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We present a physical model and spin-state analysis of the potentially hazardous asteroid (23187) 2000 PN9. As part of a long-term campaign to make direct detections of the Yarkovsky–O'Keefe–Radzievskii–Paddack (YORP) effect, we collected optical light curves of the asteroid between 2006 and 2020. These observations were combined with planetary radar data to develop a detailed shape model, which was used to search for YORP acceleration. We report that 2000 PN9 is a relatively large top-shaped body with a sidereal rotation period of 2.53216 ± 0.00015 h. Although we find no evidence for rotational acceleration, YORP torques smaller than |$\sim 10^{-8}\, \rm rad\,{d}^{-2}$| cannot be ruled out. It is likely that 2000 PN9 is a YORP-evolved object, and may be an example of YORP equilibrium or self-limitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase curves of asteroids are typically considered to depend solely on the scattering properties of airless particulate surfaces and the size of the object being studied. In this study, we demonstrate the additional dependence of phase curves on object shape, rotation pole orientation, and viewing geometry over an apparition. Variations in the phase curve of near-Earth asteroid (159402) 1999 AP10 over its apparition from 2020 July to 2021 January are verified to be due to aspect changes over the apparition. This is achieved through shape modelling of the asteroid and simulation of the phase curve over the apparition. We present simulations of asteroid phase curves over a range of geometries to understand the potential magnitude of this aspect effect, and under which circumstances it can begin to dominate in the phase curves. This dependence on aspect may introduce significant additional uncertainty in the properties derived from phase-curve data. We provide and demonstrate software code to estimate the aspect-related uncertainty in near-Earth asteroid phase curves through simulation and model fitting of a randomly generated sample of ellipsoidal asteroid models over the observed viewing geometry. We demonstrate how ignoring this effect may lead to misleading interpretations of the data and underestimation of uncertainties in further studies, such as those in the infrared that use phase curve derived parameters when fitting physical properties of an asteroid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a simple practical numerical method for simulating plasma driven within a vacuum chamber by a pulsed power generator. Typically, in this type of simulation, the vacuum region adjacent to the plasma is approximated as a highly resistive, light fluid; this involves computationally expensive solvers describing the diffusion of the magnetic field through this fluid. Instead, we provide a recipe for coupling pulsed power generators to the magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) domain by approximating the perfectly insulating vacuum as a light, perfectly conducting, inviscid MHD fluid and discuss the applicability of this counter-intuitive technique. This much more affordable ideal MHD representation is particularly useful in situations where a plasma exhibits interesting three-dimensional phenomena, either due to the design of the experiment or due to developing instabilities. We verified that this coupling recipe works by modeling an exactly solvable flux compression generator as well as a self-similar Noh-like solution and demonstrated convergence to the theoretical solution. We also showed examples of simulating complex three-dimensional pulsed power devices with this technique. We release our code implementation to the public (see https://github.com/beresnyak/verif_coupling). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extinction rates in the modern world are currently at their highest in 66 million years and are likely to increase with projections of future climate change. Our knowledge of modern-day extinction risk is largely limited to decadal-centennial terrestrial records, while data from the marine realm is typically applied to high-order (> 1 million year) timescales. At present, it is unclear whether fossil organisms with common ancestry and ecological niche exhibit consistent indicators of ecological stress prior to extinction. The marine microfossil record, specifically that of the planktonic foraminifera, allows for high-resolution analyses of large numbers of fossil individuals with incredibly well-established ecological and phylogenetic history. Here, analysis of the isochronous extinction of two members of the planktonic foraminiferal genus Dentoglobigerina shows disruptive selection differentially compounded by permanent ecological niche migration, "pre-extinction gigantism", and photosymbiont bleaching prior to extinction. Despite shared ecological and phylogenetic affinity, and timing of extinction, the marked discrepancies observed within the pre-extinction phenotypic responses are species-specific. These behaviours may provide insights into the nature of evolution and extinction in the open ocean and can potentially assist in the recognition and understanding of marine extinction risk in response to global climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acceleration of ions to multi-MeV energies is investigated in various plasma devices to better understand processes in astrophysical plasmas and to develop efficient accelerators for a variety of applications. This paper reports the production of proton, deuteron, and electron beams in a z-pinch—a cylindrically symmetric plasma column that is compressed by its own magnetic field. For this work, the GIT-12 pulsed-power generator was used to drive a novel configuration of z-pinch that dramatically enhanced ion acceleration associated with disruption of the current by instabilities in the compressed plasma. During the disruption of 3 MA current, hydrogen ions were accelerated up to at least 50 MeV, which is almost a hundred-times the ion energy provided by the generator driving voltage of 0.6 MV. Under optimal conditions, the total numbers of hydrogen ions with energies above 20 and 50 MeV were 4 × 1013 and 1011, respectively. Accelerated deuterons produced one 20 ns (full width at half maximum) pulse of fast neutrons via D(d, n)3He and other nuclear reactions. A maximum neutron output of (1.0 ± 0.2) × 1012 neutrons/sr was observed downstream, i.e., in the anode to cathode direction. In this direction, the maximum neutron energy reached 58 ± 7 MeV. Both ion and neutron beams in our experiment reached an end-point energy of about 60 MeV, which is the highest value observed in pulsed-power devices. A localized peak voltage of ≳60 MV was driven by the inductive energy that was stored around the plasma column and that was extracted during a sub-nanosecond current drop. Considering the natural occurrence of current-carrying columns in laboratory and space plasmas, the current interruption observed in z-pinches could represent a more general physical process that contributes to the efficient conversion of magnetic energy into the energy of particle beams in various plasmas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To examine the association of HbA1c and glucose levels with incident diabetic retinopathy according to black African or white European ancestry. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study of 202 500 US Veterans with diabetes (2000–2014), measures included HbA1c, outpatient random serum/plasma glucose, and incident retinopathy [conversion from negative to ≥2 positive evaluations (ICD‐9 codes), without a subsequent negative]. Results: At baseline, the study population had a mean age of 59.3 years, their mean BMI was 31.9 kg/m2, HbA1c level was 57 mmol/mol (7.4%) and glucose level was 8.8 mmol/l, and 77% were of white European ancestry (white individuals) and 21% of black African ancestry (black individuals). HbA1c was 0.3% higher in black vs white individuals (P < 0.001), adjusting for baseline age, sex, BMI, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), haemoglobin, and average systolic blood pressure and glucose. Over 11 years, incident retinopathy occurred in 9% of black and 7% of white individuals, but black individuals had higher HbA1c, glucose, and systolic blood pressure (all P < 0.001); adjusted for these factors, incident retinopathy was reduced in black vs white individuals (P < 0.001). The population incidence of retinopathy (7%) was associated with higher mean baseline HbA1c in individuals with black vs white ancestry [63 mmol/mol (7.9%) vs 58 mmol/mol (7.5%); P < 0.001)], but with similar baseline glucose levels (9.0 vs 9.0 mmol/l; P = 0.660, all adjusted for baseline age, sex and BMI). Conclusions: Since retinopathy occurs at higher HbA1c levels in black people for a given level of average plasma glucose, strategies may be needed to individualize the interpretation of HbA1c measurements. What's new?: Evidence suggests that HbA1c levels are 3–5 mmol/mol (0.3–0.5%) higher in people with black African vs white European ancestry at the same plasma glucose concentration.We examined the association of HbA1c and glucose levels with incident diabetic retinopathy in a retrospective cohort study of 202 500 US veterans with diabetes, 2000–2014.Adjusted for baseline age, sex and BMI, a higher baseline HbA1c was associated with retinopathy in black compared to white people, whereas baseline glucose was similar.Retinopathy occurs at higher HbA1c levels relative to glucose in those with black ancestry, suggesting a need to individualize the interpretation of HbA1c measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To characterize differences between black and white people in optimal HbA1c thresholds for diagnoses of diabetes and prediabetes. Methods: Data were included from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005–2014. Black and white adults (age 18–70 years) who underwent an oral glucose tolerance test and had available fasting plasma glucose, 2‐h plasma glucose and HbA1c measurements were eligible for inclusion. Diabetes or prediabetes status was defined by fasting plasma glucose and 2‐h plasma glucose using American Diabetes Association criteria. Classification of diabetes, prediabetes and dysglycaemia by HbA1c was evaluated for a range of HbA1c thresholds, with optimal thresholds defined as those values that maximized the sum of sensitivity and specificity (Youden's index). Results: In 5324 black (32.3%) and white (67.7%) individuals, Youden's index (optimal) thresholds for HbA1c were ≥42 mmol/mol (6.0%) and ≥39 mmol/mol (5.7%) for discriminating diabetes vs non‐diabetes, ≥ 44 mmol/mol (6.2%) and ≥39 mmol/mol (5.7%) for discriminating diabetes vs prediabetes (excluding normoglycaemia), ≥39 mmol/mol (5.7%) and ≥37 mmol/mol (5.5%) for discriminating dysglycaemia vs normoglycaemia, and ≥39 mmol/mol (5.7%) and ≥37 mmol/mol (5.5%) for discriminating prediabetes vs normoglycaemia (excluding diabetes), in black and white people, respectively. Conclusions: Consistently higher optimal HbA1c thresholds in black people than in white people suggest a need to individualize HbA1c relative to glucose levels if HbA1c is used to diagnose diabetes and prediabetes. What's new?: A recent study using continuous glucose monitoring found that HbA1c levels were 3.3–5.5 mmol/mol (0.3–0.5%) higher among black people than white people at the same plasma glucose concentration.We examined how racial differences in the relationship between HbA1c and plasma glucose levels could influence classification of diabetes, prediabetes and dysglycaemia.Optimal HbA1c thresholds were 2 mmol/mol (0.2%) to 5 mmol/mol (0.5%) higher for black people than for white people.Differences in the relationship between HbA1c and plasma glucose suggest a need to individualize HbA1c interpretation for the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes and prediabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigation of organic compounds in ice cores can potentially unlock a wealth of new information in these climate archives. We present results from the first ever ice core drilled on sub‐Antarctic island Bouvet, representing a climatologically important but understudied region. We analyze a suite of novel and more familiar organic compounds in the ice core, alongside commonly measured ions. Methanesulfonic acid shows a significant, positive correlation to winter sea ice concentration, as does a fatty acid compound, oleic acid. Both may be sourced from spring phytoplankton blooms, which are larger following greater sea ice extent in the preceding winter. Oxalate, formate, and acetate are positively correlated to sea ice concentration in summer, but sources of these require further investigation. This study demonstrates the potential application of organic compounds from the marine biosphere in generating multiproxy sea ice records, which is critical in improving our understanding of past sea ice changes. Plain Language Summary: Ice cores are vertical cylinders of ice drilled from an ice sheet, younger at the top and older at the bottom. Particles emitted from plants and animals on land and in the ocean, containing organic chemical compounds, are carried by atmospheric circulation, deposited on the ice surface, and become trapped inside ice layers. They are a record of environmental conditions at the location and time the particles originally formed. Here, we look for a number of these organic compounds in an ice core from Bouvet Island in the sub‐Antarctic. We find the amounts of some are related to amounts of sea ice around the island in the spring. This is because the particles are originally emitted by phytoplankton, for which the amount of sea ice that year controls the amount of phytoplankton (more sea ice in the winter = greater area of sea ice break up in spring = more phytoplankton in spring). We find other organic compounds are related to amounts of sea ice in summer, but their sources are less well known. Combining these records with their relationships to sea ice will be useful in helping us to better understand sea ice changes in the past. Key Points: We analyzed a suite of organic compounds,alongside commonly measured ions, in the first ever shallow ice core from Bouvet IslandMultiple marine‐sourced organic compounds are detected throughout the coreOrganic compounds, alongside MSA, show significant positive correlations with sea ice [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on a study which investigated the thermal dissociation of PH[sub3] and NH[sub3] injected through a tantalum-based high-pressure gas-injection cell. Pyrolytic behavior of PH[sub3] and NH[sub3]; Description of the beam-flux patterns of PH[sub3] and NH[sub3]; Determination of the substitutional nitrogen species.

Presents information on a study which analyzed the defect-related spectral features of the near-band-edge luminescence from gallium arsenide (GaAs) grown by molecular beam epitaxy. Results of the hydrogen passivation performed; Measurement of residual acceptor impurities, shallow defects and the overall quality of the layers, with low temperature photoluminescence; Discussion of the growth conditions and electrical properties of the GaAs samples.

Highly resolved temporal and spatial distributions of trace elements in ocean water can provide insight into ocean processes but carry a significant analytical demand which requires methods that combine accuracy and precision with high sample throughput. Here a multi-element method is presented which combines the commercially-available seaFAST preconcentration system with ICP-MS/MS for the analysis of Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in seawater. Samples (20 mL or 40 mL) are loaded on to a chelation resin column and trace metals eluted into 2.5 mL of 1.6 N HNO3. Analysis of the eluate was carried out by ICP-MS/MS, which combines two mass-selecting quadrupoles separated by an octopole collision/reaction cell. The collision/reaction cell was pressurized with O2 gas for the analysis of Mn, Ni, Cu, Cd and Pb and H2 gas for the analysis of Fe and Zn, which removed common interferences (e.g. ArO+ on 56Fe and MoO+ on Cd) yet maintained the highest instrument sensitivity across the entire mass range. Measured blanks and detection limits were ≤0.050 nmol L−1 levels, except for the Fe (blank 0.14 nmol L−1) and were suitable for open-ocean seawater analysis. We report results for the certified reference material NASS-6, consensus reference standards SAFe S and SAFe D and depth profiles of trace metals from the Arctic Ocean, collected as part of the Canadian GEOTRACES program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To test the hypothesis that a 50-g oral glucose challenge test with 1-h glucose measurement would have superior performance compared with other opportunistic screening methods. Methods In this prospective study in a Veterans Health Administration primary care clinic, the following test performances, measured by area under receiver-operating characteristic curves, were compared: 50-g oral glucose challenge test; random glucose; and HbA1c level, using a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test as the 'gold standard'. Results The study population was comprised of 1535 people (mean age 56 years, BMI 30.3 kg/m2, 94% men, 74% black). By oral glucose tolerance test criteria, diabetes was present in 10% and high-risk prediabetes was present in 22% of participants. The plasma glucose challenge test provided area under receiver-operating characteristic curves of 0.85 (95% CI 0.78-0.91) to detect diabetes and 0.76 (95% CI 0.72-0.80) to detect high-risk dysglycaemia (diabetes or high-risk prediabetes), while area under receiver-operating characteristic curves for the capillary glucose challenge test were 0.82 (95% CI 0.75-0.89) and 0.73 (95% CI 0.69-0.77) for diabetes and high-risk dysglycaemia, respectively. Random glucose performed less well [plasma: 0.76 (95% CI 0.69-0.82) and 0.66 (95% CI 0.62-0.71), respectively; capillary: 0.72 (95% CI 0.65-0.80) and 0.64 (95% CI 0.59-0.68), respectively], and HbA1c performed even less well [0.67 (95% CI 0.57-0.76) and 0.63 (95% CI 0.58-0.68), respectively]. The cost of identifying one case of high-risk dysglycaemia with a plasma glucose challenge test would be $42 from a Veterans Health Administration perspective, and $55 from a US Medicare perspective. Conclusions Glucose challenge test screening, followed, if abnormal, by an oral glucose tolerance test, would be convenient and more accurate than other opportunistic tests. Use of glucose challenge test screening could improve management by permitting earlier therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Delivery of cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention programs by community pharmacists appears effective and enhances health service access. However, their capacity to implement complex behavioural change processes during patient counselling remains largely unexplored. This study aims to determine intervention fidelity by pharmacists for behavioural components of a complex educational intervention for CVD prevention. After receiving training to improve lifestyle and medicines adherence, pharmacists recruited 70 patients aged 50-74 years without established CVD, and taking anti-hypertensive or lipid lowering therapy. Patients received five counselling sessions, each at monthly intervals. Researchers assessed biomedical and behavioural risk factors at baseline and six months. Pharmacists documented key outcomes from counselling after each session. Most patients (86%) reported suboptimal cardiovascular diets, 41% reported suboptimal medicines adherence, and 39% were physically inactive. Of those advised to complete the intervention, 85% attended all five sessions. Pharmacists achieved patient agreement with most recommended goals for behaviour change, and overwhelmingly translated goals into practical behavioural strategies. Barriers to changing behaviours were regularly documented, and pharmacists reported most behavioural strategies as having had some success. Meaningful improvements to health behaviours were observed post-intervention. Findings support further exploration of pharmacists' potential roles for delivering interventions with complex behaviour change requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is known and objectives About half of all patients taking antihypertensives discontinue treatment by 12 months. There is potential for substantial health gains at both individual and population levels through improved treatment adherence. The objective was to evaluate a community pharmacist intervention to improve adherence with antihypertensive medicines with a view to improving blood pressure ( BP) control. Methods Design: prospective, non-blinded, cluster-randomized, controlled trial. Participants: adults with primary hypertension who obtained antihypertensives in the previous 6 months. Patients with poor refill adherence were preferentially identified with the help of a purpose-built software application. Intervention: package comprising BP monitor; training on BP self-monitoring; motivational interviewing; medication use review; prescription refill reminders. Follow-up: six months. Primary outcome: change in proportion self-reporting medication adherence. Secondary outcome: BP changes. Results Participants ( n = 395; intervention - 207; control - 188) had a mean age of 66.7 years; 51.1% were males. The proportion of adherent participants increased in both groups but was not significantly different between groups [57·2% to 63·6% (control) vs. 60·0% to 73·5% (intervention), P = 0·23]. The mean reduction in systolic BP was significantly greater in the intervention group (10·0 mmHg vs. 4·6 mmHg; P = 0·05). The proportion of patients who were non-adherent at baseline and adherent at 6 months was 22·6% (95% CI 5·1-40·0%) higher in the intervention group (61·8% vs. 39·2%, P = 0·007). Among participants with baseline BP above target, reduction of systolic BP was significantly greater in the intervention group [by 7·2 mmHg (95% CI 1·6-12·8 mmHg); ( P = 0·01)]. Among participants non-adherent at baseline and above target BP, the proportion reporting adherence at 6 months was significantly greater in the intervention group [56·8% vs. 35·9%, P = 0·039). What is new and conclusion This community pharmacist intervention resulted in improved adherence to antihypertensive medication and reduced systolic BP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is known and objectives About half of all patients taking antihypertensives discontinue treatment by 12 months. There is potential for substantial health gains at both individual and population levels through improved treatment adherence. The objective was to evaluate a community pharmacist intervention to improve adherence with antihypertensive medicines with a view to improving blood pressure ( BP) control. Methods Design: prospective, non-blinded, cluster-randomized, controlled trial. Participants: adults with primary hypertension who obtained antihypertensives in the previous 6 months. Patients with poor refill adherence were preferentially identified with the help of a purpose-built software application. Intervention: package comprising BP monitor; training on BP self-monitoring; motivational interviewing; medication use review; prescription refill reminders. Follow-up: six months. Primary outcome: change in proportion self-reporting medication adherence. Secondary outcome: BP changes. Results Participants ( n = 395; intervention - 207; control - 188) had a mean age of 66.7 years; 51.1% were males. The proportion of adherent participants increased in both groups but was not significantly different between groups [57·2% to 63·6% (control) vs. 60·0% to 73·5% (intervention), P = 0·23]. The mean reduction in systolic BP was significantly greater in the intervention group (10·0 mmHg vs. 4·6 mmHg; P = 0·05). The proportion of patients who were non-adherent at baseline and adherent at 6 months was 22·6% (95% CI 5·1-40·0%) higher in the intervention group (61·8% vs. 39·2%, P = 0·007). Among participants with baseline BP above target, reduction of systolic BP was significantly greater in the intervention group [by 7·2 mmHg (95% CI 1·6-12·8 mmHg); ( P = 0·01)]. Among participants non-adherent at baseline and above target BP, the proportion reporting adherence at 6 months was significantly greater in the intervention group [56·8% vs. 35·9%, P = 0·039). What is new and conclusion This community pharmacist intervention resulted in improved adherence to antihypertensive medication and reduced systolic BP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To determine whether using HbA1c for screening and management could be confounded by age differences, whether age effects can be explained by unrecognized diabetes and prediabetes, insulin resistance or postprandial hyperglycaemia, and whether the effects of aging have an impact on diagnostic accuracy. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis in adults without known diabetes in the Screening for Impaired Glucose Tolerance ( SIGT) study 2005-2008 ( n=1573) and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey ( NHANES) 2005-2006 ( n=1184). Results Both glucose intolerance and HbA1c levels increased with age. In univariate analyses including all subjects, HbA1c levels increased by 0.93 mmol/mol (0.085%) per 10 years of age in the SIGT study and by 1.03 mmol/mol (0.094%) per 10 years in the NHANES; in both datasets, the HbA1c increase was 0.87 mmol/mol (0.08%) per 10 years in subjects without diabetes, and 0.76 mmol/mol (0.07%) per 10 years in subjects with normal glucose tolerance, all P<0.001. In multivariate analyses of subjects with normal glucose tolerance, the relationship between age and HbA1c remained significant ( P<0.001) after adjustment for covariates including race, BMI, waist circumference, sagittal abdominal diameter, triglyceride/ HDL ratio, and fasting and 2-h plasma glucose and other glucose levels, as assessed by an oral glucose tolerance test. In both datasets, the HbA1c of an 80-year-old individual with normal glucose tolerance would be 3.82 mmol/mol (0.35%) greater than that of a 30-year-old with normal glucose tolerance, a difference that is clinically significant. Moreover, the specificity of HbA1c-based diagnostic criteria for prediabetes decreased substantially with increasing age ( P<0.0001). Conclusions In two large datasets, using different methods to measure HbA1c, the association of age with higher HbA1c levels: was consistent and similar; was both statistically and clinically significant; was unexplained by features of aging; and reduced diagnostic specificity. Age should be taken into consideration when using HbA1c for the diagnosis and management of diabetes and prediabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is Known and Objective: Warfarin is recognized as a high-risk medication for adverse events, and the risks are particularly heightened in the period immediately following a patient's discharge from hospital. This qualitative study aimed to explore the experiences of Australian patients and healthcare professionals of warfarin management in the post-discharge period and identify the benefits and deficiencies of existing systems, to inform the development of a model for a new collaborative post-discharge warfarin management service. Methods: Healthcare professionals, professional organization representatives and patients recently discharged from hospital taking warfarin (consumers) were recruited via purposive, criterion-based sampling within two Australian states. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted between August and October 2008 using standard discussion guides. Data were manually analyzed to identify emergent themes using a phenomenological approach. Results: Forty-seven participants were involved in the telephone interviews. Three major themes emerged: (i) appropriate warfarin education is integral to effective warfarin management, (ii) problems occur in communication along the continuum of care and (iii) home-delivered services are valuable to both patients and healthcare professionals. Discussion: Although high-quality warfarin education and effective communication at the hospital-community interface were identified as important in post-discharge warfarin management, deficiencies were perceived within current systems. The role of home-delivered services in ensuring timely follow-up and promoting continuity of care was recognized. Previous studies exploring anticoagulation management in other settings have identified similar themes. Post-discharge management should therefore focus on providing patients with a solid foundation to minimize future problems. What is New and Conclusion: Addressing the three identified facets of care within a new, collaborative post-discharge warfarin management service may address the perceived deficiencies in existing systems. Improvements may result in the short- and longer-term health outcomes of patients discharged from hospital taking warfarin, including a reduction in their risk of adverse events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spore traps are widely used in plant pathology, but less so in plant biosecurity. Potentially they can be used to determine the geographical extent of a plant pathogen incursion, to track the active spread of an incursion, and to declare area freedom following an eradication program. This review discusses the abilities and constraints of spore traps in the context of plant biosecurity, and highlights the problems that need to be overcome before spore traps can be routinely used for detection and eradication of plant pathogen incursions. To meet biosecurity requirements, spore traps must be efficient, mechanically reliable and any spores captured must be rapidly identified and quantified. At present, there is significant variation in types of spore traps, and in the methods used to capture and identify spores. Standard spore traps are generally inefficient for surveillance because they do not sample large volumes of air or capture samples that are representative of entire crop growing regions. If spore traps are to become routinely used for plant biosecurity purposes, improved designs, novel applications and standard operating protocols must be developed. A better understanding of background atmospheric data and the spatial and temporal characteristics of pathogen spores will be required to design trapping systems and protocols so that incursions can be readily detected, and presence/absence data can be confidently reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pinch-reflex ion diode is fielded on the pulsed-power machine Mercury (R. J. Allen, et al., 15th IEEE Intl. Pulsed Power Conf., Monterey, CA, 2005, p. 339), which has an inductive voltage adder (IVA) architecture and a magnetically insulated transmission line (MITL). Mercury is operated in positive polarity resulting in layered MITL flow as emitted electrons are born at a different potential in each of the adder cavities. The usual method for estimating the voltage by measuring the bound current in the cathode and anode of the MITL is not accurate with layered flow, and the interaction of the MITL flow with a pinched-beam ion diode load has not been studied previously. Other methods for determining the diode voltage are applied, ion diode performance is experimentally characterized and evaluated, and circuit and particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations are performed. Results indicate that the ion diode couples efficiently to the machine operating at a diode voltage of about 3.5 MV and a total current of about 325 kA, with an ion current of about 70 kA of which about 60 kA is proton current. It is also found that the layered flow impedance of the MITL is about half the vacuum impedance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the proven effectiveness of antithrombotic therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF), the treatment remains suboptimal. The aim of this study was to implement and evaluate a system to improve the appropriate use of antithrombotics for stroke prevention in AF utilizing a clinical pharmacist as a stroke risk assessor. Hospital in-patients with AF were prospectively identified and they received a formal stroke risk assessment from a pharmacist. The patients' risk of stroke was assessed and documented according to Australian guidelines and a recommendation regarding antithrombotic therapy was made to the medical team on a specially designed stroke risk assessment form. One hundred and thirty-four stroke risk assessments were performed during the intervention period. For those patients at high risk of stroke and with no contraindication present (warfarin-eligible patients), 98% were receiving warfarin on discharge from hospital compared to 74% on admission ( P < 0·001). Of the 50 (37%) assessments that recommended a change of therapy, 44 (88%) resulted in a change in the patient's current antithrombotic therapy compared to their admission therapy. Thirty (68%) of the assessments resulted in an 'upgrade' to more-effective treatment options for example from no therapy to any agent or from aspirin to warfarin. The pharmacist-led stroke risk assessment program resulted in a significant increase in the proportion of patients receiving appropriate thromboprophylaxis for stroke prevention in AF. The methods used in this study should be evaluated in a larger trial, in multiple hospitals, with different pharmacists performing the intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the public's perception of pharmacists' involvement and role in cardiovascular disease prevention and management. A computer-assisted telephone interview of 505 households was conducted. The survey was administered to metropolitan, rural and remote residents over the age of 30 years. The interview had questions on the patient's general satisfaction with the quality of service provided by their regular community pharmacy, including factors such as location, professionalism, prices, product range and knowledge of the staff. The participants were asked if they thought pharmacists were capable of providing screening, testing and drug prescribing services for blood pressure and cholesterol, and how likely they would be to use these services through a pharmacy. The interview also included questions on how likely this person would be to seek advice on lifestyle changes and medications from various health professionals, including pharmacists. The majority (97%) were satisfied with the service provided at their regular pharmacy. Those surveyed agreed or strongly agreed that pharmacists are capable of providing screening or testing for raised blood pressure (52%) and diabetes (51%), with a minority (38%) agreeing that pharmacists are capable of testing for raised cholesterol. The pharmacist's role with perceived highest capability by those surveyed was in providing advice on how to take medicines properly, with 90% of respondents willing to seek this advice from their pharmacist. A limited role by pharmacists was seen in the diagnosis of CVD and prescribing medications. In relation to the prevention of CVD, even though 76% of respondents believed that pharmacists are capable of providing advice on lifestyle changes (e.g. weight loss, smoking and alcohol intake), only 8% of current or past smokers had sought assistance to give up smoking at their pharmacy and while 69% of all respondents had sought help with weight control, only 3% of these had looked towards their pharmacy for assistance. There was belief by those Australians surveyed that community pharmacists are capable of providing screening for hypertension and diabetes. Through these services and in conjunction with counselling on CVD risk reduction, pharmacists may play an important role in the reduction of CVD, ultimately improving public health and decreasing the burden on Australia's health care system. However, at present pharmacists are not being fully utilized to deliver health promotion advice and contribute to the prevention of CVD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: The aim was to conduct a national cross-sectional survey of randomly selected Australian pharmacists to determine their attitudes towards and involvement in pharmacy practice research. This included the canvassing of perceived barriers and potential solutions to promote research activity in pharmacy practice. Methods: A questionnaire was developed around those used in UK and Australasian studies of general practitioners’ attitudes towards research. Questions assessed attitudes to research, involvement in research, barriers and facilitators to involvement, self-assessed understanding of research terminology, and access to and use of electronic bibliographic databases. One thousand pharmacists were randomly and proportionately selected from the State and Territory Pharmacy Board registers to receive the anonymous questionnaire by mail. Non-respondents were sent a follow-up reminder and second copy of the questionnaire after 3 weeks. Results: A response rate of 37% was achieved. Approximately, one-third of responding pharmacists were presently, or had been, involved in research activities, and generally reported positive experiences. Lack of time and never being approached or not being aware of the opportunities were major barriers to pharmacist participation in research. Approximately, one-third of the pharmacists were not interested in participating in research. There was low usage of publicly available electronic bibliographic databases and of scientific journals. Although there was overwhelming recognition of the value of research to the profession, few pharmacists possessed a good understanding of key terms related to research and evidence-based practice (e.g. P-value or number needed to treat). Conclusion: There was overwhelming recognition of the value of research to the pharmacy profession. Important factors encouraging individual pharmacists to participate in research were a desire to improve the profession, the opportunity to learn more about disease management and to provide enhanced services to patients, and personal interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution of argon gas injected by a 12-cm-diameter triple-shell nozzle was characterized using both planar, laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) and high-sensitivity interferometry. PLIF is used to measure the density distribution at a given time by detecting fluorescence from an acetone tracer added to the gas. Interferometry involves making time-dependent, line-integrated gas density measurements at a series of chordal locations that are then Abel inverted to obtain the gas density distribution. Measurements were made on nominally identical nozzles later used for gas-puff Z-pinch experiments on the Saturn pulsed-power generator. Significant differences in the mass distributions obtained by the two techniques are presented and discussed, along with the strengths and weaknesses of each method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective:  There is some evidence that the problem of illicit drug use (IDU) is increasing in rural areas of Australia. Lack of access to harm minimization (HM) strategies is potentially exacerbated by a shortage of health care facilities and health care professionals in rural areas. This study was conducted to determine barriers to implementation, access to, and success of HM strategies, as seen by health professionals presently working in rural Australia. Methods:  Four hundred rural pharmacists Australia-wide and 425 doctors in rural Victoria and Tasmania were sent postal surveys to assess their opinions on the level of IDU in their area, the types of drugs commonly used, the adequacy of HM strategies and facilities, and the barriers faced by doctors, pharmacists and clients. Results:  The overall response rate was almost 50%. Slightly less than half of surveyed health professionals felt that IDU was increasing in their area, with heroin perceived to be the most prevalent drug used in all States except Tasmania and the Northern Territory. Both methadone prescribers and dispensers believed the methadone maintenance programmes were highly valuable to the community, but not without problems (e.g. risk of overdose). A lack of time or staff was the greatest influence on doctors not participating in the methadone programmes, whereas safety concerns were prominent with pharmacists. The majority of doctors felt HM facilities were inadequate, with needle-syringe exchange being the most frequently nominated HM strategy lacking. Conclusion:  Despite best intentions, there are still problems with HM strategies in these areas. Improving the number and expertise of health professionals in rural areas, and providing adequate support for them, would address some of these problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: The aim was to develop and evaluate a pilot version of a knowledge-based system that can identify existing and potential medication-related problems from patient information. This intelligent system could directly support pharmacists and other health professionals providing medication reviews. Methods: Rather than being based on static rules to trigger alerts, this system utilizes a multiple classification ripple-down rules approach, which allows the user to build rules incrementally and improve the accuracy of the knowledge base in identifying medication-related problems while the system is in use, with no outside assistance or training. The system contextualizes the potential drug therapy problems by taking into consideration the patient's demographics, and other medical condition and drugs. The system is capable of both being instructed in the domain of medication review through its routine use by an expert, and acting similarly to the expert when analysing genuine medication review cases. The system was handed over to an experienced clinical pharmacist (expert), with no knowledge or conclusions preloaded into the system. The expert was then able to add the case details and generate the rules required for 126 actual medication review cases. Results: Over 250 rules were generated from the review cases, incorporating demographics, medical history, symptoms, medications and pathology results from these cases. At the completion of the cases, more than 80% of the potential medication-related problems identified by the expert were also detected by the system. The false positive rate, or number of incorrect medication-related problems identified by the system, was <10% overall and was zero for the last 15 cases analysed. The system found significantly more potential medication-related problems than the expert, with the system consistently remaining at least one finding ahead. There was a high incidence of missed potential medication-related problems by the expert, which were automatically repaired by the system. Conclusions: The knowledge-based system has already demonstrated that the technique employed is well suited to a domain of this nature and has furthermore demonstrated that it is capable of improving the quality of service that the medication reviewer can provide. The system will be further enhanced and tested prior to use in the field. It should help pharmacists in the provision of medication reviews, improving their clinical and time management capabilities, and enhancing their ability to contribute to the quality use of medications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A holographic interferometer is used to determine the radial electron number density profile of a sheared-flow Z pinch. Chord-integrated density information is recorded during a plasma pulse using the expanded beam of a pulsed ruby laser and holographic techniques. An Interactive Data Language (IDL) computer routine that requires only minimal user interaction is used to measure the resulting fringe shift in the reconstructed interferogram. This chord-integrated density information is inverted using an Abel inversion to determine the radial electron density profile. The density profiles obtained show a radially symmetric plasma column with an electron density of 1016–1017 cm-3 above the background plasma density. Holographic measurements are made at different times on separate plasma pulses to track the evolution of the density profile over time. These measurements are corroborated by time-dependent measurements made using a He–Ne interferometer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this project was to assess whether rural pharmacist involvement in the management of patients receiving warfarin has the potential to lead to safer and more effective anticoagulation, and is valued and welcomed by patients and their general practitioners (GPs). A convenience sample of rural pharmacists was trained in the use of the CoaguChek S International Normalized Ratio (INR) monitor and then conducted pharmacy-based testing for approximately 3 months. Two types of testing were performed in the pharmacy: (i) comparison testing was defined as pharmacy-based tests taken within 4 h of conventional laboratory testing or (ii) additional testing, which was a pharmacy-based test with no direct comparison laboratory test taken. Pharmacists, GPs and patients completed anonymous satisfaction surveys after the completion of the pharmacy-based testing. Pharmacists from 16 rural pharmacies were trained to use the CoaguChek S monitor. During the trial period, 518 INR tests were performed in the pharmacies on 137 different patients. A total of 120 tests were evaluated against results from laboratory testing. The pharmacy-based INR values were significantly correlated with the laboratory INR values (mean of 2·32 ± 0·77 and 2·32 ± 0·59 respectively; r = 0·88, P < 0·0001). A total of 398 additional pharmacy-based tests were conducted in the pharmacy and 8·5% of the additional tests resulted in a subsequent dosage change. The monitoring was well received by pharmacists, GPs and patients. The results of the trial were very positive. The CoaguChek S monitor in pharmacy-based testing performed accurately compared with conventional laboratory testing. Further research needs to be conducted on the impact of community pharmacy-conducted INR monitoring on patient care and outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycosphaerella lateralis has been isolated from diseased eucalypt foliage in conjunction with the known pathogens M. cryptica and M. nubilosa. This study sought to determine whether Dissoconium dekkeri, the anamorph state of M. lateralis, infects healthy eucalypt leaves or is a hyperparasite of M. cryptica or M. nubilosa. Detached Eucalyptus globulus leaves were inoculated with conidial suspensions of M. lateralis and the progress of leaf infection studied over 6 days. Clearing and staining of the leaves showed that infection occurred via stomata after 3 days. In order to determine whether M. lateralis is a hyperparasite of M. cryptica or M. nubilosa, colonies of these species were grown adjacent to one another on either water agar, 0.2% malt-extract agar (MEA) or 2% MEA. No evidence of M. lateralis parasitising M. cryptica or M. nubilosa was found. This indicates that M. lateralis may be a foliar pathogen, rather than a hyperparasite as was previously suggested. Scanning electron microscopy was used to show that conidiogenesis of M. lateralis is both percurrent and sympodial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stabilizing effect of a sheared axial flow on the m = 1 kink instability in Z pinches has been studied numerically with a linearized ideal magnetohydrodynamic model to reveal that a sheared axial flow stabilizes the kink mode when the shear exceeds a threshold. The sheared flow stabilizing effect is investigated with the ZaP (Z-Pinch) Flow Z-pinch experiment at the University of Washington. An axially flowing Z pinch is generated with a 1 m coaxial accelerator coupled to a pinch assembly chamber. The plasma assembles into a pinch 50 cm long with a radius of approximately 1 cm. An azimuthal array of surface mounted magnetic probes located at the midplane of the pinch measures the fluctuation levels of the azimuthal modes m = 1, 2, and 3. After the pinch assembles a quiescent period is found where the mode activity is significantly reduced. Optical images from a fast framing camera and a ruby holographic interferometer indicate a stable, discrete pinch plasma during this time. Multichord Doppler shift measurements of impurity lines show a large, sheared flow during the quiescent period and low, uniform flow profiles during periods of high mode activity. Z-pinch plasmas have been produced that are globally stable for over 700 times the theoretically predicted growth time for the kink mode of a static Z pinch. The plasma has a sheared axial flow that exceeds the theoretical threshold for stability during the quiescent period and is lower than the threshold during periods of high mode activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disseminated peritoneal adenomucinosis (DPAM) is a relatively rare cause of pseudomyxoma peritonei, marked by peritoneal lesions with abundant extracellular mucin and little cytologic atypia among exfoliated tumor cells, and usually associated with appendiceal adenomas. Peritoneal mucinous carcinomatosis (PMCA) also causes diffuse peritoneal tumor but is marked by neoplastic mucinous epithelium with cytologic features of carcinoma and associated with appendiceal, colon, gastric, or small bowel carcinoma. Compared with PMCA, DPAM has a different distribution of disease and a significantly better prognosis. DPAM is characterized by the lack of lymph node involvement, with primarily superficial peritoneal involvement, and a relatively benign, relapsing course over many years. Dominant primary masses may not be evident in DPAM. Despite considerable overlap in the two main causes of pseudomyxoma peritonei, there are features of the two that may help differentiate between them. We present the computed tomographic appearance of DPAM in a series of seven cases and emphasize characteristics of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sample of 761 subjects 70 years and over was drawn from general-practice records of a rural township. Each subject was assessed and followed for 1 year to determine the incidence of and factors related to falls. The fall rate (number of falls per 100 person-years) increased from 47 for those aged 70-74 years to 121 for those 80 years and over. There was no sex difference in fall rate but men were more likely than women to fall outside and at greater levels of activity. Twenty per cent of falls were associated with trips and slips but we found no evidence that inspection of homes and installation of safety features would have decreased the fall rate. Ten per cent of falls resulted in significant injury. Men who fell had an increased subsequent risk of death compared with those who did not fall (relative risk 3.2, 95% CI 1.7-6.0). Subsequent mortality was increased among women who fell but not to significant levels (relative risk 1.6, 95% CI 0.9-2.7). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]