bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compliance and persistence with medication in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Ágh Tamás , Mészáros Ágnes
Published: July 2009

A gyógyszeres kezelés hiányos compliance-e, valamint perzisztenciája jelentős problémát jelent a krónikus obstruktív tüdőbetegek optimális terápiájának kialakításában – derül ki a szerzők szisztematikus irodalomelemzéséből. A túlzott gyógyszerhasználat ugyanúgy, mint a csökkent gyógyszerbevitel inadekvát terápiát meghatározó fontos tényező. A beteg-együttműködés hiánya jelentősen növeli az exacerbatiók előfordulását, a kórházi kezelések számát, a mortalitási rátát, valamint csökkenti a betegek életminőségét. Célszerű a betegjellemzőket, a várható compliance-t, illetve perzisztenciát már a gyógyszer kiválasztásakor figyelembe venni. Hatékonyabb orvos–beteg kapcsolattal, megfelelő betegtájékoztatással ugyancsak javítható a kezelések hatékonysága.
Personal Growth after a Suicide Loss: Cross-Sectional Findings Suggest Growth after Loss May Be Associated with Better Mental Health among Survivors
Authors: Feigelman William , Jordan John R. , Gorman Bernard S.
Published: July 2009

With a diverse sample of 462 parent survivors of their child's suicide we explored the association of the personal growth subscale of the Hogan Grief Reaction Checklist (HGRC) with mental health problems among longer-term survivors. In this article we offer additional validation for this scale's association with longer-term survivorship and reduced grief difficulties. We also demonstrate its negative relationship with mental health problems. In addition, we explore the demographic correlates of personal growth, which are likely to enable some survivors to experience personal growth sooner than others. Overall, the findings suggest that personal growth represents an important part in the process of healing after suicide loss.
Prolonged Grief Disorder and Depression in Widows Due to the Rwandan Genocide
Authors: Schaal Susanne , Elbert Thomas , Neuner Frank
Published: July 2009

Should pathological grief be viewed as a nosological category, separate from other forms of mental diseases? Diagnostic criteria for “Prolonged Grief Disorder” (PGD) have recently been specified by Prigerson and her coworkers. We interviewed a total of 40 widows who had lost their husbands during the Rwandan genocide in 1994. We assessed Major Depression using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.) and prolonged grief reactions with the PG-13. In order to examine the distinctiveness of the two syndromes we performed a multitrait correlational matrix analysis using modified versions of Generalized Proximity Functions (GPFs). 12.5% ( n = 5) of the sample fulfilled the criteria for a diagnosis of PGD; 40% ( n = 16) met criteria for Major Depressive Episode. The two syndromes were strongly associated. No discriminant validity was found between the two constructs suggesting that PGD may rather be an appearance of depression than a separate nosological entity.
How Do the Young Suicide Survivors Wish to Be Met by Psychologists? A User Study
Authors: Dyregrov Kari
Published: July 2009

Little user-knowledge has been documented on the experiences of young suicide bereaved with psychosocial assistance and therapy. Thirty-two adolescents who had lost a close family member or friend by suicide participated in a research project by filling in questionnaires and participating in focus group interviews. The article explores the young people's experiences with and wishes for help from psychologists, and shows that the young bereaved do not receive the psychological assistance they wish for and need. The shortcomings are discussed in relation to the organization, form, and contents of the help. In order to reach youth with adequate assistance in an extreme life situation, it is worth listening to their opinions about how they want to be approached in the wake of a suicide.
Spiritual Beliefs among Israeli Nurses and Social Workers: A Comparison Based on Their Involvement with the Dying
Authors: Pelleg Gilly , Leichtentritt Ronit D.
Published: July 2009

The purpose of the study was to compare spiritual beliefs and practices between nurses and health care social workers based on their involvement with dying patients. Exposure to the dying was identified by two indicators: the percentage of terminally ill patients in the provider's care and the work environment. On the basis of the literature, differences were expected between the two types of professionals and the three degrees of involvement with the dying. Nurses were expected to have a higher spiritual perspective than social workers; and health care providers with high involvement in care for the dying were expected to hold the highest levels of spiritual beliefs. Contrary to expectations, no differences in spirituality were found between nurses and social workers; both groups exhibited medium levels of spirituality. Furthermore, health care providers who were highly involved with dying patients had the lowest spiritual perspectives. Tentative explanations of these unexpected results are presented and discussed.
Embodied Grief: Bereaved Parents' Narratives of Their Suffering Body
Authors: Gudmundsdottir Maria
Published: July 2009

Experiences and symptoms emanating from the bereaved person's body are commonly considered to be psychosomatic reactions to loss. The lingering of such experiences is thought to reflect a maladaptive coping style that needs to be addressed to access the psychological pain underlying the symptoms. In this interpretive, phenomenological study of 15 family members in seven families who lost a child to sudden, unexpected death, stories of embodied grief are explored to further understand the grieving body. The findings of this study illuminate the many ways parents experience their grieving body and they underscore the importance of witnessing and acknowledging stories of the body in clinical work with bereaved parents who are learning to live in a world without their beloved child.
Text Mining and Natural Language Processing Approaches for Automatic Categorization of Lay Requests to Web-Based Expert Forums
Authors: Himmel Wolfgang , Reincke Ulrich , Michelmann Hans Wilhelm
Published: July 2009

Background

Both healthy and sick people increasingly use electronic media to obtain medical information and advice. For example, Internet users may send requests to Web-based expert forums, or so-called “ask the doctor” services.

Objective

To automatically classify lay requests to an Internet medical expert forum using a combination of different text-mining strategies.

Methods

We first manually classified a sample of 988 requests directed to a involuntary childlessness forum on the German website “Rund ums Baby” (“Everything about Babies”) into one or more of 38 categories belonging to two dimensions (“subject matter” and “expectations”). After creating start and synonym lists, we calculated the average Cramer’s V statistic for the association of each word with each category. We also used principle component analysis and singular value decomposition as further text-mining strategies. With these measures we trained regression models and determined, on the basis of best regression models, for any request the probability of belonging to each of the 38 different categories, with a cutoff of 50%. Recall and precision of a test sample were calculated as a measure of quality for the automatic classification.

Results

According to the manual classification of 988 documents, 102 (10%) documents fell into the category “in vitro fertilization (IVF),” 81 (8%) into the category “ovulation,” 79 (8%) into “cycle,” and 57 (6%) into “semen analysis.” These were the four most frequent categories in the subject matter dimension (consisting of 32 categories). The expectation dimension comprised six categories; we classified 533 documents (54%) as “general information” and 351 (36%) as a wish for “treatment recommendations.” The generation of indicator variables based on the chi-square analysis and Cramer’s V proved to be the best approach for automatic classification in about half of the categories. In combination with the two other approaches, 100% precision and 100% recall were realized in 18 (47%) out of the 38 categories in the test sample. For 35 (92%) categories, precision and recall were better than 80%. For some categories, the input variables (ie, “words”) also included variables from other categories, most often with a negative sign. For example, absence of words predictive for “menstruation” was a strong indicator for the category “pregnancy test.”

Conclusions

Our approach suggests a way of automatically classifying and analyzing unstructured information in Internet expert forums. The technique can perform a preliminary categorization of new requests and help Internet medical experts to better handle the mass of information and to give professional feedback.
The Effect of Polar Gaps on the Solutions of Gradiometric Boundary Value Problems
Authors: Eshagh M.
Published: July 2009

The Effect of Polar Gaps on the Solutions of Gradiometric Boundary Value Problems

The lack of satellite gravity gradiometric data, due to inclined orbit, in the Polar Regions influences the geopotential coefficients obtained from the solutions of gradiometric boundary value problems. This paper investigates the polar gaps effect on these solutions and it presents that the near zero-, first- and second-order geopotential coefficients are weakly determined by the vertical-vertical, vertical-horizontal and horizontal solutions, respectively. Also it shows that the vertical-horizontal solution is more sensitive to the lack of data than the other solutions.
PATTERNED LASER CRYSTALLIZATION OF a-Si
Authors: Polyakov B. , Marcins G. , Chubarov M. , Kuzmin A. , Klykov V. , Tale I.
Published: July 2009

PATTERNED LASER CRYSTALLIZATION OF a-Si

Thin films of amorphous Si on glass were crystallized by pulsed nano- and picosecond lasers. Two methods for creating the desired patterns of crystallized regions were used. In the former, the pattern is produced by a focused laser beam, and in the latter it is made using a prefabricated mask. The electric conductivity of crystallized films increases by more than 4 orders of magnitude in comparison with untreated amorphous films.
Migrations of Waders (Charadrii) in the Middle Odra Valley (W Poland)
Authors: Bocheński Marcin , Czechowski Paweł , Jerzak Leszek
Published: July 2009

Migrations of Waders (Charadrii) in the Middle Odra Valley (W Poland)

Studies were conducted in 1994-2005, in the middle Odra valley (western Poland), between localities: Bytom Odrzański and Kunice (155 km). During research 1535 controls of different parts of valley were made. There were recorded 26 Charadrii species. Regular occurrence and migrations were observed only for a few of them: Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius), Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria), Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus), Ruff (Philomachus pugnax), Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago), Curlew (Numenius arquata), Redshank (Tringa totanus), Grenshank (T. nebularia), Green Sandpiper (T. ochropus), Wood Sandpiper (T. glareola) and Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos). There were a few observations of rare in Poland - Sociable Plover (Vanellus gregarius) - or usually uncommon inland species - Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus), Great Snipe (Gallinago media), Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) and Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus). Two features characterizing the waders' passages in the Lubusian part of Odra valley can be told. Firstly, the abundance of migrating birds is usually lower than in other areas, especially when comparing autumn numbers to big inland reservoirs and some ponds complexes. Secondly, the middle part of Odra valley plays more important role during spring than during autumn passage, especially for Lapwings and Golden Plovers.
Bird Ringing in Antikythira Island (S Greece)
Authors: Dimaki Maria , Papazoglou Clairie , Akriotis Triantaphyllos
Published: July 2009

Bird Ringing in Antikythira Island (S Greece)

For the period of 1998-2004 we carried out bird ringing on Antikythira island (Greece). During this period, with the help of 39 volunteers, we caught a total of 9455 birds belonging to 73 different species. On our best day we ringed 441 birds in the spring of 2002. In the spring of 2004 we obtained the maximum number of bird species, which was 52 species, and the maximum number of birds, which was 2886 in the period of 25 days. During this study we had four controls and two recoveries. Most of them were found or ringed during the spring of 2004.
Autumn Migration of Waders (Charadrii) in the Middle Vistula Valley in 2004-2005
Authors: Kozik Radosław
Published: July 2009

Autumn Migration of Waders (Charadrii) in the Middle Vistula Valley in 2004-2005

Studies were conducted in 2004-2005 in the period: 3 July - 26 August. The study area was located in the middle Vistula valley, near village Pawłowice, about 20 km north to the town of Dęblin (51°36'N, 21°38'E). The area covers a 2.5 km long section of not regulated river with ca 2 km2 of sandy beach. This site is an attractive resting and foraging place for migrating waders. Altogether 25 species of migrant waders were observed there. The dominants were: Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) - 52.5-59.3%, Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos) - 9.8-18.9%, Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola) - 10.5-11.1%. For the Lapwing, Greenshank (Tringa nebularia), Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula), Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius), Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago) and Ruff (Philomachus pugnax) the pattern of migration dynamics in the middle Vistula valley was similar to some earlier observations done in this area on the turn of the 1970s. In the Common Sandpiper in the 1970s-1980s no distinct migration peak was recorded, while in 2004-2005 one migration wave extended in time was observed. Migration of the Wood Sandpiper in the 1970s-1980s was characterized by a single migration peak, but in 2004-2005 migration pattern of this species had distinctly two peaks.
Autumn Migration Dynamics of the Dunlin (Calidris alpina) at the Reda Mouth (Southern Baltic)
Authors: Meissner Włodzimierz , Strzałkowska Małgorzata
Published: July 2009

Autumn Migration Dynamics of the Dunlin (Calidris alpina) at the Reda Mouth (Southern Baltic)

The study was conducted between 1996 and 2000 at one of the most important stopover sites for waders migrating along the southern Baltic coast. Everyday counts and trapping were performed between mid-July and the end of September. This period covered almost the whole period of adult migration, and a little more than a half of the total period of passage of juveniles. The majority of adults passed the study area between mid-July and the third decade of August. After this period adults were still observed among migrated Dunlins, but their number was rather small. In all seasons except 1996 second-year Dunlins migrated earlier than older birds, however migration periods of both groups overlapped to a large extent. First juveniles were recorded among migrating Dunlins as early as in the second decade of July. They belonged to the Baltic subspecies C. a. schinzii. The number of juveniles showed conspicuous increase not earlier than in the last decade of August, when birds of C. a. alpina arrived. The intra-seasonal changes in numbers of adults and juveniles showed a clear wavy structure. Two waves seem to be the most common pattern of juvenile migration in the Baltic area. Different factors which might influence the observed variation of migration patterns are discussed. Among them the most important aspects seem to be differences in migration timing between adult males and females and different geographical populations. Also local environmental conditions and weather situation on a route preceding a particular study site might influence the migration timing.
Results of Fieldwork of Wader Research Stations Working in Poland in 2004-2005
Authors: Meissner Włodzimierz , Krupa Małgorzata , Remisiewicz Magdalena , Krupa Robert , Minias Piotr , Kaczmarek Krzysztof , Janiszewski Tomasz , Włodarczyk Radosław , Kozik Radosław , Rydzkowski Piotr , Kleinschmidt Lucjan , Wojciechowski Adam
Published: July 2009

Results of Fieldwork of Wader Research Stations Working in Poland in 2004-2005
Sexing Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago) in the Field - is there any Simple Method?
Authors: Włodarczyk Radosław , Janiszewski Tomasz , Kaczmarek Krzysztof , Minias Piotr , Kleszcz Anna
Published: July 2009

Sexing Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago) in the Field - is there any Simple Method?

There are a few methods used for sex determination in the Common Snipe. However, all proposed methods are based on data obtained from dead birds. The most important feature is the total length of the outermost tail feather. The performed analysis showed that the vane length was strongly correlated with the total length of this feather. It allowed to predict this measurement having only the vane length. Because the measurement procedure influences the vane length, new ranges of vane length typical for each sex are proposed. However, the analysis of the vane length distribution suggested that there were no two homogenous groups that would represent the two sexes. This supports the prediction that the total feather length should be used rather cautiously as a simple sex trait in the Common Snipe. Also the second trait based on the tail feather colour resulted in overestimation of the proportion of females.
Directional Preferences of the Robin (Erithacus rubecula) and the Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla) During Autumn Migration at Arosio (N Italy) in 2005
Authors: Adamska Karolina , Rosińska Katarzyna
Published: July 2009

Directional Preferences of the Robin (Erithacus rubecula) and the Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla) During Autumn Migration at Arosio (N Italy) in 2005

Results of orientation tests of nocturnal migrants with the use of Busse's cage (Busse 1995, Busse 2000) are described in this paper. That method enables to study directional behaviour of nocturnal migrants during daytime. The aim of these studies is the description of directional preferences of the Robin and the Blackcap at the ringing station Arosio, northern Italy. Totally, 220 orientation tests for the Robin and 77 for the Blackcap were performed. Tested species have shown differentiation of directional preferences. Distribution of directions for the Robin is very clear. One direction was preferred - SSE direction (34%). For the Blackcap the distribution of headings was more complex, but two main directions could be distinguished - SSW (23%) and WSW (22%). Migration patterns of both these species in Europe are complicated. Birds migrating through northern Italy should be regarded as different migrating populations (Remisiewicz 2002, Mokwa 2004). However, migration pattern of the Robin was strongly determinated in one SSE direction, which indicates the Apennine Peninsula. Blackcap followed two directions, which indicate western winter quarters. Obtained results stood in accordance with other data, such as recoveries. Although the obtained results seem to be very interesting and promising, only intensive studies, especially in areas indicated by tested birds, could give information about migration pattern of these species.
Density and Flock Size of the Raven (Corvus corax) In the Orawa - Nowy Targ Basin During Non-Breeding Season
Authors: Ciach Michał , Wikar Dominik , Bylicka Małgorzata
Published: July 2009

Density and Flock Size of the Raven (Corvus corax) In the Orawa - Nowy Targ Basin During Non-Breeding Season

During the 2002/2003-2004/2005 non-breeding seasons the density of the Raven in the open habitats of the Orawa - Nowy Targ Basin was studied by line transect method. The results were analysed in four periods (autumn, early winter, winter and early spring). The median density of Ravens did not differ significantly between individual periods and was respectively: 3.5, 3.8, 4.8 and 3.8 indiv. / 10 km. Number of birds during particular controls varied from 1.0 to 24.8 indiv. / 10 km. However, while excluding flocks, the median density of single individuals and pairs of the Raven was considerably lower and in subsequent periods reached respectively: 2.2, 2.4, 2.2 and 1.7 indiv. / 10 km. Flock size did not differ significantly between individual periods. Single individuals and, less often, groups of two birds were recorded mostly. Small (3-5 indiv.) and medium (6-15 indiv.) flocks were recorded rarely and large flocks (16 indiv. and above) - only exceptionally. The high density and strong fluctuations of abundance of Ravens were determined by flocks presence, which was probably linked to irregular occurrence of food resources.
Ringing Results of the Carpatica Ringing Station (S Poland) in 1998-2005
Authors: Filar Monika , Adamska Karolina , Jędra Marek
Published: July 2009

Ringing Results of the Carpatica Ringing Station (S Poland) in 1998-2005

The Carpatica ringing station is located at Myscowa, in the centre of the Beskid Niski Mountains, in southern Poland. The ringing site has been operating since 1998 and since 2000 it has belonged to the SEEN (SE European Bird Migration Network) — an international organization for institutions that study bird migration. The Carpatica ringing station is situated on the south-eastern migration flyway crossing the Carpathian Mountains. Totally, 29 869 birds out of 92 different species, mainly passerines were ringed in 1998-2005. Station location and biotopes, species composition of captured birds, field work methods and results are described in the paper.
Changes in Numbers of Some Bird Species in the Agricultural Landscape of Eastern Poland
Authors: Goławski Artur
Published: July 2009

Changes in Numbers of Some Bird Species in the Agricultural Landscape of Eastern Poland

The studies were carried out in eastern Poland, near Siedlce (52°12'N, 22°17'E). The study area covered 788 ha of extensive agricultural landscape. The fieldwork was conducted in 1999-2003 and it comprised 7 counts per season in each year. Tendencies in changes of numbers were followed for 19 bird species. Directional increasing trends in numbers of the Serin (Serinus serinus) and Ortolan Bunting (Emberiza hortulana) were revealed. A statistically significant decreases in numbers considered the Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus), Corn Bunting (Miliaria calandra) and Whinchat (Saxicola rubetra). For the remaining 14 species — e.g. the Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio), Linnet (Carduelis cannabina), Goldfinch (C. chloris), Whitethroat (Sylvia communis), Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella) — no directional tendencies in numbers of breeding pairs were found. A comparison of tendencies in numbers of analysed species with tendencies observed in western Europe and in western Poland showed that the status of birds in the agricultural landscape of eastern Poland was much better. This has probably been caused by lower intensity of farming practice and more diverse mosaic of habitats.
Does the Nearctic Knot (Calidris canutus islandica) Appear in Poland?
Authors: Meissner Włodzimierz , Gromadzka Jadwiga
Published: July 2009

Does the Nearctic Knot (Calidris canutus islandica) Appear in Poland?

The probability of the Nearctic Knot occurrence in Poland is discussed. Occasional appearing of this subspecies in Poland seems to be probable. The Nearctic Knot may be represented by individuals observed in Poland during winter and early spring or occurring during autumn migration and then recorded on wintering grounds in western Europe, and also by juveniles appearing not numerously in the first half of August, hence earlier than the probable period of arriving juveniles of the Siberian subspecies Calidris canutus canutus at the Baltic.
Biometrics Variation and Directional Preferences of Immature Robins (Erithacus rubecula) Caught in Northern Italy during Autumn Migration in 2005
Authors: Rosińska Katarzyna , Adamska Karolina
Published: July 2009

Biometrics Variation and Directional Preferences of Immature Robins (Erithacus rubecula) Caught in Northern Italy during Autumn Migration in 2005

Inter-seasonal changes of biometry and preferred migration directions of Robins were studied according to data collected during autumn migration in northern Italy at the Arosio Bird Observatory (45°43'N, 9°12'E). Altogether 598 immature Robins were caught and 187 orientation tests were performed. Wing, tail and tarsus length, wing shape and weight were analysed in subsequent five migration waves distinguished according to migration dynamics. General pattern of migration as well as graphs with distribution of preferred directions in subsequent waves were prepared. In the case of tail length and weight their average values in subsequent waves were significantly different. Decrease of wing length was noted along the season. On the contrary, increasing trend was observed in the case of tail length and wing shape. Results of orientation tests showed that SSE direction was predominant (34%). SW direction was not clearly marked and its percentage was 23%. Distribution of directions slightly changed in subsequent migration waves. Noted results suggest passage of Robins heading to the Mediterranean basin and Apennine winter quarters. Obtained inter-seasonal changes of biometry and preferred directions can be an effect of differences in migration time between this groups or gradual inflow of more northern populations what the authors discuss here.
Autumn Migration Dynamics, Body Mass, Fat Load and Stopover Behaviour of the Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus) at Manyas KuşcennetI National Park (NW Turkey)
Authors: Didrickson Özgür , Didrickson Jno , Busse Przemysław
Published: July 2009

Autumn Migration Dynamics, Body Mass, Fat Load and Stopover Behaviour of the Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus) at Manyas KuşcennetI National Park (NW Turkey)

Turkey is located on one of the major migratory routes between Palearctic and Afrotropical regions. Despite its importance for many species, few studies exist on bird migration over Turkey. In this study, autumn migration dynamics and stopover behaviour of the Willow Warbler, a passage migrant in Turkey, was documented and analysed at Manyas Kuşcenneti National Park (NW Turkey). Birds were mist-netted, ringed, measured, weighed and fat scored from mid-August in 2002 and end of August in 2003 to end of October in both years. Totally, 543 and 929 Willow Warblers were ringed in 2002 and 2003, respectively. For 2002 and 2003 respectively, fat score values (mean ± SE) were 4.63 ± 0.06 and 3.84 ± 0.05, while body mass reached 11.38 ± 0.07 and 10.37 ± 0.05 g for birds captured for the first time. Fat scores in 2003 showed a bimodal distribution with peaks of T2
and T5
, indicating populations or groups with different migratory strategies. The number of retraps constituted 9.2-12.1% of birds captured. In both years, minimum stopover length ranged from 1 to 15 or 16 days with a median of 5 days (averages 5.26 and 5.54, respectively). The majority of the retraps put on significant fat in both years. Retraps continued to put on weight for up to two weeks after they had arrived. In this second study documenting the Willow Warbler migration in Turkey, it was revealed that such wetlands as Manyas Kuşcenneti National Park provide crucial stopover habitat for possibly several populations of the species enabling them to gain necessary fat loads before crossing two major ecological barriers, the Mediterranean Sea and the Sahara.
Algorithmic System for Identifying Bird Radio-Echo and Plotting Radar Ornithological Charts
Authors: Dinevich Leonid , Leshem Yossi
Published: July 2009

Algorithmic System for Identifying Bird Radio-Echo and Plotting Radar Ornithological Charts

The territory of Israel is a route for major bird migration from Europe and certain areas in Asia and Africa and back. During the period of intensive migration, the average density of birds may reach over 500 birds per a square kilometre of the air. These figures, alongside with the fact the air over the country is saturated with aircraft, makes it an urgent task to find solutions for prevention of disasters caused by aircraft-bird collisions.

In the present paper, a new algorithm is proposed aimed at identifying bird radar echoes against the background of other reflectors. The implementation of the algorithm has made it possible to improve the computerised radar system for bird monitoring developed earlier in Israel on the basis of MRL-5 meteorological radar station. The time needed for echo selection has been significantly reduced, while the trustworthiness of the ornithological data provided by the algorithm has increased. The new algorithm utilizes several echo properties that have been added to the algorithm previously developed by the authors, the most important of them being the pattern of echo movement. These properties in combination with a set of techniques used for their identification enabled to isolate the echo from moving birds against the background of other objects (ground clutter, clouds, atmospheric inhomogeneities, aircraft, etc.) at the accuracy level sufficient for operational purposes. The information on echo movement was used for plotting flight vectors (velocity and direction) of individual birds and bird groups. On the basis of movement pattern, four types of movement were distinguished: straightforward at non-uniform velocity; straightforward at uniform velocity; significant deviation from a straight line, non-uniform velocity and chaotic undirected shifts. The system enables on-line plotting of operational ornithological charts every 15-30 min, including charts that combine meteorological and bird monitoring data, to be provided to air traffic control services. This makes the proposed radar ornithological system an efficient means of maintaining air traffic safety in complicated meteorological and ornithological conditions.
Migration of Central and East European Acrocephalus Warblers at the Eastern Adriatic Coast: An Analysis of Recoveries
Authors: Kralj Jelena , Radović Dragan , Tutiš Vesna , Ćiković Davor
Published: July 2009

Migration of Central and East European Acrocephalus Warblers at the Eastern Adriatic Coast: An Analysis of Recoveries

Migration routes and origins of the Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus), Great Reed Warbler (A. arundinaceus) and Sedge Warbler (A. schoenobaenus) populations migrating through the eastern Adriatic coast were investigated by analysing recoveries of birds ringed or found at two eastern Adriatic wetlands during autumn migration. There were 75, 104 and 63 long-distance recoveries for these three species, respectively. Great Reed Warblers from central and eastern Europe and Sedge Warblers from countries surrounding the Baltic Sea use the eastern Adriatic wetlands as stopover sites and continue their migration across the Mediterranean. Some Great Reed Warblers use south-western route during their return migration. Reed Warblers of unknown origin, presumably from eastern Europe continue their migration through south-western route to Spain (mean distance - 1329.3 ± 118.0 km, n = 20; mean azimuth - 251.05 ± 4.91°, n = 20; mean velocity - 63.25 km/day, n = 16). Local breeding Reed Warblers migrate southeast along the eastern Mediterranean (azimuth 117.53°). Eastern Adriatic coast represents a crossroads for migratory warblers using south-western, south-eastern and central Mediterranean flyways.
Biometrics and Morphology Variation within Sex-Age Groups of Robins (Erithacus rubecula) Migrating through the Polish Baltic Coast
Authors: Rosińska Katarzyna
Published: July 2009

Biometrics and Morphology Variation within Sex-Age Groups of Robins (Erithacus rubecula) Migrating through the Polish Baltic Coast

Biometrical and morphological differentiation in sex-age groups of Robins migrating through the Polish Baltic coast was studied. Altogether 446 dead birds were collected in 1963-2004 during spring or autumn migration. Dead Robins were measured (wing and tail lengths and wing formula) and additionally in 2002-2004 leg colour and amount of grey colour on head and flanks were determined. After the measurements were taken, individuals were sexed by dissection.

Birds were divided in four sex-age classes: immature females, immature males, adult females and adult males. Wing length, tail length, index of asymmetry (E') and pointedness (L) were compared among this classes using t-test. G-test was used to compare leg colour and greyness on head and flanks between the sexes for immature Robins. With a method of correlative topography charts showing combination of two parameters - wing and tail lengths - in different sex-groups of immatures were prepared.

Obtained results indicate that sexes differ in wing and tail length and greyness on head and flanks. Males have longer wings and tails and bigger amount of greyness than females. The overlap of females and males is rather large, i.e. in the case of wing length 69-75 mm in immature and 71-74 mm in adult birds and in the case of tail length 55-67 mm in immature and 57-64 mm in adult birds. High probability of sex determination according to wing or tail length is found only in extremes. Combination of these two features only slightly increases possibility of sex determination.

The Robin is a monomorphic species, therefore biometrical differences between males and females could be helpful in sexing. In some studies Robins were sexed according to criteria proposed by J. Pettersson referring to wing length, but only 29% of birds analysed here could be sexed when applying this criterion. These differences may result from varying composition of populations coming from different breeding areas. According to the charts presenting correlation between wing and tail length, three "biometrical" groups are distinguishable in both sexes.
Evaluation of Typhidot (IgM) for Early Diagnosis of Typhoid Fever
Authors: Begum Zohra , Hossain Md Akram , Shamsuzzaman AKM , Ahsan Md Monjurul , Musa AKM , Mahmud Md Chand , Sumona Asma Azad , Ahmed Salma , Jahan Nahida Akhter , Khaleque Md Abdul
Published: July 2009

Typhoid fever still continues to be a major public health problem, particularly in many developing countries. A simple, reliable, affordable and rapid diagnostic test has been a long-felt need of the clinicians. We, therefore, prospectively evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of Typhidot (IgM), a serological test to identify IgM antibodies against Salmonella typhi. The study was carried out in the department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh between June, 2006 and July, 2007, on a total of 100 samples from clinically suspected patients to have typhoid fever. Blood culture as well as Typhidot test were performed for each of the cases. Out of 100 clinically diagnosed typhoid fever, 14 were blood culture positive for S. typhi and 73 were Typhidot (IgM) positive. Among 14 culture positive cases, 13 (92.85%) were Typhidot (IgM) positive. The test was also positive in 04 (20%) out of 20 febrile controls. None of the healthy controls was positive by Typhidot (IgM). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the test using blood culture as gold standard were 92.85%, 90.00%, 76.47% and 97.29% respectively for typhoid fever. Typhidot (IgM) test is rapid, easy to perform and reliable test for diagnosing typhoid fever, and useful for small, less equipped laboratories as well as for the laboratories with better facilities. Key words: Typhoid fever, Salmonella typhi, Typhidot (IgM) test   doi: 10.3329/bjmm.v3i1.2964 Bangladesh J Med Microbiol 2009; 03 (01): 10-13
Seroprevalence of Hepatitis Virus Antibodies in Newly Admitted Students of Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College
Authors: Ahmed Muhammad Shamsher , Chowdhury Osul Ahmed , Khatoon Mohsina , Kabir Fahmin , Chowdhury Ahmed Riad , Jahan Halima
Published: July 2009

Blood samples from randomly selected 100 newly admitted first year MBBS students of Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College were tested to find the seroprevalence of antibodies against Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and Hepatitis E viruses. The study revealed a lower seroprevalence of HAV antibodies than the common perception of their age group. The rate of vaccination against hepatitis B virus was found not very high, considering the affluence of their parents. Also there were lack of awareness about risk factors of viral hepatitis and many of the students were in habit of taking food outside. Institutionalized vaccination policy for 1st year medical students against Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B along with awareness building measures regarding the professional risk among the new entrants are suggested. Policy planners and other stakeholders in the field should come up with a comprehensive intervention strategy to protect the future caregivers from the scourge of hepatitis viruses. Keywords: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis E, Seroprevalence   doi: 10.3329/bjmm.v3i1.2967 Bangladesh J Med Microbiol 2009; 03 (01): 20-26
Radiation exposure of patients during 68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT examinations
Authors: Zöphel K. , Freudenberg R. , Oehme L. , Andreeff M. , Wunderlich G. , Eisenhofer G. , Kotzerke J. , Hartmann H.
Published: July 2009

Aim: Investigation of the biodistribution and calculation of dosimetry of Ga-68-DOTATOCfor patients imaged in the routine clinical setting for diagnosis or exclusion of neuroendocrine tumours. Patients, methods: Dynamic PET/CT-imaging (Biograph 16) was performed over 20 min in 14 patients (8 men, 6 women) after injection of (112 ± 22) MBq 68Ga-DOTATOC followed by whole body 3D-acquisition (8 bed positions, 3 or 4 min each) 30 min p.i. and 120 min p.i. Urinary tracer elimination was measured and blood activity was derived non-invasively from the blood pool of the heart. The relevant organs for dosimetry were spleen, kidneys, liver, adrenals, urinary bladder and pituitary gland. Dosimetry was performed using OLINDA/ EXM 1.0 software and specific organ uptake was expressed as standardized uptake values (SUVs). Results: Rapid physiological uptake of the radiotracer could be demonstrated in liver, spleen and kidneys, adrenals and pituitary gland (mean SUVs were 6, 20, 16, 10, and 4, respectively). Radiotracer elimination was exclusively via urine (16% of injected dose within 2h); no redistribution could be observed. The spleen and the kidneys received the highest radiation exposure (0.24 mSv/MBq, 0.22 mSv/MBq resp.), mean effective dose yielded 0.023 mSv/MBq. Conclusion: 68Ga-DOTATOC is used extensively for diagnosis of somatostatin receptor positive tumours because it has several advantages over the 111In-labelled ligand. The derived dosimetric values are lower than first approximations from the biological data of OctreoScan. The use of CT for transmission correction of the PET data delivers radiation exposure up to 1 mSv (low dose).
Selection and mass spectrometry characterization of peptides targeting semiconductor surfaces
Authors: Estephan Elias , Larroque Christian , Bec Nicole , Martineau Pierre , Cuisinier Frédéric J.G. , Cloitre Thierry , Gergely Csilla
Published: July 2009

We report on elaboration of 12‐mer peptides that reveal specific recognition for the following semiconductor (SC) surfaces: GaAs(100), InAs(100), GaN(0001), ZnSe(100), ZnTe(100), GaAs(111)A, GaSb(100), CdSe(100). A M13 bacteriophage library was used to screen 109 different 12‐mer peptides against these substrates to finally isolate, in maximum six amplification cycles, peptides that bind to the target surfaces. The specific peptides for the InAs and ZnSe surfaces were obtained. Contrary, for the other SC surfaces several peptides with high affinities have been isolated. Aiming for a better specificity, when the phage display has been conducted through six cycles, the screening procedure got dominated by a phage present in the M13 bacteriophage library and the SVSVGMKPSPRP peptide has been selected for different SCs. The high amplification potential of this phage has been observed previously with different targets. Thus, precaution should be undertaken in defining adhesion peptides with the phage display technique and real affinity of the obtained biolinkers should be studied with other methods. We employed mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF/TOF) to demonstrate the preferential attachment (or not) of the SVSVGMKPSPRP peptide to the different SC surfaces. This allows us to define a realistic selection of the expressed peptides presenting affinity for the studied eight SC surfaces. We demonstrate that with increasing the dielectric constants of the employed solvents, adhesion of the SVSVGMKPSPRP peptide onto GaN(0001) is hindered. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009; 104: 1121–1131. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantitative characterization of quantum dot‐labeled lambda phage for Escherichia coli detection
Authors: Yim Peter B. , Clarke Matthew L. , McKinstry Michael , De Paoli Lacerda Silvia H. , Pease Leonard F. , Dobrovolskaia Marina A. , Kang HyeongGon , Read Timothy D. , Sozhamannan Shanmuga , Hwang Jeeseong
Published: July 2009

We characterize CdSe/ZnS quantum dot (QD) binding to genetically modified bacteriophage as a model for bacterial detection. Interactions among QDs, lambda (λ) phage, and Escherichia coli are examined by several cross‐validated methods. Flow and image‐based cytometry clarify fluorescent labeling of bacteria, with image‐based cytometry additionally reporting the number of decorated phage bound to cells. Transmission electron microscopy, image‐based cytometry, and electrospray differential mobility analysis allow quantization of QDs attached to each phage (4–17 QDs) and show that λ phage used in this study exhibits enhanced QD binding to the capsid by nearly a factor of four compared to bacteriophage T7. Additionally, the characterization methodology presented can be applied to the quantitative characterization of other fluorescent nanocrystal‐biological conjugates. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009;104: 1059–1067. Published 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Vascular endothelial growth factor in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kaseb Ahmed O. , Hanbali Amr , Cotant Matthew , Hassan Manal M. , Wollner Ira , Philip Philip A.
Published: July 2009

The importance of tumor angiogenesis in tumor biology is now widely accepted. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly vascular tumor, and angiogenesis is believed to play a considerable role in its development and progression. The authors reviewed the role of circulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in screening for HCC and in risk stratification and treatment monitoring. They searched the world medical literature by accessing MEDLINE and PubMed for articles on: 1) the utility of circulating VEGF for HCC screening in patients with cirrhosis; 2) the role of circulating VEGF as a predictor of the invasive potential of HCC; and 3) monitoring anti‐HCC treatment effects by serial measurements of circulating VEGF. They found evidence to support a potential role for VEGF in screening and surveillance of HCC. They also found support for developing the use of VEGF in the monitoring of treatment outcomes. Several studies suggested that the circulating VEGF level may be an independent prognostic marker in HCC. Further studies are needed to determine the utility of circulating VEGF in screening of patients with cirrhosis and to determine its potential role as a prognostic and predictive biomarker in patients with HCC. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Protein composition of liver cyst fluid from the BALB/c‐cpk/+ mouse model of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Lai Xianyin , Blazer‐Yost Bonnie L. , Gattone Vincent H. , Muchatuta Monalisa N. , Witzmann Frank A.
Published: July 2009

Cysts arising from hepatic bile ducts are a common extra‐renal pathology associated with polycystic kidney disease in humans. As an initial step in identifying active components that could contribute to disease progression, we have investigated the protein composition of hepatic cyst fluid in an orthologous animal model of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease, heterozygous (BALB/c‐cpk/+) mice. Proteomic analysis of cyst fluid tryptic digests using LC‐MS/MS identified 303 proteins, many of which are consistent with enhanced inflammatory cell processes, cellular proliferation, and basal laminar fibrosis associated with the development of hepatic bile duct cysts. Protein identifications have been submitted to the PRIDE database (http://www.ebi.ac.uk/pride), accession number 9227.
LymPHOS: Design of a phosphosite database of primary human T cells
Authors: Ovelleiro David , Carrascal Montserrat , Casas Vanessa , Abian Joaquin
Published: July 2009

Current proteomic technology is capable of producing huge amounts of analytical information, which is often difficult to manage in a comprehensive form. Curation, further annotation and public communication of proteomic data require the development of standard data formats and efficient, multimedia database structures. We have implemented a workflow for the annotation of a phosphopeptide database (LymPHOS) that includes tools for MS data filtering and phosphosite assignation, mass spectrum visualization, experimental description and accurate phosphorylation site assignation. Experimental annotations were fitted to current minimum information about a proteomics experiment guidelines. A new guideline for phosphoprotein sample preparation is also proposed. Currently, the database describes 342 phosphorylation sites mapping to more than 200 gene sequences, and it can be accessed through the net (http://www.lymphos.org).
Quantitative proteomic analysis of lentiviral vectors using 2‐DE
Authors: Denard Jérôme , Rundwasser Stéphanie , Laroudie Nicolas , Gonnet Florence , Naldini Luigi , Radrizzani Marina , Galy Anne , Merten Otto‐Wilhelm , Danos Olivier , Svinartchouk Fedor
Published: July 2009

Among the integrative gene therapy vectors developed to date, human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1)‐derived lentiviral vectors (LV) are distinguished by their capacity to infect both dividing and non‐dividing cells. Recombinant LV particles contain viral proteins necessary for their packaging, infectious and integrating functions. Like the parental HIV‐1 virus they are able to acquire various cellular proteins, but the number and localisation of these proteins are poorly characterised. In the present study we used 2‐DE followed by MALDI‐TOF to quantify the protein content of several types of vesicular stomatitis virus G‐pseudotyped LV including those that were extensively purified in the perspective of clinical gene therapy studies. A proteinase K treatment was used to distinguish between cellular proteins incorporated into virions (I‐proteins) and those co‐purified with vectors (C‐proteins). We found 10 C‐proteins and 18 I‐proteins associated with LV. Copy numbers for these core I‐proteins varied from 5 (AIP‐1/ALIX) to 280 (Cyclophilin A) per vector particle. Three novel I‐proteins, guanine nucleotide‐binding protein 2, L‐lactate dehydrogenase B chain and hnRNP core protein A1, were found. This study defines for the first time, the protein stoichiometry of infectious HIV‐1‐derived LV particles.
Liquid Chromatography–High‐Resolution Mass Spectrometry for Quantitative Analysis of Gangliosides
Authors: Fong Bertram , Norris Carmen , Lowe Edwin , McJarrow Paul
Published: July 2009

Gangliosides are a large family of glycosphingolipids that are abundant in the brain, and have been shown to affect neuronal plasticity during development, adulthood, and aging. We developed a fast, efficient, and sensitive liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry method to quantify eight different classes of gangliosides (GM1, GM2, GM3, GD3, GD1a, GD1b, GT1b, GQ1b) in the brains of 2‐day‐old and 80‐day‐old Wistar rats. The gangliosides were extracted from rat brain using a modified Svennerholm and Fredman method. After ganglioside class separation using a hydrophilic high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) column, the resolving power of the LTQ‐Orbitrap™ mass spectrometer was used to extract and sum the major species of each ganglioside class, generating fully resolved extracted ion current peaks for both standards and samples. The flexibility and the specificity of this method are such that it can be applied to the analysis of other ganglioside species/classes not discussed in this paper, provided appropriate standards are available. The method had good repeatability (coefficient of variation 4.8–12.3%) and mean recoveries in the range 92–107%.