bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Zinc and the cytoskeleton in the neuronal modulation of transcription factor NFAT
Authors: Mackenzie Gerardo G. , Oteiza Patricia I. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractTranscription factor NFAT is crucial in the development of the nervous system due to its role in neuronal plasticity and survival. In this study we characterized the role of zinc and the cytoskeleton in the modulation of NFAT in neuronal cells. The incubation of cells in zinc deficient media led to NFAT activation that was inhibited by the calcium chelator BAPTA and the antioxidants (±)‐α‐lipoic acid and N‐acetyl cysteine, suggesting the involvement of calcium and oxidants in the initial steps of NFAT activation associated with zinc deficiency. At a second step of regulation, a decrease in cellular zinc led to an impaired transport of the active NFAT from the cytosol into the nucleus due to alterations in tubulin polymerization secondary to a decrease in neuronal zinc. Furthermore, disruption of the cytoskeleton structure by cold and chemical agents (colchicine (Col), vinblastine (VB), cytochalasin D (Cyt)) also inhibited NFAT transport into the nucleus. The altered nuclear transport caused a decrease in NFAT‐dependent gene expression. This study demonstrates for the first time that zinc can modulate transcription factor NFAT in neuronal cells, and that microtubules are involved in NFAT nuclear translocation, crucial event in the regulation of NFAT transcriptional activity. J. Cell. Physiol. 210: 246–256, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The organic osmolytes betaine and proline are transported by a shared system in early preimplantation mouse embryos
Authors: Idris Anas Mohamed‐Kheir , Hammer Mary‐Anne , Lever Michael , Stanton Jo‐Ann L. , Baltz Jay M. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBetaine and proline protect preimplantation mouse embryos against increased osmolarity and decreased cell volume, implying that they may function as organic osmolytes. However, the transport system(s) that mediates their accumulation in fertilized eggs and early embryos was unknown, and previously identified mammalian organic osmolyte transporters could not account for their transport. Here, we report that there is a single saturable transport component shared by betaine and proline in 1‐cell mouse embryos. A series of inhibitors had nearly identical effects on both betaine and proline transport by this system. In addition, Ki values for reciprocal inhibition of betaine and proline transport were ∼100–300 µM, similar to Km values (∼200–300 µM) for their transport, and both had similar maximal transport rates (Vmax). The Ki values for inhibition of betaine and proline transport by dimethylglycine were similar (∼2 mM), further supporting transport of both substrates by a single transport system. Finally, betaine and proline transport each required Na+‐ and Cl−. These data were consistent with a single, Na+‐ and Cl−‐requiring, betaine/proline transport system in 1‐cell mouse embryos. While betaine was only transported by a single saturable system, we found an additional, less conspicuous proline transport route that was betaine‐insensitive, Na+‐sensitive, and inhibited by alanine, leucine, cysteine, and methionine. Furthermore, we showed that betaine, like proline, is present in the mouse oviduct and thus could serve as a physiological substrate. Finally, accumulation of both betaine and proline increased with increasing osmolarity, consistent with a possible role as organic osmolytes in early embryos. J. Cell. Physiol. 210: 266–277, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human fetal cortical and striatal neural stem cells generate region‐specific neurons in vitro and differentiate extensively to neurons after intrastriatal transplantation in neonatal rats
Authors: Kallur Therése , Darsalia Vladimer , Lindvall Olle , Kokaia Zaal 
Published: October 2006

AbstractHuman fetal brain is a potential source of neural stem cells (NSCs) for cell replacement therapy in neurodegenerative diseases. We explored whether NSCs isolated from cortex and striatum of human fetuses, aged 6–9 weeks post‐conception, maintain their regional identity and differentiate into specific neuron types in culture and after intrastriatal transplantation in neonatal rats. We observed no differences between cortex‐ and striatum‐derived NSCs expanded as neurospheres in proliferative capacity, growth rate, secondary sphere formation, and expression of neural markers. After 4 weeks of differentiation in vitro, cortical and striatal NSCs gave rise to similar numbers of GABAergic and VMAT2‐ and parvalbumin‐containing neurons. However, whereas cortical NSCs produced higher number of glutamatergic and tyrosine hydroxylase‐ and calretinin‐positive neurons, several‐fold more neurons expressing the striatal projection neuron marker, DARPP‐32, were observed in cultures of striatal NSCs. Human cortical and striatal NSCs survived and migrated equally well after transplantation. The two NSC types also generated similar numbers of mature NeuN‐positive neurons, which were several‐fold higher at 4 months as compared to at 1 month after grafting. At 4 months, the grafts contained cells with morphologic characteristics of neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. Many of neurons were expressing parvalbumin. Our data show that NSCs derived from human fetal cortex and striatum exhibit region‐specific differentiation in vitro, and survive, migrate, and form mature neurons to the same extent after intrastriatal transplantation in newborn rats. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Myelin deficiencies visualized in vivo: Visually evoked potentials and T2‐weighted magnetic resonance images of shiverer mutant and wild‐type mice
Authors: Martin Melanie , Hiltner Timothy D. , Wood John C. , Fraser Scott E. , Jacobs Russell E. , Readhead Carol 
Published: October 2006

AbstractVisually evoked potentials (VEPs) and micromagnetic resonance imaging (μMRI) are widely used as noninvasive techniques for diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) diseases, especially myelin diseases, such as multiple sclerosis. Here we use these techniques in tandem to validate the in vivo data in mouse models. We used the shiverer mutant mouse, which has little or no CNS myelin, as a test model. These data show that shiverer (MBPshi/MBPshi) has a VEP latency that is 30% longer than that of its wild‐type sibling. Surprisingly, the heterozygous (MBPshi/+) mouse, with apparently normal myelin, nevertheless has a 7% increase in its VEP latency vs. wild type. The μMRIs of the same animals show that myelinated white matter is hypointense compared with gray matter as a result of the shorter T2 in myelinated regions of the CNS. T2‐weighted images of wild‐type and heterozygous shiverer mice show regions of hypointensity corresponding to the major myelinated tracts, including the optic nerve and the optic tract of the CNS, whereas shiverer mice have no regions of low intensity and therefore no detectable myelinated areas. In shiverer mice, μMRI can discern hypomyelination throughout the brain, including the optic tract, and these changes correlate with longer VEP latencies. In addition, VEPs can also detect changes in the molecular make up of myelin that are not discernible with histology or μMR. These data show the potential of using μMRI in combination with VEPs to follow changes in both the quality and the quantity of myelin in vivo. These combined methods would be useful for longitudinal studies and therapy testing. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Composition and bioactive factor content of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) raw meal and protein concentrate
Authors: Olivera‐Castillo Leticia , Pereira‐Pacheco Fabiola , Polanco‐Lugo Erik , Olvera‐Novoa Miguel , Rivas‐Burgos José , Grant George 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAnalysis was done of the composition and bioactive factor content of whole meal, processed meal and protein concentrate from a cowpea cultivar (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp var. IT86D‐719) grown in Yucatan, Mexico and of changes in these parameters after soaking and dehulling. Both meals had a high protein content (247.53 and 257 g kg−1 dry matter (DM) respectively). The protein concentrate was rich in protein (786 g kg−1 DM) and lipids (58.47 g kg−1 DM) and had an amino acid profile similar to that of the processed meal. The amino acid profiles of the meals almost covered human dietary requirements based on FAO/WHO/UNU‐suggested profiles but were deficient in sulphur amino acids. Trypsin inhibitor activity was high in both meals compared with levels found in previous studies. Trypsin inhibitor activity in the concentrate was not eliminated but was significantly reduced. Lectin activity, tannin levels, phytate levels and α‐amylase inhibitor activity were relatively low in the meals, and cyanogenic glucosides were not detected. Residual amounts of α‐amylase inhibitors, tannins and phytate were observed in the concentrate, and lectin activity was not detected. Results indicate that V. unguiculata L. Walp var. IT86D‐719 meals and protein concentrate are good potential foodstuffs in the Yucatan region. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Phenolics, inflammation and nutrigenomics
Authors: Evans David A , Hirsch Julie B , Dushenkov Slavik 
Published: October 2006

AbstractNutrigenomics is the study of the effects of bioactive compounds from food on gene expression. In the last several years, an increasing body of scientific evidence has demonstrated that individual compounds, as well as complex mixtures of chemicals, derived from food alter the expression of genes in the human body. By turning on or off genes, bioactives in food alter the concentration of specific proteins directly or indirectly associated with human diseases. Several human diseases result in multiple inflammatory responses which are associated with many diseases including arthritis, cancer, cardiovascular disease, dermatitis, asthma, obesity, and others. Detailed mechanisms of action as to how food derived components play an active role in prevention of inflammation have been elucidated. Such biologically active compounds include theaflavins and catechins from tea, curcumin from turmeric, resveratrol from grapes, and lactones from chicory. While chronic diseases are very complex, an opportunity exists to regulate genes involved in inflammation by enriching our diet with the specific foods inherently rich in such compounds, enriched foods containing standardized extracts of well studied sources, or dietary supplements. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Sentinel lymph node biopsy in squamous cell carcinomas of the lips and the oral cavity—A single center experience
Authors: Frerich Bernhard , Förster Marcus , Schiefke Franziska , Wittekind Christian , Hemprich Alexander , Sabri Osama 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesDespite the availability of initial data on sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in OSCC, its value in clinical practice remains unclear. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and potential of SLNB as a reliable staging procedure in early stage SCC of the lips and the oral mucosa.MethodsFrom 2001 to 2004, 40 patients with early stage SCC of the lips and oral cavity were enrolled. The main inclusion criteria were: cN0 category by MRI and ultrasound, tumor category T1‐T2, for certain sites also T3. Patients with positive SLN underwent MRND and/or radiation. Patients with negative SLN were monitored monthly.ResultsIn eight patients, the SLN were positive. Two patients with negative SLN subsequently developed nodal disease (5% false negatives). Twenty‐one patients have a follow‐up longer than 24 months. Five patients died (one from nodal disease, one from local recurrence, and three from unrelated causes). One patient developed a second primary tumor, the remaining patients are free of disease.ConclusionsSLNB may contribute to more targeted lymph node dissection strategies. Further studies will have to ensure the safety of this procedure in comparison to selective neck dissection. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;95:97–105. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Beyond mistrust and competition—the role of social and personal bonding processes in sustaining livelihoods of rural tourism businesses: a case of the Peak District National Park
Authors: Saxena Gunjan 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThis paper theorises the significance of social and personal bonding processes in promoting sustainable resource‐use and equitable tourism development using research on personal and social bonding process and relationship marketing. By looking at small, rural tourism businesses in the Peak District National Park (PDNP) it discusses how in intricate ways, individual business owners/managers are utilising social and kinship ties to increase their visual presence and competitive position in contemporary markets. The paper describes the significance of social and personal bonds as the respondents discuss how their informal affiliations have enabled them to tap into additional resources and develop products embedded in locally specific conventions that are more attractive to visitors, and are also assisting them to monitor each others' progress through informal forms of regulation. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The perceived impact of risks on travel decisions
Authors: Law Rob 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe recent phenomena of infectious diseases, natural disasters and terrorist attacks have imposed an unprecedented threat to the global tourism industry. This paper reports on a study that investigated the perceived probability of occurrence, magnitude of threat and efficacy of official media on major types of risks from 1304 international travellers. The study also examined the perceived usefulness of a set of measures that aims to strengthen the confidence of travellers. This paper should provide tourism practitioners and policy‐makers an updated view from the perspective of travellers, which in turn, can assist the formulation of risk management strategies, an area that has long been of interest to tourism researchers and practitioners. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevalence of pathological gambling in patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Avanzi Maurizio , Baratti Mario , Cabrini Silvia , Uber Elena , Brighetti Gianni , Bonfà Flavio 
Published: October 2006

AbstractPathological gambling (PG) is a psychiatric disorder characterized by loss of control of gambling, which has repercussions on family, personal, and professional life. Several recent studies have reported the relationship between PG and the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD), but no prevalence study has yet been conducted to investigate this correlation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of PG in Italian patients with PD on dopamine replacement therapy. The prevalence of PG in a PD sample (n = 98) and in an age‐ and sex‐matched control group (n = 392) was obtained. The prevalence of PG results significantly higher (P = 0.00001) in PD patients than in control subjects (6.1% vs. 0.25%). Our results emphasize that PG in patients with idiopathic PD on dopamine replacement therapy is an emergent comorbidity, but probably at present the condition is not properly diagnosed because it is mostly unknown. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Employment, medical absenteeism, and disability perception in Parkinson's disease: A pilot double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study of entacapone adjunctive therapy
Authors: Korchounov Alexei , Bogomazov Gregory 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe objective of this study was to test the impact of entacapone (ENT) addition to levodopa with a decarboxylase inhibitor (LD) in full‐time–employed patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), focusing on retirement rates, medical absenteeism, self‐perception of disability, as well as motor assessments of parkinsonism, motor fluctuations, and dyskinesias. Thirty full‐time–employed PD patients (disease onset before age 60 years) and on optimized monotherapy with LD exhibiting minor motor fluctuations or dyskinesias were entered into a 2‐year randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled study of ENT adjunctive therapy. The outcome measures were the number of full‐time–employed patients at study end, cumulative days of medical absenteeism, patient‐completed disability assessments, diary records, and the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale–based measures of motor fluctuations and dyskinesias. LD + ENT treatment was associated with a lower retirement rate (2 [17%] of 12 vs. 6 [50%] of 12; P = 0.12), lower absenteeism rate (21.5 vs. 43.5 days; P < 0.0001), improved self‐perception of disability progression over 2 years (change score 1.0 vs. 4.5; P < 0.0001), and lower scores for both motor fluctuations and dyskinesia assessments compared to LD monotherapy. In this pilot study, LD with ENT adjunctive therapy positively influenced employment rate over 2 years; this effect was associated with reduced motor complications and patient perceptions of stabilized disability. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Case–control study of anxiety symptoms in hemifacial spasm
Authors: Tan Eng‐King , Fook‐Chong Stephanie , Lum Sau‐Ying 
Published: October 2006

AbstractIn a case–control study, we evaluated symptoms in nine different psychological domains in hemifacial spasm (HFS; using the Symptom Checklist‐90R [SCL‐90R]) and found the anxiety score to be significantly greater in HFS compared to healthy controls in both the univariate (P = 0.004) and multivariate analysis (adjusted for sex, age, marital status, and educational level; P = 0.002). Similar findings were obtained when comparison was made with an independent group of outpatient controls. Compared to outpatient controls, the HFS patients had a higher mean Hamilton Anxiety Rating Score (HAM‐A; 10.0 ± 8.0 [range, 0 to 28] vs. 5.0 ± 5.0 [range, 0 to 25]; P = 0.004), and 19.5% had HAM‐A score of 18 or above compared to 3.8% in controls (P = 0.02). Among the HFS patients, the mean anxiety score in SCL‐90R was significantly higher in those defined with mild to severe anxiety under HAM‐A compared to those without anxiety (74.0 ± 6.0 vs. 48.0 ± 13.0) (P < 0.0005). There was good correlation of the anxiety score with the HAM‐A in HFS patients (r = 0.915; P < 0.0001). HFS patients with anxiety reported significant improvement of their symptoms (mean HAM‐A score 19.0 ± 5.0 vs. 11.0 ± 6.0; P = 0.001) following appropriate management. As stress and anxiety can aggravate HFS, diagnosis and early management of anxiety symptoms can improve quality of life in these patients. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Identifying systematic errors in quantitative dynamic‐susceptibility contrast perfusion imaging by high‐resolution multi‐echo parallel EPI
Authors: Jochimsen Thies H. , Newbould Rexford D. , Skare Stefan T. , Clayton David B. , Albers Gregory W. , Moseley Michael E. , Bammer Roland 
Published: October 2006

AbstractSeveral obstacles usually confound a straightforward perfusion analysis using dynamic‐susceptibility contrast‐based magnetic resonance imaging (DSC‐MRI). In this work, it became possible to eliminate some of these sources of error by combining a multiple gradient‐echo technique with parallel imaging (PI): first, the large dynamic range of tracer concentrations could be covered satisfactorily with multiple echo times (TE) which would otherwise result in overestimation of image magnitude in the presence of noise. Second, any bias from T1 relaxation could be avoided by fitting to the signal magnitude of multiple TEs. Finally, with PI, a good tradeoff can be achieved between number of echoes, brain coverage, temporal resolution and spatial resolution. The latter reduces partial voluming, which could distort calculation of the arterial input function. Having ruled out these sources of error, a 4‐fold overestimation of cerebral blood volume and flow remained, which was most likely due to the completely different relaxation mechanisms that are effective in arterial voxels compared with tissue. Hence, the uniform tissue‐independent linear dependency of relaxation rate upon tracer concentration, which is usually assumed, must be questioned. Therefore, DSC‐MRI requires knowledge of the exact dependency of transverse relaxation rate upon tracer concentration in order to calculate truly quantitative perfusion maps. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two‐level preconditioners for serendipity finite element matrices
Authors: Hakopian Yuri R. , Harutyunyan Arsen S. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractIn this paper an approach to construct algebraic multilevel preconditioners for serendipity finite element matrices is presented. Two‐level preconditioners constructed in the paper allow to obtain multilevel preconditioners in serendipity case using multilevel preconditioners for linear finite element matrices. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Discrete element method for modelling solid and particulate materials
Authors: Tavarez Federico A. , Plesha Michael E. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe discrete element method (DEM) is developed in this study as a general and robust technique for unified two‐dimensional modelling of the mechanical behaviour of solid and particulate materials, including the transition from solid phase to particulate phase. Inter‐element parameters (contact stiffnesses and failure criteria) are theoretically established as functions of element size and commonly accepted material parameters including Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, ultimate tensile strength, and fracture toughness. A main feature of such an approach is that it promises to provide convergence with refinement of a DEM discretization. Regarding contact failure, an energy criterion based on the material's ultimate tensile strength and fracture toughness is developed to limit the maximum contact forces and inter‐element relative displacement. This paper also addresses the issue of numerical stability in DEM computations and provides a theoretical method for the determination of a stable time‐step. The method developed herein is validated by modelling several test problems having analytic solutions and results show that indeed convergence is obtained. Moreover, a very good agreement with the theoretical results is obtained in both elastic behaviour and fracture. An example application of the method to high‐speed penetration of a concrete beam is also given. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Overview and construction of meshfree basis functions: from moving least squares to entropy approximants
Authors: Sukumar N. , Wright R. W. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractIn this paper, an overview of the construction of meshfree basis functions is presented, with particular emphasis on moving least‐squares approximants, natural neighbour‐based polygonal interpolants, and entropy approximants. The use of information‐theoretic variational principles to derive approximation schemes is a recent development. In this setting, data approximation is viewed as an inductive inference problem, with the basis functions being synonymous with a discrete probability distribution and the polynomial reproducing conditions acting as the linear constraints. The maximization (minimization) of the Shannon–Jaynes entropy functional (relative entropy functional) is used to unify the construction of globally and locally supported convex approximation schemes. A JAVA applet is used to visualize the meshfree basis functions, and comparisons and links between different meshfree approximation schemes are presented. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.