bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (Gpx4) is highly regulated in male turkey poults and can be used to determine dietary selenium requirements
Authors: Sunde Roger A , Hadley Kevin B
Published: May 2010

The dietary selenium recommendation for turkeys of 0.2 μg Se/g is higher than for many other species. Liver glutathione peroxidase-1 (Gpx1) activity levels determined using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in previous studies suggest that 0.2 μg Se/g may still be too low and that some of this Gpx1 activity might be due to phospholipid hydroperoxide Gpx (Gpx4). Thus we separated Gpx1 from Gpx4 by chromatography, demonstrated that 47% of the H2O2activity in Se-adequate turkey liver was due to Gpx4, and determined a factor for calculation of each activity. Day-old male poults were fed an Se-deficient torula diet (0.007 μg Se/g) supplemented with graded levels of Se (0–0.5 μg Se/g) for 27 days. Final body weights indicated a minimum Se requirement for growth of 0.05 μg Se/g. The liver had the highest Gpx4 activity in Se-adequate poults, and Gpx4 activity in Se-deficient liver decreased to 5% of Se-adequate levels, with an Se requirement of 0.29 μg Se/g. Liver Gpx1, gizzard Gpx1 and gizzard Gpx4 activities also had Se requirements of 0.28–0.30 μg Se/g, collectively yielding an Se requirement of 0.3 μg Se/g, which is three times higher than the requirements found in comparable rodent studies. We also sequenced partial cDNA clones for turkey Gpx1 (GQ502186) and Gpx4 (GQ502187), and found >60% identity with rodents and humans and >90% identity with chickens. Ribonuclease protection analysis showed that Gpx4 mRNA levels decrease substantially in Se-deficient turkey liver, unlike in rodents. These underlying differences in selenoprotein molecular biology may explain the elevated dietary Se requirements of turkeys.
The science of primary health-care improvement: potential and use of community-based participatory research by practice-based research networks for translation of research into practice
Authors: Tapp Hazel , Dulin Michael
Published: May 2010

There is a need for new approaches to supplement the existing methods of taking research from bench to bedside and from bedside to practice. Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is an emerging model of research that enhances ongoing clinical research by involving key stakeholders, including community members and patients. A practice-based research network (PBRN) is a group of primary care practices devoted principally not only to the primary care of patients, but also with a mission to investigate questions related to community-based practice and to improve the quality of primary care. Traditionally, PBRN research has not included patients or community members, while CBPR has excluded health providers as key stakeholders. Typical overlap topics of PBRN and CBPR research are health-care disparities, prevention, chronic disease management and mental health. The inclusion of CBPR within a PBRN has been identified as an important next step with the potential to significantly enhance the research process. This review focuses on bringing together the ideals of CBPR and PBRNs in order to tackle intractable problems such as disparities in health-care access and outcomes and translate these results into practice. Specifically, the CBPR PBRN approach can: (1) guide the research process so that studies more closely match the needs of all stakeholders (including providers, patients and community members); (2) assist in the development of the research protocol and identification of research methodologies so that the study is more amenable to participants; (3) facilitate recruitment of research participants; (4) enrich the data collection and analysis; and (5) allow rapid translation of results from the study back into clinical practice and the community. Once these mechanisms have been clearly elucidated, their widespread adoption will positively impact overall health at both a local and national level.
Changes in islet microvasculature following streptozotocin-induced β-cell loss and subsequent replacement in the neonatal rat
Authors: Nicholson J Michael , Arany Edith J , Hill David J
Published: May 2010

Neonatal rats undergo considerable β-cell regeneration after depletion with streptozotocin (STZ). Since the intraislet vasculature is necessary for both β-cell growth and function, we examined changes in vascular morphology following STZ. Neonatal Wistar rats (4 days) were injected with 70 mg/kg STZ, or buffer, and were examined between days 4 and 40 postinjection. Animals receiving STZ were relatively hyperglycemic for eight days, but became normoglycemic subsequent to a partial recovery of β-cell mass. However, glucose tolerance remained impaired. The intraislet area occupied by capillaries was significantly reduced by approximately 20% following STZ, mainly within the β-cell-rich islet core, but had recovered by day 40. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was localized to β-cells, and pancreatic VEGF mRNA levels in control animals showed a progressive increase between days 4 and 20. This rise was delayed following STZ, but by day 20 VEGF mRNA abundance exceeded that in control pancreas. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) was localized to intraislet endothelial cells. Levels of HGF mRNA increased until day 16 in control rats, but subsequently declined to low levels. Following STZ, HGF mRNA had declined prematurely after day 12. Type IV collagen was localized to the extracellular matrix around the intraislet vasculature. The islet area immunopositive for collagen was significantly reduced at all times following STZ. Results indicate that there is a relative loss of intraislet vasculature following STZ, which may limit subsequent β-cell regeneration through both local growth factor and extracellular matrix interactions.
Involvement of cholesterol in synaptic vesicle swelling
Authors: Lee Jin-Sook , Cho Won Jin , Shin Leah , Jena Bhanu P
Published: May 2010

Studies demonstrate that cholesterol plays a critical role in the regulation of neurotransmitter release and that secretory vesicle swelling is a requirement for the regulated expulsion of intravesicular contents during cell secretion. In view of this, the involvement of cholesterol in synaptic vesicle swelling was hypothesized and tested in the present study, using isolated synaptic vesicles from rat brain and the determination of their swelling competency in the presence and absence of cholesterol. The involvement of the water channel aquaporin-6 (AQP-6) and proton pump vH+-ATPase in GTP-Gαo-mediated synaptic vesicle swelling has been reported previously. Mastoparan, the amphiphilic tetradecapeptide from wasp venom, known to activate the GTPase activity of Gαo/iproteins, stimulates synaptic vesicle swelling in the presence of GTP. In the current study, using nanometer-scale precision measurements of isolated synaptic vesicles, we report for the first time that depletion of cholesterol from synaptic vesicle membrane results in a significant loss of GTP-mastoparan-stimulable synaptic vesicle swelling. In contrast, incorporation of cholesterol into the synaptic vesicle membrane potentiates GTP-mastoparan-stimulable vesicle swelling. Our study further demonstrates that this effect of cholesterol is due, in part, to its involvement in the interactions between AQP-6, vH+-ATPase and the GTP-binding Gαoprotein at the synaptic vesicle membrane.
Communicating health promotion and disease prevention information to patients via email: a review
Authors: Atherton Helen , Huckvale Christopher , Car Josip
Published: May 2010

Email could be used in primary health-care settings for delivering health promotion and disease prevention information, providing an alternative method of delivery for brief interventions. We examined the literature on the use of email for this purpose. Systematic review methodology was used. The main medical databases were searched and there were no restrictions by study design, health-care setting or population. The search identified ten relevant articles, only one of which was a randomised controlled trial. Many articles discussed the potential use of email for health promotion and disease prevention but did not provide evidence. There is much scope for further research in this area.
Improving melanoma diagnosis in primary care – a tele-dermatoscopy project
Authors: Griffiths W Andrew D
Published: May 2010

TeleDerm is a web-based service designed to provide general practitioners (GPs) with rapid assessment of dermatoscopic images of pigmented lesions and moles. During a 12-month period, GPs at the Hastings and Rother primary care trust referred a total of 660 lesion images from patients exhibiting less typical symptoms of cancer, who would otherwise have been routinely referred to hospital. The images were assessed by remote expert dermatologists. Of that total, 493 images (75%) were reported as displaying no suspect dermatoscopic structures, resulting in the GP discharging the patient. In addition, seven lesions (1%) were reported as displaying suspect dermatoscopic structures, resulting in the GP urgently referring the patient to hospital with a subsequent histological confirmation of melanoma. The overall costs per patient were reduced by 50%. In an independent survey, all 11 patients rated their experience as good to excellent. The results show that tele-dermatoscopy can provide GPs with an expert second opinion to increase the quality of diagnosis in primary care, reduce the costs of dermatology provision and provide a highly rated patient experience.
Patient self-management by telehealth using the Bosch model of care
Authors: Klapper Bernadette , Kühne Heiko
Published: May 2010

A telehealth system that can transmit vital signs data, and also empowers patients to maintain their autonomy and learn how to manage their disease better, can improve patients' quality of life. Such a system can form part of a high-quality and efficient health-care service. The Bosch telehealth system, which focuses on self-management, has been used by thousands of patients with long-term conditions in the USA and Europe. The efficiency of the programmes, as well as their positive effects on quality of life and compliance, have been proven for a number of chronic conditions, as well as for patients with multiple co-morbidities.
Patients' experience of a telephone booster intervention to support weight management in Type 2 diabetes and its acceptability
Authors: Wu Lihua , Forbes Angus , While Alison
Published: May 2010

We studied the patient experience of a telephone booster intervention, i.e. weekly reinforcement of the clinic advice regarding lifestyle modification advice to support weight loss. Forty six adults with Type 2 diabetes and a body mass index >28 kg/m2 were randomised into either intervention ( n = 25) or control ( n = 21) groups. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the intervention group participants to explore their views and experiences. The patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the telephone calls and most would recommend the intervention to others in a similar situation. The content of the telephone follow-up met their need for on-going support. The benefits arising from the telephone calls included: being reminded to comply with their regimen; prompting and motivating adherence to diabetes self-care behaviours; improved self-esteem; and feeling ‘worthy of interest’. The convenience and low cost of telephone support has much potential in chronic disease management.
Single amino acid changes in the predicted RNase H domain of Escherichia coli RNase G lead to complementation of RNase E deletion mutants
Authors: Chung Dae-hwan , Min Zhao , Wang Bi-Cheng , Kushner Sidney R.
Published: May 2010

The endoribonuclease RNase E of Escherichia coli is an essential enzyme that plays a major role in all aspects of RNA metabolism. In contrast, its paralog, RNase G, seems to have more limited functions. It is involved in the maturation of the 5′ terminus of 16S rRNA, the processing of a few tRNAs, and the initiation of decay of a limited number of mRNAs but is not required for cell viability and cannot substitute for RNase E under normal physiological conditions. Here we show that neither the native nor N-terminal extended form of RNase G can restore the growth defect associated with either the rne-1 or rneΔ1018 alleles even when expressed at very high protein levels. In contrast, two distinct spontaneously derived single amino acid substitutions within the predicted RNase H domain of RNase G, generating the rng-219 and rng-248 alleles, result in complementation of the growth defect associated with various RNase E mutants, suggesting that this region of the two proteins may help distinguish their in vivo biological activities. Analysis of rneΔ1018/rng-219 and rneΔ1018/rng-248 double mutants has provided interesting insights into the distinct roles of RNase E and RNase G in mRNA decay and tRNA processing.
Tombusvirus recruitment of host translational machinery via the 3′ UTR
Authors: Nicholson Beth L. , Wu Baodong , Chevtchenko Irina , White K. Andrew
Published: May 2010

RNA viruses recruit the host translational machinery by different mechanisms that depend partly on the structure of their genomes. In this regard, the plus-strand RNA genomes of several different pathogenic plant viruses do not contain traditional translation-stimulating elements, i.e., a 5′-cap structure and a 3′-poly(A) tail, and instead rely on a 3′-cap-independent translational enhancer (3′CITE) located in their 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs) for efficient synthesis of viral proteins. We investigated the structure and function of the I-shaped class of 3′CITE in tombusviruses—also present in aureusviruses and carmoviruses—using biochemical and molecular approaches and we determined that it adopts a complex higher-order RNA structure that facilitates translation by binding simultaneously to both eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4F and the 5′ UTR of the viral genome. The specificity of 3′CITE binding to eIF4F is mediated, at least in part, through a direct interaction with its eIF4E subunit, whereas its association with the viral 5′ UTR relies on complementary RNA–RNA base-pairing. We show for the first time that this tripartite 5′ UTR/3′CITE/eIF4F complex forms in vitro in a translationally relevant environment and is required for recruitment of ribosomes to the 5′ end of the viral RNA genome by a mechanism that shares some fundamental features with cap-dependent translation. Notably, our results demonstrate that the 3′CITE facilitates the initiation step of translation and validate a molecular model that has been proposed to explain how several different classes of 3′CITE function. Moreover, the virus–host interplay defined in this study provides insights into natural host resistance mechanisms that have been linked to 3′CITE activity.
College Backs Interventions to Reduce Alcohol Misuse
Authors: Casey Heather
Published: May 2010

The College is championing the introduction of an innovative approach to reducing alcoholrelated admissions to NHS emergency departments and trauma centres. A new policy was published in April, based in part on the research of Professor Jonathan Shepherd, College fellow and Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon in Cardiff, and his colleagues. It encourages NHS trauma teams to provide structured advice to patients during the course of treatment for alcohol-related injuries.
Developing Regional Trauma Systems
Authors: Collins Richard
Published: May 2010

The medical profession has highlighted for many years the sad state of trauma care across the UK. This College has repeatedly called for improvements and it would seem that our voice is now being heard. The review of the NHS by Lord Darzi appears to have raised the profile of the care of severely injured patients within strategic health authorities (SHAs). To assist this process, the College worked collaboratively with other medical royal colleges and specialty associations to produce Regional trauma systems: interim guidance for commissioners.
The ethics of increasing organ donation
Authors: Rigg Keith
Published: May 2010

The demand for organ donors has increased in recent years, due in part to an ageing population and advances in medicine that mean more people are able to benefit. This demand significantly outstrips supply. Few people die in a way that means their organs can be donated and, even if they do, in 40% of cases their relatives do not consent to donation. Subsequently, around 8,000 people are waiting for an organ transplant in the UK and it is predicted that 1,000 of these will die while waiting.
Adverse Events and Patient Safety in the Operating Theatre: Perspectives of 549 Surgeons
Authors: Pritchard C , Brackstone J , MacFie J
Published: May 2010

The Chief Medical Officer's recent report, 'Making surgery safer', was a response to widespread concern about patient safety in the operating theatre. Annually there are an estimated 129,416 'untoward events' in the UK. These range from 'near misses' (NM), in which a patient is 'nearly harmed', to an 'adverse event' (AE), usually defined as 'an unintended injury or complication, including death'.
Workplace-based assessments and the ARCP
Authors: Foers Toni
Published: May 2010

Since October 2008 I have been involved as educator in the delivery of 13 Training and Assessment in Practice (TAIP) courses in London and across East Midlands. I have cofacilitated 12 East Midlands Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Programme (ISCP) courses alongside surgeon facilitators. With an average of 12 consultants on each TAIP course and 15 on each East Midlands course, I have had discussions, both formally (through course content) and informally, with approximately 330 consultants over the last year. I have drawn the conclusions that I have detailed in this paper from these discussions.
Agile + Usability. Agile Methoden, Usability Engineering, User Experience, User-Centered Design
Authors: Memmel Thomas , Obendorf Hartmut
Published: May 2010

Methoden und Techniken der agilen Softwareentwicklung sind inzwischen weit verbreitet und aus der Praxis kaum mehr wegzudenken. Usability Engineering und User Experience Design haben in agilen Projekten jedoch noch immer einen schweren Stand. Obwohl Usability-Methoden selbst oft inkrementell und iterativ sind, wird ihr Einsatz oft als zu schwergewichtig empfunden: der Anspruch von Usability Professionals, möglichst früh im Prozess ein stimmiges und vollständiges Design zu erarbeiten, passt auf den ersten Blick nicht zur evolutionären Arbeitsweise agiler Softwareentwicklungsprojekte. Um Möglichkeiten und Vorteile einer Verzahnung von Usability Engineering und agilen Methoden herauszuarbeiten, hat die German UPA daher den Arbeitskreis Agile gegründet. In diesem Beitrag werden Kernthemen des Arbeitskreises und Möglichkeiten zur Mitwirkung für Usability Professionals vorgestellt.
AK Intranets/Mitarbeiterportale
Authors: Wendland Karsten
Published: May 2010

Ein Mitarbeiterportal oder Intranet im Unternehmen einzuführen und am Leben zu halten kann ein schwieriges Geschäft sein. Vordenker und Umsetzer von Mitarbeiterportalen sind auf mehreren Ebenen gefordert: In ihrer Kreativität, ihrem technischen Sachverstand, ihrem redaktionellen Gespür und ihrem Fingerspitzengefühl im Einführungsprozess - oft ist weniger mehr, technische Finessen brauchen Zeit, um bei den Mitarbeitenden im Unternehmen anzukommen, und einzelne innovative Impulse können überraschend frische Eigendynamiken freisetzen. Für die erfolgreiche Nutzung von Blogs, Wikis, Foren, Chats, Video-Channels und anderen Web 2.0-Technologien im Mitarbeiterportal braucht es gute Grundkonzepte, richtige Zeitpunkte und durchdachte Einführungsstrategien. Der neue AK Mitarbeiterportale/Intranets der German UPA richtet sich an Interessierte, die mit aktuellen Fragestellungen zu Mitarbeiterportalen befasst sind und diese im Austausch miteinander bearbeiten wollen.
Qualitative Usability Tests als Ausgangspunkt von Marketingberatung und Produktinnovation
Authors: Wilmanns Hendrik
Published: May 2010

Usability Tests geben in der Regel ”nur“ Empfehlungen zur Optimierung von Benutzeroberflächen. Dadurch wird viel Potential verschenkt, denn typischerweise erfahren wir im Nutzungskontext Dinge über ein Produkt, die für den Erfolg sehr viel entscheidender sind als dessen bloße Anwenderfreundlichkeit: Wie Menschen es sich vorstellen, was sie darüber wissen und was nicht, was sie daran beeindruckt usw. Kurzum: Mit den Ergebnissen qualitativer Usability-Tests können wir dazu beitragen, die Kernfragen des Marketings zu beantworten: Wer sind die Nutzer und wie ”ticken“ sie? Der folgende Artikel ist ein Plädoyer für den Einsatz von Usability Tests.
”Tue Gutes und rede darüber.“ Erfolgreiche interne Kommunikation für User-Experience-Professionals
Authors: Petrovic Kostanija , Hennings Lennart , Kowallik Petra
Published: May 2010

Erfolgreiche interne Kommunikation kann User-Experience-Teams zu mehr Aufmerksamkeit innerhalb ihres Unternehmens verhelfen und die Grundlage für eine bessere Zusammenarbeit mit anderen Abteilungen sein. Dabei gilt es verschiedene Faktoren innerhalb der Organisation, bei der Projektarbeit und bei der Wahl der Kommunikationsmittel zu beachten. Unternehmen wie Apple, Bang & Olufsen und Braun werden wegen der User Experience (UX) ihrer Produkte geschätzt. Begriffe wie ”Design“ und ”Innovation“ werden mit diesen Firmen assoziiert und als Voraussetzung ihres Unternehmenserfolges wahrgenommen. Trotzdem gibt es sowohl in der Öffentlichkeit als auch in Unternehmen nur ein eingeschränktes Wissen über und Verständnis für die benutzerzentrierte Gestaltung von Produkten (User Centered Design). So erleben UX-Professionals in ihrem Arbeitsalltag, dass ihr Beitrag oft als Störung der Produktentwicklung bewertet wird: Sie würden zwar gut gemeinte Ratschläge liefern, diese seien aber unkritisch für den Produkterfolg und stehen daher ganz unten auf der Prioritätenliste stehen. Ein weiteres weit verbreitetes Vorurteil ist, dass die benutzerzentrierte Gestaltung den Produktentwicklungsprozess unnötig verzögert und die Projektlaufzeit unverhältnismäßig verlängert (Kuniavsky 2003). Um solchen Vorurteilen entgegenzutreten, und den Wert von UX zu vermitteln, müssen UX-Professionals erfolgreich kommunizieren. Der vorliegende Beitrag fokussiert das Thema interne Kommunikation und resultiert aus der Arbeit des Arbeitskreises In-house Usability der German UPA.
Gas-phase isothermal chromatography with short-lived technetium isotopes
Authors: Lin Mao-Sheng , Qin Zhi , Lei Fu-An , Guo Jun-Sheng , Zhang Li-Na , Ding Hua-Jie , Fan Fang-Li , Bai Jing , Wu Xiao-Lei
Published: May 2010

In order to study the gas-phase chemical behavior of transactinides, an on-line isothermal chromatography apparatus has been developed and applied to separate short-lived technetium isotopes in the form of TcO3 from fission products. The fission products from a 252Cf source were continuously and rapidly transported through the capillary to the isothermal chromatography apparatus using the N2/KBr gas-jet techniques. Volatile oxide molecules were formed at the reaction zone kept at 900 °C since a trace amount of oxygen existed in the N2 carrier gas. With the new developed isothermal chromatography apparatus, a selective separation of Tc from fission products was achieved. After isothermal chromatographic separation, 101,103,104,105,106,107,108Tc were dominantly observed together with their Ru daughters in the γ-spectrum, The chemical yields of 101Tc, 104Tc and 105Tc isotopes with longer half-lives are about 55−57%, and those of 103Tc, 106Tc, 107Tc and 108Tc isotopes with shorter half-lives dropped down to 25−28%. The adsorption enthalpy of the investigated compounds on quartz surfaces was determined to be −150±5 kJ/mol by fitting the measured retention curves with a Monte Carlo model. The observed species of technetium oxide is attributed to TcO3, which is in good agreement with previous experimental results. That means our system worked properly and it can be used to investigate the gas-phase chemical behavior of transactinides.
Simultaneous resolution of reactive radioactive decay, non-isothermal flow, and migration with application to the performance assessment for HLW repositories
Authors: Juncosa R. , Font I. , Delgado J.
Published: May 2010

Radioactive decay is an important subject to take into account when studying the thermo-hydro-dynamic behavior of the buffer clay material used in the containment of radioactive waste. The modern concepts for the multibarrier design of a repository of high level waste in deep geologic formations consider that once canisters have failed, the buffer clay material must ensure the retention and/or delay of radionuclides within the time framework given in the assessment studies. Within the clay buffer, different chemical species are retarded/fixed according to several physicochemical processes (ion exchange, surface complexation, precipitation, matrix diffusion, ...) but typical approaches do not consider the eventuality that radioactive species change their chemical nature (i.e. phase) thereby affecting their reactive behavior.

The radioactive decay of an element takes place independently of the phase (aqueous, solid or gaseous) to which it belongs. This means that, in terms of radionuclide fixation, some geochemical processes will be effective scavengers (for instance mineral precipitation of crystal growth) while others will not (for instance ion exchange and/or sorption).

In this contribution we present a reactive radioactive decay model of any number of chemical components including those that belong to decay series. The model, which is named FLOW-DECAY, also takes into account flow and isotopic migration and it has been applied considering a hypothetical model scenario provided by the project ENRESA 2000 and direct comparison with the results generated by the probabilistic code GoldSim. Results indicate that FLOW-DECAY may simulate the decay processes in a similar way that GoldSim, being the differences related to factors associated to code architecture.
The inflow of uranium 234U and 238U from the Vistula River catchment area to the Baltic Sea
Authors: Skwarzec Bogdan , Jahnz-Bielawska Annna , Borylo Alicja
Published: May 2010

In the study, the activities of uranium 234U and 238U in the Vistula River water samples which were collected from November 2002 to October 2003, were measured using alpha spectrometry. In winter, the highest concentration of uranium isotopes and total uranium was in the Vistula River water from Malbork (13.13±0.22 Bq m−3 for 234U, 12.45±0.21 Bq m−3 for 238U and 1.02±0.30 mg m−3 for total uranium), and the lowest was in water from Dęblin (1.73±0.07 Bq m−3 for 234U, 1.55±0.07 Bq m−3 for 238U and 0.13±0.09 mg m−3 for total uranium). In analyzed river samples uranium isotopes 234U and 238U are not in the radioactive equilibrium state. The values of 234U/238U activity ratio lie between 1.05–1.70. During spring, the highest concentration of uranium isotopes and total uranium was found in the Vistula River water from Malbork (12.36±0.19 Bq m−3 for 234U, 10.77±0.17 Bq m−3 for 238U and 0.88±0.25 mg m−3 for total uranium), and the lowest was in water taken from Sandomierz (5.77±0.14 Bq m−3 for 234U) and Kraków (4.08±0.11 Bq m`−3 for 238U and 0.33±0.18 mg m−3 for total uranium). The values of 234U/238U activity ratio lie between 1.15–1.64. In summer, the highest concentration of uranium isotopes and total uranium was found in the Vistula River water samples taken from Malbork (8.22±0.21 Bq m−3 for 234U, 7.60±0.21 Bq m−3 for 238U and 0.62±0.29 mg m−3 for total uranium), and the lowest was in water from Sandomierz (6.37±0.12 Bq m−3 for 234U) and Kraków (3.56±0.19 Bq m−3 for 238U and 0.29±0.33 mg m−3 for total uranium). The values of 234U/238U activity ratio lie between 1.08–1.95. In autumn the highest concentration of uranium isotopes and total uranium was in the Vistula River water from Malbork (17.80±0.25 Bq m−3 for 234U, 15.12±0.23 Bq m−3 for 238U and 1.23±0.34 mg m−3 for total uranium) and the lowest was in water from Toruń (8.15±0.49 Bq m−3 for 234U) and Kraków (6.34±0.47 Bq m−3 for 238U and 0.52±0.78 mg m−3 for total uranium). The values of 234U/238U activity ratio lie between 1.10–1.74. Annually, the southern Baltic Sea is enriched by about 507 GBq uranium isotopes 234U and 238U, with 490 GBq going to the Gdańsk Bay and 16.5 GBq to Vistula Lagoon. The highest surface 238U runoff was observed in spring (to 1200 kBq km−2 quarter−1 for catchment´s area), the lowest in summer for Bug with Narew catchment´s area to 20 kBq km−2 quarter−1). These studies are very important for the inflow estimation of natural and anthropogenic alpha radionuclides to the Baltic Sea.
Comparison of pharmacodynamic intrasubject variability of insulin lispro protamine suspension and insulin glargine in subjects with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Ocheltree S M , Hompesch M , Wondmagegnehu E T , Morrow L , Win K , Jacober S J
Published: May 2010

Objective

The objective of the study was to evaluate pharmacodynamic (PD) intrasubject variability of a single, s.c. dose of insulin lispro protamine suspension (ILPS) compared with insulin glargine in subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus and additionally, to compare the intrasubject variability of pharmacokinetic parameters of both insulins.

Design

This was a single-center, investigator-blinded and subject-blinded, two-arm, parallel, randomized, four-period study. During the replicate visits, subjects received a single s.c. 0.6 U/kg dose of either ILPS or glargine, and underwent 24-h euglycemic glucose clamps.

Results

The intrasubject variabilities of the primary PD parameters, total amount of glucose infused (Gtot) and maximum glucose infusion rate (GIR; Rmax), were statistically significantly lower for ILPS when compared with glargine (P<0.0001). Least-square (LS) mean estimates for Gtot and Rmax were 2512.7 mg/kg and 3.740 mg/min per kg respectively for ILPS, and 1291.9 mg/kg and 1.793 mg/min per kg respectively for glargine. The LS mean estimates for Gtot and Rmax were statistically greater (P=0.0010 and P<0.0001 respectively) for ILPS compared with glargine, suggesting that ILPS had greater 24-h glucose-lowering activity. Glargine demonstrated a flatter GIR–time curve, and ILPS demonstrated a significantly shorter time of maximum GIR (tRmax) and earlier time to half-maximal GIR before tRmax and time to half-maximal GIR after tRmax. ILPS administration resulted in significantly greater exposure compared with glargine (area under the baseline-corrected serum concentration versus time curve from time 0 to 24 h (AUC0–24): 77 150 vs 53 111 pmol min/l; maximum serum insulin concentration (Cmax): 119 vs 68 pmol/l; ILPS versus glargine respectively), but the intrasubject variabilities for AUC and Cmax were comparable.

Conclusion

Although glargine demonstrated a flatter GIR–time profile, the lower PD intrasubject variability of ILPS may provide a more predictable response.
Fraturas da extremidade proximal do úmero: estudo comparativo entre dois métodos de fixação
Authors: Morelli Ricardo Souza e Silva , Travizanuto Rodrigo Eisler de Souza
Published: May 2010

OBJETIVO: Comparar o resultado do tratamento das fraturas da extremidade proximal do úmero. osteossíntese com a placa em t de pequenos fragmentos (grupo a), promovendo uma estabilização relativa, em contraposição à placa com parafusos bloqueados (grupo b). MÉTODOS: São alocados de forma aleatória 18 pacientes e avaliados prospectivamente, segundo critérios clínicos, escala funcional e parâmetros radiográficos da redução obtida. RESULTADOS: Pela escala analógica de dor a média aos seis meses de evolução foi 2,1 para o grupo a e 2,2 para o grupo b, a amplitude de elevação no grupo a foi de 140ºe de 143ºno grupo b e a pontuação na escala funcional da ucla foi respectivamente 30 e 31. Nas radiografias avaliadas; no grupo a, três pacientes obtiveram ângulos medidos após a estabilização entre 0º e 10º de desvio em relação à anatomia normal e seis entre 11º e 40º, no grupo b sete pacientes com ângulos entre 0º e 10º e dois entre 11º e 20º. CONCLUSÕES: Nos resultados precoces e tardios não ocorreram diferenças clínicas e funcionais nos dois grupos, prevalecendo uma alta incidência de bons resultados. as medidas radiográficas das reduções obtidas ficaram mais próximas do anatômico no grupo tratado com placas bloqueadas.
Intestinal Mai rotation in a Patient with Pfeiffer Syndrome Type 2
Authors: Zarate Yuri A. , Putnam Philip E. , Saal Howard M.
Published: May 2010

Pfeiffer syndrome is a pleiotropic disorder characterized by multiple suture craniosynostosis, broad and medially deviated thumbs and great toes, and variable cutaneous syndactyly. We present the case of a 16-month-old boy with Pfeiffer syndrome type 2 who presented with intestinal malrotation for which the diagnosis was delayed. This is a rare complication of Pfeiffer syndrome, with few reported cases in the literature. This case illustrates the importance of recognizing gastrointestinal malrotation as a possible cause of feeding intolerance and persistent vomiting in patients with the severe forms of Pfeiffer syndrome.
Review on Quality of Life Issues in Patients with Primary Brain Tumors
Authors: Taphoorn Martin J.B. , Sizoo Eefje M. , Bottomley Andrew
Published: May 2010

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has become an important outcome measure in clinical trials in primary brain tumor (i.e., glioma) patients, because they have an incurable disease. HRQOL is assessed using self-reported, validated questionnaires, addressing physical, psychological, emotional, and social issues. In addition to generic HRQOL instruments, disease-specific questionnaires have been developed, including for brain tumor patients. For the analysis and interpretation of HRQOL measurements, low compliance and missing data are methodological challenges.

HRQOL in glioma patients may be negatively affected by the disease itself as well as by side effects of treatment. But treatment with surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy may improve patient functioning and HRQOL, in addition to extending survival.

Although HRQOL has prognostic significance in brain tumor patients, it is not superior to well-known clinical parameters, such as age and performance status. In clinical practice, assessing HRQOL may be helpful in the communication between doctor and patient and may facilitate treatment decisions.
A multistable smectic‐A liquid‐crystal device with low threshold field
Authors: Chen Hui‐Yu , Wu Jhih‐Sian
Published: May 2010

Abstract— A multistable liquid‐crystal device has been realized in this study; its smectic‐A LC is oriented by in‐plane and out‐of‐plane electric fields with various amplitudes. This paper introduces improvements made to electrode structure and hybrid surface treatments that have enhanced SmA LC device performance. The driving voltage of the hybrid‐aligned cell has been reduced to 20% of the vertical‐aligned one, and light leakage has been suppressed by out‐of‐plane electric‐field‐strength modulation. The many advantages of this multi‐stabilized LC device could be applied to memory devices and to flexible displays.
SOM‐based projection module for mobile displays
Authors: Yang HaengSeok , Yun SangKyeong , Song JongHyeong , An SeungDo , Park HeungWoo , Ihar Shyshkin , Yurlov Victor , Anatoly Lapchuk
Published: May 2010

Abstract— The development of a compact, efficient VGA projection module to be embedded in mobile devices is reported. The design incorporates laser/laser diode (LD) light sources, Schlieren optics, and a one‐dimensional diffractive spatial optical modulator (SOM). During development, the optical parameters were determined and the relationships between the parameters to optimize the optical specifications were derived. The resulting optimized specifications enable us to manufacture two types of optical modu les as compact as 13 cc and with as little as 10% speckle contrast ratio.
Helping a Man with Multiple Disabilities to Use Single vs Repeated Performance of Simple Motor Schemes as Different Responses
Authors: Lancioni Giulio E. , Singh Nirbhay N. , O'Reilly Mark F. , Sigafoos Jeff , Didden Robert , Smaldone Angela , La Martire Maria Luisa
Published: May 2010

A man with multiple disabilities was taught to use single vs repeated performance of simple motor schemes as different responses. Specifically, single and double emissions of a finger movement served as two separate responses, which allowed direct access to different environmental stimuli via microswitch technology. Single and double emissions of a head movement served as two additional responses, which allowed interaction with two different caregivers who were called via voice output communication aids (VOCAs). The results showed that the man, who had pervasive motor impairment, acquired the four responses available and seemed to use them purposefully. The implications of this approach to increase the response options of persons with few controllable motor schemes were discussed.
An Analysis of Defensive Strategies Used by Home and Away Basketball Teams
Authors: Gómez Miguel A. , Lorenzo Alberto , Ibáñez Sergio J. , Ortega Enrique , Leite Nuno , Sampaio Jaime
Published: May 2010

The aim of the present study was to identify differences in defensive strategies used during basketball games, to compare the defensive strategies used by home and away basketball teams, and to analyze the effectiveness of home and away ball possessions when playing against each defensive strategy. The sample was composed of 10 games of the Spanish men's 2005–2006 regular basketball season ( N = 1,785 ball possessions). The analyzed variables were the number of types of defenses used, points per possession, foul percentage, and turnover percentage according to the type of defensive strategy and game location. The game location main effect was significant in points per possession, with home teams having lower values than away teams. The defensive strategy main effect was significant in number of types of defenses used, with man-to-man as the most frequently utilized defense, and foul percentages with higher values in zone defenses. There was a statistically significant interaction in turnover percentages, with significantly lower values for man-to-man defense and home games. Overall, it is suggested that team performance for the studied variables changed according to the factors and, thus, it may be beneficial to change defensive (and offensive) strategies according to game location.
Validating the Random Search Model for Two Targets of Different Difficulty
Authors: Chan Alan H. S. , Yu Ruifeng
Published: May 2010

A random visual search model was fitted to 1,788 search times obtained from a nonidentical double-target search task. 30 Hong Kong Chinese (13 men, 17 women) ages 18 to 33 years ( M = 23, SD = 6.8) took part in the experiment voluntarily. The overall adequacy and prediction accuracy of the model for various search time parameters (mean and median search times and response times) for both individual and pooled data show that search strategy may reasonably be inferred from search time distributions. The results also suggested the general applicability of the random search model for describing the search behavior of a large number of participants performing the type of search used here, as well as the practical feasibility of its application for determination of stopping policy for optimization of an inspection system design. Although the data generally conformed to the model, the search for the more difficult target was faster than expected. The more difficult target was usually detected after the easier target and it is suggested that some degree of memory-guided searching may have been used for the second target. Some abnormally long search times were observed and it is possible that these might have been due to the characteristics of visual lobes, nonoptimum interfixation distances and inappropriate overlapping of lobes, as has been previously reported.
Differential Verbal, Visual, and Spatial Working Memory in Written Language Production
Authors: Raulerson Bascom A. , Donovan Michael J. , Whiteford Alison P. , Kellogg Ronald T.
Published: May 2010

The contributions of verbal, visual, and spatial working memory to written language production were investigated. Participants composed definitions for nouns while concurrently performing a task which required updating, storing, and retrieving information coded either verbally, visually, or spatially. The present study extended past findings by showing the linguistic encoding of planned conceptual content makes its largest demand on verbal working memory for both low and high frequency nouns. Kellogg, Olive, and Piolat in 2007 found that concrete nouns place substantial demands on visual working memory when imaging the nouns' referents during planning, whereas abstract nouns make no demand. The current study further showed that this pattern was not an artifact of visual working memory being sensitive to manipulation of just any lexical property of the noun prompts. In contrast to past results, writing made a small but detectible demand on spatial working memory.
Repetition Blindness for Faces Reflects Identity Coding but Not Emotion Coding
Authors: Buttle Heather
Published: May 2010

Repetition blindness for visually presented stimuli occurs when only one of two similar items is available to a viewer's conscious awareness. The objective of this experiment was to investigate repetition blindness for faces and to observe whether encoding of similar emotions displayed on different individuals' faces produced repetition blindness. A further aim was to assess whether such an effect could be modulated by attentional task demands (sex judgment or expression judgment). Faces were presented so that four within-participant conditions could be compared: Complete repetition, same emotion/different Identity repetition, same identity/different Emotion repetition, and No repetition trials. The data revealed repetition blindness for Complete and same identity/different Emotion repetitions, but not for same emotion/different Identity repetitions. The lack of an “emotion blindness” effect supports previous reports that emotional expressions do not necessarily lead to automatic attentional biases.
Reproducibility of Controlled Force Exertion Measurements Computed by a Quasi-Random Target-Pursuit System
Authors: Nagasawa Yoshinori , Demura Shinichi
Published: May 2010

The reproducibility of measurements and measurement error of controlled force exertion was examined based on target-pursuit of quasi-random waveforms. 30 college students were required to match their grip strength to a changing demand value appearing on the display of a personal computer using visual images in the form of four different quasi-random waveforms. The variable was the sum of the differences over time between the demand value and produced grip strength. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for measurements one day apart were low or moderate for quasi-random waveform displays, with mean frequencies of 0.01, 0.05, 0.07, and 0.09 Hz (ICCs = .37, .73, .57, and .57, respectively). Measurements at a 1-wk. interval showed statistically significant improvements in performance at all quasi-random waveform frequencies. The total error between test and retest, and the systematic error between tests, remained relatively small as mean frequency increased. Tests that use the quasi-random waveform displays of 0.05 Hz and over can be useful in documenting controlled force exertion.
Constant-Random Practice and the Adaptive Process in Motor Learning with Varying Amounts of Constant Practice
Authors: Corrêa Umberto Cesar , Massigli Marcela , Barros João Augusto de Camargo , Gonçalves Lúcia Afonso , de Oliveira Jorge Alberto , Tani Go
Published: May 2010

The adaptive process in motor learning was examined in terms of effects of varying amounts of constant practice performed before random practice. Participants pressed five response keys sequentially, the last one coincident with the lighting of a final visual stimulus provided by a complex coincident timing apparatus. Different visual stimulus speeds were used during the random practice. 33 children ( M age = 11.6 yr.) were randomly assigned to one of three experimental groups: constant-random, constant-random 33%, and constant-random 66%. The constant-random group practiced constantly until they reached a criterion of performance stabilization — three consecutive trials within 50 msec. of error. The other two groups had additional constant practice of 33 and 66%, respectively, of the number of trials needed to achieve the stabilization criterion. All three groups performed 36 trials under random practice; in the adaptation phase, they practiced at a different visual stimulus speed adopted in the stabilization phase. Global performance measures were absolute, constant, and variable errors, and movement pattern was analyzed by relative timing and overall movement time. There was no group difference in relation to global performance measures and overall movement time. However, differences between the groups were observed on movement pattern, since constant-random 66% group changed its relative timing performance in the adaptation phase.
Interactive Source and Message Effects in Persuasion
Authors: Siu Wanda
Published: May 2010

In this study, the influence of source and message frame on judgments of a public service announcement was examined. The participants in the experiment were 408 undergraduate students (126 men, 280 women, 2 unknown; M age = 20.0, SD = 2.5, range = 18–23) of a Midwestern U.S. university. Message frame and source were manipulated in a between-subjects design. Two levels of the message frame were benefits of physical activity and costs of not engaging in regular physical activity; the source was a healthy or unhealthy individual. In the Healthy-source condition, “Kim Jones” set realistic goals for exercise and had a healthy lifestyle. Conversely, she was described as a sedentary individual who led an unhealthy lifestyle in the Sick-source condition. Results indicated that respondents in the conditions of gain frame–healthy source and cost frame-unhealthy source had more positive message judgment as compared to respondents in the conditions of gain frame-unhealthy source and cost frame-healthy source.
Measuring the Emotional Climate of an Organization
Authors: Yurtsever Gülçimen , de Rivera Joseph
Published: May 2010

The importance of emotional climate in the organizational climate literature has gained interest. However, few studies have concentrated on adequately measuring the emotional climate of organizations. In this study, a reliable and valid scale was developed to measure the most important aspects of emotional climate in different organizations. This study presents evidence of reliability and validity for 28 items constructed to measure emotional climate in an organization in four separate studies. The data were obtained from working people from four different organizations by self-administered questionnaires. The findings indicate that three factors — Trust, Hope, and Security — were factors of the 28-item scale. Validation data also included correlations with duration of employment. The other method of assessing criterion validity was by comparing mean scores in organizations with differing productivity; results indicated that the organization with more productive members had a significantly higher mean score on emotional climate and its subscales. The generalizability of the results to private businesses also was assessed.