@article{SramaKempfMoragasKlostermeyeretal.2006, author = {Srama, Ralf and Kempf, S. and Moragas-Klostermeyer, Georg and Helfert, S. and Ahrens, T. J. and Altobelli, N. and Auer, S. and Beckmann, U. and Bradley, J. G. and Burton, M. and Dikarev, V. V. and Economou, T. and Fechtig, H. and Green, S. F. and Grande, M. and Havnes, O. and Hillierf, J.K. and Horanyii, M. and Igenbergsj, E. and Jessberger, E. K. and Johnson, T. V. and Kr{\"u}ger, H. and Matt, G. and McBride, N. and Mocker, A. and Lamy, P. and Linkert, D. and Linkert, G. and Lura, F. and McDonnell, J.A.M. and M{\"o}hlmann, D. and Morfill, G. E. and Postberg, F. and Roy, M. and Schwehm, G.H. and Spahn, Frank and Svestka, J. and Tschernjawski, V. and Tuzzolino, A. J. and W{\"a}sch, R. and Gr{\"u}n, E.}, title = {In situ dust measurements in the inner Saturnian system}, series = {Planetary and space science}, volume = {54}, journal = {Planetary and space science}, number = {9-10}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {0032-0633}, doi = {10.1016/j.pss.2006.05.021}, pages = {967 -- 987}, year = {2006}, abstract = {In July 2004 the Cassini-Huygens mission reached the Saturnian system and started its orbital tour. A total of 75 orbits will be carried out during the primary mission until August 2008. In these four years Cassini crosses the ring plane 150 times and spends approx. 400 h within Titan's orbit. The Cosmic Dust Analyser (CDA) onboard Cassini characterises the dust environment with its extended E ring and embedded moons. Here, we focus on the CDA results of the first year and we present the Dust Analyser (DA) data within Titan's orbit. This paper does investigate High Rate Detector data and dust composition measurements. The authors focus on the analysis of impact rates, which were strongly variable primarily due to changes of the spacecraft pointing. An overview is given about the ring plane crossings and the DA counter measurements. The DA dust impact rates are compared with the DA boresight configuration around all ring plane crossings between June 2004 and July 2005. Dust impacts were registered at altitudes as high as 100 000 km above the ring plane at distances from Saturn between 4 and 10 Saturn radii. In those regions the dust density of particles bigger than 0.5 can reach values of 0.001m-3.}, language = {en} } @article{SteuerGrossSelbigetal.2006, author = {Steuer, Ralf and Gross, Thilo and Selbig, Joachim and Blasius, Bernd}, title = {Structural kinetic modeling of metabolic networks}, series = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {103}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, number = {32}, publisher = {National Academy of Sciences}, address = {Washington}, issn = {0027-8424}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.0600013103}, pages = {11868 -- 11873}, year = {2006}, abstract = {To develop and investigate detailed mathematical models of metabolic processes is one of the primary challenges in systems biology. However, despite considerable advance in the topological analysis of metabolic networks, kinetic modeling is still often severely hampered by inadequate knowledge of the enzyme-kinetic rate laws and their associated parameter values. Here we propose a method that aims to give a quantitative account of the dynamical capabilities of a metabolic system, without requiring any explicit information about the functional form of the rate equations. Our approach is based on constructing a local linear model at each point in parameter space, such that each element of the model is either directly experimentally accessible or amenable to a straightforward biochemical interpretation. This ensemble of local linear models, encompassing all possible explicit kinetic models, then allows for a statistical exploration of the comprehensive parameter space. The method is exemplified on two paradigmatic metabolic systems: the glycolytic pathway of yeast and a realistic-scale representation of the photosynthetic Calvin cycle.}, language = {en} } @article{MakuchBrilliantovSremcevicetal.2006, author = {Makuch, Martin and Brilliantov, Nikolai V. and Sremcevic, Miodrag and Spahn, Frank and Krivov, Alexander V.}, title = {Stochastic circumplanetary dynamics of rotating non-spherical dust particles}, series = {Planetary and space science}, volume = {54}, journal = {Planetary and space science}, number = {9-10}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {0032-0633}, doi = {10.1016/j.pss.2006.05.006}, pages = {855 -- 870}, year = {2006}, abstract = {We develop a model of stochastic radiation pressure for rotating non-spherical particles and apply the model to circumplanetary dynamics of dust grains. The stochastic properties of the radiation pressure are related to the ensemble-averaged characteristics of the rotating particles, which are given in terms of the rotational time-correlation function of a grain. We investigate the model analytically and show that an ensemble of particle trajectories demonstrates a diffusion-like behaviour. The analytical results are compared with numerical simulations, performed for the motion of the dusty ejecta from Deimos in orbit around Mars. We find that the theoretical predictions are in a good agreement with the simulation results. The agreement however deteriorates at later time, when the impact of non-linear terms, neglected in the analytic approach, becomes significant. Our results indicate that the stochastic modulation of the radiation pressure can play an important role in the circumplanetary dynamics of dust and may in case of some dusty systems noticeably alter an optical depth. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.}, language = {en} } @article{AssmannThielRomanoetal.2006, author = {Assmann, Birte and Thiel, Marco and Romano, Maria Carmen and Niemitz, Carsten}, title = {Recurrence plot analyses suggest a novel reference system involved in newborn spontaneous movements}, series = {Behavior research methods : a journal of the Psychonomic Society}, volume = {38}, journal = {Behavior research methods : a journal of the Psychonomic Society}, number = {3}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {New York}, issn = {1554-351X}, doi = {10.3758/BF03192793}, pages = {400 -- 406}, year = {2006}, abstract = {The movements of newborns have been thoroughly studied in terms of reflexes, muscle synergies, leg coordination, and target-directed arm/hand movements. Since these approaches have concentrated mainly on separate accomplishments, there has remained a clear need for more integrated investigations. Here, we report an inquiry in which we explicitly concentrated on taking such a perspective and, additionally, were guided by the methodological concept of home base behavior, which Ilan Golard developed for studies of exploratory behavior in animals. Methods from nonlinear dynamics, such as symbolic dynamics and recurrence plot analyses of kinematic data received from audiovisual newborn recordings, yielded new insights into the spatial and temporal organization of limb movements. In the framework of home base behavior, our approach uncovered a novel reference system of spontaneous newborn movements.}, language = {en} } @article{JoulainHenkelGreffet2006, author = {Joulain, Karl and Henkel, Carsten and Greffet, Jean-Jacques}, title = {Influence of the dependence in temperature of the optical properties of materials on the Casimir force}, series = {Journal de physique IV}, volume = {135}, journal = {Journal de physique IV}, publisher = {EDP Sciences}, address = {Les Ulis}, issn = {1155-4339}, doi = {10.1051/jp4:2006135021}, pages = {113 -- 114}, year = {2006}, abstract = {Nous {\´e}valuons la force de Casimir entre deux surfaces planes m{\´e}talliques constitu{\´e}es d'argent. Nous prenons, pour effectuer cette {\´e}valuation, des propri{\´e}t{\´e}s optiques de l'argent {\`a} diff{\´e}rentes temp{\´e}ratures [1]. Nous montrons que cette d{\´e}pendance en temp{\´e}rature modifie la force de Casimir (de 0.2\%) y compris {\`a} des distances inf{\´e}rieures {\`a} la longueur d'onde thermique.}, language = {fr} } @article{DiezTauerSchulz2006, author = {Diez, Isabel and Tauer, Klaus and Schulz, Burkhard}, title = {Unusual polymer dispersions-polypyrrole suspensions made of rings, frames, and platelets}, series = {Colloid and polymer science : official journal of the Kolloid-Gesellschaft}, volume = {284}, journal = {Colloid and polymer science : official journal of the Kolloid-Gesellschaft}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {New York}, issn = {0303-402X}, doi = {10.1007/s00396-006-1521-8}, pages = {1431 -- 1442}, year = {2006}, abstract = {Experimental results show that the polymerization of pyrrole in the presence of beta-naphthalenesulfonic acid and different fluorosurfactants like perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, perfluorooctyldiethanolamide, and ammonium perfluorooctanoate leads to polypyrrole with special morphologies, such as rings or disks and rectangular frames or plates. The formation of these unusually shaped particles of polymer dispersions is explained by the chemical and colloidal peculiarities of the oxidative pyrrole polymerization with ammonium peroxodisulfate in aqueous medium.}, language = {en} } @article{RichterVollhardt2006, author = {Richter, Lothar and Vollhardt, Dieter}, title = {Force measuring methods for determination of surface tension of liquids: A comparison}, series = {Tenside, surfactants, detergents}, volume = {43}, journal = {Tenside, surfactants, detergents}, number = {5}, publisher = {Hanser}, address = {M{\"u}nchen}, issn = {0932-3414}, doi = {10.3139/113.100314}, pages = {256 -- 261}, year = {2006}, abstract = {Three methods for the determination of the surface tension of liquids based on force measurements namely, the vertical plate method of Wilhelmy, the frame method of Lenard and the ring method of du Nouy are compared and studied in respect of a common principle of correction. It is shown that these three most important force-based methods allow the determination of the surface tension under static conditions. The force components of the corresponding liquid column below the measuring wire obtained for the straight part of the withdrawal curve up to the transition in its curved part provides exact surface tension values. The experimentally accessible value of the force component describes the physical background of the measured value correction contrary to the approximate equations obtained by mathematical way. Usually the determination of surface tension of liquids is based merely at the vertical plate method on exact equations thermodynamically derived whereas in the case of the frame and ring methods correction factors in approximate equations are used. At usual application of the force-based methods under the non-static condition of the withdrawal of a liquid column, the force maximum measured at withdrawal of the measuring object (plate, frame, or ring) is the basis for the determination of surface tension. In these cases, the measured surface tension values are compensated by correction equations for the frame and ring methods which are based on an correction factor and correction tables empirically obtained. The surface tension values obtained in this usual way agree with those obtained by using the force component of the corresponding liquid column below the measuring wire for the straight part of the withdrawal curve up to the transition in its curved part. Problems arising at the force measurements with increasing thickness of the measuring wires inside and outside the rings are discussed.}, language = {en} } @article{PoeschelBrilliantovFormella2006, author = {Poeschel, Thorsten and Brilliantov, Nikolai V. and Formella, Arno}, title = {Impact of high-energy tails on granular gas properties}, series = {Physical review : E, Statistical, nonlinear and soft matter physics}, volume = {74}, journal = {Physical review : E, Statistical, nonlinear and soft matter physics}, number = {4}, publisher = {The American Physical Society}, address = {College Park}, issn = {1539-3755}, doi = {10.1103/PhysRevE.74.041302}, pages = {5}, year = {2006}, abstract = {The velocity distribution function of granular gases in the homogeneous cooling state as well as some heated granular gases decays for large velocities as f proportional to exp(-const x nu). That is, its high-energy tail is overpopulated as compared with the Maxwell distribution. At the present time, there is no theory to describe the influence of the tail on the kinetic characteristics of granular gases. We develop an approach to quantify the overpopulated tail and analyze its impact on granular gas properties, in particular on the cooling coefficient. We observe and explain anomalously slow relaxation of the velocity distribution function to its steady state.}, language = {en} } @article{ZaikinKurths2006, author = {Zaikin, Alexey and Kurths, J{\"u}rgen}, title = {Optimal length transportation hypothesis to model proteasome product size distribution}, series = {Journal of biological physics : emphasizing physical principles in biological research ; an international journal for the formulation and application of mathematical models in the biological sciences}, volume = {32}, journal = {Journal of biological physics : emphasizing physical principles in biological research ; an international journal for the formulation and application of mathematical models in the biological sciences}, number = {3-4}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Dordrecht}, issn = {0092-0606}, doi = {10.1007/s10867-006-9014-z}, pages = {231 -- 243}, year = {2006}, abstract = {This paper discusses translocation features of the 20S proteasome in order to explain typical proteasome length distributions. We assume that the protein transport depends significantly on the fragment length with some optimal length which is transported most efficiently. By means of a simple one-channel model, we show that this hypothesis can explain both the one- and the three-peak length distributions found in experiments. A possible mechanism of such translocation is provided by so-called fluctuation-driven transport.}, language = {en} } @article{OskinovaFeldmeierHamann2006, author = {Oskinova, Lida and Feldmeier, Achim and Hamann, Wolf-Rainer}, title = {High-resolution X-ray spectroscopy of bright O-type stars}, series = {Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society}, volume = {372}, journal = {Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society}, publisher = {Oxford University Press}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {0035-8711}, doi = {10.1111/j.1365-2966.2006.10858.x}, pages = {313 -- 326}, year = {2006}, abstract = {Archival X-ray spectra of the four prominent single, non-magnetic O stars zeta Pup, zeta Ori, xi Per and zeta Oph, obtained in high resolution with Chandra HETGS/MEG have been studied. The resolved X-ray emission line profiles provide information about the shocked, hot gas which emits the X-radiation, and about the bulk of comparably cool stellar wind material which partly absorbs this radiation. In this paper, we synthesize X-ray line profiles with a model of a clumpy stellar wind. We find that the geometrical shape of the wind inhomogeneities is important: better agreement with the observations can be achieved with radially compressed clumps than with spherical clumps. The parameters of the model, i.e. chemical abundances, stellar radius, mass-loss rate and terminal wind velocity, are taken from existing analyses of UV and optical spectra of the programme stars. On this basis, we also calculate the continuum-absorption coefficient of the cool-wind material, using the Potsdam Wolf-Rayet (POWR) model atmosphere code. The radial location of X-ray emitting gas is restricted from analysing the FIR line ratios of helium-like ions. The only remaining free parameter of our model is the typical distance between the clumps; here, we assume that at any point in the wind there is one clump passing by per one dynamical time-scale of the wind. The total emission in a model line is scaled to the observation. There is a good agreement between synthetic and observed line profiles. We conclude that the X-ray emission line profiles in O stars can be explained by hot plasma embedded in a cool wind which is highly clumped in the form of radially compressed shell fragments.}, language = {en} } @article{HamannGraefenerLiermann2006, author = {Hamann, Wolf-Rainer and Graefener, G. and Liermann, A.}, title = {The galactic WN stars - Spectral analyses with line-blanketed model atmospheres versus stellar evolution models with and without rotation}, series = {Astronomy and astrophysics : an international weekly journal}, volume = {457}, journal = {Astronomy and astrophysics : an international weekly journal}, number = {3}, publisher = {EDP Sciences}, address = {Les Ulis}, issn = {0004-6361}, doi = {10.1051/0004-6361:20065052}, pages = {1015 -- 1031}, year = {2006}, abstract = {Context. Very massive stars pass through the Wolf-Rayet (WR) stage before they finally explode. Details of their evolution have not yet been safely established, and their physics are not well understood. Their spectral analysis requires adequate model atmospheres, which have been developed step by step during the past decades and account in their recent version for line blanketing by the millions of lines from iron and iron-group elements. However, only very few WN stars have been re-analyzed by means of line-blanketed models yet. Aims. The quantitative spectral analysis of a large sample of Galactic WN stars with the most advanced generation of model atmospheres should provide an empirical basis for various studies about the origin, evolution, and physics of the Wolf-Rayet stars and their powerful winds. Methods. We analyze a large sample of Galactic WN stars by means of the Potsdam Wolf-Rayet (PoWR) model atmospheres, which account for iron line blanketing and clumping. The results are compared with a synthetic population, generated from the Geneva tracks for massive star evolution. Results. We obtain a homogeneous set of stellar and atmospheric parameters for the GalacticWN stars, partly revising earlier results. Conclusions. Comparing the results of our spectral analyses of the Galactic WN stars with the predictions of the Geneva evolutionary calculations, we conclude that there is rough qualitative agreement. However, the quantitative discrepancies are still severe, and there is no preference for the tracks that account for the effects of rotation. It seems that the evolution of massive stars is still not satisfactorily understood.}, language = {en} } @article{PawlikPikovskij2006, author = {Pawlik, Andreas H. and Pikovskij, Arkadij}, title = {Control of oscillators coherence by multiple delayed feedback}, series = {Modern physics letters : A, Particles and fields, gravitation, cosmology, nuclear physics}, volume = {358}, journal = {Modern physics letters : A, Particles and fields, gravitation, cosmology, nuclear physics}, number = {3}, publisher = {American Institute of Physics}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0375-9601}, doi = {10.1016/j.physleta.2006.05.013}, pages = {181 -- 185}, year = {2006}, abstract = {We demonstrate that a multiple delayed feedback is a powerful tool to control coherence properties of autonomous self-sustained oscillators. We derive the equation for the phase dynamics in presence of noise and delay, and analyze it analytically. In Gaussian approximation a closed set of equations for the frequency and the diffusion constant is obtained. Solutions of these equations are in good agreement with direct numerical simulations.}, language = {en} } @article{YangJaiserStilleretal.2006, author = {Yang, Xiao Hui and Jaiser, Frank and Stiller, Burkhard and Neher, Dieter and Galbrecht, Frank and Scherf, Ullrich}, title = {Efficient polymer electrophosphoreseent devices with interfacial layers}, series = {Advanced functional materials}, volume = {16}, journal = {Advanced functional materials}, number = {16}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1616-301X}, doi = {10.1002/adfm.200500834}, pages = {2156 -- 2162}, year = {2006}, abstract = {It is shown that several polymers can form insoluble interfacial layers on a poly (ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) layer after annealing of the double-layer structure. The thickness of the interlayer is dependent on the characteristics of the underlying PEDOT.PSS and the molecular weight of the polymers. It is further shown that the electronic structures of the interlayer polymers have a significant effect on the properties of red-light-emitting polymer-based electrophosphorescent devices. Upon increasing the highest occupied molecular orbital and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital positions, a significant increase in current density and device efficiency is observed. This is attributed to efficient blocking of electrons in combination with direct injection of holes from the interlayer to the phosphorescent dye. Upon proper choice of the interlayer polymer, efficient red, polymer-based electrophosphorescent devices with a peak luminance efficiency of 5.5 cd A(-1) (external quantum efficiency = 6 \%) and a maximum power-conversion efficiency of 5 Im W-1 can be realized.}, language = {en} } @article{BaptistaGrebogiKoberle2006, author = {Baptista, Murilo da Silva and Grebogi, Celso and Koberle, Roland}, title = {Dynamically multilayered visual system of the multifractal fly}, series = {Physical review letters}, volume = {97}, journal = {Physical review letters}, number = {17}, publisher = {American Physical Society}, address = {College Park}, issn = {0031-9007}, doi = {10.1103/PhysRevLett.97.178102}, pages = {4}, year = {2006}, language = {en} } @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{PerrinColombeMercieretal.2006, author = {Perrin, Helene and Colombe, Yves and Mercier, Brigitte and Lorent, Vincent and Henkel, Carsten}, title = {Diffuse reflection of a Bose-Einstein condensate from a rough evanescent wave mirror}, series = {Journal of physics : B, Atomic, molecular and optical physics}, volume = {39}, journal = {Journal of physics : B, Atomic, molecular and optical physics}, publisher = {IOP Publ.}, address = {Bristol}, issn = {0953-4075}, doi = {10.1088/0953-4075/39/22/009}, pages = {4649 -- 4658}, year = {2006}, abstract = {We present experimental results showing the diffuse reflection of a Bose Einstein condensate from a rough mirror, consisting of a dielectric substrate supporting a blue-detuned evanescent wave. The scattering is anisotropic, more pronounced in the direction of the surface propagation of the evanescent wave. These results agree very well with theoretical predictions.}, language = {en} } @article{MeucciSalvadoriIvanchenkoetal.2006, author = {Meucci, Riccardo and Salvadori, Francesco and Ivanchenko, Mikhail V. and Al Naimee, Kais and Zhou, Chansong and Arecchi, Fortunato Tito and Boccaletti, Stefano and Kurths, J{\"u}rgen}, title = {Synchronization of spontaneous bursting in a CO2 laser}, series = {Physical review : E, Statistical, nonlinear and soft matter physics}, volume = {74}, journal = {Physical review : E, Statistical, nonlinear and soft matter physics}, publisher = {American Physical Society}, address = {College Park}, issn = {2470-0045}, doi = {10.1103/PhysRevE.74.066207}, pages = {6}, year = {2006}, abstract = {We present experimental and numerical evidence of synchronization of burst events in two different modulated CO2 lasers. Bursts appear randomly in each laser as trains of large amplitude spikes intercalated by a small amplitude chaotic regime. Experimental data and model show the frequency locking of bursts in a suitable interval of coupling strength. We explain the mechanism of this phenomenon and demonstrate the inhibitory properties of the implemented coupling.}, language = {en} } @article{ZemanovaZhouKurths2006, author = {Zemanova, Lucia and Zhou, Changsong and Kurths, J{\"u}rgen}, title = {Structural and functional clusters of complex brain networks}, series = {Physica, D, Nonlinear phenomena}, volume = {224}, journal = {Physica, D, Nonlinear phenomena}, number = {1-2}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0167-2789}, doi = {10.1016/j.physd.2006.09.008}, pages = {202 -- 212}, year = {2006}, abstract = {Recent research using the complex network approach has revealed a rich and complicated network topology in the cortical connectivity of mammalian brains. It is of importance to understand the implications of such complex network structures in the functional organization of the brain activities. Here we study this problem from the viewpoint of dynamical complex networks. We investigate synchronization dynamics on the corticocortical network of the cat by modeling each node (cortical area) of the network with a sub-network of interacting excitable neurons. We find that the network displays clustered synchronization behavior, and the dynamical clusters coincide with the topological community structures observed in the anatomical network. Our results provide insights into the relationship between the global organization and the functional specialization of the brain cortex.}, language = {en} } @article{AkpoWeberReiche2006, author = {Akpo, Claudia and Weber, Edwin and Reiche, J{\"u}rgen}, title = {Synthesis, Langmuir and Langmuir-Blodgett film behaviour of new dendritic amphiphiles}, series = {New journal of chemistry}, volume = {30}, journal = {New journal of chemistry}, publisher = {RSC}, address = {Cambridge}, issn = {1144-0546}, doi = {10.1039/b609645j}, pages = {1820 -- 1833}, year = {2006}, abstract = {New amphiphilic compounds 1-9 that feature a construction with dendronized hydrophilic and hydrophobic segment groups connected to a specific aromatic or aliphatic spacer unit have been synthesized, following a modular building block strategy. The hydrophilic dendrons are typically branched elements with peripheral carboxylic groups, unlike the hydrophobic dendrons that contain peripheral alkyl chains as part of respective amide functions. The hydrophilic dendrons are in different generations of branching, while the hydrophobic dendrons are all in the first generation of branching (three terminal branching), but differ in the length of the alkyl chains, thus giving rise to designed structure and amphiphilic properties in the new compounds. The resulting surfactants are capable of forming well-defined Langmuir films of remarkable stability when spread from a solution onto an aqueous subphase. Nevertheless, specific packing behaviour and orientation of the amphiphilic molecules were found, depending on the molecular structure, as determined using analysis of the surface pressure-area (pi-A) isotherms. Langmuir-Blodgett transfer of the first monolayer from a pure water subphase to a clean silicon wafer proved possible for the amphiphiles of peripheral alkyl chain length C-12, while the amphiphiles with the longer alkyl chains failed, possibly due to the more rigid monolayers they form, impeding the transfer.}, language = {en} } @article{HeringerWaltherMoreiraWesseletal.2006, author = {Heringer-Walther, Silvia and Moreira, Maria da Consolacao V. and Wessel, Niels and Wang, Yong and Ventura, Pago Moreira and Schultheiss, Heinz-Peter and Walther, Thomas}, title = {Does the C-type natriuretic peptide have prognostic value in Chagas disease and other dilated cardiomyopathies}, series = {Journal of cardiovascular pharmacology}, volume = {48}, journal = {Journal of cardiovascular pharmacology}, number = {6}, publisher = {Lippincott Williams \& Wilkins}, address = {Philadelphia}, issn = {0160-2446}, doi = {10.1097/01.fjc.0000249892.22635.46}, pages = {293 -- 298}, year = {2006}, abstract = {Atrial natriuretic peptides (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptides (BNP) are powerful neurohormonal indicators of left-ventricular function and prognosis in heart failure (HF). Chagas disease (CD) caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. remains a major cause of HF in Latin America. We assessed whether the plasma concentration of the third natriuretic peptide, C-type natnuretic peptide (CNP), also has diagnostic and prognostic properties in patients with CD or other dilated cardiomyopathies (DCM). Blood samples were obtained from 66 patients with CD, 50 patients with DCM from other causes, and 30 gender- and age-matched healthy subjects. Patients were subdivided according to the New York Heart Association (NYHA) class. The CNP concentration was determined by radioimmunoassay (Immundiagnostik, Bensheim, Germany). The main duration of follow-up was 31.4 months (range 13 to 54 months), 19 patients had died and 11 patients received a heart transplant. CNP concentrations were only significantly altered in patients with DCM or CD of the NYHA classes III and IV (P < 0.05). The Pearson correlation of echocardiographic data with CNP revealed an association only with the left-ventricular end systolic volume (P = 0.03) in patients with DCM. Furthermore, CNP did not predict mortality or the necessity for heart transplant. Our data are the first to demonstrate the raised levels of the third natriuretic peptide CNP in CD and other DCM Whereas ANP and BNP have a high predictive value for mortality in both diseases, CNP is without any predictive potency.}, language = {en} }