Risk assessments for acute violence to third parties: a review of the literature

OBJECTIVES: To provide an overview of risk assessments for acute violence to third parties by combining a clinical and research focus and to offer guidelines to physicians conducting clinical assessments. METHOD: A computerized literature search of the MEDLINE and PSYCHINFO data bases from 1967 to 1996 was completed using the key words violence, aggression, dangerous behaviour, risk, risk assessment, risk factors, and practice guidelines. The search yielded 116 relevant references, 26 of which were original research articles on risk factor identification. A secondary search, based on the citations from the primary search, yielded an additional 8 general discussion articles. RESULTS: Risk assessments may be conducted using different methods, although all methods should be systematic and comprehensive. Research shows that risk assessments do have validity for use in short-term prediction and that it is possible to develop clinical guidelines in this area. A combined clinical and research approach holds the most promise for improving the accuracy of probability estimates, and most published guides and tools rely on such a combination. CONCLUSIONS: Risk assessments are an important and necessary part of the clinical examination. Because this field has sufficiently evolved, there is abundant literature to refer to when determining what constitutes an acceptable assessment for risk of violence to third parties and when it is appropriate to conduct such an examination.     

Simulating oscillators using SPICE

SPICE generation of the output signals from electronic oscillator circuits is obtained by transient analysis. Simulation success is software specific and depends upon how the transient analysis function is configured. Different tricks, which are oscillator configuration specific, may be applied to achieve simulation output. In the final analysis, one must remember that simulation is not a complete and full replacement for circuit construction and testing. Accurate analysis is given for resonant or relaxation circuits     

A mating type-linked gene cluster expressed in Chlamydomonas zygotes participates in the uniparental inheritance of the chloroplast genome

A characteristic feature of early zygote development in Chlamydomonas is the selective degradation of chloroplast DNA from the mating type minus parent. The zygote-specific gene cluster ezy-1 is linked to the mating type locus and is transcribed almost immediately upon zygote formation. We show here that the acidic Ezy-1 polypeptide is rapidly transported to both the plus and minus chloroplasts, where it interacts with each chloroplast nucleoid. Expression of ezy-1 is selectively inhibited when plus, but not minus, gametes are briefly ultraviolet irradiated just prior to mating, a treatment known to disrupt the uniparental inheritance of chloroplast traits. We propose that the Ezy-1 polypeptide participates in the destruction of the minus chloroplast DNA in zygotes and thus the uniparental inheritance of chloroplast traits. The ezy-1 gene represents a valuable molecular probe for dissecting mechanisms underlying organelle inheritance.     

The provision of renal replacement therapy for adults in England and Wales: recent trends and future directions

We assessed the level of provision of renal replacement therapy for adults in England and Wales. All autonomous main renal units in England (n = 52) and Wales (n = 5) were surveyed in 1996. Data for England were compared to the 1993 National Renal Review. The acceptance rate in England 1995 was 82 (80-85) per million population (p.m.p.) compared with 67 (65-70) p.m.p. in 1991-2. The rate in 1995 in Wales was 109 (98-122) p.m.p. The prevalence rate in England was 476 p.m.p. at end-1995 compared to 393 p.m.p. in 1993, in Wales it was 487 p.m.p. The number of main renal units in England did not rise between 1993 and 1995; capacity was increased by use of more treatment shifts and temporary haemodialysis stations, and by opening more satellite units. The main growth was in hospital haemodialysis. There was an uneven geographical distribution of services. Patients accepted were older with more comorbidity. The use of better-quality processes of dialysis increased. The steady-state position for RRT will not be reached for over a decade. Health authorities will face continued pressure to fund increases in quantity and quality improvements. A stronger evidence base of the effectiveness of therapies, and a national registry to monitor the equity and cost-effectiveness of services are needed.     

Spectrum Signature Modeling and Data Reduction Techniques Applicable to Airborne Antennas

Information is presented on a modeling technique and on data reduction techniques applicable to obtaining the spectrum signatures of low-gain, low-frequency airborne antennas. The modeling technique demonstrates the degree of simplicity permissible in the fabrication of aircraft scale models on which test antennas are mounted. It is shown that simple geometric shapes employed to represent an aerodynamically shaped aircraft will yield sufficiently accurate information for antenna signature evaluation, thus allowing far-field antenna characteristics to be obtained at a relatively low cost. A brief discussion of an analog-digital converter unit is also included. This unit is employed in the placing of antenna pattern data in a format that is applicable to the Electromagnetic Compatibility Analysis Center (ECAC) computer facilities.     

Analysis of open Hearth Oxygen Injection

Results are presented of a program designed to investigate the effects of using oxygen for the enrichment of the combustion air, and to determine the effects of oxygen flow rate and velocity through roof lances.     

Activated coagulation time (ACT) of whole blood in normal dogs

The activated coagulation time (ACT) test is technically simple, inexpensive, and commercially available and provides a rapid, accurate assessment of canine whole blood clotting time. The medium ACT for 72 normal dogs ranging in age from 6 monhts to 11 years was 75 seconds, with a range of from less than 60 seconds to 125 seconds and a mean of 77.5 seconds. Significant difference in the ACT due to sex or age of the animals tested was not found.     

FUNDING LOCAL PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PENSIONS: ONE CITY'S TALE

This paper discusses the pension funding problem that currently faces the City of Los Angeles' fire and police pension plan. Past policies and practices which have contributed to the funding problem are reviewed. These include: full cost-of-living adjustments, questionable actuarial assumptions and poor investment performance. In addition to the mechanical causes of the funding problem, the political forces underlying the funding problems are examined. Policy changes designed to rectify these problems are outlined and the political dynamics making them possible are discussed.     

Composition of the lipids in human milk: A review

Recent publications on the composition of human milk are reviewed. The importance of proper sampling is discussed. Fat contents of 2.6–4.5% and cholesterol amounts of 200–650 mg/100 g fat were reported. The phytosterols in milk were increased by the consumption of these sterols. Phytosterols could contribute to the “total cholesterol” in milk if analyses are done colorimetrically. The fatty acid composition is remarkably uniform unless bizarre diets are consumed; the amounts of linoleic acid vary the most. Phospholipids contained more long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids than triacylglycerols. Scientific Contribution No. 786, Storrs Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06268.