bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amnestying Superiority Violations: Processing Multiple Questions
Authors: Clifton Charles , Fanselow Gisbert , Frazier Lyn
Published: January 2006

Two experiments investigated the acceptability of multiple questions. As expected, sentences violating the Superiority Condition were accepted less often than sentences obeying it.The status of the Superiority violations was not improved by the addition of a third wh, regardless of whether the third wh was an adjunct or an argument, though it was improved by the addition of a second question (e.g., and when).Further, in a small pilot study directly comparing a sentence with adjacent final wh-phrases that may induce a stress clash (I'd like to know who hid it where when) with a sentence violating Superiority but avoiding the final adjacent wh-phrases (I'd like to know where who hid it when), half the participants indicated that the Superiority violation sentence sounded better.This suggests that the status of some additional-whsentences may appear to improve simply because the comparison sentence with adjacent final wh-phrases is degraded.Overall, the results of the studies suggest that there is no need to complicate syntactic theory to account for the additional-wh effect, because there is no general additional-wh effect.
Featureless Expressions: When Morphophonological Markers Are Absent
Authors: Benmamoun Elabbas , Lorimor Heidi
Published: January 2006

Ackema and Neeleman (2003) discuss three phenomena that arise in the context of agreement and pronominals: agreement asymmetries, cliticization, and null subjects. They develop a unified analysis for these phenomena, claiming that they all involve a process of weakening within prosodic domains. While we agree with their important insight that the PF interface is responsible for some of these phenomena, we will argue against their weakening analysis. We provide arguments that agreement asymmetries cannot be uniformly analyzed as involving the same processes as phonological cliticization or null subjects. We instead propose that the observed asymmetries arise because of the alternative forms of spelling out features at the PF interface.
Differences between the Wh-Scope-Marking and Wh-Copy Constructions in Passamaquoddy
Authors: Bruening Benjamin
Published: January 2006

Several phenomena in Passamaquoddy clearly distinguish wh-scope marking with ‘what’ from an apparently similar wh-copy construction. These facts argue for a theory of wh-scope marking like that in Bruening 2004 (based on Dayal 1994), where the embedded question is the syntactic and semantic restriction on the matrix wh-word ‘what’. The wh-copy construction, in contrast, is best analyzed as spelling out multiple copies of a long-distance movement chain. This copy theory is extended to scope marking with tan and comparatives in Passamaquoddy.
Lexical Case, Inherent Case, and Argument Structure
Authors: Woolford Ellen
Published: January 2006

In addition to the division in Case theory between structural and non-structural Case, the theory must distinguish two kinds of nonstructural Case: lexical Case and inherent Case. Lexical Case is idiosyncratic Case, lexically selected and licensed by certain lexical heads (certain verbs and prepositions). Inherent Case is more regular, associated with particular θ-positions: inherent dative Case with DP goals, and ergative Case with external arguments. Lexical and inherent Case turn out to be in complementary distribution with respect to θ-positions: only themes/internal arguments may have lexical Case, and only external arguments and DP goals may have inherent Case. This complementary distribution can be accounted for under recent views of vP structure that place both external arguments and (shifted) DP goals outside the VP proper at the point at which nonstructural Case is licensed. Claims in the literature that the more regular datives and ergatives are actually structural Cases are based on faulty or misleading diagnostic tests.
Head Movement in Linguistic Theory
Authors: Matushansky Ora
Published: January 2006

In this article, I address the issue of head movement in current linguistic theory. I propose a new view of the nature of heads and head movement that reveals that head movement is totally compliant with the standardly suggested properties of grammar. To do so, I suggest that head movement is not a single syntactic operation, but a combination of two operations: a syntactic one (movement) and a morphological one (m-merger). I then provide independent motivation for m-merger, arguing that it can be attested in environments where no head movement took place
El síndrome de estar quemado en la policía: perfil de incidencia e influencia de factores socio-demográficos
Authors: Durán Ma Auxiliadora , Montalbán F. Manuel , Stangeland Per
Published: January 2006

Este estudio analiza el síndrome de estar quemado (burnout) en el ámbito policial y su relación con variables de carácter socio-demográfico y el estilo de afrontamiento. Con una muestra de 232 policías locales, el perfil medio obtenido refleja un nivel alto de cansancio emocional, una despersonalización media-alta y una realización personal media. Respecto al estilo de afrontamiento activo, éste presenta una correlación negativa estadísticamente significativa con la despersonalización. No obstante, no se encuentran diferencias en función de las variables sexo y existencia de una relación de pareja (considerada fuente de apoyo social). En cambio, aparecen diferencias significativas respecto a la antigüedad en la organización: los policías que llevan en la profesión entre 6 y 15 años muestran niveles más elevados del síndrome. Se discuten asimismo diversas propuestas de intervención.
Funcionamiento y comunicación familiar y consumo de sustancias en la adolescencia: el rol mediador del apoyo social
Authors: Jiménez Teresa-Isabel , Musitu Gonzalo , Murgui Sergio
Published: January 2006

En el presente estudio se analiza el apoyo social como un recurso protector para el ajuste de los adolescentes. Concretamente, se estudian tanto los efectos directos como los mediadores del apoyo social entre las características de funcionamiento y comunicación familiar y el consumo de sustancias de los adolescentes. Con este objetivo, 431 chicos y chicas de 15 a 17 años cumplimentaron una batería de instrumentos para la medida de las variables de funcionamiento y comunicación familiar, apoyo social percibido y la estimación de consumo de sustancias. Los resultados muestran que el apoyo procedente del padre predice negativamente el consumo mientras que el procedente de la pareja del adolescente lo hace de forma positiva. Sin embargo, el apoyo social no media la relación entre características familiares y consumo de sustancias. Finalmente, diferentes explicaciones e implicaciones teóricas y metodológicas de estos resultados son discutidas.
Adaptación y validación en España de la escala de Autoeficacia Emprendedora
Authors: Moriano Juan A. , Palací Francisco J. , Morales José F.
Published: January 2006

En este artículo se presenta la adaptación y validación de la escala de Autoeficacia Emprendedora en una muestra de más de mil estudiantes universitarios españoles. Esta escala fue desarrollada originalmente por De Noble, Jung y Ehrlich (1999) para evaluar las creencias del individuo sobre su propia capacidad para crear y gestionar una nueva empresa con éxito. La versión española de la escala está compuesta por las siguientes subescalas: 1) Desarrollar nuevos productos, 2) Gestionar los Recursos Humanos, 3) Iniciar relaciones con inversores, 4) Construir un entorno innovador, y 5) Trabajar bajo estrés. Los resultados muestran que la escala obtiene una alta fiabilidad y permite predecir significativamente la intención de los estudiantes de desarrollar su carrera profesional a través del autoempleo.
La paradoja del racismo aversivo hacia los inmigrantes: un estudio experimental
Authors: Espelt Esteve , Javaloy Federico , Cornejo José-Manuel
Published: January 2006

Se constata la existencia de racismo aversivo (Gaertner y Dovidio, 1986) hacia los inmigrantes en nuestro entorno social y se trata de identificar algunas características diferenciales en comparación con los estudios realizados en el contexto norteamericano. Se utilizan las escalas de Pettigrew y Meertens (1995) para distinguir entre sujetos igualitarios y prejuiciosos, y, posteriormente, se sitúa a los sujetos en una situación experimental de jurado simulado virtual. Se utiliza un diseño factorial 2x3x3 (etnia del acusado, tipo de pruebas y composición-veredicto del jurado).

Los resultados indican que el racismo aversivo, característico de sujetos igualitarios, sólo se manifiesta en situaciones donde la estructura normativa es ambigua y/o existen argumentos para racionalizar sus respuestas prejuiciosas. Su mayor tiempo de respuesta en tomar decisiones hacia los inmigrantes, especialmente cuando éstas son negativas, parece reflejar su resistencia a ser considerados racistas. Las pruebas inculpatorias y exculpatorias influyen en el veredicto de manera diferente según la etnia del acusado. En el caso del inmigrante, las pruebas que le perjudican se tienen en cuenta y las que le benefician no. Ocurre lo contrario cuando se trata de un miembro del endogrupo.
El concepto de emoción español emocionado
Authors: Casado Cristina
Published: January 2006

El concepto de emoción emocionado forma parte del vocabulario afectivo del español. Es el participio pasivo del concepto emoción y es muy frecuente en el discurso cotidiano. El presente artículo introduce el concepto emocionado a través de un análisis cualitativo de sus características más importantes, obtenidas a partir de una muestra de hablantes españoles. Los hallazgos demuestran que emocionado designa un estado afectivo con características propias, es decir, los nativos españoles establecen una clara distinción entre estar emocionado y sentir emociones como alegría. Asimismo es juzgado principalmente como un concepto que describe un estado emocional indefinido o inespecífico. Por último, sugerimos que emocionado podría representar un estilo de designación afectivo característico del sur-occidental de Europa.
El patrón jerárquico de categorización cruzada: ¿resultado de una categorización doble o simple?
Authors: Ramírez Ma Carmen , Rodríguez Armando , Betancor Verónica , Rodríguez Ángel
Published: January 2006

El propósito de esta investigación es estudiar cuáles son los procesos cognitivos que se activan ante una categorización cruzada cuando aparece un patrón jerárquico. Para conseguir este propósito hemos escogido dos criterios categoriales, uno muy accesible (el género) y otro menos accesible (la carrera universitaria), de forma que el cruce de ambos produjera un subtipo relevante. En contra de los presupuestos de la investigación clásica en categorización cruzada que suponen un doble proceso de categorización, en esta investigación se propone una explicación alternativa basada en un proceso de categorización único a dos niveles de inclusividad: categoría general y subtipo. Los participantes han sido 37 alumnos de primer curso de Trabajo Social. El método empleado en esta investigación es el paradigma de ¿Quién dijo qué?, desarrollado inicialmente por Taylor, Fiske, Etcoff y Ruderman (1978). Los resultados obtenidos muestran que la categorización a nivel de subtipo propuesta para la explicación del patrón jerárquico, no implica necesariamente la categorización en función de las dos categorías más amplias que conforman dicho subtipo.
What is the influence of work values relative to other variables in the development of organizational commitment?
Authors: Arciniega Luis M. , González Luis
Published: January 2006

Using the four high-order values proposed by the Theory of values of Schwartz to operationalize the construct of work values, we evaluated the influence of these values on the development of organizational commitment, in comparison with four facets of work satisfaction and four organizational factors: empowerment, knowledge of organizational goals, and training and communication practices. A sample of 982 employees from eight companies of Northeastern Mexico was used in this study. Our findings suggest that work values occupy a less important place on the development of organizational commitment when compared to organizational factors, such as the perceived knowledge of the goals of the organization, or some attitudes such as satisfaction with security and opportunities of development.
MCP-1/CCR2-dependent loop for fibrogenesis in human peripheral CD14-positive monocytes
Authors: Sakai Norihiko , Wada Takashi , Furuichi Kengo , Shimizu Kazuaki , Kokubo Satoshi , Hara Akinori , Yamahana Junya , Okumura Toshiya , Matsushima Kouji , Yokoyama Hitoshi , Kaneko Shuichi
Published: January 2006

Monocyte/macrophage (Mο) migration to sites of inflammation is a prerequisite cause of organ fibrosis. The recruitment and activation of Mo are regulated by C-C chemokines, especially monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 [(MCP-1)/CC chemokine ligand 2], which interacts with CC chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2). However, the mechanisms leading to fibrosis via MCP-1/CCR2 signaling in Mo remain to be investigated. The effect of MCP-1 on the expression of MCP-1, CCR2, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and type I collagen in circulating human CD14-positive Mo was investigated. In addition, the impact of MCP-1-specific or TGF-β1-specific antisense (AS) phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) was examined to explore the involvement of autocrine/paracrine production of MCP-1 and TGF-β1 by human CD14-positive Mo. Furthermore, specific CCR2 inhibitors were applied to examine the involvement of CCR2 signaling for the promotion of a fibrogenic response. The stimulation of Mo with MCP-1 increased mRNA levels of TGF-β1 and a pro-α1 chain of type I collagen (COL1A1) as well as protein synthesis. Similarly, the expression of MCP-1 and CCR2 was enhanced by the stimulation with MCP-1 in dose- and time-dependent manners. This positive loop via MCP-1 was reduced by pretreatment with MCP-1-specific AS-ODN. It was also noted that pretreatment with TGF-β1-specific AS-ODN partially reduced COL1A1 mRNA levels. Finally, transcripts of these molecules were suppressed by pretreatment with specific CCR2 inhibitors. The present study demonstrated that human peripheral CD14-positive Mo contribute directly to fibrogenesis by a MCP-1/CCR2-dependent amplification loop. These data suggest that fibrogenic processes in Mo regulated by MCP-1/CCR2 may be novel, therapeutic targets for combating organ fibrosis.
The effect of PGG-β-glucan on neutrophil chemotaxis in vivo
Authors: LeBlanc Brian W , Albina Jorge E , Reichner Jonathan S
Published: January 2006

The β-glucans are long-chain polymers of glucose in β-(1,3)(1,6) linkages, which comprise the fungal cell wall and stimulate cells of the innate immune system. Previous in vitro studies have shown the ability of β-glucan to increase the chemotactic capacity of human neutrophils. The current study examined an in vivo correlate of that observation by testing the hypothesis that systemic β-glucan treatment would result in enhanced migration of neutrophils into a site of inflammation and improve antimicrobial function. A model of acute inflammation was used in which polyvinyl alcohol sponges were implanted subcutaneously into the dorsum of rats. Animals treated with β-glucan showed a 66 ± 6% and 186 ± 42% increase in wound cell number recovered 6 and 18 h postwounding, respectively. Increased migration did not correlate with increased chemoattractant content of wound fluid, alterations in neutrophil-induced loss of endothelial barrier function, or changes in neutrophil adhesion to endothelial cells. Systemic administration of SB203580 abrogated the enhanced migration by β-glucan without altering normal cellular entry into the wound. Studies also showed a priming effect for chemotaxis and respiratory burst in circulating neutrophils isolated from β-glucan-treated animals. Heightened neutrophil function took place without cytokine elicitation. Furthermore, β-glucan treatment resulted in a 169 ± 28% increase in neutrophil number and a 60 ± 9% decrease in bacterial load in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of Escherichia coli pneumonic animals. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that β-glucan directly affects the chemotactic capacity of circulating neutrophils through a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent mechanism and potentiates antimicrobial host defense.
The Kupffer cell protects against acute lung injury in a rat peritonitis model: role of IL-10
Authors: Kono Hiroshi , Fujii Hideki , Hirai Yu , Tsuchiya Masato , Amemiya Hidetake , Asakawa Masami , Maki Akira , Matsuda Masanori , Yamamoto Masayuki
Published: January 2006

The possibility that Kupffer cells (KCs) play key beneficial and deleterious roles in multiple organ injury in sepsis has been discussed. The role of KCs in lung injury in a rat peritonitis model was investigated. Specifically, the involvement of interleukin (IL)-10, which has anti-inflammatory effects, was examined. Rats were given saline or gadolinium chloride (GdCl3), a KC toxicant, 24 h before cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Survival was assessed for 7 days after CLP. The liver, lung, and serum were harvested, and the expression of cytokines was assessed. Macrophages were isolated from each organ after CLP, and the mRNA expression of inflammatory mediators was assessed. GdCl3 treatment increased lung injury and mortality. Plasma endotoxin levels were significantly greater, whereas serum IL-10 levels were lower in the GdCl3 than in the control group after CLP. IL-10 levels were significantly greater in the aorta than the hepatic vein. The mRNA expression of IL-10 was less in KCs from the GdCl3 than the control group. In the liver, the expression of IL-10 increased rapidly and continuously, up to 9 h in the control group, but values were significantly lower in the GdCl3 group. Rabbit anti-rat IL-10 antibodies were injected just after CLP to investigate the effects of immunoneutralization of endogenously produced IL-10. In the antibody-treated group, lung injury and mortality increased compared with animals treated with rabbit immunoglobulin G. Taken together, these results indicate that KCs play a protective role in lung injury in sepsis by production of IL-10.
Platelet binding to monocytes increases the adhesive properties of monocytes by up-regulating the expression and functionality of β1 and β2 integrins
Authors: Martins Paula A da Costa , van Gils Janine M , Mol Anita , Hordijk Peter L , Zwaginga Jaap J
Published: January 2006

Human monocytes adhere to activated platelets, resulting in the formation of platelet-monocyte complexes (PMC). Complex formation depends on the interaction between platelet-displayed P-selectin and the specific ligand for P-selectin on leukocytes, P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1). We have recently shown that monocytes within PMC have increased adhesive capacity to the activated endothelium. To better understand the effect of platelet binding on the capacity of monocytes to adhere to activated endothelium, the P-selectin-PSGL-1 interaction-induced changes in integrin functionality were studied. The binding of platelets to monocytes via P-selectin-PSGL-1 interactions was shown to increase expression and activity of α4β1 and αMβ2 integrin, with a concomitant decrease in L-selectin expression. Furthermore, the binding of platelets to monocytes resulted in increased monocyte adhesion to intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and fibronectin. Platelet binding was also responsible for an increase in monocyte transendothelial migration. Similar effects were observed after engagement of PSGL-1 with specific antibodies or with P-selectin immunoglobulin protein. Our data suggest that platelets, by binding via P-selectin to PSGL-1 on monocytes, induce up-regulation and activation of β1 and β2 integrins and increased adhesion of monocytes to activated endothelium. Hence, monocytes within PMC are in a higher state of activation and may have, therefore, an increased atherogenic capacity.
H2 complex controls CD4/CD8 ratio, recurrent responsiveness to repeated stimulations, and resistance to activation-induced apoptosis during T cell response to mycobacterial antigens
Authors: Pichugin Alexander V , Petrovskaya Svetlana N , Apt Alexander S
Published: January 2006

Genetic variation in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) influences susceptibility and immune responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis in mice and humans, but connections among the severity of tuberculosis (TB), dynamic changes in T cell responses to mycobacteria, and MHC genetic polymorphisms are poorly characterized. The overall effect of the MHC genes on TB susceptibility and cellular responses to mycobacteria is moderate; thus, such studies provide reliable results only if congenic mouse strains bearing a variety of H2 haplotypes on an identical genetic background are analyzed. Using a panel of H2-congenic strains on the B10 background, we demonstrate that T cells from mice of three different strains, which are resistant to TB infection, readily respond by proliferation to repeated stimulations with mycobacterial sonicate, whereas T cells from three susceptible mouse strains die after the second stimulation with antigen. This difference is specific, as T cells from TB-susceptible and -resistant mouse strains do not differ in response to irrelevant antigens. The CD4/CD8 ratio in immune lymph nodes correlates strongly and inversely with TB susceptibility, being significantly lower in resistant mice as a result of an increased content of CD8+ cells. These differences between the two sets of mouse strains correlate with an elevated level of activation-induced T cell apoptosis in TB-susceptible mice and a higher proportion of activated CD44+CD62 ligand– T cells in TB-resistant mice. These results may shed some light on the nature of the cellular basis of MHC-linked differences in susceptibility to TB.
The immunoregulatory effects of gangliosides involve immune deviation favoring type-2 T cell responses
Authors: Crespo Fabian A , Sun Xichun , Cripps James G , Fernandez-Botran Rafael
Published: January 2006

Gangliosides, sialic acid-containing glycosphingolipids present in most cell membranes, are thought to participate in the maintenance of immune privilege and tumor-induced immunosuppression. However, the mechanisms responsible for their immunomodulatory activity remain poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether gangliosides are able to modulate the balance of type-1/type-2 T cell responses and to characterize the cellular mechanisms involved. The effects of different gangliosides on anti-CD3-stimulated murine splenocytes and purified T cells were studied. The presence of gangliosides during T cell activation reduced the expression of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and enhanced that of interleukin (IL)-4, suggesting a shift toward a type-2 response. Intracellular cytokine staining demonstrated that gangliosides inhibited IFN-γ production in CD4+, CD8+, and natural killer (NK)1.1+ cell populations and enhanced IL-4 in CD4+ T cells. The ganglioside-mediated enhancement in IL-4 production was independent of changes in endogenous IFN-γ, did not occur with cells from CD1d-deficient mice, and was partially inhibited by anti-CD1d antibodies. The inhibitory effects on IFN-γ were independent of endogenous IL-4 or the presence of NKT cells and were unaffected by anti-CD1d antibodies. These results suggest that gangliosides may modify the immunological environment by promoting immune deviation in favor of type-2 T cell responses.
Characterizing the circulating, gliadin-specific CD4+ memory T cells in patients with celiac disease: linkage between memory function, gut homing and Th1 polarization
Authors: Ben-Horin Shomron , Green Peter H R , Bank Ilan , Chess Leonard , Goldstein Itamar
Published: January 2006

Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic, immune-mediated disorder of the gut, driven by T cells reacting locally to a distinct antigen, gliadin. Thus, CD offers the opportunity to study the T cell memory response to gliadin and whether gut tropism and T helper cell type 1 (Th1) polarization, which characterize the effector phase, are preserved in the memory progeny. It is notable that previous studies yielded conflicting results as to the presence of gliadin-specific memory CD4+ T cells in the peripheral blood of CD patients. However, we used a different and highly sensitive approach based on fluorescein-derived label dilution, whereby the memory cells are identified operationally by their greater capacity to proliferate upon re-encounter with antigen. Thus, using flow cytometry, we could resolve multiple successive generations as well as immunophenotype the dividing cells. Here, we show that the peripheral blood lymphocyte of some CD patients on a gliadin-free diet, but not healthy donors, contains a detectable population of CD4+ memory T cells specific for deamidated gliadin. Moreover, these gliadin-specific memory T cells are marked by a distinctive phenotype: They express high levels of the gut-homing β7 integrins and primarily produce interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor α. We conclude that memory for gliadin-derived antigens within the circulating CD4+ T cells is linked with gut tropism as well as Th1 polarization.
CD13 in cell adhesion: aminopeptidase N (CD13) mediates homotypic aggregation of monocytic cells
Authors: Mina-Osorio Paola , Shapiro Linda H , Ortega Enrique
Published: January 2006

Homotypic aggregation (HA) of cells plays key roles in physiological and pathological processes, such as embryogenesis, immune responses, angiogenesis, tumor cell invasion, and metastasis. Aminopeptidase N (CD13) has been implicated in most of these phenomena, although its participation has been attributed to its enzymatic activity, while its role as an adhesion molecule has been almost unexplored. Here, we show that certain anti-CD13 monoclonal antibodies induce HA of monocytic U-937 cells, independently of their effect on enzymatic activity. The phenomenon is related to binding to a specific site on the CD13 molecule and is independent of integrins. It is abrogated by low temperature, by the glycolysis inhibitor 2-deoxyglucose, and by inhibitors of tyrosine and mitogen-activated protein kinases. The inhibitor of microtubule polymerization colchicine has a synergistic effect on CD13-mediated aggregation, suggesting an inhibitory role of microtubules in this process. Finally, during HA, CD13 actively redistributes to the zones of cell-cell contact, as determined by live cell imaging studies, demonstrating a direct role of CD13 in the adhesion phenomenon. Together, these data show for the first time the participation of CD13 in monocytic cell adhesion.
Mycobacterium paratuberculosis, Mycobacterium smegmatis, and lipopolysaccharide induce different transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of the IRG1 gene in murine macrophages
Authors: Basler Tina , Jeckstadt Sabine , Valentin-Weigand Peter , Goethe Ralph
Published: January 2006

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) causes a chronic enteritis in ruminants. In addition, MAP is presently the most favored pathogen linked to Crohn’s disease. In this study, we were interested in dissecting the molecular mechanisms of macrophage activation or deactivation after infection with MAP. By subtractive hybridization of cDNAs, we identified the immune-responsive gene 1 (IRG1), which was expressed substantially higher in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated than in MAP-infected murine macrophage cell lines. A nuclear run-on transcription assay revealed that the IRG1 gene was activated transcriptionally in LPS-stimulated and MAP-infected macrophages with higher expression in LPS-stimulated cells. Analysis of post-transcriptional regulation demonstrated that IRG1 mRNA stability was increased in LPS-stimulated but not in MAP-infected macrophages. Furthermore, IRG1 gene expression of macrophages infected with the nonpathogenic Mycobacterium smegmatis differed from those of LPS-stimulated and MAP-infected macrophages. At 2 h postinfection, M. smegmatis-induced IRG1 gene expression was as low as in MAP-infected, and 8 h postinfection, it increased nearly to the level in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Transient transfection experiments revealed similar IRG1 promoter activities in MAP- and M. smegmatis-infected cells. Northern analysis demonstrated increased IRG1 mRNA stability in M. smegmatis-infected macrophages. IRG1 mRNA stabilization was p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase-independent. Inhibition of protein synthesis revealed that constitutively expressed factors seemed to be responsible for IRG1 mRNA destabilization. Thus, our data demonstrate that transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms are responsible for a differential IRG1 gene expression in murine macrophages treated with LPS, MAP, and M. smegmatis.
Effector-phase tolerance: another mechanism of how cancer escapes antitumor immune response
Authors: Frey Alan B , Monu Ngozi
Published: January 2006

Growth of cancer in rodent models and in patients elicits immune responses directed toward various antigens expressed by the transformed cell. Clearly though, as most tumors grow, unmanipulated antitumor immune responses are incapable of eliminating cancer. Over the past ∼15 years, antitumor immunoglobulin and T cells have been used to identify tumor antigens, which in turn, have served as the basis for therapeutic vaccine trials [1, 2]. However, experimental cancer vaccines, although in some patients result in elimination of large tumor burdens, have a low frequency of long-term cancer remission in most patients, ca. <5% [2]. Therefore, as tumors express antigens that distinguish themselves from nontransformed cells in immunological terms (i.e., elicit immune responses to growth of primary tumor and can target tumor cells in vivo), and tumor vaccines prime unsuccessful antitumor immune responses in patients, it is likely that growth of cancer induces immune tolerance to tumor cells. Although there are several types of T cell tolerance, mature, antigen-specific CD8+ T cells isolated from tumors are lytic-defective, implying that the tumor microenvironment inactivates the antitumor effector phase. The nature of the functional local tolerance to antitumor immune response is the subject of this review.
National survey of end-of-life decisions made by UK medical practitioners
Authors: Seale Clive
Published: January 2006

Background: This study estimates the frequency of different end-of-life decisions (ELDs) in medical practice in the UK, compares these with other countries and assesses doctors’ views on the adequacy of current UK law. Method: Postal survey of 857 UK medical practitioners using a questionnaire used in other countries. Findings: The proportion of UK deaths involving an ELD were: 1) voluntary euthanasia 0.16% (0-0.36), 2) physician-assisted suicide 0.00%, 3) ending of life without an explicit request from patient 0.33% (0-0.76), 4) alleviation of symptoms with possibly life shortening effect 32.8% (28.1-37.6), 5) non-treatment decisions 30.3% (26.0-34.6). ELDs 1 and 2 were significantly less frequent than in the Netherlands and Australia; ELD 2 was also less frequent than Switzerland. ELD 3 was less frequent than in Belgium and Australia. Comparison of UK and New Zealand general practitioners showed lower rates of ELDs 4 and 5 in the UK. ELD 5 was more common than in most other European countries. A few doctors attending deaths felt UK law had inhibited or interfered with their preferred management of patients (4.6% (3.1-6.1%) of doctors) or that a new law would have facilitated better management (2.6% (1.4-3.8%) of doctors). Interpretation: The lower relative rate of ELDs involving doctor-assisted dying in the UK, and the relatively high rate of non-treatment decisions, suggests a culture of medical decision making informed by a palliative care philosophy.
Patient work in end-stage heart failure: a prospective longitudinal multiple case study
Authors: Willems DL , Hak A , Visser FC , Cornel J , van der Wal G
Published: January 2006

Objective: The most recent WHO definition of palliative care regards living as actively as possible as an important aim. We explored, over a 1-year period, the work this involves for patients with end-stage heart failure. Design: Prospective longitudinal multiple case study using qualitative interview techniques. Participants: Thirty-one respondents from two hospitals who fulfilled one or more of the following criteria: NYHA III or IV, ejection fraction B/25%, at least one hospitalization for heart failure. Main outcomes: Types and content of patient work involved in living with end-stage heart failure. Results: For patients with advanced heart failure, work consisted mainly of four types of tasks, as identified by Glaser and Strauss: ‘managing illness’, ‘everyday work to keep life going’, ‘biographical work’ and ‘arrangement work’. Conclusions: Systematic attention to patient work, for example using these four categories, could improve the quality of care from the patient’s perspective.
Hypoactive delirium: assessing the extent of the problem for inpatient specialist palliative care
Authors: Spiller Juliet A , Keen Jeremy C
Published: January 2006

Delirium is a common problem and cause of distress among patients with palliative care needs. The focus to date has been on managing the patient with agitated, hyperactive delirium, as these patients are very noticeable within the palliative care setting. This study in two parts shows that palliative care patients with agitated delirium are a minority of the total proportion of those with delirium. Part I: 100 acute admissions to a specialist palliative care unit were assessed and while 29% were found to have delirium, 86% of these had the hypoactive subtype of delirium. We also demonstrated a positive correlation between high ratings on a depression screening tool and delirium severity ratings. Part II: 8 specialist palliative care units took part in a point prevalence study of delirium over a 48-hour period. One hundred and nine patients were assessed and while 29.4% of these inpatients had delirium, 78% of them had the hypoactive subtype. Patients with hypoactive delirium may be much less noticeable or may be misdiagnosed as having depression or fatigue and the results of this study would advocate the routine use of delirium screening tools in all palliative care settings.
Towards better measurements in bereavement research: order of questions and assessed psychological morbidity
Authors: Hauksdóttir Arna , Steineck Gunnar , Fürst Carl Johan , Valdimarsdóttir Unnur
Published: January 2006

The aim of this study was to determine if the order of questions in a study on men who have lost a wife in cancer affects self-assessed measures of psychological morbidity. Data were collected from 76 men who had lost a wife owing to cancer in the breast, ovary or colon in 1999. They were randomly allocated to one of two questionnaires with identical content but varying design. One version began with questions about the wife’s disease and ended with the respondent’s current wellbeing (morbidity-last group). The other version had a reversed order (morbidity-first group). Results showed that the design of the questionnaire affected self-assessed psychological morbidity; all relative risks for these measures were above 1.0 in the morbidity-last group. The highest relative risk was obtained for anxiety (as measured by HADS), 3.4 (0.8-15.0), and depression (as measured by a visual-digital scale), 3.1 (1.2-8.5). Psychological morbidity is assessed as higher when questions appear in the end, rather than the beginning, of a bereavement-related questionnaire. In order to avoid a detrimental bias in a study on bereavement, psychological morbidity is probably best measured first in such a questionnaire.
Opioid switching from oral slow release morphine to oral methadone may improve pain control in chronic non-malignant pain: a nine-month follow-up study
Authors: Fredheim Olav Magnus S , Kaasa Stein , Dale Ola , Klepstad Pål , Landrø Nils Inge , Borchgrevink Petter C
Published: January 2006

Twelve patients with poor pain control or unacceptable side effects during treatment with morphine were switched to methadone and followed for nine months in this open prospective study. Primary outcomes were patient preference for opioid and pain control while physical, cognitive and role functioning were secondary outcomes. The morphine dose was decreased by 1/3 daily and was replaced with an equianalgesic dose of methadone over a three-day period. During switching and a one-week dose titration period, patients were given additional methadone if required. During dose titration one patient experienced sedation requiring naloxone. Four patients were switched back to morphine due to poor pain control, drowsiness or sweating. Seven patients preferred long-term (>nine months) treatment with methadone and reported reduced pain and improved functioning while cognition was not improved. This study brings novel information on the long-term consequences for pain control, health-related quality of life and cognitive functioning with a switch from morphine to methadone in the treatment of chronic non-malignant pain.
Keeping the Body in Mind: The Influence of Body Esteem and Body Boundary Aberration on Consumer Beliefs and Purchase Intentions
Authors: Rosa José Antonio , Garbarino Ellen C. , Malter Alan J.
Published: January 2006

This research explores the influence of consumers’ body‐related information on beliefs and purchase intentions toward products for which the consumption experience is significantly and directly determined by body‐related information (e.g., feel, fit, sense of safety) when the products are bought in body‐absent purchase environments such as the Internet. We examine the effects of consumers’ body esteem (i.e., like or dislike of one's body) and body boundary aberration (variation in the perceived location of the edges of one's body) in the context of apparel purchases that are made on the Internet. Body esteem had a positive influence on involvement with apparel, and body boundary aberration had a negative influence on consumers’ overall concern with the fit of apparel. Involvement with apparel and overall concern with fit, in turn, significantly influenced consumers’ intentions to purchase apparel online. Consequently, consumers with high body esteem were less likely to buy on the Internet and those with high body boundary aberration were more likely to buy.
Self‐Presentational Effects in the Implicit Association Test
Authors: Czellar Sandor
Published: January 2006

Two studies rely on Schlenker and Leary 's (1982) conceptual framework to investigate self‐presentational biases in the Implicit Association Test (IAT). Study 1 shows that under specific conditions, the IAT is indeed sensitive to self‐presentation, especially for high self‐monitors. Study 2 suggests that participants can fake the IAT to appear in a favorable light. Possible process mechanisms are discussed and directions are provided for future research in consumer psychology.
The Role of Thin‐Slice Judgments in Consumer Psychology
Authors: Peracchio Laura A. , Luna David
Published: January 2006

This article examines the potential theoretical and practical contributions that thin‐slice judgments may offer to consumer psychology. We begin by exploring thin‐slice judgments in the context of existing consumer information processing research. Then, we discuss the antecedents of thin‐slice judgments, the type of processing that may underlie and impact thin‐slice judgment formation. Finally, we review the potential consequences of thin‐slice judgments and investigate applications within the consumer domain.
Effects of Culture, Gender, and Moral Obligations on Responses to Charity Advertising Across Masculine and Feminine Cultures
Authors: Nelson Michelle R. , Brunel Frédéric F. , Supphellen Magne , Manchanda Rajesh V.
Published: January 2006

Two studies investigated the effects of charity advertising on perceptions of moral obligation to help others and gauged ad evaluation. This was done in cultures that were similar in individualism but differed in either masculinity (United States and Canada) or femininity (Denmark and Norway). Participants read appeals that solicited donations to charity by focusing on either egoistic or altruistic motives. In masculine cultures, men preferred the egoistic ad and women preferred the altruistic one. In feminine cultures, where women are agentic and men are allowed to be nurturing, the opposite was the case. Exposure to both types of ads activated a sense of personal obligation among men in feminine nations and women in masculine nations. However, their opposite‐sex counterparts reacted against these ads. Implications of these findings for an understanding of culture and sex differences in advertising effectiveness are discussed.
Evaluations of Moderately Typical Products: The Role of Within‐ Versus Cross‐Manufacturer Comparisons
Authors: Kim Hyeong Min
Published: January 2006

Two studies examined how the valence of a core brand category and the typicality of a new product combine to influence product evaluations. The results show that when the product is moderately typical of the core brand category, the accessibility, relevance, and distinctness of the manufacturer's core brand prompt participants to use the manufacturer's product line as a standard of comparison. Thus, they evaluate an extension product less favorably if it is moderately typical of a favorable core brand than if it is moderately typical of an unfavorable one. When the product description contains additional information about the extension, however, this difference is reversed among consumers who are knowledgeable about the general product category. These consumers use the general product category as a standard of comparison rather the core brand per se.
Missense Mutation in the Transcription Factor NKX2–5: A Novel Molecular Event in the Pathogenesis of Thyroid Dysgenesis
Authors: Dentice Monica , Cordeddu Viviana , Rosica Annamaria , Ferrara Alfonso Massimiliano , Santarpia Libero , Salvatore Domenico , Chiovato Luca , Perri Anna , Moschini Lidia , Fazzini Cristina , Olivieri Antonella , Costa Pietro , Stoppioni Vera , Baserga Mariangiola , De Felice Mario , Sorcini Mariella , Fenzi Gianfranco , Di Lauro Roberto , Tartaglia Marco , Macchia Paolo Emidio
Published: January 2006

Context: Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is a common endocrine disorder with an incidence of 1:3000–4000 at birth. In 80–85% of cases, CH is caused by defects in thyroid organogenesis, resulting in absent, ectopically located, and/or severely reduced gland [thyroid dysgenesis (TD)]. Mutations in genes controlling thyroid development have demonstrated that in a few cases, TD is a Mendelian trait. However, accumulating evidence supports the view that the genetics of TD are complex, possibly with a polygenic/multifactorial basis. A higher prevalence of congenital heart disease has been documented in children with CH than in the general population. Such an association suggests a possible pathogenic role of genes involved in both heart and thyroid development. NKX2–5 encodes a homeodomain-containing transcription factor with a major role in heart development, and mutations affecting this gene have been reported in individuals with congenital heart disease.

Objective: In the present work we investigated the possible involvement of NKX2–5 mutations in TD.

Results: Our results indicate that Nkx2–5−/− embryos exhibit thyroid bud hypoplasia, providing evidence that NKX2–5 plays a role in thyroid organogenesis and that NKX2–5 mutations contribute to TD. NKX2–5 mutational screening in 241 patients with TD allowed the identification of three heterozygous missense changes (R25C, A119S, and R161P) in four patients with TD. Functional characterization of the three mutations demonstrated reduced DNA binding and/or transactivation properties, with a dominant-negative effect on wild-type NKX2–5.

Conclusion: Our results suggest a previously unknown role of NKX2–5 in the pathogenesis of TD.
Stereoselective Hydrogenation of Tetralin to cis-Decalin over a Carbon-supported Rhodium Catalyst in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Solvent
Authors: Hiyoshi Norihito , Mine Eiichi , Rode Chandrashekhar V , Sato Osamu , Shirai Masayuki
Published: January 2006

cis-Decalin was selectively obtained with high cis/trans ratio (83%) over a carbon-supported rhodium catalyst at 333 K under 6 MPa of hydrogen and 15 MPa of carbon dioxide.
An Efficient Synthesis of Helical Mesoporous Silica Nanorods
Authors: Zhang Qinghong , Lü Fei , Li Changli , Wang Ye , Wan Huilin
Published: January 2006

Helical mesoporous silica nanorods have been synthesized with high efficiency by the addition of 1-alkanol or 1-aminoalkane with proper carbon chain length (C4–C8) as a cosurfactant of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) during the synthesis of MCM-41 in a dilute synthesis gel containing CTAB, tetraethyl orthosilicate, ammonium hydroxide, and water.
(Inorganic Nanofiber/Enzyme) Hybrid Hydrogel: Preparation, Characterization, and Enzymatic Activity of Imogolite/Pepsin Conjugate
Authors: Inoue Nozomi , Otsuka Hideyuki , Wada Shin-Ichiro , Takahara Atsushi
Published: January 2006

The hybrid hydrogel composed of tubular aluminosilicate nanofiber, “imogolite,” and pepsin was prepared in a simple manner. We confirmed the formation of a network structure of imogolite in hydrogel by FE-SEM observations. Pepsin immobilized onto imogolite showed enzymatic activity after repeated reactions.
Prediction of the Octanol/Water Partition Coefficients of Petroporphyrin Model Compounds
Authors: Asami Satsuki , Saitoh Koichi
Published: January 2006

The octanol/water partition coefficients (POW) were predicted for five vanadium(IV)–porphyrin complexes which were taken as model compounds of petroporphyrin. The correlation between the reversed-phase liquid chromatographic retention factor and the POW observed for standards was applied to the prediction. The log POW values estimated for the metalloporphyrins range from 5.8 (for 5,10,15,20-tetramethylporphine complex) to 10.1 (for 2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octaethylporphine complex).
Palladium Catalyzed Conjugate 1,4-Addition of Organoboronic Acids to α,β-Unsaturated Ketones
Authors: Yamamoto Tetsuya , Iizuka Michiko , Ohta Tetsuo , Ito Yoshihiko
Published: January 2006

1,4-Addition of arylboronic acids to α,β-unsaturated ketones was smoothly catalyzed by palladium(0) phosphine complexes with chloroform in the presence of base. It is remarked that the palladium(0) complexes have no catalytic activity in the absence of chloroform. The reaction proceeded without β-hydride elimination.
Kabob-like Carbon Nanotube Hybrids
Authors: Liu Yuyang , Wang Ronghua , Chen Wei , Chen Xianqiong , Hu Zhigang , Cheng Xiaoyin , Xin Haozhong John
Published: January 2006

Inspired by the formation of stalagmite in nature, calcium carbonate nanoparticles (CaCO3) have been successfully generated along multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) backbones periodically via a very simple wet chemical route, thus forming the kabob-like MWNTs–CaCO3 hybrids. These MWNTs–CaCO3 hybrids are expected to have many potential applications in biomaterials and polymer reinforcement.