bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of Cyclooxygenase-2 in the Juxtaglomerular Apparatus of Angiotensinogen Gene-Knockout Mice
Authors: Hashimoto Tatsuo , Kihara Minoru , Sato Keiko , Matsushita Kei , Tanimoto Keiji , Toya Yoshiyuki , Fukamizu Akiyoshi , Umemura Satoshi
Published: September 2005

Aims: The present study was designed to examine the role of the renin-angiotensin system in the regulation of macula densa cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) during altered dietary salt intake. Methods: We investigated COX-2 expression in the macula densa of angiotensinogen gene-knockout (Atg–/–) mice. COX-2 expression in the renal cortex was determined by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Results: The renal cortical expression of COX-2 mRNA increased 24.7 times in Atg–/– mice compared with Atg+/+ mice. When Atg--/– mice were fed a high-salt diet (4% NaCl) for 10 days, the levels of COX-2 expression were markedly suppressed. The macula densa COX-2 immunoreactivity was correlated with the mRNA expression. The selective inhibition of neuronal isoform of nitric oxide synthase (N-NOS) activity by 7-nitroindazole significantly reduced the levels of COX-2 mRNA in Atg–/– mice by 54.1%. Conclusion: These results suggest that (1) COX-2 activity in the macula densa can be regulated by salt intake through a mechanism independent of the renin-angiotensin system, and (2) COX-2 expression is functionally linked to renal cortical N-NOS activity in Atg–/– mice.
Clinical Efficacy of Intravenous Immunoglobulin for Patients with MPO-ANCA-Associated Rapidly Progressive Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Ito-Ihara Toshiko , Ono Takahiko , Nogaki Fumiaki , Suyama Katsuo , Tanaka Mari , Yonemoto Satomi , Fukatsu Atsushi , Kita Toru , Suzuki Kazuo , Muso Eri
Published: September 2005

Background: To determinewhether intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) cancontrol disease activity in patients with myeloperoxidase-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (MPO-ANCA)-associated rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN). Methods: Twelve patients with serologically and histologically confirmed MPO-ANCA-associated RPGN (7 men, 5 women; mean age 71 ± 3 years) received IVIg (400 mg/kg/day) alone for 5 days. The effects of IVIg were evaluated by white blood cell counts, serum C-reactive protein levels, Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score, rate of change in reciprocal creatinine (1/Cre), and plasma tumor necrosis factor-α levels after IVIg administration. Corticosteroids with or without cyclophosphamide were commenced after IVIg. Results:After IVIg treatment, a significant decrease was observed in white blood cell count (p < 0.05), C-reactive protein values (p < 0.001), and Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (p < 0.001) concomitant with the amelioration of systemic symptoms. The rate of change in 1/Cre significantly improved (p < 0.05). Plasma tumor necrosis factor-α levels that were significantly elevated in patients before IVIg compared with normal controls (p < 0.0001), rapidly declined after IVIg with a significant reduction(p < 0.05). Three months post-treatment with IVIg, all patients showed improvement of disease without serious infectious complications. Conclusion: IVIg is a potential component of remission induction therapy for patients with MPO-ANCA-associated RPGN.
Hypertension – A Possible Vulnerability Marker for Depression in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Fan Pao-Luo , Shu Chin-Hsing , Shiang Jeng-Chuan , Kuo Tai-Song , Lung For-Wey
Published: September 2005

Objective:This study explored the association of hypertension and psychiatric morbidity in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) under adjusted personality characteristics and parental attachment. Methods: The mental health of 121 patients with ESRD in a general teaching hospital was evaluated using the 12-item version of the Chinese Health Questionnaire (CHQ). Only 40 males and 49 females completed all the questionnaires. Ten of the 40 males and 21 of the 49 females had high scores (≧4) and were allotted to the case group (n = 31). The remaining 58 patients constituted the control group (CHQ <4). Results: The logistic regression model showed that hypertension, gender, and neuroticism are statistically significant covariates. Hypertension, especially, was strongly associated with depressive vulnerability (odds ratio of hypertension versus without hypertension = 9.07:1). Structural equation modeling revealed that gender difference and hypertension directly influenced the individuals’ mental health status and that the influence of hypertension on mental health was highly variable. Conclusion:A parsimonious structural equation model provided considerable evidence that hypertension could have an important effect on depression in ESRD patients, when predisposing factors, such as personality characteristics and parental attachment, gender, duration of hemodialysis and other medical diseases were adjusted. Hence, hypertension might be a mediating factor of depressive vulnerability in ESRD patients underling genetic and environmental problems.
Nutrigenomics: The Impact of Biomics Technology on Nutrition Research
Authors: Corthésy-Theulaz Irène , den Dunnen Johan T. , Ferré Pascal , Geurts Jan M.W. , Müller Michael , van Belzen Nico , van Ommen Ben
Published: September 2005

The interaction between the human body and nutrition is an extremely complex process involving multi-organ physiology with molecular mechanisms on all levels of regulation (genes, gene expression, proteins, metabolites). Only with the recent technology push have nutritional scientists been able to address this complexity. Both the challenges and promises that are offered by the merge of ‘biomics’ technologies and mechanistic nutrition research are huge, but will eventually evolve in a new nutrition research concept: nutritional systems biology. This review describes the principles and technologies involved in this merge. Using nutrition research examples, including gene expression modulation by carbohydrates and fatty acids, this review discusses applications as well as limitations of genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and systems biology. Furthermore, reference is made to gene polymorphisms that underlie individual differences in nutrient utilization, resulting in, e.g., different susceptibility to develop obesity.
Biomarkers in Patients with Gastric Inflammation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Naito Yuji , Ito Masanori , Watanabe Toshio , Suzuki Hidekazu
Published: September 2005

Background: The importance of examining the status of gastric inflammation has been acknowledged; the new classification by the updated Sydney system (USS) allows us to evaluate the quantitative status of gastric inflammation. However, this system is based on the histological classification derived from biopsy specimens. Therefore, more convenient, objective and practical biomarkers are recommended. Aim: We undertook a systematic review to find out potential biomarkers by summarizing the relationship between biomarkers and grades of inflammation. Methods: By a primary search via Medline up to December 2004, we extracted a total of 6,526 papers that described biomarkers for human gastric inflammation. All papers were screened by title and abstract. The authors then retrieved 435 citations for complete review; ultimately 231 were appropriate for inclusion criteria. These papers were subclassified into several categories and summarized by each author. Results: In addition to standard markers such as pepsinogens, we confirmed the close relationship between the levels of several biomarkers including gastrin, interleukin-8, HLA class II molecules, reactive oxygen species, and the histological grades. Conclusions: This review provides valuable information describing the clinical implication of these biomarkers for evaluating the static conditions or dynamic alterations of human gastric inflammation.
Cell Cycle and Glomerular Disease: A Minireview
Authors: Marshall Caroline B. , Shankland Stuart J.
Published: September 2005

Globally, glomerular diseases are a leading cause of chronic and end-stage renal disease. In the mature glomerulus, under normal conditions, glomerular cells have a low turnover rate. However, in disease, a variety of pathophysiological stimuli can lead to disturbances in glomerular cell biology, including toxins, immune-mediated stresses, metabolic derangements, drugs, infections, hemodynamic changes, growth factors, and cytokines. Not only does the form of injury govern the histologic and clinical manifestations of disease, but also the nature of the response to injury. This response to injury is largely cell-type specific, and the glomerulus represents a rare microcosm of the larger organism in which one can study the cellular responses of three very distinct cell types: mesangial cells, visceral epithelial cells or podocytes, and endothelial cells. These cells can undergo several cell fates in response to injury, including proliferation, de-differentiation, hypertrophy, senescence, apoptosis, or necrosis. The regulation of these responses occurs at the level of the cell cycle, coordinated by positive regulators, cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases, and negative regulators, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors. There is now a large body of literature confirming the importance of cell cycle regulatory proteins in the glomerular cellular response to injury. The recent advances in cell cycle biology in diseases of the mesangial cell and the podocyte are the focus of this minireview.
p300 Modulates HIV-1 gp120-Induced Apoptosis in Human Proximal Tubular Cells: Associated with Alteration of TGF-β and Smad Signaling
Authors: Kapasi Aditi A. , Fan Saijun , Singhal Pravin C.
Published: September 2005

p300 is a key protein, which determines acceleration or deceleration of signal transduction. Recently, renal proximal tubular cells have not only been found to be a harboring site for HIV-1 but have also been shown to undergo apoptosis in response to HIV-1 exposure. Both HIV-1 and its envelop glycoprotein, i.e. gp120, triggered tubular cell apoptosis in the same magnitude. In the present study, we evaluated the role of p300 in gp120-induced tubular cell apoptosis and associated downstream signaling. We have demonstrated that by transient transfection assays, p300 significantly increases susceptibility of human proximal renal tubular HK-2 cells to apoptosis triggered by HIV-1 gp120. A mutant p300, missing the E1A/TFIIB binding site, fails to produce such sensitization potential. Smad7 and an anti-TGF-β antibody rescue the p300 sensitization. Furthermore, p300 and HIV-1 gp120 synergistically increase TGF-β, ATF-2 and activating protein-1 (AP-1) expression. In addition, HIV-1 gp120 results in phosphorylation of Smad2 and decreases c-Jun. These findings suggest that p300 acts as a potent transcriptional cofactor in HIV-1 gp120-induced apoptosis via TGF-β and Smad signaling.
Implication of Peritubular Capillary Loss and Altered Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in IgA Nephropathy
Authors: Namikoshi Tamehachi , Satoh Minoru , Horike Hideyuki , Fujimoto Sohachi , Arakawa Sayaka , Sasaki Tamaki , Kashihara Naoki
Published: September 2005

Background/Aims: To determine the roles of peritubular capillary (PTC) loss and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its transcription factor, hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), in the progression of IgA nephropathy (IgAN), we analyzed the expression of VEGF and HIF-1, and the number of PTCs in patients with variable severity of IgAN. Methods: Renal biopsy specimens from patients with IgAN (n = 23) were classified according to interstitial injury score: grade 0 (0%), grade 1 (1–25%), grade 2 (25–50%) and grade 3 (50–100%). We examined the immunohistochemical expression of CD34, VEGF and HIF-1α. Results: VEGF was expressed in the cytoplasm of tubular epithelia, and VEGF-positive area significantly expanded in grades 1 (35.5 ± 5.9%, mean ± SD) and 2 (32.5 ± 5.9%) compared with grade 0 (23.4 ± 4.5%). The numbers of PTCs were significantly lower in grades 2 (559 ± 49/mm2) and 3 (510 ± 56/mm2) than grade 0 (708 ± 49/mm2). HIF-1α was weakly expressed in tubular epithelia in grade 0, increased with progression to grade 2, and markedly decreased in grade 3. It was also increased in pericapsular interstitial area in grade 1. The expression pattern of HIF-1α did not parallel that of VEGF. In renal biopsies of 5 control patients with minor glomerular abnormality, glomerular expression levels of VEGF and HIF-1α were similar to those of IgAN grade 0 kidneys. Conclusion: VEGF production was accelerated in the early stage of IgAN but it did not protect against PTC injury/loss. The lack of correlation between VEGF and HIF-1α expression suggests HIF-independent VEGF production in IgAN.
Rapid Human Skin Permeation and Topical Anaesthetic Activity of a New Amethocaine Microemulsion
Authors: Escribano E. , Obach M. , Arévalo M.I. , Calpena A.C. , Domenech J. , Queralt J.
Published: September 2005

We developed a fast-acting, topical, 4% (w/w) amethocaine microemulsion and tested its in vitro permeation in isolated human skin. Comparison with a commercial amethocaine gel (Ametop® ) was performed using Franz diffusion cells. Permeability coefficient (kp), flux (J) and percentage permeation after 10 h of microemulsion application were, in all cases, 1.5 times higher than those of the gel. The values obtained for the P1 parameter [1], 1.06·10–2 cm (microemulsion) and 0.724·10–2 cm (gel) indicate that the microemulsion excipients favour amethocaine deposition in the skin, increasing the permeability coefficient, amount of drug retained in the skin, and the flux achieved. Analgesic activity was also examined in rats made hyperalgesic or allodynic after carrageenan-induced inflammation. The rats were distributed into four groups (n = 5–9 per group), each group receiving topically either amethocaine microemulsion, amethocaine gel (Ametop), amethocaine subcutaneous infiltration or nothing (controls). In edematous paws, anti-hyperalgesic activity appeared at 4.2 and 13.8 min after application of amethocaine microemulsion and gel, respectively. These effects are lower than after 0.5% w/w amethocaine infiltration. Amethocaine microemulsion was the only topical formulation with an anti-allodynic effect, although this effect was less than with amethocaine infiltration. These results suggest that microemulsion could be a valuable formula for improving amethocaine permeation and thus bringing rapid pain relief.
Effect of Preeclampsia, Magnesium Sulfate Prophylaxis, and Maternal Weight on Labor Induction: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Park Kyo Hoon , Cho Yong Kyoon , Lee Chul Min , Choi Hoon , Kim Bok Rin , Lee Hong Kyoon
Published: September 2005

Background: Our purposes were to determine the effect of preeclampsia, magnesium sulfate prophylaxis, and maternal weight on labor induction in women with preeclampsia and identify risk factors associated with its failure. Methods: Fifty-five preeclamptic women and 176 non-preeclamptic women requiring labor induction over an 18-month period were studied retrospectively. Prostaglandin E2 (dinoprostone) and oxytocin were used for labor induction. Women with rupture of the membranes, spontaneous contraction resulting in cervical change, or an initial cervical examination showing more than 2 cm dilatation and 50% effacement were excluded. Statistics were analyzed with χ2 test, Fisher’s exact test, Student t test, Mann-Whitney U test, and multiple logistic regression. Results: The women with preeclampsia had a significantly higher rate of failed induction than did those without preeclampsia (p = 0.01). However, the women with preeclampsia had a higher mean maternal weight and an increased use of magnesium sulfate, and labor was induced at earlier gestational age than in those without preeclampsia (p < 0.05 for each). Multiple logistic regression showed that the use of magnesium sulfate, higher maternal weight, and unfavorable cervix, but not preeclampsia, were significantly associated with an increased risk of failed induction after correction for known confounding variables. Conclusions: Although the risk of failed induction is increased in preeclamptic women, preeclampsia is not an independent risk factor for failed induction. The use of magnesium sulfate, higher maternal weight, and unfavorable cervix are independent risk factors for failed induction.
Mixed States: The Most Common Outpatient Presentation of Bipolar Depressed Adolescents?
Authors: Dilsaver Steven C. , Benazzi Franco , Akiskal Hagop S.
Published: September 2005

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of bipolar disorder in adolescent outpatients presenting with DSM-IV major depressive episode (MDE) and, among the bipolar group, to find out what proportion were in a mixed state. Methods: 247 MDE Hispanic adolescents presenting to a community mental health clinic received structured screens for hypomania/mania by history. One hundred met the criteria for bipolar I or II disorder, depressed. Patients meeting the full DSM-IV criteria for both MDE andhypomania/mania simultaneously for at least 1 continuous week during the index episode were classified as being in a mixed state. Results: One hundred of the 247 adolescents were bipolar (40.5%). Of these bipolars, 58 (58.0%) were boys. The mean age of the bipolar patients was 14.6 (±1.5) years. Eighty-two (82.0%) were in a mixed state. Of those in mixed states, 46 (56.1%) were boys, 45 (54.9%)had psychotic features, 40 (48.8%) had family histories of either major depressive disorder or of bipolar disorders, 26 (31.7%) had family histories of bipolar disorder, 55 (67.1%) had suicidal ideation and 42 (51.2%) had a history of a physically self-destructive act such as wrist cutting or overdoses. Discussion: The mixed state was the most common presentation for bipolar adolescents who were in the midst of an MDE at the time of presentation to a mental health clinic. Such presentation dictates different treatments. Although this clinic caters to Hispanic youth with relatively severe affective illness, we submit that our data can be generalized to other settings in light of the fact that the unavailability of psychiatric beds for such destitute patients is driving them to ambulatory clinics. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of such a high prevalence of mixed states in adolescent bipolar patients evaluated in the course of routine clinical practice in an outpatient setting.
Involvement of Marinobufagenin in a Rat Model of Human Preeclampsia
Authors: Vu Hop V. , Ianosi-Irimie Monica R. , Pridjian Candice A. , Whitbred Joy M. , Durst Janelle M. , Bagrov Alexei Y. , Fedorova Olga V. , Pridjian Gabriella , Puschett Jules B.
Published: September 2005

Background: Preeclampsia is a potentially devastating disorder of hypertension in pregnancy for which there is currently no definitive treatment short of delivery. The bufadienolide, marinobufagenin (MBG), an inhibitor of Na+/K+ ATPase, has been found to be elevated in extracellular fluid volume-expanded hypertensive patients, a condition similar to preeclampsia. Thus, these studies sought to examine the role of MBG in our rat model of preeclampsia. Methods and Results: Pregnant female rats were injected intraperitoneally with deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) and given 0.9% saline as drinking water for the duration of their pregnancy. Urinary MBG was measured using a DELFIA immunoassay. Blood pressure was measured via the tail-cuff method. Injections of anti-MBG antibody were given intraperitoneally or intravenously to hypertensive pregnant rats. MBG was given intraperitoneally to pregnant rats. Uterine arterioles were dissected free and their diameters were measured before and after perfusion of MBG, ouabain, or digoxin. MBG was found to be elevated in the pregnant + DOCA + saline (PDS) rats compared to normal pregnant animals. In addition, when PDS rats were injected with anti-MBG antibody, there was a subsequent reduction in blood pressure. Administration of MBG in normal pregnant rats caused an elevation in blood pressure equivalent to the PDS model. Also, uterine vessel measurements showed an increased vasoconstrictive reactivity to MBG in the PDS animals vs. the normal pregnant controls; while no changes were observed with perfusion of digoxin or ouabain at the same concentration. Conclusion: These results suggest a relationship between MBG and a syndrome in rats resembling preeclampsia. Armed with these promising results, it would seem logical to further examine the role of MBG in human preeclampsia.
Percepción de riesgo, reacciones emocionales y el impacto del 11-M
Authors: Ubillos Silvia , Mayordomo Sonia , Basabe Nekane
Published: September 2005

Este estudio explora el impacto del 11-M en las reacciones emocionales, las formas de afrontamiento y el riesgo percibido en la población española. Han participado 869 personas (el 42,7% cumplimentó el cuestionario antes de los atentados y el 57,3% después). Tras el 11-M aumenta la percepción de riesgo, la intensidad emocional negativa y las conductas de afrontamiento defensivo. Existe una sobreestimación del riesgo personal respecto a la probabilidad real. Los participantes más expuestos a situaciones de riesgo (País Vasco) son los que presentan menor probabilidad de ser víctimas del evento. El miedo induce a adoptar estrategias de tipo defensivo y refuerza la percepción de riesgo mientras que la cólera se asocia a reacciones agresivas. Los resultados confirman que las personas atribuyen respuestas afectivas y formas de afrontamiento más disfuncionales a los otros que a uno mismo. Existe una relativa independencia entre la experiencia directa y la percepción de riesgo. El 11-M no ha repercutido ni en la benevolencia ni en la confianza que se tiene en los otros ni en las creencias de tipo socio-cultural.
Social-psychology and the invasion of Iraq
Authors: Rodrigues Aroldo , Assmar Eveline M. L. , Jablonski Bernardo
Published: September 2005

The invasion of Iraq by American and British forces is analyzed from the standpoint of social psychology. The following social phenomena and events are discussed: (a) the role of groupthink in the intelligence failure; (b) asymmetrical consequences of reward and punishment and the role of causal attribution in responsibility assignment as explanations for the alleged possession of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) by Iraq;(c) dissonance avoidance and the refusal by those responsible for the invasion to accept that there were no WMD in Iraq; (d) balance theory, retributive justice and the attempt to link Saddam to bin Laden after the acceptance of the inexistence of WMD; (e) de-individuation, power of the situation, and obedience to authority and the Abu-Ghraib tortures; (f) the escalation of violence and the psychology of malignant social processes. The paper ends with a distinction between science and applications of science, and gives some recommendations to achieve peace in the world based on social psychological knowledge.
Correlatos psico-sociales de la participación en manifestaciones tras el atentado del 11 de Marzo
Authors: Jiménez Amaia , Páez Darío , Javaloy Federico
Published: September 2005

Este estudio analiza los correlatos psico-sociales de la participación en manifestaciones tras el atentado del 11 de Marzo de 2004 en Madrid. Se aplicó, una semana después del atentado, una batería de pruebas a 1650 estudiantes y conocidos de estos (38% de la muestra) en seis ciudades y ocho universidades. Las personas que declararon mayor participación en manifestaciones mostraban mayor identificación y auto-estima colectiva nacional, informaban de más afrontamiento altruista o prosocial, menor afrontamiento de aceptación impotente y evitación, mayor búsqueda de apoyo social, mayor comunicación con otros, exposición a medios de comunicación de masa y pensar para entender lo ocurrido. Declararon compartir más valores de Seguridad y Benevolencia y creer más en la Benevolencia del Mundo Social. La participación se asociaba a una visión de mayor movilización colectiva para afrontar lo ocurrido, a una mayor emocionalidad colectiva negativa y a una percepción de mejor clima emocional y cohesión social. Sólo la participación directa se asociaba con alta eficacia colectiva y personal, con conductas altruistas o pro-sociales y con emociones colectivas positivas y con cohesión.
11 de Marzo y culpa colectiva
Authors: Etxebarria Itziar , Conejero Susana , de Oliveira Diana Ramos
Published: September 2005

Participaron en el estudio 1410 personas de siete comunidades autónomas. Se aplicaron las escalas de Collective Guilt Acceptance y Whole Group Accountability de Branscombe, Slugoski y Kappen (2004) en dos versiones: a la mitad de la muestra se le pedía responder teniendo en cuenta que la autoría se atribuía a un grupo islamista; a la otra mitad se le pedía responder suponiendo que la autoría fuera de ETA. Además, se aplicó el DES. En esta prueba se preguntaba a todos los participantes “en qué grado sintió Ud.”—entre otras emociones—culpa cuando se creía en la autoría de ETA y cuando se supo que ésta correspondía a islamistas. Se encontraron claros sentimientos de culpa en los vascos en relación con la supuesta autoría de ETA, más intensos en quienes más se identificaban como tales. En todas las comunidades los participantes se manifestaron más de acuerdo con la idea de la responsabilidad colectiva en el supuesto de ETA. Entre los vascos, los opuestos al nacionalismo manifestaron mayor acuerdo con dicha idea que quienes mostraban simpatía hacia él. No obstante, la culpa en el supuesto de ETA aumentaba conforme aumentaba dicha simpatía.
“Madrid 11-M. Un análisis del mal y sus consecuencias”, editado por Amalio Blanco, Rafael del Aguila y José Manuel Sabucedo. Madrid: Trotta, 2005
Authors: Páez Revisado Por Darío , Fernández Itziar
Published: September 2005

Este conjunto de textos constituye una tentativa de dar cuenta del mal, de explicar porqué y cómo ocurrió el 11-M y es en gran medida una respuesta al escándalo moral (como dice F. Vallespín en el prólogo) provocado por la acción de violencia colectiva más extrema en España—después de la Guerra Civil y la represión de postguerra—. Es un esfuerzo que debe ser bien recibido y valorado, como un llamamiento a la elaboración de un entendimiento complejo de lo ocurrido, y con este propósito hemos organizado una recensión tras la lectura de los 11 capítulos que componen esta obra.
Reacciones psico-políticas ante los ataques terroristas del 11 de Marzo de 2004
Authors: Moya Miguel , Morales-Marente Elena
Published: September 2005

En esta investigación se prueban en una muestra española diversas hipótesis surgidas a partir de los hechos del 11 de Septiembre de 2001. Los participantes, todos españoles (N = 340), indicaron cuales eran sus esperanzas y miedos respecto al futuro (adaptado de Pratto, Lemiex, Glasford y Henry, 2003) dos, tres y cuatro semanas después de los ataques terroristas del 11 de Marzo de 2004 en Madrid. También se midieron varias variables psico-políticas, incluyendo la empatía, la orientación de dominancia social, autoritarismo de derechas, patriotismo y valores (benevolencia y seguridad) y se analizó su capacidad predictora sobre los miedos y esperanzas de los participantes. Los resultados muestran que las puntuaciones en autoritarismo, orientación de dominancia social y patriotismo estaban relacionadas positivamente entre sí, mientras que la empatía lo estuvo negativamente con la dominancia social y el autoritarismo. Los principales miedos de los participantes fueron la inseguridad, la violencia intergrupal, la pérdida de predominancia y la pérdida de libertades personales. Las esperanzas fueron seguridad/castigo, paz internacional, unidad interna, “restauración”, ausencia de terrorismo y cambio político. Los análisis muestran qué variables psico-políticas predicen los miedos y esperanzas y cómo estos últimos, a su vez, se relacionan con diversos índices de prejuicio hacia los árabes.
Flow over Heated Terrain. Part I: Linear Theory and Idealized Numerical Simulations
Authors: Crook N. Andrew , Tucker Donna F.
Published: September 2005

The flow past heated topography is examined with both linear and nonlinear models. It is first shown that the forcing of an obstacle with horizontally homogenous surface heating can be approximated by the forcing of an obstacle with surface heating isolated over the obstacle. The small-amplitude flow past an obstacle with isolated heating is then examined with a linear model. Under the linear approximation, the flow response to heated topography is simply the addition of the separate responses to thermal and orographic forcing. These separate responses are first considered individually and then the combined response is examined. Nondimensional parameters are developed that measure the relative importance of thermal and orographic forcing. Nonaxisymmetric forcing is then considered by examining the flow along and across a heated elliptically shaped obstacle. It is shown that the low-level lifting is maximized when the flow is along the major axis of the obstacle.

The linear solutions are then tested in a nonlinear anelastic model. The response to a heat source and orography are first examined separately. Good agreement is found between nonlinear and linear models for the individual responses to thermal and orographic forcing. The case of uniformly heated flow past an obstacle is then examined. In these simulations, the thermal response is isolated by subtracting the orographic-only response from the full thermal–orographic response. The numerical simulations are able to capture the main features of the thermal response. Finally, numerical simulations of the flow along and across an elliptically shaped heated obstacle are examined, where it is verified that the lifting is maximized when the flow is along the major axis of the obstacle.

These results are extended in Part II of this study to examine the moist convective response to flow over both idealized terrain and the complex terrain of the Rocky Mountains of the United States.
Terdiurnal Surface-Pressure Oscillations over the Continental United States
Authors: Ray Richard D. , Poulose Susan
Published: September 2005

The small terdiurnal pressure oscillation S3(p) is determined over the conterminous United States by analyzing long time series of hourly barometer data from 180 stations. Spectral analysis of these time series reveals that the terdiurnal band is dominated by three or four spectral peaks, separated in frequency by 1 cpy. The central peak at 3 cpd is invariably smaller than the two immediate side peaks, indicative of extraordinarily strong seasonal variations in the tide. The largest terdiurnal tide occurs over the south-central United States in winter where amplitudes exceed 300 μbar. Summertime amplitudes are roughly one-half as large. Summer and winter tides are almost completely out of phase, with rapid 180° shifts occurring in the equinox seasons when amplitudes are very small.
Comparison between Tornadic and Nontornadic Mesocyclones Using the Vorticity (Pseudovorticity) Line Technique
Authors: Cai Huaqing
Published: September 2005

Comparisons between tornadic and nontornadic mesocyclones using the concept of fractal geometry are presented. Both the maximum vertical vorticity (ζmax) and pseudovorticity (ζpv) associated with a mesocyclone at low levels are found to be scaling with the horizontal grid spacing (ɛ) according to a power-law relationship. The linear least square best fitting of ln (ζmax) or ln (ζpv) versus ln (ɛ) for different scales can be obtained for each mesocyclone at a certain time, and it is named the vorticity (pseudovorticity) line of a mesocyclone. Different mesocyclones have different vorticity (pseudovorticity) line slopes that are closely related to the fractal dimension of vorticity (pseudovorticity) of a mesocyclone as a possible fractal structure. Various factors that may affect the accurate estimate of the vorticity (pseudovorticity) line of a mesocyclone are also discussed in detail.

Differences between tornadic and nontornadic mesocyclones are found in terms of the slope of vorticity (pseudovorticity) lines based on three tornadic and two nontornadic mesocyclones. A possible reason why previous studies were not able to identify the difference(s) between tornadic and nontornadic mesocyclones is discussed. Self-similarity (scale invariance), which is a basic characteristic of a fractal structure, seems to be valid between tornado and mesocyclone scales based on the analysis of the vorticity (pseudovorticity) line of the tornadic Kellerville, Texas, mesocyclone. It is hypothesized that a steeper slope of the vorticity (pseudovorticity) line may be indicative of a tornadic mesocyclone.
A New Technique for Estimation of Surface Latent Heat Fluxes Using Satellite-Based Observations
Authors: Singh Randhir , Joshi P. C. , Kishtawal C. M.
Published: September 2005

Monthly mean surface latent heat fluxes (LHFs) over the global oceans are estimated using bulk formula. LHFs are computed using wind speed (U) from the Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I), sea surface temperature (SST) from the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR), and near-surface specific humidity. Near-surface specific humidity (Qa) is estimated from SSM/I-observed precipitable water (W) and AVHRR-observed SST using a genetic algorithm (GA) approach. The GA-retrieved monthly mean Qa has an accuracy of 0.80 ± 0.32 g kg−1 as compared with surface marine observations based on the Comprehensive Ocean–Atmosphere Data Set (COADS). The GA approach improves upon the surface specific humidity retrieval based on regression, the EOF approach, and is comparable to the artificial neural network technique.

The satellite-derived LHFs are compared with globally distributed surface marine observations to monthly averages of 1° × 1° latitude–longitude bins, during 1988–93. When GA-retrieved Qa is used in the computation of satellite-derived latent heat fluxes (LHFGA) the global mean rmse, bias, and correlation are 22 ± 8 W m−2, 5 W m−2, and 0.85, respectively, for monthly mean latent heat fluxes. The rmses in LHF are larger when Qa is retrieved using regression and EOF approaches.
The Electrical Structure of Two Supercell Storms during STEPS
Authors: MacGorman Donald R. , Rust W. David , Krehbiel Paul , Rison William , Bruning Eric , Wiens Kyle
Published: September 2005

Balloon soundings were made through two supercell storms during the Severe Thunderstorm Electrification and Precipitation Study (STEPS) in summer 2000. Instruments measured the vector electric field, temperature, pressure, relative humidity, and balloon location. For the first time, soundings penetrated both the strong updraft and the rainy downdraft region of the same supercell storm. In both storms, the strong updraft had fewer vertically separated charge regions than found near the rainy downdraft, and the updraft’s lowest charge was elevated higher, its bottom being near the 40-dBZ boundary of the weak-echo vault. The simpler, elevated charge structure is consistent with the noninductive graupel–ice mechanism dominating charge generation in updrafts. In the weak-echo vault, the amount of frozen precipitation and the time for particle interactions are too small for significant charging. Inductive charging mechanisms and lightning may contribute to the additional charge regions found at lower altitudes outside the updraft. Lightning mapping showed that the in-cloud channels of a positive ground flash could be in any one of the three vertically separated positive charge regions found outside the updraft, but were in the middle region, at 6–8 km MSL, for most positive ground flashes. The observations are consistent with the electrical structure of these storms having been inverted in polarity from that of most storms elsewhere. It is hypothesized that the observed inverted-polarity cloud flashes and positive ground flashes were caused by inverted-polarity storm structure, possibly due to a larger than usual rime accretion rate for graupel in a strong updraft.
Zigzag Oscillations in Variational Data Assimilation with Physical “On–Off” Processes
Authors: Mu Mu , Zheng Qin
Published: September 2005

Using an idealized model of a partial differential equation with parameterization “on–off” switches in the forcing term, the impacts of on–off switches on the variational data assimilation (VDA) are investigated in this paper.

It is shown that the traditional time discretization at the switches of the discrete forward model could induce awful zigzags in the associated discrete cost function (CF), which would cause the optimization to fail to work well in the VDA when using the adjoint method. In addition, it can also cause zigzag oscillations in the numerical solution of the model. A method, which is a generalization of Xu’s intermediate interpolation method, is proposed to eliminate the zigzag phenomenon. The potential merits of this treatment are examined by numerical experiments. The results show that through this treatment, the convergence in the minimization processes of the VDA is improved and the satisfactory optimization retrievals are obtained even though the adjoint models are constructed following Zou’s method from the discrete forward model with the traditional time discretization at the switches.
Intercomparison and Interpretation of Single-Column Model Simulations of a Nocturnal Stratocumulus-Topped Marine Boundary Layer
Authors: Zhu Ping , Bretherton Christopher S. , Köhler Martin , Cheng Anning , Chlond Andreas , Geng Quanzhen , Austin Phil , Golaz Jean-Christophe , Lenderink Geert , Lock Adrian , Stevens Bjorn
Published: September 2005

Ten single-column models (SCMs) from eight groups are used to simulate a nocturnal nonprecipitating marine stratocumulus-topped mixed layer as part of an intercomparison organized by the Global Energy and Water Cycle Experiment Cloud System Study, Working Group 1. The case is idealized from observations from the Dynamics and Chemistry of Marine Stratocumulus II, Research Flight 1. SCM simulations with operational resolution are supplemented by high-resolution simulations and compared with observations and large-eddy simulations. All participating SCMs are able to maintain a sharp inversion and a mixed cloud-topped layer, although the moisture profiles show a slight gradient in the mixed layer and produce entrainment rates broadly consistent with observations, but the liquid water paths vary by a factor of 10 after only 1 h of simulation at both high and operational resolution. Sensitivity tests show insensitivity to activation of precipitation and shallow convection schemes in most models, as one would observationally expect for this case.
A Refractive Index Mapping Operator for Assimilation of Occultation Data
Authors: Syndergaard Stig , Kursinski E. Robert , Herman Benjamin M. , Lane Emily M. , Flittner David E.
Published: September 2005

This paper describes the details of a fast, linear, forward-inverse refractive index mapping operator that can be used for assimilation of occultation data of various kinds into NWP models. Basically, the mapping consists of the integration of the refractive index along finite straight lines, mimicking the observational geometry as well as the subsequent retrieval of a refractive index profile, assuming spherical symmetry. Line integrals are discretized such that the refractivity is evaluated along the horizontal at fixed levels that can be chosen to coincide with the pressure levels of an NWP model. Integration of the hydrostatic equation at a large number of locations is thereby avoided. The mapping operator is tested using an idealized model of a weather front with large horizontal gradients. Mapped refractivity profiles are compared with retrieved refractivity profiles obtained via accurate 3D ray tracing simulations of GPS radio occultation events with ray path tangent points near the weather front. The simulations indicate that the mapping is a good representation of occultation measurements, including the influence large horizontal gradients have on retrieved refractivity profiles. To further the results, a simple ad hoc modification is introduced to approximately account for the ray path bending near the tangent points. The forward-inverse mapping allows for the near cancellation of otherwise crude approximations—for example, straight-line propagation—and the general concept could perhaps be adapted for the development of fast and accurate observation operators for the assimilation of other types of remote sensing data.
Environmental Distinctions between Cellular and Slabular Convective Lines
Authors: James Richard P. , Fritsch J. Michael , Markowski Paul M.
Published: September 2005

The organizational mode of quasi-linear convective systems often falls within a spectrum of modes described by a line of discrete cells on one end (“cellular”) and an unbroken two-dimensional swath of ascent on the other (“slabular”). Convective events exhibiting distinctly cellular or slabular characteristics over the continental United States were compiled, and composite soundings of the respective inflow environments were constructed. The most notable difference between the environments of slabs and cells occurred in the wind profiles; lines organized as slabs existed in much stronger low-level line-relative inflow and stronger low-level shear.

A compressible model with high resolution (Δx = 500 m) was used to investigate the effects of varying environmental conditions on the nature of the convective overturning. The numerical results show that highly cellular convective lines are favored when the environmental conditions and initiation procedure allow the convectively generated cold pools to remain separate from one another. The transition to a continuous along-line cold pool and gust front leads to the generation of a more “solid” line of convection, as dynamic pressure forcing above the downshear edge of the cold outflow creates a swath of quasi-two-dimensional ascent. Using both full-physics simulations and a simplified cold-pool model, it is demonstrated that the magnitude of the two-dimensional ascent in slabular convective systems is closely related to the integrated cold-pool strength.

It is concluded that slabular organization tends to occur under conditions that favor the development of a strong, contiguous cold pool. The tendency to produce slabular convection is therefore enhanced by environmental conditions such as large CAPE, weak convective inhibition, strong along-line winds, and moderately strong cross-line wind shear.
Why I'm taking on Europe
Authors: Mardell Mark
Published: September 2005

The BBC's Mardell begins: "The very senior Conservative asked me with bewilderment. 'Is it true?' Indeed it was true: I'd been appointed the BBC's Europe Editor and shortly would be off to Brussels. He was just about too polite to offer his commiserations, but was clearly bewildered." Mardell believes the BIG story for television news is Europe, but confesses, "There are some fairly obvious problems about covering the European Union... Take the Conservative politician I mentioned earlier. I know that although for pragmatic reasons he wouldn't press for British withdrawal from the EU, he dislikes it intensively and is suspicious of all its works. But here's the rub: that dislike makes him think it is dull and not worth hearing about. It is an odd conjunction. Indeed, a few people have worried that an increased commitment from the BBC to cover Europe will be taken as a sign of Europhilia. I tell them the two events in modern history I would most loved to have covered as a journalist are the rise of Hitler and the Russian revolution. This does not mean I approve of either."
How not to defend your source
Authors: Preston Peter
Published: September 2005

Former Guardian editor Preston looks at whistleblowers and the debate over protection of sources and writes: "I have a D.Phil in source protection theory and the continuing notoriety that goes with it. Sarah Tisdall, a young Foreign Office clerk, was sent to prison for leaking details of 1983 cruise missile deployment plans on my Guardian editorial watch, and journalism legend blames me for that (which is not surprising, since I still blame myself)." Preston concludes: "Sending journalists to prison [for refusing to reveal sources], just like beating up on the BBC, brings politicians few boosts on the Gallup polls. Joe and Jane Public may not love our edgy trade, but they love politicians even less. But principle, schminciple, this is pure, desolate pragmatism. To do our job, we need to make simple choices about information and how it comes in - and we need to honour our bargains."
An Old School Primer
Authors: Woollen Geoff
Published: September 2005

This article looks at the echoes of a greatly loved primary schoolbook that may be found in selected texts of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Le Tour de la France par deux enfants, written by a woman under an ungendered pseudonym, was first published in 1877, the same year as that high-water mark of French literary Naturalism, Zola's L'Assommoir. Although their didactic aims are broadly similar, the ways in which the two authors deliver their message could not be more different. Significant excisions of even the most anodyne of references to religious ritual and architecture are deemed necessary in the light of growing secularisation in French state schools, and practised in a later reprint.
Derrida, Autobiography and Postcoloniality
Authors: Hiddleston Jane
Published: September 2005

The question of Derrida's relationship with postcolonial theory has for a long time been a fraught one. Some of the major postcolonial critics engage directly with Derrida's reflections on dissemination and excentricity, while others argue, on the contrary, that his mode of thinking is too abstract to tell us anything informative about the mechanics of colonial and neo-colonial oppression. This article responds to these postcolonial critics, and analyses two recent texts, L'Autre Capand Le Monolinguisme de l'autre, in order to argue that the intermingling of philosophy and autobiography can tell us something new about the dangers and difficulties of postcolonial inquiry. These works attempt to examine the damaging effects of European cultural hegemony, and the imposition of the colonial language in Algeria, but, in including anxieties about this project expressed in the first person, they also convey a sense of doubt about the appropriateness of a universalising philosophical language. The philosopher grapples with an aporia between the need to describe the universal experience of alienation and dispossession in language (since this indeed weakens the coloniser's assumed position of dominance and ownership), and attention to the very singularities that colonial culture oppresses, and that resist theorisation in general terms. The hesitant incursion of the autobiographical subject into Derrida's later texts dramatises this aporia and its effects on postcolonial debate.
Andreï Makine's France
Authors: McCall Ian
Published: September 2005

Translingual Russian writer Andreï Makine shot to fame in France and abroad in 1995 when his novel Le Testament français won both the Prix Goncourt and Prix Médicis. To date he has written nine novels in French. In five of these France, francité and the French language play a prominent role. This article examines Makine's portrayal of his ‘terre d'accueil’, its culture, people and language. It argues that after depicting a reassuring, mythical and idealised France in Au temps du fleuve Amour and the prizing-winning Le Testament français, Makine's portrayal of l'Hexagone in the later novels, Requiem pour l'Est and La Terre et le ciel de Jacques Dorme, is much more critical. It is in these later works that earlier dreams of a past France are juxtaposed with contemporary reality.
Boundary Integral Equation Methods for a Refined Model of Elastic Plates
Authors: Mitric Radu , Constanda Christian
Published: September 2005

A theory of bending of elastic plates is considered, in which the effect of transverse shear deformation and transverse normal strain are taken into account through a specific form of the displacement field. It is shown that the system of equilibrium equations is elliptic and that Betti and Somigliana formulae can be established, which permit the solution of the interior and exterior Dirichlet and Neumann problems by means of boundary integral equation methods.