bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential climate change effects on groundwater recharge in the High Plains Aquifer, USA
Authors: Crosbie Russell S. , Scanlon Bridget R. , Mpelasoka Freddie S. , Reedy Robert C. , Gates John B. , Zhang Lu
Published: May 2013

Considering that past climate changes have significantly impacted groundwater resources, quantitative predictions of climate change effects on groundwater recharge may be valuable for effective management of future water resources. This study used 16 global climate models (GCMs) and three global warming scenarios to investigate changes in groundwater recharge rates for a 2050 climate relative to a 1990 climate in the U.S. High Plains region. Groundwater recharge was modeled using the Soil‐Vegetation‐Atmosphere‐Transfer model WAVES for a variety of soil and vegetation types representative of the High Plains. The median projection under a 2050 climate includes increased recharge in the Northern High Plains (+8%), a slight decrease in the Central High Plains (−3%), and a larger decrease in the Southern High Plains (−10%), amplifying the current spatial trend in recharge from north to south. There is considerable uncertainty in both the magnitude and direction of these changes in recharge projections. Predicted changes in recharge between dry and wet future climate scenarios encompass both an increase and decrease in recharge rates, with the magnitude of this range greater than 50% of current recharge. On a proportional basis, sensitivity of recharge to changes in rainfall indicates that areas with high current recharge rates are least sensitive to change in rainfall and vice versa. Sensitivity analyses indicate an amplification of change in recharge compared to change in rainfall, and this amplification is in the range of 1–6 with an average of 2.5–3.5 depending upon the global warming scenario.
Evaporation from a shallow water table: Diurnal dynamics of water and heat at the surface of drying sand
Authors: Assouline S. , Tyler S. W. , Selker J. S. , Lunati I. , Higgins C. W. , Parlange M. B.
Published: May 2013

Accurate estimates of water losses by evaporation from shallow water tables are important for hydrological, agricultural, and climatic purposes. An experiment was conducted in a weighing lysimeter to characterize the diurnal dynamics of evaporation under natural conditions. Sampling revealed a completely dry surface sand layer after 5 days of evaporation. Its thickness was <1 cm early in the morning, increasing to reach 4–5 cm in the evening. This evidence points out fundamental limitations of the approaches that assume hydraulic connectivity from the water table up to the surface, as well as those that suppose monotonic drying when unsteady conditions prevail. The computed vapor phase diffusion rates from the apparent drying front based on Fick's law failed to reproduce the measured cumulative evaporation during the sampling day. We propose that two processes rule natural evaporation resulting from daily fluctuations of climatic variables: (i) evaporation of water, stored during nighttime due to redistribution and vapor condensation, directly into the atmosphere from the soil surface during the early morning hours, that could be simulated using a mass transfer approach and (ii) subsurface evaporation limited by Fickian diffusion, afterward. For the conditions prevailing during the sampling day, the amount of water stored at the vicinity of the soil surface was 0.3 mm and was depleted before 11:00. Combining evaporation from the surface before 11:00 and subsurface evaporation limited by Fickian diffusion after that time, the agreement between the estimated and measured cumulative evaporation was significantly improved.
Extent of Intramolecular π Stacks in Aqueous Solution in Mixed‐Ligand Copper(II) Complexes Formed by Heteroaromatic Amines and 1‐[2‐(Phosphonomethoxy)ethyl]cytosine (PMEC), a Relative of Antivirally Active Acyclic Nucleotide Analogues (Part 72)[1, 2]
Authors: Blindauer Claudia A. , Sigel Astrid , Operschall Bert P. , Holý Antonin , Sigel Helmut
Published: May 2013

Stability constants of the ternary Cu(Arm)(H;PMEC)+ and Cu(Arm)(PMEC) complexes {PMEC2– = dianion of 1‐[2‐(phosphonomethoxy)ethyl]cytosine, Arm = 2, 2′‐bipyridine (Bpy) or 1, 10‐phenanthroline (Phen)} were measured by potentiometric pH titrations (aq. sol.; 25 °C; I = 0.1 M, NaNO3) and compared with those of Cu(Arm)(H;PMEA)+ and Cu(Arm)(PMEA) {PMEA2– = dianion of 9‐[2‐(phosphonomethoxy)ethyl]adenine}, and related species. The basicity of the terminal phosphonate group is similar in PMEC2– and PMEA2–. Stability‐constant comparisons reveal, that in the monoprotonated ternary Cu(Arm)(H;PMEC)+ complexes H+ is at the phosphonate group, that the ether oxygen atom of the –CH2–O–CH2–P(O)–2(OH) residue participates, next to the P(O)–2(OH) group, in Cu(Arm)2+ coordination, and that π–π stacking between the aromatic rings of Cu(Arm)2+ and the pyrimidine moiety is important. The Cu(Arm)(PMEC) complexes are considerably more stable than the corresponding Cu(Arm)(R–PO3) species, where R–PO2–3 is a phosph(on)ate with a group R unable to interact intramolecularly. The stability enhancements are mainly attributed to intramolecular stacks and, to a smaller extent, to the formation of five‐membered chelates involving the ether oxygen atom of the –CH2–O–CH2–P(O)2–3 residue of PMEC2–. Analysis of the intramolecular equilibria reveals that ca. 10 % of the isomeric ternary complexes exist with Cu(Arm)2+ solely coordinated to the phosphonate group, ca. 25 % as a five‐membered chelate involving the ether oxygen, and ca. 65 % with an intramolecular π–π stack between the pyrimidine moiety of PMEC2– and the rings of Bpy or Phen. For a given Cu(Arm)2+ the stacking intensity increases from PMEC2– to PMEA2–. It seems feasible that the reduced stacking intensity of PMEC2–, together with a different hydrogen bonding pattern, leads to a different orientation of the cytosine residue (compared to the adenine moiety) in the active site of the nucleic acid polymerases, thus resulting in a reduced antiviral activity of PMEC compared to PMEA.
Recombination of Coordination Bonds of a Mononuclear Precursor into a 3D d‐d′ Heterometallic Coordination Polymer with Double Helices
Authors: Ren Yi‐Xia , Jia Tian‐Jing , Li Li‐Cun , Zheng Xiang‐Jun
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Based on a mononuclear precursor [Mn(Hstp)2(4,4′‐Hbpy)2] (1), a hetero‐metallic complex, [Mn2Ni(stp)2(4,4′‐bpy)(H2O)4] (2) [stp = 2‐sulfoterephthalate, 4,4′‐bpy = 4,4′‐bpyridine] was synthesized by solvothermal reaction. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis reveals that the MnII ion of the precursor 1 is hexacoordinate by four oxygen atoms from two Hstp2– anions and two nitrogen atoms from two protonated 4, 4′‐Hbpy, and hydrogen bonding plays a significant role in constructing 3D supramolecular structure. While complex 2 features a self‐weaving framework from 1D straight chains and 2D wavy networks with double helical chains. Magnetic behavior of complex 2 was analyzed in connection with its crystal structure, which exhibits the weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the MnII and NiII ions.
A Review of the Genus Alulatettix Liang (Orthoptera: Tetrigoidea: Tetrigidae)
Authors: Li X D , Deng W A , Zheng Z M
Published: May 2013

The taxonomy of the tetrigid genus Alulatettix Liang is reviewed. A new species, Alulatettix orthomarginalis n. sp. is described. The annotated list and key to all known species of Alulatettix are given.
Vulnerability of fourth ventricle choroid plexus in sudden unexplained fetal and infant death syndromes related to smoking mothers
Authors: Lavezzi Anna M. , Matturri Luigi , Del Corno Giuseppe , Johanson Conrad E.
Published: May 2013

The human choroid plexuses in the ventricular system represent the main source of cerebrospinal fluid secretion and constitute a major barrier interface that controls the brain's environment. The present study focused on the choroid plexus of the fourth ventricle, the main cavity of the brainstem containing important nuclei and/or structures mediating autonomic vital functions.

In serial sections of 84 brainstems of subjects aged from 17 gestational weeks to 8 postnatal months of life, the deaths due to both known and unknown causes, we examined the cytoarchitecture and the developmental steps of the fourth ventricle choroid plexus to determine whether this structure shows morphological and/or functional alterations in unexplained perinatal deaths (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Sudden Intrauterine Unexplained Death Syndrome).

High incidence of histological and immunohistochemical alterations (prevalence of epithelial dark cells, the presence of cystic cells in the stroma, decreased number of blood capillaries, hyperexpression of Substance P and apoptosis) were prevalently observed in unexplained death victims (p < 0.05 vs. controls). A significant correlation was found between maternal smoking in pregnancy and choroidal neuropathological parameters (p < 0.01).

This work underscores the negative effects of prenatal exposure to nicotine on the development of the autonomic nervous system, and in particular of the fourth ventricle choroid plexus that is a very vulnerable structure in the developing CSF–brain system.
The effect of banking market structure on the lending channel: Evidence from emerging markets
Authors: Amidu Mohammed , Wolfe Simon
Published: May 2013

This paper analyses the extent to which the level of bank competition influences monetary policy transmission. Using a large panel dataset of 978 banks from 55 countries, and employing the Lerner index model as a measure of market structure, our results show that an increase in banking sector competition weakens the effectiveness of monetary policy on bank lending. The findings are robust to a broad array of sensitivity checks including control of alternative measurements of the Lerner index, different samples and different methodological specifications. By extension, these results have important policy implications for regulators in assessing the effectiveness of monetary policy transmission mechanisms.
The Inanity and Mischief of Vulgar Superstitions
Authors: Naylor Martin Joseph
Published: May 2013

After the execution of the Samuels family - known as the Witches of Warboys - on charges of witchcraft in 1593, Sir Henry Cromwell (grandfather of Oliver Cromwell) used their confiscated property to fund an annual sermon against witchcraft to be given in Huntingdon (Cambridgeshire) by a divinity scholar from Queens' College, Cambridge. Although beliefs about witchery had changed by the eighteenth century, the tradition persisted. Martin J. Naylor (c.1762–1843), a Fellow of Queens' College and the holder of incumbencies in Yorkshire, gave four of the sermons, on 25 March each year from 1792 to 1795. Although he called the subject 'antiquated', he hoped his 'feeble effort, levelled against the gloomy gothic mansion of superstition, may not be entirely without a beneficial effect'. This collection of the four sermons was published in 1795, and appended with an account of the original events in Warboys.
Learning Democracy: Education and the Fall of Authoritarian Regimes
Authors: Sanborn Howard , Thyne Clayton L.
Published: May 2013

Studies on what causes a state to democratize have focused on economic, social, and international factors. Many of them argue that higher levels of education should promote democracy. However, few articulate clearly how education affects democratization, and fewer still attempt to test the supposed link across time and space. This article fills that gap by considering how different levels of education influence democratization, and the conditions under which education is most likely to promote democracy. Analyses of eighty-five authoritarian spells from 1970 to 2008 find that higher levels of mass, primary, and tertiary education are robustly associated with democratization. Secondary analyses indicate that education is most effective in promoting democratization when both males and females are educated. An illustration from Tunisia follows.
RISK AND MAIZE-BASED CROPPING SYSTEMS FOR SMALLHOLDER MALAWI FARMERS USING CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE TECHNOLOGIES
Authors: NGWIRA A. R. , THIERFELDER C. , EASH N. , LAMBERT D. M.
Published: May 2013

Agricultural production in southern Africa is constrained by numerous factors, including low soil fertility, frequent droughts and flooding, limited access to fertilizers and the use of unsustainable management techniques that increase soil erosion rates. Conservation agriculture (CA) is based on the principles of minimum soil disturbance, crop residue retention and crop rotations. CA systems have been proposed to alleviate the negative externalities associated with conventional crop management systems. This study was conducted to examine the riskiness of economic returns of CA technologies based on maize grain yield evaluated in 12 target communities in Malawi from 2005–2011. On average, maize grain yields on both CA treatments exceeded the conventional control treatment by 22.1–23.6%, with differences more distinct in low altitude areas with low rainfall and frequent seasonal dry spells. Stochastic dominance analysis suggest that CA technologies would be preferred by risk-averse farmers, with corresponding differences in risk premiums (compared to conventional maize production systems) ranging between US$40 and US$105. However, these rankings are sensitive to the agroecological zones where the experiments were conducted. The risk premiums associated with the CA technologies in low elevation regions are unambiguous. Risk-averse farmers in higher elevations may need substantial incentives to adopt some CA technologies.
Molecular differentiation of Trichinella spiralis, T. pseudospiralis, T. papuae and T. zimbabwensis by pyrosequencing
Authors: Sadaow L. , Tantrawatpan C. , Intapan P.M. , Lulitanond V. , Boonmars T. , Morakote N. , Pozio E. , Maleewong W.
Published: May 2013

Nematodes of the genus Trichinella which infect wildlife and domestic animals show a cosmopolitan distribution. These zoonotic parasites are the aetiological agents of a severe human disease, trichinellosis. Twelve taxa are recognized in the Trichinella genus, but they cannot be identified by morphology since they are sibling species/genotypes. For epidemiological studies, it is extremely important to identify each taxon since they have different distribution areas and host ranges. In the present study, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the mitochondrial large subunit ribosomal RNA (lsu-RNA) gene coupled with a pyrosequencing technique was developed to distinguish among four Trichinella species: Trichinella spiralis, T. pseudospiralis, T. papuae and T. zimbabwensis. A PCR method was used to amplify the lsu-RNA of Trichinella sp. larvae in mouse muscles and single larvae collected from infected muscles by digestion. The results show that the four Trichinella species can be distinguished by using 26 nucleotides in the target region and the method is sensitive enough to identify individual larvae. The pyrosequencing provides a simple, rapid and high-throughput tool for the differentiation of Trichinella species.
Lipids for intravenous nutrition in hospitalised adult patients: a multiple choice of options
Authors: Calder Philip C.
Published: May 2013

Lipids used in parenteral nutrition provide energy, building blocks and essential fatty acids. Traditionally, these lipids have been based on n-6 PUFA-rich vegetable oils particularly soyabean oil. This may not be optimal because soyabean oil may present an excessive supply of linoleic acid. Alternatives to use of soyabean oil include its partial replacement by medium-chain TAG, olive oil or fish oil, either alone or in combination. Lipid emulsions containing these alternatives are well tolerated without adverse effects in a wide range of hospitalised adult patients. Lipid emulsions that include fish oil have been used in parenteral nutrition in adult patients' post-surgery (mainly gastrointestinal). This has been associated with alterations in patterns of inflammatory mediators and in immune function and, in some studies, a reduction in length of intensive care unit and hospital stay. These benefits are emphasised through recent meta-analyses. Perioperative administration of fish oil may be superior to post-operative administration. Parenteral fish oil has been used in critically ill adults. Here, the influence on inflammatory processes, immune function and clinical endpoints is not clear, since there are too few studies and those that are available report contradictory findings. However, some studies found reduced inflammation, improved gas exchange and shorter length of hospital stay in critically ill patients if they receive fish oil. More and better trials are needed in patient groups in which parenteral nutrition is used and where fish oil may offer benefits.
Good intentions gone wrong: did conservation management threaten Endangered huemul deerHippocamelus bisulcusin the future Patagonia National Park?
Authors: Wittmer Heiko U. , Elbroch L. Mark , Marshall Andrew J.
Published: May 2013

Conservation interventions increasingly involve active management of relative species abundances, especially when taxa of conservation concern are threatened by complex food web interactions. Unfortunately, the complexity of such interspecific interactions means that well-meaning management interventions can have unexpected, sometimes detrimental, effects on the species they are intended to protect. Here we report that the abrupt removal of an abundant non-native prey species (domestic sheep) and the cessation of predator control, actions intended to protect huemul deerHippocamelus bisulcusin the future Patagonia National Park, appear to have had negative effects on this Endangered ungulate. During and following the changes in predator–prey management, predation of huemul fawns and females older than 1 year by native culpeo foxesLycalopex culpaeusand pumasPuma concolorincreased 3- and 5-fold, respectively. Predictions from demographic models suggest that elevated mortality rates of female huemul older than 1 year will, on average, cause this population of huemul to decline. These results highlight risks of unintended consequences when aggressive management actions are taken to protect taxa embedded in complex food webs. They also suggest that careful consideration of both inter- and intra-trophic level effects among all species in a system is warranted before conservation interventions are undertaken.
Identifying a consistent pattern of neural function in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a meta-analysis
Authors: McCarthy H. , Skokauskas N. , Frodl T.
Published: May 2013

Background

The neurobiological underpinnings of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are inconclusive. Activation abnormalities across brain regions in ADHD compared with healthy controls highlighted in task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies are heterogeneous. To identify a consistent pattern of neural dysfunction in ADHD, a meta-analysis of fMRI studies using Go/no-go, Stop and N-back tasks was undertaken.

Method

Several databases were searched using the key words: ‘ADHD and fMRI’ and ‘ADHD and fMRI task’. In all, 20 studies met inclusion criteria comprising 334 patients with ADHD and 372 healthy controls and were split into N-back, Stop task and Go/no-go case–control groups. Using Signed Differential Mapping each batch was meta-analysed individually and meta-regression analyses were used to examine the effects of exposure to methylphenidate (MPH), length of MPH wash-out period, ADHD subtype, age and intelligence quotient (IQ) differences upon neural dysfunction in ADHD.

Results

Across all tasks less activity in frontal lobe regions compared with controls was detected. Less exposure to treatment and lengthier wash-out times resulted in less left medial frontal cortex activation in N-back and Go/no-go studies. Higher percentage of combined-type ADHD resulted in less superior and inferior frontal gyrus activation. Different IQ scores between groups were linked to reduced right caudate activity in ADHD.

Conclusions

Consistent frontal deficits imply homogeneous cognitive strategies involved in ADHD behavioural control. Our findings suggest a link between fMRI results and the potentially normalizing effect of treatment and signify a need for segregated examination and contrast of differences in sample characteristics in future studies.
XV.—On the Estimation of Statistical Parameters
Authors: Aitken A. C. , Silverstone H.
Published: May 2013

In the problem of estimating from sample the value of a parameter in a probability function new postulates are suggested of unbiased linear estimate and minimum sampling variance. A comparison is made, with illustrative examples, between this method and the principle of maximum likelihood, and ground common to the two is traversed. The new postulates are also placed in relation to the theory of sufficient statistics.
Environment and Health Research in China: The State of the Field
Authors: Holdaway Jennifer
Published: May 2013

In the context of this symposium, this article reviews social science research in the emerging field of environment and health in China, with a particular focus on the impacts of pollution. It begins with a discussion of the particular nature of China's environment-related health problems, distinguishing the different challenges presented by diseases of poverty, affluence and transition. It then reviews recent developments in policy and civil society with regard to environment and health, and the extent to which work in the social sciences has advanced our knowledge of these and of state–society interactions. The article concludes with some reflections on the need for and challenges of interdisciplinary and international collaboration in this area.
Interactions between Cold Ambient Temperature and Older Age on Haptic Acuity and Manual Performance
Authors: Tajmir Panteha , Grierson Lawrence E. M. , Carnahan Heather
Published: May 2013

L’impact de l’exposition au froid sur les aptitudes motrices individuelles exige une meilleure compréhension de la façon dont le froid influence les performances psychomotrices et haptiques. Dans cette étude, les différentes facettes de la performance psychomotrice ont été analysées afin de detérminer les effets de l’exposition au froid ambiant sur les personnes âgées. Des personnes et jeunes et plus âgées en bonne santé ont effectué une batterie de tests psychomoteurs haptiques aux températures ambiantes (23° C) et froids (1° C) pour déterminer les effets de l’exposition au froid ambiant sur les personnes âgées. Les résultats indiquent que les personnes âgées n’achèvent pas les résultats aussi forts que ceux des personnes plus jeunes à travers la batterie de tests, et qu’une température froide dégrade davantage leur dexterité pour les tâches (par exemple, leur niveau dans le Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test: F [1, 16] = 10,23, p < .01) et la génération de la force de préhension de précision avec une precision de pointe (F [1, 16] = 18,97, p < .01). Les résultats suggèrent que le froid peut avoir un impact en limitant les activités auxquelles les aînés peuvent se livrer pendant les mois d’hiver.
Nematodes from the Victoria Land coast, Antarctica and comparisons with culturedPanagrolaimus davidi
Authors: Raymond Mélianie R. , Wharton David A. , Marshall Craig J.
Published: May 2013

Morphological and genetic information was used to determine the species identity and relationships of four species of nematodes from the Victoria Land coast, Antarctica; and between laboratory and field populations ofPanagrolaimus davidiTimm. The 18S and D3 expansion segments of 28S rRNA were successfully amplified from the four species:Scottnema lindsayaeTimm,Plectus murrayiYeates,Eudorylaimusspp. andPanagrolaimus davidi. The four species from field populations mapped to three different nematode clades, indicating that if they are survivors in, rather than colonizers of, Antarctica they originate from several Gondwanan ancestors. The laboratory culture ofP. davidiis shown to be a different species to that of the field samples ofP. davidi, which were genetically identical to each other. There are several possible explanations for this observation, which require further investigation.
Fixed points of contractive maps on dcpo's
Authors: COLEBUNDERS E. , DE WACHTER S. , LOWEN R.
Published: May 2013

In this paper we study approach structures on dcpo's. A dcpo (X, ≤) will be endowed with several other structures: the Scott topology; an approach structure generated by a collection of weightable quasi metrics onX; and a collectionof weights corresponding to the quasi metrics. Understanding the interaction between these structures onXwill eventually lead to some fixed-point theorems for the morphisms in the category of approach spaces, which are called contractions. Existing fixed-point theorems on both monotone and non-monotone maps are obtained as special cases.
Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome in a father and daughter from a large highly inbred family: a 16-year follow-up of 59 living members
Authors: Sanyal Shyamal Kumar , Kaul Kanwar K. , Hussein Akhtar , Wilroy Robert S. , Agarwal Kisan , Sohel Saira
Published: May 2013

Objective: To report the autosomal dominant inheritance of the Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome in a highly inbred family, the initiation of Torsades de Pointes, and the natural history of the syndrome based on a 16-year follow-up of the kindred. Method: A family tree was constructed that included 66 blood relatives from three successive generations. Electrocardiograms were obtained from 59 living members including the proband, four members from a nuclear family, and 54 from the extended family. Evoked response audiometry was recorded for the proband and the nuclear family. All 59 family members were followed up regularly for 16 years. Results: A total of 24 living members were affected – QTc: 480–680 ms. The proband had long QTc, bilateral high-tone sensorineural deafness, recurrent syncope, and Torsades de Pointes. The asymptomatic father had long QTc and unilateral high-tone sensorineural deafness that involved specifically the left ear. One asymptomatic sibling of the proband had long QTc and normal hearing. The mother and another sibling were asymptomatic; QTc and hearing were normal in both. A total of 21 affected members from the extended family had only long QTc, and all were asymptomatic. There were three congenitally deaf first cousins who had recurrent syncope and adrenergic-triggered sudden death. In all, seven of 10 parents had consanguineous marriage to a first cousin. Each affected offspring had at least one affected parent. The severely symptomatic proband who received only β-blocker therapy and the 23 affected members without antiadrenergic therapy, all remained asymptomatic throughout the 16-year follow-up period. Conclusion: Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome was inherited as autosomal dominant in this kindred. The majority of the affected members had a mild phenotype. The severity of auditory and cardiac phenotypes corresponded.
Reimbursement by current German Diagnosis-Related Groups system penalises complex congenital heart surgery
Authors: Sinzobahamvya Nicodème , Kopp Thorsten , Arenz Claudia , Blaschczok Hedwig C. , Hraska Viktor , Asfour Boulos
Published: May 2013

A total of 458 hospital stays during the year 2011 were analysed to determine whether reimbursement by the current German Diagnosis-Related Groups system covers the costs incurred during hospital stay for congenital heart surgery. The costs of every hospital stay were estimated according to the guidelines of the Institute for the Hospital Remuneration System, an institute responsible for encoding hospital reimbursement in Germany. Cost-weight values of the year 2012 were applied for reimbursement. Related additional compensations were also included. Hospital costs ranged from 8896.26 to 193,671.94 euros per case, with a mean of 30,597 and standard deviation of 25,032 euros. Reimbursement varied from 8630.35 to 173,710.65 euros, with a mean of 25,514 and standard deviation of 18,497 euros: an underfunding of 17%. Fifty-nine per cent (271/458) of cases were classified, according to Aristotle complexity score, in higher comprehensive complexity: Levels 4–6. Costs highly correlated with complexity levels (Spearman's r coefficient = 0.89) and the regression was linear. Underfunding increased, linearly, from 6% for procedures with Level 1, lowest comprehensive complexity, to 23% for those with Level 6, highest complexity. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that reimbursement by the current German Diagnosis-Related Groups system increasingly penalises complex congenital heart surgery. Aristotle complexity score could help to correct this prejudicial situation.
Principles of Disaster Management Lesson 11: Personnel Evaluation
Authors: Cuny Fred C.
Published: May 2013

A disaster manager must be able to evaluate staff members in order to make effective staffing decisions during the transitions between phases of a disaster and to help improve the performance of the operation by determining what aspects of an individual's work needs improvement. Criteria for personnel appraisal and measures of performance, objective or subjective, are essential to conduct a fair and thorough evaluation. Errors introduce bias into the appraisal in the form of a “halo” effect, harsh or lenient ratings, a central tendency error, or recency effect, but recognition of these errors helps reduce their effect. A results-based appraisal program is favored because it focuses on what the worker achieves. Regular appraisal periods are suggested for optimal improvement in performance. Suggestions are given for an effective personnel appraisal, such as focusing on positive work performance, being aware of biases in judging people, and being specific when citing examples of work performance.
The clinical relevance of attentional bias in substance use disorders
Authors: Field Matt , Marhe Reshmi , Franken Ingmar H. A.
Published: May 2013

Individuals with substance use disorders typically show an “attentional bias” for substance-related cues: Those cues are able to grab and hold the attention, in preference to other cues in the environment. We discuss the theoretical context for this work before reviewing the measurement of attentional bias, and its relationship to motivational state and relapse to substance use after a period of abstinence. Finally, we discuss the implications of this research for the treatment of substance use disorders. We conclude that attentional bias is associated with subjective craving, and that moment-by-moment fluctuations in attentional bias may precede relapse to substance use. The evidence regarding the predictive relationship between attentional bias assessed in treatment contexts and subsequent relapse is inconsistent. Furthermore, there is currently insufficient evidence to endorse attentional bias modification as a treatment for substance use disorders. Clinical implications and suggestions for future research are highlighted.
Triangle-free reserving
Authors: Parodi Pietro
Published: May 2013

This paper argues that all reserving methods based on claims triangulations (the “triangle trick”), no matter how sophisticated the subsequent processing of the information contained in the triangle is, are inherently inadequate to accurately model the distribution of reserves, although they may be good enough to produce a point estimate of such reserves. The reason is that the triangle representation involves the compression (and ultimately the loss) of crucial information about the individual losses, which comes back to haunt us when we try to extract detailed information on the distribution of incurred but not reported (IBNR) and reported but not settled (RBNS) losses.

This paper then argues that in order to avoid such loss of information it is necessary to adopt an approach which is similar to that used in pricing, where a separate frequency and severity model are developed and then combined by Monte Carlo simulation or other numerical techniques to produce the aggregate loss distribution.

A specific implementation of this approach is described, whose core feature is a method to produce a frequency model for the incurred but not reported claim count based on the empirical distribution of delays (delay = the time between loss date and reporting date), after adjustments to make up for the bias towards smaller delays. The method also produces a kernel severity model for the individual losses, from which the severity distribution of each year of occurrence can be derived. By combining the frequency and severity model in the usual way (e.g. through Monte Carlo simulation), an aggregate model for IBNR and UPR losses can be produced.

As for RBNS losses, we suggest using one of the many methods to analyse the distribution of IBNER (incurred but not enough reserved) factors to produce a possible distribution of outcomes.

A case study based on real-world liability claims is used to illustrate how the method works in practice.

Also, in a first step towards validating the method for calculating IBNR and comparing it with existing methods, a series of experiments with artificial data sets was undertaken, which show a drastic reduction in the prediction error of both the IBNR claim count and the IBNR total amount with respect to the standard chain ladder method. And what is perhaps most promising, the experiments show that the distribution of IBNR reserves is much closer (in terms of the Kolmogorov-Smirnov distance) to the “true” one than that based on Mack's method in the way it is normally applied. The method promises therefore a more accurate assessment of the uncertainty around reserves.
Clinical management and burden of bipolar disorder: results from a multinational longitudinal study (WAVE-bd)
Authors: Vieta Eduard , Langosch Jens M. , Figueira Maria Luisa , Souery Daniel , Blasco-Colmenares Elena , Medina Esteban , Moreno-Manzanaro Miriam , Gonzalez Miguel Angel , Bellivier Frank
Published: May 2013

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder which requires complex treatment. Current treatment guidelines are based on the results of published randomized clinical trials and meta-analyses which may not accurately reflect everyday clinical practice. This multi-national, multi-centre, observational cohort study describes clinical management and clinical outcomes related to bipolar disorder in real-life settings, assesses between-country variability and identifies factors associated with clinical outcomes. Adults from 10 countries in Europe and South America who experienced at least one mood episode in the preceding 12 months were included. Overall, 2896 patients were included in the analyses and followed for at least 9 months across a retrospective and prospective study phase. Main outcome measures were the number and incidence rate of mood episodes (relapses and recurrences) and healthcare resource use including pharmacological treatments. Relapses and recurrences were reported in 18.2 and 40.5% of patients, respectively; however, the reported incidence rate of relapses was higher than that of recurrences [1.562 per person-year (95% CI 1.465–1.664) vs. 0.691 per person-year (95% CI 0.657–0.726)]. Medication use was high during all episode types and euthymia; the percentage of patients receiving no medication ranged from 11.0% in mania to 6.1% in euthymia. Antipsychotics were the most commonly prescribed drug class in all disease phases except for patients with depression, where antidepressants were more frequently prescribed. Visits to the psychiatrist were the most frequently used healthcare resource. These results provide a description of treatment patterns for bipolar disorder across different countries and indicate factors related to relapse and recurrence.
Equivalent beneficial effects of unilateral and bilateral prefrontal cortex transcranial magnetic stimulation in a large randomized trial in treatment-resistant major depression
Authors: Fitzgerald Paul B. , Hoy Kate E. , Singh Ajeet , Gunewardene Ranil , Slack Christopher , Ibrahim Samir , Hall Phillip J. , Daskalakis Z. Jeff
Published: May 2013

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment (rTMS) is an effective treatment for depression but the optimal methods of administration have yet to be determined. Recent studies have produced conflicting results as to whether unilateral rTMS is more or less effective than sequentially applied bilateral rTMS. To address this we conducted a trial comparing sequential bilateral rTMS to right-sided unilateral rTMS using a priming protocol. Patients with treatment-resistant depression (n = 179) were enrolled in a two-arm randomized controlled trial across a 4-wk time period. The primary outcome assessment was the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Overall, there was a substantial response rate of >50% (and a 40% remission rate); however, there were no significant differences in clinical response between the two treatment groups. rTMS was well tolerated with a very low discontinuation rate. There was no relationship between response in the current trial and previous response, or non-response, to electroconvulsive therapy. We found no significant differences in clinical response between sequential bilateral rTMS and right-sided unilateral rTMS applied with a priming protocol. The results of this study do not support superior efficacy of bilateral rTMS and instead suggest that other approaches should be explored to increase treatment efficacy.
Preventing Unsuitable Individuals from Working with Children: Vetting and Barring Policy and Devolution
Authors: Smith Connie
Published: May 2013

Arrangements for protecting children in organisations, such as using criminal records, in staff recruitment (vetting), and barring certain individuals from certain posts, have undergone significant expansion in the United Kingdom since the turn of the millennium. This has happened concurrently with the devolving of political powers to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The purpose of this article is to explore aspects of the possibilities of, and limits to, devolution by refracting it through the lens of vetting and barring policy in England and Scotland from 1997 to 2010. The conclusion is that devolution has enabled differences to emerge within aspects of these policies between Scotland and England, but has had negligible impact on the overall policy agenda of risk management and preventive governance.
Medical orders for life-sustaining treatment: Is it time yet?
Authors: Araw Anna Clarissa , Araw Anna Marissa , Pekmezaris Renee , Nouryan Christian N. , Sison Cristina , Tommasulo Barbara , Wolf-Klein Gisele P.
Published: May 2013

Objective:

As the aging population faces complex end-of-life issues, we studied the intervals between long-term care admission and advance directive completion, and between completion and death. We also sought to determine the interdisciplinary team's compliance with documented wishes.

Method:

A cross-sectional study of 182 long-term care residents in two facilities with and without completed medical orders for life-sustaining treatment (MOLST) in the New York Metropolitan area was conducted. Demographic variables included: gender, age, ethnicity, and diagnosis. Measures included: admission date, MOLST execution date, and date of death. Resident advance directive documentation was compared with clinical intervention at time of death, including intubation and mechanical ventilation.

Results:

Of the residents studied, 68.7% were female, 91% were Caucasian and 91.8% were ≥ 65 years of age (mean age: 83). The median time from admission to MOLST signing was 48 days. Median time from admission to MOLST signing for Caucasians was 21 days; for non-Caucasians was 229 days. Fifty-two percent of MOLST were signed by children, and 24% by residents. Of those with signed forms, 25% signed on day of admission, 37% signed within 7 days, and 47% signed within 21 days. Only 3% of residents died the day their MOLST was signed, whereas 12% died within a week, and 22% died within 30 days. Finally, among the 68 subjects who signed a MOLST and died, 87% had their wishes met.

Significance of results:

In this era of growing time constraints and increased regulations, medical directors of long-term care facilities and those team members caring for residents urgently need a clear and simple approach to the goals of care for their residents. The MOLST is an ideal tool in caring for older adults at the end of life, providing concrete guidance, not only with regard to do not resuscitate (DNR) and do not intubate (DNI) orders, but also for practical approaches to daily care for the interdisciplinary team.
Anglican Ecclesiology and the Anglican Covenant
Authors: Avis Paul
Published: May 2013

How can we explain the fact that the Anglican Covenant divides people of equal integrity and comparable wisdom around the world? We need to ask whether we have correctly understood both the ecclesiology of the Anglican Communion and the terms of the Covenant. What is implied in being a Communion of Churches, where the churches are the subjects of the relationship of communion (koinonia)? What does the Covenant commit its signatories to and, in particular, what does it say about doctrinal and ethical criteria for communion? Is it legitimate to apply biblical covenant language, in which the covenant relationship is between God and Israel, to relations between churches? By addressing some of the concerns of those who oppose it, a case is made in favour of the Covenant and some reassurances are offered. In conclusion, the mystical dimension of being in communion is affirmed.
EPISTEMIC ENTRENCHMENT-BASED MULTIPLE CONTRACTIONS
Authors: FERMÉ EDUARDO , REIS MAURÍCIO D. L.
Published: May 2013

In this article we present a new class of multiple contraction functions—theepistemic entrenchment-based multiple contractions—which are a generalization of the epistemic entrenchment-based contractions (Gärdenfors, 1988; Gärdenfors & Makinson, 1988) to the case of contractions by (possibly nonsingleton) sets of sentences and provide an axiomatic characterization for that class of functions. Moreover, we show that the class ofepistemic entrenchment-based multiple contractionscoincides with the class ofsystem of spheres-based multiple contractionsintroduced in Fermé & Reis (2012).
Preventive Potential of the International Criminal Court
Authors: Sang-Hyun SONG
Published: May 2013

This article discusses the transition of international criminal justice from a predominantlyex post factopunitive concept of post World War II efforts—and thead hoctribunals set up in the 1990s—towards a more comprehensive concept of justice centred around the International Criminal Court established by the Rome Statute, with significant potential for the prevention of future atrocities. Four sources of preventive effect are examined: deterrence, timely intervention, stabilization, and norm setting. Significant challenges remain for the Rome Statute system, notably strengthening the principle of complementarity, enhancing the co-operation of states with the ICC, securing sufficient resources for international justice, and furthering universal acceptance of the Rome Statute, especially in the Asia-Pacific. The author argues that the ultimate value of the Rome Statute system lies in entrenching legal and social norms that will help human compassion prevail over cruelty.
Green oxidation catalysis with metal complexes: from bulk to nano recyclable hybrid catalysts
Authors: Freire Cristina , Pereira Clara , Rebelo Susana
Published: May 2013

Transition metal complexes are efficient homogeneous catalysts for a plethora of liquid-phase reactions, but their low stability, high cost and difficult recovery from the reaction medium limit their implementation in industrial processes. Their immobilization onto solid supports emerged as a potential strategy to overcome these issues, giving rise to recyclable hybrid catalysts which have been conquering new horizons in Green Catalysis.

This report reviews the progress on the design and catalytic activity of recyclable hybrid catalysts based on metallosalen, metal acetylacetonate and metalloporphyrin complexes for oxidation reactions, starting from metal complexes supported onto bulk supports – carbon materials, mesoporous silicas, clay based materials and metal-organic frameworks – and progressively scaling down to nanosupports – carbon nanotubes, nanosilicas, magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and colloidal gold.

An overview of the general methodologies developed for metal complex immobilization onto solid supports is presented as a function of the type of interaction between the complex and the support – covalent bonding, non-covalent interactions and encapsulation. For each type of support, the most common immobilization strategies are also delineated.

Special emphasis is given to literature examples in which the immobilization strategy and catalytic performance of the hybrid catalysts, including activity and reusability, were analyzed; the influence of the support dimensions on the performance of the hybrid catalysts is also addressed.
Catalytic applications of mesoporous silica-based materials
Authors: Luque Rafael , Mariana Balu Alina , Manuel Campelo Juan , Dolores Gracia Maria , Losada Elia , Pineda Antonio , Angel Romero Antonio , Carlos Serrano-Ruiz Juan
Published: May 2013

Mesoporous materials featuring high surface areas (>600m2g−1), narrow pore size distribution and tuneable pores diameters (>2nm), have attracted a great deal of attention in recent years due to their promising properties and applications in various areas including adsorption, separation, drug delivery, sensing and catalysis. Catalytic applications of such materials have been extended to numerous processes and reactions which range from acid catalysis (alkylations, acylations, esterifications, biodiesel production, etc.) to redox chemistries (oxidation of alcohols, alkenes, sulfides and hydrogenations of acids, aldehydes and ketones and alkenes/alkynes). In this chapter, we aim to provide an overview on the utilisation of mesoporous materials in heterogeneous catalysis, with special emphasis on acid and redox catalysed processes.
Traceable dynamic measurement of mechanical quantities: objectives and first results of this european project
Authors: Bartoli C. , Beug M. F. , Bruns T. , Elster C. , Esward T. , Klaus L. , Knott A. , Kobusch M. , Saxholm S. , Schlegel C.
Published: May 2013

Nine european national metrology institutes (NMIs) are collaborating in a new project funded by the european metrology research programme (EMRP) to establish traceable dynamic measurement of the mechanical quantities force, pressure, and torque. The aim of this joint research project (JRP) is to develop appropriate calibration methods, mathematical models, and uncertainty evaluation. The duration of the project is 3 years for a global amount of €3.6 million. It began in September 2011.
Generation of numerical artefacts for geometric form and tolerance assessment
Authors: Forbes A. B. , Minh H. D.
Published: May 2013

This paper describes an approach to generating reference data sets to evaluate the performance of algorithms used in coordinate metrology for form and geometric tolerance assessment. The approach starts with the reference results, e.g., the solution feature parameter values, and then determines the coordinate data. In this way, the expensive development of reference software is avoided. In this paper we consider the generation of reference data associated with determining the best-fit surface according to the least squares (Gaussian) and Chebyshev criteria.
Two models for linear comparative calibration
Authors: Wimmer G. , Witkovský V.
Published: May 2013

We consider the comparative calibration problem in the case when linear relationship is assumed between two considered measuring devices with possibly different units and precisions. The first method for obtaining the approximate confidence region for unknown parameters of the calibration line applies the maximum likelihood estimators of the unknown parameters. The second method is based on estimation of the calibration line via replicated errors-in-variables model. Essential point in this approach is approximation of the small sample distribution of the Wald-type test statistic. This enables to construct the interval estimators for the multiple-use calibration case.