bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Calcium-Dependent Interaction of S100B with Its Protein Targets
Authors: Zimmer Danna B. , Weber David J.
Published: August 2010

S100B is a calcium signaling protein that is a member of the S100 protein family. An important feature of S100B and most other S100 proteins (S100s) is that they often bind Ca2+ions relatively weakly in the absence of a protein target; upon binding their target proteins, Ca2+-binding then increases by as much as from 200- to 400-fold. This manuscript reviews the structural basis and physiological significance of increased Ca2+-binding affinity in the presence of protein targets. New information regarding redundancy among family members and the structural domains that mediate the interaction of S100B, and other S100s, with their targets is also presented. It is the diversity among individual S100s, the protein targets that they interact with, and the Ca2+dependency of these protein-protein interactions that allow S100s to transduce changes in[Ca2+]intracellularlevels into spatially and temporally unique biological responses.
Fabrication and Characterization of Hydrophilic TiO2 Thin Films on Unheated Substrates Prepared by Pulsed DC Reactive Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Horprathum M. , Chindaudom P. , Limnonthakul P. , Eiamchai P. , Nuntawong N. , Patthanasettakul V. , Pokaipisit A. , Limsuwan P.
Published: August 2010

TiO2 thin films were deposited on unheated silicon wafers (100) and glass slides by a pulsed DC reactive magnetron sputtering in an ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) system. The effects of both an operating pressure and deposition time on film structure, surface morphology, and optical property were studied. The film structure and microstructure were characterized by grazing‐incidence X‐ray diffraction (GIXRD) technique and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The surface morphology was investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM). The optical property of the TiO2 thin films was determined by spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE). The water contact angle measurement was also used to determine hydrophilicity of the films after exposed to UV light. The results suggested that the TiO2 thin film at less than 40 nm was amorphous. As the thickness was increased, the mixture of anatase and rutile phases of TiO2 began to form. By reducing the operating pressure during the film deposition, the rutile phase component can also be enhanced. Both the increased film thickness and decrease operating pressure were the critical factors to improve the hydrophilicity of the TiO2 thin films.
Tailored 3D CuO Nanogrid Formation
Authors: Lee Jusang , Gouma Pelagia I.
Published: August 2010

This paper reports on the controlled synthesis of 3D CuO nanogrids by the combined use of electrospinning and thermal oxidation of a composite metal mesh/polymer mat architecture. The obtained nanogrids result from three steps encompassing: (i) Cu atom clusters diffusing into the nanofibers producing polymer-metal “core-shell”-type fibers (ii) decomposition of the polymeric shell; (iii) oxidation of the metallic core of the nanofibers to form self-supported, open nanogrids consisting of continuous nanofibers of CuO nanoparticles with an average diameter of 20 nm. The calculated band gap energy of the cupric oxide nanogrids was determined from the UV-Vis spectrum to be 1.32 eV. The unique 3D CuO nanogrids may be used as key components of 3D nanobatteries, photocatalysts, and p-type chemosensors.
FZD4 as a Mediator of ERG Oncogene–Induced WNT Signaling and Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Human Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Gupta Santosh , Iljin Kristiina , Sara Henri , Mpindi John Patrick , Mirtti Tuomas , Vainio Paula , Rantala Juha , Alanen Kalle , Nees Matthias , Kallioniemi Olli
Published: August 2010

TMPRSS2-ERG and other gene fusions involving ETS factors and genes with strong promoter elements are common in prostate cancer. Although ERG activation has been linked to invasive properties of prostate cancers, the precise mechanisms and pathways of ERG-mediated oncogenesis remain poorly understood. Here, we show that ERG knockdown in VCaP prostate cancer cells causes an activation of cell adhesion, resulting in strongly induced active β1-integrin and E-cadherin expression as well as changes in WNT signaling. These observations were corroborated by data from ERG-overexpressing nontransformed prostate epithelial cells as well as gene expression data from clinical prostate cancer samples, which both indicated a link between ERG and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Upregulation of several WNT pathway members was seen in ERG-positive prostate cancers, with frizzled-4 (FZD4) showing the strongest overexpression as verified by both reverse transcription-PCR and immunostaining. Both ERG knockin and knockdown modulated the levels of FZD4 expression. FZD4 silencing could mimic the ERG knockdown phenotype by inducing active β1-integrin and E-cadherin expression, whereas FZD4 overexpression reversed the phenotypic effects seen with ERG knockdown. Taken together, our results provide mechanistic insights to ERG oncogenesis in prostate cancer, involving activation of WNT signaling through FZD4, leading to cancer-promoting phenotypic effects, including EMT and loss of cell adhesion. Cancer Res; 70(17); 6735–45. ©2010 AACR.
ZIC1 Overexpression Is Oncogenic in Liposarcoma
Authors: Brill Elliott , Gobble Ryan , Angeles Christina , Lagos-Quintana Mariana , Crago Aimee , Laxa Bernadette , DeCarolis Penelope , Zhang Lei , Antonescu Cristina , Socci Nicholas D. , Taylor Barry S. , Sander Chris , Koff Andrew , Singer Samuel
Published: August 2010

Liposarcomas are aggressive mesenchymal cancers with poor outcomes that exhibit remarkable histologic diversity (there are five recognized subtypes). Currently, the mainstay of therapy for liposarcoma is surgical excision because liposarcomas are often resistant to traditional chemotherapy. In light of the high mortality associated with liposarcoma and the lack of effective systemic therapy, we sought novel genomic alterations driving liposarcomagenesis that might serve as therapeutic targets. ZIC1, a critical transcription factor for neuronal development, is overexpressed in all five subtypes of liposarcoma compared with normal fat, and in liposarcoma cell lines compared with adipose-derived stem cells. Here, we show that ZIC1 contributes to the pathogenesis of liposarcoma. ZIC1 knockdown inhibits proliferation, reduces invasion, and induces apoptosis in dedifferentiated and myxoid/round cell liposarcoma cell lines, but not in either adipose-derived stem cells or in a lung cancer cell line with low ZIC1 expression. ZIC1 knockdown is associated with increased nuclear expression of p27 proteins and the downregulation of prosurvival target genes BCL2L13, JunD, Fam57A, and EIF3M. Our results show that ZIC1 expression is essential for liposarcomagenesis and that targeting ZIC1 or its downstream targets might lead to novel therapy for liposarcoma. Cancer Res; 70(17); 6891–901. ©2010 AACR.
Tipping the Balance: Cdk2 Enables Myc to Suppress Senescence
Authors: Hydbring Per , Larsson Lars-Gunnar
Published: August 2010

Intrinsic tumor-suppressor pathways protect healthy cells from transformation by activated oncogenes like MYC or RAS through induction of apoptosis or cellular senescence, respectively. However, when expressed together, MYC and RAS evade these barriers and initiate tumorigenesis. Although Ras suppresses Myc-induced apoptosis, the role of Myc in this cooperation has remained undefined. In a recent report, we showed that Myc represses Ras-induced senescence, thereby overcoming the second major barrier of tumorigenesis. Inhibition of Ras-induced senescence required specific phosphorylation of Myc by cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (Cdk2) and was abrogated by pharmacologic Cdk2 inhibitors, urging a reevaluation of this kinase as a therapeutic target in Myc- or Ras-driven tumors. Cancer Res; 70(17); 6687–91. ©2010 AACR.
New Strategies in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Genomic Prognostic Markers
Authors: Villanueva Augusto , Hoshida Yujin , Toffanin Sara , Lachenmayer Anja , Alsinet Clara , Savic Radoslav , Cornella Helena , Llovet Josep M.
Published: August 2010

Accurate prognosis prediction in oncology is critical. In patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), unlike most solid tumors, the coexistence of two life-threatening conditions, cancer and cirrhosis, makes prognostic assessments difficult. Despite the usefulness of clinical staging systems for HCC in routine clinical decision making (e.g., Barcelona-Clinic Liver Cancer algorithm), there is still a need to refine and complement outcome predictions. Recent data suggest the ability of gene signatures from the tumor (e.g., EpCAM signature) and adjacent tissue (e.g., poor-survival signature) to predict outcome in HCC (either recurrence or overall survival), although independent external validation is still required. In addition, novel information is being produced by alternative genomic sources such as microRNA (miRNA; e.g., miR-26a) or epigenomics, areas in which promising preliminary data are thoroughly explored. Prognostic models need to contemplate the impact of liver dysfunction and risk of subsequent de novo tumors in a patient’s life expectancy. The challenge for the future is to precisely depict genomic predictors (e.g., gene signatures, miRNA, or epigenetic biomarkers) at each stage of the disease and their specific influence to determine patient prognosis. Clin Cancer Res; 16(19); 4688–94. ©2010 AACR.
Multigene Expression–Based Predictors for Sensitivity to Vorinostat and Velcade in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Nagji Alykhan S. , Cho Sang-Hoon , Liu Yuan , Lee Jae K. , Jones David R.
Published: August 2010

The ability to predict the efficacy of molecularly targeted therapies for non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) for an individual patient remains problematic. The purpose of this study was to identify, using a refined “coexpression extrapolation (COXEN)” algorithm with a continuous spectrum of drug activity, tumor biomarkers that predict drug sensitivity and therapeutic efficacy in NSCLC to Vorinostat, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, and Velcade, a proteasome inhibitor. Using our refined COXEN algorithm, biomarker prediction models were discovered and trained for Vorinostat and Velcade based on the in vitro drug activity profiles of nine NSCLC cell lines (NCI-9). Independently, a panel of 40 NSCLC cell lines (UVA-40) were treated with Vorinostat or Velcade to obtain 50% growth inhibition values. Genome-wide expression profiles for both the NCI-9 and UVA-40 cell lines were determined using the Affymetrix HG-U133A platform. Modeling generated multigene expression signatures for Vorinostat (45-gene; P = 0.002) and Velcade (15-gene; P = 0.0002), with one overlapping gene (CFLAR). Examination of Vorinostat gene ontogeny revealed a predilection for cellular replication and death, whereas that of Velcade suggested involvement in cellular development and carcinogenesis. Multivariate regression modeling of the refined COXEN scores significantly predicted the activity of combination therapy in NSCLC cells (P = 0.007). Through the refinement of the COXEN algorithm, we provide an in silico method to generate biomarkers that predict tumor sensitivity to molecularly targeted therapies. Use of this refined COXEN method has significant implications for the a priori examination of targeted therapies to more effectively streamline subsequent clinical trial design and cost. Mol Cancer Ther; 9(10); 2834–43. ©2010 AACR.
Induction of Nonapoptotic Cell Death by Activated Ras Requires Inverse Regulation of Rac1 and Arf6
Authors: Bhanot Haymanti , Young Ashley M. , Overmeyer Jean H. , Maltese William A.
Published: August 2010

Methuosis is a unique form of nonapoptotic cell death triggered by alterations in the trafficking of clathrin-independent endosomes, ultimately leading to extreme vacuolization and rupture of the cell. Methuosis can be induced in glioblastoma cells by expression of constitutively active Ras. This study identifies the small GTPases, Rac1 and Arf6, and the Arf6 GTPase-activating protein, GIT1, as key downstream components of the signaling pathway underlying Ras-induced methuosis. The extent to which graded expression of active H-Ras(G12V) triggers cytoplasmic vacuolization correlates with the amount of endogenous Rac1 in the active GTP state. Blocking Rac1 activation with the specific Rac inhibitor, EHT 1864, or coexpression of dominant-negative Rac1(T17N), prevents the accumulation of vacuoles induced by H-Ras(G12V). Coincident with Rac1 activation, H-Ras(G12V) causes a decrease in the amount of active Arf6, a GTPase that functions in the recycling of clathrin-independent endosomes. The effect of H-Ras(G12V) on Arf6 is blocked by EHT 1864, indicating that the decrease in Arf6-GTP is directly linked to the activation of Rac1. Constitutively active Rac1(G12V) interacts with GIT1 in immunoprecipitation assays. Ablation of GIT1 by short hairpin RNA prevents the decrease in active Arf6, inhibits vacuolization, and prevents loss of cell viability in cells expressing Rac1(G12V). Together, the results suggest that perturbations of endosome morphology associated with Ras-induced methuosis are due to downstream activation of Rac1 combined with reciprocal inactivation of Arf6. The latter seems to be mediated through Rac1 stimulation of GIT1. Further insights into this pathway could suggest opportunities for the induction of methuosis in cancers that are resistant to apoptotic cell death. Mol Cancer Res; 8(10); 1358–74. ©2010 AACR.
Role of the Paclitaxel-Eluting Stent and Tirofiban in Patients With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Postfibrinolysis Angioplasty
Authors: Sánchez Pedro L. , Gimeno Federico , Ancillo Pablo , Sanz Juan J. , Alonso-Briales Juan H. , Bosa Francisco , Santos Ignacio , Sanchis Juan , Bethencourt Armando , López-Messa Juan , de Prado Armando Pérez , Alonso Joaquin J. , San Román J. Alberto , Fernández-Avilés Francisco
Published: August 2010

Background—

A catheter-based approach after fibrinolysis is recommended if fibrinolysis is likely to be successful in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction. We designed a 2×2 randomized, open-label, multicenter trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the paclitaxel-eluting stent and tirofiban administered after fibrinolysis but before catheterization to optimize the results of this reperfusion strategy.

Methods and Results—

We randomly assigned 436 patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction to (1) bare-metal stent without tirofiban, (2) bare-metal stent with tirofiban, (3) paclitaxel-eluting stent without tirofiban, and (4) paclitaxel-eluting stent with tirofiban. All patients were initially treated with tenecteplase and enoxaparin. Tirofiban was started 120 minutes after tenecteplase in those patients randomly assigned to tirofiban. Cardiac catheterization was performed within the first 3 to 12 hours after inclusion, and stenting (randomized paclitaxel or bare stent) was applied to the culprit artery. The primary objectives were the rate of in-segment binary restenosis of paclitaxel-eluting stent compared with that of bare-metal stent and the effect of tirofiban on epicardial and myocardial flow before and after mechanical revascularization. At 12 months, in-segment binary restenosis was similar between paclitaxel-eluting stent and bare-metal stent (10.1% versus 11.3%; relative risk, 1.06; 95% confidence interval, 0.74 to 1.52;
P
=0.89). However, late lumen loss (0.04±0.055 mm versus 0.27±0.057 mm,
P
=0.003) was reduced in the paclitaxel-eluting stent group. No evidence was found of any association between the use of tirofiban and any improvement in the epicardial and myocardial perfusion. Major bleeding was observed in 6.1% of patients receiving tirofiban and in 2.7% of patients not receiving it (relative risk, 2.22; 95% confidence interval, 0.86 to 5.73;
P
=0.14).

Conclusions—

This trial does not provide evidence to support the use of tirofiban after fibrinolysis to improve epicardial and myocardial perfusion. Compared with bare-metal stent, paclitaxel-eluting stent significantly reduced late loss but appeared not to reduce in-segment binary restenosis.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00306228.
Decreased Activity of the Na
+
/H
+
Exchanger by Phosphodiesterase 5A Inhibition Is Attributed to an Increase in Protein Phosphatase Activity
Authors: Yeves Alejandra M. , Garciarena Carolina D. , Nolly Mariela B. , Chiappe de Cingolani Gladys E. , Cingolani Horacio E. , Ennis Irene L.
Published: August 2010

The beneficial effect of phosphodiesterase 5A inhibition in ischemia/reperfusion injury and cardiac hypertrophy is well established. Inhibition of the cardiac Na
+
/H
+
exchanger (NHE-1) exerts beneficial effects on these same conditions, and a possible link between these therapeutic strategies was suggested. Experiments were performed in isolated cat cardiomyocytes to gain insight into the intracellular pathway involved in the reduction of NHE-1 activity by phosphodiesterase 5A inhibition. NHE-1 activity was assessed by the rate of intracellular pH recovery from a sustained acidic load in the absence of bicarbonate. Phosphodiesterase 5A inhibition with sildenafil (1 μmol/L) did not affect basal intracellular pH; yet, it did decrease proton efflux (J
H
; in millimoles per liter per minute) after the acidic load (proton efflux: 6.97±0.43 in control versus 3.31±0.58 with sildenafil;
P
<0.05). The blockade of both protein phosphatase 1 and 2A with 100 nmol/L of okadaic acid reverted the sildenafil effect (proton efflux: 6.77±0.82). In contrast, selective inhibition of protein phosphatase 2A (1 nmol/L of okadaic acid or 100 μmol/L of endothall) did not (3.86±1.0 and 2.61±1.2), suggesting that only protein phosphatase 1 was involved in sildenafil-induced NHE-1 inhibition. Moreover, sildenafil prevented the acidosis-induced increase in NHE-1 phosphorylation without affecting activation of the extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2-p90
RSK
pathway. Our results suggest that phosphodiesterase 5A inhibition decreases NHE-1 activity, during intracellular pH recovery after an acidic load, by a protein phosphatase 1–dependent reduction in NHE-1 phosphorylation.
Dietary Fatty Acids and the Risk of Hypertension in Middle-Aged and Older Women
Authors: Wang Lu , Manson JoAnn E. , Forman John P. , Gaziano J. Michael , Buring Julie E. , Sesso Howard D.
Published: August 2010

Dietary intake of various fats may have different effects on blood pressure. We conducted a prospective cohort study to examine the association between intake of subtype and individual fatty acids (FAs) and the risk of developing hypertension among 28 100 US women aged ≥39 years and free of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Baseline intake of FAs was assessed using semiquantitative food frequency questionnaires. Incident hypertension was identified from annual follow-up questionnaires based on self-reported physician diagnosis, medication use, and blood pressure levels. A total of 13 633 women developed incident hypertension during 12.9 years of follow-up. After adjusting for demographic, lifestyle, and other dietary factors, intake of saturated FAs, monounsaturated FAs, and
trans-
unsaturated FAs (
trans
FAs) was positively associated with the risk of hypertension. The multivariable relative risks and 95% CIs of hypertension in the highest compared with the lowest quintile of intake were 1.12 (1.05 to 1.20) for saturated FAs, 1.11 (1.04 to 1.18) for monounsaturated FAs, and 1.15 (1.08 to 1.22) for
trans
FAs. After additional adjustment for body mass index and history of diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia, these associations were attenuated and remained statistically significant only for
trans
FAs (relative risk in the highest quintile: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.15). Intake of polyunsaturated FAs, including ω3 and ω6 polyunsaturated FAs, was not significantly associated with the risk of hypertension. In conclusion, higher intake of saturated FAs, monounsaturated FAs, and
trans
FAs was each associated with increased risk of hypertension among middle-aged and older women, whereas only association for
trans
FAs remained statistically significant after adjustment for obesity-related factors.
Trait Antagonism and the Progression of Arterial Thickening
Authors: Sutin Angelina R. , Scuteri Angelo , Lakatta Edward G. , Tarasov Kirill V. , Ferrucci Luigi , Costa Paul T. , Schlessinger David , Uda Manuela , Terracciano Antonio
Published: August 2010

A large body of evidence links antagonism-related traits with cardiovascular outcomes, but less is known about how psychological traits are associated with intermediate markers of cardiovascular disease. Using a large, community-based sample from Sardinia, Italy (n=5614), this study examined how trait antagonism (low agreeableness) and its facets are associated with carotid artery intima-media thickness, a measure of arterial thickening. Controlling for demographic and cardiovascular risk factors, low agreeableness and, in particular, low straightforwardness and low compliance, were associated with greater carotid thickening, measured concurrently and prospectively, and with increases in intima-media thickness over 3 years. Indeed, those in the bottom 10% of agreeableness had a 40% increase in risk for elevated intima-media thickness. Although men have thicker arterial walls, women with antagonistic traits had similar carotid thickening as antagonistic men. Antagonistic individuals, especially those who are manipulative and aggressive, have greater increases in arterial thickening, independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors.
Serum Inflammatory and Immune Marker Response After Bare-Metal or Drug-Eluting Stent Implantation Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Moohebati Mohsen , Falsoleiman Homa , Dehghani Mashalla , Fazlinezhad Afsoon , Daloee Mehdi Hassanzadeh , Esmaeili Habib , Parizadeh Seyyed Mohammad Reza , Tavallaie Shima , Rahsepar Amir Ali , Paydar Roghayeh , Kazemi-Bajestani Seyyed Mohammad Reza , Pourghadam-Yari Hossein , Rad Mina Akbari , Zoghdar-Moghadam Talat , Ghayour-Mobarhan Majid , Ferns Gordon A.
Published: August 2010

We assessed the changes in serum antiheat shock protein (HSP)-27 antibody and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels, following the placement of a drug-eluting stent (DES) or bare-metal stent (BMS) in patients with stable coronary artery disease. Either a BMS or DES was implanted in 137 patients (82 BMS; 55 DES). Anti-HSP27 and hsCRP levels were measured 24 hours before and 24 hours after stenting. Median hsCRP serum levels increased significantly to 60.78 (10.13-84.87) and 77.80 (50.00-84.84) mg/L for BMS and DES groups (P = .006 and P = .000, respectively); this increase did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. Median anti-HSP27 antibody levels decreased to 0.26 (0.17-0.49) and 0.21 (0.16-0.29) absorbency units in BMS and DES groups (P = .045 and P = < 0.001, respectively). The changes in anti-HSP27 antibody titers were significant between the 2 groups (P = .015). Bare-metal stent and DES differ in stimulation of immune rather than inflammatory responses. Less stent restenosis after DES compared with BMS implantation could, in part, be attributed to differences in immune responses.
Soul Buddyz Clubs: A social development innovation
Authors: Schmid Jeanette , Wilson Theresa , Taback Rayna
Published: August 2010

Soul Buddyz Clubs, centered on social mobilization and children’s rights, offer a model for developmental child welfare both in South Africa and further afield. Features of successful clubs and the way in which these enhance the lives of children, particularly in under-resourced areas, are highlighted.
Predictors of household hardship in a resource constrained environment: The case of Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Lombe Margaret , Ochumbo Alexander , Stokes Charu , Hamilton Chavon
Published: August 2010

Using data from the 2004 wave of the Afrobarometer survey, this study examines correlates of household hardship in three countries of sub-Saharan Africa: Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Findings provide partial support for the hypothesized relationship. Specifically, poverty reduction initiatives and informal assistance are associated with reduced hardship while civic engagement is related to an increase in household hardship. We also note that certain demographic characteristics are linked to hardship. Policy and practice implications are suggested.
Assessing Students With Significant Cognitive Disabilities on Academic Content
Authors: Goldstein Jessica , Behuniak Peter
Published: August 2010

Federal and state policies require all students with significant cognitive disabilities to participate in state assessments and be included in measures of adequate yearly progress. Although these alternate assessments of grade-level content based on alternate achievement standards have been in place for several years, little is known about the knowledge and skills of students with significant cognitive disabilities or about the influence of these assessments on student learning. This study uses an empirically evaluated classification scheme of data from one cohort of students’ participation in a statewide alternate assessment, Connecticut’s Skills Checklist, to validate claims from teacher focus group interviews. Data from both components of the study suggest that nearly half of the teachers found the content on the Skills Checklist inaccessible for their students. Implications of this finding are discussed.
A Neglected Aspect of the Housing Market
Authors: Gough Katherine V. , Yankson Paul
Published: August 2010

In housing markets in sub-Saharan Africa, construction is predominantly undertaken by individuals rather than by the state or private companies. Due to lack of housing finance, the construction process takes many years hence owners often engage live-in caretakers to protect their property. Based on fieldwork conducted in peri-urban Accra, this paper explores why the demand for caretakers arises, why there is a supply of caretakers, who the caretakers are and their living conditions. Although life as a caretaker is far from ideal, the demand for and supply of caretakers are likely to continue for the foreseeable future. Caretaking is a form of housing tenancy which is overlooked in housing and labour laws and practices, and hence demands more attention from both researchers and policy-makers.
Children’s Social Capital in the Segregated Context of Amsterdam
Authors: Karsten Lia
Published: August 2010

This paper addresses children’s social capital across space and over time. Empirical evidence comes from an in-depth study of changes in children’s daily lives in Amsterdam over the past 50 years. Different dimensions of religious and ethnic segregation at school and in the neighbourhood have influenced children’s capacity to build social capital. The main conclusion is that children’s social capital in two out of three selected neighbourhoods has narrowed considerably. Children today have lost many of the loose social ties across age, class, religion and ethnicity. It is not only the segregated school choice that lies at the heart of this narrowing process; schools have always reflected parents’ status, whether in religious or in class terms. It is also the loss of children’s agency on the street that contributes to the decline in children’s bridging social capital.
Does Family Structure Matter? A Domain-Specific Examination of Identity Exploration and Commitment
Authors: Bartoszuk Karin , Pittman Joe F.
Published: August 2010

This exploratory study examines identity exploration and commitment in different domains and how family structure (original/alternative), gender, and age affect these processes in a convenience sample of 388 college students. Results reveal that participants from alternative family structures explore more in the political and gender role domains than do participants from original families. Furthermore, women explore more in the occupational and friendship domains and are more committed in the values and family domains. Younger participants explore less in the gender role domain compared to older ones. Significant interactions reveal that (a) younger women explored the least, and (b) men from alternative families are the least committed in the values domain, compared to all other groups. Findings support the value of exploring the relative impact of family-focused experience on the processes of identity formation and, for the current convenience sample, suggest that growing up in an alternative family structure does not necessarily have a negative impact on identity.
Deriving a Barthel Index from the Northwick Park Dependency Scale and the Functional Independence Measure: are they equivalent?
Authors: Turner-Stokes Lynne , Williams Heather , Rose Hilary , Harris Sarah , Jackson Diana
Published: August 2010

Objective: To examine the extent of agreement between Barthel Index scores derived from Northwick Park Dependency Scores (NPDS) and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) ratings, in an inpatient setting.

Design and setting: Previously described conversion criteria were applied in a secondary analysis of a large existing dataset, gathered in a tertiary specialist inpatient neurorehabilitation unit.

Subjects: Patients with neurological disabilities (N = 1347), mainly following acquired brain injury.

Main measures: Comparison of Barthel scores derived from the NPDS (rated by nursing staff) and from parallel FIM scores (rated by the therapy team).

Results: Very strong intraclass correlations were observed between the total scores (0.93, P<0.001); 95% limits of agreement ranged from —3.53 to 4.90. Item-by-item agreement (linear-weighted Cohen’s kappa coefficients) ranged from 0.41 to 0.77, which represents ‘moderate’ to ‘substantial’ agreement. A significant bias towards lower NPDS-derived scores (median 10 (interquartile range (IQR) 6—16) compared with median 11 (IQR 7—16) for the FIM-derived score; Wilcoxon z 11.60, P<0.001) was considered most likely to reflect actual differences in patient performance observed by therapy and nursing staff.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates good overall agreement between the Barthel Index ratings derived from NPDS and FIM scores. However, scores may be affected by differential performance with nursing and therapy staff, and should not automatically be regarded as equivalent.
Gender and Automobility: Selling Cars to American Women after the Second World War
Authors: Walsh Margaret
Published: August 2010

This essay examines the marketing of automobiles to women in the United States after World War II when mass consumption was established. Remarkably, little attention has been paid to the segmentation of the American car market by gender. Drawing on textual and pictorial archival sources from the National Automotive History Collection, the advertising agency J. Walter Thompson and the Benson Ford Research Center, as well as on statistical materials and reports generated by the federal government, it discusses how and when American women were recognized as significant, if not equal consumers of automobiles. Emphasis is given to the years 1945—1980. Two socioeconomic developments were significant in altering the status of female car consumers. In the boom years between 1945 and the early 1960s, the new suburban lifestyle required most women to drive as modern housewives. Then, they wanted greater say in the purchase of the family car or even their own car. Subsequently, in the late 1960s and 1970s, civil rights legislation and the surge in women’s labor force participation allowed more women to buy their own vehicles as well as to drive more often. There was a cultural lag before auto manufacturers in the 1980s acknowledged women’s importance in the car market. Women still, however, faced difficulties negotiating with auto dealers.
The Consumer as ‘‘Voter,’’ ‘‘Judge,’’ and ‘‘Jury’’: Historical Origins and Political Consequences of a Marketing Myth
Authors: Schwarzkopf Stefan
Published: August 2010

This article discusses the origins of the idea that a consumer’s choice is equivalent to a citizen’s vote or a juror’s verdict and that markets therefore resemble the political process of a democracy. The idea of the consumer as sovereign driver of the marketplace emerged during the enlightenment. It was, however, the development of market research methods during the 1930s and 1940s, which provided the crucial backdrop for the sudden rise to prominence of an idea that assumes that consumers dictate what is produced through their ‘‘votes,’’ that is, daily choices. Innovations in the measurement of consumer preferences, such as consumer juries, panel surveys, and the program analyzer technique, provided the final touch of scientific credibility to this idea. An understanding of the historical origins and political—philosophical implications of the equation of consumer markets and democracies is of importance for the study of macromarketing because it helped legitimize specific industries that today have come under closer scrutiny for their potentially detrimental impact on the social welfare of consumers, such as the advertising and the entertainment industries. This equation also provided—and still provides—a theoretical underpinning for the marketing concept as a marketing management philosophy.
The Medical Services Paradox in the U.S. Market System: The Desperate Need for Improvement
Authors: Samli A. Coskun
Published: August 2010

Macromarketers need to critically examine the provision of medical services in the United States. American health care is based on a competitive business model but in reality is an oligopoly defying consumer sovereignty. Medical expenditures are the highest of any major industrialized country, despite the fact that some 45 million Americans do not have health coverage. Insurance companies are very profitable and some physicians act like entrepreneurs more occupied with making money than in serving their patients. This system does not need to be improved a small piece at a time but should be totally revamped. Otherwise, the outlook for the future of the American health care is very bleak.
Anatomy of Lateral Patellar Instability
Authors: Balcarek Peter , Jung Klaus , Ammon Jan , Walde Tim Alexander , Frosch Stephan , Schüttrumpf Jan Philipp , Stürmer Klaus Michael , Frosch Karl-Heinz
Published: August 2010

Background

A trend toward young women being at greatest risk for primary and recurrent dislocation of the patella is evident in the current literature. However, a causative factor is missing, and differences in the anatomical risk factors between men and women are less defined.

Purpose

To identify differences between the sexes in the anatomy of lateral patellar instability.

Study Design

Case control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

Knee magnetic resonance images were collected from 100 patients treated for lateral patellar instability. Images were obtained from 157 patients without patellar instability who served as controls. Using 2-way analyses of variance, the influence of patellar dislocation, gender, and their interaction were analyzed with regard to sulcus angle, trochlear depth, trochlear asymmetry, patellar height, and the tibial tubercle—trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance. Mechanisms of injury of first-time dislocations were divided into high-risk, low-risk, and no-risk pivoting activities and direct hits.

Results

For all response variables, a significant effect was observed for the incidence of patellar dislocation (all P < .01). In addition, sulcus angle, trochlear asymmetry, and trochlear depth depended significantly on gender (all P < .01) but patellar height did not (P = .13). A significant interaction between patellar dislocation and gender was observed for the TT-TG distance (P = .02). The mean difference in TT-TG distance between study and control groups was 4.1 mm for women (P < .01) and 1.6 mm for men (P = .05). Low-risk and no-risk pivoting injuries were most common in women, whereas first-time dislocations in men occurred mostly during high-risk pivoting activities (P < .01).

Conclusion

The data from this study indicate that trochlear dysplasia and the TT-TG distance is more prominent in women who dislocate the patella. Both factors might contribute to an increased risk of lateral patellar instability in the female patient as illustrated by the fact that dislocations occurred most often during low-risk or no-risk pivoting activities in women.
Removal of the toxic effects of chlormadinon acetate on the development ofDrosophila melanogastervia the use of nordihydroguaiaretic acid
Authors: Altun D. , Uysal H. , Ayar A. , Aşkın H.
Published: August 2010

In this study, the effects of chlormadinon acetate (CMA) and CMA + nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) on various developmental stages of Drosophila melanogaster were investigated. Different concentrations of CMA (1.0; 3.0; 5.0 and 10.0 μM/100 mL medium) and CMA + NDGA as the concentrations of CMA (1.0 + 1.0; 3.0 + 3.0; 5.0 + 5.0 and 10.0 + 10.0 μM/100 mL medium) were carried out during the developmental periods of the flies. When F1progeny of control and application groups were compared, CMA was found to extend the process of metamorphosis and decrease the total offspring numbers. However, these negative effects were inhibited by NDGA treatment at different concentrations. These results suggest that NDGA could effectively inhibit CMA-induced abnormalities in developmental stages of D. melanogaster. It was found that the difference between the groups was significantly important (p < 0.05).
Evaluating Causes for Unplanned Hospital Readmissions of Palliative Care Patients
Authors: Grim Rod D. , McElwain Diane , Hartmann Rhada , Hudak Mary , Young Sandra
Published: August 2010

This study evaluated reasons why palliative care patients were readmitted within 30 days of discharge. A secondary purpose was to determine whether length of stay (LOS) was different between readmission reasons. From July 2006 to June 2007, 156 palliative care readmissions were identified. Codes were assigned to each readmission and included compliance issues, discharge planning, disease process, new diagnosis, premature discharge, surgical complications, and other. Results demonstrated that disease progression (63%) and development of new co-morbidities (17%) were the primary readmission causes. No significant differences among readmission causes for LOS were identified. As the primary reason for readmission was the disease process, a closer look at the most common disease processes and the specific complications that resulted in a readmission would be helpful in planning patient care.
Code Status Discussions at Hospital Admission Are Not Associated With Patient and Surrogate Satisfaction With Hospital Care: Results From the Multicenter Hospitalist Study
Authors: Anderson Wendy G. , Pantilat Steven Z. , Meltzer David , Schnipper Jeffrey , Kaboli Peter , Wetterneck Tosha B. , Gonzales David , Arora Vineet , Zhang James , Auerbach Andrew D.
Published: August 2010

Background: Physicians may avoid code status discussions for fear of decreasing patient or surrogate satisfaction. Methods: Charts of patients admitted to medical services at 6 university hospitals were reviewed for documentation of a code status discussion in the first 24 hours of admission. Satisfaction with care provided during the hospitalization was assessed by telephone 1 month after discharge. Results: Of the 11 717 patients with 1-month follow-up, 1090 (9.3%) had a code status discussion documented. Patient or surrogate satisfaction did not differ by whether a discussion was documented. The lack of association persisted after adjusting for patient’s severity of illness and using propensity adjustment for likelihood of having a discussion. Conclusions: Discussing code status on admission to the inpatient setting did not affect patient or surrogate satisfaction.
Prevalence of Opioid-Related Dysuria in Patients With Advanced Cancer Having Pain
Authors: Mercadante Sebastiano , Ferrera Patrizia , Casuccio Alessandra
Published: August 2010

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of opioid-induced dysuria in patients with advanced cancer having pain and to evaluate the possible factors associated. A consecutive sample of cancer patients admitted to an acute pain relief and palliative care unit during 8 months was surveyed. Most patients (147, 86.5%) were receiving opioids at admission. The mean age was 65.1 (SD 12.2) and 106 patients were males. Twenty-five patients presented with dysuria at admission (of which 22 were taking opioids, 14.9%). Eleven patients were inserted a bladder catheter at admission for urine monitoring and 18 patients had urinary incontinence. During admission, 31 patients presented dysuria (19% of population was taking opioids). The prevalence of dysuria was more frequent in males, in patients presenting pelvic masses or who had pelvic surgery, and patients with neurological deficits. Opioid switching during admission was correlated to the occurrence of dysuria. Patients with chronic cancer pain receiving opioid therapy present a prevalence of bladder dysfunction of about 15%, which is influenced by several concomitant factors. Given the complex clinical picture of advanced cancer patients, further studies should be performed to explore the presence of dysuria in patients with no pain and not receiving opioids to know the real weight of opioid therapy with respect to other variables.
Amnesia, Nostalgia, and the Politics of Place Memory
Authors: Farrar Margaret E.
Published: August 2010

This article examines two seemingly opposed modes of place-making, urban sprawl and historic preservation, and their relationship to memory. The author contends that urban sprawl creates a landscape of either willful or accidental amnesia, where the powers of place are neutralized by ignoring them or removing them from history. Historic preservation, however, can have equally depoliticizing effects by conjuring up peculiar, selective, or even wholly imaginary pasts. Despite their apparent opposition, both practices often work against a meaningful understanding of the relationship between identity, memory, and place. Rather than accept the false choice between amnesia and nostalgia, the author advocates for an ethos of what Walter Benjamin calls “porosity” in creating, maintaining, and evaluating the vitality of our urban spaces.
Partial Thrombus Resolution With Trofiban in a Pregnant Woman With Mechanical Prosthetic Mitral Valve Thrombosis
Authors: Akcay Adnan Burak , Yuce Murat , Akcay Murat , Sen Nihat , Soydinc Hatice Ender , Davutoglu Vedat
Published: August 2010

We present a 15-week pregnant woman who developed mechanical mitral valve thrombosis on a fixed dose of enoxaparin therapy 60 mg twice daily. No reductions were observed in the thrombus size or mean mitral gradient on transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) with 1 week of unfractioned heparin therapy. As the thrombus on TEE imaging was hypermobile and fragile, in addition to a higher dose of enoxaparin (80 mg twice daily), trofiban infusion 0.20 µg/kg per minute was administered for another 1 week. The thrombus on the valve was reduced in size, mobility and fragility of the thrombus diminished, and mean valve gradient decreased on TEE. As complete thrombus resolution was not observed and limitation of valve mobility continued, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) was given to the patient. A complete thrombus resolution was observed on this therapy. The patient is presented for being the first case in literature whose valvular thrombus reduced with trofiban therapy.
Resemblance to vWD Types and Laboratory Diagnosis of Obligatory Carriers of Type 3 von Willebrand Disease
Authors: Akin Mehmet , Karapinar Deniz Yilmaz , Balkan Can , Ay Yilmaz , Kavakli Kaan
Published: August 2010

Objectives: It is important to diagnose obligatory carrier (OC) type 3 von Willebrand Disease (vWD) in countries, such as Turkey, where marriages between relatives is common. However, mild bleeding or no bleeding in such patients complicates the diagnosis of the disease. It is not clear how the diagnosis of OC type 3 vWD will be made based on FVIII:C (Factor VIII activity), vWF:Ag (von Willebrand factor antigen), vWF:RCo (von Willebrand factor ristocetin cofactor activity), and PFA (platelet function analyzer )-100 parameters. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to investigate how OC type 3 vWD diagnoses may be established by studying laboratory phenotypes of close relatives of patients with diagnosed 3 vWD. Patients and Methods: 8 patients with type 3 vWD (index cases) and 20 patients who were defined as OCs type 3 vWD were enrolled into the study. Result: 10 cases had similarity with mild type VWD, 4 cases had similarity with moderate type 1 vWD, 4 other cases had type 1 or 2 vWD similarities, 1 case had similarity with severe type 1 vWD, and 1 case also had similarity with severe type 1 or type 2 vWD; regarding their laboratory phenotypic characteristics. Conclusion: we identified that OC type 3 vWD is similar specifically to type 1 vWD in terms of laboratory phenotypic character, and we suggest that it may be used with PFA-100 as an easy and fast method in screening relatives.
The Clinical Outcome of 260 Pediatric ITP Patients in One Center
Authors: Akbayram Sinan , Dogan Murat , Ustyol Lokman , Akgun Cihangir , Peker Erdal , Bilici Salim , Caksen Hüseyin , Oner Ahmet Faik
Published: August 2010

In the current study, clinical and laboratory findings and treatment modalities of children with acute and chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) were evaluated retrospectively. Our purpose was to determine clinical outcome of children with ITP and their responses to different treatment regimes. Total of 260 children with ITP were enrolled in the study. The mean age of patients was 76.8 ± 48.1 months. The therapy responses of high-dose methylprednisolone (HDMP; n = 134), standard dose methylprednisolone (n = 32), and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG; n = 15) treatments were similar. Two (0.8%) of the 260 ITP patients had intracranial bleeding. None of the patients died due to hemorrhage. Of all the patients with ITP, 191 (73.5%) completely resolved within 6 months after initiation of the disease and therefore they were diagnosed as acute ITP; 69 patients (26.5%) had progressed into chronic ITP. The therapy responses of HDMP, standard dose methylprednisolone, and IVIG treatments are similar.
An Experimental Investigation Into the Use of Written Smell References in Ecotourism Advertisements
Authors: Magnini Vincent P. , Karande Kiran
Published: August 2010

While the demand for ecotourism destinations is growing, so has the intensity of competition in this sector. Therefore, using an Internet panel sample of 154 U.S. residents, this research finds that inserting a written smell reference within the text of an ecotourism print ad (e.g., Ecotourism at Its Finest . . . Recreate, Rejuvenate, and Enjoy the Fragrant Mountain Air at the Graham Hotel) influences individuals’ affective responses to the ad. This research also finds that the influence of this written smell reference on affective responses is moderated by the individual’s lifestyle interests, including their connectedness to nature and intention to take future ecotourism trips. Gender, however, has no moderating impact. The managerial and research implications of these findings are discussed.
Mediating the Olympics
Authors: Marshall P. David , Walker Becky , Russo Nicholas
Published: August 2010

The Olympics have long been an incredibly elaborate media spectacle. This article explores, through the 2008 Beijing Games, the transformation of the Olympic spectacle as new media forms become more regular partners in its production, distribution and exhibition, as well as producing other forms of interpersonal mediation that are part of what can be called new media communication. Because of the Olympics’ close association with broadcasting — and, over the last 50 years, specifically television — this article will argue that looking at the new forms of delivery of the Olympics identifies the power-shifts at play between older media and new media as industries.