bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overexpressed Decorin in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Köninger Jörg , Giese Nathalia A. , di Mola Fabio Francesco , Berberat Pascal , Giese Thomas , Esposito Irene , Bachem Max G. , Büchler Markus W. , Friess Helmut
Published: September 2005

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression and significance of decorin in pancreatic cancer.

Experimental Design: Decorin expression in normal pancreas and excised tumors was examined by real-time quantitative PCR, Western blot analysis, and immunohistochemistry. Reverse transcription-PCR was used to analyze cultures of pancreatic cancer and stellate cells. Growth-inhibitory effects of decorin in vitro were assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide test, Western blot, and fluorescence-activated cell-sorting analysis.

Results: Pancreatic cancer was characterized by striking overexpression of decorin mRNA in tumor tissues (9-fold by real-time quantitative PCR; 44 patients versus 18 healthy donors; P < 0.01). Strong decorin immunostaining was observed in the extracellular matrix of pancreatic cancer tissue, whereas tumor cells were devoid of decorin. Double staining for anti-smooth muscle actin and decorin and reverse transcription-PCR analysis of primary cultures revealed pancreatic stellate cells as the putative source of decorin. Human recombinant decorin was able to suppress growth of pancreatic cancer cells in vitro through p21mediated G1-S block of the cell cycle. However, in contrast to the previously described chemotherapy-potentiating capacity of decorin, this proteoglycan attenuated the cytostatic action of carboplatin and gemcitabine toward pancreatic cancer cells.

Conclusions: Decorin might exert an antiproliferative effect toward pancreatic cancer cells, thus playing a role in a host stromal reaction aimed at sequestering and inhibiting growing malignant cells. However, in clinical settings, the importance of collagen-associated decorin as a moderate antitumor modality would be undermined by its ability to attenuate the efficiency of chemotherapeutics. Considering the general failure of adjuvant therapies in pancreatic cancer, the role of decorin in this process warrants further investigation.
The Von Hippel-Lindau Tumor Suppressor Gene and Kidney Cancer
Authors: Kaelin William G.
Published: September 2005

The von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor gene (VHL), which resides on chromosome 3p25, is mutated or silenced in >50% of sporadic clear cell renal cell carcinomas. Germ-line VHL mutations give rise to VHL disease, which is characterized by an increased risk of blood vessel tumors (hemangioblastomas) and renal cell carcinomas. In this setting, VHL inactivation gives rise to premalignant renal cysts. Additional genetic alterations are presumably required for conversion of these cysts to renal cell carcinomas. Restoration of VHL function in VHL−/− renal cell carcinomas is sufficient to inhibit tumorigenesis in vivo. On the basis of these and other data, VHL appears to be a critical gatekeeper with respect to the development of renal cell carcinoma. The VHL gene product, pVHL, is the substrate recognition module of an E3 ubiquitin ligase that targets the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) for destruction in the presence of oxygen. Hypoxic cells, or cells lacking pVHL, accumulate high levels of HIF, which activates the transcription of a variety of genes, including vascular endothelial growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor B, and transforming growth factor α. We have demonstrated that inhibition of HIF is necessary and sufficient for tumor suppression by pVHL in renal cell carcinoma nude mouse xenograft assays. This provides a rationale for treating VHL−/− renal cell carcinoma with inhibitors of HIF or its downstream targets. Genotype-phenotype correlations in VHL disease suggest, however, that pVHL has targets in addition to HIF. Elucidating these targets should provide a more complete picture of how pVHL suppresses tumor growth.
Levels of Description: A Novel Approach to Dynamical Hierarchies
Authors: McGregor Simon , Fernando Chrisantha
Published: September 2005

We present a novel formal interpretation of dynamical hierarchies based on information theory, in which each level is a near-state-determined system, and levels are related to one another in a partial ordering. This reformulation moves away from previous definitions, which have considered unique hierarchies of structures or objects arranged in aggregates. Instead, we consider hierarchies of dynamical systems: these are more suited to describing living systems, which are not mere aggregates, but organizations. Transformations from lower to higher levels in a hierarchy are redescriptions that lose information. There are two criteria for partial ordering. One is a state-dependence criterion enforcing predictability within a level. The second is a distinctness criterion enforcing the idea that the higher-level description must do more than just throw information away. We hope this will be a useful tool for empirical studies of both computational and physical dynamical hierarchies.
Moving Cellular Structure of Fog Echoes Obtained with a Millimeter-Wave Scanning Doppler Radar at Kushiro, Japan
Authors: Uematsu Akihisa , Hashiguchi Hiroyuki , Teshiba Michihiro , Tanaka Hisamichi , Hirashima Koichi , Fukao Shoichiro
Published: September 2005

Observations of fogs with a millimeter-wave scanning Doppler radar were conducted at Kushiro in Hokkaido, Japan, in the summer seasons of 1999 and 2000. Three typical types of plan position indicator (PPI) displays were observed: cellular echoes with high radar reflectivity factors (∼−10 dBZ), uniformly distributed echoes with high reflectivities (∼−10 dBZ), and uniformly distributed echoes with low reflectivities (∼−30 dBZ). The authors focused on advection fog with cellular echoes observed on 5 August 1999 and 31 July 2000. Echoes showed structures of cells with a reflectivity of −10 dBZ and with intervals of about 1 km. This echo pattern moved northward (i.e., from the sea to the land). There was a vertical shear of the horizontal wind at a height around 200 m in both cases, and structures of each cell were upright above the shear line and were leaning below it. The direction and the speed of the echo pattern in both PPI and range–height indicator (RHI) displays agreed well with that of the horizontal wind at heights above the shear (200 m). In the echo cells, existence of drizzle drops is implied.
On the Fire Nature of a Subtropical Maritime Island in East Asia: Taiwan
Authors: Yen Ming-Cheng , Chen Tsing-Chang
Published: September 2005

Active wild fires over continental landmasses occur in the warm, dry summer. In contrast, in a study by Yen and Chen it was observed that the fire occurrence in Taiwan exhibits an annual variation with a peak in the cool, dry winter. Analysis of the fire-disaster reports released recently by the National Fire Administration of Taiwan shows that fire-related house damage, property loss, and human casualties, overall, exhibit annual variations in concert with the annual variation in the fire-occurrence frequency. The fire-disaster statistics support Yen and Chen’s observation of the annual variation of the fire-occurrence frequency on a subtropical maritime island.
The political process of inscribing a new technology
Authors: Spicer André
Published: September 2005

What shapes the use of a new technology? Instead of assuming that a use is already built into a technology, I argue that technology use is shaped by political processes. A central component of this involves interested organizational actors mobilizing discourses to inscribe a function into a technology. I explore this dynamic in a case where interested groups attempt to inscribe the possible use of an Australian public broadcaster's website during a public inquiry. I identify a progressive narrowing of the possible uses of the website that occurred across four successive ‘inscriptions’. This saw the website shifted from being a public resource to being a privatized outlet for advertising.The shift was not a neat process, but involved significant contestation and resistance at every step.The study shows that technical inscriptions are continually contested and resisted, inscription happens in a path-dependent fashion, and inscription is dependent on institutional platforms such as public inquiries.
The politics of networked innovation
Authors: Swan Jacky , Scarbrough Harry
Published: September 2005

Existing studies suggest that, because knowledge is becoming more widely distributed, innovation increasingly needs to occur ‘at the interstices’ of collaborating groups and organizations. Networked innovation processes are therefore emphasized, over more hierarchical or market-based forms, as having distinct advantages for the creation and integration of knowledge. Whilst the structural properties of networks have been heavily scrutinized, there is relatively less understanding of processes, in particular the political dynamics that shape networked innovation. This article aims to develop understanding of networked innovation processes, by identifying and relating the characteristics of networked innovation to the productive, or constraining, effects of different dimensions of power (power of resource, meaning and process). It does this through comparative analysis of three case studies of networked innovation, each involving the development of new technology. This analysis suggests that understanding the politics of networked innovation depends on understanding the generative (and sometimes degenerative) relationship between power, knowledge integration, network formation, and the role of technology. Moreover, the co-ordination of networks, rather than simply their formation, is found to play a particularly crucial role.
The Troubled Relationship between Psychiatry and Sociology
Authors: Pilgrim David , Rogers Anne
Published: September 2005

The alienated relationship between psychiatry and sociology is explored. The two disciplines largely took divergent paths after 1970. On the one side, psychiatry manifested a pre-occupation with methodological questions and sought greater medical respectability, with a biomedical approach returning to the fore. Social psychiatry and its underpinning biopsychosocial model became increasingly marginalised and weakened. On the other side, many sociologists turned away from psychiatry and the epidemiological study of mental health problems and increasingly restricted their interest to social theory and qualitative research. An interdisciplinary void ensued, to the detriment of the investigation of social aspects of mental health.
Family Burden During Exacerbation of Schizophrenia: Quantification and Determinants of Additional Costs
Authors: Lauber Christoph , Keller Christian , Eichenberger Adrian , Rössler Wulf
Published: September 2005

Background/aims: Family members of people with schizophrenia are heavily burdened. Thus, we aimed at quantifying the amount of additional efforts during the two weeks before hospitalisation of acute exacerbating psychosis compared to the time before.

Methods: By means of the semi-structured ‘Interview for Measuring the Burden on the Family' we interviewed relatives of people with schizophrenia. To quantify additional burden we asked how much time a person who would take over the additional burden has to afford. Subscales of different sources of burden and total scales were correlated.

Results: An additional 8.9 hours per day would have to be spent in favour of the patient, which results in additional costs of C= 3,115– C= 4,984 (ca. £2,100–3,400) for two weeks. The main sources of additional burden are quantity, quality and nature of contacts to the affected. This includes the frequency of contact to the affected, the whereabouts and symptoms of the affected, as well as the social contacts of the relatives.

Conclusions: Our results clarify the quantitative aspect of care provided by relatives of people with schizophrenia. Apart from the practical and emotional help to relatives the development of a diversified network of community psychiatry services, e.g. day and night hospitals, as well as crisis accommodations should be established.
Mourning the 15th Anniversary of Crisis: The Plight of Bhutanese Refugee Women and Children
Authors: Giri Birendra
Published: September 2005

Few women are involved in combat, but many become the victims of political upheavals. The imbroglio of over 130,000 Bhutanese refugees of Nepali origin (Lhotshampa), is a case to point. As the government of Bhutan began to forcibly evict so-called ‘illegal immigrants’ in the late 1980s, Lhotshampa women, as well as children, were reportedly beaten, raped, or often killed by the Bhutanese security forces. A number of articles and books have appeared concerning the Lhotshampa refugees crisis as a whole. However, a study specifically devoted to the plight of the refugee women and children is yet to be conducted. In the wake of several rape and child abuse cases in the refugees camps in Nepal, this article looks at the vulnerabilities experienced by Lhotshampa women and children, particularly since the early 1990s.
Cyprus at the Crossroads, 1959–63
Authors: Hatzivassiliou Evanthis
Published: September 2005

Cyprus became independent in 1960, after a fierce dispute between Britain, Greece and Turkey; but the island did not find a way towards normal political development. After 1960, the Cyprus Republic, and mainly its President, Archbishop Makarios, could follow either the long-term option of implementing the 1959 Zurich–London agreements and integrating with the West; or the short-term option of trying to acquire unlimited independence and following a non-aligned policy. From late 1962, as disagreements with the Turkish Cypriots grew, Makarios oriented himself to extensive constitutional revision, and finally proposed this unilaterally in late 1963. It was then that the second Cyprus crisis erupted.
Transient Combined Radiative and Conductive Heat Transfer in a Polyamide 6T Layer
Authors: Sadooghi Parham , Aghanajafi Cyrus
Published: September 2005

An analysis is developed for computing transient thermal behavior in a layer of polyamide 6T. The radiative two-flux equation is coupled with the transient energy equation, and for the general boundary conditions of external convection and radiation on the layer with diffuse interfaces, it is shown that the two-flux method can be used to predict accurate steady-state temperature distributions. The layer refractive indices are larger than one and internal reflections are included. The analysis includes internal emission, absorption, and isotropic scattering and heat conduction. An advantage of the two-flux method is that isotropic scattering is included without any additional complication and some transient results with large scattering are given to illustrate scattering effects.
Nuisance flies and landfill activities: an investigation at a West Midlands landfill site
Authors: Lole Michael J.
Published: September 2005

Nuisance-causing flies were studied in and around a West Midlands, UK, landfill site from mid-January 2003 to mid-January 2004. The most important species was the common housefly, Musca domestica, which made up more than 92% of the total catch on traps in premises and was also frequent on the landfill site. An estimated 2 million common houseflies were imported to the site in waste as eggs, larvae or pupae during the peak month, July. Most did not apparently survive to maturity, only about 20 000 per month emerging from the tipped refuse. Lesser houseflies ( Fannia canicularis) were also very commonly imported but they seemed unable to survive the conditions on the tip in their immature stages and few were found in emergence traps. No correlation was found between the distance separating premises from the landfill site and the number of M. domestica trapped in those premises. White sticky traps were effective for monitoring changes in fly populations over the longer term whereas the Scudder grill was more useful for making objective ‘snapshots’ of fly activity. There is scope to improve both the monitoring of fly activity and the investigation of complaints made by the general public about flies.
Utilization of bottom ash from the incineration of separated wastes as a cement substitute
Authors: Kokalj Filip , Samec Niko , Juri Bernardka
Published: September 2005

Waste incineration is still an essential technology in the concept of integrated waste management. Most of the combustion residues are incinerator bottom ash. It has been discovered that incinerator bottom ash from the incineration of separated waste in the primary chamber of the modular two-stage incinerator mainly consists of metal oxides, especially SiO2 and CaO, in proportions that are quite similar to those in cement and so the feasibility of its application as a substitute for cement in concrete was investigated. It was found that after 28 days, the flexural and compressive strengths of the binder using bottom ash were practically comparable with those of a pure cement mixture. The results show that it is reasonable to use a binder containing incinerator bottom ash for applications in which an early-stage lower strength of concrete element is acceptable.
Estimation and allocation of solid waste to bin through geographical information systems
Authors: Vijay Ritesh , Gupta Apurba , Kalamdhad Ajay S. , Devotta Sukumar
Published: September 2005

This study presents a geographical information system (GIS)-based procedure for the precise estimation of solid waste generation, computed using the local population density and income group distribution. Using a triangulated irregular network (TIN) in a GIS environment, the procedure further determines the command area for waste allocation to a particular bin which is generally located so the route slopes towards the collection points for ease of transportation by cart pullers. Computational results of bin location, type, size and the frequency of removal are presented for a typical urban area with known population density, income group distribution, road network and topology.
Guidelines for the evaluation and assessment of the sustainable use of resources and of wastes management at healthcare facilities
Authors: Townend William K. , Cheeseman Christopher R
Published: September 2005

This paper presents guidelines that can be used by managers of healthcare facilities to evaluate and assess the quality of resources and waste management at their facilities and enabling the principles of sustainable development to be addressed. The guidelines include the following key aspects which need to be considered when completing an assessment. They are: (a) general management; (b) social issues; (c) health and safety; (d) energy and water use; (e) purchasing and supply; (f) waste management (responsibility, segregation, storage and packaging); (g) waste transport; (h) recycling and re-use; (i) waste treatment; and (j) final disposal. They identify actions required to achieve a higher level of performance which can readily be applied to any healthcare facility, irrespective of the local level of social, economic and environmental development. The guidelines are presented, and the characteristics of facilities associated with sustainable (level 4) and unsustainable (level 0) healthcare resource and wastes management are outlined. They have been used to assess a major London hospital, and this highlighted a number of deficiencies in current practice, including a lack of control over purchasing and supply, and very low rates of segregation of municipal solid waste from hazardous health-care waste.
Investigation of briquetting of metal waste from the bearing industry
Authors: Borowski Gabriel , Kuczmaszewski Jozef
Published: September 2005

An economical method to process the metal waste that comes from the ball-bearing industry is presented. The purpose of the study was to determine the physical–chemical properties of the material, to present the most suitable binders and identify the factors that can affect briquette strength. The mechanical strength and resistance to gravitational drop were defined for both fresh briquettes and those that had been seasoned. The briquette structure was also tested. On the basis of the results of experimental studies and laboratory trials two techniques for processing the waste from the ball-bearing industry on an industrial technological scale were developed. The economic and ecological impacts of these industrial applications were examined. The results of the investigations suggest that the briquettes might be recycled in steel-making furnaces. The reported solution to the problem of management of this type of waste appears to be universal and could also be applied by other waste-related enterprises.
Concurrent Hearing and Visual Impairment and Morbidity in Community-Residing Adults
Authors: Lee David J. , Lam Byron L. , Gómez-Marín Orlando , Zheng D. Diane , Caban Alberto J.
Published: September 2005

Objective: To examine the association between the presence and severity of concurrent hearing and visual impairment (HI+VI) and morbidity. Methods: Data for adults 45 years and older were obtained from the National Health Interview Survey, 1986 to 1996 ( n = 60,997). Covariate-adjusted logistic regression analyses were used to examine associations between HI+VI and five morbidity indicators: restricted activity days, bed rest days, doctor visits, hospitalizations and self-rated health. Results: Associations with morbidity indicators tended to be stronger in adults with HI+VI, and in particular, among adults with more severe HI+VI, relative to adults reporting no impairment. These associations were somewhat stronger in adults 45 to 64 years versus older adults. Discussion: HI+VI is associated with morbidity, although the strength of these associations varies across subgroups. Findings indicate that an increased focus on the provision of hearing and eye care services is required. Insurance coverage for these services should also be pursued by health policy makers.
Subjective and Objective Evaluations of Health Among Middle-Aged and Older Veterans with Hypertension
Authors: Hong Tantina B. , Oddone Eugene Z. , Dudley Tara K. , Bosworth Hayden B.
Published: September 2005

Objectives: The congruence between self-rated health and objective health was examined for associations with health factors related to hypertension (health behaviors, medication barriers, and perceived blood-pressure control). Methods: The Charlson Comorbidity Index was cross classified with self-rated health, producing four health-congruence groups: good health realists, poor health realists, health optimists, and health pessimists. Data for this study were obtained from 588 hypertensive veterans (mean age = 63) at baseline of a clinical trial to improve blood-pressure control before randomization to an intervention. Results: Optimists had higher perceived control of their hypertension when compared to pessimists. Additionally, optimists had higher levels of exercise and fewer medication barriers when compared to poor health realists. Discussion: Health congruence classification could be a useful tool to alert practitioners of patients who may be having difficulties managing their hypertension.
The Sense of Mastery as a Mediator and Moderator in the Association Between Economic Hardship and Health in Late Life
Authors: Pudrovska Tetyana , Schieman Scott , Pearlin Leonard I. , Nguyen Kim
Published: September 2005

Objectives: This study examines the ways in which the sense of mastery modifies the association between economic hardship experienced at different life stages and late-life depression, anxiety, and physical symptoms. Methods: Using data from a sample of 1,167 older adults, ordinary least squares regression techniques were used to estimate the main and mastery-contingent effects of economic hardship. Results: Results underscore the dual role of the sense of mastery in the stress process. First, mastery mediates the effects of both earlier- and later-life economic hardships on elders’ current physical and mental health. Second, mastery moderates the health impact of economic hardship, although those patterns depend on the period of economic hardship and health outcome. Discussion: Integrating the stress process model and a life course perspective, the authors argue that to fully understand protective capacity of psychosocial resources, stressors encountered at different life stages should be taken into account.
A Review of Economic Evaluations of Community Mental Health Care
Authors: Roberts Evan , Cumming Jacqueline , Nelson Katherine
Published: September 2005

The authors review the methodology and findings of economic evaluations of 42 community mental health care programs reported in the English-language literature between 1979 and 2003. There were three substantial methodological problems in the literature: costs were often not completely specified, the quality of econometric analysis was often low, and most evaluations failed to integrate cost and health outcome information. Well-conducted research shows that care in the community dominates hospital in-patient care, achieving better outcomes at lower or equal cost. It is less clear what types of community programs are most cost-effective. Future research should focus on identifying which types of community care are most cost effective and at what level of intensity they are most effective.
Can Patients Be Part of the Solution? Views on Their Role in Preventing Medical Errors
Authors: Hibbard Judith H. , Peters Ellen , Slovic Paul , Tusler Martin
Published: September 2005

Patients have the potential to play an important role in preventing medical errors. Yet little is known about how to effectively engage patients in this role as a “vigilant partner” in care. Respondents were asked to assess the perceived effectiveness of fourteen recommended actions for preventing medical errors. The findings indicate that most of the actions are viewed as effective. However, respondents also indicate that they are unlikely to engage in many of the recommended actions. Having a greater sense of self-efficacy in being able to prevent medical errors is significantly linked with a greater reported likelihood of engaging in preventive action.
Direct-to-Consumer Advertising of COX-2 Inhibitors: Effect on Appropriateness of Prescribing
Authors: Spence Michele M. , Teleki Stephanie S. , Cheetham T. Craig , Schweitzer Stuart O. , Millares Mirta
Published: September 2005

Spending on direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) of prescription drugs has increased dramatically in the past several years. An unresolved question is whether such advertising leads to inappropriate prescribing. In this study, the authors use survey and administrative data to determine the association of DTCA with the appropriate prescribing of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors for 1,382 patients. Treatment with either a COX-2 or a traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) was defined as appropriate or not according to three different definitions of gastrointestinal risk. Patients who saw or heard a COX-2 advertisement and asked their physician about the advertised drug were significantly more likely to be prescribed a COX-2 (versus a NSAID, as recommended by evidence-based guidelines) than all other patients. Findings also suggest that some patients may benefit from DTCA. The authors discuss the need for balanced drug information for consumers, increased physician vigilance in prescribing appropriately, and further study of DTCA.
The Effects of Rural Residence and Other Social Vulnerabilities on Subjective Measures of Unmet Need
Authors: Mayer Michelle L. , Slifkin Rebecca T. , Skinner Asheley Cockrell
Published: September 2005

To determine whether self-reports of unmet need are biased measures of access to health care, the authors examine the relationship between rural residence and perceived need for physician services. They perform logistic regression analyses to examine the likelihood of reporting a need for routine preventive care and/or specialty care using data from the National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs. Even after controlling for factors known to be associated with evaluated need, parents of rural children were less likely to report a need for routine or specialty services. Poor children, those whose mothers had less education, and those who were uninsured in the previous year were also less likely to perceive a need for physician services. Findings suggest that rural residence and other social vulnerabilities are associated with decreased perception of need, which may bias subjective measurements of unmet need for these populations.
High Hydrostatic Pressure Processing of Mango Puree Containing Antibrowning Agents
Authors: Guerrero-Beltrán J. A. , Swanson B. G. , Barbosa-Cánovas G. V.
Published: September 2005

Natural mango puree and purees containing cysteine ( Cys, 200 ppm) or ascorbic acid ( AA, 500ppm) were treated at high hydrostatic pressure, HHP (379 to 586 MPa) for selected times (0, 0.033, 5, 10, 15 and 20min) to assess changes in polyphenoloxidase (PPO) activity. Mango purees were stored at 31°C. Colour parameters ( L*, a* and b*) were analysed to evaluate colour stability. PPO activity was inhibited from 93.8 to 89.7 or 85.5 enzyme activity units (EAU) after adding AAor Cys, respectively. Such inhibition was improved after applying HHP, by an average of 69.5± 10.6, 4.2 ± 2.2 and 47.0 ± 35.2 EAU for natural purees, purees containing ascorbic acid or cysteine, respectively. No significant differences (p≥ 0.05) were observed in PPO activity at 448, 517 and 586 MPa after 10 or 20 min of treatment for natural mango puree and puree containing cysteine. The total colour difference (Δ E*) increased as storage time increased. However, this colour difference was barely noticeable ( p≥ 0.05) after 27 days of storage for natural puree (9.1 ± 0.9), puree containing ascorbic acid (8.8 ± 1.2), and cysteine (16.4 ± 3.5).
Physicochemical and Functional Characterisation of Amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) Protein Isolates Obtained by Isoelectric Precipitation and Micellisation
Authors: Cordero-de-los-Santos M. Y. , Osuna-Castro J. A. , Borodanenko A. , Paredes-López O.
Published: September 2005

Amaranth protein isolates were obtained by two distinct methods, i.e. alkaline extraction-isoelectric precipitation (IP) and micellisation (MP). IP had a greater protein yield (56.4%) and protein content (93.1%) than MP (15.9 and 80.2%, respectively). The gel filtration chromatogram of IP isolates displayed a single peak of ca. 1,380 kDa, whereas MP isolates showed two peaks at 905kDa and 190kDa. A commercial soybean isolate (CSI), analysed for comparison purposes, presented two peaks with molecular weights of 340kDa and 62kDa. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that amaranth isolates were characterised by two endothermic events, predominating in both isolates the second endotherm with a denaturation temperature of 98.7 °C for IP and 97.2 °C for MP. The better definition of MP endotherms and their higher denaturation enthalpy suggested a more homogenous and less denatured protein population, in comparison to IP and CSI. The amaranth isolates had better solubility at alkaline pHs than the CSI. Foaming and emulsification were better at acidic pH for both IP and MP. Colorimetric evaluations showed that the two amaranth isolates had a higher whiteness index than the CSI. In conclusion, extreme pH treatments in IP resulted in a partial protein denaturation and milder treatments in MP resulted in less protein denaturation and improvement of some functional properties.
Volunteering is Associated with Delayed Mortality in Older People: Analysis of the Longitudinal Study of Aging
Authors: Harris Alex H. S. , Thoresen Carl E.
Published: September 2005

The Longitudinal Study of Aging (LSOA) assessed the health and social functioning of a representative sample of 7527 American community-dwelling older people (> 70 years). We tested the hypothesis that frequent volunteering is associated with less mortality risk when the effects of socio-demographics, medical status, physical activity and social integration are controlled. We used Cox proportional hazards analyses to assess the unadjusted and adjusted associations between frequency of volunteering and time-to-death (96-month follow-up). Death occurred in 38.3 percent of the sample. After adjusting for covariates, frequent volunteers had significantly reduced mortality compared to non-volunteers. This association was greatest for those who frequently visited with friends or attended religious services.
Exploring Heart and Soul: Effects of Religiosity/Spirituality and Gender on Blood Pressure and Cortisol Stress Responses
Authors: Tartaro Jessica , Luecken Linda J. , Gunn Heather E.
Published: September 2005

The current study investigated gender effects on the influence of self-reported religiosity and spirituality on cardiovascular and cortisol responses to a laboratory stressor among young adults. Participants with higher composite religiosity/spirituality scores, religiosity, levels of forgiveness and frequency of prayer showed lower cortisol responses. Greater composite religiosity/spirituality, religiosity, frequency of prayer and attendance at services were associated with lower blood pressure in males and elevated blood pressure in females. Findings suggest that spiritual and/or religious individuals may experience a protective effect against the neuroendocrine consequences of stress, though cardiovascular benefits may vary by gender. This work represents an important step in the convergence of multiple realms of research by linking physiological measures with indicators of individual belief systems.
Men and Dieting: A Qualitative Analysis
Authors: de Souza Paula , Ciclitira Karen E.
Published: September 2005

This article describes a qualitative study in which men were interviewed about their experiences of dieting and views on related issues such as health and body image. Data from this research were analysed using a combination of discourse analysis and grounded theory. Men engaged in dieting and weight loss constructed themselves differently from women dieters: they described women who diet as doing so for cosmetic reasons, whereas men preferred to think of themselves as dieting for ‘legitimate’ reasons such as health. Dieting and related initiatives such as joining a slimming club were positioned as female activities, which (heterosexual) men were less willing to undertake without receiving ‘support’ from partners, family and peers.
Considering ‘Meaning’ in the Context of Breast Cancer
Authors: Collie Kate , Long Bonita C.
Published: September 2005

In this article, we show that a psychological view of global and situational meanings is inadequate for understanding meaning making in the context of breast cancer. We outline research that has illuminated breast cancer meanings that differ from standard illness meanings and we highlight impediments to meaning making for women with breast cancer. We conclude that it is less helpful to promote a particular kind of illness meaning for women with breast cancer than to: (a) create conditions that women with breast cancer have said are conducive to meaning making; (b) accept and acknowledge meanings that women with breast cancer themselves find valuable; and (c) actively work to change dominant discourses that constrain meaning making for women with breast cancer.
Self-management Training for People with Chronic Disease: A Shared Learning Experience
Authors: Barlow Julie H. , Bancroft Georgina V. , Turner Andy P.
Published: September 2005

The lay-led, Chronic Disease Self-Management Course (CDSMC) is designed to train people in self-management. The present study focused on the experiences of a group of participants attending the CDSMC. Data were collected via interviews with nine participants four months and twelve months after attending the CDSMC. Results showed that participants appreciated the opportunity to share experiences in a reassuring environment. Goal setting was critical in making changes. The CDSMC provided participants with the confidence to select the self-management technique that would meet their needs at a given point in time.
Genetic deletion of Cdc42GAP reveals a role of Cdc42 in erythropoiesis and hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell survival, adhesion, and engraftment
Authors: Wang Lei , Yang Linda , Filippi Marie-Dominique , Williams David A. , Zheng Yi
Published: September 2005

Rho family GTPases are key signal transducers in cell regulation. Although a body of literature has implicated the Rho family members Rac1 and Rac2 in multiple hematopoietic-cell functions, the role of Cdc42 in hematopoiesis remains unclear. Here we have examined the hematopoietic properties and the hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSP) functions of gene-targeted mice carrying null alleles of cdc42gap, a negative regulator of Cdc42. The Cdc42GAP-/- fetal liver and bone marrow cells showed a 3-fold increase in Cdc42 activity but normal Rac and RhoA activities, indicating that Cdc42GAP knockout resulted in a gain of Cdc42 activity in the hematopoietic tissues. Cdc42GAP-/- mice were anemic. The cellularity of fetal liver and bone marrow, the number and composition percentage of HSPs, and the erythroid blast-forming unit and colony-forming unit (BFU-E/CFU-E) activities were significantly reduced in the homozygous mice. The decrease in HSP number was associated with increased apoptosis of the Cdc42GAP-/- HSPs and the activation of JNK-mediated apoptotic machinery. Moreover, homozygous HSPs showed impaired cortical F-actin assembly, deficiency in adhesion and migration, and defective engraftment. These results provide evidence that Cdc42 activity is important for erythropoiesis and for multiple HSP functions, including survival, adhesion, and engraftment.
Pragmatic language impairment: case studies of social and pragmatic language therapy
Authors: Adams Catherine , Baxendale Janet , Lloyd Julian , Aldred Catherine
Published: September 2005

The current position on speech and language intervention for children who have pragmatic language impairment (PLI) is limited by a lack of evidence to support practice. Two intervention outcome case studies of children with PLI, aimed at establishing efficacy, are presented in this paper Standardized language tests and conversational sampling were used to assess the children pre-and post-therapy. Each child received eight weeks of intervention, three times a week, from a specialist speech and language therapist. This experi-mental treatment, which was funded as part of a research project, targeted social adaptation skills of the child and adults in his communication environment, in addition to work on communication acts, conversation and narrative skills and facilitating understanding of social inference. One child, with isolated social andpragmatic difficulties, showed measured and reported improvements in conversational skills. The second child, who has additional language disorder, showed changes in language processing skills but no changes in pragmatic abilities. The implications for choosing interventions, for the training of practitioners and questions for further research are discussed. The therapy resources used in intervention are listed.
Teaching alphabetic knowledge to pre-school children with developmental language delay and with typical language development
Authors: Lafferty Addie E. , Gray Shelley , Wilcox M. Jeanne
Published: September 2005

Alphabetic knowledge is a strong predictor of academic success. This multiple baseline across subjects study examined the effect of an intensive intervention on the alphabetic knowledge offourpre-school children ages 3;7 to 4;10. Two children with developmental language delay (DLD) and two with typical language development (TL) participated in a seven-week intervention target-ing recognition and production of letter names and sounds. Learning varied considerably among children. Higher accuracy was noted in name recognition than production. Teacher and parent reports suggested that this intervention increased children s interest in learning letter names at home and school.
The impact of micro-credit on poverty: evidence from Bangladesh
Authors: Chowdhury M. Jahangir Alam , Ghosh Dipak , Wright Robert E.
Published: September 2005

This paper examines empirically the impact of micro-credit on poverty in Bangladesh. Unlike previous studies, the focus is on both objective and subjective poverty and particular attention is paid to the length of time programme participants have had access to micro-credit. A household-level survey ( N = 954) was carried out, collecting information about micro-credit recipients from Grameen Bank, the Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee and the Association of Social Advancement. Our two main findings are, first, micro-credit is associated with both lower objective and subjective poverty and, secondly, the impact of micro-credit on poverty is particularly strong for about six years with some levelling off after that point.
Against the local trap: scale and the study of environment and development
Authors: Purcell Mark , Brown J. Christopher
Published: September 2005

This paper argues against what we call ‘the local trap’, in which development researchers and practitioners falsely assume that localized decision-making is inherently more socially just or ecologically sustainable. The local trap constrains research on a range of topics in development research, including productive conservation networks, agro-forestry, community-based natural resource management, common property regimes and community-based collaboration. We use recent research on scale in political and economic geography to argue that scales and scalar arrangements are socially constructed through political struggle; they are never ontologically given. In other words, there is nothing inherent about any scale or scalar arrangement. Therefore, an arrangement in which resources or decisions are controlled locally is no more likely to lead to ecologically sustainable or socially just outcomes than an arrangement in which the regional, national or global scale predominates. Because scales are produced through socio-political struggle, the outcomes of a given scalar arrangement are dependent on the political agenda(s) of those empowered by the arrangement. When we start from the assumption that there is nothing inherent about scale, we cannot assume the political and ecological dynamics of a particular scalar configuration. We must instead make those dynamics the object of critical inquiry. The paper uses a case study of beekeeping in the Brazilian Amazon to illustrate the range of both positive and negative outcomes that can result when decision-making is localized.
Paradoxical Bronchoconstriction with Albuterol Administered by Metered-Dose Inhaler and Nebulizer Solution
Authors: Spooner Linda M , Olin Jacqueline L
Published: September 2005

OBJECTIVE

To report a case of a patient who experienced bronchoconstriction following both a single dose of albuterol via metered-dose inhaler and a subsequent rechallenge with nebulized albuterol and review previously published case reports of albuterol-induced paradoxical bronchoconstriction.

CASE SUMMARY

A 92-year-old white man with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was prescribed an albuterol inhaler for treatment of cold symptoms. Within 30 minutes of his first inhalation, he became short of breath and had difficulty speaking. During emergency department examination for the initial event, the bronchospasm improved with administration of oxygen 15 L/min via a non-rebreather mask. Two hours later, the patient received albuterol via nebulizer and experienced stridor, shortness of breath, and severe bronchospasm. He was admitted, treated with methylprednisolone, and discharged the following day.

DISCUSSION

Paradoxical bronchoconstriction is a rare complication of bronchodilator therapy. Although theories have been proposed about components of albuterol solutions and preservatives as causative agents, the true mechanism of the phenomenon remains unknown. Several previous case reports described bronchospasm with albuterol given via tablet, inhaler, and nebulizer. In 2 of these cases, symptoms recurred upon rechallenge; however, none of these cases demonstrates rechallenge using albuterol as both the index and challenge agent. In our patient, paradoxical bronchoconstriction was considered to be probable according to the Naranjo probability scale.

CONCLUSIONS

β2-Agonists are generally well-tolerated medications. However, clinicians should remain vigilant in their monitoring of adverse effects so they will be able to provide immediate care and minimize the chance of an unfavorable outcome.
Colocalization of Multiple Laminin Isoforms Predominantly beneath Hemidesmosomes in the Upper Lamina Densa of the Epidermal Basement Membrane
Authors: McMillan James R. , Akiyama Masashi , Nakamura Hideki , Shimizu Hiroshi
Published: September 2005

Multiple laminin isoforms including laminins 5 (α3 β3 γ2), 6 (α3 β1 γ1), 10 (α5 β1 γ1), and possibly laminins 7 (α3 β2 γ1) and 11 (α5 β2 γ1) are present in the epidermal basement membrane. However, only the precise epidermal ultrastructural localization of laminin 5 (α3 β3 γ2) has been elucidated. We therefore determined the precise expression and ultrastructural localization of the α5, β1, β2, and γ1 chains in the epidermis. The expression of laminin chains in skin samples was analyzed from patients with epidermolysis bullosa (EB, n=15) that harbor defects in specific hemidesmosome (HD)-associated components. The expression of the α5, β1, and γ1 chains (present in laminins 10/11) and β2 chain (laminins 7/11) was unaffected in all intact (unseparated) skin of EB patients including Herlitz junctional EB with laminin-5 defects ( n=6). In the basement membrane of human epidermis, the α5, β1, β2, and γ1 chains were expressed but also localized to the dermal vessels. Immunogold electron microscopy of normal human epidermis localized the α5, β1, β2, and γ1 chains to the upper lamina densa, with between 84% and 92% of labeling restricted to beneath the HDs, similar to laminin 5 ( n200 gold particles per sample, sample number n=4) but distinct from collagen IV labeling (with only 63% labeling beneath HDs, p<0.001). Taken together, the majority of the α5β1/β2γ1 laminin chains are located beneath HDs. This suggests that laminin-10-associated chains have specific functions or molecular interactions beneath HDs in the epidermal basement membrane.
Calcineurin Localization in Skeletal Muscle Offers Insights into Potential New Targets
Authors: Torgan Carol E. , Daniels Mathew P.
Published: September 2005

The Ca2+/calmodulin-activated protein phosphatase, calcineurin, is believed to regulate the development and function of skeletal and cardiac muscle. Striated muscle contains many calcineurin substrates, a few of which have been colocalized or found in molecular complexes with calcineurin. We examined the subcellular distribution of calcineurin in developing rat skeletal muscle cells and adult mouse skeletal muscle fibers by immunofluorescence microscopy. We found low levels of calcineurin immunoreactivity in the cytoplasm of myoblasts and higher levels in cytoplasmic vesicles of myotubes. Most of these vesicles were not immunoreactive for ryanodine receptors and, those that were, represented a small fraction of nascent triad junctions. In adult myofibers, calcineurin was largely associated with triads. Weaker calcineurin immunoreactivity occurred in the sarcoplasmic reticulum at the level of the M line. Unexpectedly, we found tiny clusters of calcineurin associated with nucleoli of developing myofiber nuclei. There were one to three clusters per nucleolus, either within or at the edges of fibrillar centers where ribosomal genes are transcribed. This suggests a role for calcineurin in regulating ribosome synthesis. Our findings suggest a variety of potential new targets and pathways through which calcineurin could regulate skeletal muscle development and plasticity and underscore the importance of spatial specificity in this regulation.