bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of citizen advisory committees to direct deer management in Pennsylvania
Authors: Fleegle Jeannine T. , Rosenberry Christopher S. , Wallingford Bret D.
Published: November 2012

Effective deer management must consider diverse stakeholder values. From 2006 to 2011, the Pennsylvania (USA) Game Commission implemented citizen advisory committees (CACs) to measure deer–human conflicts and tolerance for deer populations in each wildlife management unit. There was a general lack of public interest in participating in CACs. Key stakeholder groups were often absent and CACs exhibited a strong hunter bias. Although the CAC process seemed to benefit those involved, the scope was limited and likely did not represent the values and attitudes of the entire citizenry within the wildlife management unit. As a result of this CAC experience, the Pennsylvania Game Commission moved to a citizen survey in 2011 to ensure all interests are represented as the future success of deer management depends on greater understanding of the values and attitudes of every stakeholder. © The Wildlife Society, 2012
Mutations in the N‐terminal region of the Schizosaccharomyces pombe glutathione transporter pgt1+ allows functional expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Thakur Anil , Bachhawat Anand K.
Published: November 2012

Pgt1p encodes a glutathione transporter in Schizosaccharomyces pombe, orthologous to the Saccharomyces cerevisiae glutathione transporter, Hgt1p. Despite high similarity to Hgt1p, Pgt1p failed to display functionality during heterologous expression in S. cerevisiae. In the present study we employed a genetic strategy to investigate the reason behind the non‐functionality of pgt1+ in S. cerevisiae. Functional mutants were isolated after in vitro mutagenesis. Several mutants were obtained and four mutants analysed. Among these, three yielded different point mutations in the N‐terminal region (301–350 bp) of the transporter before the first transmembrane domain, while one mutant contained a deletion of 42 nucleotides within the same region. The mutant pgt1+ proteins not only expressed and localized correctly, but displayed high‐affinity glutathione transport capabilities in S. cerevisae. Comparison of wild‐type pgt1+ with the functional mutants revealed that a loss in protein expression was responsible for lack of functionality of wild‐type pgt1+ in S. cerevisiae. The mRNA levels in wild‐type and mutants were comparable, suggesting that the block was in translation. The formation of a strong stem–loop structure appeared to be responsible for inefficient translation in pgt1+ and disruption of these structures in the mutants was probably permitting translation. This was confirmed by making silent mutations in this region of wild‐type pgt1+, which led to their functionality in S. cerevisiae. This genetic strategy to relieve functional blocks in expression should greatly facilitate the study of these and other transporters from more intractable genetic organisms in a heterologous expression system. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Splenic Artery Switch for Revascularization of the Liver: A Salvage Procedure for Inflammatory Arterial Hemorrhage
Authors: Kröpil F. , Schauer M. , Krausch M. , Kröpil P. , Topp S. A. , Raffel A. M. , Eisenberger C. F. , Knoefel Wolfram T.
Published: November 2012

Background

Hemorrhage caused by inflammatory vessel erosion represents a life‐threatening complication after upper abdominal surgery such as pancreatic head resection. The gold standard therapeutic choice is an endovascular minimally invasive technique such as embolization or stent placement. Hepatic arterial hemorrhage in presence of pancreatitis and peritonitis is a particular challenge is if a standard therapeutic option is not possible.

Methods

The management of five patients with massive bleeding from the common hepatic artery is described. All patients underwent a splenic artery switch. The splenic artery was dissected close to the splenic hilum and transposed end‐to‐end to the common hepatic artery after resection of the eroded part. Patients’ medical records, radiology reports, and images were reviewed retrospectively. Technical success was defined as immediate cessation of hemorrhage and preserved liver vascularization. Clinical success was defined as hemodynamic stability and adequate long‐term liver function.

Results

Total pancreatectomy and splenectomy were performed in four of the five cases. Hemodynamic stability and good liver perfusion was achieved in these patients.

Conclusions

Splenic artery switch is an effective, safe procedure for revascularization of the liver in case of hepatic arterial hemorrhage following pancreatic surgery, pancreatitis, and/or peritonitis. The technique is a promising option if a standard procedure—e.g., stent implantation, embolization and surgical repair with alloplastic prosthesis or autologous venous interposition graft—is not possible.
Rethinking the Connections between Religion and Civic Life for Immigrants: The Case of the Chinese Diaspora
Authors: Ecklund Elaine Howard , Shih Yi-Ping , Emerson Michael O. , Kye Samuel H.
Published: November 2012

Through interviews with 33 Chinese American first- and second-generation immigrants, we ask how narratives that describe the link between religion and civic life differ among Buddhists, Christians, and nonreligious Chinese. All groups stress the tight institutional connections between religion and politics in the United States. For Chinese Christians, congregations provide opportunities to serve their fellow parishioners and the wider community, as well as political rhetoric to guide practices. Buddhists actively criticize a religious organizational approach to community service and the US connection between politics and religion, emphasizing the development of inherent ethical dimensions for motivating service to others. And the non-religious stressed the role of religious organizations in facilitating volunteering. There is also a difference between the responses of first- and second-generation immigrants, with first-generation immigrants having a more difficult time understanding the meaning of American community service. Results expand scholarship on the connection between religion and civic life.
Termination of atrial fibrillation by ablation of high‐dominant frequency sites adjacent to epicardial adipose tissue
Authors: Nagashima Koichi , Nakahara Shiro , Okumura Yasuo , Mano Hiroaki , Sonoda Kazumasa , Kogawa Rikitake , Sasaki Naoko , Takayanagi Kan , Watanabe Ichiro , Hirayama Atsushi
Published: November 2012

We report an interesting case in which atrial fibrillation (AF) was terminated during ablation of high‐dominant frequency (DF) sites covered with epicardial adipose tissue (EAT). High‐DF sites are known to be related to the center of focal‐firing rotors or local reentry circuits. Therefore, this phenomenon suggests that EAT may be related to the development of dominant rotors maintaining AF.
A Pliocene age and origin for the strandflat of the Western Isles of Scotland: a speculative hypothesis
Authors: DAWSON ALASTAIR G. , DAWSON SUE , COOPER J. ANDREW G. , GEMMELL ALASTAIR , BATES RICHARD
Published: November 2012

A series of very wide (up to 15 km) raised shore platforms in the Scottish Hebrides are identified and described for the first time and are considered part of a high rock platform shoreline in the western isles of Scotland described by W. B. Wright in his classic Geological Magazine paper a century ago as a ‘preglacial’ feature. Subsequent interpretations suggesting that the platforms were produced during the Pleistocene are rejected here in favour of a speculative hypothesis that the features are part of the well-known strandflat that is extensively developed across large areas of the northern hemisphere. It is argued that the Scottish strandflat developed during the Pliocene and was later subjected to extensive Pleistocene glacial erosion such that only a few areas of platform have survived in the Scottish Inner Hebrides (ice-proximal) while they are well-preserved in the Outer Hebrides (ice-distal). Support for a Pliocene hypothesis is provided by the marine oxygen isotope record for this time interval which points to prolonged periods of relative sea level stability as would be required for the production of such wide features. This hypothesis for the formation of a Scottish strandflat not only provides an elegant explanation for the origin and age of the raised rock platform fragments that occur throughout the western isles of Scotland, but it may also have relevance for other coastal areas of the northern hemisphere (e.g. Norway, Greenland, Alaska) where the strandflat is a well-developed feature.
The Practice of Autonomy in the Age of Neoliberalism: Strategies from Indigenous Women's Organising in Mexico
Authors: BLACKWELL MAYLEI
Published: November 2012

Bridging the ways in which scholars have looked at the co-option of both gender and cultural rights through neoliberal governance in Latin America, this article will examine how gender has been utilised by the state as a discourse of governmentality in order to regulate indigenous subjects. Moreover, the article will explore how indigenous women activists in Mexico are creating apracticeof autonomy as a vital strategy to move beyond rights discourse and challenge the ways in which neoliberal states have selectively co-opted social movement demands. Through their grassroots forms of consultation, indigenous women activists shift the concept of autonomy as a right granted by the state to a practice of decolonisation that is part of everyday life and community sociality.
Dust-ion-acoustic nonlinear waves in a dusty electronegative plasma with vortex-like negative ions
Authors: ROY N. , DUHA S. S. , MAMUN A. A.
Published: November 2012

The basic features of the nonlinear waves, which are associated with positive ion dynamics and dust charge fluctuation, have been investigated by employing the reductive perturbation method in a dusty electronegative plasma containing Boltzmann electrons, vortex-like negative ions, mobile positive ions, and charge fluctuating stationary dust (negatively charged). It has been observed that the basic features of the nonlinear waves (viz. amplitude, width, speed, etc.) in the plasma system under consideration have been significantly modified by the trapping parameter (introduced for vortex-like distribution of negative ions). The implications of the results (obtained from this investigation) in space and laboratory experiments have been briefly discussed.
Neuroticism and post-traumatic stress disorder: a prospective investigation
Authors: Breslau N. , Schultz L.
Published: November 2012

Background

Neuroticism has been consistently correlated with the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) response to traumatic events. Interpretation of these findings is limited by the retrospective nature of these findings: neuroticism was measured after the trauma had occurred. The prospective association of neuroticism with PTSD has not been examined (the relationship of neuroticism with PTSD symptoms was examined in a few prospective studies). We evaluate prospectively the relationship of neuroticism, measured at baseline, with the cumulative occurrence of PTSD during the subsequent 10 years, using data from a longitudinal epidemiological study of young adults.

Method

A sample of 1007 young adults randomly selected from the membership of a large health maintenance organization in southeast Michigan was assessed at baseline and followed up at 3, 5 and 10 years later. We conducted a series of multinomial logistic regressions to estimate the relative risk (RR) of exposure to trauma and PTSD by neuroticism at baseline, adjusting for history of major depression (n = 990).

Results

During the 10-year follow-up, 50.2% of the sample experienced traumatic events and 5.2% developed PTSD. Neuroticism score at baseline increased significantly the RR of PTSD response to trauma. Additional analysis revealed that, among persons with history of major depression at baseline, RR for PTSD associated with neuroticism was equal to the null value of 1, but was increased significantly among those with no history of major depression.

Conclusions

The results confirm the role of neuroticism as diathesis in the PTSD response to traumatic experiences.
A genetic perspective on the proposed inclusion of cannabis withdrawal in DSM-5
Authors: Verweij K. J. H. , Agrawal A. , Nat N. O. , Creemers H. E. , Huizink A. C. , Martin N. G. , Lynskey M. T.
Published: November 2012

Background

Various studies support the inclusion of cannabis withdrawal in the diagnosis of cannabis use disorder (CUD) in the upcoming DSM-5. The aims of the current study were to (1) estimate the prevalence of DSM-5 cannabis withdrawal (criterion B), (2) estimate the role of genetic and environmental influences on individual differences in cannabis withdrawal and (3) determine the extent to which genetic and environmental influences on cannabis withdrawal overlap with those on DSM-IV-defined abuse/dependence.

Method

The sample included 2276 lifetime cannabis-using adult Australian twins. Cannabis withdrawal was defined in accordance with criterion B of the proposed DSM-5 revisions. Cannabis abuse/dependence was defined as endorsing one or more DSM-IV criteria of abuse or three or more dependence criteria. The classical twin model was used to estimate the genetic and environmental influences on variation in cannabis withdrawal, along with its covariation with abuse/dependence.

Results

Of all the cannabis users, 11.9% met criteria for cannabis withdrawal. Around 50% of between-individual variation in withdrawal could be attributed to additive genetic variation, and the rest of the variation was mostly due to non-shared environmental influences. Importantly, the genetic influences on cannabis withdrawal almost completely (99%) overlapped with those on abuse/dependence.

Conclusions

We have shown that cannabis withdrawal symptoms exist among cannabis users, and that cannabis withdrawal is moderately heritable. Genetic influences on cannabis withdrawal are the same as those affecting abuse/dependence. These results add to the wealth of literature that recommends the addition of cannabis withdrawal to the diagnosis of DSM-5 CUD.
More than A to B: the role of free bus travel for the mobility and wellbeing of older citizens in London
Authors: GREEN JUDITH , JONES ALASDAIR , ROBERTS HELEN
Published: November 2012

This study contributes to the literature on mobility and wellbeing at older ages through an empirical exploration of the meanings of free bus travel for older citizens, addressing the meanings this holds for older people in urban settings, which have been under-researched. Taking London as a case study, where older citizens have free access to a relatively extensive public transport network through a Freedom Pass, we explore from a public health perspective the mechanisms that link this travel benefit to determinants of wellbeing. In addition to the ways in which the Freedom Pass enabled access to health-related goods and services, it provided less tangible benefits. Travelling by bus provided opportunities for meaningful social interaction; travelling as part of the ‘general public’ provided a sense of belonging and visibility in the public arena – a socially acceptable way of tackling chronic loneliness. The Freedom Pass was described not only as providing access to essential goods and services but also as a widely prized mechanism for participation in life in the city. We argue that the mechanisms linking mobility and wellbeing are culturally, materially and politically specific. Our data suggest that in contexts where good public transport is available as a right, and bus travel not stigmatised, it is experienced as a major contributor to wellbeing, rather than a transport choice of last resort. This has implications for other jurisdictions working on accessible transport for older citizens and, more broadly, improving the sustainability of cities.
Environmental influences on healthy and active ageing: a systematic review
Authors: ANNEAR MICHAEL , KEELING SALLY , WILKINSON TIM , CUSHMAN GRANT , GIDLOW BOB , HOPKINS HEATHER
Published: November 2012

This paper explores the evidence for environmental influences on older adult health and activity participation, identifies current knowledge gaps and limitations within this literature, and offers recommendations for future research via a systematic appraisal of 83 quantitative and qualitative studies. A Cochrane-type review procedure was followed, which incorporated structured database searches, inclusion and exclusion criteria, quality appraisal of included studies, and peer review. The review findings identify support for both personal and environmental influences on health and activity participation in later life. Reported personal influences include ethnicity and cultural norms, energy and motivation, sex, age, education, genetic heritage, self-efficacy, and personal financial circumstances. Reported environmental influences on activity participation include climate, level of pollution, street lighting, traffic conditions, accessibility and appropriateness of services and facilities, socio-economic conditions, aesthetics, pedestrian infrastructure, community life, exposure to antisocial behaviour, social network participation, environmental degradation, level of urbanism, exposure to natural settings, familiarity with local environment and others. Recommendations for future research include the need for innovative research methods; involvement of older adults as research collaborators; investigation of wider aspects of the active ageing concept; in-depth assessment of the environmental characteristics of areas; investigation of the pathways leading from environment to health and activity participation; and more theoretically informed research or increased contribution of research to theory development.
The structure of cubic MOF [{Ca(H2O)6}{CaGd(oxydiacetate)3}2].4H2O. A comparison between structural models obtained from Rietveld refinement of conventional and synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction data and standard refinement of single-crystal X-ray diffraction data
Authors: Suescun Leopoldo , Wang Jun , Faccio Ricardo , Peinado Guzmán , Torres Julia , Kremer Carlos , Burrow Robert A.
Published: November 2012

The structure of the metal–organic framework (MOF) compound [{Ca(H2O)6}{CaGd(oxydiacetate)3}2]·4H2O was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and refined using conventional single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. In addition, the structure was refined using powder diffraction data collected from two sources, a conventional X-ray diffractometer in Bragg–Brentano geometry and a 12-detector high resolution synchrotron-based diffractometer in transmission geometry. Data from the latter were processed in three different ways to account for crystalline decay or radiation damage. One dataset was obtained by averaging the multiple detector patterns, another dataset was obtained by cutting the non-overlapping portions of each detector to consider only the first few minutes of data collection and a dose-corrected dataset was obtained by fitting the independent peaks in every dataset and extrapolating the intensity and peak position to the initial time of data collection or to zero-absorbed dose. The compared structural models obtained show that special processing of powder diffraction data produced a much accurate model, close to the single-crystal-based model for this particular compound with heavy atoms in high symmetry positions that do not contribute to a significant number of diffraction intensities.
Synchrotron X-ray studies of metal-organic framework M2(2,5-dihydroxyterephthalate), M = (Mn, Co, Ni, Zn) (MOF74)
Authors: Wong-Ng W. , Kaduk J. A. , Wu H. , Suchomel M.
Published: November 2012

M2(dhtp)·nH2O (M = Mn, Co, Ni, Zn; dhtp = 2,5-dihydroxyterephthalate), known as MOF74, is a family of excellent sorbent materials for CO2 that contains coordinatively unsaturated metal sites and a honeycomb-like structure featuring a broad one-dimensional channel. This paper describes the structural feature and provides reference X-ray powder diffraction patterns of these four isostructural compounds. The structures were determined using synchrotron diffraction data obtained at beam line 11-BM at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) in the Argonne National Laboratory. The samples were confirmed to be hexagonal R 3 (No. 148). From M = Mn, Co, Ni, to Zn, the lattice parameter a of MOF74 ranges from 26.131 73(4) Å to 26.5738(2) Å, c from 6.651 97(5) to 6.808 83(8) Å, and V ranges from 3948.08 Å3 to 4163.99 Å3, respectively. The four reference X-ray powder diffraction patterns have been submitted for inclusion in the Powder Diffraction File (PDF).
Effects of low-density lipoproteins extracted from different avian yolks on boar spermatozoa quality following freezing–thawing
Authors: Wang Peng , Wang Yan-Feng , Wang Chun-Wei , Bu Shu-Hai , Hu Jian-Hong , Li Qing-Wang , Pang Wei-Jun , Yang Gong-She
Published: November 2012

Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) is known to protect boar sperm during freezing–thawing, but little information is known about the effects of LDL extracted from different avian egg yolks on post-thaw boar semen quality. The purpose of this study was to compare and analyze the effects of LDL at various concentrations and different species on boar sperm quality after freezing–thawing. LDL extracted from the yolk of hen egg, duck egg, quail egg, pigeon egg or ostrich egg was added to the extender at the concentrations of 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09 and 0.1 g/ml, respectively, and their effects on frozen–thawed boar sperm quality were assessed. According to all measured parameters, the results showed that sperm motility, acrosome integrity and plasma membrane integrity were 43.20%, 52.57% and 48.13%, respectively, after being frozen–thawed with 0.09 g/ml LDL extracted from pigeon egg yolk. All these quality parameters were higher than that of other groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our results confirmed that LDL extracted from pigeon egg yolk had the best cryoprotective effects on frozen–thawed boar sperm among all of the groups supplemented with LDL from five kinds of avian egg in extender. The optimum concentration of LDL extracted from pigeon egg in boar semen freezing extender was 0.09 g/ml.
Perturbing microtubule integrity blocks AMP-activated protein kinase-induced meiotic resumption in cultured mouse oocytes
Authors: Ya Ru , Downs Stephen M.
Published: November 2012

The oocyte meiotic spindle is comprised of microtubules (MT) that bind chromatin and regulate both metaphase plate formation and karyokinesis during meiotic maturation; however, little information is known about their role in meiosis reinitiation. This study was conducted to determine if microtubule integrity is required for meiotic induction and to ascertain how it affects activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an important participant in the meiotic induction process. Treatment with microtubule-disrupting agents nocodazole and vinblastine suppressed meiotic resumption in a dose-dependent manner in both arrested cumulus cell-enclosed oocytes (CEO) stimulated with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and arrested denuded oocytes (DO) stimulated with the AMPK activator, 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-4-ribofuranoside (AICAR). This effect coincided with suppression of AMPK activation as determined by western blotting and germinal vesicle immunostaining. Treatment with the MT stabilizer paclitaxel also suppressed meiotic induction. Targeting actin filament polymerization had only a marginal effect on meiotic induction. Immunolocalization experiments revealed that active AMPK colocalized with γ-tubulin during metaphase I and II stages, while it localized at the spindle midzone during anaphase. This discrete localization pattern was dependent on MT integrity. Treatment with nocodazole led to disruption of proper spindle pole localization of active AMPK, while paclitaxel induced excessive polymerization of spindle MT and formation of ectopic asters with accentuated AMPK colocalization. Although stimulation of AMPK increased the rate of germinal vesicle breakdown (GVB), spindle formation and polar body (PB) extrusion, the kinase had no effect on peripheral movement of the spindle. These data suggest that the meiosis-inducing action and localization of AMPK are regulated by MT spindle integrity during mouse oocyte maturation.
Affective functioning after delirium in elderly hip fracture patients
Authors: Slor Chantal J. , Witlox Joost , Jansen René W. M. M. , Adamis Dimitrios , Meagher David J. , Tieken Esther , Houdijk Alexander P. J. , van Gool Willem A. , Eikelenboom Piet , de Jonghe Jos F. M.
Published: November 2012

Background: Delirium in elderly patients is associated with various long-term sequelae that include cognitive impairment and affective disturbances, although the latter is understudied.

Methods: For a prospective cohort study of elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery, baseline characteristics and affective and cognitive functioning were assessed preoperatively. During hospital admission, presence of delirium was assessed daily. Three months after hospital discharge, affective and global cognitive functioning was evaluated again in patients free from delirium at the time of this follow-up. This study compared baseline characteristics and affective functioning between patients with and without in-hospital delirium. We investigated whether in-hospital delirium is associated with increased anxiety and depressive levels, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms three months after discharge.

Results: Among 53 eligible patients, 23 (43.4%) patients experienced in-hospital delirium after hip fracture repair. Patients who had experienced in-hospital delirium showed more depressive symptoms at follow-up after three months compared to the 30 patients without in-hospital delirium. This association persisted in a multivariate model controlling for age, baseline cognition, baseline depressive symptoms, and living situation. The level of anxiety and symptoms of PTSD at follow-up did not differ between both groups.

Conclusion: This study suggests that in-hospital delirium is associated with an increased burden of depressive symptoms three months after discharge in elderly patients who were admitted to the hospital for surgical repair of hip fracture. Symptoms of depression in patients with previous in-hospital delirium cannot be fully explained by persistent (sub)syndromal delirium or baseline cognitive impairment.

Trial name: The Effect of Taurine on Morbidity and Mortality in the Elderly Hip Fracture Patient. URL: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00497978?term=taurine+hip+fracture&rank=1. Registration number: NCT00497978.
Sensitivity to change of composite and frequency scores of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory in mild to moderate dementia
Authors: Cummings Jeffrey L. , Ihl Ralf , Herrschaft Horst , Hoerr Robert , Tribanek Michael
Published: November 2012

Background:The Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) is widely used to assess psychopathology in dementia. The scoring involves ratings of frequency and severity, as well as the calculation of a composite score. It was suggested recently that, due to lower variance, the frequency score might be more sensitive to detect treatment-related change and to discriminate active treatment from placebo than the composite score, particularly in milder forms of the disease.

Methods:Based on data from three randomized controlled trials in patients with mild to moderate dementia, standardized changes were calculated for both frequency and composite scores for two strata of disease severity. The two strata were formed by dichotomizing the sample along the median score of the short cognitive performance test (SKT) battery.

Results:Across all studies and for both severity strata, standardized changes in frequency scores were not consistently larger than those in composite scores and both scores discriminated active treatment from placebo at similar probabilities for type-1 error.

Conclusion:Our findings do not support the notion that there is a difference between frequency score and composite score with respect to their sensitivity to treatment-related change.
Cognitive screening of older adults: the utility of pentagon drawing
Authors: Helmes Edward
Published: November 2012

Background: Drawing tests have a long history in neuropsychological assessment. A popular geometric figure has been the two intersecting pentagons from the Bender Gestalt test. Reproducing the pentagons is the main visuospatial task on the original Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), remaining in use in revised versions of that widely used screening test. Scoring criteria on the MMSE are binary: perfect reproduction of the figure is required, while the Modified MMSE of Teng and Chui (1987) uses a more refined ten-point scoring for the elements of the figure.

Methods: Here, I report on the use of pentagon drawing from 8,702 older community-dwelling Canadians (59.3% female), with a mean age of 75.5 years (SD = 6.99) and 10.1 years of education (SD = 3.89). Mean scores for the whole sample are reported, as well as for subsamples who underwent a full clinical assessment and were diagnosed as cognitively intact, with dementia, or cognitively impaired, but without dementia. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the utility of pentagon drawing as a diagnostic tool to diagnose cognitive impairment.

Results: Binary scoring was less effective in discriminating groups than the ten-point system and showed weaker properties by other criteria.

Conclusions: The discussion focuses on the role of simple, non-verbal tasks in the cognitive screening of older adults.
Social Inclusion and Individualised Service Provision in High Risk Community Care: Balancing Regulation, Judgment and Discretion
Authors: Sawyer Anne-Maree , Green David
Published: November 2012

Since the late twentieth century, health and welfare policy in Australia and the UK has focused on enhancing the freedom, life choices and participation of service users. Public policy, based on the construct of social inclusion, requires greater individualisation of services, active engagement with service users, and innovative partnerships between different providers. At the same time, however, the management of risk through a range of compliance procedures can discourage the exercise of discretion by workers, limit the participation of their clients and reduce incentives for innovative cooperation between services. Drawing on in-depth interviews with community care professionals and their managers engaged in high risk social care in Australia, this article gives particular attention to the relevance of risk to social inclusion and individualised service provision.
ICF-orientierte klinische Dokumentation und Evaluation in der Neuro-Rehabilitation – Teil 1
Authors: Wendel Claudia , Schenk zu Schweinsberg Ellen
Published: November 2012

In den kommenden Jahren wird die ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health) zur Dokumentation von Gesundheitszuständen, Steuerung von Interventionen und Evaluation in der Praxis der Neuro-Rehabilitation konkret Anwendung finden.

Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden zentrale Begriffs- und Konzeptklärungen bezüglich der ICF vorgenommen und internationale Forschungsergebnisse hinsichtlich ihrer praktischen Implikationen für den klinischen Alltag geprüft.

Die ICF erlaubt eine differenzierte Beschreibung der Lebenssituation eines Menschen mit einem Gesundheitsproblem, die wesentlich durch personbezogene und umweltbezogene Kontextfaktoren mitbestimmt wird. Durch die Anwendung des ICF-Konzepts und teilhabe-bezogenes Arbeiten kann das professionelle Handeln in der Neuro-Rehabilitation nachhaltig verbessert werden. Die klare Orientierung auf die Förderung der Funktionsfähigkeit entspricht einem neuen Verständnis von Rehabilitation, das nicht mehr der (defizitären) Logik der Behandlung von Gesundheitsproblemen folgt.
The Influence of Age and Work-Related Expertise on Fine Motor Control
Authors: Vieluf Solveig , Mahmoodi Jasmin , Godde Ben , Reuter Eva-Maria , Voelcker-Rehage Claudia
Published: November 2012

Age-related decline of fine motor control commences even in middle adulthood. Less is known, however, whether age-related changes can be postponed through continuous practice. In this study we tested how age and professional expertise influence fine motor control in middle-aged adults. Forty-eight right-handed novices and experts (35 to 65 years) performed submaximal precision grip force modulation tasks with index or middle finger opposing the thumb, either with the right hand or the left hand. Novices revealed expected age-related differences in all performance measures (force initialization, mean applied force, variability), whereas experts outperformed novices in all outcome measures. Expertise seems to contribute to maintaining manual skills into older age, as indicated by the age and expertise interaction for the force initialization.
Suicide in the Aftermath of the L’Aquila (Italy) Earthquake
Authors: Stratta Paolo , Rossi Alessandro
Published: November 2012

Background: Given the well-documented acute increase in psychopathology after disasters as well as the greater likelihood of suicide among persons with psychopathology, it may be expected that suicide rates also rise after such events. Aim: To investigate the suicide rate 1 year after the April 2009 earthquake that struck L’Aquila (Italy). Methods: Suicide rates were collected from administrative data sets of the Italian National Institute of Statistics for the years 2004 through 2009. Results: The number and rate of suicides during 2009 are the lowest since 2004 – and significantly lower than the two prequake years. Conclusions: The findings suggest that an investigation of resilience and posttraumatic personal growth might be useful in guiding public health efforts on suicidal prevention in the aftermath of disasters.
A Systematic Review of School-Based Interventions Aimed at Preventing, Treating, and Responding to Suicide- Related Behavior in Young People
Authors: Robinson Jo , Cox Georgina , Malone Aisling , Williamson Michelle , Baldwin Gabriel , Fletcher Karen , O’Brien Matt
Published: November 2012

Background: Suicide, in particular among young people, is a major public health problem, although little is known regarding effective interventions for managing and preventing suicide-related behavior. Aims: To review the empirical literature pertaining to suicide postvention, prevention, and early intervention, specifically in school settings. Method: MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CCRCT) as well as citation lists of relevant articles using terms related to suicide and schools were searched in July 2011. School-based programs targeting suicide, attempted suicide, suicidal ideation, and self-harm where intent is not specified were included. No exclusion was placed on trial design. All studies had to include a suicide-related outcome. Results: A total of 412 potentially relevant studies were identified, 43 of which met the inclusion criteria, as well as three secondary publications: 15 universal awareness programs, 23 selective interventions, 3 targeted interventions, and 2 postvention trials. Limitations: Overall, the evidence was limited and hampered by methodological concerns, particularly a lack of RCTs. Conclusions: The most promising interventions for schools appear to be gatekeeper training and screening programs. However, more research is needed.
Suicidal Behavior and Attitudes Among Medical Students in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Amiri Leena , Voracek Martin , Yousef Said , Galadari Alaa , Yammahi Salem , Sadeghi Mohammad-Reza , Eskin Mehmet , Dervic Kanita
Published: November 2012

Background: Few studies have investigated suicidal behavior and attitudes of medical students. We are not aware of any previous reports emerging from the Arab world. Aims: To investigate suicidal behavior and attitudes among medical students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Method: The prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempts as well as attitudes toward suicide and reactions to a hypothetical suicidal friend were assessed using a self-report survey. Furthermore, the survey included the self-assessment of the current mood and religiosity, and socio-demographic information. Results: A group of 115 medical students (mean age 20.7 years, 59.1% female) participated in the survey. The prevalence of lifetime suicidal ideation was 17.5% and of suicide attempts 1.8%. In general, students showed very low acceptability of suicide, strong beliefs in the punishment after death, and highly endorsed communicating problems with parents. Moreover, high acceptance of and support for a suicidal friend were found. Sadness was associated with higher acceptability of suicide and fewer beliefs in punishment after death. Religiosity was associated with less acceptability of suicide, seeing suicide in context of mental illness, communicating problems with parents, and greater support for a suicidal friend. Conclusions: The prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempts among medical students in the UAE was in the lower range in international comparison. Negative attitudes toward suicide were accompanied by a strong support for a suicidal friend, and both were related to religiosity.
Dissolved organic nitrogen in the global surface ocean: Distribution and fate
Authors: Letscher Robert T. , Hansell Dennis A. , Carlson Craig A. , Lumpkin Rick , Knapp Angela N.
Published: November 2012

The allochthonous supply of dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) from gyre margins into the interior of the ocean's oligotrophic subtropical gyres potentially provides an important source of new N to gyre surface waters, thus sustaining export production. This process requires that a fraction of the transported DON be available to euphotic zone photoautotroph communities via mineralization. In this study, we investigated the biological and physical controls on the distribution and fate of DON within global ocean surface waters. Inputs of nitrate to the euphotic zone at upwelling zones fuel net accumulation of a DON pool that appears to resist rapid microbial remineralization, allowing subsequent advective transport into the subtropical gyres. Zonal gradients in DON concentrations across these gyres imply a DON sink in the surface layer. Assessment of the physical dynamics of gyre circulation and winter mixing revealed a pathway for DON removal from the mixed layer via vertical transport to the deep euphotic zone, which establishes the observed zonal gradients. Incubation experiments from the Florida Straits indicated surface‐accumulated DON was largely resistant (over a few months) to utilization by the extant surface bacterioplankton community. In contrast, this same material was remineralized three times more rapidly when exposed to upper mesopelagic bacterioplankton. These results suggest the primary fate of surface DON to be removal via vertical mixing and subsequent mineralization below the mixed layer, implying a limited role for direct DON support of gyre export production from the surface layer. DON may contribute to export production at the eastern edges of the subtropical gyres, but only after its mineralization within the deep euphotic zone.
Thermobaric control of gravitational potential energy generation by diapycnal mixing in the deep ocean
Authors: Oliver K. I. C. , Tailleux R.
Published: November 2012

Sources and sinks of gravitational potential energy (GPE) play a rate‐limiting role in the large‐scale ocean circulation. A key source is turbulent diapycnal mixing, whereby irreversible mixing across isoneutral surfaces is enhanced by turbulent straining of these surfaces. This has motivated international observational efforts to map diapycnal mixing in the global ocean. However, in order to accurately relate the GPE supplied to the large‐scale circulation by diapycnal mixing to the mixing energy source, it is first necessary to determine the ratio, ξ, of the GPE generation rate to the available potential energy dissipation rate associated with turbulent mixing. Here the link between GPE and hydrostatic pressure is used to derive the GPE budget for a compressible ocean with a nonlinear equation of state. The role of diapycnal mixing is isolated and from this a global climatological distribution of ξ is calculated. It is shown that, for a given source of mixing energy, typically three times as much GPE is generated if the mixing takes place in bottom waters rather than in the pycnocline. This is due to GPE destruction by cabbelling in the pycnocline, as opposed to thermobaric enhancement of GPE generation by diapycnal mixing in the deep ocean.
Linking atmospheric dimethyl sulfide and the Arctic Ocean spring bloom
Authors: Park Ki‐Tae , Lee Kitack , Yoon Young‐Jun , Lee Hyun‐Woo , Kim Hyun‐Cheol , Lee Bang‐Yong , Hermansen Ove , Kim Tae‐Wook , Holmén Kim
Published: November 2012

We measured atmospheric dimethyl sulfide (DMS) mixing ratios at approximately hourly intervals over a 1 year period (April 2010 to March 2011) in the Atlantic sector of the Arctic Ocean (Svalbard, Norway; 78.5°N, 11.8°E). The mixing ratios varied by several orders of magnitude over time scales of less than several days, and occasionally reached 200−300 parts per trillion by volume during the major phytoplankton growth period (May to September), whereas during the winter months (October to April) the mixing ratios were on the order of a few parts per trillion by volume. Our results, based on analyses using multiple data products (atmospheric DMS mixing ratios, satellite‐derived ocean colors, and meteorological datasets), indicated that weekly variability in the DMS mixing ratios at Svalbard was highly correlated with variability in the chl‐a concentration in waters in the vicinity of Svalbard (r = 0.89). Hourly‐to‐daily variability in the DMS mixing ratios were satisfactorily explained by changes in the trajectory, altitude, and speed of air masses passing the DMS sources prior to reaching Svalbard. The observed coupling between DMS mixing ratios and chl‐a concentration is surprising, and indicates that the variability in chl‐a concentrations in the study area represents the change in the abundance of phytoplankton capable of producing DMS. The intensive monitoring of DMS levels at Svalbard enabled us to identify in situ production and the flux of oceanic DMS over the Arctic region. It thus constitutes a useful analytical tool for detecting changes in DMS production associated with variations in phytoplankton productivity resulting from changes in sea ice extent as a consequence of Arctic seasonality and warming.
Ground tilt changes in Japan caused by the 2010 Maule, Chile, earthquake tsunami
Authors: Kimura Takeshi , Tanaka Sachiko , Saito Tatsuhiko
Published: November 2012

Oscillating ground tilt perturbations accompanied by the 2010 Maule, Chile, earthquake tsunami were observed over a broad inland area facing the Pacific Ocean coast in Japan by a high‐density tiltmeter network. Through an analysis of ground tilt data observed at more than 500 stations, we were able to obtain a detailed spatiotemporal distribution of the tsunami‐induced tilt changes and reveal a relationship between the tilt amplitude and the distance from the coast. At distances of 1 km or less, the peak tilt amplitudes were ~5 × 10–2 µrad and were almost constant with respect to the distance. At distances greater than 3 km, amplitudes were inversely proportional to the distance and reached ~5 × 10–3 µrad approximately 50 km away from the coast. The dominant ground tilting directions were almost the same as the direction orthogonal to the coastline. These observed ground tilt changes and their characteristics were successfully modeled with a loading deformation caused by sea level variations accompanied by the tsunami. Applying a two‐dimensional boxcar tsunami model to the observed data, we estimated the water volume per unit length of coast for the Maule earthquake tsunami to be 2–7 × 103 m3/m within the distance of 14–20 km seaward of the coastline.
Characterization of speciated aerosol direct radiative forcing over California
Authors: Zhao Chun , Ruby Leung L. , Easter Richard , Hand Jenny , Avise Jeremy
Published: November 2012

The WRF‐Chem model, with the added capability of diagnosing the direct radiative forcing of individual aerosol species, is used to characterize the spatial and seasonal distribution of speciated aerosol direct radiative forcing over California. Overall, the simulation in 2005 is able to reproduce the observed spatial and seasonal distribution of total PM2.5 mass concentration and the relative contribution from individual aerosol species. On statewide average over California, all aerosol species reduce the surface net radiation fluxes, with a total by about 1.5 W m−2 (winter minimum) to 3 W m−2 (summer maximum). Elemental carbon (EC) is the largest contributor in summer (−1.1 W m−2 and ~35%), and sulfate is the largest in winter (−0.45 W m−2 and ~30%). In the atmosphere, total aerosol introduces a warming effect of about 0.5 W m−2 (winter minimum) to 2 W m−2 (summer maximum). EC and dust contribute about 75 − 95% and 1 − 10% of the total warming through the seasons, respectively. At the top of the atmosphere (TOA), the overall total aerosol direct radiative effect is cooling of −1.0 W m−2 through the seasons, with sulfate as the biggest contributor of −0.4 W m−2 (winter minimum) to −0.7 W m−2 (summer maximum). EC produces a TOA warming of up to about 0.7 W m−2, whereas all other aerosol species produce a TOA cooling. The diagnostic method implemented in WRF‐Chem can be applied to other regions to understand the roles of different aerosols in the direct radiative forcing and regional climate.
A new bipolar ice core record of volcanism from WAIS Divide and NEEM and implications for climate forcing of the last 2000 years
Authors: Sigl Michael , McConnell Joseph R. , Layman Lawrence , Maselli Olivia , McGwire Ken , Pasteris Daniel , Dahl‐Jensen Dorthe , Steffensen Jørgen Peder , Vinther Bo , Edwards Ross , Mulvaney Robert , Kipfstuhl Sepp
Published: November 2012

Volcanism is a natural climate forcing causing short‐term variations in temperatures. Histories of volcanic eruptions are needed to quantify their role in climate variability and assess human impacts. We present two new seasonally resolved, annually dated non‐sea‐salt sulfur records from polar ice cores—WAIS Divide (WDC06A) from West Antarctica spanning 408 B.C.E. to 2003 C.E. and NEEM (NEEM‐2011‐S1) from Greenland spanning 78 to 1997 C.E.—both analyzed using high‐resolution continuous flow analysis coupled to two mass spectrometers. The high dating accuracy allowed placing the large bi‐hemispheric deposition event ascribed to the eruption of Kuwae in Vanuatu (previously thought to be 1452/1453 C.E. and used as a tie‐point in ice core dating) into the year 1458/1459 C.E. This new age is consistent with an independent ice core timescale from Law Dome and explains an apparent delayed response in tree rings to this volcanic event. A second volcanic event is detected in 1453 C.E. in both ice cores. We show for the first time ice core signals in Greenland and Antarctica from the strong eruption of Taupo in New Zealand in 232 C.E. In total, 133 volcanic events were extracted from WDC06A and 138 from NEEM‐2011‐S1, with 50 ice core signals—predominantly from tropical source volcanoes—identified simultaneously in both records. We assess the effect of large bipolar events on temperature‐sensitive tree ring proxies. These two new volcanic records, synchronized with available ice core records to account for spatial variability in sulfate deposition, provide a basis for improving existing time series of volcanic forcing.