bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Electrochemical Properties of a Novel Silver Molybdenum Oxyfluoride Perovskite
Authors: Tong Wei , Amatucci Glenn G.
Published: August 2008

A novel electroactive nanostructured silver molybdenum oxyfluoride (SMOF) has been successfully synthesized through the mechanochemical reaction of AgF/AgF2 and MoO3. A combination of XRD and Raman studies revealed the structure to be perovskite. In-situ XRD revealed that half the specific capacity was realized through a silver displacement reaction. The new electrode material was found to exhibit good electrochemical activity with high volumetric energy density.
Platinum Coated Fuel Cell Electrodes by Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Shim Joon Hyung , Prinz Fritz
Published: August 2008

We have applied atomic layer deposition (ALD) processing to deposit ultra-thin platinum layers onto potentially non-precious metals including gold and tungsten as catalysts of fuel cells. The growth of platinum using ALD has been tested on silicon wafers with native oxides and on gold and tungsten. The growth rate was shown to be in good agreement to published values as 0.4Aå/cycle. Fuel cell tests are performed by first sputtering porous metal layers onto 200μm-thick 8% yttria stabilized zirconia followed by surface-coating of ALD platinum. We compare the resulting current-voltage curves and maximum power densities with varying temperature.
Preparation of CdSxSe1-x Films by Brush Plating Technique and their Characteristics
Authors: Murali K. R. , Elango Elango
Published: August 2008

CdSxSe1-x films were deposited for the first time by the brush plating technique from aqueous precursors. X-ray diffraction patterns of the films indicated polycrystalline structure with peaks corresponding to the hexagonal phase. Optical absorption measurements indicated the band gap to shift from 1.68 to 2.39 eV as the value of x is increased. XPS spectra indicated the peaks corresponding to Cd (3d5/2 and 3d3/2), Se (3d5/2 and 3d3/2) and S (3d5/2 and 3d3/2) levels. Surface morphology studies indicated the grain size to increase with increase of selenium concentration. The resitivity of the films changed from 20 ohm cm to 250 ohm cm as the sulphur content increased.
Novel Non-Precious Metal Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction Based on Nanostructured Cobalt Chalcogenide
Authors: Feng Yongjun , He Ting , Alonso-Vante Nicolas
Published: August 2008

20 wt. % Co3S4/C nanoparticles as novel non-precious metal electrocatalysts were synthesized by two routes based on the in situ decomposition of cobalt carbonyl (Co2(CO)8) in p-xylene solvent: with the surfactants of oleic acid and trioctylphosphane oxide, and without surfactant directly using the supporting carbon (Vulcan XC-72) as the dispersing agent. The corresponding structure, thermal stability, electrochemical properties were investigated by means of powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and rotating disk electrode (RDE) techniques. The particles synthesized without surfactant show the higher electrocatalytic activities toward oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) with the onset potential ca. 0.7 V vs. RHE in 0.5 M H2SO4 relative to those synthesized with the surfactants with the onset potential ca. 0.3 V vs. RHE, possible resulting from the surfactants blocking the active sites on the surface of the electrocatalysts. The synthesized 20 wt. % Co3S4/C nanoparticles demonstrate the thermal stability below 360 oC under air atmosphere and the electrochemical stability in the acid medium below 0.8 V vs. RHE.
The Pseudocapacitance Behaviors of TiO2 (Anatase) Nanoparticles
Authors: Wang John , Polleux Julien , Brezesinski Torsten , Tolbert Sarah , Dunn Bruce
Published: August 2008

Nanocrystalline TiO2 (anatase) was studied over a particle size regime where both capacitive and lithium intercalation processes contribute to the total stored charge. Both the total stored charge (gravimetrically normalized) and the capacitive contribution to the stored charge increase with decreasing particle size. Moreover, by reducing the particle size to the nanoscale regime, faster charge/discharge rates were obtained because the diffusion-controlled lithium-ion intercalation process was replaced by faradaic reactions which occur at the surface of the material. The area normalized capacitance was determined to be 110 - 130 μF/cm2, confirming that the capacitive contribution was pseudocapacitive in nature. The results suggest that the amount of charge stored at the surface of the TiO2 from the pseudocapacitive storage mechanism in nanodimensional materials can be comparable to that obtainable from the intercalation process in bulk materials.
Study of Underlying Electrochemical Mechanisms in Nanoscale Amorphous Carbon-Iodine Electrodes
Authors: Barpanda Prabeer , Fanchini Giovanni , Amatucci Glenn G.
Published: August 2008

Iodine incorporated activated carbons have been examined with special focus to their morphological and electrochemical properties. The effect of iodation is comparatively studied in mesoporous and microporous activated carbons. The effect of precursor pore size distribution, polyiodide distribution within the carbon matrix and carbon-iodine bonding nature on overall gravimetric and volumetric capacity is discussed. In general, the iodation of microporous carbons resulted in much improved electrochemical properties than high surface area mesoporous precursors.
Development of Human Single-Chain Antibodies against SARS-Associated Coronavirus
Authors: Leung K.M. , Feng D.X. , Lou Jianlong , Zhou Yu , Fung K.P. , Waye Mary M.Y. , Tsui Stephen K.W. , Chan Paul K.S. , Marks James D. , Pang S.F. , Kan Y.W.
Published: August 2008

The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), caused by a distinct coronavirus, in 2003 greatly threatened public health in China, Southeast Asia as well as North America. Over 1,000 patients died of the SARS virus, representing 10% of infected people. Like other coronaviruses, the SARS virus also utilizes a surface glycoprotein, namely the spike protein, to infect host cells. The spike protein of SARS virus consists of 1,255 amino acid residues and can be divided into two sub-domains, S1 and S2. The S1 domain mediates the binding of the virus to its receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, which is abundantly distributed on the surface of human lung cells. The S2 domain mediates membrane fusion between the virus and the host cell. Hence two strategies can be used to block the infection of the SARS virus, either by interfering with the binding of the S1 domain to the receptor or by blocking the fusion of the virus with the cell membrane mediated by the S2 domain. Several antibodies against the S1 domain have been generated and all of them are able to neutralize the virus in vitro and in vivo using animal models. Unfortunately, point mutations have been identified in the S1 domain, so that the virus isolated in the future may not be recognized by these antibodies. As no mutation has been found in the S2 domain indicating that this region is more conserved than the S1 domain, it may be a better target for antibody binding. After predicting the immunogenicity of the epitopes of the S2 domain, we chemically synthesized two peptides and also expressed one of them using a recombinant DNA method. We screened a phage displaying library of human single-chain antibodies (ScFv) against the predicted epitopes and obtained a human ScFv which can recognize the SARS virus in vitro.
Expression and Purification of a Recombinant Adenovirus Fiber Knob in a Baculovirus System
Authors: Farinha-Arcieri Luis E. , Porchia Bruna M. , Carromeu Cassiano , Simabuco Fernando M. , Tamura Rodrigo E. , Ferreira Luis C.S. , Zerbini Luiz F. , Ventura Armando M.
Published: August 2008

Objectives: To construct a recombinant baculovirus expressing the fiber knob domain of human adenovirus type 2 modified by the insertion of a foreign peptide, purify this protein after its production in insect cells, and to test its properties. Methods: Recombinant baculoviruses expressing the fiber knob were produced in Sf9 cells. The recombinant fiber knob was recovered from culture supernatants of infected cells and purified by a combination of Ni-NTA and ion-exchange chromatography. Results: Fiber knob was recovered from the culture media as a soluble protein. In the system used, the fiber knob is expressed fused with the V5 epitope and a histidine tag, which allowed purification by Ni-NTA chromatography. The protein was further purified by ion-exchange chromatography. We show that the recombinant fiber knob produced, with 31 extra amino acids in the C-terminus, can oligomerize and bind to the adenovirus receptor CAR, as it can block the infection of a recombinant type 5 adenovirus. Conclusions: The modified form of the fiber knob, produced in insect cells and purified by Ni-NTA and ion-exchange chromatography, retains the properties of oligomerization and binding to the fiber natural receptor, CAR. This construct has the potential to be a new adjuvant.
Macrophage Phenotype and Renal Fibrosis in Obstructive Nephropathy
Authors: Nishida Masashi , Hamaoka Kenji
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Macrophages have classically been recognized as key players that may promote renal fibrosis. However, several recent studies have suggested a beneficial anti-fibrotic role of infiltrating macrophages that acts to preserve renal architecture in the progressive renal scarring associated with obstructive nephropathy. Furthermore, recent investigations indicate a role for macrophages in both inflammation and repair during disease processes and this has superseded the classical injurious view of macrophages. As a result, the exact role of interstitial macrophages upon various facets of renal fibrosis is an important challenge that needs to be addressed. In this article, we discuss the possible beneficial anti-fibrotic role of infiltrating macrophages in obstructive nephropathy and discuss the potential mechanisms that may regulate the effect of macrophages upon renal interstitial fibrosis.
Anatomy of the Aortic Valvar Complex and Its Implications for Transcatheter Implantation of the Aortic Valve
Authors: Piazza Nicoló , de Jaegere Peter , Schultz Carl , Becker Anton E. , Serruys Patrick W. , Anderson Robert H.
Published: August 2008

The books and articles devoted to the anatomy of the aortic valvar complex are numerous. Until now, however, little consideration has been given to understanding the anatomy with percutaneous valvar replacement in mind. It is axiomatic that knowledge of the anatomy of the valve is fundamental in understanding key principles involved in valvar replacement. Such an appreciation of the anatomy helps better understand the optimal positioning for the prosthetic valve within the root of the aorta with respect to the coronary arteries, mitral valve, and the conduction system and may circumvent complications that can arise during its implantation. In this review, therefore, we describe the anatomy of the trifoliate aortic valvar complex and its implications for percutaneous valvar replacement.
Delayed Arterial Healing and Increased Late Stent Thrombosis at Culprit Sites After Drug-Eluting Stent Placement for Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients
Authors: Nakazawa Gaku , Finn Aloke V. , Joner Michael , Ladich Elena , Kutys Robert , Mont Erik K. , Gold Herman K. , Burke Allen P. , Kolodgie Frank D. , Virmani Renu
Published: August 2008

Background—

The long-term safety of drug-eluting stents (DES) for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains uncertain. Using autopsy data, we evaluated the pathological responses of the stented segment in patients treated with DES for AMI and compared with patients with stable angina.

Methods and Results—

From the CVPath Registry of 138 DES autopsies, we identified 25 patients who presented with AMI and had an underlying necrotic core with a ruptured fibrous cap. Twenty-six patients who had stable angina with thick-cap fibroatheroma treated by DES were selected as controls. Histomorphometric analysis was performed in patients with >30-day stent duration. We compared the response to stenting at the culprit site in these 2 groups and to nonculprit sites within each stent. Late stent thrombosis was significantly less frequent in stable (11%) than in AMI (41%;
P
=0.04) patients. Although neointimal thickness in the AMI culprit site was significantly less (median, 0.04 mm; interquartile range [IQR], 0.02 to 0.09 mm), the prevalence of uncovered struts (49%; IQR, 16% to 96%), fibrin deposition (63±28%), and inflammation (35%; IQR, 27% to 49%) were significantly greater compared with the culprit site in stable patients (neointimal thickness: 0.11 mm [IQR, 0.07 to 0.21 mm],
P
=0.008; uncovered struts: 9% [IQR, 0% to 39%],
P
=0.01; fibrin: 36±27%,
P
=0.008; inflammation, 17% [IQR, 7% to 25%],
P
=0.003) and the nonculprit site within each stent.

Conclusions—

Vessel healing at the culprit site in AMI patients treated with DES is substantially delayed compared with the culprit site in patients receiving DES for stable angina, emphasizing the importance of underlying plaque morphology in the arterial response to DES. Our data suggest an increased risk of thrombotic complications in patients treated with DES for AMI.
Pilot Study to Assess the Influence of β-Blockade on Mitral Regurgitant Volume and Left Ventricular Work in Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease
Authors: Stewart Ralph A.H. , Raffel Owen C. , Kerr Andrew J. , Gabriel Ruvin , Zeng Irene , Young Alistair A. , Cowan Brett R.
Published: August 2008

Background—

A medical treatment that decreases the likelihood of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction or symptoms would benefit patients with moderate to severe degenerative mitral regurgitation. The aim of this pilot study was to determine the short-term effects of a β-blocker on mitral regurgitant volume and LV work in these patients.

Methods and Results—

Twenty-five patients with moderate or severe degenerative mitral regurgitation were randomized in a double-blind crossover study to the β
1
-selective adrenergic blocker metoprolol (mean daily dose, 119 mg; range 23.75 to 190 mg) and placebo for 14±3 days. At the end of each treatment period, ascending aortic flow and LV stroke volume were measured by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and mitral regurgitant volume was calculated. On β-blocker, heart rate decreased from 65±10 by 10±7 bpm (mean±SD) and systolic blood pressure decreased from 138±18 by 16±12 mm Hg (
P
<0.0001 for both). No significant change occurred in LV ejection fraction (from 65±5%; change, −0.6±2.7%;
P
=0.3) or mitral regurgitant volume (from 59±36 mL; change, 3±13 mL;
P
=0.3), but forward stroke volume increased from 89±21 by 5±11 mL (
P
=0.03). Because heart rate was lower on metoprolol, cardiac output decreased from 5.68±1.04 by 0.56±0.78 L/min (
P
=0.001), but a greater decrease occurred in LV output, from 9.51±2.22 by 1.30±1.08 L/min (
P
<0.0001). Mitral regurgitant volume per minute decreased from 3.83±2.41 by 0.74±1.00 L/min (
P
=0.001). The decrease in LV work on β-blocker (mean, 21%; 95% confidence interval, 15 to 27) was greater (
P
=0.001) than the decrease in cardiac output (mean, 9%; 95% confidence interval, 3 to 15).

Conclusions—

In this pilot study, short-term treatment with a β-blocker did not change mitral regurgitant volume per beat but decreased LV work in patients with moderate to severe degenerative mitral regurgitation. Further research is needed to determine whether longer-term treatment with β-blockers will decrease progressive LV dysfunction and symptomatic deterioration.
Two Extra Components in the Brier Score Decomposition
Authors: Stephenson D. B. , Coelho C. A. S. , Jolliffe I. T.
Published: August 2008

The Brier score is widely used for the verification of probability forecasts. It also forms the basis of other frequently used probability scores such as the rank probability score. By conditioning (stratifying) on the issued forecast probabilities, the Brier score can be decomposed into the sum of three components: uncertainty, reliability, and resolution. This Brier score decomposition can provide useful information to the forecast provider about how the forecasts can be improved.

Rather than stratify on all values of issued probability, it is common practice to calculate the Brier score components by first partitioning the issued probabilities into a small set of bins. This note shows that for such a procedure, an additional two within-bin components are needed in addition to the three traditional components of the Brier score. The two new components can be combined with the resolution component to make a generalized resolution component that is less sensitive to choice of bin width than is the traditional resolution component. The difference between the generalized resolution term and the conventional resolution term also quantifies how forecast skill is degraded when issuing categorized probabilities to users. The ideas are illustrated using an example of multimodel ensemble seasonal forecasts of equatorial sea surface temperatures.
Multisensor Comparison and Numerical Modeling of Atmospheric Water Fields: A VOLTAIRE Case Study over Cyprus
Authors: Mariani Stefano , Accadia Christophe , Tartaglione Nazario , Casaioli Marco , Gabella Marco , Michaelides Silas Chr , Speranza Antonio
Published: August 2008

This paper presents a study performed within the framework of the European Union’s (EU) VOLTAIRE project (Fifth Framework Programme). Among other tasks, the project aimed at the integration of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) data with ground-based observations and at the comparison between water fields (precipitation and total column water vapor) as estimated by multisensor observations and predicted by NWP models. In particular, the VOLTAIRE project had as one of its main objectives the goal of assessing the application of satellite-borne instrument measures to model verification. The island of Cyprus was chosen as the main “test bed,” because it is one of the few European territories covered by the passage of the TRMM Precipitation Radar (PR) and it has a dense rain gauge network and an operational weather radar. TRMM PR provides, until now, the most reliable space-borne spatial high-resolution precipitation measurements.

Attention is focused on the attempt to define a methodology, using state-of-the-art diagnostic methods, for a comprehensive evaluation of water fields as forecast by a limited area model (LAM). An event that occurred on 5 March 2003, associated with a slow cyclone moving eastward over the Mediterranean Sea, is presented as a case study.

The atmospheric water fields were forecast over the eastern Mediterranean Sea using the Bologna Limited Area Model (BOLAM). Data from the Cyprus ground-based radar, the Cyprus rain gauge network, the Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I), and the TRMM PR were used in the comparison. Ground-based radar and rain gauge data were merged together in order to obtain a better representation of the rainfall event over the island. TRMM PR measurements were employed to range-adjust the ground-based radar data using a linear regression algorithm.

The observed total column water vapor has been employed to assess the forecast quality of large-scale atmospheric patterns; such an assessment has been performed by means of the Hoffman diagnostic method applied to the entire total column water vapor field. Subsequently, in order to quantify the spatial forecast error at the finer BOLAM scale (0.09°), the object-oriented contiguous rain area (CRA) analysis was chosen as a comparison method for precipitation. An assessment of the main difficulties in employing CRA in an operational framework, especially over such a small verification domain, is also discussed in the paper.
A Probabilistic Forecast Approach for Daily Precipitation Totals
Authors: Friederichs Petra , Hense Andreas
Published: August 2008

Commonly, postprocessing techniques are employed to calibrate a model forecast. Here, a probabilistic postprocessor is presented that provides calibrated probability and quantile forecasts of precipitation on the local scale. The forecasts are based on large-scale circulation patterns of the 12-h forecast from the NCEP high-resolution Global Forecast System (GFS). The censored quantile regression is used to estimate selected quantiles of the precipitation amount and the probability of the occurrence of precipitation. The approach accounts for the mixed discrete-continuous character of daily precipitation totals. The forecasts are verified using a new verification score for quantile forecasts, namely the censored quantile verification (CQV) score.

The forecast approach is as follows: first, a canonical correlation is employed to correct systematic deviations in the GFS large-scale patterns compared with the NCEP–NCAR reanalysis or the 40-yr ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-40). Second, the statistical quantile model between the large-scale circulation and the local precipitation quantile is derived using NCEP and ERA-40 reanalysis data. Then, the statistical quantile model is applied to 12-h forecasts provided by the GFS forecast system. The probabilistic forecasts are reliable and the relative gain in performance of the quantile as well as the probability forecasts compared to the climatological forecasts range between 20% and 50%. The importance of the various parts of the postprocessing is assessed, and the performance is compared to forecasts based on the direct precipitation output from the ECMWF forecast system.
Comments on “Reexamination of Tropical Cyclone Wind–Pressure Relationship”
Authors: Veerasamy Shyamnath
Published: August 2008

In their study on the wind–pressure relationship (WPR) that exists in tropical cyclones, Knaff and Zehr presented results of the use of the Dvorak Atlantic WPR for estimating central pressure and maximum wind speed of tropical cyclones. These show some fairly large departures of estimated central pressure and maximum surface winds from observed values. Based on a study carried out in the southwest Indian Ocean (SWIO), it is believed that improvements in the use of the Dvorak WPR can be achieved by using the size of a closed isobar (it is the 1004-hPa closed isobar in the SWIO) to determine whether to use the North Atlantic (NA), the western North Pacific (WNP), or a mean of the NA and WNP Dvorak WPR for estimating central pressure and maximum wind speed in tropical cyclones.
Reply
Authors: Knaff John A. , Zehr Raymond M.
Published: August 2008

Veerasamy has made several comments concerning the results and methods presented in a recent article by the authors titled “Reexamination of Tropical Cyclone Wind–Pressure Relationships.” One comment concerns the terminology and definition of the environmental pressure. Another comment suggests the merits of a simpler approach developed by Veerasamy in 2005 that utilizes the radius of 1004 hPa to determine the “proper” wind–pressure relationship. The third comment concerns the performance of the Knaff and Zehr wind–pressure relationship [their Eq. (7)] during the well-observed North Atlantic Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma during 2005. The final comment suggests that the techniques discussed in Knaff and Zehr are more difficult to apply than an operational method developed by Veerasamy and used in Mauritius. These comments are addressed individually along with some of the lessons learned since the publication of the Knaff and Zehr methodology that are important to the tropical cyclone community.
Racial Threat, Suspicion, and Police Behavior
Authors: Novak Kenneth J. , Chamlin Mitchell B.
Published: August 2008

Racial bias in traffic enforcement has become a popular line of inquiry, but examinations into explanations for the disparity have been scant. The current research integrates theoretical insights from the racial threat hypothesis with inferences drawn from the empirical analyses of the factors that stimulate officer suspicion. The most intriguing finding from this beat-level examination of the structural predictors of several traffic stop outcome measures concerns the conditional effect of the racial composition of the beat on search rates. The analyses reveal that the search rate increases in areas where the proportion of Black residents is higher; however, this finding is observed only for White motorists. This finding is interpreted as indicating that structural characteristics of an area can provide cues to officers regarding who belongs in that environment. As a result, social control increases among groups whose racial characteristics are inconsistent with the neighborhood racial composition.
Imaginal Relationships with the Dead
Authors: Dannenbaum Sandra M. , Kinnier Richard T.
Published: August 2008

This study explores possible therapeutic benefits derived from imaginal relationships with deceased loved ones. Using grounded theory methodology, triangulation of the qualitative data was attained through analysis of three data sets: responses from experts, interviews with elders, and a search using LexisNexis. Replicated findings or “global assertions” indicate that imaginal relationships with the deceased are common, “normal,” and therapeutic. Reported therapeutic benefits include feeling cared for and loved, experiencing resolution of grief and relationship conflicts, and experiencing increased confidence in problem solving and decision making. The discussion focuses on applications in counseling.
A life-breaking event: early experiences of the consequences of a hip fracture for elderly people
Authors: Zidén Lena , Wenestam Claes-Göran , Hansson-Scherman Marianne
Published: August 2008

Objective: To explore and describe the consequences of an acute hip fracture as experienced by home-dwelling elderly people shortly after discharge from hospital.

Design: Semi-structured interviews using the phenomenographic method.

Subjects and setting: Eighteen subjects were interviewed in their own homes one month after discharge.

Results: The interviewees described experiences of changes in their relation to the body, themselves, to others and to their whole life situation. These experiences were described as being limited in movement, having lost confidence in the body, becoming humble and grateful, respecting oneself and one's own needs, becoming more dependent on others, gaining more human contact and being treated in a friendly way by others, being secluded and trapped at home, feeling old, closer to death and having lost their zest for life, and taking one day at a time and being uncertain about the future.

Conclusion: Experienced consequences of a hip fracture were multidimensional and involved dramatic changes in the interviewees' life situation, including existential thoughts and reappraisal of the years of life that remained. The results indicate that the fracture seemed not only to break the bone but also to cause social and existential cracks, as experienced in the early phase after the injury.
Toll motorway accessibility for wheelchair users: a survey
Authors: Prigent Hélène , Roche Nicolas , Guillon Bruno , Hurand Anne , Moreau Bernadette , Dufresne Jean Pierre , Ravaud Jean-François , Lofaso Frédéric
Published: August 2008

Objective: To identify difficulties encountered by wheelchair users who travel on toll motorways, with the goal of defining areas for improvement.

Design: Survey. After observing a wheelchair user travelling on a toll motorway and using the associated services, we designed a self-questionnaire on perceptions by wheelchair users of toll motorway accessibility.

Setting: Toll motorway and rehabilitation hospital in France.

Subjects: We recruited 167 wheelchair users by advertisement and, to assess selection bias, 19 consecutive outpatients who visited our hospital's wheelchair showroom.

Intervention: None.

Results: Of the 186 included subjects, 91 (49%) were used to driving independently on toll motorways. Among them, only 16% used automatic toll booths and 32% reported difficulties at toll booths. Furthermore, 53% routinely asked for help at filling stations, and only 27% were aware of the availability of a free-of-charge assistance service for disabled people at some filling stations. Among the 186 toll motorway users, only 84 (45%) reported never encountering difficulties in lay-bys; 162 (87%) felt that toilet accessibility was the most important feature of lay-bys and 143 (77%) preferred the locked toilets reserved for disabled people.

Conclusion: Wheelchair users reported difficulties on toll motorways that could be corrected fairly easily.
'Show me, don't tell me'; is this a good approach for rehabilitation?
Authors: Nadar Mohammed Shaban , McDowd Joan
Published: August 2008

Objective: To assess the possible memory advantages of the subject-performed task (SPT) and experimenter-performed task (EPT) encoding method in rehabilitation settings.

Design: Controlled quasi-experimental trial.

Setting: University research laboratory and community setting.

Subjects: Eighteen stroke survivors and 18 age-, education- and gender-matched controls.

Intervention: Participants were instructed to study three lists of 20 action phrases (such as 'ring the bell') by either reading, performing or observing others perform the tasks for later memory assessment.

Main measure: After the phrases had been studied, verbal and written memory tests were implemented and responses were recorded.

Results: The memory performance of stroke survivors and control groups was significantly better under the SPT method (mean (SD) 7.95 (2.7)) and EPT method (mean (SD) 7.95 (2.5)) relative to the baseline verbal task method (mean (SD) 4.2 (1.9)), (P<0.001 ANOVA). Participants also remembered functional tasks better than clinical tasks (P<0.001 ANOVA).

Conclusion: Encoding by the SPT and EPT methods are significantly more effective than receiving verbal instructions. The SPT and EPT encoding methods show promise and therapists may be able to use them in the clinic to facilitate the memory performance of stroke survivors.
Obtaining Utility Estimates of the Health Value of Commonly Prescribed Treatments for Asthma and Depression
Authors: Edelen Maria Orlando , Burnam M. Audrey , Watkins Katherine E. , Escarce José J. , Huskamp Haiden , Goldman Howard H. , Rachelefsky Gary
Published: August 2008

Background. Comparing the costs and health value associated with alternative quality improvement efforts is useful. This study employs expert panel methodology to elicit numerical estimates based on a 0 to 1 utility scale of the health benefit of usual treatment patterns for 2 medical conditions. Method. The approach includes development of clinical profiles and derivation of treatment benefit estimates via the elicitation of utility ratings before and after treatment. Clinical profiles specified characteristics of patient groups, treatments to be rated, and their combinations. A panel of 13 asthma and depression experts made a series of utility ratings (before any new treatment, 1 or 3 mo later with no treatment, 1 or 3 mo after initiating various common treatments) for adult patient groups with depression or asthma. The panel convened to discuss discrepancies and subsequently made final ratings. Treatment benefit estimates were derived from the ratings made by the panelists after the panel meeting. Results. The treatment benefit estimates had face validity and minimal variability, indicating considerable consensus among experts. Treatment benefit estimates ranged from − 0.03 to 0.25 for depression and from − 0.04 to 0.24 for asthma. There was minimal variation in the estimates for both conditions (the estimates' standard deviations ranged from 0.01 to 0.06). Comparisons of the treatment benefit estimates before and after the expert panel meeting indicated substantial convergence, and evidence suggests that the benefit estimates are comparable across the 2 health conditions. Conclusion. Comparable estimates of treatment benefit for distinct health conditions can be obtained from experts using the expert panel methodology.
The Role of Violence in Street Crime
Authors: Bennett Trevor , Brookman Fiona
Published: August 2008

Studies on the motivation for violent street crime, such as robbery and assault, have tended to draw on either the rational choice or the subcultural perspective. This study explores the extent to which violence on the street can be explained by rational factors associated with the successful commission of the offence or social factors related to street culture. The study is based on qualitative interviews with 55 violent street offenders who were serving sentences for street robbery and assault in six prisons in the United Kingdom. The findings, based on accounts of 101 incidents of street violence, identified four main explanations for street violence: (a) successful offence enactment, (b) buzz and excitement, (c) status and honor, and (d) informal justice. The article concludes that there might be benefits in combining the insights of both perspectives by generating an integrated theory that would properly explain both the rational and the seemingly irrational components of street violence.
Improved Muscle Healing after Contusion Injury by the Inhibitory Effect of Suramin on Myostatin, a Negative Regulator of Muscle Growth
Authors: Nozaki Masahiro , Li Yong , Zhu Jinhong , Ambrosio Fabrisia , Uehara Kenji , Fu Freddie H. , Huard Johnny
Published: August 2008

Background

Muscle contusions are the most common muscle injuries in sports medicine. Although these injuries are capable of healing, incomplete functional recovery often occurs.

Hypothesis

Suramin enhances muscle healing by both stimulating muscle regeneration and preventing fibrosis in contused skeletal muscle.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

In vitro: Myoblasts (C2C12 cells) and muscle-derived stem cells (MDSCs) were cultured with suramin, and the potential of suramin to induce their differentiation was evaluated. Furthermore, MDSCs were cocultured with suramin and myostatin (MSTN) to monitor the capability of suramin to neutralize the effect of MSTN. In vivo: Varying concentrations of suramin were injected in the tibialis anterior muscle of mice 2 weeks after muscle contusion injury. Muscle regeneration and scar tissue formation were evaluated by histologic analysis and functional recovery was measured by physiologic testing

Results

In vitro: Suramin stimulated the differentiation of myoblasts and MDSCs in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, suramin neutralized the inhibitory effect of MSTN on MDSC differentiation. In vivo: Suramin treatment significantly promoted muscle regeneration, decreased fibrosis formation, reduced myostatin expression in injured muscle, and increased muscle strength after contusion injury.

Conclusion

Intramuscular injection of suramin after a contusion injury improved overall skeletal muscle healing. Suramin enhanced myoblast and MDSC differentiation and neutralized MSTN's negative effect on myogenic differentiation in vitro, which suggests a possible mechanism for the beneficial effects that this pharmacologic agent exhibits in vivo.

Clinical Relevance

These findings could contribute to the development of biological treatments to aid in muscle healing after experiencing a muscle injury.
`What's in it For Me?' The Development from Immature to Mature Dependence in Groups
Authors: von Fraunhofer Nicky
Published: August 2008

The author discusses Fairbairn's concept that psychological health represents the development from immature dependence, to mature interdependence between a fully differentiated `self 'and `other'. This is considered alongside Foulkes' ideas on exchange. The author proposes that anxiety on joining a group causes defensive regression. Exchange is avoided by the adoption of two proposed defences: self-denying fusion, or narcissistic fusion. Resolution occurs via the transition from fusion, through joining, to belonging, as one amongst peers, with whom reciprocal exchange is expressed via the discourse of the group.
Construct and Predictive Validity Evidence for Curriculum-Based Measures of Early Literacy and Numeracy Skills in Kindergarten
Authors: Betts Joseph , Pickart Mary , Heistad Dave
Published: August 2008

The assessment of early literacy and numeracy skills can provide useful and important information in pursuance of the goal to increase student academic achievement. At present, there have been promising results using curriculum-based measurement (CBM) for evaluating early literacy and early numeracy. There has been little research investigating the use of both early literacy and numeracy CBM-type skills assessments in a comprehensive battery. This research extends previous research by investigating the internal validity of an assessment battery of literacy and numeracy skills assessed at the end of kindergarten and external validity in the form of predictive validity for second-grade outcomes in reading and mathematics. Results suggest that correlated factors representing early literacy and numeracy skills are being measured. Evidence of convergent and incremental predictive validity with respect to later reading and mathematics outcomes was strong, but discriminant validity was not substantiated.
Using the Victim Role as Both Sword and Shield
Authors: Kenney J. Scott , Clairmont Don
Published: August 2008

Recently, criminal justice professionals have advocated restorative justice as an alternative to traditional punitive practices. Extant research has not examined the strategic interpersonal dynamics between victims, offenders, supporters, and facilitators during restorative justice sessions. Our ethnographic study addresses this gap. Building on studies of emotion in reintegrative shaming, we explore how shaming emotions are dramaturgically mediated by the rhetorical use of victim roles. We suggest that this micropolitical shame management facilitates apparently meaningful outcomes, undermines them, or results in agreements based more on realpolitik than reintegration. Our data are derived from detailed field notes at 28 youth restorative justice sessions in a mid-sized Canadian city. Our findings reveal a different picture than the frequently idealized images of restorative justice, thus underscoring the need for further analysis in this important area of criminal justice.
The Evolution of Knowledge Clusters
Authors: Huggins Robert
Published: August 2008

The economic downturn post-2000 badly undermined the rapid growth of knowledge-based and technology-led sectors. This article reflects on post- and pre-2000 development from the perspective of the evolution of regional clusters of knowledge-based activity. Four case studies of knowledge clusters are presented—Silicon Valley (United States), Cambridge (United Kingdom), Ottawa (Canada), and Helsinki (Finland)—as a means of understanding how the modus operandi of such clusters is evolving. The author finds that knowledge cluster development is shifting from one of internal reliance to models based on wider connectivity and consolidation. It is these new patterns of connected clusters and broadened knowledge networks that both firms and policy makers are increasingly attempting to foster. A framework outlining the key stages of evolution through which knowledge clusters advance is proposed. The author concludes that cluster policies must be increasingly attuned to positioning within a global network environment.
Bouncing Between the Dark and Bright Sides
Authors: Jorrín-Abellán Iván M. , Rubia-Avi Bartolomé , Anguita-Martínez Rocio , Gómez-Sánchez Eduardo , Martínez-Mones Alejandra
Published: August 2008

The authors carried out a 4-year qualitative analysis of a case study in higher education. An undergraduate course based on the principles of computer supported collaborative learning (CSCL) was designed, implemented, and evaluated. The process was developed by a community of practice, formed by quite a number of researchers coming from the information and communication technology and education fields. All of them belong to the Intelligent & Cooperative Systems Research Group—Education, Media, Informatics and Culture transdisciplinary group. The case provided many “tasty” partial results that were used to develop and improve three ad hoc supporting tools: Quest, Samsa, and Iloca. In this article, the authors offer a set of reflections about how the aforementioned tools were fed by the ethnographical analysis carried out, helping to overcome problems of flexibility and contextualization that are typical of the generic supporting tools generally used in the evaluation of higher education innovations.
Racing and Queering the Interface
Authors: Gajjala Radhika , Rybas Natalia , Altman Melissa
Published: August 2008

This essay is concerned with social and cultural problems of producing, consuming, and using technology. Based on epistemologies of doing, we race and queer the interface while doing technologies as they are located in specific contexts and moments. Our multi-vocal cyberethnographic engagement explores the production of selves at the intersection of online/offline activities. Our narratives shed light on how power works in multiply mediated contexts and reveals how ideology, discourse, and material practice interweave in the production of global/local cyberselves. Situated in her own specific socio-cultural personal context, each one of us attempts to understand the processes of identity production at the computer interface and to capture the (in)visible code that serves as the framework for the interaction.
Distinct Response Time Distributions in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Subtypes
Authors: Querne Laurent , Berquin Patrick
Published: August 2008

Objective: To address the issue of response time (RT) profiles in hyperactive-impulsive (ADHD-HI), inattentive (ADHD-IA), and combined (ADHD-C) subtypes of ADHD. We hypothesized that children with ADHD-HI should respond more rapidly than children without ADHD and children with ADHD-IA and ADHD-C should respond more slowly than children without ADHD. Method: Four groups (3 ADHD groups and 1 non-ADHD group) each composed of 16 children (7-13 years old) performed a visuospatial choice task. Results: ANOVA indicated very variable RTs for each ADHD subtype when controlling for individual RT. ANOVA performed on RT distribution showed significant differences between the ADHD and non-ADHD groups: biased to fast responses in ADHD-HI and biased to slow responses in ADHD-IA and ADHD-C. Conclusion: The results suggest that response time profiles were abnormal in all ADHD subtypes and were markedly different between children meeting criteria for ADHD-HI and those meeting criteria for ADHD-IA or ADHD-C.
Comorbidity, socioeconomic status and multiple sclerosis
Authors: Marrie RA , Horwitz R , Cutter G , Tyry T , Campagnolo D , Vollmer T
Published: August 2008

Objective

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with substantial morbidity. The impact of comorbidity on MS is unknown, but comorbidity may explain some of the unpredictable progression. Comorbidity is common in the general population, and is associated with adverse health outcomes. To begin understanding the impact of comorbidity on MS, we need to know the breadth, type, and frequencies of comorbidities among MS patients. Using the North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis (NARCOMS) Registry, we aimed to describe comorbidities and their demographic predictors in MS.

Methods

In October 2006, we queried NARCOMS participants regarding physical comorbidities. Of 16,141 participants meeting the inclusion criteria, 8983 (55.7%) responded.

Results

Comorbidity was relatively common; if we considered conditions which are very likely to be accurately self-reported, then 3280 (36.7%) reported at least one physical comorbidity. The most frequently reported comorbidities were hypercholesterolemia (37%), hypertension (30%), and arthritis (16%). Associated with the risk of comorbidity were being male [females vs. males, odds ratio (OR) 0.77; 0.69–0.87]; age (age >60 years vs. age ≤44 years, OR 5.91; 4.95–7.06); race (African Americans vs. Whites, OR 1.46; 1.06–2.03); and socioeconomic status (Income <$15,000 vs. Income >$100,000, OR 1.37; 1.10–1.70).

Conclusions

Comorbidity is common in MS and similarly associated with socioeconomic status.
Service users and staff from secure intellectual disability settings
Authors: Jones Peter , Stenfert Kroese Biza
Published: August 2008

The appropriateness of and justification for physical restraint procedures in intellectual disabilities settings is an emotive issue. It creates a number of ethical dilemmas for nursing staff. This article examines the views of service users and nursing staff from secure residential facilities where restraint is used frequently. Both groups were asked to rate three videotaped restraint procedures for their acceptability. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the acceptability ratings of the methods of restraint. Service users were then interviewed about their restraint experiences. They reported feeling very angry, sad, stressed and confused and not at all happy or relaxed when being restrained. Scores indicated that participants were significantly happier and less stressed after restraint than during restraint.
CD4 T cells: fates, functions, and faults
Authors: Zhu Jinfang , Paul William E.
Published: August 2008

In 1986, Mosmann and Coffman identified 2 subsets of activated CD4 T cells, Th1 and Th2 cells, which differed from each other in their pattern of cytokine production and their functions. Our understanding of the importance of the distinct differentiated forms of CD4 T cells and of the mechanisms through which they achieve their differentiated state has greatly expanded over the past 2 decades. Today at least 4 distinct CD4 T-cell subsets have been shown to exist, Th1, Th2, Th17, and iTreg cells. Here we summarize much of what is known about the 4 subsets, including the history of their discovery, their unique cytokine products and related functions, their distinctive expression of cell surface receptors and their characteristic transcription factors, the regulation of their fate determination, and the consequences of their abnormal activation.
Runx transcription factors in neuronal development
Authors: Inoue Ken-ichi , Shiga Takashi , Ito Yoshiaki
Published: August 2008

Runt-related (Runx) transcription factors control diverse aspects of embryonic development and are responsible for the pathogenesis of many human diseases. In recent years, the functions of this transcription factor family in the nervous system have just begun to be understood. In dorsal root ganglion neurons, Runx1 and Runx3 play pivotal roles in the development of nociceptive and proprioceptive sensory neurons, respectively. Runx appears to control the transcriptional regulation of neurotrophin receptors, numerous ion channels and neuropeptides. As a consequence, Runx contributes to diverse aspects of the sensory system in higher vertebrates. In this review, we summarize recent progress in determining the role of Runx in neuronal development.
Human dendritic cells differentiated in hypoxia down-modulate antigen uptake and change their chemokine expression profile
Authors: Elia Angela Rita , Cappello Paola , Puppo Maura , Fraone Tiziana , Vanni Cristina , Eva Alessandra , Musso Tiziana , Novelli Francesco , Varesio Luigi , Giovarelli Mirella
Published: August 2008

Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent antigen-presenting cells and fine-tune the immune response. We have investigated hypoxia’s effects on the differentiation and maturation of DCs from human monocytes in vitro, and have shown that it affects DC functions. Hypoxic immature DCs (H-iDCs) significantly fail to capture antigens through down-modulation of the RhoA/Ezrin-Radixin-Moesin pathway and the expression of CD206. Moreover, H-iDCs released higher levels of CXCL1, VEGF, CCL20, CXCL8, and CXCL10 but decreased levels of CCL2 and CCL18, which predict a different ability to recruit neutrophils rather than monocytes and create a proinflammatory and proangiogenic environment. By contrast, hypoxia has no effect on DC maturation. Hypoxic mature DCs display a mature phenotype and activate both allogeneic and specific T cells like normoxic mDCs. This study provides the first demonstration that hypoxia inhibits antigen uptake by DCs and profoundly changes the DC chemokine expression profile and may have a critical role in DC differentiation, adaptation, and activation in inflamed tissues.