bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B by lignans from Myristica fragrans
Authors: Yang Senugmi , Min Kyun Na , Jang Jun Pil , Kim Kyung Ah , Kim Bo Yeon , Sung Nak Ju , Oh Won Keun , Ahn Jong Seog
Published: June 2006

Inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) has been proposed as one of the drug targets for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity. Bioassay‐guided fractionation of a MeOH extract of the semen of Myristica fragrans Houtt. (Myristicaceae) afforded PTP1B inhibitory compounds, meso‐dihydroguaiaretic acid (1) and otobaphenol (2). Compounds 1 and 2 inhibited PTP1B with IC50 values of 19.6 ± 0.3 and 48.9 ± 0.5 µm, respectively, in the manner of non‐competitive inhibitors. Treatment with compound 1 on 32D cells overexpressing the insulin receptor (IR) resulted in a dose‐dependent increase in the tyrosine phosphorylation of IR. These results indicate that compound 1 can act as an enhancing agent in intracellular insulin signaling, possibly through the inhibition of PTP1B activity. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new method to determine interstitial flow patterns in flume studies of sub‐aqueous gravel bedforms such as fish nests
Authors: Carling P. A. , Whitcombe L. , Benson I. A. , Hankin B. G. , Radecki‐Pawlik A. M.
Published: June 2006

Flume studies often seek to measure and record the interstitial flow within plane‐bed sediment bodies and within sediment beds with wavy surfaces, such as those typified by salmonid fish spawning nests and river‐dunes. A simple, inexpensive method is described to record and map, at discrete points, the spatial variation in interstitial flow speeds in experimental fine gravel beds. The procedure uses activated carbon granules to capture a tracer: Rhodamine WT dye. Calibration of the uptake of dye by the carbon for known interstitial flow speeds allows mapping of point flow speed data initially in the nominal x‐dimension. Using interpolation procedures available in a range of commercial ‘mapping’ software packages, the point data can be used to produce quasi two‐dimensional ‘slices’ along sampling planes within the three‐dimensional gravel bed. Similarly, three‐dimensional representations can be produced within which lines of equal current speed (‘isovels’) are interpolated such that the flow vectors (in x, y and z coordinates) may be inferred. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurement of serotonin transporter binding with PET and [11C]MADAM: A test–retest reproducibility study
Authors: Lundberg Johan , Halldin Christer , Farde Lars
Published: June 2006

[11C]MADAM, or [11C]N,N‐dimethyl‐2‐(2‐amino‐4‐methylphenyl thio)benzylamine, is a radioligand suitable for positron emission tomography (PET) studies of the serotonin transporter (5‐HTT) in man. The purpose of this study was to examine the test–retest reproducibility using a design tailored for future applied studies. Nine healthy male subjects were examined with PET and [11C]MADAM under baseline conditions at two occasions 4–8 weeks apart. The subjects participated in a Phase 1 trial to which the present study was an addendum. Eight regions of interest were studied, including frontal cortex, hippocampal complex, and the raphe nuclei. All regions, but the raphe nuclei, were defined on MR‐images to which the PET‐images were coregistered using SPM2. Binding potentials were calculated using the simplified reference tissue model, with cerebellum as reference region. Test–retest data were calculated from the binding potentials, and included binding potential (BP) quotient, BP difference, and the intraclass correlation coefficient. The quotient was about one in all regions, and the mean difference varied between 0 and 11%. The intraclass correlation coefficient varied between 0.96 and 0.51 in the raphe nuclei and averaged bilateral regions. [11C]MADAM was shown to have good to excellent reliability in measurements of 5‐HTT binding in brain regions of interest in research on psychiatric disorders. Synapse 60:256–263, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Estimating nutrient contents of pig slurries rapidly by measurement of physical and chemical properties
Authors: YANG Z. , HAN L. , LI Q. , PIAO X.
Published: June 2006

Livestock slurries contain organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, which can be recycled in arable systems; however, excess applications can cause pollution problems and therefore an estimation of the nutrients in slurries is necessary. The aim of the present experiment was to test methods of rapidly estimating nutrient contents of pig slurries based on physical and chemical analysis. A total of 216 samples with a dry matter content in the range 22·5 to 91·8 g/kg were collected in Beijing during 2003 and 2004. One part of each original sample was analysed for physical and chemical properties, such as electrical conductivity (EC), pH and specific gravity (SG). The other part of each original sample was analysed in the laboratory to measure organic matter (OM), total nitrogen (TN), ammonium nitrogen (AN), total phosphorus (TP) and total potassium (TK). Analytical results showed that OM could be estimated by a single property regression with SG (R2=0·92, P<0·001), TN could be estimated by a multiple property regression with SG and pH (R2=0·86, P<0·001), AN could be estimated by a single property regression with EC (R2=0·82, P<0·001), TP could be estimated by a single property regression with SG (R2=0·81, P<0·001), and TK could be estimated by a multiple property regression with EC and SG (R2=0·81, P<0·001).
An evaluation of EPIC soil water and yield components in the gully region of Loess Plateau, China
Authors: HUANG M. , GALLICHAND J. , DANG T. , SHAO M.
Published: June 2006

The Erosion and Productivity Impact Calculator (EPIC) has been used to determine the effect of different cropping systems and management practices on soil productivity in the Loess Plateau of China. However, its crop growth and soil water balance submodels have not been verified in this region. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the ability of EPIC to estimate soil water content (θ in m3/m3), seasonal evapotranspiration (ET in mm/season) and crop yield (Y in t/ha) for winter wheat and maize. A 20-year field experiment was conducted at the Changwu Agro-ecological Experimental Station of the Loess Plateau, and divided into a calibration period and a validation period. Data from calibration (1984–94) were used to optimize the four most sensitive parameters of the EPIC crop yield submodel, whereas data from 1994 to 2004 were used for validation. For both crops, there were no significant differences between measured and estimated long-term means of the three variables (P=0·05) for either the calibration or validation periods. EPIC estimated all three variables with a small relative root mean square error (RRMSE), i.e. the ratio of root mean square error to the mean value. For wheat and maize, the calibration period resulted in respective RRMSE values of 0·112 and 0·100 for θ, 0·121 and 0·116 for ET, and 0·135 and 0·147 for Y. During the validation period, the RRMSE values obtained were 0·090 and 0·085 for θ, 0·129 and 0·135 for ET, and 0·169 and 0·149 for Y, for wheat and maize, respectively. The performance of EPIC in estimating annual values of θ, ET and Y was variable. For validation, EPIC explained 65, 79 and 64% of the measured variations of θ, ET and Y, respectively, for wheat, and 60, 70 and 67% for maize. The EPIC-estimated long-term average values of the three variables were not significantly different from measured values for winter wheat and maize during the calibration and validation periods. It can therefore be used in the gully region of the Loess Plateau to define alternative cropping systems and management practices.
Malleus–stapes assembly: experience with two prostheses
Authors: Al-Qudah M , Dawes P J D
Published: June 2006

Tympanoplasty is often a necessary part of middle-ear surgery, the most common defect being that between an intact, mobile stapes and the malleus handle. The most readily available tissue is the patient's incus, reshaped to bridge the space between an intact stapes and the malleus. When the incus cannot be used, the hydroxyapatite Wehrs incus prosthesis® can be used as an alternative.

Twenty-six patients had an autograft incus ossiculoplasty and 20 patients underwent modified Wehrs incus prosthesis ossiculoplasty. The average post-operative air–bone gaps (ABGs) were 16.2 dB hearing loss (dBHL) and 17.2 dBHL, respectively. Air–bone gap closure to within 15 dBHL was achieved for 48 per cent of incus autografts and for 57 per cent of Wehrs prostheses, and to within 20 dBHL for 77 per cent and 62 per cent, respectively. Over four years follow up, the reconstruction was stable for each group, the ABGs being 17.7 dBHL and 17.1 dBHL, respectively.
Bilateral medialization thyroplasty: an effective approach to severe, chronic aspiration
Authors: Thevasagayam M S , Willson K , Jennings C , Pracy P
Published: June 2006

Aims: To demonstrate the efficacy of bilateral medialization thyroplasty as a treatment for severe, chronic aspiration. To review the literature on surgical options available in the treatment of severe aspiration.

Materials and methods: Three cases that underwent bilateral medialization thyroplasty are described. The technique used was the standard medialization thyroplasty described by Isshiki as a unilateral procedure. The assessment and rehabilitation of these patients is discussed.

Results: All patients stopped aspirating following surgery. One patient returned to a normal diet and one patient returned to a solid diet. All patients required a permanent tracheostomy.

Conclusion: Bilateral medialization thyroplasty offers an effective surgical option in the treatment of severe, chronic aspiration. It maintains good voice, with a possible return to oral diet. The operation is easily reversible if the patient's condition alters.
The distribution of motor proteins in the muscles and flame cells of the Schistosoma mansoni miracidium and primary sporocyst
Authors: BAHIA D. , AVELAR L. G. A. , VIGOROSI F. , CIOLI D. , OLIVEIRA G. C. , MORTARA R. A.
Published: June 2006

Schistosoma mansoni eggs, miracidia and primary sporocysts were labelled with phalloidin-rhodamine to visualize filamentous actin structures. Analysis of these forms by confocal fluorescence microscopy revealed the presence of previously well-defined circular and longitudinal muscle layers. Besides these muscular layers that sustain and provide motility to these parasite forms, we found in these 3 consecutive developmental stages of the parasite previously unidentified actin-rich tubular structures. In the 3 forms, 4 actin-rich tubules could be observed by optical sectioning underneath the well-developed muscle layers. The tubules appear in pairs, transversal to the length of the parasite, and located towards the extremities. By using an anti-flame cell specific antibody we confirmed that the tubules co-localize with flame cells and also determined that the tubule core is filled with microtubules. The additional presence of myosin in these tubules strongly suggests that they are contractile structures.
Morphological versus molecular identification of avian Haemosporidia: an exploration of three species concepts
Authors: MARTINSEN E. S. , PAPERNA I. , SCHALL J. J.
Published: June 2006

More than 200 species of avian Haemosporidia (genera Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon) have been described based primarily on morphological characters seen in blood smears. Recent molecular studies, however, suggest that such methods may mask a substantial cryptic diversity of avian haemosporidians. We surveyed the haemosporidians of birds sampled at 1 site in Israel. Parasites were identified to species based on morphology, and a segment of the parasite's cytochrome b gene was sequenced. We compared 3 species concepts: morphological, genetic, and phylogenetic. Fifteen morphological species were present. Morphological species that occurred once within our dataset were associated with a unique gene sequence, displayed large genetic divergence from other morphological species, and were not contained within clades of morphological species that occurred more than once. With only 1 exception, morphological species that were identified from multiple bird hosts presented identical sequences for all infections, or differed by few synonymous substitutions, and were monophyletic for all phylogenetic analyses. Only the morphological species Haemoproteus belopolskyi did not follow this trend, falling instead into at least 2 genetically distant clades. Thus, except for H. belopolskyi, parasites identified to species by morphology were supported by both the genetic and phylogenetic species concepts.
The aetiology of depression
Authors: GOLDBERG DAVID
Published: June 2006

This review will start by considering studies of the genetic contribution to the liability to depression, and go on to consider some of the ways in which environmental factors can modify gene expression. This will lead on to the pathways by which the genetic factors also appear to control stressful life events in adolescence and adult life, and then to a consideration of causes that are entirely environmental. We will conclude by considering the causes of the gender differences in the prevalence of depression during adult life.
Insight in first-episode psychosis
Authors: McEVOY JOSEPH P. , JOHNSON JACKIE , PERKINS DIANA , LIEBERMAN JEFFREY A. , HAMER ROBERT M. , KEEFE RICHARD S. E. , TOHEN MAURICIO , GLICK IRA D. , SHARMA TONMOY
Published: June 2006

Background. We report here a study examining the relationships between insight and psychopathology, cognitive performance, brain volume and co-morbid depression in 251 patients experiencing a first episode of psychosis, who were then randomly assigned to 2 years of double-blind treatment with either olanzapine or haloperidol.

Method. Repeated measures of insight were obtained at baseline and 12, 24, 52 and 104 weeks by the Insight and Treatment Attitudes Questionnaire (ITAQ).

Results. Older age, female gender and white ethnicity were associated with more insight. Higher total, positive, negative and general psychopathology scores on the Positive and Negative Syndromes Scale (PANSS) were associated with less insight. Higher depression scores were associated with more insight. Better neurocognitive function and large brain volumes were associated with more insight. More insight throughout the study was associated with longer time to medication non-adherence. However, baseline insight was not significantly related to the probability of discontinuing the study before 2 years. Insight improved significantly over the course of the study, but the improvement in insight was not significantly different between the two antipsychotic treatment groups.

Conclusions. Multiple factors contribute to insight. Patients experiencing a first episode of psychosis who have little insight are at increased risk of discontinuing their medication.
A molecular epidemiological study of rabies in Cuba
Authors: NADIN-DAVIS S. A. , TORRES G. , RIBAS M. DE LOS ANGELES , GUZMAN M. , DE LA PAZ R. CRUZ , MORALES M. , WANDELER A. I.
Published: June 2006

To investigate the emergence and current situation of terrestrial rabies in Cuba, a collection of rabies virus specimens was employed for genetic characterization. These data supported the monophyletic nature of all terrestrial rabies viruses presently circulating in Cuba but additionally delineated several distinct variants exhibiting limited spatial distribution which may reflect the history of rabies spread on the island. The strain of rabies currently circulating in Cuba, which emerged on the island in the early 20th century, has very close evolutionary ties to the Mexican dog type and is a member of the cosmopolitan lineage widely distributed during the colonial period. The Cuban rabies viruses, which circulate predominantly within the mongoose population, are phylogenetically distant from viruses circulating in mongooses in other parts of the world. These studies illustrate, at a global level, the adaptation of multiple strains of rabies to mongoose species which should be regarded as important wildlife hosts for rabies re-emergence. Given the recent emergence of human cases due to bat contact in Cuba, this study also included a single insectivorous bat specimen which was found to most closely resemble the rabies viruses known to circulate in Mexican vampire bats.
A chain-binomial model for intra-household spread of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a low socio-economic setting in Pakistan
Authors: AKHTAR S. , CARPENTER T. E. , RATHI S. K.
Published: June 2006

A simulation study using Greenwood's chain-binomial model was carried out to elucidate the spread and control of Mycobacterium tuberculosis among the household contacts of infectious pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) patients. Based on the observed data, the maximum-likelihood estimates (±S.E.) of chain-binomial probabilities of intra-household M. tuberculosis transmission from an index case in 3-person and 4-person households were 0·313±0·008 and 0·325±0·009 respectively. The χ2 goodness-of-fit test of observed and simulated mean expected frequencies of cases revealed good fit for 3-person (P=0·979) and 4-person (P=0·546) households. With the assumption of varying risk of M. tuberculosis transmission across the households under β-distribution, goodness-of-fit tests of observed and mean simulated expected frequencies revealed the inadequacy of Greenwood's chain-binomial model both for 3-person (P=0·0185) and 4-person (P<0·001) households. Simulated M. tuberculosis control strategy comprising efficient diagnosis, segregation and prompt antibiotic therapy of index pulmonary TB patients showed a substantial reduction of new cases among the household contacts in both household sizes. In conclusion, segregation coupled with prompt antibiotic therapy of the index case, chemoprophylaxis of M. tuberculosis-exposed household contacts, and the assessment of household environmental risks to devise and implement an educational programme may help reduce the TB burden in this and similar settings.
Epidemiology of hospital admissions for paediatric varicella infections: a one-year prospective survey in the pre-vaccine era
Authors: DUBOS F. , GRANDBASTIEN B. , HUE V. ,   the Hospital Network for Evaluating the Management of Common Childhood Diseases, MARTINOT A.
Published: June 2006

To evaluate the epidemiology of hospital admissions for varicella in children, a 1-year prospective multicentre study was done in Northern France in the pre-varicella vaccine era. The 405 children aged <16 years seen at local hospitals for varicella or herpes zoster were included. Among them, 143 who had varicella and resided in the district were admitted. Admission incidence rates were 28/100000 children aged <16 years (149/100000 infants aged <1 year, 69/100000 children aged 1–4 years, and 2/100000 children aged 5–15 years). Most admissions (57%) were related to complications, usually skin infection (47%). Independent risk factors for admission were place of residence outside the district [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 8·7], complication at admission (aOR 5·8), recurrent fever (aOR 4·5), recent varicella in a sibling (aOR 4·0), and previous physician visit for the same condition (aOR 2·0).
Prevalence of enteric bacteria that inhibit growth of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157 in humans
Authors: TOSHIMA H. , HACHIO M. , IKEMOTO Y. , OGASAWARA J. , HASE A. , TAKAHASHI K. , MASAKI H. , NISHIKAWA Y.
Published: June 2006

Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157 (O157) is infectious to humans, particularly children, at very low doses and causes not only haemorrhagic colitis but also other serious symptoms. To investigate an association between intestinal bacterial flora and resistance to such infections, we screened faecal samples for the presence of enteric bacteria that are able to suppress the growth of O157. Samples from 303 individuals, 35 children (aged [les ]6 years) and 268 adults (aged 20–59 years), were examined. Colonies with different appearances on sorbitol MacConkey agar medium were screened for the production of bacteriocins inhibitory for O157 in an overlay agar plate assay. O157-inhibiting strains were isolated from 52 individuals. The prevalence of these bacteria tended to rise with age, and was significantly higher among 40- to 59-year-old adults (23/101, 22·8%) than among children (3/35, 8·6%; P<0·05). To test the hypothesis that these bacteriocin-producing strains contribute to resistance against O157 in human adults, we examined faecal samples of 25 healthy O157 carriers. Inhibitory bacteria were more prevalent among the latter (9/25, 36·0%) than among age-matched subjects who did not carry O157 (49/268, 18·3%). It appears, therefore, that inhibitory bacteria in the human gut may play a role in inhibiting propagation of O157 and/or suppressing expression of virulence factors by this pathogen.
An outbreak of Escherichia coli O157 gastroenteritis in a care home for the elderly
Authors: AFZA M. , HAWKER J. , THURSTON H. , GUNN K. , ORENDI J.
Published: June 2006

In the summer of 2001 an outbreak of Escherichia coli O157 gastroenteritis affected staff and residents of a care home for the elderly in the West Midlands, UK. E. coli O157 phage type 2 was isolated from faeces in eight patients and 12 staff members. Thirty-five staff and 40 residents met the case definition for clinical gastrointestinal infection. Serological testing identified a further 14 possible cases of infection amongst asymptomatic staff and residents. The outbreak was atypical, as the disease seemed to be milder than has been observed in past outbreaks in similar settings. The index case, a member of staff, developed bloody diarrhoea and haemolytic–uraemic syndrome (HUS), but only one resident developed bloody diarrhoea and required hospitalization. No deaths occurred, despite the high-risk nature of the affected population. The source of the outbreak could not be identified. The prolonged nature of the outbreak and observed lapses in infection control practices indicated that person-to-person spread was the likely route of transmission. This outbreak illustrates the importance of observing appropriate infection control measures in the institutions providing residential and nursing care to the elderly.
Influence of smoking and CYP2C19 genotypes on H. pylori eradication success
Authors: SUZUKI T. , MATSUO K. , SAWAKI A. , WAKAI K. , HIROSE K. , ITO H. , SAITO T. , NAKAMURA T. , YAMAO K. , HAMAJIMA N. , TAJIMA K.
Published: June 2006

CYP2C19 polymorphisms and smoking influence the efficacy of H. pylori eradication therapy, but interaction between the two have hitherto not been examined. A total of 142 H. pylori-positive patients who received triple drug therapy with lansoprazole, amoxicillin and clarithromycin were categorized into three groups with regard to diplotypes of CYP2C19: homozygous extensive metabolizer (homEM), heterozygous EM (hetEM), and poor metabolizer (PM). The overall success rate was 61·3%. Smoking was an independent risk factor of eradication failure (OR 2·81, 95% CI 1·14–6·91), whereas CYP2C19 polymorphisms were less influential. Among non-smokers, the homEM and hetEM groups showed worse eradication rates (58·5 and 67·3%) relative to PM (76·2%) as expected; however, an opposite trend was observed among smokers (homEM 50·0%, hetEM 46·7%, PM 20·0%), indicating possible interactions with CYP2C19 polymorphisms. Smoking has a greater influence on H. pylori eradication than the CYP2C19 genotype. Interaction between smoking and CYP2C19 should be examined in the future.
Gametogenesis in the Antarctic plunderfishes Artedidraco lönnbergi and Artedidraco skottsbergi (Pisces: Artedidraconidae) from the Ross Sea
Authors: La Mesa Mario , Caputo Vincenzo , Rampa Riccardo , Eastman Joseph T.
Published: June 2006

The Antarctic plunderfishes Artedidraco lönnbergi and A. skottsbergi are small, bottom dwelling species inhabiting the continental shelf of the High Antarctic Zone. During cruise 97–9 of the US RV Nathaniel Palmer during the summer in the south-western Ross Sea, samples of both species were collected by means of bottom trawling. On the basis of macroscopic and histological analysis, we present the first data on the reproductive characteristics of these two plunderfishes, including gametogenesis, spawning period and absolute fecundity. Histologically, we found immature (stage I and II) and mature (stage V) females in both species, whereas developing females (stage III) were found only in A. skottsbergi. All examined male specimens of A. skottsbergi were in the final stage of spermatogenesis (stage III), whereas male A. lönnbergi were immature (stage I), mature (stage IV) and post-reproductive (stage V) individuals. In both species, spawning takes place in summer during December and January. Absolute fecundity was very low, with less than 100 and 200 oocytes in A. lönnbergi and A. skottsbergi, respectively. These data are compared with those reported in literature for other artedidraconids.
Evidence for egg brooding and parental care in icefish and other notothenioids in the Southern Ocean
Authors: Kock K.-H. , Pshenichnov L.K. , Devries A.L.
Published: June 2006

One of the least known Antarctic fish species is the icefish Chionobathyscus dewitti described first in 1978. Some of its reproductive characteristics appear to be similar to other channichthyids of similar size and shape. Females close to spawning have gonado–somatic indices (GSIs) of more than 20, and absolute fecundity was 2967 to 15612 oocytes in females 33–62 cm long. Relative fecundity was 7.6 in one female. Spawning has been observed in the Ross Sea at 1300 to 1500 m depth from January to March. Chionobathyscus dewitti may exhibit a remarkable egg carrying behaviour: eggs stick together in batches around the pelvic fins of females. The comparatively large number of mature males observed with no indication of an egg batch attached to their ventral fins makes it unlikely that males are involved in egg carrying. The few larvae of C. dewitti caught so far occurred from October onwards. Their size indicates that they have hatched as early as September. This suggests an incubation period of at least six months. We compare this with parental care reported in other notothenioids.
Landform evolution in the Marine Plain region, Vestfold Hills, East Antarctica
Authors: Quilty Patrick G.
Published: June 2006

Landforms of Marine Plain in the Vestfold Hills contrast with those of most in the Vestfold Hills. They include consistent land surfaces at 40+ m and 25 m, characteristics controlled by orientation of rock features, and imprints of phases of glaciation, deglaciation and marine and freshwater inundation. The 40+ m surface is widespread in the Vestfold Hills and has been noted previously. The 25 m level was an earlier coastline, is more localized and marked by water rounded boulders; it serves to differentiate clearly between two terrains of different relief and erratic distribution. The Pliocene sedimentary rocks below the 25 m level have been dislocated, probably during an interval of glaciotectonism caused by northward movement of sediments under an ice load due to northern extension of the Sørsdal Glacier or expansion of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet some time after the mid-Pliocene. Soil development is active. These features are accompanied by the normal aspects of a glaciated landscape such as glacial striations, sand wedges, erratics, and patterned ground. Wind has been important in transporting sand and developing honeycomb weathering on exposed rock faces.
Latest Jurassic–earliest Cretaceous age for a fossil flora from the Latady Basin, Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Hunter Morag A. , Cantrill David J. , Flowerdew Michael J.
Published: June 2006

Dating Jurassic terrestrial floras in the Antarctic Peninsula has proved problematic and controversial. Here U–Pb series dating on detrital zircons from a conglomerate interbedded with fossil plant material provide a maximal depositional age of 144 ± 3 Ma for a presumed Jurassic flora. This is the first confirmed latest Jurassic-earliest Cretaceous flora from the Latady Basin, and represents some of the youngest sedimentation in this basin. The presence of terrestrial sedimentation at Cantrill Nunataks suggests emergence of the arc closer to the Latady Basin margin in the south compared to Larsen Basin in the north, probably as a result of the failure of the southern Weddell Sea to undergo rifting.
Radiocarbon ages of sorted circles on King George Island, South Shetland Islands, West Antarctica
Authors: Jeong Gi Young
Published: June 2006

Lichen and moss colonize the surface of glacial debris left after deglaciation. Transformation of unsorted debris into a sorted circle causes early plant remains to be preserved in the fine-grained centre encircled by a coarse, clastic border. Systematic radiocarbon dating of plant remains from the sorted stone circles on King George Island, South Shetland Islands, West Antarctica, yielded ages between 290–4710 14C yrs BP. The oldest age obtained from a large stone circle approximated the regional deglaciation age recorded in marine and lacustrine sediment cores. Most of the ages, however, underestimate the time of deglaciation due to the continual addition of younger plant remains, changes in soil motion, and the diverse vegetation history. Despite its current limitations as a terrestrial proxy for regional deglaciation, further systematic dating and careful interpretation based on surface processes may improve the usefulness of sorted circles in reconstructing the glacial and periglacial history of polar terrestrial environments.
Synoptic situations causing high precipitation rates on the Antarctic plateau: observations from Kohnen Station, Dronning Maud Land
Authors: Birnbaum Gerit , Brauner Ralf , Ries Hinnerk
Published: June 2006

Kohnen Station (75°S, 0°E, 2892 m) is one of the two drilling sites of the European Project for Ice Coring in Antarctica. Snow falls at Kohnen only a few times a year with comparatively high precipitation rates of 1 mm to over 5 mm water equivalent per event. These events contribute considerably to the total annual accumulation of which the long-term mean value is 62 mm water equivalent per year. For ice core interpretation, it is important to understand synoptic processes leading to such high precipitation rates. Our investigation is based on visually observed periods of heavy snowfall at Kohnen during summer campaigns since 2001/2002. The corresponding synoptic situations can be grouped into three categories. Category I is where occluding fronts of eastward-moving low pressure systems reach the plateau, a fairly frequent occurrence. Category II is where lows or secondary lows formed east of the Greenwich Meridian move to the west (retrograde movement), and frontal clouds influence the plateau. In Category III, large-scale lifting processes (due to an upper air low west of Kohnen Station) lead to cloud formation over the plateau of Dronning Maud Land.
An introduction to the use of eportfolios in professional practice
Authors: Duncan-Pitt L. , Sutherland S.
Published: June 2006

In this article the potential for use of electronic portfolios by healthcare practitioners and students is considered in the context of work currently being undertaken in the School of Health at the University of Wolverhampton. We write at a time when knowledge of, and interest in, eportfolios is expanding beyond a relatively small number of projects and into the consciousness of a wider audience of academics and institutions. In the last 2 years interest in eportfolios has grown rapidly, particularly within a Higher Education sector keen to meet the Higher Education Funding Council for England/Quality Assurance Agency progress file deadline in 2005, but also spurred by the reports of Burgess (Universities UK. Measuring and recording student achievement, 2004 [Online report] [Accessed: 01 March 2006]. Available from: http://bookshop.universitiesuk.ac.uk/downloads/
measuringachievement.pdf) and of Tomlinson (DfES. Harnessing Technology: Transforming learning and children's services, 2005. [Online Report]. Published 15 March 2005 [Accessed: 01 Mar 2006]. Available from: http://www.dfes.gov.uk/publications/e-strategy/index.shtml). Examples of the use of eportfolio as a means of recording achievement and, in particular, facilitating reflective practice are discussed. The potential of an eportfolio system incorporating asynchronous communication features to resolve the tensions between academic and clinical practitioner roles is explored.
Are extended working days sustainable in radiotherapy?
Authors: Routsis D. , Thomas S. , Head J.
Published: June 2006

A number of Radiotherapy Departments have extended the working day on linear accelerators, as a method of increasing treatment capacity. However, reports from the Royal College of Radiologists predict a rate of increase in requirements for radiotherapy, significantly in excess of the rate at which radiographers will become available to run the necessary equipment.

Based on the premise that radiographers are the most difficult staff group to recruit, a number of different patterns of radiotherapy linear accelerator use has been investigated, with an aim of seeing which delivers the greatest return on radiographer time. The requirement for radiographers per linac-hour has been examined for a number of lengths of day and utilising various staffing assumptions.

Given current patterns of work, the greatest manpower efficiency in use of trained radiographers is achieved if machines are run for a 7-h-day or for an 8-h-day if part-time radiographers are available. This working pattern relies on all ancillary tasks being removed from the treatment unit, many of which can be performed by other appropriately trained, non-radiographer, staff groups.

With linac-hour demand projected to rise faster than the rate at which new trained radiographers become available, extended working days are not sustainable without significant change to current work patterns.
An evaluation of ultrasound localisation for verification of external beam radiotherapy to the prostate
Authors: Richards J.
Published: June 2006

The recent advent of highly conformal three-dimensional radiotherapy techniques and Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy now allows higher radiation doses to be delivered. It is well-documented that the prostate is susceptible to both interfraction and intrafraction movements due to various physiological processes. Therefore there has been a recent general consensus that good immobilisation and electronic portal imaging is no longer sufficient to ensure accurate treatment verification. This idea has led to the concept of image-guided radiotherapy, which includes modalities such as cone-beam computed tomography and ultrasound to localise the prostate prior to treatment.

There has been considerable research undertaken to determine the effectiveness of each of the image guided modalities and these studies have identified the benefit and limitations of each modality. Ultrasound is a non-invasive technique using a suprapubic ultrasound probe, which seems to be quite promising in terms of cost and time. However until large scales studies are performed which demonstrate the value of using ultrasound localisation, as an alternative to electronic portal imaging, it is likely that current practice will remain unchanged.
Particle separation and concentration in natural systems
Authors: Atencio A.
Published: June 2006

A mechanism that permits the separation and concentration of particles in natural systems is proposed. According to the mechanism, the particles in an aquifer are moved by an alternating flow of ground water. The retardation factor oscillates in synchronism with the alternating water flow. The retardation factor or the flow depend on the position in the aquifer (the particle velocity is u=v/R, where v is the water velocity and R is the retardation factor). The alternating flow is induced by tides, geysers or periodic rains. The alternating water flow produces temperature and water composition oscillations in the aquifer. Moreover, the alternating flow is caused by pressure oscillations: therefore, the retardation factor (which depends on pressure, temperature and water composition) oscillates. The dependence of the retardation factor on position is due to the inhomogeneity of the aquifer medium or to the position dependence of temperature, composition or pressure. Different particles may be concentrated at different places in the aquifer or in different aquifers. The particle concentration and the time necessary for concentration are estimated. The particles may be atoms, molecules, colloids or microorganisms. Such a mechanism may have played a role in chemical evolution.
Carbon substrate utilization as a method of studying biofilm development
Authors: Spratt D. A. , Pratten J.
Published: June 2006

The aim of this work was to study the community level physiological profile of a developing oral biofilm. Mixed-species biofilms, derived from human saliva, were grown in a constant-depth film fermentor for up to 240 h. Biolog GP2 microplates were inoculated with saliva or homogenized biofilms and incubated at 37 °C. The results showed that a biofilm community could utilize a range of substrates more diverse than those of their planktonic counterparts. Following the construction of dendrograms, a temporal relationship was demonstrated between the inoculum and biofilms, and the difference in communities over time was also resolved by using an eight-digit code of positive carbon sources. The diversity of the populations could be determined through the use of the community level physiological profile and the treatment of the data may augment the interpretation of the results. Methods such as community level physiological profiling may provide a valuable insight into the composition of biofilm communities associated with oral health and disease.
Does it really matter where you live? A panel data multilevel analysis of Swedish municipality-level social capital on individual health-related quality of life
Authors: Islam M. Kamrul , Merlo Juan , Kawachi Ichiro , Lindström Martin , Burström Kristina , Gerdtham Ulf-G.
Published: June 2006

We test whether individual health status is related to area-level social capital measured by rates of voting participation in municipal political elections, controlling for personal characteristics, where health status is measured by mapping responses to interview survey questions into the generic health-related quality of life measure (HRQoL) the EQ-5D in order to derive the health state scores. The analysis is based on unbalanced panel data from Statistic Sweden's Survey of Living Conditions (the ULF survey) and a 3-level multilevel regression analysis, where level 1 consists of a total of 31,585 observations for 24,419 individuals at level 2 nested within 275 Swedish municipalities at level 3. We find that the health state scores increase significantly with municipality election rates. This result is robust to a number of measurement and specification issues explored in a sensitivity analysis. However, almost all variation in health status exists across individuals (more than 98%), which demonstrates that even if social capital (and other contextual variables) may be significant it is of less importance, at least at the municipality level in Sweden.
Topische Arzneimittelanwendung am Ohr
Authors: Hoppe-Tichy  , Bayer
Published: June 2006

Arzneimittel zur Anwendung am Ohr können in den verschiedensten Zubereitungsformen vorliegen. In dieser Gruppe sind Ohrentropfen die am häufigsten verordneten, topisch anzuwendenden Zubereitungen. Die Vorteile von Ohrentropfen liegen in der einfachen Anwendung, geringen Compliance-Problemen und im Infektionsbereich bei der schnellen Erzielung von hohen Wirkstoffkonzentrationen am Wirkort. Die Risiken einer Behandlung mit Ohrentropfen sind gering.
Insulinpens in der Diabetesbehandlung
Authors: Bärtsch  , Comtesse  , Wetekam
Published: June 2006

Wesentlicher Bestandteil einer erfolgreichen Insulintherapie ist die korrekte Insulinapplikation. Heutzutage stehen dafür Hilfsmittel zur Verfügung, die die Therapie nicht nur bedienerfreundlicher und sozial verträglicher, sondern auch sicherer machen. Im Zentrum stehen in diesem Zusammenhang die Insulinpens. Die konsistente und präzise Instruktion der Patienten durch ihre Therapeuten erfordert Kenntnisse bezüglich Auswahl des richtigen Pens und der dazu passenden Penkanülen sowie Kenntnisse einiger Details bei der Bedienung der unterschiedlichen Insulinpens. Die Injektionstechnik selbst unterscheidet sich nicht von derjenigen mit Insulinspritzen, wird aber dennoch dargestellt, da es auch hier einige Besonderheiten zu beachten gilt.
Salben und andere dermale Anwendungsformen
Authors: Surber  , Schneider  , Pellanda  , Bircher
Published: June 2006

Die Wahl der Arzneiform für die Anwendung auf der Haut ist mitentscheidend für den Erfolg einer topischen Pharmakotherapie. Die Akuität der Effloreszenz, die Lokalisation und Ausdehnung der Affektion, der Hauttyp, die kosmetischen Ansprüche des Patienten, sowie die Abwaschbarkeit, der Kühl- und Okklusiveffekt der Arzneiform müssen bei der Wahl berücksichtigt werden. Angepasste Therapie- und Anwendungsmodalitäten unterstützen die Therapie und fördern die Compliance.
A method for precise analysis of trace element/calcium ratios in carbonate samples using quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Harding D. J. , Arden J. W. , Rickaby R. E. M.
Published: June 2006

An improved method has been developed using a quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (Q‐ICP‐MS) to analyze carbonate samples for multiple trace element to calcium ratios. Problems alleviating shorter‐term drift have been overcome by manipulating the instrument to bracket each trace metal measurement with a calcium measurement, while longer‐term drift is corrected by bracketing each sample analysis with external matrix‐matched standards, of typical foram composition. Our method is optimized for measuring the ratios, Sr/Ca, Mg/Ca, Zn/Ca, Cd/Ca, Ba/Ca, Mn/Ca, and U/Ca, from a single carbonate sample but could be adapted to include a range of alternative ratios. Evaluation has shown the method to be extremely precise. At less than 1 RSD (1σ) for 3 trace metal to calcium ratios, we have achieved comparable precision to a sector field ICP‐MS instrument and an advance over previous methods using the Q‐ICP‐MS instrument. Precision (RSD) for each ratio, based on 96 sample analyses in 5 batches made over a period of 9 months using a 100 mg/L Ca standard, is 2.2% for U/Ca, 1.7% for Cd/Ca, 1.9% for Zn/Ca, 1.1% for Ba/Ca, 0.7% for Mn/Ca, and 0.7% and 0.6% for Sr/Ca and Mg/Ca, respectively. Accuracy of the method is confirmed by comparing standard ratios with those obtained from an ICP‐AES instrument and by comparing sample analyses of NEAP4B material from the North Atlantic with data measured using thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) and flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS).
Impact of conditional sampling and instrumental limitations on the statistics of cloud properties derived from cloud radar and lidar at SIRTA
Authors: Protat A. , Armstrong A. , Haeffelin M. , Morille Y. , Pelon J. , Delanoë J. , Bouniol D.
Published: June 2006

Clouds represent the largest uncertainty in future climate projections. As a result, unbiased long‐term vertically‐resolved cloud observations must be collected and analyzed in order to produce regional cloud climatologies. In the present study, we use model outputs to evaluate the impact of conditional temporal sampling and instrumental effects on the 2‐year statistics of frequency of cloud occurrence and cloud fraction. We then quantify the radiative significance of the ice clouds undetected by cloud radars. We find that in order to evaluate the representation of all types of clouds in operational models both a cloud radar and a lidar must be used. The cloud radar alone can do a reasonable job at describing cloud properties up to 8–9 km, however the lidar is mandatory to detect most of the high‐altitude clouds above 9 km. The sampling should be regular but not necessarily continuous, and should not be driven by meteorological conditions. This result applies to all sites having a lidar without a radome. It is finally suggested that a cloud radar of around −60 dBZ sensitivity at 1 km range would be required to detect almost all radiatively‐significant ice clouds.
Generalized threshold function accounting for effect of relative dispersion on threshold behavior of autoconversion process
Authors: Liu Yangang , Daum Peter H. , McGraw Robert , Miller Mark
Published: June 2006

The recently derived theoretical threshold function associated with the autoconversion process is generalized to account for the effect of the relative dispersion of the cloud droplet size distribution. This generalized threshold function theoretically demonstrates that the relative dispersion, which has been largely neglected to date, essentially controls the cloud‐to‐rain transition if the liquid water content and the droplet concentration are fixed. Comparison of the generalized threshold function to existing ad hoc threshold functions further reveals that the essential role of the spectral shape of the cloud droplet size distribution in rain initiation has been unknowingly buried in the arbitrary use of ad hoc threshold functions in atmospheric models such as global climate models, and that commonly used ad hoc threshold functions are unable to fully describe the threshold behavior of the autoconversion process that likely occurs in ambient clouds.
Quasiperiodic southward moving waves in 630‐nm airglow images in the equatorial thermosphere
Authors: Shiokawa K. , Otsuka Y. , Ogawa T.
Published: June 2006

We report quasiperiodic southward moving waves, which are commonly observed in the OI 630‐nm airglow images (emission altitudes of 200–300 km) near the equator, in 2‐year airglow observations at Kototabang, Indonesia (0.2°S, 100.3°E, geomagnetic latitude of −10.4°). The waves have predominantly east‐west phase fronts and repeatedly propagate southward with a velocity of 310 ± 110 m/s and a period of 40 ± 15 min. They are frequently observed in May–July with an occurrence rate of 53% and are also observed in other seasons with occurrences of ∼20%. The waves are observed in and to the south (geomagnetically poleward) of the equatorial ionospheric anomaly, which is identified as an airglow enhancement region moving gradually to lower geomagnetic latitudes at the premidnight local times. We suggest that gravity waves in the lower thermosphere below ∼300 km are a plausible cause of the observed quasiperiodic waves in the airglow images.