bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review of the current status of topical treatments for premature ejaculation
Authors: Morales Alvaro , Barada James , Wyllie Michael G.
Published: July 2007

The three mini‐reviews this month cover several areas of interest, including premature ejaculation, urological malignancies after renal transplantation and the much‐vexed issue of the relevance of prostate size to prostate disease. Each of these should help to keep the readers up‐to‐date with each of these important topics.

We examine the progress that has been made towards the development of topical treatments for premature ejaculation (PE). Although generally regarded as one of the most common male sexual problems, the lack of approved pharmacological agents for PE means that treatment options are limited to behavioural therapy, where available, and the use of drugs ‘off‐label’. There are various theories on the aetiology of PE, but it seems likely that both biological and psychological factors are important. One theory, that men with PE might have a heightened sensory response to penile stimulation, provides the rationale for using topical therapy; reducing the sensitivity of the glans penis with topical desensitizing agents (e.g. local anaesthetics) might improve ejaculatory latency without adversely affecting the sensation of ejaculation. Off‐label topical treatments are now relatively widely used, despite limited supportive efficacy data. There are also new topical treatments in various stages of development, designed specifically for use in PE. Treatments reviewed include TEMPE spray, containing a eutectic mixture of the topical anaesthetics lidocaine and prilocaine, and several creams, including one containing natural products (SS‐cream), and preliminary results from another containing the local anaesthetic dylonine, with alprostadil (prostaglandin E1). Despite wide variations in the methods of clinical trials, it is possible to conclude that all placebo‐controlled studies of topical treatments have reported a significant increase in intravaginal ejaculatory latency time compared to baseline and placebo. Topical treatments for PE are appealing in that they can be applied as needed and only minimal systemic effects are likely. However, without well‐controlled drug delivery there is the theoretical possibility of penile hypoaesthesia and/or transvaginal contamination. Unlike the cream formulations, the TEMPE spray has a well‐controlled delivery system, making it easy to administer locally, and it appears to be well tolerated in early clinical trials. It appears that topical treatments might be able to satisfy many of the requirements of an ideal treatment for PE, and certainly have the potential for use as a first‐line treatment.
Biodiversity and biogeography of southern temperate and polar bryozoans
Authors: Barnes David K. A. , Griffiths Huw J.
Published: July 2007

Aim To describe the distribution of biodiversity and endemism of bryozoans in southern temperate and polar waters. We hypothesized that we would find: (1) no strong latitudinal richness gradient; (2) striking contrasts in richness and endemism between clades and between regions; and (3) that faunal similarity of regions would cluster geographically around each southern continent.

Location South Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans and the Southern Ocean.

Methods We constructed a data base from known literature, regional data bases and recent finds. We regionalized each southern continent, calculated levels of richness and endemism for each region and continent, and usedprimer5 to perform multivariate statistical analysis.

Results A third (1681) of global bryozoan species described occur south of 30° S, of whichc.87% were cheilostomes. In richness we found no latitudinal cline and change across longitude was stronger. New Zealand was richest and had the most (60%) endemic species, followed by Antarctica at 57%. There were striking contrasts in regional richness and endemism between clades but the highest levels of between‐region similarity were around Antarctica. The timing of past continent connectivity was reflected.

Main conclusions Bryozoans show strong hemispherical asymmetry in richness and, like molluscs and corals, decrease away from Australasia rather than with latitude. Species endemism is much lower in Antarctic bryozoans than previously thought, and as this taxon is not particularly dispersive and is now amongst the best studied regionally, maybe Antarctic endemism in general is lower and Antarctica less cut‐off to species dispersal than previously thought. However, Antarctic generic endemism is double the level previously calculated and regional faunal similarities are much higher than around other continents – both reflecting long‐term isolation. Bryozoans, in contrast to the paradigm of Antarctic fauna, may be fairly robust to predicted climate change. Paradoxically, they may also be one of the best taxa to monitor to sensitively detect marine benthic responses.
A GRAPHICAL DIAGNOSTIC FOR VARIANCE FUNCTIONS
Authors: Pardoe Iain , Cook R. Dennis
Published: July 2007

This paper proposes diagnostic plots for regression variance functions. It shows how to extend graphical methodology that uses Bayesian sampling for checking the regression mean function to also check the variance function. Plots can be constructed quickly and easily for any model of interest. These plots help to identify model weaknesses and can suggest ways to make improvements. The proposed methodology is illustrated with two examples: a simple linear regression model to fix ideas, and a more complex study involving count data to demonstrate the potential for wide application.
Sociality and money1
Authors: Levinas Emmanuel , Bouchetoux François , Jones Campbell
Published: July 2007

This is a translation of ‘Socialité et argent’, a text by Emmanuel Levinas originally published in 1987. Levinas describes the emergence of money out of interhuman relations of exchange and the social relations – sociality – that result. While elsewhere he has presented sociality as ‘nonindifference to alterity’ it appears here as ‘proximity of the stranger’ and points to the tension between an economic system based on money and the basic human disposition to respond to the face of the other person. Money both encodes and effaces sociality, both designates and disguises social relations. It arises from the way that needs and interests are manifested in exchange relations, in what he calls the ‘interestedness’ of economic life. But interests are always already cut through by the fact that being is always ‘being with others’. Being is always ‘interbeing’. Interestedness is always confronted by disinterestedness, that is, by a sociality marked by the ‘goodness of giving’, attachment to and concern for the poverty of the other person. Levinas concludes with a discussion of sociality and justice, posing questions about the tension between the demand to respond to an Other immediately before me and at the same time to respond to the demands of an other Other (the third person) who also invites a response.
Can Directors Impact Performance? A case‐based test of three theories of corporate governance
Authors: Nicholson Gavin J. , Kiel Geoffrey C.
Published: July 2007

We examine hypothesised links between the board of directors and firm performance as predicted by the three predominant theories in corporate governance research, namely agency theory, stewardship theory and resource dependence theory. By employing a pattern matching analysis of seven cases, we are able to examine the hypothesised link between board demography and firm performance expected under each theory. We find that while each theory can explain a particular case, no single theory explains the general pattern of results. We conclude by endorsing recent calls for a more process‐orientated approach to both theory and empirical analysis if we are to understand how boards add value.
Ownership Structure, Discretionary Accruals and the Informativeness of Earnings
Authors: Sánchez‐Ballesta Juan Pedro , García‐Meca Emma
Published: July 2007

In this paper we use panel data methodology to examine the relationship between ownership structure, discretionary accruals and the informativeness of earnings for a sample of Spanish non‐financial companies listed on the Madrid Stock Exchange during the period 1999–2002. We find a non‐linear relationship between insider ownership and discretionary accruals and between insider ownership and earnings explanatory power for returns. This supports the hypothesis that insider ownership contributes both to the informativeness of earnings and to constraining earnings management when the proportion of shares held by insiders is not too high. When insiders own a large percentage of shares, however, they are entrenched and the relation between insider ownership, discretionary accruals and earnings informativeness reverses.
Did political constraints bind during transition? Evidence from Czech elections, 1990–20021
Authors: Doyle Orla , Walsh Patrick Paul
Published: July 2007

Many theoretical models of transition are driven by the assumption that economic decision making is subject to political constraints. In this paper we test whether the ‘winners’ and ‘losers’ of economic reform influenced voting behaviour in the first five national elections in the Czech Republic. We propose that voters, taking stock of endowments from the planning era, could predict whether they would become winners or losers of transition. Using survey data we measure the degree to which regions were ‘not afraid’ or ‘afraid’ of economic reform in 1990. We define the former as potential ‘winners’ who should vote for pro‐reform parties and the latter as potential ‘losers’ who should support left‐wing parties. Using election results and economic indicators at the regional level, we demonstrate that there is persistence in support for pro‐reform and communist parties which is driven by prospective voting based on initial conditions in 1990. We find that regional unemployment rates in 2002 are good predictors of voting patterns in 1990 and provide empirical evidence that political constraints bind during transition.
Representation of harmonic frequencies in auditory memory: A mismatch negativity study
Authors: Zion‐Golumbic Elana , Deouell Leon Y. , Whalen Douglas H. , Bentin Shlomo
Published: July 2007

Most natural sounds are composed of a mixture of frequencies, which activate separate neurons in the tonotopic auditory cortex. Nevertheless, we perceive this mixture as an integrated sound with unique acoustic properties. We used the Mismatch Negativity (MMN), a marker of auditory change detection, to determine whether individual harmonics are represented in sensory memory. The MMN elicited by duration and pitch deviations were compared for harmonic and pure tones. Controlled for acoustic differences between standards and deviants and their relative probabilities, the MMN was larger for harmonic than pure tones for duration but not for pitch deviance. Because the magnitude of the MMN reflects the number of concurrent changes in the acoustic input relative to a preexistent acoustic representation, these results suggest that duration is represented and compared separately for individual frequencies, whereas pitch comparison occurs after integration.
Regulation and Role of the Presynaptic and Myocardial Na+/H+ Exchanger NHE1: Effects on the Sympathetic Nervous System in Heart Failure
Authors: Leineweber Kirsten , Heusch Gerd , Schulz Rainer
Published: July 2007

In acute myocardial ischemia and in chronic heart failure, sympathetic activation with excessive norepinephrine (NE) release from and reduced NE reuptake into sympathetic nerve endings is a prominent cause of arrhythmias and cardiac dysfunction.

The Na+/H+ exchanger NHE1 is the predominant isoform in the heart. It contributes to cellular acid–base balance, and electrolyte, and volume homeostasis, and is activated in response to intracellular acidosis and/or activation of guanine nucleotide binding (G) protein‐coupled receptors. NHE1 mediates its signaling via protein kinases A (PKA) or C (PKC).

In cardiomyocytes, NHE1 is restricted to specialized membrane domains, where it regulates the activity of pH‐sensitive proteins and modulates the driving force of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger. During acute ischemia/reperfusion and in heart failure the activity/amount of NHE1 is increased, leading to intracellular Ca2+ overload and promoting structural (apoptosis, hypertrophy) and functional (arrhythmias, hypercontraction) myocardial damage. In sympathetic nerve endings, increased NHE1 activity results in the accumulation of axoplasmic Na+ that diminishes the inward and/or favors the outward transport of NE via the neuronal norepinephrine transporter (NET). The increased NE levels within the nerve–muscle junction facilitate the sustained stimulation of myocardial α‐ and β‐adrenoceptors (ARs), which in turn aggravate the increases in myocardial NHE1 activity and the associated deleterious effects. Furthermore, the responsiveness of the β‐AR declines overtime, which results in further release of NE, initiating a vicious cycle. Accordingly, NHE1 is a potential candidate for targeted intervention to suppress this feedback loop.
Biomechanical Evaluation of Cervical Intervertebral Plug Stabilization in an Ovine Model
Authors: FRANSSON BOEL A. , ZHU QINGAN , BAGLEY RODNEY S. , TUCKER RUSSELL , OXLAND THOMAS R.
Published: July 2007

Objective—(1) To determine the biomechanical stability of cervical spinal segment C5–C6 after ventral slot (VS) decompression and distraction–stabilization by a modified polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) intervertebral plug technique (IVP) in an ovine model. (2) To determine if the distraction of the disk space is maintained after VS‐IVP, and the frequency of bony intervertebral union.

Study Design—Experimental in vivo study in an ovine model with an in vitro control study.

Animals—Adult (>2 years age), intact sheep (n=18).

Methods—Ten sheep had VS/IVP surgery of C5–6 with computed tomography (CT) images obtained immediately before and after surgery, as well as 8 (n=10) and 24 (n=5) weeks postoperatively. Cervical spines harvested 8 weeks (8‐week group; n=5) and 24 weeks (24‐week group; n=5) after surgery had three‐dimensional (3D) flexibility tests in flexion–extension, axial rotation, and lateral bending. Image data was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively in 3D. Eight ovine cervical spines served as controls and had biomechanical testing in intact condition (n=5) and after in vitro VS/IVP (n=5).

Results—Significantly decreased range of motion (ROM) was noted in all loading modes when comparing in vitro operated spines and the 24‐week group to intact spines. The 8‐week group was not significantly different from the intact group, except in lateral bending. Quantitative CT analysis of treatment groups showed progressive disk space collapse and ventral implant migration. Intervertebral bony union did not occur.

Conclusion—Biomechanical stability was obtained immediately after VS/IVP surgery, but ROM at 8 weeks was not different from intact spines. However, at 24 weeks, the operated level had regained stability similar to the immediate postoperative level. Distraction of the disk space was not maintained and bony union did not occur in this ovine model of VS/IVP.

Clinical Relevance—In clinical situations requiring constant increased stability of cervical segments for an extended time, more rigid stabilization techniques are required.
Processing of ZrC–Mo Cermets for High‐Temperature Applications, Part I: Chemical Interactions in the ZrC–Mo System
Authors: Landwehr Sean E. , Hilmas Gregory E. , Fahrenholtz William G. , Talmy Inna G.
Published: July 2007

The chemical compatibility of ZrC and Mo was investigated in carburizing and carbon‐free environments at temperatures from 1700° to 2200°C. Heating in the carburizing atmosphere resulted in the complete reaction of Mo with C, while the carbon‐free atmosphere resulted in retained metallic phase with a maximum of 13.8 mol% Mo2C formed. The presence of Mo2C was not detected at 2100°C in the carbon‐free atmosphere, confirming the existing phase equilibria in the Zr–Mo–C system. Heat treatments in the carbon‐free atmosphere also showed liquid formation at 2200°C, as evident from microstructure analysis. Liquid formation was consistent with the interaction between Mo and Mo2C. The liquid was found to comprise at least 7 vol% of the total component, based on a phase diagram for the Mo–C system. The formation of a liquid should allow for the processing of ZrC–Mo cermets by liquid‐phase pressureless sintering.
Glass‐Free Zn2Te3O8 Microwave Ceramic for LTCC Applications
Authors: Subodh G. , Sebastian M. T.
Published: July 2007

A Zn2Te3O8 ceramic was investigated as a promising dielectric material for low‐temperature co‐fired ceramics (LTCC) applications. The Zn2Te3O8 ceramic was synthesized using the solid‐state reaction method by sintering in the temperature range 540°–600°C. The structure and microstructure of the compounds were investigated using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy methods. The dielectric properties of the ceramics were studied in the frequency range 4–6 GHz. The Zn2Te3O8 ceramic has a dielectric constant (ɛr) of 16.2, a quality factor (Qu×f) of 66 000 at 4.97 GHz, and a temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf) of −60 ppm/°C, respectively. Addition of 4 wt% TiO2 improved the τf to −8.7 ppm/°C with an ɛr of 19.3 and a Qu×f of 27 000 at 5.14 GHz when sintered at 650°C. The chemical reactivity of the Zn2Te3O8 ceramic with Ag and Al metal electrodes was also investigated.
Low‐Temperature Preparation and Magnetic Properties of Nanoparticle Iron‐Doped Anatase TiO2
Authors: Melghit Khaled , Bouziane Khalid
Published: July 2007

Nanoparticle iron (Fe)‐doped anatase TiO2 was prepared at a low temperature (100°C) and at room pressure. The product was obtained from a boiling solution of an amorphous TiO2 gel mixed with an iron nitrate solution and stirred for 5 h. An amorphous TiO2 gel was obtained from TiCl3 solution and NH4OH as a precipitating agent stirred at room temperature for 1 day. EDAX results on different selected areas of as‐prepared Fe‐doped anatase TiO2 revealed a homogeneous composition of 17 at.% Fe. Fe–TiO2 has a superparamagnetic state with a possibility of antiferromagnetism at low temperatures. Fe seems to substitute titanium ions without any evidence of other impurities such as Fe nanoclusters or Fe‐based oxides.
Effect of Counterions on Synthesis of Mesoporous Silica by the Route of Template
Authors: Yu‐Xiang Yang , Xu‐Ping Qu , Ya‐Ru Chen , Xiang‐Chen Jia , Jian‐Bo Zhang , Xiang‐Nong Liu
Published: July 2007

Mesoporous silica materials with ordered hexagonal and parallel‐arranged pore channel have been synthesized using cetyl trimethylammonium bromide as a template and Na2SO4 as counterions. Their ordered mesostructures were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction patterns, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and nitrogen sorption analysis. The effects of Na2SO4 concentration on variations of morphology, specific surface area, and pore size were discussed; the results show that a high concentration of Na2SO4 induces the formation of crystal threads with a “tubules‐within‐tubule” structure, and also leads to mesoporous silica materials with spherical, fabaceous, sheet‐like, or prismatic shapes. The results also show that a high concentration of Na2SO4 can make the pore size decrease, but cannot change pore wall thickness, demonstrating the stability of the hexagonal‐shaped pores.
Crystallographic Orientation of Y2Ba4CuMOx (M=Nb, Zr, Ag) Nanoparticles Embedded in Bulk, Melt‐Textured YBCO Studied by EBSD
Authors: Koblischka‐Veneva A. , Mücklich F. , Koblischka M. R. , Hari Babu N. , Cardwell D. A.
Published: July 2007

Crystallographic orientations of Y–Ba–Cu–O (YBCO) and embedded Y2Ba4CuMOx (M=Nb, Zr, Ag) nanoparticles in bulk, melt‐textured YBCO samples are studied by electron backscatter diffraction. Y2BaCuO5 particles exhibit no preferred orientation but have a strong negative influence on the matrix orientation. In contrast, the nanoparticles do not disturb the texture of the YBCO matrix. Depending on the preparation route, a different particle orientation with respect to the matrix is obtained. Untextured nanoparticles are formed by solid‐state reaction during the melt process by adding oxides (Nb2O5 or Y2O3) to the precursor powder. Preformed Y2Ba4CuMOx particles added to the precursor in the form of prereacted nanopowder exhibit a dominant single orientation related to the surrounding YBCO matrix.
Microleakage of Dentin Adhesive Systems
Authors: Swift Edward J.
Published: July 2007

Five different dentin adhesives were evaluated under various experimental conditions (using different restorative materials, placement techniques, and specimen storage). A silver‐staining technique was used to detect microleakage. Pentra Bond II was less effective than Tenure in prevention of marginal leakage, but similar to Scotchbond 2 and Gluma.
Adhesion to Dentin
Authors: Retief D. Hugo
Published: July 2007

The bond strengths of dentinal bonding systems to dentin and the microleakage at the dentinal bonding system to dentin interface are often determined in laboratory studies prior to the clinical evaluation of these systems. The shear bond strengths of some of the third generation dentinal bonding systems to dentin and the microleakage at the dentinal bonding system to dentin interface are discussed. In addition, the shear bond strengths of fluoride‐containing liners/bases and the fluoride release from these systems are evaluated.
Hybrid Layer as a Dentin‐Bonding Mechanism
Authors: Nakabayashi Nobuo , Nakamura Mitsuo , Yasuda Noborou
Published: July 2007

A number of mechanisms (both mechanical and chemical) have been proposed as the cause of dentin adhesion. Extensive research in Japan during the past 10 years has shown that strong, long‐lived bonds between resin and living dentin will form when a monomer such as 4‐META, which contains both hydrophilic and hydrophobic chemical groups, penetrates the tissue and polymerizes in situ. This resin‐impregnation creates a transitional “hybrid” layer, that is neither resin nor tooth, but a hybrid of the two. The thin layer of resin‐reinforced dentin locks the two dissimilar substances together on a molecular level, sealing the surface against leakage and imparting a high degree of acid resistance.
All‐Bond — Fourth Generation Dentin Bonding System
Authors: Suh Byoung I.
Published: July 2007

The All‐Bond system is a unique development in the field of adhesive dentistry. It is a universal bonding system that will bond composite to all dental‐related surfaces: dentin, enamel, metal alloy (precious and nonprecious), amalgam, porcelain, and composite. It is also the only system that allows use of both the conservative and all‐etch techniques. The main purpose of this paper is to explain the features of the All‐Bond system. Its chemistry and a working hypothesis are shown as well.
Characterization of chitinase‐like proteins (Cg‐Clp1 and Cg‐Clp2) involved in immune defence of the mollusc Crassostrea gigas
Authors: Badariotti Fabien , Lelong Christophe , Dubos Marie‐Pierre , Favrel Pascal
Published: July 2007

Chitinase‐like proteins have been identified in insects and mammals as nonenzymatic members of the glycoside hydrolase family 18. Recently, the first molluscan chitinase‐like protein, named Crassostrea gigas (Cg)‐Clp1, was shown to control the proliferation and synthesis of extracellular matrix components of mammalian chondrocytes. However, the precise physiological roles of Cg‐Clp1 in oysters remain unknown. Here, we report the cloning and the characterization of a new chitinase‐like protein (Cg‐Clp2) from the oyster Crassostrea gigas. Gene expression profiles monitored by quantitative RT‐PCR in adult tissues and through development support its involvement in tissue growth and remodelling. Both Cg‐Clp1‐ and Cg‐Clp2‐encoding genes were transcriptionally stimulated in haemocytes in response to bacterial lipopolysaccharide challenge, strongly suggesting that these two close paralogous genes play a role in oyster immunity.
Human Cdc45 is a proliferation‐associated antigen
Authors: Pollok S. , Bauerschmidt C. , Sänger J. , Nasheuer H.‐P. , Grosse F.
Published: July 2007

Cell division cycle protein 45 (Cdc45) plays a critical role in DNA replication to ensure that chromosomal DNA is replicated only once per cell cycle. We analysed the expression of human Cdc45 in proliferating and nonproliferating cells. Our findings show that Cdc45 protein is absent from long‐term quiescent, terminally differentiated and senescent human cells, although it is present throughout the cell cycle of proliferating cells. Moreover, Cdc45 is much less abundant than the minichromosome maintenance (Mcm) proteins in human cells, supporting the concept that origin binding of Cdc45 is rate limiting for replication initiation. We also show that the Cdc45 protein level is consistently higher in human cancer‐derived cells compared with primary human cells. Consequently, tumour tissue is preferentially stained using Cdc45‐specific antibodies. Thus, Cdc45 expression is tightly associated with proliferating cell populations and Cdc45 seems to be a promising candidate for a novel proliferation marker in cancer cell biology.
Social Networks and Extraparliamentary Politics
Authors: Crossley Nick
Published: July 2007

This article reviews the main literature dealing with the relationship between social networks and various forms of extraparliamentary politics. The purpose of the article is to introduce this exciting field of research in an accessible manner.
The Persistent Problem of Colorism: Skin Tone, Status, and Inequality
Authors: Hunter Margaret
Published: July 2007

Colorism is a persistent problem for people of color in the USA. Colorism, or skin color stratification, is a process that privileges light‐skinned people of color over dark in areas such as income, education, housing, and the marriage market. This essay describes the experiences of African Americans, Latinos, and Asian Americans with regard to skin color. Research demonstrates that light‐skinned people have clear advantages in these areas, even when controlling for other background variables. However, dark‐skinned people of color are typically regarded as more ethnically authentic or legitimate than light‐skinned people. Colorism is directly related to the larger system of racism in the USA and around the world. The color complex is also exported around the globe, in part through US media images, and helps to sustain the multibillion‐dollar skin bleaching and cosmetic surgery industries.
In Vitro Activities of Different Inhibitors of Bacterial Transcription against
Staphylococcus epidermidis
Biofilm
Authors: Villain-Guillot Philippe , Gualtieri Maxime , Bastide Lionel , Leonetti Jean-Paul
Published: July 2007

Staphylococcus epidermidis
is a major cause of nosocomial infections because of its ability to form biofilms on the surface of medical devices. Only a few antibacterial agents are relatively active against biofilms, and rifampin, a transcription inhibitor, ranks among the most effective molecules against biofilm-related infections. Whether this efficacy is due to advantageous structural properties of rifampin or to the fact that the RNA polymerase is a favorable target remains unclear. In an attempt to answer this question, we investigated the action of different transcription inhibitors against
S. epidermidis
biofilm, including the newest synthetic transcription inhibitors. This comparison suggests that most of the antibiotics that target the RNA polymerase are active on
S. epidermidis
biofilms at concentrations close to their MICs. One of these compounds, CBR703, despite its high MIC ranks among the best antibiotics to eradicate biofilm-embedded bacteria.
Leish-111f, a Recombinant Polyprotein Vaccine That Protects against Visceral Leishmaniasis by Elicitation of CD4+T Cells
Authors: Coler Rhea N. , Goto Yasuyuki , Bogatzki Lisa , Raman Vanitha , Reed Steven G.
Published: July 2007

TheLeishmania-derived recombinant polyprotein Leish-111f or its three component proteins, thiol-specific antioxidant (TSA),Leishmania majorstress-inducible protein 1 (LmSTI1), andLeishmaniaelongation initiation factor (LeIF), have previously been demonstrated to be efficacious against cutaneous or mucosal leishmaniasis in mice, nonhuman primates, and humans. In this study we demonstrate that Leish-111f is also a vaccine antigen candidate against visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused byLeishmania infantum. We evaluated the immune response and protection induced by Leish-111f formulated with monophosphoryl lipid A in a stable emulsion (Leish-111f+MPL-SE) and demonstrated that mice developed strong humoral and T-cell responses to the vaccine antigen. Analysis of the cellular immune responses of immunized, uninfected mice demonstrated that the vaccine induced a significant increase in CD4+T cells producing gamma interferon, interleukin 2, and tumor necrosis factor cytokines, indicating a Th1-type immune response. Experimental infection of immunized mice and hamsters demonstrated that Leish-111f+MPL-SE induced significant protection againstL. infantuminfection, with reductions in parasite loads of 99.6%, a level of protection greater than that reported for other vaccine candidates in animal models of VL. Taken together, our results suggest that this vaccine represents a good candidate for use against severalLeishmaniaspecies. The Leish-111f+MPL-SE product we report here is the first defined vaccine for leishmaniasis in human clinical trials and has completed phase 1 and 2 safety and immunogenicity testing in normal, healthy human subjects.
Micronuclei Bearing Acentric Extrachromosomal Chromatin Are Transcriptionally Competent and May Perturb the Cancer Cell Phenotype
Authors: Utani Koh-ichi , Kawamoto June-ko , Shimizu Noriaki
Published: July 2007

Extrachromosomal double minutes (DM) bear amplified genes that contribute to the malignancy of human cancer cells. A novel intracellular behavior of DMs resulted in their selective entrapment within micronuclei; opening the vista, this could perturb the cancer cell phenotype if genes located on DMs were expressed in micronuclei. Here, using fluorescence in situ hybridization, we detected transcripts in DM-enriched micronuclei. Visualization of DMs and their transcripts in live cells showed that DMs are as actively transcribed in the micronuclei and nuclei. Moreover, pulse-incorporated bromouridine was detected in the micronuclei, and the transcripts eventually exited from the micronuclei, similar to the behavior of nuclear transcripts. This apparently normal pattern of gene expression in DM-enriched micronuclei was restricted to micronuclei associated with lamin B, and lamin B association was more frequent for micronuclei that incorporated DMs than for those that incorporated a chromosome arm. The frequency of lamin B–associated micronuclei increased after entry into S phase, and accordingly, there was a concomitant increase in transcription in micronuclei. Taken together, these results indicate that the expression of genes on DMs can be temporally altered by their incorporation into micronuclei. This may be relevant for a broad spectrum of other extrachromosomal elements. (Mol Cancer Res 2007;5(7):695–704)
Interleukin-8 Signaling Promotes Translational Regulation of Cyclin D in Androgen-Independent Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: MacManus Christopher F. , Pettigrew Johanna , Seaton Angela , Wilson Catherine , Maxwell Pamela J. , Berlingeri Silvia , Purcell Colin , McGurk Maryalice , Johnston Patrick G. , Waugh David J.J.
Published: July 2007

We have shown previously that interleukin-8 (IL-8) and IL-8 receptor expression is elevated in tumor cells of human prostate biopsy tissue and correlates with increased cyclin D1 expression. Using PC3 and DU145 cell lines, we sought to determine whether IL-8 signaling regulated cyclin D1 expression in androgen-independent prostate cancer (AIPC) cells and to characterize the signaling pathways underpinning this response and that of IL-8–promoted proliferation. Administration of recombinant human IL-8 induced a rapid, time-dependent increase in cyclin D1 expression in AIPC cells, a response attenuated by the translation inhibitor cycloheximide but not by the RNA synthesis inhibitor, actinomycin D. Suppression of endogenous IL-8 signaling using neutralizing antibodies to IL-8 or its receptors also attenuated basal cyclin D1 expression in AIPC cells. Immunoblotting using phospho-specific antibodies confirmed that recombinant human IL-8 induced rapid time-dependent phosphorylation of Akt and the mammalian target of rapamycin substrate proteins, 4E-BP1 and ribosomal S6 kinase, resulting in a downstream phosphorylation of the ribosomal S6 protein (rS6). LY294002 and rapamycin each abrogated the IL-8–promoted phosphorylation of rS6 and attenuated the rate of AIPC cell proliferation. Our results indicate that IL-8 signaling (a) regulates cyclin D1 expression at the level of translation, (b) regulates the activation of proteins associated with the translation of capped and 5′-oligopyrimidine tract transcripts, and (c) activates signal transduction pathways underpinning AIPC cell proliferation. This study provides a molecular basis to support the correlation of IL-8 expression with that of cyclin D1 in human prostate cancer and suggests a mechanism by which this chemokine promotes cell proliferation. (Mol Cancer Res 2007;5(7):737–48)
The Spironolactone, Amiloride, Losartan, and Thiazide (SALT) Double-Blind Crossover Trial in Patients With Low-Renin Hypertension and Elevated Aldosterone-Renin Ratio
Authors: Hood Susan J. , Taylor Kevin P. , Ashby Michael J. , Brown Morris J.
Published: July 2007

Background—

There is continuing variation in diagnosis and estimated prevalence of primary hyperaldosteronism. The higher estimates encourage search for adrenal adenomas in patients with elevated ratios of plasma aldosterone to renin. However, it is more likely that patients with normal plasma K
+
and aldosterone belong to the polygenic spectrum of low-renin hypertension rather than have the same monogenic syndrome as classic Conn’s. Our primary hypothesis was that in low-renin patients with normal plasma K
+
and aldosterone, a thiazide diuretic, bendroflumethiazide, would be as effective as spironolactone in overcoming the Na
+
retention and lowering blood pressure. Secondary objectives were to compare the dose response for each diuretic and to evaluate amiloride as an alternative to spironolactone.

Methods and Results—

Fifty-seven patients entered and 51 patients completed a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized crossover trial. Entry criteria included low plasma renin, normal K
+
, elevated aldosterone-renin ratio, and a previous systolic blood pressure response to spironolactone of ≥20 mm Hg. Two doses each of spironolactone and bendroflumethiazide were compared. The crossover also included amiloride and losartan. Outcome measures were blood pressure, plasma renin, and other biochemical markers of diuretic action. Spironolactone 100 mg and bendroflumethiazide 5 mg caused similar falls in systolic blood pressure, whereas bendroflumethiazide 2.5 mg was 5/2 mm Hg less effective in reducing blood pressure than either bendroflumethiazide 5 mg or spironolactone 50 mg (
P
<0.005). Amiloride 40 mg was as effective as the other diuretics. Biochemical indices of natriuresis showed bendroflumethiazide to be less effective than either spironolactone or amiloride; plasma renin rose 4-fold on spironolactone but only 2-fold on bendroflumethiazide (
P
=0.003).

Conclusions—

In hypertensive patients with a low plasma renin but normal K
+
, bendroflumethiazide 5 mg was as effective as spironolactone 100 mg in lowering blood pressure, despite patients being selected for a previous large fall in blood pressure on spironolactone. Because this result differs from that expected in primary hyperaldosteronism, our finding argues against low-renin hypertension including a large, undiagnosed pool of primary hyperaldosteronism. However, spironolactone was the more effective natriuretic agent, suggesting that inappropriate aldosterone release or response may still contribute to the Na
+
retention of low-renin hypertension.
Effect of Nano-silicon Nitride on the Mechanical and Electric Properties of Polypropylene Nanocomposite
Authors: Xu G.C. , Wang J. , Ji X.L. , Xiong J.Y. , Li F.
Published: July 2007

The nanocomposites of polypropylene (PP) and nano-silicon nitride (chemical formula: Si3N4) were prepared by a twin-screw extruder with isoactic PP granules, within which a proportion of PP granules were coated by nano-Si3N4 modified with a silane coupling agent. The data of mechanical experiments showed that the impact strength of PP nanocomposite materials was improved markedly with up to 25% increasing magnitude while the tensile strength was decreased slightly with less than 10% decreasing magnitude as the content of Si3N4 increased within the PP matrix. Electrical properties of PP nanocomposites showed that the average breakdown field strength of the nanocomposite PP materials was increased by 40% and 10% under AC and DC, respectively, compared to those of neat PP. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) spectra showed that the existence of nano-Si3N4 within the PP matrix made the crystal phase of PP change to some extent due to the interaction of nano-Si3N4 with PP matrix. It was found that the nano-Si3N4 that possessed good dispersion into and chemical physical interaction with the PP matrix had a significant influence on the mechanical and electric properties of nanocomposite Polypropylene.
Review: Benzylpiperazine: a drug of abuse?
Authors: Johnstone Alice C. , Lea Rod A. , Brennan Katie A. , Schenk Susan , Kennedy Martin A. , Fitzmaurice Paul S.
Published: July 2007

N-benzylpiperazine (BZP) is the active ingredient in recreational `party' or `p.e.p.' pills, which are used to provide a stimulant, euphoric effect akin to that of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, `ecstasy'). BZP predominantly affects dopamine neurotransmission in a similar fashion to known `drugs of abuse', such as methamphetamine and cocaine, which strongly suggests BZP has abuse liability. BZP is illegal in many countries including the United States of America and Australia, yet it remains legal in the United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand. There has been little research, to date, on the neurological consequences of high dose or chronic exposure of BZP. Here we provide a comprehensive review of the information currently available on BZP and suggest a need for further research into the mechanisms of action, long-term effects and potentially addictive properties of BZP.
Pharmacological manipulations of arousal and memory for emotional material: effects of a single dose of methylphenidate or lorazepam
Authors: Brignell Catherine M. , Rosenthal Joe , Curran H. Valerie
Published: July 2007

Benzodiazepines produce robust impairments of memory alongside global decreases in physiological and subjective arousal. Recently one benzodiazepine (triazolam) has been found to disproportionately impair memory for emotionally arousing material (Buchanan et al., 2003). The extent to which this effect may be mediated by the drug's sedative action is unclear. The present study aimed to assess how pharmacologically decreasing physiological arousal with a benzodiazepine and increasing arousal with a stimulant impact on memory for emotional material. A double-blind placebo controlled trial with 48 volunteers was used to investigate the effects of methylphenidate (40 mg) and Lorazepam (1.5 mg) on incidental memory for emotional material in Cahill and McGaugh's (1995) slide-story task. The slide-story was presented to participants administered either active drug or placebo and retrieval was assessed one week later. Methylphenidate produced stimulant effects and Lorazepam produced sedative effects. Significantly enhanced memory for emotional material was observed in participants given placebo, but not in those given either methylphenidate or Lorazepam. Despite producing opposite effects upon arousal, both methylphenidate and Lorazepam lessen the impact of emotionally arousing material on memory. The effects of Lorazepam add to a growing literature that benzodiazepines may exert their clinical, anxiolytic effects in part via altering emotionaL cognitive function.
Daughters of Islam
Authors: Kay Tess
Published: July 2007

This article examines the significance of family influence on young women from minority (Muslim) communities who have participated in a combined sport and education programme designed to encourage access to further and higher education. The study explores how family expectations about the roles of young women affect the participants' responses to the programme. The research examines young women's understanding of their parents' views in relation to their participation in the programme and their broader aspirations for their daughters' adult lives in the family, education and employment domains. The young women's accounts of their family members' views on minority life in Britain, and the influence this might have on their own opportunities and experiences, are also considered. The research was conducted in partnership with a graduate female Muslim Sport and education development worker and with young female participants ( n = 7) in the sports programme, all of whom were actively involved in the design, implementation and analysis of the study. The young women undertook in-depth interviews within their families, and responded to the content of these in subsequent focus group discussions. The study revealed extensive parental influence on the young women's involvement in the sports programme and over their lives as a whole, and the significance of Islam within this; however, it also highlighted the extent to which young people `navigated' between their family identity and the westernized experiences they were exposed to on a day-to-day basis. Conclusions are drawn about the value of sport in illuminating the lived experience of minority groups, and on the need for further analysis of young people's sports behaviour in the context of family.
`We've All Got The Bug For Euro-Aways'
Authors: Millward Peter
Published: July 2007

It is well established that sport helps to produce and maintain national identities. However, the relationship between football and European identities has received only limited attention. This article questions whether football assists the production of European identities. To test this, data were collected from RAOTL e-zine (found at www.raotl.co.uk/), which is an Internet messageboard used by Liverpool Football Club supporters. From this data, a random sample consisting of 107 days of fan comments — collected over a 14-month period — was analysed using a frame analysis technique. The unfolding argument is that, in the sense of football competition, Liverpool supporters gave favourable narratives which related to UEFA club competition, which constituted a form of European identity and transnational fan experiences enchanted supporters' discourse.
De-Sportization of Fighting Contests
Authors: van Bottenburg Maarten , Heilbron Johan
Published: July 2007

On the basis of an empirical analysis of the emergence, spread and transformation of No Holds Barred fighting contests during the 1990s, we argue that Norbert Elias's model of sportization represents a fruitful but not sufficiently differentiated framework for understanding the recent development of combat sports and fighting contests. Although the martial arts in the 20th century provide striking examples of processes of sportization and para-sportization, the rise of No Holds Barred events in the 1990s represented an opposing trend, a process of de-sportization . The analysis of No Holds Barred contests demonstrates that both sportization and de-sportization trends depend primarily on the interests of the organizers, and in particular on the degree to which they rely on the perspectives of practitioners, spectators, or viewers. The decisive factor for the predominance of the latter perspective was the formation of a new and poorly regulated market for visual material, which emerged with pay-per-view television. This allowed media entrepreneurs to commercialize non-sanctioned events, which depend primarily on the demands and fantasies of viewers who are less interested in the specifics of particular sports or games than in the antinomian excitement produced by the transgression of the rules and conventions of ordinary life. The case of No Holds Barred fighting thus suggests that new markets for visual material are likely to become an important factor in the development of spectator sports and sport-like forms of entertainment. It also suggests that regulatory regimes are an essential feature for the actual outcome of the changes that these new markets may bring about. Public pressure eventually led to the disappearance of No Holds Barred events from the major US cable television networks and from the full contact fighting scene in most Western European countries. In response, various initiatives worked towards a re-sportization of the matches, a process that has led to the transformation of No Holds Barred tournaments into Mixed Martial Arts matches.
Translating a Food and Food Service Satisfaction Measure Into Spanish
Authors: Evans Bronwynne C. , Crogan Neva L.
Published: July 2007

By 2030, at least 4.5 million U.S. Hispanics will require nursing home care due to dementia and chronic disease. Despite the significance of nutrition's role in elder health, malnutrition has not been studied in controlled empirical investigations of such residents. A valid instrument for measuring food and food service satisfaction for Spanish-speaking nursing home residents is urgently needed. This article is to report on pilot testing of such an instrument with the ultimate aim of generating theory-based nursing interventions to increase resident food satisfaction, food intake, and subsequent nutrition status.
An Exploration of the Notion and Nature of the Construct of Cultural Safety and Its Applicability to the Australian Health Care Context
Authors: Johnstone Megan-Jane , Kanitsaki Olga
Published: July 2007

Cultural safety has been promoted by its New Zealand proponents as an effective process for managing cultural risk in health care and improving the cultural responsiveness of mainstream health services when delivering care to culturally diverse populations. Its effectiveness in this regard has not, however, been comprehensively investigated. A key purpose of this study was to explore and describe what is known and understood about the notion of cultural safety and its possible application to and in Australian health care domains. Findings from the study indicate that the notion of cultural safety is conceptually problematic, poorly understood, and underresearched and, unless substantially revised, cannot be meaningfully applied to the cultural context of Australia.
(Re)Branding the Big Easy
Authors: Gotham Kevin Fox
Published: July 2007

This article draws on primary and secondary data to provide insight into the processes and conflicts over efforts to brand New Orleans as an entertainment destination from the 1990s to the present. The author identifies the key actors and organized interests involved in branding New Orleans, the rationale and logic of branding, and marketing strategies used to enhance place distinctiveness. The second half of the article describes the impact of Hurricane Katrina on New Orleans's tourism sector and examines efforts to rebrand the city. The article points to the problems, contradictions, and unpredictabilities of urban branding. This analysis provides an important opportunity for theoretical development and offers a unique perspective for understanding urban branding as a contested and conflictual process of homogenization and diversification.