bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shared Decision-Making: Benefits, Barriers and Current Opportunities for Application
Authors: Simmons Magenta , Hetrick Sarah , Jorm Anthony
Published: September 2010

Objective: Patient preference and involvement are two important aspects for many psychiatric treatment decisions. Shared decision-making (SDM) has been proposed as the optimal model to include patient preferences and involve patients in such decisions. Decision-making tools called decision aids (DA) are the most common application of SDM. DAs have been demonstrated to increase patients’ knowledge, reduce decisional conflict, and reduce the proportion of patients who are passive in the decision-making process or remain undecided. Unfortunately, there are few DAs available for treatment decisions for psychiatric disorders and implementing SDM can be a challenge for mental health professionals. There are also issues unique to psychiatry related to the development and implementation of DAs that need consideration. Despite this, mental health professionals can and do still employ SDM techniques. This article offers an overview of the skills required to implement a SDM model and the resources currently available.

Conclusions: The core features of SDM are advocated for in clinical guidelines, but more resources are needed to ensure these recommendations are implemented in practice. In particular, the benefits of freely available DAs developed according to international standards need to be assessed for suitability and effectiveness.
Borderline Personality Disorder: Exceptions to the Concept of Responsible and Competent
Authors: Little John , Little Bridget
Published: September 2010

Aim: This article examines whether neurocognitive deficits or age prevents people with borderline personality disorder from being considered responsible and competent.

Method: A review of the literature was undertaken relating to borderline personality disorder (BPD), personal responsibility and competency.

Result: Neither neurobiological differences nor age automatically disqualify the person with BPD from being responsible and competent for decisions relating to their own life and death.

Conclusion: Clinical, legal and ethical literature support this result and thereby re-establishes a basis for the recognition and respect of an individual's dignity.
Implementing a Physical Health Strategy in a Mental Health Service
Authors: Organ Bridget , Nicholson Emma , Castle David
Published: September 2010

Objective: The aim of this paper is to describe a comprehensive metabolic monitoring strategy within an Australian public mental health service.

Methods: Patient physical health was identified as a high priority within the mental health service. A survey of staff attitudes informed the development of metabolic monitoring guidelines and provision of education for clinicians and patients. An audit was subsequently performed to ascertain rates and results of metabolic monitoring, and focus groups helped to understand patient perspectives.

Results: Despite significant barriers to the implementation of routine metabolic monitoring from both staff and patient perspectives, our programme delivered on around 60% coverage of routine monitoring of blood glucose and lipids and 54% on weight measurement. Compliance with measurement of waist circumference was much less (7%).

Conclusions: To ensure adherence to metabolic monitoring programmes within mental health services, a comprehensive and multifaceted approach is required with ongoing education of both staff and patients.
Clinical Decisions in Psychiatry Should Not Be Based On Risk Assessment
Authors: Ryan Christopher , Nielssen Olav , Paton Michael , Large Matthew
Published: September 2010

Objective: Risk assessments that place patients in high or low risk categories have been widely adopted by mental health services in an attempt to reduce the harms associated with psychiatric disorders. This paper examines the effects of categorization based on the results of a risk assessment.

Methods: The violence prediction instrument derived from the MacArthur Study of Mental Disorder and Violence was used to illustrate the nature and effects of risk assessment and the consequent categorization of patients.

Results: The majority of patients categorized as being at high risk will not commit any harmful acts.

Conclusions: Patients who are classified as high risk share the cost of efforts to reduce harm in the form of additional treatment and restrictions, although the majority will not go on to commit a harmful act. Clinical decisions made on the basis of risk assessment also divert resources away from patients classified as low risk, even though a significant proportion do go on to a commit harmful act. We argue that psychiatric professionals should discuss the risks of treatment and of non-treatment with patients (or with their substitute decision-makers) and should maintain a duty to warn about the consequences of not having treatment. However, assessment of risk of harm should not form the basis for clinical decision making. We should aim to provide optimal care according to the treatment needs of each patient, regardless of the perceived risk of adverse events.
Uncategorizable Is Still a Category: An Interview with Percival Everett
Authors: Stewart Anthony
Published: September 2010

Abstract:

Percival Everett does not worry about his profile as a novelist. His 2001 novel, Erasure, is his most well-known novel, an irony not lost on him. An African American who does not presume to write about “the African American experience,” Everett has received more attention for Erasure, which satirizes the relationship between race and the American publishing industry, among other subjects, than for any of his other novels. His varied interests are on display here as he speaks about how “uncategorizable” is still a category, the difference between being exotic and merely being out of place, and the distinction between Strom Thurmond hating black people and just liking white people more.
A Usable History for the Study of Television
Authors: Attallah Paul
Published: September 2010

Abstract:

This article examines the ways in which television is usually studied, and finds them wanting. The usual approach of putting television in opposition to film, while useful, contains numerous aporias and leads to particular types of questions. Additionally, it works best with American media and poorly with those in other countries. Finally, television's historical ties to film are often most appreciated when they highlight the tragedy of Hollywood's passing. In the case of Canada, the study of television has been hampered by its absorption into the narrative of cultural defence and into the rationale of the policy apparatus justified by that narrative. The article proposes, therefore, three avenues for the reform of television studies. The first is to attend to actual audience behaviour through theoretically informed empirical study. The second is to attend to the historical forms of the institutionalization of television within its specific contexts. The third is to abandon the narrative of cultural defence with its attendant focus on the policy apparatus in favour of a more nuanced evaluation of the entire constellation of discourses which make up the television institution.
Sputnik Reconsidered: Image and Reality in the Early Space Age
Authors: McQuaid Kim
Published: September 2010

Abstract:

Chroniclers regularly affirm that Russia's Sputniks produced popular crisis. More nuanced explanations argue that a preliminary “media riot” made cosmic space races an essential counterpart of earthly missile races in the public mind. Widespread public interest and political support for the US civilian space program during its formative years is presumed, as is the concept that space explorations were a key global determinant of US Cold War prestige.

Such ideas are overdrawn. Contemporary analysts often studied to confirm what they already knew. Unattractive official findings were censored or ignored. Surveying all formerly secret and other opinion data about civilian space exploration from Sputnik 1 to the end of the Mercury program shows how space exploration advocates helped create elite panic regarding the Sputniks via selective reporting, while wider publics generally stayed indifferent to lunar and planetary missions. Elite panic, not mass panic, impelled the priorities and programs of the early space age.
“Bryan, Bryan, Bryan, Bryan”: Democratic Theory, Populism, and Philip Roth's “American Trilogy”
Authors: Abbott Philip
Published: September 2010

Abstract:

Populism, as both ideology and social movement, is nearly a universal, albeit sporadic, feature of all modern democratic political systems. Populism is also arguably the only example of an indigenous radical mass movement in America and, after the discredited state of socialism, the only continuing source of democratic protest. Yet populism does not enjoy a central place in democratic theory. In fact, many writers contend that when populism arises, it has a destabilizing effect on democratic regimes. Even when others attempt to credit populism, they acknowledge the existence of significant negative features. This essay reviews the contested status of populism and suggests a greater appreciation of its positive contribution to democratic theory can be reached through an analysis of Philip Roth's “American Trilogy.” Like Roth, students of populism place their assessments in the context of historical narratives. Thus, Roth's fictional recreations of post-war America can be compared to the analyses of “populist moments” in America as analyzed by both populist critics and defenders. Unlike most democratic theorists, however, Roth is willing to explore the nature and source of populist anger and its related expressions, and thus to expose its poignant dimensions. By appending Roth's insights, it is possible to ameliorate populism's contested status in democratic theory by acknowledging the positive role of emotion, properly understood, in political protest.
Growth and fitness components of wild × cultivated Sorghum bicolor (Poaceae) hybrids in Nebraska
Authors: Sahoo Lilyrani , Schmidt Jared J. , Pedersen Jeffrey F. , Lee Donald J. , Lindquist John L.
Published: September 2010

• Premise of the study: Gene flow from crops to wild relatives has received considerable attention since the advent of genetically modified crops. Numerous researchers have found wild–crop hybrids to be nearly as fit as their wild parents, which suggests that crop genes may persist in wild populations. Components of the ecological fitness of cultivated sorghum, its wild relative, shattercane, and their hybrids have not been studied.

• Methods: To assess the potential for gene introgression into shattercane, we crossed cultivated sorghum to a single inbred shattercane line to produce F1 hybrids and measured growth and several components of ecological fitness in relation to both parents in Nebraska, USA.

• Key results: Germination of F1 seeds was similar to that of its shattercane parent except at high temperatures, where it was as sensitive as the sorghum parent. The F1 grew taller and produced more biomass than either parent, but the F1 leaf area index was intermediate. Fecundity of the F1 plant was similar to that of shattercane and much greater than that of cultivated sorghum.

• Conclusions: Considering all data, the ecological fitness of shattercane × cultivated sorghum F1 hybrids may be equivalent to the wild shattercane parent, which suggests that crop genes that are either neutral or beneficial to shattercane would persist in populations within agroecosystems.
Comment construire la paix dans un espace postconflictuel ?
Authors: Koungou Léon
Published: September 2010

Résumé À Bakassi, bien que le différend ayant opposé les deux États, camerounais et nigérian, soit aujourd’hui juridiquement résolu, les attaques se multiplient, engendrant une fragmentation des menaces. Les violences de types mafieux et engagées impliqueraient des communautés hostiles au processus de paix dont la capacité de nuisance est significative. L’harmonie à Bakassi implique la pacification des communautés. L’article recense la démarche des différents protagonistes et les implications qui en résultent. Il observe la mutation récurrente des initiatives politico-militaires des États au cœur de ces dynamiques, où l’on passe assez souvent de la paix à la violence et de la violence à la paix.
Les ports, leviers de développement ?
Authors: Frémont Antoine
Published: September 2010

Résumé Les ports des pays de la rive sud de la Méditerranée souffrent du déséquilibre de développement avec l’Europe. Cet article souhaite montrer comment la réaffirmation du rôle du carrefour méditerranéen dans les échanges maritimes mondiaux ouvre à ces ports des opportunités. Au-delà de la simple modernisation des terminaux, ce sont de véritables projets de développement qui sont à mettre en place dans le cadre d’un aménagement de l’ensemble du territoire de ces pays.
L'Afrique au seuil de la révolution des télécommunications
Authors: Chéneau-Loquay Annie
Published: September 2010

Résumé L’Afrique est à une période charnière entre l’ancien Internet à faible débit et l’installation de systèmes à plus fort débit qui permettent de bénéficier de la convergence de toutes les informations. La couverture des territoires s’est améliorée mais les inégalités entre et à l’intérieur des pays sont considérables. La téléphonie mobile a explosé au détriment de la téléphonie fixe et Internet progresse lentement. Une nouvelle économie informelle s’est installée dans des marchés non compétitifs, trop chers et encore mal régulés.
Les TIC, nouvelles formes d'action politique
Authors: Manga Edimo Ruth Mireille
Published: September 2010

Résumé Les diasporas camerounaises se sont engagées depuis les années 1950 dans la vie politique de leur pays d’origine. Au fil des années, les moyens de leurs actions ont évolué, autant que leur organisation politique. Si jusqu’à la fin des années 1990 l’engagement politique des diasporas camerounaises a été exclusivement marqué par le développement des solidarités politiques transnationales pour soutenir le mouvement nationaliste et les partis politiques dans le pays d’origine, depuis le début des années 2000, de nouvelles formes d’action politique sont développées par ces populations, grâce aux technologies de l’information et de la communication (TIC) en général, et Internet en particulier.
Les intermédiaires, acteurs clés des réseaux Internet transnationaux
Authors: Steiner Béatrice
Published: September 2010

Résumé Contrairement à ce que prônent les auteurs des « discours d’accompagnement » d’Internet, les échanges par courriel sont souvent médiatisés. C’est du moins ce que l’on observe dans les cybercafés de Bamako, au Mali, où de nombreux acteurs prennent place entre les clients de ces établissements et leurs correspondants. L’organisation de ces truchements est très réglementée : ne devient pas intermédiaire qui veut ! Ce protagoniste doit, en effet, entretenir une relation particulière – à la fois détendue et empreinte de confiance – avec celui qui le mandate. Les profils les plus recherchés sont ceux des frères et sœurs cadets et des amis intimes. Cette fonction d’intermédiaire confère à ces acteurs un certain nombre de capitaux et leur permet notamment de renforcer leur position par rapport à leurs aînés.
Highly Pathogenic Influenza Virus Infection of the Thymus Interferes with T Lymphocyte Development
Authors: Vogel Annette B. , Haasbach Emanuel , Reiling Sarah J. , Droebner Karoline , Klingel Karin , Planz Oliver
Published: September 2010

Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) cause severe disease in humans. Still, the basis for their increased pathogenesis remains unclear. Additionally, the high morbidity in the younger population stays inexplicable, and the recent pandemic H1N1v outbreak in 2009 demonstrated the urgent need for a better understanding about influenza virus infection. In the present study, we demonstrated that HPAIV infection of mice not only led to lung destruction but also to functional damage of the thymus. Moreover, respiratory dendritic cells in the lung functioned as targets for HPAIV infection being able to transport infectious virus from the lung into the thymus. The pandemic H1N1 influenza virus was able to infect respiratory dendritic cells without a proper transport to the thymus. The strong interference of HPAIV with the immune system is especially devastating for the host and can lead to lymphopenia. In summary, from our data, we conclude that highly pathogenic influenza viruses are able to reach the thymus via dendritic cells and to interfere with T lymphocyte development. Moreover, this exceptional mechanism might not only be found in influenza virus infection, but also might be the reason for the increased immune evasion of some new emerging pathogens.
Immunomodulation with IL-4Rα Antisense Oligonucleotide Prevents Respiratory Syncytial Virus-Mediated Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Ripple Michael J. , You Dahui , Honnegowda Srinivasa , Giaimo Joseph D. , Sewell Andrew B. , Becnel David M. , Cormier Stephania A.
Published: September 2010

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes significant morbidity and mortality in infants worldwide. Severe RSV infections in infants cause bronchiolitis, wheeze, and/or cough and significantly increase the risk for developing asthma. RSV pathogenesis is thought to be due to a Th2-type immune response initiated in response to RSV infection, specifically in the infant. Using a neonatal mouse system as an appropriate model for human infants, we sought to determine whether local inhibition of IL-4Rα expression during primary RSV infection in the neonate would prevent Th2-skewed responses to secondary RSV infection and improve long-term pulmonary function. To reduce IL-4Rα expression, antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) specific for IL-4Rα were administered intranasally to neonatal mice at the time of primary infection. Mice were initially infected with RSV at 1 wk of age and were reinfected at 6 wk of age. Administration of IL-4Rα ASOs during primary RSV infection in neonatal mice abolished the pulmonary dysfunction normally observed following reinfection in the adult. This ablation of pulmonary dysfunction correlated with a persistent rebalancing of the Th cell compartment with decreased Th2 responses (i.e., reduced goblet cell hyperplasia, Th2 cells, and cytokine secretion) and increased Th1 responses (i.e., elevated Th1 cell numbers and type I Abs and cytokines). Our data support our hypothesis that a reduction in the Th2 immune response during primary infection in neonates prevents Th2-mediated pulmonary pathology initially and upon reinfection and further suggest that vaccine strategies incorporating IL-4Rα ASOs may be of significant benefit to infants.
Lysophosphatidic Acid Inhibits CC Chemokine Ligand 5/RANTES Production by Blocking IRF-1–Mediated Gene Transcription in Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells
Authors: Matsuzaki Shinichi , Ishizuka Tamotsu , Hisada Takeshi , Aoki Haruka , Komachi Mayumi , Ichimonji Isao , Utsugi Mitsuyoshi , Ono Akihiro , Koga Yasuhiko , Dobashi Kunio , Kurose Hitoshi , Tomura Hideaki , Mori Masatomo , Okajima Fumikazu
Published: September 2010

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a phospholipid mediator that exerts a variety of biological responses through specific G-protein–coupled receptors (LPA1–LPA5 and P2Y5). LPA is thought to be involved in airway inflammation by regulating the expression of anti-inflammatory and proinflammatory genes. Chemokines such as CCL5/RANTES are secreted from airway epithelium and play a key role in allergic airway inflammation. CCL5/RANTES is a chemoattractant for eosinophils, T lymphocytes, and monocytes and seems to exacerbate asthma. We stimulated CCL5/RANTES production in a human bronchial epithelial cell line, BEAS-2B, with IFN-γ and TNF-α. When LPA was added, CCL5/RANTES mRNA expression and protein secretion were inhibited, despite the presence of IFN-γ and TNF-α. The LPA effect was attenuated by Ki16425, a LPA1/LPA3 antagonist, but not by dioctylglycerol pyrophosphate 8:0, an LPA3 antagonist. Pertussis toxin, the inhibitors for PI3K and Akt also attenuated the inhibitory effect of LPA on CCL5/RANTES secretion. We also identify the transcription factor IFN regulatory factor-1 (IRF-1) as being essential for CCL5/RANTES production. Interestingly, LPA inhibited IFN-γ and TNF-α–induced IRF-1 activation by blocking the binding of IRF-1 to its DNA consensus sequence without changing IRF-1 induction and its nuclear translocation. Ki16425, pertussis toxin, and PI3K inhibitors attenuated the inhibitory effect of LPA on IRF-1 activation. Our results suggest that LPA inhibits IFN-γ– and TNF-α–induced CCL5/RANTES production in BEAS-2B cells by blocking the binding of IRF-1 to the CCL5/RANTES promoter. LPA1 coupled to Gi and activation of PI3K is required for this unique effect.
Ectodomain Shedding Generates Neoepitopes on Collagen XVII, the Major Autoantigen for Bullous Pemphigoid
Authors: Nishie Wataru , Lamer Stephanie , Schlosser Andreas , Licarete Emilia , Franzke Claus-Werner , Hofmann Silke C. , Jackow Joanna , Sitaru Cassian , Bruckner-Tuderman Leena
Published: September 2010

As a type II transmembrane protein in basal keratinocytes, collagen XVII provides stable adhesion between epidermis and dermis in the skin. Its ectodomain can be shed from the cell surface, and autoantibodies in certain blistering diseases preferentially recognize the shed form. Major epitopes of collagen XVII are clustered within the juxtamembranous noncollagenous 16th A domain, and ectodomain shedding occurs within this region, suggesting that cleavage generates neoepitopes. However, the candidate cleavage sites have been controversial, and the mechanism of neoepitope generation is unclear. In this study, we investigated cleavage sites in the noncollagenous 16th A domain to understand the generation of neoepitopes and their pathological role. Polyclonal Abs recognizing the stretch Leu524-Gly532 preferentially reacted with the shed ectodomain, but not with the full-length form, indicating that a neoepitope was localized at this site. The neoepitope-specific Ab fixed complement and induced granulocyte-dependent dermal-epidermal separation in cryosections of normal human skin. The physiological cleavage sites were identified using mass spectrometry. N termini were found at Asp514, Leu524, Glu525, and Gly526, among which Asp514 and Glu525 were blocked by acetylation and pyroglutaminate. In silico prediction of B cell epitopes indicated that the antigenicity of the Leu524-Gly532 region increased substantially after shedding, regardless of the cleavage sites. Correspondingly, neoepitopes were found in the skin and blister fluids of patients with bullous pemphigoid, and bullous pemphigoid sera reacted with the peptide Leu524-Gly532. Taken together, these data demonstrate that physiological shedding of collagen XVII generates neoepitopes, which may serve as a target of blister-inducing autoantibodies.
BAFF Receptor Signaling Aids the Differentiation of Immature B Cells into Transitional B Cells following Tonic BCR Signaling
Authors: Rowland Sarah L. , Leahy Katelyn F. , Halverson Regina , Torres Raul M. , Pelanda Roberta
Published: September 2010

BAFF is an important prosurvival cytokine for mature B cells. However, previous studies have shown that BAFFR is already expressed at the immature B cell stage, and that the prosurvival protein Bcl-2 does not completely complement the B cell defects resulting from the absence of BAFFR or BAFF. Thus, we hypothesized that BAFF also functions to aid the differentiation of nonautoreactive immature B cells into transitional B cells and to promote their positive selection. We found that BAFFR is expressed at higher levels on nonautoreactive than on autoreactive immature B cells and that its expression correlates with that of surface IgM and with tonic BCR signaling. Our data indicate that BAFFR signaling enhances the generation of transitional CD23− B cells in vitro by increasing cell survival. In vivo, however, BAFFR signaling is dispensable for the generation of CD23− transitional B cells in the bone marrow, but it is important for the development of transitional CD23− T1 B cells in the spleen. Additionally, we show that BAFF is essential for the differentiation of CD23− into CD23+ transitional B cells both in vitro and in vivo through a mechanism distinct from that mediating cell survival, but requiring tonic BCR signaling. In summary, our data indicate that BAFFR and tonic BCR signals cooperate to enable nonautoreactive immature B cells to differentiate into transitional B cells and to be positively selected into the naive B cell repertoire.
Adiponectin and Heme Oxygenase-1 Suppress TLR4/MyD88-Independent Signaling in Rat Kupffer Cells and in Mice after Chronic Ethanol Exposure
Authors: Mandal Palash , Roychowdhury Sanjoy , Park Pil-Hoon , Pratt Brian T. , Roger Thierry , Nagy Laura E.
Published: September 2010

Alcoholic liver disease is mediated via activation of TLR4 signaling; MyD88-dependent and -independent signals are important contributors to injury in mouse models. Adiponectin, an anti-inflammatory adipokine, suppresses TLR4/MyD88-dependent responses via induction of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Here we investigated the interactions between chronic ethanol, adiponectin, and HO-1 in regulation of TLR4/MyD88-independent signaling in macrophages and an in vivo mouse model. After chronic ethanol feeding, LPS-stimulated expression of IFN-β and CXCL10 mRNA was increased in primary cultures of Kupffer cells compared with pair-fed control mice. Treatment of Kupffer cells with globular adiponectin (gAcrp) normalized this response. LPS-stimulated IFN-β/CXCL10 mRNA and CXCL10 protein was also reduced in RAW 264.7 macrophages treated with gAcrp or full-length adiponectin. gAcrp and full-length adiponectin acted via adiponectin receptors 1 and 2, respectively. gAcrp decreased TLR4 expression in both Kupffer cells and RAW 264.7 macrophages. Small interfering RNA knockdown of HO-1 or inhibition of HO-1 activity with zinc protoporphyrin blocked these effects of gAcrp. C57BL/6 mice were exposed to chronic ethanol feeding, with or without treatment with cobalt protoporphyrin, to induce HO-1. After chronic ethanol feeding, mice were sensitized to in vivo challenge with LPS, expressing increased IFN-β/CXCL10 mRNA and CXCL10 protein in liver compared with control mice. Pretreatment with cobalt protoporphyrin 24 h before LPS challenge normalized this effect of ethanol. Adiponectin and induction of HO-1 potently suppressed TLR4-dependent/MyD88-independent cytokine expression in primary Kupffer cells from rats and in mouse liver after chronic ethanol exposure. These data suggest that induction of HO-1 may be a useful therapeutic strategy in alcoholic liver disease.
A comparative analysis of projected impacts of climate change on river runoff from global and catchment-scale hydrological models
Authors: Gosling S. N. , Taylor R. G. , Arnell N. W. , Todd M. C.
Published: September 2010

Abstract. We present a comparative analysis of projected impacts of climate change on river runoff from two types of distributed hydrological model, a global hydrological model (GHM) and catchment-scale hydrological models (CHM). Analyses are conducted for six catchments that are global in coverage and feature strong contrasts in spatial scale as well as climatic and developmental conditions. These include the Liard (Canada), Mekong (SE Asia), Okavango (SW Africa), Rio Grande (Brazil), Xiangxi (China) and Harper's Brook (UK). A single GHM (Mac-PDM.09) is applied to all catchments whilst different CHMs are applied for each catchment. The CHMs include SLURP v. 12.2 (Liard), SLURP v. 12.7 (Mekong), Pitman (Okavango), MGB-IPH (Rio Grande), AV-SWAT-X 2005 (Xiangxi) and Cat-PDM (Harper's Brook). Simulations of mean annual runoff, mean monthly runoff and high (Q5) and low (Q95) monthly runoff under baseline (1961–1990) and climate change scenarios are presented. We compare the simulated runoff response of each hydrological model to (1) prescribed increases in global-mean air temperature of 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0 and 6.0 °C relative to baseline from the UKMO HadCM3 Global Climate Model (GCM) to explore response to different amounts of climate forcing, and (2) a prescribed increase in global-mean air temperature of 2.0 °C relative to baseline for seven GCMs to explore response to climate model structural uncertainty. We find that the differences in projected changes of mean annual runoff between the two types of hydrological model can be substantial for a given GCM, and they are generally larger for indicators of high and low monthly runoff. However, they are relatively small in comparison to the range of projections across the seven GCMs. Hence, for the six catchments and seven GCMs we considered, climate model structural uncertainty is greater than the uncertainty associated with the type of hydrological model applied. Moreover, shifts in the seasonal cycle of runoff with climate change are represented similarly by both hydrological models, although for some catchments the monthly timing of high and low flows differs. This implies that for studies that seek to quantify and assess the role of climate model uncertainty on catchment-scale runoff, it may be equally as feasible to apply a GHM as it is to apply a CHM, especially when climate modelling uncertainty across the range of available GCMs is as large as it currently is. Whilst the GHM is able to represent the broad climate change signal that is represented by the CHMs, we find however, that for some catchments there are differences between GHMs and CHMs in mean annual runoff due to differences in potential evapotranspiration estimation methods, in the representation of the seasonality of runoff, and in the magnitude of changes in extreme (Q5, Q95) monthly runoff, all of which have implications for future water management issues.
Preparation of Novel Hydroxyapatite/Yttria‐Stabilized‐Zirconia Gradient Coatings by Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Lin Dong‐Yang , Zhao Yu‐Tao
Published: September 2010

Gradient hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings are prepared on Ti6Al4V substrates and consist of different proportions of HA and yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ). Their surface morphology, cross‐sectional structure and phase composition are investigated. The surface morphology is coarse and uneven with well‐distributed concaves. The coatings become crystalline after post‐treatment in water vapor. The structure of the atomic (Ti, Ca, P, Zr etc) intermixed zone in the interfacial field indicates that there is a diffusion layer (∼3–5.0 µm) between the coating and the substrate. The coating is found to be bioactive and nontoxic. The coating has a much‐higher binding strength than monolithic‐HA coatings.
pH Tunable Fluorescent Calcium Phosphate Nanocomposite for Sensing and Controlled Drug Delivery
Authors: Banerjee Shashwat S. , Roy Mangal , Bose Susmita
Published: September 2010

In this work, a novel pH sensitive calcium phosphate (CaP) nanocomposite capable of performing multiple tasks of controlled drug delivery, and simultaneous sensing by change in the fluorescence was fabricated. The nanocomposite was synthesized by encapsulating alendronate (AD) drug in CaP and modifying the surface with a fluorescent rhodamine B (RDB) dye. The multifunctional nanocomposite demonstrated high loading capacity for AD, excellent pH‐tunable AD release and optical sensing behavior, and good aqueous dispersity. Analysis by transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering analysis revealed that RDB modified CaP/AD (RDB‐CaP/AD) nanocomposite had average dimensions of 21 nm × 44 nm and mean hydrodynamic size of 55 nm. The feasibility of CaP/AD nanocomposite for controlled drug delivery by pH responsive release was demonstrated by in vitro study at two different pH, 5.0 and 7.4. Furthermore, CaP/AD loaded with fluorescent RDB showed pH tunable fluorescence property, which can help in tracking the active state of the particle and give measurable indication of the drug delivery. In vitro study with osteoclast precursor cells, RAW 264.7 confirmed that CaP/AD nanocomposite significantly reduced the activity of osteoclast cells. The present study demonstrates that the fabricated multifunctional RDB‐CaP/AD nanocomposites can serve as an effective drug delivery vehicle capable of controlled drug release and sensing, simultaneously.
Ultrathin Electronic Composite Sheets of Metallic/Semiconducting Carbon Nanotubes Embedded in Conjugated Block Copolymers
Authors: Sung Jinwoo , Huh June , Choi Ji‐Hyuk , Kang Seok Ju , Choi Yeon Sik , Lee Geun Tak , Cho Junhan , Myoung Jae‐Min , Park Cheolmin
Published: September 2010

Ultrathin composite films consisting of mixtures of metallic (m‐) and semiconducting (s‐) single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with a conjugated block copolymer are developed from a solution‐based process. The electronic properties of the films are precisely controlled from metallic to semiconducting to insulating. The tunability of the electronic composite sheets is mainly attributed to (1) the efficient dispersion of SWNTs with a conjugated block copolymer in solution, (2) the control of the number of nanotubes by centrifugation, and (3) the individually networked deposition of SWNTs embedded in the conjugated block copolymer on the target substrate by spin‐coating. A highly reliable field‐effect transistor with a networked composite film is realized with a specific range of tube density and a high on/off current ratio of approximately 106 which resulted from the Schottky barriers evolved between the individual m‐ and s‐SWNTs in the network. There is also great freedom when choosing both the gate dielectrics and source‐drain electrodes for transistors containing the composite films. Furthermore, the fabricated electronic composites are highly transparent, flexible, and chemically robust and thus, they can be conveniently micropatterned by photolithography, as well as by unconventional transfer printing techniques.
Branched Silicon Nanotubes and Metal Nanowires via AAO‐Template‐Assistant Approach
Authors: Chen Bensong , Xu Qiaoling , Zhao Xianglong , Zhu Xiaoguang , Kong Mingguang , Meng Guowen
Published: September 2010

Branched and multi‐generation branched architectures of silicon nanotubes (SiNTs) and metal nanowires (NWs), built via filling the branched and multi‐generation‐branched nanochannels of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates by pyrolysis of silane and electrodeposition of metals, are reported. The AAO templates with branched and multi‐generation‐branched nanochannels are created by sequentially reducing the applied anodizing voltage multiple times during the anodization of aluminum. The desired total generation number of branching can be controlled by the times of voltage reduction during the anodization; while each generation of branching is controlled in terms of branching number, diameter and length. The approach allows precise control over the complexity of the SiNTs and metal NWs with several levels of junctions and branching that have potentials in nanoelectronics, nanomagnetism and nanosystems.
Polyoxometalates: Powerful Catalysts for Atom‐Efficient Cyclopropanations
Authors: Boldini Irene , Guillemot Geoffroy , Caselli Alessandro , Proust Anna , Gallo Emma
Published: September 2010

The polyoxometalate‐based catalytic cyclopropanation of olefins by ethyl diazoacetate (EDA) is reported. The outstanding catalyst productivity (TONs up to 100,000) and the use of equimolar EDA/olefin ratio confer to the methodology a high sustainability. Preliminary mechanistic investigations are also discussed.
Copper(II) Triflate‐Catalyzed Three‐Component Coupling of Aldehydes, Alkynes and Carbamates
Authors: Dou Xiao‐Yong , Shuai Qi , He Liang‐Nian , Li Chao‐Jun
Published: September 2010

A simple and efficient synthesis of propargylcarbamates was developed through a copper(II) triflate‐catalyzed coupling of aldehydes, alkynes and carbamates. No co‐catalyst or ligand is required.
Mizoroki–Heck Reactions with 4‐Phenoldiazonium Salts
Authors: Schmidt Bernd , Hölter Frank , Berger René , Jessel Sönke
Published: September 2010

Significantly better yields were achieved in Mizoroki–Heck reactions using 4‐phenoldiazonium salts instead of their O‐alkylated analogues under otherwise identical conditions. We found that a one‐flask deacetylation–diazotation–precipitation sequence starting from paracetamol or acetanilides derived thereof provides a convenient access to the required diazonium tetrafluoroborates. The utility of these arylating agents in palladium‐catalyzed CC bond forming reactions was demonstrated for a one‐flask‐synthesis of the heterocyclic core of the drug aripiprazole. Notably, the diazonium salt formation from an acetanilide could be combined with two Pd‐catalyzed steps in a one‐flask sequence, without any exchange of solvents or isolation of intermediates.
Estimates of interethnic admixture in the Brazilian population using a panel of 24 X‐linked insertion/deletion markers
Authors: Resque Rafael Lima , Freitas Natalle Do Socorro Da Costa , Rodrigues Elzemar Martins Ribeiro , Guerreiro João Farias , Santos Ney Pereira Carneiro Dos , Ribeiro Dos Santos Ândrea , Zago Marco Antonio , Santos Sidney
Published: September 2010

Objectives. In this study, we aimed to identify ancestry informative haplotypes and make interethnic admixture estimates using X‐chromosome markers.

Methods. A significant sample (461 individuals) of European, African, and Native American populations was analyzed, and four linkage groups were identified. The data obtained were used to describe the ancestral contribution of populations from four different geographical regions of Brazil (745 individuals).

Results. The global interethnic admixture estimates of the four mixed populations under investigation were calculated applying all the 24 insertion/deletion (INDEL) markers. In the North region, a larger Native Americans ancestry was observed (42%). The Northeast and Southeast regions had smaller Native American contribution (27% in both of them). In the South region, there was a large European contribution (46%).

Conclusions. The estimates obtained are compatible with expectations for a colonization model with biased admixture between European men (one X chromosome) and Native American and African women (two X chromosomes), so the 24 X‐INDEL panel described here can be a useful to make admixture interethnic estimates in Brazilian populations. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spatial relation between microbleeds and amyloid deposits in amyloid angiopathy
Authors: Dierksen Gregory A. , Skehan Maureen E. , Khan Muhammad A. , Jeng Jed , Nandigam R.N. Kaveer , Becker John A. , Kumar Ashok , Neal Krista L. , Betensky Rebecca A. , Frosch Matthew P. , Rosand Jonathan , Johnson Keith A. , Viswanathan Anand , Salat David H. , Greenberg Steven M.
Published: September 2010

Advanced cerebrovascular β‐amyloid deposition (cerebral amyloid angiopathy, CAA) is associated with cerebral microbleeds, but the precise relationship between CAA burden and microbleeds is undefined. We used T2*‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and noninvasive amyloid imaging with Pittsburgh Compound B (PiB) to analyze the spatial relationship between CAA and microbleeds. On coregistered positron emission tomography (PET) and MRI images, PiB retention was increased at microbleed sites compared to simulated control lesions (p = 0.002) and declined with increasing distance from the microbleed (p < 0.0001). These findings indicate that microbleeds occur preferentially in local regions of concentrated amyloid and support therapeutic strategies aimed at reducing vascular amyloid deposition. Ann Neurol 2010
Isopropyl myristate modified silicone as a potential new encapsulating material for implantable devices
Authors: Wasikiewicz Jaroslaw M. , Paul Deepen , Roohpour Nima , Vaghela Jaina , Grahn Michael F. , Vadgama Pankaj
Published: September 2010

A new modified silicone was obtained by the physical entrapment of a hydrophobic lipid, isopropyl myristate (IPM), to improve the encapsulation properties and corrosion resistance of medical electronic implants. Differences between the water transport for films in contact with water vapor versus those in contact with liquid water were identified; they showed increased permeability to water vapor, which was possibly the result of differences in the water organization at the hydrophobic film interface. Improvements, including enhanced scratch resistance and adhesion, in the mechanical properties of the modified material was also achieved. The incorporation of IPM further resulted in a significant improvement in the cell biocompatibility compared with the unmodified polymer; this suggested that the IPM combination could be a viable basis for implant device packaging. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Relationship between electrical and mechanical loss tangents of hollow glass powder reinforced epoxy composites: A pilot study
Authors: Ku H. , Maxwell A. , Wong P. , Huang J. , Fung H.
Published: September 2010

The mechanical and thermal properties of hollow glass powder reinforced epoxy resin composites have previously been measured and evaluated in earlier studies (Ku et al., J Compos Mater, submitted). These basic, but critical data sets have yielded interest in relevant industries in Australia. This study therefore focused on measuring and evaluating the dielectric properties of these composites with a view to benefit these relevant industries. The relationship between the dielectric and thermal properties was also studied and correlated. The original contributions of this article states that samples postcured in an oven were found to have lower electrical as well as mechanical loss tangent values than their counterparts cured in ambient conditions alone. The storage modulus of all samples conventionally postcured was also higher than their counterparts. The conventionally postcured samples were also found to have lower glass transition temperature than their rivals and softer material. For all percentages by weight of glass powder, the glass transition temperature for the oven cured samples was higher and it can be argued that the composite was stiffer; the opposite was true for the ambient cured sample. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Characterizing gum natural rubber samples through advanced techniques
Authors: Leblanc Jean L. , Pilard Jean‐François , Pianhanuruk Ekkawit , Campistron Irene , Buzaré Jean‐Yves
Published: September 2010

Owing to its origin, Natural Rubber exhibits more variation than synthetic polymers. If, over the years, NR specifications have evolved from mere visual inspections towards the more complex Technically Specified Rubber (TSR) schema, industrial practice shows that, even for typical TSR grades, significant variations still exist within each shipment, especially in regard to processability. It follows that mastication is quite systematically needed in industrial operations, without or with processing aids or so‐called peptizers. Typical NR compounding operations consume therefore time and mixer capacity, a situation, which obviously calls both better characterization methods of (gum) natural rubber and eventually improved grades. There are nowadays promising new techniques to analyze and characterize polymer materials, some of which are a priori attractive for a better specification of NR grades. One such technique is the so‐called Fourier Transform rheometry, a dynamic testing method to investigate both the linear and the non‐linear viscoelastic domains of polymer materials. Other are spectroscopic methods like solid Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), either liquid or solid, whose results might be complemented by Size Exclusion Chromatography with special detection techniques, e.g. SEC‐MALS, and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The purpose of the work reported here was to investigate a series of gum NR grades using such techniques, with the objectives not only to demonstrate their interest but also to cross‐validate their results. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Flower‐Like Hierarchically Nanostructured Hydroxyapatite Hollow Spheres: Facile Preparation and Application in Anticancer Drug Cellular Delivery
Authors: Wang Ke‐Wei , Zhu Ying‐Jie , Chen Xiao‐Yan , Zhai Wan‐Yin , Wang Qi , Chen Feng , Chang Jiang , Duan You‐Rong
Published: September 2010

Flower‐like nanostructured hydroxyapatite hollow spheres (NHHS) assembled with nanosheets with a hierarchical morphology are fabricated by a rapid microwave‐assisted hydrothermal route. The presence and concentration of block copolymer poly(lactide)‐block‐poly(ethylene glycol) (PLA–PEG) are important parameters for the formation of the hollow structure. The possible formation mechanism of NHHS is proposed. The NHHS are explored as anticancer drug carriers for cellular delivery of mitoxantrone (MIT). The MIT‐loaded NHHS exhibit sustained‐drug‐release behavior in vitro and the intracellular drug‐distribution tests indicate that the MIT loaded in NHHS carriers can enter the cells efficiently. The experiments also show that the NHHS have a good biocompatibility, and therefore, they are promising anticancer drug carriers in cancer chemotherapy.
Interventional cardiology live case presentations: Regulatory considerations
Authors: Farb Andrew , Brown Sheila A. , Wolf Deborah A. , Zuckerman Bram
Published: September 2010

Live case presentations are increasingly common at interventional cardiology conferences. Taking advantage of significant advances in communication technology, broadcasts of procedures can be viewed as an extension of traditional medical education targeted to large groups of practitioners. However, there are important ethical, commercial, and patient safety issues associated with live cases that deserve attention. Use of investigational devices in live case demonstrations is subject to review and approval by FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), and the outcomes of patients participating in live cases are considered in the overall clinical study results. This article discusses CDRH's regulatory view of live case presentations with a focus on patient safety, clinical trial integrity, and concerns regarding improper medical device promotion. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ascorbic Acid Induced Enhancement of Room Temperature Phosphorescence of Sodium Tripolyphosphate‐Capped Mn‐Doped ZnS Quantum Dots: Mechanism and Bioprobe Applications
Authors: Wang He‐Fang , Li Yan , Wu Ye‐Yu , He Yu , Yan Xiu‐Ping
Published: September 2010

Although quantum dot (QD)‐based room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) probes are promising for practical applications in complex matrixes such as environmental, food and biological samples, current QD‐based‐RTP probes are not only quite limited but also exclusively based on the RTP quenching mechanism. Here we report an ascorbic acid (AA) induced phosphorescence enhancement of sodium tripolyphosphate‐capped Mn‐doped ZnS QDs, and its application for turn‐on RTP detection. The chelating ability allows AA to extract the Mn and Zn from the surface of the QDs and to generate more holes which are subsequently trapped by Mn2+, while the reducing property permits AA to reduce Mn3+ to Mn2+ in the excited state, thereby enhancing the excitation and orange emission of the QDs. The enhanced RTP intensity of the QDs increases linearly with the concentration of AA in the range of 0.05–0.8 μM. Thus, a QD‐based RTP probe for AA is developed. The proposed QD‐based turn‐on RTP probe avoids tedious sample pretreatment, and offers good sensitivity and selectivity for AA in the presence of the main relevant metal ions and other molecules in biological fluids. The limit of detection (3s) of the developed method is 9 nM AA, and the relative standard deviation is 4.8 % for 11 replicate detections of 0.1 μM AA. The developed method is successfully applied to the analysis of real samples of human urine and plasma for AA with quantitative recoveries from 96 to 105 %.