bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sichere Ausführung von Mauerwerk mit Dünnbettmörtel
Authors: Schröder Olaf
Published: June 2008

Der Anteil an Mauerwerk mit Dünnbettmörtel nimmt stetig zu. Die Vorteile dieser Ausführung – schneller Baufortschritt, hohe Wirtschaftlichkeit, weniger Feuchteeintrag ins Mauerwerk, ebene Wandoberflächen, höhere Festigkeiten – sind unbestritten. Die Umsetzung ist aber leider häufig fehlerhaft. Der prozentuale Anteil des Dünnbettmörtels im Mauerwerk ist im Vergleich zum Stein eigentlich gering. Doch gerade deshalb kommt ihm eine so große Bedeutung zu. Eine häufig getroffene Aussage vieler erfahrener Maurer: “Kleben kann doch jeder!” Ist es wirklich so? Nein. Kein Maurer würde auf die Idee kommen, Normalmörtel dünn wie Wasser anzumischen oder die Lagerfugen nur punktweise zu vermörteln. Das handwerkliche Können wäre in Frage gestellt, wenn man DIN A4‐Blätter durch die Normalmörtel‐Lagerfuge schieben könnte. Welcher Maurer würde bei einer 24 cm dicken Wand die Fuge mit Normalmörtel nur 17,5 cm oder 20 cm breit ausführen? Wohl keiner. Die Berufsehre (und offensichtlich auch handwerkliche Grundlagen) vieler Maurer scheinen sich jedoch mit der Verwendung von Dünnbettmörtel zu wandeln.
Cre recombinase‐mediated gene deletion in layer 4 of murine sensory cortical areas
Authors: Liao Guey‐Ying , Xu Baoji
Published: June 2008

Thalamocortical input to layer 4 carries the major ascending sensory information to the mammalian sensory cortex and is crucial for the function and plasticity of sensory cortical areas. Here we report identification of a Six3‐cre transgene that is selectively expressed in layer 4 of sensory cortical areas but not in the thalamus. In the mature somatosensory cortex Cre recombinase expressed from the transgene is able to mediate gene deletion in the overwhelming majority of layer 4 neurons, including GABAergic interneurons. The gene deletion in layer 4 mainly occurs during the first postnatal week. This cre transgene therefore provides a useful tool for examining the role of proteins expressed in layer 4 neurons. genesis 46:289–293, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantitative analysis of antennal mosaic generation in Drosophila melanogaster by the MARCM system
Authors: Gomez‐Diaz Carolina , Alcorta Esther
Published: June 2008

Mosaics have been used in Drosophila to study development and to generate mutant structures when a mutant allele is homozygous lethal. New approaches of directed somatic recombination based on FRT/FLP methods, have increased mosaicism rates but likewise multiple clones in the same individual appeared more frequently. Production of single clones could be essential for developmental studies; however, for cell‐autonomous gene function studies only the presence of homozygous cells for the target recessive allele is relevant. Herein, we report the number and extension of antennal mosaics generated by the MARCM system at different ages. This information is directed to obtain the appropriated mosaic type for the intended application. By applying heat shock at 10 different developmental stages from 0–12 h to 6–7 days after egg laying, more than 50% of mosaics were obtained from 5,028 adults. Single recombinant clones appeared mainly at early stages while massive recombinant areas were observed with late treatments. genesis 46:283–288, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cre‐mediated recombination in mouse Clara cells
Authors: Li HuaiGuang , Cho Sung Nam , Evans Christopher M. , Dickey Burton F. , Jeong Jae‐Wook , DeMayo Francesco J.
Published: June 2008

Clara cells are nonciliated secretory cells lining the respiratory epithelium and are easily identified by the expression of Clara cell secretory protein (CCSP). To investigate molecular mechanism(s) regulating Clara cell function in the lungs, Cre recombinase was inserted into exon 1 of the CCSP, generating two novel mouse models, CCSPCre‐Neo and CCSPCre. These two models differ only by the inclusion of the neomycin resistance gene. These mice were bred to the R26R reporter mouse to investigate the tissue and cell specificity of Cre‐mediated recombination. The efficiency of Cre recombination in the CCSPCre mouse model was higher than in the CCSPCre‐Neo mouse model. Recombination was detected at D 4.5 in CCSPCre‐Neo/R26R mice and at D 0.5 in CCSPCre/R26R mice. The CCSPCre‐Neo and CCSPCre mouse models provide valuable tools for the ablation of genes in the postnatal mouse Clara cells. genesis 46:300–307, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A CK19CreERT knockin mouse line allows for conditional DNA recombination in epithelial cells in multiple endodermal organs
Authors: Means Anna L. , Xu Yanwen , Zhao Aizhen , Ray Kevin C. , Gu Guoqiang
Published: June 2008

Cre/LoxP‐mediated DNA recombination allows for gene function and cell lineage analyses during embryonic development and tissue regeneration. Here, we describe the derivation of a K19CreERT mouse line in which the tamoxifen‐activable CreERT was knocked into the endogenous cytokeratin 19 locus. In the absence of tamoxifen, leaky Cre activity could be detected only in less than 1% of stomach and intestinal epithelial cells, but not in pancreatic or hepatic epithelial tissues. Tamoxifen administration in postnatal animals induced widespread DNA recombination in epithelial cells of pancreatic ducts, hepatic ducts, stomach, and intestine in a dose‐dependent manner. Significantly, we found that Cre activity could be induced in the putative gut stem/progenitor cells that sustained long‐term gut epithelial expression of a Cre reporter. This mouse line should therefore provide a valuable reagent for manipulating gene activity and for cell lineage marking in multiorgans during normal tissue homeostasis and regeneration. genesis 46:318–323, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pitx3‐CreER mice showing restricted Cre expression in developing ocular lens and skeletal muscles
Authors: Qiu Hai‐Yan , Guo Chao , Cheng Xue‐Wen , Huang Ying , Xiong Zhi‐Qi , Ding Yu‐Qiang
Published: June 2008

To generate temporally controlled inactivation or activation of interested genes in Pitx3‐expressing cells, the tamoxifen‐inducible form of Cre, CreERT2, was inserted into the Pitx3 locus of a mouse BAC clone. Following a single dose of tamoxifen, Cre activity in Pitx3‐CreERT2 transgenic mice was observed in the ocular lens and skeletal muscles but not in the central nervous system at various embryonic stages. This mouse line provides a reagent for driving inducible Cre‐dependent recombination in the lens and skeletal muscles during embryonic development. genesis 46:324–328, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The IRG mouse: A two‐color fluorescent reporter for assessing Cre‐mediated recombination and imaging complex cellular relationships in situ
Authors: De Gasperi Rita , Rocher Anne B. , Sosa Miguel A. Gama , Wearne Susan L. , Perez Gissel M. , Friedrich Victor L. , Hof Patrick R. , Elder Gregory A.
Published: June 2008

The Cre‐loxP system is widely used for making conditional alterations to the mouse genome. Cre‐mediated recombination is frequently monitored using reporter lines in which Cre expression activates a reporter gene driven by a ubiquitous promoter. Given the distinct advantages of fluorescent reporters, we developed a transgenic reporter line, termed IRG, in which DsRed‐Express, a red fluorescent protein (RFP) is expressed ubiquitously prior to Cre‐mediated recombination and an enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) following recombination. Besides their utility for monitoring Cre‐mediated recombination, we show that in IRG mice red and green native fluorescence can be imaged simultaneously in thick tissue sections by confocal microscopy allowing for complex reconstructions to be created that are suitable for analysis of neuronal morphologies as well as neurovascular interactions in brain. IRG mice should provide a versatile tool for analyzing complex cellular relationships in both neural and nonneural tissues. genesis 46:308–317, 2008. Published 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Syntheses of D‐Labelled Oxidative Metabolites of Acrylamide and Acrylonitrile for the Quantification of Their Toxicities in Humans
Authors: Belov Vladimir N. , Korneev Sergei M. , Angerer Jürgen , de Meijere Armin
Published: June 2008

Syntheses of the labelled oxidative metabolites of acrylamide and acrylonitrile – reference compounds for the evaluation of human exposure to important toxicants – are reported. For that, L‐cystine tert‐butyl ester was acetylated and the product reductively cleaved to L‐cysteine tert‐butyl ester, which reacted with carbamoyl[D3]oxirane (obtained from [D3]acrylonitrile and 30 % aq. H2O2 at pH = 7.0–7.5) and afforded a separable mixture of tert‐butyl N‐acetyl‐S‐(2‐hydroxy‐2‐carbamoyl[D3]ethyl)cysteinate and tert‐butyl N‐acetyl‐S‐(1‐carbamoyl‐2‐hydroxy[D3]ethyl)cysteinate (ca. 9:1). Removal of the tert‐butyl group in these intermediates with aq. HCl gave the final deuterated internal standards with carbamoyl residues. Protection of the secondary hydroxy group in the major intermediate with tBuMe2SiCl/imidazole in DMF followed by dehydration of the carbamoyl group (trifluoroacetic anhydride/pyridine in CH2Cl2) and stepwise removal of the tert‐butyl and tBuMe2Si protecting groups (TFA, Et3SiH,CH2Cl2; aq. HF in MeCN) yielded N‐acetyl‐S‐(2‐cyano‐2‐hydroxy[D3]ethyl)cysteine. Monoprotection of [D4]ethylene glycol with tBuMe2SiCl and NaH in THF, oxidation to tBuMe2SiOCD2CDO, conversion to tBuMe2SiOCD2CD(OH)CN and tBuMe2SiOCD2CD(OTs)CN followed by nucleophilic substitution of the tosyloxy group with N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (MeOD, Et3N) and deprotection with 4 M HCl in dioxane resulted in N‐acetyl‐S‐(1‐cyano‐2‐hydroxy[D3]ethyl)cysteine. All transformations (except the last but one) gave the respective products in good yields.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
A Convenient Access to Variously Substituted Spiro[cyclopropane‐1,4′‐oxazoline]s
Authors: Dalai Suryakanta , Es‐Sayed Mazen , Nötzel Marcus , de Meijere Armin
Published: June 2008

Michael additions of carboxamides 2a–d under basic conditions onto methyl 2‐chloro‐2‐cyclopropylideneacetate (1) with subsequent ring closure furnished the 4‐spirocyclopropanated methyl oxazolinecarboxylates 3a–d (51–81 % yields), from which the corresponding free carboxylic acids 4a–d were obtained by hydrolysis in excellent yield (89–93 %). Coupling reactions of 4a–d with different o‐hydroxyaniline derivatives in the presence of HOAt/EDC and 2,4,6‐collidine gave the anilides 5 in good to very good yields (55–92 %). The latter under Mitsunobu reaction conditions (Ph3P/DEAD) furnished the benzoxazole derivatives 6 (81–88 %). The bromine substituent in the N‐methylated 4‐spirocyclopropanated 2‐(bromophenyl)oxazoline‐5‐carboxanilides 8c,d were aminated with various secondary amines under Buchwald–Hartwig reaction conditions to give the 2‐(aminophenyl)oxazolinecarboxanilides 9 (12–90 %). Suzuki cross‐couplings of 8c with arene‐ and hetareneboronic acids provided theoxazolines with 2‐biaryl substituents 10–13 (65–90 %). (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Hourly surface wind monitor consistency checking over an extended observation period
Authors: Beaver Scott , Palazoglu Ahmet
Published: June 2008

A consistency checking methodology is presented to aid in identifying biased values in extended historical records of hourly surface wind measurements obtained from a single station. The method is intended for screening extended observation periods for values which do not fail physical consistency checks (i.e., standard or complex quality assurance methods), yet nonetheless exhibit statistical properties which differ from the bulk of the record. Several specific types of inconsistencies common in surface wind monitoring datasets are considered: annual biases, unexpected values, and discontinuities.

The purely empirical method checks for self‐consistency in the temporal distribution of the wind measurements by explicitly modeling the diurnal variability. Each year of data is modeled using principal component analysis (PCA) (or empirical orthogonal functions, EOF), then hierarchical clustering with nearest neighbor linkage is used to visualize any annual biases existing in the measurements. The diurnal distributions for wind speed and direction are additionally estimated and visualized to determine any periods of time which are inconsistent with the typical diurnal cycle for a given monitor.

The robust consistency checking method is applied to a set of 44 monitors operating in the San Joaquin Valley (SJV) of Central California over a 9‐year period. Monitors from the SLAMS, CIMIS, and RAWS networks are considered. Similar inconsistencies are detected in all three networks; however, network‐specific types of inconsistencies are found as well. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Late Viséan–Serpukhovian foraminiferans and calcareous algae from the Adarouch region (central Morocco), North Africa
Authors: Cózar P. , Vachard D. , Somerville I. D. , Berkhli M. , Medina‐Varea P. , Rodríguez S. , Said I.
Published: June 2008

Three Upper Viséan to Serpukhovian limestone formations from the Adarouch region (central Morocco), North Africa, have been dated precisely using foraminiferans and calcareous algae. The lower and middle part of the oldest formation, the Tizra Formation (Fm), is assigned to the latest Asbian (upper Cf6γ Subzone), and its upper part to the Early Brigantian (lower Cf6δ Subzone). The topmost beds of this formation are assigned to the Late Brigantian (upper Cf6δ Subzone). The lower part of the succeeding Mouarhaz Fm is also assigned to the Late Brigantian (upper Cf6δ Subzone). The Akerchi Fm is younger than the other formations within the region, ranging from the latest Brigantian (uppermost Cf6δ Subzone) up to the Serpukhovian (E1–E2). The base of the Serpukhovian (Pendleian Substage, E1) is repositioned, to coincide with the appearance of a suite of foraminiferans including Archaediscus at tenuis stage, Endothyranopsis plana, Eostaffella pseudostruvei, Loeblichia ukrainica, Loeblichia aff. minima and Biseriella? sp. 1. The upper Serpukhovian (Arnsbergian Substage, E2) is marked by the first appearance of Eostaffellina ex. gr. paraprotvae and Globoomphalotis aff. pseudosamarica. The biostratigraphical scheme used for the reassessment of the foraminiferal zones and subzones in the Adarouch area closely compares with that for the British succession in northern England (Pennine Region), where the stratotypes of the Upper Viséan (Asbian and Brigantian) and Early Serpukhovian (Pendleian) substages are located. Thus, a succession equivalent to an interval from the Melmerby Scar Limestone to the Great (or Little) Limestone is recognized. These assemblages are also compared to other foraminiferal zones proposed in other regions of Morocco. Several foraminiferans have been identified that are proposed as potential Serpukhovian markers for other basins in Western Europe, and compared to sequences in Russia and the Donets Basin, Ukraine. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Late Carboniferous–Early Permian palynology of Baode (Pao‐te‐chou) in Shanxi Province, North China
Authors: Feng Liu , Huaicheng Zhu , Shu Ouyang
Published: June 2008

The Late Carboniferous–Early Permian strata cropping out in northern Shanxi Province, China contain a continuous and varied fossil record, making this succession a classical locality for the study of palynology during that interval in North China. Abundant, diverse and well‐preserved miospores are recorded and illustrated from the Penchi Formation to the Shansi Formation, comprising 191 species assigned to 67 genera, as well as some scolecodonts. Three new species (Neoraistrickia leiclavatus sp. nov., Indospora verrucatus sp. nov., Balteosporites tomentosus sp. nov.) are proposed.

According to the first appearance of a few selected species and the changes of palynological abundance in the succession, four miospore assemblage zones have been recognized in ascending order, viz., the Torispora securis–Torispora laevigata (SL) Assemblage Zone, the Torispora verrucosa–Pachetisporites kaipingensis (VK) Assemblage Zone, the Thymospora thiessenii–Striatosporites heyleri (TH) Assemblage Zone and Platysaccus minus–Gulisporites cochlearius (MC) Assemblage Zone. With evidence from microfossils (mainly fusulinids and conodonts), the age of these assemblage zones can be determined approximately. The SL Zone described here is roughly equivalent to the SL Zone established by Clayton et al. (1977) in Western Europe, indicating an age of Westphalian C‐D (Moscovian). The VK Zone ranges from Stephanian A‐Autunian (Kasimovian‐late Gzhelian); however, it only includes the elements of the OT Zone (Clayton et al. 1977) which usually occur from Westphalian D to Stephanian A (late Moscovian‐early Kasimovian) in Europe. Microfaunal evidence also shows that the age of the TH and MC zones should be Early Permian, but their components are evidently different from those derived from other coeval assemblage zones around the world. This discrepancy can be explained by environmental differences occurring during that interval, which were brought about by the Hercynian tectonic event. Using biostratigraphical zonations of other microfossil groups, a palynological Carboniferous–Permian boundary in N. China can be located within the miospore succession. The miospore assemblage zones proposed in this paper are also compared with zonations proposed by earlier studies in N. China and other parts of the world. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tectonics and quaternary evolution of the Northern Apennines watershed area (upper course of Arno and Tiber rivers, Italy)
Authors: Bonini Marco , Tanini Chiara
Published: June 2008

This work examines the connection between Quaternary tectonics and erosion/incision processes in the primary Tuscan‐Romagna watershed of the Northern Apennines, which essentially coincides with the topographic culmination of the Nero Unit structural ridge. Tectonic and geomorphic information were collected in the area where this ridge is crossed by the upper Tiber River course forming a deep gorge. Structural analysis and field mapping have revealed that the region experienced polyphase tectonics with superposed thrust folding events identifiable both at the map and mesoscopic scales. Hinterland‐SSW‐verging thrusts and thrust‐related folds deformed the whole thrust pile during the latest deformation phase. Backthrusts/backfolds controlled the development of intermountain basins nearby the main watershed during the Early Pleistocene and seemingly deformed, in the Tiber gorge, a low‐relief landscape developed in the Early Pleistocene (ca. 1.1 Ma). Successively, the upper Tiber River course area and Apennines axial zone underwent a generalized uplift, which is manifested by the deep incision of palaeo‐morphologies. This proposed sequence of events correlates well with the major geodynamic change of the Apennines revealed by an acceleration of uplift rates in the Middle–Late Pleistocene. This latter event may also correlate with increased rates of river incision recorded in Europe as a consequence of uplift and/or climate change. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mild cognitive impairment in the older population: Who is missed and does it matter?
Authors: Stephan Blossom C. M. , Brayne Carol , McKeith Ian G. , Bond John , Matthews Fiona E. ,   and the Medical Research Council Cognitive Function and Ageing Study (MRC CFAS)
Published: June 2008

Objectives

Classifications of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) vary in the precision of the defining criteria. Their value in clinical settings is different from population settings. This difference depending on setting is to be expected, but must be well understood if population screening for dementia and pre‐dementia states is to be considered. Of importance is the impact of missed diagnosis. The magnitude of missed ‘at‐risk’ cases in the application of different MCI criteria in the population is unknown.

Methods

Data were from the Medical Research Council Cognitive Function and Ageing Study, a large population based study of older aged individuals in the UK. Prevalence and two‐year progression to dementia in individuals whose impairment failed to fulfil published criteria for MCI was evaluated.

Results

Prevalence estimates of individuals not classified from current MCI definitions were extremely variable (range 2.5–41.0%). Rates of progression to dementia in these non‐classified groups were also very variable (3.7–30.0%), reflecting heterogeneity in MCI classification requirements.

Conclusions

Narrow definitions of MCI developed for clinical settings when applied in the population result in a large proportion of individuals who progress to dementia being excluded from MCI classifications. More broadly defined criteria would be better for selection of individuals at risk of dementia in population settings, but at the possibility of high false positive rates. While exclusion may be a good thing in the population since most people are presumably ‘normal’, over‐inclusion is more likely to be harmful. Further work needs to investigate the best classification system for application in the population. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative EEG in progressing vs stable mild cognitive impairment (MCI): results of a 1‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Luckhaus Christian , Grass‐Kapanke Brigitte , Blaeser Ingo , Ihl Ralf , Supprian Tillmann , Winterer Georg , Zielasek Jürgen , Brinkmeyer Jürgen
Published: June 2008

Objective

The study objective is to evaluate the use of qEEG data for the cross‐sectional differentiation of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) from mild Alzheimer's disease (AD) and in the longitudinal prediction of cognitive decline in MCI.

Methods

Eighty‐eight subjects with MCI and 42 subjects with mild probable AD were enrolled. Baseline EEGs were recorded using a 32‐channel system with electrode positioning according to the international 10–20 system. Digitalized EEG data were further studied by quantitative spectral analysis. Study subjects were followed up for 1 year and reassessed psychometrically. An increase of the total ADAS‐cog score of ≥ 4 points was regarded as a significant cognitive decline. Using this cut‐off, MCI subjects were sub‐grouped into stable MCI (s‐MCI) and progressing MCI (p‐MCI).

Results

AD subjects and p‐MCI subjects were differentiated from s‐MCI subjects by a reduction of alpha power over posterior leads. Reduction of alpha power and mean frequency were significantly correlated with poorer cognitive performance in psychometric tests. Baseline values of alpha power over posterior leads had the highest positive predictive power for MCI and AD (69–80%) and predicted cognitive decline in MCI within a 1‐year follow up.

Conclusions

qEEG revealed decreased alpha activity in progressing MCI and mild AD prior to an increase of slow wave activity, which typically occurs in advancing AD. This finding may reflect an affection of thalamo‐cortical relay activity and cortical connectivity in the early disease course of AD. Reduced alpha activity in MCI subjects at baseline may have prognostic value regarding future cognitive decline. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Loneliness and the health of older people
Authors: Luanaigh Conor Ó , Lawlor Brian A.
Published: June 2008

Background

The intense focus on major psychiatric disorders in both contemporary psychiatric research and clinical practice has resulted in the relative neglect of less definable constructs such as loneliness and how such entities might impact on health outcomes. The purpose of this review is to raise awareness among physicians and psychiatrists of the medical impact and biological effects of loneliness as well as making the argument that loneliness should be a legitimate therepeutic target.

Methods

Using Pubmed we searched the literature for research and review papers looking at loneliness as a construct, how it is measured and its health effects. We reviewed the relevant papers and have summarized their main findings.

Results

Loneliness has strong associations with depression and may in fact be an independent risk factor for depression. Furthermore loneliness appears to have a significant impact on physical health being linked detrimentally to higher blood pressure, worse sleep, immune stress responses and worse cognition over time in the elderly. There is a relative deficiency in adequate evidence based treatments for loneliness.

Conclusion

Loneliness is common in older people an is associated with adverse health consequences both from a mental and physical health point of view. There needs to be an increased focus on initiating intervention strategies targeting loneliness to determine if decreasing loneliness can improve quality of life and functioning in the elderly. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ginkgo biloba for mild to moderate dementia in a community setting: a pragmatic, randomised, parallel‐group, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: McCarney Rob , Fisher Peter , Iliffe Steve , van Haselen Robbert , Griffin Mark , van der Meulen Jan , Warner James
Published: June 2008

Objectives

Doubt over the cost‐effectiveness of the cholinesterase inhibitors in dementia has renewed interest in alternative treatments such as Ginkgo biloba. We aimed to determine the effectiveness and the safety profile of Ginkgo biloba for treating early stage dementia in a community setting.

Methods

We conducted a community‐based, pragmatic, randomised, double‐blind, parallel‐group trial where participants were given a standardised extract of Ginkgo biloba (120 mg daily) or a placebo control for 6 months. Our primary outcomes were cognitive functioning (ADAS‐Cog) and participant and carer‐rated quality of life (QOL‐AD).

Results

We recruited 176 participants, mainly through general practices. In the ANCOVA model with baseline score as a co‐variate (n = 176), Ginkgo did not have a significant effect on outcome at six months on either the ADAS‐Cog score (p = 0.392), the participant‐rated QOL‐AD score (p = 0.787) nor the carer‐rated QOL‐AD score (p = 0.222).

Conclusion

We found no evidence that a standard dose of high purity Ginkgo biloba confers benefit in mild‐moderate dementia over 6 months. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Treatment Target Test Dementia (3TD) ©
Authors: Mesbah M. , Grass‐Kapanke B. , Ihl R.
Published: June 2008

Objective

So far goal‐oriented therapy in dementia cannot be measured sufficiently. There are no tests that detect a profile of capacities that could describe the targets of training. Thus, it was aimed to develop a test that uncovers a profile of capacities in patients suffering from dementia.

Methods

Three groups of subjects (n = 156), 30 patients suffering from dementia of the Alzheimer type, 28 from depressive disorder and 98 healthy age‐comparable controls were included in the study. Building on already existing tests, items were developed to cover intelligence, visuo‐spatial abilities, cognitive and social problem solving, emotional and executive abilities. All subjects were investigated with the Training Target Test Dementia (3TD). To calculate convergence validity, the Test for the Early Detection of Dementia from depression (TE4D) and the Beck Depression Inventory were assessed. Descriptively, profiles were calculated. Group differences were studied with the Kruskal‐Wallis and the Mann–Whitney‐U‐test.

Results

Characteristic neuropsychological capacity profiles were found within the three groups. Differences between the groups were significant for all subtests. Significantly, the 3TD separated patients with dementia from controls. It reached high sensitivity and acceptable specificity. The convergence validity to the TE4D was significant (r = 0.77).

Conclusions

The capacity profiles detected may allow for specified therapeutic modules to be scheduled. Moreover, the 3TD will be suitable to discriminate between patients suffering from dementia, depression as well as healthy age‐comparable controls. For therapeutic improvement, further investigation will be needed to prove its sensitivity. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Shape optimization of thermal forced convection fields
Authors: Katamine Eiji , Kawase Yoshiyuki , Azegami Hideyuki
Published: June 2008

This paper presents a numerical analysis method for solving two shape optimization problems, namely, determining temperature distributions in subdomains and maximizing the thermal dissipation on sub‐boundaries of steady‐state thermal convective fields. The square‐error integral between the actual temperature distributions and the prescribed temperature distributions in the prescribed subdomains is employed as the objective function for determining the temperature distribution. The shape gradients for these shape determination problems were derived theoretically using the adjoint variable method, the Lagrange multiplier method and the formulae of the material derivative. Reshaping was accomplished using a traction method that was proposed as a solution to the domain optimization problems. A new numerical procedure is proposed that applies the finite element method to the shape determination problems. The validity of this method was confirmed by 2D numerical analysis. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 37(5): 313–328, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20202
Numerical and experimental investigation of heat and mass transfer in unsaturated porous media with low convective drying intensity
Authors: Lu Tao , Shen Shengqiang , Liu Xiaohua
Published: June 2008

The heat and mass transfer in an unsaturated wet cylindrical bed packed with quartz particles was investigated theoretically and experimentally for relatively low convective drying rates. The medium was dried by blowing dry air over the top of the porous bed which was insulated by impermeable, adiabatic material on the bottom and sides. Local thermodynamic equilibrium was assumed in the mathematical model describing the multi‐phase flow in the unsaturated porous medium using the energy and mass conservation equations for heat and mass transfer during the drying. The drying model included convection and capillary transport of the moisture, and convection and diffusion of the gas. The wet and dry regions were coupled with a dynamic boundary condition at the evaporation front. The numerical results indicated that the drying process could be divided into three periods: the initial temperature rise period, the constant drying rate period, and the reduced drying rate period. The numerical results agreed well with the experimental data, verifying that the mathematical model can evaluate the drying performance of porous media for low drying rates. ©2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 37(5): 290–312, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20205
A new approach using tissue optic theory to research the properties of organisms
Authors: Zhang Yan , Zhang Yufeng , Zhu Kai , Wang Ruyuan , Chen Ruiqiu , Tian Jinying
Published: June 2008

Based on theories of tissue optics and artificial neural network, the relationship between the optical properties and biological parameters was studied, and a new experimental calculation method was derived. The properties of the organism were obtained indirectly by a black box model derived by self‐study of the artificial neural network between optical parameters and thermo‐physical parameters. The results calculated from the black box have an average relative error between –5% and 5% when compared with the actual values, which verifies the neural network method's feasibility for the measurement of parameters in other domains. ©2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 37(5): 283–289, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20207
Effect of helix angle of spirally corrugated tube on condensation heat transfer characteristics
Authors: Yu Min , Guo Ying , Yang Mo , Lu Mei
Published: June 2008

Spirally corrugated tubes with different helix angles have been used in experiments on the characteristics of condensation heat transfer and flow resistance. The result of the experimentation shows that the helix angle plays a vital part in the spirally corrugated tube during the process of condensation heat transfer. This paper analyzes the mechanism of how the helix angle influences the characteristics of condensation heat transfer and flow resistance, and presents an experimental correlation formula of condensation heat transfer which takes the helix angle into account as a factor. ©2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 37(5): 275–282, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20208
Effectiveness of antipsychotic polypharmacy for patients with treatment refractory schizophrenia: an open‐label trial of olanzapine plus risperidone for those who failed to respond to a sequential treatment with olanzapine, quetiapine and risperidone
Authors: Suzuki Takefumi , Uchida Hiroyuki , Watanabe Koichiro , Nakajima Shinichiro , Nomura Kensuke , Takeuchi Hiroyoshi , Tanabe Akira , Yagi Gohei , Kashima Haruo
Published: June 2008

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of antipsychotic polypharmacy in a methodologically sound manner.

Methods

In this open‐label study, 17 patients with treatment‐refractory schizophrenia, who failed to respond to a sequential monotherapy with olanzapine, quetiapine and risperidone, were subsequently treated with a combination therapy with olanzapine plus risperidone for at least 8 weeks.

Results

Seven responded according to the primary endpoint defined as the post‐treatment Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale being less than 70% of the pretreatment values, and they were classified as such an average of 10 weeks after the initiation of polypharmacy. Two of them were successful in a later conversion to monotherapy. None dropped out prematurely. Four (out of 13 inpatients) got better enough to be discharged from the hospital, while six patients did not show any response. The Global Assessment of Functioning score improved from 37.1 to 53.0 in responders (mean maximum dose: olanzapine 12.9 mg; risperidone 3.14 mg), while it showed non‐significant changes among others (mean maximum dose: olanzapine 14.5 mg; risperidone 5.50 mg). Body weight, prolactin, and total cholesterol increased significantly.

Conclusions

Antipsychotic polypharmacy might be sometimes helpful for difficult populations but at the cost of adverse effects. More studies of antipsychotic combination therapy versus clozapine, augmentation strategies or tenacious longer‐ term monotherapy are warranted for refractory schizophrenia. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Glutamate forward and reverse transport: From molecular mechanism to transporter‐mediated release after ischemia
Authors: Grewer Christof , Gameiro Armanda , Zhang Zhou , Tao Zhen , Braams Simona , Rauen Thomas
Published: June 2008

Glutamate transporters remove the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate from the extracellular space after neurotransmission is complete, by taking glutamate up into neurons and glia cells. As thermodynamic machines, these transporters can also run in reverse, releasing glutamate into the extracellular space. Because glutamate is excitotoxic, this transporter‐mediated release is detrimental to the health of neurons and axons, and it, thus, contributes to the brain damage that typically follows a stroke. This review highlights current ideas about the molecular mechanisms underlying glutamate uptake and glutamate reverse transport. It also discusses the implications of transporter‐mediated glutamate release for cellular function under physiological and patho‐physiological conditions. © 2008 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 60(9): 609–619, 2008
Staurosporine rapidly commits 3T3‐F442A cells to the formation of adipocytes by activation of GSK‐3β and mobilization of calcium
Authors: Diaz‐Velasquez Clara E. , Castro‐Muñozledo Federico , Kuri‐Harcuch Walid
Published: June 2008

Pre‐adipose 3T3‐F442A cells exposed to fetal bovine serum or human growth hormone (adipogenic medium) become irreversibly committed to differentiation into adipocytes within 24–36 h. We show now that the action of the serine‐threonine kinase inhibitor staurosporine is much more rapid since its addition in non‐adipogenic medium resulted in commitment to adipocyte differentiation within 4–6 h. During this period, glycogen synthase kinase 3β was activated. Commitment depended on an increase in the intracellular calcium concentration that was modulated in part by a T‐type calcium channel since mibefradil, amiloride, and NiCl2, which are selective blockers of the T‐type channels, partially inhibited adipose differentiation. Studies of the inhibitory action of retinoic acid showed that a period of time after exposure to St was required in order to stabilize the commitment to adipose differentiation. It was concluded that the commitment of the cells consists of two stages. Commitment is promoted during the first one, and during the second there is a stabilization which still can be destabilized by the addition of retinoic acid or other drugs. The commitment becomes stable after 40 h of staurosporine treatment, and can no longer be prevented by retinoic acid. The identification of these two stages of commitment makes it possible to analyze in further detail early molecular events of the process and the nature of any other participating genes. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 147–157, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The α4‐containing form of protein phosphatase 2A in liver and hepatic cells
Authors: Yoo Sunny J.‐S. , Jimenez Rosa H. , Sanders Jennifer A. , Boylan Joan M. , Brautigan David L. , Gruppuso Philip A.
Published: June 2008

The Ser/Thr phosphatase PP2A is a set of multisubunit enzymes that regulate many cellular processes. In yeast, the PP2A regulatory subunit Tap42 forms part of the target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling pathway that links nutrient and energy availability to cell growth. The physiological intersection between the mammalian orthologs of Tap42 and TOR, α4 and mTOR, has not been fully characterized. We used two in vivo models of liver growth in the rat, late gestation fetal development and regeneration after partial hepatectomy, to explore the regulation of the α4‐containing form of PP2A. The α4/PP2A catalytic subunit (α4/PP2A‐C) complex was present in both fetal and adult liver extracts. There was a trend towards higher levels of α4 protein in fetal liver, but the complex was more abundant in adult liver. Fractionation of extracts by ion exchange chromatography and transient transfection of the AML12 mouse hepatic cell line indicated that α4 associates with PP2A‐C but that these complexes have low catalytic activity with both peptide and protein substrates. α4 was able to associate with forms of PP2A‐C that were both methylated and non‐methylated at the carboxy‐terminus. The mTOR inhibitor rapamycin did not block the formation of α4/PP2A‐C in liver or hepatic cells, nor did it appear to modulate PP2A activity. Furthermore, sensitivity to the growth inhibitory effects of rapamycin among a panel of hepatic cell lines did not correlate with levels of α4 or α4/PP2A‐C. Our results indicate that the yeast Tap42/TOR paradigm is not conserved in hepatic cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 290–300, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prolonged blockade of VEGF family members does not cause identifiable damage to retinal neurons or vessels
Authors: Ueno Shinji , Pease Mary Ellen , Wersinger Delphine M. Bonnet , Masuda Tomohiro , Vinores Stanley A. , Licht Tamar , Zack Donald J. , Quigley Harry , Keshet Eli , Campochiaro Peter A.
Published: June 2008

Several ocular diseases complicated by neovascularization are being treated by repeated intraocular injections of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antagonists. While substantial benefits have been documented, there is concern that unrecognized damage may be occurring, because blockade of VEGF may damage the fenestrated vessels of the choroicapillaris and deprive retinal neurons of input from a survival factor. One report has suggested that even temporary blockade of all isoforms of VEGF‐A results in significant loss of retinal ganglion cells. In this study, we utilized double transgenic mice with doxycycline‐inducible expression of soluble VEGF receptor 1 coupled to an Fc fragment (sVEGFR1Fc), a potent antagonist of several VEGF family members, including VEGF‐A, to test the effects of VEGF blockade in the retina. Expression of sVEGFR1Fc completely blocked VEGF‐induced retinal vascular permeability and significantly suppressed the development of choroidal neovascularization at rupture sites in Bruch's membrane, but did not cause regression of established choroidal neovascularization. Mice with constant expression of sVEGFR1Fc in the retina for 7 months had normal electroretinograms and normal retinal and choroidal ultrastructure including normal fenestrations in the choroicapillaris. They also showed no significant difference from control mice in the number of ganglion cell axons in optic nerve cross sections and the retinal level of mRNA for 3 ganglion cell‐specific genes. These data indicate that constant blockade of VEGF for up to 7 months has no identifiable deleterious effects on the retina or choroid and support the use of VEGF antagonists in the treatment of retinal diseases. J. Cell. Physiol. 217: 13–22, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The role of water channel aquaporin 3 in the mechanism of TNF‐α‐mediated proinflammatory events: Implication in periodontal inflammation
Authors: Tancharoen S. , Matsuyama T. , Abeyama K. , Matsushita K. , Kawahara K. , Sangalungkarn V. , Tokuda M. , Hashiguchi T. , Maruyama I. , Izumi Y.
Published: June 2008

Aquaporin 3 (AQP3) is the predominant water channel protein in human keratinocytes and acts as an inflammatory mediator in some lesions. A chronic, inflammatory process of periodontitis is related with a dramatic change of surrounding fluid homeostasis to plasma extravasation. The exact pattern of aquaporin (AQP) water channel expression and its mechanism in periodontal disease is still unknown. We describe herein an up‐regulated AQP3 expression in the epithelial lesion with chronic periodontitis and its functional role. The levels of AQP3 expression in inflamed gingival epithelial tissues were significantly higher than those of healthy subjects. Consistent with these results, AQP3 expression (i.e., levels of mRNA and protein) in cultured rat primary gingival epithelial cells and the human gingival epithelial cell line Ca9‐22 were strongly increased in response to TNF‐α treatment through the 55 kDa TNF‐α receptor (TNFR I). In this context, small interfering RNA‐ (siRNA)‐mediated “aqp‐3gene silencing,” which could reduce AQP3 expression by more than 65%, significantly attenuated selected proinflammatory events of ICAM‐1 expression induced by TNF‐α in Ca9‐22. A sixfold increase in leukocyte adherence to TNF‐α‐stimulated epithelial cells was demonstrated by an adherence assay (P < 0.001) and pretreatment with AQP3 siRNA and anti‐ICAM‐1 antibody reduced leukocyte retention by 85% (P < 0.001). Our study indicates for the first time a novel important mode in the regulation of the inflammatory response through TNF‐α/TNFR I ligation at the site of epithelial lesions by specialized membrane channel AQP3 and ICAM‐1 protein, which is closely implicated in the development of periodontitis mechanisms. J. Cell. Physiol. 217: 338–349, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Peripheral Nerve pericytes originating from the blood–nerve barrier expresses tight junctional molecules and transporters as barrier‐forming cells
Authors: Shimizu Fumitaka , Sano Yasuteru , Maeda Toshihiko , Abe Masa‐aki , Nakayama Hiroto , Takahashi Ri‐ichi , Ueda Masatsugu , Ohtsuki Sumio , Terasaki Tetsuya , Obinata Masuo , Kanda Takashi
Published: June 2008

The objective of this study was to establish pure blood–nerve barrier (BNB)‐derived peripheral nerve pericyte cell lines and to investigate their unique properties as barrier‐forming cells. We isolated peripheral nerve, brain, and lung pericytes from transgenic rats harboring the temperature‐sensitive simian virus 40 large T‐antigen gene. These cell lines expressed several pericyte markers such as α‐smooth muscle actin, NG2, osteopontin, and desmin, whereas they did not express endothelial cell markers such as vWF and PECAM. In addition, these cell lines expressed several tight junction molecules such as occludin, claudin‐12, ZO‐1, and ZO‐2. In particular, the expression of occludin was detected in peripheral nerve and brain pericytes, although it was not detected in lung pericytes by a Western blot analysis. An immunocytochemical analysis confirmed that occludin and ZO‐1 were localized at the cell–cell boundaries among the pericytes. Brain and peripheral nerve pericytes also showed significantly higher trans‐pericyte electrical resistance values and lower inulin clearances than lung pericytes. We considered that occludin localized at the cell–cell boundaries among the pericytes might mechanically stabilize the microvessels of the BNB and the blood–brain barrier. Furthermore, we also showed that these cell lines expressed many barrier‐related transporters. ABCG2, p‐gp, MRP‐1, and Glut‐1 were detected by a Western blot analysis and were observed in the cytoplasm and outer membrane by an immunocytochemical analysis. These transporters on pericytes might facilitate the peripheral nerve‐to‐blood efflux and blood‐to‐peripheral nerve influx transport of substrates in cooperation with those on endothelial cells in order to maintain peripheral nerve homeostasis. J. Cell. Physiol. 217: 388–399, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A PPARs cross‐talk concertedly commits C6 glioma cells to oligodendrocytes and induces enzymes involved in myelin synthesis
Authors: Leisewitz Andrea V. , Urrutia Carolina R. , Martinez Gabriela R. , Loyola Gloria , Bronfman Miguel
Published: June 2008

Peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs, α, β/δ, γ) control lipid homeostasis and differentiation in various tissues and tumor cells. PPARβ and PPARγ increase oligodendrocyte maturation in glial mixed populations and spinal cord oligodendrocytes, respectively, and PPARβ is known to modulate the activity of other PPARs. To assess a possible interaction between PPARs in glial cell differentiation we used the undifferentiated C6 glioma cell line as model. These cells express all three PPARs, but only PPARγ shows transcriptional activity in agonist‐based reporter gene assay. Agonist‐activated PPARγ up‐regulates oligodendrocyte markers, down‐regulates an astrocyte marker, and increases alkyl‐dihydroxyacetone phosphate synthase, enzyme involved in the synthesis of myelin‐rich plasmalogens. Similar effects are induced in PPARγ overexpressing cells, which in addition show PPARβ up‐regulation. PPARβ or PPARα agonists show no effect. Nevertheless, PPARβ overexpression up‐regulates PPARγ and commits C6 cells to oligodendrocytes; effect that is abrogated by a PPARγ antagonist or PPARγ interference RNA. Moreover, PPARβ overexpression also induces PPARα and its target genes, including acyl‐CoA oxidase, enzyme involved in very long chain fatty acid recycling, and in the synthesis of myelin components such as docosahexaenoic acid. These results indicate for the first time, that PPARs concertedly cooperate in C6 glioma cell differentiation to oligodendrocytes. Further, they suggest that active PPARβ might be essential for increasing oligodendrocyte distinctive markers and enzymes required for myelin synthesis in C6 glioma cells through up‐regulation of PPARγ and PPARα. J. Cell. Physiol. 217: 367–376, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.