bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self‐care ability among home‐dwelling older people in rural areas in southern Norway
Authors: Dale Bjørg , Söderhamn Ulrika , Söderhamn Olle
Published: September 2011

Scand J Caring Sci; 2012; 26; 113–122
 
Self‐care ability among home‐dwelling older people in rural areas in southern Norway

Introduction:  The growing number of older people is assumed to represent many challenges in the future. Self‐care ability is a crucial health resource in older people and may be a decisive factor for older people managing daily life in their own homes. Studies have shown that self‐care ability is closely related to perceived health, sense of coherence and nutritional risk.

Aim:  The aim of this study was to describe self‐care ability among home‐dwelling older individuals living in rural areas in southern Norway and to relate the results to general living conditions, sense of coherence, screened nutritional state, perceived health, mental health and perceived life situation.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional survey was carried out in rural areas in five counties in 2010. A mailed questionnaire, containing background variables, health‐related questions and five instruments, was sent to a randomly selected sample of 3017 older people (65+ years), and 1050 respondents were included in the study. Data were analysed with statistical methods.

Results:  A total of 780 persons were found to have higher self‐care ability and 240 to have lower self‐care ability using the Self‐care Ability Scale for the Elderly. Self‐care ability was found to be closely related to health‐related issues, self‐care agency, sense of coherence, nutritional state and mental health, former profession, and type of dwelling. Predictors for high self‐care ability were to have higher self‐care agency, not receiving family help, having low risk for undernutrition, not perceiving helplessness, being able to prepare food, being active and having lower age.

Conclusions:  When self‐care ability is reduced in older people, caregivers have to be aware about how this can be expressed and also be aware of their responsibility for identifying and mapping needs for appropriate support and help, and preventing unnecessary and unwanted dependency.
Landscape context affects the success of habitat restoration: large‐scale colonization patterns of saproxylic and fire‐associated species in boreal forests
Authors: Kouki Jari , Hyvärinen Esko , Lappalainen Harri , Martikainen Petri , Similä Maarit
Published: September 2011

Aim  Restoration of habitats may be used as a conservation tool when ecosystems have lost their natural structure, dynamics or functioning over large areas. Controlled and planned use of fire could be an effective way to restore habitats of many threatened species in boreal forests where fire suppression has been effective. We asked whether the large‐scale landscape context affects the occurrence of rare and threatened species in forest habitats that have been burned to restore their fire‐related structures.

Location  Boreal forests in southern Finland.

Methods  We designed a large‐scale field experiment that included nine Pinus sylvestris forests (5–10 ha each) in southern Finland. Sites were located in two regions: (1) in eastern region with shorter management history and (2) in western region where intensive forestry has continued longer. We evaluated whether restoration of dead/burned wood is beneficial for rare and conservation‐dependent species and measured the recovery of pyrophilous and red‐listed insects (beetles and flatbugs) in burned forests, using standardized sampling effort. Altogether, 956 individuals of 29 red‐listed and pyrophilous species were sampled.

Results  Rare species colonized areas quickly, but there was a clear difference in species richness between the regions. The eastern forests harboured higher species richness after restoration. In these sites, the average species richness was 13.7 species per site, whereas in western forests it was 5.0 species per site. Similar pattern was also observed in subgroups: the corresponding numbers for pyrophilous species were 9.7 vs. 3.8, for red‐listed 8.7 vs. 2.3 and for red‐listed pyrophiles 4.7 vs. 1.2.

Main conclusions  Introducing fire back to boreal forests can aid in the recovery of rare species, but the landscape context considerably affects the success of restoring species. If restored habitats are located in landscapes that have lost their natural properties long ago, the success of restoration seems to be more challenging than in landscapes where habitats have been modified more recently.
LEAD ISOTOPIC ANALYSIS OF COPPER ORES FROM THE SIERRA EL ARAMO (ASTURIAS, SPAIN)*
Authors: HUELGA‐SUAREZ G. , MOLDOVAN M. , SUÁREZ FERNÁNDEZ M. , DE BLAS CORTINA M. ÁNGEL , VANHAECKE F. , GARCÍA ALONSO J. I.
Published: September 2011

This study presents the first ever lead isotope ratio data for copper ore samples (malachite and azurite) from the Sierra El Aramo (Asturias, northwestern Spain). The aim of this study was to supplement information in the existing reference database on the lead isotopic composition of Spanish ores. The Sierra El Aramo is particularly important because, while no data for the Asturian ores have been published so far, this northern province of Spain has played a significant role in terms of copper exploitation and metallurgy since the Copper Age.
Personal Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) by U.S. Health Care Workers
Authors: Johnson Pamela Jo , Ward Andrew , Knutson Lori , Sendelbach Sue
Published: September 2011

Objective

To examine personal use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among U.S. health care workers.

Data

Data are from the 2007 Alternative Health Supplement of the National Health Interview Survey. We examined a nationally representative sample of employed adults (n = 14,329), including a subsample employed in hospitals or ambulatory care settings (n = 1,280).

Study Design

We used multivariate logistic regression to estimate the odds of past year CAM use.

Principal Findings

Health care workers are more likely than the general population to use CAM. Among health care workers, health care providers are more likely to use CAM than other occupations.

Conclusions

Personal CAM use by health care workers may influence the integration of CAM with conventional health care delivery. Future research on the effects of personal CAM use by health care workers is therefore warranted.
Nonfinancial Barriers and Access to Care for U.S. Adults
Authors: Kullgren Jeffrey T. , McLaughlin Catherine G. , Mitra Nandita , Armstrong Katrina
Published: September 2011

Objective

To identify prevalences and predictors of nonfinancial barriers that lead to unmet need or delayed care among U.S. adults.

Data Source

2007 Health Tracking Household Survey.

Study Design

Reasons for unmet need or delayed care in the previous 12 months were assigned to one of five dimensions in the Penchansky and Thomas model of access to care. Prevalences of barriers in each nonfinancial dimension were estimated for all adults and for adults with affordability barriers. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate associations between individual, household, and insurance characteristics and barriers in each access dimension.

Principal Findings

Eighteen percent of U.S. adults experienced affordability barriers and 21 percent experienced nonfinancial barriers that led to unmet need or delayed care. Two‐thirds of adults with affordability barriers also reported nonfinancial barriers. Young adults, women, individuals with lower incomes, parents, and persons with at least one chronic illness had higher adjusted prevalences of nonfinancial barriers.

Conclusions

Nonfinancial barriers are common reasons for unmet need or delayed care among U.S. adults and frequently coincide with affordability barriers. Failure to address nonfinancial barriers may limit the impact of policies that seek to expand access by improving the affordability of health care.
Accrual Accounting, Informational Sufficiency, and Equity Valuation
Authors: NEZLOBIN ALEXANDER
Published: September 2011

This paper studies accrual accounting and equity valuation in the context of a firm that makes repeated and overlapping investments in productive capacity. The analysis identifies a particular accrual accounting (depreciation) rule that is termed replacement cost accounting because the book value of existing capacity assets is set equal to the value that such assets would have if a competitive market were to exist for used assets. It is shown that replacement cost accounting aggregates past investment decisions of the firm without a loss of value‐relevant information. The intrinsic value of the firm can then be expressed as a function of current accounting data and certain parameters of the firm’s operating environment. Further, it is shown that replacement cost accounting is essentially the only accounting rule with this informational sufficiency property.
Pharmacological characterization of a small‐molecule agonist for the chemokine receptor CXCR3
Authors: Scholten DJ , Canals M , Wijtmans M , de Munnik S , Nguyen P , Verzijl D , de Esch IJP , Vischer HF , Smit MJ , Leurs R
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The chemokine receptor CXCR3 is a GPCR found predominantly on activated T cells. CXCR3 is activated by three endogenous peptides; CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL11. Recently, a small‐molecule agonist, VUF10661, has been reported in the literature and synthesized in our laboratory. The aim of the present study was to provide a detailed pharmacological characterization of VUF10661 by comparing its effects with those of CXCL11.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Agonistic properties of VUF10661 were assessed in a chemotaxis assay with murine L1.2 cells transiently transfected with cDNA encoding the human CXCR3 receptor and in binding studies, with [125I]‐CXCL10 and [125I]‐CXCL11, on membrane preparations from HEK293 cells stably expressing CXCR3. [35S]‐GTPγS binding was used to determine its potency to induce CXCR3‐mediated G protein activation and BRET‐based assays to investigate its effects on intracellular cAMP levels and β‐arrestin recruitment.

KEY RESULTS

VUF10661 acted as a partial agonist in CXCR3‐mediated chemotaxis, bound to CXCR3 in an allosteric fashion in ligand binding assays and activated Gi proteins with the same efficacy as CXCL11 in the [35S]‐GTPγS binding and cAMP assay, while it recruited more β‐arrestin1 and β‐arrestin2 to CXCR3 receptors than the chemokine.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

VUF10661, like CXCL11, activates both G protein‐dependent and ‐independent signalling via the CXCR3 receptor, but probably exerts its effects from an allosteric binding site that is different from that for CXCL11. It could stabilize different receptor and/or β‐arrestin conformations leading to differences in functional output. Such ligand‐biased signalling might offer interesting options for the therapeutic use of CXCR3 agonists.

LINKED ARTICLE

This article is commented on by O'Boyle, pp. 895–897 of this issue. To view this commentary visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2011.01759.x
Using white mica40Ar/39Ar data as a tracer for fluid flow and permeability under high‐Pconditions: Tauern Window, Eastern Alps
Authors: WARREN C. J. , SMYE A. J. , KELLEY S. P. , SHERLOCK S. C.
Published: September 2011

New single‐grain‐fusion muscovite and paragonite40Ar/39Ar data from eclogite and blueschist units exposed in the Tauern Window, Eastern Alps yield a range of apparent ages from 90 to 23 Ma. These apparent ages are generally older than expected for40Ar/39Ar cooling ages, given constraints from other geochronological systems such as Rb–Sr and U–Pb. Numerical Ar‐in‐muscovite diffusion models for Tauern Window nappeP–Tpaths in an open system suggest that40Ar/39Ar ages should lie between 29 and 24 Ma, and that they should constrain cooling and decompression following the post‐high pressure Barrovian overprint. The measured ranges of apparent40Ar/39Ar dates suggest that the assumption of open system behaviour is not valid for this region. The local and/or regional generation of fluid during exhumation promoted pervasive recrystallization of high pressure lithologies throughout the Tauern Window to greenschist and amphibolite facies assemblages. The old apparent40Ar/39Ar white mica dates in all lithologies are therefore interpreted as being due to inefficient removal of grain boundary Ar by the grain boundary fluids during the Barrovian overprint, due to high Ar concentrations or limited connectivity or both. This caused spatially (mm‐scale) and temporally variable fluxes of Ar out of, and probably into, white mica in both metasedimentary and metabasic lithologies.
Testing Germination of Species for Hydroseeding Degraded Mediterranean Areas
Authors: Oliveira Graça , Nunes Alice , Clemente Adelaide , Correia Otília
Published: September 2011

The germination performance of native species and their suitability for a rapid erosion control are uncertain. Together with their relatively low commercial availability and high costs, these are still strong reasons preventing their common use in hydroseeding for restoration of Mediterranean degraded slopes, despite the increasing number of studies recommending it. In this study, 14 non‐native (commercial) and native herb and woody species were tested. Their germination performance was evaluated under laboratory (Petri dishes) and greenhouse conditions (seeds sown in target substrate). The results obtained were compared with the seedling densities in a Mediterranean quarry slope hydroseeded with the same species. In the laboratory, commercial species had a better germination performance than most native species, but this trend was not maintained in the greenhouse. Greenhouse tests were extended beyond spring and showed that many native species germinated better, or exclusively in autumn. Germination performance and success decreased, from laboratory to greenhouse and field conditions, for many species, but not for all. Relative to field performance, the predictive value of laboratory and greenhouse tests was poor, yet sowing on the target substrate under greenhouse conditions may be a better approach for certain native species. The main drawbacks revealed by native species in the present study included: (1) relatively slow germination; (2) seasonality; and (3) seed dormancy‐breaking requirements. The results suggest that these problems may be overcome through species selection, seed pre‐treatments, hydroseeding scheduling, and/or manipulation of seeding density and relative species proportion.
Where is the Evidence for Assessing Evidence‐Based Restoration? Comments on Ntshotsho et al. (2010)
Authors: Guldemond Robert A. R. , Grainger Matthew J. , Trimble Morgan J.
Published: September 2011

In their article “Assessing the evidence base for restoration in South Africa,” Ntshotsho et al. attempt to determine whether restoration in South Africa is evidence based by reporting on 10 projects' baseline data collection, goal setting, and monitoring. However, their contribution suffers from two major constraints. First, they confuse assessing the evidence base with assessing whether restoration is evidence based. Truly, assessing the evidence base would entail a systematic review of the quantity and quality of information available as well as the conclusions supported, perhaps in a meta‐analytical framework. Determining if restoration is evidence based would require a survey of project managers to evaluate if they take decisions based on scientific information. Second, Ntshotsho et al. do not clearly distinguish successfully achieving restoration project goals from successfully restoring ecosystems. They largely focus on projects' socioeconomic goals without emphasizing that these goals are, by definition, secondary to ecological goals in determining restoration success. Thus, Ntshotsho et al. provide neither a sound assessment of the evidence base for restoration nor whether restoration is evidence based. To evaluate and encourage evidence‐based restoration in South Africa, we recommend a simple assessment of the basis on which restoration managers make decisions, identification of factors precluding evidence‐based decision‐making, and development of platforms to evaluate the data collected in restoration programs to generate an evidence base from which to make defendable decisions.
Home Range Size and Micro‐habitat Density Requirements of Egernia napoleonis: Implications for Restored Jarrah Forest of South Western Australia
Authors: Christie Kimberley , Craig Michael D. , Stokes Vicki L. , Hobbs Richard J.
Published: September 2011

Compared to natural forests, coarse woody debris (CWD) is typically scarce in restored forests due to the long time it takes to develop naturally. In post‐mining restored forests in the Jarrah forest of south western Australia, CWD is returned at densities of one log pile per hectare. We tested the adequacy of these densities for meeting the micro‐habitat requirements of Napoleon's skink (Egernia napoleonis), a species rarely found within restored sites. Home range size and overlap, and micro‐habitat densities used by skinks, were measured by radio‐tracking 12 individuals in natural, unmined forest. Napoleon's skinks had small home ranges (0.08 ± 0.02 ha), based on 8 individuals with sufficient fixes. All skinks overlapped in home ranges, with average overlaps of 43.5 ± 8.6%. Ten of the 12 skinks shared micro‐habitats and 4 shared them simultaneously, which indicates some social tolerance. This will influence as to how many micro‐habitats are required. Micro‐habitats were used at high densities: logs at 49.2 ± 8.8 ha−1 and woody debris piles at 12.4 ± 4.8 ha−1. Based on these densities, it is recommended that CWD is returned to restored forests at densities of 60 ha−1, which should provide sufficient micro‐habitats for multiple skinks. Due to the infeasibility of returning such CWD densities across large areas of restored forest, CWD could be preferentially returned as patches, large enough for numerous home ranges, adjacent to unmined forest, or as corridors between unmined forest. These recommendations for returning micro‐habitats should be tested for effectiveness in encouraging recolonization of restored forest by Napoleon's skink and other species.
Intraspecific Chromosome Number Variation and Prairie Restoration—A Case Study in Northeast Iowa, U.S.A
Authors: Delaney John T. , Baack Eric J.
Published: September 2011

Genome duplication has played an important role in plant evolution. Variation in genome size within species is common, particularly in grasses, but rarely considered when planning restorations. We surveyed ploidy variation within one habitat (tall grass prairie) in one region (northeast Iowa, U.S.A.) to assess the risk of ploidy mismatch in restoration plantings. Genome sizes were estimated using flow cytometry for samples from 19 remnant prairies, 5 restoration plantings, and 2 seed sources. Intraspecific ploidy variation in remnant prairie populations was found for two species of grasses, Andropogon gerardii (big bluestem) and Panicum virgatum (switchgrass). Restoration seeds differed from remnants in ploidy for three species of grass, P. virgatum, Sorghastrum nutans (Indian grass), and Spartina pectinata (prairie cordgrass), and for one species of forb, Amorpha canescens (lead plant). In the case of S. pectinata, local ecotype seeds were found to consist of two different ploidy levels. Restorations in grasslands in the United States and elsewhere are likely to create mixed ploidy populations, probably resulting in lower reproductive success for the remnant population. Prevention of mixed ploidy populations will require the screening of restoration seed sources and regional surveys for ploidy variation.
Aspirin is First‐Line Treatment for Migraine and Episodic Tension‐Type Headache Regardless of Headache Intensity
Authors: Lampl Christian , Voelker Michael , Steiner Timothy J.
Published: September 2011

Objectives.— (1) To establish whether pre‐treatment headache intensity in migraine or episodic tension‐type headache (ETTH) predicts success or failure of treatment with aspirin; and (2) to reflect, accordingly, on the place of aspirin in the management of these disorders.

Background.— Stepped care in migraine management uses symptomatic treatments as first‐line, reserving triptans for those in whom this proves ineffective. Stratified care chooses between symptomatic therapy and triptans as first‐line on an individual basis according to perceived illness severity. We questioned the 2 assumptions underpinning stratified care in migraine that greater illness severity: (1) reflects greater need; and (2) is a risk factor for failure of symptomatic treatment but not of triptans.

Methods.— With regard to the first assumption, we developed a rhetorical argument that need for treatment is underpinned by expectation of benefit, not by illness severity. To address the second, we reviewed individual patient data from 6 clinical trials of aspirin 1000 mg in migraine (N = 2079; 1165 moderate headache, 914 severe) and one of aspirin 500 and 1000 mg in ETTH (N = 325; 180 moderate, 145 severe), relating outcome to pre‐treatment headache intensity.

Results.— In migraine, for headache relief at 2 hours, a small (4.7%) and non‐significant risk difference (RD) in therapeutic gain favored moderate pain; for pain freedom at 2 hours, therapeutic gains were almost identical (RD: −0.2%). In ETTH, for headache relief at 2 hours, RDs for both aspirin 500 mg (−4.2%) and aspirin 1000 mg (−9.7%) favored severe pain, although neither significantly; for pain freedom at 2 hours, RDs (−14.2 and −3.6) again favored severe pain.

Conclusion.— In neither migraine nor ETTH does pre‐treatment headache intensity predict success or failure of aspirin. This is not an arguable basis for stratified care in migraine. In both disorders, aspirin is first‐line treatment regardless of headache intensity.
PHOSPHATE‐LIMITED GROWTH OF PAVLOVA LUTHERI (PRYMNESIOPHYCEAE) IN CONTINUOUS CULTURE: DETERMINATION OF GROWTH‐RATE‐LIMITING SUBSTRATE CONCENTRATIONS WITH A SENSITIVE BIOASSAY PROCEDURE1
Authors: Laws Edward A. , Pei Shaofeng , Bienfang Paul , Grant Scott , Sunda William G.
Published: September 2011

The relationship between steady‐state growth rate and phosphate concentration was studied for the marine prymnesiophyte Pavlova lutheri (Droop) J. C. Green grown in a chemostat at 22°C under continuous irradiance. A bioassay procedure involving short‐term uptake of 10 picomolar spikes of 33P‐labeled phosphate was used to estimate the concentration of phosphate in the growth chamber. The relationship between growth rate and phosphate was well described by a simple rectangular hyperbola with a half‐saturation constant of 2.6 nM. The cells were able to take up micromolar spikes of phosphate at rates two to three orders of magnitude higher than steady‐state uptake rates. The kinetics of short‐term uptake displayed Holling type III behavior, suggesting that P. lutheri may have multiple uptake systems with different half‐saturation constants. Chl a:C ratios were linearly related to growth rate and similar to values previously reported for P. lutheri under nitrate‐limited conditions. C:N ratios, also linearly related to growth rate, were consistently lower than values reported for P. lutheri under nitrate‐limited conditions, a result presumably reflecting luxury assimilation of nitrogen under phosphate‐limited conditions. C:P ratios were linearly related to growth rate in a manner consistent with the Droop equation for growth rate versus cellular P:C ratio.
EFFECTS OF ULTRAVIOLET‐A RADIATION AND NUTRIENT AVAILABILITY ON THE CELLULAR COMPOSITION OF PHOTOPROTECTIVE COMPOUNDS IN GLENODINIUM FOLIACEUM (DINOPHYCEAE)1
Authors: White Daniel Allan , Polimene Luca , Llewellyn Carole Anne
Published: September 2011

The photoprotective response in the dinoflagellate Glenodinium foliaceum F. Stein exposed to ultraviolet‐A (UVA) radiation (320–400 nm; 1.7 W · m2) and the effect of nitrate and phosphate availability on that response have been studied. Parameters measured over a 14 d growth period in control (PAR) and experimental (PAR + UVA) cultures included cellular mycosporine‐like amino acids (MAAs), chls, carotenoids, and culture growth rates. Although there were no significant effects of UVA on growth rate, there was significant induction of MAA compounds (28 ± 2 pg · cell−1) and a reduction in chl a (9.6 ± 0.1 pg · cell−1) and fucoxanthin (4.4 ± 0.1 pg · cell−1) compared to the control cultures (3 ± 1 pg · cell−1, 13.3 ± 3.2 pg · cell−1, and 7.4 ± 0.3 pg · cell−1, respectively). In a second investigation, MAA concentrations in UVA‐exposed cultures were lower when nitrate was limited (P < 0.05) but were higher when phosphate was limiting. Nitrate limitation led to significant decreases (P < 0.05) in cellular concentration of chls (chl c1, chl c2, and chl a), but other pigments were not affected. Phosphate availability had no effect on final pigment concentrations. Results suggest that nutrient availability significantly affects cellular accumulation of photoprotective compounds in G. foliaceum exposed to UVA.
Value of Neuropsychological Tests, Neuroimaging, and Biomarkers for Diagnosing Alzheimer's Disease in Younger and Older Age Cohorts
Authors: Schmand Ben , Eikelenboom Piet , van Gool Willem A. ,   the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: September 2011

OBJECTIVES: To examine the influence of age on the value of four techniques for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease (AD).

DESIGN: Observational cohort study.

SETTING: Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative.

PARTICIPANTS: Individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI; n=179), individuals with AD (n=91), and normal controls (n=105).

MEASUREMENTS: Neuropsychological tests, structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), amyloid‐beta and tau in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) for the diagnosis of MCI or AD. MCI was defined according to subjective memory complaints corroborated by an informant and an abnormal score on the delayed paragraph recall subtest of the Wechsler Memory Scale–Revised, a Mini‐Mental State Examination score greater than 23, and a Clinical Dementia Rating score of 0.5. Participants with AD satisfied National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Diseases and Stroke/Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association criteria of probable AD.

RESULTS: Neuropsychological tests and MRI were the most informative techniques, with 84% and 82% correct classifications, respectively, and areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) of 0.93 (90% confidence interval (CI)=0.91–0.95) and 0.88 (90% CI=0.85–0.91). FDG‐PET and CSF assessments had 76% and 73% correct classifications, respectively, (AUC=0.77, 90% CI=0.71–0.83; AUC=0.77, 90% CI=0.73–0.82). These figures increased slightly when the techniques were combined. All analyses were repeated for the younger (<75) and older (≥75) halves of the sample. FDG‐PET and CSF assessment were substantially less informative in the older cohort, and they did not add diagnostic information when all techniques were combined.

CONCLUSIONS: Structural MRI and neuropsychological assessment are diagnostic methods of first choice if AD is suspected. CSF and FDG‐PET add little to these diagnostic techniques, especially in older adults.
Does Fairness Matter in the Context of Anger About Nuclear Energy Decision Making?
Authors: Besley John C.
Published: September 2011

Several recent studies have questioned whether nonoutcome forms of fairness matter in decision‐making situations where individuals feel strongly engaged by the issue at hand. This survey‐based study focuses on perceptions about a decision‐making process related to a proposal to expand a nuclear power plant in the U.S. Southeast. It finds that anger moderates the impacts of outcome and procedural fairness on willingness to accept a decision process as satisfactory and legitimate. The more anger a person said he or she would feel if a decision were to contradict that person's point of view, the more perceived outcome and procedural fairness mattered. The study also finds that interpersonal fairness is also moderated by anger, but in the opposite direction. Interpersonal fairness had less of an impact on willingness to accept a decision for those who said they would feel angry if the decision did not go their preferred way.
Risk Assessment of Major Hazards and its Application in Urban Planning: A Case Study
Authors: Zhou Yafei , Liu Mao
Published: September 2011

With the rapid development of industry in China, the number of establishments that are proposed or under construction is increasing year by year, and many are industries that handle flammable, explosive, toxic, harmful, and dangerous substances. Accidents such as fire, explosion, and toxic diffusion inevitably happen. Accidents resulting from these major hazards in cities cause a large number of casualties and property losses. It is increasingly important to analyze the risk of major hazards in cities realistically and to suitably plan and utilize the surrounding land based on the risk analysis results, thereby reducing the hazards. A theoretical system for risk assessment of major hazards in cities is proposed in this article, and the major hazard risk for the entire city is analyzed quantitatively. Risks of various major accidents are considered together, superposition effect is analyzed, individual risk contours of the entire city are drawn out, and the level of risk in the city is assessed using “as low as reasonably practicable” guidelines. After the entire city's individual risk distribution is obtained, risk zones are divided according to corresponding individual risk value of HSE, and land‐use planning suggestions are proposed. Finally, a city in China is used as an example to illustrate the risk assessment process of the city's major hazard and its application in urban land‐use planning. The proposed method has a certain theoretical and practical significance in establishing and improving risk analysis of major hazard and urban land‐use planning. On the one hand, major urban public risk is avoided; further, the land is utilized in the best possible way in order to obtain the maximum benefit from its use.
Insurance Pricing, Reserving, and Performance Evaluation Under External Constraints on Capitalization and Return on Equity
Authors: Ulm Eric R.
Published: September 2011

Abstract

We derive formulas for calculating the premiums that should be charged on policies in a discounted cash flow model with tax reserves and required assets that are determined by regulation. We also determine the unique division of required assets into “reserves” and “capital” that allows the product profitability to be correctly evaluated. That is, the profit after capital charges is zero if the product achieves the return assumed in pricing. We illustrate the concepts using whole life insurance and guaranteed minimum death benefit examples.
Non‐invasive Assessment of Skin Microvascular Function in Humans: An Insight Into Methods
Authors: ROUSTIT MATTHIEU , CRACOWSKI JEAN‐LUC
Published: September 2011

Please cite this paper as: Roustit and Cracowski (2012). Non‐invasive Assessment of Skin Microvascular Function in Humans: An Insight Into Methods. Microcirculation 19(1), 47–64.

For more than two decades, methods for the non‐invasive exploration of cutaneous microcirculation have been mainly based on optical microscopy and laser Doppler techniques. In this review, we discuss the advantages and drawbacks of these techniques. Although optical microscopy‐derived techniques, such as nailfold videocapillaroscopy, have found clinical applications, they mainly provide morphological information about the microvessels. Laser Doppler techniques coupled with reactivity tests are widespread in the field of microvascular function research, but many technical issues need to be taken into account when performing these tests. Post‐occlusive reactive hyperemia and local thermal hyperemia have been shown to be reliable tests, although their underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside iontophoresis, despite their wide use as specific tests of endothelium‐dependent and ‐independent function, respectively, show limitations. The influence of the skin site, recording conditions, and the way of expressing data are also reviewed. Finally, we focus on promising tools such as laser speckle contrast imaging.
Transparent Solid Solution Magnesium Aluminate Spinel Polycrystalline Ceramic with the Alumina‐Rich Composition MgO·1.2 Al2O3
Authors: Sutorik Anthony C. , Gilde Gary , Swab Jeffrey J. , Cooper Christopher , Gamble Robert , Shanholtz Eugene
Published: September 2011

Solid solution magnesium aluminate spinel with the alumina‐rich composition MgO·1.2 Al2O3 has been prepared as a transparent polycrystalline ceramic with average in‐line transmission at 550 nm of 84.8 ± 2.7% and >82% throughout the visible spectrum. Starting powders are prepared from mixtures of high purity Mg(OH)2 and γ‐Al2O3 thoroughly mixed in an aqueous slurry. Water is removed by rotary evaporation. The solids are collected, dried, calcined, mixed with LiF (as a sintering aid), and sieved. The powders are sintered into dense ceramics by hot pressing at 1600°C under vacuum and 20 MPa uniaxial load followed by hot isostatic pressing at 1850°C under 200 MPa Ar. Final grain sizes ranged between 300 and 1000 μm. Samples exhibited flexural strength of 176.8 ± 46.2 MPa; hardness of 12.3 ± 0.2 GPa; and elastic modulus of 292.9 ± 7.5 GPa. Control samples of stoichiometric magnesium aluminate spinel (MgO·Al2O3) were prepared with the same procedure and exhibited comparable values for transmission and physical properties.
The Academic Chair in Emergency Medicine: Current Demographics and Survey Results Identifying the Skills and Characteristics Desired for the Role
Authors: Heitz Corey , Hamilton Glenn C.
Published: September 2011

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2011; 18:981–987 © 2011 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Objectives:  Due to the rapid growth in academic emergency departments over the past 20 years, recent significant changes in leadership have occurred. To prepare for future transitions, leaders in academic emergency medicine (EM) should identify those skills and characteristics desired in future academic chairs. The authors sought to determine which skills and characteristics are more important than others to help guide the development of EM‐specific leadership courses.

Methods:  A survey of the current academic chairs in EM included questions pertaining to demographics, career time course, expected career longevity, and ratings of skills and characteristics deemed necessary for academic chairs. Chairs were asked to rate the qualities twice, to identify qualities that must be obtained prior to becoming chair, and those that may be obtained during chair tenure.

Results:  Ninety‐seven percent of the membership of the Association of Academic Chairs in Emergency Medicine (AACEM) completed the survey. Most chairs have been in practice for over 15 years, and a minority, for less than 10 years. One‐third predict less than 6 more years in their current position, and almost 50% predict their careers as chair will continue an additional 6–10 years. The highest‐rated formal training was an administrative or leadership training course or certification. Chairs noted that academic experience (including scholarly productivity, peer‐reviewed publication, faculty development, and graduate medical education) was the most important skill set to obtain prior to becoming a chair, while hospital governance and cross‐departmental collaboration skills can be obtained once in the role. Managerial skills were also felt to be of importance. Personal characteristics were overall rated highly. No differences were found between responses from early chairs and those later in their careers.

Conclusions:  Leadership courses for aspiring chairs in EM should foster the development of academic experience and managerial skills. Advanced degrees in leadership or administration are highly desirable in future chairs.
Selection of disease‐specific biomarkers by integrating inflammatory mediators with clinical informatics in AECOPD patients: a preliminary study
Authors: Chen Hong , Song Zhenju , Qian Mengjia , Bai Chunxue , Wang Xiangdong
Published: September 2011

Systemic inflammation is a major factor influencing the outcome and quality of patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and acute exacerbations (AECOPD). Because of the inflammatory complexity, a great challenge is still confronted to optimize the identification and validation of disease‐specific biomarkers. This study aimed at developing a new protocol of specific biomarker evaluation by integrating proteomic profiles of inflammatory mediators with clinical informatics in AECOPD patients, understand better their function and signal networks. Plasma samples were collected from healthy non‐smokers or patients with stable COPD (sCOPD) or AECOPD on days 1 and 3 of the admission and discharging day (day 7–10). Forty chemokines were measured using a chemokine multiplex antibody array. Clinical informatics was achieved by a Digital Evaluation Score System (DESS) for assessing severity of patients. Chemokine data was compared among different groups and its correlation with DESS scores was performed by SPSS software. Of 40 chemokines, 30 showed significant difference between sCOPD patients and healthy controls, 16 between AECOPD patients and controls and 13 between AECOPD patients and both sCOPD and controls, including BTC, IL‐9, IL‐18Bpa, CCL22,CCL23, CCL25, CCL28, CTACK, LIGHT, MSPa, MCP‐3, MCP‐4 and OPN. Of them, some had significant correlation with DESS scores. There is a disease‐specific profile of inflammatory mediators in COPD and AECOPD patients which may have a potential diagnostics together with clinical informatics of patients. Our preliminary study suggested that integration of proteomics with clinical informatics can be a new way to validate and optimize disease‐special biomarkers.
Angiostatic kinase inhibitors to sustain photodynamic angio‐occlusion
Authors: Nowak‐Sliwinska Patrycja , Weiss Andrea , Beijnum Judy R. van , Wong Tse J. , Ballini Jean‐Pierre , Lovisa Blaise , van den Bergh Hubert , Griffioen Arjan W.
Published: September 2011

Targeted angiostatic therapy receives major attention for the treatment of cancer and exudative age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been used as an effective clinical approach for these diseases. As PDT can cause an angiogenic response in the treated tissue, combination of PDT with anti‐angiogenic compounds should lead to improved therapy. This study was undertaken to test the clinically used small molecule kinase inhibitors Nexavar® (sorafenib), Tarceva® (erlotinib) and Sutent® (sunitinib) for this purpose, and to compare the results to the combination of Visudyne®‐PDT with Avastin® (bevacizumab) treatment. When topically applied to the chicken chorioallantoic membrane at embryo development day (EDD) 7, a clear inhibition of blood vessel development was observed, with sorafenib being most efficient. To investigate the combination with phototherapy, Visudyne®‐PDT was first applied on EDD11 to close all <100 μm vessels. Application of angiostatics after PDT resulted in a significant decrease in vessel regrowth in terms of reduced vessel density and number of branching points/mm2. As the 50% effective dose (ED50) for all compounds was approximately 10‐fold lower, Sorafenib outperformed the other compounds. In vitro, all kinase inhibitors decreased the viability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Sunitinib convincingly inhibited the in vitro migration of endothelial cells. These results suggest the therapeutic potential of these compounds for application in combination with PDT in anti‐cancer approaches, and possibly also in the treatment of other diseases where angiogenesis plays an important role.
Intimate partner violence and its association with pregnancy loss and pregnancy planning
Authors: STÖCKL HEIDI , HERTLEIN LINDA , HIMSL ISABELLE , DELIUS MARIA , HASBARGEN UWE , FRIESE KLAUS , STÖCKL DORIS
Published: September 2011

Objective. To examine the effect of physical partner violence on pregnancy loss and unplanned pregnancy. Design. Cross‐sectional, self‐reported questionnaire survey. Setting. A maternity ward of a university hospital in Munich, Germany. Sample. Women who gave birth within the previous seven days. Methods. The effects of physical partner violence on pregnancy loss and unplanned pregnancy were estimated using descriptive statistics based on χ2 tests, bivariate logistic regression and multivariate logistic regression. Main Outcome Measures. Physical partner violence was assessed using the Abuse Assessment Screen, information on pregnancy loss was derived from women's medical files and the assessment of pregnancy planning was based on women's self‐reports. Results. The survey had a response rate of 73%; 29% of the women experienced pregnancy loss, 13% reported that their last pregnancy was unplanned and 4% revealed physical violence by a current or previous partner. Physical partner violence was significantly associated with pregnancy loss (odds ratio 8.33, 95% confidence interval 2.01–34.59) and unplanned last pregnancy (odds ratio 5.03, 95% confidence interval 1.21–21.26), even after adjusting for other commonly known explanatory factors, such as number of children, women's age and women's and their partners’ education level and employment, marital status, financial situation and support during pregnancy. Conclusions. Physical partner violence is an important factor in understanding pregnancy loss and unplanned pregnancy. Inquiring about the existence of intimate partner violence among these women might help to identify women in need of domestic violence services.
Impact of clinical status and salivary conditions on xerostomia and oral health‐related quality of life of adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Busato Ivana Maria Saes , Ignácio Sérgio Aparecido , Brancher João Armando , Moysés Simone Tetu , Azevedo‐Alanis Luciana Reis
Published: September 2011

Busato IMS, Ignácio SA, Brancher JA, Moysés ST, Azevedo‐Alanis LR. Impact of clinical status and salivary conditions on xerostomia and oral health‐related quality of life of adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2012; 40: 62–69. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Abstract –  Objectives: To investigate the influence of clinical status and salivary conditions on the presence of xerostomia on adolescents with and without type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1), and further to investigate the influence of clinical status, salivary conditions and xerostomia on oral health‐related quality of life (OHQoL) of those with DM1. Methods: A cross‐sectional study was performed on 102 adolescents, 51 with DM1 and 51 nondiabetics. Xerostomia was detected by asking a question about the sensation of having ‘dry mouth’, and Oral Health Impact Profile‐14 was used to measure the impact of xerostomia on OHQoL. The clinical status was assessed by using decayed, missing or filled and Community Periodontal indices, and by evaluating oral manifestations; and the following salivary conditions were evaluated: stimulated salivary flow, pH, buffer capacity, total protein, amylase, urea, calcium, and glucose salivary concentrations. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the influence of clinical status and salivary conditions on xerostomia and the impact of xerostomia on the OHQoL of adolescents with DM1. Results: Clinical status and salivary conditions was shown to have no influence on the presence of xerostomia. Bivariate (P = 0.00) and logistic regression (P = 0.01) analysis showed a significant association between DM1 and xerostomia. Logistic regression analysis showed association between xerostomia (P = 0.00) and OHQoL, and caries experience (P = 0.03) and OHQoL. Conclusions: DM1 showed to be predictive of a high prevalence of xerostomia in adolescents. Caries experience and xerostomia showed to have a negative impact on the OHQoL of adolescents with DM1.
The association between depression and anxiety and use of oral health services and tooth loss
Authors: Okoro Catherine A. , Strine Tara W. , Eke Paul I. , Dhingra Satvinder S. , Balluz Lina S.
Published: September 2011

Okoro CA, Strine TW, Eke PI, Dhingra SS, Balluz LS. The association between depression and anxiety and use of oral health services and tooth loss. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2012; 40: 134–144. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Abstract –  Objective:  The purpose of this study is to examine the associations among depression, anxiety, use of oral health services, and tooth loss.

Methods:  Data were analysed for 80 486 noninstitutionalized adults in 16 states who participated in the 2008 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Binomial and multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to estimate predicted marginals, adjusted prevalence ratios, adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results:  The unadjusted prevalence for use of oral health services in the past year was 73.1% [standard error (SE), 0.3%]. The unadjusted prevalence by level of tooth loss was 56.1% (SE, 0.4%) for no tooth loss, 29.6% (SE, 0.3%) for 1–5 missing teeth, 9.7% (SE, 0.2%) for 6–31 missing teeth and 4.6% (SE, 0.1%) for total tooth loss. Adults with current depression had a significantly higher prevalence of nonuse of oral health services in the past year than those without this disorder (P < 0.001), after adjustment for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, marital status, employment status, adverse health behaviours, chronic conditions, body mass index, assistive technology use and perceived social support. In logistic regression analyses employing tooth loss as a dichotomous outcome (0 versus ≥1) and as a nominal outcome (0 versus 1–5, 6–31, or all), adults with depression and anxiety were more likely to have tooth loss. Adults with current depression, lifetime diagnosed depression and lifetime diagnosed anxiety were significantly more likely to have had at least one tooth removed than those without each of these disorders (P < 0.001 for all), after fully adjusting for evaluated confounders (including use of oral health services). The adjusted odds of being in the 1–5 teeth removed, 6–31 teeth removed, or all teeth removed categories versus 0 teeth removed category were increased for adults with current depression versus those without (AOR = 1.35; 95% CI = 1.14–1.59; AOR = 1.83; 95% CI = 1.51–2.22; and AOR = 1.44; 95% CI = 1.11–1.86, respectively). The adjusted odds of being in the 1–5 teeth removed and 6–31 teeth removed categories versus 0 teeth removed category were also increased for adults with lifetime diagnosed depression or anxiety versus those without each of these disorders.

Conclusions:  Use of oral health services and tooth loss was associated with depression and anxiety after controlling for multiple confounders.