bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decidability properties for fragments of CHR
Authors: GABBRIELLI MAURIZIO , MAURO JACOPO , MEO MARIA CHIARA , SNEYERS JON
Published: July 2010

We study the decidability of termination for two CHR dialects which, similarly to the Datalog like languages, are defined by using a signature which does not allow function symbols (of arity > 0). Both languages allow the use of the = built-in in the body of rules, thus are built on a host language that supports unification. However each imposes one further restriction. The first CHR dialect allows onlyrange-restrictedrules, that is, it does not allow the use of variables in the body or in the guard of a rule if they do not appear in the head. We show that the existence of an infinite computation is decidable for this dialect. The second dialect instead limits the number of atoms in the head of rules to one. We prove that in this case, the existence of a terminating computation is decidable. These results show that both dialects are strictly less expressive1than Turing Machines. It is worth noting that the language (without function symbols) without these restrictions is as expressive as Turing Machines.
Logic programming for finding models in the logics of knowledge and its applications: A case study
Authors: BARAL C. , GELFOND G. , PONTELLI E. , SON T.
Published: July 2010

The logics of knowledge are modal logics that have been shown to be effective in representing and reasoning about knowledge in multi-agent domains. Relatively few computational frameworks for dealing with computation of models and useful transformations in logics of knowledge (e.g., to support multi-agent planning with knowledge actions and degrees of visibility) have been proposed. This paper explores the use of logic programming (LP) to encode interesting forms of logics of knowledge and compute Kripke models. The LP modeling is expanded with useful operators on Kripke structures, to support multi-agent planning in the presence of both world-altering and knowledge actions. This results in the first ever implementation of a planner for this type of complex multi-agent domains.
Formalization of psychological knowledge in answer set programming and its application
Authors: BALDUCCINI MARCELLO , GIROTTO SARA
Published: July 2010

In this paper we explore the use of Answer Set Programming (ASP) to formalize, and reason about, psychological knowledge. In the field of psychology, a considerable amount of knowledge is still expressed using only natural language. This lack of a formalization complicates accurate studies, comparisons, and verification of theories. We believe that ASP, a knowledge representation formalism allowing for concise and simple representation of defaults, uncertainty, and evolving domains, can be used successfully for the formalization of psychological knowledge. To demonstrate the viability of ASP for this task, in this paper we develop an ASP-based formalization of the mechanics of Short-Term Memory. We also show that our approach can have rather immediate practical uses by demonstrating an application of our formalization to the task of predicting a user's interaction with a graphical interface.
The system Kato: Detecting cases of plagiarism for answer-set programs
Authors: OETSCH JOHANNES , PÜHRER JÖRG , SCHWENGERER MARTIN , TOMPITS HANS
Published: July 2010

Plagiarism detection is a growing need among educational institutions and solutions for different purposes exist. An important field in this direction is detecting cases of source-code plagiarism. In this paper, we present the tool Kato for supporting the detection of this kind of plagiarism in the area of answer-set programming (ASP). Currently, the tool is implemented for DLV programs but it is designed to handle other logic-programming dialects as well. We review the basic features of Kato, introduce its theoretical underpinnings, and discuss an application of Kato for plagiarism detection in the context of courses on logic programming at the Vienna University of Technology.
Parental magmas of Grenville Province massif-type anorthosites, and conjectures about why massif anorthosites are restricted to the Proterozoic
Authors: Bédard Jean H.
Published: July 2010

Trace element inversion modelling of Grenvillean anorthosite massifs and associated rocks yield NMORB-normalised trace element profiles enriched in highly incompatible elements; commonly with negative Nb and Th anomalies. Model melts can be divided into subtypes that cannot be linked through fractional crystallisation processes. Most model melts are depleted in the heavy rare-earth elements and can be explained by partial melting of arc basaltic sources (5–60 melting ) with garnet-bearing residues. Some of the model melts have flat NMORB-normalised profiles (for rare-earth elements), have high compatible element contents, and might have been derived from mantle fertilised by arc magmatism, followed by low-pressure fractional crystallisation. Intermediate Ce/Yb types may represent mixtures of these end-members, or less probably, variations in the crustal source composition and residual assemblage. The active tectonic context now favoured for the Grenville Province appears to be inconsistent with plume or thermal insulation models. The heat source for crustal and mantle melting could record either post-orogenic thermal relaxation of a tectonically-thickened arc crust, or basaltic underplating caused by delamination of a mantle root or subduction slab beneath this arc crust. In this context, pre-Proterozoic anorthosites may be lacking, because prior to ca. 2·5 Ga, the crust may have been too weak to be thickened tectonically. The absence of post-Proterozoic anorthosites may be due to the secular decrease in radiogenic heating and cooling of the mantle and crust.
Chemical structure in granitic magmas – a signal from the source?
Authors: Clemens J. D. , Helps P. A. , Stevens G.
Published: July 2010

Though typically exhibiting considerable scatter, geochemical variations in granitic plutons and silicic volcanic deposits are commonly modelled as products of differentiation of originally homogeneous magmas. However, many silicic igneous bodies, particularly those classified as S-types, are internally heterogeneous in their mineralogy, geochemistry and isotope ratios, on scales from hundreds of metres down to one metre or less. The preservation of these heterogeneities supports recent models for the construction of granitic magma bodies through incremental additions of numerous batches (pulses) of magma derived from contrasting sources. Such pulses result from the sequential nature of the melting reactions and the commonly layered structure of crustal magma sources. Internal differentiation of these batches occurs, but not generally on the scales of whole magma chambers. Rather than being created through differentiation or hybridisation processes, at or near emplacement levels, much of the variation within such bodies (e.g. trace-element or Mg# variation with SiO2 or isotope ratios) is a primary or near-source feature. At emplacement levels, the relatively high magma viscosities and slow diffusion rates of many chemical components in silicic melts probably inhibit processes that would lead to homogenisation. This permits at least partial preservation of the primary heterogeneities.
Causes of compositional diversity in a lobe of the Half Dome granodiorite, Tuolumne Batholith, Central Sierra Nevada, California
Authors: Economos R. C. , Memeti V. , Paterson S. R. , Miller J. S. , Erdmann S. , Žák J.
Published: July 2010

The causes of compositional diversity in the Tuolumne Batholith, whether source heterogeneity, magma mixing, or fractional crystallisation, is a matter of longstanding debate. This paper presents data from detailed mapping and a microstructural and major element, trace element and isotopic study of an elongate lobe of the Half Dome granodiorite that protrudes from the southern end of the batholith. The lobe is normally zoned from quartz diorite along the outer margin to high-silica leucogranite in the core. Contacts are steep and gradational, except for the central leucogranite contact, which is locally sharp: magmatic fabrics overprint contacts. A striking feature of the lobe is the 18 wt SiO2 range comparable to that observed for the entire Tuolumne Batholith. Feldspar-compatible elements (Sr and Ba) decrease towards the centre, while Rb increases. Light and middle REEs show a smooth decrease towards the centre of the lobe. Calculated initial isotopic ratios of 87Sr/86Sr(i) and εNd(t) have identical values within error across the lobe, except in the central leucogranite, the most silica rich phase, which shows a slightly more crustal signature. Field, structural, geochemical and isotopic data suggest that fractionation was the dominant process causing compositional variation in this lobe. It is envisioned that this fractionation/crystal sorting occurred in a vertically flowing and evolving magma column with the present map pattern representing a cross-section of this column. Thus the areal extent of the lobe represents a minimum size of interconnected melt at the emplacement level of the Tuolumne Batholith and, given its marginal position, limited width and proximity to colder host rocks, implies that fractionation in larger chambers likely occurred in the main Tuolumne Batholith magma chamber(s).
Structural controls on melt segregation and migration related to the formation of the diapiric Schwerin Fold in the contact aureole of the Bushveld Complex, South Africa
Authors: Longridge Luke , Gibson Roger L. , Nex Paul A. M.
Published: July 2010

Partial melting of metapelitic rocks beneath the mafic–ultramafic Rustenburg Layered Suite of the Bushveld Complex in the vicinity of the periclinal Schwerin Fold resulted in a structurally controlled distribution of granitic leucosomes in the upper metamorphic aureole. In the core of the pericline, subvertical structures facilitated the rise of buoyant leucosome through the aureole towards the contact with the Bushveld Complex, with leucosomes accumulating in en-echelon tension gashes. In a subhorizontal syn-metamorphic shear zone to the southeast of the pericline, leucosomes accumulated in subhorizontal dilational structural sites. The kinematics of this shear zone are consistent with slumping of material off the southeastern limb of the rising Schwerin pericline. The syndeformational timing of leucosome emplacement supports a syn-intrusive, density-driven origin for the Schwerin Fold. Modelling of the cooling of the Rustenburg Layered Suite and heating of the floor rocks using a multiple intrusion model indicates that temperatures above the solidus were maintained for >600,000 years up to 300 m from the contact, in agreement with rheological modelling of floor-rock diapirs that indicate growth rates on the order of 8 mm/year for the Schwerin Fold.
Four-stage building of the Cambrian Carion pluton (Madagascar)
Authors: Razanatseheno M. O. M. , Nédélec A. , Rakotondrazafy M. , Meert J. G. , Ralison B.
Published: July 2010

The 532±5 Ma old Carion pluton is a dark, porphyritic ferro-potassic granitoid emplaced near the late Pan-African Angavo mega-shear zone. A rough normal zoning from tonalitic to granitic compositions can be recognised in the field. Steep magmatic foliations are evidenced by K-feldspar megacryst preferred orientations. Microstructures are either magmatic or typical of incipient solid-state deformation in near solidus conditions. Magnetic susceptibility magnitudes (K) range from 11 to 111×10−3 SI in the pluton and can be correlated to the petrography (highest K values in the tonalites; lowest K in the granites; granodiorites in between). The susceptibility magnitudes display a complex zoning pattern. Combined with the arrangement of magnetic foliation trajectories, it is possible to delineate four nested sub-units, regarded as four magmatic pulses successively emplaced from the west to the east of the pluton. The four pulses are characterised by very similar magma geochemistry, but variable magmatic differentiation. The highest degrees of magnetic susceptibility anisotropies (up to 1·6) are observed along internal contacts between sub-units and along the borders of the pluton. The magnetic lineations are also steeply plunging in some places in each sub-unit, possibly imaging the different feeder zones. Magma emplacement occurred at the end of the activity of the Angavo shear zone, hence avoiding re-orientation of the magmatic structures by the late Pan-African transcurrent tectonics. The diachronicity of the four magmatic pulses is consistent with previously determined palaeomagnetic data, because only the two older sub-units display a magnetic reversal sequence, whereas the two youngest sub-units lack any reversion. Emplacement of these four magmatic batches was responsible for a strain aureole and suggests a diapiric mode of ascent.
Similarities between mantle-derived A-type granites and voluminous rhyolites in continental flood basalt provinces
Authors: Turner Simon , Rushmer Tracy
Published: July 2010

Many continental flood basalt provinces contain rhyolites with ‘A-type’ compositions and many studies have concluded that these higher silica rocks are crustal melts from metapelitic or tonalitic country rock. However, although many of the low-Ti continental flood basalt sequences exhibit a marked a silica gap from ∼55–65 wt. SiO2, many incompatible element ratios, and the calculated eruption temperatures (950–1100°C) are strikingly similar between the rhyolites and associated basalts. Using experimental evidence, derivation of the low-Ti rhyolites from a basaltic parent is shown to be a viable alternative to local crustal melting. Comparison of liquid compositions from experimental melting of both crustal and mantle-derived (basaltic) source materials allows the two to be distinguished on the basis of Al2O3 and FeO content. The basalt experiments are reversible, such that the same melts can be produced by melting or crystallisation. The effect of increased water content in the source is also detectable in the liquid composition. The majority of rhyolites from continental flood basalt provinces fall along the experimental trend for basalt melting/ crystallisation at relatively low water content. The onset of the silica gap in the rhyolites is accompanied by an abrupt decrease in TiO2 and FeO*, marking the start of Fe–Ti oxide crystallisation. Differentiation from 55–65 wt. SiO2 requires ∼30 fractional crystallisation in which magnetite is an important phase, sometimes accompanied by limited crustal contamination. The rapid increase in silica occurs over a small temperature interval and for relatively small changes in the amount of fractional crystallisation, thus intermediate compositions are less likely to be sampled. It is argued that the presence of a silica gap is not diagnostic of a crustal melting origin for either A-type granites or rhyolites in continental flood basalt provinces. The volume of these rhyolites erupted over the Phanerozoic is significant and models for crustal growth should take this substantial contribution from the mantle into account.
Preface
Authors: Clemens J. D.
Published: July 2010

The Sixth Hutton Symposium on the Origin of Granites and Related Rocks was held on July 2–6, 2007 at the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa, founded on granite, nestled at the feet of towering mountains and fringed by the rolling winelands of the Western Cape. This Special Issue opens with Master’s historical account of how the Cape granites influenced 18th and early 19th century thinking on the origins of these rocks. The fascinating fact is that the granites of the Western Cape were apparently the first intrusive granites recognised outside Britain. The balance of the volume contains a collection of research papers derived from the meeting and illustrates some of the important directions in which granite research may be evolving. One of the characteristics of the papers and talks presented at the meeting was that there seemed to be some shift in interest, away from the crust as a source of granitic magmas and towards mantle rocks that have been metasomatised by subduction-zone fluids or melts. Nevertheless, the crust still holds pride of place as the cradle of granite genesis.
Bekanntheit und Akzeptanz der ambulanten Suchthilfe in der Bevölkerung
Authors: Kalke Jens , Schmidt Wolfgang , Buth Sven , Raschke Peter
Published: July 2010

Hintergrund: Der Beitrag gibt die Ergebnisse einer Repräsentativbefragung zur Bekanntheit und Akzeptanz des ambulanten Suchthilfesystems im Bundesland Hessen aus der Sicht der Allgemeinbevölkerung wieder. Methodik: Es wurden im Zeitraum vom 15. Oktober bis 12. November 2007 insgesamt 5.600 Personen, die in Hessen wohnen und zwischen 17 bis 69 Jahre alt sind, telefonisch per Zufallsauswahl befragt. Bei den Auswertungen wurden sechs mögliche Einflussfaktoren systematisch berücksichtigt: Geschlecht, Alter, Region, Schulbildung, Erwerbssituation und der problematische Konsum psychoaktiver Substanzen. Ergebnisse: Die Akzeptanz der ambulanten Suchthilfe in Hessen ist sehr hoch. 91 % der Hessen würden einem Angehörigen/Bekannten empfehlen, bei Suchtproblemen eine ambulante Suchthilfeeinrichtung aufzusuchen. Konkrete Kenntnis von einer ambulanten Suchthilfeeinrichtung in ihrem Landkreis bzw. kreisfreien Stadt haben dagegen nur 39 %. Bei Personen mit problematischem Substanzkonsum liegt dieser Anteil bei 49 %. Schon einmal konkret um Hilfe in den Einrichtungen der ambulanten Suchthilfe Hessens nachgesucht haben 2 % der Befragten. Unter den Arbeits-/Erwerbslosen ist dieser Anteil mit 5 % deutlich höher. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Ergebnisse lassen auf eine hohe Akzeptanz des ambulanten Suchthilfesystems in der hessischen Allgemeinbevölkerung schließen. Es sollten jedoch weitere Anstrengungen unternommen werden, den Bekanntheitsgrad der ambulanten Suchthilfeeinrichtungen insbesondere bei Jugendlichen und jungen Erwachsenen sowie bei Personen mit problematischem Konsum zu erhöhen.
Suchtmittelabhängige ohne Fahrerlaubnis
Authors: Schmidt Daniel , Brieler Paul
Published: July 2010

Hintergrund: Das Ziel der Rehabilitation Suchtmittelabhängiger – eine künftig zufriedene suchtmittelabstinente Lebensweise – wird durch eine fehlende Fahrerlaubnis deutlich erschwert. Ziel: Es wird ein zusätzliches Informations- und Beratungsangebot im stationären Kontext vorgestellt. Der betroffene Personenkreis soll sich mit den Voraussetzungen der (Neu-)Erteilung einer Fahrerlaubnis vertraut machen (Abstinenznotwendigkeit und -nachweise, Fristen, Selbsthilfegruppe, etc.), um die notwendige medizinisch-psychologische Begutachtung der Fahreignung zum Führen von Kraftfahrzeugen bereits im ersten Anlauf positiv gestalten zu können.
Das Alkoholentzugssyndrom: Delirium tremens und Krampfanfall
Authors: Lutz Ulrich C. , Batra Anil
Published: July 2010

Ziel: Gravierendste, lebensbedrohliche Komplikationen des Alkoholentzugssyndroms sind Entzugskrampfanfall und Delirium tremens. Die Übersichtsarbeit stellt die typische Symptomatik, sich aus der Anamnese ergebende Risikofaktoren, ätiologisch relevante neurobiologische Faktoren sowie den Versuch der Identifikation von Biomarkern inklusive genetischer Polymorphismen für das Delirium tremens und den Alkoholentzugskrampfanfall vor. Methodik: Es erfolgte eine systematische Literaturrecherche mit Hilfe der Datenbank Pubmed unter Auswahl aktueller Studien und Übersichtsarbeiten zu dem Thema. Ergebnisse: Aktuelle neurobiologische Modelle favorisieren eine gesteigerte glutamaterge und reduzierte GABAerge Transmission als Grundlage für eine zerebrale Hyperexzitabilität. Als Risikofaktoren für die Entstehung eines Delirium tremens und eines Entzugskrampfanfalls wurden serologische und genetische Faktoren identifiziert. Bei den genetischen Faktoren handelt es sich um Polymorphismen innerhalb von Kandidatengenen insbesondere im dopaminergen und glutamatergen Transmittersystem. Schlussfolgerungen: Neue Befunde aus dem Bereich der Neurobiologie erlauben Einblicke in die Ätiopathogenese des Alkoholentzugssyndroms und tragen zum Verständnis des Alkoholentzugskrampfanfalls und des Delirium tremens bei.
Opioid-Erhaltungstherapie in der Schwangerschaft
Authors: Radler Dunja , Unger Annemarie , Aschauer Constantin , Hecht Alexander , Fischer Gabriele
Published: July 2010

Hintergrund: Opioidabhängigkeit während der Schwangerschaft stellt ein signifikantes und wachsendes Problem im Gesundheitswesen dar. Die Suchterkrankung wird mit gesundheitlichen Risiken für Mutter und Kind assoziiert, vor allem aufgrund von im Rahmen dieser Erkrankung auftretenden Risikoverhaltensweisen. Methodik: Es wurde aktuelle Literatur zum Thema Opioid-Erhaltungstherapie (OET) während der Schwangerschaft in Zusammenhang mit neonatalen Outcome-Parametern über die Datenbank «pubmed.gov» recherchiert. Ergebnisse: OET mit Methadon (MMT) stellt die «state-of-the-art» Behandlung bei Opioidabhängigkeit während der Schwangerschaft dar, wird jedoch mit einer Prävalenz des Neonatalen Abstinenz Syndroms (NAS) von 60–80 % assoziiert. Als vielversprechende Alternative erscheint Buprenorphin, einzelne Studien weisen auf eine geringere Prävalenz von NAS bei OET mit Buprenorphin. Schlussfolgerungen: Bisherige, hauptsächlich retrospektiv durchgeführte Studien zu Buprenorphin und Methadon lassen aufgrund von methodischen Mängeln nur bedingt Rückschlüsse auf Vor- und Nachteile bezüglich NAS zu. Die «MOTHER» Studie soll hier als Modell für evidenzbasierte klinische Studien fungieren.
Begleitsymptomatik bei tief greifenden Entwicklungsstörungen
Authors: Noterdaeme Michele A. , Hutzelmeyer-Nickels Anna
Published: July 2010

Fragestellung: Kinder und Jugendliche mit tief greifenden Entwicklungsstörungen zeigen neben der Kernsymptomatik eine Vielzahl assoziierter Erkrankungen i. S. von genetischen Syndromen oder neurologischen Erkrankungen, die für die Behandlung und den Verlauf der Störung von Bedeutung sind. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird die Art und Häufigkeit dieser somatischen Begleiterscheinungen in Relation zur Intelligenz der Patienten analysiert. Methodik: Die Stichprobe besteht aus 601 Patienten, bei denen zwischen 1997 und 2007 in der Abteilung für Entwicklungsstörungen des Heckscher-Klinikums die Diagnose einer tief greifenden Entwicklungsstörung gestellt wurde. Neben genetischen Syndromen wurden auch neurologische Störungen erfasst. Ergebnisse: 373 (62 %) der Patienten hatten eine, 121 (20 %) zwei Diagnosen auf der Achse IV des multiaxialen Klassifikationsschemas. Genetische Störungen wurden bei insgesamt 6 % (N = 37) der Stichprobe festgestellt. Die häufigsten neurologischen Diagnosen waren Bewegungsstörungen (N = 214; 35.6 %) und Epilepsien (N = 98; 16.3 %). Patienten mit einer Intelligenzminderung zeigen häufiger somatische Begleiterscheinungen als Patienten ohne Intelligenzminderung. Schlussfolgerungen: Tief greifende Entwicklungsstörungen sind komplexe Störungsbilder, die überzufällig häufig einhergehen mit neurologischen Störungen und einem breiten Spektrum an genetischen Syndromen. Kinder mit autistischen Störungen und einer Intelligenzminderung zeigen mehr Begleiterkrankungen und sind in der psychosozialen Anpassung deutlicher beeinträchtigt als Kinder mit autistischen Störungen ohne Intelligenzminderung.
Das Kaufman-Testsystem im Jugendalter
Authors: Schürmann Stephanie , Scholten Stefan , Melchers Peter
Published: July 2010

Fragestellung: Der Kaufman-Test zur Intelligenzmessung (K-TIM) ist die deutschsprachige Adaption des Kaufman Adolescent and Adult Intelligence Test und dient einer differenzierten Erfassung intellektueller Fähigkeiten im Altersbereich von 11 bis über 85 Jahren. Das Verfahren gründet auf den Modellen zur Intelligenzentwicklung von Horn und Cattell, Luria und Piaget. Es umfasst 10 Untertests, die Konzept orientiert in fluide Intelligenz, kristalline Intelligenz und Erfassung verzögerter Reproduktion gegliedert sind. Methodik: Neben Voruntersuchungen während Übersetzung und Adaption sowie Neukonstruktion von Aufgaben mit hoher sprachlicher und kultureller Ladung wurden schrittweise Evaluationsuntersuchungen durchgeführt. Die Endfassung wurde mit einer Stichprobe von 2320 Probanden aus Deutschland, Österreich, der Schweiz und Südtirol normiert, wobei eine erneute Evaluation erfolgte. Ergebnisse: Es zeigte sich eine sehr hohe Testreliabilität (interne Konsistenz.96 bis .98 für die Skalen; Testwiederholungskoeffizient .92). Die Validität konnte hinsichtlich des im Jugendalter wichtigen Entwicklungskriteriums sowie hinsichtlich der Konstruktvalidität mit korrelations- und faktorenanalytischen Berechnungen gesichert werden. Die Übereinstimmungsvalidität wurde durch Korrelationsuntersuchungen mit verschiedenen anderen Testverfahren als Außenkriterien belegt. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Adaption hat keine strukturelle Veränderung des Testkonzepts zur Folge, so dass der K-TIM eine interessante Alternative zur differenzierenden Intelligenzdiagnostik im Jugendalter auch für den deutschen Sprachraum darstellt.
Zusammenhang zwischen phonologischer Bewusstheit und Verhaltensauffälligkeiten bei Kindern im Vorschulalter
Authors: Fröhlich Linda P. , Koglin Ute , Petermann Franz
Published: July 2010

Fragestellung: Die phonologische Bewusstheit stellt eine zentrale Vorläuferfähigkeit des Lese- und Schriftspracherwerbs dar, die bereits im Vorschulalter von Bedeutung ist. Viele Kinder mit Lese-Rechtschreibproblemen weisen komorbide psychische Störungen auf, die sich negativ auf die Entwicklung auswirken. Die Wechselwirkung von Verhaltensauffälligkeiten und phonologischer Bewusstheit stand bisher selten im Fokus wissenschaftlicher Arbeiten. In dieser Studie wird untersucht, ob sich bei Kindern im Vorschulalter mit Schwierigkeiten in der phonologischen Bewusstheit bereits Verhaltensauffälligkeiten zeigen. Methodik: Es wurde das Ausmaß der phonologischen Bewusstheit an insgesamt 188 Vorschulkindern erhoben und durch das Erzieherurteil das Verhalten der Kinder eingeschätzt. Ergebnisse: Die varianzanalytische Auswertung belegte, dass Kinder mit niedrigeren Werten in der phonologischen Bewusstheit aus Sicht der Erzieherinnen stärkere Auffälligkeiten in den SDQ-Skalen «Emotionale Probleme», «Hyperaktivität» und «Probleme mit Peers» zeigen als Gleichaltrige mit höheren Werten in der phonologischen Bewusstheit. Diese Effekte treten unabhängig vom Geschlecht auf. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Befunde deuten daraufhin, dass sich bereits bei Vorschulkindern ein ähnliches Bild abzeichnet, wie bei Schulkindern mit Lese-Rechtschreibschwierigkeiten und Verhaltensauffälligkeiten. Vorschulkinder mit niedrigeren Werten in der phonologischen Bewusstheit zeigen mehr Verhaltensauffälligkeiten als Gleichaltrige mit höheren Werten in der phonologischen Bewusstheit.
Optimization of an induction strategy for improving interferon‐α2b production in the periplasm of Escherichia coli using response surface methodology
Authors: Azaman Siti Nor Ani , Ramakrishnan Nagasundara Ramanan , Tan Joo Shun , Rahim Raha Abdul , Abdullah Mohd Puad , Ariff Arbakariya B.
Published: July 2010

Induction strategies for the periplasmic production of recombinant human IFN‐α2b (interferon‐α2b) by recombinant Escherichia coli Rosetta‐gami 2(DE3) were optimized in shake‐flask cultures using response surface methodology based on the central composite design. The factors included in the present study were induction point, which related to the attenuance of the cell culture, IPTG (isopropyl β‐D‐thiogalactoside) concentration and induction temperature. Second‐order polynomial models were used to correlate the abovementioned factors to soluble periplasmic IFN‐α2b formation and percentage of soluble IFN‐α2b translocated to the periplasmic space of E. coli. The models were found to be significant and subsequently validated. The proposed induction strategies consisted of induction at an attenuance of 4 (measured as D600), IPTG concentration of 0.05 mM and temperature of 25 °C. The optimized induction strategy reduced inclusion‐body formation as evidenced by electron microscopy and yielded 323.8 ng/ml of IFN‐α2b in the periplasmic space with translocation of 74% of the total soluble product. In comparison with the non‐optimized condition, soluble periplasmic production and the percentage of soluble IFN‐α2b translocated to the periplasmic space obtained in optimized induction strategies were increased by approx. 20‐fold and 1.4‐fold respectively.
Extensive sphingolipid depletion does not affect lipid raft integrity or lipid raft localization and efflux function of the ABC transporter MRP1
Authors: Klappe Karin , Dijkhuis Anne-Jan , Hummel Ina , van Dam Annie , Ivanova Pavlina T. , Milne Stephen B. , Myers David S. , Brown H. Alex , Permentier Hjalmar , Kok Jan W.
Published: July 2010

We show that highly efficient depletion of sphingolipids in two different cell lines does not abrogate the ability to isolate Lubrol-based DRMs (detergent-resistant membranes) or detergent-free lipid rafts from these cells. Compared with control, DRM/detergent-free lipid raft fractions contain equal amounts of protein, cholesterol and phospholipid, whereas the classical DRM/lipid raft markers Src, caveolin-1 and flotillin display the same gradient distribution. DRMs/detergent-free lipid rafts themselves are severely depleted of sphingolipids. The fatty acid profile of the remaining sphingolipids as well as that of the glycerophospholipids shows several differences compared with control, most prominently an increase in highly saturated C16 species. The glycerophospholipid headgroup composition is unchanged in sphingolipid-depleted cells and cell-derived detergent-free lipid rafts. Sphingolipid depletion does not alter the localization of MRP1 (multidrug-resistance-related protein 1) in DRMs/detergent-free lipid rafts or MRP1-mediated efflux of carboxyfluorescein. We conclude that extensive sphingolipid depletion does not affect lipid raft integrity in two cell lines and does not affect the function of the lipid-raft-associated protein MRP1.
The role of Drosophila hyperplastic discs gene in spermatogenesis
Authors: Pertceva Julia A. , Dorogova Natalia V. , Bolobolova Elena U. , Nerusheva Olga O. , Fedorova Svetlana A. , Omelyanchuk Leonid V.
Published: July 2010

In Drosophila, the ubiquitin ligase Hyd (hyperplastic disc) is required for regulation of cell proliferation during development [Martin et al. (1977) Dev Biol 55, 213–232; Mansfield et al. (1994) Dev Biol 165, 507–526]. Earlier, we demonstrated that the Drosophila tumour suppressor Merlin participates not only in imaginal discs proliferation control, but also performs a separate Nebenkern structural function in Drosophila spermatogenesis [Dorogova et al. (2008) BMC Cell Biol 9, 1. Here, we show that the hyd mutants also have spermatogenesis defects: chromosome condensation and attachment to the spindle, centrosome behaviour and cytokinesis in meiosis. The process of spermatid elongation was also greatly affected: nuclei were scattered along the cyst and had an abnormal shape, Nebenkern–axoneme angular relation and attachment was distorted, axonemes themselves lost correct structure. Since Hyd and pAbp protein families share a common PABC [poly(A)‐binding protein C‐terminal] protein domain, we also studied spermatogenesis in pAbp homozygotes and found defects in cytokinesis and spermatid elongation. However, our study of hyd and pAbp genetic interaction revealed only the phenotype of defective nuclei shape at the final stage of spermatid differentiation. So, the PABC domain is unlikely to be responsible for meiotic defects. Thus, our data document that, in addition to the tumour suppressor Merlin, another tumour suppressor, Hyd, also has a function in spermatogenesis.
A comprehensive genotype–phenotype interaction of different Toll-like receptor variations in a renal transplant cohort
Authors: Krüger Bernd , Banas Miriam C. , Walberer Andreas , Böger Carsten A. , Farkas Stefan , Hoffmann Ute , Fischereder Michael , Banas Bernhard , Krämer Bernhard K.
Published: July 2010

To date, the impact of the TLR (Toll-like receptor) system on early and late kidney transplantation outcome, such as ARE (acute rejection episodes) or cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, has still not been elucidated conclusively. Genetically determined alterations in TLR expression exhibit a possibility to evaluate their role in transplantation. In the present study, we sought to determine a comprehensive genotype–phenotype association with early and late allograft outcomes. We studied 11 SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) in TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR5, TLR9 and within a co-molecule CD14 in 265 patients receiving their first kidney transplant and the association of these with the occurrence of DGF (delayed graft function), ARE or MACE (major adverse cardiovascular events). ARE were significantly more frequent in patients carrying the TLR3 TT/CT allele (43.8 compared with 25.8%; P=0.001) as were rates of DGF (21.4 compared with 12.0%; P=0.030). Furthermore, TLR9 was significantly involved in the occurrence of MACE (TLR9 −1237; P=0.030). Interestingly, there was no significant effect of any TLR polymorphism on graft survival or renal function and the incidence of any infection, including CMV (cytomegalovirus) infection. In conclusion, our present study in renal transplant recipients suggests that the TLR system may be involved in both acute rejection and MACE. Modulation of the TLR system may be a promising target in future therapeutic strategies.
MicroRNA miR-125a controls hematopoietic stem cell number
Authors: Guo Shangqin , Lu Jun , Schlanger Rita , Zhang Hao , Wang Judy Y. , Fox Michelle C. , Purton Louise E. , Fleming Heather H. , Cobb Bradley , Merkenschlager Matthias , Golub Todd R. , Scadden David T.
Published: July 2010

MicroRNAs influence hematopoietic differentiation, but little is known about their effects on the stem cell state. Here, we report that the microRNA processing enzyme Dicer is essential for stem cell persistence in vivo and a specific microRNA, miR-125a, controls the size of the stem cell population by regulating hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) apoptosis. Conditional deletion of Dicer revealed an absolute dependence for the multipotent HSPC population in a cell-autonomous manner, with increased HSPC apoptosis in mutant animals. An evolutionarily conserved microRNA cluster containing miR-99b, let-7e, and miR-125a was preferentially expressed in long-term hematopoietic stem cells. MicroRNA miR-125a alone was capable of increasing the number of hematopoietic stem cells in vivo by more than 8-fold. This result was accomplished through a differentiation stage-specific reduction of apoptosis in immature hematopoietic progenitors, possibly through targeting multiple proapoptotic genes. Bak1 was directly down-regulated by miR-125a and expression of a 3′UTR-less Bak1 blocked miR-125a-induced hematopoietic expansion in vivo. These data demonstrate cell-state-specific regulation by microRNA and identify a unique microRNA functioning to regulate the stem cell pool size.
A structural basis for antigen recognition by the T cell-like lymphocytes of sea lamprey
Authors: Deng Lu , Velikovsky C. Alejandro , Xu Gang , Iyer Lakshminarayan M. , Tasumi Satoshi , Kerzic Melissa C. , Flajnik Martin F. , Aravind L. , Pancer Zeev , Mariuzza Roy A.
Published: July 2010

Adaptive immunity in jawless vertebrates is mediated by leucine-rich repeat proteins called “variable lymphocyte receptors” (VLRs). Two types of VLR (A and B) are expressed by mutually exclusive lymphocyte populations in lamprey. VLRB lymphocytes resemble the B cells of jawed vertebrates; VLRA lymphocytes are similar to T cells. We determined the structure of a high-affinity VLRA isolated from lamprey immunized with hen egg white lysozyme (HEL) in unbound and antigen-bound forms. The VLRA–HEL complex demonstrates that certain VLRAs, like γδ T-cell receptors (TCRs) but unlike αβ TCRs, can recognize antigens directly, without a requirement for processing or antigen-presenting molecules. Thus, these VLRAs feature the nanomolar affinities of antibodies, the direct recognition of unprocessed antigens of both antibodies and γδ TCRs, and the exclusive expression on the lymphocyte surface that is unique to αβ and γδ TCRs.
SOCIAL MOBILITY SANS FRONTIÈRES?
Authors: Attias-Donfut Claudine , Dimova Ralitza
Published: July 2010

In research on immigration, a lot of attention is devoted to the intergenerational socio-economic mobility of second and third generation immigrants, but little is known about the class mobility of first generation migrants. We address this issue with the use of a representative survey on middle-aged and elderly immigrants in France. A comparison between the socio-economic status of each male respondent during his childhood and at the time of the interview reveals some variation in class mobility across countries and regions of origin. At the same time, our analysis of the main determinants of the socio-economic status of the respondents at the end of their careers highlights a strong influence of the socio-economic environment during their childhoods and gives support to our main hypothesis of a dominance effect.
On the nonlinear electromagnetic coupling between a coil and an oscillating magnet
Authors: Sneller Adam J , Mann Brian P
Published: July 2010

The electromagnetic induction of voltage across a coil due to the motion of a magnet is among the fundamental problems of physics, and it has a broad range of practical applications. While Maxwell's equations exactly describe this phenomenon, the physical complexity inherent in most realistic situations often prevents the generation of closed-form expressions for the electromagnetic coupling. This paper uses basic principles to develop an approximate analytical expression for the induced voltage in terms of a set of physical parameters, and experimental results demonstrate a high level of validity in the model over the parameter values tested. For oscillatory magnet motion about a point on a coil's axis, it is shown that the induced voltage is an infinite sum of harmonics at integer multiples of the oscillation frequency; the relative amplitudes of these harmonics vary as the magnet's equilibrium position migrates along the coil's axis, causing the odd and even harmonics to vanish, reappear and reach peak values at predictable locations. Several simplifications to the model are considered, and their validity is investigated analytically over a range of parameters.
Synergy effect of heat and UV photons on bacterial-spore inactivation in an N2–O2 plasma-afterglow sterilizer
Authors: Boudam M K , Moisan M
Published: July 2010

As a rule, medical devices (MDs) made entirely from metals and ceramics can withstand, for sterilization purposes, elevated temperatures such as those encountered in autoclaves (moist heat ⩾120 °C) or Poupinel (Pasteur) ovens (dry heat ⩾160 °C). This not the case with MDs containing polymers: 70 °C seems to be a limit beyond which their structural and functional integrity will be compromised. Nonetheless, all the so-called low-temperature sterilization techniques, relying essentially on some biocidal chemistry (e.g. ethylene oxide, H2O2, O3), are operated at temperatures close to 65 °C, essentially to enhance the chemical reactivity of the biocidal agent. Based on this fact, we have examined the influence of increasing the temperature of the polystyrene Petri dish containing B. atrophaeus bacterial spores when exposing them to UV radiation coming from an N2–O2 flowing plasma afterglow. We have observed that, for a given UV radiation intensity, the inactivation rate increases with the temperature of the Petri dish, provided heat and UV photons are applied simultaneously, a clear case of synergistic effect. More specifically, it means that (i) simply heating the spores at temperatures below 65 °C without irradiating them with UV photons does not induce mortality; (ii) there is no additional increase in the inactivation rate when the Petri has been pre-heated and then brought back to ambient temperature before the spores are UV irradiated; (iii) no additional inactivation results from post-heating spores previously inactivated with UV radiation. Undoubtedly, the synergistic effect shows up only when the physico-chemical agents (UV photons and temperature) are simultaneously in action.
Quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure and their carers: a 3‐year follow‐up study assessing hospitalization and mortality
Authors: Iqbal Javaid , Francis Loraine , Reid Janet , Murray Scott , Denvir Martin
Published: July 2010

Aims

Chronic heart failure (CHF) due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction is associated with poor quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to assess factors affecting health‐related QoL in CHF patients and their carers and the impact of QoL on clinical outcomes.

Methods and results

Demographic, social, and clinical data were collected for consecutive CHF patients in an academic hospital setting. All patients (n = 179) and informal carers (n = 131) completed a generic QoL questionnaire (EQ‐5D) and patients also completed a CHF‐specific QoL questionnaire (Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire, MLHFQ). Patients were then followed up for 3 years to assess subsequent hospitalizations and mortality. Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire score was independently predicted by NYHA class, socioeconomic deprivation and lack of an informal carer. Severity of heart failure, anaemia, and cancer co‐morbidity in CHF patients were associated with poor QoL in carers. Chronic heart failure patients with poor baseline QoL (MLHFQ > median) were at increased risk of hospital admissions [hazard ratios (HR) 7.3, P < 0.001] and death (HR 1.5, P = 0.09). Mortality was also independently associated with repeat hospitalization (HR 6.0, P < 0.001) and lack of beta‐blocker therapy (HR 1.8, P = 0.03).

Conclusion

Severe heart failure, poor socioeconomic status and lack of social support results in poor QoL in CHF patients which in turn leads to an increased risk of hospital admissions and death. Quality of life in carers is lower in female carers, those with socioeconomic deprivation and those caring for patients with higher NYHA class or having a cancer. Quality of life assessment may complement clinical prognostic markers to identify CHF patients at high risk of adverse events.
Molecular epidemiology of Mycobacterium abscessus infections in a subtropical chronic ventilatory setting
Authors: Huang Wei-Chang , Chiou Chien-Shun , Chen Jiann-Hwa , Shen Gwan-Han
Published: July 2010

The aim of this study was to investigate the high level of pulmonaryMycobacterium abscessusinfections and implement a surveillance programme among 43 ventilator-dependent patients, 15 with pulmonaryM. abscessusinfections, in a hospital long-term respiratory care ward (RCW) in central Taiwan.M. abscessusisolates were obtained from 35 patients in the RCW of hospital A, 6 patients in the RCWs of another three hospitals (B, C and D), and from 4 water sources in two of the hospitals (A and B). Strains were characterized by methods includinghsp65 PCR–RFLP and PFGE. The patients were followed-up by chest X-ray for 1 year. All clinical isolates were type I and II, and belonged to ten distinct clusters of PFGE patterns. Five clinical strains in two hospitals belonged to a single cluster, whilst four clinical strains in the other two hospitals belonged to a single unique cluster. The strains from hospital A fell into nine clusters and were distinct from the strains isolated from the water supply. Patients infected with type I strains showed a significantly more rapid progression of disease. The number of different strains involved suggested either that there had been a polyclonal outbreak or that a high level of endemic infections was present in the RCW of hospital A. This and the lack of homology between the clinical and environmental isolates from hospital A raised the possibility that pulmonaryM. abscessusinfections may have been spread by the movement of patients between RCWs, a routine practice in Taiwan's integrated delivery system.
Streptococcus mutans infective endocarditis complicated by vertebral discitis following dental treatment without antibiotic prophylaxis
Authors: Biswas Sujata , Bowler Ian C. J. W. , Bunch Christopher , Prendergast Bernard , Webster Daniel P.
Published: July 2010

We report what we believe is the first reported case of Streptococcus mutans endocarditis complicated by vertebral discitis. The case is particularly interesting and topical as it occurred in a patient with pre-existing cardiac valvular disease who had recently had a dental procedure without antibiotic prophylaxis following a dramatic shift in the UK guidelines.
A deep sternal wound infection caused by Ureaplasma urealyticum
Authors: Lucke Katja , Kuster Stefan P. , Bertea Mihai , Ruef Christian , Bloemberg Guido V.
Published: July 2010

Ureaplasma species are usually associated with infection of the urogenital tract. An unusual case of a sternal wound infection caused by Ureaplasma urealyticum in a 41-year-old male after aortic valve replacement is described.
Campylobacter jejuni 81-176 forms distinct microcolonies on in vitro-infected human small intestinal tissue prior to biofilm formation
Authors: Haddock Graham , Mullin Margaret , MacCallum Amanda , Sherry Aileen , Tetley Laurence , Watson Eleanor , Dagleish Mark , Smith David G. E. , Everest Paul
Published: July 2010

Human small and large intestinal tissue was used to study the interaction of Campylobacter jejuni with its target tissue. The strain used for the study was 81-176 (+pVir). Tissue was processed for scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and by immunohistochemistry for light microscopy. Organisms adhered to the apical surface of ileal tissues at all time points in large numbers, in areas where mucus was present and in distinct groups. Microcolony formation was evident at 1–2 h, with bacteria adhering to mucus on the tissue surface and to each other by flagellar interaction. At later time points (3–4 h), biofilm formation on ileal tissue was evident. Flagellar mutants did not form microcolonies or biofilms in tissue. Few organisms were observed in colonic tissue, with organisms present but not as abundant as in the ileal tissue. This study shows that C. jejuni 81-176 can form microcolonies and biofilms on human intestinal tissue and that this may be an essential step in its ability to cause diarrhoea in man.
The Metabolic Network of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803: Systemic Properties of Autotrophic Growth
Authors: Knoop Henning , Zilliges Yvonne , Lockau Wolfgang , Steuer Ralf
Published: July 2010

Unicellular cyanobacteria have attracted growing attention as potential host organisms for the production of valuable organic products and provide an ideal model to understand oxygenic photosynthesis and phototrophic metabolism. To obtain insight into the functional properties of phototrophic growth, we present a detailed reconstruction of the primary metabolic network of the autotrophic prokaryote Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. The reconstruction is based on multiple data sources and extensive manual curation and significantly extends currently available repositories of cyanobacterial metabolism. A systematic functional analysis, utilizing the framework of flux-balance analysis, allows the prediction of essential metabolic pathways and reactions and allows the identification of inconsistencies in the current annotation. As a counterintuitive result, our computational model indicates that photorespiration is beneficial to achieve optimal growth rates. The reconstruction process highlights several obstacles currently encountered in the context of large-scale reconstructions of metabolic networks.