bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smad Signaling Is Required to Maintain Epigenetic Silencing during Breast Cancer Progression
Authors: Papageorgis Panagiotis , Lambert Arthur W. , Ozturk Sait , Gao Fangming , Pan Hongjie , Manne Upender , Alekseyev Yuriy O. , Thiagalingam Arunthathi , Abdolmaleky Hamid M. , Lenburg Marc , Thiagalingam Sam
Published: January 2010

Breast cancer progression is associated with aberrant DNA methylation and expression of genes that control the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a critical step in malignant conversion. Although the genes affected have been studied, there is little understanding of how aberrant activation of the DNA methylation machinery itself occurs. Using a breast cancer cell–based model system, we found that cells that underwent EMT exhibited overactive transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling and loss of expression of the CDH1, CGN, CLDN4, and KLK10 genes as a result of hypermethylation of their corresponding promoter regions. Based on these observations, we hypothesized that activated TGFβ-Smad signaling provides an “epigenetic memory” to maintain silencing of critical genes. In support of this hypothesis, disrupting Smad signaling in mesenchymal breast cancer cells resulted in DNA demethylation and reexpression of the genes identified. This epigenetic reversal was accompanied by an acquisition of epithelial morphology and a suppression of invasive properties. Notably, disrupting TGFβ signaling decreased the DNA binding activity of DNA methyltransferase DNMT1, suggesting that failure to maintain methylation of newly synthesized DNA was the likely cause of DNA demethylation. Together, our findings reveal a hyperactive TGFβ-TGFβR-Smad2 signaling axis needed to maintain epigenetic silencing of critical EMT genes and breast cancer progression. Cancer Res; 70(3); 968–78
The G Protein–Coupled Receptor GPR30 Inhibits Proliferation of Estrogen Receptor–Positive Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Ariazi Eric A. , Brailoiu Eugen , Yerrum Smitha , Shupp Heather A. , Slifker Michael J. , Cunliffe Heather E. , Black Michael A. , Donato Anne L. , Arterburn Jeffrey B. , Oprea Tudor I. , Prossnitz Eric R. , Dun Nae J. , Jordan V. Craig
Published: January 2010

The G protein–coupled receptor GPR30 binds 17β-estradiol (E2) yet differs from classic estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ). GPR30 can mediate E2-induced nongenomic signaling, but its role in ERα-positive breast cancer remains unclear. Gene expression microarray data from five cohorts comprising 1,250 breast carcinomas showed an association between increased GPR30 expression and ERα-positive status. We therefore examined GPR30 in estrogenic activities in ER-positive MCF-7 breast cancer cells using G-1 and diethylstilbestrol (DES), ligands that selectively activate GPR30 and ER, respectively, and small interfering RNAs. In expression studies, E2 and DES, but not G-1, transiently downregulated both ER and GPR30, indicating that this was ER mediated. In Ca2+ mobilization studies, GPR30, but not ERα, mediated E2-induced Ca2+ responses because E2, 4-hydroxytamoxifen (activates GPR30), and G-1, but not DES, elicited cytosolic Ca2+ increases not only in MCF-7 cells but also in ER-negative SKBr3 cells. Additionally, in MCF-7 cells, GPR30 depletion blocked E2-induced and G-1–induced Ca2+ mobilization, but ERα depletion did not. Interestingly, GPR30-coupled Ca2+ responses were sustained and inositol triphosphate receptor mediated in ER-positive MCF-7 cells but transitory and ryanodine receptor mediated in ER-negative SKBr3 cells. Proliferation studies involving GPR30 depletion indicated that the role of GPR30 was to promote SKBr3 cell growth but reduce MCF-7 cell growth. Supporting this, G-1 profoundly inhibited MCF-7 cell growth, potentially via p53 and p21 induction. Further, flow cytometry showed that G-1 blocked MCF-7 cell cycle progression at the G1 phase. Thus, GPR30 antagonizes growth of ERα-positive breast cancer and may represent a new target to combat this disease. Cancer Res; 70(3); 1184–94
Combined Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer with Mithramycin A and Tolfenamic Acid Promotes Sp1 Degradation and Synergistic Antitumor Activity
Authors: Jia Zhiliang , Gao Yong , Wang Liwei , Li Qiang , Zhang Jun , Le Xiangdong , Wei Daoyan , Yao James C. , Chang David Z. , Huang Suyun , Xie Keping
Published: January 2010

Mithramycin (MIT) and tolfenamic acid (TA) inhibit the activity of the transcription factor Sp1. In the present study, we investigated whether pancreatic cancer treatment with a combination of these compounds has a synergistic effect on Sp1 activity, tumor growth, and their underlying response mechanisms. Treatment of pancreatic tumor xenografts with MIT and TA produced dose-dependent antitumor activity, and significant antitumor activity of either compound alone was directly associated with systemic side effects. Combination treatment with nontoxic doses of both compounds produced synergistic antitumor activity, whereas treatment with a nontoxic dose of either compound alone lacked a discernible antitumor effect. Synergistic therapeutic effects correlated directly with synergistic antiproliferation and antiangiogenesis in vitro. Moreover, combination treatment resulted in Sp1 protein degradation, drastically downregulating expression of Sp1 and vascular endothelial growth factor. Our findings established that Sp1 is a critical target of TA and MIT in human pancreatic cancer therapy, rationalizing clinical studies to determine the effect of existing pancreatic cancer therapy regimens on Sp1 signaling in tumors and normal pancreatic tissue, and the ability of Sp1-targeting strategies to modify cancer responses.Cancer Res; 70(3); 1111–9
Echocardiography in Chronic Kidney Disease: Diagnostic and Prognostic Implications
Authors: Pecoits-Filho Roberto , Barberato Silvio H.
Published: January 2010

Most of the recent advances in the understanding of chronic kidney disease (CKD)-related cardiovascular disease have focused on atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis, and much less effort has been dedicated to unveil and evaluate the mechanisms and impact of interventions related to myocardial dysfunction. Hence, echocardiographic evaluation plays a pivotal role in establishing the diagnosis of myocardiopathy as well as in stratifying risk and defining the impact of interventions. The aim of this review is to examine the profile of myocardiopathy in CKD, and to identify how the echocardiogram can be useful in diagnostic and prognostic clinical approaches.
Desmopressin Improves Platelet Dysfunction Measured by in vitro Closure Time in Uremic Patients
Authors: Lee Hyun Kee , Kim Yoon Ji , Jeong Jin Uk , Park Jung Sik , Chi Hyun Sook , Kim Soon Bae
Published: January 2010

Background/Aims: Desmopressin decreases bleeding time in uremic patients. Although bleeding time is the most frequently used measure of global platelet function, this test has important disadvantages. In vitro closure time (CT) is a relatively new and efficient test of primary hemostasis. We designed a prospective randomized study to evaluate the effect of desmopressin on platelet function, as measured by in vitro CT, in uremic patients. Methods: Forty-eight uremic patients, about to commence hemodialysis and with prolonged CT, were randomized to infusion with desmopressin (n = 24) or saline alone (n = 24). Complete blood count, prothrombin time, activated partial thrombin time, levels of plasma fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor (VWF), factor VIII (FVIII) and CT were measured before and 1 h after desmopressin or saline infusion. Results: Following desmopressin infusion, collagen/epinephrine and collagen/adenosine diphosphate CT were significantly shortened from 212 ± 58 to 152 ± 45 s (p = 0.01) and from 189 ± 78 to 147 ± 58 s (p = 0.012), respectively; levels of FVIII and VWF were significantly increased from 188 ± 66 to 252 ± 93% (p = 0.017) and from 113 ± 9 to 121 ± 9% (p = 0.043), respectively. There were no significant changes in the control group. Conclusions: Desmopressin improved platelet dysfunction and increased the plasma concentrations of VWF and FVIII, suggesting that desmopressin may play a role in improving the bleeding tendency in uremic patients.
Common Apolipoprotein E Gene Mutations Contribute to Lipoprotein Glomerulopathy in China
Authors: Han Jia , Pan Yongli , Chen Yuqing , Li Xia , Xing Guangqun , Shi Junhua , Hou Ping , Zhang Hong , Wang Haiyan
Published: January 2010

Background: Lipoprotein glomerulopathy (LPG) is a unique disease characterized by thrombus-like lipoprotein deposition in glomeruli and an increased serum apolipoprotein E level (ApoE protein or APOE gene). Several APOE mutations contribute to the occurring of LPG. Methods: We confirmed LPG in 7 individuals by renal biopsy, and investigated families of 2 patients with urinalysis, serum creatinine and serum lipid examination. Exons of APOE of all individuals as well as their relatives were amplified and sequenced directly. Results: Two types of APOE mutations were identified in the 7 patients and their relatives. APOE Maebashi (Arg142-Leu144→0) heterozygotes were found in 5 individuals who were from 4 different families. APOE Kyoto (Arg25-Cys) was confirmed heterogeneous in another 2 individuals. Both mutations present incomplete penetrance. Conclusion: Our research indicates that APOE Maebashi (Arg142-Leu144→0) is a common mutation in Chinese LPG. However, not all carriers of the 2 mutations have LPG, although hyperlipidemia and high serum ApoE level are tested. There are likely other reasons, such as a local mechanism in the glomeruli, which participated in the renal injury.
Ultrasonic Characterization (Integrated Backscatter) of Myocardial Tissue in Patients with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Jin Xiucai , Rong Shu , Mei Changlin , Chen Jiabin , Ye Chaoyang , Chen Xiaoyu
Published: January 2010

Objective: To study changes in myocardial wall texture in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) patients by ultrasonic integrated backscatter (IBS) analysis. Methods: Hypertensive and normotensive ADPKD patients, essential hypertension (EHP) patients and healthy volunteers were included in the study. All the subjects underwent conventional echocardiography and ultrasonic IBS of the myocardial wall. Both the calibrated IBS (C-IBS) and the systolic-diastolic cyclical variations in IBS (CV-IBS) were evaluated. Results: Mean C-IBS in hypertensive ADPKD patients was significantly higher than that in EHP patients and normotensive ADPKD patients. Mean C-IBS in normotensive ADPKD patients was significantly higher than that in healthy subjects. Mean CV-IBS in hypertensive ADPKD patients was significantly lower than that in EHP patients and normotensive ADPKD patients. Mean CV-IBS in normotensive ADPKD patients was significantly lower than that in healthy subjects. Multivariate analysis showed that the mean C-IBS was positively related to the systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI); mean CV-IBS was positively correlated with contractile performance and transmitral E/A ratio and inversely correlated with SBP, DBP and LVMI. Conclusions: ADPKD patients experienced myocardial interstitial collagen deposition and impairment to myocardial contractile performance, which were both aggravated by hypertension. IBS seems to be a useful tool for the assessment of myocardial changes in ADPKD patients.
Range for Normal Body Temperature in Hemodialysis Patients and Its Comparison with That of Healthy Individuals
Authors: Hasan Rabia , Adhi Mehreen , Mahmood Syed Faisal , Noman Fatima , Awan Safia , Akhtar Fazal , Naqvi Anwar , Rizvi Adeeb ul Hassan
Published: January 2010

Background/Aims: Patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis have an altered homeostasis leading to altered body temperatures. We aimed to determine the range for normal body temperature in hemodialysis patients and compared it to healthy individuals. Also, we determined how much axillary temperatures differed from oral temperatures in both groups and whether axillary temperature is affected by the presence of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in hemodialysis patients. Methods: Oral and axillary (left & right) temperatures were recorded using an ordinary mercury-in-glass thermometer in 400 subjects (200 hemodialysis patients, 200 healthy individuals) at the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation from mid-May to mid-June 2006. Comparisons were made between the temperatures of both groups. Results: Mean oral temperature in hemodialysis patients was higher than in healthy individuals [98.7°F (37°C) vs. 98.4°F (36.8°C); p < 0.001], as was the mean average axillary temperature [97.7°F (36.5°C) vs. 97.5°F (36.3°C); p = 0.02] and mean left axillary temperature [97.9°F (36.6°C) vs. 97.6°F (36.4°C); p < 0.001]. The fistula arm had higher axillary temperature in 77 (44%) hemodialysis patients. The difference between oral and axillary temperatures varied widely, making it impossible to obtain an accurate correction factor in both groups. Conclusion: Hemodialysis patients have higher normal body temperatures than healthy individuals. Axillary temperatures require cautious interpretation. In hemodialysis patients, the non-fistula arm should be preferred for recording axillary temperatures, as the presence of AVF may cause discrepancies in temperature measurements.
RNA Interference in Ageing Research – A Mini-Review
Authors: Minois Nadège , Sykacek Peter , Godsey Brian , Kreil David P.
Published: January 2010

Background: The search for genetic mechanisms affecting life-span and ageing represents an important part of ageing research, especially since the discovery of single-gene mutations with dramatic effects on these traits. Due to its relative ease of use and its power to specifically target arbitrary genes, RNA interference (RNAi) has rapidly been adopted as a technique for silencing gene expression. The feasibility of genome-wide RNAi screens potentially much simplifies the identification of novel ageing-related genes. Objective: In a review of applications of RNAi in ageing research with a focus on the model organisms Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster and discussing recent technical developments, we aim to highlight the current and future impact of this technology in the field. Method: We show how RNAi has successfully been used to complement classic mutant studies. Moreover, we discuss the novel opportunities and challenges of an application of RNAi in genome-wide screens in D. melanogaster, which has become possible with the recent availability of a comprehensive transgenic RNAi library for the fly. We highlight, in particular, how the flexible control of RNAi induction can support the study of dynamic processes like ageing through specific experiments and the development of matching computational methods. In an overview of complementary approaches we discuss the challenge of extracting insight from the high-dimensional measurement datasets that are required for the study of dynamic effects and interaction dependencies. Conclusion: RNAi has emerged as a powerful tool for the study of ageing, allowing the further characterization of the roles of specific genes in the ageing process as well as the efficient identification of new genes implicated. RNAi has contributed to our understanding of age-related diseases especially by making genes amenable to manipulation for which mutants were not easily available. Recent developments enable genome-wide screens with unprecedented temporal and spatial control of RNAi induction. Specific RNAi time-course experiments provide an opportunity for the analysis of high-resolution gene expression profiles capturing the dynamics of ageing-relevant processes and gene interactions. Research exploiting new avenues opened by the growing RNAi toolbox will considerably contribute to the next steps in researching the genetics of ageing and age-related diseases.
Signaling by the High-Affinity HDL Receptor Scavenger Receptor B Type I
Authors: Saddar Sonika , Mineo Chieko , Shaul Philip W.
Published: January 2010

Scavenger receptor B type I (SR-BI) plays an important role in mediating cholesterol exchange between cells, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and other lipoproteins. SR-BI in hepatocytes is essential for reverse cholesterol transport and biliary secretion of HDL cholesterol; thus, it is atheroprotective. More recently, it has been discovered that the HDL–SR-BI tandem serves other functions that also likely contribute to HDL-related cardiovascular protection. A number of the latter mechanisms, particularly in endothelial cells, involve unique direct signal initiation by SR-BI that leads to the activation of diverse kinase cascades. SR-BI signaling occurs in response to plasma membrane cholesterol flux. It requires the C-terminal PDZ-interacting domain of the receptor, which mediates direct interaction with the adaptor molecule PDZK1; and the C-terminal transmembrane domain, which directly binds membrane cholesterol. In endothelium, direct SR-BI signaling in response to HDL results in enhanced production of the antiatherogenic molecule nitric oxide; in a nitric oxide–independent manner, it serves to maintain endothelial monolayer integrity. The role of SR-BI signaling in the numerous other cellular targets of HDL, including hepatocytes, macrophages, and platelets, and the basis by which SR-BI senses plasma membrane cholesterol movement to modify cell behavior are unknown. Further understanding of signaling by SR-BI will optimize the capacity to harness the mechanisms of action of HDL–SR-BI for cardiovascular benefit.
Understanding Contributors to Racial Disparities in Blood Pressure Control
Authors: Kressin Nancy R. , Orner Michelle B. , Manze Meredith , Glickman Mark E. , Berlowitz Dan
Published: January 2010

Background—

Racial disparities in blood pressure (BP) control are well documented but poorly understood; prior studies have only included a limited range of potential explanatory factors. We examined a comprehensive set of putative factors related to blood pressure control, including patient clinical and sociodemographic characteristics, beliefs about BP and BP medications, medication adherence, and experiences of discrimination, to determine if the impact of race on BP control remains after accounting for such factors.

Methods and Results—

We recruited 806 white and black patients with hypertension from an urban safety-net hospital. From a questionnaire administered to patients after their clinic visits, electronic medical record and BP data, we assessed an array of patient factors. We then examined the association of patient factors with BP control by modeling it as a function of the covariates using random-effects logistic regression. Blacks indicated worse medication adherence, more discrimination, and more concerns about high BP and BP medications, compared with whites. After accounting for all factors, race was no longer a significant predictor of BP control.

Conclusions—

Results suggest that equalizing patients’ health beliefs, medication adherence, and experiences with care could ameliorate disparities in BP control. Additional attention must focus on the factors associated with race to identify, and ultimately intervene on, the causes of racial disparities in BP outcomes.
Cystatin C and Sudden Cardiac Death Risk in the Elderly
Authors: Deo Rajat , Sotoodehnia Nona , Katz Ronit , Sarnak Mark J. , Fried Linda F. , Chonchol Michel , Kestenbaum Bryan , Psaty Bruce M. , Siscovick David S. , Shlipak Michael G.
Published: January 2010

Background—

Recent studies have demonstrated an association between moderate kidney dysfunction and sudden cardiac death in people with cardiovascular disease.

Methods and Results—

The study was a longitudinal analysis among 4465 participants from the Cardiovascular Health Study without prevalent cardiovascular disease at baseline. Cystatin C and creatinine were measured from baseline sera. Sudden cardiac death (SCD) was defined as a sudden pulseless condition from a cardiac origin in a previously stable individual that occurred out of the hospital or in the emergency room. The association between cystatin C tertiles and SCD was determined with multivariate Cox proportional hazards. A similar analysis compared SCD incidence across creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) tertiles. Over a median follow-up of 11.2 years, 91 adjudicated SCD events occurred. The annual incidence of SCD events increased across cystatin C tertiles: 10 events per 10 000 person years in tertile 1, 25 events per 10 000 person years in tertile 2, and 32 events per 10 000 person-years in the highest cystatin C tertile. These associations persisted after multivariate adjustment: hazards ratio=2.72; 95% confidence interval, 1.44 to 5.16 in tertile 2 and hazards ratio=2.67; 95% confidence interval, 1.33 to 5.35 in tertile 3. After multivariate adjustment, the rate of SCD also increased in a linear distribution across creatinine-based eGFR tertiles: 15 events per 10 000 person-years in tertile 1, 22 events per 10 000 person-years in tertile 2, and 27 events per 10 000 person-years in tertile 3. No significant associations, however, remained between creatinine-based eGFR and SCD after multivariable adjustment.

Conclusions—

Impaired kidney function, as measured by cystatin C, has an independent association with SCD risk among elderly persons without clinical cardiovascular disease.
Revisiting the Role of Formal and Practical Knowledge from a Sociology of the Professions Perspective
Authors: Pavlin Samo , Svetlik Ivan , Evetts Julia
Published: January 2010

The article starts with the question of how the complexity of practical occupational knowledge is linked to and reflected in the vertical grading of an educational programme. The sociology of professional groups theory clearly differentiates between practical tacit knowledge and explicit formal knowledge, which is systemized in educational programmes. It presumes that those occupations whose practical work is more demanding and complex, such as doctors or lawyers, call for university programmes, while the educational programmes of other occupations (e.g. machine operators) appropriately remain at lower educational levels. This article studies whether or not this is really the case. It goes beyond this question and looks into the black box of practical occupational knowledge: required occupational competences, modes of learning and intellectuality of work. The article examines which of these elements are the most important for higher degrees of educational programmes. Finally, it develops a simple classification of occupations by the level of practical knowledge and a vertical formalization of the corresponding educational programme. For testing these confirmatory and exploratory hypotheses, the article uses a Slovenian pilot survey that encompasses 63 occupational groups with very diverse levels of formal education. The findings are put in the context of the Central European educational tradition (to which Slovenia belongs), where the accent on systematic, scientifically structured and theoretically grounded education persists.
Allocation to Social Positions in Class
Authors: Häussling Roger
Published: January 2010

Using the approach of qualitative social network research, this article focuses on two ‘systems of social inequality’ on the basis of which learning is organized: one is the institutional and organizational framework structuring the encounters between teachers and students, the other is a system of social inequality incorporated at the level of emotions and affections. Both systems seem to be virtually inevitable and, due to the tacit nature of their workings in class interactions, escape attempts at deliberate control. The article demonstrates how the web of social relationships in the early grades acts to reinforce both systems of social inequality and how they mutually affect one another in the class setting. Two first grade classes were studied for this purpose using mixed methods. The findings clearly support these conclusions: in both classes under study, a configuration of relationships consisting of a range of distinct (student) positions has emerged, and all parties involved have a similar perception of this social configuration. These social positions, each of which offer different opportunities for learning, are reflected both in interactions (as evidenced by video analysis) and the students’ stories (as evidenced in interviews). Such stabilization processes determine student careers early on and render the class setting ‘porous’ as a space of learning.
Review article: Enhancing employability: Human, cultural, and social capital in an era of turbulent unpredictability
Authors: Smith Vicki
Published: January 2010

Turbulence and unpredictability in 21st-century labor markets arguably magnify the importance of maintaining employability. Drawing on recent research, I discuss three mechanisms for enhancing employability in this context: identity work, training and networking, and laboring in unpaid and marginal paid positions. Few of these activities are counted as ‘work’ because they are mostly unpaid and they often take place outside formal job structures. By specifying how a range of employment-related activities are essential to and even constitute work, this article contributes to debates about the scope and boundaries of employment and shows how everyday actions build and reinforce new economic structures — how individual actions make the new economy possible. It also provides greater specification of the concept of employability.
The Intergenerational Transmission of Low Self-control
Authors: Boutwell Brian B. , Beaver Kevin M.
Published: January 2010

There is a vast line of literature showing that antisocial behaviors and personality traits are transmitted across generational lines. Given the ascendancy of Gottfredson and Hirschi’s general theory of crime, it is somewhat surprising that no research has examined whether levels of self-control are passed from parent to child. The authors examine this possibility by analyzing data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study. The results of the analysis revealed that maternal levels of self-control and paternal levels of self-control were predictive of the child’s levels of self-control. Supplemental analysis revealed that these effects were not mediated by key criminogenic risk factors. Moreover, there was also evidence indicating that people mate assortatively on a range of antisocial characteristics, including low self-control. Implications of the study are noted and discussed.
Cultural Stress: How Interactions With and Among Foreign Populations Affect Military Personnel
Authors: Azari Jaz , Dandeker Christopher , Greenberg Neil
Published: January 2010

The purpose of this article is to expand civil—military and military health research’s concepts of stress with the addition of a theoretical construct of the concept known as “cultural stress.” Military research often discusses combat and operational stress and its effect on soldiers but does not address unique culturally induced stressors created by the modern military’s interaction with indigenous populations. Civilian research discusses stress as it relates to “culture shock” but does not account for unique pressures facing servicemen in both peacetime and wartime environments. This article synthesizes these concepts to produce a new conceptual basis of “cultural stress” from which further empirical research can be conducted.
Different and Unequal? Breadwinning, Dependency Deferments, and the Gendered Origins of the U.S. Selective Service System
Authors: Geva Dorit
Published: January 2010

With establishment of the U.S. Selective Service System in 1917, selective draft rules placed consideration of registrants’ economic obligations to their dependents front and center. By observing the Canadian and British recruitment experiences, American policy makers opted against universal conscription since they believed it would be costly because of the need to offer family allowances and opted against a voluntary system since they believed that too many bachelors would fail to volunteer. Dependency deferments were designed to minimize the social and economic costs of war. Local board members determined whether a man was a genuine breadwinner or not, and individual discretion on this matter contributed to the higher rates of African American draftees during WWI compared to white draftees, since African American men were less likely to be recognized as genuine breadwinners. Selective Service rules thus resulted in reproducing female citizens as economic dependents and yielded durable inequalities among registrants.
Review: The quality of dying and death: a systematic review of measures
Authors: Hales Sarah , Zimmermann Camilla , Rodin Gary
Published: January 2010

To determine whether modern medicine is facilitating ‘good’ deaths, appropriate measures of the quality of dying and death must be developed and utilized. The purpose of this paper is to identify quality of dying and death measurement tools and to determine their quality. MEDLINE (1950—2008), Healthstar (1966—2008), and CINAHL (1982—2008) were searched using keyword terms ‘quality of dying/death’ and ‘good/bad death’. Papers that described a quality of dying and death measure or that aimed to measure the quality of dying and death were selected for review. The evaluation criteria included a description of the measure development (validated or ad hoc), the provision of a definition of quality of dying and death, an empirical basis for the measure, the incorporation of multiple domains and the subjective nature of the quality of dying and death construct, and responsiveness to change. Eighteen measures met the selection criteria. Six were published with some description of the development process and 12 were developed ad hoc. Less than half were based on an explicit definition of quality of dying and death and even fewer relied on a conceptual model that incorporated multidimensionality and subjective determination. The specified duration of the dying and death phase ranged from the last months to hours of life. Of the six published measures reviewed, the Quality of Dying and Death questionnaire (QODD) is the most widely studied and best validated. Strategies to measure the quality of dying and death are becoming increasingly rigorous. Further research is required to understand the factors influencing the ratings of the quality of dying and death.
Relationships Among Ethical Climates, Perceived Organizational Support, and Intent-to-Leave for Licensed Nurses in Skilled Nursing Facilities
Authors: Filipova Anna A.
Published: January 2010

This study tests a model that examines the effects of ethical climates and perceived organizational support on licensed nurses’ intent to leave through job satisfaction and organizational commitment. A cross-sectional survey design was implemented. Three hundred and fifty nine skilled nursing facilities were selected in the midwestern United States. While a total of 110 facilities (31%) agreed to participate, responses were received from nurses representing 100 of those facilities (28%). A total of 656 usable questionnaires were returned of the 3,060 distributed—a 21.4% response rate. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and hierarchical regression analyses were used.The explained variance of intent to leave was 53%, with six major determinants: commitment, job satisfaction, years in facility, instrumental climate, age group, and facility ownership type. Commitment completely mediated the relationship between perceived organizational support and intent to leave. Findings suggest that organizational ethics and support may be used as means to generate positive outcomes such as retention.
Where Do States Go? Strategy in Civil War Intervention
Authors: Aydin Aysegul
Published: January 2010

While the extant literature on the UN peacekeeping missions has considered the dynamics of institutional decisionmaking, relatively less attention has been paid to how states choose the civil wars in which they are going to intervene. In this article, I compare state and IGO decisionmaking in civil war intervention and claim that states make strategic decisions and consider the behavior of other third-party states to judge the costs and risks associated with intervention. Event history analysis results for the post-WWII period suggest that the timing of civil war intervention is closely associated with the war’s intervention history. States become hesitant and wait for longer periods to take action in civil wars in which interventions that failed to influence combatant behavior have been attempted by other states. Civil wars that survive despite heavy third-party involvement discourage other states from undertaking intervention efforts.
Patterns of Cooperation in High-Tech—Constraints, Feasibility, and Benefits: Results of a Study among Palestinians and Israelis
Authors: Malul Miki , Bar-El Raphael , Schwartz Dafna
Published: January 2010

The objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of cooperation between Israelis and Palestinians in the development of economic activities based on advanced technologies. We conducted an exploratory study in order to evaluate the attitudes of Israelis and Palestinians toward barriers and inhibiting factors. We also looked at possible models of cooperation and their economic and sociopolitical benefits, as well as the policy measures that would have to be taken in order to make such cooperation feasible. Our main results suggest that Palestinians are more sensitive to inhibiting factors but show more openness to all models of cooperation, with a preference for virtual models that are less dependent on the inhibiting factors. Economic benefits are considered major drivers for cooperation; they are important mostly to Palestinians, although Israelis attach equal weight to noneconomic benefits. In addition, public support is considered an important but not necessarily the major instrument for cooperation, especially among people in high-tech. The main conclusion drawn from this paper is that a basis does exist for Palestinian—Israeli cooperation in advanced technologies, innovation, and high-tech activities.
Evaluation of cadmium and zinc in biological samples of tobacco and alcohol user male mouth cancer patients
Authors: Tasneem Gul Kazi  , Sham Kumar Wadhwa  , Afridi Hassan Imran , Kazi Naveed , Kandhro Ghulam Abbas , Baig Jameel Ahmed , Shah Abdul Qadir , Kolachi Nida Fatima , Khan Sumaira
Published: January 2010

There is compelling evidence in support of positive associations between zinc (Zn) deficiency and high accumulation of cadmium (Cd) in biological samples of different cancerous patients. The incidence of mouth cancer has been increased among people who possess habit of drinking alcohol, tobacco smoking and chewing with gradients in Pakistan. In the present study, Cd and Zn contents of blood and scalp hair samples of 92 male mouth cancer patients and 78 referents of same age group (range 35—65 years), socio-economic status, localities and dietary habits. Among referent male subjects, 56 consumed tobacco (smoking/chewing), 22 had none of smoking and chewing tobacco habits, while none of them admitted for alcohol drinking. The scalp hair and whole blood samples were oxidized by 65% nitric acid and 30% hydrogen peroxide (2:1) ratio in microwave oven. The Zn in digests was determined by flame atomic absorption while Cd was determined by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. The average Cd concentration was higher, while level of Zn was lower in the blood and scalp hair samples of mouth cancer patients as compared to referent subjects (p < .001). The male referents consuming tobacco (chewing and smoking) have high level of Cd in both their biological samples as compared to those not smoking or chewing tobacco (p < .012). The Cd/Zn ratio in both biological samples was found to be higher in patients than in referent subjects.
Legitimizing basic research by evaluating quality
Authors: Levy-Malmberg Rika , Eriksson Katie
Published: January 2010

The aim of this study was to use ethical arguments to strengthen the relationship between the concepts of legitimacy and evaluation. The analysis is based on the ethics of Levinas and Buber and is motivated by a sense of responsibility using dialogical ideology as a mediator. The main questions in this study consider the following: Does caring science as an independent academic discipline have the moral responsibility to develop a theory for evaluating the quality of basic research? and Will such a quality evaluation theory have a reasonable probability of introducing legitimization into caring science? On an ethical level, this study introduces a meaningful interaction inspired by social demands and is linked to the concept of research justification. Legitimization turns from an abstract idea to an achievable entity by an act. The act of evaluation has the likelihood of delegating legitimacy and empowers the foundation of caring science, which in turn will become a cornerstone of nursing. At this stage there is no intention to develop an evaluation theory, rather to create a meaningful discussion for the future development of an ethics-based theory.
Is the 2008 NMC Code ethical?
Authors: Pattison Stephen , Wainwright Paul
Published: January 2010

In 2008 the United Kingdom Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) published the latest version of its code of conduct (The code: standards of conduct, performance and ethics for nurses and midwives). The new version marked a significant change of style in the Code compared with previous versions. There has been considerable controversy and the accrual of an extensive body of literature over the years in the UK and Europe criticizing nursing codes of ethics and questioning their ethical standing and their usefulness. In this article we review the current NMC Code. We argue that the NMC has been misguided in labelling the Code as a code of ethics, and suggest that the new document falls short in many respects.
A code of ethics for nurse educators: Revised
Authors: Rosenkoetter Marlene M , Milstead Jeri A
Published: January 2010

Nurse educators have the responsibility of assisting students and their colleagues with understanding and practicing ethical conduct. There is an inherent responsibility to keep codes current and relevant for existing nursing practice. The code presented here is a revision of the Code of ethics for nurse educators originally published in 1983 and includes changes that are intended to provide for that relevancy.
Compliance versus adherence in serious and persistent mental illness
Authors: Vuckovich Paula K
Published: January 2010

Failure to follow prescribed treatment has devastating consequences for those who are seriously and persistently mentally ill. Nurses, therefore, try to get clients to take psychotropic medication on a long-term basis. The goal is either compliance or adherence. Although current nursing literature has abandoned the term compliance because of its implications of coercion, in psychiatric nursing practice with patients suffering from serious long-term mental illness compliance and adherence are in fact different goals. The ideal goal is adherence, which requires the patient to be an active participant in the team. This goal is consistent with nurses’ ethical values, but for such patients this is frequently unrealistic. If the person is severely psychotic, treatment may be involuntary and the goal compliance. Psychiatric nurses participate in involuntary treatment and thus should acknowledge the ethical implications of compliance as a goal and not obscure the issue by calling compliance adherence.
An Information Provision Framework for Performance-Based Interactive eLearning Application for Manufacturing
Authors: Sanders Janet H. , Udoka Silvanus J.
Published: January 2010

Fundamental concepts and definitions of electronic learning (eLearning) continue to emerge, and theories of eLearning that have been advanced thus far cover an array of academic perspectives including training and education, learning and knowledge, and technology and applications to specific market segments. Any study of the effectiveness and efficiency of eLearning, therefore, has to address a variety of issues, including the role of eLearning in knowledge and learning, its contribution to competent performance, its relationship to organizational transformation, and strategies for embedding it into other forms of electronic interaction. eLearning refers to a form of learning in which the instructor and student are physically separated by space or time, and the gap between the two is bridged through the use of online technologies. Virtual technology utilizes an interactive approach to computer-based learning by providing real-time feedback to the user. Surveys of manufacturing companies have verified their interest and enthusiasm in the potential of virtual technology for industrial applications; however, the companies noted that one of the barriers to investing in the technology is the need for a structured methodology to guide the application identification, as well as the model building and evaluation for this technology. The study referenced in this article addresses this need by providing a framework for the development of a virtual environment that provides information for manufacturing task completion. It builds upon extant research into the use of virtual reality for task completion as well as proposes a structure for virtual environment development.
The Incidence of Hybrid Automobile Tax Preferences
Authors: Chupp B. Andrew , Myles Katie , Stephenson E. Frank
Published: January 2010

We use national and California price data from January, 2002 to June, 2009 for three hybrid and five non-hybrid car models to estimate the share of federal tax preferences for purchasing hybrid cars that accrues to car sellers. Our preferred estimates suggest that almost one-half of the subsidy is capitalized into car prices, but some specifications lead to larger estimated benefits for car suppliers. Our results also show (1) that a California program providing HOV stickers to owners of hybrid fuel automobiles led to large increases in the price of those vehicles, and (2) that failing to control for rising gas prices which increase the demand for fuel efficient vehicles leads to upwardly biased estimates of the amount of the hybrid car tax subsidy captured by automakers.
Ask and Ye Shall Receive? Predicting the Successful Appeal of Property Tax Assessments
Authors: Weber Rachel N. , McMillen Daniel P.
Published: January 2010

Appeal processes provide important opportunities to challenge administrative decisions, but adjudicators often lack access to information relevant to the disputed claim. This article examines the motivations for property tax assessment appeals as well as the factors that influence the decision to grant or deny these appeals. We ask whether and how the relative lack of comparable sales in a neighborhood influences the frequency of property assessment appeal applications and their likelihood of success. Using a data set of appeal applications submitted to the first two levels of assessment review in Chicago in 2000 and 2003, we estimate the probability of successful appeal for residential property owners using a sequential probit model. We find that information-rich environments have the potential to both temper the perception of individual mistreatment and improve the quality of assessor decision making. Appeals can compound the lack of uniformity in assessments found in markets with little sales activity.
Trends in online social networking: adolescent use of MySpace over time
Authors: Patchin Justin W. , Hinduja Sameer
Published: January 2010

MySpace has received a significant amount of negative attention from the media and many concerned adults, who point to several isolated incidents where predators have contacted, become involved with and even assaulted adolescents whom they met through the popular social networking web site. Furthermore, concerned parents have expressed discontent with the amount and type of personal and private information youth seem to reveal on their profile pages. In 2006, the authors performed an extensive content analysis of approximately 2423 randomly sampled adolescent MySpace profiles, and found that the vast majority of youth were making responsible choices with the information they shared online. In this follow-up study, the authors revisited the profiles one year later to examine the extent to which the content had changed. Though exceptions occur, youth are increasingly exercising discretion in posting personal information on MySpace and more youth are limiting access to their profile. Moreover, a significant number of youth appear to be abandoning their profiles or MySpace altogether.
Republicanism and Global Justice
Authors: Laborde Cécile
Published: January 2010

The republican tradition seems to have a blind spot about global justice. It has had little to say about pressing international issues such as world poverty or global inequalities. According to the old, if apocryphal, adage: extra rempublicam nulla justitia. Some may doubt that distributive justice (as opposed to freedom or citizenship) is the primary virtue of republican institutions; and at any rate most would agree that republican values have traditionally been realized in the polis not in the (oxymoronic) cosmopolis. The article sketches a republican account of global non-domination which suggests that duties of distributive justice are not bounded to the institutions of a single society. In particular, it argues that republicans have good reasons to seek to curb those global inequalities which underpin what I call capability-denying domination.
Overcast sky luminance is dependent on the physical state of the atmosphere below cloud level
Authors: Kocifaj M.
Published: January 2010

An approximate formula for sky luminance under overcast conditions taking into account different pollution content of the atmosphere is determined. The homogeneous cloud layer is considered to be a constant source of light, while the undercloud atmosphere is taken as a single scattering medium. The final mathematical expressions depend on turbidity and scattering ability of the undercloud atmosphere as well as on the altitude of the clouds. Such a parameterised model is therefore easily scalable and well adjusted to the actual meteorological situation (contrary to empirical models in current use). The derived analytical formula is suitable for engineering practice to perform rapid simulations of sky luminance.
Association of coagulation factor XIII-A with Golgi proteins within monocyte-macrophages: implications for subcellular trafficking and secretion
Authors: Cordell Paul A. , Kile Benjamin T. , Standeven Kristina F. , Josefsson Emma C. , Pease Richard J. , Grant Peter J.
Published: January 2010

Factor XIII-A (FXIII-A) is present in the cytosol of platelets, megakaryocytes, monocytes, osteoblasts, and macrophages and may be released from cells by a nonclassical pathway. We observed that plasma FXIII-A levels were unchanged in thrombocytopenic mice (Bcl-xPlt20/Plt20 and Mpl−/−), which implicates nonclassical secretion from nucleated cells as the source of plasma FXIII-A. We, therefore, examined the intracellular targeting of FXIII-A in the THP-1 (monocyte/macrophage) cell line and in human monocyte–derived macrophages. Metabolic labeling of THP-1 cells did not show release of 35S-FXIII-A either under basal conditions or when interleukin 1-β was released in response to cell stress. However, immunofluorescence of THP-1 cells and primary macrophages showed that FXIII-A associated with podosomes and other structures adjacent to the plasma membrane, which also contain trans-Golgi network protein-46 and Golgi matrix protein-130 (GM130) but not the endoplasmic reticulum luminal protein, protein disulphide isomerase. Further, FXIII-A was present in GM130-positive intracellular vesicles that could mediate its transport, and in other contexts GM130 and its binding partner GRASP have been implicated in the delivery of nonclassically secreted proteins to the plasma membrane. Hence, this mechanism may precede FXIII-A release into the extracellular matrix from macrophages and its release into plasma from the cell type of origin.