bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of a resistance training on pulmonary function and performance measurements in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Wright Peter , Heck Hermann , Langenkamp Heiner
Published: December 2005

Background: Exercise therapy with its manifold effects should be part of a modern and multi‐modular treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In literature, mainly endurance training is recommended. Because of the specific symptoms (e.g., muscle atrophy, dyspnea, low testosterone levels) and the de‐conditioning of these patients, resistance training might meet the demands of a COPD‐exercise‐therapy rather than endurance training. The aim of this research project was to evaluate the efficiency of strength training on various COPD‐relevant parameters. Methods: Twenty‐eight patients with moderate to severe COPD (12 male, 16 female) were randomized and divided into a treatment and a control group. The patients in the treatment group underwent a hypertrophic maximal strength training for 12 weeks, initially twice, then 3 times a week for 60 to 120 min. Results: The FEV1 performance (forced expiratory volume in 1 s) showed a significant increase (p=.01) of 5.3%. Whereas in the daily peak‐flow measurement, there was no significant change in both groups, a trend towards improvement of this parameter could be found in the treatment group by 20 L. The performance on the ergo cycle showed a significant improvement (p <. 001) of the treatment group of 18.7% (21.9 W). The results of the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire also showed a significantimprovement (p <. 05) of the health‐related quality of life (HRQL) in the treatment group. A change of the HRQL in the control group was not found. Conclusions: These data support the hypotheses that a short‐term, high‐intensity strength training program is suitable to improve pulmonary function and performance measurements of patients with moderate to severe COPD. These changes lead to an improved performance of daily activities and general wellbeing. The conclusion can be drawn that hypertrophic maximal strength training is preferable for a COPD‐specific exercise therapy and offers new treatment perspectives.
Perspectives of modern sports pedagogy
Authors: Schmidt‐millard Torsten
Published: December 2005

This review intends to give a short overview of the development and future perspectives of sports pedagogy as a science. In this respect, a skeptical position is marked, because sports pedagogy seems not to be affirmative to the system of sports. The development of sports sciences as a whole proceeds, and the question is whether sports pedagogy could be the integrating “melting” point of the diverging sports sciences. This hope characterizes early attempts to determine the scientific location of the discipline. Although these former attempts have failed, the problem itself remains. The new bachelor and master's degree courses of study established recently demand new ways of integrating modules. The integration of sports sciences has to take place with regard to the practice of future teachers. That is why the integration of different sport sciences must proceed even as specialization continues.
On the way to a national socialist sports system: From liberal sports in clubs and associations to directed sports in national socialist organizations
Authors: Luh Andreas
Published: December 2005

Since 1938/39 disputes about the future organizational structure of sport in National Socialist Germany raged among the highest decision‐making bodies. This issue, which at first was only discussed by those deciding on sport‐related matters, ultimately ranged high on the agenda of top‐flight German politicians. The general public was not supposed to find out about this controversy, and therefore it was disguised by demonstrating unity in public, especially during the war. After 1939 the DAF (Deutsche Arbeitsfront,National Socialist German Labor Front) and the SA (Sturmabteilung,national socialist paramilitary massorganization) made a consolidated attempt at working out a political strategy with regard to sport, which was aimed at reorganizing German sport covering the specific needs of the National Socialists. Since the 1840s, sport in clubs on a voluntary basis has been the institutional foundation of German sport. According to the DAF and the SA, this basis was at their disposition. Only war stopped the developments initiated by these two groups. Astonishingly enough, these significant concepts and developments, which were also rudimentarily introduced, have been mentioned so far only as marginal notes by sports historians. In the article presented, the main steps in the development of a specific national socialist sports system are analyzed and illustrated.
Sport Is Art
Authors: Platchias Dimitris
Published: December 2005

I here attempt to show that sport can legitimately be regarded as art. Both art and sport appear to be open concepts in that they are unamenable to an absolute definition. This is not though to mean that we are not allowed at all to speak about certain characteristics that both concepts possess, in that otherwise, everything could be art or everything could be sport. My discussion then, in an attempt to reveal their relation, or how close is the intimacy between them and therefore to explore the possibility of whether sport can be legitimately regarded as art, is in terms of similarities and common characteristics. One may find innumerable similarities or common features between them, such as institutionalization, or the fact that both art and sport can be performed on stages, or arenas, presented for a public and so forth. However, my inquiry here focuses on an attempt to discern the most important or central (as opposed to peripheral) characteristics that both concepts possess, in a task where finding these characteristics would enable one plausibly to assert that sport can be regarded as a form of art. I have concentrated on demonstrating main common characteristics between these two concepts with respect to the nature of sport, to the aesthetic and to the artistic, which I believe enable me to make such a contention. Moreover, my discussion focuses on David Best's misconceived distinction between purposive and aesthetic sports in relation to Immanuel Kant's considerations of beauty in the arts.
Treatment of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis: The Effects of Regular Exercise
Authors: Achten Juul , Sutedja Dede , Johnson Jill , Jeukendrup Asker , Jones David , Elias Elwyn
Published: December 2005

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of supervised regular aerobic exercise on clinical, biochemical, and metabolic features in patients with NASH. Nine male patients diagnosed with NASH were randomly divided into an exercise group (E) and a non‐exercise group (NE). Patients in the E group followed a 12‐week supervised aerobic exercise program. All patients were reviewed at 6 and 12 weeks for symptomatology, anthropometry, liver panels, and lipid profiles. In addition, the fitness level of the patients was measured every 6 weeks during a graded exercise test to exhaustion on a cycleergometer. Patients in the E group who performed, on average, 45 min of moderate intensity exercise 4 times a week significantly increased their maximal work rate (p<. 05), while no change was seen in the NE group. A trend towards decreased respiratory exchange ratios and lactate concentrations during exercise in the E group suggested a greater reliance on fat metabolism. After 12 weeks, body and fat mass and waist:hip ratio changed significantly in the E group, while no changes were seen in the NE group. Serum ALT activity decreased significantly after 12 weeks in the E group (88 ± 6 vs. 53 ± 10 U · L−1), while values remained the same in the NE group. The data of the present study suggest that regular exercise can be a valuable tool in the treatment of NASH.
Disturbed eating in young, competitive gymnasts: Differences between three gymnastics disciplines
Authors: Nordin Sanna , Harris Gillian , Cumming Jennifer
Published: December 2005

Aesthetic sport athletes are subject to pressures to be thin. Because such pressures may vary across different subtypes of gymnastics, differences between 3 gymnastics types (artistic, rhythmic, and sports acrobatics) on indices of eating disturbances were investigated. This was performed with a younger sample than has commonly been the norm. Fifty competitive female gymnasts, 10–15 years of age, completed subscales of the Eating Disorder Inventory. Rhythmic gymnasts scored the highest for Drive for Thinness and for total eating disturbance (both p
Leisure‐time physical activity, sedentary behavior, and fitness of high school girls
Authors: Kerner Matthew S , Kurrant Anthony B , Kalinski Michael I
Published: December 2005

Background: Childhood physical inactivity may exacerbate other behaviorally linked cardiovascular disease risk factors such as hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, which have been associated with subsequent morbidity and mortality later in life. Evidence suggests that physical activity as adults is related to their exercise patterns as children. Methods: Television watching and Internet use time were evaluated for one week, and their relationships to various physical fitness parameters among 129 high school girls were assessed. Leisure‐time physical activity, quantified by a 21‐day physical activity diary and a compendium of physical activities with metabolic equivalent (MET) intensities, and attitudinal belief to leisure‐time physical activity were compared to all the aforementioned variables. Results: No significant correlations were found between television watching time or Internet use time with body mass index, one‐mile run time, and three different operational definitions of leisure‐time physical activity. One‐mile run time correlated moderately with body mass index and negatively with leisure‐time physical activity. Caloric expenditure during lei‐sure‐time physical activity was weakly related to body mass index. Attitudinal belief to leisure‐time physical activity correlated significantly with leisure‐time physical activity, weekly caloric expenditure, and inversely with one‐mile run time. The foremost predictor of mile‐run time was body mass index, followed by attitudinal belief to leisure‐time physical activity and leisure‐time physical activity. Conclusions: Leisure‐time physical activity and attitudinal belief to leisure‐time physical activity are significantly (and inversely) associated with physical fitness only when expressed by an actual performance measure, but not when represented by the sum of the skinfold measurements, body fat, or body mass index. Physical fitness is unrelated to Internet use time or television watching time. Furthermore, since these sedentary behaviors are unrelated to leisure‐time physical activity, yet positively correlated with each other, it is suggested that time spent watching television or on the Internet does not occur at the expense of leisure‐time physical activity.
Relationship of perceived health and appearance improvement, and self‐motivation, with adherence to exercise in previously sedentary women
Authors: Annesi James J.
Published: December 2005

Previously sedentary women in the southeast United States (M age = 35.9 years, SD = 10.1), whose primary reason for beginning an exercise program was either health improvement (N = 48) or appearance improvement (N = 42), were assessed to estimate relationships between perceived progress on these factors, self‐motivation, and exercise program attendance. Non‐significant bivariate correlations were found between attendance and changes in measures of perceived health (r = ‐.24) and appearance (r = ‐.02), over the 16‐week study. Self‐Motivation Inventory scores were supported as a significant correlate of exercise attendance (rs =.30 and.36), and when entered into linear multiple regression analyses, along with perceived health and appearance improvement, explained variances in attendance increased (R2 =.11 and R2 =.14, respectively). Findings supported trait theory as a valid but incomplete model, and failed to support propositions embedded within goal setting and self‐efficacy theories. The dynamic relationship between personal, process, and outcome factors, related to exercise adherence, is discussed. The need for further research to contribute to more comprehensive exercise behavior models, capable of giving effective direction to treatment design, is suggested. Limitations and the need for replication and extension are also discussed.
Immune function and exercise
Authors: Gleeson Michael
Published: December 2005

This review will examine the effects of exercise and training on immune func‐tion and will discuss the methodological problems that limit the interpretation of many exercise immunology studies. Acute bouts of exercise cause a tempo‐rary depression of various aspects of immune function, such as neutrophil oxidative burst, lymphocyte proliferation, monocyte MHC class II expression, and natural killer cell cytotoxic activity, that will usually last for approximately three to 24 hours after exercise, depending on the intensity and duration of the exercise bout. Post‐exercise immune function depression is most pronounced when the exercise is continuous, prolonged (<1.5 hours), of moderate to high intensity (55‐75% VO2max), and performed without food intake. Periods of intensified training that result in overreaching have been shown to chronically depress immune function—i.e., immune cell functions measured at rest are still depressed 24 hours after the last exercise bout. Although elite athletes are not clinically immune deficient, it is possible that the combined effects of small changes in several immune parameters may compromise resistance to common minor illnesses such as upper respiratory tract infection. Protracted immune depression linked with prolonged training may determine susceptibility to infection, particularly at times of major competitions.
DID THE EURO FOSTER ONLINE PRICE COMPETITION? EVIDENCE FROM AN INTERNATIONAL PRICE COMPARISON SITE
Authors: BAYE MICHAEL R. , GATTI J. RUPERT J. , KATTUMAN PAUL , MORGAN JOHN
Published: December 2005

We study the impact of the Euro on prices charged by online retailers within the European Union. Our data span the period before and after the Euro was introduced, cover a variety of products, and include countries inside and outside of the Eurozone. After controlling for cost, demand, and market structure effects, we show that the pure Euro changeover effect is to raise average prices in the Eurozone by 3 % and average minimum prices by 7%. Finally, we develop a model of online pricing in the context of currency unions and show that these price patterns are broadly consistent with those of clearinghouse models. (JEL D400, D830, F150, L130, M370)
Identification of surface‐exposed components of MOMP of Chlamydia trachomatis serovar F
Authors: Wang Yan , Berg Eric A. , Feng Xiaogeng , Shen Li , Smith Temple , Costello Catherine E. , Zhang You‐Xun
Published: December 2005

The identification of surface‐exposed components of the major outer membrane protein (MOMP) of Chlamydia is critical for modeling its three‐dimensional structure, as well as for understanding the role of MOMP in the pathogenesis of Chlamydia‐related diseases. MOMP contains four variable domains (VDs). In this study, VDII and VDIV of Chlamydia trachomatis serovar F were proven to be surface‐located by immuno‐dot blot assay using monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). Two proteases, trypsin and endoproteinase Glu‐C, were applied to digest the intact elementary body of serovar F under native conditions to reveal the surface‐located amino acids. The resulting peptides were separated by SDS‐PAGE and probed with MAbs against these VDs. N‐terminal amino acid sequencing revealed: (1) The Glu‐C cleavage sites were located within VDI (at Glu61) and VDIII (at Glu225); (2) the trypsin cleavage sites were found at Lys79 in VDI and at Lys224 in VDIII. The tryptic peptides were then isolated by HPLC and analyzed with a matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer and a quadrupole‐orthogonal‐TOF mass spectrometer coupled with a capillary liquid chromatograph. Masses and fragmentation patterns that correlated to the peptides cleaved from VDI and VDIII regions, and C‐terminal peptides Ser333–Arg358 and Ser333–Lys350 were observed. This result demonstrated that these regions are surface‐exposed. Data derived from comparison of nonreduced outer membrane complex proteolytic fragments with their reduced fractions revealed that Cys26, 29, 33, 116, 208, and 337 were involved in disulfide bonds, and Cys26 and 337, and 116 and 208 were paired. Based on these data, a new two‐dimensional model is proposed.
Human soluble epoxide hydrolase: Structural basis of inhibition by 4‐(3‐cyclohexylureido)‐carboxylic acids
Authors: Gomez German A. , Morisseau Christophe , Hammock Bruce D. , Christianson David W.
Published: December 2005

X‐ray crystal structures of human soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) complexed with four different dialkylurea inhibitors bearing pendant carboxylate “tails” of varying length have been determined at 2.3–3.0 Å resolution. Similarities among inhibitor binding modes reinforce the proposed roles of Y381 and/or Y465 as general acids that protonate the epoxide ring of the substrate in concert with nucleophilic attack of D333 at the electrophilic epoxide carbon. Additionally, the binding of these inhibitors allows us to model the binding mode of the endogenous substrate 14,15‐epoxyeicosatrienoic acid. Contrasts among inhibitor binding modes include opposite orientations of inhibitor binding in the active‐site hydrophobic tunnel. Alternative binding orientations observed for this series of inhibitors to human sEH, as well as the binding of certain dialkylurea inhibitors to human sEH and murine sEH, complicate the structure‐based design of human sEH inhibitors with potential pharmaceutical applications in the treatment of hypertension. Thus, with regard to the optimization of inhibitor designs targeting human sEH, it is critical that human sEH and not murine sEH be utilized for inhibitor screening, and it is critical that structures of human sEH‐inhibitor complexes be determined to verify inhibitor binding orientations that correlate with measured affinities.
Subtle but variable conformational rearrangements in the replication cycle of Sulfolobus solfataricus P2 DNA polymerase IV (Dpo4) may accommodate lesion bypass
Authors: Wang Yanli , Arora Karunesh , Schlick Tamar
Published: December 2005

The possible conformational changes of DNA polymerase IV (Dpo4) before and after the nucleotidyl‐transfer reaction are investigated at the atomic level by dynamics simulations to gain insight into the mechanism of low‐fidelity polymerases and identify slow and possibly critical steps. The absence of significant conformational changes in Dpo4 before chemistry when the incoming nucleotide is removed supports the notion that the “induced‐fit” mechanism employed to interpret fidelity in some replicative and repair DNA polymerases does not exist in Dpo4. However, significant correlated movements in the little finger and finger domains, as well as DNA sliding and subtle catalytic‐residue rearrangements, occur after the chemical reaction when both active‐site metal ions are released. Subsequently, Dpo4's little finger grips the DNA through two arginine residues and pushes it forward. These metal ion correlated movements may define subtle, and possibly characteristic, conformational adjustments that operate in some Y‐family polymerase members in lieu of the prominent subdomain motions required for catalytic cycling in other DNA polymerases like polymerase β. Such subtle changes do not easily provide a tight fit for correct incoming substrates as in higher‐fidelity polymerases, but introduce in low‐fidelity polymerases different fidelity checks as well as the variable conformational‐mobility potential required to bypass different lesions.
Solubility engineering and crystallization of human apolipoprotein D
Authors: Nasreen Amber , Vogt Martin , Kim Hyun Jin , Eichinger Andreas , Skerra Arne
Published: December 2005

Human apolipoprotein D (ApoD) is a physiologically important member of the lipocalin protein family that was discovered as a peripheral subunit of the high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) but is also abundant in other body fluids and organs, including neuronal tissue. Although it has been possible to produce functional ApoD in the periplasm of Escherichia coli and to demonstrate its ligand‐binding activity for progesterone and arachidonic acid, the recombinant protein suffers from a pronounced tendency to aggregate and to adsorb to vessel surfaces as well as chromatography matrices, thus hampering further structural investigation. Here, we describe a systematic mutagenesis study directed at presumably exposed hydrophobic side chains of the unglycosylated recombinant protein. As a result, one ApoD mutant with just three new amino acid substitutions—W99H, I118S, and L120S—was identified, which exhibits the following features: (1) improved yield upon periplasmic biosynthesis in E. coli, (2) elution as a monomeric protein from a gel permeation chromatography column, and (3) unchanged binding activity for its physiological ligands. In addition, the engineered ApoD was successfully crystallized (space group I4 with unit cell parameters a = 75.1 Å, b = 75.1 Å, c = 166.0 Å, α = β = γ = 90°), thus demonstrating its conformationally homogeneous behavior and providing a basis for the future X‐ray structural analysis of this functionally still puzzling protein.
Simulation of pH‐dependent edge strand rearrangement in human β‐2 microglobulin
Authors: Park Sheldon , Saven Jeffery G.
Published: December 2005

Amyloid fibrils formed from unrelated proteins often share morphological similarities, suggesting common biophysicalmechanisms for amyloidogenesis. Biochemical studies of human β‐2 microglobulin (β2M) have shown that its transition from a water‐soluble protein to insoluble aggregates can be triggered by low pH. Additionally, biophysical measurements of β2M using NMR have identified residues of the protein that participate in the formation of amyloid fibrils. The crystal structure of monomeric human β2M determined at pH 5.7 shows that one of its edge β‐strands (strand D) adopts a conformation that differs from other structures of the same protein obtained at higher pH. This alternate β‐strand arrangement lacks a β‐bulge, which may facilitate protein aggregation through intermolecular β‐sheet association. To explore whether the pH change may yield the observed conformational difference, molecular dynamics simulations of β2M were performed. The effects of pH were modeled by specifying the protonation states of Asp, Glu, and His, as well as the C terminus of the main chain. The bulged conformation of strand D is preferred at medium pH (pH 5–7), whereas at low pH (pH < 4) the straight conformation is observed. Therefore, low pH may stabilize the straight conformation of edge strand D and thus increase the amyloidogenicity of β2M.
Structural interpretation of mutations and SNPs using STRAP‐NT
Authors: Gille Christoph
Published: December 2005

Visualization of residue positions in protein alignments and mapping onto suitable structural models is an important first step in the interpretation of mutations or polymorphisms in terms of protein function, interaction, and thermodynamic stability. Selecting and highlighting large numbers of residue positions in a protein structure can be time‐consuming and tedious with currently available software. Previously, a series of tasks and analyses had to be performed one‐by‐one to map mutations onto 3D protein structures; STRAP‐NT is an extension of STRAP that automates these tasks so that users can quickly and conveniently map mutations onto 3D protein structures. When the structure of the protein of interest is not yet available, a related protein can frequently be found in the structure databases. In this case the alignment of both proteins becomes the crucial part of the analysis. Therefore we embedded these program modules into the Java‐based multiple sequence alignment program STRAP‐NT. STRAP‐NT can simultaneously map an arbitrary number of mutations denoted using either the nucleotide or amino acid sequence. When the designations of the mutations refer to genomic sites, STRAP‐NT translates them into the corresponding amino acid positions, taking intron–exon boundaries into account. STRAP‐NT tightly integrates a number of current protein structure viewers (currently PYMOL, RASMOL, JMOL, and VMD) with which mutations and polymorphisms can be directly displayed on the 3D protein structure model. STRAP‐NT is available at the PDB site and at http://www.charite.de/bioinf/strap/ or http://strapjava.de.
On Analyzing Circadian Rhythms Data Using Nonlinear Mixed Models with Harmonic Terms
Authors: Albert Paul S. , Hunsberger Sally
Published: December 2005

Summary Wang, Ke, and Brown (2003, Biometrics59, 804–812) developed a smoothing‐based approach for modeling circadian rhythms with random effects. Their approach is flexible in that fixed and random covariates can affect both the amplitude and phase shift of a nonparametrically smoothed periodic function. In motivating their approach, Wang et al. stated that a simple sinusoidal function is too restrictive. In addition, they stated that “although adding harmonics can improve the fit, it is difficult to decide how many harmonics to include in the model, and the results are difficult to interpret.” We disagree with the notion that harmonic models cannot be a useful tool in modeling longitudinal circadian rhythm data. In this note, we show how nonlinear mixed models with harmonic terms allow for a simple and flexible alternative to Wang et al.'s approach. We show how to choose the number of harmonics using penalized likelihood to flexibly model circadian rhythms and to estimate the effect of covariates on the rhythms. We fit harmonic models to the cortisol circadian rhythm data presented by Wang et al. to illustrate our approach. Furthermore, we evaluate the properties of our procedure with a small simulation study. The proposed parametric approach provides an alternative to Wang et al.'s semiparametric approach and has the added advantage of being easy to implement in most statistical software packages.
Modification of the Computational Procedure in Parker and Bregman's Method of Calculating Sample Size from Matched Case–Control Studies with a Dichotomous Exposure
Authors: Novikov Ilya , Oberman Bernice , Freedman Laurence
Published: December 2005

Summary Several authors have addressed the problem of calculating sample size for a matched case–control study with a dichotomous exposure. The approach of Parker and Bregman (1986, Biometrics42, 919–926) is, in our view, one of the most satisfactory, since it requires specification of quantities that are often easily available to the investigator. However, its recommended implementation involves a computational approximation. We show here that the approximation performs poorly in extreme situations and can be easily replaced with a more exact calculation.
Experimental susceptibility of Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua (L.), and Atlantic halibut, Hippoglossus hippoglossus (L.), to different genotypes of viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus
Authors: Snow M , King J A , Garden A , Raynard R S
Published: December 2005

Viral haemorrhagic septicaemia (VHS) is a well‐characterized disease of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, which has also caused economic losses in marine turbot farms in the British Isles. We have previously demonstrated that turbot, Scophthalmus maximus, are susceptible to isolates of viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV) that are endemic in the marine environment, highlighting a potential risk to marine aquaculture. Given the increasing interest in the intensive rearing of additional aquaculture species such as Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua, and Atlantic halibut, Hippoglossus hippoglossus, this study aimed at investigating the susceptibility of these species to VHSV. Both species were found to be largely resistant to VHS following immersion challenge with a selection of 18 isolates, representing the known marine VHSV genotypes. Only one and two VHSV‐associated mortalities occurred out of a total of 1710 and 1254 halibut and cod, respectively. These findings suggest that there is a low direct risk to the development of commercial cod and halibut aquaculture from the existing endemic reservoir of VHSV. This study, coupled to field observations has, however, highlighted the fact that both species can become infected with VHSV. The known adaptability of RNA viruses, together with the selection pressures associated with intensive aquaculture would thus advocate a cautious approach to VHSV surveillance within these emerging industries.
Noradrenergic, serotonergic and GABAergic antagonists injected together into the XII nucleus abolish the REM sleep‐like depression of hypoglossal motoneuronal activity
Authors: FENIK VICTOR B. , DAVIES RICHARD O. , KUBIN LESZEK
Published: December 2005

Recently, we reported that the suppression of hypoglossal (XII) motoneuronal activity that occurs during the carbachol‐induced, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep‐like state is abolished by the microinjection into the XII nucleus of a drug mix that antagonizes aminergic excitation and amino acid‐mediated inhibition (prazosin, methysergide, bicuculline and strychnine). We now assess the role of glycinergic inhibition in the depression of XII motoneuronal activity and estimate the distribution of the antagonists around the XII nucleus at the time when they are effective. Towards the first goal, REM sleep‐like episodes were elicited in urethane‐anesthetized rats by 10 nl carbachol microinjections into the dorsomedial pons prior to, and at different times after, combined microinjections into the XII nucleus of only three antagonists (strychnine omitted). As in our previous study, the carbachol‐induced depression of XII activity was abolished during tests performed 42–88 min after the antagonists, whereas other characteristic effects of carbachol (appearance of hippocampal theta, cortical activation, decreased respiratory rate) remained intact. The depressant effect of carbachol on XII motoneurons partially recovered after 2.5 h. Towards the second goal, using a drug diffusion model, we determined that the tissue concentrations of the antagonists at the time when they were effective were within the range of their selective actions, and the drugs acted within 0.9–1.4 mm from the injection sites, thus within a space containing XII motoneurons and their dendrites. We conclude that antagonism of α‐adrenergic, serotonergic, and GABAA receptors are sufficient to abolish the REM sleep‐like atonia of XII motoneurons.
Analysis of oscillatory patterns in the human sleep EEG using a novel detection algorithm
Authors: OLBRICH E. , ACHERMANN P.
Published: December 2005

The different brain states during sleep are characterized by the occurrence of distinct oscillatory patterns such as spindles or delta waves. Using a new algorithm to detect oscillatory events in the electroencephalogram (EEG), we studied their properties and changes throughout the night. The present approach was based on the idea that the EEG may be described as a superposition of stochastically driven harmonic oscillators with damping and frequency varying in time. This idea was implemented by fitting autoregressive models to the EEG data. Oscillatory events were detected, whenever the damping of one or more frequencies was below a predefined threshold. Sleep EEG data of eight healthy young males were analyzed (four nights per subject). Oscillatory events occurred mainly in three frequency ranges, which correspond roughly to the classically defined delta (0–4.5 Hz), alpha (8–11.5 Hz) and sigma (11.5–16 Hz) bands. Their incidence showed small intra‐ but large inter‐individual differences, in particular with respect to alpha events. The incidence and frequency of the events was characteristic for sleep stages and non‐rapid eye movement (REM)–REM sleep cycles. The mean event frequency of delta and sigma (spindle) events decreased with the deepening of sleep. It was higher in the second half of the night compared with the first one for delta, alpha and sigma oscillations. The algorithm provides a general framework to detect and characterize oscillatory patterns in the EEG and similar signals.
Frequency of narcolepsy symptoms and other sleep disorders in narcoleptic patients and their first‐degree relatives
Authors: OHAYON M. M. , FERINI‐STRAMBI L. , PLAZZI G. , SMIRNE S. , CASTRONOVO V.
Published: December 2005

Narcolepsy is a rare neurological sleep disorder affecting around 0.05% of the general population. Genetic factors are known to have an important role in narcolepsy. However, because of its very low prevalence, it is difficult to have groups of comparison between first‐degree relatives and general population subjects in order to identify a specific spectrum of disorders in these families. Consequently, from 157 Italian patients with narcolepsy, 263 first‐degree relatives were recruited, two refused to participate. These family members were compared with a matched group of 1071 subjects selected from a sample of 3970 subjects representative of the general population of Italy (46 million inhabitants). Finally, 68 spouses of narcoleptic patients were used to assess for possible role of environmental factors. All subjects were interviewed by telephone using the Sleep‐EVAL system. Nineteen cases of narcolepsy were discovered among the first‐degree relatives of 17 probands (10.8%). Compared with the general population subjects, the relative risk of narcolepsy among female first‐degree relatives was of 54.4 and of 105.1 among male first‐degree relatives. First‐degree relatives were also at higher risk for idiopatic hypersomnia (OR: 23.0), obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OR: 6.8), adjustment sleep disorder (OR: 4.0), insufficient sleep syndrome (OR: 7.0), circadian rhythm disorders (OR: 2.5), REM behavior disorder (OR: 4.4), and sleep talking (OR: 2.0). The vulnerability to sleep disorders is very high in first‐degree relatives and the link with different expressivity and severity of hypersomnia can be confirmed.
Sleep loss‐related decrements in planning performance in healthy elderly depend on task difficulty
Authors: BLATTER KATHARINA , OPWIS KLAUS , MÜNCH MIRJAM , WIRZ‐JUSTICE ANNA , CAJOCHEN CHRISTIAN
Published: December 2005

Prefrontal cortex (PFC)‐related functions are particularly sensitive to sleep loss. However, their repeated examination is intricate because of methodological constraints such as practice effects and loss of novelty. We investigated to what extent the circadian timing system and the sleep homeostat influence PFC‐related performance in differently difficult versions of a single task. Parallel versions of a planning task combined with a control group investigation were used to control for practice effects. Thirteen healthy volunteers (five women and eight men, range 57–74 years) completed a 40‐h sleep deprivation (SD) and a 40‐h multiple nap protocol (NAP) under constant routine conditions. Each participant performed 11 easy and 11 difficult task versions under either SD or NAP conditions. The cognitive and motor components of performance could be distinguished and analysed separately. Only by thoroughly controlling for superimposed secondary factors such as practice or sequence effects, could a significant influence of circadian timing and sleep pressure be clearly detected in planning performance in the more difficult, but not easier maze tasks. These results indicate that sleep loss‐related decrements in planning performance depend on difficulty level, and that apparently insensitive tasks can turn out to be sensitive to sleep loss and circadian variation.
Investigating couples’ sleep: an evaluation of actigraphic analysis techniques
Authors: MEADOWS R. , VENN S. , HISLOP J. , STANLEY N. , ARBER S.
Published: December 2005

‘Blip’ analysis, fast wavelet transformations (FWT) and correlation analysis have all been used to actigraphically assess the impact one person is having on another's sleep, yet no review exists as to the differences between, and applicability of, these methods for investigating couples’ sleep. Using actigraphy data and audio sleep diaries collected from 18 couples, this paper provides such a review. This paper constructs and assesses two novel, analytical methods: Lotjonen's sleep/wake algorithm, and the partner impact on sleep wake analysis (PISWA). Both ‘blip’ analysis and correlation suggest that the strongest relationship between bed partners occurs on an epoch‐to‐epoch basis. However, ‘blips’ deal strictly with onset of movement and fail to incorporate strength and duration of movement. Conversely, correlation analysis incorporates some elements of strength and duration of movement but makes identification of onset problematic. FWT offer useful ‘relativistic’ pattern recognition, identifying onset, strength and duration of movement, but are difficult to quantify. Although audio diary data support the potential of Lotjonen's sleep/wake algorithm to identify sleep non‐movement, sleep movement, wake non‐movement (or quiet wakefulness) and wake movement, the problem remains that this method also relies on visualization. Of most promise, we argue, is the PISWA, which examines ‘impact’ of bed partners through incorporating elements of ‘blip’ analysis and the sleep/wake algorithm.
Nocturnal ghrelin levels – relationship to sleep EEG, the levels of growth hormone, ACTH and cortisol – and gender differences
Authors: SCHUESSLER PETRA , UHR MANFRED , ISING MARCUS , SCHMID DAGMAR , WEIKEL JOTTA , STEIGER AXEL
Published: December 2005

Ghrelin, an endogenous ligand of the growth hormone (GH) secretagogue receptor, stimulates sleep, appetite and weight gain as well as the secretion of GH, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol in humans and rodents. The interaction between nocturnal ghrelin levels, sleep EEG and the secretion of these hormones was not investigated systematically so far. Furthermore conflicting data exist on gender differences in nocturnal ghrelin secretion. We examined simultaneously sleep EEG and the nocturnal levels of ghrelin, GH, ACTH and cortisol in young and middle‐aged normal human subjects (eight males, eight females). A significant interaction between gender and the course of ghrelin concentration was observed to the interval between 20:00 and 23:00 hours. In males a continuous increase of ghrelin levels before sleep onset was found. In females, however, a rise of ghrelin during the night was missed. We found a trend suggesting a lower time spent in stage I sleep in subjects with high nocturnal ghrelin levels. Other systematic interactions between plasma ghrelin, sleep EEG and other hormones were not found. No peak in plasma ghrelin levels resembling the GH surge was observed. We suggest that under naturalistic conditions plasma ghrelin levels show no distinct interaction with sleep.
Functional brain imaging of a complex navigation task following one night of total sleep deprivation: a preliminary study
Authors: STRANGMAN GARY , THOMPSON JOHN H. , STRAUSS MONICA M. , MARSHBURN THOMAS H. , SUTTON JEFFREY P.
Published: December 2005

Several neuroimaging studies have demonstrated compensatory cerebral responses consequent to sleep deprivation (SD), but all have focused on simple tasks with limited behavioral response options. We assessed the cerebral effects associated with SD during the performance of a complex, open‐ended, dual‐joystick, 3D navigation task (simulated orbital docking) in a cross‐over protocol, with counterbalanced orders of normal sleep (NS) and a single night of total SD (∼27 h). Behavioral performance on multiple measures was comparable in the two sleep conditions. Functional magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple compensatory SD > NS cerebral responses, including the posterior superior temporal sulcus [Brodmann area (BA) 39/22/37], prefrontal cortex (BA 9), lateral temporal cortex (BA 22/21), and right substantia nigra. Right posterior cingulate cortex (BA 31) exhibited NS > SD activity. Our findings extend the compensatory cerebral response hypothesis to complex, open‐ended tasks.
Occurrence ofSalmonellain the Ileum, Ileocolic Lymph Nodes, Tonsils, Mandibular Lymph Nodes and Carcasses of Pigs Slaughtered for Consumption
Authors: Vieira‐Pinto M. , Temudo P. , Martins C.
Published: December 2005

This study evaluates the occurrence ofSalmonellain pork carcasses and in some risk tissues (ileum, ileocolic and mandibular lymph nodes and tonsils), that can be involved inSalmonellacontamination during slaughter.Salmonellawas identified in 27 (26.7%) pigs and in 13 (12.9%) carcasses. From these positive carcasses, 69.2% presented the same serotype as that identified in the corresponding pig, which emphasize the pigs importance as a source ofSalmonelladuring the slaughter, suggesting that measures should be taken at the level of pig production in order to reduce the slaughtering ofSalmonella‐positive animals. The highest value ofSalmonellaoccurrence was reached in the ileocolic lymph nodes (18.8%) and in the ileum (13.9%), representingSalmonellapotential faecal source during pork processing at the abattoir. In these samples, a high level ofSalmonellawas observed in the ileocolic lymph nodes in comparison with the ileum. The mandibular lymph nodes (12.9%) also presented a higher occurrence in comparison with the tonsils (9.9%). These results indicate that the lymph nodes analysis could be more sensitive in the detection ofSalmonellathan the closer drainage tissue. Otherwise, the presence ofSalmonellain the lymph nodes indicates lymphatic spread of the organism, which reflects an increased risk of pork contamination. These results also indicate that, in order to achieve a better control ofSalmonellacontamination during the slaughter process, it is important to consider the improvement of the evisceration practices and the tonsils as well the extraction of mandibular lymph nodes after slaughter.
Eimeriosis in Cattle: Current Understanding
Authors: Daugschies A. , Najdrowski M.
Published: December 2005

This report addresses various aspects of the protozoan parasiteEimeriawhich contribute to their increasing recognition as important protozoal pathogens in cattle. Among others, questions of parasite biology and epidemiology, its impact on host physiology, and control strategies are dealt with. The tenacious oocysts are found ubiquitously in the environment making an infection of calves and young cattle, the most susceptible age group, almost inevitable. Further development, comprising of asexual multiplication, the merogony, and a subsequent sexual stage, the gamogony, takes place within cells of the small and large intestines, after which numerous unsporulated oocysts are formed and shed with the faeces. Of the more than a dozen species,Eimeria bovisandEimeria zuerniionly are made responsible for severe clinical disease characterized by haemorrhagic diarrhoea with sometimes fatal outcome. To a lesser extent,Eimeria alabamensisalso can cause clinical disease. Because of the damage inflicted on the intestinal tissue, the digestive process and overall homeostasis can become severly affected, even with absence of clinical disease, with adverse effects on animal welfare and performance. The consequent economic losses for the cattle industry are thus substantial. Active (species specific) immunity, both humoral and cellular, develops rapidly after first antigen contact, its intensity being dependent on the number of oocysts ingested. However, no absolute protection is achieved and even older animals can excrete oocysts, contributing to a state of endemic stability. For efficient control, exact diagnosis of theEimeriaspecies involved and the evaluation of animal management and husbandry practices are of utmost importance. Mixed infections are the rule and only an occurrence of pathogenic species, together with clinical symptoms, justifies the assumption of a coccidiosis. Proper hygiene regime and ensuring unfavourable conditions for oocyst survival in the environment (cool and dry, disinfection procedures) will help to reduce infection pressure on the herd. Of the various pharmacological compounds used to treat coccidiosis, those which act against the late developmental stages, administered during prepatency (metaphylactically rather than therapeutically), are currently considered most effective.
Development of Performance Indicators for the Bovine Clinical Salmonellosis Surveillance Network in France
Authors: Hendrikx P. , Chazel M. , Buret Y. , Dufour B.
Published: December 2005

Performance indicators are variables used to calculate on a continuous basis the operational level of a surveillance network's priority activities. A 10‐step process was developed to enable network co‐ordinators to identify specific performance indicators to help them monitor their networks. The methodology was based on a listing of surveillance activities, the definition and choice of network's global priority objectives, the construction of performance indicators and monitoring tables and the implementation of the system within the network. This process was implemented for the bovine clinical digestive salmonellosis surveillance network in France (RESSAB). The process produced a list of 26 activities synthesized into 15 global objectives, from which 12 were retained as priority objectives. This made it possible to develop 12 performance indicators. Indicators retrospectively calculated for the year 2003 indicated that RESSAB was operating according to the objectives set by the network's stakeholders and its financial supporter. The methodology was implemented successfully and was not very time consuming (12 person‐days) or expensive. The decision makers and actors in the network quickly appropriated the system. The methodology can thus be considered validated through this example. Nevertheless, the risks inherent in the use of performance indicators must be addressed by ensuring the relevance of the selected indicators through external assessment and by prioritizing an internal and participatory approach to avoid a misuse of the performance indicators. In addition, considering that performance indicators address only the operation of the network, relevance of surveillance procedure should be addressed by external evaluation.
Effect of independent expert reports in Australian takeovers
Authors: Bugeja Martin
Published: December 2005

The Corporations Law 2001 mandates the preparation of an expert report in circumstances where the bidder is perceived to have a superior bargaining position. The present study tests whether the findings in Eddey (1993) can be extrapolated to all bids, irrespective of payment method. Inconsistent with Eddey, the results indicate that target premiums are lower where an expert report is required. The results confirm a higher frequency of price revisions where an expert indicates that the offer is ‘not fair’. However, this increased offer is insufficient to raise the price to the level in takeovers without expert reports.
Changes in risk characteristics of firms issuing hybrid securities: case of convertible bonds
Authors: Rai Atul
Published: December 2005

The present paper examines changes in risk characteristics of a firm when it issues convertible bonds by studying the change in beta before and after the issuance of convertible bonds. Using a sample of 149 firms, strong evidence was found of change in beta, along with significant heterogeneity across firms. On average, the beta of a firm issuing convertible bonds declines, although 40 per cent of firms showed an increase in beta. A cross‐sectional regression shows that after controlling for the reversion‐to‐mean phenomenon, the change in beta is significantly related to potential dilution of equity as well as to increase in debt, but is not significantly related to either the change in bond rating of a firm or to the stated use of funds from issuance.