restricting aggressive therapy to those “high‐risk” FCDC patients, more predisposed to CSM. To date, no prospective controlled trials exist. Presently available outcome data is based on single institutional or multicenter retrospective studies. This article summarizes the available relevant reported data, and concludes that a selective use of RRA in the postoperative management of FCDC patients is rational, and should actually be encouraged. J. Surg. Oncol. 2006;94:692–700. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pathology and genetics of thyroid carcinoma
Authors: DeLellis Ronald A. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractCarcinomas of the thyroid comprise a heterogeneous group of neoplasms with distinctive clinical and pathological characteristics. Over the past 15 years, the application of molecular technologies to the study of these neoplasms has elucidated critical genetic pathways associated with the development of specific thyroid tumor types. In papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), genetic events involve RET and TRK (rearrangements) and BRAF and RAS (mutations), although RAS mutations are uncommon except in the follicular variant of PTC. These genetic alterations, which rarely overlap in the same tumor, result in signaling abnormalities in the mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway. In contrast, genetic alterations in follicular carcinomas include PAX8‐PPARγ translocations and RAS mutations while mutations of CTNNB1 and p53 have been implicated in the development and progression of poorly differentiated and undifferentiated (anaplastic) thyroid carcinomas. Germline mutations of RET are responsible for the development of heritable forms of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) while somatic mutations of this oncogene are found in a significant proportion of sporadic MTCs. The results of these studies not only have provided additional approaches to thyroid tumor classification, but also have stimulated the development of novel approaches to tumor diagnosis and additional parameters for prognostic assessment and potential biologic therapeutic strategies. J. Surg. Oncol. 2006;94:662–669. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Contemporary diagnostic approach to the thyroid nodule
Authors: Rosen Jennifer E. , Stone Michael D. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThyroid nodules are common, with an estimated incidence of 5%–10% in the United States. The current gold standard for diagnosis is fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). The incidence of indeterminate diagnoses varies from 10% to 25%. Surgical resection is usually indicated to exclude the diagnosis of cancer in these patients. However, only a minority (about 20%) of indeterminate thyroid nodules actually harbor a malignancy, resulting in surgery for diagnostic purposes alone in many patients. The increased detection of benign nodules and microcarcinomas reinforces the need for improved non‐operative methods to differentiate benign from malignant disease and discriminate low‐risk from high‐risk cancers. In this article we present a current, rational diagnostic approach to the patient with a thyroid nodule, evaluate new advances including thyroid genomic and predictor models, and propose the development of prospective trials to incorporate these new additions into clinical decision making. Given how many questions still exist for patients with thyroid nodules, partnership and collaboration, or the “bench to bedside” concept should find its way into most every thyroid surgeon and endocrinologist's lexicon. J. Surg. Oncol. 2006;94:649–661. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Seminars: Controversies in the management of pediatric thyroid malignancy
Authors: Gingalewski Cynthia A. , Newman Kurt D. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThyroid cancer in children is a rare malignancy with unusual biological behavior. It often presents at advanced stages, yet behaves in a benign manner, when compared to its adult counterpart. Surgeons have debated the risks and benefits of aggressive surgical procedures for over a decade. A consensus treatment plan for childhood thyroid cancer has not been achieved, however radical surgical procedures have, in general, fallen out of favor. The best operative and adjuvant strategy for these children can only be determined when a better understanding of the tumor cell biology and genetics of this cancer is known. This review discusses the current controversies in the management of differentiated childhood thyroid malignancy. J. Surg. Oncol. 2006;94:748–752. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
From the Editors' Desk
Authors: Pashinin Pavel P. , Yermachenko Valery M. , Manassah Jamal T. , Yevseyev Igor V. 
Published: November 2006

Dear Colleagues,
With this issue, Laser Physics Letters enters its fourth
year of publication.
In our capacity as the Executive Committee of the
Editorial Board, we wish to thank, on behalf of ourselves and of
the other members of the Editorial Board, our many authors who
joined with us in shaping our journal in its first three formative
years.
Our goal continues to be the fast publication of the
results of quality research in Laser Sciences from leading
institutions from all around the world.
Some facts that may be of interest to both our authors
and readers, include the following:
1. The Journal has so far published articles from research groups located in 45 countries from five continents.
2. The acceptance rate for submitted manuscripts is 46%.
3. Through the marketing efforts of our publisher, Wiley-VCH, hard copies of the journal can now be found in the majority of leading institutional libraries worldwide.
4. The staff Editor and the Production team are web-posting all accepted manuscripts within 14 days of their submission date.
5. The Journal has now joined the ranks of standard Laser Sciences references. The Impact Factor for the Journal as reported by the Institute for Scientific Information is 1.225 for 2005.

While striving to maintain and/or improve on each of the
above benchmarks, our plans for the next phase are to:
1. Increase the yearly cap on our page budget from 600 to 900 pages.
2. Print on the cover of each issue a color figure from one of the included articles.
3. Add Graphical Abstracts at the beginning of each issue.
4. Reach out to distinguished research groups working in Laser Sciences and who have not so far joined the Journal Global Community as authors and/or readers.
5. Enlarge our rosters of editors and referees to expand our expertise and coverage of the continuously emerging new fields and sub-fields of Laser Sciences.

We seek your assistance in helping us achieve the above
goals. We welcome your suggestions for improving the quality of
our stewardship of the Journal.
Finally, we cannot let this opportunity pass without
congratulating John Wiley & Sons, the parent company of our
Publisher, Wiley-VCH, on its bicentennial celebration. The
Editorial Board and Astro Ltd. look forward for a continuing
successful and prosperous cooperative relationship with them in
the service of the Laser Physics Letters community.
Sincerely Yours,
Pavel P. Pashinin
Valery M. Yermachenko
Jamal T. Manassah
Igor V. Yevseyev
Anionic Polymerization of 1,3‐Cyclohexadiene: Reactivity of Poly(1,3‐cyclohexadienyl)lithium
Authors: Natori Itaru 
Published: November 2006

AbstractSummary: The reactivity of poly(1,3‐cyclohexadienyl)lithium (PCHDLi), as a species for the propagation of the anionic polymerization of 1,3‐cyclohexadiene (1,3‐CHD), was examined using a post‐polymerization reaction of PCHDLi and 9‐bromofluorene (9‐BFL). The degree of nucleophilicity of the PCHDLi systems was determined as PCHDLi/1,4‐diazabicyclo[2,2,2]octane (DABCO) > PCHDLi/N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) > PCHDLi. The nucleophilicity of PCHDLi was strengthened by the complexation of TMEDA to Li, and was saturated when the TMEDA/Li molar ratio was over 1.0. The rate of polymerization increased with increasing nucleophilicity of PCHDLi. In addition, the molar ratio of the 1,2‐addition (1,2‐CHD unit)/1,4‐addition (1,4‐CHD unit) seemed to be strongly affected by both the nucleophilicity of PCHDLi and the steric hindrance of CLi bonds in PCHDLi.Post‐polymerization reaction of poly(1,3‐cyclohexadienyl)lithium (PCHDLi) and 9‐bromofluorene (9‐BFL).magnified imagePost‐polymerization reaction of poly(1,3‐cyclohexadienyl)lithium (PCHDLi) and 9‐bromofluorene (9‐BFL).
Polypeptide Modification of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes by a Graft‐From Approach
Authors: Yao Yuan , Li Wenwen , Wang Shoubai , Yan Deyue , Chen Xuesi 
Published: November 2006

AbstractSummary: Covalent surface functionalization of carbon nanotubes with polypeptides is promising for possible medical applications. This work presents a graft‐from approach to perform the polypeptide modification of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). The raw MWNTs are first amine‐functionalized. The amine‐functionalized MWNTs are then used as the initiator to initiate the ring‐opening polymerization of γ‐benzyl‐L‐glutamate N‐carboxyanhydride (BLG‐NCA), to result in the polypeptide‐grafted MWNTs. FT‐IR, XPS, and TGA data demonstrate that the functionalization is successful. The TEM images of the products show that the thickness of the polypeptide shell of the PBLG‐MWNT is about 4.5–22 nm. Using the facile route developed here, carbon nanotubes functionalized with other types of polypeptides can be easily fabricated using the corresponding NCAs.Strategy for the polypeptide modification of multiwalled carbon nanotubes by a graft‐from approach.magnified imageStrategy for the polypeptide modification of multiwalled carbon nanotubes by a graft‐from approach.
Polystyrene Microspheres and Nanospheres Produced by Electrospray
Authors: Fantini Diego , Zanetti Marco , Costa Luigi 
Published: November 2006

AbstractSummary: Polystyrene (PS) micro‐ and nanospheres with uniform dimensions and smooth surfaces have been produced by electrospray. The effect of PS molecular weight on beads morphology and the fundamental role of concentration have been investigated. Moreover, a new apparatus was designed to collect the polymer spheres during the process and to prevent the coalescence among the spheres.PS micro‐ and nanospheres produced by electrospraymagnified imagePS micro‐ and nanospheres produced by electrospray
Long‐term tolerability of tetrabenazine in the treatment of hyperkinetic movement disorders
Authors: Kenney Christopher , Hunter Christine , Jankovic Joseph 
Published: November 2006

AbstractWe sought to review the long‐term tolerability of tetrabenazine (TBZ) and seek determinants of tolerability in the treatment of hyperkinetic movement disorders. A retrospective chart review was performed on patients treated with TBZ between 1997 and 2004. Efficacy of TBZ was assessed by a 1‐ to 5‐point response scale (1 = marked reduction in abnormal movements, 5 = worsening). All adverse events (AEs) were captured according to their relationship with study drug. A total of 448 patients (42% male) were treated for a variety of hyperkinesias, including tardive dyskinesia (n = 149), dystonia (n = 132), chorea (n = 98), tics (n = 92), and myoclonus (n = 19). The mean age at onset of the movement disorder was 43.0 ± 24.2 years, with TBZ starting at a mean age of 50.0 ± 22.3 years. Patients remained on treatment for a mean of 2.3 ± 3.4 years. An efficacy response rating of 1 or 2 was sustained in the majority of patients between the first and last visit. Common AEs included drowsiness (25.0%), Parkinsonism (15.4%), depression (7.6%), and akathisia (7.6%). Comparison of log‐likelihood ratios revealed that age was a reliable predictor of Parkinsonism (P< 0.0001). TBZ is a safe and effective drug for the long‐term treatment of hyperkinetic movement disorders. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Phenotypic variation among brothers with the McLeod neuroacanthocytosis syndrome
Authors: Walker Ruth H. , Jung Hans H. , Tison François , Lee Soohee , Danek Adrian 
Published: November 2006

AbstractMcLeod syndrome is an X‐linked multisystem disorder affecting red blood cells, the peripheral and central nervous systems, and skeletal and cardiac muscle. No clear correlations of the clinical findings with the genotype of XK mutations have yet been uncovered. Here, we report the clinical features and progression in 10 affected brothers from 4 families with McLeod syndrome. There is significant variation in clinical presentation within families, including in causes of morbidity and mortality. This phenotypic variation, despite shared mutations, suggests the action of disease‐modifying factors that may explain some of the difficulties with genotype–phenotype correlation in McLeod syndrome. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Substantia nigra hypoechogenicity: Definition and findings in restless legs syndrome
Authors: Godau Jana , Schweitzer Katherine J. , Liepelt Inga , Gerloff Christian , Berg Daniela 
Published: November 2006

AbstractPathological studies demonstrate a decreased iron content in the substantia nigra (SN) contributing to the pathophysiology of restless legs syndrome (RLS). SN echogenicity as measured by transcranial sonography (TCS) correlates with the SN iron content. The objective of this study was to determine a critical value to define SN hypoechogenicity as a potential marker for RLS. There were 49 RLS patients (39 idiopathic, 10 secondary) and 49 age‐ and sex‐matched controls who underwent TCS by 2 independent and blinded examiners to determine the area of SN echogenicity. We found that SN echogenicity is significantly decreased in RLS patients compared to healthy controls (P < 0.001). SN hypoechogenicity (sum area of SN echogenicity of both sides < 0.2 cm2) is more common in idiopathic than in secondary RLS patients. The area under curve for idiopathic RLS versus controls (receiver operating characteristics) is 0.91, specificity is 0.90, and sensitivity is 0.82. TCS provides an interesting additional instrument in the diagnosis of RLS. Therefore, SN hypoechogenicity (SN sum area < 0.2 cm2), which is supposed to indicate a decreased SN iron content, is a marker for RLS. Further studies are needed to investigate its significance for the pathophysiology of this frequent movement disorder and possible clinical applications. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Levodopa‐induced hyperactivity in mice treated with 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine
Authors: Nicholas Anthony P. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe present study examines the motor responses of 10‐ to 12‐month‐old, male C57 mice that were either given intraperitoneal (IP) injections of 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP; 30 mg/kg per day) or vehicle for 10 consecutive days, followed by IP injections of levodopa (200 mg/kg) plus carbidopa (25 mg/kg). Five days of MPTP exposure resulted in the Straub tail phenomenon and pronounced hypokinesia. However, during the next 5 days, motor activity returned to baseline, even with continued MPTP treatment. After 10 to 14 days of rest, all mice were then treated with levodopa/carbidopa twice daily for multiple, consecutive days. However, only the previously MPTP‐treated animals became hyperkinetic, as compared to levodopa‐treated control animals that were not previously exposed to MPTP. Abnormal activity included scratching, running, gnawing, and jumping movements. Hyperactivity lasted for approximately 2 hours after each levodopa injection and then returned to baseline, but the amount of hyperkinesia increased with additional days of levodopa treatment, even though the daily levodopa dose was not changed. These results demonstrate that levodopa can cause reproducible hyperactivity in mice that were previously exposed to MPTP. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Mixed alien hand syndrome coexisting with left‐sided extinction secondary to a left corpus callosal lesion: A case report
Authors: Lin Ji‐Ho , Kwan Shang‐Yeong , Wu Dean 
Published: November 2006

AbstractAlien hand syndrome (AHS) is actually two distinct syndromes with distinct clinical and anatomic features, that is, a frontal type and a callosal type. Frontal AHS occurs in the dominant hand; is associated with reflexive grasping, groping, and compulsive manipulation of tools. Callosal AHS is characterized primarily by intermanual conflict. We report a case of right frontal AHS and left callosal AHS (mixed AHS) secondary to ischemic stroke of the left corpus callosum (lesion extending from the genu to splenium) and right corpus callosum (minimal lesion in the splenium) in a 67‐year‐old male patient who also presented with left‐sided tactile extinction. To our knowledge, rare reports have documented mixed AHS coexisting with nondominant side extinction secondary only to unilateral (left) callosal lesion, as in our case. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Abnormal responses to repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in multiple system atrophy
Authors: Löscher Wolfgang N. , Stampfer‐Kountchev Michaela , Sawires Martin , Seppi Klaus , Mueller Joerg , Szubski Christoph , Hirnsperger Katrin , Brenneis Christian , Poewe Werner , Wenning Gregor K. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractWe studied the response of the motor cortex to brief trains of suprathreshold repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulations (rTMS) in patients with the Parkinson‐variant of multiple system atrophy (MSA‐P) and compared it to patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) and healthy controls. Eight subjects were studied in each group, and patients were matched for disease severity as assessed by Hoehn & Yahr stages. rTMS was delivered at rest and during low‐level contractions in trains of 10 stimulations at 5 Hz, and stimulation intensity was set to result in an motor evoked potential (MEP) in the first dorsal interosseus muscle of 0.5 to 1.0 mV. In MSA‐P, MEP amplitude at rest was already reduced after the second stimulus and remained so, while it did not change in PD and controls. During contraction, MEP size did not change during the train in any group. The silent period that followed the last stimulus was of similar duration as the first stimulus in MSA‐P, but was increased in PD and controls. These findings indicate that abnormal inhibition occurs within the motor cortex in MSA‐P, despite dopaminergic treatment and indicate differences in cortical dysfunction between MSA‐P and PD. We suggest that these abnormalities reflect the motor cortex pathology found in MSA‐P. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society