bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Catalytic detoxification of nerve agent and pesticide organophosphates by butyrylcholinesterase assisted with non-pyridinium oximes
Authors: Radić Zoran , Dale Trevor , Kovarik Zrinka , Berend Suzana , Garcia Edzna , Zhang Limin , Amitai Gabriel , Green Carol , Radić Božica , Duggan Brendan M. , Ajami Dariush , Rebek Julius , Taylor Palmer 
Published: December 2012

In the present paper we show a comprehensive in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo study on hydrolytic detoxification of nerve agent and pesticide OPs (organophosphates) catalysed by purified hBChE (human butyrylcholinesterase) in combination with novel non-pyridinium oxime reactivators. We identified TAB2OH (2-trimethylammonio-6-hydroxybenzaldehyde oxime) as an efficient reactivator of OP–hBChE conjugates formed by the nerve agents VX and cyclosarin, and the pesticide paraoxon. It was also functional in reactivation of sarin- and tabun-inhibited hBChE. A 3–5-fold enhancement of in vitro reactivation of VX-, cyclosarin- and paraoxon-inhibited hBChE was observed when compared with the commonly used N-methylpyridinium aldoxime reactivator, 2PAM (2-pyridinealdoxime methiodide). Kinetic analysis showed that the enhancement resulted from improved molecular recognition of corresponding OP–hBChE conjugates by TAB2OH. The unique features of TAB2OH stem from an exocyclic quaternary nitrogen and a hydroxy group, both ortho to an oxime group on a benzene ring. pH-dependences reveal participation of the hydroxy group (pKa=7.6) forming an additional ionizing nucleophile to potentiate the oxime (pKa=10) at physiological pH. The TAB2OH protective indices in therapy of sarin- and paraoxon-exposed mice were enhanced by 30–60% when they were treated with a combination of TAB2OH and sub-stoichiometric hBChE. The results of the present study establish that oxime-assisted catalysis is feasible for OP bioscavenging.
Angiotensin-(1–7): beyond the cardio-renal actions
Authors: Passos-Silva Danielle G. , Verano-Braga Thiago , Santos Robson A. S. 
Published: December 2012

It is well known that the RAS (renin–angiotensin system) plays a key role in the modulation of many functions in the body. AngII (angiotensin II) acting on AT1R (type 1 AngII receptor) has a central role in mediating most of the actions of the RAS. However, over the past 10 years, several studies have presented evidence for the existence of a new arm of the RAS, namely the ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) 2/Ang-(1–7) [angiotensin-(1–7)]/Mas axis. Ang-(1–7) can be produced from AngI or AngII via endo- or carboxy-peptidases respectively. ACE2 appears to play a central role in Ang-(1–7) formation. As described for AngII, Ang-(1–7) also has a broad range of effects in different organs and tissues which goes beyond its initially described cardiovascular and renal actions. Those effects are mediated by Mas and can counter-regulate most of the deleterious effects of AngII. The interaction Ang-(1–7)/Mas regulates different signalling pathways, such as PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase)/AKT and ERK (extracellularsignal-regulated kinase) pathways and involves downstream effectors such as NO, FOXO1 (forkhead box O1) and COX-2 (cyclo-oxygenase-2). Through these mechanisms, Ang-(1–7) is able to improve pathological conditions including fibrosis and inflammation in organs such as lungs, liver and kidney. In addition, this heptapeptide has positive effects on metabolism, increasing the glucose uptake and lipolysis while decreasing insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia. Ang-(1–7) is also able to improve cerebroprotection against ischaemic stroke, besides its effects on learning and memory. The reproductive system can also be affected by Ang-(1–7) treatment, with enhanced ovulation, spermatogenesis and sexual steroids synthesis. Finally, Ang-(1–7) is considered a potential anti-cancer treatment since it is able to inhibit cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Thus the ACE2/Ang-(1–7)/Mas pathway seems to be involved in many physiological and pathophysiological processes in several systems and organs especially by opposing the detrimental effects of inappropriate overactivation of the ACE/AngII/AT1R axis.
Soybean sudden death syndrome - advances in knowledge and disease management.
Authors: Leandro L. F. , Tatalovic N. , Luckew A. 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Sudden death syndrome (SDS) of soybean is a concern in the major soybean producing regions of North and South America. The disease is caused by soil-borne fungi of the genus
Fusarium
and is most recognized by the development of interveinal chlorosis and necrosis on leaves, and premature defoliation. Yield losses associated with SDS can be economically devastating depending on disease intensity and timing of disease onset. Our understanding about SDS has greatly expanded since it was first described in the USA in 1971, and a comprehensive review of the disease was written in 1997 by Roy
et al
. The goal of the present review is to provide an update on the current knowledge on SDS and identify resources where more detailed information can be found. The review will cover information on disease distribution and impact, pathogen taxonomy, disease aetiology, interactions with biotic and abiotic factors and disease management.
Population Genetic Comparisons among Cobia from the Northern Gulf of Mexico, U.S. Western Atlantic, and Southeast Asia
Authors: Gold John R , Giresi Melissa M , Renshaw Mark A , Gwo Jin-Chywan 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Nuclear-encoded microsatellites and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences were assayed from Cobias Rachycentron canadum sampled in waters offshore of Virginia (U.S. Atlantic), Mississippi and Louisiana (Gulf of Mexico), and Taiwan (Southeast Asia). Global exact tests and analysis of molecular variance revealed that Cobias from U.S. waters were homogeneous for alleles and genotype distributions at 27 nuclear-encoded microsatellites and were homogeneous in mtDNA haplotype distribution, whereas both genetic markers in Cobias from Taiwan differed significantly from those of Cobias in U.S. waters. Based on these genetic differences, use of Cobia broodstock from Southeast Asia in U.S. aquaculture facilities is not recommended. Results are compatible with the use of Cobia broodstock from either the U.S. Atlantic or the Gulf of Mexico for aquaculture at U.S. facilities; caveats to the exchange of broodstock between these two regions are discussed.
Women and Catholic Manuscript Networks in Seventeenth-Century England: New Research on Constance Aston Fowler’s Miscellany of Sacred and Secular Verse*
Authors: Hackett Helen 
Published: December 2012

AbstractHuntington Library manuscript HM904 is a verse miscellany compiled by Constance Aston Fowler, daughter of Lord Aston, in 1630s Staffordshire. Constance operated as a kind of literary agent, soliciting, exchanging, and circulating poems, as well as preserving them in her book. Many of these poems are by or about family and friends, but they also indicate her connections with far-reaching networks of manuscript transmission. In particular, the volume contains Catholic devotional verses in an unusual and somewhat archaic hand (Hand B) that also appears in another Catholic miscellany from 1650s Warwickshire; and secular verses that may be by the Catholic love poet William Habington, or may be hybrid compositions that imitate or adapt his work. Both these ingredients have much to say about the complex compilation processes of manuscript verse miscellanies, and about the cultural participation of women and Catholics in seventeenth-century England.
Enhanced photocatalytic performance: a β-Bi2O3 thin film by nanoporous surface
Authors: Yang Xin , Lian Xiaojuan , Liu Shangjun , Wang Gang , Jiang Chunping , Tian Jing , Chen Jinwei , Wang Ruilin 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Beta-Bi2O3 film photoanodes with different surface structures were prepared by oxidizing bismuth films. The physical properties were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV–visible absorbance spectra and atomic force microscopy (AFM). XRD shows that all films are beta phase crystal structure except the thinnest 12 nm film. SEM and AFM characterizations indicate that a nanoporous surface structure is generated on the surface after the film is annealed for 3 h, while the films annealed for 1 h show a dense surface. The direct band gaps vary from 2.63 to 2.88 eV, with the film thickness decreasing from 500 to 12 nm. The nanoporous surface structure film exhibits better light harvesting ability and incident photon-to-electron conversion efficiency (IPCE) than the dense surface films. The IPCE (61% at 350 nm and 43% at 400 nm, 0.197 VNHE) is the highest ever reported. The photocurrent density reaches 0.45 mA cm−2 when illuminated with a bias of 1.23 VNHE in 0.5M Na2SO3.
UV-laser treatment of nanodiamond seeds—a valuable tool for modification of nanocrystalline diamond films properties
Authors: Vlček J , Fitl P , Vrňata M , Fekete L , Taylor A , Fendrych F 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
This work aimed to study the UV-laser treatment of precursor (i.e. nanodiamond (ND) seeds on silicon substrates) and its influence on the properties of grown nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) films. Pulsed Nd : YAG laser operating at the fourth harmonic frequency (laser fluence E
L = 250 mJ cm−2, pulse duration 5 ns) was used as a source, equipped with an optical system for focusing laser beam onto the sample, allowing exposure of a local spot and horizontal patterning. The variable parameters were: number of pulses (from 5 to 400) and the working atmosphere (He, Ar and O2). Ablation and/or graphitization of seeded nanodiamond particles were observed. Further the microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition was employed to grow NCD films on exposed and non-exposed areas of silicon substrates. The size, shape and density distribution of laser-treated nanodiamond seeds were observed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and their chemical composition by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. The resulting NCD films (uniform thickness of 400 nm) were characterized by: Raman spectroscopy to analyse occurrence of graphitic phase, and AFM to observe morphology and surface roughness. The highest RMS roughness (∼85 nm) was achieved when treating the precursor in He atmosphere. Horizontal microstructures of diamond films were fabricated.
Providing Numbers for a Food versus Fuel Debate: An Analysis of a Future Biofuel Production Scenario
Authors: Poudel Biswo N. , Paudel Krishna P. , Timilsina Govinda , Zilberman David 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThis study provides a quantitative estimate of grain that would be available for biofuel production under different scenarios of dietary requirements in the world in 2050 based on the projected information available in 2007 on population, productivity increase, dietary requirements, and land use types. Our major findings are as follows: (1) if dietary requirements do not increase by more than 20% from the current level, crop yields from current cropland must increase by more than 57% just to meet dietary demand; (2) the restriction of pastureland for milk and meat production purposes would imply insufficient food production for a moderate diet consumption scenario in 2050; (3) If food demand increases by 20% of the current consumption level, a 60% increase in crop yield and a 16% conversion of pasturelands would meet grain demand and leave surplus grain to supply 23% of liquid fuel demand. We also highlight the potential roles played by biotechnology, research and development fundings, irrigation, and cropping intensity to boost crop production and ultimately make more land available for biofuel production if such an option continues to be considered in future.
A further study on seismic response of a set of parallel rock fractures filled with viscoelastic materials
Authors: Wu W. , Zhu J. B. , Zhao J. 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
The purpose of this study is to further investigate the seismic response of a set of parallel rock fractures filled with viscoelastic materials, following the work by Zhu et al. Dry quartz sands are used to represent the viscoelastic materials. The split Hopkinson rock bar (SHRB) technique is modified to simulate 1-D P-wave propagation across the sand-filled parallel fractures. At first, the displacement and stress discontinuity model (DSDM) describes the seismic response of a sand-filled single fracture. The modified recursive method (MRM) then predicts the seismic response of the sand-filled parallel fractures. The SHRB tests verify the theoretical predictions by DSDM for the sand-filled single fracture and by MRM for the sand-filled parallel fractures. The filling sands cause stress discontinuity across the fractures and promote displacement discontinuity. The wave transmission coefficient for the sand-filled parallel fractures depends on wave superposition between the fractures, which is similar to the effect of fracture spacing on the wave transmission coefficient for the non-filled parallel fractures.
MULTIFOCAL RETINAL ASTROCYTIC HAMARTOMAS
Authors: Bui Kelly M. , Leiderman Yannek I. , Lim Jennifer I. , Mieler William F. 
Published: December 2012

Purpose:
Retinal astrocytic hamartoma is a benign glial tumor found in the nerve fiber layer, and it is most commonly reported as a solitary lesion. Multiple or bilateral lesions may be indicative of systemic disease, such as tuberous sclerosis complex or neurofibromatosis 1. We present three unique cases of multifocal and bilateral retinal astrocytic hamartomas in patients with suspected tuberous sclerosis complex. The typical features, diagnosis, management, and systemic implications of these retinal lesions are discussed.

Methods:
Consecutive case series at a university-based ophthalmology clinic.

Results:
The age of the patients ranged from 9 years to 27 years. The patients came from different ethnic backgrounds and had no known family history of tuberous sclerosis complex or neurofibromatosis. Two of the three patients had asthma, along with brain and kidney tumors. Two of the three patients had a seizure disorder, and one of the three patients had mental retardation. Only one patient presented with an ocular complaint of decreased vision, as a result of a presumed unrelated process. All patients had bilateral and multifocal astrocytic hamartomas.

Conclusion:
Multifocal retinal astrocytic hamartomas are unique and can be the first manifestation of a systemic disease such as tuberous sclerosis complex or neurofibromatosis 1. Prompt referral for imaging and workup with the appropriate medical subspecialty can help prevent or delay the morbidity related to these systemic conditions.
Mental health policy in California: the “millionaire's tax” and the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission
Authors: Lee Deborah 
Published: December 2012

PurposeThis article's aim is to describe the history, purpose, challenges, strategies, and progress of California's Mental Health Oversight and Accountability Commission (MHSOAC), created by California's pioneering Proposition 63 (Mental Health Services Act). California voters passed this initiative in 2004 to expand and transform public mental health services.Design/methodology/approachThis case study is based on observations of the author, who has worked with the Commission since its inception, and the study is adapted from a 2009 article by one of the original Commissioners who served from 2005‐2008. The article focuses on challenges and opportunities for oversight in an environment of stakeholders' high and diverse expectations, limited direct state authority, and significant and broad budget challenges.FindingsThe Commission prioritizes evaluation as its principal strategy with a primary goal of using evaluation results for quality improvement. Implementing this strategy, with limited county reporting requirements, inadequate data systems, and insufficient funds designated for evaluation, is a continuing challenge. Other key challenges – and opportunities – include passionate stakeholders with high and divergent expectations, a de‐centralized public mental health, and a statewide fiscal and budget crisis.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper relies on the observations of two key participants: a former Commissioner and the Commission's staff psychologist. Participant observation brings opportunities for bias as well as insight. Diverse stakeholders undoubtedly would provide different perspectives on the progress of Proposition 63 and on the MHSOAC.Practical implicationsThe Commission developed a logic model that defines strategies for oversight and accountability and links these strategies to Proposition 63's intended outcomes for California's public mental health services system and clients.Social implicationsThe success of California's Proposition 63 in transforming mental health delivery from a “fail first” crisis system to a “help first” proactive system has implications for integrated healthcare delivery that includes mental health.Originality/valueThe California emphasis on recovery, resilience, and wellness for diverse people with and at risk of serious mental illness is consistent with national and world‐wide recommendations and initiatives and is one of the largest efforts to transform a mental health system to reflect these values.
Western Australia's Mental Health Commission
Authors: van Schoubroeck Lesley 
Published: December 2012

PurposeMachinery of government changes and budget strategy are powerful levers to drive reform in the public sector. The purpose of this paper is to describe the rationale, progress and challenges in the establishment of Western Australia's Mental Health Commission in 2010 with policy, planning and purchasing powers to drive reform.Design/methodology/approachThis case study is based on the observations of the author who had a lead role in the establishment of the Commission over its first two years. It sets this reform in the context of the whole of government reforms as well as demands for reform from stakeholders within the mental health sector.FindingsIt is demonstrated that externally imposed change is often necessary to fundamental reform. However, it also comes with risks of alienation of key stakeholders in powerful roles and an under‐estimation of the factors that will hamper change. Central government support has been essential to the establishment of the Commission.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper relies on the observations of a key participant in the reform process. This brings the limitations of potential bias as well as the strength of understanding that is difficult for outsiders to access.Practical implicationsThe paper identifies some of the practical strategies that mitigate the risks associated with system change.Social implicationsThis reform has been useful to showcase a range of other social policy reforms demonstrating the opportunities that strong political leadership offers when linked to policy and administrative change.Originality/valueThis analysis of the progress of reform highlights a range of issues that can inform other governments and community stakeholders undertaking major reform in the public sector as well as particular issues for reform in mental health.
Mental Health Commissions of Different Sub‐species: can they effectively propagate mental health service reform? Provisional taxonomy and trajectories
Authors: Rosen Alan 
Published: December 2012

PurposeThe aim is to provide a brief overview of a series of articles tracing the emergence of several Mental Health Commissions (MHCs) in developed countries over recent years, sometimes to enhance mental health law administration, but often in connection with mental health reform strategies. The paper seeks to review the functions of, and elicit a framework for, Mental Health Commissions (MHCs) as effective vehicles for effective operation and reform of a mental health service system.Design/methodology/approachThe approach of the paper is to identify the functions and limitations of Mental Health Commissions and then cluster them to form a typology of commissions.FindingsThere are broadly three types of MHCs: the first is more inspectorial and focussed on issues, concerns and complaints affecting the care of individuals, and is more restricted investigating the mental health service and the workings of mental health laws mainly to these ends; the second type is focussed on the entire mental health service system, including relevant all‐of‐government operations, concentrating on monitoring for and promoting system‐wide reform. While this appears to constitute a spectrum, with different MHCs mandated to work mainly at either end of it, there is conceivably a third type which has a combination of these functions. This occurs with some commissions, though an equal balance between these functions is unusual, so they usually can be assigned to a type on the basis of their predominant functions.Research limitations/implicationsThere was a limited sample size, obliging a non‐statistical descriptive analysis which may well affect the validity of these distinctions.Practical implicationsThere is sometimes a combination of functions encompassing some features of both of these types. While type I MHCs can ensure that individual rights are upheld and that mental health laws and regulations are adhered to, to improve service quality, type II MHCs are likely to be more effective in achieving system‐wide mental health service reform.Social implicationsMHCs can contribute to more holistic, evidence‐based and recovery‐oriented service delivery, which are more likely to lead to more desirable health and wellbeing outcomes for all mental health service users, their families and the community.Originality/valueThis typology provides a useful provisional framework for understanding the roles of MHCs in mental health services and in reform of the whole mental health service system and related systems.
Housing for all ages: why and how social landlords should build bridges between different generations
Authors: Fox Kirsty 
Published: December 2012

PurposeThis paper's aim is to illustrate the importance of multigenerational activities within the social housing sector, and provide some examples of best practice.Design/methodology/approachFrom the perspective of a social landlord (Peaks & Plains Housing Trust) the paper explains the importance of intergenerational practice and the role that social landlords can play in helping to build bridges between, and within, communities.FindingsThe paper discusses some specific activities, including street soccer, a youth forum and a winter warmer event, that have engaged young people and multiple generations and provides some feedback to these.Originality/valueThe paper gives some examples for best practice that can be used by other housing providers and community activists.