bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanistic Evaluation of the Novel HSP90 Inhibitor NVP-AUY922 in Adult and Pediatric Glioblastoma
Authors: Gaspar Nathalie , Sharp Swee Y. , Eccles Suzanne A. , Gowan Sharon , Popov Sergey , Jones Chris , Pearson Andrew , Vassal Gilles , Workman Paul
Published: May 2010

The dismal prognosis of glioblastoma (GB) indicates the urgent need for new therapies for these tumors. Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) inhibitors induce the proteasome-mediated degradation of many oncogenic client proteins involved in all of the hallmark characteristics of cancer. Here, we explored the mechanistic potential of the potent synthetic diarylisoxazole amide resorcinol HSP90 inhibitor, NVP-AUY922, in adult and pediatric GB. In vitro antiproliferative potency (nanomolar range) was seen in both adult and pediatric human GB cell lines with different molecular pathologies. A cytostatic effect was observed in all GB lines; more apoptosis was observed at lower concentrations in the SF188 pediatric GB line and at 144 hours in the slower growing KNS42 pediatric GB line, as compared with the adult GB lines U87MG and SF268. In vitro combination studies with inhibitors of phosphoinositide 3-kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI-103) or mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) kinase (PD-0325901) supported the hypothesis that sustained inhibition of ERK up to 72 hours and at least temporary inhibition of AKT were necessary to induce apoptosis in GB lines. In athymic mice bearing established s.c U87MG GB xenografts, NVP-AUY922 (50 mg/kg i.p × 3 days) caused the inhibition of ERK1/2 and AKT phosphorylation and induced apoptosis, whereas 17-AAG used at maximum tolerated dose was less effective. NVP-AUY922 antitumor activity with objective tumor regression resulted from antiproliferative, proapoptotic, and antiangiogenic effects, the latter shown by decreased microvessel density and HIF1α levels. Our results have established a mechanistic proof of concept for the potential of novel synthetic HSP90 inhibitors in adult and pediatric GB, alone or in combination with phosphoinositide 3-kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin and mitogen-activated protein/ERK kinase inhibitors. Mol Cancer Ther; 9(5); 1219–33. ©2010 AACR.
Sunitinib Malate and Figitumumab in Solitary Fibrous Tumor: Patterns and Molecular Bases of Tumor Response
Authors: Stacchiotti Silvia , Negri Tiziana , Palassini Elena , Conca Elena , Gronchi Alessandro , Morosi Carlo , Messina Antonella , Pastorino Ugo , Pierotti Marco A. , Casali Paolo G. , Pilotti Silvana
Published: May 2010

Antiangiogenic treatment activity has been reported in solitary fibrous tumor (SFT), a rare and little chemosensitive sarcoma. We explored the activity of sunitinib malate (SM) in SFT and studied receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) activation profile. Eleven patients with progressive metastatic SFT resistant to chemotherapy were treated with continuous-dosing 37.5 mg/d SM on a named-use basis. One of them also received the insulin-like growth factor I receptor (IGFIR) inhibitor figitumumab after developing secondary resistance to SM. Besides, biochemical, molecular, and fluorescence in situ hybridization analyses were done in eight naïve SFTs whose cryopreserved material was available to clarify RTK upstream and downstream signaling. In two cases treated with SM and belonging to the naïve series, both pretreatment and posttreatment samples were available. Ten patients were evaluable for response to SM. The best response according to the Choi criteria was six partial response (all with Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors stable disease), one stable disease, and three progressive disease. Responses lasted >6 months in five patients. The eight naïve samples showed high expression/phosphorylation of PDGFRB, epidermal growth factor receptor, and IGFIR/IR, in the presence of their cognate ligands. Downstream pathways revealed expression/activation of Akt, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1-2 and, closely related to SFT subtypes, of S6 and 4E-BP1. In two patients, whose pretreatment and posttreatment clinical and molecular status were available, biochemical data confirmed the activity of SM, although they also suggested a possible time-dependent shift of dominant RTK from PDGFRB to IGFIR/insulin receptor. A Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors partial response to figitumumab corroborated these findings. SM has antitumor activity in SFT, possibly through a PDGFRB-mediated mechanism, but treatments with IGFIR/insulin receptor and possibly epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors are worth testing. Mol Cancer Ther; 9(5); 1286–97. ©2010 AACR.
Perivascular Ancestors of Adult Multipotent Stem Cells
Authors: Corselli Mirko , Chen Chien-Wen , Crisan Mihaela , Lazzari Lorenza , Péault Bruno
Published: May 2010

Independent studies by numerous investigators have shown that it is possible to harvest multipotent progenitor cells from diverse dissociated and cultured fetal, perinatal, and principally adult developed tissues. Despite the increasingly recognized medical value of these progenitor cells, the archetype of which remains the mesenchymal stem cell, this indirect extraction method has precluded the understanding of their native identity, tissue distribution, and frequency. Consistent with other researchers, we have hypothesized that blood vessels in virtually all organs harbor ubiquitous stem cells. We have identified, marked, and sorted to homogeneity by flow cytometry endothelial and perivascular cells in a large selection of human fetal, perinatal, and adult organs. Perivascular cells, including pericytes in the smallest blood vessels and adventitial cells around larger ones, natively express mesenchymal stem cell markers and produce in culture a long-lasting progeny of multilineage mesodermal progenitor cells. Herein, we review results from our and other laboratories that suggest a perivascular origin for mesenchymal stem cells and other adult progenitor cells. Recent experiments illustrate the therapeutic potential of human pericytes to regenerate skeletal muscle and promote functional recovery in the diseased heart and kidney.
Regulation of Bone Marrow-Derived Vascular Progenitor Cell Mobilization and Maintenance
Authors: Dimmeler Stefanie
Published: May 2010

Cell therapy is a promising option for treating ischemic diseases and heart failure. Bone marrow-derived vasculogenic cells, including progenitor cells and proangiogenic cells, have been shown to augment the functional recovery after ischemia. However, cardiovascular diseases affect the functional activity of the endogenous progenitor cell pools. The local microenvironment, also termed the stem cell niche, provides essential cues that maintain stem and progenitor cell functions and direct cell fate decisions in the bone marrow. A disturbed niche might lead to cell dysfunction (eg, by exhaustion). In addition, the niche controls mobilization of the cells into the circulation. This review will discuss the impact of cardiovascular disease on stem cell niches and summarize strategies targeting the niche for mobilization of vasculogenic cells.
Clinical Potential of Adult Vascular Progenitor Cells
Authors: Kumar Arun H.S. , Caplice Noel M.
Published: May 2010

Cell therapy to treat vascular and cardiovascular diseases has evolved over the past decade with improved understanding of progenitor cell mobilization, recruitment, and differentiation. The beneficial effects seen in several preclinical studies have prompted translation of adult vascular progenitor therapy to clinical trials. To date, progenitor cells isolated from bone marrow and peripheral blood have been tested in the context of acute myocardial infarction and chronic ischemic cardiomyopathy, with moderate benefit. This therapeutic effect occurs despite a relatively small number of injected progenitor cells and short-term residence in the target zone. Thus, indirect benefits, such as paracrine factors released from these cells, have been suggested as significant contributors to therapeutic efficacy. Several additional vascular progenitors of endothelial, smooth muscle, mesenchymal, and cardiac origin have been identified that may contribute to vasculogenesis. Indeed, a unifying paradigm for the most effective cell therapy strategies to date appears to be robust support of angiogenesis. Here we discuss a number of progenitor cells that currently show potential as cardiovascular therapeutics, either singly or in combination. We look at emerging cell types and disease targets that may be exploited for therapeutic benefit and future strategies that may maximize clinical efficacy.
Sons and Lovers and the Mirage: Recognition, Melodrama and Psychoanalysis in Mahfūz’s al-Sarāb
Authors: Kennedy Philip F.
Published: May 2010

This essay provides a commentary on one of the less celebrated novels of Najīb Mahfū z,al-Sarāb (The Mirage), one of a series of tragic melodramas he wrote in the 1940s. Uniquely in Mahfūz’s oeuvre, this novel explores an “Oedipal” relationship between the narrator/protagonist and his mother; it is a relationship that blights the man’s married life. What Aristotle identified as anagnorisis—a movement towards startling disclosure—is a common feature of Oedipal narratives; the anagnorisis in Sophocles’s Oedipus Rex being the most famous example (and Aristotle’s favorite instance of tragic disclosure). In general, and across genres, anagnorisis provides narratives with familiar, sometimes comforting, shape; it can also provide an interpretive portal onto the meaning and values revealed by a narrative. It tends to provide closure, especially in melodrama, and often purveys a sense of certainty (though in contemporary or experimental fiction that complacency is often misplaced: incertitude, ambiguity and difficult knowledge are just as often revealed). The commentary below concentrates on three aspects of al-Sarāb alluded to and the relationship between them: recognition, psychoanalysis and melodrama.
Nile Crossings: Hospitality and Revenge in Egyptian Rural Narratives
Authors: Granara William
Published: May 2010

This essay looks at acts of hospitality and revenge as constituent elements of a broad social code in rural Egyptian narratives. By looking at five stories in particular, I argue that hospitality and revenge work in complementarity, and that they often trespass and blur each other’s social and literary borders, creating ambiguity and complexity in the stories. The traditional rules that govern hospitality are at times challenged or inverted by hostile intentions, and revenge may be exacted for common or personal well-being. Also, the Nile River, richly symbolic of Egyptian history and identity, plays a vital role in situating the self, in all its pristine, bifurcated, and sullied forms.
Beyond Univocal Baklava: Deconstructing Food-as-Ethnicity and the Ideology of Homeland in Diana Abu Jaber’s The Language of Baklava
Authors: Bardenstein Carol
Published: May 2010

In this article I examine and analyze the complex configuration of diasporic/homeland relations as represented in Arab American author Diana Abu Jaber’s most recent “cookbook-memoir” The Language of Baklava. Abu Jaber’s work resists prevalent conventions of most nostalgic/ ethnic cookbook memoirs, by both diasporic authors from the Arab world who have taken up residence in the U.S., and by some Arab American authors as well. The Language of Baklava neither portrays a simplistic or reductive binary between homeland and hostland, constructing the “old country” as a locus of unambiguous authenticity and familiarity, nor the hostland as a watered-down, assimilated, or inauthentic version of “the real thing” back home, with nostalgia and alienation as the prevalent respective tropes. Instead, Abu Jaber’s work presents a far more complex and ambivalent configuration of both the hyphenated existence of Arab Americans in the contemporary U.S., and of “back home” and, very central to her work, a nuanced portrayal of interactions between the two spheres and their inhabitants as complex and inter-penetrating.1
Determination of a Consistent Time for the Extratropical Transition of Tropical Cyclones. Part II: Potential Vorticity Metrics
Authors: Kofron David E. , Ritchie Elizabeth A. , Tyo J. Scott
Published: May 2010

As a tropical cyclone moves poleward and interacts with the midlatitude circulation, the question of whether it will undergo extratropical transition (ET) and, if it does, whether it will reintensify or dissipate, is a complex problem. Uncertainties include the tropical cyclone, the midlatitude circulation, the subtropical anticyclone, and the nonlinear interactions among these systems. A large part of the uncertainty is due to a lack of an understanding of when extratropical transition begins and how it progresses. In this study, absolute potential vorticity and isentropic, or Ertel’s, potential vorticity is examined for its ability to more consistently determine significant times (i.e., beginning or end) of the ET life cycle using the Navy Operational Global Assimilation and Prediction System gridded analyses.

It is found that isentropic potential vorticity on the 330-K potential temperature isentropic level is a good discriminator for examining the extratropical transition of tropical cyclones. At this level, a consistent “ET time” is defined as when the TC-centered circular average of isentropic potential vorticity reaches a minimum value. All 82 tropical cyclones moving into the midlatitudes meet this criterion. The completion of extratropical transition for the reintensifying cases is defined as when the storm exceeds an isentropic potential vorticity threshold value of 1.6 PVU at the 330-K potential temperature isentropic level. The success rate of this threshold value for the completion of extratropical transition for the reintensification cases is found to be 94.3% with a 27.6% false-alarm rate.
CFS Prediction of Winter Persistent Inversions in the Intermountain Region
Authors: Gillies Robert R. , Wang Shih-Yu , Yoon Jin-Ho , Weaver Scott
Published: May 2010

A recent study by Gillies and others of persistent inversion events in the Intermountain West of the United States found a substantive linkage between the intraseasonal oscillation (ISO) and the development of persistent inversion events. Given that NCEP’s Climate Forecast System (CFS) has demonstrated skill in the prediction of the ISO as far out as 1 month, it was decided to examine the CFS forecast’s capability in the prediction of such winter persistent inversions. After initial analysis, a simple regression scheme is proposed that is coupled to the CFS output of geopotential height as a way to predict the occurrence of persistent inversion events for Salt Lake City, Utah. Analysis of the CFS hindcasts through the period 1981–2008 indicates that the regression coupled with the CFS can predict persistent inversion events with lead times of up to 4 weeks. The adoption of this coupled regression–CFS prediction may improve the forecasting of persistent inversion events in the Intermountain West, which is currently restricted to the more limited time span (∼10 days) of medium-range weather forecast models.
Political Competition as an Obstacle to Judicial Independence: Evidence From Russia and Ukraine
Authors: Popova Maria
Published: May 2010

A large literature attributes independent courts to intense political competition. Existing theories, however, have a previously unrecognized boundary condition— they apply only to consolidated democracies. This article proposes a strategic pressure theory of judicial (in)dependence in electoral democracies, which posits that intense political competition magnifies the benefits of subservient courts to incumbents, thus reducing rather than increasing judicial independence. The theory’s predictions are tested through quantitative analysis of electoral registration disputes adjudicated by Russian and Ukrainian courts during the 2002-2003 parliamentary campaigns. Selection models show that in Ukraine, progovernment candidates have a higher than average probability of winning in court, whereas in Russia the political affiliation of the plaintiff does not predict success at trial. Thus, the data show that judicial independence is lower in the more competitive electoral democracy (Ukraine) than in the less competitive electoral democracy (Russia).
Validating Social and Cultural Capital of Hyperghettoized At-Risk Students
Authors: Khalifa Muhammad
Published: May 2010

This study investigated how school leaders recognize and validate cultural and social capital of hyperghettoized at-risk students. Two primary research questions drove this research: (1) Did traditional school leaders recognize the social and cultural capital of at-risk, African American students? (2) How did an effective school leader validate the cultural and social capital of at-risk African American students. The findings indicated that traditional school leaders did not validate, or even accommodate, the social and cultural capital of hyperghettoized students. However, the school leader highlighted in this study was able to validate the capital of what became very academically and socially successful hyperghettoized students. Findings also highlighted the implications of how school principals may lead in a socially just manner as they attempt to value children equitably.
The Relationship Between Bible Literacy and Behavioral and Academic Outcomes in Urban Areas: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jeynes William
Published: May 2010

A meta-analysis is undertaken, including 11 studies, to determine whether there is a relationship between Bible knowledge on one hand and academic and behavioral outcomes on the other among those living in urban areas. The results indicate that increased Bible knowledge is associated with higher levels of student academic achievement and positive behavioral patterns. The analysis indicates that the relationship, as measured by degree of statistical significance, between Bible knowledge and academic outcomes is stronger than it is between Bible knowledge and behavioral outcomes. The possible reasons for this pattern and also the reasons for relationship that Bible knowledge has with academic and behavioral outcomes are discussed.
A Tripartite Perspective of Social Capital and Its Access by High School Dropouts
Authors: Drewry Julie A. , Burge Penny L. , Driscoll Lisa G.
Published: May 2010

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to document and analyze students’ experiences with dropping out of high school, using a social capital framework. Examining the stories of high school dropouts provided valuable information related to the root causes of dropout behaviors. The context of this study was a high school in an urban school division in a Southeastern state. The participants were 5 high school dropouts who spoke English as a primary language and who were a part of the general education population at the school. Triangulation of data sources included field notes, interviews with the participants, and archival documents. Three-iteration code mapping was used for data analysis and was included in an audit trail of all the study procedures. Other points and thematic representations considered were: (a) results of this study presented as narrative descriptions of the dropout histories of each participant, (b) themes resulting from the analysis across all of the narratives as discussed within the social capital framework, (c) suggestions for the development of programs to increase social capital in the family, school, and community, as included in the Conclusion section.
Traditional and Nontraditional Bullying Among Youth: A Test of General Strain Theory
Authors: Patchin Justin W. , Hinduja Sameer
Published: May 2010

Bullying at school is a common problem facing youth, school officials, and parents. A significant body of research has detailed the serious consequences associated with bullying victimization. Recently, however, a new permutation has arisen and arguably become even more problematic. Cyberbullying, as it has been termed, occurs when youth use technology as an instrument to harass their peers—via email, in chat rooms, on social networking Web sites, and with text messaging through their computer or cell phone. The current study seeks to shed light on the potential causes of both variants of adolescent aggression by employing the arguments of Agnew’s (1992) general strain theory as a guiding framework. Results suggest that those who experience strain are more likely to participate in both traditional and nontraditional forms of bullying. Implications of these findings and suggestions for further research in this growing area of study are also discussed.
Times May Change, But We Will Always Have Money: Diachronic Variation in Recent British English
Authors: Baker Paul
Published: May 2010

The frequencies of words in four equal-sized reference corpora of written British English from 1931, 1961, 1991, and 2006 were compared to investigate patterns of vocabulary change and stability over time.The study addresses central methodological questions surrounding diachronic change across multiple corpora, considering a number of methods to distinguish variance over time. Having identified an appropriate measure of variance, the study categorizes words as showing large increases, showing large decreases, or remaining stable. After grouping words into grammatical categories, several hypotheses about language change (and stability) are advanced. Concordance and collocational analyses explore these hypotheses and consider context of usage. The study reports on a number of trends relating to language (specifically British English) and cultural change, including a tendency for language to become less verbose and a move toward more informal and personal ways of writing.
Correspondence Bias in Performance Evaluation: Why Grade Inflation Works
Authors: Moore Don A. , Swift Samuel A. , Sharek Zachariah S. , Gino Francesca
Published: May 2010

Performance (such as a course grade) is a joint function of an individual’s ability (such as intelligence) and the situation (such as the instructor’s grading leniency). Prior research has documented a human bias toward dispositional inference, which ascribes performance to individual ability, even when it is better explained through situational influences on performance. It is hypothesized here that this tendency leads admissions decisions to favor students coming from institutions with lenient grading because those students have their high grades mistaken for evidence of high ability. Three experiments show that those who obtain high scores simply because of lenient grading are favored in selection. These results have implications for research on attribution because they provide a more stringent test of the correspondence bias and allow for a more precise measure of its size. Implications for university admissions and personnel selection decisions are also discussed.
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Associated With Furosemide
Authors: Wright Amanda A. , Vesta Kimi S. , Stark Jennifer E. , Smith Winter J.
Published: May 2010

Purpose: To report a probable association of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) with furosemide and suspected cross-sensitivity with lincomycin and silver sulfadiazine cream. Summary: A 28-year-old Hispanic male was admitted for SJS, with a prolonged hospital course and unclear etiology throughout the majority of the stay. Patient’s medications prior to development of SJS symptoms were stable for 3 months and with the exception of furosemide, all were continued throughout the hospitalization while the SJS resolved. During hospitalization, the patient was unintentionally rechallenged with furosemide, after which the rash reappeared and then worsened further with use of silver sulfadiazine cream. At this point in the hospitalization, the prolonged course of the rash prior to admission and the administration of lincomycin 3 days prior to admission were revealed. This suggests the SJS was initially caused by furosemide, a nonaromatic sulfonamide diuretic, with slow progression prior to hospital admission over approximately 7 weeks, followed by an acute worsening caused by lincomycin, a sulfide antibiotic. Conclusion: Use of the Naranjo ADR Probability Scale indicates a probable relationship between SJS and furosemide in this patient. Clinicians should be aware of this rare potential adverse effect, even months after the initiation of therapy.
Venous Thromboembolism in Patients With Cancer
Authors: Pangilinan Joanna Maudlin
Published: May 2010

Clinicians must always maintain a heightened suspicion for the development of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in the cancer patient population. VTE is common in this population and often results in morbidity and mortality. The pathophysiology is complex and likely multifactorial. Risk factors for VTE include patient-associated, cancer-associated, and treatment-associated factors as well as biomarkers. Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is a cornerstone for VTE prophylaxis and treatment. Studies have shown that LMWH may decrease VTE recurrence and impart a survival benefit. Organizational guidelines are available to assist the clinician in choosing appropriate anticoagulant agents, dosing, and duration of prophylaxis and treatment. Pharmacists serve an important role for the safe and effective management of anticoagulation in this complex patient population. In addition, pharmacists can be important providers of patient education about VTE and anticoagulation.
Extended Therapy for Primary and Secondary Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Conway Susan E. , Marcy Todd R.
Published: May 2010

Clinical practice guidelines currently suggest extended anticoagulation therapy for primary and secondary prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE). The optimal duration of anticoagulation has been an active area of clinical investigation for patients undergoing orthopedic surgeries and those diagnosed with a first episode of unprovoked VTE. Practice guidelines, VTE incidence, clinical predictors/mediators, and clinical trial evidence is reviewed to help pharmacists and other health care providers make an informed, patient-specific decision on the optimal duration of anticoagulation therapy. Extended anticoagulation up to 5 weeks following orthopedic surgery for primary VTE prevention and indefinitely following a first episode of unprovoked VTE for secondary VTE prevention should be considered only if the risk of bleeding is not high and the cost and burden of anticoagulation is acceptable to the patient. The optimal duration of anticoagulation therapy for primary or secondary prevention of VTE should include the health care provider and patient making a decision based on evaluation of individual benefits, risks, and preferences.
Volunteering an Opinion
Authors: Garner Johny T. , Garner Lindsey T.
Published: May 2010

Nonprofit organizations often depend on volunteers, so volunteer retention is an important priority for these organizations. Yet volunteers may be on the periphery of communication, particularly when it comes to voicing feedback to others within the organization. The present study examines volunteers’ satisfaction, motivations, and the ways in which those volunteers respond to problems in the organization. Results indicate relationships between participants’ satisfaction and motivation and their responses to problems. Motivation, satisfaction, and responses to frustrating events all affect volunteer retention. The theoretical implications of these results regarding volunteer voice and retention are discussed as well as practical implications, which suggest that nonprofit organizations should be more intentional in terms of volunteer motivations, ensure that volunteers feel supported and have opportunities to connect with other people in their volunteer work, and encourage volunteers to express their ideas using considerate voice.
Authenticating Strategic Essentialisms: The Politics of Indigenousness at the United Nations
Authors: Escárcega Sylvia
Published: May 2010

In the politics of indigenousness in international fora there are discourses and practices that strategically delimit the universe of meanings and that seek to define what are indigenous traditions, histories, collective memories, worldviews, present conditions, ways of life, and future aspirations. I argue that indigenous intellectuals and activists depict a strategically essentialized indigeneity to legitimize claims for social justice and rights; thus, this depiction should not be understood simply as an uncritical and retrograde essentialism. The (re)construction of peoplehood involves negotiating concepts used by nation states and, at the same time, a continuous conscious redrawing of cultural boundaries.
The Effect of Stretch on Multi-Pore-Structure of Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene/SiO 2 Hybrid Hollow Fiber Membranes
Authors: Li N.N. , Xiao C.F.
Published: May 2010

Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene/SiO2 hybrid hollow fiber membranes were prepared by thermally induced phase separation (TIPS), using mineral oil as the diluent and SiO2 as the additive. The influences of heat-treatment, drawing ratio and drawing temperature on melting behavior, crystallization, multi-pore-structure (MPS) and porosity were investigated. The results of this study demonstrated that the original crystal grains became more perfect and that new micro crystallites were produced through heat treatment. Defects were more easily formed by the micro crystallites in cold stretching. Heat treatment also made the pores contract. The MPS including TIPS pore, stretching pore and interfacial microvoid was constructed after stretching. A model of interfacial microvoid was built. The model indicated that the area of interfacial microvoid increased as the drawing ratio became larger, reaching a maximum at a certain drawing ratio. Values above this maximum drawing ratio made no contribution to further increase the triangular area of interfacial microvoid but made many TIPS pores close. As the drawing ratio increased, the pore diameter ( PD) and total pore fraction ( TPF ) of the stretched pores increased whereas the TPF of the TIPS pores decreased. The pore diameter distribution ( PDD) and the porosity resulted from the joint effect of multiple pores. Without stretching, the porosity was slight due to the pores contracting, and it increased as the drawing ratio became larger, reaching a maximum at a drawing ratio of 5 times.
Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Polyimides from 1,1-bis[4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl]-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane
Authors: Okabe Takahiro , Morikawa Atsushi
Published: May 2010

A new diamine, 1,1-bis[4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl]-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane, was synthesized in three steps starting from 1,1,1-tris(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane. New aromatic polyimides having hydroxy side groups were prepared from this diamine and various tetracarboxylic dianhydrides by the conventional two-step procedure that included ring-opening polymerization in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and subsequent thermal cyclic dehydration. The polyimides were characterized by X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TG), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). All the polyimides were amorphous, and had glass transition temperature ( Tg) in the range of 232—304 °C. The properties of polyimides were compared with those of polyimides prepared from 1,1-bis[4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl]-1-phenylethane, which had no hydroxy side groups. The effects of the hydroxy side groups were observed in the thermal properties, thermal mechanical properties and solubility of polyimides.
Synthesis and Characterization of Soluble Low-κ Poly (aryl ether ketone) Copolymers with Pendent Adamantyl Groups
Authors: Guibin Wang  , Zhi Geng  , Xiaoliang Zhu  , Shuling Zhang  , Xiao Liu
Published: May 2010

The aromatic bisphenol monomers containing bulky pendant (adamantyl) groups, 4-(1-adamantyl)-1,3-benzene diol (AdRES) and 4,8-bis(1-adamantyl)-1,5-dihydroxy naphthalene (AdNp) were successfully prepared via the Friedel—Crafts reaction and used to synthesize a series of new poly (aryl ether ketone) copolymers with (3-trifluoromethyl) phenyl hydroquinone or other bisphenols and 4,4′-difluorobenzophenone (DFB) by nucleophilic aromatic substitution polycondensation. All the novel PAEKs were amorphous and their solubility was improved by the introduction of bulky pendant groups, so they were readily soluble in common organic solvents. DSC data showed that Tg values of the resultant copolymers were dramatically increased when adamantane is incorporated into the copolymers as a pendent group and their T g values increased with increasing content of adamantyl groups. According to thermogravimetric analysis, all the polymers showed excellent thermal stabilities. The mechanical properties of the polymers can be controlled by varying the molar ratio of diphenol-containing adamantyl to (3-trifluoromethyl) phenyl hydroquinone. These novel poly (aryl ether ketone) films had low dielectric constants ranged from 2.62 to 2.95 at 1 MHz and low water absorptions of 0.12—0.29%; their dielectric constants decreased with the increasing content of the adamantyl group.
The Mechanism of the Einstellung (Set) Effect
Authors: Bilalić Merim , McLeod Peter , Gobet Fernand
Published: May 2010

The eye movements of expert players trying to solve a chess problem show that the first idea that comes to mind directs attention toward sources of information consistent with it and away from inconsistent information. This bias continues unconsciously even when players believe they are looking for alternatives. The result is that alternatives to the first idea are ignored. This mechanism for biasing attention ensures a speedy response in familiar situations, but it can lead to errors when the first thought that comes to mind is not appropriate. We propose that this mechanism is the source of many cognitive biases, from phenomena in problem solving and reasoning to perceptual errors and failures in memory.
Comparison of healthcare resource use between patients receiving ondansetron or palonosetron as prophylaxis for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
Authors: Yeh Yu-Chen , McDonnell Anne , Klinger Elissa , Fowler Bridget , Matta Lina , Voit Daniel , Reddy Prabashni
Published: May 2010

Objective: To analyze the differences between ondansetron and palonosetron in healthcare resource use (i.e., inpatient/ outpatient encounters) among patients receiving intraperitoneal cisplatin.

Method: A medical record review was performed. Intraperitoneal cisplatin administrations for gynecological cancers from January through June 2006 and from October 2007 through June 2008 were divided into two groups based on the serotonin-receptor antagonist used. The occurrence of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV)-related hospital readmissions, emergency department visits, and outpatient encounters occurring within 7 days after cisplatin administration was compared. CINV-related resource use was defined as events associated with dehydration, hypovolemia, nausea/vomiting, hypokalemia, constipation, shortness of breath, or syncope/collapse.

Results: Ondansetron or palonosetron was used in 39 and 89 cisplatin administrations, respectively. The baseline characteristics were similar between the groups with mean age of 59 years and ovarian cancer being the most common cancer. Length of stay was approximately 2 days. Palonosetron was always administered as a single-day therapy while one- or multi-day ondansetron therapy was administered in 27% and 73% of cycles, respectively. A trend towards more CINV-related hospitalizations with ondansetron versus palonosetron was observed (5.1% vs. 0%, p = 0.09) with no significant difference in other CINV-related encounters.

Conclusion: Palonosetron was associated with a trend to a lower risk of CINV-related hospital readmission than ondansetron in patients receiving intraperitoneal cisplatin for gynecological cancers, although not statistically significant. The duration of ondansetron therapy might be suboptimal with 27% of patients receiving only 1 day of therapy during hospital stay. These findings need to be confirmed in future studies.
Masculinity in the Workplace: The Case of Mexican Immigrant Gardeners
Authors: Ramirez Hernan
Published: May 2010

In many parts of the United States, jardinería, or suburban maintenance gardening, has become a gendered occupational niche for Mexican immigrant men. Based on participant observation research with a group of Mexican immigrant gardeners in Los Angeles, this article examines the construction of masculinity in a workplace occupied by Mexican immigrant men. These jardineros construct, affirm, challenge, and negotiate their masculinity through their routine work activities and through their daily on-the-job interactions with their fellow workers. Moving beyond a sort of reiteration of a flat, cultural concept of machismo, jardinero masculinity stresses a more nuanced structural understanding of Mexican immigrant men’s masculinity and how it is intertwined with their performance of masculinized ‘‘dirty work’’ in private households. It is a distinctly working-class form of masculinity, which results from the interplay between very specific, localized cultural constructions, and deployment in the context of racialized nativism and citizenship hierarchy in the United States.
Efficacy of Guided Imagery With Theta Music for Advanced Cancer Patients With Dyspnea: A Pilot Study
Authors: Lai Wei-Shu , Chao Co-Shi Chantal , Yang Wan-Ping , Chen Ching-Huey
Published: May 2010

Background: Dyspnea is a frequent and devastating symptom among advanced cancer patients for which improved and low-cost palliative techniques are needed.

Methods: A one-group repeated measures research design investigated the efficacy of guided imagery (GI) with theta music (θM) on dyspnea in advanced cancer patients. The intervention consisted of four periods: (a) pretest; (b) intervention with peaceful non-θM; (c) intervention with 10 min of GI with θM (GI/θM), with the first and last 3 min being θM only (i.e., the middle 4 min was GI/θM); and (d) posttest. Dyspnea outcome was measured with the Modified Borg Scale (MBS) for self-reported evaluation of dyspneic symptoms. Physiological parameters measured were pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2), end-tidal CO 2 (EtCO2), heart rate (HR), and respiratory rate (RR). Posttest qualitative data were obtained via interview for subjective patient experience.

Results: Participants included 53 patients, 33% with lung cancer. GI/θM produced a significant decrease in MBS scores; 90% of the subjects gave positive qualitative reviews of GI/θM. SpO2 did not change significantly over time. GI/θM significantly increased EtCO2, decreased RR, and decreased HR.

Discussion: This study demonstrates that GI/θM is a useful intervention for palliative care of patients with dyspnea. θM alone was demonstrated to be effective, while soothing non-θM was not effective. GI/θM was more effective than θM alone. GI/θM should be considered low-cost end-of-life palliative care for dyspnea.
Relationships Between Leptin, hCG, Cortisol, and Psychosocial Stress and Nausea and Vomiting Throughout Pregnancy
Authors: Kuo Shih-Hsien , Yang Yi-Hsin , Wang Ruey-Hsia , Chan Te-Fu , Chou Fan-Hao
Published: May 2010

The purposes of this prospective, longitudinal study were to examine the relationships between leptin, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), cortisol, and psychosocial stress and nausea and vomiting (NV) in women with mild-to-moderate NV throughout pregnancy. Participants comprised 91 pregnant women recruited from prenatal clinics in southern Taiwan. Data analysis using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that leptin, hCG, cortisol levels, and Index of Nausea, Vomiting, and Retching (INVR) scores, but not stress (measured with the Visual Analog Scale, VAS) scores, were significantly different among the three trimesters. The average INVR score and hCG level decreased from the first to third trimesters (p < .0001 for both). The average leptin and cortisol levels increased from the first to third trimesters (p = .001 and p < .0001, respectively). Analysis using mixed models indicated that the INVR scores decreased significantly in a progressive manner through the stages of pregnancy and were significantly lower in the second and third trimesters. Findings reveal that stress/VAS and hCG may both be significantly and independently associated with INVR scores. Future research should examine psychosocial reactions in addition to exploring other biochemical markers related to NV and stress.
Advances in the Science of Genomics in Restless Legs Syndrome
Authors: Cuellar Norma G.
Published: May 2010

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sleep and movement disorder that affects up to 15% of the population across the lifespan. Many health care providers have doubted its validity as an illness and are uncertain as to the implications of health care outcomes. The cause of RLS is unknown. Common treatment options include dopaminergics, benzodiazepines, and opioids; however, the pharmacogenetic mechanisms of treatment are unknown. One of the greatest genetic discoveries in 2007 was the identification of genetic variance associated with RLS. There is, however, a lack of knowledge related to RLS and its genetic basis. Therefore, the purposes of this article are to (a) provide information about the science of clinical care related to RLS; (b) present a systematic review of the literature on the status of genetics/genomics of RLS, including the discovery of associated genetic variance; and (c) identify implications of the current state of the science for health care providers and biobehavioral researchers. With the continuing genetic discoveries in RLS, health care providers, specifically nurses who play a major role in research, genetic counseling, and education, need to understand the implications of this sleep and movement disorder for patients across the lifespan.
Food Intake Changes Across the Menstrual Cycle in Taiwanese Women
Authors: Chung Shih-Chi , Bond Eleanor F. , Jarrett Monica E.
Published: May 2010

Background: Studies in Western countries have suggested that there are relationships among sex hormones, the neuropeptide leptin, women’s food intake, and body weight changes across the menstrual cycle. However, data on this question are needed from other cultural groups. Objectives: To compare total food and macronutrient intake and serum estrogen, progesterone, and leptin levels in Taiwanese women of varying body size during three menstrual cycle phases. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a sample of 39 healthy Taiwanese women (aged 20—40 years) with regular menstrual cycles. Food journals covering 3 days, body weight, height, waist and hip circumferences, and serum samples for estrogen, progesterone, and leptin were collected at three time points during one menstrual cycle. Data were analyzed using the paired t test, mixed-model analysis, and Pearson’s correlations. Results: Regardless of body weight, women consumed more total calories (+160 kcal/day, p < .05) and more grams of protein (+6—8 g/day, p = .01) during the luteal phase and ovulation compared with the follicular phase. A higher percentage of energy was consumed as carbohydrates (CHOs) during the follicular phase (+5% of total energy intake, p < .01). No correlations were noted among serum sex hormone levels, serum leptin levels, food intake, and body weight. Discussion: The findings support the hypothesis that Taiwanese women, as previously reported in women from mixed or Western cultural groups, experience menstrual-related variations in food intake. These changes, however, were not directly linked with serum sex hormone or leptin levels.
Adipokine Concentrations in Nonobese Women: A Study of Reproductive Aging, Body Mass Index, and Menstrual Cycle Effects
Authors: Rouen Patricia A. , Lukacs Jane L. , Reame Nancy E.
Published: May 2010

Objective: To explore the influence of reproductive aging, body mass index (BMI), and the menstrual cycle on adiponectin (AD) and leptin concentrations. Design: Cross-sectional comparison in age- and BMI-matched nonobese volunteers with regular cycles (CO, n = 19) or in early postmenopause (EPM, n = 19), aged 40—52 years, and a young cycling group (CY, n = 21), aged 20—30 years. Measures: Sex steroids, fasting AD, leptin, insulin, glucose, AD/leptin (A/L) ratio, and insulin resistance (IR) by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR). In ovulatory women, AD, estradiol (E2), and progesterone were assessed weekly across the same menstrual cycle. Results: Insulin, glucose, HOMA-IR, A/L ratio, and leptin values were similar across the three study groups. AD differed, with the highest concentrations in the EPM group (CY: 13.0 ± 0.9 μg/ml vs. CO: 14.0 ± 1.1 μg/ml vs. EPM: 17.7 ± 1.5 μg/ml; p = .05). Values among cycling women were similar. When the cycling groups were combined into a premenopausal (PRE) group and compared to EPM women by BMI (> or ≤25 kg/m2), leptin concentrations were higher and A/L ratios lower in PRE and EPM overweight (OW) subgroups versus normal-weight (NW) subgroups. AD was lower in OW, cycling women and higher in the NW EPM subgroup compared to NW PRE women. In cycling women, AD did not vary across the menstrual cycle. Conclusion: Nonobese, midlife women experience minimal adverse effects from reproductive aging on insulin sensitivity and adipokine secretion. The menstrual cycle is not a key mediator of AD. Early menopause has differential, BMI-dependent effects on adipokine secretion.
Sleep Restriction Is Associated With Increased Morning Plasma Leptin Concentrations, Especially in Women
Authors: Simpson Norah S. , Banks Siobhan , Dinges David F.
Published: May 2010

Study Objectives: We evaluated the effects of sleep restriction on leptin levels in a large, diverse sample of healthy participants, while allowing free access to food. Methods: Prospective experimental design. After 2 nights of baseline sleep, 136 participants (49% women, 56% African Americans) received 5 consecutive nights of 4 hours time in bed (TIB). Additionally, one subset of participants received 2 additional nights of either further sleep restriction (n = 27) or increased sleep opportunity (n = 37). Control participants (n = 9) received 10 hr TIB on all study nights. Plasma leptin was measured between 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 noon following baseline sleep, after the initial sleep-restriction period, and after 2 nights of further sleep restriction or recovery sleep. Results: Leptin levels increased significantly among sleep-restricted participants after 5 nights of 4 hr TIB (Z = -8.43, p < .001). Increases were significantly greater among women compared to men (Z = -4.77, p < .001) and among participants with higher body mass index (BMI) compared to those with lower (Z = -2.09, p = .036), though participants in all categories (sex, race/ethnicity, BMI, and age) demonstrated significant increases. There was also a significant effect of allowed TIB on leptin levels following the 2 additional nights of sleep restriction (p < .001). Participants in the control condition showed no significant changes in leptin levels. Conclusions: These findings suggest that sleep restriction with ad libitum access to food significantly increases morning plasma leptin levels, particularly among women.
Early changes on electroencephalography in natalizumab-associated progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy
Authors: Kleiter Ingo , Schröder Michael , Lürding Ralf , Schuierer Gerhard , Clifford David B , Bogdahn Ulrich , Steinbrecher Andreas , Pöschl Peter
Published: May 2010

Progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy has become a growing concern in natalizumab-treated multiple sclerosis patients. Here, we describe a 35-year-old patient who was treated with 34 infusions of natalizumab before complaining about visual deterioration. MRI was non-diagnostic and JC virus testing initially was negative. Electroencephalography showed severe slowing of the right hemisphere, and neuropsychological testing revealed right frontal and temporal deficits. The diagnosis of progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy was established 2 months later by typical MRI presentation and detection of JC virus DNA in the cerebrospinal fluid. Functional neurological deficits may precede imaging features and should prompt early consideration of progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy.