bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Redistribution, insurance and incentives to work in Latin-American pension programs
Authors: FORTEZA ALVARO , OURENS GUZMÁN
Published: February 2012

We present a new database of social security indicators for 11 Latin-American countries designed to show how much they promise to pay in return to contributions. These are based on micro-simulations according to existing norms. We use response-surface analysis to characterize simulation results. Our results indicate that most programs are progressive. The length of service (LOS) has a strong impact on the expected returns to contributions. In several programs, the expected rates of return exhibit striking discontinuities in the LOS, mostly due to vesting period conditions. This implies these programs may be exacerbating income risk.
Pension reform with variable retirement age: a simulation analysis for Germany
Authors: FEHR HANS , KALLWEIT MANUEL , KINDERMANN FABIAN
Published: February 2012

The paper analyzes the recent pension reform in Germany which increases the normal retirement age by two years. The applied simulation model features a realistic demographic transition, distinguishes three skill classes with different life expectancies and allows individuals to choose their labor supply at the intensive and the extensive margin.

Our simulation results indicate that under the existing pension rules long-run contribution rates and old-age poverty rates will increase considerably. The proposed rise in the normal retirement age will postpone effective retirement by about one year and redistribute towards future cohorts. A stronger delay in effective retirement may be achieved by raising the actuarial adjustment of benefits.
On the oscillation limits of HBT cross-coupled oscillators
Authors: Barghouthi Atheer , Carta Corrado , Jörges Udo , Ellinger Frank
Published: February 2012

In evaluating the potential of a given integrated-circuit technology, the negative conductance approach is used to estimate a maximum frequency limit for the ability of Heterojunction Bipolar Transistor (HBT) cross-coupled architecture to function as an oscillator at high frequencies. In this paper, the simple low-frequency estimation of the negative conductance, commonly used in the literature, is extended by deriving a new expression that takes into account the HBT parasitics. An expression for the frequency at which the negative conductance of the circuit crosses zero is given, which gives maximum frequency of oscillation for an ideal tank (no tank losses). In addition, the effect of the feedback capacitor, which is commonly added for direct current (DC) decoupling and boosting the negative conductance, is analyzed and new insight on the choice of the value of this capacitance is introduced. The results were proven by simulations using SiGe HBT transistors with an ft of 190 GHz.
Large eddy simulation of the bubbly ocean: New insights on subsurface bubble distribution and bubble‐mediated gas transfer
Authors: Liang Jun‐Hong , McWilliams James C. , Sullivan Peter P. , Baschek Burkard
Published: February 2012

The evolution of bubbles in a turbulent oceanic boundary layer is simulated using a multi‐size multi‐gas bubble model coupled with a Large Eddy Simulation model. Bubbles injected by breaking waves are brought into the boundary layer by episodic bubble plumes, and they form near‐surface streaks in the convergence zone of Langmuir circulations. The equilibrium bubble distribution decays exponentially with depth and is a manifestation of intermittent bubble plumes whose bubble number density is at least one order of magnitude higher than the mean bubble number density. Bubble distribution in the injection zone is influenced by injection, turbulent transport, and dissolution. Bubble distribution below the injection zone is determined by the strength of turbulence and dissolution. For a given sea state, bubble e‐folding depth increases linearly with friction velocity. Wave age is an additional governing parameter for bubble e‐folding depth. The buoyancy of bubbles weakens both Langmuir circulations and near‐surface turbulent kinetic energy dissipation. The buoyancy effect increases with wind speed. Gas flux through bubbles depends on both wind speed and wave age. For a given sea state, the bubble flux increases with wind speed to the fifth power.
Psychometric Functions for Shortened Administrations of a Speech Recognition Approach Using Tri-Word Presentations and Phonemic Scoring
Authors: Gelfand Stanley A. , Gelfand Jessica T.
Published: February 2012

Method

Complete psychometric functions for phoneme and word recognition scores at 8 signal-to-noise ratios from −15 dB to 20 dB were generated for the first 10, 20, and 25, as well as all 50, three-word presentations of the Tri-Word or Computer Assisted Speech Recognition Assessment (CASRA) Test (Gelfand, 1998) based on the results of 12 normal-hearing young adult participants from the original study.

Results

The psychometric functions for both phoneme and word scores were very similar and essentially overlapping for all set sizes. Performance on the shortened tests accounted for 98.8% to 99.5% of the full (50-set) test variance with phoneme scoring, and 95.8% to 99.2% of the full test variance with word scoring. Shortening the tests accounted for little if any of the variance in the slopes of the functions.

Conclusions

The psychometric functions for abbreviated versions of the Tri-Word speech recognition test using 10, 20, and 25 presentation sets were described and are comparable to those of the original 50-presentation approach for both phoneme and word scoring in healthy, normal-hearing, young adult participants.
Visible light photocatalysis of single-walled (Zn4/6Cu2/6O)3/(Zn5/6Cu1/6O)3 superlattice nanotube for redox reaction of water calculated by generalized gradient approximations with the Hubbard U model
Authors: Song D. M. , Li J. C. , Jiang Q.
Published: February 2012

To use ZnO for visible light water photoelectrolysis, the bandgap Eg of ZnO should be dropped into the visible light region. This is realized by establishing a novel single-walled (Zn4/6Cu2/6O)3/(Zn5/6Cu1/6O)3 superlattice nanotube of (6,0) type, whose Eg is determined using the density functional theory of generalized gradient approximations with the Hubbard U model (GGA + U). The results show that the Eg value of the superlattice is 2.16 eV. The absorption ability of the incident solar spectrum reaches 42% in comparison with 5% of ZnO. The physical mechanism of this band structure variation is the existence of the concentration gradient of Cu at the interface within the superlattice. The corresponding location of the superlattice of the bandgap also satisfies the redox reaction of water. Thus, the superlattice can be an exciting candidate for water photoelectrolysis materials using visible light.
Cnoidal electron hole propagation: Trapping, the forgotten nonlinearity in plasma and fluid dynamics
Authors: Schamel Hans
Published: February 2012

In this review a plaidoyer is held for a specific form of nonlinearity, the trapping nonlinearity (TN), which arises due to a capture of particles and/or fluid elements in an excited coherent structure. This is of some importance since it appears that TN has not yet taken roots hitherto, neither in turbulence nor in anomalous transport models. The present state of knowledge about wave excitation, seen numerically and experimentally, especially at space craft, however, speaks a different language suggesting that current wave models are constructed too narrowly to reflect reality. The focus is on traveling cnoidal electron holes (CEHs) in electrostatically driven plasmas and the physical world associated with these. As a result a new wave concept emerges, in which the low amplitude dynamics is nonlinearly controlled by TN.
Thermal properties of nanotubes and nanowires with acoustically stiffened surfaces
Authors: Bifano Michael F. P. , Prakash Vikas
Published: February 2012

A multilayer elasticity model is developed to investigate the effects of acoustically stiffened surfaces (increased surface moduli) on the specific heat and thermal conductivity of typical nanowire and nanotubes as a function of temperature. Changes in phonon dispersion are analyzed using approximated phonon dispersion relations that result from the solutions to the frequency equation of a vibrating elastic tube or rod. The results of the investigation indicate a 10% reduction in specific heat and a 2% decrease in lattice thermal conductivity at 50 K for a 10 nm outer diameter crystalline nanotube with an inner diameter of 5 nm when the average Young’s modulus of the first three atomic layers on both the inner and outer free surfaces are increased by a factor of 1.87. In contrast, a 10 nm outer diameter nanowire composed of the same material and with an acoustically stiffened outer shell shows an approximate 30% increase in thermal conductivity and specific heat near 50 K. Our simplified model can potentially be extended to investigate the acoustic tuning of nanowires and nanotubes by inducing surface stiffening or softening via appropriate surface chemical functionalization protocols or coatings.
Optical visualization and electrical characterization of fast-rising pulsed dielectric barrier discharge for airflow control applications
Authors: Benard Nicolas , Zouzou Nourredine , Claverie Alain , Sotton Julien , Moreau Eric
Published: February 2012

Flow control consists of manipulating flows in an effective and robust manner to improve the global performances of transport systems or industrial processes. Plasma technologies, and particularly surface dielectric barrier discharge (DBD), can be a good candidate for such purpose. The present experimental study focuses on optical and electrical characterization of plasma sheet formed by applying a pulse of voltage with rising and falling periods of 50 ns for a typical surface DBD geometry. Positive and negative polarities are compared in terms of current behavior, deposited energy, fast-imaging of the plasma propagation, and resulting modifications of the surrounding medium by using shadowgraphy acquisitions. Positive and negative pulses of voltage produce streamers and corona type plasma, respectively. Both of them result in the production of a localized pressure wave propagating in the air with a speed maintained at 343 m/s (measurements at room temperature of 20 °C). This suggests that the produced pressure wave can be considered as a propagating sound wave. The intensity of the pressure wave is directly connected to the dissipated energy at the dielectric wall with a linear increase with the applied voltage amplitude and a strong dependence toward the rising time. At constant voltage amplitude, the pressure wave is reinforced by using a positive pulse. The present investigation also reveals that rising and decaying periods of a single pulse of voltage result in two distinct pressure waves. As a result, superposition or successive pressure wave can be produced by adjusting the width of the pulse.
Control of electron-seeding phase in a cascaded laser wakefield accelerator
Authors: Deng A. H. , Liu J. S. , Nakajima K. , Xia C. Q. , Wang W. T. , Li W. T. , Lu H. Y. , Zhang H. , Ju J. J. , Tian Y. , Wang Ch. , Li R. X. , Xu Z. Z.
Published: February 2012

Two segments of plasmas with different densities, which are operated as the electron injector and accelerator, respectively, are designed to realize a cascaded laser wakefield accelerator. Particle-in-cell simulations indicate that the further acceleration of the electrons in the second uniform-density plasma relies on the injection and acceleration in the first stage. It is found that electrons trapped in the second wakefield period in the first stage can be seeded into the next stage with an optimized phase for efficient acceleration and reducing in the relative energy spread. And finally a 700 MeV electron beam with a relative rms energy spread about 0.6% and the normalized transverse emittance of 1.4π mm mrad was obtained after a 5.5-mm-long acceleration in a dark-current free cascaded laser wakefield accelerator. Our results demonstrate that, for a given laser energy, choices in laser and plasma parameters strongly affect the output electron beam energy and quality, and that all of these parameters can be controlled.
Kelvin–Helmholtz instability in a weakly coupled dust fluid
Authors: Tiwari Sanat Kumar , Das Amita , Kaw Predhiman , Sen Abhijit
Published: February 2012

We present a non-local linear stability analysis of the shear flow driven Kelvin–Helmholtz (KH) instability in a weakly coupled dusty plasma fluid with particular emphasis on modifications arising from compressibility and dispersive effects. Unlike a neutral hydrodynamic fluid, the effect of compressibility in a dusty plasma originates from finite dust temperature as well as from the finite temperatures of electron and ion fluids which couple to the dust fluid through Coulomb interactions and this feature leads to a much stronger variability of the compressibility effect. Likewise, unlike a neutral fluid, a weakly coupled dust fluid supports compressible dust acoustic perturbations which are dispersive in nature. Our work investigates these issues in detail by carrying out analytical studies for simple forms of shear profiles and exact numerical evaluations for complex shear flows. A perturbative analytic treatment is also presented to elucidate the role of weak compressibility on the KH mode. The nonlinear regime of the instability has also been studied by evolving the equations governing the dynamics of the dusty plasma system. The nonlinear code is first validated against the linear results for the KH mode. Observations on the saturation of the instability in the nonlinear regime and the development of flow patterns during the course of evolution are presented. A comparison of the compressible case with the incompressible case has been provided.
Ordered polyelectrolyte assembly at the oil–water interface
Authors: Beaman Daniel K. , Robertson Ellen J. , Richmond Geraldine L.
Published: February 2012

Polyelectrolytes (PEs) are widely used in applications such as water purification, wastewater treatment, and mineral recovery. Although much has been learned in past decades about the behavior of PEs in bulk aqueous solutions, their molecular behavior at a surface, and particularly an oil–water interface where many of their applications are most relevant, is largely unknown. From these surface spectroscopic and thermodynamics studies we report the unique molecular characteristics that several common polyelectrolytes, poly(acrylic acid) and poly(methylacrylic acid), exhibit when they adsorb at a fluid interface between water and a simple insoluble organic oil. These PEs are found to adsorb to the interface from aqueous solution in a multistepped process with a very thin initial layer of oriented polymer followed by multiple layers of randomly oriented polymer. This additional layering is thwarted when the PE conformation is constrained. The adsorption/desorption process is highly pH dependent and distinctly different than what might be expected from bulk aqueous phase behavior.
Adenosine kinase inhibition selectively promotes rodent and porcine islet β-cell replication
Authors: Annes Justin P. , Ryu Jennifer Hyoje , Lam Kelvin , Carolan Peter J. , Utz Katrina , Hollister-Lock Jennifer , Arvanites Anthony C. , Rubin Lee L. , Weir Gordon , Melton Douglas A.
Published: February 2012

Diabetes is a pathological condition characterized by relative insulin deficiency, persistent hyperglycemia, and, consequently, diffuse micro- and macrovascular disease. One therapeutic strategy is to amplify insulin-secretion capacity by increasing the number of the insulin-producing β cells without triggering a generalized proliferative response. Here, we present the development of a small-molecule screening platform for the identification of molecules that increase β-cell replication. Using this platform, we identify a class of compounds [adenosine kinase inhibitors (ADK-Is)] that promote replication of primary β cells in three species (mouse, rat, and pig). Furthermore, the replication effect of ADK-Is is cell type-selective: treatment of islet cell cultures with ADK-Is increases replication of β cells but not that of α cells, PP cells, or fibroblasts. Short-term in vivo treatment with an ADK-I also increases β-cell replication but not exocrine cell or hepatocyte replication. Therefore, we propose ADK inhibition as a strategy for the treatment of diabetes.
Phosphorylation-dependent Pex11p and Fis1p interaction regulates peroxisome division
Authors: Joshi Saurabh , Agrawal Gaurav , Subramani Suresh
Published: February 2012

Peroxisome division is regulated by the conserved peroxin Pex11p. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Sc), induction of the phosphoprotein ScPex11p coincides with peroxisome biogenesis. We show that the ScPex11p homologue in Pichia pastoris (PpPex11p) is phosphorylated at serine 173. PpPex11p expression and phosphorylation are induced in oleate and coordinated with peroxisome biogenesis. PpPex11p transits to peroxisomes via the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). PpPex11p is unstable and ER restricted gin pex3Δ and pex19Δ cells, which are impaired in peroxisomal membrane protein biogenesis. In oleate medium, the P. pastoris mutants pex11A (constitutively unphosphorylated; S173A) and pex11D (constitutively phosphorylated; S173D) exhibit juxtaposed elongated peroxisomes (JEPs) and hyperdivided forms, respectively, although protein levels remain unchanged. In contrast with ScPex11p, the ER-to-peroxisome translocation in P. pastoris is phosphorylation independent, and the phosphorylation occurs at the peroxisome. We show that PpPex11p interacts with the peroxisome fission machinery via PpFis1p and is regulated by phosphorylation because PpPex11p and PpPex11Dp interact more strongly with PpFis1p than PpPex11Ap. Neither PpPex11p nor PpFis1p is necessary for peroxisome division in methanol medium. We propose a model for the role of PpPex11p in the regulation of peroxisome division through a phosphorylation-dependent interaction with the fission machinery, providing novel insights into peroxisome morphogenesis.
A modular and optimized single marker system for generatingTrypanosoma bruceicell lines expressing T7 RNA polymerase and the tetracycline repressor
Authors: Poon S. K. , Peacock L. , Gibson W. , Gull K. , Kelly S.
Published: February 2012

Here, we present a simple modular extendable vector system for introducing the T7 RNA polymerase and tetracycline repressor genes intoTrypanosoma brucei. This novel system exploits developments in our understanding of gene expression and genome organization to produce a streamlined plasmid optimized for high levels of expression of the introduced transgenes. We demonstrate the utility of this novel system in bloodstream and procyclic forms ofTrypanosoma brucei, including the genome strain TREU927/4. We validate these cell lines using a variety of inducible experiments that recapture previously published lethal and non-lethal phenotypes. We further demonstrate the utility of the single marker (SmOx) TREU927/4 cell line forin vivoexperiments in the tsetse fly and provide a set of plasmids that enable both whole-fly and salivary gland-specific inducible expression of transgenes.
mtDNA lineage analysis of mouse L-cell lines reveals the accumulation of multiple mtDNA mutants and intermolecular recombination
Authors: Fan Weiwei , Lin Chun Shi , Potluri Prasanth , Procaccio Vincent , Wallace Douglas C.
Published: February 2012

The role of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations and mtDNA recombination in cancer cell proliferation and developmental biology remains controversial. While analyzing the mtDNAs of several mouse L cell lines, we discovered that every cell line harbored multiple mtDNA mutants. These included four missense mutations, two frameshift mutations, and one tRNA homopolymer expansion. The LA9 cell lines lacked wild-type mtDNAs but harbored a heteroplasmic mixture of mtDNAs, each with a different combination of these variants. We isolated each of the mtDNAs in a separate cybrid cell line. This permitted determination of the linkage phase of each mtDNA and its physiological characteristics. All of the polypeptide mutations inhibited their oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complexes. However, they also increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and the level of ROS production was proportional to the cellular proliferation rate. By comparing the mtDNA haplotypes of the different cell lines, we were able to reconstruct the mtDNA mutational history of the L–L929 cell line. This revealed that every heteroplasmic L-cell line harbored a mtDNA that had been generated by intracellular mtDNA homologous recombination. Therefore, deleterious mtDNA mutations that increase ROS production can provide a proliferative advantage to cancer or stem cells, and optimal combinations of mutant loci can be generated through recombination.
Selectively targeting Mcl-1 for the treatment of acute myelogenous leukemia and solid tumors: Figure 1.
Authors: Gores Gregory J. , Kaufmann Scott H.
Published: February 2012

Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Mcl-1, and A1 are the predominant anti-apoptotic members of the Bcl-2 family in somatic cells. Malignant B lymphocytes are critically dependent on Bcl-2 or Bcl-xL for survival. In contrast, a new study by Glaser and colleagues in the January 15, 2012, issue of Genes & Development (pp. 120–125) demonstrates that Mcl-1 is essential for development and survival of acute myelogenous leukemia cells. These results provide new impetus for the generation of selective Mcl-1 inhibitors.
A multifactorial intervention to improve blood pressure control in co‐existing diabetes and kidney disease: a feasibility randomized controlled trial
Authors: Williams Allison , Manias Elizabeth , Walker Rowan , Gorelik Alexandra
Published: February 2012

williams a., manias e., walker r. & gorelik a. (2012) A multifactorial intervention to improve blood pressure control in co‐existing diabetes and kidney disease: a pilot randomized controlled trial. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(11), 2515–2525.

Aims.  The aim of this study was to test the feasibility and impact of an intervention consisting of self‐monitored blood pressure, medicine review, a Digital Versatile Disc, and motivational interviewing telephone calls to help people with diabetes and kidney disease improve their blood pressure control and adherence to prescribed medications.

Background.  People with co‐existing diabetes, kidney disease and hypertension require multiple medications to manage their health. About 50% of people are non‐adherent to their prescribed medications with non‐adherence increasing in the presence of chronic conditions.

Design.  Randomized controlled trial.

Methods.  Patients aged ≥18 years with diabetes, chronic kidney disease and systolic hypertension were recruited from nephrology and diabetes outpatients’ clinics of an Australian metropolitan hospital between 2008–2009. Participants were randomly allocated on a 1:1 basis to one of two groups in a randomized controlled trial: the intervention delivered over 3 months (n = 39) and usual care (n = 41), with follow‐up at 3, 6 and 9 months postintervention. People collecting data and assessing outcomes were blinded to group assignment.

Results.  Seventy‐five participants completed the study. The intervention was acceptable and feasible for this cohort. There were no statistically significant differences between groups, although the mean systolic blood pressure reduction in the intervention group (n = 36) was −6·9 mmHg 95% CI (−13·8, −0·02) at 9 months postintervention.

Conclusion.  The study was feasible and statistically significant differences may be determinable in a larger sample to overcome the variability between groups, paying attention to recommendations for further research.

Trial registration.  The trial was prospectively registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register (ACTRN12607000044426).
P2X Purinergic Receptor Knockout Mice Reveal Endogenous ATP Modulation of Both Vasopressin and Oxytocin Release from the Intact Neurohypophysis
Authors: Custer E. E. , Knott T. K. , Cuadra A. E. , Ortiz‐Miranda S. , Lemos J. R.
Published: February 2012

Bursts of action potentials are crucial for neuropeptide release from the hypothalamic neurohypophysial system (HNS). The biophysical properties of the ion channels involved in the release of these neuropeptides, however, cannot explain the efficacy of such bursting patterns on secretion. We have previously shown that ATP, acting via P2X receptors, potentiates only vasopressin (AVP) release from HNS terminals, whereas its metabolite adenosine, via A1 receptors acting on transient Ca2+ currents, inhibits both AVP and oxytocin (OT) secretion. Thus, purinergic feedback‐mechanisms have been proposed to explain bursting efficacy at HNS terminals. Therefore, in the present study, we have used specific P2X receptor knockout (rKO) mice and purportedly selective P2X receptor antagonists to determine the P2X receptor subtype responsible for endogenous ATP induced potentiation of electrically‐stimulated neuropeptide release. Intact neurohypophyses (NH) from wild‐type (WT), P2X3 rKO, P2X2/3 rKO and P2X7 rKO mice were electrically stimulated with four 25‐s bursts (3 V at 39 Hz) separated by 21‐s interburst intervals with or without the P2X2 and P2X3 receptor antagonists, suramin or pyridoxal‐phosphate‐6‐azophenyl‐2′,4′‐disulfonic acid (PPADS). These frequencies, number of bursts, and voltages were determined to maximise both AVP and OT release by electrical stimulations. Treatment of WT mouse NH with suramin/PPADS significantly reduced electrically‐stimulated AVP release. A similar inhibition by suramin was observed in electrically‐stimulated NH from P2X3 and P2X7 rKO mice but not P2X2/3 rKO mice, indicating that endogenous ATP facilitation of electrically‐stimulated AVP release is mediated primarily by the activation of the P2X2 receptor. Unexpectedly, electrically‐stimulated OT release from WT, P2X3, P2X2/3 and P2X7 rKO mice was potentiated by suramin, indicating nonpurinergic effects by this ‘selective’ antagonist. Nevertheless, these results show that sufficient endogenous ATP is released by bursts of action potentials to act at P2X2 receptors in a positive‐feedback mechanism to ‘differentially’ modulate neuropeptide release from central nervous system terminals.
The present use of quality indicators in the intensive care unit
Authors: FLAATTEN H.
Published: February 2012

Quality indicators (QIs) are increasingly used in medicine in order to compare and eventually to improve quality of delivered health care. During the last decade, QIs also have been used within intensive care medicine. This paper shortly describes this development and gives an overview of QIs in the intensive care unit (ICU) reported to be in use at national level. Using a search on PubMed and through World Wide Web, QIs documented to be in use at a national level were retrieved. The various sets of QI were compared, and the method to select QIs was found. The search retrieved national indicators from eight countries (United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Germany, Scotland, Austria and India). A total of 63 QIs were in use, and no single indicator was common for all countries. The most frequently used indicator was the standardised mortality rate (in six of eight countries). Measurements of patient/family satisfaction, the presence of an ICU specialist 24/7 and the occurrence of ventilator‐associated pneumonia were all used by five countries. All primarily used a physician‐driven process to select national QIs. This survey reveals that the concept of QIs is perceived differently throughout countries, also within developed countries in Western Europe. At present, it will be difficult to use national QIs to compare the quality of intensive care between countries.
Drought Impacts Mineral Contents in Andean Potato Cultivars
Authors: Lefèvre I. , Ziebel J. , Guignard C. , Hausman J.‐F. , Gutiérrez Rosales R. O. , Bonierbale M. , Hoffmann L. , Schafleitner R. , Evers D.
Published: February 2012

Mineral micro‐ and macronutrients in tubers of 21 Andean potato cultivars were investigated in a field trial under control and drought conditions. Mineral concentrations in potato tubers were highly variable between genotypes; some were significantly and positively correlated with each other, the most noteworthy associations being Na–Ca, Mn–Mg and Zn–Fe, in both control and drought‐stressed plants. Overall, increasing yields are related to decreased concentrations of some nutrients, albeit some higher‐yielding cultivars also displayed important concentrations of nutrients in their tubers. The most striking result was the increase in the concentration of the majority of the analysed cations in a large number of cultivars in response to water depletion; some of them, such as K, may be related to water homeostasis and/or to sucrose loading and unloading in phloem sap. Tuber mineral concentrations were not related to drought tolerance in terms of tuber productivity. Interestingly, yield loss under drought was not correlated with yield potential under control conditions. Identification of cultivars such as 703264 and 701106 able to maintain good yield stability in association with high mineral contents under water deprivation is of particular interest, especially in view of the importance of potato as a staple crop and the expansion of its cultivation to non‐optimal cultivation areas in the context of changing climatic conditions.
Understanding inpatient violence in a New Zealand child and adolescent psychiatric setting
Authors: van Kessel Kirsten , Milne Duncan , Hunt Kessiah , Reed Peter W.
Published: February 2012

This paper describes the rate of violent episodes at a youth psychiatric unit, identifies significant clinical and demographic differences between service users who had admissions with violent episodes and those who did not, and describes characteristics of violent incidents, including antecedents, consequences, victim type, and severity of violence. A retrospective file audit over a 2‐year period reviewed 303 admissions. Characteristics of violent incidents (n = 242) and service users (violent/non‐violent) were recorded. Of 263 service users, 21.7% exhibited violent behaviour. Significant differences between admissions with and without violent episodes were found in terms of ethnicity, legal status, length of admission, and diagnosis. Staff were the most frequent victims and less severe incidents were most common. The most frequent antecedents to violence were positive symptoms of psychosis, hostility, and agitation, while the most common consequences were seclusion, physical restraint and ‘as‐required’ medication. This study has identified that violent incidents are a common and significant issue. The findings might help staff in reviewing current management approaches. Future areas of study have been identified.
Antenatally diagnosed congenital orbital teratoma in which rupture was associated with intrauterine fetal death
Authors: Anami Ai , Fukushima Kotaro , Fujita Yasuyuki , Satoh Shoji , Matsumoto Emi , Endo Makoto , Oda Yoshinao , Wake Norio
Published: February 2012

We report a case of a fetus with a congenital orbital teratoma (COT), in which rupture of the tumor was associated with an intrauterine fetal demise. An ultrasound scan at 27 weeks' revealed a solid and cystic, complex mass in the orbital region with extensive vascularization suggestive of an orbital cystic teratoma. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) supported this diagnosis and clarified tumor localization. At 32 weeks', the patient presented with fetal demise and rupture of the mass was noted. Fetal COTs, like sacrococcygeal teratomas, carry the risk of rupture. MRI in utero is useful for evaluating the extent of disease.
Effects of social cognitive demand on Theory of Mind in conversations of adults with traumatic brain injury
Authors: Byom Lindsey J. , Turkstra Lyn
Published: February 2012

Abstract  Background: A requisite skill for successful conversation is the ability to adjust one's language according to contextual factors.

Aims: This study examined one aspect of language use in context—the use of mental‐state terms, i.e. words that communicate thoughts, beliefs or feelings—in conversations between adult males with and without traumatic brain injury (TBI) and familiar partners.

Methods & Procedures: Participants were five males in the chronic stage of recovery following severe TBI and five male peers matched for age, conversing with friends. Conversational context was manipulated using conversation starters that were designed to induce differing levels of self‐disclosure or intimacy, with the expectation that mental‐state term use would increase when participants talked about more intimate topics.

Outcomes & Results: Participants in both groups used more mental‐state terms in more intimate conversations; however, adults with TBI did not increase their mental‐state term use to the same extent as matched peers. Adults with TBI also used a significantly different pattern of mental‐state term types across intimacy levels as compared with peers.

Conclusions & Implications: These quantitative and qualitative differences may contribute to social conversation problems of adults with TBI.
Does the magnetic anal sphincter device compare favourably with sacral nerve stimulation in the management of faecal incontinence?
Authors: Wong M. T. C. , Meurette G. , Wyart V. , Lehur P.‐A.
Published: February 2012

Aim  The magnetic anal sphincter (MAS) is a recent surgical innovation for severe faecal incontinence (FI). With its place in the treatment algorithm of FI yet to be defined, we report a nonrandomized comparison between MAS and sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) in a single‐centre cohort of patients with FI.

Method  Data were reviewed from prospective databases. From December 2008 to December 2010, 12 women [median age 65 (42–76) years], having FI for a median of 6.5 years, were implanted with a MAS. Sixteen women, of similar age, preoperative function scores, aetiology and duration of incontinence, and implanted with a permanent SNS pulse generator during the same period, served as a reference group. The duration of hospital stay, complications, change in incontinence and quality of life scores and anal physiology were compared between the two groups.

Results  The duration of follow up was similar [MAS = 18 (8–30) months vs SNS = 22 (10–28) months; P = 0.318]. Four patients with MAS experienced a 30‐day complication, and the device was removed from one patient in each group. A significant improvement in incontinence (P < 0.001) and quality‐of‐life scores (P < 0.04) occurred in both groups. Mean anal resting pressure increased significantly in patients implanted with a MAS (P = 0.027).

Conclusion  In this single‐centre nonrandomized cohort of FI patients, MAS was as effective as SNS in improving continence and quality of life, with similar morbidity. These results can now serve as a prelude to a randomized trial comparing the procedures.
Which aspects of executive dysfunction influence ability to manage diabetes in older adults?
Authors: Munshi M. N. , Hayes M. , Iwata I. , Lee Y. , Weinger K.
Published: February 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, 1171‐1177 (2012)

Aims  To examine whether different aspects of executive function as measured by different assessment tools are associated with glycaemic control and other clinical characteristics in older adults with Type 2 diabetes.

Methods  We performed a cross‐sectional study of older adults aged ≥ 70 years with Type 2 diabetes at a tertiary care diabetes centre. The Dysexecutive Questionnaire was used to measure self‐reported executive dysfunction. Objective tests of executive functions included a modified clock drawing test (Clock‐in‐a‐Box), Trail Making Tests (parts A and B) and verbal fluency. Demographic and clinical information was collected using questionnaires and surveys. Glycaemic control was measured by HbA1c.

Results  We evaluated 145 patients [average age 77 ± 5 years, diabetes duration 15 ± 11 years, mean HbA1c 56 ± 11 mmol/mol (7.3 ± 1.1%)]. Poor performances on objective tests (low scores on Clock‐in‐a‐Box and verbal fluency; and high scores on Trail Making Tests A and B) but not on the subjective test (the Dysexecutive Questionnaire), were associated with poor glycaemic control (r = −0.23, P < 0.005; r = −0.17, P < 0.04; r = 0.20, P < 0.01, r = 0.22, P < 0.008, r = −0.07, P < 0.42, respectively). In a multiple regression model (r2 = 0.39), high Dysexecutive Questionnaire scores were associated with higher diabetes‐related distress (P < 0.0004), depressive symptoms (P < 0.004), number of falls (P < 0.009), fear of falling (P < 0.01), less years of education (P < 0.0007) and fewer medications (P < 0.001).

Conclusions  On the one hand, in older adults, executive dysfunction detected by objective tests is associated with poor glycaemic control and may be considered before prescribing complex treatment regimens. On the other hand, self‐reported executive dysfunction is associated with risk and fear of falls, and more affective symptoms, which may indicate higher awareness of subtle deficits.
Is the demand for alcohol in Indigenous Australian communities ‘price inelastic’?
Authors: GRAY DENNIS
Published: February 2012

Objective. To review the findings of a paper that has often been cited as evidence—with potentially adverse public health consequences—that the demand for alcohol in Indigenous Australian communities is not responsive to price and that, in the face of increasing alcohol prices, expenditure is diverted from basic sustenance to the purchase of alcohol.

Methods. The raw data on income and various items of expenditure from the original study were entered in a database, a trend variable was created, and trends in measures of interest were tested using appropriate cross‐correlations.

Results. Re‐analysis of the data did not support the findings of the original study.

Conclusions. The original study does not contradict the general findings of the national and international literature that the demand for alcohol is sensitive to increases in price and does not provide evidence for the assertion that, other factors being equal, price controls on the availability of alcohol in Indigenous communities are likely to be ineffective.[Dennis Gray. Is the demand for alcohol in Indigenous Australian communities ‘price inelastic’? Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:818–822]
Moderators of the Relation between Shyness and Behavior with Peers: Cortisol Dysregulation and Maternal Emotion Socialization
Authors: Davis Elizabeth L. , Buss Kristin A.
Published: February 2012

This study investigated the relations among shyness, physiological dysregulation, and maternal emotion socialization in predicting children's social behavior with peers during the kindergarten year (N = 66; 29 girls). For shy children, interactions with peers represent potential stressors that can elicit negative emotion and physiological reactions. Behavior during these contexts can be viewed as adaptive (e.g., playing alone) or maladaptive (e.g., watching other children play without joining in) attempts to regulate the ensuing distress. Whether shy children employ adaptive or maladaptive regulatory behaviors was expected to depend on two aspects of emotion regulatory skill: (1) children's physiological regulation, and (2) maternal emotion socialization. Findings supported the hypotheses. Specifically, shy children with poorer cortisol regulation or have mothers who endorsed a higher level of non‐supportive emotion reactions engaged in more maladaptive play behaviors whereas shy children with better cortisol regulation or a high level of supportive maternal emotion reactions engaged in more adaptive play behaviors.
Injection with corticosteroids (ultrasound guided) in patients with an ulnar neuropathy at the elbow, feasibility study
Authors: Alblas C. L. , van Kasteel V. , Jellema K.
Published: February 2012

Introduction and purpose:  Unlike carpal tunnel syndrome, little is known about injection with corticosteroids in patients with an ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE). The purpose of this feasibility study is to see whether injection with corticosteroids is safe in patients with UNE and whether there are grounds to launch a prospective placebo‐controlled study on the effects of corticosteroids.

Methods:  Patients with clinical symptoms of UNE and a nerve conduction study compatible with UNE or thickened ulnar nerve at the elbow (> 10 mm2) by ultrasonography were included. All included patients received an ultrasound‐guided injection of 1 ml containing 40 mg methylprednisoloneacetate and 10 mg lidocainhydrochloride (Depo‐Medrol®). Complications of the injection were monitored. After 3 months, nerve conduction studies and ultrasonography were repeated and a clinical outcome determined.

Results:  Eight patients with nine UNE were included. None of the patients mentioned increase in the symptoms directly after the injection nor had an infection on the injection site or haematoma. After 3 months, there was improvement of the symptoms in five patients. One patient deteriorated and three had no change of the symptoms at all. Overall, there was no significant change of the thickness of the ulnar nerve with mean difference −0.056 mm2 (95% CI −2.56 to 2.45 mm2).

Conclusion:  We showed that injection with corticosteroids in patients with UNE is easy and safe, and based on this result, we found enough arguments to launch a prospective, placebo‐controlled trial to explore the effectiveness of corticosteroids in patients with UNE.
The accuracy of spot urinary protein‐to‐creatinine ratio in confirming proteinuria in pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Cade Thomas J. , Gilbert Stacey A. , Polyakov Alex , Hotchin Anne
Published: February 2012

Background

The gold standard for diagnosis of proteinuria in pre‐eclampsia is traditionally a 24‐h urine collection. Current Australian guidelines advocate use of the spot urine protein‐to‐creatinine ratio (PCR); however, there is controversy in the international literature about its accuracy and little recent Australian data exists.

Aim

To clarify the accuracy of the spot urine PCR in a cohort of Australian women with pre‐eclampsia.

Methods

Women with pre‐eclampsia over a 52‐month period from a single obstetric unit were included in the study. Spot urine PCR, 24‐h urine collection, gestation at delivery, severe hypertension in labour and magnesium sulphate requirement were recorded. Primary analysis of predictive values was performed on women who had had both a spot urine PCR and a 24‐h collection. Continuous data were assessed using least squares analysis with Pearson correlation coefficient, Bland–Altman plot and receiver operator characteristics curve.

Results

Two hundred and seventeen women had pre‐eclampsia, and 121 of these underwent both tests. The two tests were highly correlated (r = 0.98, P < 0.0001). The urine PCR had a positive predictive value of 94% and a sensitivity of 95% for predicting proteinuria. There were no significant increases in the diagnosis of severe hypertension in labour nor the need for magnesium sulphate infusion in labour in those women in whom the 24‐h collection was omitted.

Conclusions

The urine PCR is highly accurate in predicting significant proteinuria in women with pre‐eclampsia using the recommended cut‐off of 30 mg/mmol. Our findings support current guidelines suggesting the use of a 24‐h urine collection is now rarely required.
Ultrapulse Carbon Dioxide Laser Treatment of Porokeratotic Eccrine Ostial and Dermal Duct Nevus
Authors: Jain Shalu , Sardana Kabir , Garg Vijay kumar
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  Porokeratotic eccrine ostial and dermal duct nevus (PEODDN) is a rare, benign, cutaneous hamartoma. Approximately 45 cases of PEODDN have been reported, with little information regarding treatment. We report a patient with PEODDN treated successfully using an ultrapulse carbon dioxide laser.
Cognitive Mapping Tools: Review and Risk Management Needs
Authors: Wood Matthew D. , Bostrom Ann , Bridges Todd , Linkov Igor
Published: February 2012

Risk managers are increasingly interested in incorporating stakeholder beliefs and other human factors into the planning process. Effective risk assessment and management requires understanding perceptions and beliefs of involved stakeholders, and how these beliefs give rise to actions that influence risk management decisions. Formal analyses of risk manager and stakeholder cognitions represent an important first step. Techniques for diagramming stakeholder mental models provide one tool for risk managers to better understand stakeholder beliefs and perceptions concerning risk, and to leverage this new understanding in developing risk management strategies. This article reviews three methodologies for assessing and diagramming stakeholder mental models—decision‐analysis‐based mental modeling, concept mapping, and semantic web analysis—and assesses them with regard to their ability to address risk manager needs.
Beck Depression Inventory‐Fast Screen (BDI‐FS): An efficient tool for depression screening in patients with end‐stage renal disease
Authors: Neitzer Andrea , Sun Sumi , Doss Sheila , Moran John , Schiller Brigitte
Published: February 2012

Depression is common in patients suffering from end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). Various screening tools for depression in ESRD patients are available. This study aimed to validate the Beck Depression Inventory‐Fast Screen (BDI‐FS) with the Beck Depression Inventory‐II (BDI‐II) as depression screening tool in conventional hemodialysis (CHD) patients. One hundred sixty two CHD patients were studied with both screening questionnaires. We used the Pearson Correlation Coefficient to measure the agreement between BDI‐II and BDI‐FS scores from 134 patients who responded to both questionnaires. Receiver operating characteristics curve and area under the curve were constructed to determine a valid BDI‐FS cutoff score to identify ESRD patients at risk for depression. BDI‐II and BDI‐FS scores strongly correlated (Pearson r = 0.85, p < 0.0001). At a BDI‐II cutoff ≥16, receiver operating characteristics showed the best balance between sensitivity and specificity for the BDI‐FS cutoff value of ≥4 with a sensitivity of 97.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 85.5%, 99.9%) and a specificity of 91.8% (95% CI: 84.5%, 96.4%). When applying the above cutoff scores, prevalence of depressive symptoms in all completed questionnaires was found to be 28.7% (BDI‐II) and 30.1% (BDI‐FS), respectively. The BDI‐FS was found to be an efficient and effective tool for depression screening in ESRD patients which can be easily implemented in routine dialysis care.