bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prolotherapy Versus Corticosteroid Injections for the Treatment of Lateral Epicondylosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Carayannopoulos Alexios , Borg‐Stein Joanne , Sokolof Jonas , Meleger Alec , Rosenberg Darren
Published: August 2011

Objective

To compare the efficacy of prolotherapy versus corticosteroid injection for the treatment of chronic lateral epicondylosis.

Design

A prospective, randomized controlled, double‐blinded study.

Setting

Academic, tertiary, outpatient, rehabilitation hospital.

Participants

Twenty‐four subjects with clinically determined chronic (ie, lasting 3 months or longer) lateral epicondylosis were recruited. All subjects noted pain intensity levels significant enough to prevent the participation in activities, such as playing racquet sports or lifting heavy objects.

Methods

Subjects were assigned to receive either prolotherapy or corticosteroid injection for treatment of chronic lateral epicondylosis. Each subject underwent injection at baseline followed by a second injection 1 month later.

Outcome Measurements

Visual analog scale (VAS) self‐rating of pain, quadruple visual analog scale (QVAS), and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (DASH) were measured at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months' follow‐up.

Results

Within each group, the analysis demonstrated statistically significant improvements in both VAS and DASH within the prolotherapy group with significant changes noted from baseline to 3 months (VAS: Δ2.38; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.04‐3.71, P = .004 and DASH: Δ19.89; 95% CI 5.73‐34.04, P = .01), and baseline to 6 months (VAS: Δ2.63; 95% CI 0.61‐4.62, P = .017 and DASH: Δ21.76; 9% CI 7.43‐36.09, P = .009) after initial treatment, as well as in the QVAS from baseline to 3 months. The steroid group demonstrated a clinically and statistically significant change for DASH only at both 3‐month (Δ13.33; 95% CI 0.68‐25.99, P = .04) and 6‐month (Δ15.56; 95% CI 1.30‐29.81, P = .04) follow‐up. Comparison of the subjects completing the study revealed no significant differences between the prolotherapy and the corticosteroid group for change in VAS, QVAS, or DASH, although the study lacked sufficient power to draw conclusions from this finding. Eighty‐three percent of the subjects were satisfied with their overall improvement during the course of the study, without significant differences revealed between groups. Aside from injection‐associated pain, no adverse reactions were reported. Seventeen subjects completed study protocol.

Conclusions

Both prolotherapy and corticosteroid therapy were generally well tolerated and appeared to provide benefit of long duration. Small sample size precludes determining whether one therapy is superior to the other. Larger, controlled trials appear feasible and warranted on the basis of these findings.
Soviet conspiracy theories and political culture in Ukraine: Understanding Viktor Yanukovych and the Party of Regions
Authors: Kuzio Taras
Published: August 2011

Conspiracy theories in Ukraine draw on inherited Soviet political culture and political technology imported from Russia where such ideas had gained ascendancy under President Vladimir Putin. Eastern Ukrainian and Russian elites believed that the US was behind the 2000 Serbian Bulldozer, 2003 Georgian Rose and 2004 Orange democratic revolutions. The Kuchmagate crisis, impending succession crisis, 2004 presidential elections and Orange Revolution – all of which took up most of Leonid Kuchma’s second term in office – were the first significant domestic threats to Ukraine’s new, post-communist ruling elites and in response Ukraine’s elites revived Soviet style theories of conspiracies and ideological tirades against the US and Ukrainian nationalism. Opposition candidate Viktor Yushchenko became the focal point against which the conspiracies and tirades were launched because his support base lay in ‘nationalist’ Western Ukraine and he has a Ukrainian-American spouse. The revival of Soviet style conspiracy theories has become important since Viktor Yanukovyc’s election as Ukrainian president in 2010 because this political culture permeates his administration, government and Party of Regions determining their worldview and influencing their domestic and foreign policies.
The lithology and organic geochemistry of the Vendian deposits in the cis-Yenisei subprovince (from the results of the well Vostok-3)
Authors: Kontorovich A.E. , Kostyreva E.A. , Saraev S.V. , Melenevskii V.N. , Fomin A.N.
Published: August 2011

We have studied for the first time the organic geochemistry of the Vendian thick section stripped by the parametric well Vostok-3 in the depth range 5002–3870 m in southeastern West Siberia. The results point to the aquagene–plankton–derived and bacterial nature of the buried organic matter (OM). At some depth levels, the deposits are enriched in OM (up to 0.7–9.6%). The study of kerogens has shown that the OM is transformed to the apocatagenesis stage. The composition of biomarker hydrocarbons in bitumens has been studied, and the geochemical criteria for the petroleum presence prediction are considered.
Rheological properties of the upper mantle of Northern Eurasia and nature of regional boundaries according to the data of long-range seismic profiles
Authors: Pavlenkova N.I.
Published: August 2011

Deep seismic investigation carried out in Russia in long-range profiles with peaceful nuclear explosions allowed clarifying in details the structure of the upper mantle and the transition zone down to the depth of 700 km within the huge territory of old and young platforms of Northern Eurasia. Variability of horizontal heterogeneity of the upper mantle depending on the depth serves to qualitative estimation of its rheological properties. The upper part of the mantle to the depth of 80–100 km is characterized by the block structure with significant velocity steps of seismic waves at the blocks often divided by deep faults. This is the most rigid part of lithosphere. Below 100 km horizontal heterogeneity is insignificant, i.e., at these depths the substance is more plastic and not capable to retain block structure. On the lithosphere bottom at the depth of 200–250 km plasticity increase is observed as well but the zone of the lower velocities that might have been bound with the area of partial melting (asthenosphere) has not been found. These three layers with different rheological properties are divided by seismic boundaries presented by thin layering zones with alternating higher and lower velocities. At the specified depths any phase boundaries have been distinguished. These thin layering zones are assumed to form due to higher concentration of deep fluids at some levels of depths where mechanical properties and permeability of substance change. Insignificant number of fluids may result in appearance of streaks with partial or film melting at relatively low temperature—to the rise of the weakened zones where subhorizontal shifts are possible. According to seismic data in many world regions seismic boundaries are also observed at the depth of about 100 and 200 km; they may be globally spread. There are signs that areas of xenoliths formation and earthquake concentration, i.e., zones of high deformations, are confined to these depths.
Dielectric relaxation in oil-bearing clayey rocks
Authors: Epov M.I. , Bobrov P.P. , Mironov V.L. , Repin A.V.
Published: August 2011

The dielectric properties of the bentonite–oil–salt solution mixtures with different water and oil saturation were experimentally studied in the frequency range of 10 kHz to 4 GHz at 25–60 °C. It has been established that besides the region of the Debye water relaxation, there are two more relaxation regions resulting from the interfacial interaction of the mixture components in this frequency range. To describe the dielectric permittivity and equivalent conductivity of the mixture, a spectroscopic model taking into account the multifrequency relaxation is proposed. The dependence of the model parameters on the water saturation and temperatures of the samples has been determined. The experimental data are compared with the modeling results, and the error of prediction for the dielectric permittivity and conductivity of mixture is estimated using the proposed model.
In praise of Ecumenical Bayes
Authors: Lee Michael D.
Published: August 2011

Jones & Love (J&L) should have given more attention to Agnostic uses of Bayesian methods for the statistical analysis of models and data. Reliance on the frequentist analysis of Bayesian models has retarded their development and prevented their full evaluation. The Ecumenical integration of Bayesian statistics to analyze Bayesian models offers a better way to test their inferential and predictive capabilities.
Distinguishing literal from metaphorical applications of Bayesian approaches
Authors: Rogers Timothy T. , Seidenberg Mark S.
Published: August 2011

We distinguish between literal and metaphorical applications of Bayesian models. When intended literally, an isomorphism exists between the elements of representation assumed by the rational analysis and the mechanism that implements the computation. Thus, observation of the implementation can externally validate assumptions underlying the rational analysis. In other applications, no such isomorphism exists, so it is not clear how the assumptions that allow a Bayesian model to fit data can be independently validated.
Pinning down the theoretical commitments of Bayesian cognitive models
Authors: Jones Matt , Love Bradley C.
Published: August 2011

Mathematical developments in probabilistic inference have led to optimism over the prospects for Bayesian models of cognition. Our target article calls for better differentiation of these technical developments from theoretical contributions. It distinguishes between Bayesian Fundamentalism, which is theoretically limited because of its neglect of psychological mechanism, and Bayesian Enlightenment, which integrates rational and mechanistic considerations and is thus better positioned to advance psychological theory. The commentaries almost uniformly agree that mechanistic grounding is critical to the success of the Bayesian program. Some commentaries raise additional challenges, which we address here. Other commentaries claim that all Bayesian models are mechanistically grounded, while at the same time holding that they should be evaluated only on a computational level. We argue this contradictory stance makes it difficult to evaluate a model's scientific contribution, and that the psychological commitments of Bayesian models need to be made more explicit.
Effects of atomoxetine on cardiovascular functions and on QT dispersion in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Sert Ahmet , Gokcen Cem , Aypar Ebru , Odabas Dursun
Published: August 2011

Background

Atomoxetine is a central norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor used to treat attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The effects of atomoxetine on cardiovascular functions and QT dispersion in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder have not been previously reported. The aim of this study was to analyse cardiovascular functions and QT dispersion on the surface electrocardiogram of children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder during atomoxetine therapy.

Methods

A total of 40 children – with a mean age of 8.6 plus or minus 2.3 years and a median age of 11 years; ranged from 8 to 14 years – with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder – with six girls and 34 boys – were included in the study. We recorded the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, corrected QT interval, QT dispersion, and left ventricular systolic functions at baseline and 5 weeks after atomoxetine therapy.

Results

Atomoxetine decreased baseline mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure; baseline mean heart rate decreased; and baseline mean corrected QT interval and QT dispersion mildly increased. Atomoxetine decreased baseline mean ejection fraction and baseline mean shortening fraction.

Conclusion

The results of our study suggest that atomoxetine does not cause clinically significant alterations in QT dispersion, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, corrected QT interval, and left ventricular systolic functions during short-term treatment in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
The processing of derivational morphology in Korean–English bilingual readers
Authors: KIM SAY YOUNG , WANG MIN , KO IN YEONG
Published: August 2011

Three experiments using a priming lexical decision paradigm were conducted to examine whether cross-language activation occurs via decomposition during the processing of derived words in Korean–English bilingual readers. In Experiment 1, when participants were given a real derived word and an interpretable derived pseudoword (i.e., illegal combination of a stem and a suffix) in Korean as a prime, response times for the corresponding English-translated stem were significantly faster than when they had received an unrelated word. In Experiment 2, non-morphological ending pseudowords (i.e., illegal combination of a stem and an orthographic ending) were included, and this did not show a priming effect. In Experiment 3, non-interpretable derived pseudowords also yielded a significant priming effect just as the interpretable ones. These results together suggest that cross-language activation of morphologically complex words occurs independently of lexicality and interpretability.
Estimating vadose zone hydraulic properties using ground penetrating radar: The impact of prior information
Authors: Scholer Marie , Irving James , Binley Andrew , Holliger Klaus
Published: August 2011

A number of geophysical methods, such as ground‐penetrating radar (GPR), have the potential to provide valuable information on hydrological properties in the unsaturated zone. In particular, the stochastic inversion of such data within a coupled geophysical‐hydrological framework may allow for the effective estimation of vadose zone hydraulic parameters and their corresponding uncertainties. A critical issue in stochastic inversion is choosing prior parameter probability distributions from which potential model configurations are drawn and tested against observed data. A well chosen prior should reflect as honestly as possible the initial state of knowledge regarding the parameters and be neither overly specific nor too conservative. In a Bayesian context, combining the prior with available data yields a posterior state of knowledge about the parameters, which can then be used statistically for predictions and risk assessment. Here we investigate the influence of prior information regarding the van Genuchten‐Mualem (VGM) parameters, which describe vadose zone hydraulic properties, on the stochastic inversion of crosshole GPR data collected under steady state, natural‐loading conditions. We do this using a Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) inversion approach, considering first noninformative uniform prior distributions and then more informative priors derived from soil property databases. For the informative priors, we further explore the effect of including information regarding parameter correlation. Analysis of both synthetic and field data indicates that the geophysical data alone contain valuable information regarding the VGM parameters. However, significantly better results are obtained when we combine these data with a realistic, informative prior.
Optimization of European call options considering physical delivery network and reservoir operation rules
Authors: Cheng Wei‐Chen , Hsu Nien‐Sheng , Cheng Wen‐Ming , Yeh William W.‐G.
Published: August 2011

This paper develops alternative strategies for European call options for water purchase under hydrological uncertainties that can be used by water resources managers for decision making. Each alternative strategy maximizes its own objective over a selected sequence of future hydrology that is characterized by exceedance probability. Water trade provides flexibility and enhances water distribution system reliability. However, water trade between two parties in a regional water distribution system involves many issues, such as delivery network, reservoir operation rules, storage space, demand, water availability, uncertainty, and any existing contracts. An option is a security giving the right to buy or sell an asset; in our case, the asset is water. We extend a flow path‐based water distribution model to include reservoir operation rules. The model simultaneously considers both the physical distribution network as well as the relationships between water sellers and buyers. We first test the model extension. Then we apply the proposed optimization model for European call options to the Tainan water distribution system in southern Taiwan. The formulation lends itself to a mixed integer linear programming model. We use the weighing method to formulate a composite function for a multiobjective problem. The proposed methodology provides water resources managers with an overall picture of water trade strategies and the consequence of each strategy. The results from the case study indicate that the strategy associated with a streamflow exceedence probability of 50% or smaller should be adopted as the reference strategy for the Tainan water distribution system.
Quinoa Extract Enriched in 20‐Hydroxyecdysone Protects Mice From Diet‐Induced Obesity and Modulates Adipokines Expression
Authors: Foucault Anne‐Sophie , Mathé Véronique , Lafont René , Even Patrick , Dioh Waly , Veillet Stanislas , Tomé Daniel , Huneau Jean‐François , Hermier Dominique , Quignard‐Boulangé Annie
Published: August 2011

Besides their well‐known effect in the molting control in insects, ecdysteroids are steroid hormones that display potential pharmacologic and metabolic properties in mammals. The most common ecdysteroid, 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) is found in many plants such as quinoa. The aim of the present study was to investigate the ability of quinoa extract (Q) enriched in 20E supplementation to prevent the onset of diet‐induced obesity and to regulate the expression of adipocyte‐specific genes in mice. Mice were fed a standard low‐fat (LF) or a high‐fat (HF) diet with or without supplementation by 20E‐enriched Q or pure 20E for 3 weeks. Supplementation with Q reduced adipose tissue development in HF mice without modification of their body weight gain. This adipose tissue‐specific effect was mainly associated with a reduced adipocyte size and a decrease in the expression of several genes involved in lipid storage, including lipoprotein lipase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase. Furthermore, Q‐treated mice exhibited marked attenuation of mRNA levels of several inflammation markers (monocyte chemotactic protein‐1, CD68) and insulin resistance (osteopontin, plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1)) as compared to HF mice. Q supplementation also reversed the effects of HF‐induced downregulation of the uncoupling protein(s) (UCP(s)) mRNA levels in muscle. Similar results were obtained in mice fed a HF diet supplemented with similar amounts of pure 20E, suggesting that the latter accounted for most of the Q effects. Our study indicates that Q has an antiobesity activity in vivo and could be used as a nutritional supplement for the prevention and treatment of obesity and obesity‐associated disorders.
Secular Trends in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Obesity Among US Adults in the Primary Care Setting
Authors: Yates Erika A. , Macpherson Alison K. , Kuk Jennifer L.
Published: August 2011

Excess weight afflicts the majority of the US adult population. Research suggests that the role of primary care physicians in reducing overweight and obesity is essential; moreover, little is known about self‐care of obesity. This report assessed the secular trends in the care of overweight and investigated the secular association between obesity with care of overweight in primary care and self‐care of overweight. Cross‐sectional evaluation of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III (1988–1994) and the Continuous NHANES (1999–2008) was employed; the total sample comprised 31,039 nonpregnant adults aged 20–90 years. The relationship between diagnosed overweight, and directed weight loss with time and obesity was assessed. Despite the combined secular increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity (BMI >25.0 kg/m2) between 1994 and 2008 (56.1–69.1%), there was no secular change in the odds of being diagnosed overweight by a physician when adjusted for covariates; however, overweight and obese individuals were 40 and 42% less likely to self‐diagnose as overweight, and 34 and 41% less likely to self‐direct weight loss in 2008 compared to 1994, respectively. Physicians were also significantly less likely to direct weight loss for overweight and obese adults with weight‐related comorbidities across time (P < 0.05). Thus, the surveillance of secular trends reveals that the likelihood of physician‐ and self‐care of overweight decreased between 1994 and 2008 and further highlights the deficiencies in the management of excess weight.
Human Monocytes Accelerate Proliferation and Blunt Differentiation of Preadipocytes in Association With Suppression of C/Ebpα mRNA
Authors: Couturier Jacob , Patel Sanjeet G. , Iyer Dinakar , Balasubramanyam Ashok , Lewis Dorothy E.
Published: August 2011

Obesity, type 2 diabetes, and HIV‐associated lipodystrophy are associated with abnormalities in adipocyte growth and differentiation. In persons with these conditions, adipose depots contain increased numbers of macrophages, but the origins of these cells and their specific effects are uncertain. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC)‐derived monocytes, but not T cells, cocultured via transwells with primary subcutaneous preadipocytes, increased proliferation (approximately twofold) and reduced differentiation (∼50%) of preadipocytes. Gene expression analyses in proliferating preadipocytes (i.e., prior to hormonal induction of terminal differentiation) revealed that monocytes down‐regulated mRNA levels of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein, alpha (C/EBPα) and up‐regulated mRNA levels of G0/G1 switch 2 (G0S2) message, genes important for the regulation of adipogenesis and the cell cycle. These data indicate that circulating peripheral blood monocytes can disrupt adipogenesis by interfering with a critical step in C/EBPα and G0S2 transcription required for preadipocytes to make the transition from proliferation to differentiation. Interactions between preadipocytes and monocytes also increased the inflammatory cytokines IL‐6 and IL‐8, as well as a novel chemotactic cytokine, CXCL1. Additionally, the levels of both IL‐6 and CXCL1 were highest when preadipocytes and monocytes were cultured together, compared to each cell in culture alone. Such cross‐talk amplifies the production of mediators of tissue inflammation.
A higher body temperature is associated with haemorrhagic transformation in patients with acute stroke untreated with recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rtPA)
Authors: Leira Rogelio , Sobrino Tomás , Blanco Miguel , Campos Francisco , Rodríguez-Yáñez Manuel , Castellanos Mar , Moldes Octavio , Millán Mónica , Dávalos Antoni , Castillo José
Published: August 2011

Higher body temperature is a prognostic factor of poor outcome in acute stroke. Our aim was to study the relationship between body temperature, HT (haemorrhagic transformation) and biomarkers of BBB (blood–brain barrier) damage in patients with acute ischaemic stroke untreated with rtPA (recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator). We studied 229 patients with ischaemic stroke <12 h from symptom onset. Body temperature was determined at admission and every 6 h during the first 3 days. HT was evaluated according to ECASS II (second European Co-operative Acute Stroke Study) criteria in a multimodal MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) at 72 h. We found that 55 patients (34.1%) showed HT. HT was associated with cardioembolic stroke (64.2% against 23.0%; P<0.0001), higher body temperature during the first 24 h (36.9°C compared with 36.5°C; P<0.0001), more severe stroke [NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) score, 14 (9–20) against 10 (7–15); P=0.002], and greater DWI (diffusion-weighted imaging) lesion volume at admission (23.2 cc compared with 13.2 cc; P<0.0001). Plasma MMP-9 (matrix metalloproteinase 9) (187.3 ng/ml compared with 44.2 ng/ml; P<0.0001) and cFn (cellular fibronectin) levels (16.3 μg/ml compared with 7.1 μg/ml; P=0.001) were higher in patients with HT. Body temperature within the first 24 h was independently associated with HT {OR (odds ratio), 7.3 [95% CI (confidence interval), 2.4–22.6]; P<0.0001} after adjustment for cardioembolic stroke subtype, baseline NIHSS score and DWI lesion volume. This effect remained unchanged after controlling for MMP-9 and cFn. In conclusion, high body temperature within the first 24 h after ischaemic stroke is a risk factor for HT in patients untreated with rtPA. This effect is independent of some biological signatures of BBB damage.
Modeling of ultrasound transmission through a solid-liquid interface comprising a network of gas pockets
Authors: Paumel K. , Moysan J. , Chatain D. , Corneloup G. , Baqué F.
Published: August 2011

Ultrasonic inspection of sodium-cooled fast reactor requires a good acoustic coupling between the transducer and the liquid sodium. Ultrasonic transmission through a solid surface in contact with liquid sodium can be complex due to the presence of microscopic gas pockets entrapped by the surface roughness. Experiments are run using substrates with controlled roughness consisting of a network of holes and a modeling approach is then developed. In this model, a gas pocket stiffness at a partially solid-liquid interface is defined. This stiffness is then used to calculate the transmission coefficient of ultrasound at the entire interface. The gas pocket stiffness has a static, as well as an inertial component, which depends on the ultrasonic frequency and the radiative mass.
Stability and chaotification of vibration isolation floating raft systems with time-delayed feedback control
Authors: Li Y. L. , Xu D. L. , Fu Y. M. , Zhou J. X.
Published: August 2011

This paper presents a systematic study on the stability of a two-dimensional vibration isolation floating raft system with a time-delayed feedback control. Based on the generalized Sturm criterion, the critical control gain for the delay-independent stability region and critical time delays for the stability switches are derived. The critical conditions can provide a theoretical guidance of chaotification design for line spectra reduction. Numerical simulations verify the correctness of the approach. Bifurcation analyses reveal that chaotification is more likely to occur in unstable region defined by these critical conditions, and the stiffness of the floating raft and mass ratio are the sensitive parameters to reduce critical control gain.
Direct measurement of intrinsic critical strain and internal strain in barrier films
Authors: Vellinga W. P. , De Hosson J. Th. M. , Bouten P. C. P.
Published: August 2011

Resistance measurements during uniaxial tensile deformation of very thin (10 nm) conducting oxide films deposited on 150 nm SiN films on polyethylene naphthalate are discussed. It is first shown that certain characteristics of resistance versus strain curves are representative for the fracture behavior of the SiN film and not for that of the thin conducting oxide film. Subsequently, it is shown that the hysteresis in curves of resistance as a function of strain offers a way to directly measure the intrinsic critical strain of the SiN film without the need to determine internal strains from independent (curvature) measurements that rely on knowledge of moduli and geometry. The method should be applicable, in general, to measure intrinsic critical strain and residual strains of thin brittle films on polymers. Advantages and limitations of the method are discussed.
Dynamics of thermal diffusion in a linear temperature field
Authors: Gusev Vitalyi , Wu Binbin , Diebold Gerald J.
Published: August 2011

An exact solution to the nonlinear differential equation describing thermal diffusion (the Ludwig-Soret effect) for a binary mixture in a linear temperature field is given. The differential equation of motion for the components of the mixture is reduced to a heat diffusion equation with boundary conditions that act as unbounded sources which grow in time. The differential equation of motion is also solved in the limit where mass diffusion is neglected, showing that shocks are generated. For a temperature field of infinite extent, distributions originally localized in space move at long times with constant speed with self similar form.
Coexistence of exchange bias effect and giant magnetoresistance in a Ni/NiO nanogranular sample
Authors: Del Bianco L. , Spizzo F. , Tamisari M. , Castiglioni A.
Published: August 2011

We have studied the coexistence of exchange bias (EB) effect and spin-dependent magnetotransport in a Ni/NiO nanogranular sample by measuring the magnetization (M) and the magnetoresistance (MR) versus the magnetic field (H) in the 5-250 K temperature (T) range, both in zero-field-cooling (ZFC) and field-cooling (FC) conditions. The sample consisted of Ni nanocrystallites (mean size ∼13 nm) dispersed in a NiO matrix; the Ni volume fraction was ∼33%, above the percolation threshold for electrical conductivity, as revealed by the low resistivity (order of 10−3 Ωm) and by its growth with increasing T. The EB and magnetotransport phenomena appear strictly intertwined: the FC M(H) and MR(H) loops exhibit a similar horizontal shift, corresponding to an exchange field of ∼460 Oe at T = 5 K, which decreases with increasing T and disappears at ∼200 K. Both the EB and the magnetotransport properties have been explained, considering the presence of a structurally disordered component of the NiO matrix around the Ni nanocrystallites, whose spin-glass-like magnetic character rules the interface exchange interaction with the Ni phase and the spin-dependent conductivity.
Demonstration of a self-mixing displacement sensor based on terahertz quantum cascade lasers
Authors: Leng Lim Yah , Dean Paul , Nikolić Milan , Kliese Russell , Khanna Suraj P. , Lachab Mohammad , Valavanis Alex , Indjin Dragan , Ikonić Zoran , Harrison Paul , Linfield Edmund H. , Giles Davies A. , Wilson Stephen J. , Rakić Aleksandar D.
Published: August 2011

There has been growing interest in the use of terahertz (THz) quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) for sensing applications. However, the lack of compact and sensitive THz detectors has limited the potential for commercial exploitation of sensors based on these devices. We have developed a self-mixing sensing technique in which THz QCLs are used for both generation and interferometric sensing of THz radiation, eliminating the need for a separate detector. Using this technique, we have measured the displacement of a remote target, both with and without opaque (in the visible spectrum) materials in the beam path and demonstrated a stand-off distance of up to 7 m in air.
InP-based InAs/InGaAs quantum wells with type-I emission beyond 3 μm
Authors: Gu Y. , Zhang Y. G. , Wang K. , Fang X. , Li C. , Cao Y. Y. , Li A. Z. , Li Y. Y.
Published: August 2011

This work reports on InAs/In0.53Ga0.47As strain compensated quantum well structures on InP-based metamorphic buffer to generate the type-I emission of beyond 3 μm. The metamorphic buffer is composed of InxAl1−xAs graded layer and In0.8Ga0.2As virtual substrate layer. Atomic force microscope, transmission electron microscope and x-ray diffraction measurements show the moderate surface and structural properties. A photoluminescence signal up to 3.05 μm has been achieved at 300 K, which is one of the longest wavelengths from the interband emission of InP-based antimony-free structure. It is promising to employ this quantum well structure on metamorphic buffer for the laser demonstration with emission around 3 μm.
Communication: A density functional with accurate fractional-charge and fractional-spin behaviour for s-electrons
Authors: Johnson Erin R. , Contreras-García Julia
Published: August 2011

We develop a new density-functional approach combining physical insight from chemical structure with treatment of multi-reference character by real-space modeling of the exchange-correlation hole. We are able to recover, for the first time, correct fractional-charge and fractional-spin behaviour for atoms of groups 1 and 2. Based on Becke's non-dynamical correlation functional [A. D. Becke, J. Chem. Phys. 119, 2972 (2003)]10.1063/1.1589733 and explicitly accounting for core-valence separation and pairing effects, this method is able to accurately describe dissociation and strong correlation in s-shell many-electron systems.
Control of the π plasmon in a single layer graphene by charge doping
Authors: Shin S. Y. , Kim N. D. , Kim J. G. , Kim K. S. , Noh D. Y. , Kim Kwang S. , Chung J. W.
Published: August 2011

We report that the behavior of a low-energy π plasmon excitation in a single layer graphene (SLG) can be modified by doping external potassium (K) atoms, a feature demanded to realize the graphene plasmonics. Using high-resolution electron-energy-loss spectroscopy, we find that upon K-doping the π plasmon energy increases by 1.1 eV due to the K-induced electron density up to n = 7 × 1013 cm−2 in SLG. The four modified dispersions for different K-dopings, however, are found to merge into a single universal curve when plotted in the dimensionless coordinates indicating that the unique plasmonic character of SLG is preserved despite the K-dopings.
Active wave-guiding of piezoelectric phononic crystals
Authors: Hwan Oh Joo , Kyu Lee Il , Sik Ma Pyung , Young Kim Yoon
Published: August 2011

By numerical simulations, we show that active wave-guiding can be realized in a stop band frequency range of a phononic crystal (PC) if piezoelectric inclusions in the PC are electrically controlled. The advantages of the wave-guiding are that no permanent geometry or material change is needed and that somewhat arbitrarily shaped waveguides can be formed actively in PC structures. The analysis with supercells consisting of piezoelectrically coupled and decoupled inclusions shows that symmetric wave modes confined within the waveguide formed by decoupled inclusions are most responsible for wave transmission.
A residential aged care end-of-life care pathway (RAC EoLCP) for Australian aged care facilities
Authors: Reymond Liz , Israel Fiona J. , Charles Margaret A.
Published: August 2011

The objective of this study was to develop, implement and evaluate an end-of-life (terminal) care pathway and associated infrastructure suitable for Australian residential aged care facilities that improves resident and health system outcomes. The residential aged care end-of-life care pathway was developed by a multidisciplinary collaboration of government and non-government professionals and incorporated best clinical management for dying residents to guide care and increase palliative care capacity of generalist staff. Implementation included identifying and up-skilling Link Nurses to champion the pathway, networking facilities with specialist palliative care services, delivering education to generalists and commencing a Palliative Care Medication Imprest System in each facility. The primary outcome measure for evaluation was transfer to hospital; secondary measures included staff perceived changes in quality of palliative care provided and family satisfaction with care. Results indicated that the pathway, delivered within a care framework that guides provision of palliative care, resulted in improved resident outcomes and decreased inappropriate transfers to acute care settings.

What is known about the topic?
Residential aged care facilities (RACFs) are the hospices of today. Many RACF staff are not confident in the delivery of high quality palliative care, resulting in inappropriate transfers of dying residents to acute care facilities. Needs-based palliative care pathways are being used increasingly to direct care in a variety of healthcare environments.

What does this paper add?
Provides the first evidence in Australia that a residential aged care end-of-life care pathway (RAC EoLCP) improves outcomes of care for dying residents and results in fewer residents being inappropriately transferred to acute care facilities.

What are the implications for practitioners?
Use of the RAC EoLCP will improve resident and health system outcomes by guiding the delivery of high quality palliative care and improving the palliative care capacity of generalist health providers.
Financial incentives and the health workforce
Authors: Scott Anthony , Connelly Luke B.
Published: August 2011

Changes to the remuneration of medical practitioners are currently being considered in Australia. In this paper, we provide a discussion of financial incentives in healthcare markets and their effects on health professionals’ behaviour. After defining incentives, the paper focuses on the design of incentive schemes for the health workforce. It discusses several issues that should be considered when designing incentives, illustrated with some Australian examples. What are the objectives of the incentive scheme? What types of incentives can be used and under what circumstances? What is the empirical evidence around the effects of incentive schemes? What unintended consequences might exist? The paper concludes with a set of principles around which incentives can be designed. These principles might be used to inform the current debate about revisions to the incentives that are faced by medical practitioners in Australia.
What is a health emergency? The difference in definition and understanding between patients and health professionals
Authors: Morgans Amee , Burgess Stephen J.
Published: August 2011

Background. Investigations into ‘inappropriate’ use of emergency health services are limited by the lack of definition of what constitutes a health emergency. Position papers from Australian and international sources emphasise the patient’s right to access emergency healthcare, and the responsibility of emergency health care workers to provide treatment to all patients. However, discordance between the two perspectives remain, with literature labelling patient use of emergency health services as ‘inappropriate’. Objective. To define a ‘health emergency’ and compare patient and health professionals perspectives. Method. A sample of 600 emergency department (ED) patients were surveyed about a recent health experience and asked to rate their perceived urgency. This rating was compared to their triage score allocated at the hospital ED. Results. No significant relationship was found between the two ratings of urgency (P = 0.51). Conclusions. Differing definitions of a ‘health emergency’ may explain patient help-seeking behaviour when accessing emergency health resources including hospital ED and ambulance services. A new definition of health emergency that encapsulates the health professional and patient perspectives is proposed. An agreed definition of when emergency health resources should be used has the potential to improve emergency health services demand and patient flow issues, and optimise emergency health resource allocation. What is known about the topic? Although many patients’ access emergency healthcare services in an emergency, many patients’ access emergency healthcare services when their condition is non-urgent, and avoid using emergency health care when their condition requires. What does this paper add? This paper identifies that health professionals and patients have different perspectives on what constitutes an emergency and when emergency health resources should be used.This paper also provides a review of literature and triage policy papers that identify key differences in the assessment of a health event, and shows that health professionals base their assessment on knowledge and physiological measures, whereas patients used socio-emotional cues to identify medical urgency. What are the implications for practitioners? Practitioners cannot expect their patients to be able to accurately evaluate the urgency of a health event. An emergency is difficult to define as health conditions are dynamic, and may change in urgency over time, and relative urgency is a continuous variable, rather than a dichotomous ‘health emergency’ v. ‘not a health emergency’.
Red alert - a new perspective on patterns of blood use in the South Australian public sector
Authors: Allden Rachel L. W. , Sinha Romi , Roxby David J. , Ireland Susan , Hakendorf Paul , Robinson Kathryn L.
Published: August 2011

Objectives. In 2006 South Australia had a red cell issue rate, measured as product issues per 1000 population, 22.4% higher than the national average. A pilot study was undertaken to investigate the disparity in issue rates between SA and the national average with a secondary aim of establishing information on SA red cell use. Methods. A linked electronic database was developed using clinical, epidemiological and red cell transfusion data within hospitals in the SA public sector. Aggregated red cell use across the SA public health sector was analysed by clinical variables such as Diagnosis Related Group (DRG), including speciality related groups (SRGs) and major diagnostic categories (MDCs). The DRGs that were associated with blood use were identified and applied to national hospital separations data in order to derive comparative blood utilisation rates for SA and Australia. Results. Although blood issue and usage by population measure showed a significant difference of 22.4 and 22.0% respectively between SA and Australia, when measured against weighted separations the differences reduced to 7.4 and 7.1% respectively. Conclusion. This study showed the importance of analysing blood issues and utilisation on an activity adjusted basis rather than a raw per capita basis. What is known about the topic? Transfusion practice can be monitored by various methods such as retrospective review of medical records and blood orders, prospective audits and analysis of blood usage by DRG classification. Blood utilisation studies have been used to describe the use of blood for a whole population or hospitals in order to understand the clinical reasons for transfusion. These studies also help to describe current practice, assess variability in practice and suggest areas where improvements in transfusion practice could be achieved. What does this paper add? This study enabled an analysis of red cell usage in South Australia and the factors that can influence blood utilisation rates. This study also emphasised the fact that blood usage is better represented on a hospital activity basis rather than by raw population. What are the implications for practitioners? The major implications for health practitioners would be the key findings related to red cell usage patterns. Firstly, older patients (>65 years) represented 36.5% of admissions and received 56.9% of the total red cells transfused. This has huge implications for future red cell use as an ageing population will both drive up demand and also result in a decreasing red cell donor pool. Secondly, high use of red cells in medical diagnoses such as haematology, medical oncology and gastroenterology confirms the current trend towards increasing use of red cells in medical diagnoses. This implies the need to focus on reducing reliance on blood use for medical patients and improve transfusion practice by regular audits, dissemination of guidelines and education.
Shi'i Clerics in Iraq and Iran, 1722–1780: The Akhbari-Usuli Conflict Reconsidered
Authors: Cole Juan
Published: August 2011

It has long been held that the eighteenth century was a pivotal one in the history of Imami Shi'i thought and jurisprudence in Iraq and Iran. At the beginning of this era, it is said, the previously dominant Usuli school declined, and the conservative Akhbari school came to the fore. This intellectual revolution coincided with the fall of the Safavid dynasty in Iran and the disestablishment of Shi'ism under the Afghans and then Nadir Shah. Standard accounts would have us believe that Akhbarism became dominant. Then late in the century, as the Qajars came to power, the Usuli school staged a comeback in the shrine cities of Iraq and subsequently in Iran.

This version of events, deriving from published nineteenth-century Usuli works, contains elements of truth. But an examination of manuscript sources from the period and of later biographical dictionaries suggests that the standard view needs revision.
The Office of Muhtasib in Iran
Authors: Floor Willem
Published: August 2011

On his return to Qom on March 7, 1979, Ayatollah Khomeini announced during a remarkable speech the intention to create a ministry having as its main taskamr bi'l ma'ruf wa nahi ‘an al-munkar,or to promote the good and forbid the bad. What is so astounding about this is the fact that a government institution charged with this task has long since ceased to exist. Moreover, the charge of amr bi'l ma'ruf has been historically associated with an official known asmuhtasib.In view of the planned resurrection of this office, a historical analysis of the functions of the muhtasib and his office, thehisbaorihtisab,would seem to be in order.

Before describing the historical development of the function of muhtasib, two questions are posed. The first is: Does a direct relationship exist between pre-Muslim officials such as the Byzantineagoranomosand the Muslim muhtasib?
Solvability of second-order equations with hierarchically partially BMO coefficients
Authors: Dong Hongjie
Published: August 2011

By using some recent results for divergence-form equations, we study the

L
p

L_p

-solvability of second-order elliptic and parabolic equations in nondivergence form for any

p
∈
(
1
,
∞
)

p\in (1,\infty )

. The leading coefficients are assumed to be in locally BMO spaces with suitably small BMO seminorms. We not only extend several previous results by Krylov and Kim to the full range of

p
p

, but also deal with equations with more general coefficients.
SDRS—an algorithm for analyzing large-scale dose–response data
Authors: Ji Rui-Ru , Siemers Nathan O. , Lei Ming , Schweizer Liang , Bruccoleri Robert E.
Published: August 2011

Summary: Dose–response information is critical to understanding drug effects, yet analytical methods for dose–response assays cannot cope with the dimensionality of large-scale screening data such as the microarray profiling data. To overcome this limitation, we developed and implemented the Sigmoidal Dose Response Search (SDRS) algorithm, a grid search-based method designed to handle large-scale dose–response data. This method not only calculates the pharmacological parameters for every assay, but also provides built-in statistic that enables downstream systematic analyses, such as characterizing dose response at the transcriptome level.

Availability: Bio::SDRS is freely available from CPAN (www.cpan.org).

Contacts:  ruiruji@gmail.com; bruc@acm.org

Supplementary Information:  Supplementary data is available at Bioinformatics online.