bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fehlermöglichkeiten beim Herstellungsprozess von Tunnelinnenschalen
Authors: Mähner Dietmar
Published: December 2006

Der vorliegende Beitrag befasst sich mit möglichen Fehlern, die während des Herstellungsprozesses von Tunnelinnenschalen entstehen können. Dabei werden die einzelnen Herstellungsphasen, Arbeitsabläufe sowie unterschiedliche Rahmenbedingungen in Bezug auf mögliche Schäden und Mängel an der Tunnelinnenschale einer Analyse und Bewertung unterzogen.

Dies beginnt mit den vorbereitenden Maßnahmen zur Verlegung der Abdichtung und dem Einbau der Abdichtung, geht über den Bewehrungseinbau, die Ausbildung des Schalwagens bis zum Betonieren der Schale sowie deren Nachbehandlung und die Beseitigung entstandener Fehlstellen. Es erfolgt anschließend eine Zuordnung in unterschiedliche Verantwortungsbereiche bzw. Ursachen. Anhand dieser Untersuchungen lassen sich Empfehlungen zur Reduzierung und Vermeidung von Fehlerquellen sowie zur Qualitätssteigerung von Tunnelinnenschalen ableiten.
Alpenquerende Tunnel: Materialbewirtschaftung und Betontechnologie beim Lötschberg‐Basistunnel
Authors: Teuscher Peter , Thalmann Cédric , Fetzer Armin , Carron Christophe
Published: December 2006

Beim Bau des 34, 6 km langen Lötschberg‐Basistunnels werden 16 Mio. to Material ausgebrochen, davon 10 Mio. to im Südabschnitt und 6 Mio. to im Nordabschnitt. Für die Materialbewirtschaftung wurde ein umfassendes globales Konzept erarbeitet. In dessen Mittelpunkt steht die Aufbereitung von Ausbruchmaterial zu Betonzuschlagstoffen, die für die Herstellung des im Projekt verbauten Betons benötigt werden. Von besonderem Interesse ist der Umstand, dass aus teilweise Alkaliaggregat‐reaktiven Betonzuschlagstoffen ein AAR‐beständiger Beton herzustellen ist.
Alpenquerende Tunnel: Prüfsystem für Betonmischungen beim Gotthard‐Basistunnel
Authors: Zbinden Peter
Published: December 2006

Mit AlpTransit Gotthard entsteht eine zukunftsorientierte Flachbahn durch die Schweizer Alpen. Der Basistunnel am Gotthard – mit 57 km der längste Eisenbahntunnel der Welt – ist das Herzstück der neuen Gotthardbahn. Die Pionierleistung des 21. Jahrhunderts wird zu einer markanten Verbesserung der Reise‐ und Transportmöglichkeiten im Herzen Europas führen. Die Hauptmerkmale des Projektes und die Aufbereitung des Ausbruchmaterials werden kurz vorgestellt. Das durchgeführte Prüfsystem für Betonmischungen, die werkvertraglichen Regelungen und die Umsetzung auf der Baustelle werden erläutert.

Beim Bau des Gotthard‐Basistunnels fallen rund 24 Mio. Tonnen Ausbruchmaterial an. Diese riesige Menge birgt ein großes Nutzungspotenzial zur Wiederverwertung als Baurohstoff in sich. Bereits 1993 wurde ein innovatives Prüfsystem für Betonmischungen lanciert, um den Nachweis zu erbringen, dass sich aus dem TBM‐Material tatsächlich hochwertiger Beton herstellen lässt. Mit den laufenden Prüfungen auf den Baustellen wird sichergestellt, dass der hergestellte Beton den hohen Anforderungen im Tunnelbau gerecht wird.
Alpenquerende Tunnel: Projektübersicht und Materialbewirtschaftung beim Brenner Basistunnel
Authors: Bergmeister Konrad
Published: December 2006

Der Brenner Basistunnel mit einer Gesamtlänge von 55 km (mit der Umfahrung von Innsbruck wird er über 67 km lang) bildet das Kernelement der Eisenbahnachse München – Verona, und diese ist Teil der als TEN‐Achse Nr. 1 bezeichneten Eisenbahnhochgeschwindigkeitstrecke für den kombinierten Nord‐Süd‐Verkehr Berlin – München – Verona – Palermo. Zur baubetrieblichen Risikominimierung bei diesem Tunnelbauwerk wurden umfangreiche geotechnische Sondierbohrungen bereits vorgenommen. Demnächst wird mit dem Bau des Erkundungsstollens begonnen. Der Querschnitt des Haupttunnels hat einen Radius von 4,05 m, der Abstand zwischen den beiden Röhren beträgt 40 bis 70 m. Durch den Erkundungsstollen können das Baugrundrisiko reduziert und die Kostensicherheit verbessert werden. Derzeit wird das Einreichprojekt erstellt, um die bau‐, bahn‐ und umwelttechnischen Genehmigungen sowohl in Österreich als auch in Italien einzuholen.
Brand‐ und Abplatzverhalten von selbstverdichtendem Beton (SVB) für den Tunnelbau. Der Citytunnel Malmö als Beispiel
Authors: Dehn Frank , Nause Peter , Hauswaldt Sebastian , Abel Frank , Willmes Michael
Published: December 2006

Selbstverdichtender Beton (SVB) wurde schon mehrfach erfolgreich im Tunnelbau eingesetzt. Eine mit diesem Anwendungsfeld zusammenhängende Fragestellung stellt grundsätzlich das Brand‐ und Abplatzverhalten von SVB bei den im Tunnelbau spezifisch angesetzten Brandszenarien dar. Nachfolgender Bericht fasst Untersuchungen an unterschiedlichen selbstverdichtenden Tunnelbetonen im Rahmen eines Forschungsvorhabens sowie großmaßstäbliche belastete Bauteilversuche für die Errichtung des Citytunnels Malmö (CTM) zusammen.
The FXIIIVal34Leu, common and risk factors of venous thrombosis in early middle‐age Costa Rican patients
Authors: Salazar‐Sánchez Lizbeth , Leon Maria Paz , Cartin Mayra , Schuster Gudrun , Wulff Karin , Schröder Winnie , Jiménez‐Arce Gerardo , Chacon Ronald , Herrmann Falko H.
Published: December 2006

In this study, eight common polymorphisms associated with venous thrombosis (VT) and thrombophilia factors were analyzed in a Costa Rican case‐control study. With the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods the polymorphisms were detected in 120 patients and 133 controls (mean age <40 years old). It was concluded that a high level of fibrinogen, antiphospholipid antibodies, family history, and the genotype 34LeuLeu of FXIII OR 0.42 (0.20–0.89) showed a significant effect on the risk of VT.

Associations between the risk of VT and genetic polymorphisms have been established. Some of these polymorphisms are highly prevalent in Caucasians, but there is a significant geographic variation in their prevalence among different populations. The results of this study support the protective effect of FXIII Val34Leu polymorphism in VT. These findings are consistent with previous reports that included other populations. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid Enzymatic Isomerization of 12‐Oxophytodienoic Acid in the Gut of Lepidopteran Larvae
Authors: Schulze Birgit , Dąbrowska Paulina , Boland Wilhelm
Published: December 2006

In response to feeding larvae of the Mediterranean climbing cutworm (Spodoptera littoralis), leaves of the lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus) produce fatty acid‐derived signaling compounds (oxylipins). The major products are the phytohormones jasmonic acid and its biosynthetic precursor 12‐oxophytodienoic acid (OPDA), along with 13‐hydroxy‐12‐oxooctadeca‐9,15‐dienoic acid, 9‐hydroxy‐12‐oxooctadeca‐10,15‐dienoic acid (α‐ and γ‐ketol), as well as unsaturated aldehydes. Oxylipin production is highest at the feeding zone of the insect and decreases with distance from the damaged area. Accordingly, the feeding insect experiences high local concentrations of oxylipins, which are taken up into the alimentary canal and are finally excreted with the feces. In contrast to most other oxylipins, OPDA was not detectable in the insect's gut; instead the structurally related tetrahydrodicranenone B (iso‐OPDA) was identified. Feeding experiments with deuteriumlabeled OPDA proved that the isomerization is catalyzed by an enzyme from the insect's gut tissue. The phenomenon appears to be widespread among Lepidopteran larvae.
High‐Throughput Substrate Specificity Studies of Sialidases by Using Chemoenzymatically Synthesized Sialoside Libraries
Authors: Chokhawala Harshal A. , Yu Hai , Chen Xi
Published: December 2006

Sialidases, or neuraminidases, are enzymes that cleave terminal sialic acid (Sia) residues from complex sialic acid‐containing structures. They have been found in many animals and microorganisms and are important in various physiological and pathological processes. In order to understand the biological significance of diverse sialidases, it is important to study in detail the structural determinants of their natural substrates. Here, we report the synthesis of sialoside libraries containing para‐nitrophenol‐tagged sialosides with different naturally occurring sialic acid forms, different sialyl linkages, and different penultimate monosaccharides using a highly efficient one‐pot three‐enzyme chemoenzymatic approach. By using these compounds in a 96‐well plate‐based colorimetric high‐throughput screening platform, the diversity of substrate preference is shown for seven bacterial sialidases. The sialoside libraries and the screening method are convenient tools for unravelling the substrate specificity and the biological function of sialidases.
Effectiveness and safety of the sirolimus‐eluting stents coated with bioabsorbable polymer coating in human coronary arteries
Authors: Ge Junbo , Qian Juying , Wang Xiangfei , Wang Qibing , Yan Wei , Yan Yan , Fan Bing , Ge Lei , Liu Xuebo
Published: December 2006

Background: Although the sirolimus‐eluting stent (CYPHER®, Cordis, USA) has shown a dramatic reduction of restenosis, there are still some concerns about its efficacy and safety. Its durable polymer coating may enhance neointimal proliferation and residual sirolimus, which cannot be released from polymer, may result in incomplete reendothelization. As a drug reservoir, bioabsorbable polymer (polylactic acid, PLA) is more rational. Objective: We aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of sirolimus‐eluting stent coated with PLA (EXCEL®, JW Medical Systems, China) in the treatment of human coronary arterial diseases. Methods: The study included 31 patients with de novo coronary lesions, with vessels 2.5–3.5 mm in diameter. The primary end points included the percentage of in‐stent restenosis of the luminal diameter and in‐stent late luminal loss at 6 months, as determined by quantitative angiography. The secondary end point was the major adverse cardiac events (MACE) 30 days and 6 months after the index procedure. Results: Forty‐eight EXCEL stents were successfully delivered in the 34 lesions, and multiple stents were implanted in 35.3% of lesions. All patients were discharged without clinical complications and completed clinical follow‐up at 1 and 6 months. No MACE had occurred. Twenty patients (30 stents) completed 6 months of angiographic follow‐up. No in‐stent or in‐lesion restenosis (diameter stenosis ≥≥50%) was observed. In‐stent late loss was (0.07 ± 0.17) mm. Conclusions: The implantation of EXCEL stent is feasible and safe and elicits minimal neointimal proliferation. This new stent has potential advantages regarding the long‐long‐term result over the commercially stent as the new stent has no sustained stimulation to the local tissue. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Percutaneous septal ablation with absorbable gelatin sponge in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
Authors: Llamas‐Esperón Guillermo A. , Sandoval‐Navarrete Santiago
Published: December 2006

The treatment of the hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) by percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation (PTSMA) with ethanol injection has greatly improved in the last years. This report describes the case of a patient with symptomatic drug‐refractory HOCM who underwent an unsuccessful attempt to thrombose the septal artery by PTSMA with alcohol. It has therefore been decided to use small absorbant gelatin sponge (AGS) particles, obtaining immediate thrombotic occlusion of the artery and excellent hemodynamic results with immediate and permanent disappearance of the gradient. The patient progressed satisfactorily and displayed lower than average creatine kinase levels in comparison to the rest of our PTMSA patients. After 2 years of follow‐up he still remains asymptomatic and without any gradient. These results suggest that PTSMA with AGS could be a valuable alternative treatment of HOCM. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stent fracture associated with drug‐eluting stents: Clinical characteristics and implications
Authors: Lee Michael S. , Jurewitz Daniel , Aragon Joseph , Forrester James , Makkar Raj R. , Kar Saibal
Published: December 2006

Objective: To evaluate the clinical characteristics and implications of stent fracture in drug‐eluting stents. Background: Approximately 2.5 million drug‐eluting stents are implanted every year worldwide. In 10 randomized controlled trials involving 2,602 patients, no incidence of stent fracture was recognized or reported. Methods: From April 2003 to December 2005, 2,728 patients underwent drug‐eluting stenting. The angiograms of all 530 patients who underwent repeat angiography were analyzed to identify the presence of stent fracture. We then documented the incidence of adverse events associated with drug‐eluting stent fracture and systematically analyzed the clinical, procedural, and structural factors, which might predispose to stent fracture. Results: Stent fracture was identified in 10 patients. None of these fractures were detectable at the time of stent placement. The median time interval from stent implantation to detection of fracture at repeat angiography was 226 days (range, 7–620 days). Adverse clinical outcomes associated with stent fracture occurred in 7 patients (6 patients had binary restenosis and 1 patient had stent thrombosis), all necessitating repeat intervention. Analysis of potential predisposing clinical, procedural, and structural factors revealed that 4 patients had excessive tortuosity in the proximal segment, and overlapping stents were used in 5 cases. All fractures occurred in sirolimus‐eluting stents. Conclusions: Stent fracture may represent a new potential mechanism of restenosis and stent thrombosis in drug‐eluting stents. Predisposing clinical and procedural factors may be vessel tortuosity and use of overlapping stents. The most important predisposing factor, however, may be stent structure, since all fractures occurred in sirolimus‐eluting stents. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Simultaneous kissing stent technique to treat left main stem bifurcation disease
Authors: Morton Allison C. , Siotia Anjan , Arnold Nadine D. , Korgul Peter , Bowles John , Heppenstall James , Gunn Julian
Published: December 2006

Background: While several endovascular techniques have been developed for treating arterial bifurcation lesions, there is, as yet, no single, widely accepted technique for treating left main stem (LMS) bifurcation lesions with stents. The simultaneous kissing stent (SCS) technique seems particularly suited for such lesions. The authors describe a consecutive cohort of patients with LMS bifurcation stenosis treated with this technique and present mechanistic insights from a porcine model. Methods: Thirty consecutive patients with LMS bifurcation stenosis ± multivessel disease were treated with SCS technique using paclitaxel‐eluting stents. The technique involves simultaneous implantation of two stents (LMS‐LAD and LMS‐Cx) so that the proximal end of both stents lie at the same level in the body of LMS. Symptom status was recorded and follow‐up angiography was performed. In addition, four pigs underwent SCS implantation of the LMS and were studied by direct examination, histology, and scanning electron microscopy. Results: The patients' mean age was 63, 26 were elective and 19 were male. Paclitaxel‐eluting stents (Taxus™, Boston Scientific) were used. There was one in‐hospital death in a highly unstable patient. At 6‐month follow‐up angiography, two patients required target lesion revascularization. At 13 ± 3 month follow‐up, the remaining patients remain well, with no other major adverse cardiac events. The animals all survived with patent stents. SEM demonstrated full re‐endothelialization and histology showed a thin but complete neointima covering the stent struts. Conclusion: The SCS technique for treating LMS bifurcation disease with paclitaxel‐eluting stents is safe and feasible. Medium term clinical and angiographic results are good. An endothelium and a thin neointima cover the metal struts. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transcatheter closure of ischemic and post‐traumatic ventricular septal ruptures
Authors: Martinez Matthew W. , Mookadam Farouk , Sun Yinguang , Hagler Donald J.
Published: December 2006

Post‐traumatic ventricular septal defects (VSD) can occur after acute MI or iatrogenically after invasive surgical procedures. Emergency surgery is associated with high perioperative mortality and postsurgical shunt in up to 20% of patients. Transcatheter closure (TCC) of post MI VSD may be an alternative that avoids the high risk of surgery. We report a lower mortality and morbidity than surgical closure in the post infarction VSD's even with a short interval between defect occurrence and percutaneous device placement. Furthermore, in patients with a failed or suboptimal surgical result adjunctive percutaneous closure may be beneficial and offers an alternative to redo VSD repair. Finally, in patients who suffer an unexpected traumatic VSD post surgical procedure, percutaneous closure offers an alternative with excellent results. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Incidence and clinical impact of coronary stent fracture after sirolimus‐eluting stent implantation
Authors: Aoki Jiro , Nakazawa Gaku , Tanabe Kengo , Hoye Angela , Yamamoto Hirosada , Nakayama Tomohiro , Onuma Yoshinobu , Higashikuni Yasutomi , Otsuki Syuji , Yagishita Atsuhiko , Yachi Sen , Nakajima Hiroyoshi , Hara Kazuhiro
Published: December 2006

Background: Stent fracture is one of the possible causes of restenosis after sirolimus‐eluting stents (SES) implantation. The aim of our study was to evaluate the prevalence and clinical impact of coronary stent fracture after SES implantation. Methods: From our prospective institutional database, 280 patients were treated solely with SES from August 2004 to June 2005. Among the 280 patients, 256 patients with a total of 307 lesions underwent follow‐up angiography on an average of 240 days after the procedure. Results: Stent fractures were observed in eight (2.6%) lesions. Of the eight lesions with stent fracture, five were located in the right coronary artery (RCA), two in the saphenous vein (SV) graft, and one in the left anterior descending coronary artery. The stent fractures were all in the locations that served as hinges during vessel movement in the cardiac contraction cycle. Seven of the eight stent fractures were adjacent to the edge of previously implanted or overlapped stent. Significant multivariate predictors of stent fracture were SV graft location (Odds ratio 35.88; 95% confidence interval 2.73–471.6, P = 0.006), implanted stent length (Odds ratio 1.04; 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.07, P = 0.02), and RCA location (Odds ratio 10.00; 95% confidence interval 1.11–89.67, P = 0.04). In‐stent binary restenosis rate was 37.5% and target lesion repeat revascularization rate was 50.0% in patients with stent fracture. Conclusions: Stent fracture was likely to be affected by mechanical stress provoked by rigid structures and hinge points. Stent fracture might be associated with the high incidence of target lesion revascularization. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Successful nonsurgical treatment of left main stem perforation by sacrifice of the LAD
Authors: Gamma Reto , Thomas Martyn R.
Published: December 2006

We report two cases of coronary artery disease treated percutaneously and including rotational atherectomy, in which the interventional procedure was complicated by left main coronary artery perforation. The management and outcome of this potentially fatal complication are discussed. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Successful use of blunt microdissection catheter in a chronic total occlusion of a celiomesenteric artery
Authors: Ayers N.P. , Zacharias S.J. , Abu‐Fadel M.S. , Hennebry T.A.
Published: December 2006

Chronic mesenteric ischemia is often a disabling condition associated with intestinal angina, weight loss, and sitophobia (a morbid aversion of food). Significant stenosis of two of the three main arteries of the gut is usually required to produce symptoms. Surgical therapy has included reimplantation and bypass grafting, usually with synthetic conduits and occasionally endarterectomy. Newer techniques have made endovascular treatment an emerging modality in managing some of the difficult lesions in the mesenteric circulation that cause chronic mesenteric ischemia. We describe the first reported case of blunt microdissection using a Frontrunner XP® CTO Catheter (Lumend, Redwood City, CA) to successfully cross, subsequently wire and stent a four‐year‐old chronic total occlusions in a celiac trunk, which also gave origin to the superior mesenteric artery. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Utility of three‐dimensional reconstruction of coronary angiography to guide percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Gollapudi Raghava R. , Valencia Rafael , Lee Steve S. , Wong Garrett B. , Teirstein Paul S. , Price Matthew J.
Published: December 2006

Objective:The goal of this study was to determine whether three‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction of traditional coronary angiography could optimize the choice of drug‐eluting stent (DES) length and number during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Background: Coronary angiography is subject to significant foreshortening artifact that limits the ability of the operator to accurately determine lesion length. Methods: The angiographic images of the target vessels of consecutive PCI procedures were postprocessed using a 3D reconstruction algorithm. The appropriate length and optimal number of DES to span each target lesion were calculated and compared with the number and length of DES actually chosen by the operator. Results: A total of 42 target vessels were analyzed, and 3D reconstruction was successful in 38/42 (90.5%) of cases. The results of 3D analysis would have changed operator decision making in six cases (16%): in four cases, the stent chosen by the operator was too short requiring an additional DES; in two cases, the chosen DES was too long and exchanged for a shorter one. In each of these six cases, 3D analysis would have determined the correct stent length prior to stent selection. The optimal stent number derived by 3D reconstruction was significantly less than the actual number of stents per lesion used by the operator (1.31 ± 0.47 versus 1.54 ± 0.68, P = 0.01), and the optimal stent length trended less than the actual stented length (27.5 ± 12.8 mm versus 28.7 ± 14.7 mm, P = 0.23). Conclusions: 3D reconstruction algorithm of standard coronary angiography is a promising technique to improve DES utilization during PCI. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
One‐year results of unprotected left main disease treatment with paclitaxel‐eluting stents: Results of a multicenter registry
Authors: Sanmartin Marcelo , Baz Jose Antonio , Lozano Iñigo , de la Torre Jose Maria , Hernandez Jose Maria , Bordes Pascual , Mainar Vicente , Mauri Josepa , Iñiguez Andrés
Published: December 2006

Background: Preliminary data suggest that drug‐eluting stents might have a role in selected cases of unprotected left main stenosis (ULMS). The purpose of this study was to determine the rates of death, myocardial infarction, and repeated revascularization in a multicenter, prospective series of patients with ULMS treated with paclitaxel‐eluting stents. Methods: A prospective registry was initiated in March 2003 through December 2004 in five tertiary centers including all patients with a significant (>50%) stenosis in ULMS treated with at least one paclitaxel‐eluting stent. There were no clinical or angiographic exclusion criteria. Clinical follow‐up was obtained at 6 and 12 months. Results: A total of 100 patients were included. Mean age was 67.6 ± 11.4 years and 36% were diabetics. Distal left main was affected in 53% of patients. Implantation of two stents was required in only 15%. Angiographic success was achieved in all cases. Significant periprocedural CK‐MB elevation occurred in 5 patients and there was 1 intraprocedural death. At a median 9 months follow‐up, cardiac death occurred in 7%, the majority of which (4%) in patients with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock before stent implantation. Only 3 patients (3%) required repeated target‐vessel revascularization, all repeated angioplasty procedures. Conclusion: Percutaneous treatment of unprotected left main lesions with paclitaxel‐eluting stents is associated with acceptable mid‐term results in selected patients, with very low rates of repeated revascularization. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hemodynamic improvement is faster after percutaneous ASD closure than after surgery
Authors: Eerola Anneli , Pihkala Jaana I. , Boldt Talvikki , Mattila Ilkka P. , Poutanen Tuija , Jokinen Eero
Published: December 2006

Objectives: Hemodynamic effects of surgical and percutaneous closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) were evaluated. Background: ASD causes volume overload of right ventricle (RV) and is associated with distortion and dysfunction of left ventricle (LV). The amount and timing of hemodynamic changes after ASD closure are not well known. Methods: The study group consisted of 7 children treated surgically and 17 treated in the catheterization laboratory. In the control group, there were 51 healthy children. RV size and LV end‐diastolic and systolic dimensions, volumes, and function were examined by two‐ and three‐ dimensional echocardiography and serum concentrations of natriuretic peptides measured prior to ASD closure, and 1, 6, and 12 months thereafter. Results: In all children with ASD, during the 1‐year follow‐up, the z score of RV end‐diastolic diameter decreased from a median 5.00 SD to 2.25 SD (P < 0.001). Dilatation of RV did not resolve entirely during 1‐year follow‐up in either treatment group. End‐diastolic LV diameter increased from −1.50 to −0.50 SD (P < 0.001). LV size increased slower in the surgical subgroup but reached control levels in both groups. Concentrations of natriuretic peptides increased during the first month after ASD closure and normalized thereafter in patients treated percutaneously but remained higher than in controls in patients treated surgically. Conclusions: During 1‐year follow‐up after ASD closure, RV size decreases but does not normalize in all patients. The size of the LV normalizes after ASD closure but the increase in LV size is slower in patients treated surgically. Serum levels of ANPN and proBNP are elevated prior to ASD closure but decrease thereafter to control levels in patients treated with the percutaneous technique but not in those treated surgically. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thrombus predicts ischemic complications during percutaneous coronary intervention in saphenous vein grafts: Results from TARGET (do tirofiban and reopro give similar efficacy trial?)
Authors: Kalyanasundaram Arun , Blankenship James C. , Berger Peter , Herrmann Howard , McClure Rick , Moliterno David
Published: December 2006

Background: Saphenous vein graft (SVG) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) carries a high risk of ischemic complications. However, there are scant recent data to identify which SVG lesions carry particularly high risk in recent years. We studied demographic and angiographic factors associated with ischemic complications after SVG PCI without distal protection in the TARGET (do tirofiban and reopro give similar efficacy trial?) study. Methods: TARGET was a multicenter double‐dummy, double‐blinded study randomizing 4,809 PCI patients to tirofiban or abciximab. Of these, 254 patients underwent PCI involving an SVG lesion. The primary endpoint of this analysis was major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) at 30 days, including death, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), and urgent target vessel revascularization. Results: No demographic characteristic was associated with 30‐day MACE. Lesion length > 20 mm (odds ratio [OR] = 2.7, P = 0.03), thrombus (OR = 3.9, P = 0.003), eccentricity (P = 0.001), thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow < 3 postprocedure (OR = 5.6, P = 0.037), and >1 target lesion (OR = 2.5, P = 0.035) were univariate variables associated with 30‐day MACE. Multivariate analysis associated only thrombus (OR = 3.8, P = 0.015) with 30‐day MACE. No difference in outcomes was noted between patients receiving abciximab and tirofiban. SVG patients had lesser angiographic success (95.6% vs. 98%, P = 0.04) and increased 30‐day Q‐wave MI (2.5% vs. 0.9%, P = 0.039) compared with non‐SVG patients, but a similar incidence of death (0% vs. 0.4%), non‐Q‐MI (5.9% vs. 4.5%), and target vessel revascularization (0.5% vs. 1%). Conclusion: In the era of routine stenting and GpIIb/IIIa inhibitors, thrombus is the angiographic characteristic most closely associated with adverse outcomes of SVG PCI © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Using fuzzy controllers as adaptive procedures in the finite element method
Authors: Silva R. S. , Almeida R. C.
Published: December 2006

A general framework is developed to control simulation parameters that appear in finite element models in order to improve accuracy and efficiency. This approach is based on fuzzy logic that allows the expert knowledge to be taken into account on the controller design and avoids the requirement of defining a transfer function. A new feedback fuzzy controller (FC) is developed to tune the cores of the fuzzy set, producing an adaptive fuzzy controller (AFC). The designed AFC is applied to control the choice of the preconditioner to be used in an iterative solver. Its learning capability yielded a flexible controller, that can adaptively adjust the control parameters with the system changes. This methodology is also combined with a FC to drive the selection of the time step size. Numerical experiments are performed to demonstrate the performance of this novel feedback FC and its adaptive structure. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DQEM analysis of out‐of‐plane deflection of non‐prismatic curved beam structures considering the effect of shear deformation
Authors: Chen Chang‐New
Published: December 2006

The development of differential quadrature element method (DQEM) out‐of‐plane deflection analysis model of curved non‐prismatic beam structures considering the effect of shear deformation was carried out. The DQEM uses the differential quadrature (DQ) to discretize the governing differential equation defined on each element, the transition conditions defined on the inter‐element boundary of two adjacent elements and the boundary conditions of the beam. Numerical results solved by the developed numerical algorithm are presented. The convergence of the developed DQEM analysis model is efficient. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
L∞ variational problems and weak KAM theory
Authors: Yu Yifeng
Published: December 2006

In the first part of this paper, we extend several results in Crandall, Evans, and Gariepy [11] and Crandall and Evans [10] to absolute minimizers of more general L∞ functionals. In the second part, we present some interesting connections between L∞ variational problems and weak KAM theory. As an application, we will advance the main result in Fathi and Siconolfi [17], i.e, the existence of a C1 subsolution of the Hamilton‐Jacobi equation. Moreover, we will propose a possible approximation of the projected Aubrey set by a variational approach that was first used by Evans in [14]. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
PDEs for the Gaussian ensemble with external source and the Pearcey distribution
Authors: Adler Mark , van Moerbeke Pierre
Published: December 2006

The present paper studies a Gaussian Hermitian random matrix ensemble with external source, given by a fixed diagonal matrix with two eigenvalues ±a. As a first result, the probability that the eigenvalues of the ensemble belong to an interval E satisfies a fourth‐order PDE with quartic nonlinearity; the variables are the eigenvalue a and the boundary of E. This equation enables one to find a PDE for the Pearcey distribution. The latter describes the statistics of the eigenvalues near the closure of a gap, i.e., when the support of the equilibrium measure for large‐size random matrices has a gap that can be made to close. The Gaussian Hermitian random matrix ensemble with external source, described above, has this feature. The Pearcey distribution is shown to satisfy a fourth‐order PDE with cubic nonlinearity. This also gives the PDE for the transition probability of the Pearcey process, a limiting process associated with nonintersecting Brownian motions on ℝ. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Initial specification of the epibranchial placode in zebrafish embryos depends on the fibroblast growth factor signal
Authors: Nikaido Masataka , Doi Kazunao , Shimizu Takashi , Hibi Masahiko , Kikuchi Yutaka , Yamasu Kyo
Published: December 2006

In vertebrates, cranial sensory ganglia are mainly derived from ectodermal placodes, which are focal thickenings at characteristic positions in the embryonic head. Here, we provide the first description of the early development of the epibranchial placode in zebrafish embryos using sox3 as a molecular marker. By the one‐somite stage, we saw a pair of single sox3‐expressing domains appear lateral to the future hindbrain. The sox3 domain, which is referred to here as the early lateral placode, is segregated during the early phase of segmentation to form a pax2a‐positive medial area and a pax2a‐negative lateral area. The medial area subsequently developed to form the otic placode, while the lateral area was further segregated along the anteroposterior axis, giving rise to four sox3‐positive subdomains by 26 hr postfertilization. Given their spatial relationship with the expression of the markers for the epibranchial ganglion, as well as their positions and temporal changes, we propose that these four domains correspond to the facial, glossopharyngeal, vagal, and posterior lateral line placodes in an anterior‐to‐posterior order. The expression of sox3 in the early lateral placode was absent in mutants lacking functional fgf8, while implantation of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) beads restored the sox3 expression. Using SU5402, which inhibits the FGF signal, we were able to demonstrate that formation of both the early lateral domains and later epibranchial placodes depends on the FGF signal operating at the beginning of somitogenesis. Together, these data provide evidence for the essential role of FGF signals in the development of the epibranchial placodes. Developmental Dynamics 236:564–571, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Combinatorial expression patterns of heparan sulfate sulfotransferases in zebrafish: III. 2‐O‐sulfotransferase and C5‐epimerases
Authors: Cadwallader Adam B. , Yost H. Joseph
Published: December 2006

Heparan sulfate (HS) is an unbranched chain of repetitive disaccharides, which specifically binds ligands when attached to the cell surface or secreted extracellularly. HS chains contain sulfated domains, termed the HS fine structure, which give HS specific binding affinities for extracellular ligands. HS 2‐O‐sulfotransferase (2‐OST) catalyzes the transfer of sulfate groups to the 2‐O position of uronic acid residues of HS. We report here the characterization and developmental expression patterns of 2‐OST in several tissues/organs throughout early zebrafish development, including early cleavage stages, eyes, somites, brain, internal organ primordial, and pectoral fin. The 2‐OST gene has spatially and temporally distinct expression, which is a surprise given the essential role of 2‐OST in HS fine structure formation. Furthermore, although 2‐OST and C5‐epimerase are predicted to be interdependent for protein translocation from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi, their expression is not coordinately regulated during zebrafish development. Developmental Dynamics 236:581–586, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of TM4SF10, a Claudin/EMP/PMP22 family cell junction protein, during mouse kidney development and podocyte differentiation
Authors: Bruggeman Leslie A. , Martinka Scott , Simske Jeffrey S.
Published: December 2006

Cell junctions in the nephron are highly specialized to perform specific and distinct filtration and reabsorption functions. The mature kidney forms complex cell junctions including slit diaphragms that prevent the passage of serum proteins into the filtrate, and tubule cell junctions that regulate specific paracellular ion reuptake. We have investigated the expression of TM4SF10 (Trans‐Membrane tetra(4)‐Span Family 10) in mouse kidneys. TM4SF10 is the vertebrate orthologue of Caenorhabditis elegans VAB‐9, a tetraspan adherens junction protein in the PMP22/EMP/Claudin family of proteins. We found that TM4SF10 localizes at the basal‐most region of podocyte precursors before the capillary loop stage, at some tubule precursors, and at the ureteric bud junction with S‐shaped bodies. Overall expression of TM4SF10 peaked at postnatal day 4 and was virtually absent in adult kidneys. The very limited expression of TM4SF10 protein that persisted into adulthood was restricted to a few tubule segments but remained localized to the basal region of lateral membranes. In undifferentiated cultured podocytes, TM4SF10 localized to the perinuclear region and translocated to the cell membrane after Cadherin appearance at cell–cell contacts. TM4SF10 colocalized with ZO1 and p120ctn in undifferentiated confluent podocytes and also colocalized with the tips of actin filaments at cell contacts. Upon differentiation of cultured podocytes, TM4SF10 protein disappeared from cell contacts and expression ceased. These results suggest that TM4SF10 functions during differentiation of podocytes and may participate in the maturation of cell junctions from simple adherens junctions to elaborate slit diaphragms. TM4SF10 may define a new class of Claudin‐like proteins that function during junctional development. Developmental Dynamics 236:596–605, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rho kinase inhibitor Y27632 affects initial heart myofibrillogenesis in cultured chick blastoderm
Authors: Sakata Hirokazu , Sakabe Masahide , Matsui Hiroko , Kawada Norifumi , Nakatani Kazuki , Ikeda Kazuo , Yamagishi Toshiyuki , Nakajima Yuji
Published: December 2006

During early vertebrate development, Rho‐associated kinases (ROCKs) are involved in various developmental processes. Here, we investigated spatiotemporal expression patterns of ROCK1 protein and examined the role of ROCK during initial heart myofibrillogenesis in cultured chick blastoderm. Immunohistochemistry showed that ROCK1 protein was distributed in migrating mesendoderm cells, visceral mesoderm of the pericardial coelom (from which cardiomyocytes will later develop), and cardiomyocytes of the primitive heart tube. Pharmacological inhibition of ROCK by Y27632 did not alter the myocardial specification process in cultured posterior blastoderm. However, Y27632 disturbed the formation of striated heart myofibrils in cultured posterior blastoderm. Furthermore, Y27632 affected the formation of costamere, a vinculin/integrin‐based rib‐like cell adhesion site. In such cardiomyocytes, cell–cell adhesion was disrupted and N‐cadherin was distributed in the perinuclear region. Pharmacological inactivation of myosin light chain kinase, a downstream of ROCK, by ML‐9 perturbed the formation of striated myofibrils as well as costameres, but not cell–cell adhesion. These results suggest that ROCK plays a role in the formation of initial heart myofibrillogenesis by means of actin–myosin assembly, and focal adhesion/costamere and cell–cell adhesion. Developmental Dynamics 236:461–472, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of serine proteases from marine sponges by 2‐D zymography
Authors: Wilkesman Jeff G. , Schröder Heinz C.
Published: December 2006

Proteolytic activities isolated from the marine demosponges Geodia cydonium and Suberites domuncula were analyzed by 2‐D zymography, a technique that combines IEF and zymography. After purification, a 200 kDa proteolytically active protein band was obtained from G. cydonium when analyzed in gelatin copolymerized 1‐D zymograms. The enzymatic activity was quantified using α‐N‐benzoyl‐D‐arginine p‐nitroanilide (BAPNA) as a substrate and corresponded to a serine protease. The protease activity was resistant to urea and SDS. DTT and 2‐mercaptoethanol (2‐ME) did not significantly change the protease activity, but induced a shift in molecular mass of the proteolytic band to lower Mr values as detected by zymography. Under mild denaturing conditions, lower Mr bands (<200 kDa) were identified in 1‐D zymograms, suggesting that the protease is composed of subunits which retain the catalytic activity. After 2‐D zymography, the protease from G. cydonium revealed a pI of 8.0 and an Mr shift from 200 to 66 kDa. To contrast these results, a cytosolic sample from S. domuncula was analyzed. The proteolytic activity of this sponge after 2‐D zymography corresponded to an Mr of 40 kDa and a pI of 4.0. The biological function of both sponge proteases is not yet known. This study demonstrates that mild denaturing conditions required for IEF may alter the interpretation of the 2‐D zymography, and care must be taken during sample preparation.
Mapping of Malus domestica allergens by 2‐D electrophoresis and IgE‐reactivity
Authors: Herndl Anita , Marzban Gorji , Kolarich Daniel , Hahn Rainer , Boscia Donato , Hemmer Wolfgang , Maghuly Fatemeh , Stoyanova Elitza , Katinger Hermann , Laimer Margit
Published: December 2006

The importance of apple allergens has been repeatedly emphasized, and their presence has been confirmed both in pollen and in fruits. In the present study, a combination of proteomic tools have been used to build a complete allergen map of apple. The water‐soluble fraction of an apple extract was precipitated using a phenol‐based procedure and separated by 2‐DE. Initially four previously classified allergens, Mal d 1, Mal d 2, Mal d 3 and Mal d 4, could be identified in Western blots with polyclonal rabbit antibodies directed to the four respective allergens, and subsequently matched to the bands recognized by several patient sera. Further, all four known apple allergens were localized on a 2‐DE map and they were matched with spots recognized by sera of patients with different allergic patterns. Moreover, a new, putative allergen could be identified using MS. We evaluated the influence of post‐translational modifications and the immunoreactivity under different analytical conditions. The comparison of different visualization methods for 2‐DE gels and blots revealed that even very low concentrations of the intact epitopes are detectable by IgEs of patients, and therefore might be sufficient to trigger allergic symptoms in sensitized individuals.
Knowledge of dementia among South Asian (Indian) older people in Manchester, UK
Authors: Purandare Nitin , Luthra Vikram , Swarbrick Caroline , Burns Alistair
Published: December 2006

Objectives

The aim of this study was to examine knowledge of dementia in South Asian older people, as compared with Caucasian older people.

Methods

Attendees, not known to suffer from dementia, of one South Asian and two predominantly Caucasian day centres for older people in Manchester (UK) were asked to complete the Dementia Knowledge Questionnaire (DKQ). The DKQ was translated into Gujarathi and Urdu by the professional translators.

Results

One hundred and ninety‐one DKQs from Indian and 55 DKQs from Caucasian (white UK/Irish/European) older people were included in the analyses. Knowledge of dementia was poor in both Indian and Caucasian older people, especially so in the former. The median (25th–75th percentile) total DKQ scores were 3 (2–5) in Indians and 6 (3.5–9) in Caucasians (p < 0.001). Indian older people showed significantly less knowledge about basic aspects (p < 0.001) and epidemiology (p < 0.001) of dementia when compared to Caucasian older people. Both groups faired equally badly on questions about aetiology (p = 0.91) and symptomatology (p = 0.66). Indian older people were less aware of personality, reasoning, and speech being the affected in dementia (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p = 0.04, respectively).

Conclusion

Indian older people in Manchester (UK) do not seem to have sufficient knowledge about dementia, which may be one of the reasons for their relative absence in the local dementia treatment clinics. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Asymptomatic spontaneous cerebral emboli and cognitive decline in a cohort of older people: a prospective study
Authors: Voshaar Richard C. Oude , Purandare Nitin , Hardicre Jayne , McCollum Charles , Burns Alistair
Published: December 2006

Background

Asymptomatic spontaneous cerebral emboli (SCE) are common in dementia and are associated with cognitive decline in dementia. The significance of their presence in older people is unknown.

Method

We included 96 participants (mean (SD) age 76.8 (6.7) years, 46% female) who were the control group in a case‐control study to evaluate SCE in dementia. Cognitive functioning was assessed prospectively over 2.5 years, using the MMSE and CAMCOG.

Results

The mean (SD) MMSE score was 28.7 (1.4) at baseline with an average (SD) drop of 0.79 (0.91) per year. The presence of SCE was not related to the annual drop in MMSE score, nor to the CAMCOG score at follow‐up (p = 0.88 and p = 0.41, respectively). Linear regression analyses identified higher age in years (β = 0.29, p = 0.003), history of stroke (β = 0.31, p = 0.001) and carotid stenosis (β = 0.28, p = 0.003) as independent predictors of cognitive decline.

Conclusion

We found no association between the presence of SCE and subsequent cognitive decline in older people without dementia. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Utility of the Algase Wandering Scale in an outpatient Alzheimer's disease sample
Authors: Marcus Jacqueline F. , Cellar Janet S. , Ansari Farzaneh Pour , Bliwise Donald L.
Published: December 2006

Background

Wandering represents a major problem in the management of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study we examined the utility of the Algase Wandering Scale (AWS), a newly developed psychometric instrument that asks caregivers to assess the likelihood of wandering behavior.

Methods

The AWS was administered to the caregivers of 40 AD patients and total and subscale scores were examined in relation to measures of mental and functional status, depressive symptoms and medication usage.

Results

AWS scores were comparable, though slightly lower, than those normative values previously published. Higher scores were associated with more severe dementia. The Negative Outcome subscale showed a significant increase in reported falls or injuries in association with anti‐depressant use.

Conclusions

These data provide some construct validation for the AWS as a potentially useful scale to assess wandering behaviors in AD. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Collisions of ideal gas molecules with a rough/fractal surface. A computational study
Authors: Panczyk Tomasz
Published: December 2006

The frequency of collisions of ideal gas molecules (argon) with a rough surface has been studied. The rough/fractal surface was created using random deposition technique. By applying various depositions, the roughness of the surface was controlled and, as a measure of the irregularity, the fractal dimensions of the surfaces were determined. The surfaces were next immersed in argon (under pressures 2 × 103 to 2 × 105 Pa) and the numbers of collisions with these surfaces were counted. The calculations were carried out using a simplified molecular dynamics simulation technique (only hard core repulsions were assumed). As a result, it was stated that the frequency of collisions is a linear function of pressure for all fractal dimensions studied (D = 2, …, 2.5). The frequency per unit pressure is quite complex function of the fractal dimension; however, the changes of that frequency with the fractal dimension are not strong. It was found that the frequency of collisions is controlled by the number of weakly folded sites on the surfaces and there is some mapping between the shape of adsorption energy distribution functions and this number of weakly folded sites. The results for the rough/fractal surfaces were compared with the prediction given by the Langmuir‐Hertz equation (valid for smooth surface), generally the departure from the Langmuir‐Hertz equation is not higher than 48% for the studied systems (i.e. for the surfaces created using the random deposition technique). © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 28: 681–688, 2007