bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
If you had less than a year to live, would you want to know? A seven‐country European population survey of public preferences for disclosure of poor prognosis
Authors: Harding R. , Simms V. , Calanzani N. , Higginson I. J. , Hall S. , Gysels M. , Meñaca A. , Bausewein C. , Deliens L. , Ferreira P. , Toscani F. , Daveson B. A. , Ceulemans L. , Gomes B. ,   on behalf of PRISMA
Published: March 2013

Objective

With increasing European cancer deaths, clinicians must manage information regarding poor prognosis. This study aimed to determine European citizens' preferences, within a scenario of serious illness such as cancer with less than a year to live, for information disclosure regarding poor prognosis, the likely symptoms and problems, and the care options available, to measure variations between countries and to identify factors associated with preferences.

Methods

A population‐based cross‐national telephone survey using random digit dialling in seven countries was conducted.

Results

Among 9344 respondents, data revealed an international preference (73.9%) to always be informed in the scenario of having a serious illness such as cancer with less than a year to live. This varied from 67.6% in Italy to 80.7% in Flanders. A minority (21.1%) did not want such information unless they ask, or at all. People younger than 70 years (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.62–0.83, p < 0.001), men (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.10–1.37, p < 0.001), those with experience of illness (OR = 1.20. 95% CI 1.01–1.43, p < 0.05) and with more education (OR = 1.20, 95% CI 1.09–1.32, p < 0.001) were more likely to want to know of limited time left.

Conclusions

The models confirmed the influence of four factors in more than one country (age, gender, education and most concerning problem) and added 11 country‐specific factors to which national policies and clinical practice should respond. These findings confirm a majority public preference to be informed in a scenario of poor prognosis. Policy clinical practice should facilitate elucidation and delivery of preferences. Evidence for effective communication skills‐building interventions for clinicians is required. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Facile Approach for Direct Decomposition of Nitrous Oxide Assisted by Non‐Thermal Plasma
Authors: Mahammadunnisa Shaik , Reddy Enkonda Linga , Reddy Pathpi Reddy Manoj Kumar , Subrahmanyam Challapalli
Published: March 2013

Direct decomposition of nitrous oxide (N2O) was studied in a non‐thermal plasma (NTP) dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor operated under ambient conditions. Influence of various parameters like discharge gap, input power, residence time, and N2O concentration were studied to achieve high conversions. The conversion decreased with increasing flow rate and N2O concentration. Typical results indicated that N2O decomposition may be efficient at high residence time and low concentrations. The degree of N2O decomposition varied between 30 and 100% with the power variation between 0.5 and 2.7 W. Interesting observation is that packing the discharge volume with dielectric materials (ceramic, glass, and Al2O3 beads) improved the conversion. Under the same experimental conditions, the effect of the dielectric materials followed the order: ceramic beads > glass beads > Al2O3 beads > no packing. It was concluded that packed bed plasma reactor may be an efficient way for the reduction of N2O emissions.

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On the synthesis and properties of ternary copper oxide sulfides (Cu2O1–xSx)
Authors: Meyer Bruno K. , Merita Stefan , Polity Angelika
Published: March 2013

We report on the sputter deposition of copper oxide sulfides Cu2O1–xSx up to a composition of Cu2O0.61S0.39. For higher sulfur contents the films first become amorphous and then change to Cu2S. Within the range 0 < x < 0.39 the cubic crystal structure is maintained and the lattice constant changes linearly with the sulfur content. The composition of the films is measured by energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence and suggests the formation of a random alloy. The transmission spectra show a clear red shift of the order of 450 meV (from Cu2O to Cu2O0.61S0.39) with an average transmission of 70%. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Mission Energy Prediction for Unmanned Ground Vehicles Using Real‐time Measurements and Prior Knowledge
Authors: Sadrpour Amir , Jin Jionghua (Judy) , Ulsoy A. Galip
Published: March 2013

A typical unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) mission can be composed of various tasks and several alternative paths. Small UGVs are typically teleoperated and rely on electric rechargeable batteries for their operations. Since each battery has limited energy storage capacity, it is essential to predict the expected mission energy requirement during the mission execution and update this prediction adaptively via real‐time performance measurements (e.g., vehicle power consumption and velocity). We propose and compare two methods in this paper. One is based on recursive least‐squares estimation built upon a UGV longitudinal dynamics model. The other is based on Bayesian estimation when prior knowledge (e.g., road average grade and operator driving style) is available. The proposed Bayesian prediction can effectively combine prior knowledge with real‐time performance measurements for adaptively updating the prediction of the mission energy requirement. Our experimental and simulation studies show that the Bayesian approach can yield more accurate predictions even with moderately imprecise prior knowledge. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of Load Uncertainty in Unstructured Terrains and Applications to Battery Remaining Run‐time Prediction
Authors: LeSage Jonathan R. , Longoria Raul G.
Published: March 2013

Deployment of field robots in unstructured environments continues to rise, and the electrochemical battery remains the de facto standard for energy storage in robotic applications. However, robot mission planning, which relies on battery depletion time information, enforces conservative operation due to the lack of statistical rigor on the run‐time predictions. A two‐tier self‐supervised load characterization methodology for mobile robots operating in unstructured environments is proposed. Coupled with load characterization, a model‐based statistical battery remaining run‐time prediction algorithm utilizing particle filtering is presented. Given measured power loads during operation, the characterization algorithm employs Gaussian mixture modeling to cluster measured loads intoa prioriunknown regions. With clustered power demand regions, the computation of transition probabilities between the mixture models provides a jump Markov characterization of the historical power loads. An experimental study utilized Packbot data gathered during operation on general desert terrain. A particle filter prediction framework was shown to more accurately predict the remaining run‐time of the Packbot given the unstructured terrain compared to existing load‐averaging techniques. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Zircon and apatite thermochronology of the Nankai Trough accretionary prism and trench, Japan: Sediment transport in an active and collisional margin setting
Authors: Clift Peter D. , Carter Andrew , Nicholson Uisdean , Masago Hideki
Published: March 2013

The Nankai accretionary complex is the most recent addition to the accretionary complexes of southwest Japan and has preserved a record of sediment flux to the trench during its construction. In this study, we use U‐Pb zircon and fission track analysis of both zircons and apatites from sediments taken from the forearc and trench of the Nankai Trough, as well as rivers from southwest Japan to examine the exhumation history of the margin since the Middle Miocene. Modern rivers show a flux dominated by erosion of the Mesozoic‐Eocene Shimanto and Sanbagawa accretionary complexes. Only the Fuji River, draining the collision zone between the Izu and Honshu arcs, is unique in showing much faster exhumation. Sediment from the Izu‐Honshu collision is not found 350–500 km along the margin offshore Kyushu indicating limited along‐strike sediment transport. Sediment deposited since 2 Ma on the midtrench slope offshore the Muroto Peninsula of Shikoku (ODP Site 1176) and on the lower slope trenchward of the Kumano Basin (IODP Sites C0006E and C00007E) shares the dominant source in the Shimanto and Sanbagawa complexes seen in the modern rivers. Prior to 5 Ma, additional sediment was being sourced from further north in more slowly exhumed terrains, ~350 km from the trench axis. Around 9.4 Ma, U‐Pb zircon ages of ~1800 Ma indicate enhanced erosion from the North China Craton, exposed in northern Honshu. In the middle Miocene, at ~15.4 Ma, the sediment was being derived from a much wider area including the Yangtze Craton (U‐Pb ages ~800 Ma). We suggest that this enhanced catchment may have reflected the influence of the Yangtze River in supplying into the Shikoku Basin prior to rifting of the Okinawa Trough at 10 Ma and migration of the Palau‐Kyushu Ridge to form a barrier to transport. The restriction of Nankai Trough provenance to Mesozoic source partly reflects continued uplift of the Shimanto and Sanbagawa complexes since the Middle Miocene.
Elementary electron transfer reactions: from basic concepts to recent computational advances
Authors: Borrelli Raffaele , Peluso Andrea
Published: March 2013

The basic chemicophysical concepts and the most recent developments in the dynamics of the elementary electron transfer reactions are reviewed, posing particular attention to discrete state approaches, which combine use of a few experimental data with reliable ab initio calculations of the equilibrium nuclear configurations and normal coordinates of vibration of the redox partners. WIREs Comput Mol Sci 2013, 3:542–559. doi: 10.1002/wcms.1147

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Molecular Structures
Compensating white‐tailed eagle mortality at the Smøla wind‐power plant using electrocution prevention measures
Authors: Cole Scott G. , Dahl Espen Lie
Published: March 2013

Environmental impact assessment allows for compensation of environmental injuries in the form of resource‐based restoration projects. Given that compensation is a desired policy at a given site, this study suggests an interdisciplinary scaling method (Resource Equivalency Analysis) that relies on a non‐monetary bird‐year metric to quantify and value the impact on human welfare from ecosystem service loss. The lost value associated with white‐tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) turbine collisions at the Smøla wind‐power plant (debit) in central Norway is compensated through white‐tailed eagle electrocution‐prevention measures at nearby power lines (credit), scaled using the same bird‐year metric. We found that 172 actual and projected white‐tailed eagle turbine collisions (2005–2027) led to a debit of 3,454 discounted bird‐years, which captures lost life expectancy discounted to present value. Field searches indicated that annual white‐tailed eagle electrocution mortality per electric distribution pole (or pylon) at Smøla ranges from 0.002 to 0.014 (2009–2011). We suggest that retrofitting between 348 and 2,209 pylons at a present‐value cost of US$1.2–7.9 million (2011 at 3%) will provide equivalent value and thus compensate the public for their welfare losses. Improved electrocution probability models will improve cost‐effectiveness of retrofitting as a compensatory measure. Although Resource Equivalency Analysis may provide an approach for scaling a biodiversity offset, it cannot address the inevitable environmental trade‐offs required in assessing the social profitability of choosing to compensate at a particular site. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.
Study of the elemental composition of wine stoppers using PIXE
Authors: Santos Carla Eliete Iochims dos , Debastiani Rafaela , Przybylowicz Wojciech , Manfroi Vitor , Amaral Lívio , Yoneama Maria Lúcia , Dias Johnny Ferraz
Published: March 2013

Analysis of stoppers has been restricted mostly to the determination of organic compounds and microorganisms, but none of these studies aimed at the mineral contents of stoppers. Therefore, the aim of this work is to determine the elemental concentration of cork and synthetic stoppers. Wine, cork, and synthetic stoppers were analyzed through the particle‐induced X‐ray emission and micro‐particle‐induced X‐ray emission techniques. The analysis of the internal and external layers of cork and synthetic stoppers showed striking differences in their elemental composition and concentrations and depend on the nature of the stopper. For instance, Si, S, K, and Ca have higher concentrations in the external layer than in the inner portion of the stoppers. Moreover, our results show that elements are not distributed homogeneously throughout the surface of cork stoppers. This study provides, for the first time, data on the elemental composition of different stoppers, which could serve as a database for future research in this field. Finally, it is important to mention that wine and stoppers were analyzed with the same technique, which allows a straightforward comparison between them. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functional test data generation for Simulink-like models
Authors: Araujo Rodrigo Fraxino , Delamaro Marcio Eduardo , Maldonado Jose Carlos
Published: March 2013

Embedded systems are increasingly present in many electronic devices and is often related to critical applications. Therefore, the need for a well planned and executed testing procedure is even higher. We intend to contribute in this area by presenting an experimental evaluation of the pairwise combinatorial approach as a technique for test data generation applied specifically to Simulink-like models. In particular, we have applied our strategy to the generated source code of several models. Furthermore, a testing tool was developed to assist in the test data generation process. We show that there is no statistical significant advantages of the proposed approach over random generation of test data, but when used together they yield better results. The feasibility of the experimental results indicate that efforts can be employed in order to obtain a testing strategy integrated within a testing environment.
Ultrasonography and Electrodiagnosis: Are They Complementary Techniques?
Authors: Boon Andrea
Published: March 2013

In this review, the role of high‐resolution ultrasound in the diagnosis of neuromuscular disease as a tool complementary to electrodiagnostic techniques will be discussed, including indications, advantages, limitations, and potential for future research. Ultrasound‐guided needle placement can be used to increase accuracy and safety of nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography. Ultrasound imaging of nerve and muscle can provide additional diagnostic information when performed in conjunction with nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography in the setting of nerve entrapment, nerve inflammation, and muscle disease. Its unique features include the ability to image structures dynamically in real time and the technique of sonopalpation. Because neuromuscular ultrasound is a rapidly evolving diagnostic tool with significant changes in technology, which facilitates its increased use, there is a steadily growing body of literature in this area. However, there remains an ongoing need for high‐quality studies that evaluate the role and cost‐effectiveness of neuromuscular ultrasound, both when used alone and in combination with electrodiagnosis.
Evaluating the Patient With Suspected Radiculopathy
Authors: Dillingham Timothy R.
Published: March 2013

Persons with back, neck, and limb symptoms are commonly seen by health care providers. They constitute a major referral population to specialists in electrodiagnostic medicine. The evaluation of these patients involves consideration of both the common and less common disorders. The electrodiagnostic examination with needle electromyography is the most important means of testing for radiculopathy. This test has modest sensitivity but high specificity. It complements imaging of the spine. Electromyography in combination with nerve conduction testing is valuable in excluding entrapment neuropathies and polyneuropathy, conditions that frequently mimic radicular symptoms. A streamlined examination with 6 muscles, 1 of which is the paraspinal, has a high diagnostic yield, yet minimizes patient discomfort and examiner time. This article presents an overview of the electrodiagnostic evaluation for patients with suspected radiculopathy.
Smoking-related prospective memory deficits observed on naturalistic everyday memory task
Authors: Heffernan T. M. , O'Neill T. S. , Moss M.
Published: March 2013

Objective

This study assessed self-reported and objective prospective memory (PM) processes in smokers and a never-smoked comparison group. If persistent smoking does impair PM, then one would expect smokers recall being lower on a study that requires them to remember everyday activities when compared with a never-smoked group.

Method

An existing-groups design was used to compare a group of smokers with a never-smoked group on the self-report Prospective Memory Questionnaire (PMQ) and the Prospective Remembering Video Procedure (PRVP) measuring objective PM. An example of the location–action combination from the PRVP is ‘At Thornton's shop’ (location), ‘Buy a bag of sweets’ (action). Participants who reported using an illegal substance (e.g. ecstasy, cannabis), who drank excessively or were ‘binge drinkers’, or who reported suffering from a clinical condition, such as depression, were excluded from the study. Age, weekly ‘safe levels’ alcohol use, and strategy use were also measured and controlled for in the study. Each person was tested individually in a quiet laboratory setting on a university campus.

Results

After controlling for variations in age, weekly alcohol use, and strategy use, smokers recalled significantly fewer location–action combinations on the PRVP when compared with a never-smoked group, with no between-group differences on self-reported PM as measured by the PMQ.

Conclusions

The findings suggest objective PM deficits are associated with persistent smoking – a relatively unexplored area of research. This cannot be attributed to other drug use, mood, or strategy use. The findings also suggest smokers lack self-awareness of such PM deficits. This study extends the area by utilising a more naturalistic object measure of PM and incorporating strict controls into the study.
Computerised cognitive behavioural therapy: helping Ireland log on
Authors: Twomey C. , O'Reilly G. , Byrne M.
Published: March 2013

Objectives

The aim of this article is to review and highlight evidence-based computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (cCBT) programmes that can potentially be used in Ireland for the treatment of mild-to-moderate mental health difficulties.

Methods

The authors undertook a literature search using three databases, and consulted a recognised, university-developed web portal. For a programme to be included in this review, it had to (a) have at least one randomised controlled trial demonstrating its efficacy; (b) be available on the internet; and (c) be delivered in English.

Findings

Twenty-five cCBT programmes that met the inclusion criteria were profiled. Taken together, these programmes target various anxiety difficulties (i.e. generalised anxiety, panic/phobia, social anxiety and post-traumatic stress), depression (or low mood), eating problems, stress, insomnia, pain and alcohol misuse.

Conclusions

cCBT programmes, preferably administered as part of a stepped-care model, offer effective, low-cost and low-intensity interventions for a wide range of psychological problems. Their use could be beneficial given how underdeveloped primary care mental health services are in Ireland.
A qualitative study of the perceived impact of a community mobilisation intervention to reduce alcohol consumption among amateur sportsmen
Authors: Darker C. D. , Ivers J.-H. , O'Farrell A. , Dolan R. , Eldin N. , Allwright S. P. A.
Published: March 2013

Aim

The aim of this study was to examine the perceived impact of a community mobilisation intervention programme to reduce alcohol consumption among amateur sportsmen aged 16–34 years.

Method

A qualitative focus group format was used to identify potentially important themes or concepts relating to players’ and coaches’ experiences of the intervention. Six focus groups were conducted (five with four to seven players per focus group and one with six coaches) to elicit participants’ experiences of the intervention.

Results

Three major themes emerged from the analyses: patterns of alcohol consumption and associated factors; perceived impact of the intervention; and suggested changes to the community mobilisation intervention. Excessive binge drinking (i.e. the consumption of six or more standard drinks on any one occasion) was common among players. The perceived impact of the intervention programme among players was low; players and coaches believed that if future programmes were to succeed, a ‘bottom-up’ rather than a ‘top-down’ approach should be adopted.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that players perceived the community mobilisation programme to have had only limited success in changing attitudes or behaviour towards alcohol consumption in this amateur sports setting.
Mental health knowledge and attitudes in a transition year student group: a pilot survey
Authors: Beirne M. , Mohungoo N. , Buckley S.
Published: March 2013

Introduction

Stigma towards mental health disorders remains a significant problem in society. Numerous public awareness campaigns and, to a lesser extent, educational interventions have been carried out to date to help address this issue.

Method

A brief questionnaire was formulated and administered to two small groups of transition year students from schools throughout Ireland who participated in a week-long placement in a Psychiatric Hospital in Dublin in 2012. The input was from psychiatry and allied health professionals covering a wide range of mental health topics. It was administered before the first session and immediately after the last session. The input for each group in terms of topics was almost identical.

Results

In all, 24 students participated, and the majority had either gone to school with, had observed in passing, or had a friend of the family or a relative with a mental illness, although only 21% had had knowledge on mental illness up to the intervention. The post-intervention scores demonstrated that the week had an impact on most of these views. Their attitudes to individuals with mental illness as regards employment, treatment, assistance, and recovery were encouraging, even at baseline, and all their responses improved following the sessions. There was a view that those with mental illness were somewhat reluctant to seek professional help.

Conclusions

Although the results of this study are very encouraging as regards attitudes towards mental health and their response to education, far more research and interventions are needed to explore and address stigma in more detail.
Determining epithelial contribution to in vivo mesenchymal tumour expression signature using species-specific microarray profiling analysis of xenografts
Authors: PURDOM E. , RESTALL C. , BUSUTTIL R. A. , SCHLUTER H. , BOUSSIOUTAS A. , THOMPSON E. W. , ANDERSON R. L. , SPEED T. P. , HAVIV I.
Published: March 2013

Gene expression profiling using microarrays and xenograft transplants of human cancer cell lines are both popular tools to investigate human cancer. However, the undefined degree of cross hybridization between the mouse and human genomes hinders the use of microarrays to characterize gene expression of both the host and the cancer cell within the xenograft. Since an increasingly recognized aspect of cancer is the host response (or cancer–stroma interaction), we describe here a bioinformatic manipulation of the Affymetrix profiling that allows interrogation of the gene expression of both the mouse host and the human tumour. Evidence of microenvironmental regulation of epithelial mesenchymal transition of the tumour component in vivo is resolved against a background of mesenchymal gene expression. This tool could allow deeper insight to the mechanism of action of anti-cancer drugs, as typically novel drug efficacy is being tested in xenograft systems.
Testing albendazole resistance in Fasciola hepatica: validation of an egg hatch test with isolates from South America and the United Kingdom
Authors: Canevari J. , Ceballos L. , Sanabria R. , Romero J. , Olaechea F. , Ortiz P. , Cabrera M. , Gayo V. , Fairweather I. , Lanusse C. , Alvarez L.
Published: March 2013

The main goal of the current work was to develop and validate an in vitro fluke egg hatch test, as a method for the detection of albendazole (ABZ) resistance in the liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica. Fluke eggs (200/ml, n= 5) from six different isolates were used in the current experimental work. They were obtained from different geographical locations and named Cullompton (UK), CEDIVE (Chascomus, Argentina), INTA-Bariloche (Bariloche, Argentina), Rubino (Uruguay), Cajamarca (Perú) and Río Chico (Catamarca, Argentina). The fluke eggs were incubated (25°C) for a 12-h period in the presence of either ABZ or its sulphoxide metabolite (ABZ.SO) (5, 0.5 or 0.05 nmol/ml). Untreated eggs were incubated as a control. Incubated eggs (with or without drug present) were kept in darkness at 25°C for 15 days. Afterwards, the trematode eggs were exposed to daylight over a 2-h period. Hatched and unhatched eggs were evaluated using an optical microscope, and the ovicidal activity was assessed for each fluke isolate. A very low ovicidal activity ( ≤ 13.4%) was observed in the ABZ-resistant CEDIVE isolate for both ABZ and ABZ.SO. Conversely, in the INTA-Bariloche and Río Chico isolates, which are suspected to be susceptible to ABZ, ovicidal activities ≥ 70.3% were observed after incubation with ABZ at the lowest concentration tested (0.05 nmol/ml). This finding correlates with that previously described for the ABZ-susceptible Cullompton. Finally, the Cajamarca and Rubino isolates behaved as ABZ resistant, since no ovicidal activity was observed after eggs were incubated with ABZ at 0.5 nmol/ml. Considering the specific results obtained for each isolate under assessment, the egg hatch test described here may be a suitable method for detection of ABZ resistance in F. hepatica.
Sabellidae and Fabriciidae (Polychaeta) of the Adriatic Sea with particular retrospect to the Northern Adriatic and the description of two new species
Authors: Mikac Barbara , Giangrande Adriana , Licciano Margherita
Published: March 2013

Sabellidae is the second most diverse polychaete family in the Adriatic Sea, after Syllidae. Herein we report the updated list of the Sabellidae and Fabriciidae families in the Adriatic Sea deriving both from literature data and presently conducted researches in the northern Adriatic. During these researches polychaetes were sampled from three offshore soft-bottom and three coastal rocky shore stations. Among the analysed material three Sabellidae species are new records for the Adriatic fauna, while four Sabellidae and one Fabriciidae species were recorded for the first time in the northern part. Two new species were found and described: Amphicorina rovignensis spec. nov. and Megalomma pseudogesae spec. nov. These findings increase the number of Sabellidae taxa recorded in the northern Adriatic from 29 to 38. Our results point out the lack of the recent taxonomic studies in the area, but might also indicate the widening of the species areal. Taking into consideration that studies on only six stations raised the number of known sabellid taxa from the area by 31%, our results support the need for the regular taxonomic updating of the polychaete fauna in the northern Adriatic.
Suicide in bipolar disorder in a national English sample, 1996–2009: frequency, trends and characteristics
Authors: Clements C. , Morriss R. , Jones S. , Peters S. , Roberts C. , Kapur N.
Published: March 2013

Background

Bipolar disorder (BD) has been reported to be associated with high risk of suicide. We aimed to investigate the frequency and characteristics of suicide in people with BD in a national sample.

Method

Suicide in BD in England from 1996 to 2009 was explored using descriptive statistics on data collected by the National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide by People with Mental Illness (NCI). Suicide cases with a primary diagnosis of BD were compared to suicide cases with any other primary diagnosis.

Results

During the study period 1489 individuals with BD died by suicide, an average of 116 cases/year. Compared to other primary diagnosis suicides, those with BD were more likely to be female, more than 5 years post-diagnosis, current/recent in-patients, to have more than five in-patient admissions, and to have depressive symptoms. In BD suicides the most common co-morbid diagnoses were personality disorder and alcohol dependence. Approximately 40% were not prescribed mood stabilizers at the time of death. More than 60% of BD suicides were in contact with services the week prior to suicide but were assessed as low risk.

Conclusions

Given the high rate of suicide in BD and the low estimates of risk, it is important that health professionals can accurately identify patients most likely to experience poor outcomes. Factors such as alcohol dependence/misuse, personality disorder, depressive illness and current/recent in-patient admission could characterize a high-risk group. Future studies need to operationalize clinically useful indicators of suicide risk in BD.
Increased risk of tuberculosis in patients with end-stage renal disease: a population-based cohort study in Taiwan, a country of high incidence of end-stage renal disease
Authors: HU H. Y. , WU C. Y. , HUANG N. , CHOU Y. J. , CHANG Y. C. , CHU D.
Published: March 2013

This nationwide population-based cohort study investigated the risk of tuberculosis (TB) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and receiving dialysis. The evaluations included 4131 incident ESRD patients receiving dialysis and 16 524 age- and gender-matched controls, recruited between 1998 and 2009. We used Cox proportional hazards regression analysis to measure the association between TB and ESRD. Compared to the controls, the ESRD cohort had a significantly higher risk of TB within 1 year [incident rate ratio (IRR) 4·13], and 1–2 years (IRR 2·12), of occurrence of ESRD. The Cox proportional hazards model revealed that ESRD [hazard ratio (HR) 2·40], age >65 years (HR 2·41), male sex (HR 1·94), diabetes mellitus (HR 1·36), silicosis (HR 7·70) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR 1·61) are independent risk factors for TB. Patients with ESRD are associated with an increased risk of TB, and should thus be monitored more carefully for TB, especially within 2 years of onset of ESRD.
Retinal morphological and functional changes in an animal model of retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: LU BIN , MORGANS CATHERINE W. , GIRMAN SERGEY , LUND RAYMOND , WANG SHAOMEI
Published: March 2013

The P23H-1 transgenic rat carries a mutated mouse opsin gene, in addition to endogenous opsin genes, and undergoes progressive photoreceptor loss that is generally characteristic of human autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Here, we examined morphological changes correlated with visual function that is comparable to clinical application in the pigmented P23H-1 rat retina as photoreceptor degeneration progressed. We found that rod function was compromised as early as postnatal day 28 and was a good indicator for tracking retinal degeneration. Cone function was normal and did not change until the thickness of the photoreceptor layer was reduced by 75%. Similar to the threshold versus intensity curves used to evaluate vision of RP patients, light-adaptation curves showed that cone thresholds depended on the number of remaining functioning cones, but not on its length of outer segments (OS). By 1 year of age, both rod and cone functions were significantly compromised. Correlating with early abnormal rod function, rods and related secondary neurons also underwent progressive degeneration, including shortening of inner and OS of photoreceptors, loss of rod bipolar and horizontal cell dendrites, thickening of the outer Müller cell processes, and reduced density of pre- and postsynaptic markers. Similar early morphological modifications were also observed in cones and their related secondary neurons. However, cone function was maintained at nearly normal level for a long period. The dramatic loss of rods at late stage of degeneration may contribute to the dysfunction of cones. Attention has to be focused on preserving cone function and identifying factors that damage cones when therapeutic regimes are applied to treat retinal degeneration. As such, these findings provide a foundation for future studies involving treatments to counter photoreceptor loss.
INTRODUCTION TO THE MACROECONOMIC DYNAMICS SPECIAL ISSUE ON INEQUALITY, PUBLIC INSURANCE, AND MONETARY POLICY
Authors: Gomis-Porqueras Pere , Julien Benoît
Published: March 2013

We present a set of research and briefly describe the individual contributions to the Macroeconomic Dynamics special issue on inequality, public insurance, and monetary policy.
The Nature of a Communist-Based Legal System and the Post-18th Party Congress Implications
Authors: Poon Czarina
Published: March 2013

China is entering a new era; after the 12th National People's Congress, which is to be held in March 2013, China's fifth generation of power transition will be complete. Czarina Poon offers the LIM readership an overview of the political and economic developments within China and outlines the governmental and legal structures for a nation that is one of the last five remaining Communist countries.
My Intranet Road Show: Promotion, Presentations and Profile-Raising
Authors: Fishleigh Jackie
Published: March 2013

In this article, Jackie Fishleigh looks at ways in which legal information managers can demonstrate their personal value and effectively market their services. In so doing she draws on her own recent experience promoting the intranet to every department in her law firm.
Can Nations Succeed?
Authors: Levi Margaret
Published: March 2013

We are in an era of Big Books, books with a magisterial sweep of the history of the world. All share the desire to explain why some countries flourish, why some start and stall on the path to development, and why others seem never to find the path at all. In sociology, Big Books date back at least to Karl Marx and Max Weber. Their publication has been more or less regular ever since, and their authors tend to elaborate the sort of grand and general theories that have come under increasing attack in recent decades, given methodological advances that have transformed analytic tastes.
Subprime Virtues: The Moral Dimensions of American Housing and Mortgage Policy
Authors: Avramenko Richard , Boyd Richard
Published: March 2013

The so-called “subprime mortgage crisis” has led to intense scrutiny of American housing policy, mortgage finance, and even the goods of homeownership. Some critics allege that the housing bubble and ensuing financial crisis were consequences of misguided state intervention, while others contend that the sources of the crisis lay in the pathologies of unregulated markets. Both sides, however, treat the crisis and its underlying causes primarily through an economic lens of cost-benefit analysis. Building on the insights of contemporary political theorists and the new institutionalism in political science, we consider American housing policy from the vantage of virtue theory. Not only is housing and mortgage policy inevitably normative, but public policy can be an important tool in fostering what we call the “subprime virtues” of truth-telling, promise-keeping, frugality, moderation, commitment, foresight, and judgment that are absolute prerequisites for any decent society.
MODEL-THEORETIC CHARACTERIZATION OF INTUITIONISTIC PROPOSITIONAL FORMULAS
Authors: OLKHOVIKOV GRIGORY K.
Published: March 2013

Notions of k-asimulation and asimulation are introduced as asymmetric counterparts to k-bisimulation and bisimulation, respectively. It is proved that a first-order formula is equivalent to a standard translation of an intuitionistic propositional formula iff it is invariant with respect to k-asimulations for some k, and then that a first-order formula is equivalent to a standard translation of an intuitionistic propositional formula iff it is invariant with respect to asimulations. Finally, it is proved that a first-order formula is equivalent to a standard translation of an intuitionistic propositional formula over the class of intuitionistic Kripke models iff it is invariant with respect to asimulations between intuitionistic models.
Integration of clinical data with a genome‐scale metabolic model of the human adipocyte
Authors: Mardinoglu Adil , Agren Rasmus , Kampf Caroline , Asplund Anna , Nookaew Intawat , Jacobson Peter , Walley Andrew J , Froguel Philippe , Carlsson Lena M , Uhlen Mathias , Nielsen Jens
Published: March 2013

We evaluated the presence/absence of proteins encoded by 14 077 genes in adipocytes obtained from different tissue samples using immunohistochemistry. By combining this with previously published adipocyte‐specific proteome data, we identified proteins associated with 7340 genes in human adipocytes. This information was used to reconstruct a comprehensive and functional genome‐scale metabolic model of adipocyte metabolism. The resulting metabolic model, iAdipocytes1809, enables mechanistic insights into adipocyte metabolism on a genome‐wide level, and can serve as a scaffold for integration of omics data to understand the genotype–phenotype relationship in obese subjects. By integrating human transcriptome and fluxome data, we found an increase in the metabolic activity around androsterone, ganglioside GM2 and degradation products of heparan sulfate and keratan sulfate, and a decrease in mitochondrial metabolic activities in obese subjects compared with lean subjects. Our study hereby shows a path to identify new therapeutic targets for treating obesity through combination of high throughput patient data and metabolic modeling.
Network balance via CRY signalling controls the Arabidopsis circadian clock over ambient temperatures
Authors: Gould Peter D , Ugarte Nicolas , Domijan Mirela , Costa Maria , Foreman Julia , MacGregor Dana , Rose Ken , Griffiths Jayne , Millar Andrew J , Finkenstädt Bärbel , Penfield Steven , Rand David A , Halliday Karen J , Hall Anthony J W
Published: March 2013

Circadian clocks exhibit ‘temperature compensation’, meaning that they show only small changes in period over a broad temperature range. Several clock genes have been implicated in the temperature‐dependent control of period in Arabidopsis. We show that blue light is essential for this, suggesting that the effects of light and temperature interact or converge upon common targets in the circadian clock. Our data demonstrate that two cryptochrome photoreceptors differentially control circadian period and sustain rhythmicity across the physiological temperature range. In order to test the hypothesis that the targets of light regulation are sufficient to mediate temperature compensation, we constructed a temperature‐compensated clock model by adding passive temperature effects into only the light‐sensitive processes in the model. Remarkably, this model was not only capable of full temperature compensation and consistent with mRNA profiles across a temperature range, but also predicted the temperature‐dependent change in the level of LATE ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL, a key clock protein. Our analysis provides a systems‐level understanding of period control in the plant circadian oscillator.
Experimental manipulation of wall turbulence: A systems approach
Authors: McKeon B. J. , Sharma A. S. , Jacobi I.
Published: March 2013

We review recent progress, based on the approach introduced by McKeon and Sharma [J. Fluid Mech. 658, 336–382 (2010)10.1017/S002211201000176X], in understanding and controlling wall turbulence. The origins of this analysis partly lie in nonlinear robust control theory, but a differentiating feature is the connection with, and prediction of, state-of-the-art understanding of velocity statistics and coherent structures observed in real, high Reynolds number flows. A key component of this line of work is an experimental demonstration of the excitation of velocity response modes predicted by the theory using non-ideal, but practical, actuation at the wall. Limitations of the approach and promising directions for future development are outlined.
Liquid meniscus friction on a wet plate: Bubbles, lamellae, and foams
Authors: Cantat Isabelle
Published: March 2013

Many microfluidics devices, coating processes, or diphasic flows involve the motion of a liquid meniscus on a wet wall. This motion induces a specific viscous force, that exhibits a nonlinear dependency in the meniscus velocity. We propose a review of the theoretical and experimental work made on this viscous force, for simple interfacial properties. The interface is indeed assumed either perfectly compressible (mobile interface) or perfectly incompressible (rigid interface). We show that, in the second case, the viscous force exerted by the wall on the meniscus is a combination of two power laws, scaling such as Ca1/3 and Ca2/3, with Ca the capillary number. We provide a prediction for the stress exerted on a foam sliding on a wet solid and compare it with experimental data, for the incompressible case.
Rotational spectroscopy of antipyretics: Conformation, structure, and internal dynamics of phenazone
Authors: Écija Patricia , Cocinero Emilio J. , Lesarri Alberto , Fernández José A. , Caminati Walther , Castaño Fernando
Published: March 2013

The conformational and structural preferences of phenazone (antipyrine), the prototype of non-opioid pyrazolone antipyretics, have been probed in a supersonic jet expansion using rotational spectroscopy. The conformational landscape of the two-ring assembly was first explored computationally, but only a single conformer was predicted, with the N-phenyl and N-methyl groups on opposite sides of the pyrazolone ring. Consistently, the microwave spectrum evidenced a rotational signature arising from a single molecular structure. The spectrum exhibited very complicated fine and hyperfine patterns (not resolvable with any other spectroscopic technique) originated by the simultaneous coupling of the methyl group internal rotation and the spins of the two 14N nuclei with the overall rotation. The internal rotation tunnelling was ascribed to the C–CH3 group and the barrier height established experimentally (7.13(10) kJ mol−1). The internal rotation of the N–CH3 group has a lower limit of 9.4 kJ mol−1. The structure of the molecule was determined from the rotational parameters, with the phenyl group elevated ca. 25° with respect to the average plane of the pyrazolic moiety and a phenyl torsion of ca. 52°. The origin of the conformational preferences is discussed in terms of the competition between intramolecular C–H⋯N and C–H⋯O weak hydrogen bonds.
Intrinsic pinning behavior and propagation onset of three-dimensional Bloch-point domain wall in a cylindrical ferromagnetic nanowire
Authors: Piao Hong-Guang , Shim Je-Ho , Djuhana Dede , Kim Dong-Hyun
Published: March 2013

We have investigated dynamic behavior of a three-dimensional magnetic domain wall (DW) having a Bloch-point structure in a cylindrical ferromagnetic nanowire via micromagnetic simulations. We have found the existence of an onset depinning behavior of the Bloch-point domain wall (BP-DW) motion under external magnetic fields, which is originated from overcoming an intrinsic pinning barrier generated from spin configuration of the Bloch-point domain wall inner structure. Ultrafast sequential switching of Bloch-point spins is expected to have a single precessional motion with negligible ringing on a few picoseconds time scale, which might be attractive for future spintronic applications.
Passive mode control in the recirculating planar magnetron
Authors: Franzi Matthew , Gilgenbach Ronald , Lau Y. Y. , Hoff Brad , Greening Geoff , Zhang Peng
Published: March 2013

Preliminary experiments of the recirculating planar magnetron microwave source have demonstrated that the device oscillates but is susceptible to intense mode competition due, in part, to poor coupling of RF fields between the two planar oscillators. A novel method of improving the cross-oscillator coupling has been simulated in the periodically slotted mode control cathode (MCC). The MCC, as opposed to a solid conductor, is designed to electromagnetically couple both planar oscillators by allowing for the propagation of RF fields and electrons through resonantly tuned gaps in the cathode. Using the MCC, a 12-cavity anode block with a simulated 1 GHz and 0.26 c phase velocity (where c is the speed of light) was able to achieve in-phase oscillations between the two sides of the device in as little as 30 ns. An analytic study of the modified resonant structure predicts the MCC's ability to direct the RF fields to provide tunable mode separation in the recirculating planar magnetron. The self-consistent solution is presented for both the degenerate even (in phase) and odd (180° out of phase) modes that exist due to the twofold symmetry of the planar magnetrons.
Optimization of exciton currents in photosynthetic systems
Authors: Guan Chengbo , Wu Ning , Zhao Yang
Published: March 2013

In an approach analogous to that used to treat electronic currents in semiconductor quantum dots, we investigate the exciton current in a pigment network that is sandwiched between two exciton reservoirs, also known as the emitter and the acceptor. Employing the master equation for the reduced density matrix, the exciton current is obtained analytically for a two-site model, and numerically for an eight-site Fenna-Matthews-Olson (FMO) subunit model. It is found that, to maximize the exciton current with a specific network configuration, there exist optimal emitter temperatures and exciton transfer rates between the network and the reservoirs. The steady state current in the FMO model is consistent with the trapping time calculated by network optimization in the one-exciton picture. The current optimization with respect to various control parameters is discussed for the FMO model. At and below the biologically relevant transfer rate 1 ps−1, the FMO network is more efficient for excitation energy transfer than the two-site model. Beyond this scale, the FMO network shows robustness with respect to the interplay with the reservoirs.
Phonon coupling of water monomers in a solid nitrogen matrix
Authors: Wu L. , Lambo R. , Tan Y. , Liu A.-W. , Hu S.-M.
Published: March 2013

The infrared absorption spectra of the H2O, HDO, and D2O monomers isolated in solid N2 have been recorded at various temperatures between 4 and 30 K. A study of the absorption features of the ν1, ν2, and ν3 vibrational modes for each monomer shows their optical line shapes to be strongly temperature dependent. For all three modes, a decrease in the absorption amplitude and a proportional broadening of the linewidth was observed with increasing temperature, while the integrated absorbance remained constant. These observations were explained in terms of phonon coupling, by which high frequency intramolecular modes decay by exciting matrix phonons. Fits of the linewidth for the lowest frequency ν2 vibrational mode to the predicted vibrational relaxation rate in a solid medium gave average phonon mode frequencies consistent with the Debye frequency for solid N2.