Sukhothai Style Essay Example

Sukhothai Style Essay Sukhothai was Thailands first free nation (Beek and Tettoni 7), founded in the early 13th century. This nations numerous hidden beauties such as its ruined temples contain Buddhist sculpture, which prove unique and monumental. For this assignment, I evaluate Sukhothai Buddhist art in relation to three main criteria-scholarly value, outstanding achievement, and exceptional contribution to existing Buddhist art-to determine its monumentality. First, I discuss the arts significance in revealing pertinent information about the Sukhothai people, and then the outstanding achievement of the Sukhothai Buddhist sculpture that is shown through its mastery of bronze techniques. Lastly, I present an analysis of the most distinct contribution of Sukhothai Buddhist sculpture-Buddha in a walking pose. I conclude Sukhothai Buddhist sculptures as one the monuments of Asian art. Sukhothai presently lies in ruins, but remaining sculptures provide uncorrupted evidence of Thai life and culture as it existed hundreds of years ago (Gosling 5). Therefore, through the sculptures, one is able to infer crucial knowledge of the historical people. First the sculptures provide crucial evidence to the importance of religion, mainly Buddhism, to the Sukhothai people (Stratton 12-13). Buddhists believed they could obtain merit towards their rebirth if they contributed to Buddhism. Thus the kings and people donated their money and time to Buddhist art in hopes to win merit, which explains the large quantities of sculptures found (Stratton 20). We will write a custom essay sample on Sukhothai Style specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Sukhothai Style specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Sukhothai Style specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The sculptures do not only hold religious information, but political information as well. For example the change in aesthetics of the Sukhothai sculptures to previous sculptures offers information on the political conditions of the time. Sukhothai, as mentioned above, was Thailands first free nation and the arts embrace their new found freedom. The people found themselves suddenly independent and sculptors reflect this notion with the progression they made in developing their own style of Buddhist sculpture (Gosling 88, 90). Their inspiration came from the Mahapurislaksana (Features of the Great Man) Text, which developed the idea of idealistic and superhuman characteristics and expressed the power of compassion and serenity1. The value of compassion and serenity implies the feelings towards of the new government and the hopes for the newly founded power2. The Sukhothai began placing their new values into existing Buddha sculptures, resulting in magnificent original pieces of art. The following is a comparison of an earlier sculpture to a latter sculpture: The Sukhothai artists has moved away from previously held conventions of the Buddha and appear to have made deliberate attempts to break off from earlier prototypes (Gosling 88). For example, the Buddha on the left has broad faces and fleshiness which is characteristic of Lanna sculptors (Gosling 86). Contrastingly, the Buddha on the right has tapered and petal-like (Gosling 88) fingers, a more pleasant countenance, and a highly stylized figure (Gosling 86-87). The Sukhothai Buddhist sculptures not only reflect religious or political importance, but also a great accomplishment of the people.

Free Essays on Role Of Anglo Saxon Women

such as seamster, spinster and Webster, nowadays a surname - all connected with cloth-making. From wills we know that a wealthy Anglo-Saxon household contained a variety of soft furnishings: bed-clothes, table-linen, seat-covers, wall-hangings, etc., so women would have had plenty of work in this field. In the Anglo-Saxon household, food was prepared by male slaves alone or men and women equally, but preparing and serving drink was women's job. This is confirmed by surnames such as Brewster, Malster and Tapster, and by heroic poetry, where the lady is always the one to serve the drinks. Female cup-bearers (birele) are also mentioned in Æthelbert's laws: "14. If a man lie with an eorl's birele, let him make bot with twelve shillings. ... 16. If a man lie with a ceorl's bir... Free Essays on Role Of Anglo Saxon Women Free Essays on Role Of Anglo Saxon Women The role of women. Anglo-Saxon society was decidedly patriarchal, but women were in some ways better off than they would be in later times. A woman could own property in her own right. She could and did rule a kingdom if her husband died. She could not be married without her consent and any personal goods, including lands, that she brought into a marriage remained her own property. If she were injured or abused in her marriage her relatives were expected to look after her interests.What did an Anglo-Saxon woman do all day? This would naturally depend greatly on her social class as well as regional and period differences. The word wif 'wife, woman' might be connected with weaving, which implies that cloth-making was associated with women. In wills, the male line was called wnedhealf 'weapon half' or sperehealf 'spear half' and the female line was wifhealf 'wife half' or spinelhealf 'spindle half'. It would then seem that men were traditionally warriors or hunters, while women were clo th-makers and embroiderers.This view is also supported by other literature from that time and by grave findings. Furthermore, the feminine occupational suffix -stere was used to form words such as seamster, spinster and Webster, nowadays a surname - all connected with cloth-making. From wills we know that a wealthy Anglo-Saxon household contained a variety of soft furnishings: bed-clothes, table-linen, seat-covers, wall-hangings, etc., so women would have had plenty of work in this field. In the Anglo-Saxon household, food was prepared by male slaves alone or men and women equally, but preparing and serving drink was women's job. This is confirmed by surnames such as Brewster, Malster and Tapster, and by heroic poetry, where the lady is always the one to serve the drinks. Female cup-bearers (birele) are also mentioned in Æthelbert's laws: "14. If a man lie with an eorl's birele, let him make bot with twelve shillings. ... 16. If a man lie with a ceorl's bir...

The assessment for this module is an End Course Assessment (ECA) Essay

The assessment for this module is an End Course Assessment (ECA) constituting report based on the MINI case study - Essay Example This failure can have a profound negative impact on the brand equity of the parent or corporate brand. The second positive application of this strategy deals with the addition of a new brand in the brand portfolio of the parent company. This step gives a fresh outlook to the corporate brand portfolio and enables it to nurture a â€Å"Star†. This strategy, also gives some breathing space to the aging brands of the corporation, thereby extending the lifecycle of the entire brand portfolio. Let’s analyze the marketing strategy of MINI on pertinent dimensions: 4P’s Framework: The marketing mix or 4P’s, as they are called, reflects the important strategies of the organization regarding the product, price, promotion, and place (Fill, 2009). Product The product under consideration is the MINI car, which launched its new model in 2001. In addition to this model the company has the following brands of cars: New MINI, MINI One, MINI Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper D, MINI Convertible, MINI Clubman and MINI Countryman. Price The pricing method used by the company to appraise its cars is â€Å"value-based pricing†. This method of pricing is consistent with the strong brand equity of the car. Since the car is a symbol of a specific kind of lifestyle, therefore it carries immense value for the followers of this kind of lifestyle. These followers are willing to give extra when it comes to expressing their peculiar lifestyle. This makes MINI exclusive and inaccessible to every car buyer. Promotion Industry followers have always found MINI’s marketing campaigns to be very innovative, lively and peculiar. These attributes make these campaigns very successful. When MINI launched its new 2001 model, it employed adventure campaigns to enhance brand awareness. This campaign had at its core the concept of buzz marketing. By the use of this concept the company amplified its core association of: Excitement, Uniqueness and Fun. Through this campaign th e company very successfully raised the level of awareness of its brand, and created a word of mouth effect among its customer community. This campaign employed both traditional and contemporary marketing tools and tactics, for instance media houses were brought into this campaign, print and online advertising was done along with promotional material being planted in hot spots(important public centers). Through â€Å"Bondage Fetish leather†, the company extended its adventurous and likely nature. In this entire promotional campaign the company engaged its target audience and fan community. The company employed methods which led to their (audience and community) participation. In this endeavor the company also made use of digital community forums like social networking sites e.g. Face Book, Twitter, YouTube. One unique method used in this endeavor was MINI Space, which brought together the MINI community. This community used to engage in online conversations in the form of thre ads, to communicate their opinions about the car. Direct marketing tools like emails and instant messages were also used. A unique king of email was sent to customers, containing a game in it. This mail was very

William Byrd contributions to music Research Paper

William Byrd contributions to music - Research Paper Example He gained heavy recognition for madrigals and dance performances which were light hearted in nature and he is even well known for the production of Latin music which represented the archaic cycle and this music was especially composed for different events that take place in the calendar of church. During the 17th century he continued to compose his own style of music without being influenced by the Baroque fashion of music but his contributions in the form of keyboard are recognized as the starting point of Baroque fashion and style which was harpsichord in nature. He was even well known for being a composer for the Anglican court for a major portion of his musical life, but towards the end of his life, he made contribution to Roman liturgy through his music and lost his life in relative darkness. During 1605 when the Gunpowder Plot was made and there was a frenzy of anti-Catholic attitude, his music experienced banning and he even experienced imprisonment in the region of England an d some of his ban music has been a part of English cathedrals for over a period of four centuries (Kerman, 1981, p.227). Byrd’s Works Most of the musicians of the Renaissance era started their musical career at a very early age; similarly, Byrd even started his musical career at a very tender age. ... At the age of 18, he was not longer a part of the court, this time period marks the replacement of Queen Marry with Queen Elizabeth. He returned to the scene during middle years of twenties and was working as choir master and organist in the Lincoln Cathedral and in this setting he had to be warned for playing for extra long period of time during service sessions at the Cathedral. During the period of 1572 he returned back to London and was awarded a high paying job along with extra benefits and was even regarded as the Chapel Royal’s Gentleman (Crabtree, 2005, p.208). During his stay in London he operated and worked in different musical roles such as singer, organist and music writer for a period of more than two decades. As soon as he gained the position of a gentleman, he along with Tallis were able to acquire a printing license from the Queen and with this license he was able to print three different groups of Latin motets. The first of these motets were published during t he period of 1575 with the assistance of his teacher and later he published two more groups of motets during the period of 1591and this time he did it all alone as his teacher was not longer alive (Kennedy, 2004, p.114). While he was working on the Latin motets, he purchased two musical anthologies in English language and he even purchased songs, sonnets and psalms during the session of 1588 and later in the year 1589, he made a purchase of Songs of Sundrie Natures. He even made contributions to the Royal Chapel by writing music in the style of Anglican Church which even includes the master piece of the ten-voice Great Service and even composed well recognized anthems including the

Term paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Term - Research Paper Example It is firmly attached using screws through already drilled holes. Its front usually contains ports used to connect all the other internal components. In this case, one slot contains the central processing unit (CPU), while multiple slots allow for attachment of more memory modules. Other ports found on the motherboard allows for optical drive, floppy drive, and hard drive to connect through a ribbon cable. In addition, the computer case has some small wires that connect to the motherboard allowing for reset, power and LED lights to function. There is also a specially designed port on the motherboard through which power is supplied2. Part of the motherboard facing the back end of the case also has some ports. These ports are said to allow most external peripherals of the computer to connect to the monitor, keyboard, printer, mouse, phone lines, speakers and other external devices. Majority of motherboards also has FireWire and USB ports to enable compatible devices such as video camer as to connect to the computer when needed3. In fact, on the front side of the motherboard also exists quite a number of card slots. It is reported that these slots are where sound cards, video cards, and other expansion cards are connected to the motherboard. Functions of the motherboard System communication: It is through the motherboard that all forms of communication between the PC, its peripherals and other PCs plus the user go through4. Organization of devices: Is it has been elaborated everything within the computer are connected to the motherboard. In this way, its design dictates how the entire computer system is to be organized. Processor support: It is the motherboard socket that dictates the choice of processor that can be used in the system. Device control: The BIOS and chipset programs are usually built into the motherboard, which controls most data flow throughout the computer system. Support of peripherals: The motherboard components have a powerful function in determ ining the type of peripherals that a user can use in the PC of the computer. For instance, one cannot use AGP cards if the motherboard only has PCI slots. Upgradability: With the advancement in technology which see the emergence of new motherboards, it is a mater of fact that newer processors may experience compatibility problems with the hardware due to limitations of circuitry built-in to the board, which may not allow them to function. As a result, one may look for an upgrade at the manufacturer’s website or do upgrading5. System performance: The motherboard determines a great deal the performance of the computer since it dictates the type of memory, processors, system buses as well as hard disk interface speed that a computer system can have via BIOS settings or connectors. It is for this reason that in case a user upgrades after several years it is advisable to replace CPU, board and the memory6. 2. Central processing Unit (CPU) The CPU is arguably the brain of the compu ter, which is responsible for fetching, decoding, executing programs and performing mathematical and logical calculations7. In fact, without the CPU, the computer is just a nutshell. The CPU is made of numerous thin layers of transistors. The transistors are extremely tiny that blocks weak electricity when the charge is weak, but allows the same electricity to pass through when the power is strong enough. Since CPUs are small in size, they are sometimes referred to as microprocessors. Modern CPUs are

Detecting Autoantibodies in Human Sera Samples using ELISA

Detecting Autoantibodies in Human Sera Samples using ELISA Introduction Autoimmunity is a series of immune responses that is made against an organisms own cells and tissues due to inability to recognise own cells and tissues as self (Mandal, 2014). Diseases can arise as a result of autoimmunity. This includes lupus (SLE). Lupus (SLE) arises because of immunological mechanisms. With tolerance to antigens is lost and production of autoreactive lymphocytes the process of autoantibody is produced. Continuous production of autoantibodies from autoantibody producing cells results in formation of immune complexes. (Bolland and Ravetch, 2000). There are many factors which influence the susceptibility and development of lupus (SLE). These include hormonal, environmental, and genetic factors (Lisnevskaia et al, 2014). Genes involved in lupus (SLE) include MHC loci, tumor necrosis factor alpha, components of the complement factor and the mannose binding protein (Tsao and Grossman, 2001). Environmental triggers have influence on expression for lupus (SLE) such as vi tamin D deficiency. Vitamin D has an important role in order for the immune system to function properly because receptors of vitamin D are found in the cells of the immune system such as T lymphocytes, monocytes and dendritic cells. Also reduced vitamin D intake due to photosensitivity is associated with lupus (SLE). Thus, deficiency in vitamin D has a major consequence for the immune system and can create autoimmune diseases (Albishri et al, 2015). Hormones have a role in acting as chemical messengers in the immune response (Csaba, 2014). These chemical signals produced from hormones are disrupted especially between the brain and target cells which is an important factor in lupus (SLE) (Pick, n.d.). Because of this disrupted balance of hormone production certain hormones are more prevalent which cause lupus (SLE). High estrogen concentrations have been linked to lupus (SLE) due to it causing autoimmunity and with patients having a fast conversion of androgens to estrogens. Patients with joint pains are linked with lupus (SLE) and also have a high concentration of estrogen (Lupusinternational.com, n.d.). Diagnosis of lupus (SLE) include the lupus band test which detects for the presence of antinuclear antibodies. This is done using immunofluorescence. By looking at the florescence pattern the type of antibody can be detected. For a person to be positive for lupus (SLE) IgG and other complement depositions will be found at the dermoepidermal junction. To be specific there will be a bandlike deposit along the epidermal basement membrane due to the presence of IgG. Also a bandlike deposit will be present in the nucleus of the epidermal cells. A high concentration of anti-dsDNA antibody from titers also shows the presence of SLE due to anti-dsDNA antibody having a high specificity for SLE (Gill et al, 2003). Diagnosis can also be made using the SLICC criteria. For a patient to have SLE, at least four criterions need to be met including one clinical criterion (Petr i et al, 2012). There is currently no cure for SLE but a number of treatments are available. Prognosis for SLE has improved significantly since the 1950s with people diagnosed it living for less than five years. Now ninety percent of people with SLE live over ten years. The effect of SLE is more evident in men and children than in women. Causes of early death has been due to failure of organs and infections. Because of improved survival rate other factors have come in to play for the death of SLE patients. Cardiovascular disease is one factor and it is important to prevent this from being developed (Doria et al, 2006).       The ELISA test is a diagnostic test used to measure the concentration of certain antibodies or antigens present in a sample from a disease patient. ELISA is unique due to the separation of specific and non-specific interactions during serial binding to the multiwell plate. At the end of ELISA, a coloured product is produced that is associated with the amount of antibody or antigen present in the solution sample (Bio-Rad, n.d.). The first step of ELISA is coating, where a layer of antigen or antibody is adsorbed to the wells on the plate. After coating, blocking and detection are the next steps. Several washes are needed between each ELISA step to remove unbound materials. During this process excess liquid is removed in order to prevent dilution of the solutions added in the next stage (Bio-Rad, n.d.). For detection of SLE in the patient, the patients serum sample undergoes the ELISA test to detect the concentration of anti-dsDNA-antibodies which is specific for patients with SLE. A h igh concentration of anti-dsDNA-antibodies will indicate that the patient has SLE (Wigand et al, 1997). The aim of this experiment is to measure the concentration of anti-dsDNA-antibody present in both of the serum samples using the ELISA test by binding to the complimentary antigen double stranded DNA in the wells. The samples come from a female patient known to be suffering from SLE. Sample A was obtained when she was feeling relatively well and sample B was collected on the day of the practical. By comparing the yellow colour intensity at the end of the ELISA test for both samples and compared to the controls and using the standard curve the concentration of anti-dsDNA antibodies can be obtained and correlated to the relevant SLE prognosis level. An assay result above the laboratory reference range for the anti-dsDNA-antibody at a particular prognosis level will show that the patient is positive for SLE and the level of SLE prognosis. Based on the level of SLE prognosis suitable treatments will be given to the patient. Results On each strip the first three wells were labelled the positive controls, the next three labels were measured the negative controls and the remaining wells were labelled sample A and B (three for each sample). In the first stage 50 µl of purified antigen was added to each well of the microplate strip. The strip was incubated for two minutes at room temperature to allow time for the antigen to bind to each plastic well. A layer of antigens was present in each well once incubation had finished. After incubation the wells were washed using a wash buffer to remove excess liquid. In stage three 100 µl of blocking buffer was added into each well and incubated for two minutes to remove unbound sites. The wells were washed again to remove excess liquid. In the next step 50 µl of the positive controls, negative controls and the test autosera samples were loaded into the relevant wells. The strip was then incubated for 10 minutes at room temperature. After incubation for 10 minutes the we lls were washed to remove the unbound antibodies. Once the wash was done 50 µl of secondary antibody was added to the wells. Then the wells were incubated for 5 minutes at room temperature. The washing procedure was repeated again to remove any unbound secondary antibodies. In stage nine 50 µl of the HRP enzyme substrate was added to the wells. The strip was incubated for 5 minutes at room temperature. This allowed sufficient time for the HRP enzyme which is conjugated to secondary antibodies to metabolise the TBT substrate. The metabolisation of the TBT substrate produced a blue-coloured product. Each well turned blue fairly quickly during the incubation and the final strip is shown in figure 1. The intensity for the positive control was six, negative control was zero, and sample A and sample B was five. Figure 1. The micro plate strip showing the blue-coloured product after the enzyme substrate was added and then incubated for 5 minutes. For the final stage of the ELISA test the reaction was stopped by adding 50 µl of stop solution, (10% (v/v) phosphoric acid/ddH2O) into the wells. The blue solution turned yellow on addition of the stop solution. This is seen in figure 2. The intensity for the positive control was six, negative control was zero, sample A was one and sample B was two. Figure 2. The micro plate strip showing the yellow-coloured product after the addition of the stop buffer to the blue-coloured product. Absorbance measurements were obtained using a plate reader for the controls and samples. The absorbance relates to the concentration of anti-dsDNA antibodies present in the samples. The data is shown in table 1. Table 1. The absorbance data for the controls and samples. +ive controls -ive controls Sample 1 Sample 2 1 2 3 Avg 1 2 3 Avg 1 2 3 Avg 1 2 3 Avg 0.660 0.717 0.655 0.677 0.063 0.053 0.084 0.067 0.139 0.139 0.141 0.140 0.287 0.255 0.236 0.259 Discussion The antigen that coated the wells of the microplate strip was double stranded DNA. Two epitopes were present. During the reaction when the control and the autosera samples are loaded, the antibodies present are being detected which is complementary to the antigens coated in the wells. The antibodies need to be diluted using a blocking buffer for prevention of non-specific binding of proteins in the antiserum on the well specifically the solid phase. The antibodies in the serum will bind to the complementary antigens during incubation. Any unbound antibodies are removed by washing. After this, secondary antibodies are added in order to detect the primary antibodies. During incubation the secondary antibodies binds to the primary antibodies (Vlab.amrita.edu, 2011). Looking at figure 1, in the positive control samples, the intensity of the blue coloured product was six due to a known amount of anti-dsDNA antibodies present in the sample. This is used to show the procedure is working. The negative control had a blue colour intensity of zero due to no antibodies present in the sample. The intensities of both sample A and B were similar on the scale of five. From figure 2, looking at the positive control sample the intensity of the yellow coloured product is five due to the high amount of known antibodies present which a patient with SLE should have. The mean absorbance value from table 1 for sample 1 is lower than sample 2 which correlates to the colour intensity which is lower than sample 2. This means that sample 1 is from the patient when she was feeling relatively well due to a very low amount of anti-dsDNA antibodies present. Sample 2 has a higher absorbance value than sample 1 with a colour intensity which is also higher at two. Because of t his result sample 2 comes from the patient when she was feeling unwell. Also this level of intensity shows that the patient has a low level for SLE because of low level detection. The experiment was successful because the results obtained were precise and accurate. The only issue during the experiment was that the intensity of the blue-coloured product was the same for both sample A and B when the enzyme substrate was added. Sample 1 had the lowest concentration of anti-DNA antibodies whereas sample 2 had the higher concentration of anti-dsDNA antibodies. This is because of the colour intensity of the final product where sample 1 is low and sample 2 is higher. The mean absorbance value for sample A is 0.14. The laboratory reference range value for sample A is -0.02. Based on the laboratory reference value this means that when the patient was feeling relatively well she was negative towards SLE. The mean absorbance for sample B is 0.26. The laboratory reference value for sample B is 0.13. The absorbance value is higher than the reference value meaning it is positive for a disease prognosis level which is a low level. This means that the patient is mainly disease free but with periods where low disease activity occurs. ELISA is a procedure used to measure the concentration of antigen present in the sample. The estimate of the analyte concentration is as a result from the construction of a standard curve. The standard curve is constructed from the making of several serial dilutions of a known concentration of the analyte across the range of concentrations close to the expected unknown concentration. The unknown samples concentration is derived by interpolation which needs a standard curve which has been properly generated (Natarajan and Remick, 2008). As the intensity yellow colour in the end result has a value of only two we can say that the patient has a very low level of anti-dsDNA present which means the disease is likely to be calm but with a few periods of low disease activity (Kirkbride, 2015). These low disease activities include cutaneous manifestations, musculoskeletal manifestations and serositis which can be treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) or immunosuppression medications which have a low potency on top of the already taken hydroxychloroquine and corticosteroids (Mosca et al, 2001). Bibliography Albishri, J., Alsubai, K. and Alsubai, H. (2015). Vitamin D in systemic lupus erythematosis. World journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences, 5(1), pp.455-462. Bio-Rad. (n.d.). ELISA Procedure | Bio-Rad. [online] Available at: https://www.bio-rad-antibodies.com/elisa-procedure.html [Accessed 19 Dec. 2016]. Bio-Rad. (n.d.). What is ELISA? An Introduction to ELISA | Bio-Rad. [Online] Available at: https://www.bio-rad-antibodies.com/an-introduction-to-elisa.html [Accessed 19 Dec. 2016]. Bolland, S. and Ravetch, J. (2000). Spontaneous Autoimmune Disease in FcÃŽÂ ³RIIB-Deficient Mice Results from Strain-Specific Epistasis. Immunity, 13(2), pp.277-285. Csaba, G. (2014). Hormones in the immune system and their possible role. A critical review. Acta Microbiologica et Immunologica Hungarica, 61(3), pp.241-260. Doria, A., Iaccarino, L., Ghirardello, A., Zampieri, S., Arienti, S., Sarzi-Puttini, P., Atzeni, F., Piccoli, A. and Todesco, S. (2006). Long-Term Prognosis and Causes of Death in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. The American Journal of Medicine, 119(8), pp.700-706. Gill, J., Quisel, A., Rocca, P. and Walters, D. (2003). Diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus. American Family Physician, 68(11), pp.2179-2186. Kirkbride, G. (2015). Understanding Laboratory Tests and Results for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). [Online] Hospital for Special Surgery. Available at: https://www.hss.edu/conditions_understanding-laboratory-tests-and-results-for-systemic-lupus-erythematosus.asp [Accessed 20 Dec. 2016]. Lisnevskaia, L., Murphy, G. and Isenberg, D. (2014). Systemic lupus erythematosus. The Lancet, 384(9957), pp.1878-1888. Lupusinternational.com. (n.d.). Hormones and SLE Lupus International. [Online] Available at: http://www.lupusinternational.com/Living-With-Lupus/Pregnancy-and-Lupus-/Hormones-and-SLE.aspx [Accessed 19 Dec. 2016]. Mandal, A. (2014). What is Autoimmunity?. [Online] News-Medical.net. Available at: http://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Autoimmunity.aspx [Accessed 16 Dec. 2016]. Mosca, M., Ruiz-Irastorza, G., Khamashta, M. and Hughes, G. (2001). Treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus. International Immunopharmacology, 1(6), pp.1065-1075. Natarajan, S. and Remick, D. (2008). The ELISA Standard Save: Calculation of sample concentrations in assays with a failed standard curve. Journal of Immunological Methods, 336(2), pp.242-245. Petri, M., Orbai, A., Alarcà ³n, G., Gordon, C., Merrill, J., Fortin, P., Bruce, I., Isenberg, D., Wallace, D., Nived, O., Sturfelt, G., Ramsey-Goldman, R., Bae, S., Hanly, J., Sà ¡nchez-Guerrero, J., Clarke, A., Aranow, C., Manzi, S., Urowitz, M., Gladman, D., Kalunian, K., Costner, M., Werth, V., Zoma, A., Bernatsky, S., Ruiz-Irastorza, G., Khamashta, M., Jacobsen, S., Buyon, J., Maddison, P., Dooley, M., van Vollenhoven, R., Ginzler, E., Stoll, T., Peschken, C., Jorizzo, J., Callen, J., Lim, S., Fessler, B., Inanc, M., Kamen, D., Rahman, A., Steinsson, K., Franks, A., Sigler, L., Hameed, S., Fang, H., Pham, N., Brey, R., Weisman, M., McGwin, G. and Magder, L. (2012). Derivation and validation of the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics classification criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus. Arthritis Rheumatism, 64(8), pp.2677-2686. Pick, M. (n.d.). Lupus And Hormones | Women to Women. [Online] Womentowomen.com. Available at: https://www.womentowomen.com/inflammation/lupus-and-hormones/ [Accessed 19 Dec. 2016]. Tsao, B. and Grossman, J. (2001). Genetics and systemic lupus erythematosus. Current Rheumatology Reports, 3(3), pp.183-190. Vlab.amrita.edu. (2011). INDIRECT Elisa (Theory) : Immunology Virtual Lab I : Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering : Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham Virtual Lab. [Online] Available at: http://vlab.amrita.edu/?sub=3brch=69sim=721cnt=1 [Accessed 20 Dec. 2016]. Wigand, R., Gottschalk, R., Falkenbach, A., Matthias, T., Kaltwasser, J. and Hoelzer, D. (1997). Detection of dsDNA antibodies in diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosuscomparative studies of diagnostic effectiveness of 3 ELISA methods with different antigens and a Crithidia luciliae immunofluorescence test. Zeitschrift fur Rheumatologie, 56(2), pp.53-62.

Apartheid in South Africa Essay -- South African Apartheid

"Racism is mans gravest threat to man...the maximum of hatred for a minimum reason." -- Abraham Heschel The Apartheid. An experience that left thousands of Black South Africans without rights, property, and even lives. Although original in its name, the ideas were not original in itself. The ordeal dates back to 1652 when the early Dutch settlers moved into Black territory on a mission to "change the order of civilization" (Rotberg 18). "Boers" (Rotberg; 18) as the Dutch called themselves, took up "an extreme fundamentalist Calvinist interpretation of religion" (Rotberg 19). This religion entails that one be a "ruler of all" (Rotberg 20). In 1795, English rule came over the Dutch resulting in a conflict between English settlers and Dutch (Afrikaner) settlers. Both groups empowered South Africa and did not share the power equally. In the early 1900s there was a heated battle over the discovery of diamonds which marked a victory for the Dutch (Rotberg 18). However this victory was not won simply by themselves. Black South Africans assisted in the war. From this, the Dutch felt they neede d to reform stricter prohibitions for the Blacks to follow; resulting in another reason to separate the Whites from the Non-Whites: quoted by a British Native Administrator, "it was needed to transform warriors (Blacks) into laborers working for wages" (Dugard, Haysom, and Marcus 25). Blacks were considered warriors because of their "battle with the British and Dutch" (Dugard, Haysom, and Marcus 25). The Dutch, who then changed their name to the Afrikaner National Party, did so as a means to separate themselves from the English as well as ensure social and economical dominations towards all Blacks. This name stayed with them until the late 1940s ... ...e society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if the needs be it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die"- Nelson Mandela, freed prisoner after the Apartheid came to an end ( Gordimer, Goldblatt 92). WORKS CITED Dugard, John, Nicholas Haysom, and Gilbert Marcus. The Last Years of Apartheid: Civil Liberties in South Africa. United States of America: Ford Foundation, 1992. Gordimer, Nadine, David Goldblatt. Lifetimes Under Apartheid. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1986. Pomeroy, William J. Apartheid, Imperialism, and African Freedom. New York: International Publishers, 1986. Neame, L.E. The History of Apartheid. New York: London House and Maxwell, 1962. Rotberg, Robert I. Ending Autocracy, Enabling Democracy. Cambridge: World Peace Foundation, 2002.

Basic Economics

The main reason for studying economics is that it is practical. Everyone makes economic decisions everyday. We all face the problem of scarcity and, thus, must continue to make choices. Today, people are getting to be more and more concerned about Economics. The current economic situation seems to interests everybody in society; the bread earner, the laborer, the bank teller, the accountant, the college professor, and even the student.While most of these people have had no actual background in economics, it comes as a change for the students to familiarize himself with what economics is about. He gets to learn howto analyze the theory and to explain why things are happening in the nation. With today’s emphasis on economics it, therefore, pays to be equipped with the knowledge of economic theory. Man’s basic economic activity consists of effort to satisfy human wants with the use of goods and services. It involved satisfaction. Human wants from the needs for survival oth erwise known as basic needs (e. g. food, clothing & shelter), to higher needs for a comfortable and more meaningful life. Man is subject to create wants, developed due to the effects of advertising and demonstrative effects of consumption. Economics isconcerned with the satisfaction of many of these human wants especially the basic ones. The basic economic resources of a nation consists of land, labor, capital and entrepreneurship. The economy should pay the owners of these basic factors of production for the use of their resources such as rent for the land, wage or salary for labor, interests for capital and profit for entrepreneurship. The technique of production which shows how resources are used and combined in production, thus, production is described as capital intensive or labor intensive depending on what factor is predominantly used.In effect, the basis activities of man also constitute the basic exchange that take place between the business firm and the consumers. The hous ehold is the basic consuming unit in the economy. Since human wants are unlimited, it maxims its satisfaction through the proper allocation or mix of expenditures within the context of budget limitations. The business firm serves as the economy’s producing unit to satisfy human wants with goods and services. The use of the resources generates income for the resource owners. Most societies aim to use economic-activity as a channel to improve the people’sstandards of living within the limits of available resources. Hence, a government can restructure the economic system in order to solve its shortcomings or problems like; unemployment, economic instability that cause highs and lows in production and investment levels, low level of growth and development, inequality income distribution, determination of the type of economic system. The choice of the nation’s economic system is vital to any country because it determines the manner in which goods will be produced, th e quantities of each good that will be produced and the distribution of these goods and services.Within the economy, the basic activities of production, consumption, employment and income generation take place through the interrelationship existing between the basic consuming unit, which is the household and the basic producing unit, which is the firm. Business firm supplying the household with goods and services in exchange for payments representing consumption expenditures. On the other hand, the business firm has to use economic resources consisting of land, labor, capital and entrepreneur to produce these goods and services. The households provide the firms’ theses resources inexchange for payments in the forms of rent, interest, wages, salaries and profit. The money flow is depicted in the money payment by the firm to the household of its money income and by household to the firm for its purchase of goods and services. On the other hand, the good flow is depicted in the flow of economic resources from the household to the firm and in the flow of good and services from the firm to the household. An economic system, in answering the needs of society, has the function of determining what goods and services to produce as well as the order of their importance. This willnaturally depend on the needs of the economy as well as its goals and objectives. In addition, the economic system has to perform the task of organizing productive efforts to produce the selected goods and services in the proper quantities. Lastly it must determine how these goods and services should be shared among the members of society(Leftwich). In traditional economic system, production decisions are made according to customs and traditions ( not allowing the producers to adjust to changes dictated by the time). This is usually practices in underdeveloped regions and in mountainous areas whereThe command economics, the answers to the basic economic problems are dictated by the govern ment through the head of the nation or a group of men designated by the head to make the decisions. This system is socialistic as the government owns and controls the factors of production. The government plans what to produce and how resources should be allocated. The system works under the principle that the interest of society should prevail over that of the individuals. Decision regarding the distribution of goods, lie in the hands of the government and, hence individual preferences are not considered at all.The market system deals with the economic problems by considering consumers choices. Consumers demand in the market as reflected in the prices of goods and services. The market prices serve as signals to the producers about what goods to produce and how much of these goods should be produced. The problem of production is therefore, solved by the price mechanism. In an economy where prices are continuously rising, people have always wondered what factors cause prices to fluct uate. The demand and supply are the main forces that cause prices to increase or decrease.From our daily experience of buying and selling, we know that higher prices influence people to buy less. Therefore, the demand function shows how the quantity demanded on a particular good responds to price change. As price increases, the quantity demanded of the product decreases, but as price decreases, the quantity purchased will instead increase. (If the price is low demand is high while if the price is high demand is low) Individual consumers, business firms and government agencies participate in the market place motivated by the desire to maximize utility (consumers), profits (business firms), orthe general welfare (Government agencies). People who are willing and able to buy a particular goods at some price become part of the market demand while those willing and able to sell the good demanded by people at some price are part of the market supply. The behavior of all buyers and sellers in a market determines the quality of good and services that is actually exchanged. With today’s emphasis on economics it therefore, pays to be equipped with the knowledge of economic system and learn the basic economics. Leftwich, Richard. 1969. An introduction to economic thinking. USA: Rhinehart & Winston Inc.

Social psychology seems to have many origins; critically discuss the historical and philosophical roots of modern social psychology The WritePass Journal

Social psychology seems to have many origins; critically discuss the historical and philosophical roots of modern social psychology Introduction Social psychology seems to have many origins; critically discuss the historical and philosophical roots of modern social psychology IntroductionConclusionRelated Introduction There are many explanations for the origins of modern social psychology. It is therefore important to consider that social psychology cannot be traced back to one single source of origin (Burr, 2003). Hence, this is the reason why there are debates of what social psychology is. Allport (1985) described social psychology as â€Å"the study of people’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviours which are influenced by the actual, imagines, or implied presence of others†. As seen from this definition there is a direct link between social science and the individual psychology (Sewel, 1989). Social psychology cannot be seen as a linear phenomenon. This is because social psychology has derived from combination of influences. The development of social psychology can be discussed in two different ways. Firstly, social psychology is argued to be found upon political movements and social philosophies in the United Stated of America (US). Secondary, it can be argued that social psychology developed due to the response of social and political needs. 3. There have been debates regarding whether social psychology should be dealt as a natural science or not. The ideology of natural science is very important as it affects the way the social psychologist deal with situations. For example, if there are specific scientific objectives then the study is laboratory based and uses experimental procedures in order to gain knowledge. Psychologists who use this positivistic method are classified as experimental social psychologists. On the other hand, critical-social psychology has competed with experimental-social psychologists. The strength of the critical-social psychologists is that they use a range of different methods in research, and are not limited to scientific knowledge. This includes both qualitative and quantitative methods. Overall, critical social psychologists are described as having a critical ideology in order to uncover meanings of social phenomena (Gough McFadden, 2001). Both critical and experimental social psychology for m the modern social psychology due to their important historical context. Experimental-social psychology is argued to be derived from the American tradition, and critical-social psychology has been argued to be derived from the European tradition. Although this has formed two distinct approaches in the use of methodology in psychology, there are still on-going debates over psychology as a science or not. 4. An important contribution that has made a great impact on the modern social psychology was from William McDougall. McDougall proposed for an evolutionary psychology, which was influenced by Darwin’s theory. Especially with the dominant fields of sociology and anthropology, McDougall was able to link science, sociology and psychology (McDougall, 1919). However, McDougall’s research in social evolution was also interpreted as radical due to the racism involved in behaviour gene inheritance. This shows that even though McDougall’s work has been a start point to the origins of social psychology, it has also led to misconcepts especially in the Western society. Another person who contributed to the origins of social psychology was William James which developed the theory of ‘stream of consciousness’. The strength of the ‘stream of consciousness’ was that it was not only using the introspect technique. The reason why James made an influence in social psychology is due to the step taken from introspection, in order to understand the human’s behaviour by their emotions and thoughts. 5. Although both McDougall and James made a great contribution to social psychology, especially in the context of theories and research, their interpretations are different. This difference is due to the discussion of human nature of free will. Overall, McDougall can be described as the origin of the European tradition of social psychology. This is because he believed an individual lacks free will due to the social and cultural forces. Whereas James can be described as the origins of the American tradition of social psychology. This is because James explained that individuals are conscious of their own decisions. Furthermore, James is an influencing figure in the philosophical movement of Pragmatism. Pragmatism approached ideologies and propositions with practical ideas, e.g. experimental validity. 9. The emergence of experimental social psychology is very different to critical social psychology. Rogers (2004) clarified the first social psychology experiments to be Triplett’s study on dynamogenic influence. In basic terms Triplett’s noticed that children performed better when in competition with others. Triplett’s study can now interpreted as social influence. However, Hogg Vaughan (1998) argues that Triplett’s study cannot be explained as the first social psychology study because it was recognised later on when the study was reformed. Nevertheless, Triplett’s study established the use of experimental methodology in his investigation. 6. Volkerpsychologie was a movement in Germany in the late nineteenth century. The Volkerpsycholgie disciple tried to explain the reasons behind social groupings as collective dimension (Rogers, 2003). The social groups in Germany where mainly dominant of specific German nationalist character. From these German characters it was proposed that language and culture had a role in individual perception and thinking. This led to Wundt’s proposition of using experimental psychology in order to investigate language and culture. Hence, Wundt is described as the ‘founder of experimental psychology’ (Burr, 2004). As an experimental psychologist Wundt believed psychology was a natural science, which is the reason why Wundt used introspection technique to interpret the consciousness, inner-thoughts, desires and sensations of individuals (English, 1921). However he did not ignore the philosophy of psychology, particularly with the rise of crowd-psychology. The history of crowd psychology links to the French Revolution in 1789-1799.   Crowd psychology can be described as a collectivist approach, in which the term ‘social’ is critical to our understanding, largely due to group influence and culture. 7. Between the periods of French revolution a lot of philosophical thinkers, including Comte and Durkheim, became interested on how the society and individuals influence each other. With the vast amount of literature emerging in France on social ideas the French-social theory began to develop. The French-social theory introduced Positivism, as of Comte. The doctrine of positivism allowed philosophy and science to be separated in order for science to become distinguished. However, the positivistic approach also was a major factor in the separation of American and European social psychology (Farr, 1996). This is why Comte can be perceived as the founder of social psychology (ALLPORT 1954). Comte’s work was influenced but also debated by Durkheim (Poggi, 2000W). Durkheim’s addition to French-social theory was the method of comparative, which is devised of observation (Randall, 1975W). The study of social representation became very famous in the French revolution period, pa rticularly Durkheim’s research that showed collective representation within a society (Farr, 1996). One of the major influences that this had on the modern social psychology is from Moscovici study. Moscovici noted Durkheim as his influence for his study in social representation (Farr, 1996). Social representation theory brought a new development to the social psychology, which is now described as critical social psychology. 8. With the French revolution the philosophical era of Enlightenment emerged. Enlightenment era brought civilisation to individuals, away from the religious authority of the church (Burr, 2004). This allowed individual’s to search for truth of reality, by means of reasoning. The ‘search for truth’ allowed individuals to explore social phenomena. For example; the ideology of Marx on social class and labour, Piaget’s reasoning of child development. Within the period of Enlightenment two different theoretical concepts arose; Modernism and Postmodernism. The assumption of science as the foundation to knowledge is constructed by modernism. The principles of modernism are described as; democracy, liberal individualism, liberal humanism, and science (Roger, 2003). The science established by modernism, brought a progress from the knowledge gained from the religious beliefs to the knowledge gained from scientific methods. However, postmodernism argues that knowledge is not discovered but rather constructed. Postmodernism also argue that there is multiple variety of knowledge, which the individual constructs by means of reasoning. The individuals construct their knowledge’s due to situation factors including culture and society in different locations. For example, the psychological illness of depression cannot always be diagnosed with the same scientific tests in different cultures. The principle of the postmodernisms has had a key impact on critical social psychology. Even though modernism and postmodernism are opposite terms, critically speaking both have established a European tradition of collectivistic approach. 9. The emergence of experimental social psychology is very different to critical social psychology. Rogers (2004) clarified the first social psychology experiments to be Triplett’s study on dynamogenic influence. In basic terms Triplett’s noticed that children performed better when in competition with others. Triplett’s study can now interpreted as social influence. However, Hogg Vaughan (1998) argues that Triplett’s study cannot be explained as the first social psychology study because it was recognised later on when the study was reformed. Nevertheless, Triplett’s study established the use of experimental methodology in his investigation. 2. One of the most significant event is social psychology is the World War 2 (WWII). Post war issues of social warfare arouse, which had an influence on social science applications. This event of WWII made the start of social psychology in the US in 20th century (Cartwright, 1979). This is mainly due the large amount of research conducted to investigate the reasons behind the Nazis attack on the Jews in WWII. Some psychologist including Lewin immigrated Germany to the US in order to conduct research on the areas of organisations and groups. He is now generally described as the ‘founder of social psychology’. Another researcher who also immigrated to the US was Moscovici who presented revolutionary findings in social representation in the field of minority influence. However, the main aim of social psychology research in the US was on government regulations of propaganda. Throughout this period the American tradition of social psychology started to emerge. The American tr adition was an individualistic one which emphasises on individual importance, e.g. the society is made up of individual 1, individual 2, individual 3, ect. Conclusion Overall the American tradition can be interpreted as the historical roots of social psychology. Whereas the European tradition can be interpreted as the philosophical roots of social psychology. The American root of social psychology now has a great impact on social cognitive approach. Social cognition includes attribution, stereotypes, autism, (Striano Reid, 2008). The European roots of social psychology have led to social constructionism and social representation. The modern social psychology is now constructed with the American and European doctrines. However, due to the political events and developing researches in social psychology, the disciple has only been able to contain within America (Cartwright, 1979). On the other hand, Gergen (1973) argued that social psychology cannot be interpreted as a science because social psychology is historically and culturally specific, which is the reason why the discipline is continuously changing. Critically speaking, there is an advantage of different approaches to social psychology, as it views dilemmas in different perspectives.

Melatonin is a ubiquitous molecule Essay Example

Melatonin is a ubiquitous molecule Essay Example Melatonin is a ubiquitous molecule Essay Melatonin is a ubiquitous molecule Essay Introduction Melatonin ( N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine ) is a omnipresent molecule, synthesised chiefly in the pineal secretory organ, secondary beginnings are in the retina, the GI piece of land, tegument, bone marrow and lymphocytes.1 It was foremost characterised after its isolation from bovid pineal secretory organs and structurally identified in 1958 by Lerner et al.2 The construction of melatonin ( Fig. 1 ) explains its diverseness with respects to its maps. The two functional groups define the molecule s amphiphilitic nature and specificity of receptor binding.3 Due to melatonin being both lipid and H2O soluble, it is non confined to one cellular compartment. Exogenously added melatonin can readily go through through the blood-brain barrier and be easy distributed to all subcellular compartments, which makes this molecule really versatile.4 Melatonin has assorted maps ; it is of import as an index of clip and day of the month and is considered to be the organic structure s chronological pacemaker.1 It is besides known to be a really effectual antioxidant, has immune-enhancing belongingss, is cytoprotective, has anti-apoptotic signalling map every bit good as oncostatic properties.1 The engagement of melatonin in such a wide scope of critical maps in the organic structure makes it pharmacologically a really interesting compound, but melatonin is sold as a nutrient addendum and is non-patentable harmonizing to the US FDA as a consequence. Therefore melatonergic agonists or melatonin parallels that are patentable are of greater involvement to the pharmacological industry.5 Pharmacological and/or biological activity Overview In pinealocytes ( cells of the pineal secretory organ ) tryptophan is converted to serotonin via 5-hydroxytryptophan after which it is acetylated to organize N-acetylserotonin by arylakylamine N-acetyltransferase ( AA-NAT ) . By the action of Hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase ( HIOMT ) N-Acetylserotonin can be converted to melatonin.1 Alternatively, melatonin can be formed by N-acetylation of 5-methoxytryptamine. In most articles AA-NAT is said to be the rate-limiting enzyme3,7,8, but it is suggested that HIOMT might be a rate restricting enzyme in some cases6. Melatonin biogenesis is mostly regulated by the light/dark rhythm via the suprachiasmatic karyon ( SCN ) in the hypothalamus. Specialized nerve cells in the eyes respond to visible radiation and reassign the message to the SCN. The message is transduced in a roundabout tract to the pineal secretory organ. Melatonin synthesis is triggered by darkness. Norepinephrine is secreted during nighttime and twosomes to beta-adrenergic receptors. This consequences in camp formation and finally stimulation of arylalkylamine-N-acetyltransferase ( AA-NAT ) .7 Extrapineal melatonin is non regulated by circadian beat, nevertheless and it is hypothesised that it is produced as a agency of protection in response to certain stressors, eg. Ultraviolet radiation, pollutants, infections etc. that may ensue in oxidative emphasis or inflammation.6 Go arounding melatonin is chiefly metabolised by cytochrome P450 enzymes, CYP1A2, CYP1A1 and CYP2C19 in the liver or CYP1B1 at extrahepatic sites.6 Resulting 6-hydroxymelatonin by CYP1A, CYP1A2 or CYP1B1 can be conjugated with sulphate ( and glucoronide to a lesser extent ) to organize a more hydrophilic compound, 6-sulfatoxymelatonin ( aMT6S ) , which can be excreted in piss by the kidney.1 CYP2C19 or CYP1A2 are cytochromes involved in the demethylation of melatonin to N-acetylserotonin. 6-Hydroxymelatonin is non merely formed through enzymatic agencies as stated above, but besides through the interaction of melatonin with reactive O species ( ROS ) and reactive N species ( RNS ) .6 Melatonin has the ability to neutralize free groups, ROS and RNS every bit good as stimulate antioxidative enzymes such as superoxide dismutase ( SOD ) , catalase ( CAT ) , glutathione peroxidase ( GSH-Px ) and glutathione reductase ( GSH-Rd ) .4,9 Other metabolites of melatonin include 2-hydroxymelatonin, which is postulated to be a merchandise of melatonin s reaction with ROS/RNS,6 every bit good as cyclic 3-hydroxymelatonin ( C3-OHM ) , N1-acetyl-N2-formyl-5-methoxykynuramine ( AFMK ) and N-acetyl-5-methoxykynuramine ( AMK ) . The parent endocrine, melatonin, and its metabolites are of import in protecting cells from harm by free groups and reactive O and reactive N species. Melatonin metamorphosis by cytochrome P450 enzymes Pineal melatonin is metabolized to 6-hydroxymelatonin chiefly and it was found that CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP1B1 and CYP2C19 are the enzymes responsible for the production of this metabolite.1,6,10 Melatonin can besides be converted into N-acetylserotonin which is besides a precursor for its synthesis ( fig.1 ) 1. Both 6-hydroxymelatonin and N-acetylserotonin can be excreted in the piss after junction with sulfate and/or glucoronide. A survey conducted by Facciola et Al. ( 2001 ) 11 determined CYP1A2 to be the chief cytochrome P450 enzyme responsible for 6-hydroxylation of melatonin. In a survey that was conducted by Ma et Al. ( 2005 ) 10, melatonin 6-hydroxylation and O-demethylation rates were measured to measure the possible function of 11 cDNA-expressed human cytochrome P450 enzymes in melatonin metamorphosis ( figure 2 ) 10. It was found that 6-hydroxylation was chiefly carried out by CYP1A2, CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 and to a lesser extent CYP2C19 ( fig.2 A ) wherease O-demethylation occurred about chiefly due to the action of CYP2C19 and to a minimal grade by CYP1A2 ( fig.2 B ) . Inhibitory action of melatonin on human cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP1A1, CYP1A2 and CYP1B1 In a recent survey by Chang et Al. ( 2010 ) 12 the hypothesis that melatonin inhibits catalytic activity of CYP1A1, CYP1A2 and CYP1B1 along with CYP2A6 was tested, along with its consequence on the change of human CYP1 cistron look and on the activity of the human aryl hydrocarbon receptor ( AhR ) . A important consequence could turn out utile during malignant neoplastic disease therapy since these enzymes were found to be procarcinogen-bioactivating enzymes of benzo [ a ] pyrene or 7,12-dimethyl-benz [ a ] anthracene. Inhibition of look or decrease in catalytic activity of these cytochrome P450 isozymes may cut down the production of carcinogenic metabolites from these substrates. As described in the old subdivision, melatonin is metabolised by CYPs 1A1, 1A2 and 1B1. Therefore, its repressive consequence may be due to it viing with the procarcinogenic substrate for the enzymes active sites, although the exact mechanism of suppression is ill-defined. The survey mentioned that endogenous melatonin does non exercise repressive effects and resultingly a pharmacological potency in developing parallels of melatonin that could potentially suppress these enzymes and prevent CYP1 mediated carcinogenesis is created.12 Activity of melatonin with AhR and melatonin s consequence on CYP1 cistron look was found to be undistinguished. Fluvoxamine and melatonin Fluvoxamine ( FLU ) , an antidepressant, was found to increase serum melatonin degrees and a survey was conducted by von Bahr et Al. ( 2000 ) 13 to find whether citalopram ( CIT ) besides affects these degrees. The article concluded that CIT in fact does non hold the same consequence as FLU does. It did nevertheless set up a clear relationship between the degrees of melatonin and concentrations of FLU in the plasma of the subjects.13 FLU is an inhibitor of CYP1A2 and CYP2C19 and thereby prevents these enzymes from metabolizing melatonin into its metabolites ; resultantly an addition in the degrees of serum melatonin was witnessed. Melatonin as a free extremist scavenger and antioxidant Melatonin and its metabolites have the possible to move as free extremist scavengers and can neutralize reactive O species ( ROS ) and reactive N species ( RNS ) every bit good as up-regulate antioxidative enzymes, superoxide dismutase ( SOD ) , catalase ( CAT ) , glutathione peroxidase ( GSH-Px ) and glutathione reductase ( GSH-Rd ) .4 The free extremist dioxide ( O2- ) can be generated due to cellular respiration, due to environmental factors or oxidative explosion of macrophages. The toxicity of the O2- is considered to be low 9 but if it reacts with azotic oxide ( NO ) it can bring forth ONOO- capable of making molecular harm. SOD converts dioxide to hydrogen peroxide ( H2O2 ) which is non genuinely a free group, but if non catabolised to organize H2O and O2 via CAT or to H2O via GSH-Px, can be metabolised to the highly toxic hydroxyl extremist ( OH ) . As can be seen in the figure, this free group can bring on DNA harm, lipid peroxidation or make harm to proteins. Melatonin can be converted into a metabolite cyclic 3-hydroxymelatonin when it reacts with two hydroxyl groups, which has been found to be excreted in the urine.1,9 An AFMK tract ( figure 5 ) 1 besides exists that is evident capable of scavenging up to 10 ROS/RNS.6 AFMK and AMK are powerful free extremist scavengers and defenders against oxidative emphasis, but besides has anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory effects by suppressing tumour mortification factor-alpha ( TNFa ) and interleukin-8 formation ( IL-8 ) and synthesis of prostaglandins.6 The chief metabolite of melatonin, 6-hydroxymelatonin, can besides be generated in melatonin s reaction with ROS/RNS, every bit good as another melatonin metabolite, 2-hydroxymelatonin.6 Melatonin and its chronobiotic effects Melatonin is a major regulator of the circadian beat and acts via the suprachiasmatic karyon ( SCN ) in the hypothalamus. Melatonin acts through MT1 and MT2 receptors in the SCN and MT1 is associated with repressive effects of electrical activity in SCN nerve cells, whereas melatonin s actions on MT2 are involved with the ordinance of the circadian rhythm.5 Melatonin synthesis extremums during the dark stage and is inhibited by visible radiation. Exogenous melatonin disposal at certain clip periods consequences in displacements in the circadian beat. It is hence considered to be utile in the intervention of jet slowdown and in publicity of reposeful slumber, although melatonin is likely non a direct hypnotic.7 Decision Melatonin is a compound with so many diverse maps in the organic structure, for illustration its regulative function in circadian beat, antioxidant and oncostatic belongingss. This compound is of pharmacological significance, but is besides sold amp ; lsquo ; over the counter A ; rsquo ; as a nutrient addendum and is resultantly non patentable. This restricts pharmacological involvement to a certain extent, although the development of melatonin parallels that are more efficient in its capableness to exercise these maps, for illustration increased half life with retension of consequence, may be of important value for research workers and the pharmaceutical industry. Melatonin is besides involved in the protection against neurodegenerative diseases, depression and immune map. There is no uncertainty as to how of import melatonin is with respects to physiological operation is in populating beings. It is critical for our perceptual experience of clip and day of the month and is protects us from risky environmental agents every bit good as from ourselves ( eg, the free groups produced via natural O metamorphosis with which we can non be without ) . More research into the mechanisms by which melatonin exerts its antioxidant effects and how extrapineal melatonin can be induced or inhibited every bit good as drug-drug interactions would be of great benefit when developing curative schemes in the combat of diseases, such as Alzheimer s Disease, Parkinson s Disease, insomnia, diseases of the immune system, malignant neoplastic disease and many more. Mentions Pandi-Perumal et Al. Melatonin: Nature s most various biological signal Lerner A.B. , Case J.D. , Takahashi Y ( 1958 ) Isolation of melatonin, a pineal factor that lightens melanocytes. J.Am.Chem.Soc. 80: 2587 Hardeland R. , Pandi-Perumal S.R. , Cardinali D.P. ( 2006 ) Molecules in focal point: Melatonin. The International Journal of Biochemistry A ; Cell Biology 38: 313-316 Reiter R.J. ( 1995 ) Oxidative Procedures and Antioxidative defence mechanisms in the aging encephalon. FASEB J. 9: 526-533 Pandi-Perumal S.R. , Srinivasan V. , Poeggeler B. , Hardeland R. ( 2007 ) Drug penetration: usage of melatonergic agonists for intervention of insomnia focal point on ramelteon. Nature Clinical Practice Tan et. Al ( 2007 ) One molecule, many derived functions: A ceaseless interaction of melatonin with reactive O and N species Reiter R.J. ( 2003 ) Melatonin: clinical relevancy Best Practice A ; Research Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism Vol. 17, No.2. pp. 273-285 Claustrat et. Al ( 2005 ) The basic physiology and pathophysiology of melatonin Sleep Medicine Reviews 9: 11-24 Reiter R.J. et Al ( 2000 ) Actions of Melatonin in the Reduction of Oxidative Stress. J.Biomed.Sci 7: 444-458 Ma. et Al ( 2005 ) Metamorphosis of melatonin by human cytochromes P450 DMD 33: 489-494 Facciola et. Al ( 2001 ) Cytochrome P450 isoforms involved in melatonin metamorphosis in humanliver microsomes Eur J Clin Pharmacol 56: 881-888 Chang et Al. ( 2010 ) Inhibition of procarcinogen-bioactivating human CYP1A1, CYP1A2 and CYP1B1 enzymes by melatonin J. Pineal Res. 48: 55-64 von Bahr et Al. ( 2000 ) Fluvoxamine but non citalopram additions serum melatonin in healthy topics an indicant that cytochrome P450 CYP1A2 and CYP2C19 hydroxylate melatonin

Of what value are the four key concepts of Organization & Identity Essay

Of what value are the four key concepts of Organization & Identity (Identity, power, inequality, insecuirty) for understanding p - Essay Example These theories attempt to provide a justification for the theorisation of organisations and businesses as we have today. They provide a basis for describing and analysing the structures and foundations of organisations in the world and how humanity evolved from an unstructured world to a system whereby the concept of work takes the centre-stage and organisations are at the forefront of societies. This paper examines four important concepts related to organisations: identity, power, inequality and insecurity. The paper would answer the research question: what is the value of the four concepts of organisation and identity provides for the conceptualisation and understanding of management practices and systems in organisations. In attaining this end, the following objectives would be examined: 1. An assessment of organisational behaviour and conceptualisation of organisations. 2. An examination of the concept of organisational identity and internal structures. 3. An evaluation of the po sition of power and inequality in organisations. 4. The conceptualisation of the distribution of power, insecurity and corporate justice. Portions of this paper would involve the writer's personal experiences as an importer. The writer has been involved in the importation of products from China into the UK. The writer makes his profits from the cost variations and differences in prices between China and the UK. This profit provides him with a source of livelihood and the potential of recreating this income generation opportunity in the form of an organisation is examined at various points in the essay. Organisational Behaviour & Conceptualisation of Organisations Knights and Morgen (1993) argue that consumptions marks the modern society. This is because in the world today, there is the free economy where people work and the are free to do whatever they want. Things are fixed by the concepts of demand and supply. Hence, there is the need for people to come together to define the syst em through which they can work and provide the best results and optimise resources. Consumerism is in vogue because people are not restricted and governments do not continue to wield the control that they had before the Second World War (Knights and Morgen, 1993). In most nations around the world, there is the freedom to run commercial entities and get things to happen. This has led to a trend where organisations run the affairs of individuals and groups in different parts of the world. Consumption tends to influence the way people come together to do things. Consumption is crucial in the world today and demand and supply define how things must be done and how resources should be allocated. This laissez-faire system has encouraged the creation of groupings for effective work and the attainment of results. Consumption trends provide the roadmap for people to put factors of production together to attain results. This has provided the impetus for the creation of businesses and organisa tions in different parts of the world. The the trends in consumerism has provided the impetus for corporate entities to come together and grow as they pursue their economic ends through the provision of goods and services for consumers to use to satisfy their needs and aspirations. Drawing into my personal experience, I can identify that the importation industry revolves greatly around consumerism. In my sector of operations, most companies involved in the industry provide goods and services

World War II Pacific Campaign Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

World War II Pacific Campaign - Essay Example The resultant effect of any war may be positive or negative depending on the actual causes and the main reasons as to the breakout. Positive effects of wars occur if by the end of the specific war, the participant embraces peace on the account of fearing each others’ strength and war capabilities. Sometimes the end of the given war may prove blessing moment for the particular participants especially upon achieving economic stability derived from increased production activities and sales of war equipments to the other participants. The negative effects of any war involve the massive loss of lives of the soldiers participating in the given war. Economy of some of the participating parties may also end up crushing beyond repair, thus marking the error of economic struggle. World War II was one of the magnificent types of war having been fought across all the six world’s continents. The reasons for the outbreak of this war related to the Global economic depression that begu n in 1922, and shook the world’s unity and trust1. The result of the untrustworthy among nations especially in Europe was the fight for economic and military dominancy over the region and world in general. Following the massive destruction witnessed, friendly nations across the world begun to initiate alliances that would enable them fight the common aggressors and attain peace. Attaining this peace took a very long process that saw increased devastation of properties and lives of the conflicting alliances. However, after the long struggle and massive devastation, the world finally achieved the long lasted peace, but leaving behind scars that have never disappeared to date. Fascism defined the benchmark of power organization across the world upon the onset of the World War II. The spirit of fascism first occurred in Italy in 1920, when country was under the rule of Benito Mussolini. This antidemocratic spirit then spread to Germany as embraced by Adolf Hitler, Spain as adopte d by Francisco Franco and Japan under Hideki Tojo. Remaining countries major countries like Britain, France, and Russia and by extension USA opposed fascism. 2The spirit of fascism saw countries like Italy and Germany breaking the initially signed Versailles Treaty intended to limit imperialism of the parties. Japan also being under the military rule, planned to increase its territory across China and elsewhere in the world to consolidate land for its industrial raw materials and market. 3These quests for power saw the world into the WW II, with Germany shaking Europe with great war force. Japan also continued to break through China and some parts of Europe while at the same time killing and torturing innocent citizens. In response to this feud in Europe and desire to restore peace, the Soviet Union lined up with Communists countries in Europe, Britain, France and USA to form the Popular Front. The group mainly comprised of members who condemned fascism and its effects in Europe and world in general. The Popular Front however stumbled upon the official inception of World War II, when France and Britain attacked Germany with USA withdrawing to take a neutral position. In 1940, USA tended to favor and side with Britain after signing pact that would allow USA offer military assistance and supplies to Britain. In 1941 after the US Presidential elections, Presidential elect Roosevelt sensed danger to the US security earmarked by increasing attack on Britain. For this reason, he instituted the Lend-Lease Act that would see USA provide direct assistance to Britain4. After facing severe attacks from Germany, Soviet Union (Russia) also sought for inclusion in the Lend-Lease Act