bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Capabilities Approach to Mental Health Transformation: A Conceptual Framework for the Recovery Era
Authors: Davidson Larry , Ridgway Priscilla , Wieland Melissa , O'Connell Maria
Published: November 2014

Recent commissions in Canada and the United States have stipulated recovery to be the overarching aim of mental health care and have called for systems of care to be transformed to be made consistent with this aim. If these efforts are not simply to repeat the mistakes of the past, a new conceptual framework will be needed to provide an alternative foundation for rethinking the nature of care for people with serious mental illnesses. In this paper, the authors identify the limitations of the conceptual framework of the deinstitutionalization movement and then offer the capabilities approach developed by Sen (1992, 1999) and others as a more adequate framework for the post-institutional era.
Using Tensions in Practice to Promote the Integration of Treatment and Rehabilitation in a Recovery-Oriented System
Authors: Krupa Terry , Clark Carrie
Published: November 2014

The integration of treatment and psychiatric rehabilitation in mental health services is challenging to realize but essential for a mental health system that has endorsed recovery as its guiding vision. This paper advocates the use of tensions in practice as a means of reconciling integration issues and advancing recovery-oriented service delivery. The paper follows with three scenarios of daily tensions in practice that serve as a foundation for analyzing and ultimately reconciling tensions in integration. Finally, six guidelines covering a range of organizational, administrative, financial, and service delivery perspectives are provided to guide the development of integrated treatment and rehabilitation toward a recovery-oriented system.
Beyond Mental Health Maintenance: An Evaluation Framework Driven by Recovery-Focused Outcomes
Authors: Newberry D. Jason , Strong Allan D.
Published: November 2014

Evaluations of mental health outcomes have traditionally focused on indicators of mental health maintenance and stability. Although many jurisdictions in Canada are incorporating the principles of recovery into mental health services, evaluation practices and accountability frameworks have not kept pace with this shift in thinking. In our local regions of Waterloo and Wellington-Dufferin, Ontario, an innovative partnership between mental health agencies and consumer organizations has developed to apply principles of recovery to system-wide case management. In this article we describe the development of a comprehensive logic model framework designed to assess the impact of system-wide changes to practice. The model is grounded in the experiences, needs, and expectations of service users. This framework positions recovery-focused outcomes as alternatives to maintenance-based outcomes and as central to knowledge development and accountability in mental health systems.
Synthesizing Culture and Power in Community Mental Health: An Emerging Framework
Authors: Janzen Rich , Ochocka Joanna , Jacobson Nora , Maiter Sarah , Simich Laura , Westhues Anne , Fleras Augie
Published: November 2014

Mental health services in western English-speaking countries are struggling to respond to growing cultural and racial diversity. The overall purpose of the Community University Research Alliance (CURA) study was to explore, develop, pilot, and evaluate how best to provide community-based mental health supports that are effective for people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Using a participatory action research approach within a multimethod design, the study partnership has developed an emerging framework that synthesizes the ideals of previous culture-oriented and power-oriented models. The emerging framework has 3 main components: values that guide concrete actions that in turn produce desired outcomes. Central to the emerging framework is the need for reciprocal collaboration between the mental health system and cultural-linguistic communities.
Coercion and Community Treatment Orders (CTOs): One Step Forward, Two Steps Back?
Authors: Mfoafo-M'Carthy Magnus , Williams Charmaine C.
Published: November 2014

The shift from hospital-based care to community-based programs for people with serious and persistent mental illnesses has led to the creation of numerous treatment programs, including the recent implementation of community treatment orders (CTOs). This form of mandated outpatient commitment is controversial because it is widely acknowledged to be a coercive intervention. Yet, there is little discussion about why this intervention is considered coercive and whether coercion is acceptable in the context of emerging commitments to recovery for people with serious and persistent mental illnesses. Moreover, there is a need to evaluate whether CTOs advance or undermine the interests of people who are diagnosed with mental illness. This paper seeks to contribute to a discussion of these issues by exploring coercion and its role in community mental health care, and how it may co-exist with recovery in the implementation of community treatment orders.
Adopting Parenting Interventions in a Canadian Community: Processes Contributing to Research-Practice Gaps
Authors: McLennan John D.
Published: November 2014

With the aim of uncovering contributors to research-practice gaps in child mental health programming, this study sought to identify factors influencing the adoption of parenting interventions by community agencies. This qualitative case study with embedded units uncovered 3 key factors: resource demands of interventions, the fit of interventions with agency mandates, and the perceived needs of target populations. Autonomy of decision-makers within agencies was evident although curtailed by resource limitations. Although research evidence is valued, it does not appear to play a central role within the adoption process. How these factors may contribute to research-practice gaps is discussed.
Work Values of People With Severe Mental Disorders Registered in Vocational Programs: Validation of the Work Values Questionnaire
Authors: Zaniboni Sara , Corbière Marc , Fraccaroli Franco , Perron Jacques
Published: November 2014

Though several instruments have been developed for measuring work values in the general population, at present no instrument has been validated for people with mental disorders seeking a job. Employment specialists could use such a questionnaire to help people with severe mental disorders to get competitive employment, and consequently to maintain employment, as a pitfall for this population is job tenure. The Questionnaire de Valeurs de Travail (QVT), translated into English as the Work Values Questionnaire (WVQ), measures five work values: climate, status, risk, realization, and freedom. Our study's objectives were (a) to validate the QVT in individuals with mental disorders seeking a job; (b) to create a short version of the QVT; (c) to classify people on the basis of their work-value patterns, and (d) to compare these profiles on the basis of work outcomes and related personal characteristics. Individuals with severe mental disorders (N = 254) registered in vocational programs filled in the QVT. The confirmatory factor analysis showed reasonable fit indices for the 58-item QVT and good fit indices for the 30-item QVT shortened form. People who placed a higher importance on work values were employed more often in competitive employment.
Improving Continuity of Care for Suicidal Persons Through Collaboration Between Hospitals and Community-Based Services
Authors: Houle Janie , Poulin Carole , Van Nieuwenhuyse Hélène
Published: November 2014

Improving the continuity of care for suicidal persons is an important challenge in suicide prevention. However, partnerships between hospitals and community-based services are difficult to create and sustain. The aim of this study was to explore the point of view of health care professionals from a range of disciplines and organizations concerning the factors that facilitate or hinder interagency collaboration in enhancing continuity of care for suicidal persons. Structured interviews were created from a purposive sample of 40 professionals recruited from 15 partner organizations in mental health services. Results indicated that interagency trust is essential to improved continuity of care, and that building trust requires time and sustained contacts. Regular meetings allowed partners to discuss and collectively solve problems. Barriers included staff turnover, difficulty in evaluating the severity of suicidal crisis, and the time required to exchange information.
Extent and Determinants of General Practitioner Referrals and Contacts With Mental Health Care Providers
Authors: Fleury Marie-Josée , Bamvita Jean-Marie , Tremblay Jacques , Lesage Alain
Published: November 2014

In light of current reforms designed to enhance primary care and service integration, this study assesses variables associated with referrals of general practitioners (N = 398) to and their contacts with mental health care providers. Referrals appeared to be more closely related to the case complexity of patients and GPs' individual characteristics (i.e., perceived importance of interorganizational relationships, experience and expertise in mental health), whereas contacts were linked more closely to issues of system quality and access to a shared-care model. Our findings (a) support the development of collaborative models to enhance relationships between mental health care providers and GPs, and (b) promote greater availability and diversity of mental health care services.
The Family Standpoint of Investigation: Examining the Correlates and Costs of Parental Stress in a Sample of Families Involved With Ontario Child Welfare
Authors: Browne Dillon T. , Verticchio Dominic , Shlonsky Aron , Thabane Lehana , Hoch Jeffrey , Byrne Carolyn
Published: November 2014

Consistent with contemporary theories related to the well-being and adjustment of children, the Ontario Child Welfare Transformation policy suggests that researchers and practitioners consider multiple levels of analysis when attempting to understand, prevent, and respond to childhood adversity. By examining the phenomenon of parental stress among child welfare cases, the present study sought to integrate family, child, and service-system levels of analysis through a family-based standpoint of investigation. A sample of 135 families was selected from three Children's Aid Societies in southern Ontario. Using hierarchical regression, we found that child developmental milestones (4–47 months old) and child behavioural and emotional strengths (48 months +) were associated with parental stress, accounting for variance beyond family-level predictors. Children of parents who were stressed had higher health and social service costs, though this trend did not apply for stressed parents themselves. Theoretical and applied implications are discussed.
Psychiatric Crisis Services in Three Communities
Authors: Forchuk Cheryl , Jensen Elsabeth , Martin Mary-Lou , Csiernik Rick , Atyeo Heather
Published: November 2014

This study compared communities with three models of crisis service: (a) police as part of a specialized mental health team, (b) mental health worker as part of a specialized police team, and (c) informal relationship between police and mental health crisis service. Rural and urban areas were examined and compared. Data included focus groups and participant observation. Analysis revealed that while all communities valued their crisis services, all identified limitations in responsiveness, access, and systems-related issues. Quick access to psychiatric beds was important to services. Rural communities had no public transportation, and an important police role was safe transportation. In rural communities, mental health workers were generalists because they had to be able to address situations on their own. In urban areas, transportation was more readily available, and more specialization developed among mental health team members.
Funding Growth and Service Match: Doing More of the Same, or Doing Things Better?
Authors: Stuart Heather , Krupa Terry , Koller Michelle
Published: November 2014

We evaluated service access and match in Southeastern Ontario following community mental health funding increases using repeated samples drawn before and after the enhancements. Access to care increased by an estimated 12% (350 clients) between 2001 and 2006, but only about a third of clients were appropriately matched to their needed level of care. Service match increased slightly after the funding increases, but changes were non-statistically significant. Almost half of the clients remained underserviced and 20% were overserviced, suggesting that a more targeted and systematic approach to care planning is necessary to shift systemwide resources to client groups who are in the greatest need.
An Evaluation of Community-Based Discharge Planning in Acute Mental Health Care
Authors: Jensen Elsabeth , Chapman Patty , Davis Amy , Forchuk Cheryl , Seymour Bill , Witcher Penny , Armstrong Denise
Published: November 2014

This study assessed the effectiveness of a discharge planning service that was remodelled and relocated from a hospital to community-based setting. The study used a single group program evaluation strategy. In this “in-reach” model, the discharge planner is based with the community service, and visits the hospital daily to meet with all admitted clients to offer discharge services. Through analyses of administrative data and interviews with clients, the study found that readmission rates were 40% lower in the year following the change in service delivery model. This change was statistically significant. Agency partners used the findings to modify their program during the course of the evaluation. Findings will be helpful for other acute care mental health services.
An Evaluation of the Implementation of a Court Outreach Program for People With Severe and Persistent Mental Illness Who Are Legally Involved
Authors: Sylvestre John , Aubry Tim , Smith Jaclynne , Bridger Todd
Published: November 2014

This paper describes an implementation evaluation of a Court Outreach Program that provides outreach and community-based treatment and support to people with mental illness in the legal system. The paper describes the Court Outreach Program and presents evaluation findings. Program strengths included competent and knowledgeable court outreach staff who contribute to the legal and mental health systems and provide access for clients to a range of community supports and treatments. Challenges included a limited program capacity to serve all potential clients and bottlenecks in the intake/assessment process. Recommendations are made to improve the implementation of the program.
An Evaluation of the Outcomes of a Court Outreach Program for People with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness Who Are Legally Involved
Authors: Aubry Tim , Sylvestre John , Smith Jaclynne , Pettey Donna , Smith Marnie
Published: November 2014

The current study evaluated the outcomes of an outreach program that provides individualized services to people with severe mental illness who are legally involved. Client outcomes included increased community ability and reduced homelessness for a group of 45 clients still receiving services from the program, and increased community ability and diminished severity of mental health symptoms for 50 clients who had been discharged from the program. Only 2 of the 50 discharged clients (4%) were found to be incarcerated at termination; 1 other client (2%) was detained at termination through the Ontario Review Board.
Depression Among Aboriginal People Living With HIV in Canada
Authors: Cain Roy , Jackson Randy , Prentice Tracey , Mill Judy , Collins Evan , Barlow Kevin
Published: November 2014

This paper explores the ways that Aboriginal people living with HIV and AIDS experience feelings of depression. Seventy-two individuals participated in an in-depth semi-structured interview. Many participants described their depression in terms of their relationships, including isolation or a disconnection from people, communities, and culture. Depression was closely linked to their individual experiences with racism, a history of fostering and adoption, childhood abuse, disconnection from family and community, and substance abuse. The paper ends with a discussion of how our findings compare to those from research on non-Aboriginal populations and with a consideration of their service-related implications.
An Investigation of Adults' Everyday Experiences and Effects of Food Insecurity in an Urban Area in Canada
Authors: Runnels Vivien E. , Kristjansson Elizabeth , Calhoun Melissa
Published: November 2014

To document the experience of adult food insecurity in an urban context, a community-university research collaboration conducted a qualitative study of adults' personal experiences of food insecurity and its perceived effects on aspects of health, using individual interviews with food-insecure adults. The study was designed to gain understanding of experiential knowledge and to relate respondents' experiences to an extant conceptual model (Campbell, 1991). Respondents reported insufficient access to food and experienced personal distress, frustration, and despair, which they linked to food insecurity. Food insecurity affected participation in typical social activities and contributed to feelings of isolation and alienation.
Comparing Psychological, Social, and Sexuality-Related Problems Reported by Bisexual and Gay Men: A Canadian Internet-Based Study
Authors: Engler Kim , Dumas Jean , Blais Martin , Lévy Joseph J. , Thoër Christine , Ryan Bill , Léobon Alain , Adam Barry , Wells Kristopher , Frank Blye
Published: November 2014

Greater clarification is needed about the differences between gay and bisexual men's health issues. With data from a pan-Canadian online survey, bisexual (n = 564) and gay men (n = 1,109) were compared on 32 different psychological, social, and sexual self-perceived problems that they might have encountered over the past 12 months. Clear patterns emerged. Relative to gay men, bisexual men had significantly higher adjusted odds of different sexual orientation or identity problems and certain health behaviour problems but significantly lower odds of several mental health and HIV/STI-related problems.
Depression in Male-to-Female Transgender Ontarians: Results from the Trans PULSE Project
Authors: Rotondi Nooshin Khobzi , Bauer Greta R. , Travers Robb , Travers Anna , Scanlon Kyle , Kaay Matthias
Published: November 2014

High prevalences of depression have been reported in male-to-female (MTF) transgender communities. We explored factors associated with depressive symptomatology among MTF spectrum trans people in Ontario, using data from the Trans PULSE Project Phase II respondent-driven sampling survey (n = 433 participants, including 191 MTFs with data needed for this analysis). We estimated the prevalence of depression at 61.2%. Factors associated with higher odds of depressive symptomatology included living outside of Toronto, having some college or university (vs. completed), being unemployed, and experiencing higher levels of transphobia. Increasing social support was associated with reduced odds of depressive symptomatology. Multivariable analyses suggested complex relationships between these factors, passing, and childhood abuse, which require additional study.
Prevalence of and Risk and Protective Factors for Depression in Female-to-Male Transgender Ontarians: Trans PULSE Project
Authors: Rotondi Nooshin Khobzi , Bauer Greta R. , Scanlon Kyle , Kaay Matthias , Travers Robb , Travers Anna
Published: November 2014

Although depression is understudied in transgender and transsexual communities, high prevalences have been reported. This paper presents original research from the Trans PULSE Project, an Ontario-wide, community-based initiative that surveyed 433 participants using respondent-driven sampling. The purpose of this analysis was to determine the prevalence of, and risk and protective factors for, depression among female-to-male (FTM) Ontarians (n = 207). We estimate that 66.4% of FTMs have symptomatology consistent with depression. In multivariable analyses, sexual satisfaction was a strong protective factor. Conversely, experiencing transphobia and being at the stage of planning but not having begun a medical transition (hormones and/or surgery) adversely affected mental health in FTMs.
Systems-level Barriers in Accessing Supportive Mental Health Services for Sexual and Gender Minorities: Insights from the Provider's Perspective
Authors: McIntyre John , Daley Andrea , Rutherford Kimberly , Ross Lori E.
Published: November 2014

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people report poorer mental health outcomes than do heterosexual, cisgender (non-trans) people, but little is known about their experiences with mental health services. In this qualitative study, 8 mental health service providers with substantial experience working with LGBT communities were interviewed in order to begin to examine systems-level barriers to supportive mental health services for LGBT people. The results suggest that the medical model, which is pervasive in the mental health system, produces particular access barriers for LGBT people. We offer recommendations for addressing these barriers, including implementing an anti-oppression approach to mental health care.
Mental Health Literacy in Canadian Young Adults: Results of a National Survey
Authors: Marcus Madalyn , Westra Henny ,   Mobilizing Minds Research Group
Published: November 2014

The present study explored the mental health literacy of young adults (18–24 years of age), in comparison to older adults (25–64 years of age), in a national survey of the mental health literacy of Canadians. Overall, both age groups demonstrated adequate mental health literacy and yet young adults, especially males, preferred to manage problems on their own and indicated being more likely to seek out informal sources of help. The results support the importance of considering the unique needs and preferences of young adults in order to improve help-seeking in this group.
Outpatient Tobacco Dependence Treatment for Individuals With Severe Mental Illness: The Butt Out Program Outcomes
Authors: Goldie Catherine L. , Masuhara Etsuko Joy , Heah Tom , Okoli Chizimuzo , Johnson Joy L.
Published: November 2014

The Butt Out program is a tobacco dependence intervention that provides smoking cessation counselling and pharmacotherapy for clients with severe mental illness through Vancouver Community Mental Health Services. Participants received up to 24 weeks of pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation along with 12 weeks of behavioural therapy with another 12 weeks of group support. Based on an intent-to-treat analysis (n = 35), the end-of-treatment smoking abstinence rate was 8.6%. For individuals who completed the program (n = 28), the abstinence rate was 10.7%. Among program completers, 28.0% were able to achieve a 50% reduction to their baseline cigarette consumption. Due to the modest gains in abstinence and moderate improvements in smoking reduction achieved at the end of treatment, higher intensity programs of a longer duration may be indicated for future tobacco dependence interventions in psychiatric outpatient settings.
“Stuck in the Mud”: Limited Employment Success of Persons With Serious Mental Illness in Northeastern Ontario
Authors: Gruhl Karen L. Rebeiro , Kauppi Carol , Montgomery Phyllis , James Susan
Published: November 2014

Despite policy support, empirical evidence, investment in community mental health programs, and a good deal of rhetoric about promoting recovery, people with serious mental illness (SMI) remain disproportionately represented in paid employment, especially in northern and rural places in Ontario. This study examines access to employment through the perspectives of people with SMI, providers, and decision makers who reside in two northeastern Ontario case communities. A qualitative case study using community-based participatory research methods was employed. Data from interviews conducted with 46 participants were analyzed thematically and were complemented by a secondary data source reporting on the employment outcomes of 4,112 people with SMI. This paper reports on the qualitative findings, highlighting how employment for persons with SMI is stuck in the mud by a dominant community discourse conveying a disbelief in the capacity of people with SMI to be employed—a discourse sustained by a variety of local and systemic tensions in local practices. This study underscores the ineffectiveness of current employment programs for people who experience SMI in the case communities, and the need to develop local capacity to provide evidence-based practices to improve employment success, and subsequently, to shift marginalizing discourses.
The Toronto Youth Outreach Worker Program for Transitional Aged Youth 12–24: Process Evaluation
Authors: Knoll Gregory M. , Pepler Debra J. , Josephson Wendy L.
Published: November 2014

A Youth Outreach Worker (YOW) program was initiated to raise marginalized youth's awareness of available community services, engage them in community programs, and strengthen partnerships among the organizations that served them. This process evaluation included records of contacts and referrals for the first year of the program, 3 youth focus groups, and 36 interviews with youths, family members, youth outreach workers, and community organizations. The results indicated that the program had a positive impact, especially for those youths who formed a positive working relationship with their youth outreach worker. The qualitative results support a positive youth development view of youth outreach.
Impact of fluid deformation on mixing‐induced chemical reactions in heterogeneous flows
Authors: Borgne Tanguy Le , Ginn Timothy R. , Dentz Marco
Published: November 2014

Fast chemical reactions in geophysical flows are controlled by fluid mixing, which perturbs local chemical equilibria and thus triggers chemical reactions. Spatial fluctuations in the flow velocity lead to deformation of material fluid elements, which form the support volumes of transported chemical species. We develop an approach based on a lamellar representation of fluid mixing that provides a direct link between fluid deformation, the distribution of concentration gradients, and the upscaled reaction rates for fast reversible reactions. The temporal evolution of effective reaction rates is determined by the flow topology and the distribution of local velocity gradients. This leads to a significant increase of the reaction efficiency, which turns out to be orders of magnitude larger than in homogeneous flow. This approach allows for the systematic evaluation of the temporal evolution of equilibrium reaction rates and establishes a direct link between the reaction efficiency and the spatial characteristics of the underlying flow field as quantified by the deformation of material fluid elements.
Whistler‐mode waves inside flux pileup region: Structured or unstructured?
Authors: Fu H. S. , Cao J. B. , Cully C. M. , Khotyaintsev Y. V. , Vaivads A. , Angelopoulos V. , Zong Q.‐G. , Santolík O. , Macúšová E. , André M. , Liu W. L. , Lu H. Y. , Zhou M. , Huang S. Y. , Zhima Z.
Published: November 2014

During reconnection, a flux pileup region (FPR) is formed behind a dipolarization front in an outflow jet. Inside the FPR, the magnetic field magnitude and Bz component increase and the whistler‐mode waves are observed frequently. As the FPR convects toward the Earth during substorms, it is obstructed by the dipolar geomagnetic field to form a near‐Earth FPR. Unlike the structureless emissions inside the tail FPR, we find that the whistler‐mode waves inside the near‐Earth FPR can exhibit a discrete structure similar to chorus. Both upper band and lower band chorus are observed, with the upper band having a larger propagation angle (and smaller wave amplitude) than the lower band. Most chorus elements we observed are “rising‐tone” type, but some are “falling‐tone” type. We notice that the rising‐tone chorus can evolve into falling‐tone chorus within <3 s. One of the factors that may explain why the waves are unstructured inside the tail FPR but become discrete inside the near‐Earth FPR is the spatial inhomogeneity of magnetic field: we find that such inhomogeneity is small inside the near‐Earth FPR but large inside the tail FPR.
Tectonic control on the petrophysical properties of foredeep sandstone in the Central Apennines, Italy
Authors: Smeraglia Luca , Trippetta Fabio , Carminati Eugenio , Mollo Silvio
Published: November 2014

Petrophysical properties of rocks and their applicability at larger scale are a challenging topic in Earth sciences. Petrophysical properties of rocks are severely affected by boundary conditions, rock fabric/microstructure, and tectonics that require a multiscale approach to be properly defined. Here we (1) report laboratory measurements of density, porosity, permeability, and P wave velocities at increasing confining pressure conducted on Miocene foredeep sandstones (Frosinone Formation); (2) compare the laboratory results with larger‐scale geophysical investigations; and (3) discuss the effect of thrusting on the properties of sandstones. At ambient pressure, laboratory porosity varied from 2.2% to 13.8% and P wave velocities (Vp) from 1.5 km/s to 2.7 km/s. The P wave velocity increased with confining pressure, reaching between 3.3 km/s and 4.7 km/s at 100 MPa. In situ Vp profiles, measured using sonic logs, matched the ultrasonic laboratory measurement well. The permeability varied between 1.4 × 10−15 m2 and 3.9 × 10−15 m2 and was positively correlated with porosity. The porosity and permeability of samples taken at various distances to the Olevano–Antrodoco fault plane progressively decreased with distance while P wave velocity increased. At about 1 km from the fault plane, the relative variations reached 43%, 65%, and 20% for porosity, permeability, and P wave velocity, respectively. This suggests that tectonic loading changed the petrophysical properties inherited from sedimentation and diagenesis. Using field constraints and assuming overburden‐related inelastic compaction in the proximity of the fault plane, we conclude that the fault reached the mechanical condition for rupture in compression at differential stress of 64.8 MPa at a depth of 1500 m.
Decoupling of Pacific subduction zone guided waves beneath central Japan: Evidence for thin slab
Authors: Padhy Simanchal , Furumura Takashi , Maeda Takuto
Published: November 2014

The fine‐scale seismic structure of the northeast Japan subduction zone is studied based on waveform analyses of moderate‐sized (M4.5–6), deep‐focus earthquakes (h >350 km) and the finite difference method (FDM) simulation of high‐frequency (up to 8 Hz) wave propagation. Strong regional S wave attenuation anomalies for specific source‐receiver paths connecting the cluster of events occurring in central part of the Sea of Japan recorded at fore arc stations in northern and central Japanese Islands (Honshu) are used to model the deeper structure of the subducting Pacific Plate, where recent teleseismic tomography has shown evidence for a possible slab tear westward beneath the Sea of Japan. The character of the observed anomalous S wave attenuation and the following high‐frequency coda can be captured with the two‐dimensional (2‐D) FDM simulation of seismic waves in heterogeneous plate model, incorporating the thinning of the plate at depth, which is also compared with other possible causes of dramatic attenuation of high‐frequency S wave due to low‐Q or much weaker heterogeneities in the slab. The results of simulation clearly demonstrate that the dramatic loss of high‐frequency S wavefield from the plate into the surrounding mantle occurred due to the variation in the plate geometry (i.e., thinning of the plate) at depth near the source rather than due to variation in physical properties, such as due to the lowered‐Q and weaker heterogeneities in the plate. The presence of such a thin zone defocuses the high‐frequency slab‐guided S wave energy from the subducting plate into the surrounding mantle and acts as a geometric antiwaveguide. Based on the sequence of simulation results obtained, we propose thinning of Pacific Plate at depth subducting beneath northeastern Japan, localized to central part of Honshu, in agreement with the observations.
Variations of stratospheric water vapor over the past three decades
Authors: Dessler A. E. , Schoeberl M. R. , Wang T. , Davis S. M. , Rosenlof K. H. , Vernier J.‐P.
Published: November 2014

We examine variations in water vapor in air entering the stratosphere through the tropical tropopause layer (TTL) over the past three decades in satellite data and in a trajectory model. Most of the variance can be explained by three processes that affect the TTL: the quasi‐biennial oscillation, the strength of the Brewer‐Dobson circulation, and the temperature of the tropical troposphere. When these factors act in phase, significant variations in water entering the stratosphere are possible. We also find that volcanic eruptions, which inject aerosol into the TTL, affect the amount of water entering the stratosphere. While there is clear decadal variability in the data and models, we find little evidence for a long‐term trend in water entering the stratosphere through the TTL over the past 3 decades.
Efficient Diastereo‐ and Enantioselective Synthesis of exo‐Nitroprolinates by 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloadditions Catalyzed by Chiral Phosphoramidite⋅Silver(I) Complexes
Authors: Castelló Luis M. , Nájera Carmen , Sansano José M. , Larrañaga Olatz , de Cózar Abel , Cossío Fernando P.
Published: November 2014

Chiral complexes formed by privileged phosphoramidites and silver triflate or silver benzoate are excellent catalysts for the general 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition between azomethine ylides generated from α‐amino acid‐derived imino esters and nitroalkenes affording with high dr the exo‐cycloadducts 4,5‐trans‐2,5‐cis‐4‐nitroprolinates in high ee at room temperature. In general, better results are obtained using silver rather than copper(II) complexes. In many cases the exo‐cycloadducts can be obtained in enantiomerically pure form just after simple recrystallization. The mechanism and the justification of the experimentally observed stereodiscrimination of the process are supported by DFT calculations. These enantiomerically enriched exo‐nitroprolinates can be used as reagents for the synthesis of nitropiperidines, by ester reduction and ring expansion, which are inhibitors of farnesyltransferase.

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Enzymatic Redox Cascade for One‐Pot Synthesis of Uridine 5′‐Diphosphate Xylose from Uridine 5′‐Diphosphate Glucose
Authors: Eixelsberger Thomas , Nidetzky Bernd
Published: November 2014

Synthetic ways towards uridine 5′‐diphosphate (UDP)‐xylose are scarce and not well established, although this compound plays an important role in the glycobiology of various organisms and cell types. We show here how UDP‐glucose 6‐dehydrogenase (hUGDH) and UDP‐xylose synthase 1 (hUXS) from Homo sapiens can be used for the efficient production of pure UDP‐α‐xylose from UDP‐glucose. In a mimic of the natural biosynthetic route, UDP‐glucose is converted to UDP‐glucuronic acid by hUGDH, followed by subsequent formation of UDP‐xylose by hUXS. The nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) required in the hUGDH reaction is continuously regenerated in a three‐step chemo‐enzymatic cascade. In the first step, reduced NAD+ (NADH) is recycled by xylose reductase from Candida tenuis via reduction of 9,10‐phenanthrenequinone (PQ). Radical chemical re‐oxidation of this mediator in the second step reduces molecular oxygen to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) that is cleaved by bovine liver catalase in the last step. A comprehensive analysis of the coupled chemo‐enzymatic reactions revealed pronounced inhibition of hUGDH by NADH and UDP‐xylose as well as an adequate oxygen supply for PQ re‐oxidation as major bottlenecks of effective performance of the overall multi‐step reaction system. Net oxidation of UDP‐glucose to UDP‐xylose by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) could thus be achieved when using an in situ oxygen supply through periodic external feed of H2O2 during the reaction. Engineering of the interrelated reaction parameters finally enabled production of 19.5 mM (10.5 g L−1) UDP‐α‐xylose. After two‐step chromatographic purification the compound was obtained in high purity (>98%) and good overall yield (46%). The results provide a strong case for application of multi‐step redox cascades in the synthesis of nucleotide sugar products.

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Palladium‐Catalyzed Hydroxymethylation of Aryl‐ and Heteroarylboronic Acids using Aqueous Formaldehyde
Authors: Yamamoto Tetsuya , Zhumagazin Azamat , Furusawa Takuma , Tanaka Ryoji , Yamakawa Tetsu , Oe Yohei , Ohta Tetsuo
Published: November 2014

Cyclometallated NHC palladium complexes prepared from palladium(II) acetate [Pd(OAc)2] and unsymmetrical 1,3‐diarylimidazolinium salts catalyzed the hydroxymethylation of (hetero)arylboronic acids using an excess amount of formalin to afford (hetero)arylmethanols in good to satisfactory yields.

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How I treat newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia in 2015
Authors: Gambacorti‐Passerini Carlo , Piazza Rocco
Published: November 2014

The initial treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase (CP‐CML) represents a complex process, which includes a prompt and precise diagnosis, the choice among three available tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), and the initial management of care for these patients, which will protract over a very long period of time. This manuscript summarizes different data on activity, side effects, and supportive measures available for each TKI, the need for particular care in the logistical organization of CML management, the scenario which will be opened by the future availability of generic imatinib. The opinion of the authors is that imatinib remains the first‐line treatment for CP‐CML; this strategy, accompanied by intensive monitoring and possible dose modification/drug switch after the initial 3–12 months of treatment presently assures a normal life expectancy to the population of newly diagnosed patients with CP‐CML. Am. J. Hematol. 90:156–161, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional morphology of the hallucal metatarsal with implications for inferring grasping ability in extinct primates
Authors: Goodenberger Katherine E. , Boyer Doug M. , Orr Caley M. , Jacobs Rachel L. , Femiani John C. , Patel Biren A.
Published: November 2014

Primate evolutionary morphologists have argued that selection for life in a fine branch niche resulted in grasping specializations that are reflected in the hallucal metatarsal (Mt1) morphology of extant “prosimians”, while a transition to use of relatively larger, horizontal substrates explains the apparent loss of such characters in anthropoids. Accordingly, these morphological characters—Mt1 torsion, peroneal process length and thickness, and physiological abduction angle—have been used to reconstruct grasping ability and locomotor mode in the earliest fossil primates. Although these characters are prominently featured in debates on the origin and subsequent radiation of Primates, questions remain about their functional significance. This study examines the relationship between these morphological characters of the Mt1 and a novel metric of pedal grasping ability for a large number of extant taxa in a phylogenetic framework. Results indicate greater Mt1 torsion in taxa that engage in hallucal grasping and in those that utilize relatively small substrates more frequently. This study provides evidence thatCarpolestes simpsonihas a torsion value more similar to grasping primates than to any scandentian. The results also show that taxa that habitually grasp vertical substrates are distinguished from other taxa in having relatively longer peroneal processes. Furthermore, a longer peroneal process is also correlated with calcaneal elongation, a metric previously found to reflect leaping proclivity. A more refined understanding of the functional associations between Mt1 morphology and behavior in extant primates enhances the potential for using these morphological characters to comprehend primate (locomotor) evolution. Am J Phys Anthropol 156:327–348, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High‐throughput sequencing of fecalDNAto identify insects consumed by wildWeddell's saddleback tamarins (Saguinus weddelli,Cebidae,Primates) inBolivia
Authors: Mallott E.K. , Malhi R.S. , Garber P.A.
Published: November 2014

The genusSaguinusrepresents a successful radiation of over 20 species of small‐bodied New World monkeys. Studies of the tamarin diet indicate that insects and small vertebrates account for ∼16–45% of total feeding and foraging time, and represent an important source of lipids, protein, and metabolizable energy. Although tamarins are reported to commonly consume large‐bodied insects such as grasshoppers and walking sticks (Orthoptera), little is known concerning the degree to which smaller or less easily identifiable arthropod prey comprises an important component of their diet. To better understand tamarin arthropod feeding behavior, fecal samples from 20 wild Bolivian saddleback tamarins (members of five groups) were collected over a 3 week period in June 2012, and analyzed for the presence of arthropod DNA. DNA was extracted using a Qiagen stool extraction kit, and universal insect primers were created and used to amplify a ∼280 bp section of the COI mitochondrial gene. Amplicons were sequenced on the Roche 454 sequencing platform using high‐throughput sequencing techniques. An analysis of these samples indicated the presence of 43 taxa of arthropods including 10 orders, 15 families, and 12 identified genera. Many of these taxa had not been previously identified in the tamarin diet. These results highlight molecular analysis of fecal DNA as an important research tool for identifying anthropod feeding patterns in primates, and reveal broad diversity in the taxa, foraging microhabitats, and size of arthropods consumed by tamarin monkeys. Am J Phys Anthropol 156:474–481, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Critical role of the right uncinate fasciculus in emotional empathy
Authors: Oishi Kenichi , Faria Andreia V. , Hsu John , Tippett Donna , Mori Susumu , Hillis Argye E.
Published: November 2014

Objective

Common neurological diseases or injuries that can affect the right hemisphere, including stroke, traumatic brain injury, and frontotemporal dementia, disrupt emotional empathy—the ability to share in and make inferences about how other people feel. This impairment negatively impacts social interactions and relationships. Accumulating evidence indicates that emotional empathy depends on coordinated functions of orbitofrontal cortex, anterior insula, anterior cingulate, temporal pole, and amygdala, but few studies have investigated effects of lesions to white matter tracts that connect these structures. We tested the hypothesis that percentage damage to specific white matter tracts connecting these gray matter structures predicts error rate in an emotional empathy task after acute right hemisphere ischemic stroke.

Methods

We used multivariate linear regression with percentage damage to 8 white matter tracts, age, and education as independent variables and error rate on emotional empathy as the dependent variable to test a predictive model of emotional empathy in 30 patients with acute ischemic right hemisphere stroke.

Results

Percentage damage to 8 white matter tracts along with age and education predicted the error rate in emotional empathy, but only percentage damage to the uncinate fasciculus was independently associated with error rate. Participants with right uncinate fasciculus lesions were significantly more impaired than right hemisphere stroke patients without uncinate fasciculus lesions in the emotional empathy task.

Interpretation

The right uncinate fasciculus plays an important role in the emotional empathy network. Patients with lesions in this network should be evaluated for empathy, so that deficits can be addressed. ANN NEUROL 2015;77:68–74
Counterion‐Assisted Shaping of Nanocluster Supracrystals
Authors: Yao Qiaofeng , Yu Yue , Yuan Xun , Yu Yong , Zhao Dan , Xie Jianping , Lee Jim Yang
Published: November 2014

Ag44(p‐MBA)304− (p‐MBA=para‐mercaptobenzoic acid) nanocluster (NC) supracrystals (SCs) with customizable shapes can be obtained by simply altering the type and concentration of the counterions of the p‐MBA ligands in the dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)/water crystallization system. Changing the counterion of the p‐MBA ligand from H+ to Cs+ eliminates the directional hydrogen bonds in the SCs, resulting in the packing of deprotonated Ag44(p‐MBA)304− NCs into octahedral SCs, which is in stark contrast to the rhombohedral SCs that were formed by the packing of protonated Ag44(p‐MBA)304− NCs in previous studies. Furthermore, the double layer of deprotonated Ag44(p‐MBA)304− NCs is sensitive to charge screening induced by increasing the Cs+ concentration, thereby providing a means to regulate the precipitation kinetics of the Ag44(p‐MBA)304− NCs for SC shape engineering. Slow precipitation kinetics was found to favor over‐growth at the corners and edges of the octahedral SC nuclei, shaping the SCs into concave octahedra.
Impact of Pore Connectivity on the Design of Long‐Lived Zeolite Catalysts
Authors: Milina Maria , Mitchell Sharon , Cooke David , Crivelli Paolo , Pérez‐Ramírez Javier
Published: November 2014

Without techniques sensitive to complex pore architectures, synthetic efforts to enhance molecular transport in zeolite and other porous materials through hierarchical structuring lack descriptors for their rational design. The power of positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) to characterize the pore connectivity in hierarchical MFI zeolites is demonstrated, establishing a direct link with the enhanced catalyst lifetime in the conversion of methanol to valuable hydrocarbons. The unique ability to capture subtleties of the hierarchical structure originates from the dynamic nature of the ortho‐positronium response to the pore network. The findings reveal the strong dependence on the way in which the hierarchical zeolites are manufactured, having direct implications for the practical realization of these advanced catalysts.
Metal‐Free σ‐Bond Metathesis in 1,3,2‐Diazaphospholene‐Catalyzed Hydroboration of Carbonyl Compounds
Authors: Chong Che Chang , Hirao Hajime , Kinjo Rei
Published: November 2014

The first metal‐free catalytic hydroboration of carbonyl derivatives has been developed in which a catalytic amount of 1,3,2‐diazaphospholene effectively promotes a hydroboration reaction of aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes and ketones. The reaction mechanism involves the cleavage of both the PO bond of the alkoxyphosphine intermediate and the BH bond of pinacolborane as well as the formation of PH and BO bonds. Thus, the reaction proceeds through a non‐metal σ‐bond metathesis. Kinetic and computational studies suggest that the σ‐bond metathesis occurred in a stepwise but nearly concerted manner.
Nanoparticle‐Mediated Binning and Profiling of Heterogeneous Circulating Tumor Cell Subpopulations
Authors: Mohamadi Reza M. , Besant Justin D. , Mepham Adam , Green Brenda , Mahmoudian Laili , Gibbs Thaddeus , Ivanov Ivaylo , Malvea Anahita , Stojcic Jessica , Allan Alison L. , Lowes Lori E. , Sargent Edward H. , Nam Robert K. , Kelley Shana O.
Published: November 2014

The analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is an important capability that may lead to new approaches for cancer management. CTC capture devices developed to date isolate a bulk population of CTCs and do not differentiate subpopulations that may have varying phenotypes with different levels of clinical relevance. Here, we present a new device for CTC spatial sorting and profiling that sequesters blood‐borne tumor cells with different phenotypes into discrete spatial bins. Validation data are presented showing that cancer cell lines with varying surface expression generate different binning profiles within the device. Working with patient blood samples, we obtain profiles that elucidate the heterogeneity of CTC populations present in cancer patients and also report on the status of CTCs within the epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT).