bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Endothelial Cells of the Placental Barrier Efficiently Deliver Cholesterol to the Fetal Circulation via ABCA1 and ABCG1
Authors: Stefulj Jasminka , Panzenboeck Ute , Becker Tatjana , Hirschmugl Birgit , Schweinzer Cornelia , Lang Ingrid , Marsche Gunther , Sadjak Anton , Lang Uwe , Desoye Gernot , Wadsack Christian
Published: January 2009

Although maternal–fetal cholesterol transfer may serve to compensate for insufficient fetal cholesterol biosynthesis under pathological conditions, it may have detrimental consequences under conditions of maternal hypercholesterolemia leading to preatherosclerotic lesion development in fetal aortas. Maternal cholesterol may enter fetal circulation by traversing syncytiotrophoblast and endothelial layers of the placenta. We hypothesized that endothelial cells (ECs) of the fetoplacental vasculature display a high and tightly regulated capacity for cholesterol release. Using ECs isolated from human term placenta (HPECs), we investigated cholesterol release capacity and examined transporters involved in cholesterol efflux pathways controlled by liver-X-receptors (LXRs). HPECs demonstrated 2.5-fold higher cholesterol release to lipid-free apolipoprotein (apo)A-I than human umbilical vein ECs (HUVECs), whereas both cell types showed similar cholesterol efflux to high-density lipoproteins (HDLs). Interestingly, treatment of HPECs with LXR activators increased cholesterol efflux to both types of acceptors, whereas no such response could be observed for HUVECs. In line with enhanced cholesterol efflux, LXR activation in HPECs increased expression of ATP-binding cassette transporters ABCA1 and ABCG1, while not altering expression of ABCG4 and scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI). Inhibition of ABCA1 or silencing of ABCG1 decreased cholesterol efflux to apoA-I (−70%) and HDL
3
(−57%), respectively. Immunohistochemistry localized both transporters predominantly to the apical membranes of placental ECs in situ. Thus, ECs of human term placenta exhibit unique, efficient and LXR-regulated cholesterol efflux mechanisms. We propose a sequential pathway mediated by ABCA1 and ABCG1, respectively, by which HPECs participate in forming mature HDL in the fetal blood.
ADAMTS-7 Mediates Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Migration and Neointima Formation in Balloon-Injured Rat Arteries
Authors: Wang Li , Zheng Jingang , Bai Xue , Liu Bo , Liu Chuan-ju , Xu Qingbo , Zhu Yi , Wang Nanping , Kong Wei , Wang Xian
Published: January 2009

The migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) plays an essential role during the development of atherosclerosis and restenosis. Extensive studies have implicated the importance of extracellular matrix (ECM)-degrading proteinases in VSMC migration. A recently described family of proteinases, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTs), is capable of degrading vascular ECM proteins. Here, we sought to determine whether ADAMTS-7 is involved in VSMC migration and neointima formation in response to vascular injury. ADAMTS-7 protein accumulated preferentially in neointima of the carotid artery wall after balloon injury. In primary VSMCs, ADAMTS-7 level was enhanced by the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor α and growth factor platelet-derived growth factor-BB. ADAMTS-7 overexpression greatly accelerated and small interfering RNA knockdown markedly retarded VSMC migration/invasion in vitro. In addition, luminal delivery of ADAMTS-7 adenovirus to carotid arteries exacerbated intimal thickening nearly sixfold 7 days after injury. Conversely, perivascular administration of ADAMTS-7 small interfering RNA but not scramble small interfering RNA to injured arteries attenuated intimal thickening by 50% at 14 days after injury. Furthermore, ADAMTS-7 mediated degradation of the vascular ECM cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) in injured vessels. Replenishing COMP circumvented the promigratory effect of ADAMTS-7 on VSMCs. Enforced expression of COMP significantly suppressed VSMC migration and neointima formation postinjury, which indicates that ADAMTS-7 facilitated intimal hyperplasia through degradation of inhibitory matrix protein COMP. ADAMTS-7 may therefore serve as a novel therapeutic target for atherosclerosis and postangioplasty restenosis.
The Utility of Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Angiography in the Assessment of Intracranial In-Stent Stenosis
Authors: Prabhakaran Shyam , Warrior Lakshmi , Wells Kalani R. , Jhaveri Miral D. , Chen Michael , Lopes Demetrius K.
Published: January 2009

Background and Purpose—

Noninvasive screening for intracranial in-stent stenosis is often limited by artifact because of the stent or associated coils. We aimed to determine the utility of quantitative MRA (QMRA) as a screening tool for detecting intracranial in-stent stenosis.

Methods—

We reviewed 14 patients who had intracranial stent placement with follow-up QMRA and conventional angiography at our institution. Socio-demographic, medical, clinical, and imaging data were abstracted from medical charts. A blinded interventional neurologist reviewed all angiograms for presence of >50% in-stent stenosis. We tested QMRA (mL/min) at varying thresholds as a predictor of angiographic results.

Results—

Among 14 patients (mean age, 62 years; 12 female, 2 male), 13 patients had Neuroform stents placed for wide-neck cerebral aneurysms and 1 patient had a Wingspan stent placement for atherosclerotic stenosis. Lesions were located in the intracranial internal carotid artery in 57.2% (n=8), the middle cerebral artery in 14.3% (n=2), and vertebrobasilar arteries in 28.6% (n=4). On follow-up angiography, 2 patients (14.3%) had >50% in-stent stenosis on angiography. Time-of-flight MRA was nondiagnostic in each case because of artifact from the stent or coils. A >20% reduction in vessel-specific blood flow by QMRA was associated with presence of >50% in-stent stenosis on angiography (
P
=0.033). As a screening tool to predict >50% angiographic in-stent stenosis, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of QMRA were 100%, 92%, 67%, and 100%, respectively.

Conclusion—

We found that QMRA is a promising screening tool to detect intracranial in-stent stenosis. Future prospective studies should focus on whether QMRA has a role in the detection of radiographic restenosis and prediction of clinical events.
Transcranial Duplex Sonography for Monitoring Hyperacute Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Santamarina Pérez Estevo , Delgado-Mederos Raquel , Rubiera Marta , Delgado Pilar , Ribó Marc , Maisterra Olga , Ortega Gema , Álvarez-Sabin José , Molina Carlos A.
Published: January 2009

Background and Purpose—

Early hematoma growth is one of the main determinants of mortality in patients with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). Transcranial duplex sonography (TDS) might represent a useful tool for the bedside monitoring of early ICH enlargement. We aimed to correlate ICH volumes measured by TDS and CT scan in patients with ICH evaluated <3 hours of symptom onset.

Methods—

We prospectively studied 34 patients with supratentorial ICH evaluated <3 hours of onset. All patients underwent emergent CT scan and TDS examination on admission and at 6 hours. Major longitudinal, sagittal, and coronal hematoma diameters were measured on CT scan by a neuroradiologist and on TDS by a blinded operator with a time delay <30 minutes between both techniques. Total hematoma volume was determined using the formula for irregular volumes (longitudinal×sagittal×coronal)/2. Early hematoma growth was defined as an increase >20% in the hematoma volume at 6 hours.

Results—

ICH was identified on TDS as an hyperechogenic mass located in the basal ganglia in 28 patients and in the lobar position in 6. Mean hematoma volume at baseline was 86±4 5 mL. At 6 hours, early hematoma growth was seen in 9 (26%) patients. An excellent correlation was found between TDS and CT measurements for all diameters: longitudinal (
r
=0.91,
P
<0.001), sagittal (
r
=0.85,
P
=0.002), coronal (
r
=0.79,
P
=0.022) and for total hematoma volume (
r
=0.82,
P
=0.001). When all obtained measures were matched, the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.888 (95% CI, 0.8 to 0.937).

Conclusion—

TDS showed an excellent correlation with CT in measuring the extent of bleeding in patients with hyperacute ICH. TDS may represent a reliable useful tool for monitoring ICH noninvasively at the patient’s bedside.
Danqi Piantang Jiaonang (DJ), a Traditional Chinese Medicine, in Poststroke Recovery
Authors: Chen Christopher , Venketasubramanian N. , Gan Robert N. , Lambert Caroline , Picard David , Chan Bernard P.L. , Chan Edwin , Bousser Marie G. , Xuemin Shi
Published: January 2009

Background and Purpose—

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Despite improvements in acute stroke treatment, many patients only make a partial or poor recovery. Therefore, there is a need for treatments that would further improve outcome. Danqi Piantang Jiaonang (DJ; NeuroAid), a traditional Chinese medicine widely used in China to improve recovery after stroke, has been compared with another traditional Chinese medicine in 2 unpublished randomized clinical trials. The results of these studies were pooled and reanalyzed to assess efficacy and safety.

Methods—

Six hundred five subjects were randomized in 2 randomized double-blinded, controlled trials to receive either DJ or Buchang Naoxintong Jiaonang. Subjects were treated for 1 month. Inclusion criteria were: (1) patients with recent (from 10 days to 6 months) ischemic stroke; (2) patients satisfying Western diagnostic standards for stroke and traditional Chinese medicine standards for diagnosis of apoplexy; and (3) Diagnostic Therapeutic Effects of Apoplexy score ≥10.

Results—

The functional outcome, measured by the Comprehensive Function Score component of the Diagnostic Therapeutic Effects of Apoplexy scale, showed a statistically significant superiority of DJ over the control treatment group (relative risk, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.28 to 4.51;
P
=0.007). Tolerance was excellent in both groups.

Conclusions—

The pooled analysis of 2 unpublished trials of DJ, a traditional Chinese medicine currently approved in China to improve neurological recovery after stroke, shows good tolerability and superiority of DJ over another traditional Chinese medicine also approved for stroke. A large double-blind randomized clinical trial is required to further assess the safety and efficacy of DJ.
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Contributes to Recovery of Skilled Reaching After Focal Ischemia in Rats
Authors: Ploughman Michelle , Windle Victoria , MacLellan Crystal L. , White Nicole , Doré Jules J. , Corbett Dale
Published: January 2009

Background and Purpose—

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is involved in neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, learning and memory, and neuroplasticity. Further, exogenous treatment with BDNF or exposing animals to enrichment and exercise regimens, which also increase BDNF, enhances behavioral recovery after brain injury. Thus, the beneficial effects of rehabilitation in promoting recovery after stroke may also depend on BDNF. We tested this hypothesis by evaluating the contribution of BDNF to motor skill relearning after endothelin-1–induced middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats.

Methods—

Antisense BDNF oligonucleotide, which blocks the expression of BDNF (or saline vehicle) was infused into the contralateral lateral ventricle for 28 days after ischemia. Animals received either a graduated rehabilitation program, including running exercise and skilled reaching training, which simulates clinical practice, or no rehabilitation. Functional recovery was assessed with a battery of tests that measured skilled reaching, forelimb use asymmetry, and foraging ability.

Results—

Rehabilitation significantly improved skilled reaching ability in the staircase task. Antisense BDNF oligonucleotide effectively blocked BDNF mRNA, and negated the beneficial effects of rehabilitation on recovery of skilled reaching. Importantly, antisense BDNF oligonucleotide did not affect reaching with the unaffected limb, body weight, infarct size, or foraging ability, indicating the treatment was specific to relearning of motor skill after ischemia.

Conclusions—

This study is the first to identify a critical role for BDNF in rehabilitation-induced recovery after stroke, and our results suggest that new treatments to enhance BDNF would constitute a promising therapy for promoting recovery of function after stroke.
The Complexity of Ranking Hypotheses in Optimality Theory
Authors: Riggle Jason
Published: January 2009

Given a constraint set with k constraints in the framework of Optimality Theory (OT), what is its capacity as a classification scheme for linguistic data? One useful measure of this capacity is the size of the largest data set of which each subset is consistent with a different grammar hypothesis. This measure is known as the Vapnik-Chervonenkis dimension (VCD) and is a standard complexity measure for concept classes in computational learnability theory. In this work, I use the three-valued logic of Elementary Ranking Conditions to show that the VCD of Optimality Theory with k constraints is k-1. Analysis of OT in terms of the VCD establishes that the complexity of OT is a well-behaved function of k and that the ‘hardness’ of learning in OT is linear in k for a variety of frameworks that employ probabilistic definitions of learnability.
The Efforts of ICCAT to Combat IUU Fishing: The Roles of Japan and Taiwan in Conserving and Managing Tuna Resources
Authors: Song Yann-huei
Published: January 2009

This article uses the International Commission for the Conservation of the Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT) and the interplay between two of its members, Japan and Taiwan, to demonstrate state and international efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. It examines changes in Japan's and Taiwan's fishing policies and the bilateral negotiations and agreements between them affecting the fisheries resource management of ICCAT. The article concludes that while ICCAT has been criticized for being unable to undertake adequate efforts to conserve and manage tuna resources in the ocean areas subject to its regulatory power, it successfully forced Taiwan to reduce the size of its Atlantic bigeye tuna fleet from 144 vessels in 2005 to 60 vessels in 2007. However, it is also urged that more actions should be taken by ICCAT to deal with IUU fishing by the fleets of other members, such as Japan and Italy.
The Proteus Effect
Authors: Yee Nick , Bailenson Jeremy N. , Ducheneaut Nicolas
Published: January 2009

Virtual environments allow individuals to dramatically alter their self-representation. More important, studies have shown that people infer their expected behaviors and attitudes from observing their avatar's appearance, a phenomenon known as the Proteus effect. For example, users given taller avatars negotiated more aggressively than users given shorter avatars. Two studies are reported here that extend our understanding of this effect. The first study extends the work beyond laboratory settings to an actual online community. It was found that both the height and attractiveness of an avatar in an online game were significant predictors of the player's performance. In the second study, it was found that the behavioral changes stemming from the virtual environment transferred to subsequent face-to-face interactions. Participants were placed in an immersive virtual environment and were given either shorter or taller avatars. They then interacted with a confederate for about 15 minutes. In addition to causing a behavioral difference within the virtual environment, the authors found that participants given taller avatars negotiated more aggressively in subsequent face-to-face interactions than participants given shorter avatars. Together, these two studies show that our virtual bodies can change how we interact with others in actual avatar-based online communities as well as in subsequent face-to-face interactions.
The Politics of Promise: Echoes of Isaiah 54 in Romans 4.19-21
Authors: Forman Mark
Published: January 2009

In recent years significant evidence has been unearthed with regard to the sociopolitical nature of Paul's corpus. Despite this, there are politically provocative texts which remained unexamined. One of these is Rom. 4.13-25. This article proposes that, by drawing on the Abraham and Sarah birth tradition in vv. 19-21, Paul is evoking a perspective profoundly socio-political in nature. Using Richard Hays's criteria as a guide, the article argues that Paul here echoes Isa. 54.1-3 and that he does so because this passage and the interpretive tradition associated with it offer hope specific to the believers in the heart of the Roman Empire. Whereas interpreters often dismiss the phrase `inherit the world' (Rom. 4.13) as a curious anomaly, this article explores the ways in which the phrase coheres with the following verses and therefore contributes to an overall counter-imperial perspective in Rom. 4.13-25.
Revisiting the Euphemism in 1 Corinthians 7.1
Authors: Ciampa Roy E.
Published: January 2009

To date, the euphemism of `touching' in 1 Cor. 7.1 has only been examined in light of eight examples in Greek literature, and these have led most scholars to conclude that it is a general euphemism for sexual intercourse. This study examines 25 examples of the euphemism, shows how it relates to the common ancient distinction between sex for pleasure and sex for procreation, and concludes that it is only used for the former and typically has to do with a man's use of a woman (or boy) for his sexual gratification. The article concludes with a consideration of 1 Cor. 7, which argues that the context here also favors understanding the Corinthians' use of the euphemism as a critique of certain kinds of sexual relations rather than a rejection of sex in general.
Double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of extended-release bupropion in elderly patients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Hewett K. , Chrzanowski W. , Jokinen R. , Felgentreff R. , Shrivastava RK , Gee MD , Wightman DS , O'Leary MC , Millen LS , Leon MC , Briggs MA , Krishen A. , Modell JG
Published: January 2009

Major depressive disorder in the elderly is associated with increased morbidity and reduced quality of life. This 10 week, placebo-controlled study investigated the efficacy and tolerability of extended-release bupropion (150—300 mg once daily) in depressed patients aged 65 years or older. The statistical assumptions necessary for the validity of the protocol-specified analysis of covariance were not met for the analysis of the primary outcome variable (Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale total score at Week 10, last observation carried forward). Alternative statistical methods used for the analysis of this variable demonstrated statistical significance. Statistically significant improvements were observed on the majority of secondary end points when compared with placebo, including the health outcome measures for motivation and energy, and life satisfaction and contentment. Adverse events were generally mild to moderate and similar between treatment groups. This study demonstrated that the extended-release bupropion is an effective, well-tolerated treatment for major depression in the elderly.
Mood state moderates the role of serotonin in cognitive biases
Authors: Robinson OJ , Cools R. , Crockett MJ , Sahakian BJ
Published: January 2009

Reduction of the monoamine serotonin (5-HT) via the dietary manipulation of tryptophan (acute tryptophan depletion; ATD) has been shown to induce negative cognitive biases similar to those found in depression in healthy individuals. However, evidence also indicates that there can be positive effects of ATD on both mood and reinforcement processing. Here, we present two separate studies, with remarkably similar findings, which may help explain these discrepancies. In both experiments, we assessed cognitive biases following experimentally induced mood states under both a balanced amino acid drink (BAL) and ATD. A significant interaction between treatment, mood state and cognitive bias was observed in both experiments. In the first experiment, subjects undergoing positive mood induction demonstrated a positive cognitive bias on BAL, which was abolished by ATD. The same effect was observed in subjects undergoing neutral mood induction in the second experiment. These effects replicate findings in healthy individuals undergoing ATD. Subjects undergoing negative mood induction, by contrast, demonstrated the opposite pattern of results; in both experiments, they showed no bias under BAL but induction of a positive cognitive bias by ATD. These results mimic previous findings in currently depressed patients undergoing ATD. We therefore suggest that mood state moderates the effect of ATD on cognitive biases. This, in turn, has important implications for the understanding of the role of 5-HT in psychiatric disorders.
Ziprasidone-induced spontaneous orgasm
Authors: Boora K. , Chiappone K. , Dubovsky S. , Xu J.
Published: January 2009

Neuroleptic treatment in schizophrenic patients has been associated with sexual dysfunction, including impotence and decreased libido. Spontaneous ejaculation without sexual arousal during typical antipsychotic treatment is a rare condition that has been described with zuclopentixol, trifluoperazine, and thiothixene. Here, we are reporting a case of spontaneous orgasm with ziprasidone in a bipolar patient. This patient began to repeatedly experience spontaneous sexual arousal and orgasm, which she had never experienced in the past. Ziprasidone might be causing an increase in sexual orgasm by 5-HT2 receptor antagonism, which preclinical evidence suggests that it facilitates dopamine release in the cortex.
The role of flumazenil in the treatment of benzodiazepine dependence: physiological and psychological profiles
Authors: Hood S , O’Neil G , Hulse G
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Two-related studies are presented here, detailing our early experience with benzodiazepine-dependent patients treated with a four-day flumazenil infusion using a novel delivery technique. Patients with long-term benzodiazepine dependence who attended the Australian Medical Procedures Research Foundation (AMPRF, Perth, Australia) for treatment were recruited for these studies. Self-reported psychological and physical symptoms, as well as objective vital signs data were collected at intervals before, during and 2 weeks postinfusion. Study A is a case series with cardiovascular measures; study B is an open trial that tracks the psychological profiles of 13 subjects. Withdrawal symptoms were tracked, however, the nature and severity of these symptoms differed between patients. No major complications or discomfort prompting study dropout was observed. Significant benzodiazepine abstinence occurred with this flumazenil infusion method despite high levels of initial dependence, comorbid substance use and comorbid psychiatric illness. Low-dose flumazenil infusion appears to be a safe and effective treatment resulting in withdrawal symptoms of lesser severity than any other cessation method currently available. Recommendations for future research are discussed.
Effect of lactational exposure of olanzapine on body weight of mice: a comparative study on neonates of both the sexes during post-natal development
Authors: Mishra AC , Mohanty B.
Published: January 2009

Adverse impact of atypical antipsychotic drugs on body weight of adult and juvenile groups has been well-documented both at clinical and preclinical investigations. However, studies on impact of drug on body weight during fetal or neonatal development received little attention. The present study is the first-ever preclinical investigation demonstrating the effect of lactational exposure of olanzapine (4, 8, and 10 mg/kg) and risperidone (1 and 2 mg/kg), two widely prescribed antipsychotics, on body weight of mice neonates. Body weight gain was observed with both the drugs, although a sex-related differential response was noted. In olanzapine-exposed female neonates, the weight gain was more with the highest dose. Male neonates showed a reverse trend, i.e. the highest gain with the lowest dose. Female neonates exposed to risperidone also showed significant, but less gain as compared to their olanzapine-exposed counterparts. Risperidone-exposed male neonates showed little body weight gain. Waist-to-hip ratio and plasma prolactin level were measured to explain the reason behind the body weight gain, but there were deviations with respect to drug and sex. The body weight gain may be the overall manifestations of drug-induced endocrine and metabolic dysregulations.
Behavioral Status of Children With Cryptogenic Localization-Related Epilepsy
Authors: van Mil Saskia G. M. , Reijs Rianne P. , van Hall Mariette H. J. A. , Snoeijen Suzanne M. , Aldenkamp Albert P.
Published: January 2009

Using the Child Behavior Checklist, behavior of 51 children with cryptogenic localization-related epilepsy was studied. According to parent report, children with cryptogenic localization-related epilepsy scored in the clinical range on the subscales ``internalizing behavior,'' ``total behavior,'' and ``attentional problems.'' No relation between the epilepsy factors seizure frequency, age at onset, duration of epilepsy or the number of antiepileptic drugs, and the subscales of the Child Behavior Checklist was found. Only for seizure type a relationship was found. Although in the normal range, the more severe the seizure type, the more delinquent, aggressive, and externalizing behavioral problems. Other studies have demonstrated that in children with epilepsy, internalizing problems are more common than externalizing problems, and that attentional, social, and thought problems are relatively specific. Therefore, we can conclude that the behavioral problems we found in our cohort are not very different from behavioral problems described in other epilepsy types.
Policing Yugoslavism
Authors: Nielsen Christian Axboe
Published: January 2009

From its proclamation on 6 January 1929 to the assassination of King Aleksandar on 9 October 1934, his dictatorship systematically strove to indoctrinate the diverse Yugoslav population into a rejection of their previous identities in favor of a unitary Yugoslav national identity. Through a combination of massive new legislation and zealous use of the state's repressive organs, the regime's agents monitored and coerced the entire population of the country. Extensive archival documentation permits a depiction of the effects of the regime on ordinary Yugoslav citizens, hitherto almost completely neglected in histories focusing on political and social elites. Ultimately, King Aleksandar's Yugoslav project, unique in Yugoslav history, resulted more in the construction of an elaborate police state and arguably severely damaged the long-term prospects for a voluntarily held unitary Yugoslav identity.
Sexual Abuse, Counselling and Compensation: Discourses in New Zealand Newspapers
Authors: Frewin Karen , Pond Rachael , Tuffin Keith
Published: January 2009

This article offers a critical discursive analysis of contemporary media accounts of controversial New Zealand legislation designed to provide counselling and monetary compensation to sexual abuse victims/survivors. Analysis of newspaper texts from 2002 to 2005 located a heated debate, with opposition to and defense of the legislation. Opposition was articulated through strong emotional talk and perpetuation of a `big scam' discourse that positions sexual abuse survivors as potentially untrustworthy, fraudulent claimants. Counsellors/therapists are positioned as part of a predatory, money-hungry industry, which uses questionable practices to create false memories or reports of sexual abuse. The persuasive function served by this emotionally laden big scam discourse has a higher profile than arguments defending the legislation. The dominance of the big scam discourse arguably contributes to the suffering of sexual abuse survivors, more often women and children, by maintaining attention on authenticity and entitlement. Humanitarian attempts to address the deleterious effects of sexual abuse are undermined.
Femina Sacra: The `War on/of Terror', Women and the Feminine
Authors: Masters Cristina
Published: January 2009

This article inquires after women with whom we have seemingly become intimately familiar in the `war on/of terror'. On one hand, it asks after women such as Jessica Lynch and Lynndie England, examining how US female soldiers have been represented in the `war on/of terror'. On the other hand, it also inquires after some women we do not know at all — women who have largely remained faceless, nameless, figural, reduced to the snapshot of the veil — the women on behalf of whom this war is claimed to be waged. In so doing, it asks the question: What do any of these women have in common? The article explores how women in the `war on/of terror' have in common their silence, erasure and radical exclusion, in varied degrees, from politics. This has been effected through particular representational politics wherein women have been written over and against one another — American women over and against Afghan and Iraqi women, Jessica Lynch over and against Lynndie England. Accordingly, we fail to make connections across difference, and never ask after that which appears at the margins of the text, at the edges of the screen, on the borders of the photograph. This article, therefore, seeks to ask after these margins, edges and borders. It seeks to ask after femina sacra.
`So These Folks are Aggressive': An Orientalist Reading of `Afghan Warlords'
Authors: Stanski Keith
Published: January 2009

`Afghan warlords' are some of the most maligned actors in US debates about Afghanistan. These figures are vilified as exemplifying some of the darkest moments in Afghanistan's recent history. Yet, they are also lauded for their contributions to the future of the Afghan state or, in some cases, recast as seemingly less vicious characters, such as `local commanders' or `militia leaders'. This article situates US conceptions of `Afghan warlords' in a historical and comparative context by returning to arguably the West's most formative exposure to Afghanistan, the First Anglo-Afghan War (1838—42). A discursive analysis of primary and secondary sources from both periods reveals that longstanding Orientalist archetypes about the `Afghan people' and their violent tendencies continue to influence US thought about `Afghan warlords'. The article concludes that recent concern about `Afghan warlords' should be understood as part of the longer, and still unresolved, construction of a violent Afghan `Other' in Anglo-American political thought.
Language Used by Korean and Korean American Children to Describe Emotional Reactions to Illness and Hospitalization
Authors: Park Jeong-Hwan , Foster Roxie , Sufen Cheng
Published: January 2009

Most children experience emotional distress during hospitalization. However, existing instruments for assessing emotional status in hospitalized children have limitations. To address this, the authors determine the language that Korean and Korean American children use to describe emotions that may relate to illness and hospitalization. Using a descriptive exploratory design, projective method, and card sort, the study is conducted in six Korean ethnic churches in the Midwest metropolitan area of United States and uses a convenience sample consisting of 94 children, ages 7 to 12 years. Fifteen English emotion words and 13 Korean emotion words are chosen by at least 50% of the Korean-American and Korean children, and children's emotional responses are expressed differently in Korean and English. Health care providers should be cautious about direct translation, because cultural nuances can convey different meanings in another language. In preparation for the rapid growth of minority children in the United States, health care providers should understand cultural perspectives related to minority children's experiences of health and illness and provide linguistically and culturally appropriate care.
Psychometric Analysis of the Inventory of Functional Status—Cancer (IFS-CA) in Turkish Women
Authors: Ozkan Sevgi , Ogce Filiz
Published: January 2009

The aim of this study was to test the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Inventory of Functional Status— Cancer (IFS-CA). The questionnaire was composed of four subscales that measured to what extent a woman maintained her usual household and family, social and community, personal care, and occupational activities. Internal consistency reliability using average correlations for the subscale item to subscale total scores ranged from .21 to .97. Construct validity was accomplished by examination of subscale correlations, which ranged from —.10 to .70. The Turkish version of the IFS-CA is found to be psychometrically reliable and valid.
Nurse Migration to Canada
Authors: Blythe Jennifer , Baumann Andrea , Rhéaume Ann , McIntosh Karen
Published: January 2009

Many internationally educated nurses (IENs) find it difficult to reinstate themselves in their profession after migration. This article explores factors contributing to the success and failure of IENs to reestablish professional careers. The article discusses a study involving 39 IENs in 5 focus groups and 10 interviews. In all, 29 interviews are held with other stakeholders. IENs encounter obstacles at each stage of the migration process. New strategies are required to assist IENs to reenter the workforce. Given the consistent predictions of an extreme nurse shortage, it is important that the brain waste of immigrant nurses be minimized.
Susceptibility of Job Attitudes to Context Effects
Authors: Bowling Nathan A. , Boss James , Hammond Gregory D. , Dorsey Brittany
Published: January 2009

Researchers have typically overlooked the possibility that responses to job attitude items might be produced “on the spot” using information that is temporally accessible to participants. In the current study, the authors test this possibility by examining context effects that occur when questionnaire content influences responses to subsequent survey items. Using data collected from employed students, the authors conducted three experiments that provide evidence that responses to job attitude measures are sensitive to context effects. Specifically, asking participants to think about either positive aspects or negative aspects of their jobs/organizations influenced subsequent responses to job attitudes items. Further analyses suggested that some effects of context manipulations on job attitudes were mediated by participant mood. The authors conclude by discussing the theoretical and practical implications of these findings.
The Development and Initial Validation of Social Cognitive Career Theory Instruments to Measure Choice of Medical Specialty and Practice Location
Authors: Rogers Mary E. , Creed Peter A. , Searle Judy
Published: January 2009

Social cognitive career theory served as the basis for the instrument development for scales assessing self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and goals to predict medical career choice. Lent and Brown's conceptualization of social cognitive constructs guided the development of items to measure choice of medical specialty and practice location. Study 1 involved four stages: identification of attitudes and beliefs, generation of scale items, evaluation of scale items by experts, and a pilot study. The pilot study tested the item pool with 293 medical students and allowed item and exploratory factor analyses. Study 2 administered the scales to a second sample of 499 medical students. Confirmatory factor analysis assessed consistency and validity, and identified six psychometrically sound instruments. Initial validity for the scales was found encouraging, with further testing of these measures expected to support their use. Implications for use in research are discussed.
Three Moves for Engaging Students in Critical Management Studies
Authors: Prichard Craig
Published: January 2009

The intellectual and substantive resources of Critical Management Studies are difficult to use in the typical managerialist undergraduate classroom. Their emphasis on power, exploitation and subordination often `jar' with conventional curricula. In this article I offer a `three moves' approach to teaching critical management studies that provides a means of `smoothing' the `entry' of these resources into undergraduate teaching. The `three moves' involve (1) distinguishing between different forms of knowledge, (2) locating organizational politics at the centre of work organizations, and (3) using dramatic, empirically based, scripts as the basis for engaging with organizational problems. The approach locates management practice in `real world' management dilemmas and provokes students to consider, as they come to grips with critical analytical resources, not just how they might perform as managers, but how they might best engage as organizational participants.
Trends of tobacco use in Sweden and Finland: Do differences in tobacco policy relate to tobacco use?
Authors: Patja Kristiina , Hakala Samu M. , Boström Gunnell , Nordgren Paul , Haglund Margaretha
Published: January 2009

Background: Sweden and Finland, neighbouring countries in Scandinavia, share features in health and social policies but retain a few differences in tobacco policy, including oral tobacco product regulation. This paper analyses the differences between tobacco policy and tobacco use between these two countries. Material: Representative data sets from both countries, for age groups 18 to 64, were used to compare the status of tobacco use. The study covered the years 1988/89, 1996/97 and 2004/05. Results: Among men, daily use of tobacco products is more common in Sweden than in Finland. The daily smoking rate for men in Sweden is 16% compared to 28% in Finland. In Sweden, 27% of men use snuff daily and 17% of never smoking men reported daily use of snuff. In Finland, 3% of all males report daily use of snuff. Concurrent snuff use was linked to occasional smoking in Sweden, where 23% of male daily snuff users smoke occasionally. Among women smoking prevalence has decreased significantly in Sweden during the study period, but no real change in daily smoking can be detected in Finland. Conclusions: Tobacco control measures did gain good results among women in Sweden whereas in Finland development was modest. In Sweden, tobacco use has increased mainly due to an increase in snuff use, and snuff seems to appeal not only to switchers, but to young males without a history of smoking.
A Comparative Study of PV Glazing Performance in Warm Climate
Authors: Chow T.T. , Pei G. , Chan L.S. , Lin Z. , Fong K.F.
Published: January 2009

In this experimental study, the performance of ventilated double-pane glazing integrated with semi-transparent solar cells under the subtropical climate of Hong Kong has been investigated. The effects of a photovoltaic (PV) ventilated glazing system on the built environment — including heat and light transmission, thermal and visual comfort, and electricity generation — were analyzed and discussed. While the energy saving potential of PV glazing on air-conditioning demands was found promising, the same on daylight utilization was much inferior to the absorptive glazing applications. The purpose of the study was to gain experience on better use of the semi-transparent PV ventilated glazing technology, and on the energy/cost saving potential of some innovative arrangements.
Evaluating Indoor Environmental Quality of Public School Buildings in Jordan
Authors: Ali Hikmat H. , Almomani Hind M. , Hindeih Muna
Published: January 2009

This paper aimed to investigate the indoor environments of schools in Jordan. It considers the availability of public safety conditions and conformity of school's environmental conditions to standards, and also aimed to obtain baseline data about environments in schools that could help decision makers in their efforts to improve the school environment. Indoor environmental quality is an integral part of the entire building performance that encompasses several environmental parameters such as air quality, air temperature, relative humidity, and acoustics. Creation of a successful indoor environment is dependent on an understanding of the environmental factors that include building design and setting.

A cross multiple design strategy was adopted that included objective measurements (building physical measurements, monitoring, and archival data) and subjective measurements that included (questionnaires, interviews, and student's medical records). Seventeen schools were selected based on a multi-stage systematic sampling strategy. The sample size was sufficient to be representative of the entire school building stock in the country. The school-building design was adapted to the prototype systems that were duplicated in different locations in Jordan.

The findings indicated that there were significant differences among building prototypes and across the locations of the schools. Site selection and planning were found to play a significant role in improving indoor environment quality. Building design should take the environmental factors into consideration from the early stages of design and construction. Overall these strategies depend on adapting passive design techniques that can improve energy efficiency and enhance occupant comfort and satisfaction.
Implementation of a Multi-phase Approach for Investigating and Remedying a Thermal Comfort Problem in an Office Building
Authors: Budaiwi I. , Al-Homoud M. , Abdou A.
Published: January 2009

This study presents the implementation of a multi-phase investigation and remedial approach aimed at solving a thermal comfort problem in an office building which was the subject of complaint. As part of the first phase to verify existence and extent of the problem, a simple and practical questionnaire survey was developed and utilized to try eliciting the occupants' perception of the thermal comfort quality of the space in question. Additionally, field measurements of space thermal parameters and the Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) system parameters were conducted as part of the preliminary and detailed assessment stages. Analysis of assessment results has lead to the identification of short-term and long-term remedial measures to alleviate thermal comfort problems and improve the quality of thermal comfort in the office space.
Examining the Precollege Attributes and Values of Latina/o Bachelor's Degree Attainers
Authors: Cerna Oscar S. , Pérez Patricia A. , Sáenz Victor
Published: January 2009

This article focuses on understanding successful Latina/o college student retention at 4-year institutions. Deficit models fail to consider how Latina/o students use different forms of capital (i.e., social, cultural, economic, and human) in earning a degree. Using data from the UCLA's Cooperative Institutional Research Program, factors associated with Latina/o degree attainment within 6 years were investigated. This article will be of interest to educators and policy makers committed to increasing college access and retention for Latina/o students.
The proteasome load versus capacity balance determines apoptotic sensitivity of multiple myeloma cells to proteasome inhibition
Authors: Bianchi Giada , Oliva Laura , Cascio Paolo , Pengo Niccolò , Fontana Francesca , Cerruti Fulvia , Orsi Andrea , Pasqualetto Elena , Mezghrani Alexandre , Calbi Valeria , Palladini Giovanni , Giuliani Nicola , Anderson Kenneth C. , Sitia Roberto , Cenci Simone
Published: January 2009

Proteasome inhibitors (PIs) are effective against multiple myeloma (MM), but the mechanisms of action and bases of individual susceptibility remain unclear. Recent work linked PI sensitivity to protein synthesis and proteasome activity, raising the question whether different levels of proteasome expression and workload underlie PI sensitivity in MM cells (MMCs). Exploiting human MM lines characterized by differential PI sensitivity, we report that highly sensitive MMCs express lower proteasome levels and higher proteasomal workload than relatively PI-resistant MMCs, resulting in the accumulation of polyubiquitinated proteins at the expense of free ubiquitin (proteasome stress). Manipulating proteasome expression or workload alters apoptotic sensitivity to PI, demonstrating a cause-effect relationship between proteasome stress and apoptotic responses in MMCs. Intracellular immunostaining in primary, patient-derived MMCs reveals that polyubiquitinated proteins hallmark neoplastic plasma cells, in positive correlation with immunoglobulin (Ig) content, both intra- and interpatient. Moreover, overall proteasome activity of primary MMCs inversely correlates with apoptotic sensitivity to PI. Altogether, our data indicate that the balance between proteasome workload and degradative capacity represents a critical determinant of apoptotic sensitivity of MMCs to PI, potentially providing a framework for identifying indicators of responsiveness and designing novel combination therapies.
Antigen mRNA-transfected, allogeneic fibroblasts loaded with NKT-cell ligand confer antitumor immunity
Authors: Fujii Shin-ichiro , Goto Akira , Shimizu Kanako
Published: January 2009

The maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) in situ by danger signals plays a central role in linking innate and adaptive immunity. We previously demonstrated that the activation of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells by administration of α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer)–loaded tumor cells can act as a cellular adjuvant through the DC maturation. In the current study, we used allogeneic fibroblasts loaded with α-GalCer and transfected with antigen-encoding mRNA, thus combining the adjuvant effects of iNKT-cell activation with delivery of antigen to DCs in vivo. We found that these cells produce antigen protein and activate NK and iNKT cells. When injected into major histocompatibility complex (MHC)–mismatched mice, they elicited antigen-specific T-cell responses and provided tumor protection, suggesting that these immune responses depend on host DCs. In addition, antigen-expressing fibroblasts loaded with α-GalCer lead to a more potent T-cell response than those expressing NK cell ligands. Thus, glycolipid-loaded, mRNA-transfected allogeneic fibroblasts act as cellular vectors to provide iNKT-cell activation, leading to DC maturation and T-cell immunity. By harnessing the innate immune system and generating an adaptive immune response to a variety of antigens, this unique tool could prove clinically beneficial in the development of immunotherapies against malignant and infectious diseases.