bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary Structural Change in China's Cities: Empirical Fact or Urban Legend?
Authors: Dong Fengxia , Fuller Frank
Published: August 2009

China's economic reforms, which began in 1978, resulted in remarkable income growth, and urban Chinese consumers have responded by dramatically increasing their consumption of meat, other livestock products and fruits and by decreasing consumption of grain‐based foods. Economic prosperity, a growing openness to international markets, and domestic policy reforms have changed the food marketing environment for Chinese consumers and may have contributed to shifts in consumer food demand. The objective of this paper is to uncover evidence of structural change in food consumption among urban residents in China. Both parametric and nonparametric methods are used to test for structural change in aggregate household data from 1981 to 2004. The tests provided a reasonably clear picture of changing food consumption over the study period.

En Chine, les réformes économiques amorcées en 1978 ont entraîné une croissance remarquable du revenu à laquelle les consommateurs urbains chinois ont réagi en augmentant considérablement leur consommation de viande, d'autres produits d'élevage et de fruits et en diminuant leur consommation de produits alimentaires à base de céréales. La prospéritééconomique, une ouverture croissante sur les marchés internationaux et les réformes de la politique intérieure ont modifié l'environnement commercial des produits alimentaires des consommateurs chinois et peuvent avoir contribuéà modifier la demande des consommateurs pour des produits alimentaires. Le présent article visait à recueillir des preuves de changement structurel dans la consommation alimentaire des citadins chinois. Nous avons utilisé des méthodes paramétriques et non paramétriques pour tester les changements structurels à partir de données agrégées sur les foyers de 1981 à 2004. Les tests ont brossé un tableau assez clair de l'évolution de la consommation alimentaire au cours de la période à l'étude.
The Importance of Geographic Wine Appellations: Hedonic Pricing of Burgundy Wines in the British Columbia Wine Market
Authors: Carew Richard , Florkowski Wojciech J.
Published: August 2009

To examine the buying habits of British Columbia (BC) wine consumers and their appreciation of French wine attributes, we estimate a hedonic price function for Burgundy wines which comprise an array of different appellations, vintages, and alcohol levels. BC ranks among the top three wine‐consuming provinces in Canada and residents' wine preferences are likely linked to an emerging sophistication in tastes. This study uses weekly retail sales data and attributes of Burgundy wines reported by the BC Liquor Distribution Branch. The results confirm the collective reputation effects of the Burgundy wine region and show that the implicit values differ between white and red Burgundy wines with village designation and vintage having a relatively larger effect on white wine prices than in the case of red wines. Burgundy white wines, such as Aloxe‐Corton, Chassagne‐Montrachet Premier Cru, Meursault Premier Cru, and Chablis Grand Cru, were associated with larger price premia.

Afin d'examiner les habitudes d'achat des consommateurs de vin de la Colombie−Britannique et leur appréciation des caractéristiques des vins français, nous avons estimé une fonction de prix hédoniste des vins de Bourgogne d'appellations, de millésimes et de degrés d'alcool variés. La Colombie−Britannique figure parmi les trois provinces canadiennes où l'on consomme le plus de vin, et les préférences des consommateurs de vin découlent probablement d'un raffinement des goûts. Dans la présente étude, nous avons utilisé les données des ventes au détail hebdomadaires et les caractéristiques des vins de Bourgogne fournies par la Société des alcools de la Colombie‐Britannique (BC Liquor Distribution Branch). Les résultats confirment les effets de la réputation de la région viticole de la Bourgogne et montrent que les valeurs implicites diffèrent entre les vins de Bourgogne blancs et rouges, et que l'appellation «village» et le millésime influent davantage sur les prix des vins blancs que sur ceux des vins rouges. Les prix des vins de Bourgogne blancs, tels que Aloxe‐Corton, Chassagne‐Montrachet Premier Cru, Meursault Premier Cru et Chablis Grand Cru, ont présenté des primes plus élevées.
Ecohydrologic Process Modeling of Mountain Block Groundwater Recharge
Authors: Magruder Ian A. , Woessner William W. , Running Steve W.
Published: August 2009

Regional mountain block recharge (MBR) is a key component of alluvial basin aquifer systems typical of the western United States. Yet neither water scientists nor resource managers have a commonly available and reasonably invoked quantitative method to constrain MBR rates. Recent advances in landscape‐scale ecohydrologic process modeling offer the possibility that meteorological data and land surface physical and vegetative conditions can be used to generate estimates of MBR. A water balance was generated for a temperate 24,600‐ha mountain watershed, elevation 1565 to 3207 m, using the ecosystem process model Biome‐BGC (BioGeochemical Cycles) (Running and Hunt 1993). Input data included remotely sensed landscape information and climate data generated with the Mountain Climate Simulator (MT‐CLIM) (Running et al. 1987). Estimated mean annual MBR flux into the crystalline bedrock terrain is 99,000 m3/d, or approximately 19% of annual precipitation for the 2003 water year. Controls on MBR predictions include evapotranspiration (radiation limited in wet years and moisture limited in dry years), soil properties, vegetative ecotones (significant at lower elevations), and snowmelt (dominant recharge process). The ecohydrologic model is also used to investigate how climatic and vegetative controls influence recharge dynamics within three elevation zones. The ecohydrologic model proves useful for investigating controls on recharge to mountain blocks as a function of climate and vegetation. Future efforts will need to investigate the uncertainty in the modeled water balance by incorporating an advanced understanding of mountain recharge processes, an ability to simulate those processes at varying scales, and independent approaches to calibrating MBR estimates.
Powerless Evaluation L’impuissance de l’évaluation Schwache Evaluierung
Authors: Bergschmidt Angela
Published: August 2009

Powerless Evaluation

My experience as an evaluator for the Farm Investment Support Measure of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) in Germany is that evaluation may not have the power to bring about ‘policies that perform better’. Its recommendations are often ignored by national as well as the European administration, either because evaluations are low in scientific quality or because managing authorities are accustomed to adapting measures mainly for fiscal or political reasons. The Commission’s approach to improving evaluation quality has been focused on advancing the indicators of the Common Monitoring and Evaluation Framework and on building capacity. Although these measures can contribute to an upgrading of RDP evaluation they will neither be sufficient to achieve satisfactory quality nor substantially increase the use of evaluation in policymaking. These effects could potentially be achieved through quality control and enforcement, and an obligation for policy to react to evaluation results. The Commission is already using a standardised quality control grid in the evaluations of the CAP’s first pillar and should apply this instrument to RDP evaluations. Additionally, the consideration of evaluation recommendations in policymaking should be encouraged through the introduction of a ‘fiche contradictoire’. This is the formal and explicit mechanism used in EU development policy for follow‐up on the use of evaluations.
Cyclic Opioid Peptide Agonists and Antagonists Obtained Via Ring‐Closing Metathesis
Authors: Berezowska Irena , Lemieux Carole , Chung Nga N. , Wilkes Brian C. , Schiller Peter W.
Published: August 2009

The opioid peptide H‐Tyr‐c[D‐Cys‐Phe‐Phe‐Cys]NH2 cyclized via a methylene dithiother is a potent and selective μ opioid agonist (Przydial M.J. et al., J Peptide Res, 66, 2005, 255). Dicarba analogues of this peptide with Tyr, 2′,6′‐dimethyltyrosine (Dmt), 3‐[2,6‐dimethyl‐4‐hydroxyphenyl)propanoic acid (Dhp) or (2S)‐2‐methyl‐3‐(2,6‐dimethyl‐4‐hydroxyphenyl)propanoic acid [(2S)‐Mdp] in the 1‐position were prepared. The peptides were synthesized on solid‐phase by substituting d‐allylglycine and (2S)‐2‐amino‐5‐hexenoic acid in position 2 and 5, respectively, followed by ring‐closing metathesis. Mixtures of cis and trans isomers of the resulting olefinic peptides were obtained, and catalytic hydrogenation yielded the saturated –CH2–CH2– bridged peptides. All six Tyr1‐ and Dmt1‐dicarba analogues retained high μ and δ opioid agonist potency and showed only slight or no preference for μ over δ receptors. As expected, the six Dhp1‐ and (2S)‐Mdp1‐dicarba analogues turned out to be μ opioid antagonists but, surprisingly, displayed a range of different efficacies (agonism, partial agonism or antagonism) at the δ receptor. The obtained results indicate that the μ versus δ receptor selectivity and the efficacy at the δ receptor of these cyclic peptides depend on distinct conformational characteristics of the 15‐membered peptide ring structure, which may affect the spatial positioning of the exocyclic residue and of the Phe3 and Phe4 side chains.
Small Molecule DnaK Modulators Targeting the β‐Domain
Authors: Cellitti Jason , Zhang Ziming , Wang Si , Wu Bainan , Yuan Hongbin , Hasegawa Patty , Guiney Donald G. , Pellecchia Maurizio
Published: August 2009

The molecular chaperone DnaK is essential for the survival of bacterial pathogens in the hostile environment of the host. Hence, it is in principle a promising target for drug design but for which no current inhibitors are available apart from certain antimicrobial peptides. To this end, we have screened libraries of small molecules for their ability to interact with the substrate‐binding domain of DnaK. The most promising hit from the screen was synthesized and along with its analogs subjected to further assays to determine their binding affinity and ability to interfere with bacterial growth. This work resulted in the identification of a number of compounds that bind with submicromolar affinity and capable of inhibiting Yersinia pseudotuberculosis growth more effectively than the previously characterized peptides.
Histamine‐1 receptor is not required as a downstream effector of orexin‐2 receptor in maintenance of basal sleep/wake states
Authors: Hondo M. , Nagai K. , Ohno K. , Kisanuki Y. , Willie J. T. , Watanabe T. , Yanagisawa M. , Sakurai T.
Published: August 2009

Aim:  The effect of orexin on wakefulness has been suggested to be largely mediated by activation of histaminergic neurones in the tuberomammillary nucleus (TMN) via orexin receptor‐2 (OX2R). However, orexin receptors in other regions of the brain might also play important roles in maintenance of wakefulness. To dissect the role of the histaminergic system as a downstream mediator of the orexin system in the regulation of sleep/wake states without compensation by the orexin receptor‐1 (OX1R) mediated pathways, we analysed the phenotype of Histamine‐1 receptor (H1R) and OX1R double‐deficient (H1R−/−;OX1R−/−) mice. These mice lack OX1R‐mediated pathways in addition to deficiency of H1R, which is thought to be the most important system in downstream of OX2R.

Methods:  We used H1R deficient (H1R−/−) mice, H1R−/−;OX1R−/− mice, OX1R and OX2R double‐deficient (OX1R−/−;OX2R−/−) mice, and wild type controls. Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, non‐REM (NREM) sleep and awake states were determined by polygraphic electroencephalographic/electromyographic recording.

Results:  No abnormality in sleep/wake states was observed in H1R−/− mice, consistent with previous studies. H1R−/−;OX1R−/− mice also showed a sleep/wake phenotype comparable to that of wild type mice, while OX1R−/−; OX2R−/− mice showed severe fragmentation of sleep/wake states.

Conclusion:  Our observations showed that regulation of the sleep/wake states is completely achieved by OX2R‐expressing neurones without involving H1R‐mediated pathways. The maintenance of basal physiological sleep/wake states is fully achieved without both H1 and OX1 receptors. Downstream pathways of OX2R other than the histaminergic system might play an important role in the maintenance of sleep/wake states.
Oestrogen receptor‐alpha activation augments post‐exercise myoblast proliferation
Authors: Thomas A. , Bunyan K. , Tiidus P. M.
Published: August 2009

Aim:  Our laboratory has shown that oestrogen acts to augment myoblast (satellite cell) activation, proliferation and total number and that this may occur through an oestrogen receptor (OR)‐mediated mechanism. The purpose of this study was to further investigate the mechanism of oestrogen influence on augmentation of post‐exercise myoblast numbers through use of a specific OR‐α agonist, propyl pyrazole triol (PPT).

Methods:  Ovariectomized rats were used (n = 64) and separated into four groups: sham, oestrogen supplemented, agonist supplemented, and a combined oestrogen and agonist supplemented group. These groups were further subdivided into control (unexercised) and exercise groups. Surgical removal of white vastus and soleus muscles was performed 72 h post‐exercise. Muscle samples were immunostained for the myoblast markers Pax7 and MyoD.

Results:  A significant increase in total (Pax7‐positive) and activated (MyoD‐positive) myoblasts was found in all groups post‐exercise. A further significant augmentation of total and activated myoblasts occurred in oestrogen supplemented, agonist supplemented and the combined oestrogen and agonist supplemented groups post‐exercise in white vastus and soleus muscles relative to unsupplemented animals.

Conclusion:  These results demonstrate that both oestrogen and the specific OR‐α receptor agonist, PPT, can significantly and to similar degrees augment myoblast number and activation following exercise‐induced muscle damage. This suggests that oestrogen acts through an OR‐mediated mechanism to stimulate myoblast proliferation following exercise, with OR‐α playing a primary role.
Recent Research on Latinos in the USA and Canada, Part 1: Language Maintenance and Shift and English Varieties1
Authors: Bayley Robert , Bonnici Lisa M.
Published: August 2009

This article examines two of the main areas of sociolinguistic research on Latinos in the USA and Canada, language maintenance and shift and Latino varieties of English, with emphasis on work that has been accomplished in the past decade. Despite the considerable amount of foundational research that has been accomplished in recent years, we suggest that a great deal remains to be done, particularly on maintenance and shift in emerging Latino communities in the USA and Canada and on Latino varieties of English.
Effects of Selenium and Methionine Supplementation of Breeder Hen Diets on Selenium Concentration and Oxidative Stability of Lipids in the Thigh Muscles of Progeny
Authors: Zhao L.Y. , Xu S.Q. , Zhao R.Q. , Peng Z.Q. , Pan X.J.
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT:  The effects of dietary supplementation to female chickens with selenium (Se) and methionine (Met) on the next generation were studied. Lang‐shan breeding hens (450) were obtained at 52 wk of age and randomly allotted to 9 treatments; 5 replicates of each treatment were carried out. The breeders were fed a basal corn–soybean meal diet (0.13 mg Se/kg) supplemented with 0, 0.30, or 0.60 mg/kg Se from Sel‐Plex and 0.32%, 0.40%, or 0.54% Met for the 30‐d adapting period and 70‐d experiment period. Se and glutathione (GSH) concentrations, glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) activity, and the oxidative stability of muscular lipids of 90‐d progeny were determined by testing the TBARS values. When breeders received the highest levels of Met or Se, GSH‐Px activity was decreased, the Se concentration and the oxidative stability of muscular lipids were increased with the supplementation of Se or Met. When breeder hens were given a Met‐deficient diet, supplementing with Se decreased the Se deposition in progeny thigh. With regard to lipid oxidation, 0.3 mg/kg maternal dietary Se supplementation decreased the oxidative stability of muscle lipid and 0.6 mg/kg Se supplementation showed no difference from the control. When breeders were fed a Se‐deficient diet, the GSH‐Px activity was increased significantly and the oxidative stability of progeny muscles was decreased with the supplementation of Met. It was concluded that supplementation of the maternal diet with higher Se and Met can increase Se deposition in progeny muscle and lead to more effective protection against lipid oxidation in progeny thighs.
Characterization of Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) Genotypes for Their Physicochemical Properties
Authors: Tosun M. , Ercisli S. , Karlidag H. , Sengul M.
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT:  The worldwide tendency for growing more small fruits, including raspberries, shows permanent increase because this group of fruits has a relatively higher content of bioactive nutrients. To study the health benefits of red raspberry fruits, 11 preselected wild‐grown and 1 well‐known cultivar, Heritage, were evaluated for some of their physicochemical properties such as fruit weight, total antioxidant capacity (measured by β‐carotene bleaching and FRAP assays), total phenolics, ascorbic acid, soluble solid content (SSC), and acidity. Fruit weight, SSC, and ascorbic acid contents were between 1.47 and 2.32 g, 10.87% and 13.60%, and 21 and 36 mg/100 g, respectively. Antioxidant activity and total phenolic content varied among genotypes and the ERZ5 genotype had the highest antioxidant capacity as ascertained by both methods. This genotype also had the highest total phenolic (2031 μg GAE/g FW) content. There are linear relationships between antioxidant capacities and total phenols. The present study demonstrates the potential of certain wild genotypes, notably ERZ5, for improving the nutritional value through germplasm enhancement programs.
Modeling of the Relationship between Dipeptide Structure and Dipeptide Stability, Permeability, and ACE Inhibitory Activity
Authors: Foltz Martin , Van Buren Leo , Klaffke Werner , Duchateau Guus S.M.J.E.
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT:  Selected di‐ and tripeptides exhibit angiotensin‐I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity in vitro. However, the efficacy in vivo is most likely limited for most peptides due to low bioavailability. The purpose of this study was to identify descriptors of intestinal stability, permeability, and ACE inhibitory activity of dipeptides. A total of 228 dipeptides were synthesized; intestinal stability was obtained by in vitro digestion, intestinal permeability using Caco‐2 cells and ACE inhibitory activity by an in vitro assay. Databases were constructed to study the relationship between structure and activity, permeability, and stability. Quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) modeling was performed based on computed models using partial least squares regression based on 400 molecular descriptors. QSAR modeling of dipeptide stability revealed high correlation coefficients (R > 0.65) for models based on Z and X scales. However, amino acid (AA) clustering showed the best results in describing stability of dipeptides. The N‐terminal AA residues Asp, Gly, and Pro as well as the C‐terminal residues Pro, Ser, Thr, and Asp stabilize dipeptides toward luminal enzymatic peptide hydrolysis. QSAR modeling did not reveal significant correlation models for intestinal permeability. 2D‐fingerprint models were identified describing ACE inhibitory activity of dipeptides. The intestinal stability of 12 peptides was predicted. Peptides were synthesized and stability was confirmed in simulated digestion experiments. Based on the results, specific dipeptides can be designed to meet both stability and activity criteria. However, postabsorptive ACE inhibitory activities of dipeptides in vivo are most likely limited due to the very low intestinal permeability of dipeptides.
Acrylamide–Sepiolite Based Composite Hydrogels for Immobilization of Invertase
Authors: Öztop H. Nursevin , Hepokur Ceylan , Saraydin Dursun
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT:  Novel composite hydrogels, poly(acrylamide)–sepiolite (PAS), poly(acrylamide/acrylic acid)–sepiolite (PAAS), and poly(acrylamide/itaconic acid)–sepiolite (PAIS) were prepared and used for the immobilization of invertase. The parameters of equilibrium swelling, diffusional exponent, and diffusion coefficient of these hydrogels were calculated from swelling experiments. Invertase was immobilized onto PAS, PAAS, and PAIS and immobilized invertases (PASI, PAASI, and PAISI) were prepared. Optimum pH values for free invertase, PASI, PAASI, and PAISI are found to be 5, 5.5, 4.5, and 6, respectively, and the optimum temperatures were 30, 50, 50, and 35 °C for free invertase PASI, PAASI, and PAISI. It was found that Km values of free invertase, PASI, PAASI, and PAISI were 11.3, 41.0, 94.5, and 56.0 mM, respectively. Vmax values were 2 μmol/min for free invertase, 8.10 μmol/min for PASI, 1.30 μmol/min for PAASI, and 0.42 μmol/min for PAISI, respectively. The invertase immobilized hydrogels showed excellent, temperature, storage, and operational stability.
The rationale for early intervention in schizophrenia and related disorders
Authors: Nordentoft Merete , Jeppesen Pia , Petersen Lone , Bertelsen Mette , Thorup Anne
Published: August 2009

Aim: To examine the rationale and evidence supporting an early intervention approach in schizophrenia.

Methods: A selective literature review was conducted.

Results: During the onset of schizophrenia, there is often a significant delay between the emergence of psychotic symptoms and the initiation of treatment. The average duration of untreated psychosis is around 1–2 years. During this period, brain function may continue to deteriorate and social networks can be irreversibly damaged. Studies have consistently linked longer duration of untreated psychosis with poorer outcomes and this relationship holds even after controlling for the potential confounding variable of premorbid functioning. In Norway, the early Treatment and Intervention in PSychosis study demonstrated that duration of untreated psychosis is amenable to intervention with the combination of educational campaigns and specialized early detection units substantially decreasing the period from onset of symptoms to treatment initiation. Furthermore, recent evidence from the randomized controlled OPUS and the Lambeth Early Onset trial studies have linked phase‐specific early interventions to improved outcomes spanning symptoms, adherence to treatment, comorbid drug abuse, relapse and readmission. Some benefits persist after cessation of the intervention.

Conclusions: Early intervention in schizophrenia is justified to reduce the negative personal and social impact of prolonged periods of untreated symptoms. Furthermore, phase‐specific interventions are associated with improved outcomes, at least in the short term. Further research is needed to establish the optimum duration of such programmes.
Optimizing health‐care systems to promote early detection of psychosis
Authors: Larsen Tor K. , Joa Inge , Langeveld Johannes , Johannessen Jan O.
Published: August 2009

Aim: To discuss how health‐care systems can achieve early detection of patients with first‐episode psychosis.

Methods: A selective literature review was conducted.

Results: The optimal design of health‐care systems to promote early detection of psychosis had received considerable attention. Primary and specialist care both had important roles to play. Referral from primary care was a key pathway for patient identification. However, the recognition of emerging psychosis in the primary care setting can be challenging, and there was a need for educational initiatives to support primary care in performing this essential function. Rapid access to specialist care should be available when required. However, patients with early psychosis may not seek help from primary care for a variety of reasons, such as social withdrawal, lack of insight or fear of stigmatization. With this in mind, a number of assertive outreach programmes had been established that permit self‐referral, rapid assessment and fast access to treatment. There was some evidence that these rapid detection units were successful in identifying ‘harder‐to‐reach’ patients. Finally, information campaigns aimed at the general public can raise awareness and promote help‐seeking behaviours, and this appeared to be an important factor in reducing the duration of untreated psychosis.

Conclusions: To promote the rapid identification of patients with psychosis, health‐care systems require a range of measures that recognize the different ways in which psychosis can be presented to the medical services. Education of general practitioners, assertive outreach, low‐threshold detection teams and general information campaigns are all important elements of early detection.
Psychosocial and psychological interventions in early psychosis: essential elements for recovery
Authors: Killackey Eóin
Published: August 2009

Aim: To briefly review evidence for some of the psychological and psychosocial interventions in early psychosis that are commonly recommended in treatment guidelines.

Method: Four psychological interventions (cognitive behavioural therapy, cognitive remediation, family interventions and compliance therapy) and two psychosocial interventions (vocational interventions and behavioural weight management) were chosen. The evidence for the use of each intervention in the first‐episode population was briefly considered.

Results: There was considerable evidence for some of these interventions (particularly cognitive behavioural therapy, behavioural weight management, vocational intervention and family interventions). However, most of this evidence has been gathered in populations of people with established schizophrenia and results have been extrapolated to first‐episode populations.

Conclusion: Although early evidence indicated that psychological and psychosocial interventions in early psychosis may be more effective than in populations with more established illness (thus, warranting their inclusion in treatment packages), more research is needed. In addition to gathering data on symptom and functional outcomes, this research should provide a base for further arguments for reform of treatment approaches to routinely include psychological and psychosocial interventions.
Addressing the needs of carers during early psychosis
Authors: Jones Kevin
Published: August 2009

Aim: To review the role and needs of family members and carers during early psychosis.

Methods: A selective literature review was conducted.

Results: Carers of persons with schizophrenia are undeniably a highly valuable source of practical and emotional support for the person affected by the illness. The role of the carer can begin even before diagnosis, with family members helping bring the patient to the attention of medical services. The diagnosis itself can be a very difficult time for carers, with family members frequently experiencing stress, anxiety, guilt, depression and feelings of loss. Furthermore, family members themselves can feel the effects of stigmatization of mental illness. The aims of family interventions during early psychosis were therefore twofold: to reduce the level of distress experienced by carers and to assist them in their role in supporting patients towards remission and recovery. A number of recent studies support a role for family interventions in early psychosis. Despite their important role, carers frequently feel undervalued and unengaged by the health‐care system. Carers value good communication, and the provision of adequate information about the illness, its treatment and accessing health‐care services are key priorities.

Conclusions: Carers for people affected by schizophrenia often feel undervalued. During early psychosis, interventions aimed at the family can facilitate patient identification, improve the emotional well‐being of family members and support carers in their unquestionably important role in promoting remission and recovery.
Using Mock Trials to Teach Students Forensic Core Competencies in Marriage and Family Therapy
Authors: Miller John K. , Linville Deanna , Todahl Jeff , Metcalfe Joe
Published: August 2009

This article provides a description of a university‐based project that used mock trials to train both practicum‐level marriage and family therapy and law students in forensic work, and a qualitative investigation of student experiences with the training. The content of the training focused on American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) core competencies that relate specifically to the legal aspects of therapy. This article describes the didactic training the students received to prepare for the mock trials, the structure and protocol of the mock trials themselves, and the specific AAMFT core competencies addressed in the project. The results of an analysis of focus group interviews with participating law school (n = 15) and marriage and family therapy (n = 19) students are presented as well as the results of a 36‐item Knowledge, Skills, and Comfort Level Questionnaire completed by participating marriage and family therapy students. Participants discussed the value of the training with regard to preparation for mock trial procedures, preparation for testimony, importance of documentation, and cross‐discipline collaboration issues. The article concludes with a discussion of how this type of training may be used in developing students’ skills with regard to forensic and legal core competencies, and future research directions.
Relationship Quality and Stability in Couples When One Partner Suffers From Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Bouchard Sébastien , Sabourin Stéphane , Lussier Yvan , Villeneuve Evens
Published: August 2009

The main goal of the present study was to examine and compare the psychosocial functioning of 35 couples including a woman diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD) to that of a nonclinical control sample of 35 couples. The BPD status of women from the clinical group and the prevalence of personality disorder in their partner were ascertained through the SCID‐II. Participants completed self‐report measures of couple functioning. A majority of couples in which the woman suffered from BPD (68.7%) evidenced frequent episodes of breakups and reconciliations and, over an 18‐month period, nearly 30% of these couples dissolved their relationship. Nearly half of the men involved in a romantic relationship with a woman suffering from BPD met criteria for one personality disorder or more. As compared with nonclinical couples, clinical couples showed lower marital satisfaction, higher attachment insecurity, more demand/withdraw communication problems, and higher levels of violence.
Hydrologic simulation‐aided regional flood frequency analysis of Nepalese river basins
Authors: Mishra B.K. , Takara K. , Yamashiki Y. , Tachikawa Y.
Published: August 2009

In Nepal, there are only two hydrometric stations in two of the five recognized hydrologic regions. Thus, data are available at fewer hydrometric stations than usually accepted as adequate for reliable estimation of regional frequency distributions and index flood relationships, which are two major elements of index flood‐based regional flood frequency analysis. This study deals with estimation of regional frequency distributions and index flood relationships in the five hydrologic regions of Nepal, with emphasis on the regions that have inadequate hydrometric stations. Synthetic flood data have been used for supplementing the hydrometric data in the two hydrologic regions. A rainfall‐runoff model SimHyd was used for synthetic flood data generation. Return period flood estimates of the derived regional flood–frequency relationships were compared with that of at‐site and Water and Energy Commission Secretariat of Nepal (WECS) (a frequently used method in Nepal) methods. The regional relationships were found to have far better estimation capabilities than the WECS method.
Ideal location for flood shelter: a geographic information system approach
Authors: Sanyal J. , Lu X.X.
Published: August 2009

Spatial information for efficient flood emergency management is very limited in developing countries. This paper combines cartographic and remotely sensed data to identify the rural settlements that are vulnerable to flood in the Ajay River Basin of West Bengal, India. A European Remote Sensing Satellite‐1 synthetic aperture radar flood scene has been acquired over the Ajay River Basin. Several digital image processing techniques including thresholding have been applied to identify the flood‐affected settlements in the area. The principles of optimum location have been extensively applied through a geographic information system to come up with a map showing the ideal location for elevated concrete structures that can serve as flood shelter for vulnerable communities.
Role of rural land use management in flood and coastal risk management
Authors: Parrott A. , Brooks W. , Harmar O. , Pygott K.
Published: August 2009

Flood risk is influenced by the rate and speed of rural land runoff within the catchment and by flow attenuation in the floodplain. Most research to date has demonstrated that the overall flood risk benefits of multiple small scale land management changes at a large catchment scale are difficult to determine and, in some situations, may not provide significant benefits in flood events. Measures may, however, offer potential for attenuation, improving flood warning times and therefore reducing flood damages. Climate change and major legislative drivers such as the Water Framework Directive will also further drive the need to consider different approaches to how land is managed and the impact that this may have on flood and coastal risk management.
Flood risk mapping in Europe, experiences and best practices
Authors: Van Alphen J. , Martini F. , Loat R. , Slomp R. , Passchier R.
Published: August 2009

Within the context of the European Flood Risk Management Directive, adopted in 2007, the European countries are required to prepare flood hazard and flood risk maps before 2014. The Exchange Circle on Flood Mapping (EXCIMAP) has made an inventory of flood mapping practices in Europe. This inventory has resulted in a ‘Handbook on Good Practices for flood mapping in Europe’ and an ‘Atlas of Flood maps containing examples from 19 European countries, Japan and USA’. This paper highlights the main conclusions of the EXCIMAP Handbook and Atlas, regarding the most appropriate ways to present flood‐related information. Distinction is made between different types of use and users, such as land‐use planning, emergency planning, flood risk management, reinsurance and the general public. Many countries disseminate flood maps (mainly flood extent maps) and flood hazard maps (depth or depth–velocity combinations) already via Internet. Many European rivers are part of transboundary water systems. Therefore, uniform approaches in flood (risk) assessments, map legend and presentation are urgently needed.
Deep-Sea, Swimming Worms with Luminescent “Bombs”
Authors: Osborn Karen J. , Haddock Steven H. D. , Pleijel Fredrik , Madin Laurence P. , Rouse Greg W.
Published: August 2009

Several species of deep-sea polychaete worms have been discovered that have a bizarre predator distraction mechanism.
Adjoint Tomography of the Southern California Crust
Authors: Tape Carl , Liu Qinya , Maggi Alessia , Tromp Jeroen
Published: August 2009

Crustal Details Revealed

In seismic tomography, a large collection of data representing paths through Earth are inverted to provide an analysis of variation of density in which errors are minimized. Typically, the inversion starts with a simple layered model of the tomographic region.

Tape
et al.

(p.
988
) show how, starting with a three-dimensional model, based on synthetic seismograms, an improved iterative inversion approach can lead to a much more detailed view of a region. Using the rich data for Southern California, the model reveals details of the geologic history of the crust in this region.
Printed Assemblies of Inorganic Light-Emitting Diodes for Deformable and Semitransparent Displays
Authors: Park Sang-Il , Xiong Yujie , Kim Rak-Hwan , Elvikis Paulius , Meitl Matthew , Kim Dae-Hyeong , Wu Jian , Yoon Jongseung , Yu Chang-Jae , Liu Zhuangjian , Huang Yonggang , Hwang Keh-chih , Ferreira Placid , Li Xiuling , Choquette Kent , Rogers John A.
Published: August 2009

Bend Me, Stretch Me

In the push toward flexible electronics, much research has focused on using organic conducting materials, including light-emitting diodes (LEDs), because they are more readily processed using scalable techniques.Parket al.(p.977) have developed a series of techniques for depositing and assembling inorganic LEDs onto glass, plastic, or rubber. Conventional processing techniques are used to connect the LEDs in order to create flexible, stretchable displays, which, because the active diode material only covers a small part of the substrate, are mostly transparent.
Early Solar System Chronology
Authors: Davis Andrew M.
Published: August 2009

Isotopic analysis of chondrules in primitive meteorites validates the use of
26
Al as a precise chronometer for early solar system events.
Return to the High Table
The Paleobiological Revolution
Essays on the Growth of Modern Paleontology

David Sepkoski and Michael Ruse, Eds.

University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 2009. 580 pp. $65, £45. ISBN 9780226748610.
Authors: Wood Rachel
Published: August 2009

The contributors explore the content, historical development, and conceptional importance of paleobiology.
Globalizing Science Publishing
Authors: Gevers Wieland
Published: August 2009

Publishing in scientific journals is the most common and powerful means to disseminate new research findings. Visibility and credibility in the scientific world require publishing in journals that are included in global indexing databases such as those of the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI). Most scientists in developing countries remain at the periphery of this critical communication process, exacerbating the low international recognition and impact of their accomplishments. For science to become maximally influential and productive across the globe, this needs to change.
More Than Just a Copy
Authors: Kaessmann Henrik
Published: August 2009

Several dog breeds owe their short legs to a gene duplication event based on reverse transcription of RNA.
Coastal Exploitation
Authors: Rick Torben C. , Erlandson Jon M.
Published: August 2009

How did ancient hunter-gatherers influence coastal environments?
Draft Rule Threatens Fossil Excavations in China
Authors: Yu Zheng
Published: August 2009

Fossil theft and smuggling are rampant in China, and scientists welcome tougher enforcement. But a draft regulation intended to crack down on illicit trade would impede fieldwork and make paleontologists more vulnerable to the whims of local officials, scientists fear.
New Strategy Promises Lasting Resistance to a Rice Plague
Authors: Normile Dennis
Published: August 2009

In this week's issue of
Science
(p.
998
), a team of Japanese researchers describes a novel type of gene that promises lasting resistance to rice blast fungus without degrading grain taste.
Two Steps Forward for Synthetic Biology
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: August 2009

Two new developments, one of which is described in a
paper
published online this week by
Science
, have brought genetic engineers closer to a major goal: routinely manipulating sets of genes and even whole genomes.
Archaeologists Raise The Old With the New
Authors: Lawler Andrew
Published: August 2009

Researchers are working to transform China's development boom from a curse into a blessing for ancient sites.
Landing the Looters
Authors: Lawler Andrew
Published: August 2009

In a land chock-full of wealthy tombs and poor farmers, grave robbing is an ancient tradition. But in the past decade, China has tightened its laws against looting, a reflection of changing attitudes toward archaeological treasures.
Go East, Young Archaeologist
Authors: Lawler Andrew
Published: August 2009

Many Chinese-born scientists educated in the West are now returning to China, drawn home by family ties and professional opportunities.
Bridging East and West
Authors: Lawler Andrew
Published: August 2009

China's far west, home to unique ancient cultures, may help reveal how technology and goods flowed from West to East to shape Chinese civilization.
Millet on the Move
Authors: Lawler Andrew
Published: August 2009

If you said rice was the most important grain in ancient China, you'd be wrong, according to some archaeologists, who believe lowly millet served as the staple grain that allowed Chinese civilization to flourish in ancient times.
Multiple T-Cell Responses to Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Are Enhanced by Dendritic Cells
Authors: Huang Xiao-Li , Fan Zheng , Borowski LuAnn , Rinaldo Charles R.
Published: August 2009

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-specific T-cell reactivity has been related to protection from disease progression. Optimal T-cell reactivity to HIV-1 presumably requires antigen processing and presentation by professional antigen-presenting cells, particularly dendritic cells (DC). Here we examined whether multiple HIV-1-specific T-cell functions are enhanced by stimulation with HIV-1 peptide-loaded DC derived from HIV-1-infected subjects on antiretroviral therapy. We first found that mature DC increased the number of gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-producing T cells detected by enzyme-linked immunospot assay to overlapping 15-mer peptides of HIV-1 Gag and Nef, compared to stimulation with peptide-loaded, immature DC or to peptides without DC. IFN-γ production was lower in response to large pools of the Gag and Nef peptides, regardless of presentation by DC. We further observed that HIV-1 peptide-loaded, mature DC stimulated greater CD8+and CD4+T-cell proliferation than did the peptides without DC and that T-cell proliferation was lower in response to larger pools of the peptides. The lower T-cell IFN-γ and proliferation responses to the larger peptide pools were related to lower T-cell viability. Finally, the number of polyfunctional CD8+and CD4+T cells stimulated by HIV-1 peptide-loaded, mature DC, defined as positive by intracellular staining for more than one immune mediator (IFN-γ, interleukin 2, tumor necrosis factor alpha, macrophage inhibitory protein 1β, or CD107a), was greater than that stimulated by the peptides alone. These results indicate that DC can enhance multiple types of HIV-1-specific T-cell functions.
Role of Activins and Inducible Nitric Oxide in the Pathogenesis of Ectopic Pregnancy in Patients with or withoutChlamydia trachomatisInfection
Authors: Refaat Bassem , Al-Azemi Majedah , Geary Ian , Eley Adrian , Ledger William
Published: August 2009

Chlamydia trachomatisinfection can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy (EP), infertility, and chronic pelvic pain in women. Activins and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) are produced by the human fallopian tube, and we speculate that tubal activins and iNOS may be involved in the immune response toC. trachomatisin humans and their pathological alteration may result in tubal pathology and the development of EP. Blood and fallopian tubes were collected from 14 women with EP. Sera were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect antibodies against chlamydial heat shock protein 60 (chsp60) and the major outer membrane protein ofC. trachomatis.Confirmation ofC. trachomatisserology was made using the microimmunofluorescence test. The patients were classified into three groups according to their serological results, and immunohistochemistry and quantitative reverse transcription-PCR were performed to investigate the expression of candidate molecules by tubal epithelial cells among the three groups. This is the first study to show an increase in the expression of activin βA subunit, type II receptors, follistatin, and iNOS within the human fallopian tube of EP patients who were serologically positive forC. trachomatis. A similar expression profile was observed in the fallopian tubes with detectable antibodies only against chsp60. These results were shown at the mRNA and protein levels. We suggest that tubal activin A, its type II receptors, follistatin, and NO could be involved in the microbial-mediated immune response within the fallopian tube, and their pathological expression may lead to tubal damage and the development of EP.
Toll-Like Receptor 3 Ligand and Retinoic Acid Enhance Germinal Center Formation and Increase the Tetanus Toxoid Vaccine Response
Authors: Ma Yifan , Ross A. Catharine
Published: August 2009

Immunizations with T-cell-dependent antigens induce the formation of germinal centers (GC), unique lymphoid microenvironments in which antigen-activated B cells undergo class switching, affinity maturation, and differentiation into memory B cells. Poly(I:C) (PIC), a double-stranded RNA, and retinoic acid (RA), a metabolite of vitamin A which induces cell differentiation, have been shown to augment both primary and memory anti-tetanus toxoid (anti-TT) IgG responses. However, their influence on the GC reaction is unknown. In the present study, 6-week-old C57BL/6 mice were immunized with TT and cotreated with PIC, RA, or both. The splenic GC reaction was evaluated using immunofluorescence staining 10 days after TT priming. Each treatment enhanced the TT-induced GC formation (number of GC/follicle and GC area) about two- to threefold, which correlated with the titers of plasma anti-TT immunoglobulin G (IgG). Isotype switching to IgG1 was dramatically stimulated, with the greatest increase in IgG1-positive GC B cells induced by RA-PIC (P< 0.001). Moreover, PIC alone and RA-PIC robustly promoted the formation of the follicular dendritic cell (FDC) network in the GC light zone. PIC and RA-PIC also increased IgG1-positive B cells in the periarterial lymphatic sheath regions, where most IgG1-positive cells were plasma cells (CD138/syndecan-1 positive), suggesting that plasma cell generation was also enhanced in non-GC regions. The stimulation of several processes, including antigen-induced GC formation, isotype switching, FDC network formation within GC, and plasma cell differentiation by RA and/or PIC, suggests that this nutritional-immunological combination could be an effective means of promoting a robust vaccine response.