bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Privileging the Participant: The Importance of Sub-Group Analysis in Social Welfare Evaluations
Authors: Gibson Christina M.
Published: August 2005

This paper analyzes how variation in participant take-up rates affected the impacts of the New Hope project, a random-assignment, anti-poverty program. New Hope offered experimental members four benefits—child care subsidies, wage subsidies, health insurance, and, if needed, a temporary community service job—that were available to families working full time. Take-up of the benefits was far from universal and experimental participants who used one of the benefits rarely used all of them. Clustering and propensity score methods are used to analyze take-up sub-groups and to estimate program impacts within each. The majority of take-up patterns adopted by experimental members were associated with at least one positive program impact. However, the primary beneficiaries were those parents who used the community service jobs. They increased their employment effort, felt less parenting stress, and had children with higher teacher-related academic accomplishment scores. The implication of this method for the evaluation of other multi-benefit programs is discussed.
Utilizing Collaboration Theory to Evaluate Strategic Alliances
Authors: Gajda Rebecca
Published: August 2005

Increasingly, collaboration between business, non-profit, health and educational agencies is being championed as a powerful strategy to achieve a vision otherwise not possible when independent entities work alone. But the definition of collaboration is elusive and it is often difficult for organizations to put collaboration into practice and assess it with certainty. Program evaluators can assist practitioners concerned with the development of a strategic alliance predicated on collaboration by understanding and utilizing principles of collaboration theory. The Strategic Alliance Formative Assessment Rubric (SAFAR) is an assessment tool that captures central principles of collaboration and has been used as part of a four-step evaluation process to help alliance leaders, managers, and members in Safe School/Healthy Student Initiatives to quantitatively and qualitatively gauge, celebrate, and communicate the relative strength of their collaborative endeavor over time. The collaboration principles and corresponding assessment processes described in this article can be used by evaluators of large- or small-scale initiatives that seek to capitalize on the synergistic power of the “collaborative effort.”
How Might We Strengthen Evaluation Capacity to Manage Evaluation Contracts?
Authors: Newcomer Kathryn E.
Published: August 2005

The laudatory goal of evaluation capacity building is quite timely, given the spotlight on the potential use of program evaluation in the current environment which emphasizes performance reporting and evidence-based policy. A question that quickly comes to mind is: Where do you start? A seemingly reasonable starting point is to assess organizational culture and ways of working to tailor a strategy for building both evaluation capacity and a sustainable appreciation of evaluation practice among line managers. The nature and need for evaluation capacity across federal agencies vary greatly, and should be appropriate for the specific missions and activities of each agency. A large proportion of the program evaluations undertaken in many federal agencies are actually performed by contractors. This paper describes the initial scoping and scouting efforts that took place at HHS and AID to inform agency staff trying to forge an agency-wide strategy for strengthening capacity to oversee contract evaluations. The efforts were undertaken to assess organizational culture and “ways of working” to inform efforts to bolster capacity to oversee evaluation contracts. The nature of the efforts undertaken within HHS and AID are first described. Four lessons learned are then offered to inform others who are initiating efforts to strengthen capacity to oversee evaluation contracts in public agencies.
An Alternate Route to Policy Influence
Authors: Weiss Carol Hirschon , Murphy-Graham Erin , Birkeland Sarah
Published: August 2005

Investigators of the influence of evaluations on policy decisions have noted three main routes to influence: instrumental, conceptual, and political/symbolic. This study, an inquiry into the effect of evaluations of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program, found a fourth main way that evaluations exert an influence: imposed use. The Safe and Drug Free Schools office of the U.S. Department of Education obliged districts to select a program that met its “Principles of Effectiveness,” which most districts construed to mean that the program had to be on the department’s approved list. Because results of D.A.R.E. evaluations repeatedly showed that D.A.R.E.’s effectiveness on knowledge and attitudes was neither sustained nor led to lower use of drugs, D.A.R.E. did not make the “lists.” Hence, many districts dropped or scaled back D.A.R.E. This kind of imposed use is likely to become more common when government agencies make greater demands for accountability.
The Role of Experience in Formulating Theories of Evaluation Practice
Authors: Chelimsky Eleanor
Published: August 2005

Although it is widely believed that evaluation theory is practice-based, it is rare to see any systematic examination of the fit between the two. This address, given at AEA’s most recent meeting in San Diego, uses a data base of about 300 published evaluations to compare some of the lessons learned in recent practice against some of our more hallowed theoretical precepts.
The Certification of Evaluators: Highlights from a Report Submitted to the Board of Directors of the American Evaluation Association
Authors: Altschuld James W.
Published: August 2005

In 1997, the Board of Directors of the American Evaluation Association received a report from a Task Force that examined the potential of certifying evaluators. Key topics in the report are summarized here. These include: a clarification of relevant terms, a review of the status of evaluation as a profession, and a discussion of how other professions certify their practitioners. Future options are discussed. One option, that of maintaining the status quo (i.e., no action in regard to certification), was seen by the Task Force as having serious, long-term consequences for evaluation. A preliminary look is taken at the advantages and disadvantages of developing a process to certify evaluators.
An epidemiological survey of the health needs of disabled people in a rural community
Authors: Kent Ruth M , Chandler Barbara J , Barnes Michael P
Published: August 2005

Objective:To describe service use and unmet needs of disabled people in a rural environment, given well-recognized difficulties in providing equitable services to a widely-spread population, availability of transport and the presence of discrepancies in wealth.

Participants: Disabled people registered with a single rural general practice, identified by postal questionnaire.

Method: All 3462 households were screened using the Office of Population, Censuses and Surveys (OPCS) disability screening questionnaire. An 86% response rate was achieved. Seventy-four people aged 16–65 and 69 people aged 66–75 were interviewed by a rehabilitation physician. Fifty-five people aged 76+ were interviewed. Disability was assessed using the OPCS scales of disability, Barthel Index, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

Results: Thirty per cent (43) of those aged 16–75 received assistance for their personal activities of daily living (ADLs), and 98% (140) required assistance for extended ADLs (taken from the OPCS surveys criteria). There was no difference in either disability or dependency by age group. Fifty-three per cent of this group had domestic adaptations, 75% had disability aids. Those aged 16–75 had significantly fewer aids and adaptations, less home care, care management, respite, district nursing and chiropody services than people over 75. Equipment was provided by statutory services less frequently and fewer carers were salaried. The rehabilitation physician assessed them as needing more occupational therapy, physiotherapy and chiropody. Thirty per cent saw their GP monthly and 45% attended hospital.

Conclusion: Unmet need was assessed as greater in the younger group. Elderly people are possibly more visible to service providers with better recognition of need. There is no evidence of a relationship between medical surveillance and identification of rehabilitation needs. Those with greater degrees of disability require more interlinked and organized services.
The Footwear Assessment Form: a reliable clinical tool to assess footwear characteristics of relevance to postural stability in older adults
Authors: Menz Hylton B , Sherrington Catherine
Published: August 2005

Objective: Falls in older adults are common and may result in serious injury. Inappropriate footwear has been suggested to be a contributing factor to many falls. However no studies have been undertaken to determine whether clinicians can reliably assess footwear variables thought to influence postural stability in older adults. The aim of this study was therefore to develop a simple clinical footwear assessment form and assess its reliability, both between examiners and with repeated assessments over time.

Design: Two examiners assessed seven footwear variables (shoe type, heel height, heel counter stiffness, longitudinal sole rigidity, sole flexion point, tread pattern and sole hardness) in 12 different shoes, and repeated the measurements three weeks later. The examiners were blinded to each other's and their own previous results.

Results: Analysis using the kappa (and percentage agreement statistics revealed the examiners' footwear assessments to be generally highly reliable (= 0.47–1.00 for inter-tester comparisons, = 0.40–1.00 for intra-tester comparisons), with the exception of inter-tester assessment of sole hardness (= 0.03–0.48).

Conclusion: The Footwear Assessment Form is a reliable clinical tool for the assessment of shoe type, heel height, heel counter stiffness, longitudinal sole rigidity and tread pattern; however, a more objective protocol may be required to improve the reliability of sole hardness evaluation. The Footwear Assessment Form can now be used with confidence in the clinical setting and in future investigations to determine the contribution of footwear characteristics to instability and falls in older adults.
Simple Educational Intervention to Improve the Recovery from Acute Whiplash: Results of a Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Ferrari Robert , Rowe Brian H. , Majumdar Sumit R. , Cassidy J. David , Blitz Sandra , Wright Susan C. , Russell Anthony S.
Published: August 2005

Objectives: To determine if an educational intervention in the acute stage of whiplash injury may improve the recovery rate. Methods: Consecutive subjects were randomized to one of two treatment groups: educational intervention or usual care. The intervention group received an educational pamphlet based on the current evidence. The control group did not receive these materials but received usual emergency department care and a standard nondirected discharge information sheet. Both groups underwent follow‐up by telephone interview at two weeks and three months. The primary outcome measure of recovery was the patient's response to the question, “How well do you feel you are recovering from your injuries?”Results: A total of 112 subjects agreed to participate. Age, gender, precollision employment level and health, initial symptoms, collision parameters, and emergency treatments were similar between the groups. At two weeks postcollision, 7.3% in the treatment group reported recovery compared with 8.8% in the control group (absolute risk difference, −1.5%; 95% confidence interval =−12.6% to 9.7%). At three months postcollision, 21.8% in the treatment group reported complete recovery compared with 21.0% in the control group (absolute risk difference, 0.8%; 95% confidence interval =−14.4% to 16.0%). At three months, there were no clinically or statistically significant differences between groups in severity of remaining symptoms, limitations in daily activities, therapy use, medications used, lost time from work, or litigation. Conclusions: An evidence‐based educational pamphlet provided to patients at discharge from the emergency department is no more effective than usual care for patients with grade 1 or 2 whiplash‐associated disorder.
Delivery Pain and the Development of Mother—Infant Interaction
Authors: Ferber Sari Goldstein , Feldman Ruth
Published: August 2005

This study examined delivery pain as a possible risk factor for the development of mother‐infant interaction. Eighty‐one mothers completed the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. A retrospective evaluation of labor pain was performed using the Visual Analog Scale at 2 days postpartum. Six weeks after birth the mothers were visited at home, completed measures of anxiety and depression, and were observed during a free play session with the infant. The mother's tendency to catastrophize pain predicted lower levels of mother‐infant reciprocity at 6 weeks, controlling for maternal age, education, parity, epidural analgesia, pain perception, anxiety, and depression. Trait anxiety was related to lower maternal sensitivity. The mother's tendency to catastrophize pain was discussed in relation to the personality trait of exaggerated emotional perception of pain and its potential interference with the formation of the mother‐infant relationship.
The Z-disc proteins myotilin and FATZ-1 interact with each other and are connected to the sarcolemma via muscle-specific filamins
Authors: Gontier Yves , Taivainen Anu , Fontao Lionel , Sonnenberg Arnoud , van der Flier Arjan , Carpen Olli , Faulkner Georgine , Borradori Luca
Published: August 2005

Myotilin and the calsarcin family member FATZ-1 (also called calsarcin-2 or myozenin-1) are recently discovered sarcomeric proteins implicated in the assembly and stabilization of the Z-discs in skeletal muscle. The essential role of myotilin in skeletal muscle is attested by the observation that certain forms of myofibrillar myopathy and limb girdle muscular dystrophy are caused by mutations in the human myotilin gene. Here we show by transfection, biochemical and/or yeast two-hybrid assay that: (1) myotilin is able to interact with the C-terminal region of FATZ-1 and that the N- or C-terminal truncations of myotilin abrogate binding; (2) myotilin can also interact with another calsarcin member, FATZ-2 (calsarcin-1, myozenin-2); (3) myotilin and FATZ-1 bind not only to the C-terminal region of filamin-C containing the Ig repeats 19-24, but also to the other two filamins, filamin-A and filamin-B, as well as the newly identified filamin-Bvar-1variant; (4) the binding of myotilin to filamin-C involves binding sites in its N-terminal region, whereas FATZ-1 associates with filamin-C via sequences within either its N- or C-terminal region; and finally, (5) the C-terminal region of filamin-C like filamin-B and filamin-Bvar-1, shows binding activity with the β1A integrin subunit. Our findings further dissect the molecular interactions within the Z-disc that are essential for its organization, and provide evidence for a novel connection between Z-disc proteins and the sarcolemma via filamins and β1 integrins. These data shed new light on the complex organization of the Z-disc that is highly relevant to understanding muscular dystrophies.
Hypersensitivity Syndrome and Pure Red Cell Aplasia Following Allopurinol Therapy in a Patient with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Chao Sheau-Chiou , Yang Chao-Chun , Lee Julia Yu-Yun
Published: August 2005

OBJECTIVE:

To report a rare case of combined hypersensitivity syndrome and pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) following allopurinol therapy.

CASE SUMMARY:

A 43-year-old woman with underlying mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis developed fever, generalized morbilliform rash, leukocytosis with marked eosinophilia, and hepatic dysfunction 3 weeks after starting allopurinol therapy (300 mg/day for 3 days followed by 200 mg/day) for hyperuricemia and arthritis. The clinical findings were judged to be a probable drug reaction according to the Naranjo probability scale. The drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DHS) resolved after withdrawal of allopurinol and initiation of systemic corticosteroid therapy. However, there was progressive worsening of anemia with reticulocytopenia; PRCA was suspected. PRCA was judged to be a possible drug reaction according to the Naranjo probability scale. The patient refused blood transfusion and bone marrow biopsy. Recombinant human erythropoietin was initiated in addition to prednisolone 15 mg daily. Eleven days later (~7 wk after allopurinol withdrawal), both the hemoglobin level and reticulocyte count began to rise. The patient consented to a bone marrow study at that time, which confirmed the presence of dysplasia involving only the erythroid lineage.

DISCUSSION:

Allopurinol may induce DHS, aplastic anemia, and, in rare instances, PRCA. We report the first case of PRCA concurrent with allopurinol-induced DHS in a patient with chronic kidney disease. Discontinuation of allopurinol is the first step in the treatment of such cases. The slow recovery of PRCA might be partly attributed to her underlying chronic kidney disease.

CONCLUSIONS:

To minimize serious DHS, proper indications for treatment and dosage adjustment should be closely observed when starting allopurinol therapy in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Quantitative Determination of Catalytic Surface Adsorption Sites by Fourier Transform Infrared Photoacoustic Spectroscopy
Authors: Gardella Joseph A. , Jiang Da-Zhen , Eyring Edward M.
Published: August 2005

The use of Fourier transform infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy (FT-IR/PAS) as a method for quantitative analysis of surface adsorption sites is demonstrated. Mid-IR information about the amount of adsorption is available with the sampling advantages of PAS: ability to analyze opaque materials with minimal sample preparation, qualitative information about both gas [CO(g)] phase and adsorbed [CO(ads)] species, a sealed sample environment for control of the gas phase in contact with the sample, and the ability to monitor in situ reaction kinetics. In this study a calibration curve is constructed for the amount of CO(g) in the sample cell with a silica internal reference. This calibration curve is utilized to calculate the amount of CO(ads) by subtraction on a catalytic surface where both CO(g) and CO(ads) exist at equilibrium. Using standard parameters from gas titration/volume uptake studies, the surface covered and the percentage of active sites on the surface are determined. This analysis combines the qualitative analytical capabilities of PAS with quantitative analysis, thus demonstrating another facet of the usefulness of FT-IR/PAS in addressing unusual problems.
Spectral Interferences in the Determination of Phosphorus in Steel by Inductively Coupled Plasma Emission Spectrometry with an Echelle Monochromator
Authors: Xu Jinrui , Kawaguchi Hiroshi , Mizuike Atsushi
Published: August 2005

Spectral interferences in the determination of phosphorus in steel by inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry is studied by using a computer-controlled, scanning echelle monochromator. There is no direct overlap of an iron line on the phosphorus analysis line, P(I) 213.618 nm, although several iron lines that have not been reported in the literature are observed near the phosphorus line. Scatter light, recombination continuum, and the wing of the Cu(II) 213.598 nm line cause background shift, but the interference can be eliminated by using wavelength modulation and lock-in amplification. The NO band interference arising from the entrainment of air into the plasma is observed when the outer gas flow rate is below 10 liters/min. The detection limit of phosphorus in steel is 0.0006% in the present method.
Width-Enhanced Binary Representation for Library Searching of Vapor Phase Infrared Spectra
Authors: Warren F. Vincent , Delaney Michael F.
Published: August 2005

A method is presented for the representation of vapor phase infrared spectra in a binary format which preserves both width and position information about each peak. Preselection of an optimally width-enhanced library of binary spectra, in advance of any actual library searching, is approached through the application of information theory and Grotch's method for prediction of matching histograms. A direct comparison of library searching results is conducted to complement the preselection efforts. The applicability of a channel-combination approach based on information theory is demonstrated. By this method, adequate library searching is achieved after a 25-fold reduction in the number of channels needed to describe each vapor phase infrared spectrum.
Statistical Mapping of Alloy Samples by Spark Excited Optical Emission Spectroscopy
Authors: Olesik John W. , Walters John P.
Published: August 2005

Statistical emission maps of ferrous alloy samples were obtained by using stable spark discharge trains for improved sampling resolution. Large changes in emission intensities were observed for matrix and alloying elements as a function of position on the sample. By using several complementary experimental systems, the source of the changes in emission intensities was traced to the sample and was mainly due to changes in the sampling efficiency. Although large changes in emission intensities were observed, there were groups of correlating signals that followed one another. A correlation-based treatment of the emission map data provides analytically useful information including compensating for the sample-dependent changes in erosion of material from the sample electrode.
Resolution Limit of an IR Interferometer
Authors: Saperstein David D.
Published: August 2005

A physical method for determining the resolution limit of an interferometer is based on the Fourier comparison of a fixed frequency oscillator with the modulated frequency of a He-Ne reference laser. This technique replaces the usual gas measurement for most calibrations.
Precise Determination of Frequency Shifts by Raman Difference Spectroscopy Using Voigt Profile for the Raman Band
Authors: Asthana B. P. , Kiefer W.
Published: August 2005

A convenient method for the precise determination of the frequency shifts from experimentally obtained Raman difference spectra is described. The method is based on the explicit calculation of the difference curve taking Voigt profile for the Raman band. A relationship between Δ/T (Δ, frequency separation between two Raman bands, Γ, Raman bandwidth) and d/I0 ( d, peak-to-peak height in the difference spectrum; I0, Raman band height) is presented in a graphical form as a function of the band shape parameter Γ/Γ G [Γ G = (Δν1/2)slit: used slit width determined experimentally by measuring the half-bandwidth of a narrow plasma line]. The experimental determination of (Δν1/2)slit, Γ, d, and I0 then allows direct derivation of Δ/Γ from the graphically presented functions and consequently the actual frequency shift Δ. The value of Δ/Γ can usually be determined with a typical uncertainty of ±0.002 in the small frequency shift limit and ±0.005 for medium and large frequency shifts and these would determine the frequency shift, Δ, with a maximum uncertainty of ±0.02 cm−1. An example of experimental spectra has been analyzed in order to assess the utility of the present technique.
Optical Purity Determination and 1H NMR Spectral Simplification with Lanthanide Shift Reagents: Glutethimide, 3-Ethyl-3-phenyl-2,6-piperidinedione, 1
Authors: Eberhart Suzanne , Rothchild Robert
Published: August 2005

The 60 MHz 1H NMR spectra of racemic glutethimide, 1, have been studied with the chiral shift reagent, tris[3-(trifluoromethylhydroxymethylene)- d-camphorato] europium(III), 2, and the achiral tris(6,6,7,7,8,8,8-heptafluoro-2,2-dimethyl-3,5-octanedionato) europium(III), 3. Appreciable values of the enantiomeric shift difference, ΔΔδ, were observed at relatively low molar ratios of 2:1 for the CH3 group in CDCl3 solution at 28°C. Optical purity determinations should easily be carried out by using this absorption with a 2:1 ratio of approximately 0.25; 3 to 5% of one enantiomer should be detectable in a sample. Lanthanide-induced line broadening was relatively low, thereby facilitating these measurements. A substantial ΔΔδ was also observed for the ortho hydrogens of the aromatic ring and the NH. For example, at a 2:1 ratio of 0.254, the CH3 resonance displayed a value of ΔΔδ of 7.3 Hz (0.12 δ) and was free of overlap with the absorptions of the shift reagent, 2. The relative slopes of the plots of induced shift, Δδ, vs molar ratios of 2:1 or 3:1, as well as values of coupling constants, support assignments for the proton absorptions of the aromatic ring.
Determination of Rare Earth Elements in Aluminum by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy
Authors: Mahanti Himansu S. , Barnes Ramon M.
Published: August 2005

Inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy is evaluated for the determination of 14 rare earth elements in aluminum. Spectral line interference, limit of detection, and background equivalent concentration values are evaluated, and quantitative recovery is obtained from aluminum samples spiked with rare earth elements. The procedure is simple and suitable for routine process control analysis.
A Microprocessor-Controlled Graphite Rod Direct Sample Insertion Device for Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry
Authors: Li-Xing Zhang , Kirkbright G. F. , Cope M. J. , Watson J. M.
Published: August 2005

A microprocessor-controlled graphite rod direct sample insertion device for use with an inductively coupled plasma is described and the accompanying software design is illustrated. The energy of the rf field and the plasma itself is used to carry out the programed sample drying and ashing stages prior to analyte vaporization. The rod position for drying aqueous solutions and for ashing an aqueous solution containing organic material has also been investigated. Automation of the graphite rod insertion device in the manner described improves the precision attainable by this technique; the system is shown to be suitable for trace element determinations in small liquid samples or directly with small solid samples.
Characterization of a Commercial Gated Silicon Intensified Target Vidicon for Transient, Nonrepetitive Radiation Sources
Authors: Goldberg J. , Sacks R.
Published: August 2005

Response linearity and dynamic range of a gated silicon intensified target vidicon multichannel detector are evaluated for applications involving short pulse, nonrepetitive exposure. A high intensity pulsed hollow cathode lamp and an electrically vaporized thin film plasma generator were used as radiation sources. Qualitative aspects of the vidicon are discussed by analogy with photographic emulsions. The effects of intensifier stage voltage on image intensity and focus are considered. Charging curves are presented for various electron beam scan times and for multiple as well as single interrogation scans. The effect of erase scans prior to the exposure on the shape of the charging curves also is considered. These charging curves suggest that target surface saturation effects result in very inefficient target charging, and multiple interrogation scans are required for quantitative information retrieval. The use of target preparation scans reduces charging efficiency. Using the intensifer gate pulse width for exposure control, plots of target response vs exposure are shown to be linear over at least two decades of exposure but only with multiple interrogation scans using long scan times on a small region of the target surface.
Chemical and Physical Influences of the Atmosphere upon the Spatial and Temporal Characteristics of Atomic Fluorescence in a Laser Microprobe Plume
Authors: Lewis Arnold L. , Piepmeier Edward H.
Published: August 2005

Atomic fluorescence observations of Li and Cu in a laser microprobe plume were made to study the chemical and physical influences of a reactive atmosphere of oxygen relative to an atmosphere of argon. Time and spatially resolved fluorescence observations show a region of relatively low concentration of Li in the center of the plume from a film emulsion sample, which is not present for Cu from an aluminum alloy sample. For both samples, the plume appears to rise as a ball above the sample, rather than fan out continuously throughout the atmosphere.
Use of CuO in Obtaining Approximate Depolarization Ratios of Colorless Solids
Authors: Strommen Dennis P. , Nakamoto Kazuo
Published: August 2005

We have developed a new method by which approximate depolarization ratios may be determined for colorless compounds in the solid state. Through the addition of CuO or carbon black, we were able to obtain reasonable values for vibrational modes of K2SO4, Na[Ag(CN)2], W(CO)6, and benzophenone. The function of these colored additives appears to be that of reducing the depth of penetration of the laser beam and consequently attenuating the amount of reflected or refracted radiation which will have been scrambled with respect to polarization.
Trace Element Determination by Atomic Spectroscopic Methods—State of the Art
Authors: Parsons M. L. , Major Sandy , Forster Alan R.
Published: August 2005

In the 15-year period between 1966 and 1981, detection limits for atomic spectroscopic methods of analysis have decreased by an average of 3 orders of magnitude. The current (1982) state of the art for the atomic techniques in general use is presented and the methods compared using the detection limits as the figure of merit.
Convective Effects in Thermal Lens Spectroscopy
Authors: Buffett Clifford E. , Morris Michael D.
Published: August 2005

Thermally induced solution stirring can cause periodic signal fluctuations which can be the sensitivity limiting factor in thermal lens spectroscopy with a chopped pump laser. Pump and probe laser fluctuations are shown to be random, while thermal lens signals are shown to have a small periodic component caused by stirring. The problem is serious in dilute solutions because of the high solvent background absorbance.
Determination near the Limit of Detection with a Sequential Scanning Inductively Coupled Plasma Emission Spectrometer
Authors: Nygaard D. D. , Chase D. S. , Leighty D. A.
Published: August 2005

Requirements associated with determinations near the limit of detection by sequential scanning inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry are discussed. Strategies are suggested for overcoming potential difficulties, and analytical results generated using these strategies are presented for EPA Water Pollution Quality Control Samples.
Time-Resolved Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectra
Authors: Miller-Ihli N. J. , O'Haver T. C. , Harnly J. M.
Published: August 2005

A wavelength-modulated continuum source atomic absorption spectrometer is used to obtain time-resolved atomic absorption spectra (absorbance vs wavelength) using an electrothermal atomizer. Absorbance spectra are acquired at a rate of 56 Hz during atomization. The operator may choose any portion of the atomization time period to be examined as well as the number of absorbance profiles to be averaged. This time-resolved spectral information facilitates the positive identification of spectral interferences as well as providing for detailed inspection of both analyte and background absorption signals. Several interferences are examined.
Dendritic Spine Abnormalities in Amyloid Precursor Protein Transgenic Mice Demonstrated by Gene Transfer and Intravital Multiphoton Microscopy
Authors: Spires Tara L. , Meyer-Luehmann Melanie , Stern Edward A. , McLean Pamela J. , Skoch Jesse , Nguyen Paul T. , Bacskai Brian J. , Hyman Bradley T.
Published: August 2005

Accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) into senile plaques in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a hallmark neuropathological feature of the disorder, which likely contributes to alterations in neuronal structure and function. Recent work has revealed changes in neurite architecture associated with plaques and functional changes in cortical signaling in amyloid precursor protein (APP) expressing mouse models of AD. Here we developed a method using gene transfer techniques to introduce green fluorescent protein (GFP) into neurons, allowing the investigation of neuronal processes in the vicinity of plaques. Multiphoton imaging of GFP-labeled neurons in living Tg2576 APP mice revealed disrupted neurite trajectories and reductions in dendritic spine density compared with age-matched control mice. A profound deficit in spine density (∼50%) extends ∼20 μm from plaque edges. Importantly, a robust decrement (∼25%) also occurs on dendrites not associated with plaques, suggesting widespread loss of postsynaptic apparatus. Plaques and dendrites remained stable over the course of weeks of imaging. Postmortem analysis of axonal immunostaining and colocalization of synaptophysin and postsynaptic density 95 protein staining around plaques indicate a parallel loss of presynaptic and postsynaptic partners. These results show considerable changes in dendrites and dendritic spines in APP transgenic mice, demonstrating a dramatic synaptotoxic effect of dense-cored plaques. Decreased spine density will likely contribute to altered neural system function and behavioral impairments observed in Tg2576 mice.
TSH receptor mutation V509A causes familial hyperthyroidism by release of interhelical constraints between transmembrane helices TMH3 and TMH5
Authors: Karges Beate , Krause Gerd , Homoki Janos , Debatin Klaus-Michael , de Roux Nicolas , Karges Wolfram
Published: August 2005

Mutations of the human thyrotrophin receptor (TSH-R) are a cause of thyroid adenomas and hyperthyroidism. Here we study mechanisms of receptor activation in a genomic TSH-R variant V509A located in transmembrane helix (TMH) 3, which we identify in a family with congenital hyperthyroidism, multiple adenomas and follicular thyroid cancer. Using molecular modelling and dynamic simulation, we predicted the release of amino acid residue A593 (located opposite in domain TMH5) from a tight ‘knob-and-hole’ interaction with TMH3, physiologically constrained in the native receptor state by the bulky side chain of V509. To experimentally validate this concept, we generated mutant TSH-R expression constructs for functional in vitro studies. TSH-R mutant V509A showed a 2.8-fold increase in basal cAMP production, confirming constitutive TSH-R activation. The addition of a second site suppressor mutant A593V to TSH-R V509A resulted in the normalization of basal cAMP release, and the dose-responsiveness to TSH ligand was maintained. These data thus demonstrate that TSH-R V509A activation is caused by the release of TMH3–TMH5 interhelical constraints, while the native TSH-R conformation is re-stabilized by the introduction of a spacious valine residue at position 593. In conclusion, we delineate a novel mechanism of constitutive TSH-R activation, leading to thyroid hyperfunction and neoplasia.
Dosimetric characterization of large photon fields (Varian, Clinac 2100c, X-6mv) by using standard measurement approach
Authors: Apostolidis Georgios , Stankovic Jovan , Radosevic-Jelic Ljiljana
Published: August 2005

The most optimal dosimetry model for the application of large photon fields (dimensions larger than 40x40 cm) at extended focus-phantom/patient distances has not been adopted yet. A method based on a "classical" approach, that helps establishing a database (PDD, output and OF, PSF, Sc and TMR parameters) is discussed. Large photon fields produced by a CLINAC 2100C, Varian, in the low energy mode (6 MV) were analyzed by application of absolute and relative radiation dosimetry, as well as, by comparison with calculated data. A good agreement between measured and calculated values of radiation parameters examined, at FFD=180 and 300 cm, was observed Slight increase in discrepancy (about 10 percent) of the TMR at FFD=300 cm for fields larger than 50x50 cm and at larger depths was observed by comparison of calculated and measured values. Discrepancies of outputs between measured and calculated values (calculated by the inverse square law) were less than 2 percent. Most of the dosimetric data obtained points out the possibility of application of radiotherapy unit CLINAC 2100C (Varian) for therapies with large fields in given conditions.
Effect of CMF-chemotherapy on blood coagulation in patients with breast cancer
Authors: Petrovic Dragana
Published: August 2005

BACKGROUND: Influences of CMF (cyclophosphamide, methotrexate,5-fluorouracil) chemotherapy on blood coagulation were investigated in 30 patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy and in 30 patients receiving chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer. METHODS: In plasma samples of 60 patients (median age 49.5), we evaluated the following parameters 1)Markers of in vivo clotting activation thrombin-antithrombin complex (ELISA) and D-dimer (ELISA), 2) Natural anticoagulants (protein C [PC] and antithrombin III [AT III] by chromogenic methods). The coagulation studies were performed at the beginning and at the end of the first cycle of CMF protocol. RESULTS: Before CMF therapy, significant difference was observed between patients with early stage and patients with metastatic breast cancer in the PC (p<0.01), AT III (p<0.01) and TAT (p<0.01) levels. After CMF therapy, patients with stage II (adjuvant) disease manifested a significant decrease in the level of PC and AT III activity (p<0.01) and an increase in TAT level (p<0.01). In patients with disseminated breast cancer CMF therapy provoked an increased level of TAT and D-dimer with a decreased activity of protein C and antithrombin III. There was significant difference in value of TAT, D- dimer, protein C and antithrombin III between the patients with adjuvant and metastatic breast cancer patients after CMF chemotherapy CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the application of cytotoxic therapy provokes hypercoagulable condition in breast cancer patients. This effect should be considered when chemotherapy is employed in advanced cancer patients at high risk for thrombosis, or in patients with other risk factors.
Gestational trophoblastic disease
Authors: Zivaljevic Milica , Tesic Marija , Vujkov Tamara , Rajovic Jelka , Popovic Marina
Published: August 2005

Gestational trophoblastic disease belongs to a spectrum of rare tumors originating from trophoblast. It spreads from the benignant disease uncomplicated partial mole to the most malignant choriocarcinoma in stage IV of disease with brain metastases. Fortunately, with adequate chemotherapy even patients in advanced stage of the disease have significant chances to be cured. In estimating prognosis and adequate therapy of disease, the most significant are clinical factors: serum hCG level, duration of the disease from termination of antecedent pregnancy, prior chemotherapy, brain or liver metastases. hCG is an ideal tumor marker for follow up and early diagnosis of recidivism and metastases. In the Institute of Oncology in Sremska Kamenica 32 patients with gestational trophoblastic disease were treated in the period from 1987 to 2001. All the patients with non-metastatic disease and low risk metastatic disease (stage I-III FIGO) were successfully cured. Five patients died, all in stage IV of the disease (FIGO) with liver and brain metastases; in 4 of them disease occurred after term pregnancy. Overall survival was 85%. Treatment of non-metastatic and low risk metastatic disease was successful in all cases. Treatment failures occurred in advanced disease with brain and liver metastasis Specificity and low incidence of this disease ask for the treatment to be carried out in specialized centers, as it is in developed countries (Trophoblastic Disease Centers).
Clinical and morphological features of ovarian pure dysgerminoma: a report of a 14 years old girl
Authors: Pop-Trajkovic Zoran , Veljkovic Milena , Radovic Miodrag , Katic Vuka , Petrovic Aleksandar , Lilic Vekoslav
Published: August 2005

Dysgerminoma is best known as the ovarian counterpart of seminoma of the testis Relatively uncommon tumors, dysgerminomas account for less than 2% of all ovarian cancer. We report a case of a 14 years old girl with a large and rapidly growing unilaleral ovarian dysgerminoma. Examination of the surgical specimen showed a tumor of 27x17x8 cm in size and 4800 gr. in weight. It was oval in shape with a slightly glistening fibrous capsule, soft but solid and hemorrhagic. The mass arose from the right ovary and did not invade any surrounding structures. The tumor and the ovary were torqued with its fallopian tube. Microscopic examination showed typical characteristics of ovarian dysgerminoma, with a micrometastasis in the omentum (in the vicinity of the tumor). The patient underwent a right salpingo-oophorectomy, had an uncomplicated postoperative course and received radio and chemotherapy Thirty months after the operation, the patient is in good health and with normal ultrasound and laboratory results. We believe that conservative surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy seems to be ideal treatment in case of pure ovarian dysgerminoma when careful surgical staging confirmed the unilaterality of disease.
The problem of local recurrence and metastasis in soft-tissue sarcoma
Authors: Kiralj Aleksandar , Janjic Zlata , Jovanovic Mladen , Vuckovic Nada
Published: August 2005

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate local recurrence of soft-tissue sarcomas as a prognostic factor reflecting adequate or inadequate excision. METHODS: We reviewed the cases of 53 patients who had soft-tissue sarcomas and were treated between 1991 and 2001. All patients were treated operatively, but 11 of them (20.75%), before being sent to us were operated elsewhere with inadequate surgical margins. The oncology status, including local recurrence and metastasis was determined at the follow-up evaluation. RESULTS: All of 11 patients treated with inadequate excision had palpably or histologically determined local recurrence. The most common histological diagnosis of local recurrence was dermatofibroma protuberans (7 patients, 63.63%). In patients who were treated with planned and adequate excision there were 4 (9.52%) recurrences. Five patients (45.45%) had metastases in the group of inadequate and only one patient (1.88%) in the group of adequate surgical margins. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that excellent rates of survival and low rates of local recurrence and distant metastasis of soft-tissue sarcomas could be obtained with the use of carefully planned radical resection. The quality of operation is the most important factor.
Parathyroid gland cyst as an unusual cause of superior mediastinal mass
Authors: Supic Olga , Stepanov Snezana
Published: August 2005

The finding of a chest X ray performed in a 59-year-old man as a routine diagnostic tool for preoperative assessment for inguinal hernia showed an asymmetric opacity in the superior mediastinum, eccentric to the right. CT of the chest was indicated and the obtained images showed the presence of right paratracheal cystic mass extending from sternoclavicular joint to azygos vein. Although the patient was asymptomatic, anterolateral thoracotomy with cyst extirpation was performed. Histopathologic evaluation revealed a cyst originating from parathyroid gland.
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the external auditory canal - case report
Authors: Rancic Dejan , Mihailovic Dragan , Mijovic Zaklina
Published: August 2005

A very rare case of a mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the external auditory canal in an 80-years-old man is presented. Two years ago the tumor of the left external auditory canal appeared, involving facial nerve. Metastatic lesions, composed of squamous cells only, appeared in the ipsilateral cervical lymph nodes. One year after surgical treatment the patient is alive and well.
Genetic recombination and the origin of mitochondrion
Authors: Stupar Milanko
Published: August 2005

Division of ancestral prokaryotic genome into two circular double-stranded DNA molecules is a basis for future separate evolution of nuclear and mitochondrion compartments. Universal double sheet of lipid molecules by invagination, at the level of membrane-hairpin attachment, formed two-layered envelope completely surrounding those two DNAs. Presumed ancestral prokaryote in this case is an Archaebacteria, which would lead to formation of six main groups of organisms: Archaebacteria (Archaea) eubacteria, Protista, Fungi, Plantae and Animalia.
Changes in the bronchial epithelium between the second and the fifth day after the previous biopsy
Authors: Pavlicic Miodrag , Gajanin Radoslav , Klem Istvan , Eri Zivka , Stanic Jelena , Latinovic Ljiljana
Published: August 2005

BACKGROUND: Regenerative changes may be found in bronchia, in the area of previous biopsy. Superficial epithelium in the injured area proliferates migrates and differentiates, primarily towards the squamous cells, and then towards cup-shaped, i.e. column cells with cilia. Regenerative changes can be misinterpreted for epidermoid carcinoma. The highest level of similarity of regenerative changes and epidermoid carcinoma is between the second and the fifth day after the previous biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this research, we used 66 biopsy samples. They were classified into two groups (33 re-biopsied between the second and the fifth day and 33 with diagnostically confirmed epidermoid carcinoma). In both groups, the same morphological parameters were monitored and then tested by means of z test with 5% tolerance ( a=0.05). RESULTS: Morphological changes that are typical for epithelium in regeneration, are the following: Fibrin (z=4.41; P=0.000) granulocytes (z=4.79; P=0.000), granulocytes in epithelium (z=6.92 P=0.000), infiltration into granulation tissue. Tumor changes are the following: Presence of mononuclear cells (z=-3.63; P=0.0003), diskeratosis (z=-4.29; P=0.000), nuclear polymorphism (z=-4.22; P=0.000), hyperchromatism (z=-3.83; P=0.000), and infiltration into connective tissue (z=-5.76 P=0.000). Changes, which are useless for differentiation of regeneration and carcinoma, are the following: Nucleoli (z=-1.77; P=0.0763), multinuclear cells (z=0.25; P=0.8041), mitoses (z=-1.44; P=0.151), interruption of the basal membrane (z=1.07; P=0.2866). CONCLUSION: Presence of squamous epithelium located in fibrin and/or granulation tissue saturated with granulocytes is a morphological characteristic of regenerative epithelium. Presence of squamous epithelium, with symptoms of severe polymorphism of nuclei, with hyperchromatism, with monocellular diskeratosis, located in cellular tissue saturated with mononuclear cells, is a characteristic of malignant epithelium.