bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optical Properties of Silica-Encapsulated ZnSe Nanocrystals Prepared with Water-in-Oil Microemulsions
Authors: Liu Kang , Kim Ji Hyeon , Park Sang Joon
Published: January 2013

Silica-encapsulated ZnSe nanocrystals (NCs) were prepared by a safe and simple synthesis method, utilizing a sodium bis (2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT)/water/cyclohexane microemulsion system and characterized by UV–vis analysis, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). For the encapsulations, two reverse micellar solutions [one for tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and the other for ZnSe] containing different water volumes were employed. The size of silica particles containing ZnSe NCs could be controlled from 13–37 nm by varying the water content W (W=[H2O]/[AOT]). On the other hand, the size of encapsulated ZnSe NCs was almost unchanged (about 2.5 nm) even though the size of the silica particles was increased. At W = 7, the maximum PL efficiency of 6% was obtained and the photostability was increased markedly after ZnSe NCs were encapsulated by silica.
Quantitative Characterization of Band-Edge Energy Positions in High-k Dielectrics by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy
Authors: Chikata Yugo , Kita Koji , Nishimura Tomonori , Nagashio Kosuke , Toriumi Akira
Published: January 2013

A modified X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis method is presented for accurately determining core level (CL) energy positions of gate dielectrics in MOS structures. In this method, XPS analysis is performed by measuring the CLs of various high-k oxides on SiO2 through a grounded ultra-thin Au film. The method enables the determination of CLs of oxides to be determined without worrying about any possible peak position shifts in XPS spectra caused by the electrical charging-up effect in oxides and/or dipoles formed at high-k/SiO2 interfaces. It is extended to the band-edge energy positions such as the valence-band maxima (VBMs) and the conduction-band minima (CBMs) of typical high-k oxides.
A 2-bit/Cell Gate-All-Around Flash Memory of Self-Assembled Silicon Nanocrystals
Authors: Chen Hung-Bin , Chang Chun-Yen , Hung Min-Feng , Tang Zih-Yun , Cheng Ya-Chi , Wu Yung-Chun
Published: January 2013

This work presents gate-all-around (GAA) polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) nanowires (NWs) channel poly-Si/SiO2/Si3N4/SiO2/poly-Si (SONOS) nonvolatile memory (NVM) with a self-assembled Si nanocrystal (Si-NC) embedded charge trapping (CT) layer. Fabrication of the Si-NCs is simple and compatible with the current flash process. The 2-bit operations based on channel hot electrons injection for programming and channel hot holes injection for erasing are clearly achieved by the localized discrete trap. In the programming and erasing characteristics studies, the GAA structure can effectively reduce operation voltage and shorten pulse time. One-bit programming or erasing does not affect the other bit. In the high-temperature retention characteristics studies, the cell embedded with Si-NCs shows excellent electrons confinement vertically and laterally. With respect to endurance characteristics, the memory window does not undergo closure after 104program/erase (P/E) cycle stress. The 2-bit operation for GAA Si-NCs NVM provides scalability, reliability and flexibility in three-dimensional (3D) high-density flash memory applications.
Simulation of Thick Gated Silicon Drift X-ray Detector Operated by a Single High-Voltage Source
Authors: Matsuura Hideharu
Published: January 2013

High-resolution X-ray detectors can be used to detect traces of hazardous or radioactive elements in food, soil, and the human body by measuring the energies and counts of emitted X-ray fluorescence photons. We have simulated the electric potential distributions in gated silicon drift detectors (GSDDs) with an active area of 18 mm2 and a Si thickness between 0.625 and 1.5 mm. A GSDD gate pattern was designed for each Si thickness and for various oxide charge densities in the SiO2 passivating layer near the SiO2/Si interface. The simulated GSDDs required approximately half the reverse bias voltage required by Si pin detectors. Our detector design could improve the absorption of Cd or Cs X-ray fluorescence photons and would reduce the cost of X-ray detection systems.
Laser Wavelength Effect on Size and Morphology of Silicon Nanoparticles Prepared by Laser Ablation in Liquid
Authors: Chewchinda Pattarin , Tsuge Takeharu , Funakubo Hiroshi , Odawara Osamu , Wada Hiroyuki
Published: January 2013

The effect of laser wavelength on size and morphology of silicon nanoparticles are studied. To prepare nanoparticles, laser ablation in liquid technique is employed. Absorption spectra demonstrate that with laser wavelength of 532 nm, solution with higher concentration can be prepared in comparison with one obtained from laser wavelength of 1064 nm. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images reveal nanoparticles with spherical shape from samples produced by both laser wavelengths. However, smaller particles size are obtained from sample prepared by laser wavelength of 532 nm. Raman spectra and photoluminescence (PL) spectra further support the existence of smaller crystal size in this sample.
Synthesis of Binary Magnesium–Transition Metal Oxides via Inverse Coprecipitation
Authors: Yagi Shunsuke , Ichikawa Yuya , Yamada Ikuya , Doi Takayuki , Ichitsubo Tetsu , Matsubara Eiichiro
Published: January 2013

Synthesis of binary magnesium–transition metal oxides, MgM2O4 (M: Cr, Mn, Fe, Co) and MgNiO2, was performed by calcination at relatively low temperatures of 500 and 750 °C for 24 h through inverse coprecipitation of carbonate hydroxide precursors. The important roles of the precipitation agent, sodium carbonate, were clarified by considering equilibria in an aqueous solution. The structure parameters of the obtained binary magnesium–transition metal oxide powders, specifically the occupancy of atomic sites, were evaluated from synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) profiles by Rietveld refinement in addition to the magnetic properties at room temperature. The present work provides general guidelines for low-cost and high-volume synthesis of complex oxides, which are easily decomposed at high temperatures.
Separation of Different Sized Nanoparticles with Time Using a Rotational Flow
Authors: Kwon Bong Hyun , Kim Hyung Hoon , Park Jae Hyeong , Yoon Dong Hyun , Kim Moon Chan , Sheard Steve , Morten Karl , Go Jeung Sang
Published: January 2013

In this paper, we describe the development of a microfluidic centrifuge with two inlets and two outlets potentially capable of rapidly separating nanoparticles and nanovesicles. Compared with the microfluidic centrifuge with a single inlet and outlet, the 2 ×2 microfluidic centrifuge gives improved centrifugation performance by increasing momentum flux transfer, angular velocity, and centrifugal acceleration. The center of flow rotation and the symmetry of the horizontal velocity in the microchamber were examined numerically. On the basis of the determined maximum velocity, the angular velocity and centrifugal acceleration were also evaluated. The centrifugation time of three different nanoparticles was examined by calculating the time when the nanoparticles left the microchamber for the first time. For visual observation and quantitative measurement of nanoparticle centrifugation, a 2 ×2 microfluidic centrifuge was fabricated and the experimental results demonstrate similar physical behavior to those of a mechanical centrifuge. On the basis of a comparison of the centrifugation time of two different nanoparticle populations of 300 and 700 nm in diameter, we propose that nanoparticles of different sizes can be physically separated by time under a range of inlet volume flow rates.
Characterization of Terahertz Absorption in Clathrate Compound by Compact Spectroscopic Chip
Authors: Kitagawa Jiro , Kadoya Yutaka , Suekuni Koichiro , Avila Marcos A. , Takabatake Toshiro
Published: January 2013

Many thermoelectric compounds possess terahertz (THz) phonon modes, which play a key role in improving the thermoelectric performance. To assess the THz phonon modes of thermoelectric materials, the present THz spectroscopy system requires a thin sample with a large area. We found that a compact THz spectroscopic chip can detect phonon absorption even for a small amount of a conductive sample. The chip would complement the conventional THz spectroscopy system, especially when a large crystal cannot be grown.
All‐atom structural models of insulin binding to the insulin receptor in the presence of a tandem hormone‐binding element
Authors: Vashisth Harish , Abrams Cameron F.
Published: January 2013

Insulin regulates blood glucose levels in higher organisms by binding to and activating insulin receptor (IR), a constitutively homodimeric glycoprotein of the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) superfamily. Therapeutic efforts in treating diabetes have been significantly impeded by the absence of structural information on the activated form of the insulin/IR complex. Mutagenesis and photo‐crosslinking experiments and structural information on insulin and apo‐IR strongly suggest that the dual‐chain insulin molecule, unlike the related single‐chain insulin‐like growth factors, binds to IR in a very different conformation than what is displayed in storage forms of the hormone. In particular, hydrophobic residues buried in the core of the folded insulin molecule engage the receptor. There is also the possibility of plasticity in the receptor structure based on these data, which may in part be due to rearrangement of the so‐called CT‐peptide, a tandem hormone‐binding element of IR. These possibilities provide opportunity for large‐scale molecular modeling to contribute to our understanding of this system. Using various atomistic simulation approaches, we have constructed all‐atom structural models of hormone/receptor complexes in the presence of CT in its crystallographic position and a thermodynamically favorable displaced position. In the “displaced‐CT” complex, many more insulin–receptor contacts suggested by experiments are satisfied, and our simulations also suggest that R‐insulin potentially represents the receptor‐bound form of hormone. The results presented in this work have further implications for the design of receptor‐specific agonists/antagonists. Proteins 2013; © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rawls and the Forgotten Figure of the Most Advantaged: In Defense of Reasonable Envy toward the Superrich
Authors: GREEN JEFFREY EDWARD
Published: January 2013

This article aims to correct the widespread imbalance in contemporary liberal thought, which makes explicit appeal to the “least advantaged” without parallel attention to the “most advantaged” as a distinct group in need of regulatory attention. Rawls's influential theory of justice is perhaps the paradigmatic instance of this imbalance, but I show how a Rawlsian framework nonetheless provides three justifications for why implementers of liberal justice—above all, legislators—should regulate the economic prospects of a polity's richest citizens: as a heuristic device for ensuring that a system of inequalities not reach a level at which inequalities cease being mutually advantageous, as protection against excessive inequalities threatening civic liberty, and as redress for a liberal society's inability to fully realize fair equality of opportunity with regard to education and politics. Against the objection that such arguments amount to a defense of envy, insofar as they support policies that in certain instances impose economic costs on the most advantaged with negative or neutral economic impact on the rest of society, I attend to Rawls's often overlooked distinction between irrational and reasonable forms of envy, showing that any envy involved in the proposed regulation of the most advantaged falls within this latter category.
E
1/E2 traps in 6H-SiC studied with Laplace deep level transient spectroscopy
Authors: Koizumi A. , Markevich V. P. , Iwamoto N. , Sasaki S. , Ohshima T. , Kojima K. , Kimoto T. , Uchida K. , Nozaki S. , Hamilton B. , Peaker A. R.
Published: January 2013

Electrically active defects in n-type 6H-SiC diode structures have been studied by deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) and high-resolution Laplace DLTS. It is shown that the commonly observed broadened DLTS peak previously ascribed to two traps referenced as E1/E2 has three components with activation energies for electron emission of 0.39, 0.43, and 0.44 eV. Further, defects associated with these emission signals have similar electronic structure, each possessing two energy levels with negative-U ordering in the upper half of the 6H-SiC gap. It is argued that the defects are related to a carbon vacancy at three non-equivalent lattice sites in 6H-SiC.
First Report of Bacterial Spot Caused by Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni on Japanese Plum in Taiwan
Authors: Shen Y. M. , Huang T. C. , Chao C. H. , Liu H. L.
Published: January 2013

Prunus salicina Lindl., also known as Japanese plum, is a temperate-zone fruit tree grown in mountainous areas of Taiwan. The planted area in Taiwan is approximately 3,000 ha. In June 2011, more than 20% of plum fruits harvested in an orchard in Lishan (elevation about 2,000 m) showed black, mostly circular, sunken necrotic lesions. Leaves with a shot-hole appearance and cankered branches were found when investigating the orchard. Bacteria were isolated from symptomatic fruits, leaves, and branches. Isolation on nutrient agar detected colonies that were yellow, mucoid, gram-negative, Xanthomonas-like, and induced hypersensitive responses on tomatoes. Three voucher isolates, BCRC80476, BCRC80478, and BCRC80481, obtained from the fruit, leaf, and branch, respectively, were deposited in the Bioresource Collection and Research Center, Hsinchu, Taiwan. Molecular analyses were conducted for species identification. Sequences of the gyrB gene of the three voucher isolates (GenBank Accession Nos. KC202288, KC202289, and KC202287) were 100% identical to that of Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni pathotype strain ICMP51 (2). In addition, DNA fragments of the xopE3 gene (an X. arboricola pv. pruni specific T3E gene, approximately 381 bp) were PCR amplified using the primer pair fw-5′CCGACATTGCCGTCAGCGATCACG3′ and rv-5′AGCGTTCTTGGGTGTGTTGAGCATTTG3′ (1). The bacterial isolates were identified as X. arboricola pv. pruni on the basis of the colony characteristics, sequence homology, and the specific PCR assay. Pathogenicity was confirmed by inoculation of greenhouse-potted P. salicina plants with strains BCRC80476, BCRC80478, and BCRC80481 using bacterial suspensions (6.7 × 108 CFU per ml) in 0.01% Tween 20. Five plants were evenly sprayed with inoculum of each bacterial isolate and covered with plastic bags for 3 days. One week post inoculation, at an average temperature of 19°C, the 15 inoculated plants produced brown-purple spots delimited by a chlorotic margin on the leaves. Three weeks post inoculation, the necrotic leaf spots completely deteriorated, leaving a shot-hole appearance, and the branches showed lesions similar to those observed in the fields. The pathogen was reisolated from the symptomatic tissues, fulfilling Koch's postulates. Control plants sprayed with 0.01% Tween 20 remained symptomless. To our knowledge, this is the first record of X. arboricola pv. pruni causing bacterial spot on P. salicina in Taiwan.

References: (1) A. Hajri et al. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 78:371, 2012. (2) J. M. Young et al. Syst. Appl. Microbiol. 31:366, 2008.
First Report of Tomato chlorosis virus in China
Authors: Zhao R. N. , Wang R. , Wang N. , Fan Z. F. , Zhou T. , Shi Y. C. , Chai M.
Published: January 2013

In October 2012, a severe yellowing disease was found on greenhouse and plastic house tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants in Beijing, China. The disease incidence varied from 5 to 80% in each of six fields across Haidian and Daxing districts. The lower leaves showed symptoms of interveinal chlorosis, leaf brittleness, and limited brown necrotic flecks, similar to symptoms induced by Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) and Tomato infectious chlorosis virus (TICV) (two members of genus Crinivirus, family Closteroviridae) (4). A large number of whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) were also observed. Leaf samples were taken from eight symptomatic and two asymptomatic tomato plants in two plastic houses in the Haidian district and total RNA was isolated from the 10 samples using TRIzol reagent (Tiangen, Beijing, China). Nested reverse transcription (RT)-PCR was performed to test the presence of ToCV and TICV with degenerate primers HS-11 and HS-12 and specific primers ToC-5/ToC-6 or TIC-3/TIC-4 for ToCV or TICV, respectively (1). With ToCV primers, a 463-bp specific fragment was amplified from eight symptomatic samples but not from two asymptomatic samples, and there was no amplification with TICV primers from any sample. Sequence analysis of the amplified fragment showed 99% nucleotide sequence identity with the heat shock protein 70 homolog (HSP70h) gene of ToCV isolates from Japan (GenBank Accession No. AB513442), Spain (DQ136146), Florida (AY903448), and Greece (EU284744). The presence of ToCV was confirmed by amplification of a 848-bp fragment covering the coat protein (CP) gene of ToCV with primers CP-F (5′-GAATCTTTTAGAAGCTTTGGTTTAAGG-3′) and CP-R (5′-GATCCTCTTGATCCTCATAGATTTC-3′) (3). The CP had 97 to 99% amino acid sequence identity to the above-mentioned four ToCV isolates. A sequence of the CP gene obtained from one isolate was deposited at GenBank (KC311375). Additionally, virions were isolated from 25 g of symptomatic samples followed Klaassen's method (2) and their lengths were estimated to be about 800 to 850 nm by transmission electronic microscopy To our knowledge, this is the first report of ToCV on tomato in mainland China. Tomato is one of the most widely cultivated crops in China and the spread of ToCV in China may cause significant economic losses. Further information on the prevalence and incidence of ToCV is required to assess the potential impact of this virus.

References: (1) C. I. Dovas et al. Plant Dis. 86:1345, 2002. (2) V. A. Klaassen et al. J. Gen. Virol. 75:1525, 1994. (3) H. Tomoki et al. J. Gen. Plant Pathol. 76:168, 2010. (4) G. C. Wisler et al. Phytopathology 88:402, 1998.
Rules of advertisement in an electronic age
Authors: Kadir Rokiah
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the possible application of the principle of paper advertisement in the context of communication via the web.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyses case law decisions pertaining to advertisements.

Findings

Web and paper advertisement are both communications anticipating contracts made to the public, nevertheless the issue of web advertisement deserves discussion because of the distinct features of web communication. Interactive feature of many web advertisements, the irrelevance of the limited stock argument in web advertisement trading digital service, the utilisation of stock control and customer selection method which protects the vendor against the risks of limited stock and the risk of making contract with everyone, and finally the global feature of web communication are some of the characteristics of web communication justifying a revisit to this topic, as these features may add a layer of complexity to the issue. Commentators have taken different stances as to the position of web advertisement, with some viewing any type of web advertisement as an offer, whilst others confine the binding status only to interactive web advertisement and to advertisements providing digital services. The paper seeks to ascertain the position of web advertisement under UK law, including the Electronic Commerce (EC Directive) Regulations 2002.

Research limitations/implications

The finding of the research is relevant for policy and law makers when considering whether to enact or amend electronic commerce‐related legislation.

Practical implications

The paper reveals how the status of advertisement applies in business situations in the context of virtual environment.

Originality/value

The analysis shows that the non‐binding status should, without indications of a contrary intention, apply to a web advertisement despite its features being distinct from those of a paper advertisement.
Marketing academics at the FTC: the inside story
Authors: Wilkie William L. , Murphy Patrick E.
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to present an inside look at the history of a little‐known but interesting initiative in the marketing field, one that involved the infusion of marketing thought into public policy decision‐making in the USA. It aims to trace the interesting tale of how marketing academics came to be included in the activities of the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through the FTC's “Marketing Academic Consultancy Program” (MACP) during the 1970s. This story also aims to include descriptions of the contributions made by those marketing academics and how those scholars were later phased out of the FTC.

Design/methodology/approach

An autobiographical approach is used since each of the authors was personally involved in the MACP. As participants in the program and as scholars whose careers were thereafter tremendously affected by that participation, these personal accounts provide considerable insight into the impact on both FTC operations and on marketing academic thought itself.

Findings

Over the decade of the 1970s some 30 marketing academics participated in this program, with considerable impact on both FTC operations and on marketing academic thought itself. Reflecting positive impact within public policy, for example, was a massive increase in the FTC budget for marketing and consumer research activities – from essentially zero at the start of the program to some $ 1 million in 1978. Benefits also flowed back into academia, as this program formed a prime basis for the development of today's “Marketing and Society” research area.

Originality/value

Although there are histories of the FTC, this is an original, first‐hand account of a little‐known era during which marketing academics and public policy decision‐makers were given a unique opportunity to work together and learn from each other. It offers personal insights into the workings of this innovative program and the benefits that accrued for both the FTC and for the marketing discipline.
Leishmaniaexpressed lipophosphoglycan interacts with Toll-like receptor (TLR)-2 to decrease TLR-9 expression and reduce anti-leishmanial responses
Authors: Srivastava S , Pandey S P , Jha M K , Chandel H S , Saha B
Published: January 2013

Two different Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have been shown to play a role in host responses to Leishmania infection. TLR-2 is involved in parasite survival in macrophages upon activation by lipophosphoglycan (LPG), a virulence factor expressed by Leishmania. In contrast, activation of TLR-9 has been shown to promote a host-protective response. However, whether there is a relationship between the interaction of LPG and TLR-2, on one hand, with the effect of TLR-9, on the other hand, remains unknown. In this study, we report that in-vitro infection of macrophages with a L. major parasite with high expression levels of LPG results in decreased TLR-9 expression compared to infection with a L. major parasite with lower expression levels of LPG. Addition of anti-LPG as well as anti-TLR-2 antibodies prevents this reduction of TLR-9 expression. Also, the addition of purified LPG to macrophages results in a decrease of TLR-9 expression, which is shown to be mediated by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and interleukin (IL)-10. Finally, in-vitro treatment of macrophages with anti-LPG and/or anti-TLR-2 antibodies before infection reduces the number of amastigotes in macrophages and co-treatment of mice with anti-TLR-2 antibodies and cytosine–phosphate–guanosine (CpG) reduces footpad swelling and parasite load in the draining lymph nodes, accompanied by an interferon (IFN)-γ-predominant T cell response. Thus, for the first time, we show how interactions between LPG and TLR-2 reduce anti-leishmanial responses via cytokine-mediated decrease of TLR-9 expression.
Prospective, Multidimensional Evaluation of Sexual Disorders in Men After Laser Photovaporization of the Prostate
Authors: Terrasa Jean-Baptiste , Cornu Jean-Nicolas , Haab François , Cussenot Olivier , Lukacs Bertrand
Published: January 2013

Introduction

A few studies have investigated the impact of photovaporization of the prostate (PVP) on sexual function and were mainly focused on erectile function.

Aims

To comprehensively evaluate the impact of PVP on sexual function.

Methods

A prospective evaluation involved sexually active patients needing surgical relief of bladder outlet obstruction due to benign prostatic enlargement in a single center between August 2007 and November 2011. All patients underwent PVP using the GreenLight HPS™ 120W system (AmericanMedicalSystems, Minnetonka, MN, USA).

Main Outcome Measures

Patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively by International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS), I-PSS question 8, uroflowmetry parameters (maximum urinary flow rate [Qmax] and postvoid residual [PVR] volume), Danish Prostate Symptom Score Sexual items (DAN-PSSsex), and overall sexual satisfaction using a seven-grade Likert scale. Operative parameters and postoperative complications were also assessed. Preoperative and postoperative values were compared using the Pearson chi-square test and the Wilcoxon paired test. A multivariable model was used to investigate the determinants of variation of global sexual satisfaction.

Results

One hundred and two consecutive patients with 12-month follow-up data were included in the analysis. Urinary parameters (I-PSS, Qmax, and PVR) were significantly improved compared with preoperative values. Compared with baseline, postoperative erection symptom score was not significantly different, whereas ejaculation symptom score was significantly worse. Global DAN-PSSsex score was unchanged, but DAN-PSSsex symptom score was worse (P = 0.04) and DAN-PSSsex bother score was significantly improved (P < 0.0001). Global sexual satisfaction was significantly improved compared with baseline (P = 0.02) and was significantly associated with I-PSS but not with erection and ejaculation score in a multivariable model.

Conclusion

Ejaculation is the main sexual function impacted by PVP. Despite this, sexual satisfaction and bother due to sexual symptoms were significantly improved, probably due to the positive impact of urinary symptom relief.
(Re)invigorating the health protection objective of the Basel Convention on Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal
Authors: Onzivu William
Published: January 2013

The public health challenges of moving dangerous substances across jurisdictions have led to a renewed international focus on the importance of the health perspective in the Basel Convention on Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal. This paper systematically reviews the health dimensions of the Basel Convention and the ways in which the Convention can be strengthened. It analyses the limits of the health objective of the Convention in promoting public health and the environment and the potential for optimising it. The paper argues that an examination of the Convention's substantive, procedural, and institutional and implementation mechanisms highlights its failure to fully achieve its potential for health protection. Parties to the Convention have initiated measures to address this issue, but the design and functioning of the Convention itself constrain the full achievement of health goals, which in turn undermines the protection of human health and the environment. To optimise the health promotion, the author argues for an adaptive governance framework by bolstering the governance mechanisms of the Convention and the Secretariat, strengthening health cooperation between international health agencies and improving domestic implementation of the Convention by its Member States.
Salford alcohol assertive outreach team: a new model for reducing alcohol-related admissions
Authors: Hughes Neill R , Houghton Natalie , Nadeem Haitham , Bell Jackie , Mcdonald Suzanne , Glynn Noel , Scarfe Christopher , Mackay Bev , Rogers Anthony , Walters Melanie , Smith Martin , Mcdonald Andrew , Dalton David
Published: January 2013

Objective

Alcohol-related admissions are increasing. A significant number of these admissions are attributable to a small number of complex patients with other comorbidities who do not engage well with mainstream services. Assertive outreach teams have been used in the field of psychiatry to engage patients who are poorly compliant. This study examines whether an alcohol assertive outreach team (AAOT) can engage with this group and reduce hospital admissions.

Design

The AAOT is a multidisciplinary team with medical, psychiatric, substance misuse, psychology, nursing and social work specialists. The team worked with patients with the highest number of alcohol-related admissions and case managed in a community setting for 6 months. The admission and emergency department attendances of the cohort were compared for the 3-month period before and after the intervention. Christo inventory for substance misuse services (CISS) scores were determined pre and post the intervention period.

Results

54 patients were case managed. The total number of admissions in 3 months fell from 151 prior to the intervention period to 50 following the intervention. Emergency department attendances also fell from 360 in 3 months to 146 following the intervention period. CISS scores fell from 11 preintervention to eight postintervention.

Conclusions

An AAOT model appears to reduce hospital admissions and emergency department attendances in a complex group of patients that display high alcohol-related admissions.
Long-term clinical effects of programmer-guided atrioventricular and interventricular delay optimization: Intracardiac electrography versus echocardiography for cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with heart failure
Authors: Wang Dongmei , Yu Haibo , Yun Tian , Zang Hongyun , Yang Guitang , Wang Shouli , Wang Zulu , Jing Quanmin , Han Yaling
Published: January 2013

Objectives

To compare the haemodynamic results and long-term clinical outcomes of intracardiac electrography (QuickOpt®; St Jude Medical, St Paul, MN, USA) and echocardiography for optimization of atrioventricular (AV) and interventricular (VV) delays in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).

Methods

Patients with CRT devices were prospectively enrolled; AV/VV delays were optimized by either QuickOpt® or echocardiography. Patients in the QuickOpt® group underwent both echocardiography and QuickOpt® optimization, and QuickOpt® AV/VV delays were used to program the CRT. All patients were followed-up for 12 months.

Results

In total, 44 patients were enrolled. There was good correlation between AV/VV delays determined by QuickOpt® ( n = 20) and echocardiography ( n = 24). QuickOpt® was significantly faster than echocardiography-guided optimization. Cardiac function, 6-min walking distance and left ventricular ejection fraction were significantly and similarly improved in both groups at 6 and 12 months compared with baseline. In the QuickOpt® group, left ventricular end diastolic diameters were significantly smaller at 6 and 12 months compared with baseline.

Conclusions

QuickOpt® is a quick, convenient and easy to perform method for optimization of AV and VV delays, with a similar long-term clinical outcome to echocardiography-guided optimization.
Downregulation of protocadherin-10 expression correlates with malignant behaviour and poor prognosis in human bladder cancer
Authors: Ma Jian-Guo , He Zheng-Kai , Ma Jian-Hua , Li Wen-Ping , Sun Guang
Published: January 2013

Objectives

This study retrospectively evaluated the prognostic significance of downregulated protocadherin-10 ( PCDH10) gene expression in bladder cancer.

Methods

To evaluate the prognostic significance of downregulated PCDH10 protein levels, immunohistochemistry was used to assess the level of PCDH10 protein in surgically-resected formalin-fixed, paraffin wax-embedded transitional cell carcinoma specimens. Relationships between PCDH10 protein levels, clinicopathological characteristics and overall survival were also evaluated.

Results

A total of 105 bladder transitional cell carcinoma specimens and 33 normal bladder epithelial samples were investigated using immunohistochemical staining. PCDH10 protein levels were downregulated in 63.8% (67/105) of bladder cancer specimens compared with control samples. Downregulated levels of PCDH10 were significantly associated with advanced stage, higher grade, larger tumour size, nonpapillary shape, tumour recurrence and decreased overall survival rates. Multivariate analysis indicated that downregulated PCDH10 levels were independently associated with decreased overall survival and had a relative risk of death of 4.571.

Conclusions

Downregulated PCDH10 levels correlated with malignant behaviour and poor overall survival in patients with bladder cancer. Downregulated PCDH10 levels might be useful as a prognostic biomarker for bladder cancer.
Time to Achieve First Blood Pressure Control After Diagnosis Among Hypertensive Patients at Primary Health Care Clinics
Authors: Cheong Ai Theng , Mohd Said Salmiah , Muksan Norliza
Published: January 2013

This study aimed to examine the duration to achieve first blood pressure (BP) control after the diagnosis of hypertension. This was a retrospective cohort study on 195 hypertensive patients’ (age ≥18 years) records from a primary health care clinic. The median time to achieve first BP control was 7.2 months (95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.99-9.35). Cox proportional hazards regression results showed female patients were 1.5 times more likely to achieve BP control when compared with male patients (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.50, 95% CI 1.09-2.09, P = .013). Those with monotherapy were 2 times more likely (HR = 2.09, 95% CI = 1.39-3.13, P < 0.001) and those on 2 drugs were 3.5 times more likely (HR = 3.49, 95% CI = 1.65-7.40, P = .001) to achieve BP control than those with nonpharmacological treatment. The median time to achieve BP control was longer than the recommended time. Doctors may need to consider starting the pharmacological treatment early and be more aggressive in hypertensive management for male patients.
Use of Intravenous Fentanyl Against Morphine Tolerance in Breakthrough Cancer Pain
Authors: Hwang In Cheol , Bruera Eduardo , Park Sang Min
Published: January 2013

Palliative care physicians are accustomed to using transdermal fentanyl patch for cancer pain control but not so familiar with its intravenous administration. Historically, fentanyl has been used to treat breakthrough pain because it is a very potent analgesic with a rapid onset and short duration of action. Although several formulations of fentanyl have been recently developed for breakthrough cancer pain, these are unavailable or too expensive in some countries. Also, all opioids can induce tolerance potentially and different opioids cause significantly different degrees of tolerance. Therefore, sequential opioid trials may be a reasonable approach in patients with poor analgesic effect after dose escalation. Here, we present 2 morphine-tolerant patients with cancer in whom the intravenous fentanyl was effectively used for their refractory breakthrough pain.
Studying journalists in changing times
Authors: Dickinson Roger , Matthews Julian , Saltzis Kostas
Published: January 2013

Industry insiders and media academics often voice unease about the transformations taking place in the global news industry. Despite its usefulness in drawing attention to the twists and turns of organizational change and innovation in news production, much of the research on this topic shows less interest in journalists’ situated experience than is helpful. This article suggests that academic attention might be usefully refocused to the changing nature and experiences of journalists as they encounter the changes taking place in their industry. Such a focus can be justified on theoretical grounds: the implications of change in the news industry for its traditional democratic role cannot be understood without understanding in detail what journalists do and how they do it. While acknowledging that news production takes place in the context of competitive commercial enterprise, the authors argue that fruitful avenues for empirical enquiry can be opened up by adopting a more practice-centred analysis. The article concludes by introducing recent research that joins this pursuit.
Anything you can do, I can do better? Professional journalists on citizen journalism in six European countries
Authors: Örnebring Henrik
Published: January 2013

This article is based on 63 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with professional journalists across career stages and across media in six European countries (UK, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Poland and Sweden), and is concerned with how journalists answer the question: How is what you do different from what citizen journalists do? Based on existing literature on journalistic authority and the professional project, three areas where claims to professional legitimacy and distinction from amateurs are identified: expertise, duty and autonomy. The interview data show that while claims based on expertise and duty are common when professional journalists want to demarcate the boundary between them and citizen journalism, claims based on direct reference to autonomy are non-existent. However, claims based indirectly on reference to autonomy, but institutional or collective rather than individual autonomy, are common. Indeed the key result of this study is that legitimacy claims based on the collective nature of the journalistic endeavour are very common, in contrast to earlier constructions of journalistic professionalism, which emphasized individualism and individual autonomy.
Ontologia da Produção do Espaço na Geografia: Uma abordagem do Tema Através do Diálogo entre Milton Santos e Heidegger Sobre a Técnica
Authors: Tosta dos Reis Luis Carlos
Published: January 2013

O artigo objetiva prestar uma contribuição ao tema da ontologia do espaço na geografia problematizando-o através do paralelo entre, por um lado, o pensamento de Milton Santos acerca da relação entre técnica e ontologia do espaço e; por outro lado, o pensamento de cunho ontológico que o filósofo Martin Heidegger desenvolveu a partir de sua peculiar posição diante da questão da técnica. Essa perspectiva de problematização é proposta na medida em que permite articular a convergência de noções fundamentais ao debate teórico sobre a ontologia do espaço na geografia, quais sejam: a produção (social) do espaço; a técnica; e o tema primordial de toda investigação ontológica, o ser.
Un théologien à l’écoute de la musique
Authors: Charru Philippe
Published: January 2013

Christoph Theobald travaille depuis de longues années en tant que théologien sur l’oeuvre de Jean-Sébastien Bach, en collaboration avec un musicien. On tente de faire entendre ici comment sa « manière de faire de la théologie », soucieuse de respecter l’autonomie des arts, le rend attentif à la réalité sensible des oeuvres musicales et à une conception génétique de leur forme où se profile « l’opération même du style », selon le mot de Merleau-Ponty. On montre comment l’émergence de cette notion du style dans le champ esthétique, l’a conduit à « penser le mystère chrétien comme “style en relation avec d’autres styles” impliquant un rapport absolument spécifique au beau ».
Synthesis, Photochromic, and Computational Studies of Dithienylethene‐Containing β‐Diketonate Derivatives and Their Near‐Infrared Photochromic Behavior Upon Coordination of a Boron(III) Center
Authors: Poon Chun‐Ting , Lam Wai Han , Yam Vivian Wing‐Wah
Published: January 2013

A series of dithienylethene‐containing 1‐thienyl‐3‐aryl‐propane‐1,3‐diones (aryl=phenyl (Ph), thienyl (Th), and 4,5‐bis(2,5‐dimethylthiophen‐3‐yl)thiophen‐2‐yl (DTE‐Th)) and the corresponding boron(III) diketonates, (O^O)BR2 (R=F, C6F5, and Ph), have been designed and synthesized. Their photophysical, electrochemical, and photochromic properties have been studied. Upon coordination of a boron(III) center, the closed forms of the dithienylethene‐containing β‐diketonates show near‐infrared response and the photochromic behavior was also found to be affected by the aryl substituents at the 3‐position of the β‐diketonates. Moreover, computational studies have been performed that help to provide an understanding of the effect of substituents on the photophysical and photochromic properties.
Highly Selective Sorption and Luminescent Sensing of Small Molecules Demonstrated in a Multifunctional Lanthanide Microporous Metal–Organic Framework Containing 1D Honeycomb‐Type Channels
Authors: Li Huanhuan , Shi Wei , Zhao Kaina , Niu Zheng , Li Huimin , Cheng Peng
Published: January 2013

A rare, robust microporous lanthanide metal–organic framework with 1D honeycomb‐type channels is presented. Excellent adsorption capabilities for N2, H2, and CO2 and significant selective sorption of CO2 over N2 and CH4 were observed. Moreover, the guest‐dependent luminescent behavior of these lanthanide materials shows a potential use for the sensing of small‐molecule pollutants such as benzene and acetone.
White matter fractional anisotropy is inversely related to anxious symptoms in older adults with atherosclerosis
Authors: Bijanki Kelly R. , Stillman Ashley N. , Arndt Stephan , Magnotta Vincent A. , Fiedorowicz Jess G. , Haynes William G. , Matsui Joy T. , Johnson Hans J. , Moser David J.
Published: January 2013

Objective

Clinical anxiety disorders are associated with white matter hyperintensities and diffusion abnormalities measured using diffusion tensor imaging. However, it is not known if this association extends into individuals with mild anxious symptoms without formal diagnosis, in those who are older, or in those who have atherosclerosis. The current study explores whether white matter integrity and/or organization significantly associates with anxious symptoms in older adults with and without atherosclerosis.

Methods

We recruited older adults (ages 55–90 years); 35 with clinically diagnosed atherosclerotic vascular disease (AVD) and 22 without AVD. Anxious symptoms were measured using the validated Symptom Checklist‐90‐Revised. Fractional anisotropy (FA), a proxy for white matter organization and health, was measured in the white matter globally, by lobe, and in several smaller regions of interest suggested by the literature. Partial correlations between anxious symptoms and FA were calculated, controlling for significant covariates.

Results

Participants with and without AVD did not differ in severity of anxious symptom endorsement. There was a unique inverse relationship between white matter health and anxious symptoms in the AVD participants, but not in healthy comparisons. Significant relationships were observed in the superior longitudinal fasciculus (r = −0.476, df = 32, p = 0.004), as well as the cingulum bundle, the frontal lobes, and the parietal lobes.

Conclusions

Anxiety symptoms uniquely correlated with low FA in older adults with atherosclerosis. These findings may have implications for future research on the topic of anxiety in aging and vascular disease and warrant replication. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Community pharmacists and people with dementia: a cross‐sectional survey exploring experiences, attitudes, and knowledge of pain and its management
Authors: Barry Heather E. , Parsons Carole , Passmore A. Peter , Hughes Carmel M.
Published: January 2013

Objectives

To explore community pharmacists' experiences with and attitudes towards people with dementia, and to determine the knowledge they have about pain and its management in this patient population.

Methods

A questionnaire comprising five sections, including the Approaches to Dementia Questionnaire, was mailed, on two occasions, during February and March 2011, to all community pharmacies in Northern Ireland (n = 530).

Results

The response rate was 34.3%. A greater proportion of pharmacists provided pharmaceutical care to people with dementia living at home (91.2%) than those living in care homes (40.1%). Respondents most frequently encountered queries relating to starting and stopping medications, compliance with medication, and availability of formulation types. The mean total score for the Approaches to Dementia Questionnaire measure was 72.8, indicating a positive attitude towards people with dementia, and respondents demonstrated a strong person‐centred approach towards this patient population. The majority of respondents recognised the difficulty of assessing pain in people with dementia; however, younger pharmacists (p = 0.041) and pharmacists who provided pharmaceutical care to people with dementia (p = 0.012) were more likely to be aware of the pain assessment tools for use in people with dementia. Pharmacists appeared uncertain about how to appropriately manage pain in people with dementia.

Conclusions

The study has revealed that community pharmacists often encounter people with dementia, especially those living in their own homes, and they have positive attitudes towards the patient population. However, training in the assessment and management of pain in people with dementia must be developed to further improve their knowledge in this area. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of New Thienopyridine Derivatives by a Reaction of 4‐(Methylsulfanyl)‐6,7‐dihydrothieno[3,2‐c]pyridine with Amino Acids
Authors: Milen Mátyás , Ábrányi‐Balogh Péter , Dancsó András , Drahos László , Keglevich György
Published: January 2013

New thienopyridine derivatives were synthesized by the reaction of 4‐(methylsulfanyl)‐6,7‐dihydrothieno[3,2‐c]pyridine (5) with amino acids. The use of β‐amino acids led to thienopyridopyrimidone derivatives (9a–g). Using α‐amino acids, such as glycine and racemic alanine under the same reaction conditions, compounds with two thienopyridine units were obtained. The structure of the novel compounds was confirmed by IR, 13C, and 1H NMR spectroscopy, as well as mass spectrometry, along with single crystal X‐ray analysis. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 24:124–130, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/hc.21073
Pesticides, Microglial NOX2, and Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Taetzsch Thomas , Block Michelle L.
Published: January 2013

Accumulating evidence indicates that pesticide exposure is associated with an increased risk for developing Parkinson's disease (PD). Several pesticides known to damage dopaminergic (DA) neurons, such as paraquat, rotenone, lindane, and dieldrin also demonstrate the ability to activate microglia, the resident innate immune cell in the brain. While each of these environmental toxicants may impact microglia through unique mechanisms, they all appear to converge on a common final pathway of microglial activation: NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) activation. This review will detail the role of microglia in selective DA neurotoxicity, highlight what is currently known about the mechanism of microglial NOX2 activation in these key pesticides, and describe the importance for DA neuron survival and PD etiology. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J BiochemMol Toxicol 27:137‐149, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.21464