bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Two‐sided fluorescence resonance energy transfer for assessing molecular interactions of up to three distinct species in confocal microscopy
Authors: Fazekas Zsolt , Petrás Miklós , Fábián Ákos , Pályi‐Krekk Zsuzsanna , Nagy Péter , Damjanovich Sándor , Vereb György , Szöllősi János 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThe role of the expression patterns of proteins involved in oncogenesis can be understood after characterizing their multimolecular interactions. Conventional FRET methods permit the analysis of interaction between two molecular species at the most, which necessitates the introduction of new approaches for studying multicomponent signaling complexes. Flow cytometric as well as microscopic donor (dbFRET) and acceptor (abFRET) photobleaching FRET measurements were performed to determine the association states of ErbB2, β1‐integrin, and CD44 receptors. Based on consecutively applied abFRET and dbFRET methods (two‐sided FRET), the relationship of β1‐integrin–ErbB2 heteroassociation to ErbB2 homoassociation and of β1‐integrin–ErbB2 heteroassociation to ErbB2–CD44 heteroassociation was studied by correlating pixel‐by‐pixel FRET values of the corresponding abFRET and dbFRET images in contour plots. Anticorrelation was observed between β1‐integrin–ErbB2 heteroassociation and ErbB2 homoassociation on trastuzumab sensitive N87 and SK‐BR‐3 cells, while modest positive correlation was found between β1‐integrin–ErbB2 and ErbB2–CD44 heteroassociation on trastuzumab resistant MKN‐7 cells. The FRET efficiency values of β1‐integrin–ErbB2 heteroassociation were markedly higher at the focal adhesion regions on attached cells than those measured by flow cytometry on detached cells. In conclusion, we implemented an experimental set‐up termed two‐sided FRET for correlating two pairwise interactions of three arbitrarily chosen molecular species. On the basis of our results, we assume that the homoassociation state of ErbB2 is dynamically modulated by its interaction with β1‐integrins. © 2007 International Society for Analytical Cytology
Testing NMDA receptor block as a therapeutic strategy for reducing ischaemic damage to CNS white matter
Authors: Bakiri Yamina , Hamilton Nicola B. , Káradóttir Ragnhildur , Attwell David 
Published: November 2007

AbstractDamage to oligodendrocytes caused by glutamate release contributes to mental or physical handicap in periventricular leukomalacia, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and stroke, and has been attributed to activation of AMPA/kainate receptors. However, glutamate also activates unusual NMDA receptors in oligodendrocytes, which can generate an ion influx even at the resting potential in a physiological [Mg2+]. Here, we show that the clinically licensed NMDA receptor antagonist memantine blocks oligodendrocyte NMDA receptors at concentrations achieved therapeutically. Simulated ischaemia released glutamate which activated NMDA receptors, as well as AMPA/kainate receptors, on mature and precursor oligodendrocytes. Although blocking AMPA/kainate receptors alone during ischaemia had no effect, combining memantine with an AMPA/kainate receptor blocker, or applying the NMDA blocker MK‐801 alone, improved recovery of the action potential in myelinated axons after the ischaemia. These data suggest NMDA receptor blockers as a potentially useful treatment for some white matter diseases and define conditions under which these blockers may be useful therapeutically. Our results highlight the importance of developing new antagonists selective for oligodendrocyte NMDA receptors based on their difference in subunit structure from most neuronal NMDA receptors. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Telomere length and risk of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Wang Hao , Chen Honglei , Gao Xiang , McGrath Monica , Deer Dwayne , De Vivo Immaculata , Schwarzschild Michael A. , Ascherio Alberto 
Published: November 2007

AbstractWe investigated whether telomere length was associated with the risk of Parkinson's disease (PD) in a case‐control study (96 cases and 172 age‐matched controls) nested within the Health Professionals Follow‐up Study. Relative ratio of telomere repeat copy number to single‐gene copy number in peripheral blood leukocytes was determined by quantitative real time PCR. Men with shorter telomeres had a lower PD risk (multivariate adjusted relative risk for the lowest vs. the highest quartile 0.33; 95% confidence interval: 0.12–0.90). Our results suggest that, contrary to telomere attrition observed in several aging‐related diseases, shorter telomeres are not associated with an increased risk of PD. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
A catheter tracking method using reverse polarization for MR‐guided interventions
Authors: Celik Haydar , Ulutürk Aslı , Talı Turgut , Atalar Ergin 
Published: November 2007

AbstractTo conduct interventional procedures in MRI, reliable visualization of interventional devices such as catheters is necessary. For this purpose, the use of inductively‐coupled radio frequency (ICRF) coils has been proposed. Without a wired connection, the signal around the ICRF coil is amplified, enabling catheters to be visualized. The wireless connection allows easy handling of catheters, in some pulse sequences, however, it might be difficult to differentiate the catheters from anatomical background information. In this work, a novel ICRF coil visualization method, which allows separation of the catheter and the anatomical information by using the reverse and forward polarization modes of a coil, is proposed. This method allows images of the anatomy and the catheter to be combined into a color‐coded image. First, an ICRF coil with decoupling diodes was constructed; we call this a receive‐coupled RF (RCRF) coil. The RF safety profile of the RCRF coil is shown to be better than the ICRF coil. Second, to demonstrate the feasibility of this method, a receive‐only birdcage coil without a hybrid coupler was constructed and then connected to a scanner as a two‐channel phased‐array coil. MR signals acquired from two channels were added after phase adjustments to create the reverse and forward polarization mode images. The reverse polarization mode image contained signal only from the RCRF coil, but the forward polarization mode displayed both anatomical information and the RCRF coil. The performance of this novel tracking method was tested in phantom and animal experiments. Color‐coded images demonstrate the feasibility of the method to track catheters using RCRF coils. Magn Reson Med 58:1224–1231, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Axonal injury detected by in vivo diffusion tensor imaging correlates with neurological disability in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Budde Matthew D. , Kim Joong Hee , Liang Hsiao‐Fang , Russell John H. , Cross Anne H. , Song Sheng‐Kwei 
Published: November 2007

AbstractRecent studies have suggested that axonal damage, and not demyelination, is the primary cause of long‐term neurological impairment in multiple sclerosis and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). The axial and radial diffusivities derived from diffusion tensor imaging have shown promise as non‐invasive surrogate markers of axonal damage and demyelination, respectively. In this study, in vivo diffusion tensor imaging of the spinal cords from mice with chronic EAE was performed to determine if axial diffusivity correlated with neurological disability in EAE assessed by the commonly used clinical scoring system. Axial diffusivity in the ventrolateral white matter showed a significant negative correlation with EAE clinical score and was significantly lower in mice with severe EAE than in mice with moderate EAE. Furthermore, the greater decreases in axial diffusivity were associated with greater amounts of axonal damage, as confirmed by quantitative staining for non‐phosphorylated neurofilaments (SMI32). Radial diffusivity and relative anisotropy could not distinguish between the groups of mice with moderate EAE and those with severe EAE. The results further the notion that axial diffusivity is a non‐invasive marker of axonal damage in white matter and could provide the necessary link between pathology and neurological disability. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Eine Fußgängerbrücke mit einer Spannweite von 230 m
Authors: Strobl Wolfgang , Kovacs Imre , Andrä Hans‐Peter , Häberle Uwe 
Published: November 2007

AbstractIm Südwesten Deutschlands wurde im März 2006 die “Dreiländerbrücke”, eine Fußgängerbrücke zwischen Weil am Rhein (D) und Huningue (F), mit einer Rekordspannweite von 230m eröffnet. Die Brücke verbessert die Infrastruktur der Region und verbindet die Menschen über Grenzen hinweg.Der Entwurf eines äußerst schlanken, asymmetrischen Bogens ist eine eindeutige Geste, die eine starke Verbindung zwischen den beiden Ländern Deutschland und Frankreich symbolisiert und gleichzeitig die Sichtbeziehung beibehält.
Einsatz des nichtrostenden Duplex‐Stahls 1.4362 als preisgünstige Alternative im Bauwesen
Authors: Eich Gerd , Burkert Annette , Burkert Andreas , Mietz Jürgen 
Published: November 2007

AbstractAufgrund der in den letzten Jahren stark angestiegenen Rohstoffpreise sind die im Bauwesen häufig eingesetzten nichtrostenden Standardaustenite in vielen Fällen nicht mehr wettbewerbsfähig. Eine deutlich kostengünstigere Alternative stellt der Duplex‐Stahl 1.4362 dar, der bisher aber noch nicht bauaufsichtlich zugelassen ist. Mit Hilfe von Auslagerungsversuchen sowie elektrochemischen Untersuchungen sollte das Korrosionsverhalten dieses Werkstoffs unter neutralen bis leicht sauren, chloridhaltigen Umgebungsbedingungen, wie sie in vielen Bereichen des Bauwesens vorkommen, geklärt werden. Insgesamt belegen die Ergebnisse, dass der kostengünstigere Werkstoff 1.4362 für baupraktische Anwendungen eine Alternative für Anwendungen darstellen kann, in denen bisher die Werkstoffe 1.4404 oder 1.4571 eingesetzt wurden.
The development and evaluation of a novel computer program to assess previous-day dietary and physical activity behaviours in school children: The Synchronised Nutrition and Activity ProgramTM(SNAPTM)
Authors: Moore Helen J. , Ells Louisa J. , McLure Sally A. , Crooks Sean , Cumbor David , Summerbell Carolyn D. , Batterham Alan M. 
Published: November 2007

Self-report recall questionnaires used to measure physical activity and dietary intake in children can be labour intensive and monotonous and tend to focus on either dietary intake or physical activity. The web-based software, Synchronised Nutrition and Activity ProgramTM(SNAPTM), was developed to produce a novel, simple, quick and engaging method of assessing energy balance-related behaviours at a population level, combining principles from new and existing 24 h recall methodologies, set within a user-friendly interface. Dietary intake was measured using counts for twenty-one food groups and physical activity levels were measured in min of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). A combination of the mean difference between methods, type II regression and non-parametric limits of agreement techniques were used to examine the accuracy and precision of SNAPTM. Method comparison analyses demonstrated a good agreement for both dietary intake and physical activity behaviours. For dietary variables, accuracy of SNAPTM(mean difference) was within ± 1 count for the majority of food groups. The proportion of the sample with between-method agreement within ± 1 count ranged from 0·40 to 0·99. For min of MVPA, there was no substantial fixed or proportional bias, and a mean difference between methods (SNAPTM– accelerometry) of − 9 min. SNAPTMprovides a quick, accurate, low-burden, cost-effective and engaging method of assessing energy balance behaviours at a population level. Tools such as SNAPTM, which exploit the popularity, privacy and engagement of the computer interface, and linkages with other datasets, could make a substantial contribution to future public health monitoring and research.
Choosing BLAST options for better detection of orthologs as reciprocal best hits
Authors: Moreno-Hagelsieb Gabriel , Latimer Kristen 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
Motivation: The analyses of the increasing number of genome sequences requires shortcuts for the detection of orthologs, such as Reciprocal Best Hits (RBH), where orthologs are assumed if two genes each in a different genome find each other as the best hit in the other genome. Two BLAST options seem to affect alignment scores the most, and thus the choice of a best hit: the filtering of low information sequence segments and the algorithm used to produce the final alignment. Thus, we decided to test whether such options would help better detect orthologs.
Results: Using Escherichia coli K12 as an example, we compared the number and quality of orthologs detected as RBH. We tested four different conditions derived from two options: filtering of low-information segments, hard (default) versus soft; and alignment algorithm, default (based on matching words) versus Smith–Waterman. All options resulted in significant differences in the number of orthologs detected, with the highest numbers obtained with the combination of soft filtering with Smith–Waterman alignments. We compared these results with those of Reciprocal Shortest Distances (RSD), supposed to be superior to RBH because it uses an evolutionary measure of distance, rather than BLAST statistics, to rank homologs and thus detect orthologs. RSD barely increased the number of orthologs detected over those found with RBH. Error estimates, based on analyses of conservation of gene order, found small differences in the quality of orthologs detected using RBH. However, RSD showed the highest error rates. Thus, RSD have no advantages over RBH.
Availability: Orthologs detected as Reciprocal Best Hits using soft masking and Smith–Waterman alignments can be downloaded from http://popolvuh.wlu.ca/Orthologs.
Contact: gmoreno@wlu.ca
Functional flexibility of human cyclin‐dependent kinase‐2 and its evolutionary conservation
Authors: Bártová Iveta , Koča Jaroslav , Otyepka Michal 
Published: November 2007

AbstractCyclin‐dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) is the most thoroughly studied of the cyclin‐dependent kinases that regulate essential cellular processes, including the cell cycle, and it has become a model for studies of regulatory mechanisms at the molecular level. This contribution identifies flexible and rigid regions of CDK2 based on temperature B‐factors acquired from both X‐ray data and molecular dynamics simulations. In addition, the biological relevance of the identified flexible regions and their motions is explored using information from the essential dynamics analysis related to conformational changes of CDK2 and knowledge of its biological function(s). The conserved regions of CMGC protein kinases' primary sequences are located in the most rigid regions identified in our analyses, with the sole exception of the absolutely conserved G13 in the tip of the glycine‐rich loop. The conserved rigid regions are important for nucleotide binding, catalysis, and substrate recognition. In contrast, the most flexible regions correlate with those where large conformational changes occur during CDK2 regulation processes. The rigid regions flank and form a rigid skeleton for the flexible regions, which appear to provide the plasticity required for CDK2 regulation. Unlike the rigid regions (which as mentioned are highly conserved) no evidence of evolutionary conservation was found for the flexible regions.
Unsuspected osteomyelitis is frequent in persistent diabetic foot ulcer and better diagnosed by MRI than by 18F‐FDG PET or 99mTc‐MOAB
Authors: Schwegler B. , Stumpe K. D. M. , Weishaupt D. , Strobel K. , Spinas G. A. , Von Schulthess G. K. , Hodler J. , Böni T. , Donath M. Y. 
Published: November 2007

Abstract.Aim.  Prevalence, optimal diagnostic approach and consequences of clinically unsuspected osteomyelitis in diabetic foot ulcers are unclear. Early diagnosis of this infection may be crucial to ensure correct management.Methods.  We conducted a prospective study in 20 diabetic patients with a chronic foot ulcer (>8 weeks) without antibiotic pretreatment and without clinical signs for osteomyelitis to assess the prevalence of clinically unsuspected osteomyelitis and to compare the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F‐FDG PET) and 99mTc‐labelled monoclonal antigranulocyte antibody scintigraphy (99mTc‐MOAB). Those with suggestive scans underwent bone biopsy for histology (n = 7).Results.  Osteomyelitis was confirmed by biopsy in seven of the 20 clinically unsuspected foot ulcers. Presence of osteomyelitis was not related to age, ulcer size, ulcer duration, duration of diabetes or HbA1c. C‐reactive protein was slightly elevated in patients with osteomyelitis (35.1 ± 16.0 mg L−1 vs. 12.2 ± 2.6 mg L−1 in patients with and without osteomyelitis respectively; P = 0.07). MRI was positive in six of the seven patients with proven osteomyelitis, whereas 18F‐FDG PET and 99mTc‐MOAB were positive only in (the same) two patients. Of the seven patients with osteomyelitis, five had lower limb amputation and in one patient the ulcer was persisting after 24 months of follow‐up. In contrast, of the 13 patients without detectable signs of osteomyelitis on imaging modalities only two had lower limb amputation and two persisting ulcers.Conclusions.  Clinically unsuspected osteomyelitis is frequent in persisting foot ulcers and is a high risk factor for adverse outcome. MRI appears superior to 18F‐FDG PET and 99mTc‐MOAB in detecting foot ulcer‐associated osteomyelitis and might be the preferred imaging modality in patients with nonhealing diabetic foot ulcers.
Social semantics: how useful has group selection been?
Authors: WEST S. A. , GRIFFIN A. S. , GARDNER A. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractIn our social semantics review (J. Evol. Biol., 2007, 415–432), we discussed some of the misconceptions and sources of confusion associated with group selection. Wilson (2007, this issue) claims that we made three errors regarding group selection. Here, we aim to expand upon the relevant points from our review in order to refute this claim. The last 45 years of research provide clear evidence of the relative use of the kin and group selection approaches. Kin selection methodologies are more tractable, allowing the construction of models that can be applied more easily to specific biological examples, including those chosen by Wilson to illustrate the utility of the group selection approach. In contrast, the group selection approach is not only less useful, but also appears to frequently have negative consequences by fostering confusion that leads to wasted effort. More generally, kin selection theory allows the construction of a unified conceptual overview that can be applied across all taxa, whereas there is no formal theory of group selection.
Orthotopic transplantation of immortalized mesencephalic progenitors (CSM14.1 cells) into the substantia nigra of hemiparkinsonian rats induces neuronal differentiation and motoric improvement
Authors: Haas Stefan Jean‐Pierre , Petrov Stanislav , Kronenberg Golo , Schmitt Oliver , Wree Andreas 
Published: November 2007

AbstractNeural progenitor cell grafting is a promising therapeutic option in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. In previous experiments we grafted temperature‐sensitive immortalized CSM14.1 cells, derived from the ventral mesencephalon of E14‐rats, bilaterally in the caudate putamen of adult hemiparkinsonian rats. In these studies we were not able to demonstrate either a therapeutic improvement or neuronal differentiation of transplanted cells. Here we examined whether CSM14.1 cells grafted bilaterally orthotopically in the substantia nigra of hemiparkinsonian rats have the potential to differentiate into dopaminergic neurons. Adult male rats received 6‐hydroxydopamine into the right medial forebrain bundle, and successful lesions were evaluated with apomorphine‐induced rotations 12 days after surgery. Two weeks after a successful lesion the animals received bilateral intranigral grafts consisting of either about 50 000 PKH26‐labelled undifferentiated CSM14.1 cells (n = 16) or a sham‐graft (n = 9). Rotations were evaluated 3, 6, 9 and 12 weeks post‐grafting. Animals were finally perfused with 4% paraformaldehyde. Cryoprotected brain slices were prepared for immunohistochemistry using the freeze‐thaw technique to preserve PKH26‐labelling. Slices were immunostained against neuronal epitopes (NeuN, tyrosine hydroxylase) or glial fibrillary acidic protein. The CSM14.1‐cell grafts significantly reduced the apomorphine‐induced rotations 12 weeks post‐grafting compared to the sham‐grafts (P < 0.05). There was an extensive mediolateral migration (400–700 µm) of the PKH26‐labelled cells within the host substantia nigra. Colocalization with NeuN or glial fibrillary acidic protein in transplanted cells was confirmed with confocal microscopy. No tyrosine hydroxylase‐immunoreactive grafted cells were detectable. The therapeutic effect of the CSM14.1 cells could be explained either by their glial cell‐derived neurotrophic factor‐expression or their neural differentiation with positive effects on the basal ganglia neuronal networks.
Reduced calcium‐dependent mitochondrial damage underlies the reduced vulnerability of excitotoxicity‐tolerant hippocampal neurons
Authors: Pivovarova Natalia B. , Stanika Ruslan I. , Watts Charlotte A. , Brantner Christine A. , Smith Carolyn L. , Andrews S. Brian 
Published: November 2007

J. Neurochem.(2008)104,1686–1699.AbstractIn central neurons, over‐stimulation of NMDA receptors leads to excessive mitochondrial calcium accumulation and damage, which is a critical step in excitotoxic death. This raises the possibility that low susceptibility to calcium overload‐induced mitochondrial damage might characterize excitotoxicity‐resistant neurons. In this study, we have exploited two complementary models of preconditioning‐induced excitotoxicity resistance to demonstrate reduced calcium‐dependent mitochondrial damage in NMDA‐tolerant hippocampal neurons. We have further identified adaptations in mitochondrial calcium handling that account for enhanced mitochondrial integrity. In both models, enhanced tolerance was associated with improved preservation of mitochondrial membrane potential and structure. In the first model, which exhibited modest neuroprotection, mitochondria‐dependent calcium deregulation was delayed, even though cytosolic and mitochondrial calcium loads were quantitatively unchanged, indicating that enhanced mitochondrial calcium capacity accounts for reduced injury. In contrast, the second model, which exhibited strong neuroprotection, displayed further delayed calcium deregulation and reduced mitochondrial damage because downregulation of NMDA receptor surface expression depressed calcium loading. Reducing calcium entry also modified the chemical composition of the calcium‐buffering precipitates that form in calcium‐loaded mitochondria. It thus appears that reduced mitochondrial calcium loading is a major factor underlying the robust neuroprotection seen in highly tolerant cells.