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L'hyperkaliémie, fréquente en pratique clinique courante, est un facteur de risque majeur de mortalité. Elle affecte principalement les patients présentant une insuffisance rénale chronique (IRC), un diabète ou recevant un traitement par inhibiteurs du système rénine-angiotensine-aldostérone (iSRAA). La prise en charge thérapeutique a pour objectif non seulement d'éviter les complications de l'hyperkaliémie, mais aussi d'éviter l'arrêt des traitements cardio- et néphroprotecteurs comme les iSRAA. L'emploi du polystyrène sulfonate, largement prescrit, est souvent limité par l'acceptabilité des patients. Des données récentes sont venues mettre en doute son innocuité, notamment sa tolérance digestive. Deux nouvelles molécules échangeuses de potassium ont fait leur apparition, le patiromer et le sulfonate de zirconium. Leur intérêt en pratique clinique ainsi que leur acceptabilité en cas de prescription prolongée, restent à démontrer. L'association d'un diurétique thiazidique ou d'un inhibiteur du cotransporteur sodium-glucose de type 2 (iSGLT2) au traitement par iSRAA dans l'IRC, peut également permettre de mieux contrôler la kaliémie. Il n'existe pas à l'heure actuelle de recommandations pour positionner les différents traitements hypokaliémiants. Le choix de ces traitements doit s'adapter aux pathologies du patient et tenir compte des autres effets attendus de ces molécules. Hyperkalemia is common in everyday clinical practice, and is a major risk factor for mortality. It mainly affects patients with chronic renal failure (CKD), diabetes or receiving treatment with inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (iRAAS). Therapeutic management aims not only to avoid the complications of hyperkalemia, but also to avoid discontinuation of cardio- and nephroprotective treatments such as iRAAS. The use of polystyrene sulfonate, widely prescribed, is often limited by patient acceptability. Recent data have cast doubt on its safety, particularly in terms of digestive tolerance. Two new potassium exchange molecules have appeared on the market: patiromer and zirconium sulfonate. Their value in clinical practice, and their acceptability in the event of prolonged prescription, remain to be demonstrated. The combination of a thiazide diuretic or an inhibitor of the sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 (iSGLT2) with iRAAS therapy in CKD, may also improve control of kalemia. At present, there are no recommendations for the positioning of the various hypokalemic treatments. The choice of these treatments must be adapted to the patient's pathologies and consider the other expected effects of these molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, nondestructive testing has been performed on a thin gold layer deposited on a 2 in. silicon wafer. Guided waves were generated and studied using a laser ultrasonic setup and a two-dimensional fast Fourier transform technique was employed to obtain the dispersion curves. A gold layer thickness of 1.33 μm has been determined with a ±5% margin of error using the shape of the two first propagating modes, assuming for the substrate and the layer an uncertainty on the elastic parameters of ±2.5%. A finite element model has been implemented to validate the data post-treatment and the experimental results. A good agreement between the numerical simulation, the analytical modeling and the experimentations has been observed. This method was considered suitable for thickness layer higher than 0.7 μm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nondestructive testing has been performed on a thin copper plate. Lamb waves were generated and studied with a noncontact method, using a laser ultrasonic setup. A two-dimensional Fourier transform technique has been employed to obtain the dispersion curves, revealing numerous symmetric and antisymmetric modes. The inverse problem, in other words, the determination of the thickness and the elastic constants of the tested plate, has been solved by means of a feed-forward neural network. These parameters were then evaluated simultaneously, the dispersion curves being entirely fitted. The experimental results show good agreement with the theoretical model. This inversion method was found to be prompt and easy to automate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The fabrication and the optimization of photovoltaic solar cells based on poly(3,3-didodecylquaterthiophene) (12-PQT) blended with [6,6]-phenyl-C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) are reported. On the one hand, the effect of the blend composition shows the necessity to increase the amount of fullerene derivative compared to conventional poly(3-hexylthiophene)-based systems. On the second hand, thermal annealing of devices is optimized and discussed. Overall, in this work, the highest power conversion efficiencies are shown in the range of 0.3–0.4% which represents a lower value than that reported with poly(3-hexylthiophene). Results are discussed in terms of charge carrier mobility and phase segregation in this bicontinuous donor-acceptor network. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Context: Delayed or inaccurate communication between hospital-based and primary care physicians at hospital discharge may negatively affect continuity of care and contribute to adverse events.Objectives: To characterize the prevalence of deficits in communication and information transfer at hospital discharge and to identify interventions to improve this process.Data Sources: MEDLINE (through November 2006), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and hand search of article bibliographies.Study Selection: Observational studies investigating communication and information transfer at hospital discharge (n = 55) and controlled studies evaluating the efficacy of interventions to improve information transfer (n = 18).Data Extraction: Data from observational studies were extracted on the availability, timeliness, content, and format of discharge communications, as well as primary care physician satisfaction. Results of interventions were summarized by their effect on timeliness, accuracy, completeness, and overall quality of the information transfer.Data Synthesis: Direct communication between hospital physicians and primary care physicians occurred infrequently (3%-20%). The availability of a discharge summary at the first postdischarge visit was low (12%-34%) and remained poor at 4 weeks (51%-77%), affecting the quality of care in approximately 25% of follow-up visits and contributing to primary care physician dissatisfaction. Discharge summaries often lacked important information such as diagnostic test results (missing from 33%-63%), treatment or hospital course (7%-22%), discharge medications (2%-40%), test results pending at discharge (65%), patient or family counseling (90%-92%), and follow-up plans (2%-43%). Several interventions, including computer-generated discharge summaries and using patients as couriers, shortened the delivery time of discharge communications. Use of standardized formats to highlight the most pertinent information improved the perceived quality of documents.Conclusions: Deficits in communication and information transfer at hospital discharge are common and may adversely affect patient care. Interventions such as computer-generated summaries and standardized formats may facilitate more timely transfer of pertinent patient information to primary care physicians and make discharge summaries more consistently available during follow-up care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybridization and introgression are important natural evolutionary processes that can be successfully investigated using molecular markers and open- and controlled-pollinated progeny. In this study, we collected open-pollinated seeds from Cedrus atlantica, Cedrus libani and C. libani × C. atlantica hybrids from three French-plantation forests. We also used pollen from C. libani and Cedrus brevifolia to pollinate C. atlantica trees. The progeny were analyzed using three different types of molecular markers: RAPDs, AFLPs and cpSSRs. Chloroplast DNA was found to be paternally inherited in Cedrus from the progeny of controlled-crosses. Heteroplasmy, although possible, could not be undoubtedly detected. There was no indication of strong reproductive isolating barriers among the three Mediterranean Cedrus taxa. Gene flow between C. atlantica and C. libani accounted for 67 to 81% of viable open-pollinated seedlings in two plantation forests. We propose that Mediterranean Cedrus taxa should be considered as units of a single collective species comprising two regional groups, North Africa and the Middle East. We recommend the use of cpSSRs for monitoring gene flow between taxa in plantation forests, especially in areas where garden specimens of one species are planted in the vicinity of selected seed-stands and gene-conservation reserves of another species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which used bulked segregant analysis in a 2 x 2 factorial mating design, to conduct a molecular genetics study of rust resistance in poplars (Melampsora larici-populina Kleb/Populus sp.). Use of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers; Tagging of genomic region in Populus sp. involved in qualitative resistance to Melampsora laricia-populina.

On-line performance monitoring of RF integrated circuits throughout their operating lifetime is a promising way to enhance their reliability. This paper explores the feasibility of adapting the indirect test strategy to implement on-line RF performance monitoring. After stating the principle of the proposed solution, we consider the fundamental requirements necessary to adapt the indirect test strategy. Finally, a proof of concept is established through a practical case of study by monitoring the power level delivered by the RF transmitter of a wireless microcontroller: hardware measurement results demonstrate the potential of this approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The total ozone reduction in the Arctic during the winters of 1993/94 and 1994/95 has been evaluated using the ground-based total ozone measurements of five SAOZ spectrometers distributed in the Arctic and from number density profiles of a balloon-borne version of the instrument. The ozone change resulting from transport has been removed using a 3D Chemistry Transport Model (CTM) run without chemistry. A cumulative total ozone depletion at the end of winter in March of 18% +/- 4% in 1994 and of 32% +/- 4% in 1995 was observed within the polar vortex, and of 15% +/- 4% in both years outside the vortex. This evaluation is not sensitive to the vertical transport in the model. The periods, locations and altitudes at which ozone loss occurred were tightly connected to temperatures lower than NAT condensation temperature.The maximum loss was observed at 50 hPa in 1994 and lower, 60-80 hPa, in 1995. Half of the depletion in 1994 and three quarters in 1995 occurred during the early winter, showing that a late final warming isnot a prerequisite for large ozone destruction in the northern hemisphere. The timing, the geographical location and the altitude of the ozone losses are well captured by the 3D CTM photochemical model using current chemistry, but its amplitude at low sun during the early winter, is underestimated. The model simulations also capture the earlyseason reductions observed outside the vortex. This suggests that the losses occurred in situ in the early winter, when low temperatures are frequent, and not later in March, when ozone is most reduced inside the vortex, which would be the case if leakage from the vortex wasthe cause of the depletion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first night-time observation of the vertical profile of OClO wasperformed by the AMON balloon-borne spectrometer during the SESAME arctic campaign, launched from Kiruna in northern Scandinavia. The flight, which took place inside the polar vortex on 10 February 1995, reveals mixing ratios of 45 q 10 pptv at 20 km. These results are in excellent agreement with the REPROBUS 3D model simulations, which indicate that the observed OClO corresponds to daytime ClO and BrO mixing ratios of 1.2 ppbv and 10 pptv, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to extend the range of application of an existing aeration management logic combining carbon and nitrogen removal, an advanced version was developed. This automated system is devoted to WWTP with aserial configuration of the aeration tanks. The operating strategy gives a priority to the carbon elimination in upstream aeration volumes, whereas downstream elements complete the treatment and optimize the nitrogen removal. The control and command functions of this automated management are based on the analysis of both instant value and time evolution of the oxido-reduction potential, Some setting modifications are specified for the aeration management on upstream cells. Application of this system to full-scale operating plants reveals the total adaptation of the strategy to the serial configuration units. Long-term experiences show that aeration supply is adapted to the required level of treatment, following the load variations. Removal yields are optimized and conformity of the outflows is achieved on the three presented examples. The application of this advanced version of the automated aeration management will help operators in obtaining qualityand reliability of the wastewater treatment. (c) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Upgrading conventional wastewater treatment plants for nitrogen removal involves total control of nitrification, denitrification and carbon removal. On low-load activated sludge processes, a comprehensive survey on fast and low kinetic biological reactions has been carried out, which describes the short-term and long-term requirements on the aeration sequences in a single tank. Although soluble and adsorbed pollution have to be treated in routine conditions, soluble pollution treatment becomes a priority during limited overloads, indicated by a slow ORP evolution. The treatment of adsorbed material is hence delayed. In order to implement the appropriate strategy, an automated aeration management system has been developed. This system is based on the analysis of both the real time signal and time evolution of the Redox potential signal. This information is used for command and controlpurposes. The application of this logic-based approach at full scalehas been fruitful in evaluating its adaptability to the industrial environment and its potential results. The operation of seven plants under the control of the automated management system has enabled the nitrogen removal performance to be increased. Most of the nitrification and denitrification yields reach 90%, whereas previous results werefar lower and more erratic. In addition. the present work determineslimiting conditions for a guaranteed long-term result and a successful upgrading. (c) 1999 IAWQ. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper deals with thermally induced meniscus oscillations in a two-phase system consisting of a liquid plug and a vapor bubble in a capillary tube of circular cross-section. This system represents the simplest version of a heat transfer device called “pulsating heat pipe” (PHP). Our purpose is to gain fundamental understanding of the physical processes that cause self-sustained thermally driven oscillations. A visualization experiment is performed and the oscillations of the liquid–vapor meniscus and the vapor pressure are observed. We propose next a theoretical model. It differs from existing models by the account of the two-phase equilibrium that occurs locally at the vapor–liquid interface and by introduction of the time varying wetting films through which the major part of the heat and mass transfer occurs. Results from the proposed model show a good agreement with the experiment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Leveraging redundant resources is a common means of addressing availability requirements, but it often implies redundant costs as well. At the same time, virtualization technologies promise cost reduction through resource consolidation. Virtualization and high-availability (HA) technologies can be combined to optimize availability while minimizing costs, but merging them properly introduces new challenges. This paper looks at how virtualization technologies and techniques can augment and amplify traditional HA approaches while avoiding potential pitfalls. Special attention is paid to applying HA configurations (such as active/active and active/passive) to virtualized environments, stretching virtual environments across physical machine boundaries, resource-sharing approaches, field experiences, and avoiding potential hazards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information on a study that presented a genetic analysis of isozymes within the French Cedrus atlantica stand on Luberon mountain, Fance. Materials and methodologies used; Results and discussion; Conclusion.

Error vector magnitude (EVM) or alternately offset EVM (OEVM) is one of the most important performance to verify for RF circuits, such as ZigBee transmitters in order to ensure that the quality of the generated modulated signal complies with the requirements of the wireless communication standard. The conventional solution to measure this performance relies on the use of an automatic test equipment (ATE) equipped with expensive RF channels. This article presents a low-cost solution that permits to realize EVM measurement using only a standard digital ATE. The approach is based on 1-bit undersampled acquisition of the RF modulated signal by a digital tester channel associated with a specifically tailored processing algorithm. This algorithm involves many different steps that are detailed in this article, including phase and amplitude fluctuation extraction, RF signal reconstruction, symbol clock recovery, symbol bits detection, and synthesis of reference data for EVM calculation. The proposed digital test solution is first evaluated through lab hardware experiments and then validated with EVM measurements on an industrial ATE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on test cost reduction for RF circuits based on the use of an indirect test strategy. The implementation of a two-tier adaptive test flow is investigated, in which only circuits with a sufficient prediction confidence level are evaluated by the indirect test while others are re-evaluated by specification-based test. A methodology is presented that permits to explore different tradeoffs between test quality and test cost and to make pertinent choices for the efficient implementation of such a test flow. The methodology is applied to a front-end RF circuit designed for WLAN applications and results show that substantial test cost reduction can be achieved without compromising the test quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ultrafast x-ray powder diffraction setup for laser-driven dynamic compression has been developed at the LULI2000 laser facility. X-ray diffraction is performed in reflection geometry from a quasi-monochromatic laser-generated plasma x-ray source. In comparison to a transmission geometry setup, this configuration allows us to probe only a small portion of the compressed sample, as well as to shield the detectors against the x-rays generated by the laser–plasma interaction on the front side of the target. Thus, this new platform facilitates probing of spatially and temporarily uniform thermodynamic conditions and enables us to study samples of a large range of atomic numbers, thicknesses, and compression dynamics. As a proof-of-concept, we report direct structural measurements of the bcc–hcp transition both in shock and ramp-compressed polycrystalline iron with diffraction signals recorded between 2θ ∼ 30° and ∼150°. In parallel, the pressure and temperature history of probed samples is measured by rear-side visible diagnostics (velocimetry and pyrometry). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to reduce the costs of industrial testing of analog and Radio Frequency (RF) integrated circuits, a widely studied solution is indirect testing. Indeed, indirect testing is based on learning-machine algorithms to train a regression model that links the space of low-cost indirect measurements to the space of performance parameters guaranteed by datasheets, thus relaxing the constraints on expensive test equipment. This article explores the potential benefit of using ensemble learning in this context. Unlike traditional learning models that use a single model to estimate targeted parameters, ensemble-learning models involve training several individual regression models and combining their outputs to improve the predictive power of the ensemble model. Different ensemble methods based on bagging, boosting or stacking are investigated and compared to classical individual models. Experiments are performed on three RF performances of a LNA for which we have production test data and model quality is discussed in terms of goodness-of-fit, accuracy and reliability. The influence of the training set size is also explored. Finally, the efficiency of classical and ensemble models is compared in the context of a two-tier test flow that permits to tradeoff test cost and test quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We report a new liquid xenon Compton camera, called XEMIS2 (XEnon Medical Imaging System), developed to image for the first time small animals using 3 γ imaging. This technique proposes an alternative to reduce the administered radiopharmaceutical activity while preserving diagnostic image quality using liquid xenon as detection medium. Given the success of its predecessor, a small dimension liquid xenon time projection chamber called XEMIS1, we are currently building a larger scale detector for preclinical applications. This second prototype, XEMIS2, is a single phase liquid xenon cylindrical camera with a large axial field of view for full-body small animal imaging. XEMIS2 holds around 200 kg of xenon and it has been designed to enable high-efficiency and simultaneous detection of the three γ -rays emitted by a 44Sc radionuclide. The innovative geometry of XEMIS2 will allow to discriminate and measure the position and deposited energy of most Compton interactions inside the detector. In order to manage such a large quantity of xenon, an innovative high-pressure subsystem known as ReStoX has been developed and successfully qualified. ReStoX allows to maintain the xenon in liquid state at the desired temperature and pressure, transfer the xenon into XEMIS2 and store it during long term periods. XEMIS2 will be installed at a non controlled radioactive area of Nantes Hospital. The goal is to evaluate image quality of a 20 min whole-body preclinical exam with an injected activity of 20 kBq. Highlights • The first 3 gamma whole-body small animal scanner is presented. • The XEMIS2 camera is a single-phase liquid xenon detector with a 24 cm axial field of view. • A dedicated 32-channels low power circuit called XTRACT is described. • ReStoX is an advanced cryogenic system developed to liquefy, recover and store the xenon. • A reconstructed image using the innovative 3 gamma reconstruction algorithm is reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Planetary auroras reveal the complex interplay between an atmosphere and the surrounding plasma environment.We report the discovery of low-altitude, diffuse auroras spanning much of Mars' northern hemisphere, coincident with a solar energetic particle outburst. The Imaging Ultraviolet Spectrograph, a remote sensing instrument on the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft, detected auroral emission in virtually all nightside observations for ~5 days, spanning nearly all geographic longitudes. Emission extended down to ∼60 kilometer (km) altitude (1 microbar), deeper than confirmed at any other planet. Solar energetic particles were observed up to 200 kilo-electron volts; these particles are capable of penetrating down to the 60 km altitude. Given minimal magnetic fields over most of the planet, Mars is likely to exhibit auroras more globally than Earth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A novel concept of thermal management based on CNT and PCM is proposed. [•] Simulations show the benefits of the nanocomposite structure for thermal management. [•] A basic process flow is proposed to build the thermal interposer. [•] Critical process steps are detailed: PCM selection, CNT growth, interface improvement. [•] Thermal tests show the improvement of Si/CNT interface with a specific assembly process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Global aerosol and ozone distributions and their associated radiative forcings were simulated between 1850 and 2100 following a recent historical emission dataset and under the representative concentration pathways (RCP) for the future. These simulations were used in an Earth System Model to account for the changes in both radiatively and chemically active compounds, when simulating the climate evolution. The past negative stratospheric ozone trends result in a negative climate forcing culminating at −0.15 W m in the 1990s. In the meantime, the tropospheric ozone burden increase generates a positive climate forcing peaking at 0.41 W m. The future evolution of ozone strongly depends on the RCP scenario considered. In RCP4.5 and RCP6.0, the evolution of both stratospheric and tropospheric ozone generate relatively weak radiative forcing changes until 2060-2070 followed by a relative 30 % decrease in radiative forcing by 2100. In contrast, RCP8.5 and RCP2.6 model projections exhibit strongly different ozone radiative forcing trajectories. In the RCP2.6 scenario, both effects (stratospheric ozone, a negative forcing, and tropospheric ozone, a positive forcing) decline towards 1950s values while they both get stronger in the RCP8.5 scenario. Over the twentieth century, the evolution of the total aerosol burden is characterized by a strong increase after World War II until the middle of the 1980s followed by a stabilization during the last decade due to the strong decrease in sulfates in OECD countries since the 1970s. The cooling effects reach their maximal values in 1980, with −0.34 and −0.28 W m respectively for direct and indirect total radiative forcings. According to the RCP scenarios, the aerosol content, after peaking around 2010, is projected to decline strongly and monotonically during the twenty-first century for the RCP8.5, 4.5 and 2.6 scenarios. While for RCP6.0 the decline occurs later, after peaking around 2050. As a consequence the relative importance of the total cooling effect of aerosols becomes weaker throughout the twenty-first century compared with the positive forcing of greenhouse gases. Nevertheless, both surface ozone and aerosol content show very different regional features depending on the future scenario considered. Hence, in 2050, surface ozone changes vary between −12 and +12 ppbv over Asia depending on the RCP projection, whereas the regional direct aerosol radiative forcing can locally exceed −3 W m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This report is devoted to the soluble transferrin receptors. We analyzed the comparison between ferritin, soluble transferrin receptors and C reactive protein. The soluble receptor measurement represents a significal advance in assessment of iron status, especially in the diagnosis of iron deficiency associated with inflammation, and in the evaluation of red blood mass during erythroid hyperplasias. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The present study reports the characterization of Ls-Stylicin1, a novel antimicrobial peptide from the penaeid shrimp, Litopenaeus stylirostris. The predicted mature peptide of 82 residues is negatively charged (theoretical pI =5.0) and characterized by a proline-rich N-terminal region and a C-terminal region containing 13 cysteine residues. The recombinant Ls-Stylicin1 has been isolated in both monomeric and dimeric forms. Both display strong antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum (1.25μM

The SPICAM experiment onboard the Mars-Express spacecraft includes sounding the Martian atmosphere in the ultra-violet (118–320 nm) and near IR (1–1.7 μm) ranges. The infrared spectrometer operates in the range of 1–1.7 μm with a resolution of 3.5 cm−1 in the mode of nadir observations and solar and stellar occulations. This paper is devoted to analyzing the basic results of nadir observations of the infra-red SPICAM channel during the first Martian year of the instrument operation: from January 2004 to November 2005. One of the primary goals of SPICAM-IR is water vapor monitoring in the atmosphere of Mars in the band of 1.37 μm and ozone abundance determination from the day-time airglow of molecular oxygen O2( a 1Δg) in the band of 1.27 μm. Simultaneous measurements of these minor constituents of the planet are necessary for understanding photochemical processes in the Martian atmosphere. The degree of their anticorrelation and a comparison with the results of photochemical modeling of the atmosphere will contribute to our knowledge of the Martian atmosphere stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Since 1998, we have developed two balloonborne diode laser spectrometers, SDLA and micro-SDLA, to yield in situ concentration data of H2O in the middle atmosphere by absorption spectroscopy in the 1.39-μm spectral range. In this paper, we revisit the molecular parameters, line intensities and pressure-broadening coefficients, for several lines of the ν1+ν3 and 2ν1 bands, which are useful for the monitoring of atmospheric H2O. The new values are thoroughly compared to existing molecular database and previous determinations. Calculations are performed to yield the pressure-effect coefficients: the theoretical model is described and the ab initio predictions are compared to laboratory measurements achieved with a laser diode spectrometer. The improvement in the H2O monitoring obtained with the new set of molecular data is evaluated directly from vertical H2O concentration profiles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To define the prevalence and detection rates of mental disorders among high utilizers as compared with typical utilizers, and to examine the effect of case-mix adjustment on these parameters.Design: Cross-sectional study.Setting: General internal medicine outpatient clinic associated with an urban, academic medical center.Patients: From patients attending a general medicine clinic, 304 were selected randomly in three utilization groups, defined by number of clinic visits: (1) high utilizers; (2) case-mix adjusted high utilizers; and (3) typical utilizers (control patients).Interventions: None.Measurements and Main Results: The presence of any mental disorder was ascertained by the PRIME-MD screening instrument. Chart review on all patients was performed to ascertain mental disorders detected by primary care physicians. The prevalence of mood disorders was markedly higher in high utilizers (29%) than in adjusted high utilizers (15%) or controls (10%) (p <.001). Anxiety disorders were slightly, but not statistically, more prevalent in the group adjusted for case mix (16%) than in other high utilizers (12%) or controls (9%). Alcoholism was significantly more prevalent in controls (12%) than in adjusted (6%) or other high utilizers (3%) (p <.03). The discrepancy in detection rates between PRIME-MD and chart review for any mental disorder was less for high utilizers (37% vs 31%) as compared with adjusted high utilizers (31% vs 11%) or controls (24% vs 8%).Conclusions: Mood disorders are associated with a high overall burden of illness, while anxiety disorders are more predominant among outliers after case-mix adjustment. Detection rates differ substantially by utilization pattern. Screening efforts can be more appropriately targeted with knowledge of these patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ammonia is predicted to be one of the major components in the depths of the ice giant planets Uranus and Neptune. Their dynamics, evolution, and interior structure are insufficiently understood and models rely imperatively on data for equation of state and transport properties. Despite its great significance, the experimentally accessed region of the ammonia phase diagram today is still very limited in pressure and temperature. Here we push the probed regime to unprecedented conditions, up to ∼350  GPa and ∼40 000  K. Along the Hugoniot, the temperature measured as a function of pressure shows a subtle change in slope at ∼7000  K and ∼90  GPa, in agreement with ab initio simulations we have performed. This feature coincides with the gradual transition from a molecular liquid to a plasma state. Additionally, we performed reflectivity measurements, providing the first experimental evidence of electronic conduction in high-pressure ammonia. Shock reflectance continuously rises with pressure above 50 GPa and reaches saturation values above 120 GPa. Corresponding electrical conductivity values are up to 1 order of magnitude higher than in water in the 100 GPa regime, with possible significant contributions of the predicted ammonia-rich layers to the generation of magnetic dynamos in ice giant interiors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed primers for the amplification of six polymorphic nuclear microsatellites in Mediterranean Cedrus taxa. Microsatellites originated from two Cedrus atlantica genomic libraries enriched for TC (four markers) and TG (two markers) motifs. No distortion from Mendelian segregation was observed. There were up to eight alleles per locus and mean expected heterozygosity was 0.75. Four microsatellites also amplified in the Himalayan cedar. These markers should be helpful for species identification, diversity studies, parentage analysis and genome mapping and to monitor biodiversity in endangered Mediterranean Cedrus forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water, methane, and ammonia are commonly considered to be the key components of the interiors of Uranus and Neptune. Modelling the planets' internal structure, evolution, and dynamo heavily relies on the properties of the complex mixtures with uncertain exact composition in their deep interiors. Therefore, characterising icy mixtures with varying composition at planetary conditions of several hundred gigapascal and a few thousand Kelvin is crucial to improve our understanding of the ice giants. In this work, pure water, a water-ethanol mixture, and a water-ethanol-ammonia "synthetic planetary mixture" (SPM) have been compressed through laser-driven decaying shocks along their principal Hugoniot curves up to 270, 280, and 260 GPa, respectively. Measured temperatures spanned from 4000 to 25000 K, just above the coldest predicted adiabatic Uranus and Neptune profiles (3000–4000 K) but more similar to those predicted by more recent models including a thermal boundary layer (7000–14000 K). The experiments were performed at the GEKKO XII and LULI2000 laser facilities using standard optical diagnostics (Doppler velocimetry and optical pyrometry) to measure the thermodynamic state and the shock-front reflectivity at two different wavelengths. The results show that water and the mixtures undergo a similar compression path under single shock loading in agreement with Density Functional Theory Molecular Dynamics (DFT-MD) calculations using the Linear Mixing Approximation (LMA). On the contrary, their shock-front reflectivities behave differently by what concerns both the onset pressures and the saturation values, with possible impact on planetary dynamos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]