Natriuretic peptide receptors on rat thymocytes: Inhibition of proliferation by atrial natriuretic peptide.

Because the thymus expresses the natriuretic peptides (NP) as well as their respective receptors, an involvement of NP in the physiology of this organ has been suggested. To evaluate functional aspects of NP in the thymus, we looked for thymic cells bearing NP receptors (Npr). Furthermore, the regulation of Npr expression by activation of cells and the influence of NP on the proliferation of thymocytes was studied. Expression of receptor messenger RNAs CmRNAs) was examined by PCR and Northern blot. Existence of functional Npr was confirmed by measurement of cGMP, the second messenger of NP. Proliferation of thymocytes upon concanavalin A (Con A) stimulation was analyzed by incorporation of [“Hlthymidine. We report here that thymocytes express mRNAs for the three Npr, namely Npra, Nprb, and Nprc and that activation of Npra and Nprb increases cGMP levels. Stimulation of thymocytes with Con A (1 pg/ml, 48 h) resulted in an increase of mRNA coding for Npra, the receptor specific for atria1 natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide. Nprb and Nprc receptor expression was not altered under these conditions. In agreement with these data only ANP, but not the C-type natriuretic peptide, elicited increased cGMP response in Con A-stimulated cells. ANP inhibited also the proliferation of Con A stimulated thymocytes, whereas C-type natriuretic peptide did not show this effect. These results suggest that ANP affects the complex mechanisms of thymocyte proliferation and differentiation

Deep Geothermal Energy Production in Germany

Germany uses its low enthalpy hydrothermal resources predominantly for balneological applications, space and district heating, but also for power production. The German Federal government supports the development of geothermal energy in terms of project funding, market incentives and credit offers, as well as a feed-in tariff for geothermal electricity. Although new projects for district heating take on average six years, geothermal energy utilisation is growing rapidly, especially in southern Germany. From 2003 to 2013, the annual production of geothermal district heating stations increased from 60 GWh to 530 GWh. In the same time, the annual power production increased from 0 GWh to 36 GWh. Currently, almost 200 geothermal facilities are in operation or under construction in Germany. A feasibility study including detailed geological site assessment is still essential when planning a new geothermal facility. As part of this assessment, a lot of geological data, hydraulic data, and subsurface temperatures can be retrieved from the geothermal information system GeotIS, which can be accessed online [1]

Das Interesse schwindet. Überblick über wichtige Erkenntnisse des MDG-Trendmonitors Religiöse Kommunikation 2010

Der MDG-Trendmonitor Religiöse Kommunikation 2010 sucht nach Antworten auf die Frage, welche Kommunikationschancen sich der katholischen Kirche in einer von religiöser Indifferenz geprägten Gesellschaft eröffnen, in der kirchliche Bindungen zunehmend Merkmale einer Alterskultur werden. Die dafür durchgeführten Interviews mit einem repräsentativen Katholikenquerschnitt können an vergleichbar konzipierte frühere Studien anknüpfen, was Trendentwicklungen aufzuzeigen ermöglicht. Die Erosion kirchlicher Bindungen sowie des Interesses an kirchlichen und religiösen Themen hat sinkende Reichweiten vor allem bei kirchlichen Zeitungs- und Zeitschriftenangeboten, aber auch bei Radiosendungen zur Folge. Hingegen konnten sich religiöse Bücher im verschärften Medienwettbewerb gut behaupten. Angebote der Kirche im Internet wurden zu einer wichtigen Plattform für die kirchliche Binnenkommunikation, aber außerhalb dieses engeren Kreises werden die kirchlichen Angebote allenfalls sporadisch genutzt.EnglishRüdiger Schulz: Decreasing interest. Summary of important conclusions of the „MDG-Trendmonitor Religiöse Kommunikation 2010“ The „MDG-Trendmonitor Religiöse Kommunikation 2010“ searches for answers to the question of what opportunities for communication the Catholic Church still has in a society which is marked by religious indifference and in which ties to the church are increasingly weakening. The interviews completed for this purpose among a representative cross-section of Catholics follow up on earlier, comparably designed studies, thus allowing us to observe trends over time. Due to the erosion of ties to the church and religiosity in general, along with the waning interest in church-related and religious issues, the coverage of church-owned newspapers and magazines has declined particularly strongly, although the consumption of other media offerings, such as radio programs, has also dropped. In contrast, the market for religious books has managed to hold its ground quite well, despite the fierce competition in the media market. Internet sites published by the Catholic Church have become an important platform for internal church communication. Apart from this narrower audience, however, increases have at best been observed in conjunction with sporadic – but not regular – consumption of church-sponsored or other religious offerings

Chancen für die Bistumszeitungen

Die negative Auflagenentwicklung der Kirchenzeitungen in Deutschland hält noch immer an. Seit 1963, als die Bistumspresse während des Zweiten Vatikanischen Konzils mit 2,4 Millionen Exemplaren ihren Höchststand erreichte, hat sich die Auflage praktisch halbiert (Ende 1994: 1,25 Millionen). Versuche, diesem Trend z.B. durch Layoutveränderungen, Änderungen der redaktionellen Angebote, durch Verlagskooperationenoder verstärkte Marketingaktivitäten entgegenzuwirken, sind bisher ohne durchschlagenden Erfolg geblieben. Sie haben den Abschmelzungsprozeß möglicherweise abgemildert, aber keineswegs gestoppt: 1995 sank die Verkaufsauflage im Durchschnitt aller Kirchenzeitungen erneut um 3,5%. Dieser anhaltende Auflagenschwund veranlaßte die MEDIEN-DIENSTLEISTUNG GmbH (MDG), München, das INSTITUT FÜR DEMOSKOPIE ALLENSBACH mit der Durchführung einer vergleichenden Situationsanalyse von 18 deutschen Bistumszeitungen zu beauftragen. Nach vorbereitenden explorativen Interviews wurde dazu zwischen Juni 1994 und Januar 1995 eine umfassende empirische Bestandsaufnahme in mehreren Untersuchungsschritten durchgeführt, und zwar aus unterschiedlichen Perspektiven. (...) English Chances for diocesan weeklies.The continual decline in circulation and the aging readership of diocesan newspapers are clear indications that this media genre is experiencing an existential crisis in Germany. The Allensbach Institute was thus commissioned by the Medien-Dienstleistung Gesellschaft (MDG) in 1994/95 to determine whether there are any ways in which diocesan newspapers can curtail declining circulation or perhaps even win back lost ground. To this end, a comparativesituational analysis was completed for 18 German diocesan newspapers from various perspectives. Aside from subscribers and persons who had cancelled their subscriptions, other persons interviewed were bishops (in their capacity as editors of the publications), publishers, editors-in-chief, sales managers, as well as priests ana representatives of Catholic lay organizations as potential multipliers. The Eindings of the study support the thesis that the church newspapers have not simply fallen victim to external trends, such as weakened ties to the church; rather, there arealso a number of weaknesses of their own making. At the same time, the Eindings clearly show that the church newspapers are founded on a serviceable core concept: the newspapers continue to represent an important means of communication for the 1.2 million subscribers, or, respectively, for the 4.9 million Catholics who belong to the broadest readership group, and as a rule, these newspapers are not simply read in order to demonstrate support for the church, but are instead viewed as an interesting source of reacfing material. Beyond that, the core concept appeals to a substantial group of persons who would potentially be interested in the themes covered, i.e. about one third of all Catholics. In view of declining church income from tax revenues and a growing need for subsidies, the d\urch newspapers must cooperate with each other. Subscribers to cooperative newspapers are just as satisfied with the journalistic quality of their church newspapers, with the reporting on the d10cese and parish, as are subscribers to indiVIduaJJy pubJished aiocesan newspapers

Religiöse Kommunikation heute - Erkenntnisse aus dem ,Trendmonitor 2000'. Situationsanalyse und Empfehlungen

An der Jahrhundertwende stellt sich die Frage nach den personalen und medialen Einfluss- und Wirkungschancen der katholischen Kirche mit besonderer Dringlichkeit. Eklatanter Priestermangel, weiterhin rückläufiger Gottesdienstbesuch, eine hohe Zahl von Kirchenaustritten noch immer weit über dem Niveau der fünfziger, sechziger, siebziger und auch achtziger Jahre, ungebremste Reichweitenverluste kirchlicher Medienangebote und Überalterung der Gottesdienstbesucher wie der Nutzer kirchlicher Medien sowie unübersehbarer Bedeutungsverlust der Kirchen im öffentlichen Leben sind ernst zu nehmende Symptome einer anhaltenden Krise kirchlicher und religiöser Kommunikation. In dieser schwierigen Lage drängen sich Fragen auf: Welche kirchlichen oder religiösen Informations- und Kommunikationsbedürfnisse - im weitesten Sinne - haben die deutschen Katholiken auch heute noch? Inwieweit werden diese schon jetzt personal und/oder medial ausreichend befriedigt, oder gibt es noch unbefriedigten Informations- und Kommunikationsbedarf? Und, falls 'ja': Welche Kommunikationswege eröffnen der Kirche noch vergleichsweise gute Chancen, nicht nur der Kirche engverbundene Gläubige, sondern auch ferner stehende Katholiken zu erreichen? (...) EnglishRüdiger Schulz: Trendmonitor: Religious Communication 2000- Concentrating on People's Reality of Life In 1994/95 two extensive studies, namely "Prospects of Bishopric Magazines" and "Prospects of Religious Literature", were conducted. In the autumn of 1999, important data gained in the two former studies was updated in a representative survey amongst 2189 Catholics aged 16 and onwards. The recent poll additionally asked questions about interpersonal communication with pastoral workers, active parishioners as well as the family and circle of friends. Furthermore, questions about religious or church participation in radio, TV and intemet were included. The survey proves that ties to the Church or Religion have continued to decline in recent years. As a result, the Situation of denominational mass communication in Germany has become increasingly difficult. Most Catholics state that the secular media sufficiently meets their needs for religious and church information and communication. They demand no further information and reports about church events and church development. However, it is worth mentioning that additional information and communication is wanted about topics concerning answers to the meaning of life and counselling. The usability of information is especially in demand nowadays. If church magazines do not concentrate on people's reality of life, their questions, hopes and fears, they will not succeed in winning new readers in addition to the dwindling numbers of believers and those strongly attached to the Church. In order to address a greater number of people, well-tried means must be consolidated while new means must be developed. The upcoming of religious Iiterature gives reason to hope. The acceptance and image of religious books have been improved and centrat religious topics have been elaborated on due to a wider range of religious literature. These offers now also include books on counselling, meditation, and the meaning of life. More consistent and strategic use must be made of the possibilities of catching people's attention by surprise with the help of secular media, for example by broadcasting "Words of the Day" on radio. Therefore, Cooperation with secular media must be sought and intensified by all means. Additionally, unconventional methods such as the free distribution of magazines and Ieaflets to Catholic homes must be tested.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Regulates igfbp Gene Expression Directly or via Downstream Effectors to Modulate Igf3 Effects on Zebrafish Spermatogenesis

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Postprocessing of Ensemble Weather Forecasts Using Permutation-invariant Neural Networks

Statistical postprocessing is used to translate ensembles of raw numerical weather forecasts into reliable probabilistic forecast distributions. In this study, we examine the use of permutation-invariant neural networks for this task. In contrast to previous approaches, which often operate on ensemble summary statistics and dismiss details of the ensemble distribution, we propose networks which treat forecast ensembles as a set of unordered member forecasts and learn link functions that are by design invariant to permutations of the member ordering. We evaluate the quality of the obtained forecast distributions in terms of calibration and sharpness, and compare the models against classical and neural network-based benchmark methods. In case studies addressing the postprocessing of surface temperature and wind gust forecasts, we demonstrate state-of-the-art prediction quality. To deepen the understanding of the learned inference process, we further propose a permutation-based importance analysis for ensemble-valued predictors, which highlights specific aspects of the ensemble forecast that are considered important by the trained postprocessing models. Our results suggest that most of the relevant information is contained in few ensemble-internal degrees of freedom, which may impact the design of future ensemble forecasting and postprocessing systems.Comment: Submitted to Artificial Intelligence for the Earth System

Biomechanical Performance of a Novel Implant Design in Simulated Extraction Sites and Sinuslift Procedures

With increasing experience and in an attempt to shorten overall treatment times, implant placement in combination with tooth extractions and sinus lift procedures has become popular. In both cases, primary stability has to be achieved by either engaging apical and oral regions of trabecular bone or by engaging residual host bone beneath the sinus cavity. Extraction sites were formed by pressing a root analog into homogeneous low density polyurethane foam which was used as bone surrogate while a 3 mm thick sheet of medium density foam was used for mimicking a sinus lift situation. Two types (n = 10) of bone level implants with a conventional tapered design and a cervical back taper (NobelActive; control) and a novel design characterized by a shift in core diameter and thread geometry (AlfaGate; test) were placed in these models following conventional osteotomy preparation. Insertion torque was measured using a surgical motor and primary stability was determined by resonance frequency analysis. Statistical analysis was based on Welch two sample t tests with the level of significance set at α = 0.05. In sinuslifting, NobelActive implants required significantly higher insertion torques as compared to AlfaGate (p = 0.000) but did not achieve greater implant stability (p = 0.076). In extraction sites, AlfaGate implants showed both, significantly higher insertion torques (p = 0.004) and significantly greater implant stability (p = 0.000). The novel implant design allowed for greater primary stability when being placed in simulated extraction sockets and sinuslift situations. While in extraction sockets the position of condensing threads in combination with an increase in core diameter is beneficial, the deep cervical threads of the novel implant lead to superior performance in sinuslift situations

A 60 kW Power Hardware-in-the-Loop Test Bench for grid emulation based on a Series Hybrid Cascaded H-Bridge Converter

In this paper the requirements for a Power Hardware-In-the-Loop (PHIL) system for the emulation of grids and grid faults are discussed. Solutions for all parts of the PHIL system – the power electronics, the signal processing system and the software structure – are presented. Subsequently, an analysis of the accuracy, bandwidth and stability of the PHIL testbench is done and the effects of different interface algorithms are shown. Concluding, measurement results of emulated highly dynamic grid faults such as voltage dips and spikes, distorted grids and weak grid situations are shown, which prove the performance of the PHIL system