bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of P2Y14 protein in platelets and investigation of the role of P2Y14 in platelet function in comparison with the EP3 receptor
Authors: Wijeyeratne Yanushi D. , Fox Susan C. , Manolopoulos Panagiotis , Johnson Andrew J. , White Ann E. , Latif M. Liaque , Ralevic Vera , Heptinstall Stanley , Dovlatova Natalia
Published: July 2008

mRNA encoding the recently discovered P2Y14 receptor has been reported in platelets, but the presence of P2Y14 receptor protein and its functionality have not been studied. If P2Y14 is expressed along with P2Y1 and P2Y12 receptors it may have a role in haemostasis. It was the objective of this study to investigate the presence of the P2Y14 receptor in platelets and its role in platelet function. The effects of the agonist UDP-glucose were compared with those of sulprostone, a selective EP3 receptor agonist. Expression of P2Y14 receptor was investigated by immunoblotting and confocal microscopy. Platelet aggregation in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and whole blood was measured using light absorbance and platelet counting. VASP phosphorylation was investigated using flow cytometry. Immunoblotting provided evidence for P2Y14 receptor protein and microscopy confirmed its presence on platelets. Despite this, UDP-glucose (up to 100 µM) did not induce platelet aggregation in either PRP or whole blood, and did not potentiate aggregation induced by other agonists. P2Y14 did not substitute for P2Y12 in experiments using the P2Y12 antagonist AR-C69931. No effect of UDP-glucose was seen on adenylate cyclase activity as measured by VASP phosphorylation. In contrast, sulprostone acting via the EP3 receptor promoted platelet aggregation with effects on adenylate cyclase activity. EP3 also partially substituted for P2Y12 receptor. We have demonstrated the presence of P2Y14 receptor protein in platelets, but no contribution of this receptor to several measures of platelet function has been observed. Further studies are necessary to determine whether the P2Y14 receptor in platelets has any functionality.
Level, distribution and correlates of platelet-derived microparticles in healthy individuals with special reference to the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Haze Takane , Sugiyama Masaki , Higuchi Mami , Asayama Hitoshi , Karitani Yoshihiro , Nishikawa Tomofumi , Yamashita Kohsuke , Nagami Shuhei , Nakayama Takeo , Kanatani Kazushi , Nomura Shosaku , Ueba Tetsuya
Published: July 2008

Platelet-derived microparticles (PDMPs), a procoagulant factor, are reportedly elevated in type 2 diabetes mellitus and acute coronary syndrome. The metabolic syndrome (MS) is strongly associated with cardio- and cerebrovascular disease-related atherothrombotic events. To clarify the level, distribution and correlates of PDMPs with special reference to MS, we conducted a cross-sectional study of 467 healthy Japanese volunteers without signs, symptoms, or a history of cardio- or cerebrovascular disease. They were 211 men and 256 women (median age 39 and 35 years, respectively). Using an ELISA kit and monoclonal antibodies against CD42b and CD42a (glycoprotein Ib and IX) we assayed the PDMP levels. Total cholesterol, low-density and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, remnant cholesterol, triglycerides, C-reactive protein, and traditional cardiovascular risk factors were also recorded. There was a significant difference in the level of PDMPs between men and women. The median value and the interquartile range of PDMPs was 8.3 IU/ml and 6.2 – 10.5 IU/ml and 6.8 IU/ml and 5.2 – 8.6 IU/ml, respectively, in men and women. PDMPs were significantly associated with MS criteria in men (p<0.001) and women (p=0.040). Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant odds ratio of 3.9 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.4–10.5] in men and of 4.2 [95% CI: 1.6–10.7] in the entire study population. Our results suggest that PDMPs identified by glycoprotein CD42b and CD42a are positively associated with MS.
The efficacy of antithrombin administration in the acute phase of burn injury
Authors: Lavrentieva Athina , Bitzani Militsa , Parlapani Aggeliki , Thomareis Olympia , Scourtis Harisios , Tsotsolis Nicolaos , Lazaridis Lambis , Giala Maria-Amalia , Kontakiotis Theodore
Published: July 2008

Severe burn injury is characterized by the activation of coagulation, decreased fibrinolytic activity and decreased natural anticoagulant activity. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of antithrombin (AT) administration on coagulation status and on organ function in the early post-burn period. Thirty-one patients were admitted to the burn intensive care unit and were then randomised into two groups (AT- treated and non-AT-treated) for four consecutive days after thermal injury. The clinical data, coagulation and fibrinolysis parameters were compared and the adverse effects were monitored. Significant differences in the time course of coagulation markers (thrombin/AT complexes, tissue plasminogen activator, D-dimer) were observed between AT-treated and non-AT treated groups. According to the International Society onThrombosis and Haemostasis criteria, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) diagnosis was made in 28 of 31 patients. The presence of overt DIC was associated with mortality (p<0.001).The Sequential Organ Failure As-sessment (SOFA) score time trend differed significantly between the two investigation groups (decreased in the treated group and did not change in the non-AT-treated group). AT-treated patients had an absolute reduction in a 28-day mortality of 25% as compared to the non-AT-treated group (p=0.004). No treatment related side effects were observed. Treatment withAT seems to affect the coagulation status and reduce multiple organ failure incidence and mortality in the early post-burn period.
Variation in fibrinogen FGG and FGA genes and risk of stroke
Authors: Cheung Elim Y. L. , Bos Michiel J. , Leebeek Frank W. G. , Koudstaal Peter J. , Hofman Albert , de Maat Moniek P. M. , Breteler Monique M. B.
Published: July 2008

Haplotypes of the fibrinogen gamma and alpha (FGG and FGA) genes are associated with the structure of the fibrin network and may therefore influence the risk of stroke. We investigated the relationship between common variation in these genes with ischemic and haemorrhagic stroke. The study was based on 6,275 participants of the prospective population-based Rotterdam Study who at baseline (1990 – 1993) were aged 55 years or over, free from stroke, and had successful assessment of at least one FGG or FGA single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). Common haplotypes were estimated using seven tagging SNPs across a 30 kb region containing the FGG and FGA genes. Follow-up for incident stroke was complete until January 1,2005. Associations between constructed haplotypes and risk of stroke were estimated with an age- and sex-adjusted logistic regression model. We observed 668 strokes, of which 393 were ischemic and 62 haemorrhagic, during a median follow-up time of 10.1 years. FGG+FGA haplotype 3 (H3) was associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke (odds ratio [OR] 1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09–1.69) and the risk estimate for hemorrhagic stroke was 0.71 (95% CI 0.46–1.09) compared to the most frequent H1. The FGG and FGA genes were not associated with stroke or its subtypes when analyzed separately. In conclusion, risk of ischemic stroke was higher in FGG+FGA H3 than in H1. The results suggested that an opposite association may exist for haemorrhagic stroke.
The technique of measuring thrombin generation with fluorogenic substrates: 1. Necessity of adequate calibration
Authors: De Smedt Erik , Al Dieri Raed , Spronk Henri M. H. , Hamulyak Karli , ten Cate Hugo , Hemker H.
Published: July 2008

In fluorogenic thrombin generation (TG) measurement the concentrations of thrombin are obtained from the course of fluorescence intensity. Because of fluorescence quenching, in one series of normal plasmas (n=60), the rate of fluorescence increase at fixed thrombin activity was 70 ± 13% of that in buffer, in another (n= 139) 75 ± 8%. Using a calibration factor (CF) measured in buffer therefore underestimates thrombin concentrations in plasma and introduces a source of error. A fixed CF also neglects the 25 – 35% increase of CF during the experiment and thus distorts the form of the TG curve so that the ETP cannot be determined. Continuous individual calibration (CIC), in which CF is determined continuously in a parallel sample, avoids such systematic errors but adds random error because the thrombin course is calculated from two different measurements. We determined the intra-individual coefficients of variation (CV) of the peak-height and ETP as obtained with CIC to those obtained with a fixed CF measured in buffer. With the fixed CF, the CVs varied between 18% and 49%; with CIC they lowered to 4–7% (n=5x12), i.e. in a range allowing clinical application. It is shown that CIC can be discarded for the measurement of peak thrombin values and replaced by comparison to a reference plasma only if quenching is not a systematic confounder. This was shown to be the case in the set of 139 normal plasmas but not in the set used for determining the intraindividual CVs, a difference that may depend upon preanalytical conditions.
Clinical implications of clopidogrel resistance
Authors: De Miguel Antonio , Ibanez Borja , Badimón Juan
Published: July 2008

The benefits of clopidogrel in the treatment and prevention of coronary artery disease are well established, however, not all individuals respond in the same way to clopidogrel; there are patients who suffer adverse events despite clopidogrel treatment. This review focuses on the definition, potential mechanisms for and clinical implications of clopidogrel resistance, as well as the strategies to improve the response to this antiplatelet drug. There is an inter-individual variability in response to clopidogrel therapy, and a sub-optimal response (clopidogrel resistance) has been associated with adverse cardiovascular events. Nevertheless, there is no clear and consensual definition of clopidogrel resistance. Response to clopidogrel therapy follows a normal, bell-shaped distribution, so a more appropriate description would be variable response rather than clopidogrel resistance. Independent of the term used, lower response to clopidogrel therapy seems to be associated with a higher probability of suffering thrombotic events. Due to the misleading definition of resistance and non-standardized method for assessing platelet inhibition, current guidelines do not recommend the use of platelet function assays to monitor the inhibitory effect of antiplatelet drugs. Current guidelines also do not recommend clopidogrel loading doses higher than 300 mg and daily maintenance doses higher than 75 mg, even though a regimen of 600 mg clopidogrel loading dose seems to be preferred for patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions.
Thrombin generation in patients after acute deep-vein thrombosis
Authors: Dielis ArneW J. H. , Spronk Henri M. H. , van Oerle Rene , Hamulyak Karly , Prins Martin H. , ten Cate Hugo , ten Cate-Hoek Arina J.
Published: July 2008

Thrombin generation measurement may be of value for assessing the risk of venous thromboembolism, but its long term profile has not been assessed in patients. We evaluated thrombin generation by Calibrated Automated Thrombogram (CAT) in plasma during follow up of 104 consecutive patients after an acute episode of deep venous thrombosis. Blood was drawn three times over the course of 24 months. Thrombin generation was measured in absence and presence of thrombomodulin and compared to a reference range derived from thrombin generation curves in 137 healthy volunteers. Thrombin generation of patients showed significantly higher endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) and peak height compared to the reference population. Differences were more pronounced in assays triggered with I pM TF. Inhibition by thrombomodulin was attenuated in patients off anticoagulants as compared to the reference population (21 % vs.42.2%, p<0.0001); inhibition in patients on anticoagulant treatment was less pronounced (9.7%, p<0.000l). Protein C activity, protein S antigen as well as free protein S showed highly negative correlation with ETP in all patients. A significant negative relation was found between FVIII levels and thrombomodulin induced reduction of ETP and peak height. In conclusion, thrombin generation by CAT reflects changes in coagulation status in patients following athromboembolic event and is most sensitive at CAT analysis triggered with I pM TEA role for factor VIII as an important attributable cause of hypercoagulability is reflected by the reduced inhibitory effect of thrombomodulin at high factor VIII levels.
Rofecoxib impairs adipose tissue development in a murine model of nutritionally induced obesity
Authors: Van Hoef Berthe , Lu Hua , Gallacher David J. , Lijnen H.
Published: July 2008

The effect of rofecoxib (Vioxx), a cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor, on adipose tissue development was studied in a murine model of diet-induced obesity. Oral administration of Vioxx for six weeks (34 mg/kg/day) to C57Bl/6 mice kept on high-fat diet (n = 19) resulted in a significant reduction in total body weight (p < 0.01) and of subcutaneous (p < 0.05) and gonadal (p< 0.01) adipose tissue mass, as compared to placebo-treated animals (n = 21).There was no significant difference in food intake between both groups (2.8 ± 0.09 vs.3.0 ± 0.10 g/day;p = 0.20).Administration ofVioxx resulted in reduced total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels (p < 0.0001) and in enhanced levels of liver enzymes, as compared to placebo. In the gonadal but not in the subcutaneous adipose tissue, adipocytes were smaller after Vioxx treatment (p < 0.05).The macrophage content was significantly lower in gonadal adipose tissues of Vioxx-treated mice (p < 0.05), but not in the subcutaneous adipose tissues. This was, however, not associated with differences in adipose tissue levels of the pro-inflammatory tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Blood vessel size or density in either fat pad were not affected by Vioxx treatment. Thus, in a nutritionally induced murine obesity model, oral administration of Vioxx, as compared to placebo, resulted in reduced adipose tissue development, associated with lower feeding efficiency and smaller adipocytes.
Advances in antithrombotic therapy as adjunct to reperfusion therapies for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Marino Paolo , De Luca Giuseppe
Published: July 2008

The treatment of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has improved over the past decades, mainly due to reperfusion therapies. The aim of this article is to provide an updated review of adjunctive antithrombotic therapy to reperfusion strategies for STEMI. As compared to unfractionated heparin (UFH), among patients treated with thrombolysis, low-molecular- weight heparins (LMWHs),mainly enoxaparin, fonda-parinux and clopidogrel have been shown to improve outcome in terms of death and reinfarction, whereas GP IIb-IIIa inhibitors, mainly abciximab, and direct thrombin inhibitors have reduced reinfarction, but not mortality. Among patients undergoing primary angioplasty, early UFH should still be regarded as the gold standard in anticoagulation therapy. In addition to ASA, early GP IIb-IIIa inhibitors, especially abciximab, should be considered since it has been shown to provide further benefits in terms of preprocedural recanalization. Despite the positive results observed in the HORIZONS trial, additional studies are needed to investigate the role of bivalirudin as compared to abciximab administration. In our opinion, bivalirudin may be considered instead of GP IIb-IIIa inhibitors among STEMI patients at high risk for bleeding complications. Due to the very low mortality currently achieved by primary angioplasty, a further reduction in short- or medium-term mortality would be quite improbable to be observed. Thus, additional endpoints, such as infarct size and myocardial perfusion, may be considered in future randomized trials among patients undergoing mechanical revascularization for STEMI.
Functional Toll-like receptor 4 mutations modulate the response to fibrinogen
Authors: Patel Kunal , Ye Shu , Hodgkinson Conrad P.
Published: July 2008

Fibrinogen has been implicated in atherosclerosis; in part by activating the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) receptor Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). The fibrinogen-TLR4 signalling pathway remains un-characterised. In human macrophages fibrinogen stimulated interleukin (IL)6 expression and ERK (extracellular signal-related kinase) phosphorylation. In HEK293-CD14-MD2 cells expressing TLR4, fibrinogen induced robust phosphorylation of ERK1, p38α and JNK and activated transcription factors NFκB, Elk-1 and AP-1 (activator protein-1).The net effect of this signaling pathway was a pro-inflammatory response characterised by IL6 and TNFα synthesis and increased IL8,matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)1, MMP9, and MCP-1 promoter activity. Two common TLR4 mutations, D299G and T399I, render the receptor LPS hyporesponsive. The effect of fibrinogen on polymorphic variant TLR4s was markedly different; enhancing activation of kinases, transcription factors, cytokine synthesis and promoter activity. This study indicates that fibrinogen activates TLR4, explaining how fibrinogen promotes inflammatory protein expression.
ApoA-I Facilitates ABCA1 Recycle/Accumulation to Cell Surface by Inhibiting Its Intracellular Degradation and Increases HDL Generation
Authors: Lu Rui , Arakawa Reijiro , Ito-Osumi Chisato , Iwamoto Noriyuki , Yokoyama Shinji
Published: July 2008

Objective—

Calpain-mediated proteolysis is one of the major regulatory factors for activity of ATP-binding cassette transporter (ABC) A1. Helical apolipoproteins protect ABCA1 against this degradation and increase generation of HDL. We investigated the mechanism for this reaction focusing on roles of endocytotic internalization of ABCA1.

Methods and Results—

Surface ABCA1 was labeled with biotin and traced for its internalization and degradation. ABCA1 in the cell surface was internalized within 10 minutes regardless of the presence of apoA-I. ABCA1 was intracellularly degraded and was protected against this only when exposed to extracellular apoA-I before its endocytosis. Consequently, recycle of ABCA1 to the surface was enhanced, and surface ABCA1 was increased by apoA-I. Direct inhibition of ABCA1 endocytosis led to decrease of its degradation and increase of surface ABCA1. Generation of HDL increased in parallel with surface ABCA1.

Conclusion—

Surface ABCA1 is internalized and degraded, and apoA-I interferes with only the latter step to recycle ABCA1 to the surface. Increase of surface ABCA1 results in the increase of generation of HDL.
The Scriptural Background of the Penal Code in the Rule of the Community and Damascus Document
Authors: Shemesh Aharon
Published: July 2008

This article analyzes the “Penal Code” of the Qumran sectarians, and argues that the list of sins and punishments included in it is based on three biblical pericopes concerning the holiness of the people of Israel and their dwelling place. Violators of these laws endanger the holiness of the community and thus need to be excluded. The idea that the structure of the penal code is based on readings of three specific biblical literal units bears interestingly on our understanding of the development of Midrash. This is taken up in the last part of the article.
“The Day after the Sabbath” (Lev 23:15): Traces and Origin of an Inter-Sectarian Polemic
Authors: Henshke David
Published: July 2008

The date of the Festival of Weeks (Shavu'ot) has been the focus of an ancient controversy between the sectarian halakhah and Pharisaic halakhah. However, from an analysis of the Book of Jubilees and Judean desert documents on the one hand, and from Tannaitic Midrashim on the other hand, it is clear that there was a third position suggested, and rejected, by both sides. This third approach clarifies that the background of the controversy was the difference in the description of the festival found in Leviticus in contrast to its portrayal in Deuteronomy.
Presidential Address: Mission in a New Millennium
Authors:   Chun Chae Ok
Published: July 2008

In her Presidential Address at the Tenth IAMS Conference in Hammanskraal, South Africa, President Chun Chae Ok first outlines an understanding of mission that takes into account both the misunderstandings and abuses of past centuries and involves crossing boundaries, inclusion and diversity-all done in Christ's name. President Chun then points to three movements in mission practice and reflection which are distinctively new as we move into our new millennium: that mission is being done today by former "objects" of mission in the South who are now the "subjects" of missionary activity; that mission is being done out of poverty and oppression, not out of riches and security; and that those who were formerly the "subjects" of mission--the rich nations of the North and West--are now the "objects" of mission. Given this understanding of mission in this new context, Chun outlines several characteristics of mission in the new millennium: it is to be a cooperative effort; it should be aim at and carried out by the world's youth; it should be holistic and ecological; it should celebrate life; it should preach Christ clearly; it should be the activity of local churches; it should work for unity; and it should be committed to reconciliation of human and cosmic wounds.
The Crucified Reflected in Africa's Cross-Bearers
Authors: Maluleke Tinyiko Sam
Published: July 2008

In this article, given as a keynote address at the Tenth International Congress of IAMS in Hammaskraal, South Africa, South African theologian Tinyiko Maluleke attempts to paint a rough picture of popular African Christology in the light of the Conference theme: "Reflecting Jesus Christ: Crucified and Living in a Broken World." He first notes that grass-root African Christianity harbors a dialectic of identification and non-identification with the suffering and experiences of Christ. On the one hand he is recognizable to Africans in his suffering and yet on the other hand it is recognized that he is like no one. Secondly, Maluleke reflects upon the challenge of reconciliation in Africa and in the light of the crucified and broken body of Christ. He explores the notions of forgiveness and truth and their relation to power. Thirdly, he considers the need and scarcity of hope in Africa. Hopelessness is in a sense one of the greatest indicators of Africa's brokenness. Fourth, Maluleke notes and briefly explores some possible implications of the shift of Christian gravity and the place of Africa in it. Fifth, he notes some contradictions to the massive Christian presence on the continent. Our theological approaches, he says, must acknowledge and own up to the brokenness of the continent. Only thus can African Christians come to appreciate the reality and worth of Jesus' brokenness for themselves. Perhaps in this way African Christians may be able to reflect (on) something of both the death and the resurrection of Christ.
REFLECTING CHRIST CRUCIFIED AMONG AFRICA'S CROSS BEARERS: An African Woman's Perspective
Authors: Mwaura Philomena N.
Published: July 2008

In this response to Professor Maluleke, Kenyan theologian Philomena N. Mwaura speaks about the importance of taking cognizance of women and women's theologizing in the construction of an authentic African theology. While not denying the power of the cross, Professor Mwaura notes the danger of a theology that overlooks women's oppression and marginalization and recommends accepting "their deprivation, suffering and abuse as Christ did ."
REFUGEES AND MISSION: A Primer
Authors: Blume Michael A.
Published: July 2008

In this article, Michael A. Blume, SVD, Undersecretary for the Vatican's Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, presents a valuable introduction to the issues involved in the pastoral care of "uprooted peoples." Fr. Blume addresses the complex questions of "who is a refugee?" and "how many refugees are there?" and concludes the article with reflections on the future of the world's refugees and the connection between the pastoral care of refugees and the mission of the church.
DISPOSABLE PEOPLE THROUGH THE GREEN DOOR: A Day in the MISR Flat in Kampala
Authors: Harrell-Bond Barbara
Published: July 2008

In this article, originally delivered as a keynote address at the 1999 Chicago World Mission Institute which addressed the theme "Disposable People? Refugees, Migrants, and the Church's Mission Today," Dr. Barbara Harrell-Bond tells about some of the people that she has encountered in her work as a researcher into refugee rights in East Africa. Using this narrative approach, Dr. Harrell-Bond paints poignant portraits of people who, in the eyes of so many, are simply "disposable." What is to be done? First, we must expose the myth of "us" and "them" (see Judy Mayotte's story of the Bosnian refugee in the following article). Second, we must work for better training of refugee workers. Third, we must oppose and expose policies that prevent agency workers from acting in truly humane ways. Fourth, we must acknowledge and move beyond the intimidation that NGOs suffer under the shadow of the United Nations High Commission on Refugees.
FOLLOWING MODERNITY AND POSTMODERNITY: A Missiological Investigation
Authors: Kirk J. Andrew
Published: July 2008

Much has, and will continue to be, written on the mission calling of the Church in the West in an allegedly post-modern world. Quite a number of Christians begin from the premise that post-modernity is a more sympathetic environment for establishing the validity of Christian faith than modernity. Such a view often proceeds from a summary dismissal of the so-called "Enlightenment project," interpreted in an almost uniformly negative way as the exaltation of reason as the only, and universal, instrument for acquiring true knowledge of reality. Post-modernity is then seen as a welcome antidote to the human hubris implied in the consequences flowing from the "Age of Enlightenment." It appears to be more intellectually circumspect, more culturally sensitive and more aware of the danger of social and political dominance in the guise of instrumental reason. This article, whilst acknowledging that both modernity and postmodernity, for different reasons, provide a radical challenge to the Christian faith, find them both unsatisfactory as ways of interpreting and approaching contemporary society. The problem for modernity is that its over-confidence in the ability of human reason alone to fathom the meaning of existence leads to a reductionist impoverishment of life. The problem for postmodernity is that its "playful" relativism is self-defeating, being unsustainable both in theory and in the real world. In the light of these criticisms, the article explores the thesis that there is a cultural crisis in the West, engendered by the failure in principle of both perspectives to overcome crucial dichotomies in thought, being and action. In turn, these latter are the result of a failure, beginning in the second part of the 17th century, to maintain united the study of God's word and God's world. The article argues that a proper missiological engagement with current western culture needs to begin by showing that the divorce between word and world, between knowledge based on responses to the givenness of revelation and knowledge based on responses to the givenness of the natural world, was an historical accident. It will then go on to show that, only by rediscovering an appropriate unity between the two, can human knowledge, wisdom, moral action and being be reintegrated.
Some Earliest Traces of the Aryan
Authors: Derakhshani Iahanshah
Published: July 2008

The early presence of the Aryans in the Near East is the topic of the research I have undertaken using the positive material and linguistic evidence, part of which has already been published, while the other, the main body of the work (Main Work) will be published as an extensive version.1 In these works, and based on linguistic evidences, such as Aryan loanwords, ethnonyms and toponyms extant in the archaic Near Eastern texts as well as due to the absolute lack of loanwords from the so-called pre-Iranian native languages in the Old Iranian dialects, the conventional theory of the late migration of Aryans into the Iranian Highland has been refuted as "strongly disproved". Based on the same evidence, a pre-Sumerian presence of the Aryans in Mesopotamia has been substantiated (see Aryans 5.4.1.10; 6.1.10). The present article is dealing with some earliest linguistic traces of the Aryan in the archaic Near Eastern languages such as in Sumerian, Akkadian, Elamite and Egytian.
Ein Altbabylonischer Text Betreffend Die Lieferung Von Schilfrohr
Authors: Klengel Horst , Klengel Evelyn
Published: July 2008

The article which had been originally dedicated to the late Armenian Academician Gagik Sarkisian describes a Babylonian clay tablet document from the collection of the Vorderasiatisches Museum Berlin (inventory number VAT 952). The text of the document is a contract dealing with the terms of delivery of 960 bundles of reed. It is dated with the third full year of reign of king Samsuiluna, the successor of 'Ammurapi. On the cover of the tablet some not very well preserved seal impressions can be found . The authors attempt to (partly) reconstruct these seal impressions, which are connected with people involved in the contract. One of the better preserved impressions shows two formally interconnected battle scenes, one between a man and a lion, the other between a men and a lion-dragon. Although these kind of scenes are rarely to be met with on Old Babylonian seals, the given impression can be compared to a well preserved representation of a similar scene on a clay tablet from Sippar.
Ein Beitrag Zu Zigeuner-Jargons, Geheimsprachen Und Zum Argotischen Wortschatz in Der Türkei
Authors: Blasing Uwe
Published: July 2008

In his 1951's monograph, Anadolu Illeri Ağizlarmdan Derlemeler; Van, Bitlis, Muš, Karaköse, Eskisehir, Bolu ve Zonguldak Illeri Ağizlan, the well-known turcologist Ahmet Caferoglu published along with the dialectological material two lists of special vocabulary. The first one contains 71 entries, which belong to the Secret Language of a group called Abdallar living in Eskišehir and Düzce (Bolu). The second, containing 68 items, originates from the village Alaçam (also in Bolu province), recorded from the so-called Elekçiler ("sieve makers"). The ethnonyms Abdal and Elekçi indicate a Gypsy background of both groups. Indeed, checking the language material just superficially, the Abdal-list already displays its Gypsy character clearly. This, however, is not the case with the Elekçi-list! The great majority of its entries represent, from the etymological point of view, Armenian lexemes, although the speakers can hardly be Armenians by origin, but are likely a kind of Gypsies too. The local population of Bolu province considers them, together with the above-mentioned Abdallar and an other group, the Demirçiler ("smiths"), as Bolu çingeneleri ("the Bolu Gypsies"). The conclusion hereof is: these Elekçiler must belong to the Armenian Gypsies, the so-called Boşa. The present article deals primarily with the etymological description of the Elekçz-vocabulary. Additionally, several terms are discussed much deeper, particularly within the scope of their semantical counterparts in the idioms of other Boşa, Abdal and Gypsy groups in order to illustrate their lexical correspondences and, respectively, differences. It is interesting to note, that nothing seems to be known about the historical past of the Elekçi-group in Bolu province. Moreover, the phonetical characteristics of the Armenian vocabulary attested in the mentioned list are not homogeneous, showing no connection with any specific Armenian dialect. Possibly, this mixed character of the language may be seen as an indication that this people originated from several ethnical groups decending from places they visited in the course of their wandering life.
Notes On Some Lexical Correspondences Between Armenian and the Kartvelian Languages
Authors: Djahukian Gevorg
Published: July 2008

Armenian loanwords in Kartvelian probably are of as much importance for the history of the Armenian language as were Finnish borrowings for the Germanic languages. Respectively, Kartvelian borrowings in Armenian are not less important for the history of Kartvelian languages. Except for Iranian and, in a lesser extent, Greek, Georgian has been a language with the longest contact with Armenian. Unfortunately, there are no studies revealing phonetic, grammatical and lexical criteria for the identification of the periods of interrelations between these languages. This paper is an attempt of establishing the chronology of several Armenian loanwords in Kartvelian, and also tracing the history of the initial Kartvelian γ- in the Armenian borrowings.
Planning the Persian Language in the Samanid Period
Authors: Mahmoodi-Bakhtiari Behrooz
Published: July 2008

It is well known by every student of Iranian, that the Samanid dynasty (10th-11th centuries) contributed greatly to the development and empowerment of the Persian language. Despite a considerable amount of publications on this subject, however, to the best of my knowledge, none of them has enjoyed a linguistic basis.1 When we talk about the history or evolution of a language, we must provide a firm linguistic basis for our claims. This essay aims to demonstrate the contributions of the Samanid Period to the development of Persian from a socio-linguistic point of view, that of "language planning". In my opinion, the Samanids were the first authorities that adopted a scientific and systematic approach to saving the Persian language from a gradual death.
Areal Lexical Contacts of the Afghan (Pashto) Language
Authors: Kushev Vladimir
Published: July 2008

The continual political, commercial and economic relations and frequent military conflicts and clashes of the Pashtuns with neighbouring states or tribal formations or with similar structures to which Pashtuns were in a subordinate status were constantly resulting in intensive cultural and linguistic contacts. This article pays a modest tribute to the studies, insufficient for the present, concerning interrelations of the written Pashto with the Persian, Turkic and Indian languages in the sphere of their vocabularies during the period from the earliest literary monuments in Pashto (i.e. from the middle of the XVI century) up to the beginning of the XIX c., for which purpose texts of Afghan classic poetry, prose treaties and chronicles have been used That was a period of large-scale borrowing of foreign words through the channels of the written language and colloquial speech. Arab-Persian loanwords which had no tangible bounds as to their entry into the literary Pashto were very numerous (about a half of the Pashto vocabulary) in comparison with Indian loanwords and have been rnore organically included into the Pashto vocabulary, though at the same time all the borrowings, irrespective of their source-language, have been more or less equally adapted phonetically and morphologically. On this account the aspects of their presentation in this article are different: borrowings from Persian have been given only general characteristics, while concrete ancl detailed lists of Indian and Turkic loanwords are given because their quantity in the analysed texts was limited to such an extent that we have consinered it relevant to publish them almost completely.
Die Arier in Den Nahöstlichen Quellen Des 3. Und 2. Jahrtausends V. Chr
Authors: Derakhshani Jahanshah
Published: July 2008

Die frühe Präsenz der Arier im Vorderen und Mittleren Orient ist Gegenstand einer Untersuchung, die ich anhand positiver materieller und sprachlicher Evidenz vorgenommen habe. Ein Teil davon (Band 1, Heft 1) ist bereits veröffentlicht, und der andere Teil (Hauptwerk) erscheint in Kürze.1 Der vorliegende Artikel ist ein Auszug der im Hauptwerk (hier als Vo.Arier abgekürzt) ausführlich behandelten sprachlichen Aspekte, die dort in Verbindung mit materiellen Evidenzen behandelt und hier vorab veröffentlicht und zur Diskussion gestellt werden. Das Thema wurde bereits auf der Second International Iranian Studies Conference präsentiert.2 Eine Monographie unter demselben Titel ist bereits erschienen (hier durchgesehen und geringfügig erweitert), die mehrere Landkarten und Bilder sowie Umschriften, Registern und Literaturnachweise enthält. In beiden Veröffentlichungen habe ich bewußt auf die materielle Evidenz weitgehend verzichtet, um die Arbeit auf sprachlicher Basis abzurunden. Aber selbst die hier angebotenen sprachlichen Zeugnisse sind weder komplett noch durch Textauszüge aus alten Urkunden gestützt, die in umfangreichem Maße im Hauptwerk angeführt werden.
Hybrid σ–p Coordinate Choices for a Global Model
Authors: Eckermann Stephen
Published: July 2008

A methodology for choosing a hybrid σ–p (sigma–pressure) vertical coordinate of the Simmons–Strüfing form for a global model is presented. The method focuses on properties of the vertical derivative of the terrain-following coefficient, which affect the smoothness and shape of layer thickness profiles and determines the coordinate’s monotonicity over variable terrain. The method is applied to characterize and interrelate existing hybrid coordinate choices in NWP and climate models, then to design new coordinates with specific properties. Offline tests indicate that the new coordinates reduce stratospheric errors in models due to vertical truncation effects in the computation of the pressure gradient force over steep terrain. When implemented in a global model, the new coordinates significantly reduce vorticity and divergence errors at all altitudes in idealized simulations. In forecasting experiments with a global model, the new coordinates slightly reduce the stability of the semi-implicit time scheme. Resetting the reference pressure in the scheme to ∼800 hPa solves the problem for every coordinate except the Sangster–Arakawa–Lamb hybrid, which remains intrinsically less stable than the others. Impacts of different coordinates on forecast skill are neutral or weakly positive, with the new hybrid coordinates yielding slight improvements relative to earlier hybrid choices. This essentially neutral impact indirectly endorses the wide variety of hybrid coordinate choices currently used in NWP and climate models, with the proviso that these tests do not address the impact over longer time scales or on data assimilation.
Knowledge Accumulation in Family Firms
Authors: Chirico Francesco
Published: July 2008

The aim of this article is to make a contribution to the understanding of how knowledge can be accumulated in family business. Four family firms from Switzerland and Italy are part of this research. Existing literature combined with the case studies analysed lead to the development of a model that outlines factors responsible for knowledge accumulation viewed as an `enabler of longevity' in family business.The relationships depicted in the model can be read by researchers as hypotheses and suggestions for further research, and by managers as possible factors needed to accumulate knowledge in order to be successful across generations.
Fairness and Enjoyment in School Sponsored Youth Sports
Authors: Whisenant Warren , Jordan Jeremy S.
Published: July 2008

The purpose of this study was to expand upon research in organizational justice by introducing the construct into a school sponsored sports setting from a sociological perspective. Three dimensions of organizational justice — distributive justice, procedural justice, and interpersonal justice — were assessed to determine if the fairness of coaches, as perceived by their student athletes ( N = 259), was associated with the sports the students' enjoyed participating in the most or the least. Two research questions answered by this study were: 1) do fairness perceptions differ between the sport the students enjoy the most and the sport they enjoy the least, and 2) did those perceptions influence the students' desire to continue participating in those referent sports. The findings indicted that perceptions of each of the three dimensions differed between the referent sports selected by the student athletes, and those differences were significant ( p < .001). The findings also suggested that a linear relationship existed between each dimension and their intent to continue playing the referent sports.
Brawling in Berne
Authors: von der Lippe Gerd , MacLean Malcolm
Published: July 2008

This article explores the use of national and racial stereotypes in the moral panic surrounding a case of athlete violence at the 1954 football World Cup, focusing on the differences in mediation of this event across three nations with different forms of involvement in or connection with the match. Texts are analysed from Norwegian and English national newspapers, and Swiss newspapers of German origin using Fairclough's (1995a, 1995b, 2003) critical discourse analysis. Each of the three national settings presented four discursive perspectives: degradation of play, the referee, the locker room fight, and national racial stereotypes. The media have long operated as agents and stimulants of moral indignation (Cohen, 1972; Hall et al., 1978). The analysis explores the extent to and ways in which mediation of the violence may be understood through the logic of a moral panic, interpreted as a parallel to Fairclough's societal discourse order. We argue that the discursive framing of the event in each national context reveals common and significant characteristics in the understanding of variations in the national and racial stereotypes invoked. These are specific to the implicit codes associated with national socio-cultural practices, and to reinforce asymmetrical power relations to manage a sense of cultural threat to Western and Northern European cultural codes.
Stand Up and Be Counted
Authors: Sam Michael P. , Scherer Jay
Published: July 2008

The purpose of this article is to investigate how numbers come to be part of the political fabric of an ongoing debate to build a new stadium with public funds. We begin by briefly outlining the importance of numbers in the broader context of policy-making. More specifically, we situate the emphasis on numbers in governmental decision-making within the growth of `technocracy' and more contemporary demands for `evidence-based' policy. Drawing from an interpretive methodology of narrative analysis, we then turn to our case to illustrate how numbers came to be articulated and politicized, focusing on three inter-connected storylines: 1) the story of decline and merit, 2) the story of helplessness and control, and 3) the story of risk and assurance. In the last section we attempt to synthesize a brief comment concerning number narratives in stadium debates, particularly those associated with expertise and the implications for public trust.
Social Capital and Social Responsibility in Denmark
Authors: Persson H. Thomas R.
Published: July 2008

Strong focus on the promotion of health and social integration aspects in society means the state has increased pressure on sport associations to deliver its social policy agenda. The building of (corporate) social responsibility is offered as a possible progressive response to changes in Danish state sport policy and as a way to increase its social capital. A correlation between (corporate) social responsibility and social capital is established and visualized in the official stand on social responsibility of individual and umbrella sport governing bodies, and Danish state policy. Ness's definition of corporate social responsibility as the necessity and the duty of companies to behave responsibly, ethically and sustainably, and to be transparently accountable to their stakeholders, is transferred to sport associations. Social capital could be defined as the relational resources that we as individuals or as part of a collective, such as a sport association, inherit or intentionally construct to achieve our own goals. Depending on the structural and normative characteristics of the social system in which it operates, it can facilitate but also limit individual and collective action. Development of a contemporary grounded social responsibility by the sport governing bodies suggests a gain in social capital, new memberships and future assurance of financial and social support.
Drugs, Incarceration, and HIV/AIDS Among African American Men: A Critical Literature Review and Call to Action
Authors: Lichtenstein Bronwen
Published: July 2008

Incarceration and HIV/AIDS disproportionately affect African American men compared to the U.S. population as a whole. Disparities in relation to crime and HIV/AIDS for Black men suggest that these phenomena have elements in common, particularly given the mediating role of illicit drug use or drug activities in both cases. A socioecological exploration of how and why these twin epidemics intersect (and the role of drug-related activities as mediating variables) is needed illicit drug use or to address the impact of these epidemics on the health and well-being of communities of color. This article critically reviews relevant articles, research reports, and official statistics, as well as conceptual frames of reference for information on the socioecological synergies between crime, drugs, and HIV/AIDS. The article recommends five calls for action for policies to mitigate the cumulative negative effects of these epidemics and for interventions to enhance the life chances of at-risk Black men.
Interactions of pesticides with clays and layered double hydroxides: a review
Authors: Cornejo J. , Celis R. , Pavlovic I. , Ulibarri M. A.
Published: July 2008

The increasing presence of pesticides in natural ecosystems has stimulated research to look for improved adsorbent materials which can be used to remediate and prevent soil and water contamination by these compounds. Among the different materials that have been assayed as adsorbents of pesticides are natural clay minerals, particularly 2:1 phyllosilicates and their structurally complementary synthetic analogues layered double hydroxides (LDHs). The great interest in natural clays and LDHs as adsorbent materials is mainly related to the large specific surface areas associated with their layered structure, the ease with which they are obtained or synthesized, and the possibility of modifying their surfaces to increase their affinity for specific adsorbates. This review summarizes the adsorptive properties of natural clays and LDHs for pesticides and related organic compounds. Particular emphasis is given to the surface modification of clay minerals and LDHs with organic ions as a strategy to improve the efficiency of these materials as pesticide adsorbents. Potential applications of unmodified and modified clays and LDHs as adsorbents to prevent and remediate soil and water contamination by pesticides are also discussed.
Influence of the calcination temperature of kaolin on the mechanical properties of mortars and concretes containing metakaolin
Authors: Mejía De Gutiérrez R. , Torres J. , Vizcayno C. , Castello R.
Published: July 2008

The effect of heating, to temperatures between 400 and 1200ºC, on the dehydroxylation of kaolin and the pozzolanic activity of the resulting amorphous material were determined by a variety of analytical techniques. Mixtures of concrete containing variable amounts of kaolin calcined at 700ºC were analysed and the results compared with those for concrete samples containing two different types of imported metakaolin. As shown in this work, Colombian kaolin can be used effectively as a raw material to obtain a highly active product (metakaolin). The optimum heating temperature for the kaolin is between 700 and 800ºC.