bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arsenate and Arsenite Sorption on Carbonate Hosted Precious Metals Ore
Authors: Decker David L. , Papelis Charalambos , Tyler Scott W. , Logsdon Mark J. , Šimůnek Jirka
Published: March 2006

The societal impacts of As in water resources in the arid western USA are potentially acute as a consequence of the combined effects of limited water supplies and the pervasive occurrence of naturally occurring As in subsurface geologic formations, including the carbonate‐hosted, disseminated gold‐bearing formations of the Carlin Trend. The prevalence of As in secondary minerals in gold‐bearing carbonate‐hosted ores is of interest because of the potential for As release as a result of ore development. A key component to gold mining is the engineering and construction of large‐scale heap‐leach and waste‐rock containment structures that are characterized by variably saturated hydrology. Estimating As release behavior from these structures with a variably saturated reactive flow and transport numerical model requires the quantification of the significant differences in the sorption behavior for the stable redox states for As. Therefore, the objective of this study was to quantify this sorption behavior and to represent the observed behavior with an isotherm formulation. The pH‐dependent sorption behavior of arsenite, As(III), and arsenate, As(V), onto two carbonate‐hosted gold ores is presented. The experimentally determined pH‐dependent sorption behavior for both As(III) and As(V) is consistent with sorption on metal oxides as reported in studies on rock and soils with similar bulk mineralogical properties. The experimental sorption data are represented with two modified isotherm formulations. Modified formulations of the Langmuir isotherm and of the Sips isotherm are presented that include the pH of the sorbate solution as an additional model parameter. These formulations are applied to both As(III) and As(V) sorption data to generate an isotherm surface. The pH‐dependent isotherm methodology can be incorporated readily into numerical models for the purposes of estimating As transport behavior in field‐scale, variably saturated environments.
Effects of Soil Porosity on Slope Stability and Debris Flow Runout at a Weathered Granitic Hillslope
Authors: Mukhlisin Muhammad , Kosugi Ken'ichirou , Satofuka Yoshifumi , Mizuyama Takahisa
Published: March 2006

Accurate models of rainfall infiltration are needed for analysis and prediction of slope failure induced by heavy rainfall. In this study, a numerical model was developed to simulate two‐dimensional rainwater infiltration into an unsaturated hillslope, the formation of a saturated zone, and the resultant changes in slope stability. This model was subsequently used to analyze the effects of soil porosity parameters (i.e., saturated soil water content θs and effective soil porosity [ESP]) on the occurrence of slope failure, the moisture conditions of the displaced material, and the movement of debris flow on weathered granitic hillslopes. We conducted the simulations by imposing various conditions of rainfall, initial wetness of the slope, soil thickness, and slope gradient. Results showed that when the surface soil of a slope has a relatively large ESP value, it has a greater capacity for holding water and therefore delays deeper water infiltration into the subsurface. Consequently, the increase in pore water pressure in the subsurface at a greater depth is also delayed. In this manner, the greater ESP value contributes to delaying slope failure. Under small storm conditions, slope failure tends not to occur when the surface soil has a relatively large ESP value. However, a greater ESP tends to increase the water content of the displaced matter, which results in faster and longer travel distances, and more deposition of debris flow, thus increasing the risk of damage in downstream regions.
Water Content Reflectometer Application to Construction Materials and its Relation to Time Domain Reflectometry
Authors: Hansson Klas , Lundin Lars‐Christer
Published: March 2006

Moisture content measurements using time domain reflectometry (TDR) or water content reflectometry (WCR) are basic in many research areas. The goals of this study were to establish a relation between apparent dielectric number and WCR sensor output, to compare TDR and WCR calibration equations for two coarse road construction materials, and to investigate the influence of sampling volume for horizontally installed sensors. Measurements were performed in fluids of known dielectric number and in two incrementally saturated coarse materials. The effect of sampling volume was evaluated using an electrostatic finite‐element model. A two‐parameter equation was determined relating the apparent dielectric number to Campbell CS616 (Campbell Scientific, Logan, UT) WCR output (r2 > 0.99). A simple calibration can adapt the equation to individual CS616, or similar, sensors. For the finer, coarse material, a three‐phase mixing model proved best, while for the coarser material no equation adequately described the measurements. Numerical simulations indicated that limited capillary rise, creating a rapid transition from wet to dry close to saturation, was the explanation, warranting caution when interpreting measurements in nearly saturated coarse materials.
Influence of Alternative and Conventional Management Practices on Soil Physical and Hydraulic Properties
Authors: Oquist K. A. , Strock J. S. , Mulla D. J.
Published: March 2006

This study examined the effects of alternative and conventional farming practices on soil physical properties, including texture, organic C content, bulk density, moisture retention, and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks). There were no significant differences in soil organic C contents between the alternative and conventional management systems. Bulk density in the A horizon was 3% lower under alternative management practices (1.39 Mg m−3) than under conventional practices (1.43 Mg m−3). Saturated hydraulic conductivity was significantly higher in the A horizon under alternative management practices (45.5 cm d−1) than under conventional management (18.1 cm d−1). Differences in conductivity were greater for soils located at bottom‐slope positions than soils at mid‐ or upper‐slope positions. The b value of Campbell's moisture retention equation was significantly smaller for alternative practices than conventional management practices in the A, B, and C horizons. In the B and C horizons, the smaller b values could have been due to smaller clay contents in soils of the alternatively managed system. The Campbell equation air entry value was significantly larger for alternative practices (1.1 kPa) than conventional practices (0.79 kPa) in the A horizon. Differences in bulk density, air entry, and Ks between the alternative and conventional management systems were attributed to differences in crop rotations and nutrient or tillage management between the two systems. These results provide a useful database of soil physical and hydraulic properties that can be used by modelers to estimate the impacts of alternative agricultural practices on water movement and water quality.
WEPP Simulation of Observed Winter Runoff and Erosion in the U.S. Pacific Northwest
Authors: Greer R. Cory , Wu Joan Q. , Singh Prabhakar , McCool Donald K.
Published: March 2006

The Palouse area of the Northwestern Wheat and Range Region suffers high erosion throughout the winter season. The excessive soil loss is a result of a combination of winter precipitation, intermittent freezing and thawing of soils, steep land slopes, and improper management practices. Soil strength is typically decreased by the cyclic freeze and thaw, particularly during the period of thawing. When precipitation occurs during these freeze–thaw cycles, soil is easily detached and moved downslope. This study was aimed at improving the knowledge of winter hydrology and erosion in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) through combined field experimentation and mathematical modeling. Surface runoff and sediment were collected for three paired field plots under conventional tillage and no‐till, respectively. Additionally, transient soil moisture and temperature at various depths were continuously monitored for two selected plots. These data were used to assess the suitability and performance of the USDA's Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP), a physically based erosion model, under the PNW winter conditions. Field observations revealed that minimal erosion was generated on the no‐till plots, whereas erosion from the conventionally tilled plots largely exceeded the tolerable rates recommended by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The WEPP model could reasonably reproduce certain winter processes (e.g., snow and thaw depths and runoff) after code modification and parameter adjustment. Yet it is not able to represent all the complicated processes of winter erosion as observed in the field. Continued field and laboratory investigation of dynamic winter runoff and erosion mechanisms are necessary so that these processes can be properly represented by physically based erosion models.
Release of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Dissolved Organic Carbon, and Suspended Matter from Disturbed NAPL‐Contaminated Gravelly Soil Material
Authors: Totsche Kai Uwe , Jann Steffen , Kögel‐Knabner Ingrid
Published: March 2006

The fate of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) is known to depend on the release and redistribution of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and particles. We studied the release of PAH, DOC, and particles up to a size of 200 μm with column outflow experiments using gravelly soil material. The material was collected at an abandoned industrial tar‐oil contaminated site. To detect rate‐limited release, the experiments were performed at two different mean pore water velocities, while multiple flow‐interrupts were imposed. Effluent was analyzed for DOC, pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, and particles larger than <0.7 μm after filtration. The 16 Environmental Protection Agency PAHs were analyzed in the filtrate and in the particle fraction. Upon onset of flow large initial effluent concentrations were found for DOC, particles, turbidity, and particle‐associated PAHs. This so‐called first‐flush export levelled off after a few pore volumes had been exchanged. The release of DOC and PAH in the filtrate was strongly rate limited. Measured PAH concentrations differed markedly from those calculated by Raoult's law. Equilibrium dissolution seems to be of minor importance for the studied materials. Particle release as well as the release of particle‐associated PAHs was dependent on the flow velocity. However, effluent concentrations decreased significantly during no‐flow conditions due to sedimentation of larger particles. At the lower flow velocity, 33% of the total PAHs were found in the retentate (66% in the filtrate), while at the higher flow velocity the amount of particle‐associated PAH increased to 42%. The comparison of the PAH pattern in the filtrate and the retentate suggests that PAH transport takes place predominantly in the form of small NAPL droplets or fragments. The strong correlation of DOC with the PAH in the filtrate implies a marked influence of DOC on PAH transport. From these findings we conclude that PAH release and transport at contaminated sites is affected by three processes, i.e., (i) first‐flush export, (ii) detachment of particle‐associated PAHs due to hydraulic mobilization and (iii) the rate‐limited release of particles and particle/colloid‐associated PAHs.
Scale Effects in Estimating the Variogram and Implications for Soil Hydrology
Authors: Skøien Jon Olav , Blöschl Günter
Published: March 2006

In monitoring and modeling landscape soil processes, the sampling and modeling scales should, ideally, be commensurate with the scales of the soil characteristics of interest. Unfortunately, this is usually not possible, both because the true covariance structure of the variable of interest is unknown a priori and because of logistical constraints. We examine the biases and random errors in variogram parameters that result from the choice of a sample scale triplet (spacing, extent, and support) that is not commensurate with the scales of the underlying “true” soil variability. We generate numerous two‐dimensional random fields, from which we sample data sets randomly or on a grid. We use these samples to estimate the variogram parameters with various methods. The results indicate that both biases and random errors may be large and depend on the sampling scale triplet relative to the scale of the underlying soil variability. The maximum likelihood (ML) method of parameter estimation gives the smallest biases for largely spaced random samples, while the weighted least squares (WLS) method gives the smallest biases for largely spaced gridded samples. Nonparametric estimates exhibit smaller random errors but larger biases than estimates from the two parametric methods (ML, WLS).
Field‐Scale Water Flow Simulations Using Ensembles of Pedotransfer Functions for Soil Water Retention
Authors: Guber A. K. , Pachepsky Ya. A. , van Genuchten M. Th. , Rawls W. J. , Simunek J. , Jacques D. , Nicholson T. J. , Cady R. E.
Published: March 2006

Using pedotransfer functions (PTF) to estimate soil hydraulic properties may be necessary in soil water flow simulations for large‐scale projects or in pilot studies. The accuracy of a PTF outside of its development dataset is generally unknown. The existence of multiple models that are developed and tested in one region, but may perform relatively poorly in other regions, is also common in meteorology, where multimodel ensemble prediction techniques have been developed (i.e., those using an averaged prediction from several models) to address this problem. The objective of this work was to estimate the applicability of an ensemble of PTFs for water regime simulations. Measured soil water contents and pressure heads of 60 points at five depths in a 6‐m transect of a layered loamy soil were collected during an extremely wet year in Belgium. Soil water fluxes were measured with passive capillary lysimeters at two depths. Water retention was measured in the laboratory on samples taken at 60 locations at three depths. Contents of soil textural fractions, organic matter content, and bulk density were averaged across the transect and used as input in the ensemble of 22 published PTFs developed from large datasets in different regions. The HYDRUS‐1D software was used to simulate water content time series with (i) each of the PTFs from the ensemble and (ii) the laboratory‐measured water retention data of each of the 60 locations. Simulations with the PTF ensemble had, on average, two times smaller errors those from using laboratory data. A possible explanation for this is that the PTF estimation gave substantially better approximations of field water retention than the laboratory data. The ensemble prediction appears to be a promising source of soil hydraulic properties to simulate soil water dynamics.
From Field‐ to Landscape‐Scale Vadose Zone Processes: Scale Issues, Modeling, and Monitoring
Authors: Corwin Dennis L. , Hopmans Jan , de Rooij Gerrit H.
Published: March 2006

Modeling and monitoring vadose zone processes across multiple scales is a fundamental component of many environmental and natural resource issues including nonpoint source (NPS) pollution, watershed management, and nutrient management, to mention just a few. In this special section in Vadose Zone Journal we present a collection of papers reflecting current trends in modeling and monitoring vadose zone processes from field to landscape scales. The objectives of this introductory paper are to set the stage for the special issue by providing background information, by showing the interrelationship of the papers, and by identifying the significant contribution(s) of each paper. The spectrum of topics covered includes (i) issues of scale, (ii) spatial analysis of model error, (iii) modeling of NPS pollutants and hillslope stability, (iv) the use of estimation and conditioning tools such as upscaling, pedotransfer functions, and generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation, (v) data assimilation in conjunction with flow modeling and passive microwave remote sensing to estimate moisture distribution, (vi) effective hydraulic parameters across spatial scales, (vii) spatiotemporal stability of soil properties (e.g., Cl−, B, and NO3–N transport; salinity; and soil physical and hydraulic properties), and (viii) nested sampling to determine spatial patterns. A commonality among the papers, whether for modeling or monitoring vadose zone processes, is the question of how to address complex issues of spatial and/or temporal variability at the scale of interest. Future research will likely involve inverse modeling, the use of multiple sensors to monitor at various scales, and continued applications of pedotransfer functions, upscaling and downscaling, and hierarchy of scales.
The Relationship between Transliminality and Boundary Structure Subscales
Authors: Sherwood Simon J. , Milner Maxine E.
Published: March 2006

An opportunity sample of 98, mostly undergraduate [1], participants completed Thalbourne's Transliminality Scale (Form B) [2–3] plus three subscales from Hartmann's Boundary Structure Questionnaire [4] (sleep/wake/dream, unusual experiences, thoughts/feelings/moods) plus a psychic experiences scale which included some of Hartmann's items. The results support the hypothesis, and Houran et al.'s [5] findings, that there is a significant positive correlation between selected boundary structure subscales and a measure of transliminality (range r = .384–.615). Our results are similar to Houran et al.'s in that only certain subscales were significant predictors of transliminality when the effects of others are taken into account. In this study only the psychic experiences scale, which is not one of Hartmann's original subscales [4, 6], was a significant predictor when the effects of the three other subscales were accounted for. The theories behind the concepts of boundary structure and transliminality suggest that individuals differ according to the extent to which different areas of the brain/mind are separated.
On the Use of Substitutability as a Measure of Competition
Authors: Koeniger Winfried , Licandro Omar
Published: March 2006

In the recent macro literature the effect of competition has been analyzed by comparing economies with the same market structure but different degrees of substitutability. In this note, we argue that this approach may mingle the price effect of competition with a pure allocation effect. To illustrate the limitations of using the elasticity of substitution as a measure of competition, we present an example in which changes in the elasticity alter equilibrium allocations, but changes in the degree of market power do not. We use a simple static general equilibrium model in which sectors have different productivity. Then, higher substitutability always shifts resources towards the more productive sectors. Instead, changes in the market structure (monopolistic competition versus Bertrand duopoly) do not affect the relative price of consumption goods if the markups are symmetric, implying that the induced changes in competition do not have any price effect on equilibrium allocations.
An Economic Response to Unsolicited Communication
Authors: Loder Theodore , Van Alstyne Marshall , Wash Rick
Published: March 2006

If communication involves some transactions cost to both sender and recipient, what policy ensures that correct messages -- those with positive social surplus - get sent? Filters block messages that harm recipients but benefit senders by more than transactions costs. Taxes can block positive value messages, and allow harmful messages through. In contrast, we propose an ``Attention Bond,'' allowing recipients to define a price that senders must risk to deliver the initial message.The underlying problem is first-contact information asymmetry with negative externalities. Uninformed senders waste recipient attention through message pollution. Requiring attention bonds creates an attention market, effectively applying the Coase Theorem to price this scarce resource. In this market, screening mechanisms shift the burden of message classification from recipients to senders, who know message content. Price signals can also facilitate decentralized two-sided matching. In certain limited cases, this leads to greater welfare than use of even ``perfect'' filters.
The Evolution of Cooperative Norms: Evidence from a Natural Field Experiment
Authors: Bandiera Oriana , Barankay Iwan , Rasul Imran
Published: March 2006

We document the establishment and evolution of a cooperative norm among workers using evidence from a natural field experiment on a leading UK farm. Workers are paid according to a relative incentive scheme under which increasing individual effort raises a worker's own pay but imposes a negative externality on the pay of all co-workers, thus creating a rationale for cooperation. As a counterfactual, we analyze worker behavior when workers are paid piece rates and thus have no incentive to cooperate.We find that workers cooperate more as their exposure to the relative incentive scheme increases. We also find that individual and group exposure are substitutes, namely workers who work alongside colleagues with higher exposure cooperate more. Shocks to the workforce in the form of new worker arrivals disrupt cooperation in the short term but are then quickly integrated into the norm. Individual exposure, group exposure, and the arrival of new workers have no effect on productivity when workers and paid piece rates and there is no incentive to cooperate.
Instrument-Induced Bias in Donation Mechanisms: Evidence from the Field
Authors: Norwood Bailey , Lusk Jayson L
Published: March 2006

Eliciting actual donations toward a public good has been proposed as a means of estimating a lower bound to individuals compensating surplus, and can be accomplished using mail/phone surveys or field experiments. This study shows that when warm-glow is present, the elicitation instrument decreases the transaction costs of donating. This presents an obstacle to using the donation mechanism. As a remedy, we propose the use of a multi-donation mechanism where subjects can direct their donation to alternative public goods. Results from a field experiment confirm this instrument-induced bias can be large, suggesting field experiment practitioners should seriously consider how their experimental procedures may alter economic behavior.
Educating the Future eHealth Professional Nurse
Authors: Booth Richard G
Published: March 2006

Nursing is at the cusp of a truly revolutionary time in its history with the emergence of electronic health (eHealth) technologies to support client care. However, technology itself will not transform healthcare without skilled practitioners who have the informatics background to practice in this new paradigm of client care. Nurse educators have been slow to react to the matter of the necessary knowledge, skills, and practice competencies required for nurses to function as eHealth practitioners. Specifically, undergraduate nursing education must take a proactive stance towards curriculum development in the areas of eHealth and informatics. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to propose recommendations about the review and redesign of nursing curricula in relation to nursing informatics. Recommendations include increased information literacy education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and client-centred technologies. Recommendations for faculty development in nursing informatics are also provided.
Integrating Clinical Guidelines into Nursing Education
Authors: Higuchi Kathryn A. S. , Cragg C.E. , Diem Elizabeth , Molnar Jeanne , O'Donohue Mary S
Published: March 2006

A project planning group consisting of college and university representatives from a collaborative undergraduate nursing program developed an inclusive, process-oriented faculty development initiative to enhance the integration of clinical guidelines in clinical courses. In the first phase, results of a needs assessment were used to inform the development of a six-hour workshop for the third year clinical faculty in acute care, mental health, and community health. Pre-post surveys were conducted with students and clinical faculty during the first phase. Results from the workshop and surveys were used to develop a four-hour workshop for clinical faculty in all years of the program. The relatively short workshop process shows promise for initiating integration of clinical guidelines in undergraduate nursing education.
The Economics of Capital Punishment
Authors: Posner Richard A
Published: March 2006

Judge Richard Posner argues that empirical work provides strong support for the deterrence value of capital punishment and that the number of truly innocent people executed for murder is "vanishingly small."
Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine by Chinese Individuals Living with Cancer in British Columbia
Authors: Chiu Lyren , Balneaves Lynda , Barroetavena Maria C , Doll Richard , Leis Anne
Published: March 2006

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is widely used around the world for cancer. Preliminary research indicates that cultural factors influence cancer patients decisions to use, with significant associations seen between ethnicity and prevalence and type of CAM use. To enhance a culturally-appropriate understanding of CAM use in Chinese cancer patients in BC, this study explored a sample of Chinese cancer patients to gain: (1) the general conceptualization of CAM use; (2) the meaning of CAM use in relation to cancer; (3) the patterns of CAM use prior to and after cancer diagnosis; (4) the reasons for CAM use; and (5) the socio-cultural process in making decision about CAM use. A naturalistic, descriptive study design was used that incorporated semi-structural ethnographic interviewing and qualitative data analysis. The results of this study provide insights about the pattern, reasons, meaning, as well as cultural and socioeconomic factors underpinning the use of CAM. The CAM decision-making (DM) process was found to be nonlinear and comprised of four distinct phases: fitting with the cultural belief framework/lifestyle, seeking information and clarification, evaluating the effectiveness of CAM use, and balancing the cost and benefits of CAM use.
Effects of the Postharvest Storage Temperature and its Fluctuations on the Keeping Quality of Agaricus Bisporus
Authors: Zhu Jiying , Wang Xiangyou , Xu Yingchao
Published: March 2006

Effects of storage temperature and temperature fluctuation on postharvest physiology and quality of Agaricus bisporus were studied. The results have shown that lower temperature with higher relative humidity can reduce the cap opening percentage of postharvest Agaricus bisporus, weakening its respiration intensity and inhibiting PPO activity and degree of browning; temperature fluctuation during storage may increase the physiology activities of Agaricus bisporus, which speeds up the after-ripening and senescence.
Recent Advances in the Design of Polymerizable Lyotropic Liquid‐Crystal Assemblies for Heterogeneous Catalysis and Selective Separations
Authors: Gin D. L. , Lu X. , Nemade P. R. , Pecinovsky C. S. , Xu Y. , Zhou M.
Published: March 2006

Organic lyotropic liquid‐crystal (LLC) assemblies mimic molecular sieves in their nanoporous structures and their ability to incorporate catalytic functional groups. This article focuses on recent advances made by our research group in incorporating new catalytic properties into polymerizable LLC assemblies and studying the molecular‐transport properties of the crosslinked networks.
X‐Shaped Electroactive Molecular Materials Based on Oligothiophene Architectures: Facile Synthesis and Photophysical and Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Sun X. B. , Liu Y. Q. , Chen S. Y. , Qiu W. F. , Yu G. , Ma Y. Q. , Qi T. , Zhang H. J. , Xu X. J. , Zhu D. B.
Published: March 2006

Novel X‐shaped conjugated oligothiophenes, which form a family of well‐defined C4‐substituted compounds with a core thiophene ring that bears four short‐chain branches containing α–α and α–β linkages, have been designed and synthesized by a facile synthetic route. Their optoelectronic properties can be electronically fine‐tuned by manipulating the segments of the branches. In solution, the four compounds show strong photoluminescence with emission maxima located at 459, 491, 494, and 547 nm. The optical properties of their films suggest an interesting conjugated effect in these X‐shaped oligomers. Cyclic‐voltammetry measurements of these compounds have been performed, and corresponding stable polymers from two of the monomers have been prepared by electrochemical polymerization. UV–vis absorption and emission properties of the resultant electroactive polymers are studied, indicating that the optical properties of the 3D polymers could be controlled by repeated potential scans.
Survival with trisomy 18—data from Switzerland
Authors: Niedrist D. , Riegel M. , Achermann J. , Schinzel A.
Published: March 2006

We collected records of 352 cases of trisomy 18 karyotyped between 1964 and May 2003 from the two major cytogenetic laboratories in Northeastern Switzerland. For more detailed information about the cases we contacted the referring physicians and/or the families of the patients. In this way we collected data about survival and malformations of 161 live births, 136 induced abortions and 29 stillborns or spontaneous abortions. In 26 cases of trisomy 18, only incomplete records were available. We observed that each year more cases of trisomy 18 were cytogenetically diagnosed in the two laboratories. Before 1984 almost no prenatal diagnoses were made; however, after this date the number of prenatal diagnoses increased and in the last 10 years, accounted for 75% of all cases. A decrease in the number of postnatally diagnosed cases was also observed over the same period of time. One third of the live‐born children with trisomy 18 died during the first day of life. After 1 week, 1 month and 1 year of life the survival rates were 40, 22 and 6%, respectively. The median survival was 4 days, and only 1% of the children survived until their 10th birthday. Females were more likely to survive long term. In 63 cases autopsy reports were available for review. In 97% of these cases three or more malformations were found: 67% had VSD, 32% had horseshoe kidneys, 21% had esophageal atresia, 14% had omphalocele, 14% had facial clefts, and 11% had diaphragmatic hernias. In more than 50% genital hypoplasia was also described. We further analyzed survival of live‐borns in relation to the length of gestation and to VSD and esophageal atresia. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical characteristics and survival of trisomy 18 in a medical center in Taipei, 1988–2004
Authors: Lin Hsiang‐Yu , Lin Shuan‐Pei , Chen Yen‐Jiun , Hung Han‐Yang , Kao Hsin‐An , Hsu Chyong‐Hsin , Chen Ming‐Ren , Chang Jui‐Hsing , Ho Che‐Sheng , Huang Fu‐Yuan , Shyur Shyh‐Dar , Lin Dar‐Shong , Lee Hung‐Chang
Published: March 2006

Trisomy 18 is the second most common autosomal trisomy in newborns. The birth prevalence of this disorder is approximately 1 in 3,000 to 1 in 8,000, and the life span of the majority of patients is less than 1 year. As information regarding outcome in trisomy 18 is rather fragmentary in the literature, this study is aimed at investigating the survival and natural history of trisomy 18. We also evaluated the survival age and management of trisomy 18 in two different periods, before and after the implementation of National Health Insurance (NHI) program. Thirty‐nine cases of trisomy 18 were collected in Mackay Memorial Hospital in a 17‐year period, from 1988 to 2004. Delivery data, survival age, management before and after the implementation of NHI program, structural defects, image findings and cytogenetic results were analyzed by medical and nurse's records. The diagnosis of trisomy 18 was based on the prenatal amniocentesis or postnatal chromosome analysis. Three patients had trisomy 18 mosaicism. Since cardiovascular and central nervous systems are the most common organ systems involved in this disorder, 31 patients received brain ultrasonography and heart ultrasonography for evaluation of their multiple anomalies after admission. All patients except one died in their first year due to severe malformations of the cardiovascular or central nervous systems. The median survival age was 6 days. We found a longer survival with female patients than with male patients (P < 0.05). Implementation of NHI program in the more recent decade of this study period was associated with longer survival of trisomy 18 (P < 0.05). The three most common structural defects were clenched hands (95%), rocker bottom feet (90%), and low set or malformed ears (90%). Low birth weight was present in 90%. By cardiac ultrasonography, the top four heart defects were ventricular septal defect (94%), patent ductus arteriosus (77%) and atrial septal defect (68%). However, ten cases (32%) had complex congenital heart defects. By brain ultrasonography, the most common brain lesion was cerebellar hypoplasia (32%), followed by brain edema (29%), enlarged cisterna magna (26%) and choroid plexus cysts (19%). Although most patients with trisomy 18 die within the first few weeks after birth, it is important to recognize that a small but notable percentage of these patients will survive the first year. When prenatal or postnatal decisions need to be made, the possibility of long‐term survival should be included in any discussion to enable families to make the most appropriate decision. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neonatal management of trisomy 18: Clinical details of 24 patients receiving intensive treatment
Authors: Kosho Tomoki , Nakamura Tomohiko , Kawame Hiroshi , Baba Atsushi , Tamura Masanori , Fukushima Yoshimitsu
Published: March 2006

Management of neonates with trisomy 18 is controversial, supposedly due to the prognosis and the lack of precise clinical information concerning efficacy of treatment. To delineate the natural history of trisomy 18 managed under intensive treatment, we reviewed detailed clinical data of 24 patients with full trisomy 18 admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Nagano Children's Hospital, providing intensive treatment to those with trisomy 18, from 1994 to 2003. Cesarean, resuscitation by intubation, and surgical operations were performed on 16 (67%), 15 (63%), and 10 (42%) of the patients, respectively. Mechanical ventilation was required by 21 (88%), and 6 (29%) of them were extubated. Survival rate at age 1 week, 1 month, and 1 year was 88%, 83%, and 25%, respectively. Median survival time was 152.5 days. Respiration was not stabilized in two patients with left diaphragmatic eventration and hypoplasia accompanied by lung hypoplasia, even with maximal ventilation. The common underlying factors associated with death were congenital heart defects and heart failure (96%), followed by pulmonary hypertension (78%). The common final modes of death were sudden cardiac or cardiopulmonary arrest (26%) and possible progressive pulmonary hypertension‐related events (26%). These data of improved survival, through neonatal intensive treatment, are helpful for clinicians to offer the best information on treatment options to families of patients with trisomy 18. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Electron paramagnetic resonance study of water distribution in starch granules
Authors: Łabanowska Maria , Bidzińska Ewa , Dyrek Krystyna , Szymońska Joanna
Published: March 2006

An electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) study was performed for potato and wheat starch containing Cu2+ ions as a paramagnetic probe. Distribution of water in the starch granules as well as the interactions between the copper and starch matrix of different crystalline structures were determined. EPR spectra of the native starches consisted of two different centers of Cu2+. One of them, giving at 293 and 77 K an EPR signal of axial symmetry with a well‐resolved hyperfine structure (HFS), was assigned to the Cu2+–starch complex in which Cu2+ ions strongly interacted with oxygen atoms of the starch matrix. Another Cu2+ species, exhibiting an isotropic signal at 293 K and an axial signal with resolved HFS at 77 K, was attributed to a [Cu(H2O)6]2+ complex freely rotating at room temperature and immobilized at low temperatures. Interaction of Cu2+ with the starch matrix and the relative number of the particular copper species depended on the crystallographic type of starch. Dehydration at 393 K resulted in elimination of the rotating complex signal and decrease of the total intensity of the EPR spectrum caused by clustering of the Cu2+ ions. Freezing at 77 K and thawing led to restoring of the spectrum intensity and reappearing of the signal of the [Cu(H2O)6]2+ complex. This effect, related to liberation of water molecules from the granule semicrystalline growth rings on freezing/thawing, was especially visible for wheat starch, indicating differences in the water retention ability of starch granules of different crystallographic structure. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 82:549–557, 2006

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Valinomycin–proton interaction in low‐polarity media
Authors: Kříž Jaroslav , Dybal Jiří , Makrlík Emanuel
Published: March 2006

Valinomycin is shown to form a stable complex with protons in the form of H3O+ ions. Using 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier transform (FT) infrared spectroscopy, and ab initio–density functional theory (DFT) quantum mechanical calculations, it is shown that H3O+, produced by hydrogen bis(1,2‐dicarbollyl) cobaltate (HDCC) in the presence of water, interacts with valinomycin in 1,1,2,2‐tetrachloroethane‐d2 to give a relatively stable complex. The equilibrium constant K of the complex formation was derived from chemical shifts in 1H‐NMR, its value being 5.9. The proton affinity constant estimated from this value taking into account HDCC dissociation is 105.3, i.e., high enough to be relevant under physiological conditions. Under suitable conditions there is a fast exchange of H3O+ between valinomycin molecules, the exchange correlation time being of the order of 10−4 s. The instantaneous structure of the complex is slightly asymmetric, the H3O+ ion being strongly hydrogen‐bonded to three of the six ester carbonyl groups and weekly bound to the residual ones by electrostatic interactions. This asymmetry is averaged by fast reorientation and displacement of H3O+ so that the molecule appears to be symmetric in the time window of NMR. The results indicate that valinomycin could serve as a carrier for proton transfer across a biological membrane. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 82: 536–548, 2006

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Suicide in prisons in England and Wales from 1988 to 1995
Authors: Towl Graham J. , Crighton David A.
Published: March 2006

This study is based on an examination of 377 official records (from the English Prison Service's Suicide Awareness Support Unit) of self‐inflicted deaths in prisons in England and Wales for the period from 5 February 1988 to 5 November 1995. The study builds on the work of earlier researchers in the area of suicides in prisons (Topp, 1979; Dooley, 1990) and provides a detailed analysis of all self‐inflicted deaths occurring in prisons in England and Wales, something never previously undertaken. In this paper we present some of the main results from our research. Copyright © 1998 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
A group‐based intervention for forensic patients recovering from psychosis
Authors: Beck‐Sander Alison , Griffiths Anna , Friel Colum
Published: March 2006

A group‐based intervention aimed at helping forensic patients recovering from psychosis prevent future relapses and adjust to the experience of psychosis is described. The impact of the group appeared to depend on whether the patient accepted or denied his vulnerability to psychotic relapse at the outset. Those who accepted the possibility of relapse at the outset appeared to feel more in control of their illness, better able to cope with their symptoms and less fearful of relapse after the group‐based intervention. By comparison those who denied the possibility of relapse at the outset appeared to feel less in control of their illness, less able to cope with their symptoms and more fearful of relapse after the group‐based intervention. Small numbers preclude firm conclusions and further studies are called for. Copyright © 1998 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Neuropsychiatric indices in a high security admission sample I: estimating the prevalence
Authors: Lumsden John , Chesterman L. Paul , Hill G. Mary
Published: March 2006

A consecutive series of 100 admissions to a high security hospital is reported. In this paper the demographic characteristics of the population, their offence profiles and other details of their background are described. The findings indicate a high prevalence of trauma to the central nervous system in this population. Definite obstetric complications were found in 26% (compared with 8% of the general population) and 31% had a history of head injury with loss of consciousness. These forms of central nervous system (CNS) trauma are associated with neuropsychological impairment, which was found in 59%. Of the population with brain scans, about 36% were abnormal. Alcohol abuse, a significant risk factor for CNS damage, was found in 69%. Combined risk (obstetric complications, head injury and substance abuse) was noted in 90% of the population. The present findings suggest that different forms of CNS trauma may aggregate as a result of a number of antecedent and consequent phenomena in this population. Copyright © 1998 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Criminal careers of two London cohorts
Authors: Farrington David P. , Maughan Barbara
Published: March 2006

Background

The main aim of this research was to compare the official criminal careers of two samples of males living in the same small area of South London but born seven years apart.

Method

The research compared 377 Cambridge study males born in 1952–54 with 310 Inner London study males born in 1959–60. The Inner London males were affected by the introduction of police cautioning in London in 1969–70.

Results

The two samples had an identical cumulative prevalence of convictions (37%), but the Inner London sample had an additional 4% of boys cautioned. The two samples had an identical rate of recorded offences. Males in the Inner London sample had an earlier age of onset, a shorter criminal career, and less continuity in offending. However, chronic offenders in the Inner London sample had longer criminal careers.

Conclusions

Cautioning may have led to more official recording of occasional offenders and to the worsening of the criminal careers of chronic offenders, but it may also have benefited less serious offenders. Copyright © 1999 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
The Christchurch prisons psychiatric epidemiology study: personality disorders assessment in a prison population
Authors: Brinded Philip M. J. , Mulder Roger T. , Stevens Isobel , Fairley Nigel , Malcolm Fiona
Published: March 2006

Background/Method

Three different measures of personality were used to assess the level of personality disorder in a prison population in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Results

Results using a traditional measure for antisocial personality disorder assessment (SCID II) are reported as well as other measures that do not rely on the categorical descriptions of personality disorder found in the DSM‐IV. The other personality measures used were the ‘Four A's’ and Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), which have not previously been reported as being used in a prison population.

Conclusions

The results are discussed with a particular focus on the relevance of the different types of personality disorder assessment to treatment planning and monitoring in a prison population. Copyright © 1999 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Staff response to disturbed behaviour in group homes for adults with a learning disability
Authors: Crichton John H. M.
Published: March 2006

Background

Staff working in group homes for adults with a learning disability must deal with a wide variety of problem behaviours in tenants. Incidents may range from swearing or refusal to keep to minor rules to serious violence and self‐harm. It is an area in which there is particular uncertainty about the role of the police and outside agencies. The conceptualization of tenant disruptive behaviour is discussed and it is hypothesized that the more blameworthy for an incident a tenant is perceived to be by staff the more popular a morally censorious response will be.

Method

A sample of 120 staff, working in group homes for people with a learning disability, took part in a decision‐making exercise, based on a fictional case vignette, designed to examine their attitudes towards and concepts of disturbed behaviour.

Results

Moral judgement emerged as a central theme, with a greater degree of learning disability associated with particularly habilitative responses. However, a ‘normal’ appearance compared with a learning‐disabled appearance was associated with morally censorious responses. Unexpectedly, neither appearance nor degree of learning disability influenced whether staff felt that police involvement was helpful.

Discussion

It is concluded that management policies and guidelines must recognize the influence of moral judgement and that examining staff attitudes to disturbed behaviour is essential to the understanding of how such behaviour is responded to and conceptualized. Copyright © 1999 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
An input–outcome paradigm for NHS research in forensic mental health
Authors: Culyer A.J.
Published: March 2006

Background

The R&D levy on health authorities in England is intended to support patient‐based research funded by the MRC and address the research needs of health services.

Aims/Method

An input–outcome paradigm is suggested to inform both decision making and the preparation of information. It encourages people to be clear about what they are trying to achieve and it informs research design to increase comparability and relevance. The patient should be considered in each element of the paradigm. The methodology of CEA and CUA is embodied in the NHS R&D Programme. Health economics is now regarded as a useful supplement and it lays bare important value judgements. There are four roles for clinicians in the R&D Programme: (1) clients, (2) creation of a research milieu, (3) providers of research material, (4) researchers. The fourth does not apply to all clinicians.

Policy implications

Substantial involvement in research capacity and training is required. It is government policy to integrate forensic psychiatry research into the general national programme, maybe within a couple of years. Forensic psychiatry research should prioritize methodological needs and service needs. The centrality for defining outcomes and measuring them cannot be underestimated. In forensic psychiatry outcome is not just patient‐centred. Risk and uncertainty require robust methods. Consultation both within and without the NHS about service needs should also be a priority. Technologies should not be exclusively (or even mainly) clinical. Copyright © 1999 Whurr Publishers Ltd.