bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Telling stories: learning from patients' and families' experiences of specialist child and adolescent mental health services
Authors: Ahuja Alka S. , Williams Richard
Published: August 2010

Increasingly, patients', relatives', carers' and practitioners' experiences and values are recognized as important aspects of health‐care decision‐making. Arguably, practitioners, patients and carers should participate as co‐producers of health care. The roles of patients and carers are changing as practitioners and their educators value more highly their experiences and expertise. One way of promoting co‐production and user engagement in specialist child and adolescent mental health services is to actively involve patients and their carers in educating health‐care practitioners. This recognizes that service users, or patients, can contribute in unique ways as experts in their illnesses. The aim of this paper was to explore the experiences and opinions of patients and their families about their specialist mental health care and inform a web‐based educational resource for practitioners. This paper reports a qualitative study of the views, experiences and expectations of young people and their carers who were known to the specialist child and adolescent mental health service in Gwent. Qualitative, in‐depth interviews were conducted with 15 families. Analysis of the transcripts focussed on the families' journeys into and through the service, their positive and negative experiences, and the impact of their mental health problems. Themes emerged that concern difficulties in gaining access to appropriate services because of lack of clarity in referral routes, poor communication among different agencies, and the impact of diagnoses on the young people and their families. Families known to the services were satisfied with the information and support provided by the services. Most identified particular staff or agencies that they had found helpful in their journey. The study reported here captured a rich seam of experiences and opinions that have since been translated into a web‐based educational resource. The information from this study will equip practitioners to work more effectively with young people who are distressed or unwell and their families.
Public partnerships, governance and user involvement: a service user perspective
Authors: Beresford Peter
Published: August 2010

This paper explores public partnerships and governance from a service user perspective, drawing both on the author's own involvement in service user organizations and movements and on material associated with and produced by these organizations and movements. It addresses the ambivalent relationship between service user organizations and movements and the idea and practice of ‘partnerships’, and explores their preference for ideas of ‘alliance’. It charts the different approaches to and ideologies underpinning user involvement and their implications for partnership between state and service users and their organizations. It offers a set of components for improving such partnerships as well as highlighting the growing interest of service users' organizations and movements in developing and extending alliances.
Reconstructing consumer participation in evidence‐based health care: a polemic
Authors: Jordan Zoe , Court Anthea
Published: August 2010

Consumer participation in the evidence‐based health‐care movement is largely seen as important by those who promote evidence‐based health care but is surrounded by a range of competing discourses that variously critique medicine, nursing or health‐care systems; situate consumers as powerless players within systems characterized by controlling health professionals; or politicize the role of the consumer as activist and defender of patient rights. This paper explores these competing discourses and develops an argument that asserts that the social construction of the evidence‐based movement has rendered previously accepted terminology regarding the user or receiver of health services relatively meaningless. The result has been the ‘politicisation’ and ‘professionalisation’ of consumer participation and the time has come to reconstruct consumer participation in evidence‐based health care – from the generation of evidence to guideline development.
Consumers as researchers – innovative experiences in UK National Health Service Research
Authors: Caldon Lisa J.M. , Marshall‐Cork Hazel , Speed Gillian , Reed Malcolm W.R. , Collins Karen A.
Published: August 2010

Consumer involvement is an established priority in UK health‐ and social‐care service development and research. To date, little has been published describing the process of consumer involvement and assessing ‘consumers’ contributions to research. This paper provides a practical account of the effective incorporation of consumers into a research team, and outlines the extent to which they can enhance the research cycle; from project development and conduct, through data analysis and interpretation, to dissemination. Salient points are illustrated using the example of their collaboration in a research project. Of particular note were consumers' contributions to the development of an ethically enhanced, more robust project design, and enriched data interpretation, which may not have resulted had consumers not been an integral part of the research team.
‘I send the wife to the doctor’– Men's behaviour as health consumers
Authors: Buckley Joan , Ó Tuama Seamus
Published: August 2010

This paper explores men's behaviour and attitudes in relation to health matters. While there has been some practical and research progress in engaging with users of health services, there is less development in the area of engaging non‐users. In effect, all members of the society can be the consumers/users of health promotion, though not all are. This paper reports on the first stage of a wider project aimed at increasing the effectiveness of skin cancer awareness messages aimed at men. The project focuses on men over 50 from an area of socio‐economic disadvantage, since these men tend to have the lowest life expectancies in general, and the highest incidences of mortality for skin cancer both at a national and international level. The research was conducted through community‐based focus groups and while the sample was relatively, small it produced some interesting outcomes in terms of how this cohort audited and responded to public health promotion campaigns; how they perceive cancer and health issues in general; how they respond to health issues; and how they view both the public health service in Ireland and the ways health professionals relate to them. It confirms many theories about how men view their health and how they respond to health promotion campaigns. Among other points, it raises questions about the possible mixed benefits of testimonial‐based advertising. It also indicates that there may be further layers of complexity connected to identity, fatalism, problem solving and respectful treatment that have not been sufficiently articulated in the literature. It points to the need for greater engagement by service planners and providers with the needs of their target audience, which may require a more encompassing definition of service user.
Impact of public involvement in research on quality of life and society: a case study of research career trajectories
Authors: Williamson Tracey , Brogden Joan , Jones Elaine , Ryan Julia
Published: August 2010

This case study illustrates the research career trajectory of two lay researchers after they joined a Big Lottery funded study to explore loneliness and isolation among older people living in a town in the north of England, UK. The two lay researchers were of pensionable age themselves and engaged in all aspects of the research process as full members of the research team. Following research methods training and their substantive input into study design, they engaged fully in an approach of peer‐interviewing of other older adults as the main study method. Following this initial exposure to undertaking research, these exemplars of public involvement in research went on to be involved in other research as co‐researchers at a local and national level. Initially the paper sets out the lay researchers' personal backgrounds and expectations from involvement in research. The impact of their involvement in research on their quality of life and that of their community is presented. Latterly, the societal impact of the lay researcher's involvement is examined. The difference they made to the initial study design and conduct is described first followed by their development as substantial research resources for other studies and community initiatives. Overall the impact of these lay researchers has been significant and the paper provides an example of how involvement in research can impact on individuals and communities to great effect.
Viewpoint: let's teach medical students what patient partnership in clinical practice can be, with the involvement of educationally engaged patients
Authors: Barr Jenny , Ogden Kathryn , Rooney Kim
Published: August 2010

As highly influential health consumers, the importance of the patient's voice is portrayed in the literature, leading to new directions in heath policy and practice. The authors' experience of patient partnership in the context of medical education has provided us with an opportunity to develop an understanding of what patient partnership in education should be about and how this can be implemented in a sustainable manner within undergraduate curriculum.

This viewpoint outlines the context for our philosophy of providing students with the opportunity to engage with patients' stories and needs, and to graduate students ready to conduct consultations in a patient centred manner. The Patient Partner Program is the vehicle by which this teaching and learning approach occurs.

The Patient Partner Program recruits actual volunteer community patients to be educationally engaged with senior medical students, participating in regular weekly small group teaching encounters. The contribution of these patients is significant and there is evidence that patients themselves recognize the importance of their role in the programme. We believe the strength of the Patient Partner Program lies in the nurturing of relationships and the engagement of those involved.

The challenges of achieving and maintaining true patient partnership are acknowledged including the students' perception of their learning needs as they move towards their junior doctor role, and providing students with meaningful formative feedback. These challenges should not be deterrents for pursuing partnership with patients in an educational setting.
Does strategic involvement of mental health service users and carers in the planning, design and commissioning of mental health services lead to better outcomes?
Authors: Horrocks Janice , Lyons Christina , Hopley Paul
Published: August 2010

There is an assumption, explicit in the current government policy, that involvement of mental health service users and carers in the planning, design and commissioning of mental health services will lead to better outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine evidence from board‐level participation of service users and carers that might support this assumption. A thematic analysis of documents generated by a strategic Lancashire Mental Health and Social Care Partnership during 2007 was undertaken. Themes for the analysis were generated from priorities identified from a postal survey of mental health services users from across Lancashire.

The findings indicate that whilst service user and carer involvement is a high priority, the Lancashire Partnership spent most of its time discussing process and actions. Where service user involvement resulted in better outcomes, these improved outcomes were limited to the individual service users involved, rather than better outcomes for all service users.

Whilst the membership of mental health service users and carers on the Lancashire Partnership Board presents a visible commitment from senior officers and may confer greater legitimacy to the decisions made by the Lancashire Partnership, service users and carers do not appear to play the desired instrumental role. Rather, their presence may be largely symbolic. This sends out the message across the health and social care system that partnership with service users and carers and their empowerment is important and has the potential to evolve further.
The recognition and valuing of patient knowledge: a way forward
Authors: Henderson Amanda , Henderson Peter
Published: August 2010

The health care that patients receive, particularly in acute care settings, is mainly based in biomedical knowledge. The scientific method of investigating health conditions has directly contributed to the development of this knowledge. This has made a significant contribution to increased survival rates, reduced recovery periods and extending the duration of life.

The influence of consumerism on health‐care management has led to an expectation of increased patient involvement when making decisions about their treatment options. This assumes that the provision of information helps improve patients' understanding of the diagnosed health condition and assists them to make ‘good’ decisions. Accordingly, there is a greater focus on providing information to patients.

The information provided to patients mostly involves explanation about the biomedical aspects of their health condition. However, patients also desire information about how the health condition will affect their everyday life. We call the understanding of the implications of this information ‘everyday knowledge’. Provision of this information can assist patients by helping them realize their expectations and providing reassurance to both patients and their significant others.

Unfortunately, everyday knowledge that assists patients to understand and manage their daily life has not been as systematically researched or examined. While biomedical knowledge has been extensively developed and promoted through funding regimes, everyday knowledge has not benefited from the same support.

The interactions in health‐care settings are influential in the generation and use of knowledge. Practises that encourage sensitivity by health professionals to each patient's situation need to be identified and implemented. An increased focus on the inclusion of everyday knowledge alongside biomedical knowledge is likely to enhance the relevance of the information that patients currently receive.
Public involvement in health genomics: the reality behind the policies
Authors: Avard Denise , Stanton Jean Michèle , Grégoire Gabrielle , Page Madeline
Published: August 2010

Public involvement is increasingly becoming the norm as stakeholders recognize the need to inform, consult and engage the public. However, there is limited understanding about the meaning and implications of public involvement, in particular elements like the levels of public involvement, the goals of the involvement, the type of public to be involved, the methods of involving the public and the need to assess effectiveness. We conducted a systematic review of policy documents/guidelines published between 1998 and 2009, by governments, health professionals and the public regarding public involvement in the area of human genomics. Documents were identified using the HUMGEN database and organizational web sites. A total of 70 documents were retrieved addressing public involvement and human genomics. The review revealed that 22 documents mentioned the active process of partnership and collaboration, whereas 27 mentioned consultation and 29 mentioned education. The most common goals were building trust and respect, followed by education, governance and lastly, understanding risks and benefits. We found that less than a third of the documents defined who the public is, and when mechanisms for public involvement were mentioned, they were rarely placed into a context. Few documents drew attention to evaluation. It is reassuring to see that there has been an emphasis placed on public involvement in the area of health and genomics. The findings underscore the gaps existing in the actual policy documents/guidelines and the need to clarify the goals, the methods, who is the public, what mechanism are appropriate and the need for evaluation when addressing public involvement in health genomics.
Citizen and consumer involvement in UK public services
Authors: Farrell Catherine M.
Published: August 2010

This paper is concerned with the involvement and participation of citizens and consumers in UK public services. It reflects on levels of involvement over a 30‐year period and maps this accordingly. Using models of participation, the paper reviews the citizen and consumer concepts. Conclusions are drawn about involvement and participation in practice and how this will develop in the future.
Exploratory analysis of Chinese‐American family caregivers' needs and instructional video on dressing stroke survivors
Authors: Lin Shu‐Hwa
Published: August 2010

The aims of this project were to explore the needs of family caregivers in the Chinese‐American community and to develop training videos for caregivers on dressing stroke survivors. In‐depth, semi‐structured, open‐ended interviews were used to explore the problems of caregivers of stroke survivors. Forty participants were recruited from Chinese‐American communities. Verbatim interview transcripts were coded and analyzed. Four main concerns emerged: the impact and adjustment in lifestyle for family caregivers; lack of social activities and failure to seek community support; physical and mental stress and methods to alleviate stress, such as instruction in heavy lifting and guidance for daily activities, which include dressing. An 18‐min video was produced to provide instruction on dressing stroke survivors for those who need this information. Also, this article addresses the lack of social activities and information about community or public services.
Strengthening the voice of mental health service users and carers in Wales: a focus group study to inform future policy
Authors: Thomas Phil , Wilson Christine , Jones Phil
Published: August 2010

Improving the mental health of the people in Wales lies at the heart of the Welsh Assembly Government's public health agenda and the current reforms of the National Health Service in Wales. However, relative to its importance as a health problem, spending on mental health is disproportionately low. Statutory authorities in Wales highlight the importance of listening to, and learning from, service users and carers. This is seen as a way of improving services within the limited funding that is available. The aims of this study were to describe the ways in which mental health service users and carers are currently involved in mental health services across Wales; and to consider the need for an all‐Wales mental health service user and carer ‘national mechanism’ to promote genuine partnership. Eight focus groups were held across Wales attended by mental health service users and carers. There is a clear picture of the level and nature of participation, evidence of good practice and user and carer based aspirations for future participation. There is an untapped source of energy and experience that could help transform mental health services for the good of all. To ignore this would be to miss an opportunity to improve the quality of care for all those dependent upon these services, both patients and carers.
Functional and immunocytochemical characterization of the creatine transporter in rat hippocampal neurons
Authors: Dodd Joanna R. , Birch Nigel P. , Waldvogel Henry J. , Christie David L.
Published: August 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 115, 684–693.

Creatine uptake by neurons requires a specific creatine transporter (CRT). The purpose of the present work was to investigate the activity and localization of the CRT in primary cultures of hippocampal neurons obtained from 18‐day rat embryos. Creatine uptake increased as the neurons differentiated in culture. Immunofluorescence microscopy showed most of the CRT was associated with dendrites, although some CRT was present in axons and axon terminals. Neurons contained high levels of Na+‐dependent creatine transport activity (Km = 45.5 μM; Vmax, 1719 pmol creatine/min/mg protein) which was inhibited by competitive inhibitors of the CRT. The IC50 for guanidinoacetate, a precursor of creatine, was 712 μM, ∼ 15‐fold higher than the Km for creatine. Incubation of neurons with 1 mM creatine resulted in the accumulation of high levels of creatine which affected the Vmax but not the Km for creatine transport. The rate of creatine release from neurons increased in the absence of Na+ showing the importance of the electrochemical gradient for creatine retention. This is the first detailed study of the CRT in neurons and identifies primary cultures of rat hippocampal neurons as a good model for future studies of the CRT in relation to the effects of creatine on neuronal function and viability.
Experimental models of vascular dementia and vascular cognitive impairment: a systematic review
Authors: Jiwa Nadim S. , Garrard Peter , Hainsworth Atticus H.
Published: August 2010

J. Neurochem.(2010)115, 814–828.

Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) encompasses vascular dementia and is the second most common cause of dementing illness after Alzheimer’s disease. The main causes of VCI are: cerebral small vessel disease; multi‐infarct dementia; strategic infarct (i.e. located in a functionally‐critical brain area); haemorrhage/microbleed; angiopathy (including cerebral amyloid angiopathy); severe hypoperfusion (e.g. cardiac arrhythmia); and hereditary vasculopathy (e.g. cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy, CADASIL). In this systematic analysis, we aimed to relate cognitive and neuropathological features of experimental models to clinical VCI. We extracted data from 107 studies covering 16 models. These included: brief global ischaemic insults (in rats, mice or gerbils); chronic global hypoperfusion (rats, mice, gerbils); chronic hypertension (in primates or stroke‐prone, spontaneously‐hypertensive rats); multiple ischaemic lesions because of intra‐vascular emboli (in rodents, rabbits or primates); strategic ischaemic lesions (in rats or mini‐pigs); generalised vasculopathies, because of mutant Notch3, hyperhomocysteinaemia, experimental diabetes mellitus or lack of cerebral vasodilator M5receptors (rats or mice). Most cognitive testing showed deficits in working and reference memory. The lesions observed were microinfarcts, diffuse white matter lesions, hippocampal neuronal death, focal ischaemic lesions and micro‐haemorrhages. The most‐used model was bilateral carotid artery occlusion in rats, leading to chronic hypoperfusion and white matter injury.
Could SF‐36 be used as a screening instrument for depression in a Swedish youth population?
Authors: Kristjánsdóttir Jóna , Olsson Gunilla I. , Sundelin Claes , Naessen Tord
Published: August 2010

Scand J Caring Sci; 2011; 25; 262–268
 
Could SF‐36 be used as a screening instrument for depression in a Swedish youth population?

Objective:  Depression among youth is a condition associated with serious long‐term morbidity and suicide. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a HRQoL instrument, the short form 36 version 1.0 (SF‐36), could be used to screen for depression in a clinical Youth Centre (YC). A second purpose was to describe self‐reported health and depression.

Setting:  A clinical YC at a University hospital.

Design:  A sample of 660 youths, 14–20 years old was assessed with SF‐36 and Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, self‐screening version (MADRS‐S). Answers to all the questions in both instruments were given by 79% (519/660; 453 women and 66 men). Mean age in the sample was 17.5 ± 1.6 years.

Results:  Strong correlations were found between all the SF‐36 subscales and the depression ratio scale MADRS‐S. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis confirmed that the SF‐36 subscales mental health (MH) and vitality (VT) could correctly predict depression on the individual level with Area Under the ROC Curve values 0.87 and 0.84 in ROC curves. Individuals scoring 48 or lower on MH and 40 or lower on VT should be followed up with a clinical interview concerning possible depressive disorder. Mild to moderate depression was common (35.5%), especially among women (37.5%). Men scored higher than women on all SF‐36 subscales except for physical functioning.

Conclusions:  The SF‐36 can be used to screen for suspect depression in a youth population followed by interview. This gives an opportunity to detect and treat emerging depressive symptoms early.
Developments in Disperse Dyes
Authors: DAWSON JOHN F.
Published: August 2010

The paper is in part a continuation of the previous review [1] and covers the period up to September 1977. During this time there have been considerable developments in the areas of transfer printing and fibre blends, particularly polyester‐cotton. Disperse dyes in use in these areas are discussed.
Developments in Carpet Printing
Authors: Dunkerley Kenneth
Published: August 2010

This review gives an outline of the development of carpet printing followed by the current situation and is then divided to cover the following sections:

 machinery, including roller, screen and transfer printing, the application of dye streams, fixation and washing equipment

 mechanical and chemical factors affecting the quality of printed carpet

 special techniques, such as the currently popular resist printing.

Although nylon is by far the most important fibre, the printing of other carpet fibres is discussed. Finally, likely future developments are outlined.
Chemical and Technical Progress in the Dyeing of Paper
Authors: Groebke W , Martin G
Published: August 2010

Originally paper was dyed with selected basic and acid textile dyes. Now, based on intensive research, speciality paper dyes have been developed which meet the very high colouristic, technical and ecological requirements.
The Degradation of Automotive Upholstery Fabrics by Light and Heat
Authors: Milligan Brian
Published: August 2010

Automotive upholstery fabrics must withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight and high temperatures. This review describes the effects of light and heat on the textile fibres commonly used in automotive upholstery. Methods for photostabilising these fibres are also discussed.
Quantifying metamerism
Authors: Choudhury A K Roy , Chatterjee S M
Published: August 2010

Metamerism can add an additional dimension to colour control systems. Different aspects of metamerism have been studied and discussed by many researchers. Computerised colorant formulations normally predict low metameric recipes, but the reliability of present measures of metamerism may be questionable as fresh aspects of colour appearance have been recently described. Chromatic adaptation and colour constancy are related phenomena. Studies in these fields are reviewed in this paper, which hopefully will encourage researchers to find a new and more effective measure of metamerism.
Degumming of silk
Authors: Gulrajani M L
Published: August 2010

Degumming of silk involves the cleavage of peptide bonds of sericin, either by hydrolytic or enzymatic methods, and the subsequent removal of sericin from the silk fibroin. Hydrolysis of sericin can be carried out under neutral, alkaline or acidic conditions to give four fractions, each having different properties. Boiling‐off in alkaline soap solution is the most popular degumming method. There are many qualitative methods of assessing the extent of degumming; however, quantitative methods have yet to be developed. Degumming can be carried out on yarn or fabric, in manually or mechanically operated machines. Mechanisms of degumming remain to be investigated.
Credit Spreads and Monetary Policy
Authors: CÚRDIA VASCO , WOODFORD MICHAEL
Published: August 2010

We consider the desirability of modifying a standard Taylor rule for interest rate policy to incorporate adjustments for measures of financial conditions. We consider the consequences of such adjustments for the way policy would respond to a variety of disturbances, using the dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model with credit frictions developed in Cúrdia and Woodford (2009a). According to our model, an adjustment for variations in credit spreads can improve upon the standard Taylor rule, but the optimal size of adjustment depends on the source of the variation in credit spreads. A response to the quantity of credit is less likely to be helpful.
Optimal Monetary Policy in a Model with Agency Costs
Authors: CARLSTROM CHARLES T. , FUERST TIMOTHY S. , PAUSTIAN MATTHIAS
Published: August 2010

This paper integrates a fully explicit model of agency costs into an otherwise standard Dynamic New Keynesian model in a particularly transparent way. A principal result is the characterization of agency costs as endogenous markup shocks in an output‐gap version of the Phillips curve. The model's utility‐based welfare criterion is derived explicitly and includes a measure of credit market tightness that we interpret as a risk premium. The paper also fully characterizes optimal monetary policy and provides conditions under which zero inflation is the optimal policy. Finally, optimal policy can be expressed as an inflation targeting criterion that (depending upon parameter values) can be either forward or backward looking.
Credit and Banking in a DSGE Model of the Euro Area
Authors: GERALI ANDREA , NERI STEFANO , SESSA LUCA , SIGNORETTI FEDERICO M.
Published: August 2010

This paper studies the role of credit supply factors in business cycle fluctuations using a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model with financial frictions enriched with an imperfectly competitive banking sector. Banks issue collateralized loans to both households and firms, obtain funding via deposits, and accumulate capital out of retained earnings. Loan margins depend on the banks' capital‐to‐assets ratio and on the degree of interest rate stickiness. Balance‐sheet constraints establish a link between the business cycle, which affects bank profits and thus capital, and the supply and cost of loans. The model is estimated with Bayesian techniques using data for the euro area. The analysis delivers the following results. First, the banking sector and, in particular, sticky rates attenuate the effects of monetary policy shocks, while financial intermediation increases the propagation of supply shocks. Second, shocks originating in the banking sector explain the largest share of the contraction of economic activity in 2008, while macroeconomic shocks played a limited role. Third, an unexpected destruction of bank capital may have substantial effects on the economy.
Inflation Expectations and Risk Premiums in an Arbitrage‐Free Model of Nominal and Real Bond Yields
Authors: CHRISTENSEN JENS H. E. , LOPEZ JOSE A. , RUDEBUSCH GLENN D.
Published: August 2010

Differences between yields on comparable‐maturity U.S. Treasury nominal and real debt, the so‐called breakeven inflation (BEI) rates, are widely used indicators of inflation expectations. However, better measures of inflation expectations could be obtained by subtracting inflation risk premiums (IRP) from the BEI rates. We provide such decompositions using an affine arbitrage‐free model of the term structure that captures the pricing of both nominal and real Treasury securities. Our empirical results suggest that long‐term inflation expectations have been well anchored over the past few years, and IRP, although volatile, have been close to zero on average.
International Transmission of U.S. Monetary Policy Shocks: Evidence from Stock Prices
Authors: AMMER JOHN , VEGA CLARA , WONGSWAN JON
Published: August 2010

This paper analyzes intraday changes in firm‐level equity prices around interest rate announcements to assess the transmission of U.S. monetary policy to the global economy. We document that foreign firms on average are roughly as sensitive to U.S. monetary policy as U.S. firms, although we also find considerable cross‐sectional variation across firms. In particular, foreign stocks in cyclically sensitive industries show stronger responses to interest rate surprises, consistent with a demand channel of policy transmission. In addition, transmission of U.S. policy appears to be stronger to economies with fixed exchange rates. Evidence for a credit channel is weaker.
Rethinking Macroeconomic Policy
Authors: BLANCHARD OLIVIER , DELL’ARICCIA GIOVANNI , MAURO PAOLO
Published: August 2010

The great moderation lulled macroeconomists and policymakers alike in the belief that we knew how to conduct macroeconomic policy. The crisis clearly forces us to question that assessment. In this paper, we review the main elements of the precrisis consensus, identify where we were wrong and what tenets of the precrisis framework still hold, and take a tentative first pass at the contours of a new macroeconomic policy framework.
Monetary Policy and Financial Markets at the Effective Lower Bound
Authors: SVENSSON LARS E.O.
Published: August 2010

I discuss what determines the effective lower bound (ELB) for the policy rate and argue that the ELB is not hard, but rather soft, and that it is probably slightly negative. I argue that, at the ELB, current output can be increased by (i) monetary policy that extends the period of credibly low policy rates and generates inflation expectations, (ii) financial‐stability policy—which is distinct from monetary policy—that reduces the spreads between market interest rates and the policy rate, and (iii) fiscal policy that increases the neutral real rate by reducing expected growth of government expenditure and increases potential output by increasing current government expenditure.
Productivity, exporting, and the learning‐by‐exporting hypothesis: direct evidence from UK firms
Authors: Crespi Gustavo , Criscuolo Chiara , Haskel Jonathan
Published: August 2010

Abstract. Case studies suggest exporters learn from clients. Econometric evidence is mixed. We use firm‐level panel data on exporting and productivity with direct information on learning sources, including clients. We find: (a) firms who exported in the past are likely to learn more from clients (relative to other sources); (b) firms who learned from clients in the past are more likely to have faster productivity growth; (c) the reverse is not the case; that is, past productivity growth is not associated with more learning from clients and past learning from clients is not associated with more exporting. These results are consistent with the learning‐by‐exporting hypothesis.
Olfactory cues mediating prey‐searching behaviour in interacting aphidophagous predators: are semiochemicals key factors in predator‐facilitation?
Authors: Tapia D. H. , Morales F. , Grez A. A.
Published: August 2010

Based on their effect on prey populations, predators can interact synergistically, additively, or antagonistically. Predator attraction by semiochemicals in response to herbivory is well documented; however, the possibility of semiochemicals mediating synergistic interactions has not been explored. Eriopis connexa (Germar) and Hippodamia variegata (Goeze) (both Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) interact synergistically with carabid species in Central Chile, a phenomenon in which semiochemicals may be involved. Moreover, olfactory behaviour in these coccinellids is unknown. Olfactometries contrasting non‐infested vs. infested plants with Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris (Hemiptera: Aphididae) were performed to study olfactory prey‐searching in E. connexa, H. variegata, and Trirammatus striatula (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Carabidae). To evaluate whether semiochemicals can mediate synergistic predatory interactions, four experiments were established: olfactometries contrasting (1) infested plants with and without a predator, (2) uninfested plants with and without a predator; (3) predator vs. air, and (4) plants with previous physical activity of a predator vs. clean plants (nine combinations of predator species, according to whether they corresponded to the stimulus or focal individual). Hippodamia variegata and T. striatula were attracted to infested plants when contrasted with non‐infested plants. Infested plants with a conspecific and H. variegata elicited attraction in E. connexa, whereas T. striatula preferred infested plants with E. connexa or H. variegata. Treatments with only predators (with or without the plant) did not elicit responses, except in E. connexa which was repelled by conspecifics and H. variegata, perhaps indicating an antagonistic interaction between them; plants with previous physical activity of predators did not elicit responses. These results corroborated the importance of semiochemicals produced by herbivory in the prey‐searching behaviour of aphidophagous predators. In addition, presence of predators on the foliage may favour emission of aphid alarm pheromones, which could attract E. connexa and T. striatula. Volatiles can intervene in synergistic interactions between carabids and coccinellids; this should be replicable in other systems where predator‐facilitation between aphidophagous predators is observed.
Colonization of Tanacetum vulgare by aphids is reduced by earthworms
Authors: Wurst Susanne , Forstreuter Manfred
Published: August 2010

Soil organisms affect plant growth and chemistry and have subsequent effects on aboveground herbivore performance. However, whether herbivores discriminate between plants exposed to different soil organisms when colonizing their host plants is largely unexplored. In a greenhouse study, Tanacetum vulgare L. (Asteraceae) growing in a ruderal plant community in the presence and absence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and earthworms [Aporrectodea spp. (Haplotaxida: Lumbricidae)] was colonized by aphids [Myzus persicae Sulzer (Hemiptera: Aphididae)]. The aphids preferred to colonize plants without earthworms in the soil, and the numbers of aphids remained lower on the plants with earthworms, irrespective of the presence of AMF. Although the N, C, and P concentrations of the shoots were not affected by the soil organisms, AMF increased total aboveground biomass, total N, C, and P content, and photosynthetic activity (measured as electron transport rate) in the leaves under high light intensity. These results suggest that earthworms affect chemical cues that are used by aphids to judge host quality prior to feeding. Discrimination between plants with and without exposure to earthworms by aboveground herbivores is a novel aspect of plant‐mediated interactions between below‐ and aboveground organisms.
Skin barrier response to occlusion of healthy and irritated skin: Differences in trans‐epidermal water loss, erythema and stratum corneum lipids
Authors: Jungersted Jakob Mutanu , Høgh Julie K. , Hellgren Lars I. , Jemec Gregor B. E. , Agner Tove
Published: August 2010

Background. Occlusion of the skin is a risk factor for development of irritant contact dermatitis. Occlusion may, however, have a positive effect on skin healing. No consensus on the effect of occlusion has been reached.

Objectives. To investigate skin barrier response to occlusion on intact and damaged skin.

Methods. In study A, the response to occlusion (nitrile glove material) for either 8 hr daily for 7 days or for 72 consecutive hours, respectively, was determined and compared with that of non‐occluded skin. In study B, the response to occlusion of for 72 consecutive hours of skin that had been damaged by either sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or tape stripping, respectively, was determined and compared with that of to non‐occluded pre‐damaged skin. Skin barrier function was assessed by measurements of trans‐epidermal water loss (TEWL) and erythema. In study A, stratum corneum lipids were analysed.

Results. Occlusion of healthy skin did not significantly influence skin barrier function, ceramide profile or the ceramide/cholesterol ratio. Occlusion of the skin after SLS irritation resulted in higher TEWL than in the control (P = 0.049). Occlusion of the skin after tape stripping resulted in lower TEWL than in control skin (P = 0.007).

Conclusions. A week of occlusion did not significantly affect healthy skin, but was found to decrease healing of SLS‐damaged skin, and to improve healing of tape‐stripped skin.
Influence of tumour necrosis factor‐α polymorphism −308 and atopy on irritant contact dermatitis in healthcare workers*
Authors: Davis Jennifer A. , Visscher Marty O. , Randall Wickett R. , Hoath Steven B.
Published: August 2010

Background. Chronic irritant hand dermatitis is an issue for healthcare workers and may negatively impact infection control.

Objectives. We examined the effects of a G to A transition at position −308 on the tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) gene on chronically damaged skin of healthcare workers during exposure and recovery from repetitive hand hygiene, after intensive treatment, and on the irritant response in normal skin.

Patients/Materials/Methods. In 68 healthcare workers with irritant hand dermatitis, we genotyped TNF‐α−308 and measured the epidermal response via quantitative digital imaging, erythema, dryness, and barrier integrity.

Results. Excess hand erythema decreased with hand hygiene exposure and increased during time off for AA/GA genotypes, but had opposite effects for GG. AA/GA had smaller reductions in dryness with lotion treatment and larger reductions in excess erythema than GG. The atopic diathesis and heightened neurosensory irritation resulting from water and lactic acid significantly influenced the responses. Repeated exposure to water and sodium lauryl sulfate (0.05, 0.1%) produced higher erythema in normal skin for AA/GA than for GG.

Conclusions. This study provides evidence that the TNF‐α polymorphism at −308 and an atopic history impact the severity of irritation and recovery from exposure and response to treatment for common hand skin products in both chronic irritant hand dermatitis and normal skin.
Transmembrane helix 12 plays a pivotal role in coupling energy provision and drug binding in ABCB1
Authors: Crowley Emily , O’Mara Megan L. , Kerr Ian D. , Callaghan Richard
Published: August 2010

Describing the molecular details of the multidrug efflux process of ABCB1, in particular the interdomain communication associated with bioenergetic coupling, continues to prove difficult. A number of investigations to date have implicated transmembrane helix 12 (TM12) in mediating communication between the transmembrane domains and nucleotide‐binding domains (NBDs) of ABCB1. The present investigation further addressed the role of TM12 in ABCB1 by characterizing its topography during the multidrug efflux process with the use of cysteine‐directed mutagenesis. Cysteines were introduced at various positions along TM12 and assessed for their ability to covalently bind thiol‐reactive fluorescent probes with differing physiochemical properties. By analysing each isoform in the basal, ATP‐bound and posthydrolytic states, it was possible to determine how the local environment of TM12 alters during the catalytic cycle. Labelling with hydrophobic CM and zwitterionic BM was extensive throughout the helix in the basal, prehydrolytic and posthydrolytic states, suggesting that TM12 is in a predominantly hydrophobic environment. Overall, the carboxy region (intracellular half) of TM12 appeared to be more responsive to changes in the catalytic state of the protein than the amino region (extracellular half). Thus, the carboxy region of TM12 is suggested to be responsive to nucleotide binding and hydrolysis at the NBDs and therefore directly involved in interdomain communication. This data can be reconciled with an atomic‐scale model of human ABCB1. Taken together, these results indicate that TM12 plays a key role in the progression of the ATP hydrolytic cycle in ABCB1 and, in particular, in coordinating conformational changes between the NBDs and transmembrane domains.
Three‐step hydroxylation of vitamin D3 by a genetically engineered CYP105A1
Authors: Hayashi Keiko , Yasuda Kaori , Sugimoto Hiroshi , Ikushiro Shinichi , Kamakura Masaki , Kittaka Atsushi , Horst Ronald L. , Chen Tai C. , Ohta Miho , Shiro Yoshitsugu , Sakaki Toshiyuki
Published: August 2010

Our previous studies revealed that the double variant of cytochrome P450 (CYP)105A1, R73V/R84A, has a high ability to convert vitamin D3 to its biologically active form, 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1α,25(OH)2D3], suggesting the possibility for R73V/R84A to produce 1α,25(OH)2D3. Because Actinomycetes, including Streptomyces, exhibit properties that have potential advantages in the synthesis of secondary metabolites of industrial and medical importance, we examined the expression of R73V/R84A in Streptomyces lividans TK23 cells under the control of the tipA promoter. As expected, the metabolites 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] and 1α,25(OH)2D3 were detected in the cell culture of the recombinant S. lividans. A large amount of 1α,25(OH)2D3, the second‐step metabolite of vitamin D3, was observed, although a considerable amount of vitamin D3 still remained in the culture. In addition, novel polar metabolites 1α,25(R),26(OH)3D3 and 1α,25(S),26(OH)3D3, both of which are known to have high antiproliferative activity and low calcemic activity, were observed at a ratio of 5 : 1. The crystal structure of the double variant with 1α,25(OH)2D3 and a docking model of 1α,25(OH)2D3 in its active site strongly suggest a hydrogen‐bond network including the 1α‐hydroxyl group, and several water molecules play an important role in the substrate‐binding for 26‐hydroxylation. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that R73V/R84A can catalyze hydroxylations at C25, C1 and C26 (C27) positions of vitamin D3 to produce biologically useful compounds.
The Promyelocytic Leukemia Zinc Finger (PLZF ) gene is a novel transcriptional target of the CCAAT‐Displacement‐Protein (CUX1) repressor
Authors: Fréchette Isabelle , Darsigny Mathieu , Brochu‐Gaudreau Karine , Jones Christine , Boudreau François
Published: August 2010

The CCAAT‐Displacement‐Protein (CUX1) can transcriptionally repress sucrase–isomaltase gene expression, a specific product of enterocytes that becomes re‐expressed during human colonic polyposis. Little is known of the gene repertoire that is directly affected by CUX1 in the intestinal epithelial context. This article identifies the Promyelocytic Leukemia Zinc Finger (PLZF) gene as a transcriptional target for the CUX1 repressor. CUX1 interacts in vivo with multiple DNA‐binding sites in the 5′‐UTR and promoter of the PLZF gene in colorectal cancer cells, a region that is functionally targeted by CUX1 in cotransfection assays. PLZF was found to be induced in colorectal cancer cell lines, correlating with a low detectable level of CUX1, a pattern that was reversed in normal human colonocytes. Reduction of p200CUX1 expression by RNAi in the Caco‐2/15 cell line increased PLZF gene transcript expression. Because of the implication of Plzf in the regulation of stem cell maintenance, as well as Wnt and Ras signaling, in other systems, our observations suggest that the novel genetic relationship between CUX1 and PLZF could be of relevance to human diseases, such as leukemia, and open up a new field of investigation for the implication of these regulators during intestinal polyposis and cancer.