@article{MontbrioPazoSchmidt2006, author = {Montbrio, Ernest and Pazo, Diego and Schmidt, J{\"u}rgen}, title = {Time delay in the Kuramoto model with bimodal frequency distribution}, series = {Physical review : E, Statistical, nonlinear and soft matter physics}, volume = {74}, journal = {Physical review : E, Statistical, nonlinear and soft matter physics}, publisher = {APS}, address = {College Park}, issn = {1539-3755}, doi = {10.1103/PhysRevE.74.056201}, pages = {5}, year = {2006}, abstract = {We investigate the effects of a time-delayed all-to-all coupling scheme in a large population of oscillators with natural frequencies following a bimodal distribution. The regions of parameter space corresponding to synchronized and incoherent solutions are obtained both numerically and analytically for particular frequency distributions. In particular, we find that bimodality introduces a new time scale that results in a quasiperiodic disposition of the regions of incoherence.}, language = {en} } @article{HahnewaldLeimkuehlerVilasecaetal.2006, author = {Hahnewald, Rita and Leimk{\"u}hler, Silke and Vilaseca, Antonia and Acquaviva-Bourdain, Cecile and Lenz, Ulrike and Reiss, Jochen}, title = {A novel MOCS2 mutation reveals coordinated expression of the small and large subunit of molybdopterin synthase}, series = {Molecular genetics and metabolism}, volume = {89}, journal = {Molecular genetics and metabolism}, number = {3}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {San Diego}, issn = {1096-7192}, doi = {10.1016/j.ymgme.2006.04.008}, pages = {210 -- 213}, year = {2006}, abstract = {The small and large subunits of molybdopterin (MPT) synthase (MOCS2A and MOCS2B), are both encoded by the MOCS2 gene in overlapping and shifted open reading frames (ORFs), which is a highly unusual structure for eukaryotes. Theoretical analysis of genomic sequences suggested that the expression of these overlapping ORFs is facilitated by the use of alternate first exons leading to alternative transcripts. Here, we confirm the existence of these overlapping transcripts experimentally. Further, we identified a deletion in a molybdenum cofactor deficient patient, which removes the start codon for the small subunit (MOCS2A). We observed undisturbed production of both transcripts, while Western blot analysis demonstrated that MOCS2B, the large subunit, is unstable in the absence of MOCS2A. This reveals new insights into the expression of this evolutionary ancient anabolic system.}, language = {en} } @article{KonradSchmolkeBabistHandyetal.2006, author = {Konrad-Schmolke, Matthias and Babist, Jochen and Handy, Mark R. and O'brien, Patrick J.}, title = {The physico-chemical properties of a subducted slab from garnet zonation patterns (Sesia Zone, Western Alps)}, series = {Journal of petrology}, volume = {47}, journal = {Journal of petrology}, number = {11}, publisher = {Oxford Univ. Press}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {0022-3530}, doi = {10.1093/petrology/egl039}, pages = {2123 -- 2148}, year = {2006}, abstract = {Garnets in continentally derived high-pressure (HP) rocks of the Sesia Zone (Western Alps) exhibit three different chemical zonation patterns, depending on sample locality. Comparison of observed garnet zonation patterns with thermodynamically modelled patterns shows that the different patterns are caused by differences in the water content of the subducted protoliths during prograde metamorphism. Zonation patterns of garnets in water-saturated host rocks show typical prograde chemical zonations with steadily increasing pyrope content and increasing XMg, together with bell-shaped spessartine patterns. In contrast, garnets in water-undersaturated rocks have more complex zonation patterns with a characteristic decrease in pyrope and XMg between core and inner rim. In some cases, garnets show an abrupt compositional change in core-to-rim profiles, possibly due to water-undersaturation prior to HP metamorphism. Garnets from both water-saturated and water-undersaturated rocks show signs of intervening growth interruptions and core resorption. This growth interruption results from bulk-rock depletion caused by fractional garnet crystallization. The water content during burial influences significantly the physical properties of the subducted rocks. Due to enhanced garnet crystallization, water-undersaturated rocks, i.e. those lacking a free fluid phase, become denser than their water-saturated equivalents, facilitating the subduction of continental material. Although water-bearing phases such as phengite and epidote are stable up to eclogite-facies conditions in these rocks, dehydration reactions during subduction are lacking in water-undersaturated rocks up to the transition to the eclogite facies, due to the thermodynamic stability of such hydrous phases at high P-T conditions. Our calculations show that garnet zonation patterns strongly depend on the mineral parageneses stable during garnet growth and that certain co-genetic mineral assemblages cause distinct garnet zonation patterns. This observation enables interpretation of complex garnet growth zonation patterns in terms of garnet-forming reactions and water content during HP metamorphism, as well determination of detailed P-T paths.}, language = {en} } @article{RauschmannHuggenbergerKossatzetal.2006, author = {Rauschmann, Michael A. and Huggenberger, Stefan and Kossatz, Lars Swen and Oelschl{\"a}ger, Helmut H. A.}, title = {Head morphology in perinatal dolphins: A window into phylogeny and ontogeny}, series = {Journal of morphology}, volume = {267}, journal = {Journal of morphology}, number = {11}, publisher = {Wiley-Blackwell}, address = {Hoboken}, issn = {0362-2525}, doi = {10.1002/jmor.10477}, pages = {1295 -- 1315}, year = {2006}, abstract = {In this paper on the ontogenesis and evolutionary biology of odontocete cetaceans (toothed whales), we investigate the head morphology of three perinatal pantropical spotted dolphins (Stenella attenuata) with the following methods: computer-assisted tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, conventional X-ray imaging, cryo-sectioning as well as gross dissection. Comparison of these anatomical methods reveals that for a complete structural analysis, a combination of modern imaging techniques and conventional morphological methods is needed. In addition to the perinatal dolphins, we include series of microslides of fetal odontocetes (S. attenuata, common dolphin Delphinus delphis, narwhal Monodon monoceros). In contrast to other mammals, newborn cetaceans represent an extremely precocial state of development correlated to the fact that they have to swim and surface immediately after birth. Accordingly, the morphology of the perinatal dolphin head is very similar to that of the adult. Comparison with early fetal stages of dolphins shows that the ontogenetic change from the general mammalian bauplan to cetacean organization was characterized by profound morphological transformations of the relevant organ systems and roughly seems to parallel the phylogenetic transition. from terrestrial ancestors to modern odontocetes.}, language = {en} } @article{HoieSjoholmGuldstrandetal.2006, author = {Hoie, Lars H. and Sjoholm, Ake and Guldstrand, Marie and Zunft, Hans-Joachim Franz and Lueder, Wolfgang and Graubaum, Hans-Joachim and Gr{\"u}nwald, J{\"o}rg}, title = {Ultra heat treatment destroys cholesterol-lowering effect of soy protein}, series = {International journal of food sciences and nutrition}, volume = {57}, journal = {International journal of food sciences and nutrition}, publisher = {Taylor \& Francis}, address = {Abingdon}, issn = {0963-7486}, doi = {10.1080/09637480601009059}, pages = {512 -- 519}, year = {2006}, abstract = {A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical study was performed to investigate the dose-dependent response of serum cholesterol after consuming an ultra-heat-treated milk containing a soy protein preparation. Eighty hypercholesterolemic subjects were assigned to one of four study groups receiving 12.5 or 25 g soy protein (active treatment) or casein (placebo) daily over a period of 4 weeks. The trial substances were provided as ready-made, ultra-heated milk preparations. Before and after the treatment, serum concentrations of total, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were determined. Unexpectedly, at the end of the study, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations were significantly increased compared with baseline in all study groups. The magnitude of this increase (17 - 19\%) was similar in all active and placebo study groups. Soy protein supplements previously shown to be effective in reducing serum cholesterol had in this study no such lipid-lowering effect after ultra heat treatment.}, language = {en} } @article{DornhegeBlankertzKrauledatetal.2006, author = {Dornhege, Guido and Blankertz, Benjamin and Krauledat, Matthias and Losch, Florian and Curio, Gabriel and M{\"u}ller, Klaus-Robert}, title = {Combined optimization of spatial and temporal filters for improving brain-computer interfacing}, series = {IEEE transactions on bio-medical electronics}, volume = {53}, journal = {IEEE transactions on bio-medical electronics}, number = {11}, publisher = {IEEE}, address = {New York}, issn = {0018-9294}, doi = {10.1109/TBME.2006.883649}, pages = {2274 -- 2281}, year = {2006}, abstract = {Brain-computer interface (BCI) systems create a novel communication channel from the brain to an output de ice by bypassing conventional motor output pathways of nerves and muscles. Therefore they could provide a new communication and control option for paralyzed patients. Modern BCI technology is essentially based on techniques for the classification of single-trial brain signals. Here we present a novel technique that allows the simultaneous optimization of a spatial and a spectral filter enhancing discriminability rates of multichannel EEG single-trials. The evaluation of 60 experiments involving 22 different subjects demonstrates the significant superiority of the proposed algorithm over to its classical counterpart: the median classification error rate was decreased by 11\%. Apart from the enhanced classification, the spatial and/or the spectral filter that are determined by the algorithm can also be used for further analysis of the data, e.g., for source localization of the respective brain rhythms.}, language = {en} } @article{SchweigertGerickeWolframetal.2006, author = {Schweigert, Florian J. and Gericke, Beate and Wolfram, Wiebke and Kaisers, Udo and Dudenhausen, Joachim W.}, title = {Peptide and protein profiles in serum and follicular fluid of women undergoing IVF}, series = {Human reproduction}, volume = {21}, journal = {Human reproduction}, number = {11}, publisher = {Univ. Press}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {0268-1161}, doi = {10.1093/humrep/del257}, pages = {2960 -- 2968}, year = {2006}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Proteins and peptides in human follicular fluid originate from plasma or are produced by follicular structures. Compositional changes reflect oocyte maturation and can be used as diagnostic markers. The aim of the study was to determine protein and peptide profiles in paired serum and follicular fluid samples from women undergoing IVF. METHODS: Surface-enhanced laser desorption and ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS) was used to obtain characteristic protein pattern. RESULTS: One hundred and eighty-six individual MS signals were obtained from a combination of enrichment on strong anion exchanger (110), weak cation exchanger (52) and normal phase surfaces (24). On the basis of molecular masses, isoelectric points and immunoreactivety, four signals were identified as haptoglobin (alpha(1)- and alpha(2)-chain), haptoglobin 1 and transthyretin (TTR). Immunological and MS characteristics of the TTR : retinol-binding protein (RBP) transport complex revealed no microheterogeneity differences between serum and follicular fluid. Discriminatory patterns arising from decision-tree-based classification and regression analysis distinguished between serum and follicular fluid with a sensitivity and specificity of 100\%. CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative and qualitative differences indicate selective transport processes rather than mere filtration across the blood-follicle barrier. Identified proteins as well as characteristic peptide and/or protein signatures might emerge as potential candidates for diagnostic markers of follicle and/or oocyte maturation and thus oocyte quality.}, language = {en} } @article{GarciaSteinigerReichetal.2006, author = {Garcia, A. L. and Steiniger, J. and Reich, S. C. and Weickert, M. O. and Harsch, I. and Machowetz, A. and Mohlig, M. and Spranger, Joachim and Rudovich, N. N. and Meuser, F. and Doerfer, J. and Katz, N. and Speth, M. and Zunft, Hans-Joachim Franz and Pfeiffer, Andreas F. H. and Koebnick, Corinna}, title = {Arabinoxylan fibre consumption improved glucose metabolism, but did not affect serum adipokines in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance}, series = {Hormone and metabolic research}, volume = {38}, journal = {Hormone and metabolic research}, number = {2}, publisher = {Thieme}, address = {Stuttgart}, issn = {0018-5043}, doi = {10.1055/s-2006-955089}, pages = {761 -- 766}, year = {2006}, abstract = {The consumption of arabinoxylan, a soluble fibre fraction, has been shown to improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetic subjects. Soluble dietary fibre may modulate gastrointestinal or adipose tissue hormones regulating food intake. The present study investigated the effects of arabinoxylan consumption on serum glucose, insulin, lipids, leptin, adiponectin and resistin in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance. In a randomized, single-blind, controlled, crossover intervention trial, 11 adults consumed white bread rolls as either placebo or supplemented with 15g arabinoxylan for 6 weeks with a 6-week washout period. Fasting serum glucose, insulin, triglycerides, unesterified fatty acids, apolipoprotein A1 and B, adiponectin, resistin and leptin were assessed before and after intervention. Fasting serum glucose, serum triglycerides and apolipoprotein A-1 were significantly lower during arabinoxylan consumption compared to placebo (p = 0.029, p = 0.047; p = 0.029, respectively). No effects of arabinoxylan were observed for insulin, adiponectin, leptin and resistin as well as for apolipoprotein B, and unesterified fatty acids. In conclusion, the consumption of AX in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance improved fasting serum glucose, and triglycerides. However, this beneficial effect was not accompanied by changes in fasting adipokine concentrations.}, language = {en} } @article{MohsenKindSobolevetal.2006, author = {Mohsen, Ayman and Kind, Rainer and Sobolev, Stephan Vladimir and Weber, Michael}, title = {Thickness of the lithosphere east of the Dead Sea Transform}, series = {Geophysical journal international}, volume = {167}, journal = {Geophysical journal international}, number = {2}, publisher = {Blackwell}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {0956-540X}, doi = {10.1111/j.1365-246X.2006.03185.x}, pages = {845 -- 852}, year = {2006}, abstract = {We use the S receiver function method to study the lithosphere at the Dead Sea Transform (DST). A temporary network of 22 seismic broad-band stations was operated on both sides of the DST from 2000 to 2001 as part of the DESERT project. We also used data from six additional permanent broad-band seismic stations at the DST and in the surrounding area, that is, in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Cyprus. Clear S-to-P converted phases from the crust-mantle boundary (Moho) and a deeper discontinuity, which we interpret as lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB) have been observed. The Moho depth (30-38 km) obtained from S receiver functions agrees well with the results from P receiver functions and other geophysical data. We observe thinning of the lithosphere on the eastern side of the DST from 80 km in the north of the Dead Sea to about 65 km at the Gulf of Aqaba. On the western side of the DST, the few data indicate a thin LAB of about 65 km. For comparison, we found a 90-km-thick lithosphere in eastern Turkey and a 160-km-thick lithosphere under the Arabian shield, respectively. These observations support previous suggestions, based on xenolith data, heat flow observations, regional uplift history and geodynamic modelling, that the lithosphere around DST has been significantly thinned in the Late Cenozoic, likely following rifting and spreading of the Red Sea.}, language = {en} } @article{MoehligFloeterSprangeretal.2006, author = {Moehlig, M. and Floeter, A. and Spranger, Joachim and Weickert, Martin O. and Schill, T. and Schloesser, H. W. and Brabant, G. and Pfeiffer, Andreas F. H. and Selbig, Joachim and Schoefl, C.}, title = {Predicting impaired glucose metabolism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome by decision tree modelling}, series = {Diabetologia : journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD)}, volume = {49}, journal = {Diabetologia : journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD)}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Berlin}, issn = {0012-186X}, doi = {10.1007/s00125-006-0395-0}, pages = {2572 -- 2579}, year = {2006}, abstract = {Aims/hypothesis Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a risk factor of type 2 diabetes. Screening for impaired glucose metabolism (IGM) with an OGTT has been recommended, but this is relatively time-consuming and inconvenient. Thus, a strategy that could minimise the need for an OGTT would be beneficial. Materials and methods Consecutive PCOS patients (n=118) with fasting glucose < 6.1 mmol/l were included in the study. Parameters derived from medical history, clinical examination and fasting blood samples were assessed by decision tree modelling for their ability to discriminate women with IGM (2-h OGTT value >= 7.8 mmol/l) from those with NGT. Results According to the OGTT results, 93 PCOS women had NGT and 25 had IGM. The best decision tree consisted of HOMA-IR, the proinsulin:insulin ratio, proinsulin, 17-OH progesterone and the ratio of luteinising hormone:follicle-stimulating hormone. This tree identified 69 women with NGT. The remaining 49 women included all women with IGM (100\% sensitivity, 74\% specificity to detect IGM). Pruning this tree to three levels still identified 53 women with NGT (100\% sensitivity, 57\% specificity to detect IGM). Restricting the data matrix used for tree modelling to medical history and clinical parameters produced a tree using BMI, waist circumference and WHR. Pruning this tree to two levels separated 27 women with NGT (100\% sensitivity, 29\% specificity to detect IGM). The validity of both trees was tested by a leave-10\%-out cross-validation. Conclusions/interpretation Decision trees are useful tools for separating PCOS women with NGT from those with IGM. They can be used for stratifying the metabolic screening of PCOS women, whereby the number of OGTTs can be markedly reduced.}, language = {en} }