bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and correlates of arthritis‐attributable work limitation in the US population among persons ages 18–64: 2002 National Health Interview Survey Data
Authors: Theis Kristina A. , Murphy Louise , Hootman Jennifer M. , Helmick Charles G. , Yelin Edward
Published: March 2007

Objective

To estimate the national prevalence of arthritis‐attributable work limitation (AAWL) among persons ages 18–64 with doctor‐diagnosed arthritis and examine correlates of AAWL.

Methods

Using the 2002 National Health Interview Survey, we estimated the prevalence of AAWL (limited in whether individuals work, the type of work they do, or the amount of work they do) and correlates of AAWL in univariable and multivariable‐adjusted logistic regression analyses. Survey data were analyzed in SAS and SUDAAN to account for the complex sample design.

Results

A total of 5.3% of all US adults ages 18–64 reported AAWL; in this age group, AAWL is reported by ∼30% of those who report arthritis. The prevalence of AAWL was highest among people ages 45–64 years (10.2%), women (6.3%), non‐Hispanic blacks (7.7%), people with less than a high school education (8.6%), and those with an annual household income <$20,000 (12.6%). AAWL was substantially increased among people with arthritis‐attributable activity limitations (multivariable‐adjusted odds ratio [OR] 9.1, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 7.1–11.6). The multivariable‐adjusted likelihood of AAWL was moderately higher among non‐Hispanic blacks (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2–2.3), Hispanics (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2–2.6), and people with high levels of functional/social/leisure limitations (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.4–2.3) and was decreased among those with a college education (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4–0.8).

Conclusion

AAWL is highly prevalent, affecting millions of Americans and one‐third of adults with doctor‐diagnosed arthritis. Findings suggest the need for more targeted research to better understand the natural history, success of interventions, and effects of policy on AAWL. Public health interventions, including self‐management education programs, may be effective in countering AAWL.
The Australian/Canadian Osteoarthritis Hand Index in a community‐dwelling population of older adults: Reliability and validity
Authors: Dziedzic Krysia S. , Thomas Elaine , Myers Helen , Hill Susan , Hay Elaine M.
Published: March 2007

Objective

To assess the acceptability and measurement properties of the Australian/Canadian Osteoarthritis Hand Index (AUSCAN) applied to a community‐dwelling population of older adults with hand problems.

Methods

Data were obtained from 2 related sources: 2,113 responders to a 2‐stage cross‐sectional postal survey who reported hand problems in the previous 12‐months, and 55 participants with hand problems completing a clinical assessment. The AUSCAN subscales were assessed for data quality and scaling properties. Test–retest reliability was assessed in clinical participants reporting no change in their hand condition at 1 month. Construct and criterion validity were evaluated using other data from the survey and clinical assessment. Internal consistency of the subscales was tested using Cronbach's alpha and item‐total correlations.

Results

AUSCAN subscales had high completion rates in the survey (missing data: 2.3–2.7%). Subscale scores covered the possible range but were skewed towards lower pain, stiffness, and functional problems. Test–retest reliability estimates supported the use of the pain and stiffness subscales (ρ > 0.7), with the estimate for stiffness being slightly lower (ρ = 0.64). The subscales demonstrated both construct validity (significantly higher subscale scores in participants reporting a recent general practitioner consultation for their hand problems and high correlations with hand function performance measures) and criterion validity (high correlations with generic health measures and disease‐specific measures).

Conclusion

The AUSCAN is a valid and reliable measure of hand problems in a community‐dwelling population of older adults. The AUSCAN performs well both in terms of its internal reliability and its relationship with external constructs.
Validation of the Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada magnetic resonance imaging spinal inflammation index: Is it necessary to score the entire spine?
Authors: Maksymowych Walter P. , Dhillon Suhkvinder S. , Park Roy , Salonen David , Inman Robert D. , Lambert Robert G. W.
Published: March 2007

Objective

The Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) spinal inflammation index has been developed to objectively measure inflammation in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and to assess change in response to therapeutic intervention. Scoring of the entire spine limits feasibility and a scoring method that records inflammation in only the more severely affected spinal segments may improve feasibility without sacrificing performance.

Methods

MRI films of 68 patients with AS were assessed in random order by 2 blinded readers. Interreader reliability was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient. Pre‐ and posttreatment MRI films of 29 patients randomized to placebo or anti–tumor necrosis factor α (anti‐TNFα) therapy were read by readers blinded to chronology, and responsiveness was assessed by effect size and standardized response mean. The performance of scores based on 6, 8, 10, and all 23 spinal discovertebral units (DVU) was compared.

Results

The median number of affected spinal levels per patient was 6.0 and 62% of all affected levels were included when analysis was limited to only the 6 most severely affected levels per patient. Comparison of DVU scores that were limited to only the more severely affected DVU (6‐, 8‐, 10‐DVU score) with scores for all 23 spinal DVU showed excellent interreader reliability for status and change scores (Spearman's correlation >0.90) as well as similar construct validity. Responsiveness to anti‐TNFα therapy was greater when the more limited scoring methods were used and was greatest with the 6‐DVU score.

Conclusion

The SPARCC MRI spinal inflammation index performs better when analysis is limited to a maximum of 6 most severely affected levels compared with assessment of the entire spine. This should improve its feasibility in clinical trials and research.
Accreditation in Hong Kong and international peer review
Authors: Edgar Irene
Published: March 2007

Increasingly, student outcomes assessment is being viewed as a component of comprehensive academic program review. The Hong Kong peer review process is typical of program review in the United Kingdom and Europe. In the second article in this issue, Ruth Green describes a typical U.S. program review process. —Editor.
From the States: Performance funding in Texas
Authors: Gaither Gerald H.
Published: March 2007

“From the States” for this issue is written by my friend and guest columnist Jerry Gaither, who provides a good overview of Texas's “near miss” with performance funding. Other states currently examining performance funding options are Missouri, Minnesota, and Colorado. —Peter T. Ewell
Zur Aussagekraft von Simulationsergebnissen auf Basis der Testreferenzjahre (TRY) über die Häufigkeit sommerlicher Überhitzung
Authors: Pültz Gunter , Hoffmann Sabine
Published: March 2007

Ein immer wichtiger werdendes Qualitätsmerkmal moderner Bürogebäude ist in der thermischen Behaglichkeit im Sommer zu sehen. Da zunehmend auch die Nachhaltigkeit dieser Gebäude an Bedeutung gewinnt, kommen häufig passive Klimakonzepte ohne Kühlung und mechanische Lüftung zum Einsatz. Die Entwicklung und Beurteilung dieser energiesparenden Klimakonzepte fußt neben den Spitzenwerten der sommerlichen Raumtemperaturen auch auf der Häufigkeit erhöhter sommerlicher Raumtemperaturen, welche meist mit Hilfe zonaler, thermischer Simulationen vorausberechnet werden. Bei dieser Berechnung von Überschreitungshäufigkeiten sind meteorologische Daten für ein ganzes Jahr notwendig, wofür in Deutschland meist die Testreferenzjahre (TRY) des Deutschen Wetterdienstes (DWD) im Originalzustand verwendet werden. Diese wurden jedoch für andere Zwecke entwickelt und repräsentieren daher sommerliche Hitzeperioden nur ungenügend; darüber hinaus berücksichtigen die TRY urbane Wärmeinseln nicht und vernachlässigen den seit 1990 bereits stattgefundenen und zukünftig zunehmenden Klimawandel. Die auf Basis der Original‐TRY ermittelten Häufigkeiten erhöhter sommerlicher Raumtemperaturen sind daher unrealistisch niedrig und deshalb als Entscheidungsgrundlage für Klimakonzepte ungeeignet. Für realistischere Überschreitungshäufigkeiten empfiehlt sich daher der Einsatz von TRY mit implementierten Extremsommern und darüber hinaus eventuell auch die Nutzung von Wetterdaten für zukünftige Jahre, welche demnächst von den Meteorologen zur Verfügung gestellt werden.
Energetischer Wärmeschutz versus hygienischer Wärmeschutz – Sind die derzeitigen Auslegungsklimate für den winterlichen Wärmeschutz geeignet zur Beurteilung der Schimmelpilzgefährdung alter und neuer Bausubstanz?
Authors: Oster Nils , Bredemeyer Jan
Published: March 2007

Wesentliche Grundlage für die Beurteilung von Schimmelpilzbildungen ist die Ermittlung der in den Schadensbereichen zu erwartenden minimalen Oberflächentemperaturen mit Hilfe von Wärmebrückenberechnungen. Diese erfolgen entsprechend den allgemein anerkannten Regeln der Technik stationär unter den winterlich kalten Auslegungsklimaten für den Mindestwärmeschutz. Die vorliegende Abhandlung erläutert zunächst den Ursprung dieser Randbedingungen im energetischen Wärmeschutz sowie die heute bestehenden Möglichkeiten und Anforderungen bei der Bewertung der Berechnungsergebnisse. Hierauf aufbauend wird gezeigt, dass diese derzeit anzuwendenden “kalten, trockenen” Randbedingungen jedoch entgegen der herkömmlichen Betrachtungsweise nicht die ungünstigsten zu erwartenden außenklimatischen Bedingungen wiedergeben. Nach Ansicht der Autoren ist insofern eine Modifizierung der rechnerischen Randbedingungen erforderlich, um die ungünstigeren “milden, feuchten” außenklimatischen Bedingungen der ?bergangsjahreszeiten berücksichtigen zu können. Hierzu werden mögliche Ansätze benannt.
R′w oder DnT,w? Überlegungen zur Kennzeichnung des Schallschutzes und Konsequenzen für eine Neufassung von DIN 4109
Authors: Ertel Hanno , Moll Wolfgang
Published: March 2007

DIN 4109 “Schallschutz im Hochbau” hat sich seit ihrer Veröffentlichung 1989 als Instrument zur Planung der Schalldämmung zwischen Wohnungen und Büros bewährt. Seit 1992 sind jedoch wesentliche europäischen Normen harmonisiert worden. Für den Schallschutz bedeutete dies die Abschaffung der Prüfung von Bauteilen in Laboranordnungen mit sog. bauüblichen Flankenübertragungen. Damit wurde das deutsche Schallschutzkonzept obsolet, das von der einfachen Übertragbarkeit der Messergebnisse R′w aus dem Labor auf die zu erwartende Schalldämmung R′w des geprüften Bauteils im ausgeführten Bau ausging. Mit dem Wegfall von DIN 52210 und ihrem Ersatz durch DIN EN ISO 140 waren im Prüflabor statt der Schallschutzgröße R′w nunmehr nur noch die Schalldämmung Rw des Bauteils zu messen. Der Beitrag behandelt sich daraus ergebende Fragen.
Zur Verwendung von Sprinkleranlagen im Wohnungsbau
Authors: Daniels Gary , Wallasch Karl
Published: March 2007

In der Normung wird die Verwendung von Sprinkleranlagen in Wohngebäuden nicht gefordert. Untersuchungen ergaben jedoch, daß ihr Einsatz im Brandfall die Zahl der Opfer reduzieren kann. Im Frühjahr 2007 werden die Richtlinien für England und Wales dahingehend verändert werden, daß für Wohngebäude mit einer Höhe von über 30 m Sprinkleranlagen einzusetzen sind. Der Beitrag diskutiert die Verwendung von Sprinkleranlagen in Wohngebäuden und zeigt ihren Einfluß auf typische Grundrisse für Wohngebäude auf.
Robustheit von Tragwerken – ein vergessenes Entwurfsziel?
Authors: Harte Reinhard , Krätzig Wilfried B. , Petryna Yuri S.
Published: March 2007

Tragwerke können auf ungewöhnlich hohe oder ungeplante Einwirkungen sehr unterschiedlich reagieren: Manche bleiben weitgehend frei von Schädigungen, anderen droht der Verlust ihrer Tragfähigkeit. Ein besonders schädigungsarmes Tragwerksverhalten bezeichnet man mit dem Begriff der Robustheit, bezogen auf eine bestimmte Ursache. Für diese Tragwerkseigenschaft fehlt jedoch – anders als z. B. für Redundanz oder Duktilität – bis heute eine exakte Definition und Quantifizierung. Der vorliegende Beitrag formuliert beides aus Ingenieursicht, erläutert Eigenschaften von Tragwerksrobustheit an Beispielen und weist auf Maßnahmenkataloge sowie Vorgehensweisen zur Robustheitserhöhung hin.
Online‐Monitoring und Berechnung der Betonspannungen infolge thermischen Zwangs für ein Trogbauwerk am Hauptbahnhof Berlin
Authors: Rostásy Ferdinand S. , Krauß Matias , Laube Martin , Rusack Thomas , Budelmann Harald
Published: March 2007

Das Trogbauwerk N führt die Nord‐Süd‐Linien des Hauptbahnhofes Berlin auf Geländeniveau. Näheres hierzu ist [1] zu entnehmen. Der hohe Grundwasserdruck erforderte die Kopplung der Trogsohle mit der Unterwasserbetonsohle. Weil hierdurch die lastunabhängigen Verformungen behindert werden, ist mit hohem Zwang zu rechnen. Zur Erfassung des Zwangs waren über das Regelwerk hinausgehende Annahmen notwendig. Die Deutsche Bahn hat deshalb das Online‐Monitoring zwangrelevanter Größen an einem repräsentativen Trog entschieden. Die Messungen begannen am Herstelltag dieses Blockes und werden im Bahnbetrieb fortgeführt. Über das Monitoring der Temperaturen, Relativverschiebungen und Pfahldehnungen ist bereits in [1] berichtet worden. In diesem Bericht werden die Ergebnisse der Betonspannungsmessungen im Zentrum der Trogsohle vorgestellt. Die Spannungen werden von der MPA Braunschweig in zwei Richtungen und zwei Ebenen mit hierfür entwickelten Sensoren gemessen.

Die Spannungen im frühen Betonalter werden von der Abbindewärme des Betons und vom Klima maßgeblich beeinflußt. Im nahezu gesamten Zeitraum traten am unteren Rand der Trogsohle Zugspannungen auf, während der obere Rand unter Druckspannungen stand. Untere Einrisse waren sehr wahrscheinlich. Die Zugspannung im Alter von 8 Wochen wurde als bleibender Sockelbetrag in den erhärteten Beton exportiert.

Der frühe Zwang ist bei der Ausführungsplanung nicht näher untersucht worden. In diesem Bericht werden den Meßwerten Rechenwerte der Spannungen an die Seite gestellt. Ziel der Untersuchung sind Aussagen zur Vorhersagegüte erprobter Näherungsverfahren zur Abschätzung des frühen Zwangs. Die berechneten Spannungen basieren auf den gemessenen Bauteiltemperaturen und Stoffgesetzen, die über Versuche abgeleitet worden sind. Die Behinderung der lastunabhängigen Verformungen im Gesamtsystem wurde an einem Ersatzsystem (Stabwerk) untersucht, in dem sämtliche behindernde Bauteile abgebildet sind. Die nichtlinearen Betonspannungen im Zentrum der Trogsohle wurden mit der Dreischichtenmethode berechnet. Die Gegenüberstellung der gemessenen und berechneten Spannungen ermöglicht Aussagen zur Vorhersagegüte der Ingenieurmodelle.
“Produktionsverfahren im Stahlbau” – online – Lehrveranstaltung via Internet – ein Versuch
Authors: Steinborn Thomas , Lange Jörg
Published: March 2007

Die Lehrveranstaltung “Produktionsverfahren im Stahlbau” der Technischen Universität Darmstadt wird seit zwei Jahren parallel zur Präsenzveranstaltung auch online angeboten. Externen Studierenden ist es somit möglich, an der Veranstaltung teilzunehmen, ohne daß sie in Darmstadt präsent sein müssen. Diese Umstellung ist ohne größere Eingriffe in die bestehende Lehrveranstaltung möglich gewesen und trotz beschränkter Ressourcen mit großem Erfolg umgesetzt worden.

Die Autoren sehen in dieser Erweiterung des traditionellen universitären Lehrangebots eine Möglichkeit, den durch äußere Sparzwänge auferlegten Kürzungen entgegenzuwirken und, im Verbund mit anderen Hochschulen, ein reichhaltiges Lehrangebot für die Studierenden aufrechtzuerhalten.

Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird über die Besonderheiten, die sich aus der Abwicklung dieses Lehrangebotes im World Wide Web ergeben, berichtet. Weiterhin werden einige Ergebnisse der Studentenbefragung und Prüfung vorgestellt.
Kaiser‐Wilhelm‐Gedächtniskirche Berlin – Qualität und Geschichte einer Instandsetzung
Authors: Weber Helmut
Published: March 2007

Beton und Stahlbeton sind relativ junge Baustoffe, die aber eine ständig wachsende Bedeutung haben. Die Kaiser‐Wilhelm‐Gedächtniskirche in Berlin wurde vor ca. 50 Jahren als Stahl‐ und Stahlbetonkonstruktion errichtet. An diesem Objekt wird beispielhaft dargestellt, wie man denkmalgeschützte Bauwerke unter Berücksichtigung der gültigen Richtlinien instandsetzen kann.
Do real estate assets hedge inflation better than financial assets? Some New Zealand evidence
Authors: Ting Zhou Ting , Gunasekarage Abeyratna , Power David M.
Published: March 2007

This study examined the effectiveness of real estate assets in hedging inflation; financial assets are also analysed for the purpose of comparison. The real estate assets classes examined include residential, commercial, industrial and farm buildings, whereas the financial assets classes include stocks, short‐term government bonds and long‐term government bonds. The rate of inflation is proxied by the change in consumer price index. The findings revealed that all four types of real estate assets provide a partial hedge against actual inflation. However, their financial counterparts failed to provide any hedge against inflation. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do real estate mutual funds enhance portfolio returns and reduce portfolio risk?
Authors: Gullett Nell S. , Redman Arnold L.
Published: March 2007

This study examines both the determinants of risk‐adjusted returns of real estate mutual funds relative to that of five categories of equity mutual funds and the systematic risk/return impacts on mutual fund portfolios when combined with real estate mutual funds. We find that there are three variables that are significant in affecting risk‐adjusted returns of real estate mutual funds: correlation with stock market returns, expense ratio and tax efficiency. Real estate funds with returns that have a greater association with stock market returns would have larger risk‐adjusted returns. Low tax efficiency and larger expense ratios would lead to reduced risk‐adjusted returns. This study provides evidence of the positive risk/return impacts of including real estate mutual funds in a portfolio of equity mutual funds. Combining real estate mutual funds into equally weighted portfolios with non‐real estate mutual funds would have increased portfolio returns while decreasing portfolio beta. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using Selection to Identify and Chemical Microarray to Study the RNA Internal Loops Recognized by 6′‐N‐Acylated Kanamycin A
Authors: Disney Matthew D. , Childs‐Disney Jessica L.
Published: March 2007

Herein, we describe our initial steps towards identifying the RNA secondary structure motifs that are recognized by small molecules. We selected members of an RNA 3×3 internal loop motif library that bind kanamycin A, an RNA‐binding aminoglycoside antibiotic, by using only one round of selection. A small internal‐loop library was chosen because members are likely to be present in other larger, biologically relevant RNAs. We have identified several internal loops of various size and base composition that kanamycin A prefers to bind. The highest affinity structures are two 5′‐UU/3′‐CU 2×2 internal loops closed by AU pairs. Binding is specific for the selected internal loops with the highest affinities, since binding to the RNA cassette used to display the library or to DNA is >150‐fold weaker. Enzymatic mapping experiments also confirm binding of kanamycin A to the internal loops. This method lays the foundation for finding RNA secondary structure elements that bind small molecules and for interrogating factors affecting RNA–ligand interactions. Information from these and subsequent studies will: 1) facilitate the rational and modular design of drugs or probes that bind target RNAs with high affinity, provided the secondary structure of the target is known and 2) give insight into the potential bystander RNAs that aminoglycosides bind.
Cover Picture: Synthesis of a 13C‐Methyl‐Group‐Labeled Methionine Precursor as a Useful Tool for Simplifying Protein Structural Analysis by NMR Spectroscopy (ChemBioChem 6/2007)
Authors: Fischer Michael , Kloiber Karin , Häusler Johannes , Ledolter Karin , Konrat Robert , Schmid Walther
Published: March 2007

The cover picture shows the structure of the C‐terminal SH2 domain of the signal transduction protein PLC‐γ1. [4‐13C]methylthio‐2‐oxobutanoates were used as precursors to introduce labeled methionines into the protein selectively. Synthesis of the labeled precursor was performed on a preparative scale by following a specially designed short and economical reaction sequence. Incorporation of the target protein into the SH2 domain was achieved by protein expression in E. coli BL21 (DE3) and confirmed by 13C,1H HSQC spectroscopy. The presence of selectively labeled methionine S‐methyl groups in defined positions significantly facilitates structural and dynamic NMR analysis of the protein. Since this synthetic route could give access to a variety of labeling patterns within the carbon skeleton of methionine, the precursor is a powerful tool for answering structural biological questions. Further details on the synthesis, incorporation and NMR investigations can be found in the article by R. Konrat, W. Schmid, et al. on p. 610 ff. The cover picture was drawn by using MOLMOL.
Changes in brain function during acute cannabis intoxication: preliminary findings suggest a mechanism for cannabis‐induced violence
Authors: Howard Richard C. , Menkes David B.
Published: March 2007

Background Recent evidence suggests that cannabis use may be associated with antisocial and violent behaviour, raising the question: What brain mechanisms mediate the disinhibiting effects of cannabis on behaviour?

Aims/Hypotheses To examine whether an electrocortical measure of affective impulsivity, Go/No Go contingent negative variation, is affected by acute cannabis intoxication.

Methods Slow brain potentials were recorded in a Go/No Go noise avoidance task from five habitual cannabis users before, during and after they smoked a cannabis reefer containing 11 mg D‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol.

Results Slow brain potentials developed normally in both Go and No Go conditions before and during cannabis smoking but were severely disrupted 20–40 minutes later, coincident with peak intoxication. Cannabis effects on Go/No Go brain activity resembled those reported to occur in patients with lateral prefrontal cortex lesions.

Conclusion/Implications Our findings are preliminary, calling for larger‐scale studies, to confirm the present findings and to investigate whether brain responses to cannabis intoxication differentiate those who are predisposed to suffer adverse consequences of cannabis use from those who are not. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of rugby match outcome on spectator aggression and intention to drink alcohol
Authors: Moore Simon C. , Shepherd Jonathan P. , Eden Sam , Sivarajasingam Vaseekaran
Published: March 2007

Background Alcohol, aggression and assault injury are strongly associated with popular sporting events, but mediating factors are not clear.

Aims To explore aggression, happiness and plans to consume alcohol among spectators before and spectators after sports matches.

Methods Cross‐sectional surveys of male rugby football fans at an international stadium generated four groups: a pre‐match group of 111 men, and three post‐match groups of supporters, 17 whose team had won, 23 whose team had lost and 46 whose team had drawn. Consenting participants were assessed using the assault sub‐scale of the Buss‐Durkee Hostility Inventory, on a self‐rating of happiness (Likert scale), for planned alcohol consumption and demographic variables. Pre‐ and post‐match group mean responses were compared.

Results Analyses were performed on 197 male spectators (mean age 42 years). Spectators in ‘win’ (z = 2.63, p < 0.01) and ‘draw’ (z = 2.76, p < 0.01) groups rated themselves as more aggressive than those in the pre‐game group, but those in the losing group did not (z = −0.03, p > 0.05). No differences, however, were observed between pre‐match, ‘win’, ‘draw’ or ‘lose’ groups on the decision to drink after the match. Winning did not increase happiness (t = 0.25, p > 0.05), but losing (t = 2.09, p < 0.05) or drawing (t = 7.64, p < 0.001) decreased it.

Conclusions This study suggests that team success but not failure may increase aggression among supporters, and that aggression, not celebration, drives post‐match alcohol consumption. Losing and drawing decreased happiness but winning did not increase it. Better understanding of pathways to violence in these circumstances will pave the way for more effective prevention and management strategies. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Renal hemodynamics: Theory and practical tips
Authors: Siddiqui Tariq S. , Elghoul Ziad , Reza Syed T. , Leesar Massoud A.
Published: March 2007

The angiographic assessment of renal artery stenosis (RAS) is often difficult and not reliable. A hyperemic systolic pressure gradient (HSPG) >20 mm Hg provides the highest concordance rate of 100% with an intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) minimal lumen cross sectional area <8.6 mm2 to predict the severity of RAS. We present 4 cases in whom the role of HSPG and IVUS compared with angiography for the assessment of the severity of RAS is discussed. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Glass analysis for forensic purposes—a comparison of classification methods
Authors: Zadora Grzegorz
Published: March 2007

One of the purposes of the chemical analysis of glass fragments (pieces of glass of linear dimension ca. 0.5 mm) for forensic purposes is a classification of those fragments into use categories, for example windows, car headlights and containers. The object of this research was to check the efficiency of Naïve Bayes Classifiers (NBCs) and Support Vector Machines (SVMs) to the application of the classification of glass objects when those objects may be described by the major and minor elemental concentrations obtained by Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with an Energy Dispersive X‐ray spectrometer which is routinely used in many forensic institutes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chiral recognition ability and solvent versatility of bonded amylose tris(3,5‐dimethylphenylcarbamate) chiral stationary phase: Enantioselective liquid chromatographic resolution of racemic N‐alkylated barbiturates and thalidomide analogs
Authors: Ghanem Ashraf , Al‐Humaidi Ebtessam
Published: March 2007

The chiral recognition ability and solvent versatility of a new chiral stationary phase containing amylose 3,5‐dimethylphenylcarabamate immobilized onto silica gel (CHIRALPAK® IA) is investigated. Thus, the direct enantioselective separation of a set of racemic N‐alkylated barbiturates and 3‐alkylated analogs of thalidomide was conducted using different nonstandard solvents as eluent and diluent, respectively in high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The separation, resolution, and elution order of the investigated compounds were compared on both immobilized and coated amylose tris(3,5‐dimethylphenylcarbamate) chiral stationary phases (Chiralpak IA and Chiralpak AD, respectively) using a mixture of n‐hexane/2‐propanol (90:10 v/v) as mobile phase with different flow‐rates and fixed UV detection at 254 nm. The effect of the immobilization of the amylose tris(3,5‐dimethylphenylcarbamate) chiral stationary phase on silica (Chiralpak IA) on the chiral recognition ability was noted as the bonded phase (Chiralpak IA) was superior in chiral recognition and possesses a higher resolving power in most of the reported cases than the coated one (Chiralpak AD). A few racemates were not or poorly resolved on the immobilized Chiralpak IA or the coated Chiralpak AD when using standard solvents were most efficiently resolved on the immobilized Chiralpak IA upon using nonstandard solvents. Furthermore, the immobilized phase withstands the nonstandard (prohibited) HPLC solvents such as dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, tetrahydrofuran, methyl‐tert‐butyl ether, and others when used as eluents or as a dissolving agent for the analyte itself. The direct analysis of a real sample extracted from plasma using DCM on Chiralpak IA is also shown. Chirality, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stereoselective regulation of MDR1 expression in Caco‐2 cells by cetirizine enantiomers
Authors: Shen Shuijie , He Ying , Zeng Su
Published: March 2007

MDR1‐encoded P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) is a drug efflux transporter mainly expressed in liver, kidney, intestine, brain (at the level of the blood‐brain barrier), and placenta. It thus plays important roles in drug absorption, distribution, and excretion. Cetirizine is a second‐generation nonsedating antihistamine used to treat allergic disease of respiratory system, skin and eyes. To evaluate P‐gp expression and function in Caco‐2 cells pretreated with cetirizine enantiomers, we assessed the sensitivity of Caco‐2 cells to paclitaxel using the MTT assay and the polarized transport of rhodamine‐123 and doxorubicin across Caco‐2 monolayers. RT‐PCR and flow cytometry were used to assay MDR1 mRNA and P‐gp protein respectively. The sensitivity of Caco‐2 cells to paclitaxel decreased significantly after cells were pretreated with 100 μM R‐cetirizine but increased upon treatment with S‐cetirizine. The efflux of rhodamine‐123 and doxorubicin was enhanced significantly after Caco‐2 monolayers were pretreated with 100 μM R‐cetirizine but was reduced by S‐cetirizine. The MDR1 mRNA and P‐gp levels in Caco‐2 cells were increased by 100 μM R‐cetirizine and decreased by 100 μM S‐cetirizine. These results suggest that R‐cetirizine up‐regulates MDR1 expression while S‐cetirizine down‐regulates MDR1 expression. Chirality, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ER81 and CaMKIV identify anatomically and phenotypically defined subsets of mouse olfactory bulb interneurons
Authors: Saino‐Saito Sachiko , Cave John W. , Akiba Yosuke , Sasaki Hayato , Goto Kaoru , Kobayashi Kazuto , Berlin Roseann , Baker Harriet
Published: March 2007

The mechanisms underlying dopamine (DA) phenotypic differentiation in the olfactory bulb (OB) have not yet been fully elucidated and are the subject of some controversy. OB DA interneurons destined for the glomerular layer were shown to originate in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and in the rostral migratory stream (RMS). The current study investigated whether calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase IV (CaMKIV) either alone or together with the Ets transcription factor ER81 was necessary for phenotypic determination during migration of progenitors. In most brain areas, including the OB, CaMKIV and ER81 displayed a reciprocal distribution. In the SVZ, only ER81 could be demonstrated. In the RMS, a subpopulation of progenitors contained ER81, but few, if any, contained CaMKIV. In OB, CaMKIV expression, restricted to deep granule cells, showed limited overlap with ER81. ER81 expression was weak in deep granule cells. Strong labeling occurred in the mitral and glomerular layers, where ER81 colabeled dopaminergic periglomerular cells that expressed either tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) or green fluorescent protein, the latter reporter gene under control of 9‐kb of 5′ TH promoter. Odor deprivation resulted in a significant 5.2‐fold decline in TH immunoreactivity, but ER81 exhibited a relatively small 1.7‐fold decline in immunoreactivity. TH expression as well as brain and bulb size were unchanged in CaMKIV knockout mice. These data suggest that ER81 may be required but is not sufficient for DA neuron differentiation and that CaMKIV is not directly involved in TH gene regulation. J. Comp. Neurol. 502:485–496, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Migration of sympathetic preganglionic neurons in the spinal cord is regulated by reelin‐dependent Dab1 tyrosine phosphorylation and CrkL
Authors: Yip Yee Ping , Kronstadt‐O'Brien Priscilla , Capriotti Christine , Cooper Jonathan A. , Yip Joseph W.
Published: March 2007

The actions of Reelin in neuronal positioning in the developing cortex and cerebellum are relayed by Src‐family kinase (SFK)‐mediated phosphorylation of Dab1. Biochemical studies show that after phosphorylation Dab1 binds to an adaptor protein, CrkL. Whether CrkL is important for Reelin signaling in vivo is unknown, because crkl−/− embryos die before cortical development is complete. In the developing spinal cord, Reelin and components of its signaling pathway, VLDLR, ApoER2, and Dab1, control the positioning of sympathetic preganglionic neurons (SPN); however, it is not known whether SFKs or Dab1 tyrosine phosphorylation is required. In the present study, we asked whether Reelin‐controlled SPN migration depends on tyrosine phosphorylation of Dab1 by SFKs and whether CrkL is involved in SPN migration. To answer these questions, we examined the location of SPN in various mutant mouse embryos. Results showed that, in dab15F/5F embryos, which express a nonphosphorylated mutant of Dab1, and in src−/−fyn−/− double knockout embryos, the location of SPN is identical to that of reeler. These results show that tyrosine phosphorylation of Dab1 by SFKs is required for Reelin‐regulated SPN positioning. In addition, we found that SPN migration in crkl−/− showed a partial reeler phenotype, suggesting a partial loss of response of SPN to Reelin signaling. These results suggest a role for CrkL in the Reelin signaling pathway to control neuronal migration. J. Comp. Neurol. 502:635–643, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synaptic organization of lobula plate tangential cells in Drosophila: γ‐Aminobutyric acid receptors and chemical release sites
Authors: Raghu Shamprasad Varija , Joesch Maximilian , Borst Alexander , Reiff Dierk F.
Published: March 2007

In flies, the large tangential cells of the lobula plate represent an important processing center for visual navigation based on optic flow. Although the visual response properties of these cells have been well studied in blowflies, information on their synaptic organization is mostly lacking. Here we study the distribution of presynaptic release and postsynaptic inhibitory sites in the same set of cells in Drosophila melanogaster. By making use of transgenic tools and immunohistochemistry, our results suggest that HS and VS cells of Drosophila express γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in their dendritic region within the lobula plate, thus being postsynaptic to inhibitory input there. At their axon terminals in the protocerebrum, both cell types express synaptobrevin, suggesting the presence of presynaptic specializations there. HS‐ and VS‐cell terminals additionally show evidence for postsynaptic GABAergic input, superimposed on this synaptic polarity. Our findings are in line with the general circuit for visual motion detection and receptive field properties as postulated from electrophysiological and optical recordings in blowflies, suggesting a similar functional organization of lobula plate tangential cells in the two species. J. Comp. Neurol. 502:598–610, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ocular deficits associated with alcohol exposure during zebrafish development
Authors: Dlugos Cynthia A. , Rabin Richard A.
Published: March 2007

Approximately 90% of fetal alcohol syndrome cases are accompanied by ocular abnormalities. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a well‐known developmental model that provides an opportunity for better understanding the histological and cytological effects of developmental exposure to ethanol on the vertebrate eye. The purpose of the present study was to determine the gross, microscopic, and ultrastructual effects of developmental exposure to ethanol in the zebrafish model. Eggs were obtained from WT outbred zebrafish and exposed to 0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.5%, or 1.0% (v/v) ethanol to assess viability and the effect of dose and duration of exposure on eye size. Light and electron microscopy were performed on ethanol‐treated and control larvae. Results showed that ethanol treatment decreased viability by about 20% at concentrations of 0.1–0.5% ethanol and by 50% at 1.0% ethanol. Ethanol‐related decreases in eye size were recorded at 6 days postfertilization (dpf) and were dose dependent. There were significant decreases in the volumes of the photoreceptor, inner nuclear, and ganglionic layers and in the lens of 9 dpf ethanol‐exposed compared with control larvae. Ultrastructural examination showed signs of developmental lags in the ethanol‐treated fish as well as abnormal retinal apoptosis in the 6 dpf ethanol‐treated larvae compared with their controls. These results demonstrate that the developing zebrafish eye is sensitive to perturbation with ethanol and displays some of the eye deficits present in fetal alcohol syndrome. J. Comp. Neurol. 502:497–506, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Steroidogenic enzymes along the ventricular proliferative zone in the developing songbird brain
Authors: London Sarah E. , Schlinger Barney A.
Published: March 2007

Neural development requires regulation and coordination of the differentiation, migration, and survival of newly divided cells, most of which derive from the region surrounding the lateral ventricles. While many factors are involved in these maturational processes, studies of cell proliferation and neurogenesis in songbirds indicate that sex steroids may provide crucial cues to newly divided cells and may be fundamental to the organization of a specific neural circuit, the song system. In the case of the zebra finch, steroids that impact song system masculinization are most likely not synthesized from the gonads but from the brain, and evidence is mounting that both developing and adult zebra finches have the capacity for neurosteroidogenesis. Therefore, we hypothesized that during early development, all of the genes required for de novo sex steroid synthesis would be expressed in regions that would indicate a role for neurosteroids in neural organization. We found that the genes necessary for de novo neurosteroid synthesis at posthatch day 1 (P1) and P5 show a broad expression distribution. Most strikingly, the spatial distribution of expression for all of the genes necessary for androgen synthesis is similar to the previously described pattern of proliferating neuronal precursors along the lateral border of the lateral ventricle. Due to the increasing evidence for neurosteroid action on multiple cell traits, it may be that locally synthesized neurosteroids impact cells along the proliferative zone to influence early events in neural development generally and song system masculinization specifically. J. Comp. Neurol. 502:507–521, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Serotonin 5‐HT2A and 5‐HT5A receptors are expressed by different motoneuron populations in rat Onuf's nucleus
Authors: Xu Chen , Giuliano François , Sun X.Q. , Brisorgueil Marie‐Jeanne , Leclerc Patrick , Vergé Daniel , Conrath Marie
Published: March 2007

Motoneurons of Onuf's nucleus innervate the pelvic striated muscles, which play a crucial role in erection, ejaculation, and urinary continence. Serotonergic descending projections from the brain are involved in the modulation of Onuf's motoneuron activity. However, conflicting results regarding the effects of spinal serotonin (5‐HT) on pelvi‐perineal functions have been reported. They may be partly accounted for by the multiplicity of neuronal targets and receptor subtypes on which 5‐HT is acting. In order to provide comparative data regarding 5‐HT receptor expression in various groups of Onuf's motoneurons, we used retrograde tracing techniques from different pelvic muscles combined with immunocytochemistry of 5‐HT2A and 5‐HT5A receptors in male and female rats. In males, 5‐HT2A receptor immunolabeling was very dense in motoneurons innervating the ischiocavernosus muscle. By contrast, in female rats, 5‐HT2A receptor expression in Onuf's nucleus was very weak. In both genders, 5‐HT5A receptor immunoreactivity was found in motoneurons innervating the external urethral sphincter. In males, a moderate or low 5‐HT5A immunolabeling was observed in motoneurons innervating the bulbospongiosus and ischiocavernosus muscles, respectively. These data show a preferential localization of 5‐HT2A and 5‐HT5A receptors to motoneurons controlling the striated muscles located at the penile crus and sphincter muscles, respectively, suggesting a specific serotoninergic control on different pelvic functions. In addition, the subcellular distribution of receptors suggests a different mode of action of 5‐HT, paracrine at 5‐HT2A receptors and synaptic at 5‐HT5A receptors. This might have implications for pharmacological research targeting different pelvic functions e.g., micturition and ejaculation. J. Comp. Neurol. 502:620–634, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ultrastructural analysis of aminoglycoside‐induced hair cell death in the zebrafish lateral line reveals an early mitochondrial response
Authors: Owens Kelly N. , Cunningham Dale E. , Macdonald Glen , Rubel Edwin W. , Raible David W. , Pujol Remy
Published: March 2007

Loss of the mechanosensory hair cells in the auditory and vestibular organs leads to hearing and balance deficits. To investigate initial, in vivo events in aminoglycoside‐induced hair cell damage, we examined hair cells from the lateral line of the zebrafish, Danio rerio. The mechanosensory lateral line is located externally on the animal and therefore allows direct manipulation and observation of hair cells. Labeling with vital dyes revealed a rapid response of hair cells to the aminoglycoside neomycin. Similarly, ultrastructural analysis revealed structural alteration among hair cells within 15 minutes of neomycin exposure. Animals exposed to a low, 25‐μM concentration of neomycin exhibited hair cells with swollen mitochondria, but little other damage. Animals treated with higher concentrations of neomycin (50–200 μM) had more severe and heterogeneous cellular changes, as well as fewer hair cells. Both necrotic‐like and apoptotic‐like cellular damage were observed. Quantitation of the types of alterations observed indicated that mitochondrial defects appear earlier and more predominantly than other structural alterations. In vivo monitoring demonstrated that mitochondrial potential decreased following neomycin treatment. These results indicate that perturbation of the mitochondrion is an early, central event in aminoglycoside‐induced damage. J. Comp. Neurol. 502:522–543, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression pattern of Vasohibin during chick development
Authors: Nimmagadda Suresh , Geetha‐Loganathan Poongodi , Pröls Felicitas , Scaal Martin , Christ Bodo , Huang Ruijin
Published: March 2007

Vasohibin is an angiogenesis inhibitor that is induced in endothelial cells in an autocrine manner. In this study, we cloned a 500‐bp fragment of chick Vasohibin cDNA and analyzed its expression pattern by in situ hybridization during chick development. From HH‐stage 3, expression of Vasohibin is observed in the area opaca and it is expressed throughout the primitive streak during later stages. At HH‐stage 11, Vasohibin is expressed in head paraxial mesoderm, in the vitelline vein, dorsal neural tube, intermediate and lateral plate mesoderm, Wolffian duct, and blood islands at the caudal part of the embryo. In epithelial somites, expression is seen in the region around the somitocoel, and after somite maturation, expression is observed in the myotome, which becomes stronger with development. Expression is detected in fore and hind brain, also in the retina and lens vesicle of the developing eye. In the early limb bud, expression is initiated in the mesenchyme and becomes stronger during later stages. Expression in the limb mesoderm remains strong at the margins but decreases in the central mesenchyme. At day 7, expression is seen in interdigital grooves of the digits and digit‐demarcating regions. During organogenesis, expression is seen in the anlagen of the esophagus, trachea, duodenum, lungs, liver, heart, and gut. Our analysis shows that Vasohibin is expressed in a wide range of tissues and organs suggesting that Vasohibin acts as a physiological regulator of vascular development during chick embryogenesis. Developmental Dynamics 236:1358–1362, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A higher order continuum model for the dynamic shear behaviour of multi‐storey frames
Authors: Dündar Cengiz , Mengi Yalçin , Kiral Erhan
Published: March 2007

A continuum model is developed to predict the response of multi‐storey frames to dynamic excitations. The equations of the proposed theory are derived in a systematic manner using smoothing operations. The order of the theory is kept arbitrary. To appraise the validity of the theory natural frequencies and vibration shapes predicted by discrete and continuum models are compared. This comparison provides valuable information about goodness of the proposed model because natural frequencies and vibration shapes represent spectral structure of the theory. The most crucial finding obtained from the analysis is that, as an implication of the smoothing operations used in the derivation of the theory, one should define an effective height which is equal to the height of the frame plus half of the height of the top storey. The numerical results indicated that the use of effective height in the analysis improves the prediction of the theory considerably. It is found also that the number of modes the continuum model can describe correctly increases with the number of storeys and that the lowest number of storeys for which the theory can be used is three. Further, it is observed that an increase in the order of the theory improves greatly its prediction and that in the presence of non‐uniform distributions of frame properties, such as, of mass, stiffness, etc., the theory still remains valid.
Dynamic response of multistoreyed brick buildings
Authors: Qamaruddin M. , Arya A. S. , Chandra B.
Published: March 2007

The paper presents the seismic response analysis of a typical multistoreyed brick building. A number of variables representing the physical properties of the structural system, namely, number of storeys from one to four, wall thickness in various storeys from one to one and a half brick thick and damping from 5 per cent to 15 per cent of critical value are considered. A shear beam type multi‐degree‐of‐freedom oscillator is taken to represent these buildings mathematically in which the masses of the floors and walls are assumed as lumped at the floor levels and the floors are assumed as rigid diaphragms. Koyna and El Centro earthquake accelerograms, representing two seismicity levels, are used for computing dynamic response of the buildings. Overturning and torsional effects have been included in the determination of timewise net stresses in the building elements and their seismic capabilities have been examined. From this study the critical sections for providing reinforcing have been identified and the minimum amount of necessary steel has been estimated.
A time varying AR coefficient model for modelling and simulating earthquake ground motion
Authors: Gersch Will , Kitagawa Genshiro
Published: March 2007

A smoothness priors‐time varying autoregressive (AR) coefficient model method for the modelling of earthquake ground motion is shown. The method yields the instantaneous smoothed values of the AR coefficients and the instantaneous smoothed values of the innovations variance. These results in turn yield estimates of the instantaneous spectral density, the time varying covariance function and a simulation model for the ground motion data. An example of the application of the method to the analysis of an accelogram from the February 1971 San Fernando, California earthquake is shown.
Short communication block lanczos method for dynamic analysis of structures
Authors: Nour‐Omid Bahram , Clough Ray W.
Published: March 2007

The simple Lanczos method presented in a recent paper by the writers, with application to single vector loads, is extended to include a more general dynamic loading represented as a linear combination of k vectors (load patterns). The result is a set of orthogonal vectors that is used to transform the equations of motion to a banded form, the half‐bandwidth of which becomes k + 1. When k is small relative to the number of equations, this approach provides for a very efficient time‐stepping solution.