bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parental origin of chromatin in human monopronuclear zygotes revealed by asymmetric histone methylation patterns, differs between IVF and ICSI
Authors: van der Heijden G.W. , van den Berg I.M. , Baart E.B. , Derijck A.A.H.A. , Martini E. , de Boer P.
Published: May 2008

In mouse zygotes, many post‐translational histone modifications are asymmetrically present in male and female pronuclei. We investigated whether this principle could be used to determine the genetic composition of monopronuclear human zygotes in conventional IVF and ICSI. First we determined whether male female asymmetry is conserved from mouse to human by staining polypronuclear zygotes with antibodies against a subset of histone N‐tail post‐translational modifications. To analyze human monopronuclear zygotes, a modification, H3K9me3, was selected that is present in the maternal chromatin. After IVF a total of 45 monopronuclear zygotes were obtained. In 39 (87%) of zygotes a nonuniform staining pattern was observed, proof of a bi‐parental origin and assumed to result into a diploid conception. Two zygotes showed no staining for the modification, indicating that the single pronucleus was of paternal origin. Four zygotes contained only maternally derived chromatin. ICSI‐derived monopronuclear zygotes (n = 33) could also be divided into three groups based on the staining pattern of their chromatin: (1) of maternal origin (n = 15), (2) of paternal origin (n = 8) or (3) consisting of two chromatin domains as dominating in IVF (n = 10). Our data show that monopronuclear zygotes originating from IVF generally arise through fusion of parental chromatin after sperm penetration. Monopronuclear zygotes derived from ICSI in most cases contain uni‐parental chromatin. The fact that chromatin was of paternal origin in 24% of ICSI and in 4% of the IVF zygotes confirms earlier results obtained by FISH on cleavage stages. Our findings are of clinical importance in IVF and ICSI practice. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 76: 101–108, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The prescribing of Chinese herbal products in Taiwan: a cross‐sectional analysis of the national health insurance reimbursement database
Authors: Hsieh Shu‐Ching , Lai Jung‐Nien , Lee Chuan‐Fang , Hu Fu‐Chang , Tseng Wei‐Lum , Wang Jung‐Der
Published: May 2008

Purpose

The consumption of Chinese herbal products (CHPs) is increasing exponentially. However, the scientific evidence is lacking and there is an urgent requirement for detailed pharmacoepidemiological information on CHP usage. This study was to investigate CHP prescription patterns in Taiwan.

Methods

We carried out a cross‐sectional analysis on a cohort of 200 000 patients based on 2004 data from the National Health Insurance (NHI) reimbursement database. Data mining techniques were applied to explore CHP co‐prescription patterns.

Results

A total of 46 938 patients had been prescribed CHPs on at least one occasion in 2004. Patients using CHPs were generally female and middle‐aged, made more outpatient visits, had fewer hospitalizations and consumed more medical resources than non‐users of CHPs. A total of 1 073 030 CHPs were contained within 220 123 prescriptions, for which acute nasopharyngitis was the most common indication. Yan hu suo and Jia Wei Xiao Yao San were the most frequently prescribed single herb (SH) and herbal formula (HF), respectively. The results of the data mining showed that the best predictions were provided by co‐prescriptions of ‘Mo yao and Ru xiang’, ‘Ye jiao teng and Suan Zao Ren Tan’ and ‘Dang Gui Nian Tong Tang and Shu Jing Huo Xue Tang’ in the groups of SH–SH, SH–HF and HF–HF, respectively.

Conclusions

This study provides national‐level CHP prescription profiles and utilization rates, and documents, for the first time, HF–HF prescription combinations in Chinese medicine (CM) practices in Taiwan. We conclude that more studies are needed to validate the safety and effectiveness of CHP prescriptions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel assay reveals the blockade of esterases by piperonyl butoxide
Authors: Khot Anna C , Bingham Georgina , Field Linda M , Moores Graham D
Published: May 2008

BACKGROUND: Conventional in vitro assays sometimes fail to reveal esterase inhibition by piperonyl butoxide (PBO), although synergism studies suggest loss of esterase‐mediated sequestration of insecticide does take place. A new in vitro assay has been devised that routinely reveals binding between PBO and these esterases.

RESULTS: The new ‘esterase interference’ assay detects the blockade of resistance‐associated esterases in a species, Myzus persicae Sülzer, where this has not previously been seen. The assay also demonstrates directly the protective effect esterases may confer to target sites of insecticides.

CONCLUSION: The new assay reveals esterase blockade by PBO and thus has the potential to be used as a high‐throughput screening method for other potential synergists. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Phenotypic, genetic, and environmental causes of variation in yellow skin pigmentation and serum carotenoids in Eurasian kestrel nestlings
Authors: Casagrande Stefania , Costantini David , Tagliavini James , Dell'Omo Giacomo
Published: May 2008

In the context of sexual selection and parent‐offspring communication, carotenoid‐based coloration operates as a dynamic condition‐dependent signal, as pigments stored in the skin and in the bill can be reallocated to other tissues in accordance with physiological needs. We studied the proximate factors affecting the carotenoid‐dependent coloration of the Eurasian kestrel (Falco tinnunculus). Kestrel nestlings show carotenoid‐based coloration at the integument level. Adult males and females share similar characteristics, but to a different extent. By cross‐fostering nestlings, we evaluated the importance of the “nest of rearing” and the “nest of origin” to determine variation in skin color and blood carotenoids. The nest of rearing accounted for most of the observed variance in skin color, as well as serum carotenoids, while the nest of origin was not causal to the variability of carotenoids in young kestrels. The study indirectly shows that carotenoid‐based color expressed by young kestrels is not affected by pre‐laying conditions. Furthermore, we found that carotenoid coloration and blood carotenoid concentration were correlated at phenotypic and environmental levels, while the hereditary component of the carotenoid traits was too low to estimate their correlation at the genetic level.
Simulation of the effects of deer browsing on forest dynamics
Authors: Akashi Nobuhiro
Published: May 2008

I introduced forest dynamics to a deterministic herbivore‐vegetation model to examine the effects of vertically stratified forest structure on the dynamics of the herbivore–vegetation system, the resilience and stable states of vegetation, and the interactions between deer populations and vegetation. I constructed a model based on data from field studies performed in Hokkaido, northern Japan. Three phases of state were identified for a given deer density: (1) understory vegetation is maintained with a equilibrium proportion of canopy gaps in the absence of deer; (2) if the equilibrium proportion of canopy gaps is greater than that in the equilibrium state in the absence of deer, the understory vegetation can be maintained; and (3) the understory vegetation cannot be maintained. At the boundary between phases 2 and 3, the herbivore population level had discontinuous effects on vegetation. When the deer density was held below the threshold, forest vegetation had resilience to recover to the equilibrium stable state at the given deer density, although the equilibrium canopy gap ratio and vegetation biomass differed with deer density. However, the forest vegetation–herbivore system could not be maintained in a stable state without artificial deer population management if food limitation was the only mechanism to keep the deer population at low levels. The deer population must be kept below the boundary between phases 1 and 2 to maintain the forest regeneration processes. The level cannot be determined by observing the deer population; careful observation of forest regeneration processes is required.
Effect of Selected Nonionic Surfactants on the Activated Sludge Morphology and Activity in a Batch System
Authors: Liwarska‐Bizukojc E. , Drews A. , Kraume M.
Published: May 2008

In this study, two nonionic surfactants, one alcohol ethoxylate (AE) and one alkylphenol ethoxylate (APE) were investigated with regard to their influence on the morphology of activated sludge flocs, microbial activity and wastewater treatment efficiency in a laboratory batch system. The experiments were carried out for a range of nonionic surfactants concentrations in wastewater from 5 to 500 mg L−1. Additionally, these results were compared to the data obtained in previous experiments on anionics and performed under the same conditions. Both nonionics tested caused a decrease in the size of activated sludge flocs but they did not affect the shape of the flocs. The circularity index and convexity of flocs remained similar to the control run, containing no surfactant. The presence of nonionic surfactants within the tested concentrations range caused a decrease in biomass activity. In spite of morphological changes of activated sludge flocs and a decrease in microbial activity, only higher concentrations of nonionics in wastewater starting with the level of 50 mg L−1 can induce pinpoint flocs and decrease wastewater treatment efficiency. APE showed a stronger impact on the decrease in floc size and microbial activity than alcohol ethoxylate did. APE was also more difficult to biodegrade than AE. Comparing the efficiency of wastewater treatment (in terms of COD removal) in the presence of nonionic and anionic surfactants at the same concentration of 50 mg L−1, the degree of organic pollutant removal was found to be higher by about 10% for anionics than for nonionics.
Comparison of Canola Meals Obtained with Conventional Methods and Supercritical CO2 with and without Ethanol
Authors: Sun Mei , Xu Lei , Saldaña Marleny D. A. , Temelli Feral
Published: May 2008

Canola meal is a potentially valuable protein source. Canola meals extracted with supercritical CO2 (SC‐CO2) were compared to pressed meal and meals extracted with hexane. With regard to the chemical composition, the glucosinolate, phenolic acid, tannin and phosphorus contents were determined in addition to proximate analysis. As for functionality, color, nitrogen solubility index (NSI), water and fat absorption, emulsifying capacity and stability, and overrun were determined. Both hexane‐ and SC‐CO2‐extracted meals had a higher protein content than the pressed meal. The SC‐CO2‐extracted meal had lower glucosinolate and higher phosphorus contents than hexane‐extracted meal. The phenolic acid contents of hexane‐ and SC‐CO2‐extracted meals were similar, but were higher than those of meals extracted with SC‐CO2 + ethanol. The color values of SC‐CO2‐ and hexane‐extracted meals were similar and both were brighter than commercial meals (pressed and toasted). The NSI levels of SC‐CO2‐ and hexane‐extracted meals were similar, but three times that of the commercial meal. Both hexane‐ and SC‐CO2‐extracted meals had high water holding capacity, oil absorption, emulsifying capacity, emulsion stability and overrun. Canola meal extracted with SC‐CO2 was similar to hexane‐extracted meal in terms of both chemical composition and functionality, but was superior to commercial meals.
Calcium near the release site is essential for basal ACh release in Xenopus
Authors: Li Ruxin , Lei Qi , Song Ge , He Xiangping , Xie Zuoping
Published: May 2008

Extracellular calcium is essential for neurotransmitter release, but the detailed mechanism by which Ca2+ regulates basal synaptic release has not yet been fully explored. In this study, calcium imaging and the whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique were used to investigate the role of Ca2+ in basal acetylcholine (ACh) release in the Xenopus neuromuscular junction and in isolated myocytes exogenously loaded with ACh. Carried out in normal and Ca2+‐free extracellular solution, the results indicate that Ca2+ near the release site is essential for basal neurotransmitter release.
Imaging and cancer: A review
Authors: Fass Leonard
Published: May 2008

Multiple biomedical imaging techniques are used in all phases of cancer management. Imaging forms an essential part of cancer clinical protocols and is able to furnish morphological, structural, metabolic and functional information. Integration with other diagnostic tools such as in vitro tissue and fluids analysis assists in clinical decision‐making. Hybrid imaging techniques are able to supply complementary information for improved staging and therapy planning. Image guided and targeted minimally invasive therapy has the promise to improve outcome and reduce collateral effects. Early detection of cancer through screening based on imaging is probably the major contributor to a reduction in mortality for certain cancers. Targeted imaging of receptors, gene therapy expression and cancer stem cells are research activities that will translate into clinical use in the next decade. Technological developments will increase imaging speed to match that of physiological processes. Targeted imaging and therapeutic agents will be developed in tandem through close collaboration between academia and biotechnology, information technology and pharmaceutical industries.
Effects of the absence of protozoa from birth or from weaning on the growth and methane production of lambs
Authors: Hegarty R. S. , Bird S. H. , Vanselow B. A. , Woodgate R.
Published: May 2008

Merino ewes (n108) joined to a single sire were allocated into three flocks, with ewes in one flock being chemically defaunated in the second month of gestation. Single lambs born to defaunated ewes (BF lambs) were heavier at birth and at weaning than lambs born to faunated ewes (F lambs). After weaning, all BF and F lambs were individually housed then half of the F lambs were chemically defaunated (DF lambs). In trial 1, BF, DF and F lambs were offered a concentrate-based diet containing either 14 or 19 % protein for a 10-week period. Wool growth rate of BF lambs was 10 % higher than that of DF or F lambs and was increased 9 % by the high-protein diet. While there was no main effect of protozoa treatment on enteric methane production, there was an interaction between protozoa treatment and diet for methane production. BF and DF lambs produced more methane than F lambs when fed the low-protein diet but when fed the high-protein diet, emissions were less than (BF lambs) or not different from (DF lambs) emissions from F lambs. In trial 2, lambs were offered 800 g roughage per d and, again, methane production was not affected by the presence of protozoa in the rumen. The data indicate that while lambs without rumen protozoa have greater protein availability than do faunated ruminants, there is no main effect of rumen protozoa on enteric methane production by lambs fed either a concentrate or roughage diet.
Interaction effects between total energy and macronutrient intakes and angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 (ACE) I/D polymorphism on adiposity-related phenotypes in toddlers and preschoolers: the Growth, Exercise and Nutrition Epidemiological Study in preSchoolers (GENESIS)
Authors: Kourlaba Georgia , Pitsiladis Yannis P. , Lagou Vasiliki , Grammatikaki Evangelia , Moran Colin N. , Kondaki Katerina , Roma-Giannikou Eleytheria , Manios Yannis
Published: May 2008

The aim of the present study was to investigate the interaction between the angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 (ACE) I/D polymorphism and energy and macronutrient intakes on adiposity-related phenotypes among toddlers and preschoolers. A representative sample of 2374 Greek children aged 1 to 5 years old was examined (Growth, Exercise and Nutrition Epidemiological Study in preSchoolers (GENESIS)). Dietary and anthropometric (i.e. BMI, waist circumference (WC)) assessments were carried out using standard procedures. DNA samples were obtained from 2102 children and were genotyped for theACEI/D polymorphism. Among the entire population, 17 % were ‘at risk of overweight’ and a similar percentage were ‘overweight’. The frequencies of the II, ID and DD genotypes were 16, 46 and 38 %, respectively. Significant interactions were found between theACEI/D polymorphism and total energy intake on WC (P = 0·004 for interaction) and theACEI/D polymorphism and protein intake on BMI and being overweight (P < 0·05 for interaction). Furthermore, it was found that theACEI/D polymorphism may modify the effect of fat intake on WC and BMI, but this interaction disappeared after adjustment for additional potential confounders. Stratified analyses revealed that total energy is correlated with WC and protein intake is associated with BMI and being overweight only among carriers of the D-allele (i.e. DD or ID genotypes). These results suggest that theACEI/D polymorphism may act as a modifying factor in the response of adiposity-related phenotypes to diet.
Evidence for an association between genetic variants of thefatty acid desaturase 1 fatty acid desaturase 2(FADS1 FADS2) gene cluster and the fatty acid composition of erythrocyte membranes
Authors: Rzehak Peter , Heinrich Joachim , Klopp Norman , Schaeffer Linda , Hoff Sebastian , Wolfram Günther , Illig Thomas , Linseisen Jakob
Published: May 2008

The present study gives further evidence for the recently found association between variants of thefatty acid desaturase 1 fatty acid desaturase 2(FADS1 FADS2) gene cluster and PUFA in blood phospholipids and explores this association for cellular fatty acids in erythrocyte membranes. In a subgroup of adults participating in the Bavarian Nutrition Survey II, a cross-sectional population-based study conducted in Bavaria, Germany, allelic variation in three selected loci of theFADS1 FADS2gene cluster was analysed and used for haplotype construction. Associations with plasma phospholipid PUFA (n163) and PUFA in erythrocyte membranes (n535) were investigated by regression analysis. All haplotypes of the original five-loci haplotypes of our previous study could be replicated. In addition, associations with serum phospholipid PUFA were confirmed in the present data set. Although less pronounced, associations betweenFADS1 FADS2haplotypes and PUFA in erythrocyte membranes, particularly arachidonic and dihomo-γ-linolenic acid, could be established. We provide the first replication of the association of theFADS1 FADS2gene cluster with PUFA in blood phospholipids. For the first time, such associations were also shown for PUFA in cell membranes.
Lean Production and Labor Controls in the Chinese Automobile Industry in An Age of Globalization
Authors: Zhang Lu
Published: May 2008

This article explores the changing workplace and labor-management relations in the Chinese automobile industry under the influence of globalization and China's market reform. It depicts the everyday working lives of Chinese autoworkers and the shop-floor dynamics of labor relations based on the author's intensive fieldwork at the seven major automobile assembly enterprises in China during 2004–2007.

The main findings of this paper are that, in spite of the generalized lean production and homogenization of workplace experiences of Chinese autoworkers, two different models of labor controls have emerged in the Chinese auto industry: “lean-and-dual” and “lean-and-mean.” On the one hand, under the lean-and-dual regime, management adopts labor force dualism by using both formal contract workers and agency workers on production lines side by side, which leads to a “hybrid” factory regime that combines both “hegemonic” and “despotic” elements. Hegemonic relations have been established between management and formal workers based on high wages, generous benefits, better working conditions, and relatively secure employment for formal workers, while “despotic” labor control characterizes the conditions for temporary agency workers with lower wages and insecure employment.

On the other hand, the lean-and-mean type of auto firms adopt a high-wage, high-turnover strategy of lean production without the promise of job security to their entire workforce. The interventionist roles of the Chinese central and local states in regulating labor relations and the roles of managerial staff, factory unions, and factory party committees in building hegemonic consent among workers in the auto industry are also explored. The paper concludes by discussing the potentials and limits of Chinese autoworkers and the likely roles they are to play in the evolution of labor relations under China's current market transition and globalization.
Local Strategies of Labor Control: A Case Study of Three Electronics Factories in China
Authors: Xue Hong
Published: May 2008

This article explores production politics and labor conditions in electronics manufacturing in China. With case study analysis of three electronics factories in a production chain at an export processing zone, it examines external factors of labor regulation from local government or international challenges and labor market situations that help shape a sociopolitical environment for local strategies in global production. It also considers some key internal factors of firms—enterprise scale, market capabilities, and requirements of the labor process—that influence work organization on the shop floor. The central argument of this article is that manufacturing factories in the global production apply local conditions to work organization and take different strategies in recruitment and labor control within and beyond the workplace.
Calendar of Meetings and Courses
Authors: Reine Barbara , Zaluzec Nestor
Published: May 2008

Following is a list of microscopy-related meetings and courses. The editors would greatly appreciate input to this list via the electronic submission form found in the MSA World Wide Web page at http://www.msa.microscopy.com/. We will gladly add hypertext links to the notice on the Web and insert a listing of the meeting in the next issue of the Journal. Send comments and questions to Barbara Reine, reine@u.washington.edu or Nestor Zaluzec, zaluzec@aaem.amc.anl.gov.
Thirty Years of Energy-Dispersive Spectrometry in Microanalysis: Introduction
Authors: McCarthy Jon J
Published: May 2008

This issue of Microscopy and Microanalysis contains a selection of invited papers from the topical symposium, Thirty Years of Energy-Dispersive Spectrometry in Microanalysis, sponsored by the Microbeam Analysis Society (MAS) at the Microscopy & Microanalysis (M&M) '98 meeting, held July 12-16 in Atlanta, Georgia. This was the second MAS topical symposium held in conjunction with the annual M&M meetings, the first being at the meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1996. The MAS topical symposia are part of an initiative to provide venues for in-depth study of topics of special interest to the microbeam analysis community. The next MAS topical symposium is planned as part of M&M '99 and will celebrate Fifty Years of the Electron Microprobe.
Going Nondispersive
Authors: Heinrich Kurt FJ , Fitzgerald Ray , Keil Klaus
Published: May 2008

The energy-dispersive Si(Li) X-ray spectrometer, introduced 30 years ago into electron probe mi-croanalysis (EPMA) by R. Fitzgerald et al., has profoundly affected the development of microanalysis. It offers many advantages over the wavelength-dispersive crystal spectrometer. It has no moving parts and covers the full energy range of interest in EPMA. There is no defocusing over large distances on the specimen, the efficiency of the device is high, varies slowly and continuously with atomic number, and can be predicted fairly accurately, and, most importantly, all emission lines are detected and can be observed simultaneously. The one remaining disadvantage of the Si(Li) spectrometer is its poorer energy resolution. Solid-state detection devices now under development promise to achieve resolution comparable to that of the crystal spectrometer.
High-Resolution X-ray Spectroscopy Close to Room Temperature
Authors: Strüder L , Meidinger N , Stotter D , Kemmer J , Lechner P , Leutenegger P , Soltau H , Eggert F , Rohde M , Schulein T
Published: May 2008

Originally designed as position-sensitive detectors for particle tracking, silicon drift detectors (SDDs) are now used for high-count rate X-ray spectroscopy, operating close to room temperature. Their low-capacitance read-node concept places them among the fastest high-resolution detector systems. They have been used in a new spectrum of experiments in the wide field of X-ray spectroscopy: fluorescent analysis, diffrac-tometry, materials analysis, and synchrotron experiments such as X-ray holography and element imaging in scanning electron microscopes. The fact that the detector system can be used at room temperature with good spectroscopic performance and at −10°C with excellent energy resolution, avoiding liquid nitrogen for cooling and high-quality vacuum, guarantees a large variety of new applications, independent of the laboratory environment. A brief description of the device principles is followed by basics on low noise amplification. The performance results of a complete detector system are presented as well as some dedicated applications already realized, including use in a surface mapping instrument and use of a “mini-spectrometer” for the analysis of works of art. Fully depleted pn-charge-coupled devices (pn-CCDs) have been fabricated for the European X-ray Multi-Mirror mission (XMM) and the German X-ray satellite ABRIXAS, enabling high-speed, low-noise, position-resolving X-ray spectroscopy. The detector was designed and fabricated with a homogeneously sensitive area of 36 cm2. At −70°C it has a noise of 4 e- rms, with a readout time of the total focal plane array of 4 msec. The maximum count rate for single photon counting was 105 cps under flat field conditions. In the integration mode, more than 109 cps can be detected at 6 keV. Its position resolution is on the order of 100 μm. The quantum efficiency is higher than 90%, ranging from carbon K X-rays (277 eV) up to 10 keV.
Traumata und Traumafolgestörungen bei Kindern und Jugendlichen - eine kritische Übersicht zu Klassifikation und diagnostischen Kriterien
Authors: Simons Michael , Herpertz-Dahlmann Beate
Published: May 2008

Zusammenfassung: In den letzten Jahren werden der Traumabegriff und einzelne Kriterien der in ICD-10 und DSM-IV definierten Traumafolgestörungen kritisch diskutiert. Dabei wird die Kategorie der akuten Belastungsstörung vor allem wegen der Überbetonung dissoziativer Symptome und der Pathologisierung normaler Traumareaktionen gänzlich in Frage gestellt, während die Kriterien der posttraumatischen Belastungsstörung insbesondere für das Kindes- und Jugendalter der Revision bedürfen. Spezifische Kriterien für das Kindesalter wurden von Scheeringas Arbeitsgruppe definiert. Zudem schlägt die amerikanischen «Complex Trauma Taskforce» des National Child Traumatic Stress Network die Diagnosekategorie der Entwicklungstraumastörung vor, um die Probleme von früh und komplex traumatisierten Kindern besser zu erfassen.
Weder Descartes noch Freud? Aktuelle Schmerzmodelle in der Psychosomatik
Authors: Egloff N. , von Känel R. , Egle U.T.
Published: May 2008

In der Betreuung von chronischen Schmerzpatienten greifen Erklärungsmodelle, welche auf der Nachweisbarkeit von peripheren organischen Befunden beharren oder – bei deren Nichtnachweisbarkeit – direkt auf eine Psychologisierung der Schmerzen umschwenken, oftmals zu kurz. Der heutige Wissensstand verlangt nach einer differenzierteren Betrachtungsweise, welche neurobiologische und neuropsychische Aspekte des Schmerzerlebens integriert
Behandlung der kardiovaskulären Hochrisikopatienten: Bestätigung und Überraschung in der ONTARGET-Studie
Authors: Burnier, M. , Waeber B. , Hess O. , Lüscher T.
Published: May 2008

Am letzten Kongress des American College of Cardiology (ACC) wurden die Resulate der ONTARGET-Studie präsentiert. Diese klinische Studie mit über 25 000 kardiovaskulären Hochrisikopatienten verglich die Wirkung von Ramipril 10 mg mit Telmisartan 80 mg und der Kombination von Ramipril 10mg/Telmisartan 80 mg in der Prävention von kardiovaskulären Komplikationen (Myokardinfarkt, zerebrovaskuläre Ereignisse, Hospitalisation wegen Herzinsuffizienz und kardiovaskuläre Mortalität). Die Resultate der Studie haben gezeigt, dass Telmisartan die gleiche Wirksamkeit wie Ramipril hat, Telmisartan aber besser toleriert wird. Die Daten dieser Studie zeigen auch den fehlenden Nutzen einer Kombinationstherapie mit Ramipril und Telmisartan in dieser Patientengruppe, trotz einer leicht besseren Blutdruckkontrolle. Jedoch waren die Nebenwirkungen unter der Kombinationstherapie häufiger als unter Telmisartan oder Ramipril allein. Die Daten zeigen somit die Wirksamkeit von Telmisartan und von Ramipril in der Prävention der kardiovaskulären Ereignisse beim Hochrisikopatienten.
Das deutsche Lerntransfer-System-Inventar (GLTSI): psychometrische Überprüfungder deutschsprachigen Version
Authors: Kauffeld Simone , Bates Reid , Holton III Elwood F. , Müller Annette C.
Published: May 2008

Zusammenfassung. Als eine erfolgskritische Größe durchgeführter Schulungs- bzw. Trainingsmaßnahmen kann der Transfer, d. h. die Anwendung und Generalisierung neuen Wissens und neuer Fähigkeiten in der Arbeit, definiert werden. Von entscheidender Bedeutung für den Trainingserfolg ist der Grad, in dem Trainingsmaßnahmen wirklich helfen, besser arbeiten zu können. Welche Faktoren beeinflussen den Lerntransfer? Das Lerntransfer-System-Inventar (LTSI; Holton, Bates & Ruona, 2000 ), dessen deutsche Variante im Folgenden vorgestellt wird, bildet 16 transferrelevante Faktoren ab und liefert Informationen, wie der Transfer von Trainingsmaßnahmen verbessert werden kann. Der 67 Items umfassende Fragebogen wurde von 408 Trainingsteilnehmenden aus 13 deutschen Organisationen ausgefüllt. Konfirmatorische Faktorenanalysen bestätigen die 16 Faktoren der englischsprachigen Version des LTSI. Die regressionsanalytischen Ergebnisse zeigen, dass ein Teil der Skalen signifikante Prädiktoren des individuellen Transfers darstellen. Varianzanalytisch kann gezeigt werden, dass sich die Veranlassung des Trainings durch den Vorgesetzten positiv auf die Wahrnehmung der trainingsspezifischen Skalen des GLTSI (Unterstützung durch den Vorgesetzten, Positive Folgen bei Anwendung, Negative Folgen bei Nicht-Anwendung, Persönliche Transferkapazität, Möglichkeit der Wissensanwendung und Motivation zum Lerntransfer) auswirkt. Mit der Entwicklung und Validierung des GLTSI wird die standardisierte und umfassende Bewertung des Lerntransfer-Systems im deutschsprachigen Raum ermöglicht. Neben der Identifikation von Katalysatoren und Barrieren des Transfers in der Praxis, kann die prozessorientierte Forschung im Bereich Lerntransfer und Trainingseffektivität über sprachliche und kulturelle Grenzen hinweg unterstützt werden.
Geophysical and astrophysical fluid dynamics beyond the traditional approximation
Authors: Gerkema T. , Zimmerman J. T. F. , Maas L. R. M. , van Haren H.
Published: May 2008

In studies on geophysical fluid dynamics, it is common practice to take the Coriolis force only partially into account by neglecting the components proportional to the cosine of latitude, the so‐called traditional approximation (TA). This review deals with the consequences of abandoning the TA, based on evidence from numerical and theoretical studies and laboratory and field experiments. The phenomena most affected by the TA include mesoscale flows (Ekman spirals, deep convection, and equatorial jets) and internal waves. Abandoning the TA produces a tilt in convective plumes, produces a dependence on wind direction in Ekman spirals, and gives rise to a plethora of changes in internal wave behavior in weakly stratified layers, such as the existence of trapped short low‐frequency waves, and a poleward extension of their habitat. In the astrophysical context of stars and gas giant planets, the TA affects the rate of tidal dissipation and also the patterns of thermal convection.
On monthly/seasonal/longitudinal variations of equatorial irregularity occurrences and their relationship with the postsunset vertical drift velocities
Authors: Su S.‐Y. , Chao C. K. , Liu C. H.
Published: May 2008

Monthly variation of global equatorial density irregularity distribution has been obtained with the data taken by ROCSAT‐1 at the 600 km topside ionosphere from March 1999 to June 2004 during high to moderate solar activity years. This global distribution of monthly irregularity occurrence rate not only provides the best spatial/temporal distribution in existence so far but also serves to fill the gap of irregularity distribution missing over some eastern Pacific region where no ground observation is available. The 5 1/2‐year result of the monthly occurrence pattern indicates a smooth variation across the longitudes contrary to some beliefs that a drastic change in irregularity occurrence pattern has occurred across the eastern Pacific longitudes. Excellent agreement is noted for the current results with Aarons' (1993) conjectured sketch of the global scintillation distribution. Furthermore, the seasonal/longitudinal (s/l) variations of quiet time postsunset vertical drift velocities are found to track closely with the s/l variations of irregularity occurrences. Linear regression analysis between the vertical drift velocity and the irregularity occurrence rate indicates that the vertical drift velocities at three different longitude zones of magnetic declination have good correlations with the irregularity occurrences for all seasons. This implies that the averaged postsunset vertical drift velocity is a good indicator for the occurrences of equatorial density irregularities in a longitude region of similar magnetic declination. The smooth variation of monthly/seasonal/longitudinal distributions of the vertical drift velocities that results in the smooth variation of topside density irregularity occurrences implies that the global occurrence pattern of either distribution is controlled by the smooth global variation of the postsunset ionospheric condition, related to the magnetic declination effect and the seasonal variation of the ionospheric density level at the dip equator located with respect to the geographic equator. There seems little need to include the global distribution of instability perturbation seeds from atmospheric disturbances to complete the global distribution of topside irregularity occurrences.
Feeding system and magma storage beneath Mt. Etna as revealed by recent inflation/deflation cycles
Authors: Bonforte Alessandro , Bonaccorso Alessandro , Guglielmino Francesco , Palano Mimmo , Puglisi Giuseppe
Published: May 2008

Ground deformation at Mt. Etna detected by three GPS surveys carried out in 2004, 2005, and 2006 is analyzed. The data set encompasses the 2004–2005 eruptions and foreruns those of 2006. A wide deflation of the entire volcano was detected from 2004 to 2005, accompanying the 2004–2005 eruption; conversely an evident inflation phase, from 2005 to 2006, followed this eruption and preceded the 2006 one. In both cases, the deflation‐inflation cycle was accompanied by a continuous seaward motion of the eastern flank. We inverted both data sets (2004–2005 deflation and 2005–2006 inflation) using an optimization algorithm based on the Genetic Algorithm (GA) in order to detect the ground deformation sources. The wide contraction measured during the eruption reveals the drainage of a sill‐shaped magma reservoir located by data inversions at a depth of about 4.5 km b.s.l. The pressurizing source modeled for the 2005–2006 time interval indicates a refilling of the shallower near‐vertical plumbing system of the volcano. This could indicate a change in the geometry of the feeding system, active after the 2004–2005 eruption, with a new and shallower magma storage that could have enabled the resumption of volcanic activity that was observed at summit craters in 2006. These results improve the imaging of the plumbing system of Mt. Etna volcano.
Comparison of Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer nadir water vapor retrievals with in situ measurements
Authors: Shephard Mark W. , Herman Robert L. , Fisher Brendan M. , Cady‐Pereira Karen E. , Clough Shepard A. , Payne Vivienne H. , Whiteman David N. , Comer Joseph P. , Vömel Holger , Miloshevich Larry M. , Forno Ricardo , Adam Mariana , Osterman Gregory B. , Eldering Annmarie , Worden John R. , Brown Linda R. , Worden Helen M. , Kulawik Susan S. , Rider David M. , Goldman Aaron , Beer Reinhard , Bowman Kevin W. , Rodgers Clive D. , Luo Mingzhao , Rinsland Curtis P. , Lampel Michael , Gunson Michael R.
Published: May 2008

Comparisons of Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer (TES) water vapor retrievals with in situ measurements are presented. Global comparisons of TES water vapor retrievals with nighttime National Centers for Environmental Prediction RS90/RS92 radiosondes show a small (<5%) moist bias in TES retrievals in the lower troposphere (standard deviation of ∼20%), increasing to a maximum of ∼15% bias (with standard deviation reaching ∼40%) in the upper troposphere. This moist bias with respect to the sonde bias increases to a maximum of ∼15% in the upper troposphere between ∼300–200 hPa. The standard deviation in this region reaches values of ∼40%. It is important to note that the TES reported water vapor comparison statistics are not weighted by the water vapor layer amounts. Global TES/radiosonde results are comparable with the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder reported unweighted mean of 25% and root‐mean‐square of ∼55%. While such global comparisons help to identify general issues, inherent sampling errors and radiosonde measurement accuracy can limit the degree to which the radiosonde profiles alone can be used to validate satellite retrievals. In order to characterize the agreement of TES with in situ measurements in detail, radiance closure studies were performed using data from the Water Vapor Validation Experiment – Satellites/Sondes campaign from July 2006. Results indicate that estimated systematic errors from the forward model, TES measurements, in situ observations, retrieved temperature profiles, and clouds are likely not large enough to account for radiance differences between TES observations and forward model calculations using in situ profiles as input. Therefore, accurate validation of TES water vapor retrievals requires further campaigns with a larger variety of water vapor measurements that better characterize the atmospheric state within the TES field of view.
High‐pressure polymorphism of Fe2P and its implications for meteorites and Earth's core
Authors: Dera Przemyslaw , Lavina Barbara , Borkowski Lauren A. , Prakapenka Vitali B. , Sutton Stephen R. , Rivers Mark L. , Downs Robert T. , Boctor Nabil Z. , Prewitt Charles T.
Published: May 2008

Minerals with composition (Fe,Ni)2P, are rare, though important accessory phases in iron and chondritic meteorites. The occurrence of these minerals in meteorites is believed to originate either from the equilibrium condensation of protoplanetary materials in solar nebulae or from the later accretion and condensation processes in the cores of parent bodies. Fe‐Ni phosphides are considered a possible candidate for a minor phase present in the Earth's core, and at least partially responsible for the observed density deficit with respect to pure iron. We report results of high‐pressure high‐temperature X‐ray diffraction experiments with synthetic barringerite (Fe2P) up to 40 GPa and 1400 K. A new phase transition to the Co2Si‐type structure has been found at 8.0 GPa, upon heating. The high‐pressure phase can be metastably quenched to ambient conditions at room temperature, and then, if heated again, transforms back to barringerite, providing an important constraint on the thermodynamic history of meteorite.
The −30G>A Polymorphism of the Glucokinase Gene Promoter Is Associated With Obesity in a Population From Southern Spain
Authors: Gómez‐Zumaquero Juan M. , Rojo‐Martínez G. , García‐Escobar E. , Martín‐Nuñez Gracia M. , Haro J. , Esteva I. , de Adana M. Ruiz , Cuesta Antonio L. , Olveira G. , Morcillo S. , Soriguer F.
Published: May 2008

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis of an association between the −30G>A polymorphism of the promoter of the glucokinase gene and the prevalence and incidence of obesity. We studied the −30G>A polymorphism of the glucokinase gene promoter in 981 persons, of whom 866 were seen again 6 years later. All the persons underwent an oral glucose‐tolerance test and the BMI (weight/height2) was recorded. The −30G>A polymorphism of the glucokinase gene promoter was studied using RFLP‐PCR. At the initial study, the probability of having a BMI ≥25 in carriers of the A allele was significantly lower than expected by chance (odds ratio (OR) = 0.63; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.456–0.885). In those persons with a BMI ≥30 at the first study, the probability at 6 years of losing weight (reaching a BMI < 30) was greater in carriers of the A allele (OR = 0.22; 95% CI = 0.087–0.576). The increase in weight over these 6 years, taken as a continuous variable, was significantly less only in those persons who were originally obese (P = 0.018). In conclusion, in a population from southern Spain, carriers of the A allele of the −30G>A polymorphism in the promoter of the glucokinase gene had a lower risk for obesity and the likelihood of losing weight was greater in those obese persons who had the A allele (GA or AA).
The Effect of Training in Reduced Energy Density Eating and Food Self‐monitoring Accuracy on Weight Loss Maintenance
Authors: Lowe Michael R. , Tappe Karyn A. , Annunziato Rachel A. , Riddell Lynnette J. , Coletta Maria C. , Crerand Canice E. , Didie Elizabeth R. , Ochner Christopher N. , McKinney Shortie
Published: May 2008

Background: Failure to maintain weight losses in lifestyle change programs continues to be a major problem and warrants investigation of innovative approaches to weight control.

Objective: The goal of this study was to compare two novel group interventions, both aimed at improving weight loss maintenance, with a control group.

Methods and Procedures: A total of 103 women lost weight on a meal replacement‐supplemented diet and were then randomized to one of three conditions for the 14‐week maintenance phase: cognitive‐behavioral treatment (CBT); CBT with an enhanced food monitoring accuracy (EFMA) program; or these two interventions plus a reduced energy density eating (REDE) program. Assessments were conducted periodically through an 18‐month postintervention. Outcome measures included weight and self‐reported dietary intake. Data were analyzed using completers only as well as baseline‐carried‐forward imputation.

Results: Participants lost an average of 7.6 ± 2.6 kg during the weight loss phase and 1.8 ± 2.3 kg during the maintenance phase. Results do not suggest that the EFMA intervention was successful in improving food monitoring accuracy. The REDE group decreased the energy density (ED) of their diets more so than the other two groups. However, neither the REDE nor the EFMA condition showed any advantage in weight loss maintenance. All groups regained weight between 6‐ and 18‐month follow‐ups.

Discussion: Although no incremental weight maintenance benefit was observed in the EFMA or EFMA + REDE groups, the improvement in the ED of the REDE group's diet, if shown to be sustainable in future studies, could have weight maintenance benefits.
Significance of α-crystallin heteropolymer with a 3:1 αA/αB ratio: chaperone-like activity, structure and hydrophobicity
Authors: Srinivas P. N. B. S. , Reddy P. Yadagiri , Reddy G. Bhanuprakash
Published: May 2008

The small heat-shock protein α-crystallin isolated from the eye lens exists as a large (700 kDa) heteropolymer composed of two subunits, αA and αB, of 20 kDa each. Although trace amounts of αA-crystallin are found in other tissues, non-lenticular distribution of α-crystallin is dominated by the αB homopolymer. In most vertebrate lens, the molar ratio of αA to αB is generally 3:1. However, the importance of this ratio in the eye lens is not known. In the present study, we have investigated the physiological significance of the 3:1 ratio by determining the secondary/tertiary structure, hydrophobicity and chaperone-like activity of αA- and αB-homopolymers and heteropolymers with different ratios of αA to αB subunits. Although, under physiologically relevant conditions, the αB-homopolymer (37–40 °C) has shown relatively higher activity, the αA-homopolymer or the heteropolymer with a higher αA proportion (3:1 ratio) has shown greater chaperone-like activity at elevated temperatures (>50 °C) and also upon structural perturbation. Furthermore, higher chaperone activity at elevated temperatures as well as upon structural perturbation is mainly mediated through increased hydrophobicity of αA. Although homopolymers and heteropolymers of α-crystallin did not differ in their secondary structure, changes in tertiary structure due to structural perturbations upon pre-heating are mediated predominantly by αA. Interestingly, the heteropolymer with higher αA proportion (3:1) or the αA-homopolymer seems to be better chaperones in protecting lens β- and γ-crystallins at both normal and elevated temperatures. Thus lens might have favoured a combination of these qualities to achieve optimal protection under both native and stress (perturbed) conditions for which the heteropolymer with αA to αB in the 3:1 ratio appears to be better suited.
Phosphorylation of Argonaute 2 at serine-387 facilitates its localization to processing bodies
Authors: Zeng Yan , Sankala Heidi , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Graves Paul R.
Published: May 2008

Ago (Argonaute) proteins are essential effectors of RNA-mediated gene silencing. To explore potential regulatory mechanisms for Ago proteins, we examined the phosphorylation of human Ago2. We identified serine-387 as the major Ago2 phosphorylation site in vivo. Phosphorylation of Ago2 at serine-387 was significantly induced by treatment with sodium arsenite or anisomycin, and arsenite-induced phosphorylation was inhibited by a p38 MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) inhibitor, but not by inhibitors of JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase) or MEK [MAPK/ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase) kinase]. MAPKAPK2 (MAPK-activated protein kinase-2) phosphorylated bacterially expressed full-length human Ago2 at serine-387 in vitro, but not the S387A mutant. Finally, mutation of serine-387 to an alanine residue or treatment of cells with a p38 MAPK inhibitor reduced the localization of Ago2 to processing bodies. These results suggest a potential regulatory mechanism for RNA silencing acting through Ago2 serine-387 phosphorylation mediated by the p38 MAPK pathway.