bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modulation of neural responses in inferotemporal cortex during the interpretation of ambiguous photographs
Authors: Liu Yan , Jagadeesh Bharathi 
Published: June 2008

AbstractAmbiguous images are interpreted in the context of biases about what they might be; these biases and the behavioral consequences induced by them may influence the processing of images. In this report, we examine neural responses in inferotemporal cortex (IT) during the interpretation of ambiguous photographs created by morphing between two photographs. Monkeys classified different images as being one of two choices and learned to classify most of the samples correctly. For one image (the ambiguous sample) reward was administered randomly for either possible choice, and the monkeys were free to classify that image based on their own interpretation, with no learning possible. The ambiguous samples were not classified randomly: the monkey interpreted the samples differently during different sessions. The interpretation of the ambiguous sample was, in turn, highly correlated with the normalized response of individual neurons in IT to the ambiguous sample. If an ambiguous sample was interpreted as a particular choice during a session, the response to that ambiguous sample more closely resembled the response to that choice. Identical ambiguous images were interpreted differently during different sessions, and neural responses reflected the differing interpretations of the image during that session. The relationship between the interpretation of the image and neural responses strengthened over the course of a session because neural responses shifted to more closely resemble the response to the initial interpretation of the image. The data support a flexible representation of visual stimuli in higher visual areas.
Temporally limited role of substantia nigra–central amygdala connections in surprise‐induced enhancement of learning
Authors: Lee H. J. , Youn J. M. , Gallagher M. , Holland P. C. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractPrediction error plays an important role in modern associative learning theories. For example, the omission of an expected event (surprise) can enhance attention to cues that accompany those omissions, such that subsequent new learning about those cues is more rapid. Many studies from our laboratories have demonstrated that circuitry that includes the amygdala central nucleus (CeA), the cholinergic neurons in the substantia innominata/nucleus basalis region and their innervation of the posterior parietal cortex is critical for this surprise‐induced enhancement of attention in learning. We recently showed that midbrain dopamine neurons, known to code prediction error, are also important for surprise‐induced enhancement of learning through their interaction with CeA. The present study examined whether in rats the communication between the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and CeA is critical only at the time of surprise, for example to detect prediction error information, or is also needed to maintain and later express that information as enhanced learning. All animals received unilateral CeA lesions and unilateral cannula implants targeting the SNc located contralateral to the lesioned CeA. As the SNc–CeA connections are mainly ipsilateral, inactivating SNc contralateral to the lesioned CeA provided transient blockage of SNc and CeA communication. The results show that SNc–CeA communication is critical for processing prediction error information at the time of surprise, but neither SNc nor SNc–CeA communication is necessary to express that information as enhanced learning later.
Large‐scale study of phosphoproteins involved in long‐term potentiation in the rat dentate gyrus in vivo
Authors: Chardonnet Solenne , Le Marechal Pierre , Cheval Hélène , Le Caer Jean‐Pierre , Decottignies Paulette , Laprevote Olivier , Laroche Serge , Davis Sabrina 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe mechanisms underlying the induction of synaptic plasticity and the formation of long‐term memory involve activation of cell‐signalling cascades and protein modifications such as phosphorylation and dephosphorylation. Based on a protein candidate strategy, studies have identified several protein kinases and their substrates, which show an altered phosphorylation state during the early phases of long‐term potentiation (LTP), yet only a limited number of synaptic phosphoproteins are known to be implicated in LTP. To identify new phosphoproteins associated with LTP, we have undertaken a proteomic study of phosphoproteins at different time points following the induction of LTP in the dentate gyrus in vivo (0, 15 and 90 min). For each time point, proteins from the dentate gyrus were separated by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis and stained with Pro−Q® Diamond, a fluorescent stain specific for phosphoproteins. Fourteen proteins whose phosphorylation state varied significantly following LTP were identified using matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization/time of flight mass spectrometry and electrospray ionization‐Orbitrap tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). They are involved in various cellular functions implicated in synaptic plasticity, such as intracellular signalling, axonal growth, exocytosis, protein synthesis and metabolism. Our results highlight new proteins whose phosphorylation or dephosphorylation is associated with LTP induction or maintenance. Further studies focusing on the regulation of specific phosphorylation sites will lead to greater understanding of the individual implications of these proteins in LTP as well as of their molecular interactions.
Concepts of neural nitric oxide‐mediated transmission
Authors: Garthwaite John 
Published: June 2008

AbstractAs a chemical transmitter in the mammalian central nervous system, nitric oxide (NO) is still thought a bit of an oddity, yet this role extends back to the beginnings of the evolution of the nervous system, predating many of the more familiar neurotransmitters. During the 20 years since it became known, evidence has accumulated for NO subserving an increasing number of functions in the mammalian central nervous system, as anticipated from the wide distribution of its synthetic and signal transduction machinery within it. This review attempts to probe beneath those functions and consider the cellular and molecular mechanisms through which NO evokes short‐ and long‐term modifications in neural performance. With any transmitter, understanding its receptors is vital for decoding the language of communication. The receptor proteins specialised to detect NO are coupled to cGMP formation and provide an astonishing degree of amplification of even brief, low amplitude NO signals. Emphasis is given to the diverse ways in which NO receptor activation initiates changes in neuronal excitability and synaptic strength by acting at pre‐ and/or postsynaptic locations. Signalling to non‐neuronal cells and an unexpected line of communication between endothelial cells and brain cells are also covered. Viewed from a mechanistic perspective, NO conforms to many of the rules governing more conventional neurotransmission, particularly of the metabotropic type, but stands out as being more economical and versatile, attributes that presumably account for its spectacular evolutionary success.
Ileal ureteric replacement with an ileo‐psoas muscle tunnel antirefluxing technique for the treatment of long segment ureteric strictures
Authors: Xu Yue‐Min , Qian Lin , Qiao Yong , Wu Deng‐Long , Sa Ying‐Long , Zhang Xin‐Ru , Chen Rong , Si Jie‐Min 
Published: June 2008

OBJECTIVESTo develop and report our initial experience with a novel antirefluxing technique for segmental ileal ureteric replacement for the treatment of long ureteric strictures.PATIENTS AND METHODSBetween January 2000 and January 2007, 12 cases of ureteric strictures (nine bilateral and three unilateral) were treated using a novel surgical technique in which the ureter was replaced with a segment of ileum using an end‐to‐side anastomosis. An antireflux valve was constructed by fixing the distal part of upper ureter (4 cm) between the psoas muscle and ileal segment (the ileo‐psoas tunnel technique). The distal ileum was connected to the urinary bladder with an end‐to‐side anastomosis.RESULTSThe 12 cases were followed‐up for a mean (range) of 39.42 (12–64) months. There were no cases of pyelonephritis or signs of renal failure after surgery. There was dramatic improvement in hydronephrosis, as assessed by intravenous urography, in the 4–9 months after surgery. Cystography showed no evidence of ileo‐ureteric reflux. Mild hyperchloraemic acidosis was detected in two patients and was successfully treated with oral alkalization.CONCLUSIONSIn our initial experience, ileal ureteric replacement combined with the ileo‐psoas tunnel antirefluxing technique is a highly effective procedure for the treatment of ureteric strictures.
Critical review of the World Health Organization's (WHO) 2007 report on ‘evidence of the long‐term effects of breastfeeding: systematic reviews and meta‐analysis’ with respect to obesity
Authors: Cope M. B. , Allison D. B. 
Published: June 2008

SummaryObesity among children and adults has become a highly recognized public health concern and there is an increasing need to discover causes and evaluate preventative measures. One putatively causal influence on obesity is breastfeeding (BF). The World Health Organization (WHO) recently published a report (WR) on ‘Evidence of the Long‐Term Effects of Breastfeeding: Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis’ and concluded ‘that the evidence suggests that breastfeeding may have a small protective effect[emphasis added] on the prevalence of obesity . . . [and] the effect of breastfeeding was not likely to be due to publication bias or confounding.’ Here we provide a critical overview of the WR's section on BF and obesity by addressing eight questions: Q1: Is there sufficient evidence to conclude that BF is associated with lower rates of obesity in children? Q2: Is there sufficient evidence to conclude that BF is associated with lower rates of obesity among breastfed offspring once they reach adulthood? Q3: If there are such associations, what are their magnitudes in comparison with other putatively causal factors and with respect to the potential impact on individual or population levels of obesity? Q4: Is there sufficient evidence to conclude that BF causes a reduction in risk of obesity during childhood? Q5: Is there sufficient evidence to conclude that BF does not cause a reduction in risk of obesity during childhood? Q6: Is there sufficient evidence to conclude that BF causes a long‐term reduction in risk of obesity that persists into adulthood? Q7: Is there sufficient evidence to conclude that BF does not cause a long‐term reduction in risk of obesity that persists into adulthood? Q8: What further research might be done to address these questions? We conclude that, while BF may have benefits beyond any putative protection against obesity, and benefits of BF most likely outweigh any harms, any statement that a strong, clear or consistent body of evidence shows that BF causally reduces the risk of overweight or obesity is unwarranted at this time.
DEADLY PLURALISM? WHY DEATH‐CONCEPT, DEATH‐DEFINITION, DEATH‐CRITERION AND DEATH‐TEST PLURALISM SHOULD BE ALLOWED, EVEN THOUGH IT CREATES SOME PROBLEMS
Authors: ZEILER KRISTIN 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACTDeath concept, death definition, death criterion and death test pluralism has been described by some as a problematic approach. Others have claimed it to be a promising way forward within modern pluralistic societies. This article describes the New Jersey Death Definition Law and the Japanese Transplantation Law. Both of these laws allow for more than one death concept within a single legal system. The article discusses a philosophical basis for these laws starting from John Rawls' understanding of comprehensive doctrines, reasonable pluralism and overlapping consensus. It argues for the view that a certain legal pluralism in areas of disputed metaphysical, philosophical and/or religious questions should be allowed, as long as the disputed questions concern the individual and the resulting policy, law or acts based on the policy/law, do not harm the lives of other individuals to an intolerable extent. However, while this death concept, death definition, death criterion and death test pluralism solves some problems, it creates others.
Serological response to hepatitis B virus vaccine in HIV‐infected children in Tanzania
Authors: Pippi F , Bracciale L , Stolzuoli L , Giaccherini R , Montomoli E , Gentile C , Filetti S , De Luca A , Cellesi C 
Published: June 2008

BackgroundHIV‐infected children have a lower seroconversion rate to hepatitis B virus (HBV) immunization than healthy children. Previous studies have produced conflicting results on CD4 cell counts as predictors of vaccine response. No study has evaluated the response rate to HBV vaccination in HIV‐infected children receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Our aim was to vaccinate HIV‐infected children living in a close community and to investigate the anamnestic response rate after vaccination with its predictors.MethodsEighty‐four HIV‐positive children aged 1–10 years who were negative for antibodies to the HBV core antigen (anti‐HBc) completed immunization with three doses of 5 μg HBVAXPRO (Aventis, Milan, Italy). Quantitative testing for antibodies to the HBV surface antigen (anti‐HBs) was performed: a seroprotective titre was defined as anti‐HBs>10 mUI/mL.ResultsAfter the vaccination, the anti‐HBs seroconversion rate was 59.5%. It was higher in individuals in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) immune category 1 than in those in CDC categories 2 and 3. Seroconversion was found in 70.8% of HAART‐treated and 44.4% of treatment‐naïve children. In multivariable models, HAART use and absolute CD4 cell counts were independently associated with probability of seroconversion and with higher anti‐HBs titres.ConclusionsWe found a higher seroconversion rate compared with previous studies in HIV‐infected children. In children who are candidates to receive antiretroviral therapy, it may be advisable to defer HBV vaccination until after treatment initiation.
Abnormal thyroid function in older men with or at risk for HIV infection*
Authors: Wiener M , Lo Y , Klein RS 
Published: June 2008

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of and factors associated with abnormal thyroid function in older men with or at risk for HIV infection.MethodsA cross‐sectional analysis of 636 men ≥49 years old was carried out using data obtained from interviews, from measurements of body mass index (BMI), HIV‐1 serology and viral load, CD4 cell count, hepatitis C virus (HCV) assays, thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroid hormone levels.ResultsParticipants were 54% black, 57% overweight/obese, 57% HIV seropositive, and 72% HCV seropositive; 38% reported recent cocaine or heroin use. Decreased TSH was found in 56 men (8.8%) and raised TSH in 23 men (3.6%). Only three men had abnormal free thyroxine levels.ConclusionsAbnormal TSH levels were noted in 12.4% of older men with or at risk for HIV infection, but nearly all reflected subclinical hyperthyroidism or subclinical hypothyroidism.
MxA protein – an interferon beta biomarker in primary progressive multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Millonig A. , Dressel A. , Bahner D. , Bitsch A. , Bogumil T. , Elitok E. , Kitze B. , Tumani H. , Weber F. , Gneiss C. , Deisenhammer F. 
Published: June 2008

Background and purpose:  Interferon beta (IFNβ) preparations have some effect on the progressive phase of multiple sclerosis (MS). This limited effect might be partially because of a certain number of IFNβ non‐responders. Myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA) – a marker of IFNβ bioactivity – was correlated with the clinical response during an uncontrolled trial, investigating the safety of IFNβ‐1b in primary progressive (PPMS) patients.Methods:  Twenty PPMS were treated with IFNβ‐1b (s.c.) for 1 year. Blood samples were taken before and 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 months after treatment initiation and MxA protein levels were measured. Patients were clinically evaluated by EDSS and the more sensitive Incapacity Status Scale (ISS) and stratified in a stable and a progressing group.Results:  Using ISS criteria, 11 patients remained stable and nine patients progressed during treatment. The mean area under the curve of log MxA levels during treatment were significantly higher in stable than in progressing patients (10.87 vs. 5.99; P = 0.002).Conclusion:  A good biological response to IFNβ might be associated with a better clinical effect of this drug and could be helpful in future clinical studies for early identification of treatment responders.
Arterial stiffness, metabolic syndrome and inflammation amongst Asian ischaemic stroke patients
Authors: De Silva D. A. , Woon F.‐P. , Gan H.‐Y. , Cameron J. , Kingwell B. , Koh T.‐H. , Chen C. , Chang H.‐M. , Wong M.‐C. 
Published: June 2008

Background and purpose:  Arterial stiffness and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are risk factors for ischaemic stroke. We studied the association of arterial stiffness, measured by carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and MetS amongst ischaemic stroke patients. We also investigated the role of inflammation measured by serum erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in the metabolic syndrome–arterial stiffness relationship.Methods:  Amongst the 229 prospectively recruited acute ischaemic stroke patients, we measured carotid–femoral PWV using applanation tonometry and the inflammatory marker serum ESR.Results:  Carotid–femoral PWV was significantly higher amongst patients with MetS (P = 0.002), increased waist circumference (P = 0.010), raised blood pressure (P < 0.001) and abnormal glycemia (P = 0.002); and increased with the number of MetS components (P = 0.002). In a sub‐group of 199 patients, carotid–femoral PWV was significantly correlated with serum ESR (P < 0.001). In multivariate regression analysis including serum ESR and MetS as variables, carotid–femoral PWV was independently associated with higher ESR (P = 0.002) but not with MetS (P = 0.139).Conclusions:  Arterial stiffness is significantly associated with MetS amongst ischaemic stroke patients, and inflammation appears to be involved in this relationship.
Functional interactions of APP with the apoE receptor family
Authors: Hoe Hyang‐Sook , William Rebeck George 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe β‐amyloid precursor protein (APP) is central to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease, but its normal functions in the brain are poorly understood. A number of APP‐interacting proteins have been identified: intracellularly, APP interacts with adaptor proteins through its conserved NPXY domain; extracellularly, APP interacts with a component of the extracellular matrix, F‐spondin. Interestingly, many of these APP‐interacting proteins also interact with the family of receptors for apolipoprotein E (apoE), the Alzheimer’s disease risk factor. apoE receptors also share with APP the fact that they are cleaved by the same secretase activities. apoE receptors are shed from the cell surface, a cleavage that is regulated by receptor‐ligand interactions, and C‐terminal fragments of apoE receptors are cleaved by γ‐secretase. Functionally, both APP and apoE receptors affect neuronal migration and synapse formation in the brain. This review summarizes these numerous interactions between APP and apoE receptors, which provide clues about the normal functions of APP.
Inhibition of TASK1‐like channels by muscarinic receptor stimulation in rat adrenal medullary cells
Authors: Inoue Masumi , Harada Keita , Matsuoka Hidetada , Sata Takeyoshi , Warashina Akira 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe muscarinic receptor is known to be involved in the acetylcholine‐induced secretion of catecholamines in the adrenal medulla (AM) cells of various mammals. The ionic mechanisms, however, have not been elucidated yet. Thus, we investigated the issue in acutely isolated rat AM cells with the perforated patch clamp method. Bath application of 30 μM muscarine induced depolarization with the consequent generation of action potentials or an inward current at negative membrane potentials. The muscarine‐sensitive current instantaneously changed in amplitude upon application of command pulses without a time‐dependent component, altered the polarity as a K+‐electrode, and showed rectification of the Goldman‐Hodgkin‐Katz (GHK) type. The whole‐cell current at −20 mV was inhibited by external H+ions with a concentration responsible for half inhibition of pH 7.09 and muscarine failed to induce a further inward current during exposure to a saline in which pH decreased to 6.5. A similar occlusion occurred in secretion when pH in muscarine‐containing saline decreased to 6.6. RT‐PCR, immunoblotting, and immunocytochemistry suggested that rat AM cells mainly express the TASK1 channel. This TASK channel in AM cells may directly sense a decrease in blood pH, which occurs during exercise. The muscarine action was mimicked by oxotremorine–methiodide, but not by oxotremorine. The present results indicate that activation of muscarinic receptors or a decrease in external pH in the rat AM cell induces secretion through the inhibition of TASK1‐like channels.
Reduced Ejection Fraction, Sudden Cardiac Death, and Heart Failure Death in the Mode Selection Trial (MOST): Implications for Device Selection in Elderly Patients with Sinus Node Disease
Authors: SWEENEY MICHAEL O , HELLKAMP ANNE S , ELLENBOGEN KENNETH A , LAMAS GERVASIO A 
Published: June 2008

Background:The purpose of this study was to describe the incidence and predictors of sudden cardiac death (SCD) and heart failure (HF) death, and coexisting indications for ICDs and CRT, in patients with sinus node disease (SND) treated with pacemakers.Methods and Results:Baseline variables were used to predict SCD and HF death among 1,135 patients in the Mode Selection Trial, a 6‐year trial of pacing mode in SND. There were 73 deaths among 177 patients with EF ≤ 35% (41.2%), 46/156 (29.5%) with EF 36–49%, and 147/802(18.3%) with EF ≥ 50%. SCD accounted for 21.9%, 23.9%, and 14.3% of deaths with EF ≤ 35%, 36–49%, and ≥ 50%. HF deaths accounted for 23.3%, 19.6%, and 3.4% of deaths with EF ≤ 35%, 36‐49%, and ≥ 50%. EF ≤ 35% predicted SCD (hazard ratio [HR] 3.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.72‐7.89, P = 0.002) and HF death (HR 10.17, 95% CI 3.35, 30.82, P = 0.001). Four‐year SCD rate with EF ≤ 35% was 15.5% (3.9% annually).Nearly one‐fifth of patients qualified for ICDs (EF ≤ 35%) and half of these had QRS ≥ 120 ms. However, >40% died within 33 months (4‐year noncardiac death rate ∼22%).Conclusions:Reduced EF predicts SCD and HF death in SND treated with pacemakers. SCD rates among patients with EF ≤ 35% are similar to control arms of primary prevention ICD trials, but mortality rates are significantly higher. Whether ICDs or CRT to provide bradycardia support would prolong life in elderly patients with EF ≤ 35% and SND merits prospective investigation.