bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Compliance with Lipid Guidelines in an Academic Medical Center
Authors: Schwiesow Sarah J , Nappi Jean M , Ragucci Kelly R
Published: December 2005

Background:

The importance of achieving a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level less than 100 mg/dL in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) or cerebrovascular disease (CVD) is well established. Emerging evidence supports the recognition and management of secondary lipid goals, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level greater than 40 mg/dL, and triglyceride level less than 150 mg/dL.

Objective:

To evaluate whether inpatient services within an academic setting were achieving/addressing primary and secondary lipid goals in patients with established CAD or CVD.

Methods:

Patients with a discharge diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction, myocardial revascularization procedures, and/or ischemic stroke were identified. A retrospective chart review was done to assess adherence to the American Heart Association (AHA)/American College of Cardiology (ACC) guidelines for lipid management.

Results:

On average, 63% of patients with CAD or CVD had a lipid panel assessed during their hospitalization. Of the patients who had a fasting lipid panel checked, only 40% (72/178) had an LDL-C level less than 100 mg/dL. Of those patients, only 31% (22) also had an HDL-C level greater than 40 mg/dL. Even fewer patients (24%; 17) met both primary and secondary goals. Of the 287 patients included in the study, 69% (199) were prescribed a statin, 3% (9) a fibrate, and 3% (8) niacin on discharge.

Conclusions:

Few patients with CAD or CVD met the AHA/ACC goals for lipid management, yet a significant number were not prescribed appropriate lipid-lowering therapy at discharge. This finding strongly suggests that more awareness in this area is needed.
Probable Loop Diuretic–Induced Pancreatitis in a Sulfonamide-Allergic Patient
Authors: Juang Paul , Page Robert L , Zolty Ronald
Published: December 2005

Objective:

To report the case of a patient with a prior allergy to a sulfonamide antibiotic who subsequently developed the same reaction when administered various loop diuretics.

Case Summary:

A 57-year-old female with cardiomyopathy and “sulfa” (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) allergy documented as pancreatitis presented with symptoms consistent with pancreatitis after use of furosemide. She subsequently developed similar symptoms after multiple rechallenges with various loop diuretics including furosemide, bumetanide, and torsemide. The patient was placed on ethacrynic acid until she was desensitized to furosemide. She had been receiving oral furosemide for 5 months at the time of this report, with no complications. According to the Naranjo probability scale, this reaction was probable.

Discussion:

Reactions associated with arylamine sulfonamide–containing antibiotics have been commonly reported; however, cross-reactions with non-arylamine sulfonamide–containing medications have been rare. The time delay by which symptoms of pancreatitis presented following administration of loop diuretics suggests an immunologic pathway. In addition, while cases of loop diuretic–induced pancreatitis, including furosemide, have been published, the allergic manifestations with both sulfonamide antibiotics and non-antibiotics in our patient suggest possible cross-reactivity between these 2 drug classes.

Conclusions:

The mechanism by which loop diuretics induce pancreatitis appears to be via an immunologic pathway. While the true correlation remains unknown, allergic cross-reactivity may occur between sulfonamide antibiotics and non-antibiotics, such as loop diuretics. Torsemide appears to also be a part of a long list of agents that can cause pancreatitis.
Service Life Extension of Virginia Bridge Decks Afforded by Epoxy-Coated Reinforcement
Authors: Brown MC , Weyers RE , Sprinkel MM
Published: December 2005

A study was conducted on concrete core samples each containing a single top-mat reinforcing steel bar from ten bridge decks in Virginia. Two of the bridges contained conventional, uncoated mild reinforcing steel (Bare), and eight of the bridges were constructed with epoxy-coated reinforcement (ECR). The bridges ranged in age from 4 to 18 years, and were built under same specifications for concrete water-to-cement ratio (w/c) and cover depth. In the laboratory, the subject cores were prepared and corrosion activity was monitored via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy while subject to cyclic ponding of a 3 % NaCl solution over a 22-month exposure period. The relative corrosion performance of the Bare and ECR bars were evaluated, by comparison of the time to corrosion initiation and time to failure, as designated by visible cracking of the concrete cover. A stochastic model was employed, using bootstrap resampling techniques, to project the corrosion protection service life extension provided by epoxy-coated reinforcement as compared to Bare steel for the population of Virginia bridge decks. Less than 25 % of all Virginia bridge decks built under specifications in place since 1981 were projected to corrode sufficiently to require rehabilitation within 100 years, regardless of bar type. The corrosion service life extension attributable to ECR in bridge decks was found to be approximately 5 years beyond that of Bare steel.
Development of a Dry Applied Dispersible Granular Pesticide Carrier
Authors: Anderson CW , Birthisel TD , Lynch JR
Published: December 2005

Granular pesticide carriers that possess high quality attributes are needed. Some of the main considerations with which pesticide formulators and users contend include physical durability, flowability, ballistics properties, chemical compatibility, favorable econometrics, and pesticidal efficacy. An evaluation of the commercially available mined and recycled materials, as well as an analysis of the requirements for efficacious granules, has led the researchers to define a combination of criteria that was previously unrealized in any of the selections of the then commercially available granular pesticide carriers. The research objective that emerged, developing a more optimal pesticide granule, was defined by these criteria. Many dozens of prototype formulations were produced in a laboratory granulation system and were evaluated by various physical test methods until the original design criteria were met. Subsequently, a period of field efficacy trials took place in which suitability for particular active ingredients, target pests, and cultural conditions was determined. An engineered composite granule and production process was developed during the course of this research. The resulting granules have a unique combination of characteristics: robust enough to withstand the physical stresses of bulk handling, formulating and field application, good flowability and compositional characteristics, plus a unique degree of dispersion upon the application of a small amount of moisture over the treated area after the granules have been applied. This post-application water dispersion mechanism appears to allow enhanced pesticidal efficacy for soil treatment and systemic active ingredients, and has demonstrated numerous aesthetic and hazard reduction attributes of interest. The resulting material has competitive economics, and has been patented and trademarked as DG Lite®.
Tribological Behavior and Corrosion Resistance of Kolsterized AISI316L Austenitic Stainless Steel: Existing Applications in the Automotive Industry
Authors: Ceschini L , Lanzoni E , Sambogna G , Bordiga V , Schild T
Published: December 2005

In this paper the effect of Kolsterizing, a commercial low temperature carburizing process, on the dry sliding wear behaviour and corrosion resistance of the AISI316L austenitic stainless steel is presented and discussed, together with some applications of the process in the automotive field. The treatment significantly enhances the surface hardness of the steel; this hardness increase is due to the formation of a carbon-supersaturated austenite phase, without carbide precipitation. The Kolsterizing process also significantly increases the dry sliding wear resistance of the steel, both against metallic and ceramic countermaterials. Severe wear occurs in the case of the untreated steel, with strong adhesion, abrasion, and severe plastic deformation; while a moderate oxidative wear regime is observed for the low temperature carburized steel. The corrosion resistance in H2SO4 0.5 M and chloride-containing electrolytes is also significantly improved, thanks to the formation of a C-rich surface layer that ennobles the treated steel. At very high anodic potentials this surface layer is locally penetrated, producing a pitting-like corrosion form.
The Challenge of Multiple Particles in Extreme Value Inclusion Rating
Authors: Beretta S , Anderson CW
Published: December 2005

The presence of multiple types of defect is a challenge for Extreme Value Inclusion Rating since it can lead to serious underestimation of extreme inclusion size and it can in practice make methods less robust than expected. First the paper deals with the results being obtained by ESIS TC20 within two round-robins carried out on an automotive steel and a bearing steel. Results show the need for correct assessment of multiple types of particles. We present here a new method of analysis based on a “competing risks” model together with some practical exploitation in terms of: (i) evaluation of the minimum control area to be inspected by “block maxima” sampling; (ii) new implications for data collection based on image analysis; (iii) assessment of sensitivity to the distribution of different particles.
Continued Developments in Easily Carburizable High Speed Steel Alloys
Authors: Hetzner DW
Published: December 2005

A technical update on how bearing fatigue life in high speed steels (HSS) is enhanced by modifying the carbide distributions and morphologies is presented. A brief review of the laser glazing process as applied to bearings (U.S. Patents 5,861,067 and 5.879,480) will be presented. For wrought M50 steel, this processing resulted in an increase in bearing L10 % fatigue life of approximately 10×. The microstructural enhancements created by this processing will be illustrated. How the knowledge gained from the laser glazing process led to the development of the easily carburizable high speed steel alloys (U.S. Patent 6.702,981) will be discussed. Developments made for these alloys since the last bearing steel symposium in 2001 will be presented. The most notable achievement in the development process is a 20× increase in bearing L10 % fatigue life for the easily carburizable version of M50 as compared to standard M50 HSS. Other data pertinent to these alloys will be presented.
Characterization of Wear and Surface Reaction Layer Formation on Aerospace Bearing Steel M50 and a Nitrogen-alloyed Stainless Steel
Authors: Peissl S , Leitner H , Ebner R , Hutter H , Krecar D , Rabitsch R
Published: December 2005

The formation of reaction layers on surfaces in mechanical contact is strongly affected by the tribological loading conditions, the materials used, the lubricant and the service temperature. An appropriate balance between reactivity of material and lubricant in tribological systems decreases wear and friction and increases the durability. The goal of this paper is to compare the reaction layer formation on a standard aerospace bearing steel AMS 6491 (M50) with that on a high strength stainless steel grade AMS 5898 exhibiting a nominal chemical compositions of 0.82C-4.1Cr-1V-4.2Mo (wt. %) and 0.3C-0.4N-15.2Cr-1Mo (wt. %), respectively. As lubricant jet engine oil Mobil Jet II has been used. Rolling contact fatigue (contact pressure: 6 GPa) and ball-on-disk tests (contact pressure: 1.6 GPa, sliding speed 10 cm/s) at room temperature and at 150°C were employed to study the effect of extreme loading conditions and temperature dependence of the reaction layer formation. The contact areas were inspected by means of optical profilometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) in order to determine type, thickness, homogeneity, and distribution of the reaction layers in the contact zone. The main result of the study is that the reaction layer formation is significantly less on the stainless steel grade compared with M50. SIMS depth profiles were determined in order to explain the differences in the wear characteristics of the two materials. The reaction layers are mainly built up of PXOY molecules, which might be phosphates resulting from the tricresyl phosphate (TCP) lubricant additive. The role of the chemical reaction of the steel and TCP regarding the layer formation will be discussed.
Uncertainty in Reference Values for the Charpy V-notch Verification Program
Authors: Splett JD , Wang CM
Published: December 2005

We present a method for computing the combined standard uncertainty for reference values used in the Charpy machine verification program administered by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The technique is compliant with the ISO Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement and models the between-machine bias using a Type B distribution. We demonstrate the method using actual data from the Charpy machine verification program.
Spinal Cord-Transected Mice Learn to Step in Response to Quipazine Treatment and Robotic Training
Authors: Fong Andy J. , Cai Lance L. , Otoshi Chad K. , Reinkensmeyer David J. , Burdick Joel W. , Roy Roland R. , Edgerton V. Reggie
Published: December 2005

In the present study, concurrent treatment with robotic step training and a serotonin agonist, quipazine, generated significant recovery of locomotor function in complete spinal cord-transected mice (T7–T9) that otherwise could not step. The extent of recovery achieved when these treatments were combined exceeded that obtained when either treatment was applied independently. We quantitatively analyzed the stepping characteristics of spinal mice after alternatively administering no training, manual training, robotic training, quipazine treatment, or a combination of robotic training with quipazine treatment, to examine the mechanisms by which training and quipazine treatment promote functional recovery. Using fast Fourier transform and principal components analysis, significant improvements in the step rhythm, step shape consistency, and number of weight-bearing steps were observed in robotically trained compared with manually trained or nontrained mice. In contrast, manual training had no effect on stepping performance, yielding no improvement compared with nontrained mice. Daily bolus quipazine treatment acutely improved the step shape consistency and number of steps executed by both robotically trained and nontrained mice, but these improvements did not persist after quipazine was withdrawn. At the dosage used (0.5 mg/kg body weight), quipazine appeared to facilitate, rather than directly generate, stepping, by enabling the spinal cord neural circuitry to process specific patterns of sensory information associated with weight-bearing stepping. Via this mechanism, quipazine treatment enhanced kinematically appropriate robotic training. When administered intermittently during an extended period of robotic training, quipazine revealed training-induced stepping improvements that were masked in the absence of the pharmacological treatment.
Extrasynaptic GABAAReceptors of Thalamocortical Neurons: A Molecular Target for Hypnotics
Authors: Belelli Delia , Peden Dianne R. , Rosahl Thomas W. , Wafford Keith A. , Lambert Jeremy J.
Published: December 2005

Among hypnotic agents that enhance GABAAreceptor function, etomidate is unusual because it is selective for β2/β3compared with β1subunit-containing GABAAreceptors. Mice incorporating an etomidate-insensitive β2subunit (β2N265S) revealed that β2subunit-containing receptors mediate the enhancement of slow-wave activity (SWA) by etomidate, are required for the sedative, and contribute to the hypnotic actions of this anesthetic. Although the anatomical location of the β2-containing receptors that mediate these actions is unknown, the thalamus is implicated.

We have characterized GABAAreceptor-mediated neurotransmission in thalamic nucleus reticularis (nRT) and ventrobasalis complex (VB) neurons of wild-type, β–/–2, and β2N265Smice. VB but not nRT neurons exhibit a large GABA-mediated tonic conductance that contributes ∼80% of the total GABAAreceptor-mediated transmission. Consequently, although etomidate enhances inhibition in both neuronal types, the effect of this anesthetic on the tonic conductance of VB neurons is dominant. The GABA-enhancing actions of etomidate in VB but not nRT neurons are greatly suppressed by the β2N265Smutation. The hypnotic THIP (Gaboxadol) induces SWA and at low, clinically relevant concentrations (30 nmto 3 μm) increases the tonic conductance of VB neurons, with no effect on VB or nRT miniature IPSCs (mIPSCs) or on the holding current of nRT neurons. Zolpidem, which has no effect on SWA, prolongs VB mIPSCs but is ineffective on the phasic and tonic conductance of nRT and VB neurons, respectively. Collectively, these findings suggest that enhancement of extrasynaptic inhibition in the thalamus may contribute to the distinct sleep EEG profiles of etomidate and THIP compared with zolpidem.
Brn3a-Expressing Retinal Ganglion Cells Project Specifically to Thalamocortical and Collicular Visual Pathways
Authors: Quina Lely A. , Pak Winnie , Lanier Jason , Banwait Premilla , Gratwick Kevin , Liu Ying , Velasquez Tomoko , O'Leary Dennis D. M. , Goulding Martyn , Turner Eric E.
Published: December 2005

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) innervate several specific CNS targets serving cortical and subcortical visual pathways and the entrainment of circadian rhythms. Recent studies have shown that retinal ganglion cells express specific combinations of POU- and LIM-domain transcription factors, but how these factors relate to the subsequent development of the retinofugal pathways and the functional identity of RGCs is mostly unknown. Here, we use targeted expression of an genetic axonal tracer, tau/β-galactosidase, to examine target innervation by retinal ganglion cells expressing the POU-domain factor Brn3a. Brn3a is expressed in RGCs innervating the principal retinothalamic/retinocollicular pathway mediating cortical vision but is not expressed in RGCs of the accessory optic, pretectal, and hypothalamic pathways serving subcortical visuomotor and circadian functions. In the thalamus, Brn3a ganglion cell fibers are primarily restricted to the outer shell of the dorsal lateral geniculate, providing new evidence for the regionalization of this nucleus in rodents. Brn3a RGC axons have a relative preference for the contralateral hemisphere, but known mediators of the laterality of RGC axons are not repatterned in the absence of Brn3a. Brn3a is coexpressed extensively with the closely related factor Brn3b in the embryonic retina, and the effects of the loss of Brn3a in retinal development are not severe, suggesting partial redundancy of function in this gene class.
IgG-Assisted Age-Dependent Clearance of Alzheimer's Amyloid β Peptide by the Blood–Brain Barrier Neonatal Fc Receptor
Authors: Deane Rashid , Sagare Abhay , Hamm Katie , Parisi Margaret , LaRue Barbra , Guo Huang , Wu Zhenhua , Holtzman David M. , Zlokovic Berislav V.
Published: December 2005

The role of blood–brain barrier (BBB) transport in clearance of amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) by Aβ immunotherapy is not fully understood. To address this issue, we studied the effects of peripherally and centrally administered Aβ-specific IgG on BBB influx of circulating Aβ and efflux of brain-derived Aβ inAPPsw+/–mice, a model that develops Alzheimer's disease-like amyloid pathology, and wild-type mice. Our data show that anti-Aβ IgG blocks the BBB influx of circulating Aβ inAPPsw+/–mice and penetrates into the brain to sequester brain Aβ. In young mice, Aβ–anti-Aβ complexes were cleared from brain to blood by transcytosis across the BBB via the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) and the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP), whereas in older mice, there was an age-dependent increase in FcRn-mediated IgG-assisted Aβ BBB efflux and a decrease in LRP-mediated clearance of Aβ-anti-Aβ complexes. Inhibition of the FcRn pathway in olderAPPsw+/–mice blocked clearance of endogenous Aβ40/42 by centrally administered Aβ immunotherapy. Moreover, deletion of the FcRn gene in wild-type mice inhibited clearance of endogenous mouse Aβ40/42 by systemically administered anti-Aβ. Our data suggest that the FcRn pathway at the BBB plays a crucial role in IgG-assisted Aβ removal from the aging brain.
Distinct Roles for Different Homer1 Isoforms in Behaviors and Associated Prefrontal Cortex Function
Authors: Lominac Kevin D. , Oleson Erik B. , Pava Matthew , Klugmann Matthias , Schwarz Martin K. , Seeburg Peter H. , During Matthew J. , Worley Paul F. , Kalivas Peter W. , Szumlinski Karen K.
Published: December 2005

Homer1mutant mice exhibit behavioral and neurochemical abnormalities that are consistent with an animal model of schizophrenia. Because theHomer1gene encodes both immediate early gene (IEG) and constitutively expressed (CC) gene products, we used the local infusion of adeno-associated viral vectors carrying differentHomer1transcriptional variants into the prefrontal cortex (PFC) to distinguish between the roles for IEG and CC Homer1 isoforms in the “schizophrenia-like” phenotype ofHomer1mutant mice. PFC overexpression of the IEG Homer1 isoform Homer1a reversed the genotypic differences in behavioral adaptation to repeated stress, whereas overexpression of the constitutively expressed Homer1 isoform Homer1c reversed the genotypic differences in sensorimotor and cognitive processing, as well as cocaine behavioral sensitivity. Homer1a overexpression did not influence PFC basal glutamate content but blunted the glutamate response to cocaine in wild-type mice. In contrast, Homer1c overexpression reversed the genotypic difference in PFC basal glutamate content and enhanced cocaine-induced elevations in glutamate. These data demonstrate active and distinct roles for Homer1a and Homer1c isoforms in the PFC in the mediation of behavior, in the maintenance of basal extracellular glutamate, and in the regulation of PFC glutamate release relevant to schizophrenia and stimulant abuse comorbidity.
Abnormalities of Neurogenesis in the R6/2 Mouse Model of Huntington's Disease Are Attributable to theIn VivoMicroenvironment
Authors: Phillips Wendy , Morton A. Jennifer , Barker Roger A.
Published: December 2005

Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative condition characterized by movement disorders, psychiatric disturbance, and cognitive decline. There are no treatments to halt or reverse the disease. Mammalian neurogenesis persists into adulthood in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus. In 2001, our laboratory published the hypothesis that neurogenesis is impaired in neurodegenerative diseases and that this may contribute to disease progression. Since then, it has been shown that neurogenesis is reduced in the DG of transgenic HD mice but increased in the SVZ of HD patients. We sought to characterize neurogenesis further. We found that, in the DG of the transgenic R6/2 mouse model of HD, newborn cell proliferation and morphology, but not differentiation or survival, was compromised. In R6/2 mice, neurogenesis failed to upregulate in the DG in response to seizures. Basal SVZ neurogenesis was similar between R6/2 mice and their wild-type littermates. There was no difference in thein vitrogrowth of adult neural precursor cells (NPCs) between genotypes. These results suggest that abnormal neurogenesis in the R6/2 mouse is not attributable to an intrinsic impairment of the NPC itself but is attributable to the environment in which the cell is located.
Suppression of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 5 Activation by Amyloid Precursor Protein: A Novel Excitoprotective Mechanism Involving Modulation of Tau Phosphorylation
Authors: Han Ping , Dou Fei , Li Feng , Zhang Xue , Zhang Yun-Wu , Zheng Hui , Lipton Stuart A. , Xu Huaxi , Liao Francesca-Fang
Published: December 2005

Alzheimer's disease is cytopathologically characterized by loss of synapses and neurons, neuritic amyloid plaques consisting of β-amyloid (Aβ) peptides, and neurofibrillary tangles consisting of hyperphosphorylated tau protein in susceptible brain regions. Aβ, which triggers a cascade of pathogenic events including tau phosphorylation and neuronal excitotoxicity, is proteolytically derived from β-amyloid precursor protein (APP); the pathological and physiological functions of APP, however, remain undefined. Here we demonstrate that the level of tau phosphorylation in cells and brains deficient in APP is significantly higher than that in wild-type controls, resulting from activation of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) but not glycogen synthase kinase 3, the two major tau kinases. In addition, we show that overexpression of APP or its non-amyloidogenic homolog amyloid precursor-like protein 1 suppresses both basal and stress-induced CDK5 activation. The ectodomain of APP, sAPPα, is responsible for inhibiting CDK5 activation. Furthermore, neurons derived from APP-deficient mice exhibit reduced metabolism and survival rates and are more susceptible to excitotoxic glutamate-induced apoptosis. These neurons also manifest significant defects in neurite outgrowth compared with neurons from the wild-type littermates. The observed neuronal excitotoxicity/apoptosis is mediated through a mechanism involving CDK5 activation. Our study defines a novel neuroprotective function for APP in preventing tau hyperphosphorylation via suppressing overactivation of CDK5. We suggest that CDK5 activation, through a calcium/calpain/p25 pathway, plays a key role in neuronal excitotoxicity and represents an underlying mechanism for the physiological functions of APP.
Inflammatory Pain Upregulates Spinal Inhibition via Endogenous Neurosteroid Production
Authors: Poisbeau Pierrick , Patte-Mensah Christine , Keller Anne Florence , Barrot Michel , Breton Jean-Didier , Luis-Delgado Oliva Erendira , Freund-Mercier Marie José , Mensah-Nyagan Ayikoe Guy , Schlichter Rémy
Published: December 2005

Inhibitory synaptic transmission in the dorsal horn (DH) of the spinal cord plays an important role in the modulation of nociceptive messages because pharmacological blockade of spinal GABAAreceptors leads to thermal and mechanical pain symptoms. Here, we show that during the development of thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia associated with inflammatory pain, synaptic inhibition mediated by GABAAreceptors in lamina II of the DH was in fact markedly increased. This phenomenon was accompanied by an upregulation of the endogenous production of 5α-reduced neurosteroids, which, at the spinal level, led to a prolongation of GABAAreceptor-mediated synaptic currents and to the appearance of a mixed GABA/glycine cotransmission. This increased inhibition was correlated with a selective limitation of the inflammation-induced thermal hyperalgesia, whereas mechanical allodynia remained unaffected. Our results show that peripheral inflammation activates an endogenous neurosteroid-based antinociceptive control, which discriminates between thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia.
Neurosteroid Access to the GABAAReceptor
Authors: Akk Gustav , Shu Hong-Jin , Wang Cunde , Steinbach Joe Henry , Zorumski Charles F. , Covey Douglas F. , Mennerick Steven
Published: December 2005

GABAAreceptors are a pivotal inhibitory influence in the nervous system, and modulators of the GABAAreceptor are important anesthetics, sedatives, anticonvulsants, and anxiolytics. Current views of receptor modulation suggest that many exogenous drugs access and bind to an extracellular receptor domain. Using novel synthetic steroid analogs, we examined the access route for neuroactive steroids, potent GABAAreceptor modulators also produced endogenously. Tight-seal recordings, in which direct aqueous drug access to receptor was prevented, demonstrated that steroids can reach the receptor either through plasma membrane lateral diffusion or through intracellular routes. A fluorescent neuroactive steroid accumulated intracellularly, but recordings from excised patches indicated that the intracellular reservoir is not necessary for receptor modulation, although it can apparently equilibrate with the plasma membrane within seconds. A membrane impermeant neuroactive steroid modulated receptor activity only when applied to the inner membrane leaflet, demonstrating that the steroid does not access an extracellular modulatory site. Thus, neuroactive steroids do not require direct aqueous access to the receptor, and membrane accumulation is required for receptor modulation.
Virally Mediated Increased Neurotensin 1 Receptor in the Nucleus Accumbens Decreases Behavioral Effects of Mesolimbic System Activation
Authors: Cáceda Ricardo , Kinkead Becky , Owens Michael J. , Nemeroff Charles B.
Published: December 2005

Dopamine receptor agonist and NMDA receptor antagonist activation of the mesolimbic dopamine system increases locomotion and disrupts prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle response (PPI), paradigms frequently used to study both the pharmacology of antipsychotic drugs and drugs of abuse. In rats, virally mediated overexpression of the neurotensin 1 (NT1) receptor in the nucleus accumbens antagonizedd-amphetamine- and dizocilpine-induced PPI disruption, hyperlocomotion, andd-amphetamine-induced rearing. The NT receptor antagonist SR 142948A [2-[[5-(2,6-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-(4-N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N-methylcarbamoyl)-2-isopropylphenyl)-1H-pyrazole-3-carbonyl]amino] adamantane-2-carboxylic acid, hydrochloride] blocked inhibition of dizocilpine-induced hyperlocomotion mediated by overexpression of the NT1receptor. Together, these results suggest that increased nucleus accumbens NT neurotransmission, via the NT1receptor, can decrease the effects of activation of the mesolimbic dopamine system and disruption of the glutamatergic input from limbic cortices, resembling the action of the atypical antipsychotic drug clozapine. In contrast to clozapine, virally mediated overexpression of the NT1receptor in the nucleus accumbens had prolonged protective effects (up to 4 weeks after viral injection) without perturbing baseline PPI and locomotor behaviors. These data further confirm the NT1receptor as the receptor mediating the antistimulant- and antipsychotic-like properties of NT and provide rationale for the development of NT1receptor agonists as novel antipsychotic drugs. In addition, the NT1receptor vector might be a valuable tool for understanding the mechanism of action of antipsychotic drugs and drugs of abuse and may have potential therapeutic applications.
Mecp2 Deficiency Disrupts Norepinephrine and Respiratory Systems in Mice
Authors: Viemari Jean-Charles , Roux Jean-Christophe , Tryba Andrew K. , Saywell Véronique , Burnet Henri , Peña Fernando , Zanella Sébastien , Bévengut Michelle , Barthelemy-Requin Magali , Herzing Laura B. K. , Moncla Anne , Mancini Josette , Ramirez Jan-Marino , Villard Laurent , Hilaire Gérard
Published: December 2005

Rett syndrome is a severe X-linked neurological disorder in which most patients have mutations in the methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene and suffer from bioaminergic deficiencies and life-threatening breathing disturbances. We usedin vivoplethysmography,in vitroelectrophysiology, neuropharmacology, immunohistochemistry, and biochemistry to characterize the consequences of theMECP2mutation on breathing in wild-type (wt) andMecp2-deficient (Mecp2-/y) mice. At birth,Mecp2-/y mice showed normal breathing and a normal number of medullary neurons that express tyrosine hydroxylase (TH neurons). At ∼1 month of age, mostMecp2-/y mice showed respiratory cycles of variable duration; meanwhile, their medulla contained a significantly reduced number of TH neurons and norepinephrine (NE) content, even inMecp2-/y mice that showed a normal breathing pattern. Between 1 and 2 months of age, all unanesthetizedMecp2-/y mice showed breathing disturbances that worsened until fatal respiratory arrest at ∼2 months of age. During their last week of life,Mecp2-/y mice had a slow and erratic breathing pattern with a highly variable cycle period and frequent apneas. In addition, their medulla had a drastically reduced number of TH neurons, NE content, and serotonin (5-HT) content.In vitroexperiments using transverse brainstem slices of mice between 2 and 3 weeks of age revealed that the rhythm produced by the isolated respiratory network was irregular inMecp2-/y mice but could be stabilized with exogenous NE. We hypothesize that breathing disturbances inMecp2-/y mice, and probably Rett patients, originate in part from a deficiency in noradrenergic and serotonergic modulation of the medullary respiratory network.
The Grid-Idea and Its Evolution (Die Grididee und ihre Evolution)
Authors: Laszewski Gregor von
Published: December 2005

In this paper we review the essence of the Grid-Idea. Specifically, we explore the changing definition of the Grid and follow its evolution over the past decade. This evolution is motivated by the gradual expansion of management issues that must be addressed to make production Grids a reality and to meet user requirements for increased functionality. Additionally, we focus on the evolutionary path of the Globus Toolkit taken to address the increasing needs of the community. We also discuss the evolutionary inclusion of commodity technologies as illustrated by the Java Commodity Grid Project.
Towards an Architecture for the Mobile Grid (Architektur für ein Mobiles Grid)
Authors: Wesner Stefan
Published: December 2005

Mobility is becoming a central aspect of everyday life and must not be ignored by the ongoing efforts in defining the Next Generation Grid architectures. Currently existing network agnostic Grid middleware solutions are duplicating functionality available from lower layers and cannot benefit from a richer set of additional information available such as the user or device context. In this article we will motivate why an integration of the infrastructure services built for supporting mobile users can be beneficial for the realization of a Next Generation Grid. Starting from a definition of the term Mobile Grid it is shown how new kind of adaptive applications can be realized and how the major obstacles for the wide take up of Grid solutions can be addressed. In particular how grid solutions can benefit from user authentication models, cross-organizational accounting, auditing and billing are covered. Beside the opportunities of this integration several new challenges in particular related to workflows and the management of Service Level Agreements will be outlined. This so called Cross-Layer Cooperation is seen as one of the major differences to other Next Generation Grids based on the Open Grid Service Architecture (OGSA) [10] approach. In the next section considerations related to deployment of Mobile Grids and why the approach outlined in the OGSA architecture to model grids as the composition of individual services is not adequate for this are presented.
PRIME – Ein europäisches Projekt für nutzerbestimmtes Identitätsmanagement (PRIME – A European Project for Privacy-Enhancing Identity Management)
Authors: Hansen Marit , Borcea-Pfitzmann Katrin , Pfitzmann Andreas
Published: December 2005

Neue Konzepte für datenschutzförderndes Identitätsmanagement stehen im Mittelpunkt des Projekts „PRIME – Privacy and Identity Management for Europe“. Das Projekt hat am 1. März 2004 begonnen und läuft gefördert im 6. EU-Rahmenprogramm für vier Jahre. Ziel ist, Lösungen zu erforschen und zu entwickeln, die es Menschen ermöglichen, die Kontrolle über ihre Privatsphäre im Cyberspace in die eigene Hand zu nehmen. Dieser Artikel beschreibt die Schwerpunkte der Forschung in PRIME.
Formal fundierte Modellierung von Geschäftsprozessen (Formally Founded Business Process Modeling)
Authors: Thurner Veronika
Published: December 2005

Geschäftsprozesse haben sich heute als Mittel der Anforderungserfassung für betriebliche Informationssysteme etabliert. Die Dissertation führt Beschreibungstechniken für Geschäftsprozesse ein, die sowohl anschaulich als auch formal fundiert sind, und ergänzen diese um präzise Kriterien für die Wohlgeformtheit von Geschäftsprozessmodellen. Darüber hinaus werden Transformationsregeln definiert, welche die systematische und kontrollierte Veränderung von Geschäftsprozessmodellen ermöglichen und dabei sowohl die syntaktische als auch die semantische Korrektheit des modifizierten Modells erhalten. Die Arbeit schafft die Grundlagen für ein Modellierungswerkzeug, das neben der rein zeichnerischen Hilfestellung auch eine umfassende automatische Konsistenzsicherung der erstellten Modelle ermöglicht.
Oberflächencharakterisierung durch morphologische Filterung (Surface Characterization by Morphological Filtering)
Authors: Puente León Fernando , Beyerer Jürgen
Published: December 2005

Morphologische Filter sind nichtlineare Methoden, die von der Übertragung mengentheoretischer Verfahren auf die Bildanalyse stammen. Im Zusammenhang mit Oberflächen liefern sie eine geeignete Beschreibung ihrer Abtastung sowohl durch mechanische Tastnadeln als auch durch andere Verfahren wie Rastersondenmikroskopie. Der Artikel veranschaulicht die Grundlagen morphologischer Filter, diskutiert ihre Vorteile gegenüber herkömmlichen linearen Filtern und befasst sich schwerpunktmäßig mit ihrer Anwendung auf die Oberflächencharakterisierung. Das Problem der Wiedergewinnung des wahren 3D-Profils wird angesprochen, und die Bedingungen, die erfüllt sein müssen, um einen Informationsverlust zu vermeiden, werden diskutiert. Darüber hinaus werden neue formorientierte Methoden vorgestellt, mittels derer man Form, Welligkeit und Rauheit auf Basis der Profildaten errechnen kann.
Verbessertes Phasen-Differenz-Verfahren zur Frequenzmessung gestörter Signale bei kurzer Messzeit (Improved Phase-Difference Method for the Frequency Estimation of Noisy Signals in Short Measurement Time)
Authors: Bonfig Karl-Walter , Liu Zhongdong , Himmel Jörg
Published: December 2005

Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird das Phasen-Differenz-Verfahren zur Frequenzmessung der durch Rauschen gestörten Signale vorgestellt. Es wird gezeigt, dass Frequenzausreißer bei Anwendungen dieses Verfahrens entstehen, auch wenn das Signal-zu-Rausch-Verhältnis ausreichend groß ist. Die Ursachen der Frequenzausreißer werden analysiert. Zur Korrektur wird ein Lösungsansatz vorgeschlagen. Im Vergleich mit anderen Verfahren kann das verbesserte Phasen-Differenz-Verfahren die Frequenz der durch Rauschen gestörten Signale mit größerer Genauigkeit und vertretbarem Rechenaufwand berechnen.
Verfahren zur Mastitidendiagnose mit Wechselstrommethoden (Procedures to Mastitis Diagnosis with Alternating Current Methods)
Authors: Hassan Anwar , Guth Ulrich , Bernhardt Gerd
Published: December 2005

Die Zellzahl ist ein wichtiges Gesundheits- und Qualitätskriterium der Milch. Daher laufen weltweit Forschungen, die somatischen Zellen im Vorgemelk zu bestimmen. Da Wechselstrommethoden gut geeignet sind, über komplexe Systeme Informationen zu erhalten, und in der Literatur dazu nur wenige Untersuchungen vorliegen, wurde in dieser Arbeit der Zusammenhang zwischen der Zahl der somatischen Zellen und den impedimetrischen Eigenschaften der Rohmilch systematisch untersucht. Zu diesem Zweck wurden Milchproben in neuartigen Messzellen mit Wechselstrom in einem weiten Frequenzspektrum vermessen und Relationen zwischen den erhaltenen komplexen elektrischen Größen sowie den komplexen Widerstandsgrößen und den Inhaltsstoffen der Milch wie Laktose und Zellzahl vor allem mit statistischen Methoden hergestellt. Die Messungen wurden mit denen verglichen, die mit Hilfe des anerkannten Standardverfahrens (Fossomatic) erhalten wurden, mit dem die fluoreszierenden Zellen nach Anfärbung ihrer DNA gezählt werden.
Variable band gap conjugated polymers for optoelectronic and redox applications
Authors: Kim Young-Gi , Thompson Barry C. , Ananthakrishnan Nisha , Padmanaban G. , Ramakrishnan S. , Reynolds John R.
Published: December 2005

We report here on the utilization of variable band gap conjugated polymers for optoelectronic redox applications comprising organic photovoltaics, color tunable light emitting diodes, and electrochromics. For the evaluation of morphology in photovoltaicdevices, atomic force microscopy, and optical microscopy provided direct visualization of the blend film structure. The evolution of the morphology in two and three component blends incorporating poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenlenevinylene] (MEH-PPV), poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA), and [6, 6]-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) was investigated. It was found that while insulating PMMA can be used to modulate the phase separation in these blends, a bicontinuous network of donor and acceptor was required to achieve the best device results. Similarily, a MEH-PPVcopolymer with a decreased conjugation length has been used for investigating inter- and intramolecular photoinduced charge transfer in the presence of PMMA and PCBM.We fabricated MEH-PPV/PCBM solar cells that have power conversion efficiencies up to 1.5% with a range of 0.7–1.5%, dependent on the nature of the MEH-PPV used. This further indicates that in addition to blend morphology, polymer structure is critical for optimizing device performance. To this end, the concept of an ideal donor for photovoltaic devices based on poly[2,5-di(3,7-dialkoxy)-cyanoterephthalylidene] is described and two donor-acceptor polymers based on cyanovinylene (CNV) and dioxythiophene are discussed as representative examples of soluble narrow band gap polymers synthesized in our group. For light emitting applications, utilization of two blue emitting conjugated polymers poly (9,9-dioctylfluorene) (PFO) and poly[(9,9-dihexylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl)-co-(9,ethyl-3,6-carbazole)] (PFH-PEtCz)is presented for a color tunable polymer light emitting diode that emits orange, green, and blue light with a voltage range of 7–10 V as a function of the total conjugated polymer content in PMMA and is attributed to the phase separation between the conjugated polymers. Finally, the narrow band gap conjugated polymer, poly[bis(3,4-propylenedioxythiophene-dihexyl)]-cyanovinylene has been characterized for its electrochromic properties, illustrating the multifunctional nature of variable band gap conjugated polymers.
Partial filling of skutterudites: Optimization for thermoelectric applications
Authors: Nolas G.S. , Fowler G.
Published: December 2005

Over the last ten years there has been substantial experimental and theoretical effort in understanding the transport properties of filled skutterudite compounds to optimize their thermoelectric properties. One such approach involves partially filling the voids in attempting to optimize the electrical properties while minimizing the thermal conductivity. We illustrate the importance of this approach by plotting and comparing the figure of merit of CoSb3 over a large range of carrier concentrations and thermal conductivity values. The thermal conductivity of partially filled skutterudites AxCo4Sb12, where A = La, Eu, and Yb, is analyzed using the Debye model to correlate the data with the type of filler atom in evaluating the role of the filler in affecting the thermal conductivity. Partial void filling has resulted in relatively high thermoelectric figures of merit at moderately high temperatures.
Nanoporous zero-valent iron
Authors: Cao Jiasheng , Clasen Patrick , Zhang Wei-xian
Published: December 2005

Hollow and nanoporous particles of zero-valent iron (ZVI) were prepared with template-directed synthesis. Polymer resin beads (0.4 mm diameter) were coated with nanoscale iron particles by reductive precipitation of ferrous iron [Fe(II)] with sodium borohydride. The resin was calcinated at 400 °C to produce hollow and nanoporous iron spheres. The nanoporous iron oxides were then reduced to metallic iron by hydrogen at 500 °C. Scanning electron microscope images of the reduced iron spheres showed that the particles were hollow. The shell thickness was approximately 5 μm and highly porous. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller specific surface area was 2100 m2/kg. In comparison, the theoretical specific surface area of solid iron particles of the same size is just 1.9 m2/kg. Batch tests showed that the surface area normalized reactivity of the porous particles were 14–31% higher than microscale iron particles with similar surface areas for the transformation of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)], azo dye Orange II {4-[(2-hydroxyl-1-naphthalenyl)azo]-benzenesulfonic acid monosodium}, and trichloroethene. The combined performance enhancement (larger surface area and higher surface activity) is significant (>1200 times).
Organic and nano-structured composite photovoltaics: An overview
Authors: Gledhill Sophie E. , Scott Brian , Gregg Brian A.
Published: December 2005

Organic photovoltaic devices are poised to fill the low-cost, low power niche in the solar cell market. Recently measured efficiencies of solid-state organic cells are nudging 5% while Grätzel’s more established dye-sensitized solar cell technology is more than double this. A fundamental understanding of the excitonic nature of organic materials is an essential backbone for device engineering. Bound electron-hole pairs, “excitons,” are formed in organic semiconductors on photo-absorption. In the organic solar cell, the exciton must diffuse to the donor–accepter interface for simultaneous charge generation and separation. This interface is critical as the concentration of charge carriers is high and recombination here is higher than in the bulk. Nanostructured engineering of the interface has been utilized to maximize organic materials properties, namely to compensate the poor exciton diffusion lengths and lower mobilities. Excitonic solar cells have different limitations on their open-circuit photo-voltages due to these high interfacial charge carrier concentrations, and their behavior cannot be interpreted as if they were conventional solar cells. This article briefly reviews some of the differences between excitonic organic solar cells and conventional inorganic solar cells and highlights some of the technical strategies used in this rapidly progressing field, whose ultimate aim is for organic solar cells to be a commercial reality.
Magnetoresistive sensors and magnetic nanoparticles for biotechnology
Authors: Reiss Guenter , Brueckl Hubert , Huetten Andreas , Schotter Joerg , Brzeska Monika , Panhorst Michael , Sudfeld Daniela , Becker Anke , Kamp Paul B. , Puehler Alfred , Wojczykowski Klaus , Jutzi Peter
Published: December 2005

Magnetoresistive biosensors use a new detection method for molecular recognition reactions based on two recently developed techniques and devices: Magnetic markers and XMR sensors, where XMR means either giant magnetoresistance (GMR) or tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR). The markers are specifically attached to the target molecules, and their magnetic stray field is picked up by an embedded magnetoresistive sensor as a change of the electrical resistance. Compared to established, e.g., fluorescent, detection methods, magnetic biosensors have a number of advantages, including low molecular detection limits, flexibility, and the direct availability of an electronic signal suitable for further automated analysis. This makes them a promising choice for the detection units of future widespread and easy-to-use lab-on-a-chip systems or biochips. In this article, we discuss recent advances in this field and compare possible approaches toward single molecule detection.