bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical analysis of scanning near‐field optical microscopy
Authors: Girard C.
Published: July 2010

The near‐field optical (NFO) interaction between a pointed detector and dielectric or metallic substrates can be exploited to perform both nanometer scale topographies or spectroscopies of surfaces in the real space. The correlation of optical signals recorded with such detectors with other properties of the object (shape, index variation, … ) provides a wealth of new opportunities for characterization of small objects which has not yet been completely assessed. In fact, this new field represents a challenge to theoretical optics since NFO effects often are beyond the scope of classical theories. We present in this contribution a detailed study of both tip‐sample interactions and optical energy transfer occurring in scanning near‐field optical microscopy (SNOM). The treatment is based on the field‐susceptibility method applied in the real space. In this description, all multiple interactions including reflections with a substrate of arbitrary profile are accounted for by the usual self‐consistent equations. An original numerical scheme, based on a discretization procedure in the real space, is used to compute the field inside SNOM devices. This contribution reports the results of the numerical applications of this method to various NFO effects including, image‐object relation, nearfield spectroscopy of metallic aggregates, light‐induced forces, and nonlinear effects in confined geometry.
The trajectories of secondary electrons in the scanning electron microscope
Authors: Konvalina Ivo , Müllerová Ilona
Published: July 2010

Three‐dimensional simulations of the trajectories of secondary electrons (SE) in the scanning electron microscope have been performed for plenty of real configurations of the specimen chamber, including all its basic components. The primary purpose was to evaluate the collection efficiency of the Everhart‐Thornley detector of SE and to reveal fundamental rules for tailoring the set‐ups in which efficient signal acquisition can be expected. Intuitive realizations about the easiness of attracting the SEs towards the biased front grid of the detector have shown themselves likely as false, and all grounded objects in the chamber have been proven to influence the spatial distribution of the signal‐extracting field. The role of the magnetic field penetrating from inside the objective lens is shown to play an ambiguous role regarding possible support for the signal collection.
Using the scanning electron microprobe and secondary ion mass spectrometry to locate 14C‐ and 13C‐labelled plant residues within soil aggregates
Authors: Blair Nelly , Prince K. E. , Faulkner R. D. , Till A. R.
Published: July 2010

Increasing concentrations of CO2 in the atmosphere are placing emphasis on the necessity for sequestering carbon (C) into soil organic matter (SOM). By studying the interior parts of soil aggregates, a better understanding of the incorporation and sequestration of plant residue materials within these aggregates could be obtained. The location of newly added plant residues within soil aggregates may also assist in the investigation of the impact of these newly added plant materials on soil aggregation. This study investigated two different techniques for determining the location of newly added plant residues within soil aggregates by using plant materials labelled with 14C and 13C isotopes incorporated into two different soil types, Black Earth (Pellic Vertisol) and Red Clay (Chromic Vertisol). Both autoradiography combined with scanning electron microprobe analysis (14C) and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) (13C) were successfully used for detecting the presence and location of the newly added plant residues fragments within soil aggregates of both soil types. The use of labelled plant materials is essential for the study of the location of newly added plant materials within soil aggregates, and this has proven to be a useful tool for studying the impact of residue additions on soil aggregate formation. Furthermore, these methods have been shown to be useful for determining the incorporation and sequestration of C materials within soil aggregates. The development of the 13C SIMS technique could alleviate the necessity for the use of the radioactive isotope 14C in soil studies.
Charging compensation of alumina samples by using an oxygen microinjector in the environmental scanning electron microscope
Authors: Quan Xueling , Ji Yuan , Zhang Hong , Zhang Yinqi , Xu Xuedong , Zhong Taoxing
Published: July 2010

A gas microinjector system was set up in an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) to create an oxygen atmosphere around the alumina samples for the charging compensation under a pressure between 2 × 10−5 Pa ∼ 2 × 10−2 Pa. At low pressures, the skirt effect of the electron scattering can be degraded, which results in improvement of the imaging contrast and increase of the signal/noise ratio. The sample current (ISC) and the Duane‐Hunt limit were measured to evaluate the charging effect.
An interpretive study of students' use of scientific reasoning during a collaborative report writing intervention in ninth grade general science
Authors: Keys Carolyn W.
Published: July 2010

Laboratory report writing should promote learners' ability to reason scientifically from data to conclusions, especially if opportunities for collaborative discussion are provided, yet few studies have examined the use of writing as a tool for the development of scientific reasoning skills. The purpose of this study was to investigate scientific reasoning skills used by students in a naturalistic collaborative writing context and changes in students' reasoning discourse over time. During the fall and winter of 1992‐1993, three ninth grade general science classes taught by one teacher participated in a collaborative writing intervention. The students wrote ten collaborative laboratory reports over the course of the intervention. Report guidelines were designed by the teacher and the researcher to assist students with their writing. An interpretive research design was used to study the conversations of three target student pairs in depth. Eleven distinct, yet integrated scientific reasoning skills used to support report composition emerged from the data. The emergent scientific reasoning skills reflected the socially constructed nature of reasoning for collaborative writing. Patterns in the data revealed that all target students used reasoning skills in similar ways to: (a) assess prior models of scientific phenomena; (b) generate new models for scientific phenomena; (c) extend models to new situations; and (d) support other forms of reasoning. One of the target pairs improved their reasoning discourse over time by discussing conceptual meanings more fully and bringing specific information into their conversations. The other two target pairs did not change their reasoning discourse systematically throughout the intervention. The findings of this study suggest that an understanding of socially constructed scientific reasoning skills is important for designing meaningful collaborative activities and assessments in science. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Risk‐adjusted survival time monitoring with an updating exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) control chart
Authors: Steiner Stefan H. , Jones Mark
Published: July 2010

Monitoring medical outcomes is desirable to help quickly detect performance changes. Previous applications have focused mostly on binary outcomes, such as 30‐day mortality after surgery. However, in many applications the survival time data are routinely collected. In this paper, we propose an updating exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) control chart to monitor risk‐adjusted survival times. The updating EWMA (uEWMA) operates in a continuous time; hence, the scores for each patient always reflect the most up‐to‐date information. The uEWMA can be implemented based on a variety of survival‐time models and can be set up to provide an ongoing estimate of a clinically interpretable average patient score. The efficiency of the uEWMA is shown to compare favorably with the competing methods. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the use of logrank scores in the analysis of litter‐matched data on time to tumour appearance
Authors: Michalek Joel E. , Mihalko Daniel
Published: July 2010

Previously, Mantel and Ciminera1 introduced an application of the Mantel‐Haenszel procedure to litter‐matched time‐to‐tumour data on treated and control animals with a device for recovering ‘interlitter information’ from non‐informative litters. An example is given here to show that the Mantel‐Ciminera procedure can confound litter effect and treatment effect; their procedure is shown to produce a large chisquare value on contrived data containing no information on the treatment effect on time to tumour. An alternative procedure is described which completely adjusts for litter effect. This procedure is adaptable to any scoring system. As an illustration, it is carried out with logrank scores to reanalyse the data of Mantel and Ciminera.
Some non‐parametric and categorical data analyses for a change‐over design study and discussion of apparent carry‐over effects
Authors: Koch Gary G. , Gitomer Saul L. , Skalland Lorie , Stokes Maura E.
Published: July 2010

This paper addresses the statistical analysis of data from a pair of two period change‐over design studies from two centers. These studies compared an active treatment with placebo for the relief of heartburn. The principal response variable was whether or not the patient experienced relief for heartburn from a symptom‐provoking meal within 15 minutes of the initial dose of treatment. Other response variables were an ordinal response classification for the pattern of relief for up to two doses and a composite measure for time to relief. Categorical data methods and non‐parametric rank methods for the analysis of such responses are described. A result of interest is the significance of (treatment x period) interaction (i.e. carry‐over effects). It is interpreted as a tendency for less effective placebo treatment in the period following the active period compared with the first period; in contrast, the active treatment was equally effective in both periods. Discussion centers on the implications of this finding for conclusions concerning the comparison of the active treatment with placebo.
Mediating effects of emotional exhaustion on the relationship between job demand–control model and mental health
Authors: Huang Yu‐Hwa , Du Pey‐lan , Chen Chin‐Hui , Yang Chin‐Ann , Huang Ing‐Chung
Published: July 2010

This study attempted to investigate the role of emotional exhaustion as a mediator on the relationship between job demands–control (JDC) model and mental health. Three‐wave data from 297 employees were collected. The results showed that job demands were positively related to emotional exhaustion, and increasing job demands will increase the level of emotional exhaustion. Job control was negatively associated with emotional exhaustion; therefore, increasing job control will decrease the level of emotional exhaustion. Emotional exhaustion was negatively related to mental health. Emotional exhaustion fully mediated the relationship between job demands and mental health, and partially mediated the positive relationship between job control and mental health. In addition, job control was positively associated with mental health directly. The remarkable finding of the present study was that emotional exhaustion served as the key mediator between the JDC model and mental health. Theoretical and managerial implications and limitations were discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychological well‐being and the role of perceived primal threat: evidence from two studies in patient and healthy samples
Authors: Karademas Evangelos C.
Published: July 2010

In two studies we examined the interrelations of threats against four basic human needs (i.e. self‐preservation, social integration, personal identity and growth, and personal worldview), as well as their role in the stress process. These threats are proposed to represent the aspects of a common factor referred to as perceived primal threat (PPT). In the first study, 108 hospitalized patients completed questionnaires about PPT, psychological symptoms and illness threat. In the second study, 100 healthy individuals completed questionnaires about PPT, psychological symptoms, life satisfaction, social support, self‐efficacy and the perceived stressfulness of a recent negative condition. According to the results of both studies, the four PPT aspects were strongly intercorrelated; loaded on a higher order common factor; were associated with psychological symptoms, life satisfaction and stress‐related evaluations (i.e. stressfulness of the condition, self‐efficacy, social support) and mediated the relation of stress‐related evaluations to psychological symptoms in an equivalent way. These findings are in line with our hypotheses, and provide support to the role of PPT in the stress process. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimized staffing for product releases and its application at Chartwell Technology
Authors: Kapur Puneet , Ngo‐The An , Ruhe Günther , Smith Andrew
Published: July 2010

Release planning for incremental software development assigns features to releases such that technical, resource, risk and budget constraints are met. Each feature offers a piece of functionality. A feature can be offered as part of a release only if all its necessary tasks are done before the given release date. These tasks require different skills. Staffing for product releases as considered in this paper is the process of assigning human resources from a given pool of developers who might have varying levels of skill to perform different tasks. In addition to that, we consider time windows of absence of the developers. The primary goal of staffing is to provide product releases of best quality where quality means offering the most attractive features to customers in a timely manner. We call the problem STAFF‐PRO. The problem is known to be NP‐complete. Consequently, we have to be satisfied with solutions that are sufficiently good, but not necessarily optimal in the case of mid‐sized or large problems. Search‐based methods relying on meta‐heuristics have been proven to be successful in similar contexts. In this research, a focused search (FS) method is presented. This refers to a two‐phased solution approach where Phase 1 applies integer linear programming to a relaxed version of the full problem. Its solution is used as a starting point to perform FS in a reduced search space in Phase 2. The search itself is conducted by a genetic algorithm. It generates a solution that fulfills all the stated resource and scheduling constraints and is of a proven degree of optimality. We performed an empirical analysis of the proposed solution approach by comparing FS and unfocused search (UFS) (without Phase 1) for a series of 200 test examples. On average, FS performs about 15% better than UFS. The whole method was applied as an industrial case study performed at Chartwell Technology. The case study demonstrates that application of the FS method to STAFF‐PRO (i) allows a reduction in the time needed for generating acceptable staffing plans, (ii) generates plans of proven quality that are better than manual plans and (iii) supports the various types of re‐planning necessary for varying parameters, budgets and resource. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Suppressive effects of two bioresponse modifiers, Krestin and Levamisole, on 5‐azacytidine‐induced digital defects in rats
Authors: Kurishita Akihiro
Published: July 2010

The effects of two bioresponse modifiers, krestin (PSK) and levamisole hydrochloride (levamisole), on 5‐azacytidine (5‐AC)‐induced syndactyly, brachydactyly, and ectrodac‐tyly were investigated. Both PSK and levamisole suppressed 5‐AC‐induced digital malformations in the rat. The effect of PSK was significant when given 24 h before to 1 h after 5‐AC treatment, and levamisole when given 12 h before to 3 h after treatment. Both agents showed an immune‐stimulating effect and have been used as cancer chemotherapeutic drugs. However, as the contribution of fetal or maternal immune functions or the alleviation action is unknown, further investigations are required to clarify the mechanism.
Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of paraquat in Hordeum vulgare and human lymphocytes in vitro
Authors: Jovtchev Gabriele , Gateva Svetla , Stergios Mila , Kulekova Stanislava
Published: July 2010

Two phylogenetically distant types of test‐systems—root tip meristems of barley (Hordeum vulgare) and human lymphocytes in vitro were used to detect genotoxicity and cytotoxicity induced by the herbicide paraquat (PQ) in the concentration range (10−6 to 5 × 10−4 mol/l). As an endpoint for cytotoxicity the mitotic index (MI) was evaluated. The frequency of chromosome aberrations (CA) and the frequency of micronuclei (MN) were used as endpoints for genotoxicity. A dose‐dependent increase of CA and MN was observed in both test systems, although the values for PQ‐induced MN were somewhat lower. The increase of the genotoxic effect corresponds to a decrease of mitotic activity. The structurally reconstructed barley karyotype MK14/2034 allowed the allocation of the PQ‐specific features of aberration distribution patterns and gave information about which chromosome segments in different chromosomal positions were involved in induced aberrations. Paraquat produced preferably isochromatid breaks and “aberration hot spots” in a restricted number of heterochromatin‐containing segments. The comparative analysis of susceptibility in the used test‐systems to PQ with respect to its cytotoxic and clastogenic effect showed that the human lymphocytes were more sensitive than Hordeum vulgare. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2010.
Toxic effect of the harmful dinoflagellate Cochlodinium polykrikoides on the spotted rose snapper Lutjanus guttatus
Authors: Dorantes‐Aranda Juan José , García‐de la Parra Luz María , Alonso‐Rodríguez Rosalba , Morquecho Lourdes , Voltolina Domenico
Published: July 2010

The dinoflagellate Cochlodinium polykrikoides isolated from Bahía de La Paz, Gulf of California, showed an important short‐term toxic effect on the spotted rose snapper Lutjanus guttatus. This microalga was able to decrease fish liver catalase activity and lipid peroxidation. Fish exposed to live dinoflagellates developed an abnormal mucus secretion on the gills that was directly related to algal cell concentration. Hepatic catalase inhibition and an increase in mucus secretion on the gills occurred when fish were exposed to 2 × 106 cells L–1 of C. polykrikoides. Lipid peroxidation was significantly different at 4 × 106 cells L–1 and the hepatosomatic index decreased at 3 × 106 cells L–1. Our results suggest that oxidative stress contributes, at least in part, to the ichthyotoxic effect of C. polykrikoides from the Gulf of California. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 25: 319–326, 2010.
First‐trimester measurement of the ductus venosus pulsatility index and the prediction of congenital heart defects
Authors: Timmerman E. , Clur S. A. , Pajkrt E. , Bilardo C. M.
Published: July 2010

Objective

This study was carried out to evaluate the additional predictive value of ductus venosus pulsatility index for veins (DV‐PIV) in the identification of congenital heart defects (CHDs) in fetuses with an enlarged nuchal translucency (NT) and a normal karyotype.

Methods

All chromosomally normal fetuses referred to our Fetal Medicine Unit between September 1996 and December 2008 with known NT, DV‐PIV and ductus venosus (DV) a‐wave measurements were included. Intrafetus variation in DV‐PIV was overcome by averaging three recordings. Follow‐up included special focus on CHD. The odds of CHD at any NT and DV‐PIV value were evaluated using logistic regression analysis.

Results

Of 792 fetuses included, the NT was enlarged (equal to or above the 95th percentile (P95)) in 318 (40.2%). The DV‐PIV was abnormal (≥ P95) in 41.8% of the fetuses with an enlarged NT and the a‐wave was abnormal (negative or reversed) in 29.9%. CHD was diagnosed in 35 fetuses, 33 of which had an enlarged NT. Amongst the fetuses with an enlarged NT, the sensitivities for CHD of abnormal DV‐PIV and DV a‐wave were 73% and 55%, with specificities of 62% and 73%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that in this risk group the DV‐PIV multiple of the median (MoM) (as a continuous variable) was significantly associated with the risk of CHD (odds ratio = 2.4), independent of the degree of NT enlargement, whereas the DV a‐wave did not significantly add to the prediction of CHD.

Conclusion

Two‐thirds of fetuses with an enlarged NT, a normal karyotype and CHD have an increased DV‐PIV. DV‐PIV can be used as continuous variable in combination with NT to increase specificity in the identification of CHD and to refine the individual risk assessment. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What does magnetic resonance imaging add to the prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of facial clefts?
Authors: Mailáth‐Pokorny M. , Worda C. , Krampl‐Bettelheim E. , Watzinger F. , Brugger P. C. , Prayer D.
Published: July 2010

Objective

Ultrasound is the modality of choice for prenatal detection of cleft lip and palate. Because its accuracy in detecting facial clefts, especially isolated clefts of the secondary palate, can be limited, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used as an additional method for assessing the fetus. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of fetal MRI in the prenatal diagnosis of facial clefts.

Methods

Thirty‐four pregnant women with a mean gestational age of 26 (range, 19–34) weeks underwent in utero MRI, after ultrasound examination had identified either a facial cleft (n = 29) or another suspected malformation (micrognathia (n = 1), cardiac defect (n = 1), brain anomaly (n = 2) or diaphragmatic hernia (n = 1)). The facial cleft was classified postnatally and the diagnoses were compared with the previous ultrasound findings.

Results

There were 11 (32.4%) cases with cleft of the primary palate alone, 20 (58.8%) clefts of the primary and secondary palate and three (8.8%) isolated clefts of the secondary palate. In all cases the primary and secondary palate were visualized successfully with MRI. Ultrasound imaging could not detect five (14.7%) facial clefts and misclassified 15 (44.1%) facial clefts. The MRI classification correlated with the postnatal/postmortem diagnosis.

Conclusions

In our hands MRI allows detailed prenatal evaluation of the primary and secondary palate. By demonstrating involvement of the palate, MRI provides better detection and classification of facial clefts than does ultrasound alone. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Advances in analysis of transcriptional regulatory networks
Authors: Kim Tae‐Min , Park Peter J.
Published: July 2010

A transcriptional regulatory network represents a molecular framework in which developmental or environmental cues are transformed into differential expression of genes. Transcriptional regulation is mediated by the combinatorial interplay between cis‐regulatory DNA elements and trans‐acting transcription factors, and is perhaps the most important mechanism for controlling gene expression. Recent innovations, most notably the method for detecting protein–DNA interactions genome‐wide, can help provide a comprehensive catalog of cis‐regulatory elements and their interaction with given trans‐acting factors in a given condition. A transcriptional regulatory network that integrates such information can lead to a systems‐level understanding of regulatory mechanisms. In this review, we will highlight the key aspects of current knowledge on eukaryotic transcriptional regulation, especially on known transcription factors and their interacting regulatory elements. Then we will review some recent technical advances for genome‐wide mapping of DNA–protein interactions based on high‐throughput sequencing. Finally, we will discuss the types of biological insights that can be obtained from a network‐level understanding of transcription regulation as well as future challenges in the field. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2011 3 21–35 DOI:10.1002/wsbm.105

This article is categorized under:

Analytical and Computational Methods > Analytical Methods

Laboratory Methods and Technologies > Macromolecular Interactions, Methods

Biological Mechanisms > Regulatory Biology
Chemical Vapour Transport of Bismuth and Antimony Chalcogenides M2Q3 (M = Sb, Bi, Q = Se, Te)
Authors: Schöneich Michael , Schmidt Marcus P. , Schmidt Peer
Published: July 2010

Thermodynamic modelling of the ternary systems M/Q/I (M = Sb, Bi, Q = Se, Te) indicated solid‐gas equilibria suitable for chemical vapour transport of bismuth and antimony chalcogenides. The predictions of the modelling were confirmed by transport experiments on a transport balance. The optimum transport conditions using iodine as transport agent were determined for all systems to: ϑsource = 500 °C and ϑsink = 450 °C. For ΔT > 50 K the sequential transport of chalcogenide iodides MQI followed by M2Q3 occurs. Thermodynamic standard data of the gas species SbI(g) were concluded from equilibrium calculations: ΔH0f,298(SbI(g)) = 106 ± 3 kJ·mol–1; S0298(SbI(g)) = 255 ± 3 J·mol–1·K–1; Cp(SbI(g)) = 37 ± 1 J·mol–1·K–1
Food Pattern and Quality of Life in Metabolic Syndrome Patients who Underwent Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Taiwan
Authors: Tung Heng-Hsin , Tseng Li-Hua , Wei Jeng , Lin Cheng-Hsin , Wang Tsae-Jyy , Liang Shu-Yuan
Published: July 2010

Metabolic syndrome is associated with poor operative outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG). A healthy food pattern for metabolic syndrome patients is necessary not only in the initial stage to prevent cardiovascular disease but for those who experience cardiovascular problems and undergo heart surgery. Empirical studies that explore food pattern and quality of life metabolic syndrome patients who undergo CABG are lacking. Therefore, the objectives of this study are to explore the food pattern and quality of life of metabolic syndrome patients who undergo CABG and to examine the relationship between these two variables. A descriptive, correlational and cross section design was conducted. Through convenience sampling, 104 patients were recruited. Data were collected through three instruments: a demographic questionnaire; the Chinese Food Frequency Questionnaire-Short Form (Short C-FFQ), used to assess food pattern; and the Taiwanese version of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36-Health Survey (SF-36), used to assess quality of life. Descriptive analysis, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson correlation were used to analyze the data. The results indicated that patients who ate fruit more frequently tended to have a better quality of life, while the intake of fried food was more frequently associated with a poor quality of life. The use of these data gives the health care provider a better understanding of food pattern and their impact on quality of life in this population. Such an understanding can be used to develop targeted interventions to promote health in this and in other populations.
Diffuse noxious inhibitory control evoked by tonic craniofacial pain in humans
Authors: Sowmanl P.F. , Wangl K. , Svenssonl P. , Arendt‐Nielsenl L.
Published: July 2010

Tonic pain in one body segment can inhibit the perception of pain in another body segment. This phenomenon is mediated by diffuse noxious inhibitory controls (DNIC), and its efficacy in craniofacial regions is investigated in this study. A compressive device that evoked a tonic, moderate/severe, headache‐like, conditioning pain (∼8/10 on a visual analogue scale) was applied for 15 min. Eleven males participated in the study. Pressure pain threshold (PPT) and pressure pain tolerance (PPTol) at multiple heterosegmental body sites (right masseter, splenius capitis, second intermediate phalange, brachioradialis and tibialis anterior) were measured before, during and at multiple time points (5, 20 and 35 min) after the termination of the conditioning pain. PPTs and PPTols were compared within participants across two experimental sessions; one that included painful conditioning stimulation, and a separate control session on a different day. Painful conditioning increased PPT significantly during pain over the masseter (p <0.05) and over the tibialis anterior (p <0.01). PPTol was unchanged. In the period after the painful conditioning stimulation PPT was depressed compared to control. This study shows that pain evoked from the craniofacial region evokes DNIC‐like mechanisms on segmental as well as heterosegmental sites.
Depression in middle-aged and older first generation migrants in Europe: Results from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE)
Authors: Aichberger M.C. , Schouler-Ocak M. , Mundt A. , Busch M.A. , Nickels E. , Heimann H.M. , Ströhle A. , Reischies F.M. , Heinz A. , Rapp M.A.
Published: July 2010

Objective

To determine the prevalence of depression in migrants aged 50 years or older in comparison to residents without a history of migration in 11 European countries.

Methods and subjects

The Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), a cross-national, multidisciplinary, household-based panel survey using nationally representative probability samples (n= 28,517) of 11 European countries of the non-institutionalized population aged 50 years and older. Depression was measured using the EURO-D scale, and odds ratios (OR) were estimated for migration status. Effects of sociodemographic variables, somatic comorbidities, functional impairment, cognitive function, geographic region, and time lived in current country of residence were assessed in multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

Adjusting for confounds, the OR for depression in migrants was 1.42 (95% CI, 1.28–1.59). The influence of migration status on the prevalence of depression was significantly greater in Northern (OR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.39–2.46) and Western Europe (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.22–1.57), compared to Southern Europe (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.79–1.70) (p< 0.05 for the interaction).

Conclusion

We found a higher prevalence of depression in first-generation migrants aged 50 years or older, together with relevant geographical variation. This difference was not due to other known predictors of depression in older age.
Characteristic brain hypoperfusion by 99mTc-ECD single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in patients with the first-episode schizophrenia
Authors: Wake R. , Miyaoka T. , Kawakami K. , Tsuchie K. , Inagaki T. , Horiguchi J. , Yamamoto Y. , Hayashi T. , Kitagaki H.
Published: July 2010

Objective

In this study, we evaluated brain perfusion in patients with first-episode medicated schizophrenia using the new analytical method, statistical parametric mapping (SPM) applied to single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).

Method

We performed SPECT with 99-Tc-ethyl cysteinate dimer (99mTc-ECD) of the brain and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with schizophrenia (n = 30) and control subjects matched for age and gender (n = 37). A voxel-by-voxel group analysis was performed using SPM2 (Z > 3.0, P < 0.001, uncorrected for multiple comparisons).

Result

In comparison with control subjects, the volumes of the bilateral frontal areas were found to be decreased on MRI. Blood flow was found to be reduced in the bilateral temporal areas in the patients with schizophrenia on SPECT.

Conclusion

In this study, patients with first-episode schizophrenia appeared to have significant bilateral temporal hypoperfusion, although temporal volumes were not significantly decreased in comparison with control subjects. Abnormality of temporal lobe blood flow in schizophrenia may show that functional changes occur earlier than structural changes, and may assist in the diagnosis of schizophrenia.
P2Y2 receptor expression is altered in rats after spinal cord injury
Authors: Rodríguez‐Zayas Ana E. , Torrado Aranza I. , Miranda Jorge D.
Published: July 2010

Spinal cord injury increases inhibitory factors that may restrict neurite outgrowth after trauma. The expression of repulsive molecules in reactive astrocytes and the formation of the glial scar at the injury site produce the non‐permissive environment for axonal regeneration. However, the mechanism that triggers this astrogliotic response is unknown. The release of nucleotides has been linked to this hypertrophic state.

Our goal is to investigate the temporal profile of P2Y2 nucleotide receptor after spinal cord injury in adult female Sprague–Dawley rats. Molecular biology, immunofluorescence studies, and Western Blots were used to evaluate the temporal profile (2, 4, 7, 14, and 28 days post‐injury) of this receptor in rats injured at the T‐10 level using the NYU impactor device.

Real time RT‐PCR showed a significant increase of P2Y2 mRNA after 2 days post‐injury that continues throughout 28 days post‐injury. Double labeling studies localized P2Y2 immunoreactivity in neuronal cell bodies, axons, macrophages, oligodendrocytes and reactive astrocytes. Immunofluorescence studies also demonstrated a low level of P2Y2 receptor in sham samples, which increased after injury in glial fibrillary acidic protein positive cells. Western Blot performed with contused spinal cord protein samples revealed an upregulation in the P2Y2 42 kDa protein band expression after 4 days post‐injury that continues until 28 days post‐injury. However, a downregulation of the 62 kDa receptor protein band after 2 days post‐injury that continues up to 28 days post‐injury was observed.

Therefore, the spatio‐temporal pattern of P2Y2 gene expression after spinal cord injury suggests a role in the pathophysiology response generated after trauma.
Comparison of high definition oscillometric and Doppler ultrasonic devices for measuring blood pressure in anaesthetised cats
Authors: Petrič Aleksandra Domanjko , Petra Zrimšek , Jerneja Sredenšek , Alenka Seliškar
Published: July 2010

Indirect blood pressure measurements using high definition oscillometric (HDO) and Doppler devices were compared in 50 anaesthetised client-owned cats presented for various surgical procedures. Sites of cuff placement for Doppler were identified as forelimb and hindlimb and for HDO as forelimb and tail. Oscillometric and Doppler readings were obtained in 90.05% and 100% of attempts, respectively. Both devices enabled precise measurement of systolic arterial pressure (SAP), although the Doppler device gave higher precision. In the low pressure group (SAP<100 mmHg; n=30), 66.7% biases were within 10 mmHg of discrepancy, but in groups of normal (100 mmHg≤SAP≤150 mmHg; n=120) and high measurements (SAP>150 mmHg; n=62), 86.7% and 75.0% of discrepancy, respectively, were lower than 10 mmHg. Frequency of discrepancy at the range of 15 mmHg showed similar differences between pressure groups. There were significantly higher discrepancies when the cuff was positioned on the tail rather than on the leg. The SAP value obtained by HDO can be calculated from the Doppler measurement from SAP (HDO)=0.8515×SAP (Doppler)+19.221 mmHg. Compared to Doppler, HDO overestimated low pressure and underestimated high pressure values.
Resource Intensity Weighing and Case Mix Grouping: Assumptions and Implications for Health Service Performance Evaluation
Authors: Chu Christabel
Published: July 2010

The use of Resource Intensity Weights (RIWs*) for equity funding and utilization management assumes validity of the cost estimates, reliability of the patient categorization scheme, equivalence of the bases for cost comparison, and equity of the subsequent resource distribution. This paper examines these assumptions, and concludes that caution must be taken when using the current RIWs and Case Mix Groups (CMGs*) for resource allocation and performance evaluation purposes.

RIW has represented a milestone in the history of Canadian health care product costing and management. It would be prudent for health care professionals at the operational level to provide structured and continuing feedback that can contribute to the validation and refinement of these valuable management tools.
Ambulatory Case Mix Funding Systems in Canada
Authors: Jacobs Philip , Lave Judith R. , Hall Edward , Botz Charles
Published: July 2010

The implementation of inpatient case mix funding in Alberta and Ontario does not allow for adequate incentives to shift resources to an outpatient basis, where appropriate, or to provide outpatient care efficiently. This paper explores the prospects and problems of further extending case mix tools into this area. The availability of tools to characterize output for day surgery, special clinics and emergency care is surveyed. We conclude that case mix funding is desirable and feasible for ambulatory surgery; however, it is questionable for emergency care and special clinics. However, developments in this area in the United States will continue, and this will likely maintain an interest in Canada.
Re-Engineering: A Prescription for Hospitals
Authors: Bolton Cindy , Gordon John R.M.
Published: July 2010

Previously applied mostly in large, private sector corporations, “re-engineering” is fast becoming a tool that hospitals can use to break away from the old to find a new and better way of doing things.

Re-engineering, however, first requires strong leadership which is committed to employee involvement and re-inventing the process design to meet the needs of the customers. Once the transition has been completed, the processes and the organization must continue to be managed differently.

This article reviews the processes involved in re-engineering, and discusses the implementation of the initiative at the Sunnybrook Health Science Centre in Toronto.
The Change Experience of a Long-Term Care Centre
Authors: Villeneuve Sylvie , Thivierge Marie-Josée , Collerette Pierre
Published: July 2010

This article highlights the methodology and approaches chosen in preparing for a major change in orientation at La Pietà in Hull, Quebec, devising the content for change and facilitating the implementation of new directions. It is based on the observations of the change seen within the organization, research and interviews with management and the hired consultant involved in the change process.

The first part of the article establishes the situation confronting the organization. It then describes the frame of reference that was to guide the centre through the change process. The conclusion sums up the La Pietà experience in the light of the guiding principles and elements that together formed the frame of reference for the change.
Key Factors in Improving Surgical Resources
Authors: Brown Dawn L. , Hayward Marion
Published: July 2010

The health care environment across the country is undergoing unprecedented uncertainty and change, so it is imperative that hospital leaders develop processes that enhance their organization's ability to adapt to new realities and directions. The key factors in maximizing the utilization of resources to meet community demand involve corporate changes and active support from medical, nursing, professional and support staff. This article describes the methods adopted by one community hospital to improve the utilization of surgical resources, with particular emphasis on the process developed for allocating Operating Room time to support corporate priorities.
Program Management and Health Care Informatics: Defining Relationships
Authors: Harber B.W. , Miller SA
Published: July 2010

The program management (PM) structure is a relatively well-known organizational model for hospitals. A variation of the matrix structure, it allows for an interdisciplinary team of health care providers to facilitate patient care delivery. However, providing such focused care results in a complex, highly information-dependent operational environment. To meet the information needs of such an environment, careful planning in selecting and implementing technology is required. Along with supporting patient care, the technology will also help in managing costs, human resources, quality and utilization, as well as in monitoring performance and outcomes measurement.

Focusing specifically on the information technology environment, this article addresses health care in formatics (the diverse categories of information and systems) needed to support clinical program managers, executives and others in a PM organization. Examples from both a university-affiliated and a community-based program managed hospital illustrate their approach to PM and information technology.
La gestion hospitalière au Canada: Une enquête auprès de responsables d'entreprise membres du conseil d'administration d'un hôpital
Authors: Brunelle Francis W.H.
Published: July 2010

Lors du recrutement de cadres supérieurs, The Caldwell Partners Amrop International a souvent l'occasion d'entrer en contact avec de nombreux responsables canadiens d'entreprise qui sont également membres d'un conseil d'administration hospitalier.

En raison des inquiétudes exprimées spontanément par ces gestionnaires, il a été jugé opportun de mener une enquête en bonne et due forme. Le Département d'administration de la santé de l'Université de Toronto a été chargé de mettre au point le questionnaire et de compiler les résultats.

Les constatations de l'enquête portent sur de multiples aspects de la gestion: taille du conseil, composition, durée des mandats, représentation, rôles, fusionnements, évaluation, qualité des soins, instituts de recherche, questions financières et rapports avec le gouvernement.
Change or Business as Usual? A Challenge for Health Care Leaders Contemplating Total Quality Management
Authors: Skafel Jon , Collins Paul
Published: July 2010

The authors describe Total Quality Management (TQM) as an organizational change strategy. Health care leaders who implement TQM only as a “program” may achieve limited success. Leaders who respond to incentives that motivate personal change, understand the dynamics of socioeconomic transformation and put people (especially employees) first can positively influence organizational culture leading to successful change. A leader self-examination is recommended to evaluate personal readiness for the change that TQM represents.
Tracing the Missing Link between Nursing Workload and Case Mix Groups: A Validation Study
Authors: Halpine Stuart , Maloney Shelagh
Published: July 2010

This paper reports on the creation of a nursing workload data base of over 40,000 inpatient records by the Hospital Medical Records Institute (HMRI). During the 1989–90 fiscal year, five Ontario hospitals (four teaching, one community) reported total hours of nursing on the HMRI abstract along with standard clinical and demographic information. The accuracy of nursing workload data varied across hospitals and seemed to reflect differences in how data collection was implemented. When the data base was grouped by Case Mix Groups (CMGs), analysis demonstrated that patterns of resource utilization in nursing workload and length of stay were similar across CMGs. Results of this analysis indicate that the nursing workload component of the Resource Intensity Weight may be useful for estimating a hospital's nursing costs by CMG.
Keys to Effective Regional Health Planning — An Organizational Behaviour Approach
Authors: Mapa Joseph , Turner Gerald P.
Published: July 2010

Given its political appeal, economic logic and community-based focus, regional planning has re-emerged as a significant strategic initiative in our shifting health care system. As regional planning becomes more prevalent in Canada, it is increasingly necessary to establish a framework of sound organizational behaviour principles in which it can succeed. These principles — which relate to human relations and group interactions — are especially relevant in a complex undertaking such as regional health planning which is often encumbered by stakeholder self-interest, philosophical differences and a tradition of autonomy and independent initiative.
Health Care Managers in British Columbia, Part I: Who Manages Our System?
Authors: Kazanjian Arminée , Pagliccia Nino
Published: July 2010

Part I of this article provides, for the first time, the supply side overview of middle- and high-level managers in the B.C. health care system. It presents findings from two province-wide surveys and describes the sociodemographic characteristics and the employment experiences of the population of interest.

Part II presents a detailed analysis of management tasks and management roles, and of competency requirements for future managerial roles.
The Comprehensive Health Organization — A Practical Solution for an Integrated Health Care System
Authors: Meeks Judith R.
Published: July 2010

This brief report takes a look at the structure and functions of a new type of health care delivery system, the comprehensive health organization (CHO). The development of such a system, however, requires a new mindset or shift of focus: none of the activities of a CHO has been part of the training or experience of providers in the Canadian health care system. The range of services a CHO would offer, whether they would be provided by the CHO or by an outside contractor, the possible risks involved, and who the potential participants would be are also discussed.
Measuring Case Mix and Severity of Illness in Canada: Case Mix Groups versus Refined Diagnosis Related Groups
Authors: Halpine Stuart , Ashworth M.A.
Published: July 2010

This study compares the effectiveness of Case Mix Groups (CMG*) groups and Refined Diagnosis Related Groups (RDRG) in reducing Canadian length of stay (LOS) variability. The effectiveness of the two case mix grouping methodologies was assessed with a common data base, 282,459 abstracts with ICD-9 CM diagnosis codes reported to the Hospital Medical Records Institute (HMRI) from January to March 1989. Death, signouts, transfers to or from acute care institutions and cases with an outlier LOS (“atypical” cases) were excluded from the analysis. HMRI utilization management reports to acute care hospitals use a data base defined in this way.

On the basis of the variance reduction statistic (R2) from ordinary least squares regression analysis, CMG groups were found to be slightly more effective than RDRGs in reducing LOS variability. R2 statistics were 45.7 and 43.8 for CMG groups and RDRGs, respectively. Within subgroups of cases, CMG groups were found to be markedly more effective with the newborn/neonate group and to a lesser extent with non-surgical cases. The severity of illness categories within RDRGs did not, over all “typical” cases in the data base, yield more homogeneous groups of cases than CMG groups, which have half the number of categories. The value of tailoring severity measurement to Canadian medical practice and Canadian diagnosis coding is highlighted.
Health Promotion: A Life-Long Spectrum for Health Care Facilities
Authors: Warrick H.J.
Published: July 2010

Although many traditional health care facilities were not called upon to contribute to health promotion and prevention in two statements from ministers of National Health and Welfare, many have well-established programs that complement treatment. As it is important to be able to measure the effectiveness of these activities, the author proposes that a Promotion and Prevention Index (PPI) be created within the health care system. The PPI, a percentage factor, would be applied to services and programs and, hopefully, provide a scale for formal recognition among traditional institutions.