bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Home-based rehabilitation for people with stroke: a comparative study of six community services providing co-ordinated, multidisciplinary treatment
Authors: Geddes Joanna ML , Chamberlain M Anne
Published: August 2005

Objective: To describe and compare six community services providing co-ordinated, multidisciplinary rehabilitation to people with stroke.

Design: Prospective, descriptive, quantitative study.

Setting: England and Northern Ireland.

Subjects: Community rehabilitation teams and the patients treated by them.

Main outcome measures: Annual numbers treated, Barthel Index, mortality, place of discharge, crude costs.

Results: Between mid-1997 and mid-1999, data were collected on 1076 patients who received community-based rehabilitation of whom 48.7% were male. Mean age (SD) was 71 years (13.1); 115 (10.7%) were under 55 years of age and 278 (25.9%) under 65 years of age. Median time between stroke and intervention by the community service was six weeks (25th, 75th percentiles 2.6, 14.4 weeks) and 80.5% had been admitted to hospital. The median Barthel score at the start of community rehabilitation was 15 (11.0, 18.0) and at the end was 18.0 (14.0, 20.0). Median duration of intervention was 12 weeks (6.0, 22.0). At the end of community rehabilitation 912 patients (86.5%) were in the community, 52 (4.9%) had died, 10 (0.9%) were in hospital and 77 (7.3%) in long-term care. Comparative data given here are for one year, 1998, when a total of 519 patients began community rehabilitation. Details of 1855 face-to-face interventions were also recorded from subsets of 10 consecutive patients.

Conclusions: Community rehabilitation teams differed in their target populations, in the timing and duration of intervention. A taxonomy of four types of co-ordinated community-based rehabilitation for people with stroke is proposed: (1) Early-supported discharge rehabilitation aimed to reduce length of hospital stay and offered an alternative to hospital rehabilitation. (2) Post-discharge rehabilitation provided additional rehabilitation and aimed for a seamless transfer of patients from hospital to community. (3) General practitioner-oriented post-stroke rehabilitation provided an alternative to hospital admission and rehabilitation. (4) Late community rehabilitation provided patients with the opportunity of an autonomous service, unconnected with hospital or GP referral. Purchasers need to decide for what purpose a team is to be set up. Researchers need to be similarly aware of diversity in community rehabilitation before comparisons are made.
Prospective Validation of an Out‐of‐hospital Decision Rule to Identify Seriously Injured Children Involved in Motor Vehicle Crashes
Authors: Newgard Craig D. , Hui Sai‐Hung Joshua , Griffin Andrew , Wuerstle Melanie , Pratt Franklin , Lewis Roger J.
Published: August 2005

Objectives: To prospectively validate a previously published out‐of‐hospital clinical decision rule to identify seriously injured children involved in motor vehicle crashes (MVCs). Methods: The authors selected 20 Los Angeles County Fire Department fire stations, based on pediatric MVC call volume and geographic diversity, and 21 associated hospitals for participation in the study. Immediately following an MVC call involving a pediatric patient aged 0–14 years, each engine/paramedic squad completed a data form (15 variables, including vital signs, Glasgow Coma Scale score, and vehicular and crash characteristics). This study was conducted over a 24‐month period. Outcomes included: 1) “serious injury” as defined by an Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥ 16 (primary outcome), and 2) need for specialized trauma care (emergent intubation, major nonorthopedic operative intervention or death in the first 24 hours, or pediatric intensive care unit stay longer than 48 hours), as assessed by retrospective chart review. Accuracy measures and binominal confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for the decision rule validation. Results: One hundred seventy‐five children were prospectively enrolled in the study; 36 children were excluded due to lack of hospital participation or missing hospital charts. There were four children with ISS ≥ 16 (3%) and six children requiring specialized trauma care (4%). The sensitivities and specificities of the rule were: 100% (95% CI = 40% to 100%) and 73% (95% CI = 65% to 81%) for serious injury, and 83% (95% CI = 36% to 100%) and 74% (95% CI = 65% to 81%) for specialized trauma care, respectively. Conclusions: Although definitive conclusions are limited by the sample size, the decision rule identified all seriously injured children involved in MVCs and had moderate specificity. The decision rule was less sensitive for identifying children requiring specialized trauma care. Larger validation studies are needed to adequately assess the utility of this rule before implementation.
Research Opportunities in the Management of Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Smithline Howard A. , Rowe Brian H. , Radeos Michael S. , Cydulka Rita K. , Camargo Carlos A.
Published: August 2005

Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are a common problem in the emergency department. Despite considerable research involving the management of this disease over the past decade, much remains unclear from an emergency medicine perspective. Increased research would better guide the management of these complex patients from the perspectives of the patient, the caregiver, and society. The major areas of research can be divided into diagnosis, therapy, and education. The reliability and validity of different definitions of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease need to be assessed. The utility and performance characteristics of diagnostic testing need to be determined for this difficult patient population. Specific diagnostic tests include measures of dyspnea, spirometry and exercise tolerance, measures of gas exchange, airway inflammation, and chest imaging. It remains unclear which patient‐specific therapies (oxygen, bronchodilators, corticosteroids, antibiotics, noninvasive positive pressure ventilation, and methylxanthines) should be used and monitored. Finally, the utility of education of both health care providers and patients and how it may be applied to the acute setting need to be addressed.
Infant Contingency/Extinction Performance After Observing Partial Reinforcement
Authors: Weir Catherine , Toland Cynthia , King Rose Ann , Martin Lisa Maas
Published: August 2005

Social information gathering by infants 6 and 12 months old was examined as a foundation for later social learning that may be uniquely human. Infant performance on a contingency/extinction task was studied following a caregiver demonstration of the contingency on varied reinforcement schedules. Infants who observed caregivers receive any reinforcing stimulation in pretraining decreased responding over their own acquisition period, possibly because they began to habituate to the reinforcer. In extinction, infants who observed caregivers receive partial reinforcement in pretraining were more persistent in responding than others. This suggested that direct experience with partial reinforcement is not needed for greater persistence in extinction. These studies revealed details of social learning in the 1st year.
Plastid segregation and cell division in the apicomplexan parasiteSarcocystis neurona
Authors: Vaishnava Shipra , Morrison David P. , Gaji Rajshekhar Y. , Murray John M. , Entzeroth Rolf , Howe Daniel K. , Striepen Boris
Published: August 2005

Apicomplexan parasites harbor a secondary plastid that is essential to their survival. Several metabolic pathways confined to this organelle have emerged as promising parasite-specific drug targets. The maintenance of the organelle and its genome is an equally valuable target. We have studied the replication and segregation of this important organelle using the parasite Sarcocystis neurona as a cell biological model. This model system makes it possible to differentiate and dissect organellar growth, fission and segregation over time, because of the parasite's peculiar mode of cell division. S. neurona undergoes five cycles of chromosomal replication without nuclear division, thus yielding a cell with a 32N nucleus. This nucleus undergoes a sixth replication cycle concurrent with nuclear division and cell budding to give rise to 64 haploid daughter cells. Interestingly, intranuclear spindles persist throughout the cell cycle, thereby providing a potential mechanism to organize chromosomes and organelles in an organism that undergoes dramatic changes in ploidy. The development of the plastid mirrors that of the nucleus, a continuous organelle, which grows throughout the parasite's development and shows association with all centrosomes. Pharmacological ablation of the parasite's multiple spindles demonstrates their essential role in the organization and faithful segregation of the plastid. By using several molecular markers we have timed organelle fission to the last replication cycle and tied it to daughter cell budding. Finally, plastids were labeled by fluorescent protein expression using a newly developedS. neurona transfection system. With these transgenic parasites we have tested our model in living cells employing laser bleaching experiments.
Apoptosis in budding yeast caused by defects in initiation of DNA replication
Authors: Weinberger Martin , Ramachandran Lakshmi , Feng Li , Sharma Karuna , Sun Xiaolei , Marchetti Maria , Huberman Joel A. , Burhans William C.
Published: August 2005

Apoptosis in metazoans is often accompanied by the destruction of DNA replication initiation proteins, inactivation of checkpoints and activation of cyclin-dependent kinases, which are inhibited by checkpoints that directly or indirectly require initiation proteins. Here we show that, in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, mutations in initiation proteins that attenuate both the initiation of DNA replication and checkpoints also induce features of apoptosis similar to those observed in metazoans. The apoptosis-like phenotype of initiation mutants includes the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activation of the budding-yeast metacaspase Yca1p. In contrast to a recent report that activation of Yca1p only occurs in lysed cells and does not contribute to cell death, we found that, in at least one initiation mutant, Yca1p activation occurs at an early stage of cell death (before cell lysis) and contributes to the lethal effects of the mutation harbored by this strain. Apoptosis in initiation mutants is probably caused by DNA damage associated with the combined effects of insufficient DNA replication forks to completely replicate the genome and defective checkpoints that depend on initiation proteins and/or replication forks to restrain subsequent cell-cycle events until DNA replication is complete. A similar mechanism might underlie the proapoptotic effects associated with the destruction of initiation and checkpoint proteins during apoptosis in mammals, as well as genome instability in initiation mutants of budding yeast.
Synaptic transmission onto hippocampal glial cells with hGFAP promoter activity
Authors: Jabs Ronald , Pivneva Tatjana , Hüttmann Kerstin , Wyczynski Alexandra , Nolte Christiane , Kettenmann Helmut , Steinhäuser Christian
Published: August 2005

Glial cells increasingly gain importance as part of the brain's communication network. Using transgenic mice expressing green fluorescent protein (EGFP) under the control of the human GFAP promoter, we tested for synaptic input to identified glial cells in the hippocampus. Electron microscopic inspection identified synapse-like structures with EGFP-positive postsynaptic compartments. Sub-threshold stimulation to Schaffer collaterals resulted in stimulus-correlated, postsynaptic responses in a subpopulation of EGFP-positive cells studied with the patch-clamp technique in acute slices. This cell population can be recognized by its distinct morphology and has been termed GluR cells in a preceding study. These cells are distinct from the classical astrocytes due to their antigen profile and functional properties, but also lack characteristic features of oligodendrocytes or neurons. GluR cells also received spontaneous synaptic input. Stimulus-correlated and spontaneous responses were quantitatively analysed by ascertaining amplitude distributions, failure rates, kinetics as well as pharmacological properties. The data demonstrate that GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons directly synapse onto GluR cells and suggest a low number of neuronal release sites. These data demonstrate that a distinct type of glial cells is integrated into the synaptic circuit of the hippocampus, extending the finding that synapse-based brain information processing is not a property exclusive to neurons.
Chemically-Assisted Fragmentation Combined with Multi-Dimensional Liquid Chromatography and Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Post Source Decay, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Tandem Time-of-Flight or Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry for Improved Sequencing of Tryptic Peptides
Authors: Flensburg John , Tangen Anders , Prieto Maria , Hellman Ulf , Wadensten Henrik
Published: July 2005

Derivatization of tryptic peptides using an Ettan CAF matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) sequencing kit in combination with MALDI-post source decay (PSD) is a fast, accurate and convenient way to obtain de novo or confirmative peptide sequencing data. CAF (chemically assisted fragmentation) is based on solid-phase derivatization using a new class of water stable sulfonation agents, which strongly improves PSD analysis and simplifies the interpretation of acquired spectra. The derivatization is performed on solid supports, ZipTipμC18, limiting the maximum peptide amount to 5 μg. By performing the derivatization in solution enabled the labeling of tryptic peptides derived from 100 μg of protein. To increase the number of peptides that could be sequenced, derivatized peptides were purified using multidimensional liquid chromatography (MDLC) prior to MALDI sequencing. Following the first dimension strong cation exchange (SCX) chromatography step, modified peptides were separated using reversed-phase chromatography (RPC). During the SCX clean up step, positively charged peptides are retained on the column while properly CAF-derivatized peptides (uncharged) are not. A moderately complex tryptic digest, prepared from six different proteins of equimolar amounts, was CAF-derivatized and purified by MDLC. Fractions from the second dimension nano RPC step were automatically sampled and on-line dispensed to MALDI sample plates and analyzed using MALDI mass spectrometry fragmentation techniques. All proteins in the derivatized protein mixture digest were readily identified using MALDI-PSD or MALDI tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). More than 40 peptides were unambiguously sequenced, representing a seven-fold increase in the number of sequenced peptides in comparison to when the CAF-derivatized protein mix digest was analyzed directly (no MDLC-separation) using MALDI-PSD. In conclusion, MDLC purification of CAF-derivatized peptides significantly increases the success rate for de novo and confirmative sequencing using various MALDI fragmentation techniques. This new approach is not only applicable to single protein digests but also to more complex digests and could, thus, be an alternative to electrospray ionization MS/MS for peptide sequencing.
A Tandem Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer: Combination of a Multi-Turn Time-of-Flight and a Quadratic Field Mirror
Authors: Toyoda Michisato , Giannakopulos Anastassios E. , Colburn Alex W. , Derrick Peter J.
Published: July 2005

A tandem time-of-flight (ToF) mass spectrometer consisting of a multi-turn ToF and a quadratic-field ion mirror has been designed and constructed. The instrument combines the unique capabilities of both ToF instruments, namely high-resolution and monoisotopic precursor ion selection from the multi-turn ToF and temporal focus for fragment ions with different kinetic energies from the quadratic-field mirror. The first tandem mass spectra for this unique combination of ToF systems are presented.
Spironolactone for Hirsutism in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Christy Natalie A , Franks Andrea S , Cross L Brian
Published: August 2005

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the level of evidence for treatment of hirsutism associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with spironolactone.

DATA SOURCES:

Studies and reports were located in MEDLINE (1966–January 2005%), EMBASE, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts through the second week of January 2005.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Hirsutism is a common clinical problem and is often associated with PCOS. Research has been performed to assess the efficacy of spironolactone therapy in patients with hirsute characteristics. Five studies that evaluated the effectiveness of spironolactone for hirsutism in PCOS were identified and reviewed.

CONCLUSIONS:

The effects of multiple treatment options on the subjective and objective measures of hirsutism have displayed varying results. The outcomes reported to date have shown a positive trend toward using spironolactone in women with PCOS and hirsutism.
How Celecoxib Could Be Safer, How Valdecoxib Might Have Been
Authors: Cohen Jay S
Published: August 2005

Following the actions of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in April 2005, celecoxib became the only generally available cyclooxygenase-2 inhibiting antiinflammatory drug. The FDA instituted new precautions regarding the use of celecoxib and encouraged the use of “the lowest effective dose.” This dose, as defined by the FDA and the package insert, is 200 mg/day for all patients; 200 mg/day of celecoxib is a strong dosage, equivalent to naproxen 500 mg twice daily. However, many patients receiving naproxen benefit from much lower, safer dosages. With celecoxib, studies have shown that a 50% lower dosage is effective and causes fewer adverse effects. Because nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug–related events involving the gastrointestinal, renal, and cardiovascular systems are dose-related, it is essential to define the very lowest effective dosages of celecoxib and to make these dosages available for use. This article discusses the increasing trend of drug companies to market new drugs with one-size-fits-all or limited dosages, thereby making it difficult or impossible to individualize treatment based on patients' age, size, state of health, or use of concomitant medications. Imagine if naproxen had been marketed only at 500 mg twice daily or ibuprofen at 800 mg 4 times daily. Flexible, individualized dosing is required to provide optimal therapeutics. If celecoxib and valdecoxib had been marketed with a range of doses, many serious adverse effects might have been avoided. The marketing of strong, one-size-fits-all dosages places patients, physicians, and even manufacturers at unnecessary risk of unwanted events.
Pathophysiology of Mifepristone-Induced Septic Shock Due to Clostridium sordellii
Authors: Miech Ralph P
Published: July 2005

OBJECTIVE:

To explain the role of mifepristone in medical abortions that results in fulminant and lethal septic shock due to Clostridium sordellii.

DATA SOURCES:

MEDLINE, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases were searched (1984–March 2005%). Key search terms were mifepristone, RU38486, RU486, Mifeprex, medical abortion, septic shock, innate immune system, cytokines, and Clostridium sordellii.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:

All articles identified from the data sources were evaluated and all information deemed relevant was included for the information related to the development of the understanding of the pathophysiology of mifepristone-induced septic shock due to C. sordellii.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

The mechanisms of action of mifepristone were incorporated into the pathophysiology of septic shock due to C. sordellii. Mifepristone, by blocking both progesterone and glucocorticoid receptors, interferes with the controlled release and functioning of cortisol and cytokines. Failure of physiologically controlled cortisol and cytokine responses results in an impaired innate immune system that results in disintegration of the body's defense system necessary to prevent the endometrial spread of C. sordellii infection. The abnormal cortisol and cytokine responses due to mifepristone coupled to the release of potent exotoxins and an endotoxin from C. sordellii are the major contributors to the rapid development of lethal septic shock.

CONCLUSIONS:

Theoretically, it appears that the mechanisms of mifepristone action favor the development of infection that leads to septic shock and intensifies the actions of multiple inflammatory cytokines, resulting in fulminant, lethal septic shock.
Exact Interpolation of Fourier Transform Spectra
Authors: Giancaspro Carlo , Comisarow Melvin B.
Published: August 2005

A systematic study of interpolation of Fourier transform (FT) spectra is reported. Interpolation errors are examined for both frequency determination and intensity determination for different interpolation procedures for both absorption mode and magnitude mode FT spectra. The errors are presented in both analytical and graphical form as functions of the number of zero-fillings and ( T/τ), the ratio of the acquisition time to the relaxation time of the time domain signal. For interpolation of absorption mode spectra, parabolic interpolation is superior to Lorentzian interpolation if T/τ < 2. For T/τ > 2, Lorentzian interpolation is superior. For small values of T/τ, both parabolic interpolation and Lorentzian interpolation of the absorption line shape give greater errors than no interpolation. For interpolation of the magnitude lineshape, interpolation with the “magnitude-Lorentzian” function gives the exact frequency of the continuous spectrum. This interpolation procedure permits exact determination of the true frequency and true intensity for both absorption mode and magnitude mode FT spectra.
Improved Localization of Glucose-6-phosphate Dehydrogenase Activity in Cells with 5-Cyano-2, 3-ditolyl-tetrazolium Chloride as Fluorescent Redox Dye Reveals its Cell Cycle-dependent Regulation
Authors: Frederiks Wilma M. , van Marle Jan , van Oven Carel , Comin-Anduix Begonya , Cascante Marta
Published: July 2005

Since the introduction of cyano-ditolyl-tetrazolium chloride (CTC), a tetrazolium salt that gives rise to a fluorescent formazan after reduction, it has been applied to quantify activity of dehydrogenases in individual cells using flow cytometry. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) showed that the fluorescent formazan was exclusively localized at the surface of individual cells and not at intracellular sites of enzyme activity. In the present study, the technique has been optimized to localize activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) intracellularly in individual cells. Activity was demonstrated in cultured fibrosarcoma cells in different stages of the cell cycle. Cells were incubated for the detection of G6PD activity using a medium containing 6% (w/v) polyvinyl alcohol, 5 mM CTC, magnesium chloride, sodium azide, the electron carrier methoxyphenazine methosulphate, NADP, and glucose-6-phosphate. Before incubation, cells were permeabilized with 0.025% glutaraldehyde. Fluorescent formazan was localized exclusively in the cytoplasm of fibrosarcoma cells. The amount of fluorescent formazan in cells increased linearly with incubation time when measured with flow cytometry and CLSM. When combining the Hoechst staining for DNA with the CTC method for the demonstration of G6PD activity, flow cytometry showed that G6PD activity of cells in S phase and G2/M phase is 27 ± 4% and 43 ± 4% higher, respectively, than that of cells in G1 phase. CLSM revealed that cells in all phases of mitosis as well as during apoptosis contained considerably lower G6PD activity than cells in interphase. It is concluded that posttranslational regulation of G6PD is responsible for this cell cycle-dependent activity.
Programmed and Induced Phenotype of the Hippocampal Granule Cells
Authors: Gómez-Lira Gisela , Lamas Mónica , Romo-Parra Héctor , Gutiérrez Rafael
Published: July 2005

Certain neurons choose the neurotransmitter they use in an activity-dependent manner, and trophic factors are involved in this phenotypic differentiation during development. Developing hippocampal granule cells (GCs) constitutively express the markers of the glutamatergic and GABAergic phenotypes, but when development is completed, the GABAergic phenotype shuts off. With electrophysiological, single-cell reverse transcription-PCR and immunohistological techniques, we show here that short-term (24 h) cultures of fully differentiated adult glutamatergic GCs, which express glutamate, VGlut-1 (vesicular glutamate transporter) mRNA, calbindin, and dynorphin mRNA, can be induced to reexpress the GABAergic markers GABA, GAD67(glutamate decarboxylase 67 kDa isoform), and VGAT (vesicular GABA transporter) mRNA, by sustained synaptic or direct activation of glutamate receptors and by activation of TrkB (tyrosine receptor kinase B) receptors, with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) (30 min). The expression of the GABAergic markers was prevented by the blockade of glutamate receptors and sodium or calcium channels, and by inhibitors of protein kinases and protein synthesis. In hippocampal slices of epileptic rats and in BDNF-treated slices from naive rats, we confirmed the appearance of monosynaptic GABAAreceptor-mediated responses to GC stimulation, in the presence of glutamate receptors blockers. Accordingly, GC cultures prepared from these slices showed the coexpression of the glutamatergic and GABAergic markers. Our results demonstrate that the neurotransmitter choice of the GCs, which are unique in terms of their continuing birth and death throughout life, depends on programmed and environmental factors, and this process is neither limited by a critical developmental period nor restricted by their insertion in their natural network.
A Computer Program for Age–Length Keys Incorporating Age Assignment to Individual Fish
Authors: Isermann Daniel A. , Knight Carey T.
Published: August 2005

We provide a computer program (AGEKEY) that quickly implements an age–length key approach for estimating fish population age structure and mean lengths at age. The program's approach to age assignment differs from previous approaches in that ages are explicitly assigned to individual unaged fish. Because individual age assignment is necessary to describe the variation around estimates of mean catch per effort (CPE) at age and to compare these estimates through standard statistical procedures, the number of fish of a specified age captured in each unit of effort must be known or estimated. Individual age assignment can be confounded by instances of fractionality, where ages cannot be evenly assigned to fish within individual length intervals. Program AGEKEY resolves the problem of fractionality by applying an integer-based approach to age assignment. When we tested the validity of the program with two sample data sets, AGEKEY yielded estimates of age frequency and mean lengths at age that were very similar to estimates calculated through spreadsheet approaches. Program AGEKEY can quickly derive estimates of age frequency and mean lengths at age using an age–length key approach that will provide users with the data necessary to describe the precision associated with estimates of CPE at age and allow for statistical comparisons of CPE at age across surveys.
Evaluation of Supplemental Walleye Stocking in Northern Wisconsin Lakes
Authors: Jennings Martin J. , Kampa Jeffrey M. , Hatzenbeler Gene R. , Emmons Edward E.
Published: August 2005

Supplemental stocking of walleye Sander vitreus is an important component of fishery management programs in North America. We conducted an experimental study in 23 northern Wisconsin lakes over a 4-year period to assess differences in year-class strength with and without supplemental stocking. These study lakes all hosted walleye fisheries targeting mixed-recruitment populations (i.e., ones with both natural reproduction and supplemental stocking). We tested for differences in catch per effort (CPE) between stocked and nonstocked years using a general linear mixed model. Catch per effort of age-0 walleyes was 2.3 greater per shoreline mile when lakes were stocked, suggesting that stocking increases year-class strength by about 0.13 age-0 walleyes/ acre. Catch per effort values approximated a Poisson distribution, most lakes showing low CPE of age-0 walleyes whether or not they were stocked. Stocked fingerlings were marked with oxytetracycline as fry to determine the percent contribution of stocked fish to the year-class and to estimate 3-month survival. The mean survival of stocked fingerlings until autumn was 3.4%. Results for individual lakes varied, and these differences may be useful for managers in prioritizing waters for stocking. One lake showed strong survival of stocked fish and increases over nonstocked year-classes during both stocking events; this is consistent with literature reports documenting successful supplemental stocking in 5% of case histories.
Casting Platinum Jewellery Alloys
Authors: Miller Duncan , Keraan Tauriq , Park-Ross Penny , Husemeyer Victoria , Lang Candy
Published: July 2005

There are numerous platinum jewellery alloys available today. Two commercially available general purpose alloys that are in common use by manufacturing platinum jewellers are platinum-5% copper and platinum-5% ruthenium. In South Africa, the copper alloy is normally preferred for casting
because of its lower melting point and greater fluidity, while the ruthenium alloy is preferred for hand-working and machining, although some jewellers use either alloy for all applications. In order to provide a scientific basis to the differences in finish and workability, as experienced
by jewellers, we set out to compare casting characteristics of platinum-copper and platinum-ruthenium jewellery alloys and look for any substantial differences between them. We also examine factors affecting their different characteristics, and how working conditions can be manipulated to
optimise the performance of each alloy in jewellery manufacture.
Case report of a laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma treated with artesunate
Authors: Singh Narenda , Verma Krishna
Published: August 2005

This present report describes the treatment of a laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma patient with the water-soluble artemisinin analog, artesunate Artemisinin is a novel anti-cancer drug with demonstrated results in killing cancer cells. Artesunate injections and tablets were administered to the patient over a period of nine months. The tumor was significantly reduced (by 70%) after two months of treatment. Overall, the artesunate treatment of the patient was beneficial in prolonging and improving the quality of life Artemisinin and its analogs offer promise for cancer therapy.
Original (scientific) paper: The IMRAD layout
Authors: Todorovic Ljubomir
Published: August 2005

Certain rules on how to write original (scientific) papers are pointed out The structure of all mandatory sections of the paper (i.e. introduction material and methods, results and discussion), representing the IMRAD layout is described in detail. Apart from the general rules concerning the preparation of these sections, the importance of following precisely the instructions to authors published by journals is also emphasized. It is important to publish results of scientific research for many reasons. Some of the reasons are (1): Giving credibility to the research, informing a broad audience of the achieved scientific results, adding credibility to one's own reputation, improving chances for personal promotion, etc. After all, if scientific results were not published and available to a wide scientific audience, it would be as if they had never existed. Today, it is regarded that original (scientific) papers are the only acceptable way of publishing scientific results. A scientific paper is a written and published report describing original research results (2). However, this definition is quite short and should be supplemented by the fact that it has to be the first announcement of scientific results, capable of being repeated. It should also be noted that it has to be written in a certain way and validly published, i.e. in a primary journal having a respectable peer-reviewing process or other primary publication, which means that it will be accessible to a broad scientific audience. Scientific papers generally follow the IMRAD layout - the acronym that stands for four basic sections of the paper Introduction (What question was asked?), Material and method (How was it studied?), Results (What was found?) and Discussion (What do the findings mean?). The aim of this paper is to emphasize essential points of these basic sections.
Does occupational exposure to low-dose ionizing radiation induce cell membrane damage?
Authors: Djurovic Branka , Selakovic Vesna , Spasic-Jokic Vesna
Published: August 2005

BACKGROUND: Chronic exposure to low-dose radiation doses could be much more harmful than high, short-term doses because of lipid peroxidation initiated by free radicals. The cell membranes and cellular organelles are the main targets for free radicals attack. Peroxidation of cell membrane increases with decreasing dose rate (Petkau effect). The aim of this study was to establish if chronic occupational exposure to low-dose ionizing radiation could induce cell membrane damage. METHODS: Our investigation comprised 77 medical workers: 44 occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation (E), divided in two subgroups-exposed to x-rays (Ex) or gamma rays (En), and 33 controls (C). Informed consent and questionnaire containing dietary, habits, medical factors and exposure history were taken. Groups were matched in gender, age, dietary habits, alcohol consumption, smoking habit, and specific exposure time. Radiation dose accumulated by occupationally exposed over years was calculated on the basis of individual TL-dose records. Besides regular biochemical and cytogenetic tests, lipid peroxidation index, expressed as malondyaldehyde production was performed. RESULTS: Significantly higher lipid peroxidation index was found in workers occupationally exposed to low-dose of ionizing radiation (p>0.000028), which is correlated with age, smoking habit, and significantly correlated with doses. After blood samples in vitro irradiation by 2 Gy of gamma-radiation malondyaldehyde production significantly increased in each group, but were not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSION: Lipid peroxidation index could be considered as triage parameter for further cytogenetic studies in workers chronically exposed to low-dose radiation.
Application of the plasticity characteristic determined by the indentation technique for evaluation of mechanical properties of coatings: I. specific features of the test method procedure
Authors: Byakova A.V. , Milman Yu.V. , Vlasov A.A.
Published: August 2005

Specific features of the test method procedure capable for determining the plasticity characteristic dH by indentation of inhomogeneous coatings affected by residual stress was clarified. When the value of the plasticity characteristic for coating was found to be as great as dH > 0.5 a simplified model was found to be reasonably adequate, while a modified model assumed compressibility of the deformation core beneath indentation. The advantage of the modified approach compared to the simplified one was grounded experimentally only if the elastic deformation for coating becomes greater than ?e ? 3.5%, resulting in the decrease of plasticity characteristic dH < 0.5. To overcome non accuracy caused by the effect of the scale factor on measurement results a comparison of different coatings was suggested using stabilized values of the plasticity characteristic dH determined under loads higher than critical, P ? Pc, ensuring week dependence of micro hardness values on the indentation load.
Electron paramagnetic resonance in the research of defect formation and thermal processes during grinding of ZnO powders
Authors: Kakazey M. , Vlasova M. , Dominguez-Patiño M. , Dominguez-Patiño G. , Sreckovic T. , Nikolic Natalija
Published: August 2005

This work shows some possibilities for using electron paramagnetic resonance in an experimental study of the role of mechanothermal effects in the formation of defect structures in dispersed systems during prolonged mechanical treatment of ZnO powders. The use of EPR for this purpose is based on the known fact that initiation of a number of paramagnetic centers occurs during mechanical treatment of some materials. Such centers can serve as EPR-sondes of different thermal processes appearing during mechanical treatment of systems containing ZnO.
Liquid phase sintering of dense and porous glass-ceramics from coal fly-ash and waste glass
Authors: Bossert J. , Fidancevska E. , Mangutova B. , Panova B. , Milosevski D. , Milosevski M.
Published: August 2005

Glass-ceramics were produced utilizing fly-ash from coal power stations and waste glass of TV monitors, windows and flask glass. The powder technology route was employed. The mixture of 50% fly ash and 50% waste TV glass increases the bending strength from 12?1 to 56?4 MPa and E-modulus from 6?1 to 26?3 GPa. Using polyurethane foam and C-fibers as pore creators porosity of 70?4 and 55?5 %, respectively, can be obtained-modulus and bending strength of the porous systems obtained by polyurethane foam and C-fibers was 2.7?0.5 GPa and 4.5?1 MPa and 7.1?1 GPa and 9.3?2 MPa respectively.
The Red Queen and the environment: reconciling public regulation and business strategy
Authors: Søgaard Villy , Madsen Svend Ole
Published: August 2005

Until the late 1980s, environmental regulation in Denmark was often carried out in an intensely politicized and confrontational climate marked by strong tensions between authorities and polluting firms. In recent years, however, the general spirit of regulation seems to have improved significantly. During this same period, ‘generic’ measures such as general discharge limits have been supplemented with more specific demands, tailored for individual companies. The present paper presents a case study based on the environmental regulation of TripleNine, a West Jutland fishmeal factory. In response to major changes in its market and regulatory environment, the firm has revised its general strategy and taken a more pro‐active stance on environmental issues, pursuing a policy of active co‐operation with local environmental authorities. Informed by this and other case studies, a theoretical model is developed to account for the incorporation of ecological concerns into firms' general business strategy. Against the background of this model, the paper addresses the long‐term possibilities of reconciling business strategy and public regulation in the future. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Syntheses and Crystal Structures of Four New Ammoniates with Heptaarsenide (As73‐) Anions.
Authors: Hanauer Tobias , Grothe Michael , Reil Markus , Korber Nikolaus
Published: August 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
High‐Temperature, High‐Pressure Hydrothermal Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Solid‐State NMR Spectroscopy of Cs2(UO2)(Si2O6) and Variable‐Temperature Powder X‐Ray Diffraction Study of the Hydrate Phase Cs2(UO2) (Si2O6)×0.5H2O.
Authors: Chen Chih‐Shan , Chiang Ray‐Kuang , Kao Hsien‐Ming , Lii Kwang‐Hwa
Published: August 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
New Zeotype Borophosphates with Chiral Tetrahedral Topology: (H)0.5M1.25(H2O)1.5 [BP2O8]×H2O (M: Co(II) and Mn(II)).
Authors: Yilmaz A. , Yildirim L. Tatar , Bu X. , Kizilyalli M. , Stucky G. D.
Published: August 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Copper(I) Hexafluoroantimonate — An Example of a Compound with CuI in a Solely Fluorine Environment.
Authors: Mazej Zoran , Benkic Primoz
Published: August 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Catalytic Enantioselective Construction of All‐Carbon Quaternary Stereocenters: Synthetic and Mechanistic Studies of the C‐Acylation of Silyl Ketene Acetals.
Authors: Mermerian Ara H. , Fu Gregory C.
Published: August 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Bis‐paracyclophane N‐Heterocyclic Carbene—Ruthenium Catalyzed Asymmetric Ketone Hydrosilylation.
Authors: Song Chun , Ma Changqin , Ma Yudao , Feng Wenhua , Ma Shutao , Chai Qiang , Andrus Merritt B.
Published: August 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Synthesis of Bridgehead Nitrogen Heterocycles on a Solid Surface.
Authors: Ponnala Shashikanth , Kumar S. T. V. S. Kiran , Bhat Bashir A. , Sahu Devi Prasad
Published: August 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Dosimetric parameters that predict late rectal complications after curative radiotherapy in patients with uterine cervical carcinoma
Authors: Hyun Kim Tae , Choi Jinho , Park Sung‐Yong , Lee Seok‐Ho , Lee Kyu‐Chan , Yang Dae Sik , Shin Kyung Hwan , Cho Kwan Ho , Lim Hyun‐Sun , Kim Joo‐Young
Published: August 2005

BACKGROUND

Late rectal complication (LRC) was a major late complication in patients with uterine cervical carcinoma who were treated with a combination of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and high‐dose‐rate intracavitary irradiation (HDR‐ICR). For the current study, the authors retrospectively evaluated dosimetric parameters that were correlated with LRC ≥ Grade 2 in patients with uterine cervical carcinoma who were treated with curative radiotherapy, and they analyzed the appropriate dose estimates to the rectum that were predictive for LRC ≥ Grade 2.

METHODS

Between July 1994 and September 2002, 157 patients who were diagnosed with Stage IB–IIIB cervical carcinoma and were treated with definitive radiotherapy were included. EBRT (41.4–66 grays [Gy] in 23–33 fractions) to the whole pelvis was delivered to all patients, with midline shielding performed after a 36–50.4 Gy external dose. HDR‐ICR (21–39 Gy in 6–13 fractions to Point A) was administered at a rate of 2 fractions weekly after midline shielding of EBRT. LRC was scored using Radiation Therapy Oncology Group criteria. The total biologically effective dose (BED) at specific points, such as Point A (BEDPoint A), rectal point (BEDRP), and maximal rectal point (BEDMP), was determined by a summation of the EBRT and HDR‐ICR components, in which the α/β ratio was set to 3. Analyzed parameters included patient age, tumor size, stage, concurrent chemotherapy, ICR fraction size, RP ratio (dose at the rectal point according to the Point A dose), MP ratio (dose at the maximal rectal point according to the Point A dose), EBRT dose, BEDPoint A, BEDRP, and BEDMP.

RESULTS

The 5‐year actuarial overall rate of LRC ≥ Grade 2 in all patients was 18.4%. Univariate analysis showed that the RP ratio, MP ratio, EBRT dose, BEDPoint A, BEDRP, and BEDMP were correlated with LRC ≥ Grade 2 (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that, of all clinical and dosimetric parameters evaluated, only BEDRP was correlated with LRC ≥ Grade 2 (P = 0.009). The 5‐year actuarial rate of LRC ≥ Grade 2 was 5.4% in patients with a BEDRP < 125 Gy3 and 36.1% in patients with a BEDRP ≥ 125 Gy3 (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

BEDRP was a useful dosimetric parameter for predicting the risk of LRC ≥ Grade 2 and should be limited to < 125 Gy3 whenever possible to minimize the risk of LRC ≥ Grade 2 in patients with uterine cervical carcinoma who are treated with a combination of EBRT and HDR‐ICR. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Short‐term plasticity of Bergmann glial cell extrasynaptic currents during parallel fiber stimulation in rat cerebellum
Authors: Bellamy Tomas C. , Ogden David
Published: August 2005

Bergmann glial cells (BGC) enclose the synapses of Purkinje neurons (PN) and interneurons in the molecular layer of the cerebellar cortex. During synaptic transmission, glutamate evokes inward currents in the glia by activation of Ca2+‐permeable aminohydroxymethylisoxazole propionic acid receptors (AMPAR) and electrogenic transporters. We describe the plasticity of BGC currents during paired‐pulse and repetitive stimulation of parallel fibers in cerebellar slices. Paired‐pulse facilitation (PPF) of BGC AMPAR currents was 4‐fold, twice that of PN PPF. Experiments with a low‐affinity AMPAR antagonist showed an increase in extrasynaptic glutamate concentration during the second pulse of the pair. PPF of glial transporter currents was 1.8‐fold, similar to synaptic PPF. Tetanic stimulation revealed that facilitation of BGC AMPAR currents is not sustained during high‐frequency stimulation, and substantial depression is observed after a few pulses. Consequently, Ca2+ influx through glial AMPARs would initially be facilitated but subsequently depressed, generating a transient Ca2+ influx in response to a sustained tetanus. This pattern of plasticity may be important in enabling Bergmann glial cell processes to detect and support synapses with high‐frequency input. Finally, a new current was observed in BGC during repetitive stimulation. It was blocked by NBQX and intracellular GDP‐β‐S, increased by glutamate uptake inhibition, had PPF similar to synaptic PPF, and was unaffected by an inhibitor of fast glial AMPAR currents. The evidence suggests that activation of neuronal AMPARs causes the release of a paracrine messenger to activate a G‐protein coupled receptor in the BGC. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Novel silicon‐doped hydroxyapatite (Si‐HA) for biomedical coatings: An in vitro study using acellular simulated body fluid
Authors: Thian E. S. , Huang J. , Best S. M. , Barber Z. H. , Bonfield W.
Published: August 2005

Magnetron co‐sputtering was used to produce silicon‐doped hydroxyapatite (Si‐HA) as coatings intended for potential applications such as orthopedic and dental implants. It was found that the crystallinity of the as‐sputtered coatings increased after annealing, resulting in a nanocrystalline apatite structure. Subsequently, the bioactivity of the coatings was evaluated in an acellular simulated body fluid (SBF). Physicochemical evaluation demonstrated that a carbonate‐containing apatite layer, which is essential for bonding at the bone/implant interface, was formed on the coating surfaces after immersion in SBF between 4 and 7 days. The annealed coatings exhibited enhanced bioactivity and chemical stability under physiological conditions, as compared with the as‐sputtered coatings. It is proposed that the rate at which the carbonate‐containing apatite layer forms is dependent on the scale factor of the structure. A nanocrystalline structure can provide a higher number of nucleation sites for the formation of apatite crystallites, leading to a more rapid precipitation of carbonate‐containing apatite layer. This work shows that Si‐HA coatings offer considerable potential for applications in hard tissue replacement, owing to their ability to form a carbonate‐containing apatite layer rapidly. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006