bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modulation of macrophage heat shock proteins (HSPs) expression in response to intracellular infection by virulent and avirulent strains of Leishmania donovani
Authors: Adhuna Poonam Salotra , Mukhopadhyay Bani , Bhatnagar Rakesh
Published: July 2007

We have examined the differential expression of heat shock proteins of murine macrophage‐like cell line J774.G8 following infection with Leishmania donovani. In response to infection with virulent promastigotes, the up‐regulation of HSP70 and 90 and a selective down‐regulation of HSP60 was observed using monoclonal antibodies specific for host HSPs. However, infection with avirulent strain failed to alter the expression of host HSPs. The maximum alterations in HSPs expression were noted at 18h post infection, a time period which coincided with the transformation of parasite from promastigote to the amastigote form. Data indicates that host HSPs may play a role in parasite differentiation/survival during infection with L. donovani.
Brain glutamate dehydrogenase changes in streptozotocin diabetic rats as a function of age
Authors: Biju M. P. , Paulose C. S.
Published: July 2007

Kinetic parameters of brain glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) were compared in the brain stem, cerebellum and cerebral cortex of three weeks and one year old streptozotocin (STZ) induced four day diabetic rats with respective controls. A single intrafemoral dose of STZ (60mg/Kg body weight) was administered to induce diabetes in both age groups. After four days the blood glucose levels showed a significant increase in the diabetic animals of both age groups compared with the respective controls. The increase in blood glucose was significant in one year old compared to the three weeks old diabetic rats. The Vmax of the enzyme was decreased in all the brain regions studied, of the three weeks old diabetic rats without any significant change in the Km. In the adult the Vmax of GDH was increased in cerebellum and brain stem but was unchanged in the cerebral cortex. The Km was unchanged in cerebellum and cerebral cortex but was increased in the brain stem. These results suggest there may be an important regulatory role of the glutamate pathway in brain neural network disturbances and neuronal degeneration in diabetes as a function of age.
Additive effects of bovine serum albumin, dithiothreitol and glycerolon PCR
Authors: Nagai Masazumi , Yoshida Akihide , Sato Nobuko
Published: July 2007

The effects of bovine serum albumin, dithiothreitol, and glycerol on PCR were studied. PCR under standard conditions failed the amplification of an enterohemorrhagic E. coli DNA fragment when the boiled bacterial cell lysate was used as the template. The addition of either one of bovine serum albumin, dithiothreitol, or glycerol in the reaction mixture allowed the specific fragment amplification; and the optimum concentrations were as follows: bovine serum albumin, 1 mg/ml; dithiothreitol, 10 mM; and glycerol, 5%. In addition, when all of the three agents were included at the above concentrations, the PCR yeild was further increased. The effect of the three‐agent mixture was not the template specific. Furthermore, the mixture enabled long PCR over 20 kb when Taq DNA polymerase with 3′‐5′ exnuclease activity was used for the amplification. Our simple PCR method allows robust PCR independent of template purity or amplification length.
Esr studies of vitamin c regeneration, order of reactivity of natural source phytochemical preparations
Authors: Cossins Elaine , Lee Reaching , Packer Lester
Published: July 2007

The effect of various flavonoids upon the ascorbate radical lifetime was investigated by ESR spectroscopy. The radical was generated via the reaction between ascorbic acid and ascorbate oxidase, the ascorbate radical being detected. The inclusion of the flavonoids in the ascorbic acid‐ascorbate oxidase reaction mixture affected both the initial intensity of the ascorbate radical and its lifetime. Of the natural sources tested, Pycnogenol® prolonged the ascorbate radical lifetime to the greatest extent, from a control value of 20 rain to a maximum of 80 min with 200 μg/ml Pycnogenol®. The flavonoids could either be regenerating ascorbic acid from ascorbate, or interacting with ascorbate oxidase, thus preventing ascorbic acid binding. When p‐cresol, a known ascorbate oxidase inhibitor was added to the ascorbic acid‐ascorbate oxidase reaction mixture, the ascorbate radical signal intensity was dramatically reduced and did not display the time‐dependent decay observed with the flavonoids. This indicates that a direct interaction between the flavonoids and ascorbate radical occurs. Some of the flavonoids tested; myricetin, polyphenon and theaflavin appeared to compete with ascorbic acid for ascorbate oxidase, as they displayed saturation behaviour. By modifying the experimental conditions the myricetin radical was detected, thus confirming the direct interaction between myricetin and ascorbate oxidase
Analysis of glycosphingolipids of human head and neck carcinomas with comparison to normal tissue
Authors: Bolot G. , David M. J. , Taki T. , Handa S. , Kasama T. , Richard M. , Pignat J. C. , Thomas L. , Portoukalian J.
Published: July 2007

Glycosphingolipids of head and neck carcinomas from six tumor‐bearing patients were analyzed and compared to those of normal tissue from similar areas. The total glycosphingolipid content and the lipid‐bound sialic acid were much higher in carcinomas than in normal tissue. Major neutral glycolipids were glucosylceramide, lactosylceramide, trihexosylceramide and paragloboside. Sulfatides were seen only in extracts from normal tissue which also showed a rather simple ganglioside pattern with #GM3 and GD3 as major species, whereas tumors showed additional species such as GM2 and GD2, along with a strong increase in LM1, GM1, GDla and GT1b.
α‐Crystallin does not require temperature activation for its chaperone‐like activity
Authors: Bhattacharyya Jaya , Das Kali P.
Published: July 2007

α‐crystallin acts as a molecular chaperone by preventing the aggregation of proteins. Although the mechanism for this activity is not understood there is a proposition that temperature activation at or above 30°C of α‐crystallin is an absolute requirement, thereby suggesting a conformational transition as a trigger for the activity. In an attempt to unravel the putative temperature‐activity relationship, the chaperone‐like activity of α‐crystallin was studied at a number of temperatures above and below 30°C. Chaperone activity was monitored against aggregation of the insulin‐B chain induced by cleavage of disulfide bond of insulin and also against photo‐aggregation of γ‐crystallin. Contrary to the above notion, the results indicate that α‐crystallin does not require thermal activation for its chaperone function and that it can efficiently function as a molecular chaperone even at temperatures below the previously reported transition temperature.
Amino acid residues in third intracellular loop of melanocortin 1 receptor are involved in G‐protein coupling
Authors: Frändberg Per‐Anders , Doufexis Marina , Kapas Supriya , Chhajlani Vijay
Published: July 2007

To delineate domains essential for G‐protein coupling in melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R), we mutated polar and basic residues to alanine at eleven positions in the putative third intracellular loop and determined consequent changes in the ligand binding and generation of second messenger cAMP. Results demonstrate that ligand binding affinity was not affected by any of the mutations. However, every mutant displayed reduced functional response as compared to the wild type receptor. Replacement of residues (K226, R227, Q228, R229, H232, Q233 and K238) present in
Induction of caspase‐3 and nitric oxide synthase‐2 during gastric mucosal inflammatory reaction to Helicobacter pylori lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Slomiany B. L. , Piotrowski J. , Slomiany A.
Published: July 2007

Helicobacter pylori lipopolysaccharide is recognized as a primary virulence factor evoking acute mucosal inflammatory reaction associated with H. pylori infection. We investigated the activity of a key apoptotic protease, caspase‐3, and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS‐2) during H. pylori lipopolysaccharide‐induced acute gastritis. The assays conducted 4 days following intragastric dose of the lipopolysaccharide revealed a pattern of acute mucosal responses characterized by an 11.2‐fold increase in epithelial cells apoptosis, inflammatory infiltration of the lamina propria, hyperemia, and epithelial hemorrhage. This was accompanied by a 5.4‐fold increase in caspase‐3 activity, while the mucosal expression of NOS‐2 showed a 6.5‐fold induction. The results implicate H. pylori lipopolysaccharide in the induction of NOS‐2 expression, and point to its effect on activation of the signaling cascade involving caspase‐3 in the process gastric epithelial cells apoptosis.
Anti‐tumor polysaccharide from the mycelium of liquid‐cultured Agaricus blazei mill
Authors: Mizuno Masashi , Minato Ken‐ichiro , Ito Hitoshi , Kawade Mitsuo , Terai Hirofumi , Tsuchida Hironobu
Published: July 2007

Anti‐tumor active polysaccharide against Sarcoma 180 was isolated by DEAE‐Sepharose CL‐6B and Sepharose 4B column chromatography from the hot‐water soluble fraction of the mycelium of liquid‐cultured Agaricus blazei mill. This polysaccharide did not react with antibodies of anti‐tumor polysaccharides such as lentinan, gliforan, and FIII‐2‐b which is one of anti‐tumor polysaccharides from Agaricus blazei. Moreover, the analyses of 13C‐NMR and GC‐MS suggested that this polysaccharide was preliminarily glucomannan with a main chain of β‐1,2‐linked D‐mannopyranosyl residues and β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐3‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl residues as a side chain. This polysaccharide was completely different from the anti‐tumor polysaccharide from fruiting body of Agaricus blazei, β‐1,6‐glucan.
The antioxidant status of patients subjected to today body irradiation
Authors: Chevion Shlomit , Or Reuven , Berry Elliot M.
Published: July 2007

Background and Purpose: Total body irradiation (TBI) is a routine preconditioning procedure for the treatment of leukemia and aplastic anemia, prior to bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Ionizing radiation generates reactive oxygen derived species (ROS) that can be removed by antioxidants. Our purpose is to determine the antioxidant status of patients undergoing TBI by evaluating the oxidant stress and their antioxidant capacity.

Material and Methods: We evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in plasma of 14 patients undergoing TBI prior to BMT. The levels of the antioxidants ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA) were determined by HPLC‐ECD. The oxidant stress level was calculated by the ratio [dehydro ascorbic acid]/total ascorbic acid].

Results: TAC was reduced by 36% (p<0.02) but after 4 months recovered to a level 22% higher than before the treatment (p<0.05). Both, AA and UA, decreased following irradiation by 84% (p<0.02) and 24% (p<0.05) respectively, but returned to a level of 21% and 320% after 4 months compared to baseline values. The changes in [UA] were affected by Allopurinol (xanthine oxidase inhibitor), given as a routine pretransplant therapy until day ‐1. The [dehydroascorcbic acid]/[total ascorbic acid] (%) was 45% (range of normal controls=13.2±1.5%) and increased by 69% following TBI. In order to obtain a decrease in the TAC of plasma in vitro, comparable to that in vivo, a 1000 fold higher dose of irradiation was required.

Conclusions: TBI caused a pronounced decrease in antioxidant capacity and an excessive increase in oxidant stress. We assume that TBI alters antioxidant homeostasis greatly enhancing the stress damage. CV measurements may lead to a better understanding of the balance between oxidant stress and antioxidant utilization, and to a reconsideration of the routine use of Allopurinol as pretreatment for TBI, and antioxidant support before and/or after TBI.
“You Take Your Oath Only Once:” Crimea, The Black Sea Fleet, and National Identity Among Russian Officers
Authors: Simonsen Sven Gunnar
Published: July 2007

The Soviet military officer's motto was “I serve the Soviet Union.” He had taken an oath to a state whose leadership constantly stressed the ethnic diversity of its population. When the USSR fell apart, however, only one of its 15 successor states—the Russian Federation—did not declare itself the homeland of one specific ethnic group. The reality of the divorce was difficult to grasp for many people in the former Soviet Union. In Russia, ideas of democracy and hopes for the future of the RSFSR as an independent state were standing strong. Not all the newly independent states would be missed; the Central Asian republics were widely seen as a culturally distant periphery tapping the RSFSR of resources. However, shedding off Kazakhstan, Belarus, and above all, Ukraine was a completely different story.
Proteomic Strategies in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Celis Julio E. , Wolf Hans , Ostergaard Morten
Published: July 2007

Here we review our current strategy for identifying phenotypic changes in the urothelium of bladder cancer patients with invasive disease, using a combination of proteomic technologies and immunowalking. This approach, which in principle can be applied to the study of any type of bladder cancer, makes use of proteomic technologies (for more information see http//:biobase.dk/cgi‐bin/celis) to reveal and identify proteins that are differentially expressed in fresh tumors and normal urothelium. Thereafter, specific antibodies against the differentially expressed proteins are used (immunowalking) to stain serial cryostat sections of cystectomies obtained from tumor‐bearing patients who have undergone removal of the bladder for invasive disease. Since bladder cancer is a field disease‐that is, a large part of the bladder lining is involved‐the urothelium of these patients is expected to exhibit a spectrum of abnormalities, ranging from early stages of transformation to invasive disease. Besides highlighting the problems one faces when applying powerful proteomic technologies to the study of heterogeneous biopsy material, these studies show that it is feasible to study bladder cancer under experimental conditions that closely resemble the in vivo situation.
Is the HemK Family of Putative S‐Adenosylmethionine‐Dependent Methyltransferases a “Missing” zeta Subfamily of Adenine Methyltransferases? A Hypothesis
Authors: Bujnicki Janusz M. , Radlinska Monika
Published: July 2007

Previous comparative studies revealed close similarity among various groups of S‐adenosyl‐L‐methionine (AdoMet)‐dependent methyltransferases (MTases), indicating their common evolutionary origin. We present evidence for a remarkable similarity between the sequence and predicted structure of HemK (a widespread family of putative proteins encoded in genomes from bacteria to humans) and the catalytic domain of the gamma‐subfamily of adenine‐specific DNA MTases (N6mA MTases). We predict the structure and function of the putative catalytic domain of HemK proteins and speculate that the target‐recognizing function may be conferred by the N‐terminal variable region.
ERK/MAPK Pathway Is Required for Changes of Cyclin D1 and B1 During Phorbol 12‐Myristate 13‐Acetate‐Induced Differentiation of K562 Cells
Authors: Lee Chang Hoon , Yun Hee Jeong , Kang Ho Sung , Kim Han Do
Published: July 2007

Phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA)‐induced differentiation of human erythroleukemic K562 cells is characterized by growth arrest, morphological change, and expression of megakaryocyte‐specific proteins. We examined the possible involvement of cell cycle regulators with PMA‐induced growth arrest and megakaryocytic differentiation of K562 cells. The concentrations of cyclin D1 and p21Waf1/Cip1 were dramatically increased, whereas those of cyclin B1 and cdc2 were decreased, by PMA treatment. The concentrations of most cyclin‐dependent kinases (Cdk2, Cdk4, and Cdk6), however, were unchanged by PMA treatment. PD98059, a specific inhibitior of MEK1, partially prevented the increase in cyclin D1 caused by PMA and fully reversed the down‐regulation of cyclin B1 protein seen in response to PMA treatment. Thus, it is demonstrated here that the PMA‐mediated changes of cyclin D1 and B1 are the result of a persistent increase in extracellular signal‐regulated kinase/mitogen‐activated protein kinase (ERK/MAPK) activity.
Tyrosine Phosphorylation of a 34‐kDa Protein Induced by Cross‐Linking a Novel Glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐Anchored Glycoprotein (GPI‐80) on Human Neutrophils That May Regulate Their Adherence and Migration
Authors: Yu Yan , Araki Yoshihiko , Sendo Fujiro
Published: July 2007

We previously found a novel glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)‐ anchored glycoprotein designated GPI‐80 that modulates complement receptor 3 integrin‐dependent adhesion and in vitro transendothelial migration of neutrophils. In this study, we show that antibody‐mediated cross‐linking of GPI‐80 led to rapid tyrosine phosphorylation mainly of a 34‐kDa protein (pp34). Chemical inhibitors, such as genistein, sodium orthovanadate, wortmannin, cytochalasin B, Ro 31‐8220, and 1,2‐bis(2‐aminophenoxy)ethane‐ N, N, N, N,‐tetraacetic acid inhibited this response, whereas pertussis toxin had no effect. These findings demonstrate that the tyrosine phosphorylation of pp34 by cross‐linking GPI‐80 in human neutrophils involves tyrosine kinases, tyrosine phosphatases, phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase, cytoskeleton reorganization, protein kinase C, and cytoplasmic calcium, but not heterotrimeric G proteins.
Cloning and Characterization of Two cDNAs Encoding Sulfatases in the Roman Snail, Helix pomatia
Authors: Wittstock Ute , Fischer Morten , Svendsen Ib , Halkier Barbara Ann
Published: July 2007

The sulfatase from the snail Helix pomatia is widely used for analytical applications. We have investigated the content of sulfatases in H. pomatia, using a biochemical and a molecular approach. A 112‐ kDa protein from the intestinal juice of H. pomatia comigrated with sulfatase activity when chromatographed on Sephacryl S300 and concanavalin A‐Sepharose. The N‐terminal amino acid sequence of the protein was similar to one of three sulfatase motifs defined by sequence alignment of known sulfatases. Degenerate primers designed from the motifs and the N‐terminal amino acid sequence obtained were used to generate PCR fragments and to isolate both a full‐length and a 3′‐truncated cDNA encoding H. pomatia sulfatases, designated SULF1 and SULF2. SULF1 consists of 503 amino acids and shows 53‐55% identity to the mammalian arylsulfatase B. The amino acid sequence deduced from the 878‐bp SULF2 cDNA fragment is 55% identical with SULF1. Both SULF1 and SULF2 contain the cysteine residue conserved in the active site of many sulfatases, which is known to be posttranslationally modified into formylglycine in eukaryotic sulfatases. However, the SULF1 and SULF2 cDNAs do not code for the protein purified. This indicates the presence of at least three sulfatase genes in H. pomatia.
FGF Receptor Mutations: Dimerization Syndromes, Cell Growth Suppression, and Animal Models
Authors: Kannan Karuppiah , Givol David
Published: July 2007

This review describes recent progress in the field of fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) with an emphasis on the role of FGFR mutants in skeletal malformations. This family of four receptors contains the most frequent germline mutations in humans. More than 75 mutations have been recorded, which account for more than seven skeletal syndromes. The common cause for all the mutant phenotypes is gain‐of‐function by receptor activation through three major mechanisms: receptor dimerization, kinase activation, and increased affinity for FGF. The severity of the disease is correlated with both the extent of receptor activation and the specific tissue in which the mutant receptor form is expressed. Paradoxically, the consequence of receptor activation is inhibition of chondrocyte cell growth through signaling pathways that are cell‐type specific. The structure of the FGFR?FGF complex and its possible ternary complex with heparin explain the mechanism of receptor dimerization in the ectodomain and the possible contribution by some of the mutations to this process. Analysis of FGFR3 mutant mice produced by gene targeting as models for human disease, and studies in cell lines, have begun to delineate the novel signaling pathways of FGFR3 and to define possible targets for therapy.
Genetic Instabilities of Triplet Repeat Sequences by Recombination
Authors: Jakupciak John P. , Wells Robert D.
Published: July 2007

The expansion of triplet repeat sequences is an initial step in the disease etiology of a number of hereditary neurological disorders in humans. Diseases such as myotonic dystrophy, Huntington's, several spinocerebellar ataxias, fragile X syndrome, and Friedreich's ataxia are caused by the expansions of CTG.CAG, CGG.CCG, or GAA.TTC repeats. The mechanisms of the expansion process have been investigated intensely in E. coli, yeast, transgenic mice, mammalian cell culture, and in human clinical cases. Whereas studies from 1994?1999 have implicated DNA replication and repair at the paused synthesis sites due to the unusual conformations of the triplet repeat sequences, recent work has shown that homologous recombination (gene conversion) is a powerful mechanism for generating massive expansions, in addition to, or in concert with, replication and repair.
An Open-Label Study of an Herbal Topical Medication (QoolSkin) for Patients with Chronic Plaque Psoriasis
Authors: Cohen Arnon D. , Shalev Raquel , Yaniv Ron , Shemer Avner
Published: July 2007

QoolSkin is novel herbal topical medication indicated for the treatment of patients with psoriasis and we endeavored to determine the efficacy of QoolSkin in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis. In an open-label, parallel-group study conducted at four sites in Israel, patients with chronic plaque psoriasis were treated by application of QoolSkin two to three times per day, for a period of 16 weeks. Clinical assessment was performed using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and the Beer-Sheva Psoriasis Severity Score (BPSS). The study included 100 patients (48 men, 52 women; age 18–65 years). QoolSkin was well tolerated and there were no local or systemic side effects. There was a 19% reduction in PASI, from a mean of 9.8 ± 9.5 before treatment to 8.0 ± 9.6 after treatment (p = 0.09). There was a 20% reduction in BPSS, from a mean of 16.1 ± 9.8 before treatment to 12.8 ± 10.6 after treatment (p = 0.01). The reduction in PASI and BPSS was pronounced in women (32 and 31%, respectively) as compared to men (9 and 11%, respectively). The reduction in PASI and BPSS was parallel to the length of time the patients were treated by QoolSkin. In patients treated by one of the investigators, who applied QoolSkin three times per day and for a long period of time (mean 101.1 days), the reduction in PASI was 32.0% and the reduction in BPSS was 37.8%. In patients with chronic plaque psoriasis, QoolSkin treatment was well tolerated. Application of QoolSkin was associated with a decrease in disease severity, as assessed by the patients and physicians. Application of QoolSkin three times per day for long period is associated with a better response to treatment.
Is There Any Point in a Corticosteroid Treatment of Intermittent Asthma?
Authors: Stankovic Ivana , Pejcic Tatjana , Milenkovic Branislava , Jovanovic Dragana , Rancic Milan
Published: July 2007

International guidelines advocate the early introduction of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in all types of persistent asthma. Our study was undertaken to assess the effects of ICS on bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) as a hallmark of inflammation, and to assess the symptoms, the use of rescue medications, and the parameters of lung function in patients with mild intermittent asthma. The patients with intermittent asthma (n = 85) were randomly allocated to a treatment with ICS, beclomethasone dipropionate 250 μg/day and short-acting β2 agonists salbutamol as needed (Group A, n = 45) or to a treatment with only short-acting β2 agonists as needed (Group B, n = 40) during the 6-month treatment period. At the end of the study, in Group A, we found a statistically significant decrease of BHR (PD200.98 vs. 2.07) (p < 0.001), diurnal peak expiratory flow (PEF) variability (17.9 vs. 13.8) (p < 0.001), symptom scores (0.63 vs. 0.30) (p < 0.001), and used rescue medication (p < 0.001), while the parameters of lung function remained unchanged except for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1), which had a statistically significant increase (3.58 vs. 3.66) (p < 0.001). In Group B, there was a statistically significant decrease of lung function parameters FEV1 (3.80 vs. 3.71) (p < 0.001), forced vital capacity (FVC) (4.43 vs. 4.37) (p < 0.001), FEV1/FVC (88.2 vs. 85.3) (p < 0.05), PEF (8.05 vs. 7.51) (p < 0.01), PEF variability (17.85 vs. 18.33) (p < 0.001), increased BHR (PD201.04 vs. 0.62) (p < 0.05), and symptom scores (0.46 vs. 0.62) (p < 0.01), as well as the use of rescue medication during the day (p < 0.001). Early introduction of low doses of ICS may be more beneficial than β2 agonists alone in patients with intermittent asthma.
Possible Relevance of Receptor-Receptor Interactions between Viral- and Host-Coded Receptors for Viral-Induced Disease
Authors: Agnati Luigi F. , Leo Giuseppina , Genedani Susanna , Guidolin Diego , Andreoli Nicola , Fuxe Kjell
Published: July 2007

It has been demonstrated that some viruses, such as the cytomegalovirus, code for G-protein coupled receptors not only to elude the immune system, but also to redirect cellular signaling in the receptor networks of the host cells. In view of the existence of receptor-receptor interactions, the hypothesis is introduced that these viral-coded receptors not only operate as constitutively active monomers, but also can affect other receptor function by interacting with receptors of the host cell. Furthermore, it is suggested that viruses could also insert not single receptors (monomers), but clusters of receptors (receptor mosaics), altering the cell metabolism in a profound way. The prevention of viral receptor-induced changes in host receptor networks may give rise to novel antiviral drugs that counteract viral-induced disease.
Touching the intangible? An analysis of The Equality Standard: A Framework for Sport
Authors: Shaw Sally
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to investigate equality policy development through an examination of The Equality Standard: A Framework for Sport and consider implications for practitioners and research‐based alternatives.

Design/methodology/approach

A textual analysis of The Equality Standard: A Framework for Sport.

Findings

The Equality Standard represents a shift from historic “one suit fits all” versions of equality policy creation in sports organisations. It is limited, however, by a reliance on formalised audit measures, limited encouragement of organisational involvement in creating equality policies, a reluctance to acknowledge powerful, taken‐for‐granted assumptions about equality, and an inability to encourage organisations to reflect on their history and culture.

Research limitations/implications

Calls for future research into the further critique of audit‐based approaches to equality implementation and stronger links between academic research and practitioner experience.

Practical implications

To encourage individuals to critically examine equality within sports organisations with a view to adopting a more reflective framework of equality in which to address organisational processes.

Originality/value

This research contributes an analysis of recent equality policy development in UK sport. It uses textual analysis to examine policy in order to offer alternative avenues for policy development.
Electronic Resources & Libraries, 2nd Annual Conference 2007
Authors: Jackson Millie , Gider Ayse , Feather Celeste , Smith Kelly , Fry Amy , Brooks‐Kieffer Jamene , Vidas Christopher D. , Nelson Rose
Published: July 2007

Purpose

To keep librarians and colleagues informed about the issues and programs of the Electronic Resources & Libraries (ER&L) Conference held in Atlanta, Georgia on the Georgia Institute of Technology campus in February 2007.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides a review of the conference.

Findings

Acquisitions staff, catalogers, public service staff, administrators, IT personnel, information providers from the vendor side, content managers, and others all came together to assess what needs to be done to continue high servicing of both born digital and electronically available resources in a hybrid environment that continues to describe all library settings today. As the percentage of electronic resources quickly grows, there are new challenges in acquiring, caring for, servicing, preserving, using and citing them that keep librarians up at night to consider short‐and long‐term solutions in how they should be organized bibliometrically and how we can re‐engineer some of our procedures to best treat the wide range of e‐Resources now common in all libraries.

Originality value

The program blended services with processing reinforcing the importance of electronic resources for the “total” library environment. It seemed like there was nothing left out.
Repurposing MARC Data: Some Pitfalls
Authors: Beall Jeffrey
Published: July 2007

Purpose

Options to consider when reviewing Machine Readable Cataloging (MARC) data suggest both advantages and disadvantages.

Design/methodology/approach

This short piece suggests some issues to ponder that may not be the most advantageous. Opening up the door to perhaps some troubling concerns encourage one to pause and consider the available technologies and the role of the metadata.

Findings

Earlier efforts to organize search output from online public access catalog searches retrieved items in reverse chronological order. Commercial indexing efforts were able to retrieve output in relevancy rankings based on search algorithms. This essay suggests that there are reasons for both and MARC contributes some particular nuances that complicate the potential for the most challenging searching.

Originality value

Provides information of value to library professionals.
Exploring consumer attitude and behaviour towards green practices in the lodging industry in India
Authors: Manaktola Kamal , Jauhari Vinnie
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The study seeks to explore the factors which influence the consumer attitude and behaviour towards green practices in the lodging industry in India and also to explore the consumers' intentions to pay for these practices.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative and qualitative research methodology using a questionnaire along with secondary research has been proposed. A structured questionnaire has been used using convenience‐sampling techniques from National Capital Region in India. Correlation and factor analysis has been used to explore consumers' attitudes and behaviour towards green practices in the lodging industry.

Findings

The consumers using hotel services are conscious about environmentally friendly practices in India. They patronise the hotels that have adapted green practices though not compromising on service quality. The consumers would prefer to use lodging that follows these practices but are not willing to pay extra for these services. Indian hotels have the competitive advantage over similar products if they follow green practices.

Practical implications

The hotels would have to invest in environmentally friendly practices and look at long‐term gains. The government needs to acknowledge and institutionalise the practice by instituting rewards and offering benefits in taxes.

Originality/value

The paper attempts to bring out facts regarding customer buying behaviour towards green practices in the Indian hotel industry. The resource scenario in India is grim with regard to the water and sanitation. The tourism industry has a big responsibility in ensuring that business models adopted are sustainable in the long run and hence the need to imbibe green practices as a preferred business model.
Managing reservations through online distribution channels
Authors: Dabas Swati , Manaktola Kamal
Published: July 2007

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate current room inventory distribution strategies of mid‐segment hotels in India, identifying factors that influence the managerial decisions in selecting electronic distribution channel for their property.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research methodology using structured interviews with senior level managers of five mid‐segment hotels in National Capital Region of India (NCR). Data collected were analysed to generalise the findings of this research.

Findings

Mid‐segment hotels in NCR rely on traditional distribution channels. Managers do not have sufficient knowledge about electronic distribution. There is a large gap between average room rate of mid‐segment hotels and higher‐level hotels. Demand during the period of study was higher and the trend for higher demand is likely to continue. Repeat business in mid‐segment hotels is nearly 70 percent.

Practical implications

The present high demand environment demands that the mid‐segment hotels look beyond their existing customer base and distribute inventory through multi‐channels including electronic distribution to achieve higher RevPAR, improved visibility and sustainable customer base for a longer period.

Originality/value

This research attempts to bring out factors that influence managerial decisions while selecting a distribution channel in the context of the Indian hospitality industry.
Supply chain relationships and information capabilities
Authors: Williams Zachary , Moore Robert
Published: July 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to present a framework depicting the development of information power‐based relationships between firms, and to describe the effect of information power on long‐term relationships between supply chain partners.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper combines literature from the field of information sciences regarding information integration with literature addressing traditional power relationships to develop a set of propositions describing how interfirm relationships evolve.

Findings

The conceptual framework introduced indicates that information can be utilized as a coercive and non‐coercive power base in supply chain relationships.

Practical implications

The need for information may result in a firm utilizing either coercive or non‐coercive power as a means of obtaining it. This research provides interesting findings about the use of information, as a power base, and its role in interfirm relationships.

Originality/value

This paper combines literature from various fields to develop a needed conceptual model of information power roles within supply chain relationships.
Managing the risks that go with high‐impact strategies in uncertain markets
Authors: Leavy Brian
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The author offers a perspective on the complex new concepts of Michael Raynor and others on managing strategic risk.

Design/methodology/approach

The author explains Raynor's theories of strategic paradox, strategic options, requisite uncertainty and strategic flexibility, all of which have special meanings in the Raynor vocabulary.

Findings

The strategy paradox arises from “the collision of commitment and uncertainty.” Since the mark of high impact strategies requires making clear commitments in the face of future uncertainty, the key question is, how can the risks involved best be mitigated? One option is to shy away from making clear strategic commitments. This is the route to mediocrity.

Practical implications

The management of “strategic uncertainty” and “strategic options” employs a four‐phase methodology: Anticipate (build scenarios of the future). Formulate (create optimal strategies for each of those alternative futures, distinguishing between core and contingent elements). Accumulate (determine what strategic options are required to cover the contingent elements). Operate (manage the portfolio of options, exercising or abandoning them, as the future unfolds).

Originality/value

Leavy provides an explanation of Raynor's unconventional wisdom that corporate leaders will find helpful.
Strategy in the media
Authors: Henry Craig
Published: July 2007

Purpose

Over a two‐month period, the editor of this media review has searched worldwide for the most interesting and useful articles, blogs and books on the topic of strategic management.

Design/methodology/approach

In addition to his own finds, the editor sorted through suggestions by a team of veteran top managers and senior academics.

Findings

The result is a surprisingly diverse set of media articles about strategy and leadership on such topics as brand bruising, executive compensation at Detroit automakers, walled garden idea, Russian high‐tech boom, botnets threat, new LBO worker/management model, downsizing as restoration, four principles of luxury brands, growing economic ties between Asia and the Middle East, Indian automaker confront deregulation, addressing and adapting to global warming, commoditizing the Starbucks brand, Silicon Valley's geographical advantage, collaborative networks, new pricing strategies, dollar's reserve‐currency status.

Practical implications

URL links and references have been provided for the articles so that managers can easily follow up this quick scan of the media by reading the articles in full.

Originality/value

Provides a snapshot of what managers are reading and a guide to trends and fresh thinking.
Approaches to quality management in the UK: survey evidence and implications
Authors: Soltani Ebrahim , Lai Pei‐Chun
Published: July 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to shift the focus to the implications of various quality management systems, as a pervasive feature of modern organisational life, for business excellence.

Design/methodology/approach

A mail‐based survey is conducted among a total of 150 UK‐based European Foundation for Quality Management‐affiliated organisations. This quantitative methodology sounds appropriate, given that there is a relative dearth of evidence regarding the nature of quality management systems as quality‐driven organisations pursue continuous improvement through such systems.

Findings

Together, International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) series and other total quality management (TQM) models were seen as helping organisations in the journey towards business excellence. Despite the apparently high level of interest in various forms of quality management systems, however, a major discrepancy was found between the rhetoric of these systems and the reality of their practice. For example, little evidence was found that the surveyed organisations were developing a more strategic approach to managing soft aspects of quality management. The results also highlighted the fact that the approach emerging in many organisations seems to be relatively the antithesis of that of the TQM‐driven organisations.

Research limitations/implications

A fundamental limitation of this study relates to its research method and the fact that it draws its data from only a mail‐based survey. Therefore, additional follow‐up research in the form of case studies – qualitative methodology – should be conducted in order to examine more deeply and validate the survey results.

Practical implications

Specifically, despite being viewed as potentially a threat to quality management initiatives, indeed, the paper is in many respects a spirited defence of the distinctive contribution and value of ISO 9000 as a basis and stepping‐stone for TQM success.

Originality/value

This paper updates the earlier work and significantly highlights the move to broaden the aims and process of quality management systems by using international‐wide quality management frameworks.
Best practices in achieving a customer‐focused culture
Authors: Bartley Bronwen , Gomibuchi Seishi , Mann Robin
Published: July 2007

Purpose

This paper aims: to provide practical insights into how organisations can become more customer‐focussed; to share with researchers and organisations a framework that can be used to research “customer focus culture” and assess an organisation's level of customer focus; to describe how New Zealand's first consortium approach to benchmarking was managed so that others interested in planning a consortium study can learn from this experience.

Design/methodology/approach

The benchmarking study was conducted by member organisations of the New Zealand Benchmarking Club and facilitated by a doctoral student from Massey University's Centre for Organisational Excellence Research. The methodology involved conducting an extensive literature review to identify national and international best practices in customer focus, developing a survey that was completed by 32 potential best practice organisations, and selecting seven of these organisations for a best practice visit.

Findings

A framework for the examination of customer‐focused culture was developed and the findings from the study reveal practical “new” insights into best practices in customer focus.

Research limitations/implications

Benefits would have been gained from extending the study to include a larger international group seeking further examples of good‐to‐best practices.

Practical implications

Insights into how organisations can become customer‐focused; a framework that can be used by researchers to research “customer focus culture” and by organisations to assess their level of customer focus; insights into how to run a benchmarking study.

Originality/value

This paper reports on the first consortium approach to benchmarking that has been used within New Zealand; it shares some of the latest best practices in customer focus; a customer focus culture framework has been developed – the first of which the authors are aware.
Ergonomic solutions for an aging workforce
Authors: Roper Kathy O. , Yeh Daniel C.
Published: July 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on obstacles faced by older workers in the workplace and provide three main ergonomic solutions designed to mitigate and prevent age‐related injuries.

Design/methodology/approach

Research methodology includes a comprehensive literature review to identify issues, best practices, and improvements for ergonomic conditions in the workplace, especially those impacting aging workers.

Findings

Solutions presented include strategies for reducing extreme joint movement, reducing extreme pressure, and reducing repetitive tasks. Examples of engineering improvements, administrative improvements, and safety equipment additions are also presented.

Practical implications

This paper provides ergonomic solutions and examines the importance of providing effective workplace ergonomics for the older worker. The examples demonstrated can be directly applied by facility planners and managers who wish to create safe and productive working environments.

Originality/value

With an increasing percentage of older workers compromising that workforce, it is critical that companies and workplace managers make effective workplace ergonomics a top priority. The paper focuses on the role of the facility manager in implementing ergonomic solutions.
5‐HT receptors on interstitial cells of Cajal, smooth muscle and enteric nerves
Authors: Wouters M. M. , Farrugia G. , Schemann M.
Published: July 2007

Abstract  The majority of the body's serotonin (5‐HT) is produced by the gastrointestinal tract. 5‐HT has several functions in the gastrointestinal tract. 5‐HT is a paracrine signalling molecule released from enterochromaffin cells, a survival and proliferating factor and a neurotransmitter. The actions of 5‐HT are transduced by a large family of 5‐HT receptors, several of which are expressed on different gastrointestinal cell types including enteric nerves, smooth muscle and interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). This review will summarize recent advances in understanding the role of 5‐HT in regulating function of ICC, and the expression and function of 5‐HT receptors on muscle and enteric nerves in human tissue. Rodent ICC express several 5‐HT receptors including 5‐HT2B receptors which regulate ICC survival and proliferation. Human smooth muscle and enteric neurons also express several 5‐HT receptor subtypes. Expression and function of these receptors is significantly different from small laboratory animals. 5‐HT7 receptor activation causes relaxation of muscle, whereas 5‐HT2B receptors increase muscle activity. The 5‐HT4 receptor appears to mediate both inhibition and activation of smooth muscle involving myogenic as well as neural actions. Despite the abundant expression of 5‐HT3 receptors in the human enteric nervous system no functional correlate has been as yet demonstrated.
Early diagnosis of rhinocerebral mucormycosis by cerebrospinal fluid analysis and determination of 16s rRNA gene sequence
Authors: Bengel D. , Susa M. , Schreiber H. , Ludolph A. C. , Tumani H.
Published: July 2007

A 40‐year‐old diabetic woman was diagnosed with rhinocerebral mucormycosis. Cerebral mucormycosis is an acute life‐threatening disease, which is caused by fungi of the class Phycomycetae. Clinical suspicion and detection of the fungal hyphae in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) led to early diagnosis, subsequently confirmed by immunohistochemistry and molecular analysis of fungal RNA. Early infiltration of the infectious agent into the central nervous system resulted in septic thrombosis of the cavernous sinus, mycotic meningoencephalitis, brain infarctions as well as intracerebral and subarachnoidal hemorrhages. Despite immediate high‐dose antimycotic treatment, surgical debridement of necrotic tissue, and control of diabetes as a predisposing factor, the woman died 2 weeks after admission. Although fungal organisms are rarely detectable in CSF specimens from patients with mycotic infections of the central nervous system, comprehensive CSF examination is beneficial in the diagnosis of rhinocerebral mucormycosis. Furthermore, a concerted team approach, systemic antifungal agents and early surgical intervention seem to be crucial for preventing rapid disease progression.
Factors affecting the adsorption of Lactobacillus plantarum bacteriocin bacST8KF to Enterococcus faecalis and Listeria innocua
Authors: TODOROV SVETOSLAV D , POWELL JILLIAN E , MEINCKEN MARTINA , WITTHUHN R CORLI , DICKS LEON M T
Published: July 2007

Bacteriocin ST8KF (bacST8KF), produced by Lactobacillus plantarum ST8KF isolated from kefir, inhibits the growth of Enterococcus faecalis E88, Lactobacillus casei LHS, Lactobacillus curvatus DF38, Lactobacillus sakei DSM 20017T, Lactobacillus salivarius 241 and Listeria innocua LMG 13568. Eighty per cent of bacST8KF adsorbed to La. casei LHS and La. sakei DSM 20017T. However, the same level of adsorption was recorded to bacST8KF‐resistant Lactobacillus paraplantarum ATCC 700211T and Streptococcus caprinus ATCC 700066, suggesting that adherence to the cell surface occurs at random and not always at specific receptor sites. Adsorption of bacST8KF is affected by inorganic salts, acids, surfactants, alcohols, temperature and pH, as observed for E. faecalis E88 and Li. innocua LMG 13568. The target of bacST8KF is the cytoplasmic membrane, as indicated by changes in cell morphology and leakage of DNA and β‐galactosidase from cells of E. faecalis E88 and Li. innocua LMG 13568 treated with bacST8KF. However, the mode of activity against E. faecalis E88 and Li. innocua LMG 13568 is bacteriostatic, as concluded from slight increases in optical density levels after a few hours in the presence of bacST8KF. Activity of bacST8KF doubled (from 12 800 AU mL−1 to 25 600 AU mL−1) when strain ST8KF was grown in the presence of Li. innocua LMG 13568, which may indicate some sort of quorum sensing.