bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Composition of Bovine Peritubular Dentin: Matching TOF-SIMS, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Biochemical Component Distributions
Authors: Gotliv Bat Ami , Veis Arthur
Published: August 2008

Peritubular dentin (PTD) is a hypermineralized phase within the dentinal tubules in some vertebrate teeth as an interface between the intertubular dentin (ITD) and the cell processes. Our aim has been to understand the composition, structure and role of PTD as a mineralized tissue. We have utilized the technique of time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) to map the distribution of positive and negative inorganic ions as well as organic components in the fully mineralized, intact PTD structure in bovine tooth cross-sections, and correlated these with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in standard and backscatter modes. In recent work, we developed a procedure to freeze fracture the teeth and separate PTD from the less dense ITD by the use of aqueous sodium phosphotungstate step density gradients, after degrading the ITD collagen with NaOCl. Here, PTD-containing fragments were characterized by SEM and TOF-SIMS surface structure analysis. The TOF-SIMS data show that the isolated PTD does not contain collagen, but its surface is rich in glutamic acid-containing protein(s). The TOF-SIMS spectra also indicated that the intact PTD fragments contain phospholipids, and chemical analyses showed phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylcholine as the principal lipid components. In SEM sections, untreated PTD shows as a smooth collar around the tubule, but after digestion with ethylenediamine to remove all organic components, the porous nature of the mineral phase of small, thin platy apatite crystals becomes evident. Thus, the organic matrix of PTD appears to be a proteolipid-phospholipid complex.
Activation of the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathway by Bone Sialoprotein Regulates Osteoblast Differentiation
Authors: Gordon Jonathan A.R. , Hunter Graeme K. , Goldberg Harvey A.
Published: August 2008

Bone sialoprotein (BSP) is an abundant protein in the extracellular matrix of bone that has been suggested to have several different physiological functions, including the nucleation of hydroxyapatite (HA), promotion of cell attachment and binding of collagen. Studies in our lab have demonstrated that increased expression of BSP in osteoblast cells can increase expression of the osteoblast-related genes Runx2 and Osx as well as alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin and increase matrix mineralization. To determine the molecular mechanisms responsible for the BSP-mediated increase in osteoblastic differentiation, several functional domain mutants of BSP were expressed in primary rat bone osteoblastic cells, including the contiguous glutamic acid sequences (polyGlu) and the arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) motif. Markers of osteoblast differentiation, including matrix mineralization and alkaline phosphatase staining, were increased in cells expressing BSP mutants of the polyGlu sequences but not in cells expressing RGD-mutated BSP. We also determined the dependence on integrin-associated pathways in promoting BSP-mediated differentiation responses in osteoblasts by demonstrating the activation of focal adhesion kinase, MAP kinase-associated proteins ERK1/2, ribosomal s6 kinase 2 and the AP-1 protein cFos. Thus, the mechanism regulating osteoblast differentiation by BSP was determined to be dependent on integrin-mediated intracellular signaling pathways.
Enamel Tissue Engineering Using Subcultured Enamel Organ Epithelial Cells in Combination with Dental Pulp Cells
Authors: Honda Masaki J. , Shinmura Yuka , Shinohara Yoshinori
Published: August 2008

We describe a strategy for the in vitro engineering of enamel tissue using a novel technique for culturing enamel organ epithelial (EOE) cells isolated from the enamel organ using 3T3-J2 cells as a feeder layer. These subcultured EOE cells retain the capacity to produce enamel structures over a period of extended culture. In brief, enamel organs from 6-month-old porcine third molars were dissociated into single cells and subcultured on 3T3-J2 feeder cell layers. These subcultured EOE cells were then seeded onto a collagen sponge in combination with primary dental pulp cells isolated at an early stage of crown formation, and these constructs were transplanted into athymic rats. After 4 weeks, complex enamel-dentin structures were detected in the implants. These results show that our culture technique maintained ameloblast lineage cells that were able to produce enamel in vivo. This novel subculture technique provides an important tool for tooth tissue engineering.
Activation of Sirt1 Decreases Adipocyte Formation during Osteoblast Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Bäckesjö Carl-Magnus , Li Yan , Lindgren Urban , Haldosén Lars-Arne
Published: August 2008

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) can differentiate into osteoblasts, adipocytes, chondrocytes and myoblasts. It has been suggested that a reciprocal relationship exists between the differentiation of MSC into osteoblasts and adipocytes. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ2 (PPARγ2) is a key element for the differentiation into adipocytes. Activation of the nuclear protein deacetylase Sirt1 has recently been shown to decrease adipocyte development from preadipocytes via inhibition of PPARγ2. In vitro, MSC differentiate to osteoblasts when exposed to bone-inducing medium. However, adipocytes are also developed. In the present study we have targeted Sirt1 to control adipocyte development during differentiation of MSC into osteoblasts. The finding that resveratrol and isonicotinamide markedly inhibited adipocyte and promoted osteoblast differentiation demonstrates an interesting alternative to PPARγ antagonists. These results are important for the evolving field of cell-based tissue engineering, but may also be relevant in the search for new treatments of osteoporosis.
Time Lapse Imaging Techniques for Comparison of Mineralization Dynamics in Primary Murine Osteoblasts and the Late Osteoblast/Early Osteocyte-Like Cell Line MLO-A5
Authors: Dallas Sarah L. , Veno Patricia A. , Rosser Jennifer L. , Barragan-Adjemian Cielo , Rowe David W. , Kalajzic Ivo , Bonewald Lynda F.
Published: August 2008

Mineralization of bone matrix and osteocyte differentiation occur simultaneously and appear interrelated both spatially and temporally. Although these are dynamic events, their study has been limited to using static imaging approaches, either alone or in combination with chemical and biochemical analysis and/or genetic manipulation. Here we describe the application of live cell imaging techniques to study mineralization dynamics in primary osteoblast cultures compared to a late osteoblast/early osteocyte-like cell line, MLO-A5. Mineral deposition was monitored using alizarin red as a vital stain for calcium. To monitor differentiation into an osteocyte-like phenotype, the calvarial cells were isolated from transgenic mice expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) driven by an 8-kb dentin matrix protein-1 (Dmp1) promoter that gives osteocyte-selective expression. Time lapse imaging showed that there was a lag phase of 15–20 h after β-glycerophosphate addition, followed by mineral deposition that was rapid in primary osteoblast cultures but more gradual in MLO-A5 cultures. In primary osteoblast cultures, mineral was deposited exclusively in association with clusters of cells expressing Dmp1-GFP, suggesting that they were already differentiating into osteocyte-like cells. In MLO-A5 cells, the first indication of mineralization was the appearance of punctate areas of alizarin red fluorescence of 4–7 μm in diameter, followed by mineral deposition throughout the culture in association with collagen fibrils. A high amount of cell motility was observed within mineralizing nodules and in mineralizing MLO-A5 cultures. These studies provide a novel approach for analyzing mineralization kinetics that will enable us to dissect in a time-specific manner the essential players in the mineralization process.
Msx1 Expression Regulation by Its Own Antisense RNA: Consequence on Tooth Development and Bone Regeneration
Authors: Babajko Sylvie , Petit Stéphane , Fernandes Isabelle , Méary Fleur , LeBihan Johanne , Pibouin Laurence , Berdal Ariane
Published: August 2008

Msx homeogenes play an important role in epithelial-mesenchymal interactions leading development. Msx1 is relevant for dental and craniofacial morphogenesis, as suggested by phenotypes of Msx1 mutations in human and Msx1 KO mice. During adulthood, Msx1 is still expressed in the skeleton where its role is largely unknown. Our group showed that the Msx1 gene is submitted to bidirectional transcription generating a long noncoding antisense (AS) RNA. During tooth development, Msx1 sense (S) and AS RNAs showed specific patterns of expression. Thus, the aim of the present study was to analyze the relation between Msx1 S and AS RNAs. In vivo mapping in adult mice showed that both Msx1 RNAs were detected in tested tissues such as bone. In vitro, Msx1 AS RNA decreased endogenous Msx1 S expression and modified Msx1 protein cell distribution. Regulations of Dlx5 and Bmp4 expression involving Msx1 S and AS RNAs showed that Msx1 AS RNA could modulate Msx1 function. The study of Msx1 S and AS RNA status is interesting in the case of tooth agenesis and bone loss to see if a disturbance of this balance could be associated with a disturbance of bone homeostasis. In that sense, our current results suggest a clear involvement of Msx1 in alveolar bone.
Testosterone Is a Strong Correlate of Ghrelin Levels in Men and Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Greenman Yona , Rouach Vanessa , Limor Rona , Gilad Susan , Stern Naftali
Published: August 2008

Background/Aims: The secretion and regulation of several hormones such as leptin and growth hormone (GH) is sexually dimorphic. Gender effects on ghrelin, a hormone involved in the regulation of GH secretion and appetite control, are controversial. Our aim was to study the relationship between plasma ghrelin and serum sex steroid hormone concentrations. Methods: Forty-five subjects (19 men, 12 premenopausal and 14 postmenopausal women) were evaluated at the Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel. After an overnight fast, blood samples were collected for measurements of ghrelin, testosterone, bioavailable testosterone (BT) and estradiol. Statistical analysis was performed with adjustments for age and body mass index. Results are given as mean ± standard deviation. Results: Ghrelin levels were significantly higher in women (510 ± 489 pg/ml) than in men (319 ± 237 pg/ml; p = 0.02). There was a positive correlation between ghrelin and both total testosterone (r = 0.5, p = 0.039) and BT (r = 0.719, p = 0.0011) in male subjects. In premenopausal women, no significant correlations were found between ghrelin and testosterone or BT (r = –0.39, p = 0.2). In contrast, ghrelin strongly and positively correlated with total testosterone (r = 0.7, p = 0.01) and BT (r = 0.821, p = 0.001) in postmenopausal women. Estradiol and ghrelin were positively correlated in the group as a whole (r = 0.356, p = 0.019), but not significantly when analyzed separately by gender. Conclusions: Circulating ghrelin in humans is sexually dimorphic. Testosterone correlates positively with ghrelin levels in men and postmenopausal women.
The Topography of Visuospatial Attention as Revealed by a Novel Visual Field Mapping Technique
Authors: Brefczynski-Lewis Julie A. , Datta Ritobrato , Lewis James W. , DeYoe Edgar A.
Published: August 2008

Previously, we and others have shown that attention can enhance visual processing in a spatially specific manner that is retinotopically mapped in the occipital cortex. However, it is difficult to appreciate the functional significance of the spatial pattern of cortical activation just by examining the brain maps. In this study, we visualize the neural representation of the “spotlight” of attention using a back-projection of attention-related brain activation onto a diagram of the visual field. In the two main experiments, we examine the topography of attentional activation in the occipital and parietal cortices. In retinotopic areas, attentional enhancement is strongest at the locations of the attended target, but also spreads to nearby locations and even weakly to restricted locations in the opposite visual field. The dispersion of attentional effects around an attended site increases with the eccentricity of the target in a manner that roughly corresponds to a constant area of spread within the cortex. When averaged across multiple observers, these patterns appear consistent with a gradient model of spatial attention. However, individual observers exhibit complex variations that are unique but reproducible. Overall, these results suggest that the topography of visual attention for each individual is composed of a common theme plus a personal variation that may reflect their own unique “attentional style.”
Reflexive and Preparatory Selection and Suppression of Salient Information in the Right and Left Posterior Parietal Cortex
Authors: Mevorach Carmel , Humphreys Glyn W. , Shalev Lilach
Published: August 2008

Attentional cues can trigger activity in the parietal cortex in anticipation of visual displays, and this activity may, in turn, induce changes in other areas of the visual cortex, hence, implementing attentional selection. In a recent TMS study [Mevorach, C., Humphreys, G. W., & Shalev, L. Opposite biases in salience-based selection for the left and right posterior parietal cortex. Nature Neuroscience, 9, 740–742, 2006b], it was shown that the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) can utilize the relative saliency (a nonspatial property) of a target and a distractor to bias visual selection. Furthermore, selection was lateralized so that the right PPC is engaged when salient information must be selected and the left PPC when the salient information must be ignored. However, it is not clear how the PPC implements these complementary forms of selection. Here we used on-line triple-pulse TMS over the right or left PPC prior to or after the onset of global/local displays. When delivered after the onset of the display, TMS to the right PPC disrupted the selection of the more salient aspect of the hierarchical letter. In contrast, left PPC TMS delivered prior to the onset of the stimulus disrupted responses to the lower saliency stimulus. These findings suggest that selection and suppression of saliency, rather than being “two sides of the same coin,” are fundamentally different processes. Selection of saliency seems to operate reflexively, whereas suppression of saliency relies on a preparatory phase that “sets up” the system in order to effectively ignore saliency.
Subordinate Categorization Enhances the Neural Selectivity in Human Object-selective Cortex for Fine Shape Differences
Authors: Gillebert Céline R. , Op de Beeck Hans P. , Panis Sven , Wagemans Johan
Published: August 2008

There is substantial evidence that object representations in adults are dynamically updated by learning. However, it is not clear to what extent these effects are induced by active processing of visual objects in a particular task context on top of the effects of mere exposure to the same objects. Here we show that the task does matter. We performed an event-related fMRI adaptation study in which we derived neural selectivity from a release of adaptation. We had two training conditions: “categorized objects” were categorized at a subordinate level based on fine shape differences (Which type of fish is this?), whereas “control objects” were seen equally often in a task context requiring no subordinate categorization (Is this a vase or not?). After training, the object-selective cortex was more selective for differences among categorized objects than for differences among control objects. This result indicates that the task context during training modulates the extent to which object selectivity is enhanced as a result of training.
Is This Hand for Real? Attenuation of the Rubber Hand Illusion by Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation over the Inferior Parietal Lobule
Authors: Kammers Marjolein P. M. , Verhagen Lennart , Dijkerman H. Chris , Hogendoorn Hinze , De Vignemont Frederique , Schutter Dennis J. L. G.
Published: August 2008

In the rubber hand illusion (RHI), participants incorporate a rubber hand into a mental representation of one's body. This deceptive feeling of ownership is accompanied by recalibration of the perceived position of the participant's real hand toward the rubber hand. Neuroimaging data suggest involvement of the posterior parietal lobule during induction of the RHI, when recalibration of the real hand toward the rubber hand takes place. Here, we used off-line low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in a double-blind, sham-controlled within-subjects design to investigate the role of the inferior posterior parietal lobule (IPL) in establishing the RHI directly. Results showed that rTMS over the IPL attenuated the strength of the RHI for immediate perceptual body judgments only. In contrast, delayed perceptual responses were unaffected. Furthermore, ballistic action responses as well as subjective self-reports of feeling of ownership over the rubber hand remained unaffected by rTMS over the IPL. These findings are in line with previous research showing that the RHI can be broken down into dissociable bodily sensations. The illusion does not merely affect the embodiment of the rubber hand but also influences the experience and localization of one's own hand in an independent manner. Finally, the present findings concur with a multicomponent model of somatosensory body representations, wherein the IPL plays a pivotal role in subserving perceptual body judgments, but not actions or higher-order affective bodily judgments.
Socioeconomic Disparities Affect Prefrontal Function in Children
Authors: Kishiyama Mark M. , Boyce W. Thomas , Jimenez Amy M. , Perry Lee M. , Knight Robert T.
Published: August 2008

Social inequalities have profound effects on the physical and mental health of children. Children from low socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds perform below children from higher SES backgrounds on tests of intelligence and academic achievement, and recent findings indicate that low SES (LSES) children are impaired on behavioral measures of prefrontal function. However, the influence of socioeconomic disparity on direct measures of neural activity is unknown. Here, we provide electrophysiological evidence indicating that prefrontal function is altered in LSES children. We found that prefrontal-dependent electrophysiological measures of attention were reduced in LSES compared to high SES (HSES) children in a pattern similar to that observed in patients with lateral prefrontal cortex (PFC) damage. These findings provide neurophysiological evidence that social inequalities are associated with alterations in PFC function in LSES children. There are a number of factors associated with LSES rearing conditions that may have contributed to these results such as greater levels of stress and lack of access to cognitively stimulating materials and experiences. Targeting specific prefrontal processes affected by socioeconomic disparity could be helpful in developing intervention programs for LSES children.
Semantic Learning Modifies Perceptual Face Processing
Authors: Heisz Jennifer J. , Shedden Judith M.
Published: August 2008

Face processing changes when a face is learned with personally relevant information. In a five-day learning paradigm, faces were presented with rich semantic stories that conveyed personal information about the faces. Event-related potentials were recorded before and after learning during a passive viewing task. When faces were novel, we observed the expected N170 repetition effect—a reduction in amplitude following face repetition. However, when faces were learned with personal information, the N170 repetition effect was eliminated, suggesting that semantic information modulates the N170 repetition effect. To control for the possibility that a simple perceptual effect contributed to the change in the N170 repetition effect, another experiment was conducted using stories that were not related to the person (i.e., stories about rocks and volcanoes). Although viewers were exposed to the faces an equal amount of time, the typical N170 repetition effect was observed, indicating that personal semantic information associated with a face, and not simply perceptual exposure, produced the observed reduction in the N170 repetition effect. These results are the first to reveal a critical perceptual change in face processing as a result of learning person-related information. The results have important implications for researchers studying face processing, as well as learning and memory in general, as they demonstrate that perceptual information alone is not enough to establish familiarity akin to real-world person learning.
The New Face of CEFTA and its Dispute Resolution Mechanisms
Authors: Biuković Ljiljana
Published: August 2008

Amendments made to the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) in 2006 mark significant developments in the economic integration of the Western Balkans. Among those amendments were changes to the Agreement's dispute resolution mechanism. This article analyzes the latest developments in economic integration in the Western Balkans and examines the nature and operation of the dispute resolution mechanisms used in CEFTA. Explanations for important changes to the dispute settlement process in CEFTA are suggested by examining the context of the members' economic, political, social and legal surroundings. The article surveys ongoing tendencies in the development of dispute resolution mechanisms in other regional trade agreements, in particular those utilized by the European Union (EU), as a means of exploring the rationale behind the new CEFTA. It argues that the EU practice—developed in EU association agreements with third countries—has inspired the 2006 amendments to the CEFTA dispute resolution mechanism.
A Statewide Examination of Hunting and Trophy Nonhuman Animals: Perspectives of Montana Hunters
Authors: Eliason Stephen
Published: August 2008

The purpose of this descriptive and exploratory study was to extend our understanding of the motivations for trophy hunting. Hunting is an important recreational activity and part of the culture in Montana. Placing specific emphasis on the importance of obtaining a trophy nonhuman animal when hunting, the study examined the attitudes of resident hunters and nonresident outfitter-sponsored hunters. The study used a qualitative approach to data collection and developed 2 surveys that contained mostly open-ended questions. Results from 1000 surveys mailed to resident elk hunters and 1000 surveys mailed to nonresident outfitter-sponsored elk hunters indicated that nonresident outfitter-sponsored hunters were more likely than resident hunters to seek trophy-class animals. Respondents provided statements about the importance of obtaining trophy animals.
Translating Human Rights into Muslim Vernaculars
Authors: Gregg Benjamin
Published: August 2008

Using Islam as an example, I show how interpreters can develop human rights within their own culture even as they draw on extra-local ideas and practices. They can do so despite points of significant conflict between the local culture and that of human rights, in ways that need to resonate with the local culture yet also challenge it. Translators can do the work they do because they have the “dual consciousness” of outside intermediaries and local participants.
Cultivating Energy, Reducing Poverty: Biofuel Development in an Indonesian Village
Authors: Amir Sulfikar , Nurlaila Ida , Yuliar Sonny
Published: August 2008

This article examines biofuel development in Indonesia initiated by the government through a presidential instruction issued in January 2006. Three layers of analysis are presented. One is related to the politics of oil during the Suharto era that shaped Indonesian energy policy for decades. The second layer looks at current political and economic situations in Indonesia, which has been much affected by a crisis of energy resulting from previous regimes. A biofuel initiative thus got underway to solve three major problems, namely, the energy crisis, high unemployment, and poverty. Finally, this paper observes how the biofuel policy impacts people in a village in West Java.
Quo Vadis Psychology of Religion? Introduction to the Special Section
Authors: Reich K. Helmut , Hill Peter C.
Published: August 2008

After a brief review of the history of the psychology of religion and its nature, we introduce this special section by presenting various themes of ongoing research and pointing out differentially the desirability of continued efforts in these areas. We then assess the field, its growth, increased interdisciplinary opportunities, lesser marginalization, and improved research methodology but also the challenge of arriving at theoretical coherence, studying all types of religious and spiritual understanding and experience, and researching the richness and complexity of the religious variable itself. The six articles that follow detail possible new developments, as covered in our concluding overview.
Measuring the Unmeasurable by Ticking Boxes and Opening Pandora's Box? Mixed Methods Research as a Useful Tool for Investigating Exceptional and Spiritual Experiences
Authors: Kohls Niko , Hack Anna , Walach Harald
Published: August 2008

A monomethod bias still prevails in the psychology of religion, with the developing field studying the relationship between religiosity, spirituality and health being almost completely dominated by questionnaire research. This comes as a surprise, because the experiential side of religion, spirituality, can by definition be regarded as inner and private experiences of transcendence that have frequently been described as being of utmost importance. At first glance, from this perspective, standardized questionnaire scales appear to be inappropriate for “measuring the unmeasurable”. Until now, no questionnaire instrument developed for the purpose of assessing spiritual and religious experiences has been qualitatively double-checked for intermethod validity. In order to throw light on whether questionnaire instruments are appropriate for measuring domains of spiritual and transcendental experiences, we tested a newly developed questionnaire instrument, the Exceptional Experience Questionnaire (EEQ), for intermethod validity by conducting post-questionnaire interviews (N = 35). This revealed that the EEQ was able to grasp these experiences within reasonable limits. However, two thirds of our interview sample said that the study had changed how they viewed these experiences. These findings suggest that the reactivity of quantitative instruments in grasping spiritual and transcendental domains should be taken into account, especially when devising longitudinal designs and further research is clearly needed. As a consequence, introducing a reflective circle of results stemming from both quantitative and qualitative approaches is recommended as the most useful and appropriate research tool for studying spiritual or mystical experiences, if not all constructs.
Relating Faith Development and Religious Styles: Reflections in Light of Apostasy from Religious Fundamentalism
Authors: Adam Raoul J.
Published: August 2008

This paper provides a relational analysis of James Fowler's (1981) Faith Development Theory (FDT) and Heinz Streib's (2001) Religious Styles Perspective (RSP) in light of a recent study of apostasy from religious fundamentalisms. Empirical support is provided for both theories. RSP is endorsed as a more encompassing theory of religious development which accounts for more contingencies than FDT. However, FDT is subsumed rather than superseded by RSP as a powerful lens through which to observe cognitive dimensions of religious development. The paper introduces an integrative paradigm, phenomenological empiricism, to conceptualise a complementary relationship between FDT and RSP as key theories in the future study of religious development.
Relationships between Religious Orientations and Flow Experiences: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Brown Scott R. , Westman Alida S.
Published: August 2008

A convenience sample of 171 students ( M = 23.9 yrs., SD = 6.91) answered a questionnaire indicating their religious orientations (Intrinsic, Extrinsic) and the frequency and intensity of their flow experiences (Csikszentmihalyi, 1975, 1982, 2000; Fave & Massimini, 1988). Flow experiences are similar to athletes’ experiences of “being in the zone.” Intrinsics live by their religion, and Intrinsic religiosity was associated with fewer flow experiences in everyday activities. Extrinsics want the benefits of belonging. Extrinsic religiosity correlated with less intense flow experiences, and these experiences were more frequent during public religious gatherings than private prayer or meditation.
Exploring the Relationship between Schizotypal Personality Traits and Religious Attitude in an International Muslim Sample
Authors: Johnstone Jennifer , Tiliopoulos Niko
Published: August 2008

The study explored the nature of the relationship between schizotypal personality traits and attitude of Muslims towards their faith. A total of 114 adult Muslims from eighteen countries responded to the Sahin-Francis scale of Attitude towards Islam, the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire Brief, the short version of the Eysenck Lie scale, and a number of external indicators and religious practices. Attitude towards Islam, frequency of prayer and Mosque attendance had a relatively strong positive relationship with each other, while these religious characteristics exhibited a weak negative relationship with schizotypal traits. Age and social desirability did not seriously affect the religiosity-schizotypy relation, while a moderating effect of gender was identified. These findings suggest the presence of both underlying cross-faith elements and potential faith-specific behaviours in the relationship between religiosity and schizotypy.
An h-Adaptive Finite-Element Technique for Constructing 3D Wind Fields
Authors: Pepper Darrell W. , Wang Xiuling
Published: August 2008

An h-adaptive, mass-consistent finite-element model (FEM) has been developed for constructing 3D wind fields over irregular terrain utilizing sparse meteorological tower data. The element size in the computational domain is dynamically controlled by an a posteriori error estimator based on the L2 norm. In the h-adaptive FEM algorithm, large element sizes are typically associated with smooth flow regions and small errors; small element sizes are attributed to fast-changing flow regions and large errors. The adaptive procedure employed in this model uses mesh refinement–unrefinement to satisfy error criteria. Results are presented for wind fields using sparse data obtained from two regions within Nevada: 1) the Nevada Test Site, located approximately 65 mi (1 mi ≈ 1.6 km) northwest of Las Vegas, and 2) the central region of Nevada, about 100 mi southeast of Reno.
Finescale Evaluation of Drought in a Tropical Setting: Case Study in Sri Lanka
Authors: Lyon Bradfield , Zubair Lareef , Ralapanawe Vidhura , Yahiya Zeenas
Published: August 2008

In regions of climatic heterogeneity, finescale assessment of drought risk is needed for policy making and drought management, mitigation, and adaptation. The relationship between drought relief payments (a proxy for drought risk) and meteorological drought indicators is examined through a retrospective analysis for Sri Lanka (1960–2000) based on records of district-level drought relief payments and a dense network of 284 rainfall stations. The standardized precipitation index and a percent-of-annual-average index for rainfall accumulated over 3, 6, 9, and 12 months were used, gridded to a spatial resolution of 10 km. An encouraging correspondence was identified between the spatial distribution of meteorological drought occurrence and historical drought relief payments at the district scale. Time series of drought indices averaged roughly over the four main climatic zones of Sri Lanka showed statistically significant (p < 0.01) relationships with the occurrence of drought relief. The 9-month cumulative drought index provided the strongest relationships overall, although 6- and 12-month indicators provided generally similar results. Some cases of appreciable drought without corresponding relief payments could be attributed to fiscal pressures, as during the 1970s. Statistically significant relationships between drought indicators and relief payments point to the potential utility of meteorological drought assessments for disaster risk management. In addition, the study provides an empirical approach to testing which meteorological drought indicators bear a statistically significant relationship to drought relief across a wide range of tropical climates.
Pre- and Post-1997/98 Westerly Wind Events and Equatorial Pacific Cold Tongue Warming*
Authors: Harrison D. E. , Chiodi A. M.
Published: August 2008

Westerly wind events (WWEs) in the western equatorial Pacific have previously been shown to cause significant warming of sea surface temperature (SST) in the eastern equatorial Pacific. Observational statistics compiled during and prior to the large El Niño event of 1997/98 link WWEs to substantial (up to 3°C) warming in the eastern Pacific cold tongue region. Since 1998, however, relatively little WWE-related cold tongue warming has been observed, and warm equatorial Pacific SST anomalies (SSTAs) have tended to be trapped near the date line rather than extending to the American coast as in a classical El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) composite. Here, the relationship between WWEs and cold tongue warming is revisited using in situ and operational forecast winds and in situ and satellite-based SST. Significant differences are found in the basin-scale zonal wind anomalies associated with WWEs that occurred before and after 1997/98. Although the post-1997/98 composite WWE westerly anomalies are very similar to their predecessors within the WWE regions, conditions east of the WWE regions are different; there are enhanced equatorial easterlies in the post-1997/98 cases. General ocean circulation model experiments are conducted to explore the extent to which the observed changes in the character of post-1997/98 WWEs can explain the recent behavior of cold tongue SSTAs. It is found that the wind differences can account for the changes in the average cold tongue warming associated with pre- and post-1997/98 WWEs.
Diabatic and Orographic Forcing of Northern Winter Stationary Waves and Storm Tracks
Authors: Chang Edmund K. M.
Published: August 2008

In this study, a dry global circulation model is used to examine the contributions made by orographic and diabatic forcings in shaping the zonal asymmetries in the earth’s Northern Hemisphere (NH) winter climate. By design, the model mean flow is forced to bear a close resemblance to the observed zonal mean and stationary waves. The model also provides a decent simulation of the storm tracks. In particular, the maxima over the Pacific and Atlantic, and minima over Asia and North America, are fairly well simulated. The model also successfully simulates the observation that the Atlantic storm track is stronger than the Pacific storm track, despite stronger baroclinicity over the Pacific. Sensitivity experiments are performed by imposing and removing various parts of the total forcings.

In terms of the NH winter stationary waves in the upper troposphere, results of this study are largely consistent with previous studies. Diabatic forcings explain most of the modeled stationary waves, with orographic forcings playing only a secondary role, and feedbacks due to eddy fluxes probably play only minor roles in most cases. Nevertheless, results of this study suggest that eddy fluxes may be important in modifying the response to orographic forcings in the absence of zonal asymmetries in diabatic heating. On the other hand, unlike the conclusion reached by previous studies, it is argued that the convergence of eddy momentum fluxes is important in forcing the oceanic lows in the lower troposphere, in agreement with one’s synoptic intuition.

Regarding the NH winter storm-track distribution, results of this study suggest that NH extratropical heating is the most important forcing. Zonal asymmetries in NH extratropical heating act to force the Pacific storm track to shift equatorward and the Atlantic storm track to shift poleward, attain a southwest–northeast tilt, and intensify. It appears to be the main forcing responsible for explaining why the Atlantic storm track is stronger than the Pacific storm track. Tibet and the Rockies are also important, mainly in suppressing the storm tracks over the continents, forcing a clearer separation between the two storm tracks. In contrast, asymmetries in tropical heating appear to play only a minor role in forcing the model storm-track distribution.
Toward Optimal Closure of the Earth's Top-of-Atmosphere Radiation Budget
Authors: Loeb Norman G. , Wielicki Bruce A. , Doelling David R. , Smith G. Louis , Keyes Dennis F. , Kato Seiji , Manalo-Smith Natividad , Wong Takmeng
Published: August 2008

Despite recent improvements in satellite instrument calibration and the algorithms used to determine reflected solar (SW) and emitted thermal (LW) top-of-atmosphere (TOA) radiative fluxes, a sizeable imbalance persists in the average global net radiation at the TOA from satellite observations. This imbalance is problematic in applications that use earth radiation budget (ERB) data for climate model evaluation, estimate the earth’s annual global mean energy budget, and in studies that infer meridional heat transports. This study provides a detailed error analysis of TOA fluxes based on the latest generation of Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) gridded monthly mean data products [the monthly TOA/surface averages geostationary (SRBAVG-GEO)] and uses an objective constrainment algorithm to adjust SW and LW TOA fluxes within their range of uncertainty to remove the inconsistency between average global net TOA flux and heat storage in the earth–atmosphere system. The 5-yr global mean CERES net flux from the standard CERES product is 6.5 W m−2, much larger than the best estimate of 0.85 W m−2 based on observed ocean heat content data and model simulations. The major sources of uncertainty in the CERES estimate are from instrument calibration (4.2 W m−2) and the assumed value for total solar irradiance (1 W m−2). After adjustment, the global mean CERES SW TOA flux is 99.5 W m−2, corresponding to an albedo of 0.293, and the global mean LW TOA flux is 239.6 W m−2. These values differ markedly from previously published adjusted global means based on the ERB Experiment in which the global mean SW TOA flux is 107 W m−2 and the LW TOA flux is 234 W m−2.
An Algorithm for Real-Time Rainfall Rate Estimation by Using Polarimetric Radar: RIME
Authors: Silvestro Francesco , Rebora Nicola , Ferraris Luca
Published: August 2008

Polarimetric radars provide measurements that describe the shape and dimensions of hydrometeors and are unaffected by calibration, attenuation, and the presence of ice. These measurements can potentially lead to a more detailed description of hydrometeors and to an improvement in quantitative rainfall rate estimation. The authors present an algorithm that exploits polarimetric measures for rain-rate estimation and investigate its application in a real-time framework by using measurements from the C-band polarimetric radar at Monte Settepani in Savona, Italy. It is based on a flowchart decision tree that allows the use of the best rain-rate retrieval algorithm, depending on the value of polarimetric variables. The methodology was applied to a real-time framework for more than a year, and the results were presented for all the significant events observed during the test period. To evaluate the performance of the algorithm, a comparison was made with rain gauge observation from a dense regional network. The performances of the algorithm were compared with those obtained by standard operational Z–R formulations to evaluate the benefit of this approach for operational applications.
Nonnormal Perturbation Growth of Pure Thermohaline Circulation Using a 2D Zonally Averaged Model
Authors: Alexander Julie , Monahan Adam H.
Published: August 2008

Generalized linear stability theory is used to calculate the optimal initial conditions that result in transient amplification of the thermohaline circulation (THC) in a zonally averaged single-basin ocean model. The eigenmodes of the tangent linear model verify that the system is asymptotically stable, but the nonnormality of the system permits the growth of perturbations for a finite period through the interference of nonorthogonal eigenmodes. It is found that the maximum amplification of the THC anomalies occurs after 6 yr with both the thermally and salinity-driven components playing major roles in the amplification process. The transient amplification of THC anomalies is due to the constructive and destructive interference of a large number of eigenmodes, and the evolution over time is determined by how the interference pattern evolves. It is found that five of the most highly nonnormal eigenmodes are critical to the initial cancellation of the salinity and temperature contributions to the THC, while 11 oscillating modes with decay time scales ranging from 2 to 6 yr are the major contributors at the time of maximum amplification. This analysis demonstrates that the different dynamics of salinity and temperature anomalies allow the dramatic growth of perturbations to the THC on relatively short (interannual to decadal) time scales.
Large-Eddy Simulations of a Drizzling, Stratocumulus-Topped Marine Boundary Layer
Authors: Ackerman Andrew S. , vanZanten Margreet C. , Stevens Bjorn , Savic-Jovcic Verica , Bretherton Christopher S. , Chlond Andreas , Golaz Jean-Christophe , Jiang Hongli , Khairoutdinov Marat , Krueger Steven K. , Lewellen David C. , Lock Adrian , Moeng Chin-Hoh , Nakamura Kozo , Petters Markus D. , Snider Jefferson R. , Weinbrecht Sonja , Zulauf Mike
Published: August 2008

Cloud water sedimentation and drizzle in a stratocumulus-topped boundary layer are the focus of an intercomparison of large-eddy simulations. The context is an idealized case study of nocturnal stratocumulus under a dry inversion, with embedded pockets of heavily drizzling open cellular convection. Results from 11 groups are used. Two models resolve the size distributions of cloud particles, and the others parameterize cloud water sedimentation and drizzle. For the ensemble of simulations with drizzle and cloud water sedimentation, the mean liquid water path (LWP) is remarkably steady and consistent with the measurements, the mean entrainment rate is at the low end of the measured range, and the ensemble-average maximum vertical wind variance is roughly half that measured. On average, precipitation at the surface and at cloud base is smaller, and the rate of precipitation evaporation greater, than measured. Including drizzle in the simulations reduces convective intensity, increases boundary layer stratification, and decreases LWP for nearly all models. Including cloud water sedimentation substantially decreases entrainment, decreases convective intensity, and increases LWP for most models. In nearly all cases, LWP responds more strongly to cloud water sedimentation than to drizzle. The omission of cloud water sedimentation in simulations is strongly discouraged, regardless of whether or not precipitation is present below cloud base.
Integrated Response to a Meal
Authors: Pandol Stephen J.
Published: August 2008

The article presents a brief overview of the responses of the GI tract and its associated pancreatic and biliary systems to a meal. These responses are specifically regulated by complex and interacting neural, hormonal, and parcrine pathways. Stimuli for various responses are multiple and include anticipation, senses of olfaction, taste and hearing, and chemical and mechanical stimuli of meal constituents. The overall result of the integrated response is assimilation of nutrients and elimination of wastes from the GI tract.
Intestinal Hormones and Regulation of Satiety: The Case for CCK, GLP‐1, PYY, and Apo A‐IV
Authors: D'Alessio David
Published: August 2008

Satiety, the physiologic processes that combine to bring about the cessation of a meal, is controlled in part by intestinal peptide secretion. The effects of cholecystokinin, glucagon‐like peptide I, peptide YY, and apolipoprotein A‐IV are described.
Innovation translates into antidepressant effectiveness
Authors: Goodwin GM
Published: August 2008

Abstract

Unipolar depression is a major cause of disability in developed societies. There is significant unmet need because existing treatments are neither as effective nor as free of adverse effects as we would hope. Agomelatine is a new antidepressant with a novel profile of pharmacological action. Its efficacy in major depression has been reported in short-term placebo-controlled trials and in direct head-to-head comparison with existing products. The pooling of data from the agomelatine short-term studies allows analysis of sub-groups within the study populations. There is a trend for a larger effect size to be seen with more severely ill patients as a consequence of placebo responses falling. Efficacy is also reported in the maintenance of effect seen after clinical response in a recently completed relapse prevention study, analysed initially after 6 months. What is unusual, certainly compared with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and venlafaxine, is the clear absence of an excess of early relapses soon after agomelatine withdrawal. This parallels the absence of an immediate withdrawal effect seen in the pattern of subjective symptoms in another study. It underlines the distinct and novel pharmacological properties of the product, and has evident clinical advantages for the patient. Agomelatine is well tolerated in other respects; only occasional dizziness emerges at significant rates higher than with placebo in the controlled data.
Global Citizenship, Global Health, and the Internationalization of Curriculum
Authors: Hanson Lori
Published: August 2008

Social transformation models of internationalization suggest the need for radical reform to curricula to foster engaged global citizenship, yet little is written depicting how individual courses and their instructors might support such reform. This article stems from and explores philosophical, pedagogical, institutional, and curricular issues related to that challenge. The article reports on a 6-year outcome evaluation of the impact and transformative potential of two interdisciplinary global health courses taught using transformative pedagogies. Results of the evaluation show promise that this model of internationalized curricula can foster personal transformation and global citizenship while creating bridges of understanding between local and global health issues. The course pedagogy may hold keys to increasing potential for social transformation through the process of internationalizing curriculum.