bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bowel Rest and Nutrition Therapy in the Management of Active Crohn's Disease
Authors: Issa Mazen , Binion David G.
Published: June 2008

Nutrition and Crohn's disease (CD) are intertwined because of the central role of nutrition in the care of patients with CD, specifically the theories regarding a dietary contribution to pathogenesis and formal studies investigating the primary role of nutrition as therapy for CD. Perhaps one of the most important studies evaluating the role of nutrition therapy and bowel rest in the management of CD was performed by Greenberg and colleagues in 1988. This pivotal study attempted to define the role of bowel rest as an independent variable in the management of hospitalized patients with active CD unresponsive to the traditional medical therapy that was available at the time. As the first randomized controlled trial evaluating nutrition intervention in CD, it showed that bowel rest was not a major factor in achieving remission during nutrition support and did not affect outcome during 1‐year follow‐up. Although these discouraging findings would be subsequently replicated, the role of enteral and parenteral nutrition therapy would evolve during the following years as a result of insight into CD pathogenesis, the emergence of more effective medical therapies, and improved understanding of the role of nutrition in the care of patients with CD.
Chromium Infusion Reverses Extreme Insulin Resistance in a Cardiothoracic ICU Patient
Authors: Via Michael , Scurlock Corey , Raikhelkar Jayashree , Luozzo Gabriele Di , Mechanick Jeffrey I.
Published: June 2008

Insulin resistance is common and often multifactorial in acutely critically ill patients. At our institution, glycemic control is achieved in these patients using an intravenous insulin protocol. The authors present a case in which a patient developed severe insulin resistance following surgical repair of a thoracic aorta aneurysm. Postoperatively, the patient required 2110 units of insulin over 40 hours while receiving pressors and glucocorticoids. After the administration of intravenous chromium at 3 μg/h, the blood sugar normalized and insulin therapy was discontinued. This case represents a unique approach using intravenous chromium to achieve glycemic control in a patient with extreme insulin resistance and acute critical illness. Prospective clinical trials using intravenous chromium may provide the means to optimize intensive insulin therapy for critically ill patients.
Organization's Engagements with Ancient Egypt: Framing and Claiming the Sublime?
Authors: Riad Sally
Published: June 2008

In this paper I write to examine the turn to ancient Egypt and the production of the geography of interest that surrounds it; specifically, I consider relationships between artifacts and arguments of relevance to organization by offering three spaces of aporetic negotiability that explore engagements with ancient Egypt. These examine attempts at a variety of claims in both senses of the word: forms of ancient Egypt are claimed for organization even as forms of organization are claimed and located in ancient Egypt. The argument is that while such appropriations can be constraining, they are simultaneously inscribed in the conditions for alterity and difference. Hence, the resultant piece inscribes a series of overlapping and, at times, contradictory relationships between ancient Egypt, organization and Egypt. In the first space I consider the writing of ancient Egypt into contemporary accounts on organization by discussing its incorporation into ancient Greek writing; in the second space I pose readings of international engagements with ancient Egypt as the other, while simultaneously claiming it in a metonymy of identity, of the self; in the third space I supplement this with a variety in readings of Egyptians' engagement with ancient Egypt. The afterword stops short of a final word; rather, it offers some reflections on ancient Egypt's appeal to various organizational collectives.
From Flexibility to Work-Life Balance: Exploring the Changing Discourses of Management Consultants
Authors: Whittle Andrea
Published: June 2008

What is the role of management consultants in the diffusion of fashionable ideas? This paper addresses this question by drawing on an ethnographic study of management consultants in the UK. The study examined how the consultants made sense of a newly emerging discourse of work-life balance. Using the metaphor of a `bandwagon', the study reveals the shifting interpretations of the work-life balance discourse as the consultants found themselves `riding alongside', `cashing in', `steering', `steering clear of' and `falling off' the bandwagon. These findings question the idea that fashion-setters always `jump on' to fashion bandwagons, thereby acting as passive channels in the diffusion of popular discourses. Instead, the study highlights the similarities between fashion-setters and their audiences in the reflexive and strategic ways in which discourses can be interpreted, enacted and appropriated.
Finding Our Way in the Great Work
Authors: O'Sullivan Edmund
Published: June 2008

The article is a personal reflection on the major challenges that we are confronted with in the 21st century. The view of transformative learning is set out in a broad planetary context. Transformative education is viewed in an educational context. The author believes the challenges that we face are daunting, and there is a deep spiritual response that must be ventured that demands hope, compassion, and resilience.
Learning Histories and Curriculum Innovation in Vocational Education and Training
Authors: Wildemeersch Danny , Ritzen Henk
Published: June 2008

The article describes and analyzes a case of action research aimed at stimulating a process of curriculum innovation in three departments of a community college in the Netherlands. The project was expected to contribute to the solution of a variety of problems in the institution such as unmotivated teachers and learners, drop out of students, inadequate teaching methods, etc. The Learning History Methodology (LHM) was successfully applied. The article presents the goals and the process of the research, the commitments of the actors involved, the innovation that came about, the transformative learning process of the participants, and the strengths and weaknesses of the research collaboration. The research has confirmed that the “Learning History” can be an excellent action research approach in cases where change and innovation are considered necessary.
Mechanism of nuclear factor of activated T-cells mediated FasL expression in corticosterone -treated mouse Leydig tumor cells
Authors: Chai Wei-Ran , Chen Yong , Wang Qian , Gao Hui-Bao
Published: June 2008

Background

Fas and FasL is important mediators of apoptosis. We have previously reported that the stress levels of corticosterone (CORT, glucocorticoid in rat) increase expression of Fas/FasL and activate Fas/FasL signal pathway in rat Leydig cells, which consequently leads to apoptosis. Moreover, our another study showed that nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) may play a potential role in up-regulation of FasL during CORT-treated rat Leydig cell. It is not clear yet how NFAT is involved in CORT-induced up-regulation of FasL. The aim of the present study is to investigate the molecular mechanisms of NFAT-mediated FasL expression in CORT-treated Leydig cells.

Results

Western blot analysis showed that NFAT2 expression is present in mouse Leydig tumor cell (mLTC-1). CORT-induced increase in FasL expression in mLTC-1 was ascertained by Western Blot analysis and CORT-induced increase in apoptotic frequency of mLTC-1 cells was detected by FACS with annexin-V labeling. Confocal imaging of NFAT2-GFP in mLTC-1 showed that high level of CORT stimulated NFAT translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. RNA interference-mediated knockdown of NFAT2 significantly attenuated CORT-induced up-regulation of FasL expression in mLTC. These results corroborated our previous finding that NFAT2 is involved in CORT-induced FasL expression in rat Leydig cells and showed that mLTC-1 is a suitable model for investigating the mechanism of CORT-induced FasL expression. The analysis of reporter constructs revealed that the sequence between -201 and +71 of mouse FasL gene is essential for CORT-induced FasL expression. The mutation analysis demonstrated that CORT-induced FasL expression is mediated via an NFAT binding element located in the -201 to +71 region. Co-transfection studies with an NFAT2 expression vector and reporter construct containing -201 to +71 region of FasL gene showed that NFAT2 confer a strong inducible activity to the FasL promoter at its regulatory region. In addition, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay further confirmed the results of reporter gene studies by showing the specific binding of NFAT2 to the -201 to +71 region.

Conclusion

In the present study, we demonstrated that NFAT2 directly stimulates transcription of FasL in high level CORT-treated mLTC-1. In conclusion, the present study provides further evidence for our finding that CORT-induced FasL expression in Leydig cells is mediated by NFAT.
Antisense oligonucleotides and all-trans retinoic acid have a synergistic anti-tumor effect on oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Xu Qin , Zhang Zhiyuan , Zhang Ping , Chen Wantao
Published: June 2008

Background

Antisense oligonucleotides against hTR (As-ODN-hTR) have shown promising results as treatment strategies for various human malignancies. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is a signalling molecule with important roles in differentiation and apoptosis. Biological responses to ATRA are currently used therapeutically in various human cancers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-tumor effects of As-ODN-hTR combined with ATRA in vivo.

Methods

In situ human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) models were established by subcutaneous injection of Tca8113 cells. Mice were treated with sense oligonucleotides against hTR(S-ODN-hTR) alone, As-ODN-hTR alone, ATRA alone, As-ODN-hTR plus ATRA, or S-ODN-hTR plus ATRA. Tumor size and weight were assessed in the mice. Telomerase activity was detected by a TRAP assay, apoptotic cells were evaluated with a Tunel assay, the expression of apoptosis-related proteins (Bcl-2 and Bax) was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and ultrastructural morphological changes in the tumor specimen were examined.

Results

Both As-ODN-hTR and ATRA can significantly inhibit tumor growth in this OSCC xenograft solid-tumor model, and the combination of the two agents had a synergistic anti-tumorogenic effect. We also demonstrated that this anti-tumor effect correlated with inhibition of telomerase activity. Furthermore, significant increases in the number of apoptotic cells, typical apoptotic morphology and a downregulation of the anti-apoptotic protein, bcl-2 were observed in the treated tissues.

Conclusion

The combination of As-ODN-hTR and ATRA has a synergistic anti-tumor effect. This anti-tumor effect can be mainly attributed to apoptosis induced by a decrease in telomerase activity. Bcl-2 plays an important role in this process. Therefore, combining As-ODN-hTR and ATRA may be an approach for the treatment of human oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Resistance of mitochondrial p53 to dominant inhibition
Authors: Heyne Kristina , Schmitt Katrin , Mueller Daniel , Armbruester Vivienne , Mestres Pedro , Roemer Klaus
Published: June 2008

Background

Mutation of a tumor suppressor allele leaves the second as backup. Not necessarily so with p53. This homo-tetrameric transcription factor can become contaminated with mutant p53 through hetero-tetramerization. In addition, it can be out-competed by the binding to p53 DNA recognition motifs of transactivation-incompetent isoforms (ΔN and ΔTA-isoforms) of the p53/p63/p73 family of proteins. Countermeasures against such dominant-negative or dominant-inhibitory action might include the evolutionary gain of novel, transactivation-independent tumor suppressor functions by the wild-type monomer.

Results

Here we have studied, mostly in human HCT116 colon adenocarcinoma cells with an intact p53 pathway, the effects of dominant-inhibitory p53 mutants and of Δex2/3p73, a tumor-associated ΔTA-competitor of wild-type p53, on the nuclear transactivation-dependent and extra-nuclear transactivation-independent functions of wild-type p53. We report that mutant p53 and Δex2/3p73, expressed from a single gene copy per cell, interfere with the stress-induced expression of p53-responsive genes but leave the extra-nuclear apoptosis by mitochondrial p53 largely unaffected, although both wild-type and mutant p53 associate with the mitochondria. In accord with these observations, we present evidence that in contrast to nuclear p53 the vast majority of mitochondrial p53, be it wild-type or mutant, is consisting of monomeric protein.

Conclusion

The extra-nuclear p53-dependent apoptosis may constitute a fail-safe mechanism against dominant inhibition.
Neuromyelitis optica pathogenesis and aquaporin 4
Authors: Graber David J , Levy Michael , Kerr Douglas , Wade William F
Published: June 2008

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a severe, debilitating human disease that predominantly features immunopathology in the optic nerves and the spinal cord. An IgG1 autoantibody (NMO-IgG) that binds aquaporin 4 (AQP4) has been identified in the sera of a significant number of NMO patients, as well as in patients with two related neurologic conditions, bilateral optic neuritis (ON), and longitudinal extensive transverse myelitis (LETM), that are generally considered to lie within the NMO spectrum of diseases. NMO-IgG is not the only autoantibody found in NMO patient sera, but the correlation of pathology in central nervous system (CNS) with tissues that normally express high levels of AQP4 suggests NMO-IgG might be pathogenic. If this is the case, it is important to identify and understand the mechanism(s) whereby an immune response is induced against AQP4. This review focuses on open questions about the "events" that need to be understood to determine if AQP4 and NMO-IgG are involved in the pathogenesis of NMO. These questions include: 1) How might AQP4-specific T and B cells be primed by either CNS AQP4 or peripheral pools of AQP4? 2) Do the different AQP4-expressing tissues and perhaps the membrane structural organization of AQP4 influence NMO-IgG binding efficacy and thus pathogenesis? 3) Does prior infection, genetic predisposition, or underlying immune dysregulation contribute to a confluence of events which lead to NMO in select individuals? A small animal model of NMO is essential to demonstrate whether AQP4 is indeed the incipient autoantigen capable of inducing NMO-IgG formation and NMO. If the NMO model is consistent with the human disease, it can be used to examine how changes in AQP4 expression and blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity, both of which can be regulated by CNS inflammation, contribute to inductive events for anti-AQP4-specific immune response. In this review, we identify reagents and experimental questions that need to be developed and addressed to enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis of NMO. Finally, dysregulation of tolerance associated with autoimmune disease appears to have a role in NMO. Animal models would allow manipulation of hormone levels, B cell growth factors, and other elements known to increase the penetrance of autoimmune disease. Thus an AQP4 animal model would provide a means to manipulate events which are now associated with NMO and thus demonstrate what set of events or multiplicity of events can push the anti-AQP4 response to be pathogenic.
Anni 2.0: a multipurpose text-mining tool for the life sciences
Authors: Jelier Rob , Schuemie Martijn J , Veldhoven Antoine , Dorssers Lambert CJ , Jenster Guido , Kors Jan A
Published: June 2008

Anni 2.0 is an online tool (http://biosemantics.org/anni/) to aid the biomedical researcher with a broad range of information needs. Anni provides an ontology-based interface to MEDLINE and retrieves documents and associations for several classes of biomedical concepts, including genes, drugs and diseases, with established text-mining technology. In this article we illustrate Anni's usability by applying the tool to two use cases: interpretation of a set of differentially expressed genes, and literature-based knowledge discovery.
Preparation and evaluation of a novel delayed-onset sustained-release system of propranolol hydrochloride
Authors: Feng Xue-mei , Ren Qi , Zhang Wen-zhi , Shen Hui-feng , Rong Zheng-xing , Fang Chao , Chen Hong-zhuan
Published: June 2008

The objective of this work was to prepare and evaluate a new delayed-onset sustained-release system, comprising a sustained-release core tablet with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose as polymer matrix and an ethylcellulose/Eudragit L coating capable of delaying the drug release. The sustained core containing propranolol hydrochloride as the model drug was prepared by granulate tableting and the polymer coating was applied in a computer-controlled coating pan. The dissolution tests demonstrated that the in-vitro drug release was pH-dependent with sufficient gastric resistance, and the lag time (t10%) could be controlled by adjusting the coating level. Three dosage forms including commercial tablet, sustained-release tablet and the delayed-onset sustained-release tablet were administrated to six beagle dogs and the plasma levels of propranolol hydrochloride were measured with high-performance liquid chromatography. The delayed-onset sustained-release tablet had a lag time of 3.0 h in-vitro and 3.5 h in-vivo, and a tmax of 7.0 h. The relative bioavailability for delayed-onset sustained-release tablet was 96.98% compared with commercial tablets. The results indicate that the new propranolol delayed-onset sustained-release system could achieve a relatively constant drug release followed by a programmed lag time, and this may provide a promising drug delivery form for chronopharmacotherapy of certain cardiovascular diseases.
Urea co-inclusion compounds of 13 cis-retinoic acid for simultaneous improvement of dissolution profile, photostability and safe handling characteristics
Authors: Thakral Seema , Madan A K
Published: June 2008

13-cis Retinoic acid (cis-RA), a synthetic retinoid used in the treatment of severe acne, is known to exhibit extremely low aqueous solubility and high photosensitivity. In this study, urea, a well-known adductor for linear compounds, was successfully employed for the adduction of cis-RA — a substituted cyclic organic compound. Formation of urea inclusion compounds was confirmed by FTIR, DSC and XRD. A modified Zimmerschied calorimetric method was employed for the estimation of the minimum amount of rapidly adductible endocyte (RAE) required for adduction of cis-RA in urea. Urea–cis-RA-RAE inclusion compounds containing varying proportions of guests were prepared and their thermal behaviour studied by DSC. The inclusion compounds were found to have an improved dissolution profile as demonstrated by an overall increase in the dissolution efficiency. An accelerated photostability study, conducted as per Q1B ICH guidelines, revealed that co-inclusion of cis-RA in urea delayed photo-degradation of the drug when compared with that of the pure drug. The results suggest the possibility of exploiting co-inclusion of the drug in a urea host lattice for improved solubility, stability and reduced handling problems for cis-RA.
Synthesis and anti-melanogenic effects of lipoic acid-polyethylene glycol ester
Authors: Kim Jin-Hwa , Sim Gwan-Sub , Bae Jun-Tae , Oh Jung-Young , Lee Geun-Su , Lee Dong-Hwan , Lee Bum-Chun , Pyo Hyeong-Bae
Published: June 2008

To develop a new potent anti-melanogenic agent, we have conjugated lipoic acid (LA) to poly (ethylene) glycol (PEG) of molecular weight 2000 and examined the effects on inhibition of tyrosinase activity and melanin synthesis in B16F10 melanoma cells. The water-soluble LA-PEG 2000 was synthesized from LA and methylated PEG by an esterification reaction in the presence of 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide. Synthetic LA-PEG 2000 was confirmed by IR and 1H-NMR spectroscopy. The new conjugate is a highly water-soluble molecule, which has lower cell cytotoxicity than LA. Treatment with LA-PEG 2000 significantly suppressed the biosynthesis of melanin by up to 63% at 0.25 mm and reduced tyrosinase activity by up to 80% at 0.50 mm in B16F10 melanoma cells. Furthermore, Western blot and RT-PCR studies indicated that treatment with LA-PEG 2000 decreased the level of tyrosinase, which is a melanogenic enzyme. Taken together, these results suggest that LA-PEG 2000 may inhibit melanin biosynthesis by down-regulating levels and expression of tyrosinase activity. Therefore, LA-PEG 2000 can be used effectively as a new agent to inhibit mel-anogenesis, with lower cytotoxicity than LA (parent molecule) in B16F10 melanoma cells.
Activation of the Nrf2-antioxidant system by a novel cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor furan-2-yl-3-pyridin-2-yl-propenone: implication in anti-inflammatory function by Nrf2 activator
Authors: Manandhar Sarala , You Aram , Lee Eung-Seok , Kim Jung-Ae , Kwak Mi-Kyoung
Published: June 2008

Furan-2-yl-3-pyridin-2-yl-propenone (FPP-3) is a novel synthetic compound and has demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). It is widely accepted that reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by activated inflammatory cells can exacerbate inflammation. In this study, the potential antioxidative efficacy of FPP-3 has been investigated in murine cells. FPP-3 increased the expression of multiple antioxidative enzymes, including NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (Nqo1), γ-glutamylcysteine ligase (GCL) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), by facilitating the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Inducibility of antioxidant proteins such as HO-1 were lost in nrf2-deficient murine fibroblasts. As a result of enhanced cellular antioxidative capacity, elevation of NF-κB-driven reporter gene expression by lipopolysaccharide was attenuated by FPP-3 treatment in murine fibroblasts. Furthermore, FPP-3 treatment inhibited UVA-mediated induction of COX-2 in murine keratinocytes. Our current study suggests that FPP-3, which has been developed as a novel COX-2 inhibitor, has antioxidative properties by activating the Nrf2-ARE pathway. The dual function of this compound may provide a better strategy to block/attenuate the inflammation process and to alleviate ROS-associated inflammatory complications.
Mechanisms underlying the biphasic effect of vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) on arterial blood pressure
Authors: Tirapelli Carlos R , Resstel Leonardo B M , de Oliveira Ana M , Corrêa Fernando M A
Published: June 2008

Phylloquinone (vitamin K1, VK1) is widely used therapeutically and intravenous administration of this quinone can induce hypotension. We aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the effects induced by VK1 on arterial blood pressure. With this purpose a catheter was inserted into the abdominal aorta of male Wistar rats for blood pressure and heart rate recording. Bolus intravenous injection of VK1 (0.5–20 mgkg−1) produced a transient increase in blood pressure followed by a fall. Both the pressor and depressor response induced by VK1 were dose-dependent. On the other hand, intravenous injection of VK1 did not alter heart rate. The nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 10 and 20 mgkg−1) reduced both the increase and decrease in blood pressure induced by VK1 (5 mgkg−1). On the other hand, indometacin (10 mgkg−1), a non-selective cyclooxygenase inhibitor, did not alter the increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP) induced by VK1. However, VK1-induced fall in MAP was significantly attenuated by indometacin. We concluded that VK1 induces a dose-dependent effect on blood pressure that consists of an acute increase followed by a more sustained decrease in MAP. The hypotension induced by VK1 involves the activation of the nitric oxide (NO) pathway and the release of vasodilator prostanoid(s).
Immunomodulatory effect of Schizonepeta tenuifolia water extract on mouse Th1/Th2 cytokine production in-vivo and in-vitro
Authors: Kang Hee , Oh Yoo-Joung , Choi Ho-Young , Ham In-Hye , Bae Hyun-Su , Kim Sung-Hoon , Ahn Kyoo-Seok
Published: June 2008

Schizonepeta tenuifolia (ST) is a major herbal constituent included in treatments for the common cold with fever, ostitis media and other skin inflammations. The present study investigated the effect of ST water extract on the pattern of cytokine production from activated T cells in-vivo and in-vitro. When ST (200 mgkg−1) was given orally to mice for 7 days before i.v. injection of anti-CD3 antibody, it significantly decreased mRNA levels of interleukin (IL)-4, interferon (IFN)-γ and T-bet. Our flow cytometric analysis showed that ST administration significantly increased CD69 expression but showed little effect on the subsets of T cells. When we cultured mouse CD4 T cells under Th1/Th2 differentiation in the presence of ST, the suppressive activity of ST on IFN-γ involved T-bet, but the downregulation of IL-4 occurred independently of the Th2 transcription factors GATA binding protein 3 (GATA-3) and c-Maf. However, it increased IL-2 secretion during Th1/Th2 differentiation. Our study demonstrates that ST regulates inflammatory responses by reducing the release of Th1 and Th2 cytokines from T cells and prevents unprimed CD4 T cells from differentiating into Th1 and Th2 cells.
Eutigoside C inhibits the production of inflammatory mediators (NO, PGE2, IL-6) by down-regulating NF-κB and MAP kinase activity in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells
Authors: Lee Hye-Ja , Oh Tae-Heon , Yoon Weon-Jong , Kang Gyeoung-Jin , Yang Eun-Jin , Park Sun-Soon , Lee Nam-Ho , Kang Hee-Kyoung , Yoo Eun-Sook
Published: June 2008

Eutigoside C, a compound isolated from the leaves of Eurya emarginata, is thought to be an active anti-inflammatory compound which operates through an unknown mechanism. In the present study we investigated the molecular mechanisms of eutigoside C activity in lipopolysacchardide (LPS)-stimulated murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. Treatment with eutigoside C inhibited LPS-stimulated production of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). To further elucidate the mechanism of this inhibitory effect of eutigoside C, we studied LPS-induced nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase phosphorylation. Eutigoside C suppressed NF-κB DNA binding activity, interfering with nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Eutigoside C suppressed the phosphorylation of three MAP kinases (ERK1/2, JNK and p38). These results suggest that eutigoside C inhibits the production of inflammatory mediators (NO, PGE2 and interleukin-6) by suppressing the activation and translocation of NF-κB and the phosphorylation of MAP kinases (ERK1/2, JNK and p38) in LPS-stimulated murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells.
Anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour effects of Abies georgei extracts
Authors: Yang Xian-Wen , Zeng Hua-Wu , Liu Xiao-Hua , Li Su-Mei , Xu Wen , Shen Yun-Heng , Zhang Chuan , Zhang Wei-Dong
Published: June 2008

Chloroform (AGC), ethyl acetate (AGE) and n-butanol (AGB) extracts of Abies georgei were investigated for anti-tumour and anti-inflammatory activities in-vitro and in-vivo. AGC exhibited potent antiproliferative effects against A549, LOVO, QGY-7703 and 6T-CEM tumour cells, with EC50 values of 77.5, 7.8, 11.1 and 32.8 μgmL−1, respectively. It also inhibited the growth of S180 sarcoma implanted into mice; tumour growth inhibition ratios were 46.7, 53.1 and 31.0% of controls at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mgkg−1, respectively. AGE showed significant anti-inflammatory activities in the carrageenin-induced acute pedal oedema model in rats and dimethylbenzene-induced ear oedema in mice at doses of 140 mgkg−1 and 200 mgkg−1 p.o., respectively. Primary mechanism studies in-vitro showed that AGE inhibited platelet aggregation induced in rabbits by arachidonic acid (AA), with an IC50 of 14.4 μgmL−1. Its effect on AA metabolism was also studied in mouse peritoneal macrophages stimulated by A23187. Formation of prostaglandin E2, leukotriene B4 and 5S-hydroxy-6E,8Z,11Z,14Z-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE) was significantly inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, AGE inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production in RAW246.7 macrophages and nuclear factor κB activation induced in 293 cells by tumour necrosis factor α.
Synthesis of Diketones and ω-Hydroxy Ketones from Methyl Ketones and α,ω-Diols by an [IrCl(cod)]2/PPh3/KOH System
Authors: Maeda Kensaku , Obora Yasushi , Sakaguchi Satoshi , Ishii Yasutaka
Published: June 2008

ω-Hydroxy ketones and diketones, which are important starting materials for the synthesis of cycloalkanones and heterocyclic compounds, were prepared by the one-step reaction of methyl ketones with α,ω-diols under the influence of an iridium complex and a base. The selectivity of ω-hydroxy ketones and diketones could be controlled by varying the starting ratio of methyl ketones to α,ω-diols. For example, reaction using acetophenone (5 equiv) with respect to 1,6-hexanediol (1 equiv) in the presence of [IrCl(cod)]2, PPh3, and KOH without solvent gave 1,10-diphenyl-1,10-decanedione in almost quantitative yield, while reaction using acetophenone (1 equiv) to 1,6-hexanediol (4 equiv) led to 8-hydroxy-1-phenyl-1-octanone in 92% yield. This methodology was successfully extended to the reaction of arylacetonitriles with α,ω-diols leading to diaryldinitriles.
When mere exposure leads to less liking: The incremental threat effect in intergroup contexts
Authors: Crisp Richard J. , Hutter Russell R. C. , Young Bryony
Published: June 2008

In two experiments we tested the hypothesis that repeated exposure to out‐group‐relevant attitude objects would lead to less liking following a threat to identity. In Experiment 1 exposure to abstract artwork ostensibly created by a member of an out‐group university led to more liking under baseline conditions, but not following a manipulation of threat. In Experiment 2 we observed a negative relationship between exposure and liking following threat: liking reversed the typical mere exposure effect. Reported emotion mediated the interactive effect of threat and exposure on liking. These findings illustrate how social identity threat can be experienced incrementally as a function of exposure. We discuss the findings in the context of an integration of research on exposure, identity, attitudes, and contact.
Childhood anxiety and attention to emotion faces in a modified stroop task
Authors: Hadwin Julie A. , Donnelly Nick , Richards Anne , French Christopher C. , Patel Umang
Published: June 2008

This study used an emotional face stroop task to investigate the effects of self‐report trait anxiety, social concern (SC), and chronological age (CA) on reaction time to match coloured outlines of angry, happy, and neutral faces (and control faces with scrambled features) with coloured buttons in a community sample of 74 children aged 6 –12 years. The results showed an interference of colour matching for angry (relative to neutral) faces in children with elevated SC. The same effect was not found for happy or control faces. In addition, the results suggest that selective attention to angry faces in children with social concern (SC) was not significantly moderated by age.
State-of-the-Art of Serum Testosterone Measurement by Isotope Dilution–Liquid Chromatography– Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Thienpont Linda M , Van Uytfanghe Katleen , Blincko Stuart , Ramsay Carol S , Xie Hui , Doss Robert C , Keevil Brian G , Owen Laura J , Rockwood Alan L , Kushnir Mark M , Chun Kelly Y , Chandler Donald W , Field Helen P , Sluss Patrick M
Published: June 2008

Background: The recent interest of clinical laboratories in developing serum testosterone assays based on isotope dilution–liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (ID-LC-MS/MS) stems from the lack of accuracy of direct immunoassays. In this study, we assessed the accuracy and state of standardization (traceability) of 4 published ID-LC-MS/MS procedures in a method comparison with an ID–gas chromatography (GC)–MS reference measurement procedure listed in the database of the Joint Committee for Traceability in Laboratory Medicine.

Methods: The study used 58 specimens from different patient categories. Each specimen was measured in triplicate (ID-LC-MS/MS) and quadruplicate (ID-GC-MS) in independent runs.

Results: The testosterone concentrations by ID-GC-MS were 0.2–4.4 nmol/L (women), 0.2–2.0 nmol/L (hypogonadal man), and 10.1–31.3 nmol/L (normogonadal men). For ID-GC-MS, the CV was nearly constant, with a median of 1.0%; for ID-LC-MS/MS, it was concentration-dependent, with a median of up to 8%. Weighted Deming regression gave mean slopes, intercepts, and correlation coefficients of 0.90–1.11, −0.055–0.013 nmol/L, and 0.993–0.997, respectively. The % difference plot showed between 7% and 26% of the results outside a total error limit of 14%, with median deviations from ID-GC-MS between −9.6 and 0.4%.

Conclusions: This study demonstrated fairly good accuracy and standardization of the tested ID-LC-MS/MS procedures. Performance differences between procedures were evident in some instances, due to improper calibration and between-run calibration control. This emphasizes the need for thorough validation, including traceability, of new ID-LC-MS/MS procedures.
Representations of restricted Lie algebras and families of associative ℒ-algebras
Authors: Premet Alexander , Skryabin Serge
Published: June 2008

Let ℒ be an n-dimensional restricted Lie algebra over an algebraically closed field K of characteristic p > 0. Given a linear function ξ on ℒ and a scalar λ ∈ K, we introduce an associative algebra Uξ,λ (ℒ) of dimension pn over K. The algebra Uξ,1 (ℒ) is isomorphic to the reduced enveloping algebra Uξ (ℒ), while the algebra Uξ,0 (ℒ) is nothing but the reduced symmetric algebra Sξ (ℒ). Deformation arguments (applied to this family of algebras) enable us to derive a number of results on dimensions of simple ℒ-modules. In particular, we give a new proof of the Kac-Weisfeiler conjecture (see [41], [35]) which uses neither support varieties nor the classification of nilpotent orbits, and compute the maximal dimension of simple ℒ-modules for all ℒ having a toral stabiliser of a linear function.
Projection constants of symmetric spaces and variants of Khintchine's inequality
Authors: König Hermann , Schütt Carsten , Tomczak-Jaegermann Nicole
Published: June 2008

The projection constants of the lpn-spaces for 1 ≦ p ≦ 2 satisfy with in the real case and in the complex case. Further, there is c < 1 such that the projection constant of any n-dimensional space Xn with 1-symmetric basis can be estimated by . The proofs of the results are based on averaging techniques over permutations and a variant of Khintchine's inequality which states that
2-generator arithmetic Kleinian groups
Authors: Maclachlan C , Martin G.J
Published: June 2008

We show that among the infinitely many conjugacy classes of finite co-volume Kleinian groups generated by two elements of finite order, there are only finitely many which are arithmetic. In particular there are only finitely many arithmetic generalized triangle groups. This latter result generalizes a theorem of Takeuchi.
Balancing Power among Academic and Community Partners: The Case of El Proyecto Bienestar
Authors: Postma Julie
Published: June 2008

Balancing power among academic and community partners, addressing community-identified needs, and strengthening community capacity are ethical values unique to community-based participatory research (CBPR). Negotiation of these values in one CBPR environmental justice project was evaluated to advance the environmental and occupational health of a Hispanic agricultural community in central Washington State. Data were collected through document review and participant observation. Applied conversation and discourse analysis were used to interpret the data. Within the organization, farmworkers primarily served an advisory role. Facilitation style influenced how participants negotiated environmental justice. Research goals were advanced in the project, but no direct actions were taken to improve farmworker health. Implementing CBPR's ethical values requires a willingness to confront institutional and interpersonal challenges, and offers a vision of research that builds knowledge and strengthens communities.
Enacting Research Ethics in Partnerships with Indigenous Communities in Canada: “Do it in a Good Way”
Authors: Ball Jessica , Janyst Pauline
Published: June 2008

Two studies conducted through community-campus partnerships demonstrated emerging frameworks for ethical conduct of research involving Indigenous peoples in Canada. Both projects involved multiple Indigenous community partners whose interests in promoting children's development and fathers' involvement motivated the projects. The Indigenous projects were conceived within a broader social agenda of restorative justice and self-determination of Indigenous peoples in Canada following centuries of colonial government interventions. Guiding principles included community relevance, community participation, mutual capacity building, and benefit to Indigenous communities. Memoranda of Understanding negotiated with each community partner specified the roles of community and university partners and research team members in each phase of the research. Testimonials obtained from community representatives before and after the research projects indicated the success of the projects in yielding benefits to the communities in the form of substantive knowledge and strengthened capacities to engage in collaborative research through community-campus partnerships. The larger collaborative research projects in which these two Indigenous projects were embedded created challenges and opportunities due to varying recognition within these networks of the primacy of relationships as a foundation for research and the indeterminacy of outcomes when ownership of data and control over dissemination is in the hands of community partners.
Creating Community-Based Participatory Research in a Diverse Community: A Case Study
Authors: Silka Linda , Cleghórn G. Dean , Grullón Milagro , Tellez Trinidad ,   Group in collaboration with the Lawrence Research Initiative Working
Published: June 2008

Communities struggle to create research guidelines for ethical collaborative research within their locale. In Lawrence, Massachusetts (USA) a collaborative group of community members and academic researchers, known as the Mayors Health Task Force Research Initiative Working Group, took on the challenge of creating guidelines for ethical community-based research. This case study of the Task Force's work addresses questions of research ethics in a diverse community where families struggle with few resources and face many health disparities, under the often-intrusive and unhelpful scrutiny of researchers from the many nearby major research universities. Representatives from the city, community organizations, and research universities developed a set of core ethical principles for research partnerships, a list of criteria for agreements between partners, and a model to help guide researchers and community members toward equitable and mutually beneficial research. This model can be generalized to similar other communities.
An HIV Prevention Protocol Reviewed at 15 National Sites: How do Ethics Committees Protect Communities?
Authors: Deeds Bethany Griffin , Castillo Marné , Beason Zephyr , Cunningham Shayna D. , Ellen Jonathan M. , Peralta Ligia ,   Interventions Adolescent Trials Network for HIV/AIDS
Published: June 2008

To learn whether ethics committees reviewing community-based participatory research concentrate on the protection of communities, in addition to individual participants, data from 15 sites were analyzed. Eighty-two ethics committee concerns related to consent (35%), protocol procedures (49%), data collection (17%), and HIPAA (6%) were identified. Concerns generally involved individual level subject issues; only 17% were related to community issues. To improve community-level protections in research, the authors recommend that both ethics committee members and research staff receive education concerning protection and respect for communities, that a community member group be established to advise researchers throughout the planning and implementation of community-level studies and that local ethics committee boards include members with community-level experience.
Constructing a Framework for Criminal Justice Research: Learning from Packer's Mistakes
Authors: Macdonald Stuart
Published: June 2008

This article examines the framework which Herbert Packer devised for analyzing the criminal justice process. Warning against an indiscriminate use of the word "model"—something which Packer introduced, which critics of his work have perpetuated, and which today is commonplace in criminal justice research—it distinguishes three distinct tools which researchers might employ—strong ideal types, weak ideal types and non-ideal types—and underscores the importance of drawing a sharp distinction between empirical work and evaluative work. Exposing other fundamental flaws in Packer's framework, the article also abstracts two other general lessons for criminal justice research: (1) arguing that a one-dimensional framework like Packer's is insufficient, it advances the normative claim that a multidimensional framework is needed; and (2) it shows that Packer's simplistic approach to the analysis of values is ultimately inadequate. So as well as constructing a number of tools which may be used by criminal justice researchers, and offering examples of how they might be employed, the article establishes the general contours of a framework for criminal justice research.
Sociology in the Academy: How the Discipline is Viewed by Deans
Authors: Hohm Charles F.
Published: June 2008

Though sociologists study a wide range of institutions, very little time is spent studying sociology's position and status in the academy. Using a variant of Dillman's “total design method,” the author conducted a survey of 345 arts and sciences academic deans, asking them to select the top-ranked and second-ranked disciplines on a number of items. Sociology fared quite well or well on commitment and concern with students, success in conducting research aimed at ameliorating community problems, ability to work in interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary teams, involvement in college and university governance, and involvement in the surrounding community. Sociology did not fare well on academic rigor, success in attracting students to the discipline, success of students with regard to occupational and graduate education achievement, securing funded grants and contracts, success in producing peer-reviewed publications, involvement in international activities, fundraising, and overall prestige on campus. The author offers suggestions on how sociology could improve its status in the academy.
The Process of Sex Segregation in a Gender-Typed Field: The Case of Male Nurses
Authors: Kmec Julie A.
Published: June 2008

To what extent do organizational hiring practices contribute to the variation in men's share of hospital registered nursing (RN) positions? The answer to this question provides key insight into the process of workplace sex segregation in a traditionally feminine field. To that end, the present analyses examine how informal and formal hiring practices in over sixty Pacific Northwest hospitals affect the share of men holding hospital RN positions. Findings from Tobit regression analyses indicate that men's share of hospital RN jobs increases with an increased use of informal referrals to recruit RNs. Supervisor monitoring of hiring decisions, hospital use of walk-ins, and employment agency referrals to recruit RN applicants have no effect on men's share of RN positions. Although unexpected, these results are explicable in light of the occupation's feminine gender type and gender status beliefs. The author discusses the implications of these findings for research investigating the sex segregation process in gender-typed occupations.
Are Latinos a Racialized Minority?
Authors: Barrera Mario
Published: June 2008

American Latinos are increasingly identified in the social science literature as a “racialized minority.” A number of problems attend this characterization, including the historically ambiguous status of Latinos in American society. A more basic problem lies in the concept of racialization itself and in its root term race. The argument here is that social discourses should be labeled as racial only if they refer to groups that are hierarchically ranked on the basis of mental and moral qualities seen as innate or inherent. Innateness, not phenotype, is the core attribute of racial discourses. Racialization then should refer only to those situations where such discourses are applied to an ethnic group, and a great deal of research shows that is not the case for Latinos, or for other contemporary American minorities. Given the developments in ethnicity theory since Fredrik Barth's groundbreaking 1969 work, it makes sense to consider racial discourses a historically specific subset of ethnic discourses and practices. Latinos are thus best seen as a panethnic group.
“We Do it Cuz it's Fun”: Gendered Fun and Leisure for Midlife Women through Red Hat Society Membership
Authors: Stalp Marybeth C. , Radina M. Elise , Lynch Annette
Published: June 2008

The Red Hat Society (RHS) offers midlife and older women a brief, chosen escape from everyday family, paid, and unpaid work duties. Toying with traditional notions of femininity and aging, the women in this study used a campy performance of gender as embodied in the RHS to both rewrite and reproduce traditional gendered scripts. That is, these midlife and older women enacted elaborate and frivolous alternate feminine identities using their RHS membership as a venue. In doing this, RHS members re-appropriated previously diminishing societal attention and recaptured the heterosexist and ageist male gaze. In their research, the authors found that these older women renegotiated and resisted traditional gender roles through self-defined “fun” activities such as going out in public in hyperfeminine dress and engaging in feminine activities such as lunch, tea, and shopping. RHS members are not fading into the woodwork as society expects of aging women, as they publicly take up leisure space, have fun, and engage in personal leisure that only benefits them. This qualitative work, based on research with seventy study participants, twenty-five individual interviews, and four focus groups with forty-five RHS members, suggests that RHS members use the organization as a site of gendered leisure in pursuit of midlife fun.
Militarized Socialization, Military Service, and Class Reproduction: The Experiences of Israeli Soldiers
Authors: Levy Gal , Sasson-Levy Orna
Published: June 2008

Exploring the links between militarized socialization and social inequality in Israel, the authors aim to examine both the pattern of political socialization, which extols the role of the combat soldier as the emblem of the “good citizen,” and the ways by which social agents themselves respond to this socialization. Although an all-encompassing phenomenon, the authors find militarized socialization is not equally “distributed” or “received.” Rather, it reflects and reproduces the class and ethnic positions of its various recipients. Based on interviews with male soldiers in a wide range of military roles, the authors identify two types of responses to militarized socialization: (a) a dominant response of conformity and obedience, mainly expressed in the unquestioning acceptance of military service in a combat role, and (b) an ambivalent response, of simultaneous acceptance of and resistance to this ideal. In a more comparative vein, the authors argue that military service does not simply reproduce ethnic and class inequalities but rather, by molding the soldiers' conceptions of citizenship, is still a powerful mechanism of legitimizing a hegemonic militarized and class-differentiated social order.