bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and in vitro Antitumor Potency of(Cyclohexane‐1,2‐Diamine)Platinum(II) Complexeswith Aminotris(Methylenephosphonic Acid) as Bone‐Seeking Ligand
Authors: Galanski Markus , Slaby Susanna , Jakupec Michael A. , Keppler Bernhard K.
Published: March 2007

In order to develop platinum complexes with selective activity in primary and secondary bone
malignancies and with the aim to optimize antitumor activity, platinum(II) complexes with
aminotris(methylenephosphonic acid) as bone‐seeking (osteotropic) ligand have been synthesized,
characterized and tested in the cisplatin‐sensitive ovarian carcinoma cell line CH1. As non‐leaving diamine
ligands, which are decisive for the cellular processing of DNA adducts, cis-R,S‐cyclohexane‐1,2‐diamine,
trans-S,S‐cyclohexane‐1,2‐diamine and trans-R,R‐cyclohexane‐1,2‐diamine have been used, resulting in
complexes 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The cytotoxicity of the complexes under investigation decreases in the
order 3 > 2 > 1 which is in accord with structure‐activity relationships with other (cyclohexane‐1,2‐
diamine)platinum(II) and platinum(IV) complexes: Both trans complexes (2 and 3) display a higher in vitro
potency than the corresponding cis isomer (I), with the trans-R,R isomer (3) being the most active in this
series. In comparison to the analogous (cyclohexane‐1,2‐diamine)platinum(II) complexes with
bis(phosphonomethyl)aminoacetic acid as osteotropic carrier ligand, the cytotoxicity of 1‐3 was found to be
1.5 – 2 fold higher, which is explainable by a different coordination mode of the phosphonic acid ligands
(acetato versus phosphonato).
Molecular Recognition of Metal Complexes by DNA: AComparative Study of the Interactions of the ParentComplexes [PtCl(TERPY)]Cl and [AuCl(TERPY)]Cl2 with Double Stranded DNA
Authors: Messori Luigi , Marcon Giordana , Innocenti Alessio , Gallori Enzo , Franchi Marco , Orioli Pierluigi
Published: March 2007

The interactions of the parent complexes [AuCl(Terpy)]Cl2 and [PtCl(Terpy)]Cl with DNA were analysed
by various physicochemical methods. Surprisingly, these metal complexes produce different interaction
patterns with DNA in spite of their profound structural similarity. Indeed, important modifications are
detected in the characteristic UV‐Vis bands of [PtCl(Terpy)]Cl upon addition of ct‐DNA, while the spectrum
of [AuCl(Terpy)]Cl2 is almost unaffected. Gel electrophoresis studies confirm these findings:
[PtCl(Terpy)]Cl — but not [AuCl(Terpy)]Cl2 — retards significantly the mobility of the supercoiled form of the
pHV14 plasmid after a short incubation time. Ultrafiltration studies indicate that the affinity of
[PtCl(Terpy)]Cl for ct‐DNA is significantly greater than that of [AuCl(Terpy)]Cl2. On the other hand, both
[AuCl(Terpy)]Cl2 and [PtCl(Terpy)]Cl induce important changes in the CD spectrum of ct‐DNA, at high
concentration, and increase its Tm value. Remarkably, the analysed metal‐complex/DNA interaction patterns
depend critically on the incubation times. We propose that [PtCl(Terpy)]Cl quickly intercalates DNA; then,
formation of coordinative bonds progressively takes place with time. At variance, [AuCl(Terpy)]Cl2 first
interacts electrostatically with the DNA surface, with subsequent slow formation of some coordinative bonds.
Synthesis, Spectroscopic and PhysicochemicalCharacterization and Biological Activity of Co(II)and Ni(II) Coordination Compounds with 4‐Aminoantipyrine Thiosemicarbazone
Authors: Agarwal Ram K. , Prasad Surendra
Published: March 2007

We describe the synthesis and characterization of cobalt(II) and nickel(II) coordination compounds of
4[N‐(furan‐2’‐aldimine)amino]antipyrine thiosemicarbazone (FFAAPTS) and 4[N‐(4′‐nitrobenzalidene)
amino]antipyrine thiosemicarbazone (4′‐NO2BAAPTS). All the isolated compounds have the
general composition MX2(L)(H2O) (M = Co2+ or Ni2+; X = Cl, Br, NO3, NCS or CH3COO; L = FFAAPTS or
4′‐NO2BAAPTS) and M(ClO4)2(L)2 (M = Co2+ or Ni2+; L = FFAAPTS or 4′‐NO2BAAPTS). Infrared spectral
studies indicate that both the thiosemicarbazones coordinate in their neutral form and they act as {N,N,S}
tridentate chelating ligands. Room temperature magnetic measurements and electronic spectral studies
suggest the distorted octahedral geometries of the prepared complexes. Thermogravimetric studies are also
reported and the possible structures of the complexes are proposed. Antibacterial and antifungal properties of
these metal‐coordination compounds have also been studied.
Synthesis, Characterization And Antitumor Activity OfCopper(II) Complexes, [CuL2] [HL1-3=N,N‐Diethyl‐N′‐(R‐Benzoyl)Thiourea (R=H, o‐Cl and p‐NO2)]
Authors: Hernández Wilfredo , Spodine Evgenia , Beyer Lothar , Schröder Uwe , Richter Rainer , Ferreira Jorge , Pavani Mario
Published: March 2007

The copper (II) complexes (CuL2) were prepared by reaction of with the corresponding derivatives of acylthioureas in a Cu:HL molar ratio of 1:2. Acylthiourea ligands, N,N‐diethyl‐N′‐(R‐benzoyl)
thiourea (HL1-3) [R=H, o‐Cl and p‐NO2] were synthesized in high yield (78‐83%) and characterized
by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The complexes CuL2 were
characterized by elemental analysis, IR, FAB(+)‐MS, magnetic susceptibility measurements, EPR and cyclic
voltammetry. The crystal structure of the complex Cu(L2)2 shows a nearly square‐planar geometry with two
deprotonated ligands (L) coordinated to CuII through the oxygen and sulfur atoms in a cis arrangement. The
antitumor activity of the copper(II) complexes with acylthiourea ligands was evaluated in vitro against the
mouse mammary adenocarcinoma TA3 cell line. These complexes exhibited much higher cytotoxic activity
(IC50 values in the range of 3.9‐6.9 μM) than their corresponding ligands (40‐240 μM), which indicates that
the coordination of the chelate ligands around the CuII enhances the antitumor activity and, furthermore, this
result confirmed that the participation of the nitro and chloro substituent groups in the complex activities is
slightly relevant. The high accumulation of the complexes Cu(L2)2 and Cu(L3)2 in TA3 tumor cells and the
much faster binding to cellular DNA than Cu(L1)2 are consistent with the in vitro cytotoxic activities found
for these copper complexes.
Nitric Oxide Modulates Tissue Plasminogen Activator Release in Normotensive Subjects and Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Giannarelli Chiara , De Negri Ferdinando , Virdis Agostino , Ghiadoni Lorenzo , Cipriano Alessandro , Magagna Armando , Taddei Stefano , Salvetti Antonio
Published: March 2007

We evaluated the possible role of NO in modulating tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) release in the forearm microcirculation of normotensive subjects and hypertensive patients. Essential hypertensive patients are characterized by endothelial dysfunction because of a reduced NO availability and also show an impaired t-PA release. In healthy volunteers and essential hypertensive patients, we studied local t-PA release and forearm blood flow changes (strain-gauge plethysmography) induced by intrabrachial administration of acetylcholine (0.45 and 1.5 μg/100 mL/min) and of sodium nitroprusside (0.5 and 1.0 μg/100 mL/min), an endothelium-dependent and -independent agonist, respectively. Acetylcholine was also repeated in the presence of intra-arterial infusion of the NO synthase inhibitor N
G
-monomethyl-
l
-arginine (100 μg/100 mL/min). In normotensive subjects, vasodilation to acetylcholine was blunted by N
G
-monomethyl-
l
-arginine. In these subjects, acetylcholine infusion induced a significant, dose-dependent increase in net forearm t-PA release. N
G
-monomethyl-
l
-arginine significantly reduced basal t-PA release, as well as acetylcholine-induced t-PA release. In essential hypertensive patients, vasodilation to acetylcholine was reduced as compared with controls and resistant to N
G
-monomethyl-
l
-arginine. In contrast to what was observed in healthy control subjects, in hypertensive patients, acetylcholine had no effect on t-PA release. Similarly, N
G
-monomethyl-
l
-arginine failed to modify either the tonic or the agonist-induced t-PA release. Both tonic and agonist-induced release of NO are directly involved in t-PA release by endothelial cells. Essential hypertension, characterized by a reduction in tonic and stimulated NO availability, is also associated with impaired capacity of t-PA release, suggesting a major role of impaired NO availability in worsening both vasodilation and t-PA release.
Glucose Levels Predict Hospitalization for Congestive Heart Failure in Patients at High Cardiovascular Risk
Authors: Held C. , Gerstein H.C. , Yusuf S. , Zhao F. , Hilbrich L. , Anderson C. , Sleight P. , Teo K.
Published: March 2007

Background—

Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are at high risk of developing congestive heart failure (CHF). However, the relationships between glucose levels and CHF in people with or without a history of DM have not been well characterized.

Methods and Results—

We evaluated the associations between fasting plasma glucose and risk of hospitalization for CHF during follow-up in patients at high cardiovascular risk and without CHF enrolled in a large-scale clinical trials program. Baseline fasting plasma glucose levels were assessed in 31 546 high-risk subjects with ≥1 coronary, peripheral, or cerebrovascular disease or DM with end-organ damage who are participating in 2 ongoing parallel trials evaluating the effects of telmisartan, ramipril, or their combination (Ongoing Telmisartan Alone and in Combination With Ramipril Global Endpoint Trial [ONTARGET]; n=25 620) and the effects of telmisartan against placebo in angiotensin-converting enzyme–intolerant patients (Telmisartan Randomized Assessment Study in ACE Intolerant Subjects With Cardiovascular Disease [TRANSCEND]; n=5926). Interim analyses blinded for randomized treatment were performed to compare baseline fasting plasma glucose with the adjusted CHF event rate at a mean follow-up of 886 days. Multivariable Cox regression models were performed, and associations were reported as hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Among all subjects (mean age, 67 years; 69% men), of whom 11 708 (37%) had known DM and 1006 (3.2%) had newly diagnosed DM at baseline, 668 patients were hospitalized for CHF during follow-up. After adjustment for age and sex, a 1-mmol/L-higher fasting plasma glucose was associated with a 1.10-fold-increased risk of CHF hospitalization (95% confidence interval, 1.08 to 1.12;
P
<0.0001). The association persisted after adjustment for age, sex, smoking, previous myocardial infarction, hypertension, waist-to-hip ratio, creatinine, DM, and use of aspirin, β-blockers, or statins (hazard ratio, 1.05; 95% confidence interval, 1.02 to 1.08;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

Fasting plasma glucose is an independent predictor of hospitalization for CHF in high-risk subjects. These data provide theoretical support for potential direct beneficial effects of glucose lowering in reducing the risk of CHF and suggests the need for specific studies targeted at this issue.
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Is Linked to Insulin Resistance and Reversed by Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor-γ Activation
Authors: Hansmann Georg , Wagner Roger A. , Schellong Stefan , de Jesus Perez Vinicio A. , Urashima Takashi , Wang Lingli , Sheikh Ahmad Y. , Suen Renée S. , Stewart Duncan J. , Rabinovitch Marlene
Published: March 2007

Background—

Patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) have reduced expression of apolipoprotein E (apoE) and peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-γ in lung tissues, and deficiency of both has been linked to insulin resistance. ApoE deficiency leads to enhanced platelet-derived growth factor signaling, which is important in the pathobiology of PAH. We therefore hypothesized that insulin-resistant apoE-deficient (apoE
−/−
) mice would develop PAH that could be reversed by a peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-γ agonist (eg, rosiglitazone).

Methods and Results—

We report that apoE
−/−
mice on a high-fat diet develop PAH as judged by elevated right ventricular systolic pressure. Compared with females, male apoE
−/−
were insulin resistant, had lower plasma adiponectin, and had higher right ventricular systolic pressure associated with right ventricular hypertrophy and increased peripheral pulmonary artery muscularization. Because male apoE
−/−
mice were insulin resistant and had more severe PAH than female apoE
−/−
mice, we treated them with rosiglitazone for 4 and 10 weeks. This treatment resulted in markedly higher plasma adiponectin, improved insulin sensitivity, and complete regression of PAH, right ventricular hypertrophy, and abnormal pulmonary artery muscularization in male apoE
−/−
mice. We further show that recombinant apoE and adiponectin suppress platelet-derived growth factor-BB–mediated proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells harvested from apoE
−/−
or C57Bl/6 control mice.

Conclusions—

We have shown that insulin resistance, low plasma adiponectin levels, and deficiency of apoE may be risk factors for PAH and that peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-γ activation can reverse PAH in an animal model.
Risk Stratification, Systematic Classification, and Anticipatory Management Strategies for Stent Fracture After Percutaneous Pulmonary Valve Implantation
Authors: Nordmeyer Johannes , Khambadkone Sachin , Coats Louise , Schievano Silvia , Lurz Philipp , Parenzan Giovanni , Taylor Andrew M. , Lock James E. , Bonhoeffer Philipp
Published: March 2007

Background—

We analyzed the incidence, risk factors and treatment options for stent fracture after percutaneous pulmonary valve (PPV) implantation (PPVI).

Methods and Results—

After PPVI, 123 patients had chest x-ray in anteroposterior and lateral projection, echocardiography, and clinical evaluation during structured follow-up. Of these 123 patients, 26 (21.1%) developed stent fracture 0 to 843 days after PPVI (stent fracture–free survival at 1 year, 85.1%; at 2 years, 74.5%; and at 3 years, 69.2%). Stent fracture was classified as type I: no loss of stent integrity (n=17); type II: loss of integrity with restenosis on echocardiography (n=8); and type III: separation of fragments or embolization (n=1). In a multivariate Cox regression, we analyzed various factors, of which 3 were associated with a higher risk of stent fracture: implantation into “native” right ventricular outflow tract (
P
=0.04), no calcification along the right ventricular outflow tract (judged with fluoroscopy,
P
=0.02), recoil of PPV (qualitatively, PPV diameter in frontal or lateral plane with fully inflated balloon > diameter after balloon deflation,
P
=0.03). Substernal PPV location, high-pressure post-PPVI dilatation of PPV, pre-PPVI right ventricular outflow tract gradients, and other indicators of PPV compression or asymmetry did not pose increased risk. Patients with type I fracture remain under follow-up. Patients with type II fracture had 2nd PPVI or are awaiting such procedure, and 1 patient with type III fracture required surgical explantation.

Conclusion—

Stent fracture after PPVI can be managed effectively by risk stratification, systematic classification, and anticipatory management strategies. Serial x-ray and echocardiography are recommended for surveillance.
Genetic Variations Associated With Echocardiographic Left Ventricular Traits in Hypertensive Blacks
Authors: Meyers Kristin J. , Mosley Thomas H. , Fox Ervin , Boerwinkle Eric , Arnett Donna K. , Devereux Richard B. , Kardia Sharon L.R.
Published: March 2007

Echocardiographic measures of cardiac target organ damage, including left ventricular mass and relative wall thickness, are powerful predictors of heart disease morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to investigate whether single nucleotide polymorphisms in candidate genes for hypertension and heart disease have effects on quantitative measures of hypertensive cardiac target organ damage, independent of their actions on blood pressure levels, in a cohort of hypertensive black sibships. To detect replication of genetic effects across samples, this study took advantage of the affected sibling pair design and created 2 samples, each with 448 unrelated individuals. As part of the Genetic Epidemiology Network of Arteriopathy Study, subjects were screened using 2D echocardiography, and 395 single nucleotide polymorphisms in 80 candidate genes were genotyped. Linear regression was used to test for single nucleotide polymorphisms significantly associated with left ventricular mass index (g/m
2.7
) or relative wall thickness after adjusting for associated covariates. Significant single nucleotide polymorphisms were subsequently tested for consistent directionality in genotype–phenotype relationships across samples. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms, 1 each in the
APOE
,
SCN7A
, and
SLC20A1
genes, were significantly associated in both samples with left ventricular mass index and had replicate genotype–phenotype relationships. One in the
ADRB1
gene was significantly associated with relative wall thickness with replicate effects in both samples. We identified genetic variation that significantly influences left ventricular traits with replicable effects in a cohort of hypertensive, black siblings.
Phosphodiesterase 5A Inhibition Induces Na
+
/H
+
Exchanger Blockade and Protection Against Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Pérez Néstor G. , Piaggio Martín R. , Ennis Irene L. , Garciarena Carolina D. , Morales Celina , Escudero Eduardo M. , Cingolani Oscar H. , Chiappe de Cingolani Gladys , Yang Xiao-Ping , Cingolani Horacio E.
Published: March 2007

Acute phosphodiesterase 5A inhibition by sildenafil or EMD360527/5 promoted profound inhibition of the cardiac Na
+
/H
+
exchanger (NHE-1), detected by the almost null intracellular pH recovery from an acute acid load (ammonium prepulse) in isolated papillary muscles from Wistar rats. Inhibition of phosphoglycerate kinase-1 (KT5823) restored normal NHE-1 activity, suggesting a causal link between phosphoglycerate kinase-1 increase and NHE-1 inhibition. We then tested whether the beneficial effects of NHE-1 inhibitors against the deleterious postmyocardial infarction (MI) remodeling can be detected after sildenafil-mediated NHE-1 inhibition. MI was induced by left anterior descending coronary artery ligation in Wistar rats, which were randomized to placebo or sildenafil (100 mg kg
−1
day
−1
) for 6 weeks. Sildenafil significantly increased left ventricular phosphoglycerate kinase-1 activity in the post-MI group without affecting its expression. MI increased heart weight/body weight ratio, left ventricular myocyte cross-sectional area, interstitial fibrosis, and brain natriuretic peptide and NHE-1 expression. Sildenafil blunted these effects. Neither a significant change in infarct size nor a change in arterial or left ventricular systolic pressure was detected after sildenafil. MI decreased fractional shortening and the ratio of the maximum rate of rise of LVP divided by the pressure at the moment such maximum occurs, effects that were prevented by sildenafil. Intracellular pH recovery after an acid load was faster in papillary muscles from post-MI hearts (versus sham), whereas sildenafil significantly inhibited NHE-1 activity in both post-MI and sildenafil-treated sham groups. We conclude that increased phosphoglycerate kinase-1 activity after acute phosphodiesterase 5A inhibition blunts NHE-1 activity and protects the heart against post-MI remodeling and dysfunction.
Statistical Analyses of Satellite Cloud Object Data from CERES. Part II: Tropical Convective Cloud Objects during 1998 El Niño and Evidence for Supporting the Fixed Anvil Temperature Hypothesis
Authors: Xu Kuan-Man , Wong Takmeng , Wielicki Bruce A. , Parker Lindsay , Lin Bing , Eitzen Zachary A. , Branson Mark
Published: March 2007

Characteristics of tropical deep convective cloud objects observed over the tropical Pacific during January–August 1998 are examined using the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission/Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System Single Scanner Footprint (SSF) data. These characteristics include the frequencies of occurrence and statistical distributions of cloud physical properties. Their variations with cloud object size, sea surface temperature (SST), and satellite precession cycle are analyzed in detail. A cloud object is defined as a contiguous patch of the earth composed of satellite footprints within a single dominant cloud-system type.

It is found that statistical distributions of cloud physical properties are significantly different among three size categories of cloud objects with equivalent diameters of 100–150 (small), 150–300 (medium), and >300 km (large), except for the distributions of ice particle size. The distributions for the larger-size category of cloud objects are more skewed toward high SSTs, high cloud tops, low cloud-top temperature, large ice water path, high cloud optical depth, low outgoing longwave (LW) radiation, and high albedo than the smaller-size category. As SST varied from one satellite precession cycle to another, the changes in macrophysical properties of cloud objects over the entire tropical Pacific were small for the large-size category of cloud objects, relative to those of the small- and medium-size categories. This evidence supports the fixed anvil temperature hypothesis of Hartmann and Larson for the large-size category. Combined with the result that a higher percentage of the large-size category of cloud objects occurs during higher SST subperiods, this implies that macrophysical properties of cloud objects would be less sensitive to further warming of the climate. On the other hand, when cloud objects are classified according to SST ranges, statistical characteristics of cloud microphysical properties, optical depth, and albedo are not sensitive to the SST, but those of cloud macrophysical properties are dependent upon the SST. This result is related to larger differences in large-scale dynamics among the SST ranges than among the satellite precession cycles. Frequency distributions of vertical velocity from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts model that is matched to each cloud object are used to further understand some of the findings in this study.
‘Helping the family’: The mediating role of outside directors in ethnic Chinese family firms
Authors: Ng Wilson , Roberts John
Published: March 2007

This article explores the nature and process of non-executive director (NED or non-executive) influence in quoted, familycontrolled firms (FCFs) through two company case studies in Singapore. Existing views of the non-executive role in such firms have been derived from theory, with traditional and ‘new’ agency approaches and resource dependence theory each offering differing prescriptions of the role. The article reviews this literature and suggests the potential value of qualitative research for understanding and reconciling competing prescriptions of the NED role. It then presents two case studies which explore the processes whereby independent non-executives seek to influence decision-making during critical incidents in the life of two FCFs. Based on these cases the article critiques the zero-sum view of power and the ‘nuclear’ conception of the family that informs much of the suspicious and hostile perspective of family control held by some agency scholars. In contrast, the article argues for a relational conception of power through which NEDs, despite the reality of family power and control, achieve effective influence through playing a vital mediating role in a web of firm and family relationships. This involves NEDs in defending the collective interest in the continuity of an ‘extended’ family of the firm against the damaging intrusion of ‘family altruism’ and managerial opportunism. Such a role can augment the authority of nonexecutives and the board whilst allowing necessary changes to be implemented.
Beyond Beliefs: Religion and the Sociology of Religion in America
Authors: Yamane David
Published: March 2007

What is the relationship between the official teachings of religious bodies and the beliefs of individual adherents in the United States today? At first glance, this question appears rather straightforward. One simply needs to identify religious bodies, specify their teachings and empirically establish the connection between those teachings and adherents' beliefs. But establishing and of these elements is anything but simple. To begin to untangle this knotty subject, the author first uses a restrictive definition of religious bodies, teachings, and beliefs, focusing on the core doctrinal teachings of clearly identifiable religious denominations. He then steps back and takes a broader view of the situation using a less restrictive definition, exploring the influence of affiliation with religious “families” on individuals' moral beliefs. The author conclucdes with some thoughts about how both religion and the sociology of religion in America are moving beyond beliefs.

French

Quelle est aujourd'hui la relation entre les enseignements officiels des organes religieux et les croyances dles fidèles individuels aux États- Unis? Au premier abord, la réponse à cette question paraît plutôt claire. II suffirait simplement d'identifier les organes religieux, dle préciser leurs enseignements et d'établir empiriquement le lien entre ces enseignements et les croyances cles fidéles. Mais établir ces éléments est tout saufsimple. Afin dle démêler ce sujet epineux, I'auteur utilise d'abord une définition restrictive des organes religieux, des enseignements et cles croyances, en se focalisant sur les enseignements doctrinaux centraux de confessions religieuses clairement icdentifiables. II cdresse ensuite unie vue d'ensemble de la situation, en utilisant une definition moins restrictive et en explorant l'influence cle l'affiliation avec des 'familles" religieuses sur les croyances morales indivicluelles. L'auteur conclut avec quelques réflexions sur la manière dont à la fois la religion et la sociologie dle la religion aux États-Unis vont au-cdelà cles crovances.
La socialisation scolaire du croire et sa gestion institutionnelle: Bible, catéchisme et histoire de l'Église á l'école publique québécoise (1905-1970)
Authors: Turcotte Paul-André
Published: March 2007

English

For a century two versions of religious teaching have pitted themselves against each other in the programmes in French-speaking public schools in Quebec: one of a Catholic nature, the other cultural. Both conflicting positions express themselves in the public domain, in a clerical context, principally among the bishops, religious orders and school boards. The problem is important for the definition, the organization and the control of the educational socialization of belief in its relations to the affirmation of cultural identity, religious belonging and the entry into modernity with regards to tradition. The interactions of both sides become less with the retreat of religious orders from public schools, to which is added the ecclesiastical intention of appropriating the exclusive direction of religious instruction and the state's claim on the regulation of educational socialization, including in matters of religion.

French

Depuis un siècle, dans les programmes des écoles publiques québécoises dle langue française, dleux versions de l'enseignement religieux s'affrontent, l'une de nature confessionnelle catholique, I'autre à caractère culturel. Des positions conflictuelles s'expriment dans la discussion publique, soit entre les instances cléricales, l'épiscopat principalement, les ordres religieux enseignants et les directions scolaires. C'est que l'enjeu s'avère de taille quant à la définition, à la gestion et au contrôle de la socialisation scolaire du croire, dans ses rapports avec laffirmation de l'identité culturelle, I'appartenance religieuse et l'insertion dlans la modernite en regard de la tradition. Les transactions de part et d'autre reculent avec le retrait des ordres religieux des écoles publiques, à quoi s'ajoutent l'intention ecclésiastique de s'approprier la direction exclusive de l'enseignement religieux et la revendlication étatique d'une regulation entière de la socialisation scolaire, y compris en matière de religion.
Governing Terrorism Through Risk: Taking Precautions, (un)Knowing the Future
Authors: Aradau Claudia , Van Munster Rens
Published: March 2007

The events of 9/11 appeared to make good on Ulrich Beck's claim that we are now living in a (global) risk society. Examining what it means to ‘govern through risk’, this article departs from Beck's thesis of risk society and its appropriation in security studies. Arguing that the risk society thesis problematically views risk within a macro-sociological narrative of modernity, this article shows, based on a Foucauldian account of governmentality, that governing terrorism through risk involves a permanent adjustment of traditional forms of risk management in light of the double infinity of catastrophic consequences and the incalculability of the risk of terrorism. Deploying the Foucauldian notion of ‘dispositif’, this article explores precautionary risk and risk analysis as conceptual tools that can shed light on the heterogeneous practices that are defined as the ‘war on terror’.
Governance through Institutionalized Evaluation
Authors: Segerholm Christina , Åström Eva
Published: March 2007

Public sectors in Europe and elsewhere are the subject of regular, recurrent and systematic evaluations. Evaluations have become institutionalized. This article examines the influence of institutionalized evaluation in higher education in Sweden. In this decentralized education system several kinds of effects of evaluation are detected locally, i.e. at whole-university and at department levels. Through an evaluation process characterized by self-evaluation, external reviews and public reports produced by the Swedish National Agency for Higher Education, all universities are examined. Governance operates by making universities visible, and thereby promoting comparison and competition, control and self-control. Centrally defined criteria are implemented in the process, via direct contact between the National Agency and university departments, leading to the recentralization of power. Strategies to deal with these evaluations at departmental level are developed and unintended influences, like learning resistance strategies, are highlighted.
Challenges and Lessons in Implementing Results-Based Management
Authors: Mayne John
Published: March 2007

Integrating performance information into budgeting, managing and reporting has become a common component of good public and not-for-profit management. In many jurisdictions, efforts to do so have been under way for many years, yet progress is usually seen as slow at best. It is also clear that, while much has been learned, many challenges remain; few organizations would argue they have been completely successful. The paper argues that implementing results-based management-type initiatives is difficult because to do so impacts throughout an organization. Many of the key challenges are organizational challenges rather than technical: implementing resultsbased management is not primarily a measurement problem. A discussion is provided of 12 key challenges to results-based management, identifying the challenge, noting the experience others have had in relation to the challenge and providing lessons and suggestions for dealing with them.
University-Based Continuing Education in Evaluation
Authors: Beywl Wolfgang , Harich Katja
Published: March 2007

During the last few years, study programmes in the field of evaluation have gained importance throughout Europe. The aim of this article is to give an overview of evaluation courses in Europe. Fourteen study programmes in France, Ireland, Germany, Spain, England, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland were identified by means of internet research and personnel communication. Nine of these are described here in detail. This description is based on written materials and answers given in a short questionnaire. As a result two types of university Masters programmes could be distinguished: consecutive programmes, which provide young graduates with specialized theoretical and practical education in evaluation, and in-service programmes for those with professional experience. This is the first article to provide systematic information on this topic. However, further in-depth investigations are needed to enhance and complete the picture.
Mature travelers to Thailand: A study of preferences and attributes
Authors: Vieregge Michael , Phetkaew Piyaporn , Beldona Srikanth , Lumsden Shelly-Ann , DeMicco Fred J.
Published: March 2007

As the median age of populations of countries in the West rises, the viability of mature travelers as a market segment is increasing significantly. Thailand has been a very attractive destination for travelers from the West. This study evaluates preferences and attributes of hotels and the destination as a whole using a sample of visitors to Koh Samui in Thailand. The study finds significant differences in hotel and destination preferences based on gender, profession, nationality and age. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Investigating the merits of pair work on a text editing task in ESL classes
Authors: Storch Neomy
Published: March 2007

Although the literature on language pedagogy encourages the use of pair work in the second language classroom, students sometimes seem reluctant to work in pairs, particularly on grammar-focused tasks. This study investigated the merits of pair work by comparing pair and individual work on an editing task and by analysing the nature of pair interaction. The study was conducted in four intact ESL tertiary classes. Students in class A completed the task in pairs and in class B individually. In classes C and D students were given the choice of completing the task in pairs or individually. In class A all pair talk was audio recorded. Analysis of the edited texts showed that there were no significant differences between the accuracy of tasks completed individually and those completed in pairs. Analysis of the transcribed pair talk showed that most pairs engaged actively in deliberations over language and tended to reach correct resolutions. Thus the results suggest that although pair work on a grammar-focused task may not lead to greater accuracy in completing the task, pair work provides learners with opportunities to use the second language for a range of functions, and in turn for language learning.
Cultural studies, complexity studies and the transformation of the structures of knowledge
Authors: Lee Richard E.
Published: March 2007

The structures of knowledge of the modern world, those patterns of what can and cannot be thought that determine what actions can and cannot be deemed feasible in the material world, are undergoing a transformation. Two knowledge movements, cultural studies with roots in the humanities and complexity studies in the sciences, have challenged the separation of the sciences, social sciences and the humanities by upsetting the epistemological underpinnings of the mutually exclusive epistemologies based on the separation of truth and values in knowledge production. For the future, social analysts may shift from fabricating and verifying theories to imagining and evaluating the multiple possible consequences of diverse interpretative accounts of human reality and the actions they entail.
Richard Hoggart’s legacy for democratic education
Authors: Nixon Jon
Published: March 2007

This article argues that Richard Hoggart’s legacy for democratic education is to be found in the moral unity of his life and work: his life as an adult educator, university professor, and international administrator; his distinctive idiom as writer and critic; and his commitment to education as a deeply deliberative process of widening participation. The right use of judgement is central to the life, the idiom and the commitment. As an abiding presence, Hoggart is an exemplar of how critical discrimination and discernment can be deployed, from the centre ground, in the interests of the good society.
The importance of being ordinary
Authors: Gregg Melissa
Published: March 2007

This article identifies the significance of ‘the ordinary’ in Richard Hoggart’s The Uses of Literacy and notes its distinction from philosophies of ‘the everyday’ that have been ascendant in recent cultural studies theory. It does this in order to oppose the rhetorical use of ordinariness promoted by conservative politicians such as Australian Prime Minister John Howard. Such etymological specificity is argued to be necessary so that cultural studies and other scholars can continue to promote the relationships of empathy in class-segregated societies that Howard’s use of ordinariness strategically lacks.
‘There are other ways of being in the truth’
Authors: Hartley John
Published: March 2007

After 50 years, what are the implications of The Uses of Literacy for educational modernisation, in the light of subsequent changes from ‘read only’ literacy to ‘read-write’ uses of multimedia? This article argues that a broad extension of popular literacy via consumer-generated digital content offers not only emancipationist potential in line with Hoggart’s own project, but also economic benefits via the dynamics of creative innovation.
Corporate Social Performance and Ethnicity
Authors: Ramasamy Bala , Ling Ng Huey , Ting Hung Woan
Published: March 2007

The call for corporate social responsibility is steadily escalating in the corporate agenda. Previous studies on the determinants of Corporate Social Performance (CSP) point to factors including the size of firms and the nature of industries, as well as the commitment of the leadership. This study explores how attributes of chief executives in Malaysia may affect the formulation and implementation of socially responsible policies and programmes of organizations. The suggestion is that companies with Malay chief executives demonstrate higher corporate social performance levels than companies with Chinese chief executives; and that the age of chief executives is a significant predictor of the CSP level. However, the education background of the chief executives has no noticeable effect on the level of CSP.
A Cross Cultural Comparison of the Importance of Leadership Traits for Effective Low-level and High-level Leaders
Authors: Casimir Gian , Waldman David A.
Published: March 2007

This study compares perceptions of the importance of 18 traits for effective low-level leaders and high-level leaders. Participants were 84 full-time white-collar employees from Australia and 244 full-time white-collar employees from China. Multivariate analysis of variance revealed cultural differences in terms of which traits are regarded as important for effective leadership. For example, the Australians rated traits that attenuate leader–follower power differences (e.g. friendly and respectful) higher than did the Chinese. Consistent with previous research, traits that were regarded as more important for high-level leaders (e.g. inspirational and visionary) correspond with aspects of charismatic/visionary leadership. The findings indicate that the perceived importance of specific leadership traits is determined partly by culturally endorsed interpersonal norms and partly by the requirements of the leadership role.
Agnes Heller and the Question of Humanism
Authors: Grumley John
Published: March 2007

This article explores the vagaries of Agnes Heller's relationship to humanism. It initially outlines a brief account of both the historical adventures of humanism and of the great debates in the middle of the 20th century that conditioned the contemporary reception of the concept of humanism. It then analyses Heller's own unique intellectual formation under the tutelage of Lukács. After briefly outlining her initial commitment to his humanist programme for the ‘Renaissance of Marxism’, it looks in more depth at her initial critique of its humanist philosophical anthropology and her efforts, under the auspices of Arendt, to develop a more sophisticated account of the human condition. The analysis of Heller finally explores the impact of a postmodern awareness of contingency, fallibility and historical open-endedness on this account. The article concludes by pointing to both the commonalities and differences with the contemporary critical humanism of Tzvetan Todorov. It is argued that despite the many parallels, these differences signify Heller's final parting of the ways with humanism strictly speaking and also represent unresolved issues for any reanimation of contemporary humanism.
Ideology Critique or Discourse Analysis?
Authors: Vighi Fabio , Feldner Heiko
Published: March 2007

The following article examines the theoretical foundations and practical consequences of Slavoj Žižek's critique of Foucauldian discourse analysis. It does so by uncovering Žižek's idiosyncratic approach to the question of ideology critique. The aim of our investigation is twofold. First, we attempt to demonstrate the implications of Foucault's failure to theorize the generative principle of sociosymbolic formations; second, we argue that by conceiving the Real of class antagonism as the disavowed core of ideological fantasy, Žižek rectifies Foucault's inconsistency while simultaneously opening up a vital political space for the reconceptualization of the paradigm of ideology critique. Our article does not attempt to bring into dialogue Foucault's theory of discourse with Žižek's theory of ideology; rather, it stages an encounter between the two. The encounter involves a contrastive comparison, the tertium comparationis of which is the problematic of how Foucault's and Žižek's respective frameworks may help us conceptualize political change. Against this background and criterion it is possible to establish where and why their social theories differ, and to assess the extent to which Žižek's theoretical choices are preferable to Foucault's.
The DC-SIGN–related lectin LSECtin mediates antigen capture and pathogen binding by human myeloid cells
Authors: Dominguez-Soto Angeles , Aragoneses-Fenoll Laura , Martin-Gayo Enrique , Martinez-Prats Lorena , Colmenares Maria , Naranjo-Gomez Marisa , Borras Francesc E. , Munoz Pilar , Zubiaur Mercedes , Toribio Maria L. , Delgado Rafael , Corbi Angel L.
Published: March 2007

Liver and lymph node sinusoidal endothelial cell C-type lectin (LSECtin [CLEC4G]) is a C-type lectin encoded within the liver/lymph node–specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3–grabbing nonintegrin (L-SIGN)/dendritic cell–specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3–grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN)/CD23 gene cluster. LSECtin expression has been previously described as restricted to sinusoidal endothelial cells of the liver and lymph node. We now report LSECtin expression in human peripheral blood and thymic dendritic cells isolated ex vivo. LSECtin is also detected in monocyte-derived macrophages and dendritic cells at the RNA and protein level. In vitro, interleukin-4 (IL-4) induces the expression of 3 LSECtin alternatively spliced isoforms, including a potentially soluble form (Δ2 isoform) and a shorter version of the prototypic molecule (Δ3/4 isoform). LSECtin functions as a pathogen receptor, because its expression confers Ebola virus–binding capacity to leukemic cells. Sugar-binding studies indicate that LSECtin specifically recognizes N-acetyl-glucosamine, whereas no LSECtin binding to Mannan- or N-acetyl-galactosamine–containing matrices are observed. Antibody or ligand-mediated engagement triggers a rapid internalization of LSECtin,which is dependent on tyrosine and diglutamic-containing motifs within the cytoplasmic tail. Therefore, LSECtin is a pathogen-associated molecular pattern receptor in human myeloid cells. In addition, our results suggest that LSECtin participates in antigen uptake and internalization, and might be a suitable target molecule in vaccination strategies.
TNM classification system for primary cutaneous lymphomas other than mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome: a proposal of the International Society for Cutaneous Lymphomas (ISCL) and the Cutaneous Lymphoma Task Force of the European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC)
Authors: Kim Youn H. , Willemze Rein , Pimpinelli Nicola , Whittaker Sean , Olsen Elise A. , Ranki Annamari , Dummer Reinhard , Hoppe Richard T.
Published: March 2007

Currently availabel staging systems for non-Hodgkin lymphomas are not useful for clinical staging classification of most primary cutaneous lymphomas. The tumor, node, metastases (TNM) system used for mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS) is not appropriate for other primary cutaneous lymphomas. A usable, unified staging system would improve the communication about the state of disease, selection of appropriate management, standardization of enrollment/response criteria in clinical trials, and collection/analysis of prospective survival data. Toward this goal, during the recent meetings of the International Society for Cutaneous Lymphomas (ISCL) and the cutaneous lymphoma task force of the European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC), the representatives have established a consensus proposal of a TNM classification system applicable for all primary cutaneous lymphomas other than MF and SS. Due to the clinical and pathologic heterogeneity of the cutaneous lymphomas, the currently proposed TNM system is meant to be primarily an anatomic documentation of disease extent and not to be used as a prognostic guide.
SpliceMiner: a high-throughput database implementation of the NCBI Evidence Viewer for microarray splice variant analysis
Authors: Kahn Ari B , Ryan Michael C , Liu Hongfang , Zeeberg Barry R , Jamison D Curtis , Weinstein John N
Published: March 2007

Background

There are many fewer genes in the human genome than there are expressed transcripts. Alternative splicing is the reason. Alternatively spliced transcripts are often specific to tissue type, developmental stage, environmental condition, or disease state. Accurate analysis of microarray expression data and design of new arrays for alternative splicing require assessment of probes at the sequence and exon levels.

Description

SpliceMiner is a web interface for querying Evidence Viewer Database (EVDB). EVDB is a comprehensive, non-redundant compendium of splice variant data for human genes. We constructed EVDB as a queryable implementation of the NCBI Evidence Viewer (EV). EVDB is based on data obtained from NCBI Entrez Gene and EV. The automated EVDB build process uses only complete coding sequences, which may or may not include partial or complete 5' and 3' UTRs, and filters redundant splice variants. Unlike EV, which supports only one-at-a-time queries, SpliceMiner supports high-throughput batch queries and provides results in an easily parsable format. SpliceMiner maps probes to splice variants, effectively delineating the variants identified by a probe.

Conclusion

EVDB can be queried by gene symbol, genomic coordinates, or probe sequence via a user-friendly web-based tool we call SpliceMiner (http://discover.nci.nih.gov/spliceminer). The EVDB/SpliceMiner combination provides an interface with human splice variant information and, going beyond the very valuable NCBI Evidence Viewer, supports fluent, high-throughput analysis. Integration of EVDB information into microarray analysis and design pipelines has the potential to improve the analysis and bioinformatic interpretation of gene expression data, for both batch and interactive processing. For example, whenever a gene expression value is recognized as important or appears anomalous in a microarray experiment, the interactive mode of SpliceMiner can be used quickly and easily to check for possible splice variant issues.