bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analytical Solution for the Time‐Fractional Telegraph Equation
Authors: Huang F.
Published: December 2009

We discuss and derive the analytical solution for three basic problems of the so‐called time‐fractional telegraph equation. The Cauchy and Signaling problems are solved by means of juxtaposition of transforms of the Laplace and Fourier transforms in variable t and x, respectively. the appropriate structures and negative prosperities for their Green functions are provided. The boundary problem in a bounded space domain is also solved by the spatial Sine transform and temporal Laplace transform, whose solution is given in the form of a series.
A Trust-Region-Based BFGS Method with Line Search Technique for Symmetric Nonlinear Equations
Authors: Yuan Gonglin , Meng Shide , Wei Zengxin
Published: December 2009

A trust-region-based BFGS method is proposed for solving symmetric nonlinear equations. In this given algorithm, if the trial step is unsuccessful, the linesearch technique will be used instead of repeatedly solving the subproblem of the normal trust-region method. We establish the global and superlinear convergence of the method under suitable conditions. Numerical results show that the given method is competitive to the normal trust region method.
On the Pulsating Strings in AdS4 × ℂℙ3
Authors: Dimov H. , Rashkov R. C.
Published: December 2009

We study the class of pulsating strings on AdS4 × ℂℙ3. Using a generalized ansatz for pulsating string configurations we find new solutions of this class. Further
we quasiclassically quantize the theory and obtain the first corrections to the energy. The latter, due to AdS/CFT correspondence, is supposed to give the anomalous dimensions of operators of the gauge theory dual 𝒩 = 6 Chern‐Simons theory.
Infection withHymenolepis diminutaIs More Effective than Daily Corticosteroids in Blocking Chemically Induced Colitis in Mice
Authors: Melon Alexandra , Wang Arthur , Phan Van , McKay Derek M.
Published: December 2009

Purpose. To compare infection with the tapeworm,Hymenolepis diminuta, with steroid (dexamethasone) administration in the inhibition of dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid- (DNBS-) induced colitis in mice.Procedures. Mice were treated with DNBS±infected withH. diminutaor treated with daily dexamethasone (2 mg/Kg, ip.) and were assessed 72 hours post-DNBS by the calculation of disease activity and histological damage scores, and spleen cell cytokine production.Results.H. diminuta-infected mice showed increased IL-4 and IL-10 production by spleen cells compared to other groups and were protected from DNBS-induced colitis. In contrast, there was little benefit of dexamethasone in the treatment of colitis. Collagen deposition in the colon was not different between the groups.Conclusions.H. diminutawas superior to dexamethasone in the prevention of DNBS-induced colitis and did not result in additional side effects (i.e., collagen deposition). Comparisons with current therapeutics and long-term followup to studies are essential if “helminth therapy” is to become a viable treatment for specific inflammatory diseases in the gut or other tissues.
Endocytosis and Recycling of Tight Junction Proteins in Inflammation
Authors: Utech Markus , Mennigen Rudolf , Bruewer Matthias
Published: December 2009

A critical function of the epithelial lining is to form a barrier that separates luminal contents from the underlying interstitium. This barrier function is primarily regulated by the apical junctional complex (AJC) consisting of tight junctions (TJs) and adherens junctions (AJs) and is compromised under inflammatory conditions. In intestinal epithelial cells, proinflammatory cytokines, for example, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), induce internalization of TJ proteins by endocytosis. Endocytosed TJ proteins are passed into early and recycling endosomes, suggesting the involvement of recycling of internalized TJ proteins. This review summarizes mechanisms by which TJ proteins under inflammatory conditions are internalized in intestinal epithelial cells and point out comparable mechanism in nonintestinal epithelial cells.
Cloning, Expression, and Purification of a Nitric Oxide Synthase-Like Protein fromBacillus cereus
Authors: Montgomery Heather J. , Dupont Andrea L. , Leivo Hilary E. , Guillemette J. Guy
Published: December 2009

The nitric oxide synthase-like protein fromBacillus cereus(bcNOS) has been cloned, expressed, and characterized. This small hemeprotein (356 amino acids in length) has a mass of 43 kDa and forms a dimer. The recombinant protein showed similar spectral shifts to the mammalian NOS proteins and could bind the substrates L-arginine andNG-hydroxy-L-arginine as well as the ligand imidazole. Low levels of activity were recorded for the hydrogen peroxide-dependent oxidation ofNG-hydroxy-L-arginine and L-arginine by bcNOS, while a reconstituted system with the rat neuronal NOS reductase domain showed no activity. The recombinant bcNOS protein adds to the complement of bacterial NOS-like proteins that are used for the investigation of the mechanism and function of NO in microorganisms.
Protein Expression in Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Systematic Database
Authors: Bührens Rena Isabel , Amelung Julius Titus , Reymond Marc André , Beshay Morris
Published: December 2009

Objectives: The following database integrates results from published proteomics studies in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with a focus on squamous cell cancers (SCC) and adenocarcinomas (AC). Methods: Only studies on NSCLC were analyzed. Results from 12 studies were available, 5 studies on SCC, 4 on AC, 1 on AC and SCC, and 2 on NSCLC without further distinction. Human cancer tissues, paired normal tissues, paired cancer patient’s sera, normal sera or human tumor cell lines were analyzed. Three technologies were applied: two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE), differential in-gel electrophoresis (DIGE) and serological proteome analysis (SERPA). Results: The total number of NSCLC patients was 306. Out of 261 differentially expressed proteins, 192 proteins (74%) were mentioned in a single study, 40 (15%) were mentioned by 2 different studies. 18 (7%) in 3 studies, 4 (2%) in 4 studies, 2 (1%) in 5 studies, and a single protein was listed in 6 studies. Conclusion: Overlapping of protein expression is low between SCC and AC. However, a few proteins appear to be upregulated in SCC and AC: triosephosphate isomerase, protein disulfide isomerase and phosphoglycerate mutase (phosphoglycerate kinase 1). These three proteins might be key players in human lung cancer.
Regulation of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid-Mediated Protoporphyrin IX Accumulation in Human Urothelial Carcinomas
Authors: Inoue Keiji , Karashima Takashi , Kamada Masayuki , Shuin Taro , Kurabayashi Atsushi , Furihata Mutsuo , Fujita Hirofumi , Utsumi Kozo , Sasaki Junzo
Published: December 2009

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to clarify the regulatory mechanism of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) synthesis mediated by 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) in human urothelial carcinoma (UC), leading to improved accuracy in photodynamic diagnosis and therapy using ALA. Experimental Design: PpIX accumulation in cultured UC cells after incubation for 1–5 h with 0.5–5 mM ALA was analyzed by fluorescence analysis using fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry technique. Results: PpIX fluorescence mediated by ALA was increased, and the intensity of PpIX fluorescence was time-dependently increased in UC cells compared to noncancerous cells. The distribution of endogenous PpIX fluorescence primarily coincided with mitochondria, and then increased at a specific perinuclear region in the cells during the time of incubation. The ALA-mediated PpIX synthesis in UC cells was suppressed by β-alanine, an inhibitor of β-transporters of cell membrane, and carbonylcyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenyl hydrazone, an uncoupler of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. In contrast, the ALA-mediated PpIX accumulation was increased by deferoxamine, an iron chelator, manganese and nitric oxide, which is contributed to PpIX metabolism by inhibiting ferrochelatase activity, generated by a nitric oxide-generating reagent NOC-18. As observed above, ALA-mediated PpIX synthesis in human UC cells was regulated by the process of ALA uptake, ALA conversion to PpIX and metabolism of accumulated PpIX to heme. Conclusions: This shows that the suppression of ferrochelatase increased PpIX accumulation in UC cells using small amount of ALA, thus leading to an improved clinical practicability of photodynamic diagnosis and therapy.
Jugular Venous Reflux Affects Ocular Venous System in Transient Monocular Blindness
Authors: Chung Chih-Ping , Hsu Hung-Yi , Chao A-Ching , Cheng Ching-Yu , Lin Shing-Jong , Hu Han-Hwa
Published: December 2009

Background: The frequency of jugular venous reflux (JVR) is higher in patients with transient monocular blindness (TMB). We hypothesize that JVR influences ocular venous outflow, and resulting disturbances in cerebral and ocular venous circulation might be a cause of TMB. To substantiate this hypothesis, we aimed to demonstrate that: (1) TMB patients have vasculature changes in their retinal venules, and (2) JVR could influence ocular venous outflow, as revealed by dilated retinal venules. Methods: This study has 2 parts. The case-control study included 31 TMB patients and 31 age/gender-matched normal individuals, who all received fundus photography for retinal venule diameter comparisons. The Valsalva maneuver (VM) experiment included 30 healthy volunteers who received both color Doppler imaging of the internal jugular vein and fundus photography for retinal venule diameter measurement. Results: In the case-control study, TMB patients had a wider retinal venule diameter (184.5 ± 17.5 vs. 174.3 ± 16.2 µm, right eye, p = 0.023; 194.20 ± 24.6 vs. 176.6 ± 19.5 µm, left eye, p = 0.017), especially TMB patients with JVR. The VM experiments showed that the presence of JVR was associated with a greater increase in retinal venule diameters during VM in the subjects’ right eye (14.27 ± 11.16 vs. 2.75 ± 3.51%, JVR vs. non-JVR, p = 0.0002) and left eye (10.06 ± 6.42 vs. 1.80 ± 2.03%, p = 0.0003). Conclusions: These findings provide evidence that frequently occurring JVR associated with TMB impedes ocular venous outflow, and the subsequent disturbances in ocular venous circulation may be a cause of TMB.
Relationship between Non-Specific Prescription Pill Adherence and Ischemic Stroke Outcomes
Authors: Ovbiagele Bruce , Campbell Stephen , Faiz Ali , Chambless Lloyd E.
Published: December 2009

Background: Adherence to non-specific prescription therapy may be associated with clinical outcomes beyond a given treatment effect. We assessed the association of blinded randomized pill prescription adherence with vascular outcomes after ischemic stroke. Methods: We analyzed the Vitamin Intervention for Stroke Prevention (VISP) study database. VISP was a double-blind randomized trial, designed to determine whether high doses of vitamins (vs. low doses) would reduce recurrent stroke risk in 3,680 participants over a 2-year period. We examined the independent association of adherence with a composite endpoint (stroke, myocardial infarction, death). Results: Among 3,357 (91%) subjects with complete data, women, non-White persons, current smokers, those not on statins and those without a history of coronary artery bypass surgery were significantly less likely to be optimally adherent. Over the trial, persons who adhered well to treatment were less likely to experience the combined outcome than those who adhered poorly (13.4 vs. 20.6%, p < 0.0001). After multivariable analysis using various adherence measures, there were no significant differences between ≧80% vs. <80% adherence, but compared to <65% adherence, pill adherence levels of ≧90 to <99% (HR 0.56, 95% CI = 0.34–0.91; p = 0.02) and ≧99% (HR 0.46, 95% CI = 0.29–0.73; p = 0.001) were associated with lower occurrence of the combined outcome at 18 months. Conclusions: Long-term excellent adherence to non-specific pill prescription among ischemic stroke patients is independently associated with lower vascular risk, and is likely a marker of overall healthy behavior that may be helpful in targeting stroke patients with unhealthy practices.
EEG Power Spectrum to Predict Prognosis after Hemicraniectomy for Space-Occupying Middle Cerebral Artery Infarction
Authors: Diedler Jennifer , Sykora Marek , Jüttler Eric , Veltkamp Roland , Steiner Thorsten , Rupp André
Published: December 2009

Background: Early prediction of outcome after decompressive surgery for space-occupying middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction is needed to guide further therapy. Here we applied spectral EEG analysis to determine the prognosis early after hemicraniectomy, while the patient is still treated in the intensive care unit. Methods: Continuous EEG monitoring following hemicraniectomy was performed in 10 patients with space-occupying MCA infarction. All patients were analgosedated and mechanically ventilated. The first 6 h of monitoring after surgery were evaluated by spectral analysis. Outcome measures included Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS), Level of Consciousness Scale (LOC) and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at discharge. Outcome after 3 months was assessed by modified Rankin Scale. Results: Six patients displayed a peak at 5–10 Hz in the EEG power spectrum. All these patients had a GOS score of 3 and an LOC score ≧7 at discharge. In contrast, the 4 patients without faster EEG activity had a GOS of 2 and LOC ≤6. GOS (r = 1, p < 0.001), LOC (r = 0.89, p = 0.001) and NIHSS (r = –0.8; p < 0.01) at discharge significantly correlated with the presence of 5- to 10-Hz activity, but not with age, time to hemicraniectomy, duration of hospital stay or baseline NIHSS scores. Outcome after 3 months significantly correlated with age (r = 0.67; p < 0.05) and the presence of faster EEG activity (r = –0.76; p < 0.01). Conclusions: Spectral analysis in the subacute phase following hemicraniectomy may represent a parameter to predict early regain of consciousness and thus the capability and potential for further rehabilitation and favorable outcome.
Ischemia-Modified Albumin Reduction after Coronary Bypass Surgery Is Associated with the Cardioprotective Efficacy of Cold-Blood Cardioplegia Enriched with N-Acetylcysteine: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Karahan S. Caner , Koramaz İsmail , Altun Gökalp , Uçar Utku , Topbaş Murat , Menteşe Ahmet , Kopuz Müge
Published: December 2009

Background: The aims of this preliminary study were to determine the alteration of serum ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels and to investigate whether IMA may be used as an indicator of the cardioprotective efficacy of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in patients undergoing coronary bypass grafting (CABG). Patients and Methods: Forty-four patients were randomized into one of two groups on the basis of cardioplegic strategies, either cold-blood cardioplegia enriched with NAC (50 mg/kg) or cold-blood cardioplegia alone. Serum IMA, cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels determined in NAC-enriched patients before and after CABG were compared with those of the NAC-free group. The albumin cobalt binding assay was used for IMA determination. Results: Serum IMA levels were significantly elevated after cross-clamping and peaked at 6 h after reperfusion in the two groups. In NAC-enriched patients, IMA levels determined 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after reperfusion were significantly lower than those of the NAC-free group (p ≤ 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). IMA returned to baseline 24 h after reperfusion differently from cTnT and MDA in the NAC-enriched group. Conclusions: IMA may be used as not only an indicator of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, but also as a useful indicator of the cardioprotective effect of NAC in CABG.
The Value of Carotid Intima-Media Thickness for Predicting Cardiovascular Risk
Authors: Simon Alain , Megnien Jean-Louis , Chironi Gilles
Published: December 2009

We reviewed prospective epidemiological data in the general population, mostly middle-aged to older persons, to determine the association of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) (assessed by B-mode ultrasonography) with cardiovascular risk. Reported risks were expressed as absolute (event risk per persons-years in subjects with a high CIMT) and relative (hazard ratio of high vs low CIMT). They were hardly comparable as the result of differences between the analyzed studies, including the site and procedure of CIMT measurement, the report of adjusted or unadjusted models, and the arbitrary cutoff point to evaluate the CIMTÆs ability to predict risk. Despite these heterogeneities, the following four main conclusions emerged: (1) CIMT was an independent but relatively modest (as judged by absolute risk) predictor of coronary heart disease (CHD); (2) CIMT was an independent predictor for stroke, slightly better than for CHD as judged by the relative risks of both events; (3) CIMT added little to the CHD prediction by risk factors, as judged by c statistic and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis (however, appropriate data for stroke on this important issue were lacking); and (4) the CHD prediction by CIMT was inferior to that by ultrasonography-assessed carotid plaque because plaque may be more representative of atherosclerosis than CIMT.
Physical Exercise Prevents Cellular Senescence in Circulating Leukocytes and in the Vessel Wall
Authors: Werner Christian , Fürster Tobias , Widmann Thomas , Pöss Janine , Roggia Cristiana , Hanhoun Milad , Scharhag Jürgen , Büchner Nicole , Meyer Tim , Kindermann Wilfried , Haendeler Judith , Böhm Michael , Laufs Ulrich
Published: December 2009

Background—

The underlying molecular mechanisms of the vasculoprotective effects of physical exercise are incompletely understood. Telomere erosion is a central component of aging, and telomere-associated proteins regulate cellular senescence and survival. This study examines the effects of exercising on vascular telomere biology and endothelial apoptosis in mice and the effects of long-term endurance training on telomere biology in humans.

Methods and Results—

C57/Bl6 mice were randomized to voluntary running or no running wheel conditions for 3 weeks. Exercise upregulated telomerase activity in the thoracic aorta and in circulating mononuclear cells compared with sedentary controls, increased vascular expression of telomere repeat-binding factor 2 and Ku70, and reduced the expression of vascular apoptosis regulators such as cell-cycle–checkpoint kinase 2, p16, and p53. Mice preconditioned by voluntary running exhibited a marked reduction in lipopolysaccharide-induced aortic endothelial apoptosis. Transgenic mouse studies showed that endothelial nitric oxide synthase and telomerase reverse transcriptase synergize to confer endothelial stress resistance after physical activity. To test the significance of these data in humans, telomere biology in circulating leukocytes of young and middle-aged track and field athletes was analyzed. Peripheral blood leukocytes isolated from endurance athletes showed increased telomerase activity, expression of telomere-stabilizing proteins, and downregulation of cell-cycle inhibitors compared with untrained individuals. Long-term endurance training was associated with reduced leukocyte telomere erosion compared with untrained controls.

Conclusions—

Physical activity regulates telomere-stabilizing proteins in mice and in humans and thereby protects from stress-induced vascular apoptosis.
Impaired Fibrillin-1 Function Promotes Features of Plaque Instability in Apolipoprotein E–Deficient Mice
Authors: Van Herck Jozef L. , De Meyer Guido R.Y. , Martinet Wim , Van Hove Cor E. , Foubert Kenn , Theunis Mart H. , Apers Sandra , Bult Hidde , Vrints Christiaan J. , Herman Arnold G.
Published: December 2009

Background—

Arterial stiffness has been associated with an increased cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction between arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis.

Methods and Results—

Mice with a mutation (C1039G
+/−
) in the fibrillin-1 gene leading to fragmentation of the elastic fibers were crossbred with apolipoprotein E–deficient (ApoE
−/−
) mice. Subsequently, ApoE
−/−
and ApoE
−/−
C1039G
+/−
mice were fed a Western-type diet for 10 or 20 weeks. Our results show that the interaction between arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis is bidirectional. On the one hand, arterial stiffness in ApoE
−/−
C1039G
+/−
mice increased more rapidly in the presence of atherosclerotic plaques. On the other hand, arterial stiffness promoted the development of larger and more unstable plaques in ApoE
−/−
C1039G
+/−
mice. The plaque area at the aortic root was increased 1.5- and 2.1-fold in ApoE
−/−
C1039G
+/−
mice after 10 and 20 weeks of Western-type diet, respectively. After 10 weeks of Western-type diet, plaques of ApoE
−/−
C1039G
+/−
mice showed increased apoptosis of smooth muscle cells, which was associated with a decrease in collagen content, an enlargement of the necrotic core, and an increase in macrophages. After 20 weeks of Western-type diet, the number of buried fibrous caps was increased in atherosclerotic lesions of ApoE
−/−
C1039G
+/−
mice, not only at the level of the aortic valves but also in the brachiocephalic artery and in the upper, middle, and lower thoracic aorta. Furthermore, acute plaque rupture was observed.

Conclusion—

These results indicate that fragmentation of the elastic fibers leads to increased vascular stiffness, which promotes features of multifocal plaque instability.
Association of Circulating Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein Activity With Incidence of Cardiovascular Disease in the Community
Authors: Vasan Ramachandran S. , Pencina Michael J. , Robins Sander J. , Zachariah Justin P. , Kaur Guneet , D'Agostino Ralph B. , Ordovas Jose M.
Published: December 2009

Background—

Plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration is related inversely to the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Inhibiting cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity raises high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and may be cardioprotective, but an initial clinical trial with a CETP inhibitor was stopped prematurely because of increased CVD in treated patients, raising concerns about this approach. Data relating circulating CETP concentrations to CVD incidence in the community are conflicting.

Methods and Results—

Plasma CETP activity was measured in 1978 Framingham Heart Study participants (mean age, 51 years; 54% women) who attended a routine examination in 1987–1990 and were free of CVD. On follow-up (mean, 15.1 years), 320 participants experienced a first CVD event (fatal or nonfatal coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, or heart failure). In multivariable analyses adjusted for standard risk factors including high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, plasma CETP activity was related inversely to the incidence of CVD events (hazard ratio for activity, at or above the median of 0.72; 95% confidence interval, 0.57 to 0.90;
P
=0.004 [compared with below median]; hazard ratio per SD increment, 0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.76 to 0.97;
P
=0.01). The inverse association of CETP activity with CVD incidence remained robust in time-dependent models updating standard risk factors every 4 years and was maintained in analyses of incident “hard” CVD events (myocardial infarction, stroke, or heart failure).

Conclusions—

In our prospective investigation of a community-based sample, lower plasma CETP activity was associated with greater CVD risk. These observations, if confirmed, challenge the concept that CETP inhibition may lower CVD risk.
Targeting the Degradation of Angiotensin II With Recombinant Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2
Authors: Wysocki Jan , Ye Minghao , Rodriguez Eva , González-Pacheco Francisco R. , Barrios Clara , Evora Karla , Schuster Manfred , Loibner Hans , Brosnihan K. Bridget , Ferrario Carlos M. , Penninger Josef M. , Batlle Daniel
Published: December 2009

Angiotensin (Ang)-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) cleaves Ang II to form Ang-(1-7). Here we examined whether soluble human recombinant ACE2 (rACE2) can efficiently lower Ang II and increase Ang-(1-7) and whether rACE2 can prevent hypertension caused by Ang II infusion as a result of systemic versus local mechanisms of ACE2 activity amplification. rACE2 was infused via osmotic minipumps for 3 days in conscious mice or acutely in anesthetized mice. rACE2 caused a dose-dependent increase in serum ACE2 activity but had no effect on kidney or cardiac ACE2 activity. After Ang II infusion (40 pmol/min), rACE2 (1 mg/kg per day) resulted in normalization of systolic blood pressure and plasma Ang II. In acute studies, rACE2 (1 mg/kg) prevented the rapid hypertensive effect of Ang II (0.2 mg/kg), and this was associated with both a decrease in Ang II and an increase in Ang-(1-7) in plasma. Moreover, during infusion of Ang II, the effect of rACE2 on blood pressure was unaffected by a specific Ang-(1-7) receptor blocker, A779 (0.2 mg/kg), and infusing supraphysiologic levels of Ang-(1-7) (0.2 mg/kg) had no effect on blood pressure. We conclude that, during Ang II infusion, rACE2 effectively degrades Ang II and, in the process, normalizes blood pressure. The mechanism of rACE2 action results from an increase in systemic, not tissue, ACE2 activity and the lowering of plasma Ang II rather than the attendant increase in Ang-(1-7). Increasing ACE2 activity may provide a new therapeutic target in states of Ang II overactivity by enhancing its degradation, an approach that differs from the current focus on blocking Ang II formation and action.
Future Sociological Public Diplomacy and the Role of Public Relations: Evolution of Public Diplomacy
Authors: Yun Seong-Hun , Toth Elizabeth L.
Published: December 2009

This article introduces public diplomacy worldviews of realism, international liberalism, and sociological globalism, revisiting the traditional notion of public diplomacy as a two-step, cross-border, communication process. It predicts that sociological globalism will be a new background of future public diplomacy, in an era of people flow—migration. The predictions include: (a) Through direct and total contacts, soft power (attraction) does matter more than mediated messages about the attraction, and the openness of civil society will matter more than the role of governments; (b) sociological public diplomacy will become domesticated toward “inside border” foreign publics as part of government’s public affairs; and (c) the real substances of soft power in sociological public diplomacy will not be reserves at a country’s disposal but rather be “constructivist and fluid capacity” to create mutual trust and benefit.
The Strategic Role of Public Relations Is Strategic Reflection: A South African Research Stream
Authors: Steyn Benita
Published: December 2009

This article introduces a South African (SA) research stream on the strategic role of public relations (PR). (a) The PR strategist role is conceptualized and verified in SA, together with the (redefined) PR manager and technician roles. (b) A comparative analysis of these roles and three of the four European Body of Knowledge (EBOK) roles (reflective, managerial, and operational) indicates conceptual similarity. (c) The PR strategist role index is broadened to incorporate the EBOK reflective role, and the new EBOK role (PR educationist) is conceptualized and operationalized as an educational and counseling role. All four EBOK roles are measured and verified in Company X in SA. (d) The refined instrument is used in another study to measure the roles of PR strategist, manager, and technician in South and East Africa. Two roles are verified, the PR strategist (including a reflective dimension) and a combined manager/ technician role. Based on the findings of these studies, the PR strategist is relabeled reflective strategist , an important new role in South (and East) Africa that is centered on strategic reflection.
Applied Public Diplomacy: A Marketing Communications Exchange Program in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Hayden Craig
Published: December 2009

In late 2003 through 2004, the Saudi American Exchange conducted an exchange program, the Formula 1 Global Marketing Challenge. This program is presented in this article as an example of applied, grassroots public diplomacy; a program that facilitated intercultural communication between Arab and U.S. graduate and undergraduate students. The Formula 1 Challenge is described as a structured set of activities leveraging both online and in-person collaborative exercises focused explicitly on establishing mutual understanding of culturally grounded communication and media consumption practices. The program is argued to reflect a possible alternative conception for public diplomacy as a state-centric, media-driven set of policies—and reflects a public diplomacy exercise that embodies dialogue-oriented activities called for in normative prescriptions for U.S. public diplomacy.
Reflections on Public Diplomacy: People-to-People Communication
Authors: Payne J. Gregory
Published: December 2009

Various governmental and one nongovernmental public diplomacy efforts are outlined in this descriptive essay that focuses on the importance of open communication at the grassroots level as a requisite for the establishment of meaningful and sustaining relationships and the development of trust. State Department-sponsored visits to Russia, Uzbekistan, Azerbajain, and Turkmenistan are described and challenges noted, as well as the background and initial phases of the first grassroots effort after 9/11—the Saudi American Exchange.
Public Relations and Diplomacy in a Globalized World: An Issue of Public Communication
Authors: L'Etang Jacquie
Published: December 2009

This article builds on earlier conceptual analyses that have contrasted public relations with diplomacy and public diplomacy at conceptual and applied levels, to consider further the theoretical and global issues of public relations’ diplomatic work for states and organizations in the context of globalization. A key feature of such work is its intercultural nature, at the organizational, ethnic, and state levels. The discussion draws inspiration from a range of disciplines including public relations, international relations, strategic studies, media studies, peace studies, management studies, cultural studies, and anthropology. Linking public diplomacy to public relations usefully reconnects public relations to power, which has largely been ignored by dominant organizational-management approaches to the subject.
The United Nations and Global Democracy
Authors: Thérien Jean-Philippe , Bélanger Dumontier Madeleine
Published: December 2009

This article shows that the idea of global democracy has been a driving force in UN discourse and policies for the past two decades. In the first part, we use official rhetoric to explain that the promotion of global democracy by the UN rests on a particular set of values and beliefs. In an analysis that parallels the interpretation proposed by cosmopolitan democratic theorists, UN leaders argue that international governance must be democratized in order to reflect the recent reconfiguration of political forces. We then examine how UN ideas are put into practice through global public policies. Structured in line with the distinction between input- and output-based legitimacy, this second part demonstrates how UN policies foster greater participation by non-state actors in the organization’s deliberations and operations. The article suggests that the UN is an effective intellectual actor. By promoting civil society’s greater involvement in world politics, the discourse and policies of the UN have indeed succeeded in advancing the idea of a democracy ‘without borders’.
Differences in Individualistic and Collectivistic Tendencies among College Students in Japan and the United States
Authors: Kobayashi Emiko , Kerbo Harold R. , Sharp Susan F.
Published: December 2009

It is a worldwide stereotype that Japanese, compared to Americans, are oriented more toward collectivism. But this stereotypical notion of more collectivism among Japanese, which typically stems from a view that individualism and collectivism stand at opposite ends of a continuum, has been filled with dashed empirical findings, especially in a sample of college students. In the current study, following the view that individualism and collectivism are two separate concepts rather than one with two extremes, we test and compare both individualistic and collectivistic tendencies among college students in Japan and the United States. A review of theories and research on this dimension of cultural variability across the two diverse cultures and the literature on societal pressure of collectivity and on parents as primary socialization agents of culturally expected values lead to two hypotheses: 1) Japanese college students tend less toward individualism than do Americans, and 2) Japanese college students tend less toward collectivism than do Americans. Analysis of identical survey data from college students in Japan and in the United States provides strong support for both hypotheses.
Statistical Categorization of Young People’s Entry into the Labour Market
Authors: Moulin Stéphane
Published: December 2009

This article uses a sociological approach to social statistics and international comparison to compare the ways national statistics institutions present young people’s entry into the labour market in France and Canada. The history of the two systems of surveys shows their diverging development with regards to the measure of insertion. Examining the calendar variables used in two French and two Canadian recent longitudinal surveys, we argue that the differences reflect two aspects of the sets of codes, rules and laws in each national context: two training-employment schemes (sequential/combinatory) and two labour market regulations (statutory/professional).
Ambivalent Attitudes, Contradictory Institutions
Authors: Sjöberg Ola
Published: December 2009

The purpose of this article is to analyze the extent and determinants of ambivalent — that is, seemingly inconsistent and contradictory — attitudes with regard to gender roles and female participation in the labor force from a comparative point of view. Drawing upon the work of Robert Merton and Elinor Barber, it is argued that attitudinal ambivalence may arise as a consequence of a disjunction between people’s aspirations and the structural possibility of realizing them. One such disjunction with possible importance for ambivalence with regard to gender role attitudes is between, on the one hand, the massive increase in women’s participation in higher education, which has increased women’s opportunities as well as aspirations to pursue career and labor market goals similar to those of men, and on the other hand, the emergence of institutions that allow women to take advantage of these opportunities by providing the means to reconcile work at home with paid work. The empirical analyses, using data from the International Social Survey Programme (ISSP) for 26 countries, presents strong evidence in favor of this argument: the greater the difference between rates of change in female educational attainment and institutions that might reconcile paid work with motherhood, the greater is attitudinal ambivalence with regard to gender roles.
Do Non-Governmental Organizations Impact Health?
Authors: Shandra John M. , Shandra Carrie L. , London Bruce
Published: December 2009

According to world polity theory, international health and women’s non-governmental organizations should improve health in poor nations by providing health, reproductive, and educational services. However, there are suggestions that their effectiveness may be limited by a variety of factors. These factors include their projects being small-scale, ad hoc, or reformist. Further, non-governmental organizations may implement projects that satisfy donor interests rather than a local population’s needs. In order to evaluate these claims, we construct cross-national models of infant morality from 1990 to 2005 for a sample of 74 poor nations. Initially, we find no support for world polity theory claims that health and women’s non-governmental organizations decrease infant mortality. However, we re-specify the models to test a ‘political opportunity structure’ hypothesis that democracy enhances the ability of non-governmental organizations to improve health. We do so by including interaction terms between these two variables and find substantial support for this hypothesis. Specifically, the results suggest that health and women’s non-governmental organizations decrease infant mortality in democratic but not repressive nations.
Border Crossing and Coming Home in the Name of Human Rights
Authors: Wade Bruce H.
Published: December 2009

The objective of this article is to examine the practical outcomes of a human rights education course/exchange program conducted in South Africa between 2001 and 2005. Data for the study were obtained from observation, interviews, focus groups, program reports and annual evaluation instruments. The study reveals that undergraduate exchange programs which involve a focus on human rights can have a significant impact on undergraduate’s research and career plans. The recommendation is that such programs develop and maintain open and equitable administrative structures that adhere to the principles outlined in formal program documents.
Transformation of Collective Identity in Palestine
Authors: Mi'ari Mahmoud
Published: December 2009

This article focuses on transformation of collective identity in the West Bank and Gaza Strip after the ‘Nakba’ (catastrophe) of 1948. The article argues that Arab identity, which was dominant in Palestine during the Mandate period, continued to be dominant after the ‘Nakba’. The weak Palestinian identity started to strengthen continuously among all Palestinians after the June War of 1967. In the Israeli occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip, Palestinian identity greatly intensified and became the strongest identity in the last two to three decades. Comparison of collective identity before and after the Oslo Agreement shows that while under the Palestinian Authority (PA), Palestinian identity remained the strongest identity, Muslim identity and clan (or hamula) identity have greatly intensified.
Unemployment, Trade Liberalization and Adjustment in Post-Transition South Africa
Authors: Segal Michelle , Brawley Mark R.
Published: December 2009

Economic theory suggests that trade liberalization rewards relatively abundant factors of production — labor in most economically developing countries. In South Africa, trade liberalization has not benefited the locally abundant factor (unskilled labor). Instead, unemployment remains stubbornly high. The legacy of apartheid explains this surprising result; apartheid distorted factor markets (including patterns in land ownership, unionization, investment, infrastructural development and more). The gains from trade will remain elusive unless the Government engages in policies targeting flexibility in factor markets to support trade adjustment. ANC governments have introduced some policies along these lines, but have refrained from taking on certain politically powerful constituencies within their own party.
The Indian Growth Story
Authors: Nanda Nitya
Published: December 2009

India embarked on a high growth path right in the early 1950s. However, due to some internal and external shocks, the economy slowed down from the mid-1960s until about 1980. Moreover, throughout the period, industry and services grew at higher rates compared to agriculture whose share in GDP was almost 60 per cent in 1950. Thus, the increasing trend in the overall growth rate is the reflection of the increasing shares of the high growing sectors in the GDP. It is also suggested that mere growth is not sufficient to reduce poverty, while poverty reduction may also impact growth positively.
Strong Nanocomposites with Ca, PO4, and F Release for Caries Inhibition
Authors: Xu H.H.K. , Weir M.D. , Sun L. , Moreau J.L. , Takagi S. , Chow L.C. , Antonucci J.M.
Published: December 2009

This article reviews recent studies on: (1) the synthesis of novel calcium phosphate and calcium fluoride nanoparticles and their incorporation into dental resins to develop nanocomposites; (2) the effects of key microstructural parameters on Ca, PO4, and F ion release from nanocomposites, including the effects of nanofiller volume fraction, particle size, and silanization; and (3) mechanical properties of nanocomposites, including water-aging effects, flexural strength, fracture toughness, and three-body wear. This article demonstrates that a major advantage of using the new nanoparticles is that high levels of Ca, PO4, and F release can be achieved at low filler levels in the resin, because of the high surface areas of the nanoparticles. This leaves room in the resin for substantial reinforcement fillers. The combination of releasing nanofillers with stable and strong reinforcing fillers is promising to yield a nanocomposite with both stress-bearing and caries-inhibiting capabilities, a combination not yet available in current materials.
Is Zoledronate Toxic to Human Periodontal Fibroblasts?
Authors: Agis H. , Blei J. , Watzek G. , Gruber R.
Published: December 2009

Exposed necrotic alveolar bone is a hallmark of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. However, it is unknown whether zoledronate causes soft-tissue damage via adverse actions toward periodontal fibroblasts. We therefore examined whether zoledronate causes a cytotoxic response in fibroblasts isolated from the gingiva and the periodontal ligament. We report that micromolar concentrations of zoledronate and serum-free conditions decreased cell activity, as measured by assays for formazan formation, proliferation, and protein synthesis. Under these conditions, periodontal fibroblasts underwent apoptosis and necrosis, as indicated by cleavage of PARP and membrane disruption, respectively. However, these adverse effects of zoledronate were mitigated by the presence of serum. Moreover, zoledronate bound to calcium phosphate failed to reduce cell activity. Analysis of these data suggests that the cytotoxic responses of periodontal fibroblasts require high concentrations of zoledronate and depend on the in vitro experimental conditions. Whether these findings translate into soft-tissue damage will require further investigation.
The Impact of Residual Vision in Spatial Skills of Individuals With Visual Impairments
Authors: Papadopoulos Konstantinos , Koustriava Eleni , Kartasidou Lefkothea
Published: December 2009

Loss of vision is believed to have a great impact on the acquisition of spatial knowledge. The aims of the present study are to examine the performance of individuals with visual impairments on spatial tasks and the impact of residual vision on processing these tasks. In all, 28 individuals with visual impairments—blindness or low vision—participated in this study. The results reveal that participants with visual impairments were competent to perform spatial tasks, and their performance is related to the existence of residual vision.
Effect of Grapefruit Juice on the Pharmacokinetics of Nilotinib in Healthy Participants
Authors: Yin Ophelia Q. P. , Gallagher Neil , Li Ai , Zhou Wei , Harrell Robert , Schran Horst
Published: December 2009

Nilotinib (Tasigna; Novartis Pharmaceuticals) is a second‐generation BCR‐ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor newly approved for the treatment of imatinib‐resistant or imatinib‐intolerant Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph+) chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase or accelerated phase. This study evaluated the effect of grapefruit juice on the pharmacokinetics of nilotinib in 21 healthy male participants. All participants underwent 2 study periods during which they received a single oral dose of 400 mg nilotinib with 240 mL double‐strength grapefruit juice or 240 mL water in a crossover fashion. Serial blood samples were collected for the determination of serum nilotinib concentrations by a validated liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry assay. Concurrent intake of grapefruit juice increased the nilotinib peak concentration (Cmax) by 60% and the area under the serum concentration‐time curve (AUC>0–∞) by 29% but did not affect the time to reach Cmaxor the elimination half‐life of nilotinib. The most common adverse events were headache and vomiting, which were mild or moderate in severity, and their frequency appeared to be similar between 2 treatments. Based on the currently available information about nilotinib and the observed extent of increase in nilotinib exposure, concurrent administration of nilotinib with grapefruit juice is not recommended.
Toward Optimal Treatment in Women: The Effect of Sex on Metoprolol‐Diphenhydramine Interaction
Authors: Sharma Ashish , Pibarot Philippe , Pilote Sylvie , Dumesnil Jean G. , Arsenault Marie , Bélanger Pierre Maxime , Meibohm Bernd , Hamelin Bettina A.
Published: December 2009

The objective of this study was to determine if sex influences the pharmacokinetics and hemodynamics of the CYP2D6 substrate metoprolol and its interaction with diphenhydramine (CYP2D6 inhibitor) in healthy young participants with high (extensive metabolizer [EM]) or low (poor metabolizer [PM]) CYP2D6 activities. A prespecified comparative analysis of data from 2 sequential clinical trials that included 16 EM and 4 PM women and 10 EM and 6 PM men was performed. The participants in the 2 trials were administered a single oral dose of 100 mg metoprolol in the presence of steady‐state diphenhydramine or placebo. Serial plasma and urine samples were obtained for 48 hours, and hemodynamic data was obtained for 12 hours after metoprolol. In the placebo arm, EM and PM women had 62% and 59% higher S‐metoprolol AUC0–∞and 26% and 71% lower CL/F, respectively, compared to men with the same phenotype (all Ps < .05 women compared to men). These differences dissipated on body weight (WT) correction. Women (especially PMs) experienced greater negative chronotropic effects of metoprolol than men (P < .0001 women compared to men). Diphenhydramine coadministration increased S‐metoprolol AUC by 84% in EM women and 45% in EM men (P < .009 women compared to men). In the diphenhydramine arm, sex differences in pharmacokinetics persisted even after WT correction, resulting in greater negative chronotropic effects in women (all Ps < .05 women compared to men). Metoprolol dose should be adjusted for body weight, particularly in women. Coadministration of a CYP2D6 inhibitor such as diphenhydramine, by a patient at similar doses in the 2 sexes, could result in a greater inhibition of clearance of CYP2D6 substrates with a resulting higher risk of pronounced pharmacological and adverse effects in women compared to men.