bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When Two Worlds Collide: Ownership of Genetic Resources unde rthe Convention on Biological Diversity and the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights
Authors: Venbrux Greg K.
Published: April 2012

The rapid growth of the biotechnology industry over the past two decades led many countries to recognize the vast economic potential of their genetic resources and indigenous knowledge. 1  Pharmaceutical companies and plant breeders increasingly rely upon these resources to engineer plantderived drugs, disease-resistant crops, and biotechnical production processes.2 With increasing demand for new biotechnological products, the global community is struggling to strike a balance between the interests of host countries, who seek remuneration for supplying genetic resources and traditional knowledge, and biotechnological inventors, who are pressing for free access, open markets, and stronger intellectual property rights protection.
Escaping Davy Jones' Locker: How the Motion Picture Industry Can Stop Digital Piracy Without Unnecessary Litigation
Authors: Wright Robert H.
Published: April 2012

Contrary to popular belief, motion picture piracy is not a modern phenomenon.2 Indeed, Hollywood studios have been engaged in a continuous battle against pirates ever since theatres began showing films in the late nineteenth century.3 One of the earliest methods of motion picture piracy, for example, was the “bicycling of prints,” a practice by which a theatre operator would literally transport film reels between multiple theatres by bicycle to avoid the cost of licensing reels for each.4 With the advent of the Internet, however, the rate of motion picture piracy has increased exponentially. While truly measuring the extent of such illegal activity is impossible, recent estimates by the Motion Picture Association of America (“MPAA”) suggest that somewhere between 300,000 and 350,000 motion pictures are illegally downloaded from the Internet every day.5 With Hollywood studios already losing four billion dollars in potential profits each year to analog piracy,6 the continuous growth of digital piracy threatens the very existence of the motion picture industry. It is no surprise, then, that industry trade organizations like the MPAA are now feverishly searching for an effective way to address the problems posed by digital piracy.
Computer Forensics, Search Strategies, and the Particularity Requirement
Authors: Jekot Wayne
Published: April 2012

Assuming that a person subject to a search and seizure of his or her computer has a reasonable expectation of privacy in the contents of the computer, and thus a warrant is required, should the warrant outline a “search strategy”? Or should comprehensive computer searches be permitted? In other words, how should the particularity requirement be applied to computer searches? Correspondingly, what can a forensic examiner do under a warrant while collecting potential evidence from a computer? [...]
Legal Defect Protected by Article 42 of the CISG: A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
Authors: Beline Thomas M.
Published: April 2012

The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG) was written to facilitate and increase certainty in international sales transactions. Unfortunately, a major shortcoming of the CISG is in regard to sales of goods that are subject to intellectual or industrial property rights. This article discusses the problems with a uniform substantive law to govern sales of goods that are subject to intellectual property rights and counsels practitioners to include contract clauses to govern any disputes that may arise in relation to a claim brought by a third party asserting ownership to the intellectual or industrial property rights of the goods.
Scare of Avian Flu Revisits India: A Bumpy Road Ahead
Authors: Rai Rajnish Kumar
Published: April 2012

With the threat of an avian flu pandemic once again looming over eastern India, issues regarding patents and affordability and accessibility of drugs have taken center stage. The key priority of India should be to remain prepared to address the public health crisis effectively, by stockpiling the drug tamiflu so that it can be easily distributed and administered to the needy.India had been confronted with a serious threat of avian flu in 2005-06, but past experience shows that, despite having some of the broadest and most comprehensive compulsory patent licensing laws, India's policymaking elite shied away from fully exploiting these legal 'flexibilities.' Fortunately, the danger of avian flu did not turn into a substantial public health crisis that year. Under this backdrop, this paper explores various ‘flexibilities’ available in the Indian patent law and suggests short term and long term strategies to effectively tackle the impending danger of an avian flu pandemic, and similar public health crises in future. This paper will discuss potential areas of conflict between the indigenous generic drug firms and the multi-national companies with respect to TRIPS compliance in the event that these flexibilities are exploited. This paper also highlights the administrative constraints and the economic viability of the compulsory licensing system. Finally, this paper shows how political will is often more critical than having well documented provisions in statute books to respond to such situations effectively.
Price Fix Away?: Does the Supreme Court’s Decision in Leegin Creative Leather Products Strengthen the Ability of Businesses to Engage in Vertical Price Restraints with Impunity?
Authors: Lee Erick S.
Published: April 2012

The United States Supreme Court in recent years has taken an increased interest in patent law, making a number of key decisions in the areas of injunctions1, licensing2, patentable subject matter3, and the standards of determining obviousness.4 In the current 2007-2008 term, the Court has already granted certiorari to consider the boundaries of the patent exhaustion doctrine; a case closely watched by legal commentators and observers.5 The Court's attention has also been drawn to the intersection of intellectual property law and antitrust law, with two cases in that legal realm having been recently decided. In Illinois Tool Works v. Independent Ink, the Court considered whether the presumption that patent owners have market power in the subject matter of their patents is "applicable in the antitrust context when a seller conditions its sale of a patented product . . . on the purchase of a second product."6
The Communications Decency Act of 1996: Why § 230 is Outdated and Publisher Liability for Defamation Should be Reinstated Against Internet Service Providers
Authors: Jeweler Matthew G.
Published: April 2012

When Congress enacted § 230 of the Communications Decency Act ("CDA")1 it changed the landscape of defamation law on the Internet. In the eleven years since Congress passed § 230, courts have interpreted it broadly, giving seemingly complete immunity to internet service providers ("ISPs") and website operators in third-party claims for defamation committed on the Internet.2 This essay argues that today, with the Internet being the dominant medium that it is, the CDA is outdated and unfair, and should be amended or repealed in favor of the common law framework for publisher liability in defamation.3
“Too Legit to Quit”: Free Speech Clause Protection For Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum Broadcasters
Authors: Messier Jonathan A.
Published: April 2012

Unlike other types of media, broadcasters do not enjoy full First Amendment protection against government restraints on speech.1 The government’s authority to restrain broadcast speech derives from the intrinsic limitations of early radio signal modulation technology.2 Early radios were designed to communicate with each other by decrypting radio signals that were broadcasted over a single radio frequency.3 Interference with the per frequency operation of radios impeded early listeners’ abilities to hear speech from competing broadcasters and contributed to a perceived scarcity of broadcast frequencies (i.e., broadcast spectrum) for delivering free speech.4 Amid such perceived scarcity and due to the competition for access to the airwaves between broadcasters and the listening public interest, government restraints on broadcasters developed concomitantly with lowered First Amendment protection for broadcasters.5 Since then, broadcasters must apply for costly government-issued licenses to speak over the airwaves, and unlicensed broadcasters face sanctions.
Prohibition’s Pending Demise: Internet Gambling & United States Policy
Authors: Koenig K. Alexa
Published: April 2012

In this article, I posit that the United States is on the verge of a dramatic transformation with respect to its Internet gambling policy. Because of a sudden, renewed interest in harnessing online gambling profits for state benefit due to the current recession, there is a pressing and significant need for information about online gambling.  This article provides an overview of the history of United States policy with respect to gambling, and illustrates the factors that must be met if widespread policy change is to succeed.
Playing Legislative Catch-up in 2010 with a Growing, High-Tech Phenomenon: Evolving Statutory Approaches for Addressing Teen Sexting
Authors: Calvert Clay , Murrhee Kara Carnley , Steve Jackie Marie
Published: April 2012

This article analyzes and critiques legislation adopted by states in 2010 to address the burgeoning phenomenon of teen sexting. Sixteen different states in 2010, stretching from California to New York, considered bills or resolutions designed to address, in one manner or another, teen sexting. By early November 2010, sexting bills had been signed into law by the governors of Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois and Louisiana. To illustrate the differences, as well as the strengths and weaknesses among the new sexting laws, the article applies each of them to the facts of realistic sexting scenario. Significantly, this analysis of the laws through the lens of hypothetical fact pattern reveals that the low-tech, downstream transmission of hard copies of sexual images of minors – images that were initially transmitted by cell phones by minors – appears to escape the reach of all of the 2010 sexting laws. The article argues that this gap or loophole in the new laws should be addressed by amending them. Ultimately, the article demonstrates a distinct lack of uniformity across the sexting statutes adopted in 2010. For instance, even when it comes to what would appear to be the most objective element of the offense of sexting – the maximum age of the possible perpetrator – there is disagreement. Such disparity creates an uneven patchwork of legislation that fails to give minors proper notice of what sexting activities are permissible.
Enabling Technologies of Cyber Crime: Why Lawyers Need to Understand It
Authors: DeVilliers Meiring
Published: April 2012

This Article discusses the enabling technologies of cyber crime and analyzes their role in the resolution of related legal issues. It demonstrates the translation of traditional legal principles to a novel technological environment in a way that preserves their meaning and policy rationale. It concludes that lawyers who fail to understand the translation will likely pursue a suboptimal litigation strategy, face speculative recovery prospects, and may overlook effective and potentially powerful defenses.
Surgical Hip Dislocation for Anatomic Reorientation of Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis: Preliminary Results
Authors: Massè Alessandro , Aprato Alessandro , Grappiolo Guido , Turchetto Luigino , Campacci Antonio , Ganz Reinhold
Published: April 2012

Controversies exist regarding the best treatment for slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). Subcapital anatomical reorientation of the epiphysis by surgical dislocation and a retinacular soft tissue flap has been described recently as an effective approach. We evaluated the clinical and radiographic efficacy of this technique and compared these to published results.

A series of 20 SCFE (18 stable, 2 unstable) treated by subcapital re-orientation through surgical hip dislocation and an extended retinacular soft tissue flap was reviewed retrospectively. Preoperatively and at most recent follow-up, patients were clinically examined with regard to pain and function according to the Harris hip score and to the Western Ontario and McMaster universities (WOMAC) score. Radiological examination included measurement of preoperative and postoperative anteroposterior (AP) and lateral (L) Southwick angles; and at follow-up the alpha angle was measured.

The average follow-up time was 24 months. The mean WOMAC score was 2.80 post-operatively. The mean pre-operative slip angle was 40.2 degrees on the AP view and 50.65 degrees on the lateral view. Post-operatively, the mean values were 7,20 degrees on the AP view and 9,45 degrees on the lateral view. The mean post-operative average alpha angle was 43,11 degrees. No cases of avascular necrosis were seen.

Our short term clinical and radiographic results are similar to outcomes published in the recent literature. The small number of technical complications appears favourable considering the surgical complexity of the procedure, and our technique offers clear advantages in treating these complex deformities.
The Relationship between Oxidative Stress and Obesity in Prostate Disease
Authors: Scavuzzo Anna , Favilla Vincenzo , Cimino Sebastiano , Madonia Massimo , Li Volti Giovanni , Morgia Giuseppe
Published: April 2012

Recent data suggest that chronic increment of reactive oxygen species (ROS) may be involved in the development and progression of chronic prostatic disease, such as BPH and PCa; adipose tissue produces bioactive substances called adipokines, also involved in the production of ROS. Our study aims to evaluate the relationship between obesity and oxidative stress in prostate disease.
Accuracy of endorectal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Dynamic Contrast Enhanced-MRI (DCE-MRI) in the preoperative local staging of prostate cancer
Authors: Baccos Alessandro , Schiavina Riccardo , Zukerman Ziv , Busato Fiorenza , Gaudianol Caterina , Salizzoni Eugenio , Fiorentino Michelangelo , Golfieri Rita , Martorana Giuseppe
Published: April 2012

Background

The proper management of newly diagnosed prostate cancer (PCa) requires the choice of the appropriate treatment plan. A crucial factor is the accurate evaluation of the tumor local extension. The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) plays an important role in the local staging of prostate cancer, although its use in clinical practice is widely debated. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of T2-weighted MR imaging in association with DCE-MRI, performed using an endorectal coil, in preoperative local staging of patients with prostate cancer, by using the histopathologic findings as the reference standard.

Materials and Methods

From April 2010 to May 2011, 65 patients (mean age, 65 years; range, 51–77 years) with clinical localized PCa, underwent radical prostatectomy at our institution, performed by 2 experienced surgeons. All patients were prospectively evaluated with eMRI in association with DCE-MRI prior to radical prostatectomy. In all patients MRI was performed at least 6 weeks after biopsy and within 2 weeks before Radical Prostatectomy (RP). Histologic analysis was our diagnostic “gold standard”. To ensure that the histopathological findings matched with MR images, the assessment of radiological images and the RP specimens were performed dividing the prostate in 14 regions.

Results

First, we performed a “per-patient” analysis, considering the entire prostate as a single region. Then, we performed a “per-emigland” analysis, finally a “per-region” analysis. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and AUC in predicting ECE in the analysis “per-emigland” were respectively 66.7, 95.7, 66.7, 95.7, 0.824. The evaluation of SVI reported similar results: 62.5, 97.5, 62.5, 97.5, 0.797. DCE-MRI did not improve the diagnostic accuracy of T1-T2-weighted MR images in the evaluation of ECE or SVI.

Conclusions

T1-, T2-weighted MRI adds important information regarding the preoperative local staging of PCa. DCE-MRI does not improve the diagnostic accuracy of MRI in the local staging of PCa.
Trans-Scrotal Penile Degloving, a New Procedure for Corporoplasties
Authors: Austoni Edoardo , Altieri Vincenzo Maria , Tenaglia Raffaele
Published: April 2012

Introduction

The subcoronal approach is the most widely used skin degloving procedure for corporoplasty. Although it is relatively easy and it fully exposes the corpora cavernosa, it is not free from several complications (subcoronal lymphedema, decrease of glans sensitivity, paraphimosis, distal skin necrosis), which sometimes require a postoperative circumcision, or a preoperative prophylactic circumcision.

Aim

To describe our own degloving approach, the “Trans-scrotal Penile Degloving (TPD)”, that is suitable for most corporoplasties, and to present the outcomes.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis conducted on 89 patients (pts) presenting with different penile diseases, and submitted to the TPD during Corporoplasty, from February 2008 to July 2010: Congenital curvature (26 pts); Peyronie's Disease (PD) with penile curvature (18 pts); PD with erectile dysfunction and curvature (25 pts); Redo surgery with complex tunica albuginea remodeling and prosthesis implant (20 pts). The TPD approach calls for a 5 cm incision to be placed ventrally on the scrotal raphe at the penile base: penile degloving is then easily carried out up to the coronal line. Subsequently, the dorsal neurovascular bundle is normally isolated and all types of different corporoplasties can be carried out.

Results

Any complication occurring during or after surgery has been registered. Patient follow-up controls were performed on day 7, month 1 and month 3 post-surgery: – No pre- or post-operative circumcision procedures were required; – There was no evidence of post-operative preputial edema or penile skin necrosis or loss of glans sensitivity; – In 6 patients, we noted a mild scrotal sub-dartos hematoma, which reabsorbed spontaneously.

Conclusions

TPD, which represents an evolution of our previous combined subcoronal-trans-scrotal approach, may be advantageously performed in most corporoplasties with optimal aesthetic and functional outcomes, and may replace in many cases the subcoronal approach without its associated complications.
Education Majors Enrolled in Music, Art, and Physical Education Methods Classes: A Predictor Model for Final Course Grades
Authors: Hedden Debra Gordon
Published: April 2012

This study investigated the predictability of final course grades for college education majors (N = 68) who were enrolled in a methods course in art (n = 16), music (n = 20), or physical education (n = 32) to fulfill a requirement for degree completion and teacher licensure and who could elect to fulfill the requirement with one course. A survey was developed to gather information on college students’ experiences in art, music, and physical education courses in high school as well as in their college curriculum. The study was conducted to determine if an omnibus predictor variable comprised of high school grade-point average (GPA), college GPA, and a combination of high school experiences noted as an "experience score" enabled accurate prediction of final grades in college methods courses. Regression analysis demonstrated the predictor model was significant, but accounted for only a moderate amount of variability; no single factor, however, was predictive. The findings of this study generated ideas for further research related to prediction of course grade outcomes.
The Musical Self-Efficacy Beliefs of Middle School Band Students: An Investigation of Sources, Meanings, and Relationships with Attributions for Success and Failure
Authors: Martin Lisa
Published: April 2012

This study investigated the musical self-efficacy of middle school band students. A volunteer sample of 45 students from 14 suburban schools completed a 60-item questionnaire measuring students’ self-efficacy beliefs, as well as their attributions for success and failure in music. Background information, including practice habits and family participation in music, was also collected. Measures included the Schmidt Self-Efficacy Scale (2007), a researcher-adaptation of Hendricks’s Self-Efficacy Scale (2009), and the Asmus Motivating Factors (AMF) scale. Students reported generally high musical self-efficacy levels and cited ability as the strongest attributional factor in music success. Many significant relationships were detected among the self-efficacy measures and the AMF subscales (p < .01). A maximum variation subsample was selected for interviews designed to investigate experiences contributing to feelings of self-efficacy. Interview questions reflected Bandura’s (1994) four primary sources of influence upon perceived self-efficacy: mastery or failure experiences, social models, social persuasion, and somatic experience. Responses were transcribed and coded according to a researcher-developed coding scheme. Results revealed that mastery and failure experiences were cited nearly 1 1/2 times more by students with low musical self-efficacy than students with high musical self-efficacy. Somatic experiences were cited nearly equally among students regardless of self-efficacy beliefs.
The Short and Long-Term Career Plans of Secondary Music Educators: Characteristics of Stayers, Movers, and Leavers
Authors: Russell Joshua A.
Published: April 2012

The purposes of this study were to examine career paths and factors that may influence secondary music teacher career plans and identify the characteristics of "Stayers," "Movers," and "Leavers." The researcher sent a questionnaire to 1,000 secondary music educators teaching in the southwest National Association for Music Education division of whom 321 participated (N = 321). Short-term Stayers reported greater satisfaction with their professional environment, students, and psychological issues. Movers reported the greatest dissatisfaction with these issues. Movers taught more minority students as well as more special needs students. Leavers were less likely to have had a mentor and earned a lower college GPA. Long-term Stayers reported positive perceptions of their professional environment, greater satisfaction with students, and psychological issues. Movers reported lower satisfaction with community relationships. Long-term Leavers were older, did not participate in a mentor program, and came from a lower socioeconomic background. Implications are discussed.
History in the Eye of the Beholder? Social Location and Allegations of Racial/Colonial Biases in Reconstructions of Sennacherib’s Invasion of Judah
Authors: Evans Paul S
Published: April 2012

Sennacherib’s third campaign is one of the more thoroughly inves- tigated events that intersects with biblical history. The fact that there are three biblical narratives (2 Kgs 18–19; Isa 36–37; 2 Chr 32) concerned with the Assyrian campaign against Judah under- scores its obvious importance to the biblical writers. The existence of multiple copies of Assyrian annals that refer to these events, as well as the “Lachish reliefs” pictorially depicting the Assyrian siege and sacking of the Judahite city during the same campaign, likely explains why the events have captured the imagination of biblical scholars and historians alike.1 Some of the chief debates concerning
Editorial: The Biotechnology Entrepreneurship Boot Camp: From Lectern to Printing Press
Authors: Sammut Stephen M , Boni Arthur A
Published: April 2012

This issue of the Journal of Commercial Biotechnology focuses on the proceedings of the Seventh Annual Biotechnology Entrepreneurship Boot Camp held in conjunction with the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) annual conference in Washington, DC in June, 2011.The Biotechnology Entrepreneurship Boot Camp was launched for the 2005 BIO Industry Organizationâ€™s Annual Meeting in Philadelphia. The Boot Camp was originally designed as a program for CSOs but is now expanded in scope and design to address a broad range of issues for entrepreneurs more generally. The Boot Camp was created in response to the growing need in the managerial, scientific and academic community to learn about the necessary elements and skills to transform technology and invention into a viable company. The insight and energy required for entrepreneurial success can be developed by anyone motivated to do the following: think strategically, select projects and plan for expeditious and cost-effective management, understand the requirements of all the involved stakeholders, and oversee the essential components of the commercialization process. The Boot Camp travels from year to year to each of the BIO Annual Meeting venues â€“ a veritable â€œmoveable feast.â€ Previously, the Boot Camp was offered at BIOâ€™s annual meetings in Chicago in 2006 and 2010, Boston in 2007, San Diego in 2008, and Atlanta in 2009. The creation of the syllabus, the recruitment of faculty, and the facultyâ€™s extensive preparation suggested that wherever possible there should be core faculty, i.e., a portion of the faculty from the Philadelphia Boot Camp who would volunteer from year to year. This approach has the added benefit of improving the presentations and the material from year to year as the faculty themselves identify what works, as well as how to teach together. Each year, additional faculty members are recruited from the host region. Over the seven years of the boot camp, over 500 entrepreneurs have attended and taken away a broad spectrum of insights from the faculty. The Boot Camp was founded and co-chaired by Professors Arthur Boni of the Tepper School of Carnegie Mellon University, Stephen Sammut of the Wharton School and Burrill & Company, and Jeffrey Libson, Partner, Pepper Hamilton LLPÂ  and Lecturer atÂ  Wharton School Health Care Management Program. The law firm, PepperHamilton has also served as the Boot Campâ€™s sponsor since its inception.
The Integration of Mental and Behavioral Health Into Disaster Preparedness, Response, and Recovery
Authors: Pfefferbaum Betty , Flynn Brian W. , Schonfeld David , Brown Lisa M. , Jacobs Gerard A. , Dodgen Daniel , Donato Darrin , Kaul Rachel E. , Stone Brook , Norwood Ann E. , Reissman Dori B. , Herrmann Jack , Hobfoll Stevan E. , Jones Russell T. , Ruzek Josef I. , Ursano Robert J. , Taylor Robert J. , Lindley David
Published: April 2012

The close interplay between mental health and physical health makes it critical to integrate mental and behavioral health considerations into all aspects of public health and medical disaster management. Therefore, the National Biodefense Science Board (NBSB) convened the Disaster Mental Health Subcommittee to assess the progress of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in integrating mental and behavioral health into disaster and emergency preparedness and response activities. One vital opportunity to improve integration is the development of clear and directive national policy to firmly establish the role of mental and behavioral health as part of a unified public health and medical response to disasters. Integration of mental and behavioral health into disaster preparedness, response, and recovery requires it to be incorporated in assessments and services, addressed in education and training, and founded on and advanced through research. Integration must be supported in underlying policies and administration with clear lines of responsibility for formulating and implementing policy and practice.

(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2012;6:60–66)
The H1N1 Crisis: A Case Study of the Integration of Mental and Behavioral Health in Public Health Crises
Authors: Pfefferbaum Betty , Schonfeld David , Flynn Brian W. , Norwood Ann E. , Dodgen Daniel , Kaul Rachel E. , Donato Darrin , Stone Brook , Brown Lisa M. , Reissman Dori B. , Jacobs Gerard A. , Hobfoll Stevan E. , Jones Russell T. , Herrmann Jack , Ursano Robert J. , Ruzek Josef I.
Published: April 2012

In substantial numbers of affected populations, disasters adversely affect well-being and influence the development of emotional problems and dysfunctional behaviors. Nowhere is the integration of mental and behavioral health into broader public health and medical preparedness and response activities more crucial than in disasters such as the 2009-2010 H1N1 influenza pandemic. The National Biodefense Science Board, recognizing that the mental and behavioral health responses to H1N1 were vital to preserving safety and health for the country, requested that the Disaster Mental Health Subcommittee recommend actions for public health officials to prevent and mitigate adverse behavioral health outcomes during the H1N1 pandemic. The subcommittee's recommendations emphasized vulnerable populations and concentrated on interventions, education and training, and communication and messaging. The subcommittee's H1N1 activities and recommendations provide an approach and template for identifying and addressing future efforts related to newly emerging public health and medical emergencies. The many emotional and behavioral health implications of the crisis and the importance of psychological factors in determining the behavior of members of the public argue for a programmatic integration of behavioral health and science expertise in a comprehensive public health response.

(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2012;6:67–71)
Core Competencies for Disaster Medicine and Public Health
Authors: Walsh Lauren , Subbarao Italo , Gebbie Kristine , Schor Kenneth W. , Lyznicki Jim , Strauss-Riggs Kandra , Cooper Arthur , B. Hsu Edbert , King Richard V. , Mitas John A. , Hick John , Zukowski Rebecca , A. Altman Brian , Steinbrecher Ruth Anne , James James J.
Published: April 2012

Effective preparedness, response, and recovery from disasters require a well-planned, integrated effort with experienced professionals who can apply specialized knowledge and skills in critical situations. While some professionals are trained for this, others may lack the critical knowledge and experience needed to effectively perform under stressful disaster conditions. A set of clear, concise, and precise training standards that may be used to ensure workforce competency in such situations has been developed. The competency set has been defined by a broad and diverse set of leaders in the field and like-minded professionals through a series of Web-based surveys and expert working group meetings. The results may provide a useful starting point for delineating expected competency levels of health professionals in disaster medicine and public health.

(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2012;6:44–52)
Aroma Chemicals
Authors: Zviely Michael
Published: April 2012

Aroma chemicals are an important group of molecules used as ingredients in flavor and fragrance compositions. Aroma chemicals consist of natural, nature‐identical, and artificial molecules. Natural products are obtained directly from the plant or animal sources by physical procedures. Nature‐identical compounds are produced synthetically, but are chemically identical to their natural counterparts. Artificial flavor substances are compounds that have not yet been identified in plant or animal products for human consumption. There are about 3000 different molecules that find use in the production of flavor and fragrances compositions. Synthetic ingredients play a major part as components due to their convenient availability and the relatively lower costs compared to natural molecules from isolation of relatively limited natural sources. The odors of single compounds are very difficult to describe. Complex mixtures are often impossible to describe unless one component has a very characteristic odor or flavor. Terms to describe odors are given. General production routes to these aroma chemicals are described.

These production routes are usually by isolation from natural sources, from petrochemicals, raw materials or by synthesis using cyclic and aromatic precursors. Economic data and analytical methods are included.
Regulatory Agencies, Pharmaceuticals, Food, and Cosmetics
Authors: Yingling Gary L. , Onel Suzan
Published: April 2012

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is the primary federal scientific and regulatory U.S. government agency that monitors drug products, biologic, medical devices, food, veterinary and cosmetic products and products that emit radiation. The FDA's role has traditionally been consumer protection, but the mission has been changing because of advances in analytical chemistry and toxicology. It now plays a role in counter‐terrorism capability. The FDA consists of six product centers, one research center, and two offices. For drug products, the FDA has authority to regulate new drugs from early research and clinical testing up to market approval. New drugs must go to a detailed process and this process is discussed. Regulating quality of drugs already on the market involves quality, purity, and safety issues. The FDA also regulates biological products, medical devices that range from tongue depressors to laser surgery equipment, food processors, dietary supplement manufacturers, and warehouses, veterinary drugs, food additives in food and feed, and pet food. Cosmetics are the least regulated and most of the FDA authority involves misbranding and adulteration. The rise in consumer demand for natural cosmetics may eventually lead to FDA guidance.
Plasma Technology, Nanoengineering of Advanced Materials
Authors: Manolache Sorin , Sasmazel Hilal Turkoglu , Uygun Aysegul , Oksuz Lutfi
Published: April 2012

In the last century Langmuir started the investigation of plasma. Since then scientists have been investigating the great energetic potential of plasma chemistry for chemical transformations, macromolecular depositions and surface modification of materials, especially polymers. Recently, nanoscale investigations in various scientific fields point out the importance of nanostructures (nanoparticles, nanopatterns, nanotopographies, nanocomposites) for advanced material properties and for extending these properties (eg, mechanical, electrical, hydrophilicity, hydrophobicity, etc.) beyond typical material properties.

Plasmas have unique properties due to high energetic level combined with presence of very active species: radicals, ions and electrons; complex chemical mechanisms can develop to deposit macromolecular layers or to produce nanostructures on various surfaces for advanced material properties beyond bulk properties of polymers.

Cold plasma as source for charged particles was used to induce nanotopographies on homopolymeric surfaces and for surface nanoengineering of polymers using vacuum operated or atmospheric pressure non‐equilibrium barrier discharge reactors. SEM and AFM analyses reveal the presence of nanotopographies on the treated surfaces. Physical factors control the process below the glass‐transition temperature,Tgand chemical factors dominate the process aboveTg. Charges are tools that open‐up new ways for nanoengineering of the polymers' surfaces with specific functionalities / topography. Future nanomanufacturing techniques can generate anti‐scratch, superhydrophobic or superhydrophilic properties on surface of everyday use polymeric products by simple and convenient plasma enhanced processes.
A Single Component Conducting Polymer Hydrogel as a Scaffold for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Mawad Damia , Stewart Elise , Officer David L. , Romeo Tony , Wagner Pawel , Wagner Klaudia , Wallace Gordon G.
Published: April 2012

Conducting polymers (CPs) have exciting potential as scaffolds for tissue engineering, typically applied in regenerative medicine applications. In particular, the electrical properties of CPs has been shown to enhance nerve and muscle cell growth and regeneration. Hydrogels are particularly suitable candidates as scaffolds for tissue engineering because of their hydrated nature, their biocompatibility, and their tissue‐like mechanical properties. This study reports the development of the first single component CP hydrogel that is shown to combine both electro‐properties and hydrogel characteristics. Poly(3‐thiopheneacetic acid) hydrogels were fabricated by covalently crosslinking the polymer with 1,1′‐carbonyldiimidazole (CDI). Their swelling behavior was assessed and shown to display remarkable swelling capabilities (swelling ratios up to 850%). The mechanical properties of the networks were characterized as a function of the crosslinking density and were found to be comparable to those of muscle tissue. Hydrogels were found to be electroactive and conductive at physiological pH. Fibroblast and myoblast cells cultured on the hydrogel substrates were shown to adhere and proliferate. This is the first time that the potential of a single component CP hydrogel has been demonstrated for cell growth, opening the way for the development of new tissue engineering scaffolds.
Autism and epistemology III: Child development, behavioral stability, and reliability of measurement
Authors: Fisch Gene S.
Published: April 2012

Early diagnosis and treatment of autism increases the likelihood that symptoms associated with the disorder can be alleviated. However, the behaviors of both typically and atypically developing young infants and toddlers are quite variable and often change as these children age. Studies have shown that this is the case for same‐aged children who are diagnosed with autistic disorder (AD) or other Pervasive Developmental Disabilities (PDDs). Therefore, an early accurate assessment of AD or PDD may be problematic. Moreover, instruments used to make the diagnosis may not be as reliable as desired. Statistics employed to evaluate diagnostic accuracy and behavioral stability of instruments' or clinicians' assessments suggest that their diagnoses have been only moderately successful. In addition, the statistics themselves have limitations that would suggest that the measures of diagnostic accuracy and behavioral stability implemented may not be as effective as they would seem. A resolution to these problems is proposed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reduced telomere length in individuals with FMR1 premutations and full mutations
Authors: Jenkins Edmund C. , Tassone Flora , Ye Lingling , Hoogeveen André T. , Brown W. Ted , Hagerman Randi J. , Hagerman Paul J.
Published: April 2012

We reported previously that 10 older men (66.4 ± 4.6 years) with premutation alleles (55–200 CGG repeats) of the FMR1 gene, with or without FXTAS, had decreased telomere length when compared to sex‐ and age‐matched controls. Extending our use of light intensity measurements from a telomere probe hybridized to interphase preparations, we have now found shortened telomeres in 9 younger male premutation carriers (31.7 ± 17.6 years). We have also shown decreased telomere length in T lymphocytes from 6 male individuals (12.0 ± 1.8 years) with full mutation FMR1 alleles (>200 CGG repeats). These findings support our hypothesis that reduced telomere length is a component of the sub‐cellular pathology of FMR1‐associated disorders. The experimental approach involved pair‐wise comparisons of light intensity values of 20 cells from an individual with either premutation or full mutation CGG‐repeat expansions relative to an equivalent number of cells from a sex‐ and age‐matched control. In addition, we demonstrated reduced telomere size in T‐lymphocyte cultures from eight individuals with the FMR1 premutation using six different measures. Four relied on detection of light intensity differences, and two involved measuring the whole chromosome, including the telomere, in microns. This new approach confirmed our findings with light intensity measurements and demonstrated the feasibility of direct linear measurements for detecting reductions in telomere size. We have thus confirmed our hypothesis that reduced telomere length is associated with both premutation and full mutation‐FMR1 alleles and have demonstrated that direct measurements of telomere length can reliably detect such reductions. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Marfanoid habitus, inguinal hernia, advanced bone age, and distinctive facial features: A new collagenopathy?
Authors: Mégarbané André , Hanna Nadine , Chouery Eliane , Jalkh Nadine , Mehawej Cybel , Boileau Catherine
Published: April 2012

We report on two sibs, a girl, and a boy, with tall stature, long, and triangular faces, prominent foreheads with high frontal hairlines, telecanthus, downward slanting of the palpebral fissures, ptosis of the eyelids, everted lower eyelids, large ears, long noses, full, and everted vermilions, highly arched and narrow palates, tooth crowding, thin and long uvulae, coloboma of the alae, hyperextensible joints, long digits, positive thumb signs, flat feet, slightly diminished muscle strength, myopia, astigmatia, inguinal hernia, and vesical diverticula. Total body X‐rays showed the presence of advanced bone age in both sibs and bilateral hallux valgus in the girl. Array‐CGH did not reveal any pathological CNV. Molecular analysis of FBN1, FBN2, TGFBR1, TGFBR2, and CHST14 gene was normal, and SNP linkage analysis excluded more candidate genes. Differential diagnoses and the possibility that we might be reporting on a hitherto unreported syndrome are discussed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A child with an inherited 0.31 Mb microdeletion of chromosome 14q32.33: Further delineation of a critical region for the 14q32 deletion syndrome
Authors: Holder J. Lloyd , Lotze Timothy E. , Bacino Carlos , Cheung Sau‐Wai
Published: April 2012

Chromosome 14q32.3 deletions are uncommon, with most described patients harboring a ring chromosome 14. Only 15 deletions have been described not associated with ring formation or other complex chromosomal rearrangements. Here, we describe a child with the smallest deletion of chromosome 14q32.3 reported in the literature. This child's deletion encompasses at most 0.305 Mb and six genes including NUDT14, BRF1, BTBD6, PACS2, MTA1, and TEX22. He has similar clinical findings, including mild facial dysmorphisms and intellectual disability, as other individuals with much larger deletions of the terminus of the long arm of chromosome 14. This suggests that the genes deleted in our patient contribute to the 14q32 deletion syndrome. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microdeletion 19p13.2 in an almost 5‐year‐old boy
Authors: Haberlandt Edda , Spreiz Ana , Sigl Sara Baumgartner , Janetschek Carolin , Röthlisberger Benno , Zotter Sibylle , Rostasy Kevin , Zschocke Johannes , Kotzot Dieter
Published: April 2012

Deletions of the short arm of chromosome 19 are rarely found by conventional cytogenetic techniques. This region has a high gene density and this is likely the reason why deletions in this region are associated with a severe phenotype. Since the implementation of modern high‐resolution SNP‐ and CGH‐array techniques more cases have been reported. Here, we present an almost 5‐year‐old boy with intellectual disability, minor dysmorphisms, febrile seizures, and a de novo deletion of 834.2 kb on 19p13.2 encompassing 32 genes. The deletion was found by the Illumina® Infinium HD Human1M‐Duo v1 BeadChip SNP‐array and confirmed by the NimbleGen Human CGH 2.1M Whole Genome Tiling v2.0D oligonucleotide array. PCR amplification of the junction fragment and subsequent sequencing defined the breakpoints and indicated that formation was mediated by non‐allelic homologous recombination (NAHR). The phenotype of our patient shows that microrearrangements even at gene‐dense chromosomes may result in mild clinical consequences. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transmission of the rare HRAS mutation (c. 173C > T; p.T58I) further illustrates its attenuated phenotype
Authors: Gripp Karen W. , Hopkins Elizabeth , Serrano Alvaro , Leonard Norma J. , Stabley Deborah L. , Sol‐Church Katia
Published: April 2012

Costello syndrome was delineated based on its distinctive phenotype including severe failure‐to‐thrive with macrocephaly, characteristic facial features, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, papillomata, malignant tumors, and cognitive impairment. Heterozygous germline mutations in the proto‐oncogene HRAS cause Costello syndrome, and its inheritance pattern would thus be autosomal dominant. With exception of two instances of parental mosaicism, one presumed gonadal and the other proven somatic mosaicism for the p.G12S change, all published cases resulted from de novo mutations, typically arising in the paternal germline. More than 90% of these mutations affect the glycine residues in position 12 or 13, and result in a gain‐of‐function of the altered protein. A rare heterozygous HRAS alteration (c.173C > T; p.T58I) associated with an attenuated phenotype was previously reported in one patient. We identified two additional individuals with this mutation, father and son. Further studies supported origin of the alteration in the grand‐paternal germline. Transmission of the mutation underscores its attenuated phenotype compatible with reproduction. We reviewed the phenotype in the newly identified individuals (Patient 1, 2) and include updated information on the first previously reported individual with HRAS p.T58I (Patient 3). Macrocephaly was present in all three. Cardiac findings included hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with double‐chambered right ventricle; or mitral valve prolapse in one patient each. While subtle neurologic abnormalities or developmental delay were present in all, only one showed significant cognitive and functional impairment. None developed papillomata or a malignant tumor. Genetic counseling for Costello syndrome needs to take into consideration the particular HRAS mutation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of a CACNA2D4 deletion in late onset bipolar disorder patients and implications for the involvement of voltage‐dependent calcium channels in psychiatric disorders
Authors: Van Den Bossche Maarten J. , Strazisar Mojca , De Bruyne Stephan , Bervoets Chris , Lenaerts An‐Sofie , De Zutter Sonia , Nordin Annelie , Norrback Karl‐Fredrik , Goossens Dirk , De Rijk Peter , Green Elaine K. , Grozeva Detelina , Mendlewicz Julien , Craddock Nick , Sabbe Bernard G. , Adolfsson Rolf , Souery Daniel , Del‐Favero Jurgen
Published: April 2012

The GWAS‐based association of CACNA1C with bipolar disorder (BPD) is one of the strongest genetic findings to date. CACNA1C belongs to the family of CACN genes encoding voltage‐dependent calcium channels (VDCCs). VDCCs are involved in brain circuits and cognitive processes implicated in BPD and schizophrenia (SZ). Recently, it was shown that rare copy number variations (CNVs) are found at an increased frequency in SZ and to a lesser extent also in BPD, suggesting the involvement of CNVs in the causation of these diseases. We hypothesize that CNVs in CACN genes can influence the susceptibility to BPD, SZ, and/or schizoaffective disorder (SZA). A search for CNVs in eight CACN genes in a patient‐control sample of European decent was performed. A total of 709 BP patients, 645 SZ patients, 189 SZA patients, and 1,470 control individuals were screened using the Multiplex Amplicon Quantification (MAQ) method. We found a rare, partial deletion of 35.7 kb in CACNA2D4 in two unrelated late onset bipolar I patients and in one control individual. All three deletions shared the same breakpoints removing exons 17–26 of CACNA2D4, comprising part of the CACHE domain. Based on the data we cannot claim causality to BPD of the identified CACNA2D4 deletion but nevertheless this deletion can be important in unraveling the underlying processes leading to psychiatric diseases in general and BPD in particular. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.