bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Isotope Dilution ICP‐MS Method for the Determination of Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca Ratios in Calcium Carbonate
Authors: Fernandez Diego P. , Gagnon Alex C. , Adkins Jess F.
Published: September 2010

Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios in calcium carbonate are important components of many palaeoclimate studies. We present an isotope dilution method relying on a single mixed spike containing 25Mg, 43Ca and 87Sr. Dozens of samples per day, as small as 10 μg of carbonate, could be dissolved, spiked and run in an ICP‐MS with a precision of 0.8% (2 RSD). Two instruments types, a sector field and a quadrupole ICP‐MS, were compared. The best long term precision found was 0.4% (2 RSD), although this increased by up to a factor of two when samples of very different Mg or Sr content were run together in the same sequence. Long term averages for the two instruments concurred. No matrix effects were detected for a range of Ca concentrations between 0.2 and 2 mmol l‐1. Accuracy, tested by measuring synthetic standard solutions, was 0.8% with some systematic trends. We demonstrate the strength of this isotope dilution method for (a) obtaining accurate results for sample sets that present a broad Mg and Sr range and (b) testing solid carbonates as candidate reference materials for interlaboratory consistency. Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca results for reference materials were in good agreement with values from the literature.
Optimised Ferrozine Micro‐Method for the Determination of Ferrous and Ferric Iron in Rocks and Minerals
Authors: Husler John , Ferriss Elizabeth D.A. , Helean Katheryn B. , Bryan Charles R. , Brady Patrick V.
Published: September 2010

The ferrozine wet chemical method was optimised for the determination of the total iron content and speciation in small geological samples. The ferrozine micro‐method involves dissolution by a mixture of HF and H2SO4 followed by spectrophotometric analysis using the complexing agent ferrozine. The method was tested for twenty‐one replicates of eight rock RMs using test portions of 5–14 mg and containing 0.37–5.45 mg total Fe and more than 0.29 mg Fe(II). The optimised ferrozine method was accurate to within 0.23% m/m FeO and 0.34% m/m total Fe, which compares favourably to other wet chemical methods.
Social Work Advocacy in Singapore: Some Reflections on the Constraints and Opportunities
Authors: Brydon Kerry
Published: September 2010

One central concern of social work is advocacy for social justice. This is a lofty ideal but a difficult ideal to achieve in view of social work being delivered in sociopolitical contexts with varying degrees of tolerance of advocacy. This discussion is based on a case study from Singapore and considers some of the particular constraints and opportunities in that context, while also making the point that those similar constraints and opportunities exist in all contexts. A model that combines principles of advocacy and collaboration is proposed as a means of embracing social work advocacy in Singapore and other contexts.
The Significance of Crust Structure and Continental Dynamics Inferred from Receiver Functions in West Yunnan
Authors: Chuansong HE , Lupei ZHU , Qingcai WANG
Published: September 2010

In our study we collected the teleseismic record of 31 broadband stations and 9 PASSCAL stations in West Yunnan, as well as extracted more than a million receiver functions. Using the waveform model and stacking techniques, we calculated the earth crust thicknesses and Vp/Vs ratios below the stations and obtained 35 valid data points. At the same time, we evenly stacked the receiver functions at the same station and superimposed the two profiles' cross sections of the main tectonic units. The results show a clear difference between the crust thicknesses of different tectonic units. Because of the magma underplatting and delimanition of the lower crust in the role of deep process, the West Yunnan's crust can be divided two kinds—mafic‐ultramafic and feldspathic crusts. The research also shows that the mafic‐ultramafic crust corresponds to a good background of mineralization. The delamination of the lower crust is one of the leading causes for moderate to strong earthquake prone in central Yunnan. The thinner crust and high velocity ratio as well as the multimodal structure of Ps in the Tengchong volcanic area confirms existence of a deep process of the strong magma underplating. Due to the basic crust structure and nature, it is believed that the Honghe fault is a main suture of the Gondwana and Eurasia continents.
Ecology, Epidemiology and Human Health Implications of Avian Influenza Viruses: Why do We Need to Share Genetic Data?
Authors: Capua I. , Alexander D. J.
Published: September 2010

Avian influenza (AI) is a listed disease of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) that has become a disease of great importance both for animal and human health. Until recent times, AI was considered a disease of birds with zoonotic implications of limited significance. The emergence and spread of the Asian lineage highly pathogenic AI H5N1 virus has dramatically changed this perspective; not only has it been responsible of the death or culling of millions of birds, but this virus has also been able to infect a variety of non‐avian hosts including human beings. The implications of such a panzootic reflect themselves in animal health issues, notably in the reduction of a protein source for developing countries and in the management of the pandemic potential. Retrospective studies have shown that avian progenitors play an important role in the generation of pandemic viruses for humans, and therefore these infections in the avian reservoir should be subjected to control measures aiming at eradication of the Asian H5N1 virus from all sectors rather than just eliminating or reducing the impact of the disease in poultry. Collection and analysis of information in a transparent environment and close collaboration between the medical and veterinary scientific community are crucial to support the global AI crisis.
Avian Influenza – Diagnosis
Authors: Alexander D. J.
Published: September 2010

The diagnosis of avian influenza (AI) virus infections, even highly pathogenic AI (HPAI), represents a considerable challenge due to the lack of pathognomonic or specific clinical signs and their variation in different avian hosts plus the marked antigenic variation amongst influenza A viruses. Conventional laboratory techniques involve the isolation, identification and characterization (including virulence estimates) of the virus. While this has proven successful in the past and remains the method of choice, for at least the initial outbreak, the delays associated with conventional diagnosis are often considered unacceptable for the application of control measures, especially stamping out policies, and there is an overwhelming demand for rapid results. More and more, molecular biological techniques are being used and in particular reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and real‐time RT‐PCR technologies are being employed for rapid diagnosis. In this paper, clinical signs, the molecular basis for virulence of AI viruses, international definitions, conventional diagnosis and the use of molecular techniques are reviewed and discussed.
Use of Vaccination in Avian Influenza Control and Eradication
Authors: Marangon S. , Cecchinato M. , Capua I.
Published: September 2010

Vaccination against avian influenza (AI) infections caused by viruses of the H5 and H7 subtypes has been used in several occasions in recent years with the general objective of controlling and in some cases eradicating the disease. To contain AI infections effectively, vaccination should only be used as part of a comprehensive control strategy that also includes biosecurity, quarantine, surveillance, education, and elimination of infected and at‐risk poultry. Although properly used, potent AI vaccines can prevent disease and death, increase resistance to infection, reduce virus replication and shedding, and reduce viral transmission, they cannot completely prevent AI virus replication. A wide variety of vaccines against AI has been developed and tested in experimental conditions, but only inactivated whole AI virus vaccines and recombinant H5‐AI vaccines have been licensed and widely used in various countries. AI vaccination programmes should be adapted to local conditions to guarantee efficacy and sustainability. In particular, vaccination programmes should be modulated in diverse situations according to the virus strain involved, the characteristics of the poultry producing sector, the capacity of the veterinary infrastructure, and the availability of adequate resources. Based on the eco‐epidemiological situation in the affected region/area/compartment and the assessment of the risk of AI introduction, different vaccination strategies could be implemented to control AI: (i) routine vaccination performed in endemic areas; (ii) emergency vaccination in the face of an epidemic; and (iii) preventative vaccination carried out whenever a high risk of virus incursion is identified.
Contingency Planning: Preparation of Contingency Plans
Authors: Westergaard J. M.
Published: September 2010

Outbreaks of infectious animal diseases such as foot‐and‐mouth disease, classical swine fever, Newcastle disease and avian influenza may have a devastating impact, not only on the livestock sector and the rural community in the directly affected areas, but also beyond agriculture and nation wide. The risk of introducing disease pathogens into a country and the spread of the agent within a country depends on a number of factors including import controls, movement of animals and animal products and the biosecurity applied by livestock producers. An adequate contingency plan is an important instrument in the preparation for and the handling of an epidemic. The legislation of the European Union requires that all Member States draw up a contingency plan which specifies the national measures required to maintain a high level of awareness and preparedness and is to be implemented in the event of disease outbreak. This paper describes the main elements to be included in the contingency plans submitted by Member States to the European Commission for approval.
Preparedness for Major OIE‐listed Epidemics: Implementation of Simulation Exercises
Authors: Westergaard J. M.
Published: September 2010

Large‐scale outbreaks of animal disease cause mass death of animals, a devastating economic impact on livestock industries and communities and furthermore often great distress for owners and keepers of animals. Such large‐scale outbreaks have, during the last decade, been experienced by certain EU Member States in pigs caused by classical swine fever outbreaks, in ruminants and pigs due to foot and mouth disease and in poultry as a result of infections by avian influenza virus. With the aim of preventing introduction of the OIE former list A diseases and enhance disease preparedness most European countries have in recent years adopted contingency plans and conducted simulation exercises. Simulation exercises will, in this paper, be discussed with special references to: objectives, scope of exercises, preparation of scenarios, tasks to be performed by participants, the need for facilities, management of exercises and the work of the supervisory team.
Avian Influenza Outbreak Management: Action at Time of Confirmation, Depopulation and Disposal Methods; the ‘Belgian Experience’ during the H7N7 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Epidemic in 2003
Authors: Van Den Berg T. , Houdart P.
Published: September 2010

Eradication of H5 and H7 influenza in a positive flock will include mass depopulation of birds, containment and inactivation of the virus in the carcasses and litter, and decontamination of the facility. A quick response is desired in the event of a disease outbreak. Ideally, birds should be depopulated within 24 h after detecting the virus. Mass depopulation of birds must be performed in a humane manner while minimizing human health and biosecurity risks. In the framework of the European legislation, a number of methods are authorized for the killing of poultry for processing prior to marketing. However, during emergencies such as a disease outbreak, there are fewer options. The current most commonly used procedures for large‐scale emergency depopulation of birds consist of exposing poultry to CO or CO2 gas. Both gasses have been used in Belgium during the H7N7 crisis in 2003. The gassing procedures include whole house gassing, portable panel enclosures, cage cabinets, containers and polyethylene tent method. Whole house gassing requires sealing the house to prevent gas leakage and, using specialized equipment, introducing large volumes of gas evenly over the birds. All procedures are very labour intensive, create a biosecurity risk and require a large number of personnel. There are considerable region‐to‐region differences in emergency depopulation techniques and disposal of carcasses and infected material. Because of the differences in bird type and species, management, housing and stocking density, it is difficult to propose a depopulation technique that will be suitable for all circumstances. Safety of the human operators is an increasing concern with all H5 and H7 strains and in particular with the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain. Researchers and commercial poultry companies in the United States recently established that non‐toxic water‐based foam with a certain bubble size presents a practicable, effective and humane method for mass depopulation. Foam of the right bubble size creates an occlusion in the trachea of birds, causing a rapid onset of hypoxia. The foam that blankets the broiler house induces physical hypoxia – the same cause of death as the approved method using carbon dioxide gas (CO2). The article illustrates the different culling and disposal methods with a focus on the methods used during the 2003 H7N7 crisis in Belgium.
The Occurrence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Salmonellae Isolated from Commercially Available Canine Raw Food Diets in Three Canadian Cities
Authors: Finley R. , Reid‐Smith R. , Ribble C. , Popa M. , Vandermeer M. , Aramini J.
Published: September 2010

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance patterns of Salmonella isolated from commercially available canine raw food diets in Canada. A total of 166 commercial frozen raw food diet samples were purchased from randomly selected local pet stores in three Canadian cities for a period of 8 months. All samples were evaluated for the presence of Salmonella, serotyped and tested for antimicrobial susceptibility. There was an overall Salmonella prevalence of 21%; chicken was an ingredient for 67% of the Salmonella‐positive diets. Eighteen different Salmonella serotypes were recovered, and resistance was observed to 12 of the 16 antimicrobials tested, with the majority of Ontario isolates exhibiting resistance to ampicillin and Calgary isolates to tetracycline. This study demonstrates the potential risk of raw food diets, especially for immunocompromised individuals, and stresses the need for implementing regulatory guidelines for the production of these diets in order to help control and ideally eliminate the bacterial risks associated with their use and consumption.
Prevalence of Dog Intestinal Parasites and Risk Perception of Zoonotic Infection by Dog Owners in São Paulo State, Brazil
Authors: Katagiri S. , Oliveira‐Sequeira T. C. G.
Published: September 2010

Coprological examination was used to estimate the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in stray and domiciled dogs from Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil. Risk factors for dog infection were assessed in relation to demographic, husbandry and management data. The dog owners completed a questionnaire survey on some aspects of dog parasitism such as parasite species, mechanisms of infection, awareness of zoonotic diseases and history of anthelmintic usage. Parasites were found in the faeces of 138 dogs, with an overall prevalence of 54.3%. Dogs harbouring one parasite were more common (31.4%) than those harbouring two (18.5%), three (3.2%) or four (1.2%). The following parasites and their respective frequencies were detected:Ancylostoma(37.8%),Giardia(16.9%),Toxocara canis(8.7%),Trichuris vulpis(7.1%),Dipylidium caninum(2.4%),Isospora(3.5%),Cryptosporidium(3.1%) andSarcocystis(2.7%). Stray dogs were found more likely to be poliparasitized (P < 0.01) and presented higher prevalence ofAncylostoma,T. canisandGiardia(P < 0.01) than domiciled ones.Toxocara caniswas detected more frequently in dogs with <6 months of age (P < 0.05) and no effect of sex or breed could be observed (P > 0.05). Except forAncylostoma, that showed a significantly higher prevalence in dogs living in a multi‐dog household (P < 0.01), parasite prevalences were similar in single‐ and multi‐dog household. The answers of dog owners to the questionnaire showed that the majority does not know the species of dog intestinal parasites, the mechanisms of transmission, the risk factors for zoonotic infections, and specific prophylactic measures. The predominance of zoonotic species in dogs in the studied region, associated with the elevated degree of misinformation of the owners, indicates that the risk of zoonotic infection by canine intestinal parasite may be high, even in one of the most developed regions of Brazil.
Interferon alpha receptors are important for antiproliferative effect of interferon‐α against human hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Damdinsuren Bazarragchaa , Nagano Hiroaki , Wada Hiroshi , Noda Takehiro , Natsag Javzandulam , Marubashi Shigeru , Miyamoto Atsushi , Takeda Yutaka , Umeshita Koji , Doki Yuichiro , Dono Keizo , Monden Morito
Published: September 2010

Aim:  Interferon (IFN)‐α is a promising drug for the prevention and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We reported that responders to IFN‐α/5‐fluorouracil combination therapy expressed higher IFN alpha receptor (IFNAR)2 in tumor. Herein we studied involvement of IFNARs in response to IFN‐α in HCC cells.

Methods:  IFN‐α sensitivity and expression of IFNARs were studied in six HCC cell lines (HuH7, PLC/PRF/5, HLE, HLF, HepG2, Hep3B) using growth‐inhibitory and RT‐PCR, Western blot assays. Short interfering RNAs (SiRNAs) against IFNAR1 and 2 were used to analyze the role of the IFNARs in IFN‐α’s effect and signal transduction.

Results:  The expressions of IFNAR1 and 2c mRNAs were higher in PLC/PRF/5 cells than those in other cell lines, and PLC/PRF/5 cells expressed abundant IFNAR2c on their cell membrane. When we examined the sensitivity of the HCC cell lines to the growth‐inhibitory effect of IFN‐α, PLC/PRF/5 exhibited a significant response, while the other cells were much more resistant. Knockdown of either IFNAR1 or 2 using siRNAs suppressed the IFN‐α’s signal transduction (2.5‐fold), and decreased the growth‐inhibitory effect (down by 69.9% and 67.3%).

Conclusion:  The results suggest that the expression of IFNAR1 and IFNAR2c independently are important for the antiproliferative effect of IFN‐α in HCC cells.
Prevalence of coinfection with human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus in Japan
Authors: Koike Kazuhiko , Tsukada Kunihisa , Yotsuyanagi Hiroshi , Moriya Kyoji , Kikuchi Yoshimi , Oka Shinichi , Kimura Satoshi
Published: September 2010

People with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection are frequently infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), because of the common transmission routes. Since the dissemination of hyperactive antiretrovirus therapy (HAART), the morbidity and mortality associated with HIV infection have declined. However, the reduction in mortality due to opportunistic infection has made HCV‐associated liver diseases the leading cause of mortality in Western countries. A similar situation is assumed in Japan, but the status of coinfection with HIV and HCV is unclear. We conducted a nationwide survey to determine the prevalence of coinfection with HIV and HCV by distributing a questionnaire to the hospitals in the HIV/AIDS Network of Japan. Among 4877 patients reported to be HIV‐positive, 935 (19.2%) were also positive for the anti‐HCV antibody. Most (84.1%) of the patients coinfected with HIV and HCV were recipients of blood products. These data, for the first time, show the current status of coinfection with HIV and HCV in Japan. A detailed analysis of the progression and severity of liver diseases in the coinfected patients is expected.
Distribution frequency of hepatitis C virus genotypes in 2231 patients in Iran
Authors: Keyvani Hossein , Alizadeh Amir H.M. , Alavian Seyed M. , Ranjbar Mitra , Hatami Saeed
Published: September 2010

Aim:  Given the importance of frequency distribution of HCV genotypes, we studied genotypic distribution of HCV in Iran. In this cross‐sectional study, 2231 patients with hepatitis C who presented in hepatitis clinics in Tehran were investigated for HCV genotypes.

Methods:  Genotyping was performed by genotype specific primers.

Results:  The highest frequency was for genotype 1a, with 886 (39.7%) of subjects. Genotype 3a and 1b were the other frequent genotypes, with 613 (27.5%) and 271 (12.1%) subjects, respectively. Of the samples, 401 (18%) had an undetermined genotype. Mixed genotypes were also found in 33 samples (1.6%). Genotype 1b frequency in patients under 20 years old was 10.2%, while its frequency in patients over 60 years old was 18.5%. Genotype 1b frequency significantly increased by age (P = 0.02).

Conclusion:  This study indicates that the dominant HCV genotype among patients living in Tehran was 1a.
Cocirculation of and coinfections with hepatitis A virus subgenotypes IIIA and IB in patients from Pune, western India
Authors: Chitambar Shobha , Joshi Madhuri , Lole Kavita , Walimbe Atul , Vaidya Sunil
Published: September 2010

Aim:  During the 1990s, a changing pattern of epidemiology of hepatitis A was reported in different populations of India. The present study was undertaken to investigate the molecular epidemiology of hepatitis A virus (HAV) strains over a period of 10 years.

Methods:  Stool/serum samples were collected from hepatitis A patients clinically presenting acute viral hepatitis and hepatic encephalopathy. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was performed to detect HAV‐RNA. HAV genomes were examined by sequencing PCR products of VP1/2A junction (168 bp) and RNA polymerase (116 bp) regions.

Results:  Subgenotype IIIA and IB were detected in 74.2% and 9.7% of specimens, respectively, while 16.1% of patients had mixed infections. Sewage samples also showed presence of both IIIA (9/10) and IB (1/10) subgenotypes. RNA polymerase region showed two clusters constituting 51.6% and 19.4% strains closer to Nor21 and HM175 strains, respectively, in clinical specimens. Three isolates appeared as discordant subgenotypes in VP1/2A and RNA polymerase regions.

Conclusion:  The data revealed cocirculation of and coinfection with subgenotypes IIIA and IB, with predominance of IIIA and genetic heterogeneity of HAV strains in western India.
Automated classification of interplanetary dust particles: Johnson Space Center Cosmic Dust Catalog Volume 15
Authors: LASUE Jeremie , STEPINSKI Tomasz , BELL Samuel W.
Published: September 2010

Abstract–  The “Cosmic Dust Catalog,” published by the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC), describes thousands of interplanetary dust particles subjected to preliminary analysis and with labels indicating their origin. However, only about 80% of the particles are assigned unambiguous labels, the labels of the remaining 20% being uncertain. In addition, the Stardust mission results opened up the possibility that some particles classified as terrestrial contaminants are instead of cosmic (cometary) origin. In this article, we present a methodology for automatic classification of particles on the basis of similarity of their X‐ray energy dispersive spectrometry spectra. The method is applied to the 467 particles constituting Volume 15 of the catalog. A first part of the analysis is to digitize the spectra from their scanned images. The digitized spectra are subjected to agglomerative clustering, which reveals 16 distinct clusters or compositional types of particles. The Sammon’s map is used to visualize the relationship between different clusters; 6 clusters corresponding to cosmic particles and 10 clusters corresponding to terrestrial contaminants are clearly separated on the map indicating overall differences between diverse spectra of cosmic and terrestrial particles. By reconciling labels with the clustering structures, we propose the relabeling of 155 particles including the relabeling of 31 terrestrial contaminants into cosmic particles. The proposed relabeling needs to be confirmed by in‐depth study of these particles. The paucity of particles with firmly determined cometary or asteroidal origin makes it difficult to establish whether the spectra based autoclassification can be utilized to discriminate between cometary and asteroidal particles. The methodology presented here can be used to classify all particles published in the catalog, as well as different samples for which comparable spectra are available.
Estimating problem drinking among community pharmacy customers: what did pharmacists think of the method?
Authors: Sheridan Janie , Smart Ros , McCormick Ross
Published: September 2010

Objectives

Community pharmacists have successfully been involved in brief interventions in many areas of health, and also provide services to substance misusers. There has been recent interest in community pharmacists providing screening and brief interventions (SBI) to problem drinkers. The aim of this study was to develop a method for measuring prevalence of risky drinking among community pharmacy customers and to explore acceptability of this method to participating pharmacists.

Methods

Forty-three pharmacies (from 80 randomly selected) in New Zealand agreed to participate in data collection. On a set, single, randomly allocated day during one week, pharmacies handed out questionnaires about alcohol consumption, and views on pharmacists providing SBI, to their customers. At the end of the data collection period semi-structured telephone interviews were carried out with participating pharmacists.

Key findings

Pharmacists were generally positive about the way the study was carried out, the support and materials they were provided with, and the ease of the data collection process. They reported few problems with customers and the majority of pharmacists would participate again.

Conclusions

The method developed successfully collected data from customers and was acceptable to participating pharmacists. This method can be adapted to collecting data on prevalence of other behaviours or medical conditions and assessing customer views on services.
Non-adherence to antihypertensive medication and impaired cognition: which comes first?
Authors: Gard Paul R
Published: September 2010

Objective

Antihypertensive medications are important in the prevention of serious consequences of hypertension, such as stroke and heart failure. Up to one-third of elderly hypertensive patients, however, do not adhere to their medication. Adherence to medication decreases with increasing age, and with decreasing cognitive ability, thus elderly, cognitively-impaired patients have poorer control of blood pressure. Good control of blood pressure is associated with decreased prevalence of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. This study assessed the evidence that antihypertensive medications have effects on the prevalence or severity of mild cognitive impairment, dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

Methods

The ISI Web of Knowledge database was searched; including replicates, the nine searches identified 14 400 publications since 1952, of which 9.9% had been published in 2009. This review considers the 18 studies meeting the set criteria published in 2009 or later.

Key findings

Not all antihypertensive medications are equivalent in their positive cognitive effects, with brain-penetrating angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors and possibly angiotensin receptor antagonists being the most effective.

Conclusions

Based on evidence of blood-pressure control and cost, UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines recommend calcium-channel blockers or thiazide-type diuretics for the treatment of hypertension in patients over 55 years. These guidelines take no account of the potential cognitive effects of the antihypertensive therapies, consideration of which might lead to a review. There may be benefit in stressing that adherence to antihypertensive medication not only decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease and death, but may also decrease the risk or severity of mild cognitive impairment, dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Exploring pharmacists' perceptions of the feasibility and value of pharmacist prescribing of antimicrobials in secondary care in Scotland
Authors: Tonna Antonella P , Stewart Derek C , West Bernice , McCaig Dorothy J
Published: September 2010

Objectives

The introduction of non-medical prescribing in the UK has provided opportunities and challenges for pharmacists to help ensure prudent use of antimicrobials. The objective of this research was to explore pharmacists' perceptions of the feasibility and value of pharmacist prescribing of antimicrobials in secondary care in Scotland.

Methods

Pharmacists' perceptions were explored using focus groups in five Scottish regions representing (a) urban and rural areas and (b) district general hospitals and large teaching centres. Senior hospital pharmacists, both prescribers and non-prescribers, working in specialities where antimicrobials are crucial to patient management, were invited to participate. A topic guide was developed to lead the discussions, which were audio-recorded and transcribed. The framework approach to data analysis was used.

Key findings

Six focus groups took place and some emerging themes and issues are presented. Pharmacists believed that the feasibility of antimicrobial prescribing is dependent upon the patient's clinical condition and the area of clinical care. They identified potential roles and opportunities for pharmacist prescribing of antimicrobials. Perceived benefits included giving patients quicker access to medicines, reducing risk of resistance and better application of evidence-based medicine.

Conclusions

Pharmacists feel they have a good knowledge base to prescribe and manage antimicrobial treatment, identifying possible opportunities for intervention. Roles within a multidisciplinary antimicrobial team need to be clearly defined.
Personalized Epigenomic Signatures That Are Stable Over Time and Covary with Body Mass Index
Authors: Feinberg Andrew P. , Irizarry Rafael A. , Fradin Delphine , Aryee Martin J. , Murakami Peter , Aspelund Thor , Eiriksdottir Gudny , Harris Tamara B. , Launer Lenore , Gudnason Vilmundur , Fallin M. Daniele
Published: September 2010

A genome-scale, gene-specific analysis of DNA methylation in the same individuals over a decade apart identifies a personalized epigenomic signature that may correlate with a common genetic trait.
A New “Fix” for Cancer
Authors: Alumkal Joshi
Published: September 2010

Overexpression of an oncogenic microRNA leads to pre–B cell lymphoma.
Next-Generation Sequencing: A Better Way
Authors: Carlson Nichole
Published: September 2010

The cost of next-generation sequencing can be lowered, without loss of power, by pooling samples from more subjects and sequencing at a lower depth.
AN EFFICIENT SPICE-BASED TECHNIQUE FOR PERFORMANCE CHARACTERIZATION OF BJT MIXERS
Authors: RAUT RABIN , DEVABHAKTUNI VIJAY , ROY NILADRI
Published: September 2010

In this paper, we present a fast and simple SPICE-based technique for the performance characterization of BJT mixers. First, exploiting fundamental concepts, an AC equivalent circuit of a radio-frequency bipolar junction transistor mixer is derived. Second, this equivalent circuit is used to estimate the conversion gain, noise-figure, and nonlinearity characteristics of the mixer. The proposed technique has been validated using simulations on integrated and discrete transistor based mixer circuits.
DESIGN AND STABILITY ANALYSIS OF MIXED-MODE FILTERS CONTAINING ONLY GROUNDED CAPACITORS
Authors: YUCE ERKAN , TOKAT SEZAI
Published: September 2010

In this paper, three dual-mode (mixed-mode) analog filters using only grounded capacitors and two to three second-generation current conveyors (CCIIs) are presented. The first proposed filter can provide a transimpedance-mode (TIM) second-order filter transfer function (TF), and is free from passive component matching constraints, which is advantageous in integrated circuit (IC) design. Other two mixed-mode filters having the property of tunability are derived from the first proposed filter. However, the developed filters in this work, like other active filters, suffer from nonidealities such as nonideal gain and parasitic impedance effects which increase the order of the filter TFs; accordingly, stability problem may arise. In this study, stability analysis using gain and phase margins is accomplished. To explain the claimed ideas, several computer simulations and an experimental test are performed.
A COMPACT CMOS POWER-ON-RESET PULSE GENERATOR DESIGN WITH LOW-POWER AND WIDE OPERATION RANGE
Authors: AY SUAT U.
Published: September 2010

A compact power-on-reset pulse generator (POR-PG) circuit with a low-power and low-voltage operation capability is presented. Proposed POR-PG was fabricated in 0.5 μm 2P3M CMOS process. It was determined from simulations and measurements that proposed POR-PG works supply voltage levels between 1.8 V and 3.3 V and supply voltage rise times between 100 ns and 1 ms. POR-PG has very small silicon footprint. Layout size of proposed POR-PG circuit was 120 μm × 5 μm in 0.5 μm CMOS process. Comparing with other POR-PG circuits in the literature, proposed design enjoys lowest power consumption (< 6 μW), smallest silicon footprint, widest supply voltage range, and additional features such as brown-out detection capability. These achieved by using a unique cascadable POR delay element that consumes very low-power.
In-situ

bioremediation is a viable option for denitrification of Chalk groundwaters
Authors: Tompkins Jacob A. , Smith Stephen R. , Cartmell Elise , Wheater Howard S.
Published: September 2010

Nitrate potentially has a major impact on the quality of groundwater for potable supply. Conventional treatment methods to control nitrate problems in abstracted groundwater are expensive, in terms of unit costs and environmental impact. Utilizing the natural denitrifying capacity of aquifers offers an alternative approach to nitrate management based on
in-situ
bioremediation, which may have a number of strategic advantages including financial benefits and environmental sustainability. This paper reviews a range of literature from different scientific disciplines, regarding the physical and biological factors controlling denitrification in fissured aquifers, to assess whether
in-situ
bioremediation of nitrate in Chalk groundwaters is technically feasible. The principal conclusion is that, despite the dual-porosity operating in this type of aquifer, nitrate removal by engineered,
in-situ
bioremediation is potentially a viable and practicable method for treating groundwater. Process optimization could be achieved by investment in a programme of fundamental research in a number of key areas. The review highlights the need for a combined experimental and modelling approach, to satisfy the data and predictive requirements for configuring
in-situ
bioremediation systems at the field-scale. It also provides the necessary conceptual basis for developing a combined macroscale hydrogeological and biochemical model of denitrification activity in Chalk aquifers.
The influence of contact area on the deformation of chalk
Authors: Holloway-Strong Maria , Hughes Susan J.
Published: September 2010

Chalk rock masses contain natural discontinuities that are largely parallel and perpendicular to the ground surface. In terms of foundation loading, it is the normal deformation of the horizontal discontinuities, which are of particular interest. This paper considers the influence of discontinuity contact area on the deformation behaviour of chalk. A suite of unconfined compressive strength tests is described, which comprises an intact specimen and five discontinuous specimens. The contact area at the discontinuity ranges from 57% of the initial cross-sectional area of the specimen to 17% contact area. The deformation processes are modelled analytically and the experimental results are compared with the predicted values. The experimental results show excellent agreement with the proposed model and identify a critical contact area, between 44% and 51%, which determines the mode of deformation behaviour.
Weathering mechanisms and indices of the igneous rocks of Hong Kong
Authors: Ng C. W. W. , Guan P. , Shang Y. J.
Published: September 2010

Weathering mechanisms of volcanic and granitic rocks in Hong Kong have been studied by chemical analysis, optical microscopy on thin sections and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The mobility of elements of calcium, sodium, iron, potassium, magnesium, silicon, aluminium and constitutional water is investigated in detail using the Mobility Index. Chemical weathering processes in Hong Kong are dominated by decomposition of feldspars and biotite, leaching of alkali and alkaline earth metals, and enrichment of ferric oxide under prolonged subtropical climate conditions. Data for some granitic residual soils from five neighbouring regions in Southern China are also gathered and examined. It is found that the residual soils in Hong Kong are abnormal and immature with respect to its latitude. By examining various quantitative chemical indices and comparing them with the current six-grade material classification scheme,
WPI
,
LOI
and
I
mob
are found to be good indicators of the degree of weathering for both volcanic and granitic rocks in Hong Kong. Regarding the optical microscopy, the micropetrographic index (
I
p
) is only suitable for granitic rock but not for volcanic rock due to the presence of fine-grained minerals and small voids. For the magnetic susceptibility measurements, consistent results with weathering grades for volcanic rocks are obtained by applying a moving average technique. However, due to the low content of Al
2
O
3
and Fe
2
O
3
in granitic rock,
SOC
and the magnetic susceptibility index, which are appropriate for quantifying the degree of weathering of volcanic rock, are not quite suitable for the granitic rock.
Mechanics of a tectonized soil slope: influence of boundary conditions and rainfall
Authors: Santaloia F. , Cotecchia F. , Polemio M.
Published: September 2010

The Vadoncello landslide was mobilized in December 1993 and is still active. It involves highly tectonized soils and is the reactivation of a landslide dragged by a larger landslide at the toe of the slope soon after the 1980 Irpinia (Southern Italy) earthquake. Investigations and monitoring of the Vadoncello landslide were carried out, between 1994 and 1996, within an EC funded research project. The slope has been found to be formed of chaotic successions of soil and rock strata which have been grouped into soil complexes. The soil mechanical properties are shown to be very poor, the deep soils being prone to large plastic straining even due to relatively small loading changes. The soil displacements show that a shallow fast rotational sliding has occurred at the top of the slope and a shallow earthflow has developed downslope, both lying above deeper soils involved in a mechanism of slow and long-lasting irrecoverable movements. These slow deep movements are considered to be consequent to the plastic flow of the clayey soils. They can be activated by the effects of seasonal rainfall, of low-medium intensity seismic events and by the effects of the morphological changes resulting from the slow movements themselves. The landslide reactivation in 1993 is seen to have been the combination effect of a low return-period rainfall event and the slow movements active at depth in the slope.
Simulating groundwater contaminant migration at Villa Farm lagoons
Authors: Mackay R. , Riley M. S. , Williams G. M.
Published: September 2010

Lagoons at Villa Farm near Coventry, UK were used for the disposal of industrial liquid waste after 1967. The lagoons were unlined and a leachate plume developed in the underlying thin sand aquifer. As part of a research programme into controls on the migration of landfill leachate, a two-dimensional areal model describing the regional scale movement of chloride and phenol in the aquifer has been developed. Parameter ranges for advection, dispersion, degradation and adsorption have been established through model calibration, constrained by the results from previous laboratory studies. Linear representations of the adsorption and degradation processes are found to yield satisfactory results on the time and space scales adopted for the simulations. The model development has highlighted some important issues that have to be confronted when analysing the evolution of a plume based on short-term, late-time data. The uncertainty in the geometry of the aquifer on the simulated flow system has been examined using geostatistical methods.
Adipose tissue macrophages in insulin-resistant subjects are associated with collagen VI and fibrosis and demonstrate alternative activation
Authors: Spencer Michael , Yao-Borengasser Aiwei , Unal Resat , Rasouli Neda , Gurley Catherine M. , Zhu Beibei , Peterson Charlotte A. , Kern Philip A.
Published: September 2010

Adipose tissue macrophages are associated with insulin resistance and are linked to changes in the extracellular matrix. To better characterize adipose macrophages, the extracellular matrix, and adipocyte-macrophage interactions, gene expression from adipose tissue and the stromal vascular fraction was assessed for markers of inflammation and fibrosis, and macrophages from obese and lean subjects were counted and characterized immunohistochemically. Coculture experiments examined the effects of adipocyte-macrophage interaction. Collagen VI gene expression was associated with insulin sensitivity and CD68 ( r = −0.56 and 0.60, P < 0.0001) and with other markers of inflammation and fibrosis. Compared with adipose tissue from lean subjects, adipose tissue from obese subjects contained increased areas of fibrosis, which correlated inversely with insulin sensitivity ( r = −0.58, P < 0.02) and positively with macrophage number ( r = 0.70, P < 0.01). Although macrophages in crownlike structures (CLS) were more abundant in obese adipose tissue, the majority of macrophages were associated with fibrosis and were not organized in CLS. Macrophages in CLS were predominantly M1, but most other macrophages, particularly those in fibrotic areas, were M2 and also expressed CD150, a marker of M2c macrophages. Coculture of THP-1 macrophages with adipocytes promoted the M2 phenotype, with a lower level of IL-1 expression and a higher ratio of IL-10 to IL-12. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) was more abundant in M2 macrophages and was further increased by coculture with adipocytes. Downstream effectors of TGF-β, such as plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, collagen VI, and phosphorylated Smad, were increased in macrophages and adipocytes. Thus adipose tissue of insulin-resistant humans demonstrated increased fibrosis, M2 macrophage abundance, and TGF-β activity.
Differential Influence of Frequency, Timing, and Intensity Cues in a Complex Acoustic Categorization Task
Authors: Nagel Katherine I. , McLendon Helen M. , Doupe Allison J.
Published: September 2010

Songbirds, which, like humans, learn complex vocalizations, provide an excellent model for the study of acoustic pattern recognition. Here we examined the role of three basic acoustic parameters in an ethologically relevant categorization task. Female zebra finches were first trained to classify songs as belonging to one of two males and then asked whether they could generalize this knowledge to songs systematically altered with respect to frequency, timing, or intensity. Birds' performance on song categorization fell off rapidly when songs were altered in frequency or intensity, but they generalized well to songs that were changed in duration by >25%. Birds were not deaf to timing changes, however; they detected these tempo alterations when asked to discriminate between the same song played back at two different speeds. In addition, when birds were retrained with songs at many intensities, they could correctly categorize songs over a wide range of volumes. Thus although they can detect all these cues, birds attend less to tempo than to frequency or intensity cues during song categorization. These results are unexpected for several reasons: zebra finches normally encounter a wide range of song volumes but most failed to generalize across volumes in this task; males produce only slight variations in tempo, but females generalized widely over changes in song duration; and all three acoustic parameters are critical for auditory neurons. Thus behavioral data place surprising constraints on the relationship between previous experience, behavioral task, neural responses, and perception. We discuss implications for models of auditory pattern recognition.
Processing of Angular Motion and Gravity Information Through an Internal Model
Authors: Laurens Jean , Straumann Dominik , Hess Bernhard J. M.
Published: September 2010

The vestibular organs in the base of the skull provide important information about head orientation and motion in space. Previous studies have suggested that both angular velocity information from the semicircular canals and information about head orientation and translation from the otolith organs are centrally processed in an internal model of head motion, using the principles of optimal estimation. This concept has been successfully applied to model behavioral responses to classical vestibular motion paradigms. This study measured the dynamic of the vestibuloocular reflex during postrotatory tilt, tilt during the optokinetic afternystagmus, and off-vertical axis rotation. The influence of otolith signal on the VOR was systematically varied by using a series of tilt angles. We found that the time constants of responses varied almost identically as a function of gravity in these paradigms. We show that Bayesian modeling could predict the experimental results in an accurate and consistent manner. In contrast to other approaches, the Bayesian model also provides a plausible explanation of why these vestibulooculo motor responses occur as a consequence of an internal process of optimal motion estimation.
Behavioral State Dependency of Neural Activity and Sensory (Whisker) Responses in Superior Colliculus
Authors: Cohen Jeremy D. , Castro-Alamancos Manuel A.
Published: September 2010

Rats use their vibrissa (whiskers) to explore and navigate the environment. These sensory signals are distributed within the brain stem by the trigeminal complex and are also relayed to the superior colliculus in the midbrain and to the thalamus (and subsequently barrel cortex) in the forebrain. In the intermediate layers of the superior colliculus, whisker-evoked responses are driven by direct inputs from the trigeminal complex (trigeminotectal) and feedback from the barrel cortex (corticotectal). But the effects of the behavioral state of the animal on the spontaneous firing and sensory responses of these neurons are unknown. By recording from freely behaving rats, we show that the spontaneous firing of whisker sensitive neurons in superior colliculus is higher, or in an activated mode, during active exploration and paradoxical sleep and much lower, or in a quiescent/deactivated mode, during awake immobility and slow-wave sleep. Sensory evoked responses in superior colliculus also depend on behavioral state. Most notably, feedback corticotectal responses are significantly larger during the quiescent/deactivated mode, which tracks the barrel cortex responses on which they depend. Finally, sensory evoked responses depend not only on the state of the animal but also on the orienting response elicited by the stimulus, which agrees with the well known role of the superior colliculus in orienting about salient stimuli.