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Ground-based gamma-ray astronomy has had a major breakthrough with the impressive results obtained using systems of imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes. Ground-based gamma-ray astronomy has a huge potential in astrophysics, particle physics and cosmology. CTA is an international initiative to build the next generation instrument, with a factor of 5-10 improvement in sensitivity in the 100 GeV-10 TeV range and the extension to energies well below 100 GeV and above 100 TeV. CTA will consist of two arrays (one in the north, one in the south) for full sky coverage and will be operated as open observatory. The design of CTA is based on currently available technology. This document reports on the status and presents the major design concepts of CTA.
Saturn's rings host two known moons, Pan and Daphnis, which are massive enough to clear circumferential gaps in the ring around their orbits. Both moons create wake patterns at the gap edges by gravitational deflection of the ring material (Cuzzi, J.N., Scargle, J.D. [1985]. Astrophys. J. 292, 276-290; Showalter, MR., Cuzzi, J.N., Marouf, E.A., Esposito, LW. [1986]. Icarus 66, 297-323). New Cassini observations revealed that these wavy edges deviate from the sinusoidal waveform, which one would expect from a theory that assumes a circular orbit of the perturbing moon and neglects particle interactions. Resonant perturbations of the edges by moons outside the ring system, as well as an eccentric orbit of the embedded moon, may partly explain this behavior (Porco, CC., and 34 colleagues [2005]. Science 307, 1226-1236; Tiscareno, M.S., Burns, J.A., Hedman, MM., Spitale, J.N., Porco, CC., Murray, C.D., and the Cassini Imaging team [2005]. Bull. Am. Astron. Soc. 37, 767; Weiss, J.W., Porco, CC., Tiscareno, M.S., Burns, J.A., Dones, L [2005]. Bull. Am. Astron. Soc. 37, 767; Weiss, J.W., Porco, CC., Tiscareno, M.S. [2009]. Astron. J. 138, 272-286). Here we present an extended non-collisional streamline model which accounts for both effects. We describe the resulting variations of the density structure and the modification of the nonlinearity parameter q. Furthermore, an estimate is given for the applicability of the model. We use the streamwire model introduced by Stewart (Stewart, G.R. [1991]. Icarus 94, 436-450) to plot the perturbed ring density at the gap edges. We apply our model to the Keeler gap edges undulated by Daphnis and to a faint ringlet in the Encke gap close to the orbit of Pan. The modulations of the latter ringlet, induced by the perturbations of Pan (Burns, J.A., Hedman, M.M., Tiscareno, M.S., Nicholson, P.D., Streetman, B.J., Colwell, J.E., Showalter, M.R., Murray, C.D., Cuzzi, J.N., Porco, CC., and the Cassini ISS team [2005]. Bull. Am. Astron. Soc. 37, 766), can be well described by our analytical model. Our analysis yields a Hill radius of Pan of 17.5 km, which is 9% smaller than the value presented by Porco (Porco, CC., and 34 colleagues [2005]. Science 307, 1226- 1236), but fits well to the radial semi-axis of Pan of 17.4 km. This supports the idea that Pan has filled its Hill sphere with accreted material (Porco, C.C., Thomas, P.C., Weiss, J.W., Richardson, D.C. [2007]. Science 318, 1602-1607). A numerical solution of a streamline is used to estimate the parameters of the Daphnis-Keeler gap system, since the close proximity of the gap edge to the moon induces strong perturbations, not allowing an application of the analytic streamline model. We obtain a Hill radius of 5.1 km for Daphnis, an inner edge variation of 8 km, and an eccentricity for Daphnis of 1.5 x 10(-5). The latter two quantities deviate by a factor of two from values gained by direct observations (Jacobson, R.A., Spitale, J., Porco, C.C., Beurle, K., Cooper, N.J., Evans, M.W., Murray, C.D. [2008]. Astron. J. 135, 261-263; Tiscareno, M.S., Burns, J.A., Hedman, M.M., Spitale, J.N., Porco, C.C., Murray, C.D., and the Cassini Imaging team [2005]. Bull. Am. Astron. Soc. 37, 767), which might be attributed to the neglect of particle interactions and vertical motion in our model.
Objective: To examine prospectively whether early parental child-rearing behavior is a predictor of cardiometabolic outcome in young adulthood when other potential risk factors are controlled. Metabolic factors associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease have been found to vary, depending on lifestyle as well as genetic predisposition. Moreover, there is evidence suggesting that environmental conditions, such as stress in pre- and postnatal life, may have a sustained impact on an individual's metabolic risk profile. Methods: Participants were drawn from a prospective, epidemiological, cohort study followed up from birth into young adulthood. Parent interviews and behavioral observations at the age of 3 months were conducted to assess child-rearing practices and mother-infant interaction in the home setting and in the laboratory. In 279 participants, anthropometric characteristics, low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoproteins, and triglycerides were recorded at age 19 years. In addition, structured interviews were administered to the young adults to assess indicators of current lifestyle and education. Results: Adverse early-life interaction experiences were significantly associated with lower levels of high- density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein A1 in young adulthood. Current lifestyle variables and level of education did not account for this effect, although habitual smoking and alcohol consumption also contributed significantly to cardiometabolic outcomes. Conclusions: These findings suggest that early parental child-rearing behavior may predict health outcome in later life through its impact on metabolic parameters in adulthood.
Background: Recent animal and human studies indicate that the exposure to alcohol during early adolescence increases the risk for heavy alcohol use in response to stress. The purpose of this study was to examine whether this effect may be the consequence of a higher susceptibility to develop "drinking to cope" motives among early initiators. Methods: Data from 320 participants were collected as part of the Mannheim Study of Children at Risk, an ongoing epidemiological cohort study. Structured interviews at age 15 and 19 were used to assess age at first alcohol experience and drunkenness. The young adults completed questionnaires to obtain information about the occurrence of stressful life events during the past 4 years and current drinking habits. In addition, alcohol use under conditions of negative states was assessed with the Inventory of Drinking Situations. Results: The probability of young adults' alcohol use in situations characterized by unpleasant emotions was significantly increased the earlier they had initiated the use of alcohol, even when controlling for current drinking habits and stressful life events. Similar results were obtained for the age at first drunkenness. Conclusions: The findings strengthen the hypothesis that alcohol experiences during early adolescence facilitate drinking to regulate negative affect as an adverse coping strategy which may represent the starting point of a vicious circle comprising drinking to relieve stress and increased stress as a consequence of drinking.
To examine whether the dopamine receptor D4 gene (DRD4) exon III VNTR moderates the risk of infants with regulatory disorders for developing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) later in childhood. In a prospective longitudinal study of children at risk for later psychopathology, 300 participants were assessed for regulatory problems in infancy, DRD4 genotype, and ADHD symptoms and diagnoses from childhood to adolescence. To examine a potential moderating effect on ADHD measures, linear and logistic regressions were computed. Models were fit for the main effects of the DRD4 genotype (presence or absence of the 7r allele) and regulatory problems (presence or absence), with the addition of the interaction term. All models were controlled for sex, family adversity, and obstetric risk status. In children without the DRD4-7r allele, a history of regulatory problems in infancy was unrelated to later ADHD. But in children with regulatory problems in infancy, the additional presence of the DRD4-7r allele increased the risk for ADHD in childhood. The DRD4 genotype seems to moderate the association between regulatory problems in infancy and later ADHD. A replication study is needed before further conclusions can be drawn, however.
Objective: We investigated in a high-risk sample the differential impact of biological and psychosocial risk factors on antisocial behaviour pathways. Method: One hundred and thirty-eight boys and 155 girls born at differing degrees of obstetric and psychosocial risk were examined from birth until adolescence. Childhood temperament was assessed by a highly-structured parent-interview and standardized behavioural observations, adolescent temperament was measured by self-report. Neurodevelopmental variables were assessed by age-specific developmental tests. Emotional and behaviour problems were measured at the ages of 8 and 15 by the Achenbach scales. Results: In both genders, psychosocial adversity and early self-control temperament were strongly associated with early-onset persistent (EOP) antisocial behaviour. Psychosocial adversity and more severe externalizing problems differentiated the EOP from childhood-limited (CL) pathway. In girls, adolescent-onset (AO) antisocial behaviour was strongly associated with novelty seeking at 15 years. Conclusion: Our findings emphasize the need for early support and intervention in psychosocially disadvantaged families.
Near edge X-ray absorption. ne structure and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy have been employed to follow the reversible trans to cis isomerization of tetra-tert-butyl-azobenzene (TBA) adsorbed on Au(111). For one monolayer the molecules adopt an adsorption geometry characteristic of the trans-TBA isomer. The azo-bridge (N = N) is aligned nearly parallel to the surface and the phenyl rings exhibit a planar orientation with a small tilt angle <= 4 degrees with respect to the surface normal. Illumination of the molecular layer at 455 nm triggers the trans to cis isomerization which is associated with a pronounced change of the geometrical and electronic structure. The N1s to pi* transition of the central azo-bridge shifts by 0.45 +/- 0.05 eV to higher photon energy and the transition dipole moment (TDM) is tilted by 59 +/- 5 degrees with respect to the surface normal. The pi-system of one phenyl ring is tilted by about 30 degrees with respect to the surface normal, while the second ring plane is oriented nearly perpendicular to the surface. This reorientation is supported by a shift and broadening of the C-H resonances associated with the tert-butyl legs of the molecule. These findings support a configuration of the photo-switched TBA molecule on Au(111) which is comparable to the cis-isomer of the free molecule. In the photo-stationary state 53 +/- 5% of the TBA molecules are switched to the cis configuration. Thermal activation induces the back reaction to trans-TBA.
Previous research examining gene-environment interaction (G x E) with regard to vulnerability to depression and anxiety has yielded conflicting results. The present study was designed to further investigate G x F between 5-HTTLPR and exposure to environmental adversity, using different phenotypic and genotypic characterizations as well as different types of adversity within a prospective study design. Data were available from an ongoing epidemiological cohort Study following the outcome of early risk factors from birth to adulthood. At age 19 yr, 309 participants (142 males, 167 females) were characterized on measures of depression and anxiety through interview and questionnaire (DSM-IV diagnosis, Beck Depression Inventory, Harm Avoidance). Environmental adversity was assessed at birth (family adversity), and at age 19 yr (stressful life events). Bi- and tri-allelic 5-HTTLPR genotypes were obtained from genomic DNA. Results indicated that depression and anxiety in 19-yr-olds were strongly associated with both family adversity and stressful life events. Individuals with the LL genotype of 5-HTTLPR who were exposed to high family adversity displayed significantly higher rates of depressive or anxiety disorders and had more depressive symptoms than those without either condition. This G x E replicates recent findings from an epidemiological cohort study of adolescents but is in contrast to many previous reports suggesting an interaction with the S allele. No evidence for G x E was obtained with regard to current stressful life events and trait anxiety. One possible source for the conflicting findings might be attributed to heterogeneity in depression phenotypes and environmental adversity.
Background: Evidence from animal studies supports a role for serotonin transporter gene promoter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) gene-environment interaction (G X E) in the development of excessive alcohol intake. Few studies in humans have been conducted on this topic, yielding inconsistent results. The present study aims to further explore G x E between 5-HTTLPR and exposure to psychosocial adversity on alcohol consumption in a high-risk community sample of young adults. Methods: Data were collected as part of the Mannheim Study of Children at Risk, an ongoing epidemiological cohort study following the outcome of early risk factors from birth into young adulthood. At age 19 years, 309 participants (142 male participants, 167 female participants) were genotyped for the biallelic and triallelic 5-HTTLPR and were administered a 45-day alcohol timeline follow-back interview, providing measures of the total number of drinks and the number of binge drinking days. Psychosocial adversity was assessed at birth (family adversity) and at age 19 (negative life events). Results: In contrast to various previous reports, a significant G x E emerged, indicating that, when exposed to high psychosocial adversity, individuals with the LL genotype of 5-HTTLPR exhibited more hazardous drinking than those carrying the S allele or those without exposure to adversity. This effect, which was confined to male participants, held both for different classifications of 5-HTTLPR and different types of adversity. Conclusions: One explanation for the discrepant results might be heterogeneity in alcohol phenotypes. While the L allele relates more strongly to early-onset alcoholism, the S allele may be linked more closely to alcohol use associated with anxiety and depression.
Secretion in blowfly (Calliphora vicina) salivary glands is regulated by the neurohormone serotonin (5-HT), which activates the InsP(3)/Ca2+ pathway and the cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) pathway in the secretory cells. The latter signaling cascade induces the activation of a vacuolar H+-ATPase on the apical membrane. Here, we have determined the distribution of PKA by using antibodies against the PKA regulatory subunit-II (PKA-RII) and the PKA catalytic subunit (PKA-C) of Drosophila. PKA is present in high concentrations within the secretory cells. PKA-RII and PKA-C co-distribute in non-stimulated glands, being enriched in the basal portion of the secretory cells. Exposure to 8-CPT-cAMP or 5-HT induces the translocation of PKA-C to the apical membrane, whereas the PKA-RII distribution remains unchanged. The recruitment of PKA-C to the apical membrane corroborates our hypothesis that vacuolar H+-ATPase, which is enriched in this membrane domain, is a target protein for PKA.
The present study aimed to clarify the functional role of genes in the dopamine and serotonin systems by examining whether polymorphisms in these genes are related to adolescent externalizing behavior either alone or in interaction with each other. Participants were selected from an ongoing prospective study of the outcome of early risk factors. At age 15 years, 298 adolescents (144 males, 154 females) completed the Youth Self Report, 296 primary caregivers the Child Behavior Checklist and 253 teachers the Teacher Report Form. DNA was genotyped for the DRD4 exon III VNTR and the 5-HTTLPR polymorphisms. Results revealed that individuals with the DRD4 7r allele reported significantly more externalizing behavior than carriers of other variants. In addition, a significant interaction emerged, indicating that adolescents carrying two copies of the 5-HTTLPR short allele and the DRD4 7r variant scored highest on aggressive and/or delinquent behavior compared to other genotypes. This result suggests an effect of 5-HTTLPR on externalizing behavior in the presence of DRD4 7r but no effect in its absence.
Es werden Befunde aus einer prospektiven Laengsschnittstudie praesentiert, in der 321 Probanden im Alter von 8, 13, 18 und 25 Jahren untersucht werden konnten; ihre Dunkelfelddelinquenz wurde mit 18 und 25 Jahren erfasst. Wir suchten nach Assoziationen zur Delinquenzentwicklung und erwarteten Unterschiede zwischen auf das Jugendalter beschraenkter gegenueber ins fruehe Erwachsenenalter fortgesetzter sowie spaet, d.h. nach dem Alter von 18 Jahren, beginnender Delinquenz. Wir fanden gemeinsame Risikofaktoren und fuer die drei Verlaufstypen spezifische Risikokonstellationen, die eher im Jugendalter als in der Kindheit identifiziert wurden. Widrige familiaere Bedingungen, Entwicklungsverzoegerungen und psychische Stoerungen scheinen mit Delinquenz als eher persistentem Verhalten assoziiert.
In a high-risk community sample, we examined the role of regulative temperament and emotionality as well as the extent of gender specificity in the development of externalizing problems. 151 boys and 157 girls born at differing degrees of obstetric and psychosocial risk were followed from birth into adolescence. In infancy and childhood, NYLS- derived temperamental characteristics were assessed by a highly structured parent interview and standardized behavioral observations. At age 15 years, externalizing problems were measured by the Child Behavior Checklist. As revealed by multiple linear regression and logistic regression, low regulative abilities predicted adolescent behavioral and attentional problems over and above obstetric and psychosocial risks. Gender specificity was found in the strength of the association rather than in the kind with a stronger long-term prediction from infant and toddler temperament in girls. Compared to regulative abilities, temperament factors describing aspects of mood and fear/withdrawal versus approach tendencies played a minor role in the development of externalizing problems. Findings are discussed in terms of gender-specific risk factors and possible differential developmental trajectories to subtypes of disruptive behavior.
Recent evidence suggests that heterogeneity in the age at onset could explain the inconsistent findings of association studies relating the dopamine transporter (DAT1) gene with alcohol and nicotine consumption. The aim of this study was to examine interactions between two DAT1 polymorphisms and different initiation ages with regard to alcohol and tobacco consumption levels and dependence. Two hundred and ninety-one young adults (135 males, 156 females) participating in the Mannheim Study of Children at Risk were genotyped for the 40-bp variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) and rs27072 polymorphisms of DAT1. Age at initiation was assessed at age 15 and 19 years. Information about current alcohol and tobacco consumption was obtained at age 19 years using self-report measures and structured interviews. Results suggest that age at onset of intensive consumption moderated the association of the DAT1 gene with early adult substance use and dependence, revealing a DAT1 effect only among individuals homozygous for the 10r allele of the 40-bp VNTR who had started daily smoking or being intoxicated early in life. Equally, carriers of the T allele of the rs27072 polymorphism reporting an early age at first intoxication showed higher current alcohol consumption at age 19 years. In contrast, no interaction between rs27072 and the age at first cigarette with regard to later smoking was observed. These findings provide evidence that the DAT1 gene interacts with an early heavy or regular drug exposure of the maturing adolescent brain to predict substance (ab)use in young adulthood. Further studies are required to confirm these findings.
Thema des Workshops waren alle Fragen, die sich der Vermittlung von Informatikgegenständen im Hochschulbereich widmen. Dazu gehören u.a.: - fachdidaktische Konzepte der Vermittlung einzelner Informatikgegenstände - methodische Lösungen, wie spezielle Lehr- und Lernformen, Durchführungskonzepte - Studienkonzepte und Curricula, insbesondere im Zusammenhang mit Bachelor- und Masterstudiengängen - E-Learning-Ansätze, wenn sie ein erkennbares didaktisches Konzept verfolgen empirische Ergebnisse und Vergleichsstudien. Die Fachtagung widmete sich ausgewählten Fragestellungen dieses Themenkomplexes, die durch Vorträge ausgewiesener Experten, durch eingereichte Beiträge und durch eine Präsentation intensiv behandelt wurden.
There is ample evidence that the early initiation of alcohol use is a risk factor for the development of later alcohol-related problems. The purpose of the current study was to examine whether this association can be explained by indicators of a common underlying susceptibility or whether age at drinking onset may be considered as an independent predictor of later drinking behavior, suggesting a potential causal relationship. Participants were drawn from a prospective cohort study of the long-term outcomes of early risk factors followed up from birth onwards. Structured interviews were administered to 304 participants to assess age at first drink and current drinking behavior. Data on risk factors, including early family adversity, parental alcohol use, childhood psychopathology and stressful life events, were repeatedly collected during childhood using standardized parent interviews. In addition, information on genotype was considered. Results confirmed previous work demonstrating that hazardous alcohol consumption is related to early-adolescent drinking onset. A younger age of first drink was significantly predicted by 5-HTTLPR genotype and the degree of preceding externalizing symptoms, and both factors were related to increased consumption or harmful alcohol use at age 19. However, even after controlling for these potential explanatory factors, earlier age at drinking onset remained a strong predictor of heavy alcohol consumption in young adulthood. The present longitudinal study adds to the current literature indicating that the early onset - adult hazardous drinking association cannot solely be attributed to shared genetic and psychopathologic risk factors as examined in this study.
Objective To demonstrate that children homozygous for the 10-repeat allele of the common dopamine transporter (DAT1) polymorphism who were exposed to maternal prenatal smoke exhibited significantly higher hyperactivity-impulsivity than children without these environmental or genetic risks. Study design We performed a prospective longitudinal study from birth into early adulthood monitoring the long-term outcome of early risk factors. Maternal prenatal smoking was determined during a standardized interview with the mother when the child was 3 months old. At age 15 years, 305 adolescents participated in genotyping for the DAT1 40 base pair variable number of tandem repeats polymorphism and assessment of inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and oppositional defiant/conduct disorder symptoms with die Kiddie- Sads-Present and Lifetime Version. Results There was no bivariate association between DAT1 genotype, prenatal smoke exposure and symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. However, a significant interaction between DAT1 genotype and prenatal smoke exposure emerged (P =.012), indicating that males with prenatal smoke exposure who were homozygous for the DAT1 10r allele had higher hyperactivity-impulsivity than males from all other groups. In females, no significant main effects of DAT1 genotype or prenatal smoke exposure or interaction effects on any symptoms were evident (all P >.25). Conclusions This study provides further evidence for the multifactorial nature of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and the importance of studying both genetic and environmental factors and their interaction.
Objective: To clarify the nature of the association between dopamine genes and smoking by examining whether genetic variability in components of the dopamine pathway could explain refined phenotypes in adolescent smoking progression. Method: Data are from an ongoing prospective study of the long-term outcome of early risk factors studied since birth. At age 15 years, 220 participants (108 males, 112 females) completed a self-report questionnaire measuring smoking behavior and were genotyped for five dopamine gene variants. Results: Smoking initiation was related to allelic variation in the dopamine D-4 receptor gene (DRD4), whereas smoking continuation and dependence showed association with the dopamine D-2 receptor gene (DRD2). Adolescents with the seven-repeat allele of the common DRD4 exon 3 polymorphism had rates of ever smoking that were significantly higher than in those with other genotypes. Once smoking started, carriers of the T allele of a single nucleotide polymorphism of DRD2 (rs4648317) reported higher rates of current smoking and scored higher on nicotine dependence than their allelic counterparts. Among current smokers, intention to quit was significantly lower in adolescents homozygous for the 10-repeat allele of the common dopamine transporter 3 untranslated region polymorphism. Conclusions: Our results provide preliminary evidence of genetic influences on different stages of smoking and suggest the importance of specific dopamine genes in smoking progression in adolescence.
The present study aimed to examine the extent to which the co-occurrence of ADHD and smoking in adolescents could be attributed to common genetic, environmental and psychopathological factors. Data are from an ongoing prospective study of the outcome of early risk factors. At age 15 years, 305 adolescents completed self-report questionnaires measuring tobacco consumption and deviant peer affiliations. Lifetime psychiatric diagnoses were obtained using standardized interviews. DNA was genotyped for the dopamine D4 receptor (DRD4) gene exon III polymorphism. Adolescents with a lifetime diagnosis of ADHD displayed significantly higher smoking activity than non-ADHD controls. A major component of this association could be accounted for by deviant peer affiliations and the comorbidity with oppositional-defiant and conduct disorder, while a minor part was attributable to DRD4 in males but not in females. These findings suggest that the association of ADHD with smoking relies on risk factors shared by the two behaviors.
Objective: Despite theoretical discrepancies between different concepts of temperament, some core dimensions are thought to be common to the various models. We compared temperamental traits derived from the New York Longitudinal Study (NYLS) model and the Cloninger dimensions in the developmental course and investigated the associations of temperament with sex as well as with obstetric risks or psychosocial risks present at birth. - Methods: Participants were 151 boys and 157 girls born at differing degrees of obstetric and psychosocial risk from a longitudinal study on a high-risk community sample. In infancy and childhood, NYLS-derived temperamental characteristics were assessed by a highly structured parent interview and standardized behavioral observations. At age 15 years, the Junior Temperament and Character Inventory/1218 was administered. - Results: Moderate correlations were found between Junior Temperament and Character Inventory scales in adolescence and NYLS-derived factors in childhood. The psychosocial risk load seemed to influence the expression of novelty seeking or corresponding NYLS-derived factors, whereas the obstetric risks did not contribute to variation in temperament. Our findings further support highly sex-specific gene x environment interactions on temperament in the developmental course. - Conclusion: The content of our NYLS-derived factors and the specific type of association across different temperament constructs fit into the increasing consensus regarding a small number of higher-order temperamental traits. (c) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Objectives: The prospective longitudinal Mannheim Study of Children at Risk followed the development of children from the age of 2 years up to the age of 8 years. Are there differences between the developmental risk load in toddlers (psychopathology, cognition, motor or neurological development. and educational differences) who suffer from a hyperactive disorder at age 8 and that of undisturbed children of the same age? Are there specific harbingers of hyperkinetic disorders for the group concerned? Methods: In terms of their developmental risk load at the age of 2 years, 26 primary school children with hyperkinetic disorders were compared to 241 healthy primary school children, as well as to 25 children of the same age with emotional disturbances and 30 children of the same age with socially disruptive behavior. Results: A significant combination of predictors of later hyperkinetic disorders at primary school age proved to be increased fidgetiness and irritability, as well as a reduced language comprehension, at the age of two. Conclusions: The predictive value of symptoms in early childhood for later hyperkinetic disorder in children of primaryschool age is higher than that of symptoms assessed in infancy, which although expected is without relevant specificity.
Objectives: Are there any differences (organic, psychosocial, psychopathological, cognitive or educational, respectively differences in the motor or neurological development) between infants who later on at the age of 8 years suffer from a hyperactive disorder and those who later on at the same age are undisturbed? Are there specific harbingers for hyperactive disorders in the group concerned? Methods: With regard to their developmental risk load at the age of 3 months, 26 primary school children with hyperactive disorders were compared with 241 healthy children, 25 children with emotional disturbances, and 30 children with socially disruptive behaviour, all of the same age. Results: Identified as the most important predictors for the onset of hyperactive disorders were a reduced birth weight, the mother's origin from a shattered family, early contact impairments on the part of the child, and the mother's neglect of the infant. Conclusions: Altogether, however, the prediction of later hyperactivity in primary school children on the basis of salient features in the infant children remains unsatisfactory and unspecific.
Aims: To investigate whether concurrent alcohol and tobacco use during early adolescence characterizes a subgroup that differs from users of one substance only regarding several risk factors for later substance use problems. Methods: Participants were from a prospective longitudinal cohort study of 384 children at risk for later psychopathology, with the majority being born with obstetric complications and psychosocial adversities. Assessments of adolescent drug consumption and related intrapersonal characteristics were obtained at age 15. Results: Compared to consumers of alcohol only, 15-year-olds drinking and smoking during the same time period (past 4 weeks) had significantly higher levels of consumption and more excessive use of alcohol, started drinking at an earlier age, had higher scores on the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence, and more cannabis use. This group could be distinguished from users of alcohol only by higher novelty seeking and more positive alcohol effect expectancies. Compared to consumers of tobacco only, concurrent users reported higher nicotine dependence and more cannabis use. No significant differences were observed regarding frequency and age at initiation of tobacco use, tobacco-related sensitivity, self- efficacy and instrumentality as well as novelty seeking. Conclusions: Concurrent alcohol and tobacco use during early adolescence is associated with characteristics that are well known as risk factors for later alcohol use problems and dependence and that should be targeted by prevention programs.
Epidemiological studies have reported elevated rates of legal drug consumption among adolescents in Germany. The aim of this study was to ascertain patterns and parameters of smoking and drinking in early-users as well as to examine possible determinants of risky patterns of use. Participants were from a longitudinal study of a birth cohort of 384 children at risk. Assessments of adolescent drug consumption as well as of individual and social determinants were obtained at age 15. Adolescents drinking and smoking during the same period (past four weeks) were characterized by more excessive and impulsive consumption and by higher rates of cannabis use. No specific determinants of concurrent use could be found. These findings suggest that adolescents displaying early concurrent tobacco and alcohol use may be at higher risk for substance use problems and should be targeted by prevention programs.
Context: Recent evidence suggests that gene X environment interactions could explain the inconsistent findings of association studies relating the dopamine transporter (DAT1) gene with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). 1bjective: To examine whether psychosocial adversity moderated the effect of genetic variation in DAT1 on ADHD symptoms in. adolescents from a high-risk community sample. Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: Data were taken from the Mannheim Study of Children at Risk, an ongoing longitudinal study of the long-term outcomes of early risk factors followed up from birth on. Participants: Three hundred five adolescents (146 boys, 159 girls) participated in a follow-up assessment at age 15 years. Main Outcome Measures: Measures of ADHD symptoms according to DSM-IV were obtained using standardized structural interviews with adolescents and their parents. Psychosocial adversity was determined according to an "enriched" family adversity index as proposed by Rutter and Quinton. DNA was genotyped for the common DAT1 40-base pair (bp) variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) polymorphism in the 3' untranslated region; 3 previously described single nucleotide polymorphisms in exon 15, intron 9, and exon 9; and a novel 30-bp VNTR polymorphism in intron 8. Results: Adolescents homozygous for the 10-repeat allele of the 40-bp VNTR polymorphism who grew up in greater psychosocial adversity exhibited significantly more inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity than adolescents with other genotypes or who lived in less adverse family conditions (significant interaction, P=.013-017). This gene X environment interaction was also observed in individuals homozygous for the 6-repeat allele of the 30-bp VNTR polymorphism and the haplotype comprising both markers. Conclusions: These findings provide initial evidence that environmental risks as described by the Rutter Family Adversity Index moderate the impact of the DAT1 gene on ADHD symptoms, suggesting a DAT1 effect only in those individuals exposed to psychosocial adversity.
Interaction between CRHR1 gene and stressful life events predicts adolescent heavy alcohol use
(2007)
Background: Recent animal research suggests that alterations in the corticotropin releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRHR1) may lead to heavy alcohol use following repeated stress. The aim of this study was to examine interactions between two haplotype-tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) covering the CRHR1 gene and adverse life events on heavy drinking in adolescents. Methods: Data were available from the Mannheim Study of Children at Risk, an ongoing cohort study of the long-term outcome of early risk factors followed since birth. At age 15 years, 280 participants (135 males, 145 females) completed a self-report questionnaire measuring alcohol use and were genotyped for two SNPs (rs242938, rs1876831) of CRHR1. Assessment of negative life events over the past three years was obtained by a standardized interview with the parents. Results: Adolescents homozygous for the C allele of rs1876831 drank higher maximum amounts of alcohol per occasion and had greater lifetime rates of heavy drinking in relation to negative life events than individuals carrying the T allele. No gene X environment interactions were found for regular drinking and between rs242938 and stressful life events. Conclusions: These findings provide first evidence in humans that the CRHR1 gene interacts with exposure to stressful life events to predict heavy alcohol use in adolescents.
Lower P300 amplitude in eight-year-old offspring of alcoholic fathers with a delinquent history
(2006)
The aim of the present study was to investigate the P300 amplitude as a possible vulnerability marker in children of alcoholic (COA) fathers with and without paternal delinquency. Event-related potentials (ERPs) of 122 children aged 8 years (63 boys, 59 girls) were compared depending on father's alcoholism subtype: 30 COAs without paternal delinquency, 10 COAs with paternal delinquency, and 82 children of non-alcoholic and non-delinquent fathers. ERPs were recorded from Fz, Cz, and Pz, using an auditory oddball paradigm. Sinus tones of 60 dB HL were presented binaurally at 1,000 Hz (standard stimulus) and 2,000 Hz (target stimulus), at a relative frequency ratio of 80:20. Two trial blocks of 250 stimuli each were collected. Results indicated that only COAs with paternal delinquency displayed significant differences from the control group, characterized by reduced P300 amplitude at frontal site and in the second trial block. Thus, the combination of fathers' alcoholism and delinquency was more likely to relate to attenuated P300 amplitude in the offspring than paternal alcoholism alone. Our results suggest that both alcoholic and delinquent family history appear to play a role in P300 amplitude reduction in the offspring.
Reversible assembly of the V0V1 holoenzyme from V-0 and V-1 subcomplexes is a widely used mechanism for regulation of vacuolar-type H+-ATPases (V-ATPases) in animal cells. in the blowfly (Calliphora vicina) salivary gland, V- ATPase is located in the apical membrane of the secretory cells and energizes the secretion of a KCl-rich saliva in response to the hormone serotonin. We have examined whether the CAMP pathway, known to be activated by serotonin, controls V-ATPase assembly and activity. Fluorescence measurements of pH changes at the luminal surface of isolated glands demonstrate that CAMP, Sp-adenosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate, or forskolin, similar to serotonin, cause V-ATPase-dependent luminal acidification. In addition, V-ATPase-dependent ATP hydrolysis increases upon treatment with these agents. Immunofluorescence microscopy and pelleting assays have demonstrated further that V, components become translocated from the cytoplasm to the apical membrane and V-ATPase holoenzymes are assembled at the apical membrane during conditions that increase intracellular cAMP. Because these actions occur without a change in cytosolic Ca2+, our findings suggest that the cAMP pathway mediates the reversible assembly and activation of V-ATPase molecules at the apical membrane upon hormonal stimulus
Das Kommunalabgabengesetz für das Land Brandenburg (KAG) ist eine für alle Kommunalverwaltungen, Zweckverbände und Anwälte wichtige Rechtsmaterie. Den 20 Paragrafen steht eine Fülle von Fragen nach Auslegung und Anwendung des Gesetzes gegenüber, die von der Rechtsprechung mit zahlreichen Entscheidungen beantwortet werden.
Mit dem Werk "Kommunalabgabengesetz für das Land Brandenburg" liegt ein umfassender Kommentar vor, der sich mit der Auslegung des brandenburgischen Kommunalabgabengesetzes (KAG) und der dazu ergangenen Rechtsprechung befasst. Die zahlreichsten Gerichtsentscheidungen beinhaltet die Kommentierung zu § 6 (Benutzungsgebühren) Einerseits darf der Titel für sich in Anspruch nehmen, auch nicht speziell juristisch ausgebildete Nutzer in die Rechtsvorschriften zum KAG Brandenburg einzuführen. Andererseits will es aber auch den mit dem Abgabenrecht befassten Fachleuten in Verwaltungen, Verbänden, Gerichten und Kanzleien eine solide Grundlage für möglichst rechtssichere Entscheidungen bieten.
Der engen räumlichen Nähe wegen beinhaltet das Werk die Abgabenrechtlichen Vorschriften des Landes Berlin.
Background: Several studies have reported higher smoking rates among adolescents with externalizing disorders (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and conduct disorder) as compared to healthy controls. Objective: To follow the association between childhood externalizing disorders and smoking during development, to determine the type of problems most strongly related to later tobacco use, and to control for the influence of covarying factors. Methods: Participants were from a longitudinal study of a birth cohort of 384 children born with different perinatal and psychosocial risks. Standardized assessments of behavioral disorders between 2 and 11 years and of tobacco use at age 15 were obtained. Results: 15-year-olds with externalizing disorders between 2 and 11 years reported higher tobacco use than those without a history of disorder. This association could be followed back into early childhood and held up even after controlling for covariates. Conclusions: The findings suggest that childhood externalizing disorders may represent an independent risk factor for elevated tobacco use in adolescence
Kleine Geschichte Spaniens
(2004)
Anmerkungen
(2004)
How much suitable habitat is left for the last known population of the Pale-Headed Brush-Finch?
(2004)
The Pale-headed Brush-Finch (Atlapetes pallidiceps) is threatened with extinction due to loss of habitat. The only remnant population consists of 30-35 pairs and is confined to a single valley in the Andes of southwestern Ecuador. We investigated the habitat types used by this species in order to quantify the amount of available suitable habitat. The species used semiopen habitat types featuring a mosaic of dense scrub 2-4 In tall and grassy patches. Low continuous scrub was also used in larger proportions than on average available; forest and open country were not included in territories. Suitable habitat covered 28% of the area, and 16% was still available for new brush-finch territories. We identified a minimum of seven coherent patches that could support eight further pairs of the species. The valley can thus potentially support 40-50 pairs. The occupied habitat as described here should serve as a guideline in searching for new habitat
Frühkindliche Regulationsstörungen: Vorläufer von Verhaltensstörungen des späteren Kindesalters?
(2003)
Die Validität des autobiographischen Gedächtnisses wird kontrovers diskutiert, bislang fehlen prospektive Längsschnittstudien weitgehend. Die vorliegende Studie überprüft die Validität des autobiographischen Gedächtnisses anhand der Daten einer prospektiven epidemiologischen Längsschnittstudie, die in vier Untersuchungswellen 399 achtjährige Kinder bis zum Alter von 25 Jahren begleitete. Im Alter von 25 Jahren wurden die Erinnerungsleistungen der Probanden an Kernfakten, Erziehungsstil der Eltern, eigene psychische Probleme sowie Lebensereignisse aus Kindheit und Jugend mit Hilfe eines voll strukturierten Fragebogens erhoben. Mit Ausnahme der Kernfakten waren die Erinnerungsleistungen durchweg schlecht, intelligente Probanden zeigten insgesamt bessere Erinnerungsleistungen, junge Erwachsene mit psychischen Störungen berichteten vermehrt auch früher nicht vorhandene Symptome. Die retrospektive Erfassung früherer Lebensereignisse, der Beziehung zu den Eltern und psychischer Auffälligkeiten im Rahmen von Risikostudien und klinischen Studien ist sehr bedenklich. Schlüsselwörter: Autobiographisches Gedächtnis, Entwicklungspsychopathologie, Epidemiologie, Langzeitstudie, Methodik
Fragestellung: Prospektive Bedeutung von Risikofaktoren des Kindes- und Jugendalters für externalisierende und internalisierende Störungen. Methode: Prospektive Längsschnittstudie vom Grundschul- zum frühen Erwachsenenalter. 321 Personen nahmen an allen Untersuchungen im Alter von 8, 13, 18 und 25 Jahren teil. Ergebnisse: Es zeigte sich, daß psychische Störungen in hohem Maße geschlechtsabhängig sind. Besonders groß waren die Unterschiede im frühen Erwachsenenalter, wobei internalisierende Störungen bei Frauen und externalisierende Störungen bei Männern deutlich überwogen. Externalisierende Störungen des Erwachsenenalters ließen sich besser vorhersagen als internalisierende Störungen. Dies ließ sich vor allem durch die größere prädiktive Bedeutung früher Risikofaktoren bis zum Alter von 8 Jahren erklären. Für die Vorhersage internalisierender Störungen war hingegen der Einfluß der Risikofaktoren des späten Jugendalters und des Übergangs zum Erwachsenenalter größer. 10% der untersuchten Stichprobe wies persistente Störungen auf und stellt damit eine Hochrisikogruppe dar. Dieser Verlaufstyp zeichnet sich durch stabil hohe Risikokonstellationen zu allen Untersuchungszeitpunkten aus. Schlüsselwörter: Risikofaktoren, Prävalenz, Geschlechtsunterschiede, Verlaufstypen, externalisierende Störungen, internalisierende Störungen, psychische Störungen, Kindes- und Jugendalter, Erwachsenenalter Childhood and adolescent predictors of mental disorders from childhood to early adulthood. Abstract. Objectives: Prospective impact of child and adolescent risk factors on externalizing and internalizing disorders. Methods: Prospective longitudinal study from childhood to early adulthood. 321 persons participated at age 8, 13, 18 and 25 years. Results: Sex differences in the prevalence rates of mental disorders were found. The highest differences were found in early adulthood. Females showed higher rates of internalizing disorders, whereas males showed higher rates of externalizing disorders. Externalizing disorders in adulthood could be predicted better than internalizing disorders. This result could be explained by the greater predictive power of childhood risk factors for externalizing disorders. Risk factors of adolescence and the transmission period to adulthood played a more prominent role in the prediction of internalizing disorders. 10% of the studied sample showed persistent disorders and was identified as a high-risk sample. This developmental pattern of mental disorders shows stable risk constellations from childhood to adulthood. Key words: risk factors, prevalence, sex differences, developmental patterns, externalizing disorders, internalizing disorders, mental disorders, childhood and adolescence, adulthood
Entwicklung und Persistenz von Hell- und Dunkelfelddelinquenz im Jugend- und frühen Erwachsenenalter
(2002)
Ziel der Untersuchung war die Bedeutung der Dunkelfelddelinquenz für die Prognose der Delinquenzentwicklung und die Bedeutung psychiatrischer Auffälligkeiten für Entstehen und Verlauf psychischer Störungen zu klären. Die Stichprobe bestand aus 281 25-Jährigen, die im Alter von 8, 13 und 18 Jahren psychiatrisch untersucht, und die mit 18 und 25 Jahren bezüglich ihrer Dunkelfelddelinquenz befragt worden waren. Es ergab sich ein klarer Zusammenhang erhöhter Dunkelfelddelinquenzraten mit gerichtlich bestrafter Delinquenz im Jugendalter. Bei Einbeziehung der Dunkelfelddelinquenz in die Prognose mußte die Wahrscheinlichkeit für den Ausblick auf delinquenten Karrieren von 76 % auf 44 % nach unten korrigiert werden, entsprechend stieg der Anteil von erwachsener als auch fortgesetzter Delinquenz. Die Mehrheit der später gerichtlich bestraften Jugendlichen und jungen Erwachsenen war im Alter von 8 und 13 Jahren psychiatrisch unauffällig gewesen. Als überlegene Prädiktoren stellten sich umschriebene Entwicklungsstörungen und widrige familiäre Bedingungen im Grund- und Hauptschulalter heraus. Als Konsequenz muß die Dunkelfelddelinquenz bei der Verlaufsprognose delinquenten Verhaltens im Jugendalter berücksichtigt werden. Präventive Überlegungen müssen sich auf Kinder mit umschriebenen Entwicklungsstörungen und solche, die in widrigen familiären Verhältnissen leben, mehr konzentrieren als auf Kinder mit hyperkinetischen und dissozialen Störungen. Schlüsselwörter: Delinquenz, Dunkelfelddelinquenz, Entwicklung und Verlauf
The ralationship between early mother-infant interaction at 3 mo old, biological and psychosocial risks, and later social withdrawal was examined using a hierarchical logistics regression approach. A group of childeren (N=20; aged 4.5-8 yrs old) who were stabily socially withdrawn and a control group of healthy children (N=143) were formed. Variables were entered into the regression models in the follwing order: At first, biological and psychosocial risks and sex, followed by mother and child variables separately, while in a final regression model all of the variables were entered at once. The results show that child behaviors (smilling and gazing) as well as maternal behaviors (facial and motor responsiveness) significantly predict social withdrawal in middle childhood. Among the risks only biolgical risks significantly contribute to later child outcome. These results suggest that a dysfunctional interaction pattern between mother and infant may be a precursor of childhood social withdrawal.
Risikofaktoren für Delinquenz bei Jugendlichen und deren Fortsetzung bis in das Erwachsenenalter
(2001)
The psycho-social development of both preterm and term children (n=347) whose mothers reported tocolytic treatment was assessed at the ages of 2, 4.5, 8 years. Term children exposed to tocolysis showed a higher rate of psychiatric disorders as well as poorer cognitive and motor performance than controls. In the preterm children no adverse impact of tocolysis could be found. The results are discussed concerning possible ways in which tocolytic treatment may influence child development. Restrictions because of the preliminary character of this study and the need of further prospective studies to clarify the developmental impact of tocolysis are also considered.
Entwicklung von Risikokindern im Schulalter : die langfristigen Folgen frühkindlicher Belastungen
(2000)
Theoretischer Hintergrund: Zur Erforschung der Entwicklungsepidemiologie psychischer Störungen gilt die prospektive Untersuchung von Risikogruppen als Königsweg. Fragestellung: Beschreibung der Entwicklungsmuster von Kindern mit frühen Belastungen, Ermittlung von Risiko- und Schutzfaktoren für unterschiedliche Entwicklungsresultate und Identifikation von Mechanismen, die differentiellen Verläufen zugrunde liegen. Methode: In einer prospektiven Längsschnittstudie (mit Erhebungswellen im Alter von 0;3, 2, 4 , 8 und 11 Jahren) wurden die Entstehung und der Verlauf von Entwicklungs- und Verhaltensstörungen bei 384 Kindern untersucht. Organische (prä- und perinatale Komplikationen) und psychosoziale Risiken (familiäre Belastungen) wurden in einem zwei- faktoriellen Design variiert. Ergebnisse: Die negativen Folgen früher Risiken waren bis zum Schulalter nachweisbar. Während organische Risiken vor allem die motorische und kognitive Entwicklung beeinträchtigten, konzentrierten sich die Auswirkungen psychosozialer Belastungen auf kognitive und sozial-emotionale Funktionen. Beide Risiken addierten sich in ihren negativen Konsequenzen. Schlussfolgerungen: Frühkindliche Risiken haben spezifische und langfristige Auswirkungen. Kinder mit multiplen Risikobelastungen sind in ihrer Entwicklung am stärksten gefährdet.
Die Entwicklung von Kindern, die in ihrer frühen Kindheit erhöhten Belastungen ausgesetzt waren, zeichnet sich durch eine grosse Variabilität aus. Welche Kinder besonders gefährdet sind und welchen es gelingt, Entwicklungsrisiken zu überwinden, wird anhand von Daten der Mannheimer Risikokinderstudie aufgezeigt. Dabei handelt es sich um eine prospektive Längsschnittstudie an einer Kohorte von 362 Kindern, die in ihrer Entwicklung von der Geburt bis ins Schulalter begleitet werden. Die Ergebnisse bis zum Alter von acht Jahren machen deutlich, dass die Entwicklungsprognose von sehr kleinen Frühgeborenen und von Kindern postnatal depressiver Mütter davon abhängt, wie die frühe Beziehung zwischen Mutter und Risikokind gelingt. Sie unterstreichen damit die besondere Bedeutung der frühen Mutter-Kind-Interaktion in der Entwicklung von Risikokindern.
Familiäre Determinanten seelischer Gesundheit und Krankheit im Generations- und Ost-West-Vergleich.
(1997)
Seydlitz Erdkunde 2
(1996)