d0 Perovskite-Semiconductor Electronic Structure

We address the low-energy effective Hamiltonian of electron doped d0 perovskite semiconductors in cubic and tetragonal phases using the k*p method. The Hamiltonian depends on the spin-orbit interaction strength, on the temperature-dependent tetragonal distortion, and on a set of effective-mass parameters whose number is determined by the symmetry of the crystal. We explain how these parameters can be extracted from angle resolved photo-emission, Raman spectroscopy, and magneto-transport measurements and estimate their values in SrTiO3

Aggression among 216 patients with a first-psychotic episode of bipolar I disorder

Background: Aggression by patients with bipolar I disorder (BD-I) is not uncommon. Identifying potential risk factors early in the illness-course should inform clinical management and reduce risk. Methods: In a study sample of 216 initially hospitalized, first-psychotic episode subjects diagnosed with DSM-IV-TR BD-I, we identified recent (within 1 month before hospitalization) aggression by ratings on the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale-Expanded and review of detailed clinical research records. We compared subjects with versus without aggressive behavior for associations with selected demographic and clinical factors. Results: Aggression was identified in 23/216 subjects (10.6%). It was associated significantly with recent suicide attempt (OR = 4.86), alcohol abuse (OR = 3.63), learning disability (OR = 3.14), and initial manic episode (OR = 2.59), but not with age, sex, onset-type, personality disorder, time to recovery, or functional status. Conclusions: Among first-major episode BD-I patients with psychotic features, recent serious aggression towards others was identified in 10.6%. The odds of aggression increased by 4.9-times in association with a recent suicide attempt, more than 3-times with alcohol-abuse or learning disability, and by 2.6-times if the episode polarity was manic. The findings encourage closer management of alcohol misuse, suicide risk, and manic symptoms, and early detection of learning problems in BD-I patients

Acute Opioid Withdrawal Mimicking Postoperative Joint Infection Following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) Reconstruction: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND A short course of opioid narcotics is often prescribed for postoperative anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction pain management. Unfortunately, there is a well-documented incidence of opioid withdrawal syndrome (OWS) following short-term use of these medications. OWS can present with symptoms such as influenza-like illness. It is important to differentiate OWS from infectious illnesses, especially after surgery. CASE REPORT We present a case of OWS in a patient who underwent ACL reconstruction 7 days prior. The patient\u27s OWS symptoms were similar to symptoms of a postoperative infection. The knee was aspirated, and the analysis of the aspirate was not concerning for an infection. The patient\u27s symptoms spontaneously resolved on postoperative day 10. This is the first documented case of OWS mimicking ACL reconstruction joint infection. CONCLUSIONS OWS after surgery may present with symptoms similar to joint infection. It is important to consider OWS as a potential complication after surgery and differentiate it from infection to avoid any further unnecessary invasive treatments for the patient

Improving estimation of glacier volume change: a GLIMS case study of Bering Glacier System, Alaska

International audienceThe Global Land Ice Measurements from Space (GLIMS) project has developed tools and methods that can be employed by analysts to create accurate glacier outlines and resultant measures of glacier extent. To illustrate the importance of accurate glacier outlines and the effectiveness of GLIMS standards we have conducted a case study on Bering Glacier System (BGS), Alaska. BGS is a complex glacier system aggregated from multiple drainage basins, numerous individual ice streams, and many accumulation areas. Published measurements of BGS surface area vary from 1740 to 6200 km2, depending on how the boundaries of this system have been defined. Utilizing GLIMS tools and standards we have completed a new outline and analysis of the area-altitude distribution (hypsometry) of BGS using Landsat images from 2000 and 2001. We compared this new outline (3632 km2) with three previous outlines to illustrate the errors that result from the widely varying estimates used in previous analysis of BGS area. The use of different BGS outlines results in highly variable measures of volume change and net balance (bn). Outline variability alone results in a net balance rate range of ?1.0 to ?3.2 m/yr water equivalent (W.E.), a volume change range of ?4.2 to ?8.2 km3/yr, and a near doubling in contributions to sea level equivalent (SLE), 0.0122 mm/yr to 0.0236 mm/yr. A study of three different models of BGS net balance leads us to favor estimates of bn of ?1.2 m/yr W.E. and total volume change of ?4.2 km3/yr for the period 1950?2004. These estimates result in a near doubling of contributions to sea level equivalent when compared with previous studies. While current inaccuracies in glacier outlines hinder our ability to fully understand glacier change, there is no reason why our understanding of glacier extents should not be comprehensive and accurate. Such accuracy is possible with the increasing volume of satellite imagery of glacierized regions, and recent advances in tools and standards

Comparing recruitment strategies in a study of acupuncture for chronic back pain

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Meeting recruitment goals is challenging for many clinical trials conducted in primary care populations. Little is known about how the use of different recruitment strategies affects the types of individuals choosing to participate or the conclusions of the study.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A secondary analysis was performed using data from participants recruited to a clinical trial evaluating acupuncture for chronic back pain among primary care patients in a large integrated health care organization. We used two recruitment methods: mailed letters of invitation and an advertisement in the health plan's magazine. For these two recruitment methods, we compared recruitment success (% randomized, treatment completers, drop outs and losses to follow-up), participant characteristics, and primary clinical outcomes. A linear regression model was used to test for interaction between treatment group and recruitment method.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Participants recruited via mailed letters closely resembled those responding to the advertisement in terms of demographic characteristics, most aspects of their back pain history and current episode and beliefs and expectations about acupuncture. No interaction between method of recruitment and treatment group was seen, suggesting that study outcomes were not affected by recruitment strategy.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In this trial, the two recruitment strategies yielded similar estimates of treatment effectiveness. However, because this finding may not apply to other recruitment strategies or trial circumstances, trials employing multiple recruitment strategies should evaluate the effect of recruitment strategy on outcome.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>Clinical Trials.gov NCT00065585.</p

Cattle egrets regurgitate house mouse carcasses onto a mouse-free island: implications for rodent eradications

Context. Eradication of invasive rodents on islands typically results in positive conservation gains, and maintaining a rodent-free island requires elevated biosecurity, including prevention of assisted rodent arrival via watercraft, aircraft and animals such as birds. Cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis) are widespread, and often fly several kilometres daily to roost and forage. They frequently swallow insects and vertebrates (including rodents) whole, and some regurgitate prey. Cattle egrets have been regularly observed flying between the Hawaiian Islands of Ni’ihau (where non-native mice and rats are established) and Lehua (where one species of non-native rat is established and was targeted during a recent eradication attempt). Aims. The objectives were to identify the species of rodent that cattle egrets regurgitate following transport between Ni’ihau and Lehua islands, and to determine if any of the rodent individuals regurgitated were alive once deposited onto Lehua Island following 1.1-km oversea flights. Methods. Eighty-five individual rodent carcasses (regurgitated by cattle egrets) were collected, preserved and identified to species using morphological characteristics and DNA sequencing. Key results. All rodents regurgitated by cattle egrets were dead upon collection on Lehua Island. Although the Pacific rat (Rattus exulans) is the only rodent species on Lehua Island, and field staff suspected the regurgitated rodents were R. exulans, all 85 carcasses were identified as house mice (Mus musculus). Conclusions. This is the first evidence (that the authors know of) showing movement of rodent carcasses, via cattle egrets, between islands. Implications. Cattle egrets that deposit rodent carcasses onto rodent-free islands, or segments of islands, may confuse land managers and biosecurity professionals who are unaware of this phenomenon. House mice did not survive cattle egret ingestion,.1-km flight and regurgitation; therefore it is unlikely that live rodents would be introduced to rodent-free areas via cattle egrets

Prevalence and family-related factors associated with suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and self-injury in children aged 9 to 10 years

Importance: Although suicide is a leading cause of death for children in the United States, and the rate of suicide in childhood has steadily increased, little is known about suicidal ideation and behaviors in children. Objective: To assess the overall prevalence of suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and nonsuicidal self-injury, as well as family-related factors associated with suicidality and self-injury among preadolescent children. Design, Setting, and Participants: Cross-sectional study using retrospective analysis of the baseline sample from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. This multicenter investigation used an epidemiologically informed school-based recruitment strategy, with consideration of the demographic composition of the 21 ABCD sites and the United States as a whole. The sample included children aged 9 to 10 years and their caregivers. Main Outcomes and Measures: Lifetime suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and nonsuicidal self-injury as reported by children and their caregivers in a computerized version of the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia. Results: A total of 11 814 children aged 9 to 10 years (47.8% girls; 52.0% white) and their caregivers were included. After poststratification sociodemographic weighting, the approximate prevalence rates were 6.4% (95% CI, 5.7%-7.3%) for lifetime history of passive suicidal ideation; 4.4% (95% CI, 3.9%-5.0%) for nonspecific active suicidal ideation; 2.4% (95% CI, 2.1%-2.7%) for active ideation with method, intent, or plan; 1.3% (95% CI, 1.0%-1.6%) for suicide attempts; and 9.1% (95% CI, 8.1-10.3) for nonsuicidal self-injury. After covarying by sex, family history, internalizing and externalizing problems, and relevant psychosocial variables, high family conflict was significantly associated with suicidal ideation (odds ratio [OR], 1.12; 95% CI, 1.07-1.16) and nonsuicidal self-injury (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.05-1.14), and low parental monitoring was significantly associated with ideation (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95-0.98), attempts (OR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.86-0.97), and nonsuicidal self-injury (OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.93-0.98); these findings were consistent after internal replication. Most of children\u27s reports of suicidality and self-injury were either unknown or not reported by their caregivers. Conclusions and Relevance: This study demonstrates the association of family factors, including high family conflict and low parental monitoring, with suicidality and self-injury in children. Future research and ongoing prevention and intervention efforts may benefit from the examination of family factors

Characteristics of patients with chronic back pain who benefit from acupuncture

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Although many clinicians believe there are clinically important subgroups of persons with "non-specific" low back pain, such subgroups have not yet been clearly identified. As part of a large trial evaluating acupuncture for chronic low back pain, we sought to identify subgroups of participants that were particularly responsive to acupuncture.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We performed a secondary analysis of data for the 638 participants in our clinical trial comparing different types of acupuncture to usual care to identify baseline characteristics that predicted responses to individualized, standardized, or simulated acupuncture treatments. After identifying factors that predicted improvements in back-related function or symptoms, we determined if these factors were more likely to predict improvement for those receiving the acupuncture treatments than for those receiving usual care. This was accomplished by testing for an interaction between the prognostic factors and treatment group in four models: functional outcomes (measured by the Roland-Morris Disability Scale) at 8 and 52 weeks post-randomization and symptom outcomes (measured with a numerical rating scale) at 8 and 52 weeks.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Overall, the strongest predictors of improvement in back function and symptoms were higher baseline levels of these measures, receipt of an acupuncture treatment, and non-use of narcotic analgesics. Benefit from acupuncture compared to usual care was greater with worse pre-treatment levels of back dysfunction (interaction p < 0.004 for the functional outcome, Roland Morris Disability Scale at 8 weeks). No other consistent interactions were observed.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This secondary analysis found little evidence for the existence of subgroups of patients with chronic back pain that would be especially likely to benefit from acupuncture. However, persons with chronic low back pain who had more severe baseline dysfunction had the most short-term benefit from acupuncture.</p