bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
17β-Estradiol attenuates diabetic kidney disease by regulating extracellular matrix and transforming growth factor-β protein expression and signaling
Authors: Dixon Alexis , Maric Christine
Published: August 2007

We previously showed that supplementation with 17β-estradiol (E2) from the onset of diabetes attenuates the development of diabetic renal disease. The aim of the present study was to examine whether E2 can also attenuate the disease process once it has developed. The present study was performed in nondiabetic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic Sprague-Dawley rats. E2 supplementation began after 9 wk of diabetes and continued for 8 wk. Diabetes was associated with an increase in urine albumin excretion, glomerulosclerosis, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, renal cortical collagen type I and IV, laminin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 and -2, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, TGF-β receptor type I and II, Smad2/3, phosphorylated Smad2/3, and Smad4 protein expression, and CD68-positive cell abundance. Decreases in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 protein expression and activity and decreases in Smad6 and Smad7 protein expression were also associated with diabetes. E2 supplementation completely or partially attenuated all these changes, except Smad4 and fibronectin, on which E2 supplementation had no effect. These data suggest that E2 attenuates the progression of diabetic renal disease once it has developed by regulating extracellular matrix, TGF-β, and expression of its downstream regulatory proteins. These findings support the notion that sex hormones in general, and E2 in particular, are important regulators of renal function and may be novel targets for the treatment and prevention of diabetic renal disease.
Downregulation of SGK1 by nucleotides in renal tubular epithelial cells
Authors: Li Liuzhe , Wingo Charles S. , Xia Shen-Ling
Published: August 2007

This study determined whether nucleotides that bind to purinergic receptors (P2R) regulate the expression or function of serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase-1 (SGK1) in mouse renal inner medullar collecting duct cells (mIMCD-3). The SGK1 protein was detected by Western blotting. A significant reduction of cytosolic SGK1 expression was observed in the cells pretreated with P2R agonist adenosine 5′- O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (ATPγS), and the reduction could be reversed by P2R antagonists. This reduction was also observed in cells that were pretreated with agonists for P2R subtypes. Using ELISA, we observed a reduced SGK1 kinase activity in ATPγS-pretreated cells. This effect was reversed by P2R antagonists. Furthermore, an increase of SGK1 kinase activity in aldosterone-pretreated cells was suppressed by ATPγS. These studies demonstrate for the first time that SGK1 can be downregulated by nucleotides in renal collecting duct epithelial cells, likely via the activation of P2R, and suggest that activation of renal purinergic signaling regulates a SGK1-dependent pathway that is known to modulate ion transport in the renal collecting duct.
Insulin's impact on renal sodium transport and blood pressure in health, obesity, and diabetes
Authors: Tiwari Swasti , Riazi Shahla , Ecelbarger Carolyn A.
Published: August 2007

Insulin has been shown to have antinatriuretic actions in humans and animal models. Moreover, endogenous hyperinsulinemia and insulin infusion have been correlated to increased blood pressure in some models. In this review, we present the current state of understanding with regard to the regulation of the major renal sodium transporters by insulin in the kidney. Several groups, using primarily cell culture, have demonstrated that insulin can directly increase activity of the epithelial sodium channel, the sodium-phosphate cotransporter, the sodium-hydrogen exchanger type III, and Na-K-ATPase. We and others have demonstrated alterations in the expression at the protein level of many of these same proteins with insulin infusion or in hyperinsulinemic models. We also discuss how this regulation is perturbed in type I and type II diabetes mellitus. Finally, we discuss a potential role for regulation of insulin receptor signaling in the kidney in contributing to sodium balance and blood pressure.
Reduced ENaC protein abundance contributes to the lower blood pressure observed in pendrin-null mice
Authors: Kim Young Hee , Pech Vladimir , Spencer Kathryn B. , Beierwaltes William H. , Everett Lorraine A. , Green Eric D. , Shin Wonkyong , Verlander Jill W. , Sutliff Roy L. , Wall Susan M.
Published: August 2007

Pendrin (encoded by Pds, Slc26a4) is a Cl−/HCO3−exchanger expressed in the apical regions of type B and non-A, non-B intercalated cells of kidney and mediates renal Cl−absorption, particularly when upregulated. Aldosterone increases blood pressure by increasing absorption of both Na+and Cl−through increased protein abundance and function of Na+transporters, such as the epithelial Na+channel (ENaC) and the Na+-Cl−cotransporter (NCC), as well as Cl−transporters, such as pendrin. Because aldosterone analogs do not increase blood pressure in Slc26a4−/−mice, we asked whether Na+excretion and Na+transporter protein abundance are altered in kidneys from these mutant mice. Thus wild-type and Slc26a4-null mice were given a NaCl-replete, a NaCl-restricted, or NaCl-replete diet and aldosterone or aldosterone analogs. Abundance of the major renal Na+transporters was examined with immunoblots and immunohistochemistry. Slc26a4-null mice showed an impaired ability to conserve Na+during dietary NaCl restriction. Under treatment conditions in which circulating aldosterone is increased, α-, β-, and 85-kDa γ-ENaC subunit protein abundances were reduced 15–35%, whereas abundance of the 70-kDa fragment of γ-ENaC was reduced ∼70% in Slc26a4-null relative to wild-type mice. Moreover, ENaC-dependent changes in transepithelial voltage were much lower in cortical collecting ducts from Slc26a4-null than from wild-type mice. Thus, in kidney, ENaC protein abundance and function are modulated by pendrin or through a pendrin-dependent downstream event. The reduced ENaC protein abundance and function observed in Slc26a4-null mice contribute to their lower blood pressure and reduced ability to conserve Na+during NaCl restriction.
Effects of ischemia-reperfusion injury on renal ammonia metabolism and the collecting duct
Authors: Han Ki-Hwan , Kim Hye-Young , Croker Byron P. , Reungjui Sirirat , Lee Su-Youn , Kim Jin , Handlogten Mary E. , Adin Christopher A. , Weiner I. David
Published: August 2007

Acute renal injury induces metabolic acidosis, but its specific effects on the collecting duct, the primary site for urinary ammonia secretion, the primary component of net acid excretion, are incompletely understood. We induced ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) acute renal injury in Sprague-Dawley rats by clamping the renal pedicles bilaterally for 30 min followed by reperfusion for 6 h. Control rats underwent sham surgery without renal pedicle clamping. I/R injury decreased urinary ammonia excretion significantly but did not persistently alter urine volume, Na+, K+, or bicarbonate excretion. Histological examination demonstrated cellular damage in the outer and inner medullary collecting duct, as well as in the proximal tubule and the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle. A subset of collecting duct cells were damaged and/or detached from the basement membrane; these cells were present predominantly in the outer medulla and were less frequent in the inner medulla. Immunohistochemistry identified that the damaged/detached cells were A-type intercalated cells, not principal cells. Both TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining and transmission electron microscopic examination demonstrated apoptosis but not necrosis. However, immunoreactivity for caspase-3 was observed in the proximal tubule, but not in collecting duct intercalated cells, suggesting that mechanism(s) of collecting duct intercalated cell apoptosis differ from those operative in the proximal tubule. We conclude that I/R injury decreases renal ammonia excretion and is associated with intercalated cell-specific detachment and apoptosis in the outer and inner medullary collecting duct. These effects likely contribute to the metabolic acidosis frequently observed in acute renal injury.
Micro-CT imaging of rat lung ventilation using continuous image acquisition during xenon gas contrast enhancement
Authors: Lam Wilfred W. , Holdsworth David W. , Du Louise Y. , Drangova Maria , McCormack David G. , Santyr Giles E.
Published: August 2007

We measured ventilation (V̇) in seven anesthetized, mechanically ventilated, supine Wistar rats. Images of the whole lung were continuously acquired using a dynamic, flat-panel volumetric micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scanner during ventilation with a xenon/oxygen (Xe-O2) gas mixture. Forty time-resolved volumes consisting of eighty 0.45-mm-thick slices (covering the entire lung) were acquired in 40 s, using a gantry rotation rate of one rotation per second. The animals were ventilated at a respiratory rate of 60 breaths/min, matching the gantry rotation rate, and imaged without suspending ventilation. A previously published theoretical model was modified slightly and used to calculate the whole lung ventilation from volumes of interest generated by seeded region growing. Linear regression of calculated whole lung ventilation volumes vs. expected tidal volumes yielded a slope of 1.12 ± 0.11 (slope ± SE) and a y-intercept of −1.56 ± 0.42 ml ( y-intercept ± SE) with 95% confidence intervals of 0.83 to 1.40 and −2.6 to −0.5 ml, respectively. The same model was used to calculate the regional ventilation in axial slices for each animal. Voxels were fit to the model to yield a map of V̇, which displayed an anterior/posterior gravitational gradient of (−3.9 ± 1.8) × 10−6 ml·s−1·cm−1 for slices immediately superior to the diaphragm and (−6.0 ± 2.4) × 10−6 ml·s−1·cm−1 for slices at the midlevel of the heart (mean ± SD). Thus continuous Xe-enhanced computed tomography enables the noninvasive determination of regional V̇ with the temporal and spatial resolution necessary for rats.
PGC-1β is downregulated by training in human skeletal muscle: no effect of training twice every second day vs. once daily on expression of the PGC-1 family
Authors: Mortensen Ole Hartvig , Plomgaard Peter , Fischer Christian P. , Hansen Anne K. , Pilegaard Henriette , Pedersen Bente Klarlund
Published: August 2007

We hypothesized that the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1 (PGC-1) family of transcriptional coactivators (PGC-1α, PGC-1β, and PRC) is differentially regulated by training once daily vs. training twice daily every second day and that this difference might be observed in the acute response to endurance exercise. Furthermore, we hypothesized that expression levels of the PGC-1 family differ with muscular fiber-type composition. Thus, before and after 10 wk of knee extensor endurance training, training one leg once daily and the other leg twice daily every second day, keeping the total amount of training for the legs equal, skeletal muscle mRNA expression levels of PGC-1α, PGC-1β, and PRC were determined in young healthy men ( n = 7) in response to 3 h of acute exercise. No significant difference was found between the two legs, suggesting that regulation of the PGC-1 family is independent of training protocol. Training decreased PGC-1β in both legs, whereas PGC-1α was increased, but not significantly, in the leg training once daily. PRC did not change with training. Both PGC-1α and PRC were increased by acute exercise both before and after endurance training, whereas PGC-1β did not change. The mRNA levels of the PGC-1 family were examined in different types of human skeletal muscle (triceps, soleus, and vastus lateralis; n = 7). Only the expression level of PGC-1β differed and correlated inversely with percentage of type I fibers. In conclusion, there was no difference between training protocols on the acute exercise and training response of the PGC-1 family. However, training caused a decrease in PGC-1β mRNA levels.
Localization of Amiloride-Sensitive Sodium Current and Voltage-Gated Calcium Currents in Rat Fungiform Taste Cells
Authors: Bigiani Albertino , Cuoghi Valeria
Published: August 2007

Recent studies have shown that taste cells transducing bitter, sweet, and umami stimuli do not possess high-threshold voltage-gated calcium channels required for synaptic transmission at conventional synapses, suggesting some sort of signal processing inside taste buds prior to the activation of nerve endings. To evaluate whether this is a general paradigm for the physiology of taste reception, we studied the transduction pathway underlying the detection of sodium ions (salty stimulus). In laboratory rodents, Na+ is thought to be transduced, at least in part, through amiloride-sensitive sodium channels (ASSCs). Therefore we used the patch-clamp techniques to analyze the occurrence pattern of amiloride-sensitive sodium currents and voltage-gated calcium currents (both low-voltage-activated T-type current and high-voltage-activated L-type current) among taste cells in rat fungiform papillae. Because taste cells turnover, we focused our attention on cells possessing large voltage-gated sodium currents, a sign of “mature” cells. We found that cells expressing functional ASSCs either did not possess any calcium currents or exhibited only T-type calcium currents, which is believed to play a role in repetitive firing. On the contrary, cells lacking functional ASSCs were endowed with L-type calcium currents, which are thought to mediate calcium influx required for neurotransmitter exocytosis. Therefore our data suggest that sodium-detecting cells are unlikely to use conventional synaptic communication to transfer taste information to nerve endings. Our findings on sodium taste detection support the recent model of taste transduction, involving separate groups of taste cells: chemosensitive cells and cells forming conventional synapses.
B7-H3 Ligand Expression by Prostate Cancer: A Novel Marker of Prognosis and Potential Target for Therapy
Authors: Roth Timothy J. , Sheinin Yuri , Lohse Christine M. , Kuntz Susan M. , Frigola Xavier , Inman Brant A. , Krambeck Amy E. , Mckenney Maureen E. , Karnes R. Jeffrey , Blute Michael L. , Cheville John C. , Sebo Thomas J. , Kwon Eugene D.
Published: August 2007

B7 coregulatory ligands can be aberrantly expressed in human disease. In the context of cancer, these ligands may act as antigen-specific inhibitors of T-cell–mediated antitumoral immunity. We recently reported that B7-H1 expression by carcinomas of the kidney and bladder portends aggressive disease and diminished survival. The expression of these proteins in prostate cancer, however, has not been investigated. We evaluated B7-H3 and B7-H1 protein expression in the pathologic specimens of 338 men treated for clinically localized prostate cancer between 1995 and 1998 with radical retropubic prostatectomy. Expression levels of B7-H3 in prostate cancer were correlated with pathologic indicators of aggressive cancer as well as clinical outcome. We report that B7-H3 is uniformly and aberrantly expressed by adenocarcinomas of the prostate, high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, and four prostate cancer cell lines, whereas B7-H1 is rarely expressed. B7-H3 is expressed by benign prostatic epithelia, although at a more reduced level relative to neoplastic tissue. Increasing levels of B7-H3 intensity correlate with worsening clinicopathologic features of prostate cancer. Marked B7-H3 intensity, present in 67 (19.8%) specimens, confers a >4-fold increased risk of cancer progression after surgery (risk ratio, 4.42; P < 0.001). A survey of normal tissues revealed that B7-H3 is expressed within the liver, urothelium, and fetal kidney. In summary, B7-H3 is aberrantly expressed in all prostate cancers and represents an independent predictor of cancer progression following surgery. Moreover, B7-H3 encompasses a novel diagnostic and potential therapeutic target for the clinical management of prostate cancer and, perhaps, other malignancies as well. [Cancer Res 2007;67(16):7893–900]
3D volume and SUV analysis of oncological PET studies
Authors: Kaiser H.-J. , Gagel B. , Boy C. , Schaefer W. M. , Buell U. , Zimny M. , Krohn T.
Published: August 2007

Aim: The standardized uptake value (SUV) of 18FDG-PET is an important parameter for therapy monitoring and prognosis of malignant lesions. SUV determination requires delineating the respective volume of interest against surrounding tissue. The present study proposes an automatic image segmentation algorithm for lesion volume and FDG uptake quantitation. Methods: A region growing-based algorithm was developed, which goes through the following steps: 1. Definition of a starting point by the user. 2. Automatic determination of maximum uptake within the lesion. 3. Calculating a threshold value as percentage of maximum. 4. Automatic 3D lesion segmentation. 5. Quantitation of lesion volume and SUV. The procedure was developed using CTI CAPP and ECAT 7.2 software. Validation was done by phatom studies (Jaszczak phantom, various “lesion” sizes and contrasts) and on studies of NSCLC patients, who underwent clinical CT and FDG-PET scanning. Results: Phantom studies demonstrated a mean error of 3.5% for volume quantification using a threshold of 41% for contrast ratios ≥5 : 1 and sphere volumes >5 ml. Comparison between CT- and PET-based volumetry showed a high correlation of both methods (r = 0.98) for lesions with homogeneous FDG uptake. Radioactivity concentrations were underestimated by on average .41%. Employing an empirical threshold of 50% for SUV determination, the underestimation decreased to on average .34%. Conclusions: The algorithm facilitates an easy and reproducible SUV quantification and volume assessment of PET lesions in clinical practice. It was validated using NSCLC patient data and should also be applicable to other tumour entities.
124I-PET dosimetry in advanced differentiated thyroid cancer: Therapeutic impact
Authors: Jentzen W. , Görges R. , Petrich T. , Marlowe R. J. , Knust J. , Bockisch A. , Freudenberg L. S.
Published: August 2007

Purpose: This study evaluated the impact of 124I-positron emission tomography (PET) dosimetry on post-primary surgery therapy in radioiodine-naive patients with advanced differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). Patients, material, methods: In each of 28 thyroidectomized patients with high-risk DTC (one or more of pT4, pN1 or pM1), we gave 23.50 MBq of 124I as an oral capsule and performed PET dosimetry to calculate the individualized therapeutic 131I activity that would, insofar as possible, achieve a radioiodine dose ≥100 Gy to all metastases without exceeding 2 Gy to the blood (a surrogate for bone marrow toxicity). We thus determined the absorbed lesion dose per GBq of administered 131I activity (LDpA) based on serial PET (4, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h after oral 124I intake) and PET/computed tomography (25 h after 124I intake) and the critical blood activity (CBA) based on blood and whole-body radiation counting (2, 4, 24, 48, 72, 96 h after 124I intake). We compared the dosimetry-based interventions with our standard empirical protocol. Results: 25 patients had a total of 126 iodine-positive metastases. 18 (72%) of the 25 had solely iodine-avid metastases, while seven (28%) had both iodine- avid and -non-avid metastases. In two patients (8%), none of the iodine-avid metastases could have been practically treated with a sufficient radiation dose. Relative to the empirical protocol, 124I-PET dosimetry findings changed management in 7 (25%) patients, e. g. allowing application of activities >11 GBq 131I. Further changes included implementation of hematological back-up in a patient found to be at risk of life-threatening marrow toxicity, and early multimodal therapy in 9 (32%) patients. Conclusion: 124I-PET dosimetry is a useful routine procedure in advanced DTC and may allow safer or more effective radioiodine activities and earlier multimodal interventions than do standard empirical protocols.
The Gospel of Mary
Authors: Tuckett Christopher
Published: August 2007

In the Gospel of Mary , which probably dates from the second century, `Mary' (= Mary Magdalene) plays a key role. The gospel is one of a number of similar `dialogue gospels', where the risen Jesus gives teaching to his followers. The issue of whether the gospel is `Gnostic' is discussed, as well as the significance of the figure of Mary here.
Clement of Alexandria: God Discarnate and God Incarnate
Authors: Osborn Eric
Published: August 2007

There is tension today between faith in God and the centrality of Jesus. Clement describes an apophatic `God discarnate' and a kataphatic `God incarnate'. The first ends in the `magnitude of Christ' which brings knowledge of God. The second is the only saviour, to be known through love of neighbour.
Foreign Policy Analysis
Authors: Groom A.J.R.
Published: August 2007

That Foreign Policy Analysis (FPA) enjoyed central place in the early study of international relations (IR) can be considered as the starting point for understanding the evolution of this major sub-field. An analysis of the role of foreign policy in different conceptual frameworks points to its centrality for realists but its diminished saliency for pluralists and structuralists. The balance of interacting influences between those who aspire to ‘truth’ (academics) and those whose concern is with ‘power’ (practitioners) is crucial if we are to understand for whom FPA is relevant and their needs, and the uses to which it is put. Does FPA reflect or determine policy? What does FPA have to say about current global problems? Precious little is the response. In the United States (US) this is in part due to a dismaying parochialism. But others in Europe have broken out of the traditional mould and new approaches are developing beyond the Western world. Moreover, a role for FPA still remains in the analysis of the effects of spanning boundaries.
International Criminal Justice
Authors: Jeet Chandra
Published: August 2007

The establishment of ad hoc international criminal tribunals for former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, the coming into force of the permanent International Criminal Court (ICC) and recent attempts to prosecute former dictators and tyrants for gross violations of human rights, and the growing salience of international humanitarian law have led to the growth of literature on what is popularly known as international criminal justice. The book under review has resulted from an international conference on ‘From a Culture of Impunity to a Culture of Accountability’ organized by the United Nations University and the Netherlands Institute of Human Rights (SIM) in Utrecht in November 2001. As the book contains revised and edited papers presented at the conference, it lacks a thematic and sequential presentation of issues. Chapters appear to be disconnected and it is hard to comprehend the rationale behind categorizing chapters in separate parts of the book.
Controlling Morphology of Injection Molded Structural Foams by Mold Design and Processing Parameters
Authors: Spörrer Andreas N.J. , Altstädt Volker
Published: August 2007

By the invention of foam processing techniques using physical blowing agents, the area of foam injection molding has caught the attention of product developers in industry as well as of researchers. Compared to conventional injection molding, the foaming approach delivers a great potential in the manufacturing as well as in the part itself, offering a monetary benefit, being vantages for example automotive and consumer goods producer (Hyde, L.J., Kishbaugh, L.A. and Katterman, J.A. (2002) [1]. How Microcellular Foam Molding Changes the Cost Structure of Injection Molded Automotive Components: A Review of the Process and Automotive Applications, SAE Technical Paper Series). The pros are facing several cons in the part quality, notably an impaired surface finish, an over-pronounced loss in mechanical strength and toughness or some uncertainties in subsequent processing steps like varnishing and plastic welding. Actual researchers are approaching those challenges in different ways (Dassow, J. (2003) [2]. Foamed Parts with Excellent Surface Quality, Kunststoffe-Plast Europe, 93(9): 65). On the one hand, the choice of the appropriate polymeric materials has a big impact on the morphologies and the properties of the obtained foam injection molded parts. The mold as well as the processing parameters have a big effect on the obtainable foam morphologies and thus the final part properties.

This study presents some possibilities to control the morphology of structural foams at high-density reductions (>50%) by an intelligent mold and process design. Parameters affecting the morphology of the foamed part like the foaming temperature, the cavity pressure, and the expansion ratio are varied. Structural properties of the foamed part like surface finish, overall density, and skin layer-thickness as well as mechanical properties are examined.
Solubility Measurements of Blowing Agents in Polyethylene Terephthalate
Authors: Faridi N. , Todd D.
Published: August 2007

The solubility of various blowing agents (BAs) such as CO2, N2, Ar, pentane, isopentane, cyclopentane, butane, hexane, heptane, 1,1-difluoroethane, CO2/N2, and CO2/pentane in polyethylene terephthalate was studied using closed pressure vessels. The experiments were performed at 50—200°C and pressures up to 14 MPa. The solubilities were correlated using the Flory—Huggins equation for HFC and hydrocarbons, and via Henry's law for supercritical gases. In order of decreasing solubility, the BAs rank 1,1-difluoroethane > hydrocarbons > inert gases. Since the Arrhenius type behavior seemed to be able to describe the temperature dependency of the H-values, the solubilities at foaming temperatures can be predicted.
Peak-Experiences Among Japanese Youth
Authors: Hoffman Edward , Muramoto Shoji
Published: August 2007

In the 35 years since Abraham Maslow's death in 1970, his concept of the peak-experience has remained a lynchpin of humanistic personality theory and has exerted a significant influence on applied fields. In late career, Maslow became interested in the topic of childhood peak-experiences but never explored it empirically. Although it is important for sharpening our understanding of healthy personality development, research on childhood peak-experience has remained dormant. In this study, the authors analyzed 56 retrospective peak-experiences reported by a sample comprising mainly master's-level Japanese students at Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto. The results affirmed previous findings: (a) Childhood peak-experiences exist among both Westerners and Easterners, and (b) these can be meaningfully categorized into specific types. Also consistent with previous research, Japanese adults retrospectively described three types of childhood peak-experiences unreported by their Western counterparts. The cross-cultural implications of these findings and directions for future research are discussed.
Meaning in Psychologists' Personal and Professional Lives
Authors: Kernes Jerry L. , Kinnier Richard T.
Published: August 2007

In this study, the authors examine psychologists' beliefs about meaning in their own lives. Psychologists completed the Personal Meaning Profile and Meaning in Life Questionnaire to assess their beliefs about the cosmic and terrestrial meaning of life. Psychologists also completed an existential career exercise to assess those aspects of their professional lives they found most meaningful. Overall, psychologists rejected the notion that there is no cosmic meaning to life and instead generally supported the belief that the meaning of life is to love, help, or show compassion for others. Psychologists also rejected statements indicating that nothing was personally meaningful to them and generally reported that intimate relationships, family, and friendships brought the most personal meaning to their lives. Finally, as a group, psychologists indicated that helping others live more satisfying lives was the most important aspect of their professional work.
Empirically Supported Treatments: the Deconstruction of a Myth
Authors: Elkins David N.
Published: August 2007

This article summarizes recent findings from analyses and meta-analyses of psychotherapy research that show that so-called empirically supported treatments (ESTs) are no more effective than are traditional psychotherapies. In addition, the findings show that specific modalities and techniques have little, if anything at all, to do with therapeutic benefits and that client improvement and therapeutic outcome are instead the result of other factors in the therapeutic situation such as the alliance, the therapist, the relationship, and other contextual factors. The article shows how these findings deconstruct the whole notion of ESTs and make the current debate about them meaningless. Finally, the article discusses implications of the findings and urges humanistic psychologists and other proponents of traditional psychotherapies to shift the debate away from modalities and techniques and to focus on the factors that are actually responsible for therapeutic benefits.
When Political Science Championed Public Service Training
Authors: Schachter Hindy Lauer
Published: August 2007

This article examines how Progressive-Era political scientists worked to promote public service training. It gives evidence that the Progressive-Era political science community had a broad view of its mission that included preparing civil servants. Since World War II, tension has permeated relations between mainstream political science and professional public administration programs. Participants in current debates on relations between the two fields can gain from knowing something about the broad interests that engrossed the American Political Science Association at its start.
Tibial Tunnel Widening after Hamstring Tendon Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Schultz W. Randall , McKissick Russell C. , DeLee Jesse C.
Published: August 2007

Background

Tibial tunnel widening is a common phenomenon seen with hamstring anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Concern exists that increased tunnel widening can lead to delayed graft incorporation, graft laxity, or difficulties in revision surgery.

Hypothesis

Supplemental aperture fixation with autogenous bone cores or bioabsorbable interference screws will decrease tibial tunnel widening in hamstring anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

One hundred twenty-nine patients were divided into 3 groups based on type of aperture fixation: none, bioabsorbable interference screws, and autogenous bone cores. Tibial tunnel diameters were measured on plain radiographs at a minimum of 3 months postoperatively based on the timeline of tibial tunnel widening suggested by Simonian et al, and tunnel widening was quantified by the increase in tunnel diameters relative to initial reamer size.

Results

Means for tunnel widening based on both anteroposterior and lateral maximum tunnel width measures were significantly different between the 3 groups (P < .05, 1-way analysis of variances); however, compared with the means for the group receiving no aperture supplementation, the means for the group receiving bioabsorbable interference screws were more than 0.8 mm wider, representing a significant increase (P < .05, Bonferroni-adjusted t tests), while the means for the group receiving autogenous bone cores were less than 0.6 mm wider than the group without aperture supplementation and not significantly different (P > .25, Bonferroni-adjusted t tests).

Conclusion

Tibial tunnel aperture supplementation does not appear to decrease tunnel widening in hamstring anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and may actually increase the amount of tibial tunnel widening.
Effects of Hyaluronan on Cell Proliferation and mRNA Expression of Procollagens α1 (I) and α1 (III) in Tendon-Derived Fibroblasts from Patients with Rotator Cuff Disease
Authors: Yamada Tetsu , Gotoh Masafumi , Nakama Kenjiro , Mitsui Yasuhiro , Higuchi Fujio , Nagata Kensei
Published: August 2007

Background

Hyaluronan (HA) improves postoperative recovery after flexor tendon surgery, preventing postoperative adhesion. However, its influence on the rotator cuff tendon after cuff repair has not yet been clarified in detail.

Hypothesis

Hyaluronan is likely to modulate cell proliferation and mRNA expression of procollagens α1 (I) and α1 (III) in tendon-derived fibroblasts in patients with rotator cuff disease.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

The study subjects were 10 patients with rotator cuff disease, with an average age of 62 years (range, 44-72). Various concentrations of HA (1.0-5.0 mg/mL) were added to monolayer-cultured tendon-derived fibroblasts from these patients. Hyaluronan binding and CD44 expression on the tendon-derived fibroblasts were evaluated by confocal microscopy using fluorescein-conjugated HA and antihuman CD44 antibody (OS/37). Cell proliferation was evaluated by recording changes in cell number. The levels of expression of procollagen α1 (I) and α1 (III) mRNA were measured by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Immunofluorescence cytochemistry detected constitutive binding of HA and CD44 expression on the tendon-derived cells. Treatment with various concentrations of HA significantly inhibited cell proliferation and decreased the expression level of procollagen α1 (III) mRNA, but not that of procollagen α1 (I) mRNA, in the tendon-derived fibroblasts.

Conclusion

Hyaluronan modulates cell proliferation and the expression level of procollagen α1 (III) mRNA, but not that of procollagen α1 (I), in fibroblasts from patients with rotator cuff disease.

Clinical Relevance

Postoperative use of exogenous HA may allow the healing of a repaired rotator cuff tendon with minimal adhesion.
Non-prismatic Non-linearly Elastic Cantilever Beams Subjected to an End Moment
Authors: Brojan Mihael , Videnic Tomaz , Kosel Franc
Published: August 2007

This paper analyzes large deflection profiles of slender, inextensible cantilever beams of prismatic and non-prismatic longitudinal shapes with rectangular cross-sections subjected to a concentrated moment at the free end. The stress—strain relationship of the material is represented by the Ludwick constitutive law. Different non-linear stress—strain relations in tensile and compressive domain are considered. The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of geometrical and material non-linearities on the shape of the deflection curve. The solution of a strongly non-linear set of equations is obtained numerically. In the case when non-linear stress—strain relationship in tensile and compressive domain is identical, an analytical solution is given in terms of infinite series. Several examples for a variety of different shapes of beams are presented considering both linearly and non-linearly elastic materials in the elastic domain.
Assessment of Microstructural Integrity of Glass/Epoxy Composites at Liquid Nitrogen Temperature
Authors: Surendra Kumar M. , Chawla Nirmal , Priyadarsini Asima , Mishra Itishree , Ray B.C.
Published: August 2007

Polymer composite materials have received increased attention for applications in a cryogenic environment because of their light weight and unique properties. The research presented in this article is an effort to understand the interlaminar fracture behavior of glass/epoxy composite laminates at cryogenic conditions and at different loading rates. This study uses a three-point flexural test to qualitatively assess such behavior for 50 wt% E-glass fibers reinforced epoxy composites during cryogenic and ambient conditions. The specimens were tested at a range of 2—500 mm/min crosshead speed to evaluate the sensitivity of mechanical response during loading at these conditions. The mechanical performances of the laminated specimens at cryogenic conditions were compared with room temperature properties by using SEM photographs. Phenomenological behavior of these materials may be attributed to polymer relaxation, low-temperature hardening, matrix cracking, and misfit strain due to differential thermal coefficient of the constituent phases, and also by an enhanced mechanical keying factor by compressive residual stresses at cryogenic temperatures.
Inelastic and Failure Analysis of Laminate Structures by ABAQUS Incorporated with a General Constitutive Relationship
Authors: Huang Zheng-Ming
Published: August 2007

A general constitutive relationship for describing the inelastic and strength behavior of laminated composites reinforced with various fiber preforms was presented in References [1,2]. The relationship is consistent in that when the fiber disappears or becomes the same as the matrix, the nonlinear constitutive equations of the resulting composite deteriorate to those of the isotropic matrix material. One of the best benefits of the constitutive relationship is that all the formulas involved are in explicit form and only the properties of the constituent fiber and matrix of the composite are required as input material data. This will significantly simplify a finite element analysis for a laminated structure. In the present paper, the general constitutive relationship for tape laminates was programmed into a user subroutine, UGENS, of the commercial finite element (FE) software ABAQUS. Several laminated structures including a complicated bone plate were then analyzed, and good correlation between the numerical results and available experimental data was found. A list of the original computer code together with an input data file was summarized in the appendixes of the paper.
In Vivo Behavior of Zirconia—Hydroxyapatite (ZH) Ceramic Implants in Dogs: A Clinical, Radiographic, and Histological Study
Authors: Sá M.J.C. , Rezende C.M.F. , Silva Junior V.A. , Garcia H.C. , Griffon D.J. , Silva V.V.
Published: August 2007

The main goal of this study is to evaluate potential applications of two zirconia—hydroxyapatite composites, Z4H6 and Z6H4, as bone substitutes. Composite plugs were implanted into the distal femoral metaphysis and also onto the longissimus dorsi of 18 adult mixed-breed dogs in order to assess in vivo biocompatibility by immediate clinical and radiographic evaluation 30, 90, and 120 days after implantation. Radiographic examination revealed radiolucency on the defect site. However, a progressive increase in bone density was observed over time, reaching a radiopacity similar to that of bone 120 days after implantation. Histological study revealed that a thin layer of fibroblasts was observed at the implant—bone interface in addition to osteoblastic activity 30 days after implantation, whereas bone neoformation around the implants was detected for the subsequent implantation times (90 and 120 days). Otherwise, the histological evaluation of the implant—muscle interface showed the presence of an initially thick fibrous tissue layer 30 days after implantation, which decreased with longer investigation times (90 and 120 days). The numbers of plasmocytes, lymphocytes, and macrophages gradually reduced as a function implantation time, being completely absent 120 days after implantation with a resulting complete osteointegration process. The zirconia phase content did not affect the bioactive behavior of the implants investigated and did not induce bone formation when implanted into muscle either.
Effect of Talc and Synthetic Sodium Aluminum Silicate on Properties of Polycarbonate
Authors: Raghu H. , Bose Suryasarathi , Kulkurani M.B. , Mahanwar P.A.
Published: August 2007

Polycarbonate (PC) is classified as an amorphous engineering thermoplastic due to its excellent balance of toughness, clarity, dimensional stability, high-heat deflection temperatures, and excellent electrical properties. The present study deals with the incorporation of talc and synthetic sodium aluminum silicate (SSAS) as fillers in PC to enhance the dimensional stability, stiffness, and stability at high temperature of polymers. Polycarbonate was extruded with various concentrations of talc and SSAS and then compression molded to get the specimens for evaluation for mechanical and thermal properties. The effect of fillers on the rheology of filled PC is studied. It is found that impact strength increases with increase in concentration of talc as well as SSAS. Electrical properties almost remain unchanged with respect to the concentration of the filler.
Asymptotic Analysis of Linear Thermoelastic Properties of Fiber Composites
Authors: Guinovart-Díaz Raúl , Rodríguez-Ramos Reinaldo , Bravo-Castillero Julián , Sabina Federico J. , Dario Santiago Ruben , Martinez Rosado Raúl
Published: August 2007

A fiber-reinforced periodic elastic composite with hexagonal cell, where the constituents exhibit transverse isotropic properties, is considered. The fiber cross-section is circular and the periodicity is the same in two directions. Analytical formulae are obtained for the effective thermoelastic properties of this composite by means of the asymptotic homogenization method. Comparisons with experimental data and other approaches are shown.
An Investigation on Buckling of Composite Laminated Plates with Corner Circular Notches
Authors: Akbulut Hamit , Ural Tolga
Published: August 2007

Notches, holes etc. can often be found in structural components for ventilation and sometimes to lighten the structure. In aircraft components, such as wing, spar, fuselage, and ribs, these cutouts are necessary for access, inspection, electric lines, and fuel lines or to reduce the overall weight of the aircraft. In this study, buckling behaviors of simply supported composite laminated square plates with corner circular notches under in-plane static loadings are investigated using the first- order shear deformation theory (FSDT). The formulations derived are implemented in a Fortran computer code. Finite element method (FEM) is also performed to predict the effects of notch sizes, plate thickness ratios, material modulus ratios, loadings, various reinforcement angles, and ply lamination geometry on the critical buckling loads. Numerical solutions are shown in graphical form and some results are compared with those of given literatures.
Why the Estates? Hans Ulrich's Recovery of an Unpopular Notion
Authors: Brock Brian
Published: August 2007

This paper outlines Hans Ulrich's reworking of the Lutheran doctrine of the estates. He conceives the estates as descriptions of the new patterns of social life that God has promised to found and secure. This emphasis on the divine activity of generating social order is an expression of Ulrich's agreement with common and familiar criticisms of the doctrine, and why he nevertheless believes it indispensable for an evangelical ethic. A construal of the traditional doctrine of the estates that is unique even in his native Lutheran context, it aims not at conservatism, but at a more thoroughly theological and therefore critical relationship to social order than rival theories much more inclined to revisionist rhetorical stances. In a contemporary context in which moral certainties and categories can be disputed at the most fundamental levels, Ulrich's theology seeks a form of theological reasoning that genuinely seeks the illumination of Christian beliefs about reality by taking other moral languages seriously.
Challenging Capitalism as Religion: Hans G. Ulrich's Theological and Ethical Reflections On the Economy
Authors: Palaver Wolfgang
Published: August 2007

The following article starts by summarising how much modern capitalism is characterised by its religious structure. The world of branding — consumer goods becoming religiously attractive — and religious metaphors that have become necessary to describe contemporary neoliberalism are key examples. A second step consists in describing four typical aspects of religious capitalism in the following of Walter Benjamin's fragment `Capitalism as Religion ' from 1921. Against this background I thirdly summarise Hans G. Ulrich's theological ethics concerning the economy. At the centre of Ulrich's ethics we find his emphasis on God's economy that relieves us from all our worries enabling us thereby to become cooperators of God acting and working in an ethical way. A final step discusses Ulrich's rejection of an ethics of striving for God as the summum bonum by showing that desire or will do not necessarily contradict with the priority of God's grace.
Wie Geschöpfe Leben: Some Dogmatic Reflections
Authors: Webster John
Published: August 2007

Hans Ulrich's Wie Geschöpfe leben is examined from the perspective of Christian dogmatics, in order to make explicit the conception of the Christian gospel upon which the book is based. Wie Geschöpfe leben focuses upon the economy of God's works in relation to creatures, laying particular emphasis upon the realisation of God's acts in time. Ulrich resists `static' or `general' anthropology, which he overcomes by attending to creaturely becoming, hearing and learning as aspects of the new creation which determines human being. Accordingly, the concern of theological ethics is exploration of human history with God. Ulrich's work offers a corrective to excessive claims about the significance of moral ontology in theological ethics. Dogmatic reflection upon the book's achievement might consider a number of topics: (1) the need for closer description of the identity of the triune God, both in se and pro nobis , since Trinitarian teaching plays little discernible role in the proposal; (2) the significance for Christian ethics of the relation of the work of Christ to his person, as conceptualised in incarnational teaching; (3) the relationship between original creation and new creation; (4) the absence of any extended discussion of soteriology.
Using Cumulative Risk to Screen for Mental Health Problems in Child Welfare
Authors: McCrae Julie S. , Barth Richard P.
Published: August 2007

Objective: This study tests the hypothesis that information typically collected during a maltreatment investigation can be used to screen children for mental health problems. Method: Data are from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being. Cumulative risk scores were created for 3,022 children and compared to reports of clinical-level problems using standardized measures. Bivariate, multivariate, and sensitivity analyses were used. Results: Cumulative risk showed 73% sensitivity to identify children with mental health concerns and 52% specificity to identify children without such concerns. Comparatively, child welfare worker indications showed 48% sensitivity and 78% specificity. Conclusions: Investigative information could serve the dual purpose of screening children for mental health problems, having the potential for benefit and cost avoidance.
Examining the Test of Memory Malingering Trial 1 and Word Memory Test Immediate Recognition as Screening Tools for Insufficient Effort
Authors: Bauer Lyndsey , O'Bryant Sid E. , Lynch Julie K. , McCaffrey Robert J. , Fisher Jerid M.
Published: August 2007

Assessing effort level during neuropsychological evaluations is critical to support the accuracy of cognitive test scores. Many instruments are designed to measure effort, yet they are not routinely administered in neuropsychological assessments. The Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM) and the Word Memory Test (WMT) are commonly administered symptom validity tests with sound psychometric properties. This study examines the use of the TOMM Trial 1 and the WMT Immediate Recognition (IR) trial scores as brief screening tools for insufficient effort through an archival analysis of a combined sample of mild head-injury litigants ( N = 105) who were assessed in forensic private practices. Results show that both demonstrate impressive diagnostic accuracy and calculations of positive and negative predictive power are presented for a range of base rates. These results support the utility of Trial 1 of the TOMM and the WMT IR trial as screening methods for the assessment of insufficient effort in neuropsychological assessments.