bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PTP1B deficiency increases glucose uptake in neonatal hepatocytes: involvement of IRA/GLUT2 complexes
Authors: González-Rodriguez Águeda , Nevado Carmen , Escrivá Fernando , Sesti Giorgio , Rondinone Cristina M. , Benito Manuel , Valverde Ángela M.
Published: June 2008

The contribution of the liver to glucose utilization is essential to maintain glucose homeostasis. Previous data from protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) 1B-deficient mice demonstrated that the liver is a major site for PTP1B action in the periphery. In this study, we have investigated the consequences of PTP1B deficiency in glucose uptake in hepatocytes from neonatal and adult mice. The lack of PTP1B increased basal glucose uptake in hepatocytes from neonatal (3–5 days old) but not adult (10–12 wk old) mice. This occurs without changes in hexokinase, glucokinase, and glucose 6-phosphatase enzymatic activities. By contrast, the glucose transporter GLUT2 was upregulated at the protein level in neonatal hepatocytes and livers from PTP1B-deficient neonates. These results were accompanied by a significant increase in the net free intrahepatic glucose levels in the livers of PTP1B−/− neonates. The association between GLUT2 and insulin receptor (IR) A isoform was increased in PTP1B−/− neonatal hepatocytes compared with the wild-type. Indeed, PTP1B deficiency in neonatal hepatocytes shifted the ratio of isoforms A and B of the IR by increasing the amount of IRA and decreasing IRB. Moreover, overexpression of IRA in PTP1B−/− neonatal hepatocytes increased the amount of IRA/GLUT2 complexes. Conversely, hepatocytes from adult mice only expressed IRB. Since IRA plays a direct role in the regulation of glucose uptake in neonatal hepatocytes through its specific association with GLUT2, we propose the increase in IRA/GLUT2 complexes due to PTP1B deficiency as the molecular mechanism of the increased glucose uptake in the neonatal stage.
Cultured rat hepatocytes upregulate Akt and ERK in an ErbB-2-dependent manner
Authors: Scheving Lawrence A. , Stevenson Mary C. , Zhang Xiuqi , Russell William E.
Published: June 2008

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulates freshly plated adult hepatocytes to synthesize DNA, but only after they pass through a lag phase of 40 h following EGF exposure. The longer the cells are maintained, they become more responsive to EGF and the lag phase shortens. Maximal EGF-mediated stimulation of DNA synthesis requires the induction of ErbB2, which is not normally expressed in adult hepatocytes. We used immunological methods to demonstrate increased expression during culture of two gene families required for EGF to stimulate hepatocyte DNA synthesis: Akt and ERK 1/2. Both families showed hyperexpression in culture particularly when cells were exposed to insulin and EGF. Unlike CDK-2 and cyclin D1, integral mediators of the G1/S phase transition, ERK 1/2 and Akt appeared in the absence of EGF, particularly when insulin was present. This hyperexpression, which high concentrations of dexamethasone reversed, increased basal and growth factor-stimulated phosphorylation of Akt and ERK 1/2. Pharmacological blockade of phosphatidylinositol kinase suppressed the Akt increase whereas pharmacological blockade or small interfering RNA downregulation of ErbB2 inhibited both Akt and ERK 1/2 expression. All three Akt isoforms contributed to the increase in total Akt. EGF but not insulin specifically upregulated Akt 2 and 3. Since Akt and ERK 1/2 are also hyperexpressed in poorly differentiated hepatomas, their dysregulation in cancer may involve transcriptional mechanisms normally operative in cultured hepatocytes. We hypothesize that the induction and activation of ErbB2 increases the expression of these kinases, enhancing the responsiveness of hepatocytes to EGF as they adapt to culture.
The 2008 Carl Ludwig Lecture: retrotrapezoid nucleus, CO2 homeostasis, and breathing automaticity
Authors: Guyenet Patrice G.
Published: June 2008

The retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN) contains 2,000 glutamatergic neurons that innervate selectively the respiratory centers of the pontomedullary region. These cells are at the ventral medullary surface in a previously identified chemosensitive region. RTN neurons are highly sensitive to acid in vitro and vigorously activated by inputs from the carotid body and from the hypothalamus in vivo. Mutations of the transcription factor Phox2b cause the congenital hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS), a disease characterized by extremely reduced chemoreflexes and the loss of breathing automaticity during sleep. RTN neurons express Phox2b and develop poorly in a mouse model of CCHS, which lacks chemoreflexes. Based on these and other data, I propose that the RTN is a critical nodal point for the homeostatic regulation of arterial Pco2 and that the nucleus operates as follows. RTN always contributes a major fraction of the tonic excitatory drive to the respiratory centers. RTN neurons derive their activity from two sources: a chemosensory drive (intrinsic chemosensitivity and inputs from the carotid bodies) and synaptic inputs from higher brain centers (non-chemosensory drive). Under anesthesia or non-rapid eye movement sleep, the chemosensory drive to RTN neurons dominates, and, under these circumstances, the excitatory input from RTN to the respiratory controller is required for breathing automaticity. During waking and exercise, RTN contributes a reduced fraction of the total excitatory drive to the respiratory controller, but this fraction remains essential for CO2 homeostasis because of its exquisite chemosensitivity. The working hypothesis could explain the breathing deficits experienced by CCHS patients.
Fisiopatología del estreñimiento
Authors: Milla Peter J.
Published: June 2008

El estreñimiento es un trastorno extremadamente frecuente en la infancia, responsable de hasta el 25% de todas las consultas gastroenterológicas pediátricas y el 3% de todas las consultas pediátricas ambulatorias. En el 90% de los casos el origen del trastorno es funcional y sólo en un 10% existe un problema orgánico subyacente. Entre las causas orgánicas corrientes del estreñimiento infantil destacan las siguientes: malformaciones congénitas del intestino; patología neurológica, especialmente parálisis cerebral; trastornos de la médula espinal e hipotonía; trastornos endocrinos y metabólicos (hipotiroidismo, fibrosis quística, hipercalcemia, diabetes mellitus, acidosis renal) y el uso de fármacos astringentes, como algunos antiácidos, sucralfato, hierro, medicamentos que contienen codeína, imipramina, fenitoína, etc. El más frecuente de los trastornos congénitos es la enfermedad de Hirschsprung, que presenta una incidencia de 1 caso de cada 4.500 nacimientos vivos en comparación con 1 caso de cada 7.000 nacimientos vivos con malformaciones anorrectales y 1 caso de cada 40.000 con otros trastornos neuromusculares entéricos. Menos del 5% de los niños que acuden por primera vez con estreñimiento presenta una enfermedad orgánica demostrable.
Spontaneous Otoacoustic Emission Enhancement in Children with Reduced Speech-in-Noise Intelligibility
Authors: Elgeti Anja , am Zehnhoff-Dinnesen Antoinette Gertrud , Matulat Peter , Schmidt Claus-Michael , Knief Arne
Published: June 2008

Reduced speech-in-noise intelligibility is one of the main difficulties experienced by children with auditory processing disorder (APD). Previous studies have established a relationship between the function of the medial olivocochlear system (MOCS) and reduced inhibition of otoacoustic emissions (OAE) in children with APD. This study measured spontaneous OAE (SOAE) in 27 children with reduced speech-in-noise intelligibility, and those of a control group matched by gender and age. A significantly higher prevalence of SOAE was found: 85% of the study group presented SOAE, 44% in the control group. An abnormally functioning MOCS with reduced inhibition could lead to an increase in SOAE. Identifying a higher prevalence and number of SOAE may be a helpful objective mean to include in an APD diagnosis test battery.
Diagnostic Value of Combining Bilateral Electrocochleography Results for Unilateral Ménière’s Disease
Authors: Hwang J.H. , Ho H.C. , Hsu C.J. , Yang W.S. , Liu T.C.
Published: June 2008

We defined ‘an interaural difference in the summating potential/action potential (SP/AP) ratio from the ipsilateral hearing-impaired side to the contralateral normal-hearing side of ≧0.15’ as a positive result for a novel ‘relative criterion’ for the diagnosis of unilateral Ménière’s disease. A uniform result could be derived only between a positive ECoG result and the side of disease in 78.7% subjects by conventional absolute criterion (SP/AP ≧0.42). By adding the relative criterion, we found that the diagnostic value increased greatly in specificity (91.2%) and increased slightly in positive predictive rate (79.2%), but decreased greatly in sensitivity (28.8%) and decreased slightly in negative predictive rate (52.5%). In addition, we verified which ear had the disease in all positive cases.
Cerebral Vasomotor Reactivity Is Reduced in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Vicenzini Edoardo , Altieri Marta , Michetti Paolo Maria , Ricciardi Maria Chiara , Ciccariello Mauro , Shahabadi Hossein , Puccinelli Francesco , Lenzi Gian Luigi , Di Piero Vittorio
Published: June 2008

Backgrounds: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is not only evidence of diffuse atherosclerosis but also an index of early endothelial damage. We investigated cerebrovascular reactivity, expression of early arterial damage, in patients with isolated ED (ED+) and controls (ED–). Materials and Methods: Fifteen ED+ and 15 ED– subjects, matched for age (ED+: 58±6, ED–: 59 ± 4 years) and vascular risk factors, were submitted to carotid duplex ultrasound and transcranial Doppler. Cerebrovascular reactivity was assessed on both middle cerebral arteries simultaneously calculating (a) the total vasomotor range (VMR) measured after breath holding and hyperventilation and (b) the rate of change (VMR/CO2) after breath holding. Results: Carotid Duplex scanning showed a light carotid stenosis only in 3 (2 in the ED+ and 1 in the ED– group). No differences were observed in intima-media thickness between ED+ and ED–. Slightly slower mean middle cerebral artery flow velocities were observed in ED+ with respect to ED–. ED+ patients showed a reduced VMR (p < 0.001) and a slower VMR/CO2 rate of change (p < 0.001) compared to ED–. Conclusions: The reduced reactivity in patients with isolated ED may represent a marker of early cerebral vasomotor dysfunction due to subclinical endothelial damage.
Belgian Observational Drug Utilization Study of Pimecrolimus Cream 1% in Routine Daily Practice in Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: De Backer Marc , Morren Marie-Anne , Boonen Hugo , Boyden Bert , Vertruyen Andre , Lecomte Pascal , Paquay Catherine , Lesaffre Emmanuel , Lambert Julien
Published: June 2008

Background: For reimbursement purposes of pimecrolimus cream 1%, the Belgian authorities asked to document its consumption, its topical corticosteroid-sparing effect and quality of life within the routine clinical practice. Objectives: We aimed to address the 3 queries of the Belgian authorities. Methods: An open-label, observational, multicentre, 1-year study under drug prescription was performed. Results: A total of 416 consecutive patients were enrolled in 49 centres. The mean annual amount of prescribed pimecrolimuscream 1% per patient was 120.8 g (SD = 117.0), with an estimated consumption of 104.4 g (SD = 117.6). The median annual amount prescribed was 90.0 g [interquartile range (IQR) = 45–150] and the estimated consumption 63.6 g (IQR = 32.4–132). Topical corticosteroids had been used before the study in 81.7% of the population. With pimecrolimus cream 1% during the study, 83.3% of the previous corticosteroid users stated less topical corticosteroid use than before and 36% of them did not apply topical corticosteroids at all during the study. The mean improvements compared to baseline in Parents’ Index Quality of Life-Atopic Dermatitis and Quality of Life Index-Atopic Dermatitis scores were 34.5% (SD = 84.3) and 31.2% (SD = 70.8), respectively. The median improvements were 50.0% (IQR = 12.5–85.7%) and 46.4% (IQR = 0.0–85.0%), respectively. Conclusions: In routine practice the consumption of pimecrolimus cream 1% is relatively low, with corticosteroid-sparing effect, improvement in quality of life and good tolerability.
Connective Tissue Growth Factor Does Not Affect Transforming Growth Factor-Beta 1-Induced Smad3 Phosphorylation and T Lymphocyte Proliferation Inhibition
Authors: Kunzmann S. , Seher A. , Kramer B.W. , Schenk R. , Schütze N. , Jakob F. , Sebald W. , Speer C.P.
Published: June 2008

Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) is a key regulator of immune tolerance. TGF-β1 controls T lymphocte activation and is involved in the immunosuppressive function and generation of regulatory T lymphocytes. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) has an essential role in the formation of connective tissue and blood vessels. CTGF expression is induced by TGF-β1 in several cell types and CTGF mediates several of the downstream actions of TGF-β1. Since little is known about the potential synergy between CTGF and TGF-β1 in T lymphocyte biology, the purpose of the present study was to determine whether CTGF can modulate TGF-β1-mediated effects on human CD4+ T lymphocytes. Human recombinant CTGF was expressed in HEK293 cells. rCTGF was biologically active demonstrated by induction of proliferation in the endothelial cell line EA hy 926. rCTGF alone did not potentiate or diminish anti-CD3-induced CD4+ T lymphocyte proliferation and did not activate the Smad signaling pathway in CD4+ T lymphocytes. Furthermore, rCTGF did not attenuate TGF-β1-mediated inhibition of CD4+ T lymphocyte proliferation and TGF-β1-induced Smad signaling in CD4+ T lymphocytes. These results indicate that rCTGF had no detectable effects of its own on human CD4+ T lymphocytes and did not potentiate the effects of low amounts of TGF-β1 on human CD4+ T lymphocytes. Overall, these data support the hypothesis that CTGF does not act on CD4+ T lymphocytes.
Human Bocavirus – A Novel Parvovirus to Infect Humans
Authors: Lindner Juha , Modrow Susanne
Published: June 2008

For almost three decades parvovirus B19 has been described as the only member of the Parvoviridae to infect and cause illness in humans. This statement was correct until 2005 when a group of Swedish scientists identified a previously uncharacterized virus in pools of human nasopharyngeal aspirates obtained from individuals suffering from diseases of the respiratory tract. Comprehensive sequence and phylogenetic analysis allowed the identification of the new virus as a member of the Parvoviridae. Based on its close relation to the minute virus of canines and the bovine parvovirus, it was named human bocavirus (HBoV). Since the identification of HBoV, viral genomes have been frequently detected worldwide in nasopharyngeal swabs, serum and fecal samples almost exclusively derived from young children with various symptoms of the respiratory or the gastrointestinal tract. The detection of HBoV genomes tends to be associated with elevated rates of coinfections with further respiratory viruses, e.g. respiratory syncytial virus or metapneumovirus. First studies on virus-specific immune responses have described the presence of ubiquitous humoral and cellular immune reactions against HBoV in adults and adolescents, indicating a high seroprevalence of this new virus in humans.
Effect of Postural Variations on Carbon Monoxide Diffusing Capacity in Healthy Subjects and Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Terzano Claudio , Conti Vittoria , Petroianni Angelo , Ceccarelli Daniela , De Vito Corrado , Villari Paolo
Published: June 2008

Background: The scientific literature does not supply enough information about the effects of postural changes on diffusing lung capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), in particular regarding the prone position. Objectives: We evaluated posture-related changes in DLCO in healthy subjects and in COPD patients in order to especially assess how prone posture affects gas exchange. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, DLCO was measured in 10 healthy subjects and 30 COPD patients in standing, seated, supine and prone positions. Results: In healthy individuals, DLCO tended to improve from the upright to the supine position (21.42 ± 2.90 and 26.07 ± 5.11 ml/min/mm Hg, respectively); in the same group, changing the position from upright to prone also caused significant improvements in DLCO (absolute value, 21.42 ± 2.90 vs. 24.80 ± 4.39 ml/min/mm Hg, p < 0.05, or percent of predicted, 78.58 ± 11.12 vs. 91.44 ± 13.23, p < 0.05) and in DLCO proportional to alveolar volume (DLCO/VA; 4.52 ± 0.57 vs. 5.66 ± 1.48 ml/min/mm Hg/l, p < 0.05). No significant differences in DLCO have been observed in COPD patients from the standing to the prone position. Multivariate linear regression models showed that the posture-related changes in DLCO, DLCO expressed as percent of predicted and in DLCO/VA are directly correlated with the transition from upright/sitting to supine/prone. Conclusions: In healthy subjects, the effect of postural changes on DLCO could be explained by a more homogeneous perfusion, whereas the lack of variations in COPD patients could be attributed to the increased rigidity of lung capillaries, which could represent an early sensitive marker of damage of the alveolar capillary interface in these patients.
Neuropsychiatric Correlates of Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Skogseth Ragnhild , Mulugeta Ezra , Ballard Clive , Rongve Arvid , Nore Sabine , Alves Guido , Aarsland Dag
Published: June 2008

Background: The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers and neuropsychiatric symptoms in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Psychosis, agitation, apathy and depression were assessed using standardised measures in 32 patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease. Methods: The levels of the 42-amino-acid form of β-amyloid (Aβ1–42), tau and p-tau (phosphorylated at threonine 181) were quantified using the conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Results: Our result shows that apathy is significantly correlated with tau and p-tau but not with Aβ1–42. There were no significant correlations between indices of psychosis/agitation,or depression and cerebrospinal fluid Aβ1–42, tau or p-tau concentrations. Conclusion: Our finding suggests that apathy is associated with the level of neurofibrillary tangles in people with mild Alzheimer’s disease. In contrast, the overall levels of neurofibrillary tangles or amyloid plaques do not seem to be associated with depression or psychosis, indicating that other brain changes contribute to these symptoms.
"Once You Know Something, You Can't Not Know It" An Empirical Look at Becoming Vegan
Authors: McDonald Barbara
Published: June 2008

In spite of a growing body of vegetarian literature, there remains a lack of information about how people learn to become vegan. Using qualitative methodology, this research identified a psychological process of how people learn about and adopt veganism. Elements of the process include who I was, catalytic experiences, possible repression of information, an orientation to learn, the decision, learning about veganism, and acquiring a vegan world view. Noteworthy observations include individual and temporal variation in the use of logic and emotion, the centrality of reading, the repression and recollection of undesirable information, and the importance of two types of learning tasks to successful vegans.
Emily Brontë and Dogs: Transformation Within the Human-Dog Bond
Authors: Adams Maureen B.
Published: June 2008

This paper examines the bond between humans and dogs as demonstrated in the life and work of Emily Bronte (1818-1848). The nineteenth century author, publishing under the pseudonym, Ellis Bell, evinced, both in her personal and professional life, the complex range of emotions explicit in the human-dog bond: attachment and companionship to domination and abuse. In Wuthering Heights, Brontë portrays the dog as scapegoat, illustrating the dark side of the bond found in many cultures. Moreover, she writes with awareness of connections - unknown in the nineteenth century - between animal abuse and domestic violence. In her personal life, Brontë's early power struggles with her companion animal mastiff, Keeper, evolve into a caring relationship. In a human-dog bond transformation that survives Brontë's death, Keeper, becomes both bridge and barrier to other human relationships. A dog may, and in this case Keeper does, take on a comprehensive role in which he both mourns his own loss and comforts others in their collective grief.
A Union of Christianity, Humanity, and Philanthropy: The Christian Tradition and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Nineteenth-Century England
Authors: Li Chien-hui
Published: June 2008

This paper offers an historical perspective to the discussion of the relationship between Christianity and nonhuman-human animal relationships by examining the animal protection movement in English society as it first took root in the nineteenth century. The paper argues that the Christian beliefs of many in the movement, especially the evangelical outlook of their faith, in a considerable way affected the character as well as the aims and scope of the emergent British animal welfare movement - although the church authorities did not take an active part in the discussion and betterment of the conditions of animals. An explicitly Christian discourse, important in creating and sustaining the important philanthropic tradition in Britain, mobilized the movement. The paper also traces the gradual decrease of the centrality of the movement's Christian elements later in the century when evolutionary ideas as well as other developments in society shed ahternative light on the relationship between human and nonhuman animals and brought about different trends in the movement. This paper sees Christianity not as a static and defining source of influence but as a rich tradition containing diverse elements that people drew upon and used to create meanings for them. The paper implicitly suggests that both a religion's doctrines in theory and the outcome of a complex interaction with the changing society in which the religion is practiced determine its potential to influence animal-human relationships.
Every Sparrow That Falls: Understanding Animal Rights Activism as Functional Religion
Authors: Jamison Wesley V , Wenk Caspar , Parker James V
Published: June 2008

This article reports original research conducted among animal rights activists and elites in Switzerland and the United States, and the finding that activism functioned in activists' and elites' lives like religious belief. The study used reference sampling to select Swiss and American informants.Various articles and activists have identified both latent and manifest quasi-religious components in the contemporary movement Hence, the research followed upon these data and anecdotes and tested the role of activism in adherents' lives. Using extensive interviews, the research discovered that activists and elites conform to the five necessary components of Yinger's definition of functional religion: intense and memorable conversion experiences, newfound communities of meaning, normative creeds, elaborate and well-defined codes of behavior, and cult formation. The article elaborates on that schema in the context of animal rights belief, elucidates the deeply meaningful role of activism within a filigree of meaning, and concludes that the movement is facing schismatic forces not dissimilar to redemptive and religious movements
Sartre : From Phenomenology to Marxism
Authors: Busch Thomas W.
Published: June 2008

As debate continues1 we hope to shed some light on the development of Sartre's thought by returning to his philosophical beginnings, to his phenomenology, confident that it is here, in its origins, that we will find what has always been the very center of his thought.
Differance in the Eternal Recurrence of the Same
Authors: Lingis Alphonso
Published: June 2008

The doctrine of eternal recurrence in Nietzsche is an essentially ecstatic doctrine. It is also strangely incommunicable. Here the ecstasy that reveals singularizes. The essential revelation closes the one to whom it is given in his own singularity; only a singularity opens to the abysses and the Dionysian truth. Heidegger could then see in it an ontological doctrine. And an authentifying-singularizing-doctrine. Not, though, the same as his own. For Heidegger could suggest that the time horizon in which this doctrine conceives Being in its Becoming-the "deep eternity"-is in fact not a deep structure of time, but the linear time of an eternity of instants. Eternity is not deep. In addition the subject of the Nietzschean ecstasy-which longs for eternity- cannot appropriate itself, cannot become a whole, cannot really achieve singular existence. Are these Heideggerian thoughts criticisms of the Nietzschean experience? Is the deep ontological truth to be then sought elsewhere? Is the wholeness of one's own life- the essence of this existence- to be then sought in another experience of the time-horizon of Being? Or else do these Heideggerian observations not rather point to another structure of the thought involved-something like a surface thought? And to another structure of the one smitten by this thought-a singularity that exists only in a circle of continuous metamorphoses? Some deconstructive work by Derrida encourages us to look in this direction.
Ernst Friedrich Albert Baur - ein Beitrag zum liberal-konservativen Pfarrerbild im 19. Jahrhundert
Authors: Homrichhausen Christian
Published: June 2008

E. Fr. A. Baur repräsentiert einen durch die Berliner Erwedtung, die Befreiungskriege und die in Schleiermacher, Fries und Fichte idealistisch gebrochene Aufklärung geprägten Frömmigkeitstypus. Schönheit, gefühlsmäßiges Erleben, Selbstreflexion und die Geschichtlidikeit der Gotteserfahrung sind der Bezugsrahmen für die religiöse Erfahrung, inhaltlich bestimmt durch die in der kirchenmusikalisdien Reformbewegung relgiös-ästhetisdie Stimmung von politischem Aufbruch, Patriotismus, christozentrischer Kirdilichkeit und mittelbarer Abhängigkeit vom Universum. In der erwecklidivermittlungstheologischen Predigt soll die Gemeinde in diesen Erfahrungen weitergeführt werden. Der Freiheitsgedanke und der Patriotismus werden von A. Baur in der Turnbewegung Jahns lebendig gehalten. Differenzen zwischen A. Baur und Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy sind in mehrfacher Hinsicht zu verzeichnen gewesen. In der Häuslichkeit und der Freizeitgestaltung wird die städtische Bildungskultur fortgeführt, und die frauliche Existenz ist in besonderer Weise Spiegel religiöser Erfahrung. Innerhalb des kirchenrechtlich-institutionellen Spielraums gelingt eine Ausweitung der sozialen Fürsorge, und durch die zwedigebundene freie Vereinstätigkeit werden die aufkommenden Bedürfnisse (Turnen, Singen, literarische Bildung) kirdilich integriert und sollen analog zum Gustav-Adolph-Verein die Kultur christlich durchdringen. Die Christologie vermittelt die Kategorien für die als bedeutsam erlebten Personen (Genies: Jahn, Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, Schleiermacher). Die Teilhabe an ihrer vermittelnden und er-lösenden Tätigkeit ermöglicht die Fortsetzung der von Jesus Christus gewollten geistigen Erhebung, die in der Verklärung der Personen vorgestellt wird. Die Industrie stellt das durch sie ausgedrückte Lebensgefühl grundsätzlich in Frage.
The Analysis of Typhoon Structures Using Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit Data and Its Application to Prediction
Authors: Chou Chien-Ben , Huang Ching-Yuang , Huang Huei-Ping , Wang Kung-Hwa , Yeh Tien-Chiang
Published: June 2008

In this study, the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU) data are used to retrieve the temperature and velocity fields of typhoons and assimilate them with the three-dimensional variational data assimilation (3DVAR) routines for uses in numerical model predictions for typhoons. The authors’ procedure of an end-to-end typhoon prediction using an AMSU-based initial condition is similar to the framework developed by Zhu et al. in 2002 but differs from it by considering a downward integration approach in part of the retrieval process and with the starting point of the integration chosen as a constant 50-hPa field without any structure. The typhoon circulation from this retrieval is thus determined objectively from the AMSU observation alone, without a preimposed typhoon vortex structure, allowing an asymmetric structure even at the inner core of a typhoon. The results show that this procedure is capable of retrieving a reasonable typhoon circulation from the AMSU data. The impact of the AMSU data on the assimilated initial condition for prediction is shown to be especially notable in its modification of the upper-level circulation of the typhoons. With the downward integration, the error accumulates downward such that the current approach provides a relatively more accurate estimate of the upper-level circulation, important for the steering of a typhoon. Consistent with this, it is demonstrated that the inclusion of the AMSU data helps to improve the forecast of typhoon tracks for selected cases of typhoons. This approach is less satisfying in producing an accurate retrieval and prediction of the intensity of typhoons. The reasons for this shortcoming and possible future remedies are discussed.
The Impacts of Indirect Soil Moisture Assimilation and Direct Surface Temperature and Humidity Assimilation on a Mesoscale Model Simulation of an Indian Monsoon Depression
Authors: Vinodkumar  , Chandrasekar A. , Alapaty K. , Niyogi Dev
Published: June 2008

This study investigates the impact of the Flux-Adjusting Surface Data Assimilation System (FASDAS) and the four-dimensional data assimilation (FDDA) using analysis nudging on the simulation of a monsoon depression that formed over India during the 1999 Bay of Bengal Monsoon Experiment (BOBMEX) field campaign. FASDAS allows for the indirect assimilation/adjustment of soil moisture and soil temperature together with continuous direct surface data assimilation of surface temperature and surface humidity. Two additional numerical experiments [control (CTRL) and FDDA] were conducted to assess the relative improvements to the simulation by FASDAS. To improve the initial analysis for the FDDA and the surface data assimilation (SDA) runs, the fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University–NCAR Mesoscale Model (MM5) simulation utilized the humidity and temperature profiles from the NOAA Television Infrared Observation Satellite (TIROS) Operational Vertical Sounder (TOVS), surface winds from the Quick Scatterometer (QuikSCAT), and the conventional meteorological upper-air (radiosonde/rawinsonde, pilot balloon) and surface data. The results from the three simulations are compared with each other as well as with NCEP–NCAR reanalysis, the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), and the special buoy, ship, and radiosonde observations available during BOBMEX. As compared with the CTRL, the FASDAS and the FDDA runs resulted in (i) a relatively better-developed cyclonic circulation and (ii) a larger spatial area as well as increased rainfall amounts over the coastal regions after landfall. The FASDAS run showed a consistently improved model simulation performance in terms of reduced rms errors of surface humidity and surface temperature as compared with the CTRL and the FDDA runs.
Potential Benefits of Seasonal Inflow Prediction Uncertainty for Reservoir Release Decisions
Authors: Georgakakos Konstantine P. , Graham Nicholas E.
Published: June 2008

This paper examines the conditions for which beneficial use of forecast uncertainty may be made for improved reservoir release decisions. It highlights the parametric dependencies of the effects of uncertainty in seasonal inflow volumes on the optimal release and objective function of a single reservoir operated to meet a single volume target at the end of the season under volume and release constraints. The duration of the “season” may be one or several months long. The analysis invokes the application of Kuhn–Tucker theory, and it shows that the presence of uncertainty introduces complex dependence of the optimal release and objective function on the reservoir parameters and uncertain inflow forcing. The seasonal inflow volume uncertainty is represented by a bounded symmetric beta distribution with a given mean, which is considered to be unbiased, and a half-range QR. The authors find that the use of predicted inflow uncertainty is particularly beneficial during operation with a volume target that is either near reservoir capacity or near zero reservoir volume, with the optimal release being directly dependent on QR in these situations. This positive finding is moderated by the additional finding that errors in the estimation of predicted QR can result in significant operation losses (larger deviations from the target volume) that are due to suboptimal release decisions. Furthermore, the presence of binding release constraints leads to loss of optimal release and objective function benefits due to the seasonal inflow uncertainty predictions, suggesting less rigid release policies for improved operations under uncertain forecasts. It is also shown that the reservoir capacity values for which optimal reservoir operations are most sensitive to seasonal inflow uncertainty predictions are found to be at most 5 times the uncertainty range of the predicted seasonal inflow volume and to be at least as large as the uncertainty range of predicted inflow volumes. Suggestions for continued research in this area are offered.
A Characterization of Cirrus Cloud Properties That Affect Laser Propagation
Authors: Norquist Donald C. , Desrochers Paul R. , McNicholl Patrick J. , Roadcap John R.
Published: June 2008

Future high-altitude laser systems may be affected by cirrus clouds. Laser transmission models were applied to measured and retrieved cirrus properties to determine cirrus impact on power incident on a target or receiver. A major goal was to see how well radiosondes and geostationary satellite imagery could specify the required properties. Based on the use of ground-based radar and lidar measurements as a reference, errors in cirrus-top and cirrus-base height estimates from radiosonde observations were 20%–25% of geostationary satellite retrieval errors. Radiosondes had a perfect cirrus detection rate as compared with 80% for satellite detection. Ice water path and effective particle size were obtained with a published radar–lidar retrieval algorithm and a documented satellite algorithm. Radar–lidar particle size and ice water path were 1.5 and 3 times the satellite retrievals, respectively. Radar–lidar-based laser extinction coefficients were 55% greater than satellite values. Measured radar–lidar cirrus thickness was consistently greater than satellite-retrieved thickness, but radar–lidar microphysical retrieval required detection by both sensors at each range gate, which limited the retrievals’ vertical extent. Greater radar–lidar extinction and greater satellite-based cirrus thickness yielded comparable optical depths for the two independent retrievals. Laser extinction–transmission models applied to radiosonde-retrieved cirrus heights and satellite-retrieved microphysical properties revealed a significant power loss by all models as the laser beam transits the cirrus layer. This suggests that cirrus location is more important than microphysics in high-altitude laser test support. Geostationary satellite imagery may be insufficient in cirrus detection and retrieval accuracy. Humidity-sensitive radiosondes are a potential proxy for ground-based remote sensors in cirrus detection and altitude determination.
Sensitivity of Surface Ozone Simulation to Cumulus Parameterization
Authors: Tao Zhining , Williams Allen , Huang Ho-Chun , Caughey Michael , Liang Xin-Zhong
Published: June 2008

Different cumulus schemes cause significant discrepancies in simulated precipitation, cloud cover, and temperature, which in turn lead to remarkable differences in simulated biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emissions and surface ozone concentrations. As part of an effort to investigate the impact (and its uncertainty) of climate changes on U.S. air quality, this study evaluates the sensitivity of BVOC emissions and surface ozone concentrations to the Grell (GR) and Kain–Fritsch (KF) cumulus parameterizations. Overall, using the KF scheme yields less cloud cover, larger incident solar radiation, warmer surface temperature, and higher boundary layer height and hence generates more BVOC emissions than those using the GR scheme. As a result, the KF (versus GR) scheme produces more than 10 ppb of summer mean daily maximum 8-h ozone concentration over broad regions, resulting in a doubling of the number of high-ozone occurrences. The contributions of meteorological conditions versus BVOC emissions on regional ozone sensitivities to the choice of the cumulus scheme largely offset each other in the California and Texas regions, but the contrast in BVOC emissions dominates over that in the meteorological conditions for ozone differences in the Midwest and Northeast regions. The result demonstrates the necessity of considering the uncertainty of future ozone projections that are identified with alternative model physics configurations.
Severe Infantile Hypotonia With Ethylmalonic Aciduria: Case Report
Authors: Okuyaz Çetin , Ezgü Fatih Süheyl , Biberoğlu Gürsel , Zeviani Massimo , Tiranti Valeria , Yιlgör Esat
Published: June 2008

An 8-month-old girl was admitted to an outpatient clinic with significant hypotonia and weakness. Organic acid analysis in urine revealed a significant increase in ethylmalonic acid. A deoxyribonucleic analysis revealed the presence of a 625G>A (G-to-A substitution at nucleotide 625) variant short-chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase gene polymorphism. With the clinical, biochemical and molecular findings, short-chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency was suspected. Because 625G>A and 511C>T (C-to-T substitution at nucleotide 511) genetic variations are also present in 14% of the general population, these are considered to be genetic sensitivity variations rather than causing a disease themselves and to result in possible short-chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency in the presence of environmental factors such as fever and hunger as well as cellular, biochemical, and other genetic factors. It was stressed that severe infantile hypotonia could also be the only manifestation of ethylmalonic aciduria spectrum disorders.
The Importance of Motherhood Among Women in the Contemporary United States
Authors: Mcquillan Julia , Greil Arthur L. , Shreffler Karina M. , Tichenor Veronica
Published: June 2008

We contribute to feminist and gender scholarship on cultural notions of motherhood by analyzing the importance of motherhood among mothers and non-mothers. Using a national probability sample (N = 2,519) of U.S. women ages 25-45, we find a continuous distribution of scores measuring perceptions of the importance of motherhood among both groups. Employing OLS multiple regression, we examine why some women place more importance on motherhood, focusing on interests that could compete with valuing motherhood (e.g., education, work success, leisure), and controlling for characteristics associated with becoming a mother. Contrary to cultural schemas that view mother and worker identities as competing, we find that education level is not associated with the importance of motherhood for either group and that valuing work success is positively associated with valuing motherhood among mothers. Consistent with feminist explanations for delayed fertility, valuing leisure is negatively associated with valuing motherhood for non-mothers.
Evaluating Behavioral Change in Multigroup Collaboration for Content Publishing Over the Web
Authors: Patrikakis Charalampos Z. , Koukouli Maria , Papadopoulos George K. , Sideridis Alexander B.
Published: June 2008

In this article, an evaluation of the behavioral change of groups collaborating towards the production of multilingual digital content is provided by using the data publication duration times as a proxy. In parallel, the assessment of feedback as a stimulant of social behavior in developing such systems is given. The evaluation is based on a system developed by a consortium of experts in the context of a European project towards the provision of an eServices platform on Organic Agriculture (OA). Group behavior of the partners involved is studied and analyzed using regression models for the extraction of trends and patterns while the results of their collaboration are discussed and valuable conclusions regarding the improvement of collaborative work over the Internet are presented.
Biobehavioral Measures in a Critical-Care Healing Environment
Authors: Mellott Karen G. , Sharp Pamela B. , Anderson Lynn M.
Published: June 2008

Critical-care settings have an opportunity to create healing environments (HEs). For the last decade, achieving this goal has been the task of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. Today, several models used in these settings embrace synergistic care, healing therapies for patients, and the development of organizational models to improve the HEs for nurses themselves. Creating the HE is not impossible; however, researching the patient's experience within it is complex. This complexity requires researchers to consider biological, behavioral, and social variables on the unit. This article will describe biological and behavioral measures that may be used to examine the critically ill patient's response to an HE. Limitations of these measures are considerable. Future researchers will need to consider a multiplistic approach to the study of this construct.
Authoritarianism
Authors: Hastings Brad M. , Shaffer Barbara
Published: June 2008

It has been demonstrated empirically and theoretically that threat is a primary contributor to the increased manifestations of the authoritarian personality. However, most conceptualizations of authoritarianism have failed to explore how these manifestations may have an adaptive value in the face of threat. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to employ the theories of evolutionary psychology in an attempt to provide a comprehensive explanation of authoritarianism. Attention is given to specific psychological mechanisms, such as coalition formation and social exchange, that when utilized by the authoritarian individual under conditions of threat, demonstrate adaptive value. Furthermore, a comprehensive explanation of authoritarianism is offered that encompasses variables related to authoritarianism, its association with a fundamental need to belong, and its larger philosophical relationship to Nietzsche's `will to power.'
Serum cholesterol in idiopathic and lupus-related protein-losing enteropathy
Authors: Kim YG , Lee C-K , Byeon J-S , Myung S-J , Oh JS , Nah S-S , Moon H-B , Yoo B
Published: June 2008

Abstract

The characteristics of protein-losing enteropathy were evaluated in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Among the patients with systemic lupus erythematosus ( n = 380) in a tertiary hospital, we reviewed the records of seven patients with generalized edema, hypoalbuminemia without proteinuria and positive results on 99mTc-labelled human serum albumin scintigrams. Patient characteristics and laboratory findings were compared between these seven patients and patients with lupus enteritis ( n = 15) or idiopathic protein-losing enteropathy ( n = 11). Compared with the lupus enteritis patients, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and serum total cholesterol levels were significantly increased in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus–related protein-losing enteropathy. Compared with idiopathic protein-losing enteropathy patients, the level of serum total cholesterol was significantly increased, but the level of serum albumin was decreased in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus–related protein-losing enteropathy. Among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus–related protein-losing enteropathy, four patients had high serum total cholesterol levels (≥248 mg/dL) and achieved complete remission after receiving high doses of steroid treatment. However, three patients who had low serum total cholesterol levels (≤219 mg/dL) responded poorly to the steroid-only treatment, and could achieve complete remission only after 3 months of cyclophosphamide pulse treatment with concurrent corticosteroid therapy. The levels of serum total cholesterol are intriguing feature in systemic lupus erythematosus–associated protein-losing enteropathy patients.
Renal interstitial cells, proteinuria and progression of lupus nephritis: new frontiers for old factors
Authors: Ferraccioli G , Romano G
Published: June 2008

Interstitial cells, inflammatory-immune cells, tubular cells and endothelial cells of the peritubular capillaries have arisen as possible major players of the nephron damage in lupus nephritis. Increased ICAM-1, Von Willebrand factor, soluble endothelial protein C receptors and decreased ADAMS-13 point to a diffuse vascular damage. Albuminuria elicits a rapid generation of hydrogen peroxide in proximal tubular cells along with nuclear factor-kB activation, endothelin-1 and transforming growth factor (TGF-β1) upregulation. TGF-β1 enhances epithelial-to-mesenchymal transdifferentiation. Albuminuria also enhances the expression of macrophage chemotactic protein-1 and macrophage inflammatory protein-1α, thus leading to increased interstitial inflammation. TGF-β1 and thrombospondin-1, a putative activator of TGF-β, induce apoptosis of peritubular capillaries, as well as of glomerular endothelial cells. All these events can be counteracted by hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), which is expressed by the epithelial tubular cells and stimulates the growth of epithelial cells (mitogen), enhances the motility of epithelial cells (motogen), induces renal epithelial tubule regeneration (morphogen) and enhances angiogenesis (angiogen). The balance between TGF-β1 and HGF could be a key to define the prognostic value of kidney histopathology at baseline and during follow-up, in lupus nephritis. Therapeutic strategies aiming at altering the biological balance in the patients are at hand to test and prove the experimental evidences.
Pregnancy, chimerism and lupus nephritis: a multi-centre study
Authors: Kremer Hovinga ICL , Koopmans M , Grootscholten C , van der Wal AM , Bijl M , Derksen RHWM , Voskuyl AE , de Heer E , Bruijn JA , Berden JHM , Bajema IM ,   on behalf of the Dutch Working Party on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Published: June 2008

Chimerism occurs twice as often in the kidneys of women with lupus nephritis as in normal kidneys and may be involved in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus. Pregnancy is considered the most important source of chimerism, but the exact relationship between pregnancy, the persistence of chimeric cells and the development of systemic lupus erythematosus has not been investigated. Renal biopsies and clinical data from patients in the First Dutch Lupus Nephritis Study were used. Chimeric cells were identified by in-situ hybridization of the Y chromosome. A questionnaire was used to obtain detailed reproductive data including pregnancy history and miscarriages. Chimerism was found in 12 of 26 (46%) renal biopsies. Of the 12 chimeric women, 5 reported a pregnancy; of 14 women who were not chimeric, 8 reported a pregnancy. Chimeric women who had been pregnant reported significantly more pregnancies than non-chimeric women who had been pregnant ( P = 0.04). The median age of the youngest child was higher in chimeric women (19 years) than in non-chimeric women (6 years). Despite the attention given to pregnancy histories with respect to chimerism, this study shows that in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, a clear-cut relationship is not apparent. A considerable number of chimeric women did not report a pregnancy: in these women, other sources of chimerism must be considered. Our data support the theory that only certain subsets of chimeric cells persist into the maternal circulation after pregnancy.