bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fostering empathy in undergraduate health science majors through the reconciliation of objectivity and subjectivity: An integrated approach
Authors: Dunbar Robert L. , Nichols Marcia D.
Published: May 2012

The demand for empathetic health care practitioners requires an academic curriculum suited to that need. Here we describe a series of integrated activities that were designed to foster empathy in undergraduate health science majors. By combining content and pedagogical approaches from the humanities and sciences, we asked students to reconcile objective and subjective modes of understanding the human body as a learning object. Preliminary evaluations of student behavior, written student responses, and survey results are offered as support for our conclusion that the integration of a humanities perspective into the Anatomy classroom at University of Minnesota Rochester can facilitate the process of developing student empathy through the reconciliation of objective and subjective modes. Furthermore, students were able to apply this understanding to images on the page or screen, to living human learning objects and human cadavers. Although to claim that these activities in themselves can stymie the stasis/decline of empathy that health science students report would be patently false, we conclude that similar approaches could offer an avenue by which other educators might develop similar activities that, in aggregate, might have a lasting effect from the undergraduate through the graduate level of training in the health sciences. Anat Sci Educ. © 2012 American Association of Anatomists.
Mapping (USPTO) patent data using overlays to Google Maps
Authors: Leydesdorff Loet , Bornmann Lutz
Published: May 2012

A technique is developed using patent information available online (at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office) for the generation of Google Maps. The overlays indicate both the quantity and the quality of patents at the city level. This information is relevant for research questions in technology analysis, innovation studies, and evolutionary economics, as well as economic geography. The resulting maps can also be relevant for technological innovation policies and research and development management, because the U.S. market can be considered the leading market for patenting and patent competition. In addition to the maps, the routines provide quantitative data about the patents for statistical analysis. The cities on the map are colored according to the results of significance tests. The overlays are explored for the Netherlands as a “national system of innovations” and further elaborated in two cases of emerging technologies: ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi) and nanotechnology.
Citation measures at the micro level: Influence of publication age, field, and uncitedness
Authors: Amez Lucy
Published: May 2012

The application of micro‐level citation indicators is not without controversy. The procedure requires the availability of both adequate data sets and trusted metrics. Few indicators have been developed to deal specifically with individual assessment. The h‐type indices are the most popular category; however, the dependence of h‐type metrics on publication age and field makes their application often unjustified. This article studies the effects that publication age and field normalization have on h‐type citation values of German Leibniz Prize winners. This data set is exclusive in that it is highly scrutinized for homonyms. Results are compared with other field‐normalized citation rates, contributing to the debate on using demarcation versus average citation approaches to evaluate top researchers.
Flow‐injection chemiluminescence and electrogenerated chemiluminescence determination of escitalopram oxalate in tablet form
Authors: Alarfaj Nawal A. , Aly Fatma A. , Al‐Qahtany Abeer A.
Published: May 2012

Rapid, simple and highly sensitive flow‐injection (FI) chemiluminescence (CL) and flow‐injection electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) methods were developed for the determination of escitalopram oxalate (ESC), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor used as an antidepressant drug. The CL method was based on the CL reaction of ESC with acidic cerium(IV) and tris(2,2'‐bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) (Ru). Various experimental parameters affecting CL intensity were carefully studied and optimised. The method enabled the determination of 0.001‐50 µg/mL of ESC in bulk form with a correlation coefficient r = 0.9999. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.01 ng/mL (S/N = 3). The ECL method was based on the ECL reaction of Ru with the drug in an acidic medium, permitting the determination of ESC in the range of 0.00001‐70 µg/mL with r = 0.9999 and LOD of 1 x 10‐4 ng/mL. The proposed methods were applied to the determination of ESC in commercial tablets. The results were compared statistically with those obtained from a published method using t‐ and F‐tests. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structured intraoperative assessment of pancreatic gland characteristics in predicting complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Ansorge C , Strömmer L , Andrén-Sandberg Å , Lundell L , Herrington M K , Segersvärd R
Published: May 2012

Background

The morbidity rate after pancreaticoduodenectomy remains high (20–50 per cent) and postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is a major underlying factor. POPF has been reported to be associated with pancreatic consistency (PC) and pancreatic duct diameter (PDD). The aim was to quantify the risk of pancreaticojejunostomy-associated morbidity (PJAM) by means of a structured intraoperative assessment of both characteristics.

Methods

This single-centre prospective observational study included pancreaticoduodenectomies performed between 2008 and 2010 with a standardized duct-to-mucosa end-to-side pancreaticojejunostomy. PC and PDD were assessed during surgery and classified into four grades each (from very hard to very soft, and from larger than 4 mm to smaller than 2 mm, respectively). PJAM was defined as POPF (grade B or C in International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula classification) or symptomatic peripancreatic collection of either abscess or fluid. PJAM of at least Clavien grade IIIb was considered severe.

Results

PJAM and POPF were observed in 24 (21·8 per cent) and 17 (15·5 per cent) of 110 patients respectively. Softer PC and smaller PDD were risk factors for POPF (both P < 0·001), symptomatic peripancreatic collections (P = 0·071 and P = 0·015) and PJAM (both P < 0·001). Combining consistency and duct characteristics in a composite classification the PJAM risk was stratified as ‘high’ (both risk factors, PJAM incidence 51 per cent), ‘intermediate’ (softer PC or smaller PDD, PJAM 26 per cent) or ‘low’ (no risk factors, PJAM 2 per cent). Severe PJAM was observed only in patients with smaller PDD.

Conclusion

A high-risk pancreatic gland had a 25-fold higher risk of PJAM after pancreaticoduoden- ectomy than a low-risk gland. This simple classification can contribute to more individualized patient management and allow stratification of study cohorts with homogeneous POPF risk.
Comparative study on safety, efficacy, and midterm results of balloon mitral valvotomy performed with triple lumen and double lumen mitral valvotomy catheters
Authors: Nair Krishna Kumar Mohanan , Pillai Harikrishnan Sivadasan , Thajudeen Anees , Tharakan Jaganmohan , Titus Thomas , Valaparambil Ajitkumar , Sivasubramonian Sivasankaran , Mahadevan Krishnamoorthy Kavassery , Namboodiri Narayanan , Sasidharan Bijulal , Ganapathi Sanjay
Published: May 2012

Background

The triple lumen Inoue balloon is routinely used for Balloon Mitral Valvotomy (BMV) in India. Its major limitation is the high cost. The double lumen Accura balloon is less expensive, making it an attractive alternative in the developing countries. The study was meant to assess the safety, efficacy and midterm results of Accura balloon with respect to the Inoue balloon.

Patients and Methods

816 consecutive patients, who underwent elective BMV in this Institute from 1997 to 2003, were included in the study. The data of 487 patients who underwent BMV with Accura balloon was compared with 329 patients who underwent BMV with Inoue balloon. The clinical, echocardiographic, and hemodynamic data of these patients were analyzed retrospectively to assess the safety and efficacy of Accura balloon with respect to the Inoue balloon.

Results

Immediate procedural success (93.9% in Inoue group and 91.6% in Accura group p. NS) and complications (6.6% in Inoue group and 5.6% in Accura group p. NS) were comparable between the study groups. The two study population had similar restenosis rate and events at 1 year after BMV. Both balloons could be reused multiple times without compromising on the safety and effectiveness. Accura balloons were less costly than Inoue balloon. The reusability with Accura was slightly more and found to be more cost‐effective.

Conclusions

Both Accura and Inoue balloon mitral valvotomy balloons are effective in providing relief from hemodynamically significant mitral stenosis in terms of gain in valve area and reduction in trans mitral gradient. Both groups have similar procedural success and complication rates, restenosis, and follow‐up events at 1 year. Both balloons could be reused multiple times and Accura balloon is found to be more cost effective. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals Inc.
Hybrid intravascular ultrasound and optical coherence tomography catheter for imaging of coronary atherosclerosis
Authors: Li Brian H. , Leung Annie S.O. , Soong Alan , Munding Chelsea E. , Lee Hyunggyun , Thind Amandeep S. , Munce Nigel R. , Wright Graham A. , Rowsell Corwyn H. , Yang Victor X.D. , Strauss Bradley H. , Stuart Foster F. , Courtney Brian K.
Published: May 2012

Objective

To demonstrate the feasibility of imaging human coronary atherosclerosis using a novel hybrid intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging catheter.

Background

IVUS and OCT have synergistic advantages and recent studies involving both modalities suggest the use of a hybrid imaging catheter may offer improved guidance of coronary interventions and plaque characterization.

Methods

A 1.3 m custom hybrid IVUS‐OCT imaging probe was built within a 4F catheter using a 42 MHz ultrasound transducer and an OCT imaging fiber. Coplanar images were simultaneously acquired ex vivo by both modalities in 31 arterial segments from 11 cadaveric human coronaries. IVUS and OCT images were acquired at 250 μm intervals, of which 13 of the arterial segments were selected as representative of a diverse set of pathological findings. The selected segments were then imaged with either digital X‐ray or micro‐CT, processed for histological analysis and compared with the corresponding IVUS and OCT images.

Results

Images of human coronary atherosclerosis using the hybrid IVUS‐OCT catheter demonstrated a range of vascular pathologies that were confirmed on histology. The anticipated synergistic advantages of each modality were qualitatively apparent, including the deeper tissue penetration of IVUS and the superior contrast, resolution and near‐field image quality of OCT.

Conclusions

Preliminary ex vivo images using a hybrid IVUS‐OCT catheter demonstrated feasibility in using the device for intracoronary imaging of atherosclerosis. Future studies will include in vivo imaging and larger samples sizes to enable quantitative comparisons of tissue characterization and feature identification using hybrid imaging catheters versus standalone IVUS and OCT imaging techniques. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hemodynamic findings in severe tricuspid regurgitation
Authors: Rao S. , Tate D.A. , Stouffer G.A.
Published: May 2012

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) most commonly occurs in response to right ventricular (RV) dilation with structural abnormalities in the tricuspid valve being rarer. In addition to RV size and valvular integrity, the amount of TR is influenced by RV preload and afterload, the respiratory cycle, left heart function and atrial fibrillation. Hemodynamic changes in right atrial (RA) pressures in severe TR include elevated mean pressures, a large systolic wave called an “s” wave, a prominent ‘Y’ descent and a blunted ‘X’ descent. In addition, RV end diastolic pressure is elevated and cardiac output is reduced, especially with exercise. “Ventricularization” of the RA pressure tracing, in which the contour of the RA pressure is similar to, but of lower amplitude than, the contour of the RV pressure is the most specific finding but is found in a minority of patients with severe TR. In summary, alterations in the RA pressure tracing are common in patients with severe TR but specific hemodynamic findings lack sensitivity, which may in part be due to the large effects of RV preload, RV afterload and RA compliance on the amount of TR. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of aortic valve calcification on the outcome of transcatheter aortic valve implantation: Results from the prospective multicenter German TAVI registry
Authors: Staubach Stephan , Franke Jennifer , Gerckens Ulrich , Schuler Gerhard , Zahn Ralf , Eggebrecht Holger , Hambrecht Rainer , Sack Stefan , Richardt Gert , Horack Martin , Senges Jochen , Steinberg Daniel H. , Ledwoch Jakob , Fichtlscherer Stephan , Doss Mirko , Wunderlich Nina , Sievert Horst ,   German Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation—Registry Investigators
Published: May 2012

Objectives

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an emerging technology in patients with severe aortic stenosis.

Background

Whether the degree of aortic valve calcification impacts the outcome after TAVI has not been thoroughly evaluated.

Methods

We analyzed data from the prospective multicenter German TAVI registry, including 1,365 patients as of July 2010. Patients were divided into three groups, based on the degree of aortic valve calcification: mild (n = 67), moderate (n = 392), and severe (n = 906) valve calcification, determined by visual estimation by the operator.

Results

Mean age was 81.7 ± 6.2 years; mean logistic EUROscore was 20.6 ± 13.7%. Patients with severe aortic valve calcification had a higher mean and peak‐to‐peak gradient before the intervention (P < 0.0001). Technical success was achieved in 97%, similar in each group. The Medtronic CoreValve was implanted in 80.8%, the Sapien Edwards prosthesis in the remaining cases. The duration of the procedure and fluoroscopy was higher in the group with severe calcification (P < 0.01 for procedure and P < 0.05 for fluoroscopy).

During the periprocedural period there were no differences among the groups regarding in‐hospital death, cerebrovascular events, myocardial infarction, thromboembolic events, aortic dissection, or severe vascular complications. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in postprocedural aortic mean gradient (7.0 mm Hg vs. 5.6 mm Hg vs. 6.3 mm Hg; P = 0.07), in residual aortic regurgitation (74% vs. 72% vs. 68%; P = 0.3) or postprocedure pacemaker implantation (38% vs. 30.4% vs. 34.2%; P = 0.35).

During 30‐day follow up there was no difference in regard to the number of death, strokes, and myocardial infarctions.

Conclusions

Our results of a real‐world registry suggest that the extent of aortic valve calcification does not influence the success or procedural outcome significantly. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tuning the Solid‐State Luminescence of BODIPY Derivatives with Bulky Arylsilyl Groups: Synthesis and Spectroscopic Properties
Authors: Lu Hua , Wang Qiuhong , Gai Lizhi , Li Zhifang , Deng Yuan , Xiao Xuqiong , Lai Guoqiao , Shen Zhen
Published: May 2012

Boron dipyrromethenes (BODIPYs) with bulky triphenylsilylphenyl(ethynyl) and triphenylsilylphenyl substituents on pyrrole sites were prepared via Hagihara–Sonogashira and Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling with ethynyl‐terminated tetraphenylsilane and boronic acid‐terminated tetraphenylsilane. The chromophores are designed to prevent intermolecular π–π stacking interaction and enhance fluorescence in the solid state. Single crystals of 1 a and 2 b for X‐ray structural analysis were obtained, and weak π–π stacking interactions of the neighboring BODIPY molecules were observed. Spectroscopic properties of all of the dyes in various solvents and in films were investigated. Triphenylsilylphenyl‐substituted BODIPYs generally show more pronounced increases in solid‐state emission than triphenylsilylphenyl(ethynyl)‐substituted BODIPYs. Although the simple BODIPYs do not exhibit any fluorescence in the solid state (Φ=0), arylsilyl‐substituted BODIPYs exhibit weak to moderate solid‐state fluorescence with quantum yields of 0.03, 0.07, 0.10, and 0.25. The structure–property relationships were analyzed on the basis of X‐ray crystallography, optical spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and theoretical calculations.
Clinical evaluation of his‐bundle electrogram recorded from the body surface
Authors: de Feyter P. J. , Ros H. H. , Majid P. A. , van Eenige M. J. , Karreman J. , Roos J. P.
Published: May 2012

A noninvasive method of recording His‐bundle activity was developed in our laboratory. This technique is based on the principle of high‐gain amplification of the external signals, use of appropriate filters to eliminate random noise, and averaging of the amplified signals over 200–500 cardiac cycles to improve the signal‐to‐noise ratio.

Using this technique we were able to demonstrate external His‐bundle activity and to measure the external His‐bundle‐ventricular (H‐V) interval in 29 of 51 (60%) patients referred to our unit for evaluation of conduction abnormalities or history of collapse. The external technique was validated by the intracardiac electrode method. External H‐V interval was reproducible when tested in eight normal subjects and four patients at three different time intervals (average coefficient of variation was 4.5% for external H‐V interval of 30–90 ms duration).

Failure to obtain distinct external His‐bundle deflection was largely due to contamination with atrial or ventricular noise. Analysis of all the records showed that the demonstration of external His‐bundle activity was directly proportional to the length of the PR segment. The external H‐V interval could be measured in all patients with PR segments longer than 100 ms but in less than half of patients in whom the PR segment was shorter than 55 ms.

We conclude that the noninvasive technique of recording His‐bundle activity is simple and reproducible and can be used at the bedside. It possesses a distinct advantage over the intracardiac technique in that it can be employed in sequential studies. However, in its present state of development, its use is mainly confined to the analysis of conduction disturbances.
Inter‐Electrode Distance and Breakdown Voltage in Low Pressure Argon Discharges
Authors: Ledernez L. , Olcaytug F. , Urban G.
Published: May 2012

This work deals with the Paschen law in electrical breakdown of gases at pd values around the Paschen minimum. From the Townsend model, it is possible to deduce theoretical forms of the coefficients in Paschen's law, of which our calculated values are in the range of the tabulated values from the literature. These formulae show that the breakdown voltage must be influenced by the inter‐electrode distance, while the product pd remains a key parameter. This is confirmed by the Paschen curves measured in an argon discharge for inter‐electrode distances varying from 2 to 9 cm (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Generation of THz Radiation from Laser Beam Filamentation in a Magnetized Plasma
Authors: Singh M. , Mahmoud S.T. , Sharma R.P.
Published: May 2012

The terahertz (THz) frequency radiation production as a result of nonlinear interaction of high intense laser beam with low density ripple in a magnetized plasma has been studied. If the appropriate phase matching conditions are satisfied and the frequency of the ripple is appropriate then this difference frequency can be brought in the THz range. Self focusing (filamentation) of a circularly polarized beam propagating along the direction of static magnetic field in plasma is first investigated within extended‐paraxial ray approximation. The beam gets focused when the initial power of the laser beam is greater than its critical power. Resulting localized beam couples with the pre‐existing density ripple to produce a nonlinear current driving the THz radiation. By changing the strength of the magnetic field, one can enhance or suppress the THz emission. The expressions for the laser beam width parameter, the electric field vector of the THz wave have been obtained. For typical laser beam and plasma parameters with the incident laser intensity ≈ 1014 W/cm2, laser beam radius (r0) = 50 μm, laser frequency (ω0) = 1.8848 × 1014rad/s, electron plasma (low density rippled) wave frequency (ω0) = 1.2848 × 1014 rad/s, plasma density (n0) = 5.025 × 1017cm–3, normalized ripple density amplitude (μ)=0.1, the produced THz emission can be at the level of Giga watt (GW) in power (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Porous Silica‐Based Mixed Oxides with Basic Organic Sites
Authors: Geserick Jasmin , Meyer Sarah , Puchberger Michael , Pabisch Silvia , Peterlik Herwig , Bethge Ole , Bertagnolli Emmerich , Schubert Ulrich
Published: May 2012

Porous, organically modified silica‐based mixed oxides were prepared in a two‐step process. First, a mixture of tetraethoxysilane, bis(triethoxysilyl)dipropylamine and, optionally, 1,4‐bis(triethoxysilyl)benzene was treated with metal chlorides (ZrCl4, TiCl4, or AlCl3), and no water or water‐based catalyst was added to the sols. After film formation, the materials were exposed to ambient humidity to achieve hydrolytic condensation of residual groups. Materials with wormhole‐like ordered porosity and uniform mesopores were obtained with metal proportions up to about 20 %. According to XPS measurements, the metals are homogenously distributed in the silica matrix.
Accessing the Synthetic Chemistry of Radical Ions
Authors: Ischay Michael A. , Yoon Tehshik P.
Published: May 2012

Organic reactions involving radical cation and radical anion intermediates are synthetically powerful umpolung processes that enable electronically mismatched couplings between pairs of electron‐rich or pairs of electron‐poor organic fragments. Nevertheless, the adoption of these reactions as synthetic methods has been relatively slow in comparison with that of reactions involving more conventional reactive intermediates such as carbanions, carbocations, and neutral radicals. This Microreview provides a brief survey of radical ion chemistry and highlights the use of transition metal photocatalysis as a convenient means to investigate radical‐ion‐mediated transformations.
Exploring the Ribose Sub‐Pocket of the Substrate‐Binding Site in Escherichia coli IspE: Structure‐Based Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Cytosines and Cytosine Analogues
Authors: Schütz Andri P. , Osawa Sho , Mathis Jennifer , Hirsch Anna K. H. , Bernet Bruno , Illarionov Boris , Fischer Markus , Bacher Adelbert , Diederich François
Published: May 2012

The enzymes of the non‐mevalonate pathway for the isoprenoid biosynthesis are promising targets for the development of selective drugs for the treatment of important infectious diseases. This pathway is used by plants, many eubacteria, and apicomplexan protozoa, including major human pathogens such as Plasmodium falciparum and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, but not by humans who use the mevalonate pathway. In this work, we report on the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of new ligands for the E. coli enzyme IspE. The focus of the study lies in the analysis of the ribose sub‐pocket of the CDP‐ME binding site. Therefore, we synthesized cytosine‐ and 2‐aminopyridine‐based inhibitors with various substituents targeting this sub‐pocket at the enzyme active site. As cytosines display unexpectedly low solubilities in aqueous solution, special efforts were made to increase the water solubility of some compounds while maintaining the good binding affinities measured in earlier studies. In vitro studies showed IC50 values in the low micromolar to submicromolar range against E. coli IspE.
Comet‐FISH with rDNA probes for the analysis of mutagen‐induced DNA damage in plant cells
Authors: Kwasniewska Jolanta , Grabowska Marta , Kwasniewski Miroslaw , Kolano Bozena
Published: May 2012

We used comet‐fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in the model plant species Crepis capillaris following exposure of seedlings to maleic hydrazide (MH). FISH with 5S and 25S rDNA probes was applied to comets obtained under alkaline conditions to establish whether these DNA regions were preferentially involved in comet tail formation. MH treatment induced significant fragmentation of nuclear DNA and of rDNA loci. A 24‐h post‐treatment recovery period allowed a partial reversibility of MH‐induced damage on nuclear and rDNA regions. Analyses of FISH signals demonstrated that rDNA sequences were always involved in tail formation and that 5S rDNA was more frequently present in the tail than 25S rDNA, regardless of treatment. The involvement of 25S rDNA in nucleolus formation and differences in chromatin structure between the two loci may explain the different susceptibility of the 25S and 5S rDNA regions to migrate into the tail. This work is the first report on the application of FISH to comet preparations from plants to analyze the distribution and repair of DNA damage within specific genomic regions after mutagenic treatment. Moreover, our work suggests that comet‐FISH in plants may be a useful tool for environmental monitoring assessment. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
SIMPLE‐type preconditioners for cell‐centered, colocated finite volume discretization of incompressible Reynolds‐averaged Navier–Stokes equations
Authors: Klaij C. M. , Vuik C.
Published: May 2012

This paper contains a comparison of four SIMPLE‐type methods used as solver and as preconditioner for the iterative solution of the (Reynolds‐averaged) Navier–Stokes equations, discretized with a finite volume method for cell‐centered, colocated variables on unstructured grids. A matrix‐free implementation is presented, and special attention is given to the treatment of the stabilization matrix to maintain a compact stencil suitable for unstructured grids. We find SIMPLER preconditioning to be robust and efficient for academic test cases and industrial test cases. Compared with the classical SIMPLE solver, SIMPLER preconditioning reduces the number of nonlinear iterations by a factor 5–20 and the CPU time by a factor 2–5 depending on the case. The flow around a ship hull at Reynolds number 2E9, for example, on a grid with cell aspect ratio up to 1:1E6, can be computed in 3 instead of 15 h.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A randomized control trial to evaluate the beyondblue depression training program: does it lead to better recognition of depression?
Authors: McCabe Marita P. , Karantzas Gery C. , Mrkic Dejan , Mellor David , Davison Tanya E.
Published: May 2012

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine if a depression training program could assist aged care staff to better recognize depression among older people in residential care. The use of a “paper trail” for a screening tool and a study champion in combination with this training was evaluated to determine if this improved the level of detection of depression.

Method

The study took the form of a randomized control trial. A total of 107 professional carers from residential aged care services in Melbourne, Australia, participated in the study. Thirty‐four carers were allocated to the training‐only group and completed a six‐session depression training program, 35 carers were allocated to the training‐plus‐screening protocol group, and 38 carers were assigned to a wait‐list control group. In total, 216 residents were screened for depression. Carers in all conditions were asked to identify those residents who they perceived to be depressed. Residents were independently assessed with the SCID‐I to determine their depression status.

Results

Trained staff were not found to be better in detecting depression than non‐trained staff. Staff in the training‐plus‐screening condition correctly identified more residents as depressed, but also classified more non‐depressed residents as depressed.

Conclusion

The findings demonstrate the need for a greater focus on recognizing depression among carers working in aged care facilities. Protocols should be developed to assist carers to detect, refer, and monitor depression in residents. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
THE IMPACT OF HEALTH CHANGES ON LABOR SUPPLY: EVIDENCE FROM MERGED DATA ON INDIVIDUAL OBJECTIVE MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS CODES AND EARLY RETIREMENT BEHAVIOR
Authors: Christensen Bent Jesper , Kallestrup‐Lamb Malene
Published: May 2012

The justification bias in the estimated impact of health shocks on retirement is mitigated by using objective health measures from a large, register‐based longitudinal data set including medical diagnosis codes, along with labor market status, financial, and socio‐economic variables. The duration until retirement is modeled using single and competing risk specifications, observed and unobserved heterogeneity, and flexible baseline hazards. Wealth is used as a proxy for elapsed duration to mitigate the potential selection bias stemming from conditioning on initial participation. The competing risk specification distinguishes complete multiperiod routes to retirement, such as unemployment followed by early retirement. A result on comparison of coefficients across all states is offered. The empirical results indicate a strong impact of health changes on retirement and hence a large potential for public policy measures intended to retain older workers longer in the labor force. Disability responds more to health shocks than early retirement, especially to diseases of the circulatory, respiratory, and musculoskeletal systems, as well as mental and behavioral disorders. Some unemployment spells followed by early retirement appear voluntary and spurred by life style diseases. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
INCOME INEQUALITY AND MENTAL HEALTH—EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM AUSTRALIA
Authors: Bechtel Lucy , Lordan Grace , Rao D. S. Prasada
Published: May 2012

The causal association between absolute income and health is well‐established; however, the relationship between income inequality and health is not. The conclusions from the received studies vary across the region or country studied and/or the methodology employed. Using the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia panel survey, this paper investigates the relationship between mental health and inequality in Australia. A variety of income inequality indices are calculated to test both the income inequality and relative deprivation hypotheses. We find that mental health is only adversely affected by the presence of relative deprivation to a very small degree. In addition, we do not find support for the income inequality hypothesis. Importantly, our results are robust to a number of sensitivity analyses. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Difficulties in Quantifying Financial Losses that Could Be Reduced by Ergonomic Solutions
Authors: Pereira Da Silva Marcelo , Amaral Fernando Gonçalves , Mandagara Henrique , Leso Bernardo Henrique
Published: May 2012

There is currently a significant amount of discussion regarding new ways to insert ergonomics into the business community through adding financial benefits; however, analysis must be performed to justify this type of investment. Occupational problems that could be reduced by ergonomics solutions can be expressed as financial losses. Although the impact and importance of these losses are high, the difficulties in their quantification prevent adequate cost‐benefit analysis. This article aims to document evidence of the difficulties encountered when quantifying the financial losses that are caused by problems that could be reduced by ergonomic solutions. In this study, we performed a literature review concerning the financial costs related to occupational problems from the perspective of ergonomics. The results indicate that losses that occur mainly concern the productivity of the working process or the workers. The chief barriers documented in the scientific literature are the information cost, the multifactorial nature of the problem, the absence of information, and the methods of measurement. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lattice Boltzmann simulation of mixed convection in an inclined cavity with a wavy wall
Authors: Jafari Mohammad , Farhadi Mousa , Sedighi Kurosh , Fattahi Ehsan
Published: May 2012

In the present study, the effect of inclination on mixed convection heat transfer and fluid flow in a lid‐driven cavity with a wavy wall is investigated using the lattice Boltzmann method. The double‐population approach with second‐order accuracy at velocity and temperature fields is used to simulate the curved boundary in the lattice Boltzmann method. The problem is investigated for different Richardson numbers (0.1 ≤Ri≤ 10), curve amplitudes (0.05 ≤A≤ 0.25), and inclination angles (0 ≤ θ ≤ 180) when the Reynolds number is equal to 100. Results show that the inclination phenomenon has important effects on both flow and temperature fields at high Richardson numbers. It is also found that the inclination loses its role on mixed convection heat transfer from the wavy wall by the increase of the curve amplitude of the wavy wall for all Richardson numbers. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/htj). DOI 10.1002/htj.21005
Network analysis of icb‐1 gene function in human breast cancer cells
Authors: Treeck Oliver , Belgutay Derya , Häring Julia , Schüler Susanne , Lattrich Claus , Ortmann Olaf
Published: May 2012

Icb‐1 is a human gene previously described by our group to exert important functions in cancer cells of different origin. We now performed microarray‐based gene expression profiling with subsequent network modeling to further elucidate the role of icb‐1 in breast cancer cells. Analyzing the effect of icb‐1 knockdown on the transcriptome of MCF‐7 cells, we found 151 differentially expressed genes exhibiting more than twofold changes, 97 of which were up‐ and 54 downregulated. Most of the upregulated genes were cancer‐related genes associated with poor prognosis, invasion and metastasis, building an oncogenic network of TNF target genes. On the other hand, network analysis identified the downregulated genes to be primarily involved in interferon signaling and cellular apoptosis. Confirming these network data, we observed that cells with reduced levels of icb‐1 exhibited an impaired response to the apoptosis inducers tamoxifen, staurosporine, actinomycin, and camptothecin. The data of this study suggest that icb‐1 might exert a tumor‐suppressor function in breast cancer and that its loss might confer relative resistance of breast cancer cells to apoptotic drugs. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 2979–2988, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Maintenance of feeder free anchorage independent cultures of ES and iPS cells by retinol/vitamin A
Authors: Bhatia Himanshu , Sharma Rohit , Dawes Joyce , Khillan Jaspal S.
Published: May 2012

Pluripotent embryonic stem (ES) cells derived from mammalian blastocyst and the adult fibroblast derived induced pluripotent stem (iPS cells) exhibit complete potential to form cells representing all the primary germ layers such as mesoderm, endoderm and ectoderm. These cells are usually co‐cultured with mouse embryonic fibroblast feeders to prevent spontaneous differentiation. Feeder free cultures can provide substantial advantage to improve the efficiency and consistency of the culture conditions. In these studies, we demonstrate that a small dietary compound retinol, the alcohol form of vitamin A has capacity to regulate the pluripotency of pluripotent stem cells and maintain highly enriched population of pluripotent ES and iPS cells in feeder free suspension cultures. Retinol maintains long‐term cultures of undifferentiated cells via elevated expression of stem cell specific transcription factors Nanog and Oct4. The studies provide evidence that retinol regulates the self‐renewal of pluripotent stem cells via the over expression of insulin like growth factor II (IGFII) that engages PI3 kinase signaling pathway via IGF1 receptor tyrosine kinase. The ES cells retain capacity to generate high degree germline competent chimeric animals after microinjection into blastocysts. The studies offer a convenient system for long term maintenance of pluripotent stem cells via the activation of intracellular machinery for self‐renewal by a physiologically relevant compound for large‐scale production of high quality pluripotent stem cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 3002–3010, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Scaffold attachment factor B (SAFB)1 and SAFB2 cooperatively inhibit the intranuclear mobility and function of ERα
Authors: Hashimoto Takashi , Matsuda Ken‐Ichi , Kawata Mitsuhiro
Published: May 2012

Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) plays a key role in physiological and pathophysiological processes as a ligand‐activated transcriptional factor that is regulated by cofactors. ERα‐mediated transcriptional regulation is closely correlated with the mobility of ERα in the nucleus in association with the nuclear matrix, the framework for nuclear events including transcription. However, the relationship between ERα mobility and the cofactors of ERα is unclear. Scaffold attachment factor B1 (SAFB1) and its paralog SAFB2 are nuclear matrix binding proteins that have been characterized as ERα corepressors. Here, using chimeric fluorescent proteins (FPs), we show that SAFB1 and SAFB2 colocalize with ERα in the nucleus of living cells after 17β‐estradiol (E2) treatment. Co‐immunoprecipitation (co‐IP) experiments indicated that ERα interacts with both SAFB1 and SAFB2 in the presence of E2. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching analysis revealed that SAFB1 and SAFB2 each decrease ERα mobility, and interestingly, coexpression of SAFB1 and SAFB2 causes a synergistic reduction in ERα dynamics under E2 treatment. In accordance with these mobility changes, ERα‐mediated transcription and proliferation are cooperatively inhibited by SAFB1 and SAFB2. These results indicate that SAFB1 and SAFB2 are crucial repressors for ERα dynamics in association with the nuclear matrix and that their synergistic regulation of ERα mobility is sufficient for inhibiting ERα function. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 3039–3050, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spatiotemporal variability of April rainfall in Korea by western Pacific teleconnection pattern
Authors: Choi Ki‐Seon , Kang Sung‐Dae , Kim Hae‐Dong
Published: May 2012

This study analyses the correlation between western Pacific (WP) teleconnection pattern index (WPI) in April and rainfall amounts in the same month during 1954–2008. On the basis of the results, it is identified that there have been strong positive correlations between central China, Korea, and the southwestern part of Japan in the East Asian region. Through differences between 10 positive WP years and 10 negative WP years selected from the April WPI excluding El Niño‐Southern Oscillation years, it is found that rainfall amounts increase in April of positive WP years due to the following characteristics. Increases in rainfall amounts are evident in the East Asian middle latitudinal region where the positive correlation between the two variables is the highest and this is because anomalous southwesterlies are strengthened in the East Asian middle latitudinal region due to the spatial pattern of a south‐low‐north‐high anomalous pressure system centered on this region that is made by anomalous anticyclones centered on the southeastern side of the region and other anomalous anticyclones centered on the northeastern side of the region. In addition, anomalous westerlies (jet) are strengthened in the upper troposphere of the East Asian middle latitudinal region. As a result, anomalous upward flows are strengthened in this region and thus anomalous warm air temperatures are formed in the entire level of the troposphere in the region. In addition to atmospheric environments, anomalous warm sea surface temperatures are formed in the seas in the East Asian middle latitudinal region to help the rainfall amount increases in the East Asian middle latitudinal region. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Predictability of dry season reforecasts over the tropical and the sub‐tropical South American region
Authors: Frumkin Adam , Misra Vasubandhu
Published: May 2012

In this study, we diagnose the fidelity of South American dry season (June–July–August) reforecasts from a global climate model (GCM) and a regional climate model (RCM). This includes a set of downscaled integrations of the RCM that uses a bias correction method called anomaly nesting, which is designed to remove the bias of the GCM that forces the RCM at the lateral boundaries. The models are integrated for seven dry seasons (2001–2007), and each season consists of six ensemble members. For this study, we focus on two primary regions: the Amazon River Basin (ARB) and the subtropical (ST) region.

The paper discusses the regions of model bias for 2 m air temperature and for precipitation within ARB and ST regions first using corresponding independent observations and then with the NCEP Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR). The paper also dwells on the predictability of the above normal, normal and below normal occurrences of the two variables using signal‐to‐noise ratios and calculation of the area under the relative operative characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC). The models produced the largest biases of both variables over elevated terrain and within the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ). Signal‐to‐noise ratios show that the models exhibit more predictability in ARB than they do in ST and that there is more predictability for surface air temperature than for precipitation. AUCs confirm that temperature is more skilfully predicted than precipitation and that the models exhibit more skill in ARB than in ST. AUCs also show that the anomaly nesting integrations have a limited advantage over the rest with some modest improvements in skill of surface temperature prediction over ARB.

Lastly, we evaluate how the three models depict land‐atmosphere interactions during the dry season and compare their results with CFSR. We find conflicting results between the global and regional model predictions and CFSR on the relative coupling strength between the land and the atmosphere during the dry season. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Estimating daily mean temperature from synoptic climate observations
Authors: Ma Yuting , Guttorp Peter
Published: May 2012

We compare some different approaches to estimating daily mean temperature (DMT). In many countries, the routine approach is to calculate the average of the directly measured minimum and maximum daily temperature. In some, the maximum and minimum are obtained from hourly measurements. In other countries, temperature readings at specific times throughout the day are taken into account. For example, the Swedish approach uses a linear combination of five temperature readings, including the minimum and the maximum, with coefficients that depend on longitude and month. We first look at data with very high temporal resolution, and compare some different approaches to estimating DMT. Then, we compare the Swedish formula to various averages of the daily minimum and maximum, finding the latter method being substantially less precise. We finally compare the Swedish formula to hourly averages, and find that a recalibrated linear combination improves estimation accuracy. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Lake‐level fluctuations at Lake Bourget (eastern France) around 4500–3500 cal. a BP and their palaeoclimatic and archaeological implications
Authors: Magny Michel , Arnaud Fabien , Billaud Yves , Marguet André
Published: May 2012

On the basis of sedimentological analysis of two cores taken at Chatillon, Lake Le Bourget (northern French Pre‐Alps), and well dated by radiocarbon dates in addition to tree ring dates obtained from an archaeological layer, this paper presents a high‐resolution lake‐level record for the period 4500–3500 cal. a BP. The collected data provide evidence of a complex palaeohydrological (climatic) oscillation spanning the ca. 4300–3850 cal. BP time interval, with major lake‐level maxima at ca. 4200 and 4050–3850 cal. a BP separated by a lowering episode around 4100 cal. a BP. The lake‐level highstands observed at Chatillon between 4300 and 3850 cal. BP appear to be synchronous with (i) a major flooding period recorded in deep cores from the large lakes Le Bourget and Bodensee, and (ii) glacier advance and tree line decline in the Alps. Such wetter and cooler climatic conditions in west‐central Europe around 4000 cal. a BP may have been a nonlinear response to decrease and seasonal changes in insolation. They may also provide a possible explanation for the general abandonment of prehistoric lake dwellings north of the Alps between 4360 and 3750 cal. a BP. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Saturation and Stark broadening effects in dual‐pump CARS of N2, O2, and H2
Authors: Magnotti Gaetano , Cutler Andrew D. , Herring G. C. , Tedder Sarah A. , Danehy Paul M.
Published: May 2012

The dual‐pump coherent anti‐Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS) technique is frequently employed in the study of turbulent flames, but the applicability of this technique is limited by low signal‐to‐noise ratios at high temperatures. The signal‐to‐noise ratio can be increased by increasing the energy of the lasers. Unfortunately, there is a limit to the amount of energy that can be added before the signal is affected by high irradiance perturbation effects such as Stark broadening and stimulated Raman pumping (saturation). Such effects alter the spectral shape of the CARS signal and compromise the measurement accuracy. To explore these effects, dual‐pump CARS spectra containing the N2 and O2 Q‐branch manifolds and three S‐branch H2 rotational lines were acquired in H2‐air flames while varying the irradiances of the different input beams. For fuel‐lean flames at 1180 K and 1 atm., absolute mole fraction measurements are affected by Stark broadening when the total irradiance is above 250 GW/cm2, and by saturation when the product of the pump and Stokes irradiances is above 2 × 103 GW2/cm4. The H2 S‐branch is more sensitive to Stark broadening, and small variations in the line amplitude are observed for total irradiance of 170 GW/cm2. Temperature measurements are not sensitive to Stark broadening, but they are affected by saturation when the pump‐Stokes irradiances product is above 2 × 104 GW2/cm4. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design of multiplex PCR for simultaneous detection of rope‐forming Bacillus strains in Iranian bread dough
Authors: Sadeghi Alireza , Mortazavi Seyed Ali , Bahrami Ahmad Reza , Sadeghi Balal
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was optimisation of multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) by a new primer set for simultaneous detection of ropiness agents as the main bacterial spoilage of Iranian bread. After inoculation of bread dough with activated Bacillus licheniformis (ATCC 9789) and Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633), DNA was extracted from the dough and subjected to PCR. Then simplex and multiplex PCR tests were optimised.

RESULTS: From the results obtained, the optimum PCR conditions for simultaneous detection of the target genes in Bacillus species were an annealing temperature of 59 °C and an MgCl2 concentration of 2.5 mmol L−1. To design primers for these two bacteria, owing to close homology and the existence of similar conserved sequences in their 16S rRNA genes, lpaL and aprE genes (497 and 744 bp target sequences) respectively were chosen. Finally, by sequencing of PCR products, accurate and specific detection of the two desired Bacillus species was confirmed. The results were registered with GenBank under accession numbers HQ877873 and HQ871154.

CONCLUSION: Compared with culture‐dependent methods, this procedure offers significantly higher accuracy and speed, which are crucial criteria when it comes to food safety and high volumes of referred samples respectively. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry