bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonality of month of birth of patients with Graves’ and Hashimoto’s diseases differ from that in the general population
Authors: Krassas Gerasimos E , Tziomalos Konstantinos , Pontikides Nikolaos , Lewy Hadas , Laron Zvi
Published: May 2007

Objective: We aimed to test the viral hypothesis in the pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD).

Design: We determined the pattern of month of birth (MOB) distribution in patients with AITD and in the general population and searched for differences between them.

Methods: A total of 1023 patients were included in this study; 359 patients had Graves’ hyperthyroidism (GrH) and 664 had Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism (HH). We divided the patients with HH into three subgroups according to their thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibody titers at diagnosis: low levels (<500 IU/ml), high levels (500–1000 IU/ml), and extremely high levels (>1000 IU/ml). We used cosinor analysis to analyze the data.

Results: Overall, patients with GrH and HH had a different pattern of MOB distribution when compared with the general population and between groups. Furthermore, among both patients with GrH and HH, both genders had a different pattern of MOB distribution when compared with the general population and this pattern was also different between genders. Finally, only women with extremely high titers of TPO antibodies at diagnosis and men with low or extremely high TPO antibody levels showed rhythmicity in MOB, with a pattern of MOB distribution different from that in controls.

Conclusions: The different MOB seasonality in both GrH and HH points towards a similar maybe even common etiology with type 1 diabetes mellitus and multiple sclerosis, namely a seasonal viral infection as the initial trigger in the perinatal period, the clinical disease resulting from further specific damage over time.
Effect of amiodarone and dronedarone administration in rats on thyroid hormone-dependent gene expression in different cardiac components
Authors: Stoykov I , van Beeren H C , Moorman A F M , Christoffels V M , Wiersinga W M , Bakker O
Published: May 2007

Objective: In view of their different actions on thyroid hormone receptor (TR) isoforms we set out to investigate whether amiodarone (AM) and dronedarone (Dron) have different and/or component-specific effects on cardiac gene expression.

Design: Rats were treated with AM or Dron and the expression of TRα 1, TRα 2, TRβ 1 and several tri-iodothyronine (T3)-regulated genes was studied in different parts of the heart, namely the right atrium (RA), left ventricular wall (LVW) and apex.

Methods: Rats were treated for 14 days with 100 mg/kg body weight AM or Dron. The expression of TRα 1, TRα 2, TRβ 1 and T3-regulated genes was studied using real-time PCR and non-radioactive in situ hybridisation.

Results: AM and Dron affected TR expression in the RA similarly by decreasing TRα 1 and β 1 expression by about 50%. In the LVW, AM and Dron decreased TRβ 1 and, interestingly, AM increased TRα 1. In the apex, AM also increased TRα 2. The changes seen in T3-dependent gene expression are reminiscent of foetal reprogramming.

Conclusion: Taken together, our results indicate that AM and Dron have similar effects on the expression of TR isoforms in the RA, which could partly contribute to their ability to decrease heart rate. On the other hand, the more profound effect of AM appears on TR- and T3-dependent gene expression in the left ventricle suggests foetal reprogramming.
Regressive liver adenomatosis following androgenic progestin therapy withdrawal: a case report with a 10-year follow-up and a molecular analysis
Authors: Svrcek Magali , Jeannot Emmanuelle , Arrivé Lionel , Poupon Raoul , Fromont Gaëlle , Fléjou Jean-François , Zucman-Rossi Jessica , Bouchard Philippe , Wendum Dominique
Published: May 2007

Objective: The relationship between sex hormones and hepatocellular adenoma development is well established. On the contrary, their contribution to liver adenomatosis (LA) development is still a debatable issue. Recently, inactivating mutations of hepatocyte nuclear factor-1α (HNF-1α) transcription factor gene or activating mutations of β-catenin have been demonstrated in some liver adenomas, and a possible link between HNF-1α gene mutations and oral contraceptives has been suggested. Only two cases of regressive LA after hormone withdrawal therapy have been described so far but without any information concerning the molecular characteristics of the tumours.

Case: We report the case of a 48-year-old woman with LA, who had been taking an androgenic progestin therapy (lynestrenol) for 10 years. A major regression in the number and size of the lesions was observed 6 months after complete withdrawal of this therapy.

Methods: Hepatocellular adenomas were studied by immunohistochemistry for oestrogen, progesterone and androgen receptors (ER, PR and AR respectively), and for β-catenin. Direct sequencing of the HNF-1α gene was also performed.

Results: For the first time, we demonstrate significant immunostaining of AR in the hepatocellular adenomas. This staining was negative in the partially regressive adenoma. Immunostainings for ER and PR were negative. HNF-1α and the β-catenin pathways were not involved in tumour pathogenesis.

Conclusions: Our case suggests a role of androgenic progestin therapy in some cases of LA. Hormone therapy withdrawal may induce a significant regression in lesions.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of GH: dependence on route and dosage of administration
Authors: Keller Alexandra , Wu Zida , Kratzsch Juergen , Keller Eberhard , Blum Werner F , Kniess Astrid , Preiss Rainer , Teichert Jens , Strasburger Christian J , Bidlingmaier Martin
Published: May 2007

Objective: Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data after recombinant human GH (rhGH) administration in adults are scarce, but necessary to optimize replacement therapy and to detect doping. We examined pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and 20 kDa GH after injection of rhGH at different doses and routes of administration.

Design: Open-label crossover study with single boluses of rhGH.

Methods: Healthy trained subjects (10 males, 10 females) received bolus injections of rhGH on three occasions: 0.033 mg/kg s.c., 0.083 mg/kg s.c., and 0.033 mg/kg i.m. Concentrations of 22 and 20 kDa GH, IGF-I, and IGF-binding proteins (IGFBP)-3 were measured repeatedly before and up to 36 h after injection.

Results: Serum GH maximal concentration (Cmax) and area under the time-concentration curve (AUC) were higher after i.m. than s.c. administration of 0.033 mg/kg (Cmax 35.5 and 12.0 μ g/l; AUC 196.2 and 123.8). Cmax and AUC were higher in males than in females (P < 0.01) and pharmacodynamic changes were more pronounced. IGFBP-3 concentrations showed no dose dependency. In response to rhGH administration, 20 kDa GH decreased in females and remained suppressed for 14–18 h (low dose) and 30 h (high dose). In males, 20 kDa GH was undetectable at baseline and throughout the study.

Conclusions: After rhGH administration, pharmacokinetic parameters are mainly influenced by route of administration, whereas pharmacodynamic variables and 20 kDa GH concentrations are determined mainly by gender. These differences need to be considered for therapeutic use and for detection of rhGH doping.
Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy for Pediatric HIV Infection: A Qualitative Systematic Review With Recommendations for Research and Clinical Management
Authors: Simoni Jane M. , Montgomery Arianna , Martin Erin , New Michelle , Demas Penelope A. , Rana Sohail
Published: May 2007

Although nonadherence to prescribed therapies is widespread, it is particularly problematic with highly active antiretroviral therapy for HIV infection. This review of >50 studies in the area of pediatric HIV infection revealed varying methods for assessing antiretroviral adherence with a wide range of estimates of adherence. Correlates of adherence could be grouped as those relating to the medication, the patient, and the caregiver/family, with many conflicting findings and a lack of theory guiding the research. Only 8 studies, mainly small feasibility or pilot investigations, evaluated highly active antiretroviral therapy adherence interventions in pediatric populations. We conclude with specific recommendations for assessment and clinical management of adherence and discuss directions for future research in this area.
Discourse, Devices and Diplomacy: Reporting in International Settings
Authors: Valentine Egan
Published: May 2007

Vezetéknév
Normal middle ear ventilation: a new theory
Authors: Fücsek Mihály
Published: May 2007

Jelen ismereteink szerint normális középfülműködés esetén a középfülben folyamatosan csökken a nyomás (főként az O
2
-abszorpció miatt), amelyet az időnként megnyíló fülkürt egyenlít ki úgy, hogy a megnyíló fülkürtön keresztül levegő áramlik a középfülbe.
Célkitűzés:
A szerző célja, hogy megvizsgálja ezen alapvető tételt saját és az utóbbi évtizedek kutatási eredményeinek tükrében. Az alapvető kérdés az, hogy nyelésszünetben (két nyelés között) emelkedik vagy csökken a középfülnyomás?
Módszer:
A szerző 16 egészséges gyermek 32 fülén vizsgálta a középfülnyomás változását két nyelés között timpanometriával. A vizsgáltak átlagéletkora 14 ± 5,2 év.
Eredmények:
Vizsgálatai szerint egészséges egyéneken a középfülnyomás két nyelés között emelkedik. Anyagában ez az emelkedés szignifikáns (
p
= 0,028).
Következtetések:
A szerző véleménye szerint a nyomásemelkedés a középfülben két nyelés között a CO
2
diffúziójával magyarázható. A fülkürt megnyílásakor a középfül CO
2
-ot veszít (a középfülben magas, a levegőben minimális a CO
2
parciális nyomása), így fülkürtzárás után a szövetekből CO
2
diffundál a középfülbe, ezért a nyomás emelkedik. Ez csak úgy valósulhat meg, ha a gázok nemcsak áramlanak százalékos összetételüknek megfelelően (nyomásegyenlítés) a fülkürtön keresztül, de parciális nyomáskülönbségüknek megfelelően diffundálnak (gázösszetétel-szabályozás) is.
Hepatitis A outbreak in Transdanubia (Hungary): molecular connections and epidemiological conclusions – 2006
Authors: Reuter Gábor , Pankovics Péter , Stefler Dénes , Löveyné dr. Móricz , Varga Edit , Kiss Gabriella , Szűcs Mária , Fekete Zsuzsanna , Szűcs György
Published: May 2007

Bevezetés:
A hepatitis A-vírus (HAV) a fekális-orális átvitelű heveny hepatitisek gyakori kórokozója világszerte. Magyarországon a szórványos megbetegedések mellett, elsősorban Északkelet-Magyarországon, időről időre járványok is előfordulnak, ahol – vizsgálataink szerint – a HAV IA szubgenotípusa endémiás. A Dél-Dunántúlon viszont az igazolt fertőzések száma 10 alatt volt az elmúlt években.
Célkitűzés:
A szerzők célja az volt, hogy a HAV európai molekuláris vizsgálatának részeként 2006 nyarán a Dél-Dunántúlon kitört hepatitis A-járványt molekuláris epidemiológiai eszközökkel nyomon kövessék és elemezzék.
Módszer:
A hepatitisben szenvedő betegek szérummintáit HAV IgM-enzim-immunoassay (EIA) és reverz transzkripció-polimeráz láncreakció (RT-PCR) módszerekkel vizsgálták prospektív módon. A specifikus méretű PCR-termékeket szekvenálták, majd filogenetikai elemzést végeztek.
Eredmények:
2006. június elejétől december végéig összesen 115 vizsgált személy szérummintája tartalmazott HAV IgM-ellenanyagot a Dél-Dunántúlon. Harminckilenc mintából 30-ban (76,9%) kaptunk specifikus méretű PCR-terméket. A mintákban genetikailag egyező, IB-szubgenotípusú vírus (HAV/Transdanubia/2006/HUN) volt, mely azonos egy Olaszországban 2002-ben kimutatott hepatitis A-vírussal (IT-MAR-02). A valószínűleg behurcolt kórokozó eddig legalább 1200–1300 személyt fertőzhetett meg. A betegek átlagéletkora 18 év (1–80 év) volt. A szerzők bemutatják a járvány részletes epidemiológiai és klinikai jellegzetességeit.
Következtetések:
Csak a prospektív molekuláris vizsgálatokkal volt feltárható és nyomon követhető az összefüggés a júniusban azonosított szórványos HAV-esetek, az augusztusi, Istvándiban tömegessé váló megbetegedések, majd a vírus endémiás dél-dunántúli szóródása között. Az eset felhívja a figyelmet, hogy hogyan alakulhat ki HAV-járvány bárhol és bármikor hazánkban, és hogy az aktív HAV-immunizálásnak fontos szerepe lenne a megelőzésben.
The vitamin D receptor and its ligand 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Lock E J , Ørnsrud R , Aksnes L , Spanings F A T , Waagbø R , Flik G
Published: May 2007

Seaward migration of Salmo salar is preceded by preparatory physiological adaptations (parr–smolt transformation) to allow for a switch from freshwater (FW) to seawater (SW), which also means a switch in ambient calcium from hypocalcic (<1 mM Ca2+) to the plasma (~1.25 mM Ca2+) and to strongly hypercalcic (8–12 mM Ca2+). Uptake, storage (skeleton, scales) and excretion of calcium need careful regulation. In fish, the vitamin D endocrine system plays a rather enigmatic role in calcium physiology. Here, we give direct evidence for calcitriol involvement in SW migration. We report the full sequence of the nuclear vitamin D receptor (sVDR0) and two alternatively spliced variants resulting from intron retention (sVDR1 and sVDR2). In FW parr, SW adapting smolts, and in SW adults, plasma concentrations of 25(OH)D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3 did not change significantly. Plasma calcitriol concentrations were lowest in FW parr, doubled during smoltification and remained elevated in SW adults. Increased calcitriol coincided with a twofold decrease in sVDR mRNA levels in gill, intestine, and kidney of FW smolts and SW adults, when compared with parr. Clearly, there was a negative feedback and dynamic response of the vitamin D endocrine system during parr–smolt transformation. The onset of these dynamic changes in FW parr warrants a further search for the endocrines that initiate these changes. We speculate that the vitamin D system plays a crucial role in calcium and phosphorus handling in Atlantic salmon.
Critical role of toll-like receptors and nucleotide oligomerisation domain in the regulation of health and disease
Authors: Mitchell Jane A , Paul-Clark Mark J , Clarke Graham W , McMaster Shaun K , Cartwright Neil
Published: May 2007

Pathogens are sensed by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), which are germ line-encoded receptors, including transmembrane Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and cytosolic nucleotide oligomerisation domain (NOD) proteins, containing leucine-rich repeats (NLRs). Activation of PRRs by specific pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) results in genomic responses in host cells involving activation transcription factors and the induction of genes. There are now at least 10 TLRs in humans and 13 in mice, and 2 NLRs (NOD1 and NOD2). TLR signalling is via interactions with adaptor proteins including MyD88 and toll-receptor associated activator of interferon (TRIF). NOD signalling is via the inflammasome and involves activation of Rip-like interactive clarp kinase (RICK). Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Gram-negative bacteria is the best-studied PAMP and is activated by or ‘sensed’ by TLR4. Lipoteichoic acid (LTA) from Gram-positive bacteria is sensed by TLR2. TLR4 and TLR2 have different signalling cascades, although activation of either results in symptoms of sepsis and shock. This review describes the rapidly expanding field of pathogen-sensing receptors and uses LPS and LTA as examples of how these pathways parallel and diverge from each other. The role of pathogen-sensing pathways in disease is also discussed.
Plastic bending of steel sheet piles
Authors: Bourne-Webb P. J. , Potts D. M. , Rowbottom D.
Published: May 2007

Plastic bending of steel sheet piles will be allowed when Eurocode 3 Part 5 comes into force. Previously, steel sheet piles have been designed so as to remain within the elastic range of behaviour, and therefore there is no experience of the impact of plastic hinging on the response of retaining walls. Investigations have previously been undertaken in order to define the plastic section characteristics of steel sheet piles, and Eurocode 3 Part 5 incorporates the outcome of these studies, categorising sections that are suitable for plastic design. Guidance as to how plastic rotation demand can be verified in the absence of calculations that provide this implicitly is also provided. Subsequent investigations have suggested that there are some limitations to the approach outlined in the Eurocode, and that in some cases the use of these methods may not be safe. This paper outlines the basis for these latter investigations, and provides recommendations on how plastic design of steel sheet pile walls can be safely implemented.
Characteristic and design soil parameters: use of statistics
Authors: Lo S. R. , Li K. S. V.
Published: May 2007

This paper emphasises that the geotechnical parameter governing the occurrence of a limit state is not the point value as measured by a laboratory or field test, and this has important implications for the determination of soil parameters with statistical methods. Two confusing concepts in statistical soil mechanics are discussed: the modelling of innate variability by a random field model, and the distinction between population mean, mean value of a failure domain and sample mean. These two concepts are intrinsically related. This paper demonstrates that most of the confusions or dilemmas associated with the characteristic value and the use of partial material factors may be removed by considering appropriate probabilistic or statistical concepts. It needs to be emphasised that ‘considering’ does not equate to ‘routinely using’. For a sandy soil, it is argued that the methodology of taking a prudently assessed critical state friction angle as the design value is statistically consistent with the definition of the design value in Eurocode 7.
Using a virtual back in retaining wall design
Authors: O'Sullivan C. , Creed M.
Published: May 2007

The computation of lateral earth pressures acting on gravity and semi-gravity retaining walls is often simplified by considering the pressures to act on a vertical plane passing through the heel of the wall. This plane is called either a ‘virtual back’ or a ‘virtual wall’ in the literature. The wall is designed to resist the active soil thrust acting on this virtual back, with the weight of the soil between the virtual back and the wall contributing to the stability of the wall. The virtual back approach is described in various soil mechanics texts, as well as in design guides and British Standard BS 8002:1994. There is, however, a variation in the recommendations given in the literature regarding the magnitude of friction angle (δ) to be assumed along the virtual back. The sensitivity of retaining wall design to the δ value selected along the virtual back is explored here, considering the design requirements to prevent forward sliding and overturning of the wall. A simple analytical study considers a design example similar to the examples proposed by Trenter. It is shown that, where δ is assumed to equal the angle of mobilised friction for the soil (φ′m), the virtual back model does not represent a statically admissible failure mode for gravity retaining walls. Design examples are presented to quantitatively illustrate the implications of this finding for design practice.
Kinematics of two deep-seated landslides in Greece
Authors: Pytharouli S. I. , Kontogianni V. A. , Stiros S. C.
Published: May 2007

The long-term—probably the longest existing—geodetic monitoring record (>20 years) of a major, slow-moving (about 150 mm/year) deep-seated landslide in northern Greece was analysed. Kinematics of all control points established on the sliding mass, as well as of another neighbouring major landslide, were found to follow the same exponential trend. Least-square-derived spectral analysis of the unevenly spaced residuals of the fitting revealed that superimposed on this trend are events of accelerated movement with a mean return period of 4·0–7·5 years, most likely triggered by meteorological factors. Such a kinematic pattern, derived for the first time owing to the scarcity of detailed long-term landslide monitoring records, shows that, except for some major deep landslides for which there is evidence of seasonal variation of their movement, there are landslides with a much larger periodicity (some years).
Introducing the 3-A Grief Intervention Model for Dementia Caregivers: Acknowledge, Assess and Assist
Authors: Silverberg Eleanor
Published: May 2007

With our aging population, it is estimated that in the near future there will be an overwhelming increase in the number of individuals dealing with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia (ADRD). From the time that symptoms begin to insidiously emerge, it can take well over ten years for the disease to run its course. In addition to the crippling effect for those inflicted, this lengthy duration can have an ongoing debilitating effect on the family members who are grieving while providing care. Researchers have claimed that the manner in which family members experience and manage their grief reactions to the pre-death losses can influence both caregiving outcomes and adjustment to bereavement once those with the disease have died. Given the relevance of grief management, this article provides answers to such questions as: How do family caregivers of individuals with ADRD manifest their grief? How can healthcare professionals intervene in assisting with grief management? The answers are provided introducing the 3-A grief intervention model for family caregivers of individuals with ADRD. The 3-A model enfranchises the caregiver grief experience through Acknowledging, Assessing, and Assisting in grief management. In doing so, different grieving styles are identified and the role that denial and respite plays in adapting to the family caregiver's grief experience is recognized. Clinical strategies to assist in grief management are also provided.
A Cross-Cultural Comparison of Death Anxiety: A Brief Note
Authors: Lester David , Templer Donald I. , Abdel-Khalek Ahmed
Published: May 2007

Data are reported from samples of undergraduates around the world who have been administered Templer's Death Anxiety Scale. Data from 24 American samples and from 16 nations were identified. Strong sex differences were found and an association between the scores of men and women.
The International Social Organisation of Educational Research in Europe: Reviewing the European Educational Research Association as an Example — Facts and Questions
Authors: Gretler Armin
Published: May 2007

Armin Gretler passed away on 6 October 2005. Armin was a founder member of the EERA and served on its Council, representing Switzerland. He was a sociologist and founding director of the Swiss Coordination Centre for Research in Education in 1971. He remained Director until retiring in 1999. Prior to that he had been working as a consultant for UNESCO (Paris) and the Bureau International du Travail (Geneva). He was amongst others a founding member of the Swiss Society for Research in Education (SSRE), the European Educational Research Association and other international associations. He published in different areas of education policy, including migration, teacher education research, and the place of education research in the social sciences. In the early 1990s, Armin was asked to convene a meeting of national educational research associations in Aarau in Switzerland, in order to establish the EERA. Armin was a great supporter of the European Education Research Association. In this article, originally titled ‘Fakten und Fragen zur internationalen sozialen Organisation der Bildungsforschung in Europa am Beispiel der European Educational Research Association’, he describes the early days of the Association. It is important to be reminded about the early desires of its founding members for a European association and its priorities. (Of course, some of the information about the national associations, in particular their membership figures, is no longer valid today.)
Die Idee der Kontrollstichproben: ihre Entstehung und ihre Zukunft | The Swiss Continuous Forest Inventory: its genesis and its future
Authors: Schmid-Haas Paul
Published: May 2007

For planning and control we need information on the actual condition of the forest, its changes, increment and drain. Information on the actual condition is most often gained in an optimal way by mixed samples of temporary and permanent plots. For information on changes in the condition permanent sample plots are more efficient, for information on increment and drain permanent sample plots are necessary anyway. Permanent plots must be relocatable. For visible permanent plots,however, nobody knows if they are treated in exactly the same way as the rest of the forest. In the long run it becomes more and more uncertain whether the permanent samples remain representative of the whole forest and whether the results still make sense. For this reason the forest inventory method using unmarked, permanent sample plots was invented forty years ago. The visible plot centre has been replaced by a piece of metal buried in the ground, which can be found by a metal detector. The trees in the plot can be recognized individually because their coordinates, distance and direction from the centre were registered on the occasion of the first inventory. Nowadays, this method is applied successfully world-wide.

The story of this invention shows how much has to fit so that new ideas can be born and be effective. Applied research is especially demanding because it implies very different skills and therefore only a well assembled team can be successful:Important unsolved (but possibly solvable) problems must be recognized, they must be solved in a creative and scientific way, the methods must be operational down to the last detail and, finally, they must be propagated effectively.

In a last chapter some open problems are discussed. Electronic measuring devices, geographic positioning by satellites, new computer program systems, geographic information systems,connections by internet and other new technical possibilities will be made use of and the combination of sampling and mapping might bring further advantages. The interpretation of the data and their application in practical monitoring as well as in research leave much to be desired. The importance of monitoring health and sustained development of the forest and its steering is still not recognized everywhere. Sometimes the coordination of the unsolved tasks is missing.
Weiterentwicklung der Kontrollstichproben am Beispiel des Kantons Glarus | Further development of permanent forest inventory; the example of Canton Glarus
Authors: Winzeler Klemens
Published: May 2007

In accordance with the revision of the forest law, a planning concept and new regulations for forestry planning have been drawn up for Canton Glarus. Owing to the size of Canton Glarus forest inventory is established at a cantonal level so that it can be related to other planning issues. The cantonal forest inventory is drawn up on the basis of previous inventories. From 1975 to 1993 a total of 3500 permanent sample plots were set up over three acres. In the follow-up inventory at a cantonal level the goal was to gather and analyse 30 important characteristics (growing stock, increment) of a sufficient degree of exactitude. In this way it was possible to reduce the size of the inventory by two-thirds, namely to 1135 sample plots.

In addition, plots were rearranged in clusters with six sample plots in each because individual sample plots were too far apart. This makes it possible to change from one sample plot to another with shorter walking distances in between, an important consideration in sometimes difficult mountainous terrain. In smaller clusters, numerous individual sample plots still exist. Boundary conditions (10 500 ha of community forests),the measure of girth limit (16 cm) and sample plot size (3 ares)remained unchanged allowing the measurements to be used to calculate changes in increment, mortality and growing stock. The catalogue of inventoried criteria was supplemented with stability assessment and young forest surveys in order to be able to address new questions, such as the sustainability of the protective function of the forest. The work was put out to tender and awarded to qualified enterprises companies on the basis of fixed, net payment. In order to monitor and ensure quality control samplings were taken of 7% of the sample plots in the years 2001 and 2002. A changeover in the inventory system from the level of the enterprises to the level of the canton is indeed possible without having to invent a new system.
Quelle est la place des champignons supérieurs dans les stations forestières? | What is the status of higher fungi in forest site classification?
Authors: Ayer François , Lüscher Peter , Egli Simon
Published: May 2007

17 forest sites in three Swiss cantons (Berne, Solothurn, Fribourg)were investigated mycologically during a four year period to find out to what extent higher fungi are bound to specific forest sites and whether they are suitable for characterizing forest types. The species lists reveal a species specific dependency on soil pH: 32% of the inventorized fungal species can be found in the whole pH range, 50% were found only in acid soils up to a pH of 5.75, and 18% in only neutral to alkaline soils. The species fructifying on slightly acid to neutral soils are considered to be possible indicator species for such environmental changes as acidification or eutrophisation. The present classification of higher fungi into pH-classes and forest types is a tentative one. The data set will be supplemented with further observations in order to attain a more definitive classification. These preliminary analyses, however, already reveal the suitability of higher fungi for characterizing and classifying forest types. The four-year investigation showed that pure coniferous forests are richer in macromycetes species than generally supposed and also that they harbour a higher percentage of mycorrhizal fungi than deciduous forests.
Alois Zlatnik – ein wegweisender Forscher in transkarpatischen Urwäldern | Alois Zlatnik – Innovative researcher in the virgin forests of Transcarpathia
Authors: Stoyko Stepan , Delehan Ivan , Kuhn Nino , Lavnyy Vasyl
Published: May 2007

Professor Alois Zlatnik (born 1902 in Dvur Kralovy, Czechoslovakia,died 1979 in Brno) was a well-known scientific researcher in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and other European countries. His academic career encompassed forest typology,phytobiocoenology, vegetation ecology and plant taxonomy. His fundamental exploration of the biocoenological structure of the virgin forests of Transcarpathia (Ukraine) commenced in the 1930s. At the same time he can be seen as the founder of long-term forest ecosystem research (ecological monitoring). Zlatnik was also an innovator regarding ecological principles of nature conservation of mountain regions.
Herstellung und Eigenschaften von thermisch vergütetem Holz – eine Übersicht | Production and properties of heat-treated wood: an overview
Authors: Niemz Peter
Published: May 2007

For many years already, the thermic modification of wood has been employed in the wood industry. Numerous new or improved properties such as low equilibrium moisture content and thus lower swelling or improved durability and exotic colour tints characterise this material. Nevertheless, it is certainly open to further improvements, above all with regard to reproducibility and quality guarantees. Regulations for this relatively new material, for which only little experience values exist until now, are to be expected.
Untersuchungen zur Eignung von Silanen als Holzbehandlungsmittel | Examination of the usefulness of silanes to treat wood
Authors: Donath Steffen , Mai Carsten , Militz Holger
Published: May 2007

The treatment of wood with the used monomer silanes, according to current research results, does not lead to a lasting stabilisation of dimension (reduction of moisture expansion and of shrinkage). Silanes are nevertheless useful to influence specific characteristics of wood. High water resistant effects with simultaneous low influence on absorption behaviour as well as increased resistance to biological degradation caused by a variety of micro-organisms is part of the efficiency profile of this treatment.
Holz-Kunststoff-Verbundwerkstoffe (WPC) – Möglichkeiten und Grenzen einer neuen Werkstoffgeneration | Wood Plastic Composites (WPC): Chances and limits of a new generation of materials
Authors: Teischinger Alfred
Published: May 2007

WPC represent a fairly new kind of material that has already achieved a considerable market potential in North America. The market potential in Europe for WPC is not yet clearly specified,although certain trends can be identified. For the further development of this type of material the emergence of norms is important among other things, as well as application-oriented research. The main goal of research is to optimise the uniting of wood and plastic to produce even better material properties. Process optimisation should, above all, make improvements in the comparably low production level but also in the technical and optical design of the finished product.
Chemische Änderungen bei der Wärmebehandlung von Holz | Chemical changes following heat treatment of wood
Authors: Wienhaus Otto
Published: May 2007

Improving wood with thermic treatment has accompanied the evolution and history of human beings and has had a decisive influence on their lives. Target products and methods have changed. Right up to present times local conditions decide which products destined for various uses are produced by heattreating wood used to produce them. For example, in developing countries charcoal is easy to store and transport and is used as fuel, while in industrialised countries most of the charcoal sold is used for barbecues. In view of the increased use of biomass to ensure the future of the human race, heat-treatment methods to improve the properties of wood will continue to be highly valued.
Gebirgswaldbau – vom finanziellen Rückgrat der Berggemeinden zum Risikomanagement | Mountain forest management: risk management of the financial backbone of mountain communities
Authors: Frehner Monika
Published: May 2007

Over the past decades the framework conditions pertaining to the care of mountain forests have changed radically. Wood production has become less and less profitable whereas public demands placed on the forest have grown considerably, particularly with regard to its protective function. The paper gives an overview of the most important developments since the appointment of Jean-Philippe Schütz at ETH Zurich as professor of silviculture. We concentrate on the following issues; firstly the teaching of mountain silviculture, which has been carried out since 1980 by Professor Schütz. Secondly, implementation,which since 1984 has been fostered by the Swiss Mountain Silvicultural group and, thirdly, developments with regard to projects.
Der neue Wald | The new forest
Authors: Burschel Peter
Published: May 2007

The current environmental characteristics of forests are marked by considerable change. Increased CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere and a warmer climate have led to a new way of looking at the forest and its management. An important part of this, for example, is whether climate changes will challenge the existing tree species composition or whether forest management can exert an attenuating influence on climate warming in the way it deals with CO2. The accumulation of carbon in living substances and the soil is ensured by sustainability concepts and realised with silvicultural experience.
Starkholz und Laubholz in der Schweiz: gestern, heute, morgen | Large diameter wood and hardwood in Switzerland yesterday, today and tomorrow
Authors: Schärer Werner , Walker David , Gautschi Michael
Published: May 2007

The publication of the findings of the second Swiss National Forest Inventory triggered wide fundamental debate on the issue of large-diameter wood in Switzerland. On the initiative of the then Swiss Forest Agency at the Swiss Agency for the Environment, Forests and Landscape, a «large-diameter wood»workshop was held in Lyss in December 1999. The issue was overshadowed by the occurrence of hurricane Lothar, which swept across northern Europe at the end of December 1999. Nevertheless, in recent years various actors have been actively engaged in this area. Following a short presentation of the key aspects of the forestry and timber sector in Switzerland, which are of significance to this issue, this paper provides a detailed account of the «large-diameter wood» workshop in Lyss. This is followed by an exploration of some elements of the package of measures formulated at the time – with particular emphasis on the projects supported by the federal authorities – and an outline of the current status of their implementation. The next question that arises concerns the future: one topic which has not been explored in detail up to now is that of deciduous wood and its processing and use. Finally, conclusions are drawn from the debate that has taken place up to now and an attempt made to predict the outlook for the near future.
Matrimid®/MgO mixed matrix membranes for pervaporation
Authors: Jiang Lan Ying , Chung Tai‐Shung , Rajagopalan Raj
Published: May 2007

For the first time, porous Magnesium oxide (MgO) particles have been applied to generate mixed matrix membranes (MMM) for the dehydration of iso‐propanol by pervaporation. A modified membrane fabrication procedure has been developed to prepare membranes with higher separation efficiency. FESEM and DSC characterizations confirm that the MMMs produced have intimate polymer/particle interface; the nanosize crystallites on MgO surface may interfere with the polymer chain packing and induce chains rigidification upon the particle surface. It is observed that Matrimid®/MgO MMMs generally have higher selectivity, but lower permeability relative to the neat Matrimid® dense membrane. The highest selectivity is obtained with MMM containing 15 wt. % MgO. The selective sorption and diffusion of water in the MgO particles, and the polymer/particle interface properties combine to lead to the earlier phenomena. The investigation on the effect of feed water composition on the pervaporation performance reveals that the addition of MgO can show the selectivity‐enhancing effects if the feed water concentration is lower than 30 wt. %. In the dehydration of isopropanol aqueous solution with 10 wt. % water, the selectivity of the MMMs is around 2,000, which is more than twice of 900 of neat polymeric membrane. This makes MMMs extremely suitable for breaking the azeotrops of water/iso‐propanol. Gas permeation tests are also conducted using O2 and N2 to determine the microscopic structure of the MMMs, and to investigate the relationship between pervaporation and gas separation performance. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
Diagnostic value of micro‐CT in comparison with histology in the qualitative assessment of historical human skull bone pathologies
Authors: Rühli F.J. , Kuhn G. , Evison R. , Müller R. , Schultz M.
Published: May 2007

Cases of pathologically changed bone might constitute a diagnostic pitfall and frequently need histological methods to be etiologically properly evaluated. With micro‐computed tomography (μCT), a new epoch of 2D and 3D imaging has been launched. We evaluated the diagnostic investigation of this analytical method versus well established histological investigations of historical human bone. Pathological changes due to various etiologies (infectious, traumatic, endocrinological, neoplasia) observed in autopsy‐based macerated human skulls (Galler Collection, Natural History Museum Basel, Switzerland) were investigated by μCT and compared with histological thin ground sections using polarized light. Micro‐CT images visualize the architecture of the bone with high spatial resolution without preparation or destruction of the sample in the area to be sectioned. Changes in the bone surfaces as well as alterations of the diploë can be assessed. However, morphological patterns caused by reactive response, such as typical arrangements of collagen fibers, can only be visualized by the microscopic investigation of thin ground sections using polarized light. A great advantage of μCT is the high number of slices obtained so that spatial differences within the areas of the specimen become visible. Micro‐CT is a valuable tool for the diagnosis of vestiges of skull bone diseases. Its advantages over histology are the fast, automated image acquisition and the fact that the specimen is not completely destroyed. Only excision of the area to be scanned is necessary, if the specimen is too large to be scanned as a whole. Further, the 3D visualization of the micro‐architecture allows an easy orientation within the sample, for example, for the choice of the location of the histological slices. However, the need to differentiate woven from lamellar bone still makes histology an indispensable method. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Morphological differentiation of aboriginal human populations from Tierra del Fuego (Patagonia): Implications for South American peopling
Authors: Perez S. Ivan , Bernal Valeria , Gonzalez Paula N.
Published: May 2007

This study aims to integrate the craniofacial morphological variation of southern South American populations with the results of mtDNA haplogroup variation, to discuss the South America peopling. Because the causes of morphological differentiation of Fueguian populations are still a controversial subject, the comparison with neutral variation could contribute to elucidate them. Samples of human remains from South America regions were used to analyze the evolutionary relationships. Several craniofacial traits observed in frontal and lateral view were analyzed by means of geometric morphometrics techniques, and the evolutionary relationships based on morphological and molecular data were established in base to ordination analyses. The results from the facial skeleton agree with those obtained from mtDNA haplogroup frequencies, with La Pampa/Chaco samples detached from the Patagonian samples. Hence, the same mechanism that accounts for the pattern of frequency of haplogroups could explain the variation found in facial skeleton among the samples. It is suggested that such geographic pattern of craniofacial and molecular diversity may reflect the effect of genetic drift that occurred in the small founding populations isolated by distance or geographic barriers. Conversely, the results obtained using the traits from the lateral view slightly differ from the molecular results, showing differences between southernmost Patagonian and the other samples. Therefore, mechanisms other than genetic drift (e.g., natural selection) could have acted to shape the pattern observed in some craniofacial structures present in the lateral view, characterized by the fact that the southernmost Patagonian samples display the most robust and dolichocephalic crania. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human colonization of the central territory of Argentina: Design matrix models and craniometric evidence
Authors: Fabra Mariana , Laguens Andrés G. , Demarchi Darío A.
Published: May 2007

In this study we test several hypotheses about the peopling of the central territory of Argentina, archaeologically known as Sierras Centrales, by testing the association between four alternative models of the peopling of the area and cranial morphological variation through distance and matrix correlation analyses. Our results show that the ancient inhabitants of Sierras Centrales demonstrated close morphological similarities with the Patagonian and Tierra del Fuego populations. Moreover, the correlation and partial correlation analyses suggest that the peopling of the Sierras Centrales most likely took place as a migratory wave proceeding from the present area of Northeastern Argentina, and continued southward to Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Protection of obstetric dimensions in a small‐bodied human sample
Authors: Kurki Helen K.
Published: May 2007

In human females, the bony pelvis must find a balance between being small (narrow) for efficient bipedal locomotion, and being large to accommodate a relatively large newborn. It has been shown that within a given population, taller/larger‐bodied women have larger pelvic canals. This study investigates whether in a population where small body size is the norm, pelvic geometry (size and shape), on average, shows accommodation to protect the obstetric canal. Osteometric data were collected from the pelves, femora, and clavicles (body size indicators) of adult skeletons representing a range of adult body size. Samples include Holocene Later Stone Age (LSA) foragers from southern Africa (n = 28 females, 31 males), Portuguese from the Coimbra‐identified skeletal collection (CISC) (n = 40 females, 40 males) and European‐Americans from the Hamann–Todd osteological collection (H‐T) (n = 40 females, 40 males). Patterns of sexual dimorphism are similar in the samples. Univariate and multivariate analyses of raw and Mosimann shape‐variables indicate that compared to the CISC and H‐T females, the LSA females have relatively large midplane and outlet canal planes (particularly posterior and A‐P lengths). The LSA males also follow this pattern, although with absolutely smaller pelves in multivariate space. The CISC females, who have equally small stature, but larger body mass, do not show the same type of pelvic canal size and shape accommodation. The results suggest that adaptive allometric modeling in at least some small‐bodied populations protects the obstetric canal. These findings support the use of population‐specific attributes in the clinical evaluation of obstetric risk. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Serum matrix metalloproteinase 3 is an independent predictor of structural damage progression in patients with ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Maksymowych Walter P. , Landewé Robert , Conner‐Spady Barbara , Dougados Maxime , Mielants Herman , van der Tempel Hille , Poole A. Robin , Wang Nandi , van der Heijde Désirée
Published: May 2007

Objective

In prospective studies, only baseline radiographic damage has been identified as an independent predictor of radiographic progression in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Several biomarkers have been identified as independent predictors of radiographic progression in rheumatoid arthritis, however, and these may be of use in AS. This study was undertaken to analyze serologic biomarkers as predictors of radiographic progression in AS.

Methods

We measured a panel of biomarkers reflecting cartilage turnover and osteoclasis. These biomarkers were cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, human cartilage gp‐39 (YKL‐40), type II collagen epitopes detected by the C2C and C1,2C degradation assays and the CPII synthesis assay, aggrecan 846 epitope, osteoprotegerin, and matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP‐3). The analysis was performed in a cohort of AS patients from the Netherlands, Belgium, and France enrolled in a longitudinal study, the Outcome Assessments in Ankylosing Spondylitis International Study. We examined 2‐year radiographic progression data scored using the modified Stoke AS Spine Score (mSASSS).

Results

Complete data were available on 97 patients. Only the biomarkers YKL‐40 and MMP‐3 showed weak to moderate univariate correlation with 2‐year progression. After adjustment for sex, age, disease duration, C‐reactive protein level, and baseline mSASSS, only MMP‐3 was significantly associated with 2‐year progression (β = 0.29, P = 0.004). Logistic regression analysis revealed MMP‐3 (cutoff 68 ng/ml; odds ratio 9.4 [95% confidence interval 1.6–56]) and baseline mSASSS (cutoff 10 mSASSS units; odds ratio 18.6 [95% confidence interval 2.5–138]) as the only independent predictors of 2‐year progression (cutoff 3 mSASSS units; model R2 = 50%). MMP‐3 was primarily contributory in patients who already had substantial baseline damage (>10 mSASSS units).

Conclusion

These results indicate that MMP‐3 is a significant independent predictor of radiographic progression in patients with AS, particularly in those with preexisting radiographic damage.