bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dislocation luminescence in highly doped degenerated germanium at room temperature
Authors: Arguirov Tzanimir , Vyvenko Oleg , Oehme Michael , Schulze Jörg , Kittler Martin
Published: November 2012

Dislocation related electroluminescence was detected in germanium p‐i‐n diodes grown on silicon using a virtual substrate. It appears at room temperature and above a certain threshold of the excitation current. The spectral feature characterizing dislocation related radiation consists of three peaks at around 0.45 eV. The appearance of the dislocation related peaks in the spectrum goes along with a change in the growth rate of the direct band‐to‐band luminescence upon increasing of the current through the structure. The observation is consistent with an injection of minority carriers in the p+ and n+ regions of the diode. As the p+ region contains the misfit dislocation rich virtual substrate it becomes a source of dislocation luminescence. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A magnetoelectric laminate based passive micro‐displacement sensor
Authors: Wu Zheng , Zhang Jun , Ma Ke , Cao Yi , Jia Yanmin , Luo Haosu , Zhang Yihe
Published: November 2012

A passive micro‐displacement sensor (for ∼μm displacement) was fabricated based on a magnetoelectric laminate, in which the displacement change can result in a change of the magnetic flux around the magnetoelectric sensor. The displacement measurement was realized by measuring the magnetoelectric output voltage. The displacement detecting coefficient was ∼2.5 mV/μm at a frequency of ∼1 kHz. This passive displacement sensor possesses the advantages of low cost, high resolution, low energy consumption and good linearity and has potential for application in future displacement detectors.

magnified image

Schematic diagram of the suggested micro‐displacement sensor based on magnetostrictive/piezoelectric magnetoelectric laminate.

(© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Surgical Outcomes of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Bile Duct Tumor Thrombus: A Korean Multicenter Study
Authors: Moon Deok‐Bog , Hwang Shin , Wang Hee‐Jung , Yun Sung‐Su , Kim Kyung Sik , Lee Young‐Joo , Kim Ki‐Hun , Park Yong‐Keun , Xu Weiguang , Kim Bong‐Wan , Lee Dong Shik , Lee Dong‐Hyun , Kim Hong‐Jin , Lim Jin Hong , Choi Jin Sub , Park Yo‐Han , Lee Sung‐Gyu
Published: November 2012

Background

The long‐term outcomes after resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with macroscopic bile duct tumor thrombus (BDTT) are unclear. This multicenter study was conducted to determine the prognosis of HCC patients with macroscopic BDTT who underwent resection with curative intent.

Methods

Of 4,308 patients with HCC from four Korean institutions, this single‐arm retrospective study included 73 patients (1.7 %) who underwent resection for HCC with BDTT.

Results

Jaundice was also present in 34 patients (46.6 %). According to Ueda classification, BDTT was type 2 in 34 cases (46.6 %) and type 3 in 39 cases (53.4 %). Biliary decompression was performed in 33 patients (45.2 %), decreasing the median lowest bilirubin level to 1.4 mg/dL before surgery. Systematic hepatectomy was performed in 69 patients (94.5 %), and concurrent bile duct resection was performed in 31 patients (42.5 %). Surgical curability types were R0 (n = 57; 78.1 %), R1 (n = 11; 15.1 %), and R2 (n = 5; 6.8 %). Patient survival rates were 76.5 % at 1 year, 41.4 % at 3 years, 32.0 % at 5 years, and 17.0 % at 10 years. Recurrence rates were 42.9 % at 1 year, 70.6 % at 3 years, 77.3 % at 5 years, and 81.1 % at 10 years. Results of univariate survival analysis showed that maximal tumor size, bile duct resection, and surgical curability were significant risk factors for survival, and surgical curability was a significant risk factor for recurrence. Multivariate analysis did not reveal any independent risk factors.

Conclusions

Hepatocellular carcinoma patients with BDTT achieved relatively favorable long‐term results after resection; therefore extensive surgery should be recommended when complete resection is anticipated.
Acceptance of Genetic Counseling and Testing in a Hospital‐Based Series of Patients with Gynecological Cancer
Authors: Dekker Nicky , van Dorst Eleonora B. L. , van der Luijt Rob B. , van Gijn Marielle E. , van Tuil Marc , Offerhaus Johan A. , Ausems Margreet G. E. M.
Published: November 2012

Referral of patients with endometrial (EC) and/or ovarian cancer (OC) for genetic counseling is based on age at diagnosis and family history. Many patients with hereditary cancers are missed by following this strategy. We determined acceptance and mutation detection rate of offering genetic counseling and testing to unselected EC and OC patients. Therefore, in 2007, EC and OC patients were invited for genetic counseling and testing. Patients were asked for their reasons to accept or decline. Nineteen out of fifty‐two EC patients (36 %) and twenty‐two out of thirty‐five OC patients (63 %) accepted genetic counseling, mainly to receive risk assessment for themselves and relatives. Counseling was declined mainly because patients did not want more tests or had no relatives for whom it was relevant. Eighteen out of nineteen EC patients (95 %) and twenty out of twenty‐two OC patients (91 %) underwent genetic testing. One EC patient carried an MSH6 mutation (mutation detection rate: 6 %). BRCA1/2 mutations were found in two out of twenty OC patients (10 %). Eleven patients (29 %) received surveillance recommendations for themselves and their relatives. Finally, family history recorded by the gynecologist was compared to that taken by the clinical geneticist. Gynecologists reported family history in ten out of forty‐one participants (24 %). In conclusion, genetic counseling and testing are acceptable to patients with OC and/or EC. The 10 % BRCA1/2 mutation detection rate and underreporting of family history by gynecologists warrant referral for genetic counseling for all OC patients, followed by BRCA1/2 testing if indicated. We recommend that microsatellite instability and immunohistochemical analysis be performed in all EC patients, followed by genetic counseling if appropriate. These strategies will lead to better cancer prevention in gynecological cancer patients and their relatives.
The Effect of Time after Shear Injury on the Subsynovial Connective Tissue and Median Nerve within the Rabbit Carpal Tunnel
Authors: Vanhees Matthias , Chikenji Takako , Thoreson Andrew R. , Zhao Chunfeng , Schmelzer James D. , Low Philip A. , An Kai-Nan , Amadio Peter C.
Published: November 2012

Background

The most prominent nonneurological finding in the common compression neuropathy carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is fibrosis of the subsynovial connective tissue (SSCT). Recently, a rabbit model of CTS has been developed, based on the hypothesis that SSCT injury and subsequent fibrosis cause nerve compression. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects in this model at earlier and later time points than have heretofore been reported.

Methods

Sixty rabbits were operated on and observed at two different time periods: 6 and 24 weeks. Nerve electrophysiology (EP), SSCT histology, and SSCT mechanical properties were assessed.

Results

There was no significant difference in median motor nerve amplitude or latency at either time point. The total cell density in the SSCT was significantly higher at 6 and 24 weeks compared to controls. The mean size of the collagen fibrils in the SSCT was higher 6 and 24 weeks after surgery compared to controls. Both the ultimate load and the total energy absorption of the SSCT were significantly higher at 6 and 24 weeks compared to controls.

Conclusions

In this model, there were signs of SSCT fibrosis and histology changes at 6 weeks, which persist after 24 weeks. Thus, this model leads to sustained SSCT fibrosis, which is one characteristic of human CTS. However, no significant EP changes were found at these two time points, which is in contrast to the findings reported previously for this model at 12 weeks. The significance of the differences in EP findings will be the subject of future studies.
Bracing in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Schlenzka Dietrich , Yrjönen Timo
Published: November 2012

The article reviews the present knowledge about brace treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Indications, technique, problems, and results, are presented based on the literature. It is stressed by the authors that more scientific evidence is needed to reach a final conclusion whether brace treatment in AIS is effective or not.
The desirability of education in didactic skills according to medical
interns
Authors: Kloek Anne T. , Verbakel Joshua R. A. , Bernard Simone E. , Evenboer Januska , Hendriks Eef J. , Stam Hanneke
Published: November 2012

Since all doctors at some point in their career will be faced with their role as a
teacher, it appears desirable that future doctors are educated in didactic skills. At
present, however, there are no formal opportunities for developing didactic skills at
the majority of Dutch medical faculties. The main question of this study is: How do
medical interns perceive the quality and quantity of their education in didactic skills?
The Dutch Association for Medical Interns (LOCA) ran a national survey among 1,008
medical interns that measured the interns’ self-assessed needs for training in didactic
skills during medical school. Almost 80 % of the respondents argue that the mastery of
didactic skills composes an essential competency for doctors, with the skill of
providing adequate feedback considered to be the most important didactic quality for
doctors. Of the respondents, 41 % wish to be educated in didactic skills, both during
their medical undergraduate degree and during their subsequent training to become a
resident. Teaching while being observed and receiving feedback in this setting is
regarded as a particularly valuable didactic method by 74 % of the medical interns. Of
the respondents, 82 % would invest time to follow training for the development of
didactic skills if it was offered. Medical interns stress the importance of doctors’
didactic skills during their clinical internships. Compared with current levels, most
interns desire increased attention to the formal development of didactic skills during
medical school.
Impaired decision-making and brain shrinkage in alcoholism
Authors: Le Berre A.-P. , Rauchs G. , La Joie R. , Mézenge F. , Boudehent C. , Vabret F. , Segobin S. , Viader F. , Allain P. , Eustache F. , Pitel A.-L. , Beaunieux H.
Published: November 2012

Alcohol-dependent individuals usually favor instant gratification of alcohol use and ignore its long-term negative consequences, reflecting impaired decision-making. According to the somatic marker hypothesis, decision-making abilities are subtended by an extended brain network. As chronic alcohol consumption is known to be associated with brain shrinkage in this network, the present study investigated relationships between brain shrinkage and decision-making impairments in alcohol-dependent individuals early in abstinence using voxel-based morphometry. Thirty patients performed the Iowa Gambling Task and underwent a magnetic resonance imaging investigation (1.5T). Decision-making performances and brain data were compared with those of age-matched healthy controls. In the alcoholic group, a multiple regression analysis was conducted with two predictors (gray matter [GM] volume and decision-making measure) and two covariates (number of withdrawals and duration of alcoholism). Compared with controls, alcoholics had impaired decision-making and widespread reduced gray matter volume, especially in regions involved in decision-making. The regression analysis revealed links between high GM volume in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and right hippocampal formation, and high decision-making scores (P< 0.001, uncorrected). Decision-making deficits in alcoholism may result from impairment of both emotional and cognitive networks.
Functional differentiation of structurally similar membrane subunits of the ABC transporter LolCDE complex
Authors: Mizutani Masanori , Mukaiyama Keita , Xiao Jing , Mori Makiko , Satou Rika , Narita Shin-ichiro , Okuda Suguru , Tokuda Hajime
Published: November 2012

Pal and LolA physically interact by competition binding (View interaction)
Neuronal cell‐type specific DNA methylation patterns of the Cacna1c gene
Authors: Nishioka Masaki , Shimada Takafumi , Bundo Miki , Ukai Wataru , Hashimoto Eri , Saito Toshikazu , Kano Yukiko , Sasaki Tsukasa , Kasai Kiyoto , Kato Tadafumi , Iwamoto Kazuya
Published: November 2012

Gene expression of the alpha‐1 subunit of the L‐type voltage‐gated calcium channel, CACNA1C, is known to be complexly regulated. Because CACNA1C is not only a crucial gene in normal brain function but also a promising candidate risk gene for psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, elucidating the molecular basis of transcriptional regulatory mechanism will be critically important. Here we examined DNA methylation status of CpG islands and a CpG island shore on mouse Cacna1c in neuronal and non‐neuronal nuclei, which were separated with a fluorescent activated cell sorting technique. We found that neurons and non‐neurons showed differential DNA methylation profile on a CpG island shore. This difference was evolutionarily conserved in human neuronal and non‐neuronal nuclei in the prefrontal cortex, suggesting that DNA methylation status on the CpG island shore of Cacna1c may have an important role in transcript regulation.
Maternal death reviews at a rural hospital in Malawi
Authors: Vink Naomi M. , de Jonge Hendrik C.C. , Ter Haar Reynier , Chizimba Ellen M. , Stekelenburg Jelle
Published: November 2012

Objective

To analyze maternal deaths at Nkhoma Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) Hospital and identify factors causing delays in care.

Methods

Maternal death audits are performed after every maternal death at Nkhoma CCAP Hospital. Information regarding the care provided at the health facility, the referral process, and any delays in the community was collected by an audit team using a structured approach. Data from August 2007 to September 2011 were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

In total, 61 maternal deaths occurred during the study period, of which 58 were analyzed. Most deaths were categorized as indirect (n = 34 [58.6%]). Non‐pregnancy‐related infections were the leading cause of indirect death (n = 22), with meningitis the most common (n = 13). Most patients experienced a delay in seeking care (n = 37 [63.8%]), a transport delay (n = 43 [74.1%]), or a delay in receiving adequate care (n = 34 [58.6%]).

Conclusion

Most maternal deaths had indirect causes and were associated with delays in all phases. An audit makes clear which part of the referral chain needs to be strengthened. Nkhoma CCAP Hospital has taken steps to address all phases of delay.
Adverse pregnancy outcomes in cases involving extremely young maternal age
Authors: Chantrapanichkul Panicha , Chawanpaiboon Saifon
Published: November 2012

Objective

To assess pregnancy outcomes among adolescent girls 16 years old or younger and their newborns.

Methods

A cohort study was carried out at Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, using completed charts for 1061 girls aged 16 years or younger (study group) and 1100 women aged 20 to 29 years (reference group) delivered at that hospital between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2010. Demographic data, maternal laboratory investigations, maternal complications, placental complications, medications administered in hospital, and neonatal outcomes were recorded.

Results

Anemia (odds ratio [OR], 1.86; confidence interval [CI], 1.52–2.26); heart disease (OR, 0.38; CI 0.15–0.90), thyroid disorder (OR, 0.054; CI, 0.01–0.40), pulmonary disease (OR, 0.89; CI, 0.41–1.93); medical and obstetrics complications including gestational diabetes mellitus (OR, 0.04; CI, 0.01–0.29), placenta previa (OR 1.04, CI 0.06–16.60), preterm labor (OR, 1.98; CI, 1.55–2.53), as well as mean neonatal weight (2830.77 ± 81.31 g and 3038.53 ± 482.23 g; P = 0.001) were different in the 2 groups and the differences were statistically significant.

Conclusion

Adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes were common in the study group. Extensive education about contraception and safe sex on the one hand, and an effective care plan if pregnancy occurs, should be provided to teenage girls to reduce these poor outcomes.
Increasing strict protection through protected areas on Brazilian private lands
Authors: CROUZEILLES RENATO , VALE MARIANA M. , CERQUEIRA RUI , GRELLE CARLOS E. V.
Published: November 2012

A key strategy to reduce habitat loss and fragmentation involves the establishment of protected areas (PAs). Worldwide, c. 13% of land lies within PAs, but only 6% is subject to the more restrictive International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) categories I-IV. Private PAs may contribute to this figure, but require general guidance principles for their management. The Brazilian ‘Private Natural Heritage Reserves’ (RPPNs) constitute an example of good PA management, employing seven principles that should guide the creation of all private PAs. RPPNs have legal status and long-term security, allow only for indirect human uses, and provide a strategic conservation role in highly fragmented landscapes by improving connectivity. However, RPPNs are virtually absent from the World Database on Protected Areas, and given Brazil's continental size, and the considerable and increasing number of RPPNs in Brazil, this omission has the potential to skew accurate quantification of the area of land subject to strict protection. The RPPN model can make an important contribution to the discussion of the role of private PAs in conservation, especially in the tropics.
Effects of harvest on carbon and nitrogen dynamics in a Pacific Northwest forest catchment
Authors: Abdelnour Alex , B. McKane Robert , Stieglitz Marc , Pan Feifei , Cheng Yiwei
Published: November 2012

Key Points

VELMA is an easy to use, spatially distributed eco‐hydrology model

Post‐harvest losses of nutrients consist primarily of DIN
In vivo assessment of cancerous tumors using boron doped diamond microelectrode
Authors: Fierro Stéphane , Yoshikawa Momoko , Nagano Osamu , Yoshimi Kenji , Saya Hideyuki , Einaga Yasuaki
Published: November 2012

The in vitro and in vivo electrochemical detection of the reduced form of glutathione (L-γ-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine, GSH) using boron doped diamond (BDD) microelectrode for potential application in the assessment of cancerous tumors is presented. Accurate calibration curve for the determination of GSH could be obtained by the in vitro electrochemical measurements. Additionally, it was shown that it was possible to separate the detection of GSH from the oxidized form of glutathione (GSSG) using chronoamperometry measurements. In vivo GSH detection measurements have been performed in human cancer cells inoculated in immunodeficient mice. These measurements have shown that the difference of GSH level between cancerous and normal tissues can be detected. Moreover, GSH detection measurements carried out before and after X-ray irradiation have proved that it is possible to assess in vivo the decrease in GSH concentration in the tumor after a specific treatment.
Study on a mean radiant temperature measure tool based on an almost spherical array of radiometric sensors
Authors: Fontana L.
Published: November 2012

Mean radiant temperature has significant influence on indoor thermal comfort conditions. It has gained greater importance with the wider application of heating and cooling systems based on the use of large surfaces with a temperature slightly higher or lower than the indoor temperature (hot/cold floors or ceilings), because these systems operate through the radiant temperature control. The most used tool to measure radiant temperature, the globe thermometer, still has large margins of error, most of all due to the uncertainty in the evaluation of the convection heat exchanges between the globe surface and the indoor air. The feasibility of a device to measure mean radiant temperature in indoor condition, alternative to the globe-thermometer (obtained placing radiometric sensors (thermopiles) on the sides of different geometric regular solids), is proposed. The behavior has been investigated for different regular solids, such as the residual error and its dependence on walls average temperature, non-uniformity magnitude, orientation and position of the solid in the enclosure, room shape, non-uniformity temperature distribution. Icosahedron shape shows an excellent behavior, with errors lower than 0.1 K in all the examined conditions.
Energy spectra and turbulence generation in the wake of magnetic obstacles
Authors: Kenjereš Saša
Published: November 2012

Numerical simulations and analysis of flow and heat transfer of an electrically conducting fluid past magnetic obstacles are reported. We studied the channel flow configuration with electrically and thermally insulated horizontal walls containing a single or multiple (two or three) magnetic dipoles. Different values of the interactive parameter 0 ⩽ N ⩽ 50 and with a fixed value of Re = 103 are simulated. Detailed insights into energy spectra and turbulence generation in the wake of magnetic obstacles are provided. Although the temperature is a passive scalar, strong dissimilarities between mechanisms of production of the turbulent kinetic energy and temperature variance are observed. The long-term averaged second moments of velocity and temperature revealed the presence of anisotropic turbulence and countergradient diffusion of turbulent heat fluxes. It is concluded that configurations with multiple magnetic dipoles can be utilized in practical applications where the local generation of turbulence and intensification of mixing and heat transfer are required.
A pulse-width modulation controlled wire-mesh heater apparatus for investigation of solid fuel pyrolysis
Authors: Wagner David Ray , Whitty Kevin J.
Published: November 2012

A novel wire mesh heater apparatus has been developed to study the devolatilization of solid fuels under pressurized conditions at well-controlled heating rates on the order of 1000 K/s. The apparatus combines direct current and pulse-width modulation with a fast-acting and high current-capacity relay to achieve operating frequencies up to 2000 Hz. This frequency allows much quicker feedback and tighter control of temperature than conventional ac-based systems that operate at 50 to 60 Hz. The present apparatus has been successfully operated at 63 bars with final temperatures of 1473 K and heating rates of 1100 K/s.
Note: Fast double pulse system using transmission line characteristic of the pulse forming line
Authors: Sharma Surender Kumar , Deb P. , Sharma Archana , Shyam A.
Published: November 2012

A fast double pulse system is designed and developed using the transmission line characteristic of the pulse forming line to generate two flat top rectangular pulses with extremely short interpulse repetition interval. The helical pulse forming line (HPFL) is used to generate longer duration rectangular pulses in smaller length. The HPFL inner conductor is made up of 13 turns of SS-304 strip, 39.5 mm wide and 0.5 mm thick wounded on the 168 mm delrin cylinder. The impedance of the HPFL is 22 Ω. The 2 turns at the input side of the HPFL are wounded with ethylene propylene rubber tape on the strip. The HPFL is charged to 180 kV in 4 μs and discharges into a matched load through a spark switch. It generates two flat top rectangular pulses of 90 kV, 100 ns duration with the 30 ns interval between the pulses. The system can be used as fast double pulse source for repetitive pulsed power loads.
Biogas generation by two-phase anaerobic digestion of organic fraction of municipal solid waste
Authors: Dogan Eylem , Demirer Göksel N.
Published: November 2012

The organic fraction of municipal solid waste can be a significant energy source for renewable energy generation. The total production of municipal solid waste in Turkey was 25 × 106 tones per year. Anaerobic digestion (AD) process may be a solution to the problems of energy demand and waste management since it provides biomethanation along with waste stabilization. AD can be operated in single or two phase configurations. Two-phase processes have some advantages over one phase systems in terms of selection of microorganisms, process efficiency, and reactor size. In this study, biochemical methane production experiments were performed in order to investigate whether phase separation enhanced the efficiency of methanogenic activity or not. The performances were compared in terms of total chemical oxygen demand (tCOD) and volatile solids (VS) reductions, and cumulative gas production. The experimental results indicated that 10% and 23% increases in tCOD and VS removals were achieved, respectively, by phase separation. The acetic and propionic acids were not detected in the reactors, which was an indication of successful methanization.
Deletion of GSK3β in D2R-expressing neurons reveals distinct roles for β-arrestin signaling in antipsychotic and lithium action
Authors: Urs Nikhil M. , Snyder Joshua C. , Jacobsen Jacob P. R. , Peterson Sean M. , Caron Marc G.
Published: November 2012

Several studies in rodent models have shown that glycogen synthase kinase 3 β (GSK3β) plays an important role in the actions of antispychotics and mood stabilizers. Recently it was demonstrated that GSK3β through a β-arrestin2/protein kinase B (PKB or Akt)/protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) signaling complex regulates dopamine (DA)- and lithium-sensitive behaviors and is required to mediate endophenotypes of mania and depression in rodents. We have previously shown that atypical antipsychotics antagonize DA D2 receptor (D2R)/β-arrestin2 interactions more efficaciously than G-protein–dependent signaling, whereas typical antipsychotics inhibit both pathways with similar efficacy. To elucidate the site of action of GSK3β in regulating DA- or lithium-sensitive behaviors, we generated conditional knockouts of GSK3β, where GSK3β was deleted in either DA D1- or D2-receptor–expressing neurons. We analyzed these mice for behaviors commonly used to test antipsychotic efficacy or behaviors that are sensitive to lithium treatment. Mice with deletion of GSK3β in D2 (D2GSK3β
−/−
) but not D1 (D1GSK3β
−/−
) neurons mimic antipsychotic action. However, haloperidol (HAL)-induced catalepsy was unchanged in either D2GSK3β
−/−
or D1GSK3β
−/−
mice compared with control mice. Interestingly, genetic stabilization of β-catenin, a downstream target of GSK3β, in D2 neurons did not affect any of the behaviors tested. Moreover, D2GSK3β
−/−
or D1GSK3β
−/−
mice showed similar responses to controls in the tail suspension test (TST) and dark–light emergence test, behaviors which were previously shown to be β-arrestin2- and GSK3β-dependent and sensitive to lithium treatment. Taken together these studies suggest that selective deletion of GSK3β but not stabilization of β-catenin in D2 neurons mimics antipsychotic action without affecting signaling pathways involved in catalepsy or certain mood-related behaviors.
On the finite linear independence of lattice Gabor systems
Authors: Demeter Ciprian , Gautam S.
Published: November 2012

In the restricted setting of product phase space lattices, we give an alternate proof of P. Linnell’s theorem on the finite linear independence of lattice Gabor systems in

L
2

(

R

d

)

L^2(\mathbb R^d)

. Our proof is based on a simple argument from the spectral theory of random Schrödinger operators; in the one-dimensional setting, we recover the full strength of Linnell’s result for general lattices.
Thirst in heart failure: a systematic literature review
Authors: Waldréus Nana , Hahn Robert G. , Jaarsma Tiny
Published: November 2012

Aims

Although patients with heart failure (HF) may suffer from severe thirst, this has received little attention in scientific studies. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify and analyse data on thirst in HF.

Methods and results

Pubmed, Cochrane, Cinahl, and Medline databases were searched for original studies on patients with HF with thirst as an outcome measure. Of 174 screened citations, nine articles were included, in which a total of 4375 HF patients had been studied. Four studies comprising 181 patients provided visual analogue scale (VAS) scores. Median thirst intensity ranged from 23 to 75 mm (VAS 0–100 mm). One study showed 2% prevalence of thirst in a placebo group and another study showed that 46% of HF patients (n = 25) experienced thirst distress. Thirst was described as annoying and as a cause of suffering. In most studies, the main results reflect a poor description of several dimensions of thirst. Factors that affected thirst were related to treatment, HF condition, demographics, and emotions. The consequences of thirst in HF were related to compliance, preoccupation with thirst, and a negative impact on quality of life.

Conclusion

Thirst may be increased and experienced as distressing in patients with HF, but there is limited knowledge about the causative factors. More research is needed to study the effects of thirst and effective interventions in order to relieve troublesome thirst in HF patients.
In situ target strength estimates of optically verified southern blue whiting (Micromesistius australis)
Authors: O'Driscoll Richard L. , Oeffner Johannes , Dunford Adam J.
Published: November 2012

O'Driscoll, R. L., Oeffner, J., and Dunford, A. J. 2013. In situ target strength estimates of optically verified southern blue whiting (Micromesistius australis) – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 70: 431–439. Estimates of the acoustic target strength (TS) of southern blue whiting (Micromesistius australis) at 38 kHz were obtained using an autonomous acoustic–optical system (AOS) mounted on a demersal trawl. Data were collected from aggregations of spawning adult [mean fork length (FL) 34.4 cm] and immature (mean FL 24.6 cm) southern blue whiting south of New Zealand. Mean TS was estimated from 162 tracks containing 695 echoes from targets identified from video as southern blue whiting. The mean TS was –37.9 dB with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of –39.7 to –36.6 dB for 21 immature fish and –34.6 dB (95% CI –35.4 to –34.0 dB) for 141 adults. A logarithmic fit through the mean TS values produced a TS–fork length (FL) relationship from optically verified targets of TS = 22.06 log10FL – 68.54. This new relationship gives TS values within 1 dB of those estimated using the relationship recently adopted by ICES for blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou) of TS = 20 log10TL – 65.2 (where TL is total length) obtained from in situ measurements, but higher values than those estimated from the previous relationship for southern blue whiting of TS = 38 log10FL – 97, which was based on swimbladder modelling.
How should inmates be released from prison? An assessment of parole versus fixed-sentence regimes *
Authors: Kuziemko Ilyana
Published: November 2012

Over the past 30 years, many states have abolished parole boards, which traditionally have had the discretion to release inmates before the expiration of their full sentence, in favor of fixed-sentence regimes in which the original sentence is binding. However, if prison time lowers recidivism risk and if parole boards can accurately estimate inmates’ recidivism risk, then relative to a fixed-sentence regime, parole can provide allocative-efficiency benefits (costly prison space is allocated to the highest-risk offenders) and incentive benefits (prisoners know they must reduce their recidivism risk to gain an early release, so invest in their own rehabilitation). Exploiting quasi-experiments from the state of Georgia, I show that prison time reduces recidivism risk and that parole boards set prison time in an allocatively efficient manner. Prisoners respond to these incentives; after a reform that eliminated parole for certain offenders, they accumulated a greater number of disciplinary infractions, completed fewer prison rehabilitative programs, and recidivated at higher rates than inmates unaffected by the reform. I estimate that eliminating parole for all prisoners would increase the prison population by 10% while also increasing the crime rate through deleterious effects on recidivism.
Micromonospora wenchangensis sp. nov., isolated from mangrove soil
Authors: Ren Jian , Li Lei , Wei Bin , Tang Yi-Li , Deng Zi-Xin , Sun Ming , Hong Kui
Published: November 2012

An actinomycete, strain 2602GPT1-05T, was isolated from a composite mangrove soil sample collected from Wenchang, Hainan province, China. Strain 2602GPT1-05T showed closest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to

Micromonospora haikouensis

232617T (99.05 %), and phylogenetically clustered with

Micromonospora haikouensis

232617T,

Micromonospora matsumotoense

IMSNU 22003T (98.7 %) and

Micromonospora rifamycinica

AM105T (98.6 %) based on the 16S rRNA and gyrB gene sequence phylogenetic analysis. The strain harboured meso-DAP and glycine as major cell-wall amino acids, and MK-10(H6) and MK-9(H6) as predominant menaquinones. The characteristic whole-cell sugars were xylose, arabinose, glucose and galactose. The polar lipid profile comprised phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol mannosides, unknown phospholipid and an unknown phosphoglycolipid. The major cellular fatty acids were C18 : 1ω9c, iso-C15 : 0, 10-methyl C18 : 0 (tuberculostearic acid), C16 : 0, C18 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. The DNA G+C content was 71.7 mol%. Furthermore, some physiological and biochemical properties and low DNA–DNA relatedness values enabled the strain to be differentiated from members of closely related species. On the basis of these phenotypic, genotypic and chemotaxonomic data, strain 2602GPT1-05T represents a novel species of the genus

Micromonospora

, for which the name Micromonospora wenchangensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 2602GPT1-05T ( = CCTCC AA 2012002T = DSM 45709T).
Roseomonas aerophila sp. nov., isolated from air
Authors: Kim Soo-Jin , Weon Hang-Yeon , Ahn Jae-Hyung , Hong Seung-Beom , Seok Soon-Ja , Whang Kyung-Sook , Kwon Soon-Wo
Published: November 2012

An aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, motile, mesophilic bacterium, designated strain 7515T-07T, was isolated from an air sample in the Taean region, Republic of Korea. The strain grew at 4–40 °C (optimum, 30 °C) and pH 5.0–9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain 7515T-07T was related to members of the genus

Roseomonas

and had highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with

Roseomonas ludipueritiae

170/96T (96.7 %). 16S RNA gene sequence similarity between strain 7515T-07T and

Roseomonas gilardii

ATCC 49956T (the type species of the genus

Roseomonas

) was 93.4 %. Strain 7515T-07T contained Q-10 as the ubiquinone and C18 : 1ω7c and C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c as the dominant fatty acids (>10 %). The polar lipid profile contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine and two unidentified aminolipids. The DNA G+C content was 73.0 mol%. Combined data from phenotypic, phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic studies demonstrated that strain 7515T-07T is a representative of a novel species of the genus

Roseomonas

, for which the name Roseomonas aerophila sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 7515T-07T ( = KACC 16529T = NBRC 108923T).
Glaciimonas singularis sp. nov., isolated from a uranium mine wastewater treatment plant
Authors: Chung Ana Paula , Tiago Igor , Nobre M. Fernanda , Veríssimo António , Morais Paula V.
Published: November 2012

A bacterial strain, A2-57T, recovered from a water sample collected in a uranium mine was taxonomically studied in detail. This strain was a Gram-reaction-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that grew optimally at 25 °C and at pH 6.0–7.0 and had a DNA G+C content of 55.0 mol%. Ubiquinone 8 (UQ-8) was the predominant respiratory quinone and the major fatty acids were C16 : 0, C17 : 0 cyclo, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω6c and/or ω7c and/or C15 : 0 iso 2-OH) and C18 : 1ω7c. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain A2-57T belonged to the family

Oxalobacteraceae

and formed a distinct branch with

Glaciimonas immobilis

Cr9-30T. Strain A2-57T shared approximately 97.3 % 16S rRNA sequence similarity with

G. immobilis

Cr9-30T and also showed high sequence similarity with members of the genera

Herbaspirillum

(96.3–97.0 %) and

Collimonas

(96.2–97.0 %). Although phylogenetically closely related to the type strain of

G. immobilis

, the low level of DNA–DNA hybridization between the two strains (21.6 %) and several physiological and biochemical properties indicated that the novel strain could be clearly distinguished from

G. immobilis

LMG 25547T. Therefore, it is concluded that strain A2-57T represents a novel species of the genus

Glaciimonas

, for which the name Glaciimonas singularis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is A2-57T ( = CIP 110539T = LMG 27070T).
Leadership in a therapeutic environment. “What a long, strange trip it is”
Authors: Rollinson Richard
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The aim is to explore important perspectives and structures that can inform leadership in a therapeutic environment based on psychodynamic principles.

Design/methodology/approach

The experiences of the author as Director of the Mulberry Bush (1991‐2001) are used as a focus for inquiry into the challenges and issues that emerge in relation to leadership.

Findings

It was found that certain key features of leadership when exercised – attending to beginning and endings, emotional containment and holding in mind, “holding the line” and tolerating uncertainty – more reliably ensure the continuity of a healthy therapeutic environment.

Practical implications

Leadership informed by a psychodynamic perspective and reflections can assist the leader, the team, the residents and the entire organisation to focus on not only creating but also sustaining a way of living and learning together that will produce learning, changing, growing and “going”.

Originality/value

The exploration of the subject of leadership in this context contributes to broadening and deepening understanding in the sector of the significance of leadership and how best to engage with its challenges in a way that more reliably ensures the continuity of going on being and growing that is needed at the heart of a therapeutic environment.
The therapeutic community impulse: what makes it grow?
Authors: Kennard David
Published: November 2012

Purpose

This paper seeks to provide a history and a prehistory of the therapeutic community movement, and a series of questions still debated in the field.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the factors which favour the creation of therapeutic communities, drawing on Winnicott's views on democracy and the history of therapeutic community innovations. Some key factors are identified and their implications discussed.

Findings

The paper suggests that the therapeutic community impulse takes root where a number of individuals, with what Winnicott has called the “democratic tendency”, come together in response to a community's need for psychological care and support, and this can happen anywhere.

Originality/value

The paper offers a history and a prehistory of the therapeutic community movement, and draws out some of the implications for the future development of therapeutic communities and the nurturing of the therapeutic community impulse.
Perennial habitat fragments, parasitoid diversity and parasitism in ephemeral crops
Authors: Letourneau Deborah K. , Bothwell Allen Sara G. , Stireman John O.
Published: November 2012

Agricultural intensification has led to the removal of semi‐wild, perennial vegetation in agricultural landscapes. However, in short‐cycle crops, frequent disturbance from insecticides, harvesting and tillage disrupts the establishment of resident communities of natural enemies of pests. Semi‐wild perennial vegetation may provide critical habitat for mobile arthropods supporting ecosystem services and sustainable agriculture.

We sampled tachinid parasitoids, an important taxon for biological control of vegetable pests, in 35 organic farm fields situated within a mosaic of agricultural, residential and preserved lands in coastal California. Using a GIS, we characterized land‐use and vegetative cover within 500 and 1500 m, including grasslands, chaparral, oak woodlands and coniferous forests.

The abundance and species richness of tachinid flies captured in Malaise traps in spring and summer were positively associated with the cover of semi‐wild perennial vegetation, especially in mesic habitats. The effective number of tachinid species (eH) was correlated positively with semi‐wild perennial vegetation cover and negatively with annual crop cover in the landscape in September and May.

The richness of parasitoids emerging from sentinel lepidopteran pests exposed on potted plants within farm fields was negatively associated with annual cropland cover. Parasitism rates dropped precipitously as percentage annual crop cover exceeded species‐specific thresholds.

Synthesis and applications. Maintaining semi‐wild, perennial habitat fragments as refugia to support parasitoids can increase biodiversity and provide ecosystem services in annual and short‐cycle crop fields. Our results indicated that crop pests escaped parasitism by two important tachinid species in landscapes with greater than 38% and 51% cover of annual cropland, respectively. Landscape‐level research is critical for integrating science and policy to conserve biodiversity, promote sustainable agroecosystems and evaluate new anti‐wildlife vegetation removal campaigns that may harm biological control agents while targeting microbial food contamination.
Polyphenols, flavonoids, antioxidant activity in leaves and flowers of Tunisian Globularia alypum L. (Globulariaceae)
Authors: Chograni Hnia , Riahi Leila , Zaouali Yosr , Boussaid Mohamed
Published: November 2012

Leaves and flowers from Tunisian Globularia alypum were assessed for their phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity. Phenolic (15.5–22.30 mg GAE g−1 DW) and flavonoid (3.63–4.72 mg RE g−1 DW) contents varied according to plant part. Globularia alypum leaves exhibited the highest phenol and flavonoid contents, and displayed the highest antioxidant activity, based on radical‐scavenging activity (295 μmol TEAC g−1 DW) and ferric reducing power (24.27 mmol Fe2+/l). The obtained results demonstrated that some of the isolated compounds play an important role for the antioxidant activity of G. alypum and give a scientific basis to the use of this plant in traditional medicine. The methanolic extract of G. alypum could be considered as a source of potential antioxidants and will promote the reasonable usage of this plant in food technology and processing as well as for medical use.
Evolution of overweight prevalence among 5–6‐year‐old children according to socio‐economic status
Authors: Thibault Hélène , Carriere Caroline , Langevin Coralie , Barberger‐Gateau Pascale , Maurice Sylvie
Published: November 2012

Aim

To assess time trends in overweight and obesity prevalence among 5–6‐year‐old children of Bordeaux city (France) over seven school years from 2004–2005 to 2010–2011.

Methods

For each year, all 5–6‐year‐old children from 63 of the 69 schools of Bordeaux were included: 2005, 2100, 2010, 1952, 2040, 2017 and 2111 subjects, respectively. Weight and height were collected by school doctors, and weight status was defined according to the age‐ and sex‐specific body mass index cut‐off points of the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) for obesity and to the French age‐ and gender‐specific child cut‐off (close to the IOTF cut‐off) for overweight including obesity.

Results

From 2004–2005 to 2010–2011, an overall decrease was observed in overweight including obesity (from 8.9% to 5.2%, p < 0.001) and obesity prevalences (from 2.8% to 1.4%, p = 0.046). Similar results were observed in non‐low socio‐economic status (SES) areas (p < 0.001), whereas the prevalence did not vary significantly in low‐SES areas (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Overweight prevalence has decreased between 2004 and 2011 in 5–6‐year‐old children from Bordeaux. However, the gap between low and non‐low‐SES areas has persisted during these years.
Fatty liver is a good indicator of subclinical atherosclerosis risk in obese children and adolescents regardless of liver enzyme elevation
Authors: Akın Leyla , Kurtoglu Selim , Yikilmaz Ali , Kendirci Mustafa , Elmalı Ferhan , Mazicioglu Mümtaz
Published: November 2012

Aim

To investigate the presence of association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and subclinical atherosclerosis using carotid intima media thickness (c‐IMT) in obese children and adolescents. Additionally, we wished to investigate the relationship between fatty liver and elevated liver enzymes.

Methods

A total of 157 obese patients (78 boys and 79 girls, mean age: 11.3 ± 2.6 years, age range: 6–16 years) were enrolled in the study. Aminotransferase, fasting glucose and lipid levels were determined. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed. The c‐IMT was measured. Infectious and metabolic causes of elevated liver enzymes were excluded. The diagnosis of NAFLD was based on ultrasound scan.

Results

Obese patients with NAFLD had markedly increased carotid IMT (mean: 0.48 mm, 95% CI: 0.47–0.49) than those without NAFLD (mean: 0.45 mm 95% CI: 0.44‐0.45, p < 0.001). The presence of NAFLD significantly increased c‐IMT whether the patient had elevated liver enzyme or not (ANOVA, p < 0.001). In a multiple‐regression model, only the presence of NAFLD was associated with increased c‐IMT (β = 0.031, SE (β) = 0.008, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Obese children and adolescents with NAFLD are at risk of early atherosclerotic changes. As liver function tests are not sufficient to identify patients with fatty liver, ultrasonographic evaluation of NAFLD might be considered in all obese children and adolescents.
The natural history of gastro‐oesophageal reflux symptoms in the community and its effects on survival: a longitudinal 10‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Ford A. C. , Forman D. , Bailey A. G. , Axon A. T. R. , Moayyedi P.
Published: November 2012

Background

Gastro‐oesophageal reflux symptoms (GERS) are common in the community. However, few studies have examined their long‐term natural history, or impact on survival.

Aim

To examine these issues in individuals recruited into a community‐based screening programme for Helicobacter pylori in 1994.

Methods

Data on mortality and cause of death at 10 years were obtained from the Office for National Statistics. Baseline demographic data, lifestyle factors, gastrointestinal symptoms and quality of life were recorded at study entry. The effect of all these factors on persistent and new‐onset GERS, and 10‐year mortality, were examined using univariate and multivariate analysis, with results expressed as odds ratios (ORs) or hazard ratios (HR) with 99% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Of 3967 individuals providing complete GERS data at baseline and 10 years, 549 (13.8%) had GERS at baseline. Of these, 183 (33.3%) had persistent symptoms. Among 3418 individuals asymptomatic at baseline, approximately 0.8% per year developed new‐onset GERS. No predictors of persistent GERS were identified. New‐onset symptoms were associated with lower quality of life or presence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) at baseline, and higher body mass index (BMI) at 10 years. There were 8331 (99.1%) of 8407 subjects providing complete GERS data at baseline, 1289 (15.5%) of whom were symptomatic. Presence of GERS at baseline did not affect survival (HR: 0.84; 99% CI: 0.44–1.59).

Conclusions

Gastro‐oesophageal reflux symptoms persisted in one‐third of individuals, whilst new‐onset gastro‐oesophageal reflux symptoms were associated with poor quality of life, irritable bowel syndrome and higher body mass index. Gastro‐oesophageal reflux symptoms did not impact adversely on survival.