bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exhaled nitric oxide in the management of childhood asthma: A prospective 6‐months study
Authors: Fritsch Maria , Uxa Sabine , Horak Friedrich , Putschoegl Bettina , Dehlink Eleonora , Szepfalusi Zsolt , Frischer Thomas
Published: July 2006

Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is elevated in asthma and reflects eosinophilic airway inflammation. The aim of this prospective, randomized, single‐blind study was to examine whether the inclusion of repeated FeNO measurements into asthma monitoring leads to an improvement in asthma outcome. Forty‐seven children with mild to moderate asthma were allocated to a FeNO group (n = 22) and to a control group (n = 25). In the FeNO group therapy was based on symptoms, β‐agonist use, lung function, and FeNO whereas in the control group therapy was based on symptoms, β‐agonist use and lung function only. Patients performed five visits in 6 weeks intervals. Frequency of respiratory symptoms, β‐agonist use, FEV1% predicted and the frequency of exacerbations were similar between groups. Patients in the FeNO group received higher doses of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) (control group: median (interquartile range): 241 µg (26–607 µg); FeNo group: 316 µg (200–500 µg) and had significantly higher MEF50% predicted (control group: median (interquartile range): 68.5% (55.8–83.1%); FeNO group: 83.2% (62.9%–98.3%). At a cut‐off point of 22.9 ppb FeNO the best predictive value for exacerbations with a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 60% was found. Significant relationships were observed between FeNO and dose of ICS (β = −8.77; P < 0.002), β‐agonist use 2 weeks prior to a visit (β = 0.11; P < 0.05), asthma symptoms (β = 0.02; P < 0.0001), and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (β = 0.04; P = 0.02). In conclusion, FeNO was related to important markers of asthma control. A therapy regimen aimed at lowering FeNO in children with asthma improved parameters of small airway function, but was not able to improve clinical markers of asthma control. Pediatr Pulmonol. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence and clinical characteristics of human metapneumovirus infections in hospitalized infants in Spain
Authors: García‐García M.L. , Calvo C. , Pérez‐Breña P. , De Cea J.M. , Acosta B. , Casas I.
Published: July 2006

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV), a condition recently described in the Netherlands, causes lower respiratory infections, particularly in young children and among the elderly. The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics of hMPV infections in hospitalized infants <2 years of age and to compare them to those of infections caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). A prospective study was conducted on the clinical characteristics of infants admitted to hospital for respiratory infection through 5 years. Simultaneous detection of influenza A, B, and C viruses, RSV, and adenoviruses was performed in clinical samples by multiple reverse transcription nested‐PCR assay. The presence of hMPV was tested in all samples using two separate RT‐PCR tests. Some respiratory virus was detected in 70.5% of the 1,322 children included in the study. hMPV was found in 101 of the positive nasopharyngeal aspirates (10.8%), and was the most common virus after RSV and rhinovirus. Peak incidence was found in March. Over 80% of children were <12 months. The more common diagnoses were bronchiolitis (49.5%) and recurrent wheezing (45.5%). Fifty‐four percent of cases required oxygen therapy and, one percent, assisted ventilation. Thirty percent were co‐infections, with clinical characteristics indistinguishable from single infections. Seventy‐one hMPV single infections were compared to 88 RSV single infections. hMPV infections were significantly more frequent than RSV in infants older than 6 months (P = 0.04). Recurrent wheezing was diagnosed more frequently in hMPV patients (P = 0.001). All other variables tested were similar, in both groups. hMPV was the third most frequent virus after RSV and rhinovirus in infants <2 years of age, hospitalized for respiratory infection, and was associated with bronchiolitis and recurrent wheezing. hMPV predominantly occurred in spring. Co‐infections were frequent and clinically similar to single infections and RSV infections. Pediatr Pulmonol. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synchronized nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (SNIPPV) decreases work of breathing (WOB) in premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) compared to nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP)
Authors: Aghai Zubair H. , Saslow Judy G. , Nakhla Tarek , Milcarek Barry , Hart James , Lawrysh‐Plunkett Robyn , Stahl Gary , Habib Robert H. , Pyon Kee H.
Published: July 2006

Synchronized nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (SNIPPV) is non‐invasive respiratory support that delivers ventilator breaths via the nasal prongs. We hypothesized that SNIPPV is more effective than nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) in premature neonates due to decreased work of breathing (WOB). Fifteen infants (BW: 1,367 ± 325 g, GA: 29.5 ± 2.4 weeks) were studied on (a) NCPAP at 5 cmH2O (NCPAP5) and (b) three increasing SNIPPV settings achieved by NCPAP5 with additional delivered peak inspiratory pressures (PIP) of 10, 12, and 14 cmH2O. Tidal volumes and transpulmonary pressures were estimated via calibrated respiratory inductance plethysmography (RIP) and esophageal pressures, respectively. Inspiratory (WOBinsp), resistive (RWOB), and elastic (WOBE) components of WOB were calculated using standard methods. Compared to NCPAP5, (a) WOBinsp and RWOB were significantly lower with SNIPPV12, and were similarly lower with SNIPPV14 and (b) WOBE was significantly lower only with SNIPPV14. WOB components did not differ significantly for the three SNIPPV settings. Tidal volume, respiratory rate (RR), minute ventilation, compliance, and phase angle were similar for all four measurements. In conclusion, compared to NCPAP, the addition of ventilator‐delivered PIP during SNIPPV decreases WOB in premature infants. Pediatr Pulmonol. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Construction and Optimality of a Special Class of Balanced Designs
Authors: Barone Stefano , Lombardo Alberto
Published: July 2006

The use of balanced designs is generally advisable in experimental practice. In technological experiments, balanced designs optimize the exploitation of experimental resources, whereas in marketing research experiments they avoid erroneous conclusions caused by the misinterpretation of interviewed customers. In general, the balancing property assures the minimum variance of first‐order effect estimates. In this work the authors consider situations in which all factors are categorical and minimum run size is required. In a symmetrical case, it is often possible to find an economical balanced design by means of algebraic methods. Conversely, in an asymmetrical case algebraic methods lead to expensive designs, and therefore it is necessary to adopt heuristic methods. The existing methods implemented in widespread statistical packages do not guarantee the balancing property as they are designed to pursue other optimality criteria. To deal with this problem, the authors recently proposed a new method to generate balanced asymmetrical designs aimed at estimating first‐ and second‐order effects. To reduce the run size as much as possible, the orthogonality cannot be guaranteed. However, the method enables designs that approach the orthogonality as much as possible (near orthogonality). A collection of designs with two‐ and three‐level factors and run size lower than 100 was prepared. In this work an empirical study was conducted to understand how much is lost in terms of other optimality criteria when pursuing balancing. In order to show the potential applications of these designs, an illustrative example is provided. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Planning and Optimization of a Numerical Control Machine in a Multiple Response Case
Authors: Berni Rossella , Gonnelli Claudia
Published: July 2006

This paper focuses on a specific case of experimental planning and optimization in a multiresponse case. Particularly, our attention is dedicated to a numerical control machine and our final goal is to improve this machine's measurement accuracy for a general dental implant. This work substantially aims at addressing two issues: the optimization methods in the presence of more response variables and the related problem of weighting according to the actual importance of these variables. About simultaneous optimization, we suggest an improvement by a new function which takes care of location and dispersion effects. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A weighted logistic regression model for estimation of recurrence of adenomas
Authors: Hsu Chiu‐Hsieh , Green Sylvan B. , He Yulei
Published: July 2006

In a colorectal polyp prevention trial, some participants might have their follow‐up colonoscopy conducted before the scheduled time (i.e. at the end of the trial). This results in variable follow‐up lengths for participants and the data of recurrence status at the end of the trial can be considered as current status data. In this paper, we use a weighted logistic regression model to estimate recurrence rate of adenoma data at the end of the trial. The weights are used to adjust for variable follow‐up. We show that logistic regression tends to underestimate recurrence rate. In a simulation study, we show that Kaplan–Meier estimator derived from the right endpoint of the current status data tends to overestimate recurrence rate in contrast to logistic regression and the weighted logistic regression method can produce reasonable estimates of recurrence rate even under a high non‐compliance rate compared to conventional logistic regression and Kaplan–Meier estimator. The method described here is illustrated with an example from a colon cancer study. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Review of the Pathophysiology and Management of Postoperative Ileus
Authors: Mattei Peter , Rombeau John L.
Published: July 2006

Investigations in the pathophysiology and treatment of postoperative ileus continue to evolve. Bowel rest is no longer a mandatory component of postoperative recovery. Tolerance of enteral nutrition and normalization of the abdominal examination are more accurate indications of the resolution of postoperative ileus than passage of flatus or first bowel movement. A multimodal "fast track" recovery approach incorporated into a clinical pathway provides a more rapid return of intestinal function and shortened hospital stay in patients undergoing major, uncomplicated gastrointestinal surgery.
New Type of Jejunal Interposition Method after Gastrectomy
Authors: Zherlov Georgy , Koshel Andrey , Orlova Yuliya , Zykov Dmitry , Sokolov Sergey , Rudaya Nataliya , Karpovitch Alexander
Published: July 2006

Background:

Total and subtotal gastrectomies are methods of choice in surgical treatment of gastric cancer. These ablative operations eliminate the gastric reservoir and severely alter digestive physiology.

Methods:

We have created a unique method of reconstruction of “the jejunal pouch” following gastrectomy using the first loop of the jejunum together with the formation of antireflux anastomosis.

Results:

An analysis of the results of the application of a new way of reconstruction of the digestive path was carried out. Seventy‐five patients with gastric cancer received the new type of reconstruction. Among them, there were 52 men and 23 women aged 36–72 years. In the new interposition method group, in the first year after the surgical operation, the patients returned to 89.8% of their original body weight and in the second year to 89.7%; and in the Roux‐en‐Y group the patients returned to 64.4% and 59.2% of their body weight respectively. Further body weight fluctuations in patients after the new operative technique were determined by diet and aging and were not connected with digestive disorders. In the group receiving the new operative technique, the dumping syndrome was recorded in 4 (5.3%) patients and in the Roux‐en‐Y operation this syndrome occurred in 22 (27.5%) patients more than 1 year following the operations. There were no cases of reflux disease in the group undergoing the new operative technique. The average evacuation time of the “jejunal pouch” was 84 ± 9.8 min after the new operation and 57.5 ± 10.1 minutes after the Roux‐en‐Y operation.

Conclusions:

The comparative analysis of the results of the new operation (75 patients) with 80 patients (who were operated on using the traditional method) after the Roux‐en‐Y operation showed the significant advantages of the new method due to a diminished occurrence of troublesome gastrointestinal symptoms. We consider that the reconstruction of the gastrointestinal tract after total gastrectomy should give the maximal comfort for the rest of the patient’s life.
Molecular Cloning and Characterization of a Novel Dehydrin Gene from Ginkgo biloba
Authors: Deng Zhongxiang , Wang Yiding , Jiang Keji , Liu Xuefen , Wu Weisheng , Gao Shi , Lin Juan , Sun Xiaofen , Tang Kexuan
Published: July 2006

A full-length cDNA encoding a dehydrin was cloned from the living fossil plant Ginkgo biloba by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The cDNA, designated as GbDHN, was 813 bp long containing an open reading frame of 489 bp. The deduced GbDHN protein had 163 amino acid residues, which formed a 17 kDa polypeptide with a predicted isoelectric point (pI) of 5.75. GbDHN had an S-segment and a K-segment, indicative of dehydrins, but no Y-segments. Homology analysis indicated that the S-segment and K-segment of GbDHN shared identity with those of other reported dehydrins, indicating that GbDHN belonged to dehydrin superfamily. Genomic sequence of GbDHN was also cloned using genomic walker technology. By comparing genomic DNA with the cDNA, it was found that there was a 257-bp intron in this gene. Promoter analysis indicated that it contained six CAAT boxes, one TATA box, one ABRE box and one GC-motif in the 5′-flanking region. Southern blot analysis revealed that GbDHN belonged to a single copy gene family. RT-PCR analysis revealed that GbDHN constitutively expressed in stems and roots. The increased expression of GbDHN was detected when G. biloba seedlings were treated with exogenous abscisic acid (ABA), salt stress and drought stress. These results indicate that the GbDHN has the potential to play a role in response to ABA and environmental stresses that can cause plant dehydration.
Direct Assessment of Promoter Activity of Human Cytochrome P450 Genes Using Optimized Transfection in Vitro and in Vivo
Authors: Al-Dosari Mohammed , Zhang Guisheng , Knapp Joseph E. , Liu Dexi
Published: July 2006

Although transcription regulation of human cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP) is known to play an important role in drug metabolism and homeostasis, factors influencing the expression of various CYP genes in humans remain largely undefined. We used three cell lines and CD-1 mice to assess the activity of genomic promoter sequences of human CYP2D6, 1A2, 3A4, 2C9, 2C18, and 2E1 genes. CYP promoter sequences were amplified by PCR using human liver genomic DNA as the template and cloned into pGL3-Basic vectors that contain a luciferase reporter gene but lack promoter or enhancer sequences. Each plasmid construct was transfected into cells in vitro using polyethylenimine (PEI) as the transfection reagent and into mice using the recently developed hydrodynamics-based procedure. Relative promoter strength was determined by the level of luciferase expression in transfected cells. All six human CYP promoters are active in driving reporter gene expression in cultured hepatic HepG2 cells and non-hepatic cells such as human embryonic kidney fibroblasts (293 cells) and murine melanoma cells (BL-16) as well as cells in intact mouse liver, lung, heart, kidney and spleen. The order of strength among CYP promoters examined was found to be 2D6 > 1A2 > 3A4 > 2C9 > 2C18 > 2E1.
Activation of toll‐like receptor‐9 induces matrix metalloproteinase‐9 expression through Akt and tumor necrosis factor‐α signaling
Authors: Lim Eun-Jung , Lee Sun-Hye , Lee Jin-Gu , Chin Byung-Ro , Bae Yoe-Sik , Kim Jae-Ryong , Lee Chu-Hee , Baek Suk-Hwan
Published: July 2006

CpG oligodeoxunucleotide (ODN) plays an important role in immune cell function. The present study examined whether temporal control of toll‐like receptor (TLR)‐9 by CpG ODN can regulate the expression of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9). CpG ODN induced the release of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and the expression of TNF receptor (TNFR)‐II, but not of TNFR‐I, in a time‐dependent manner and stimulated significant, though delayed, MMP‐9 expression. The endosomal acidification inhibitors, chloroquine or bafilomycin A, inhibited CpG ODN‐induced TNF‐α, TNFR‐II, and MMP‐9 expression. CpG ODN induced the phosphorylation of Akt, and the inhibition of Akt by LY294002 suppressed CpG ODN‐induced TNF‐α, TNFR‐II, and MMP‐9 expressions. Moreover, neutralizing TNF‐α antibody significantly suppressed CpG ODN‐induced MMP‐9 expression, suggesting the involvement of TNF‐α. These observations suggest that CpG ODN may play important roles in macrophage activation by regulating the expression of MMP‐9 via a TLR‐9/Akt/TNF‐α‐dependent signaling pathway.
Adult neural stem cells express glucose transporters GLUT1 and GLUT3 and regulate GLUT3 expression
Authors: Maurer Martin H. , Geomor H. Kenny , Bürgers Heinrich F. , Schelshorn Dominik W. , Kuschinsky Wolfgang
Published: July 2006

In the brain, glucose is transported by GLUT1 across the blood–brain barrier and into astrocytes, and by GLUT3 into neurons. In the present study, the expression of GLUT1 and GLUT3 mRNA and protein was determined in adult neural stem cells cultured from the subventricular zone of rats. Both mRNAs and proteins were coexpressed, GLUT1 protein being 5‐fold higher than GLUT3. Stress induced by hypoxia and/or hyperglycemia increased the expression of GLUT1 and GLUT3 mRNA and of GLUT3 protein. It is concluded that adult neural stem cells can transport glucose by GLUT1 and GLUT3 and can regulate their glucose transporter densities.
Bone marrow transplantation improves outcome in a mouse model of congenital muscular dystrophy
Authors: Hagiwara Hiroki , Ohsawa Yutaka , Asakura Shoji , Murakami Tatsufumi , Teshima Takanori , Sunada Yoshihide
Published: July 2006

We examined whether pathogenesis in dystrophin‐deficient (mdx) mice and laminin‐α2‐deficient (dy) mice is ameliorated by bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Green fluorescent protein (GFP) mice were used as donors. In mdx mice, BMT failed to produce any significant differences in muscle pathology, although some GFP‐positive fibers with restored dystrophin expression were observed. In contrast, in the dy mice, BMT led to a significant increase in lifespan and an increase in growth rate, muscle strength, and respiratory function. We conclude that BMT improved outcome in dy mice but not mdx mice.
The fission yeast Map4 protein is a novel adhesin required for mating
Authors: Sharifmoghadam Mohammad Reza , Bustos-Sanmamed Pilar , Valdivieso Maria-Henar
Published: July 2006

Cell adhesion is required for many cellular processes. In fungi, cell–cell contact during mating, flocculation or virulence is mediated by adhesins, which typically are glycosyl phosphatidyl inositol (GPI)‐modified cell wall glycoproteins. Proteins with internal repeats (PIR) are surface proteins involved in the response to stress. In Schizosaccharomyces pombe no adhesins or PIR proteins have been described. Here we study the S. pombe Map4p, which defines a new class of surface protein that is not GPI‐modified and has a serine/threonine rich domain and internal repeats that differ from those present in PIR proteins. Map4p is a mating type‐specific adhesin required for mating in h
+ cells and enhances cell adhesion when overexpressed.
Expressed sequence tags from Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus)
Authors: Murata Jun , Bienzle Dorothee , Brandle Jim E. , Sensen Christoph W. , De Luca Vincenzo
Published: July 2006

The Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) is well known to produce the chemotherapeutic anticancer agents, vinblastine and vincristine. In spite of its importance, no expressed sequence tag (EST) analysis of this plant has been reported. Two cDNA libraries were generated from RNA isolated from the base part of young leaves and from root tips to select 9824 random clones for unidirectional sequencing, to yield 3327 related sequences and 1696 singletons by cluster analysis. Putative functions of 3663 clones were assigned, from 5023 non‐redundant ESTs to establish a resource for transcriptome analysis and gene discovery in this medicinal plant.
Electrostatic role of the non‐heme iron complex in bacterial photosynthetic reaction center
Authors: Ishikita Hiroshi , Knapp Ernst-Walter
Published: July 2006

To elucidate the role of the non‐heme iron complex (Fe‐complex) in the electron transfer (ET) events of bacterial photosynthetic reaction centers (bRC), we calculated redox potentials of primary/secondary quinones QA/B (E
m(QA/B)) in the Fe‐depleted bRC. Removing the Fe‐complex, the calculated E
m(QA/B) are downshifted by ∼220 mV/∼80 mV explaining both the 15‐fold decrease in ET rate from bacteriopheophytin to QA and triplet state occurrence in Fe‐depleted bRC. The larger downshift in E
m(QA) relative to E
m(QB) increases the driving‐energy for ET from QA to QB by 140 meV, in agreement with ∼100 meV increase derived from kinetic studies.
Factors affecting the evolution of manufacturing in Canada: An historical perspective
Authors: Balakrishnan Jaydeep , Eliasson Janice B. , Sweet Timothy R.C.
Published: July 2006

This paper examines the factors that influenced developments in industry and manufacturing in Canada from the 17th to the 20th century. Although Canada's abundance of natural resources led to the development of primary industries in the 17th and 18th centuries, the manufacturing industry was not significant until the early 19th century. Four representative manufacturing industries are discussed to illustrate the overall trend in the chronological evolution of Canadian manufacturing in the 19th and 20th centuries. The role and impact of factors such as transportation, electricity, foreign investment, particularly by U.S. entrepreneurs, and government support for industry is reviewed to understand their impact on manufacturing as it has evolved to the present. It appears that these were indeed influential and thus are factors that other countries in a less developed stage of their manufacturing evolution may look to for directions.

Our analysis also shows that Canadian manufacturing which began by producing simple items in small volumes due to geographical diversity and the absence of a large market, moved into the mass manufacturing age only in the 20th century. But in the 21st century due to competition from low labour cost countries Canada has moved back to customized manufacturing though in sophisticated goods such as aircraft manufacturing and biotech. While there are bright spots in Canadian manufacturing, recent studies also show that work needs to be done to produce more value added products and ensure Canadian manufacturing competitiveness in the global market place.
Die audiovisuelle Sprachverarbeitung bei Patienten mit Cochlea-Implantat
Authors: Möbes Janine , Lambrecht Jürgen , Nager Wido , Büchner Andreas , Lesinski-Schiedat Anke , Lenarz Thomas , Dengler Reinhard , Münte Thomas F.
Published: July 2006

Zusammenfassung: Mit Hilfe der elektrischen Reizung des Hörnervs durch implantierte Elektroden in die Hörschnecke (Cochlea-Implantat: CI) kann bei Ertaubten die Fähigkeit zur Wahrnehmung akustischer Sprachlaute wieder hergestellt werden. Aufgrund der herabgesetzten akustische Qualität der Signale ziehen diese zusätzliche visuelle Informationen heran. Akustische Sprachreize (zweisilbige Substantive) wurden zeitgleich zu einem Video-Segment mit dem Gesicht des Sprechers dargeboten, das entweder dem akustischen Wort kongruente (z. B. Audio: Hotel, Video: Hotel) oder inkongruente Information (z. B. Audio: Hotel, Video: Insel) aussprach. Die Analyse der Verhaltensdaten ergab, dass CI-Patienten deutlich von der zusätzlichen Darbietung des Sprechergesichtes profitieren, um Sprachlaute zu verstehen. Auch Normalhörende nutzen visuelle Informationen, vor allem, wenn die akustischen Signale verrauscht und schwer verständlich sind. Die audiovisuelle Sprachverarbeitung löst bei CI-Nutzern und Normalhörenden unterschiedliche Amplitudenverläufe im ereigniskorrelierten Potenzial aus. Dabei zeigen sich vor allem Unterschiede im okzipitalen Bereich, was als Reorganisation nach Hördeprivation bei CI-Patienten verstanden werden kann.
Familienorientierte Gruppentherapie zur Behandlung von Patientinnen mit Anorexia und Bulimia nervosa - eine Pilotstudie
Authors: Salbach Harriet , Bohnekamp Inga , Lehmkuhl Ulrike , Pfeiffer Ernst , Korte Alexander
Published: July 2006

Zusammenfassung: Fragestellung: Familientherapie hat sich in der Behandlung von Anorexia (AN) und Bulimia nervosa (BN) als effektiv erwiesen. Die kognitiv-behaviorale Behandlung hat bei BN im Erwachsenenbereich gute Effekte erzielt, allerdings gibt es kaum Studien, die die Wirksamkeit psychotherapeutischer Behandlungen in der Adoleszenz untersucht haben. Da bei der Mehrzahl der Betroffenen die AN häufig während der mittleren Adoleszenz auftritt und die BN während der späteren Adoleszenz beginnt, ist die Entwicklung von Behandlungsprogrammen für Essstörungen im Jugendalter dringend angezeigt. In diesem Beitrag wird ein Behandlungsprogramm dargestellt, das im Rahmen eines gruppentherapeutischen Vorgehens störungsspezifische (größtenteils psychoedukative) mit zieloffenen Therapiekomponenten verbindet. Die Patientinnen nehmen gemeinsam mit ihren Eltern an dem Gruppenangebot teil. Methodik: Es erfolgt eine Evaluation des Behandlungskonzepts anhand eines «single-group designs», und Veränderungen werden gemessen. Ergebnisse: Insgesamt nahmen 32 stationäre Patientinnen (29 mit AN; 3 mit BN) mit ihren Eltern bzw. allein erziehenden Müttern an dem Behandlungsprogramm teil. Die Tatsache, dass keine Familie die Behandlung abgebrochen hat, weist auf eine hohe Akzeptanz hin. Prä-post-Analysen zeigen während der sechs Wochen einen Rückgang der Essstörungssymptomatik. Schlussfolgerungen: Vor- und Nachteile dieses Behandlungsprogramms werden diskutiert und die Einschränkungen der Pilotstudie kritisch beleuchtet.
Wenn Furcht und Angst entgleisen
Authors: Hamm Alfons O. , Weike Almut I. , Melzig Christiane A.
Published: July 2006

Zusammenfassung. Aus der Perspektive der Biologischen Psychologie sind Furcht und Angst durch die Aktivierung eines Defensivsystems gekennzeichnet, welches sowohl die Enkodierung bedrohlicher Reize reguliert als auch die Organisation automatisch ablaufender Reaktionsprogramme übernimmt. Im Tiermodell wurde vor allem die Amygdala als zentrale Schaltstation dieses Defensivsystems herausgearbeitet, wobei diese Struktur sensorische Eingänge aus dem Thalamus und Kortex erhält und efferente Projektionen in verschiedene Strukturen des Kortex, Zwischen- und Mittelhirns sowie des Hirnstamms aussendet. Somit interagiert dieses affektive System mit einer ganzen Reihe kortikaler Regionen und kognitiver Funktionen. Pathologische Formen von Furcht und Angst unterscheiden sich nicht prinzipiell von normalen affektiven Reaktionen. Es liegt aber eine Sensibilisierung des Defensivsystems vor. Dies führt dazu, dass das Defensivsystem bereits bei geringer raum-zeitlicher Nähe und Intensität des bedrohlichen Reizes spezifisches Abwehrverhalten initiiert (z.B. Vorbereitung zur Flucht). Gleichzeitig wird das perzeptuelle System gebahnt, was zu einer weiteren Sensibilisierung des Systems beiträgt. Bei chronifizierten Angstzuständen befindet sich das Defensivsystem in permanent erhöhter Erregungsbereitschaft, die Umgebung wird ständig nach potenziell bedrohlichen Hinweisreizen (dies können auch interozeptive Reize sein) abgesucht (Hypervigilanz) und auch die defensive Reaktionsbereitschaft ist chronisch erhöht (z.B. vegetative Übererregbarkeit und motorische Spannung).
Zentralnervöse Korrelate der Verarbeitung bedrohungsrelevanter Reize bei Phobikern und Gesunden
Authors: Straube Thomas , Miltner Wolfgang H. R.
Published: July 2006

Zusammenfassung. Der verstärkte Einsatz bildgebender Verfahren, wie z.B. der funktionellen Magnetresonanztomographie, hat in den letzten Jahren zu zahlreichen Befunden geführt, die unser Wissen über die neuronalen Grundlagen der normalen und pathologischen Verarbeitung bedrohungsrelevanter Reize erweitert haben. Bei Phobikern konnten dadurch unter anderem Gehirnareale genauer identifiziert werden, die an der automatischen und kontrollierten Stimulusverarbeitung beteiligt sind. Die mittels funktioneller Bildgebung und elektrophysiologischer Methoden aufgezeigten zentralnervösen Aktivierungsmuster können nicht nur zu einem besseren Verständnis der neuronalen Basis von Angststörungen, sondern auch zur neurobiologischen Fundierung von Psychotherapieeffekten beitragen. Im vorliegenden Artikel werden aktuelle Befunde zur Gehirnaktivierung während der Verarbeitung von Bedrohungsreizen bei Gesunden und Phobikern dargestellt und im Rahmen gegenwärtiger Modellvorstellungen diskutiert.
Anzeichen für vermehrte subsyndromale affektive Episoden bei Vulnerabilität für bipolar affektive Störungen
Authors: Peukert Peter , Meyer Thomas D.
Published: July 2006

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Die Identifikation von Personen mit erhöhtem Risiko für bipolare Störungen kann das Verständnis ätiologischer Aspekte verbessern und langfristig präventive Optionen eröffnen. Verschiedene Studien der letzten Jahre zeigen einen Zusammenhang zwischen dem hypomanen Temperament (Skala Hypomane Persönlichkeit (Hyp)) und einem erhöhten Erkrankungsrisiko für bipolar affektive Störungen. Fragestellungen: Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war es zu prüfen, ob sich bei Personen, die eine psychometrisch definierte erhöhte Vulnerabilität für das bipolare Spektrum haben und bei denen bislang keine psychische Störung diagnostiziert wurde, Anzeichen für affektive Symptome bzw. subsyndromale Episoden finden lassen. Methode: Anhand der Skala Hyp wurden Jugendliche und junge Erwachsene (N = 112) in eine Gruppe mit hohen Werten in Bezug auf die Hyp-Skala (Hyp-Gruppe) und niedrige Werte (Kontrollgruppe) aufgeteilt. Sie wurden 2 Jahre später mit dem SKID für DSM-IV interviewt und füllten vier Wochen lang prospektiv ein Stimmungstagebuch aus. Ergebnisse: Auch wenn man Personen mit diagnostizierbaren psychischen Störungen einschließlich Achse-II-Störungen ausschließt, zeigen Personen der Hyp-Gruppe vermehrt Anzeichen subsyndromaler bipolarer Episoden. Auch prospektiv berichten sie von mehr affektiv depressiven und maniformen Symptomen und eine erhöhte affektive Instabilität. Schlussfolgerungen: Mit der Skala Hypomane Persönlichkeit werden Personen identifiziert, die sowohl retrospektiv als auch prospektiv vermehrt depressive und maniforme Symptome berichten, auch wenn sie nicht die Kriterien für eine psychische Störung erfüllen. Dies macht die Skala geeignet zur Untersuchung subsyndromaler bipolarer Zustände und deren Korrelate und Prozesse.
Directional Verbal Probabilities
Authors: Honda Hidehito , Yamagishi Kimihiko
Published: July 2006

Verbal probability expressions (e.g., it is possible or doubtful) convey not only vague numerical meanings (i.e., probability) but also semantic functions, called directionality. We performed two experiments to examine whether preferential judgments are consistent with numerical meanings of verbal probabilities regardless of directionality. The results showed that because of the effects of directionality, perceived degrees of certainty for verbal probabilities differed between a binary choice and a numerical translation (Experiment 1), and decisions based on a verbal probability do not correspond to those based on a numerical translation for verbal probabilities (Experiment 2). These findings suggest that directionality of verbal probabilities is an independent feature from numerical meanings; hence numerical meanings of verbal probability alone remain insufficient to explain the effects of directionality on preferential judgments.
Delayed Masking and the Auditory Attentional Blink
Authors: Vachon François , Tremblay Sébastien
Published: July 2006

The attentional blink (AB) corresponds to a transient deficit in reporting the second (T2) of two targets embedded in a rapid sequence of distractors. The retrieval competition ( Shapiro, Raymond & Arnell, 1994 ) and bottleneck models ( Chun & Potter, 1995 ; Jolicœur, 1998 ) predict the attenuation of the deficit with the extension of the delay between T2 and its mask. This prediction was tested using auditory sequences of nonverbal stimuli in which the T2-mask interval was systematically varied. The magnitude of the auditory AB diminished with the lengthening of the interval from 50 to 150 ms while no time-locked deficit was observed with the longest (350 ms) and the shortest (10 ms) intervals. These results suggest that presenting a mask after T2 is not sufficient to produce an auditory AB: The mask must be perceivable as an auditory event distinct from the target and occur before T2 consolidation. The present study also provides evidence that as in vision, AB deficits take place in the auditory domain when T2 is masked by interruption but not by integration. Our findings are best accounted for in terms of bottlenecked processing limitations.
Working Memory Involvement in Emotion-Based Processes Underlying Choosing Advantageously
Authors: Pecchinenda Anna , Dretsch Michael , Chapman Paul
Published: July 2006

The Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) is widely used to assess decision making under conditions of uncertainty in clinical as well as in nonclinical populations. However, there is still debate as to whether normal performance at this task relies on implicit, emotion-based processes that are independent of working memory. To clarify the role of working memory on normal performance on the IGT, participants performed the task under low or high working memory load. We used a modified version of the original task, in which the position of the four decks was randomized between trials. Results showed that only participants performing under low memory load significantly chose more advantageously halfway through the task. In addition, when comparing the number of cards chosen from the two decks with frequent losses, one advantageous and one disadvantageous, only participants performing under low memory load chose more cards from the advantageous deck. The present findings indicate that the processes underlying optimal advantageous performance on the IGT rely on working memory functions.
Individual Performance Based on Cognitive Experimental Measurements?
Authors: Berger Andrea
Published: July 2006

Inhibition of Return (IOR) is a mechanism whereby the attentional system favors novel locations by inhibiting already scanned ones. In spatial attention tasks, it commonly occurs when the interval between cue onset and target onset is longer than 300 ms. The positive difference between reactions in the valid condition and those in the invalid one shows that responses to target stimuli are slower following a valid cue than responses to target stimuli following an invalid cue. IOR is a very robust phenomenon at the group mean level; however, this study demonstrates that its standard error of measurement is extremely high, which seriously challenges any attempt to interpret an individual score as representing the characteristics of a subject's attention system. Furthermore, this reliability problem might diminish the likelihood of finding differences between groups and conditions. The study shows that these problems may be partially corrected by employing the back-to-center paradigm.
Large‐area spatially explicit estimates of tropical soil carbon stocks and response to land‐cover change
Authors: Holmes Karen W. , Chadwick Oliver A. , Kyriakidis Phaedon C. , Silva de Filho Eliomar P. , Soares João Vianei , Roberts Dar A.
Published: July 2006

Studies of tropical soil organic carbon (SOC) response to deforestation present conflicting results, confounding estimates of the regional effects of land‐cover change on carbon storage. We calculated the change in SOC stocks due to deforestation through 1996 for the state of Rondônia, Brazil, in the southwestern Amazon basin. Whereas the net change in SOC for the state as a whole was slightly negative (−0.5% or −5012 Gg), spatially explicit maps suggest dramatic local changes, ranging from −76% to +74%, with outliers as high as +330%. The direction and magnitude of change in SOC following forest clearing is related to original forest soil carbon and pH, which in turn provides a general measure for overall nutrient availability and possible toxicities. When native soil carbon is high, SOC decreases in response to land‐cover conversion from forest to pasture; conversely, low soil carbon and low soil fertility lead to gains in carbon under pasture. Mapping variability, rather than relying on large‐area averages, illustrates why results from individual field sites have been contradictory.
Soil organic carbon and black carbon storage and dynamics under different fire regimes in temperate mixed‐grass savanna
Authors: Ansley R. J. , Boutton T. W. , Skjemstad J. O.
Published: July 2006

We quantified the effects of repeated, seasonal fires on soil organic carbon (SOC), black carbon (BC), and total N in controls and four fire treatments differing in frequency and season of occurrence in a temperate savanna. The SOC at 0–20 cm depth increased from 2044 g C m−2in controls to 2393–2534 g C m−2in the three treatments that included summer fire. Similarly, soil total N (0–20 cm) increased from 224 g N m−2in the control to 251–255 g N m−2in the treatments that included summer fire. However, winter fires had no effect on SOC or total N. Plant species composition coupled with lower δ13C of SOC suggested that increased soil C in summer fire treatments was related to shifts in community composition toward greater relative productivity by C3species. Lower δ15N of soil total N in summer fire treatments was consistent with a scenario in which N inputs > N losses. The BC storage was not altered by fire, and comprised 13–17% of SOC in all treatments. Results indicated that fire and its season of occurrence can significantly alter ecosystem processes and the storage of C and N in savanna ecosystems.
Impacts of winter storms on air‐sea gas exchange
Authors: Zhang Weiqing , Perrie Will , Vagle Svein
Published: July 2006

The objective of this study is to investigate air‐sea gas exchange during winter storms, using field measurements from Ocean Station Papa in the Northeast Pacific (50°N, 145°W). We show that increasing gas transfer rates are coincident with increasing winds and deepening depth of bubble penetration, and that this process depends on sea state. Wave‐breaking is shown to be an important factor in the gas transfer velocity during the peaks of the storms, increasing the flux rates by up to 20%. Gas transfer rates and concentrations can exhibit asymmetry, reflecting a sudden increase with the onset of a storm, and gradual recovery stages.
Statistical bias in periodograms derived from solar wind time series
Authors: Podesta J. J.
Published: July 2006

The bias in periodogram spectral estimators is computed as a function of the sample size N by assuming a model power spectrum that decays like f−α at high frequencies. For α = 2, it is shown that when the aliasing of the measured power spectrum is properly taken into account the bias in the “raw” periodogram is nearly independent of frequency for large N. For the range of values 1.7 ≲ α <2, an upper bound on the bias is provided by the case α = 2. Theoretical calculations of the maximum absolute bias as a function of N are used to determine when the periodogram is approximately unbiased and when the bias is significant enough to require the use of a modified periodogram which incorporates data tapering, also called data windowing. For solar wind velocity data acquired by the ACE spacecraft and a chosen low frequency cutoff of 10−7 Hz, the bias in periodogram spectral estimators is found to be less than 4% for sample sizes N greater than 216 = 65536. This corresponds to a 49 day record of 64 s data.
Differences in daytime and nighttime ionospheric deterministic chaotic behavior: GPS total electron content analyses
Authors: Unnikrishnan K. , Saito A. , Fukao S.
Published: July 2006

A study on the differences in deterministic chaotic behavior of midlatitude ionosphere during local daytime and nighttime, using GPS total electron content (TEC), under various geophysical conditions, is conducted. The noninteger value of correlation dimension, the positive value of Lyapunov exponent, the power spectra in broadband, etc., and the implementation of surrogate data test strongly indicate the chaoticity of the underlying dynamics of ionosphere. The values of correlation dimension obtained for daytime and nighttime TEC of a major storm period in winter measured at 35.1°N are 3.25 ± 0.03 and 2.35 ± 0.05, respectively, which indicate the fractal dimension of the attractor. The values of Lyapunov exponent are estimated as 0.1387 × 10−2 s−1 and 0.0979 × 10−2 s−1 for the above time series during daytime and nighttime, respectively. It is observed that at the lower sector (32.1–38.1°N), Lyapunov exponents of daytime are higher than those of nighttime, during a major storm period. The values of nonlinear prediction error during nighttime are higher than those of daytime for all the latitudes, except at 32.1°N, where the trend is opposite. During winter quiet times, the values of Lyapunov exponent of nighttime at the lower sector (32.1–38.1°N) have higher values than those of daytime, where as at the upper section (41.1–44.1°N), both have the same values. During equinoctial quiet times also, the above trend exists, by exhibiting higher values of Lyapunov exponent for nighttime compared to those of daytime, especially at the upper latitude sector (38.1–44.1°N) of the present study. The values of nonlinear prediction error, during quiet times in winter and equinox, generally show higher values at daytimes, compared to those at nighttimes. However, during summer, the opposite trend is observed, with higher values of the above parameter at daytime compared to those at nighttime, except at 32.1°N. This is a case study in a broad sense and the results presented here are based on the observations made for each event. The possible causes of chaotic aspects of ionosphere, based on the values of above quantifiers under various geophysical conditions, are discussed.
Identification of sources of potential fields with the continuous wavelet transform: Two‐dimensional ridgelet analysis
Authors: Boukerbout Hassina , Gibert Dominique
Published: July 2006

A method based on the wavelet transform is used to localize the causative sources of potential field anomalies. In previous studies we introduced a particular class of analyzing wavelets belonging to the Poisson semigroup and such that the analyzed anomaly has a conical signature in the wavelet domain with its apex pointing at the location of the causative homogeneous source. In the present paper we apply this formalism to the special case of anomalies produced by elongated sources like faults and dikes. We show that, for this particular type of anomalies, the two‐dimensional (2‐D) wavelet transform corresponds to the ridgelet analysis and reduces to the 1‐D wavelet transform applied in the Radon domain. A complete synthetic example is used to illustrate all steps of the analysis method: Radon transform of the anomaly map, selection of the Radon signature of elongated anomalies, complex wavelet transform, and source localization with the conical signature in the wavelet domain. The azimuthal filtering performed in the Radon domain leads to high signal‐to‐noise ratio and good localization of the sources both horizontally and vertically. The synthetic example is completed by an application of the method to a real aeromagnetic survey acquired in Britanny (France) and the results are compared with source depth determinations made with the Euler deconvolution method.
A submesoscale coherent eddy in the Greenland Sea in 2003
Authors: Kasajima Yoshie , Olsson K. Anders , Johannessen Truls , Messias Marie‐José , Jeansson Emil , Bellerby Richard G. J. , Skjelvan Ingunn
Published: July 2006

Submesoscale Coherent Vortices (SCVs) have been observed earlier in the Greenland Sea, but their overall characteristics, the formation and the dissolution mechanisms, and the effects on the large‐scale hydrodynamics were not well understood. In order to improve the understanding of these features, a simultaneous investigation of hydrography, chemical tracers, and full‐depth velocity profiles in a SCV was employed in September 2003. The observed eddy had a homogeneous cold core from 500 m to 2500 m depth with a radius of 8∼15 km. The velocity field of the eddy was higher than in the previous years, and the eddy was in strong anticyclonic rotation in the intermediate layer (1000∼2000 m). The high velocity field led to the estimate of eddy vorticity twice as high as previous observations, and this was accounted for the eddy migration while the earlier observed eddies were rather stationary around 75°N 0°E. The eddy migrated northeast ward with a speed of 3 km/day driven by the background mean flow under the strong effects of the background shear, which tilted the rotation axis in the upper layer. The concentrations of sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in the eddy provided firm information about the source water end‐members. The Greenland Sea Arctic Intermediate Water and winter cold surface water were determined as the principal eddy source waters. This differs from the earlier conception of eddies being sourced from intermediate waters at the periphery of the Greenland Basin.
Investigating decadal variability of El Nino–Southern Oscillation asymmetry by conditional nonlinear optimal perturbation
Authors: Duan Wansuo , Mu Mu
Published: July 2006

The observed El Nino events are generally stronger than the La Nina events. This property of El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is termed as ENSO asymmetry. Evidence is presented to show that this asymmetry has changed since the famous 1976 climate shift. Along the thinking of how the tropical background field modulates ENSO cycle, we explore the effect of the climatological basic‐state change on the ENSO asymmetry by applying the approach of conditional nonlinear optimal perturbation (CNOP) in a theoretical coupled model. CNOP is the initial anomaly pattern that evolves into ENSO event most probably. Observation shows that from the preshift (1961–1975) to the postshift (1981–1995) period, significant changes have occurred in climatological background state, i.e., the mean temperature difference between the equatorial eastern and western Pacific basins and between the mixed‐layer and subsurface‐layer water, which control the ENSO oscillation in the theoretical coupled model. By computing the CNOPs of the climatological basic state corresponding to the 1961–1975 (1981–1995) epoch, we reproduce the observed decadal change of ENSO asymmetry qualitatively. On the basis of the physics described by the model, the mechanism of ENSO asymmetry change in interdecadal scale is explored in depth. It is shown that the decadal change of ENSO asymmetry is induced by the change of nonlinear temperature advection, which is closely related to the decadal change of the tropical background state. These indicate that the decadal change of ENSO asymmetry results from the collective effect of the changes of the tropical background state and the nonlinearity. These findings in this study also suggest that the nonlinearity can explain not only the asymmetry of interannual ENSO, but also that of interdecadal ENSO, which may present a powerful evidence to the ENSO chaotic theory.