bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health Economics Research: An Emerging Pharmacy Practice Discipline
Authors: Clark Timothy T. , Zbrozek Arthur S. , Rehder Terry L.
Published: June 2007

The pharmaceutical industry offers the pharmacist a unique practice alternative in the area of health economics research (HER). This article will briefly describe why HER is important, the key elements involved, and a description of how the pharmacist can play a role in developing HER. HER is a form of technology assessment and has been developed due to needs brought about by changes in the financial aspect of health care. It involves several points of concentration including the identification of the economic impact of therapeutic interventions, the separation of costs of a disease from the costs of therapy, determination of the economic impact of side effects, assessment of therapy's impact on patients' quality of life, and differentiation of costs from charges. The most often used economic tools in HER are cost effectiveness (CEA), cost benefit (CBA), and cost utility (CUA) analyses.

Quality of life (QofL) considerations are a component of HER. They are important from the perspectives of the clinician as well as the patient's and often the insurance carrier, the managed health care organization, or the patient's employer. QofL measurements are made with several types of instruments including general health rating scales or batteries of tests or through health state utilities. HER data may be collected either prospectively or observationally. Quality-of-life research data may only be collected prospectively.

HER crosses the boundaries of several sciences resulting in a multidisciplinary approach to technology assessment using principles from therapeutics, epidemiology, accounting, finance, the decision sciences, and the economic impact of new and existing technology. The concerns of drug decision makers with the issues of therapeutic outcomes, quality of care, impact on the pharmacy budget, the possibility of reducing or increasing other costs within the institution and the manufacturers' contractual terms, will increase. As a result, the necessity for HER is obvious.

HER, as it relates to therapeutics, is in its developmental stages; it will, however, continue to evolve. The pharmacist can play a role and make significant contributions in the development of HER to determine the mechanics, assumptions and techniques of this research area. The pharmacist's background easily creates a contributing role within HER as a result of the diverse application of specialized training.
The Concept of Integrated Dose as Used in the Nuclear Pharmacy Setting
Authors: Levine Geoffrey
Published: June 2007

This article illustrates various ways in which the term "dose" is used in the routine practice of nuclear pharmacy. In addition, various specialized doses are discussed, using radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies for illustration. Lastly, numerous considerations and factors affecting the dose of radiopharmaceuticals when used in infants and in children are identified and discussed relative to their impact on the benefit/ risk ratio.
Recognizing Hospital Adverse Drug Reactions
Authors: Savitsky Maureen E.
Published: June 2007

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a frequently overlooked complication of drug therapy. The categories of drugs most commonly implicated include anticoagulants, antimicrobials, cardiac agents, CNS agents, diagnostic agents, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents, and hormones. In addition to knowing what drug classes most commonly produce ADRs, the clinician should also recognize what drugs are most frequently associated with specific ADRs. Anaphylaxis is one of the most serious, and potentially life-threatening, ADRs. Treatment of an anaphylactic reaction involves correcting the physiologic effects of released chemical mediators and also inhibiting the release of additional mediators. The mainstay of therapy is aqueous epinephrine. Severe reactions may require administration of aminophylline, inotropic agents, antihistamines, corticosteroids, and intravenous fluids. The best treatment for any ADR is prevention. Pharmacists can actively participate in the monitoring of risk factors, especially the number of drugs in a regimen, potential drug interactions, and drug allergies, which may predispose patients to ADR development. Pharmacists can also assist in the detection of ADRs by monitoring alerting orders. Other potential activities for pharmacists include providing timely and accurate information about ADRs ; educating patients, physicians, and other health care professionals; and influencing prescribing patterns to minimize the trend towards polypharmacy.
Brachytherapy: A Pharmacist's Perspective
Authors: Liprie Samuel F.
Published: June 2007

Brachytherapy is treatment by implantation of one or more radioactive sources into, or near, a tumor or other cancerous area of the body. This form of cancer treatment presents new challenges for the nuclear (radiologic) pharmacist who is seeking additional unique roles within the specialty. The nuclear pharmacist is the obvious choice for active participation in brachytherapy procedures since his/her training and daily routine deals with the safe handling and use of radioactive materials. Before beginning treatment, the radioactive implant must be surveyed, calibrated, and leak tested, all of which are important aspects of nuclear pharmacy practice. Applying the basic principles of safe handling and use of radiopharmacouticals, the clinical nuclear pharmacist can easily master the art of actual implantation and removal of a brachytherapy source as well as its preparation for waste disposal. This article focuses on specifics of the brachytherapy procedure and how the clinical nuclear pharmacist can become an integral member of the brachytherapy team.
The Nuclear Pharmacist as a Radiation Safety Officer
Authors: Liprie Samuel F.
Published: June 2007

The Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) is responsible for the safety of the staff, visitors, and patients who may work with, or come into contact with, radioactive materials. This responsibility often calls for establishing and enforcing radiation safety policies and procedures. The position of the RSO may have even greater dimensions at facilities where medical research uses radioactive materials or where radioactive sources are being implanted in cancer patients for therapy. Since the nuclear pharmacist handles radioactive solids, liquids, and/or gases on a daily basis, his knowledge and experience ideally qualify him to perform the duties of an RSO. Those duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, monitoring for environmental safety and personnel radiation exposure, monitoring of incoming and outgoing radioactive shipments, and verification that all record-keeping activities, possession quantities, and uses of radioactive material are in keeping with the facility's radioactive material license. Basically, the RSO is responsible for the safe use of any radioactive material from the time it arrives until the time it is removed for waste disposal. The following article reviews some of the duties of the RSO, and shows how easily the nuclear pharmacist can assume this role.
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Psychotropic Drugs
Authors: Seifert Randall D.
Published: June 2007

The therapeutic monitoring of patients who take antipsychotic drugs can be both challenging and rewarding. Antipsychotics have been in clinical use for over 30 years; yet, their complex pharmacology is not fully understood and parallels our infant knowledge of human brain chemistry. The art of successful therapeutic drug monitoring depends on the clinician's knowledge of basic pharmacology, an understanding of psychiatric disorders, and a sensitivity for careful patient observation. In addition, a thorough history, well thought out goals, and reasonable recovery expectations are essential. Antipsychotic drugs are never curative and should be used judiciously for indications where positive results outweigh the risks of adverse effects. This article will provide the reader with sound, practical knowledge of how to monitor these drugs in any clinical setting. © 1989 by W.B. Saunders Company.
Form criticism and genre theory1
Authors: Foley Joe
Published: June 2007

This article reviews the pioneering work in biblical exegesis of the Form Criticism School in the early part of this century. It is suggested that the generic structures identified by this 'school' implied a line of thought that went beyond traditional 'literary criticism' to an approach that has more in common with social theories of language as proposed by Kress, Threadgold, Fairclough, Halliday, Martin and others. There was a focus on texts as dynamic processes, reflecting the life of the community and a concern with the 'conventional', the typical rather than the individual and this was based on an understanding of the various genres that emerge from society as reflecting not just the prevailing ideology of the community, but also the changing ideologies.
Interaction Between Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and High-Dose Methotrexate: A Literature Review
Authors: Fischetti Linda F.
Published: June 2007

An important step in preventing methotrexate (MTX) toxicity is to assess patient self-medication of over-the-counter drugs before high-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) treatment is administered. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs given within a 10-day period before a patient receives HDMTX leads to a decreased MTX excretion rate causing MTX toxicity. Education of the nursing staff and patients and their families is vital to avoid the potentially dangerous effects of a delayed MTX excretion rate.
Hydrocephalus and Shunts in Children With Brain Tumors
Authors: Ryan Janis Ann , Shiminski-Maher Tania
Published: June 2007

Children with brain tumors are at risk for developing hydrocephalus necessitating placement of a permanent shunt catheter. As comprehensive, interdisciplinary, multispecialty care is required for these patients, the pediatric oncology nurse must become knowledgeable about caring for children with a shunt. This article focuses on the care of the pediatric neuro-oncology patient requiring shunting for hydrocephalus, including a review of cerebrospinal fluid flow and hydrocephalus, determinants of shunt placement, complications of ventriculoperitoneal shunts, and nursing considerations.
A Preliminary Study of Gender Differences on Views of Crime and Punishment Among Chinese College Students
Authors: Lambert Eric G. , Shanhe Jiang  , Wang Jin  , Tucker Kasey A.
Published: June 2007

In the United States, men have frequently been found to have more punitive views than women toward crime and punishment. It was unclear, however, whether a similar gender gap would be found among citizens of other nations, especially non-Western nations, such as China. Using survey data from 524 college students from a single university in China, the independent t test reveals significant gender differences on only 3 of 16 measures. The gender gap remains small in multivariate analysis, even after controlling for other demographic characteristics. Gender socialization in a patriarchal society, collectivism, and the political system in China are possible explanations for the small size of the gender gap.
Market research for heritage attractions
Authors: Wertheim Marion E.
Published: June 2007

Sightseeing visits generate millions of pounds for public and commercial tourism attractions each year. Professional marketing is becoming an increasingly used tool to help heritage attractions maintain and increase their market share in the face offierce competition. This paper argues that a successful marketing strategy can be greatly enhanced if it is supported by good market information. The paper highlights visitor surveys as one of the most useful sources of information, details relevant survey topics and explains how survey results can be put to good use.
Travel journalists' requirements on press trips: how tourism boards, airlines and hotels can achieve best value for money
Authors: Shure Jan
Published: June 2007

There has been an enormous growth in the past decade in the number of travel press trips. These involve major budgetary expenditure for promoting organisations like tourism boards, airlines and hotels. By looking at the elements which contribute to a successful travel press trip, the writer hopes to help those who make budgetary decisions and those who plan press trip itineraries, to optimise the value of their expenditure, and to go on reaping the benefits of their outlay for many years to come.
An international marketing perspective of Canadian tourists' shopping behaviour: Minot (North Dakota)
Authors: Ahmed Zafar U.
Published: June 2007

Since the devaluation of the Canadian dollar, tourism profits in the US border towns have seen a worrying decline. This paper examines the historical causes of this decline, with particular reference to the cross-border town, Minot, in North Dakota, and suggests ways in which a radical and thoroughgoing reappraisal of policy, both through the CVB and Chambers of Commerce, could improve the fortunes of this formerly very prosperous large town by targeted marketing and carefully considered tourist benefits.
Re-entering the international tourism market: the case of South Africa
Authors: Bennett James Alfred
Published: June 2007

Currently South Africa stands at the threshold of a new era. Massive international media coverage of the 1994 South African elections and the subsequent inauguration of a new president on 10th May, 1994 have created an interest in this part of the world on a scale never seen before. At this time of opportunity it is appropriate to consider the developments that have taken place in the tourism industry over the last decade or so, and to speculate on the possible reaction of the international tourism market following the country's return to the global village. This paper addresses the topic from a management perspective, referring mainly to the macro environmental factors that shaped the domestic market. In addition to this, the paper concludes with an analysis of the overseas tourism arrival statistics since 1990. From this analysis it appears that the international tourism market is keen to see and experience South Africa for itself. Apart from the opportunities that South Africa's reentry offers, the industry will also have to contend with threats such as increased competiton from new entrants.
Managing the tourist destination's image
Authors: Font Xavier
Published: June 2007

A tourist destination's image is one of the most important strategic tools for creating and sustaining tourist destinations, yet images relating to tourist perceptions of regions and countries have been taken somewhat for granted in tourism marketing. This paper presents a comprehensive approach to image analysis and image management as the key tool for positioning, differentiating and promoting a tourist destination.
Dutch vacation decision making from an integrated theoretical perspective: An explorative study
Authors: Bargeman Bertine
Published: June 2007

Up until now, researchers have not been able to gain full insight into the process of vacation decision making. For that reason, the main purpose of this paper is to make a contribution to the theory of this process. After a short introduction concerning Dutch tourist behaviour, an integrated conceptual model of vacation decision making is constructed, based on theories developed by Giddens and other findings from different approaches to vacation decision-making processes. Using an integrated model a study question was formulated: which time-space, structural and natural Conditions, and/or actor-related factors influence the domestic destination choice of different groups of Dutch holidaymakers? To answer the first part of this question a longitudinal vacation data set of the Netherlands Research histitute for Recreation and Tourism was used, which contains information collected during a four-year study. Presentation of the results will focus on the relationship between the Dutch tourist's choice for a domestic holiday and several conditions and vacation-related variables. Finally, the preliminary results will be discussed in relation to the integrated model and some recommendations for future research will be given.
Ensuring the trustworthiness of quantitative research through critique
Authors: Sajimandani Jonathan
Published: June 2007

The many research publications now written by practitioners is evidence that nursing practice is increasingly using knowledge based on research. There is a need, therefore, for nurses to acquire the skills of critiquing and evaluating research to help them assess its suitability for applying it in their own practice. This paper explains what is meant by research that is trustworthy; what a research critic does; the characteristics of a research critique, and the skills required of a critic. A model for the steps involved in undertaking a critique is provided, together with a checklist for critique in quantitative research. [ NTResearch 1996;1: 2, 135-141]
Facilities for children in accident and emergency departments
Authors: Bentley Jackie
Published: June 2007

A postal survey of 193 UK accident and emergency departments (A&E) was undertaken to establish the provision of facilities for children. One hundred and fifty-one responses were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative analysis. The results suggest that there has been a considerable improvement in the quality and quantity of paediatric facilities in A&E since the British Paediatric Association (BPA)1 reported the results of its survey in 1985. The improvements appear to be consistent with recommendations made by professional bodies1,2, voluntary agencies3 and the Audit Commission 4. [ NT Research 1996; 1: 3, 206-215]
Primary care nursing: How can nurses influence its development?
Authors: Latimer Joanna , Ashburner Lynn
Published: June 2007

Health service reforms emphasise the central place of the general practitioner in a primary care-led NHS, as at the same time aspects of primary care have been deregulated. Simultaneously, there is emphasis within nursing on individual accountability and professional judgement to allow responsiveness to demands for nurses to extend and develop their roles. This paper reviews the range and complexity of primary care nursing, to suggest that the profession needs to take account of the complex and heterogeneous nature of primary care nursing to develop regulatory frameworks which address the problems faced by primary care nurses at the grassroots.
An evaluation of nursing development units
Authors: Redfern Sally , Normand Charles , Christian Sara , Gilmore Annette , Murrells Trevor , Norman Ian , Stevens Warren
Published: June 2007

The aims of this study, which is still in progress, are to assess the value that nursing development units add to nursing and health care and to describe the essence of an NDU. The areas investigated cover: resources and costs, research and audit activities, networking activities, staff morale, staff development and supervision, and clinical leadership. The research took a staged approach with four phases: consultation, profiling the NDUs, comparing NDUs with units without NDU status and case studies of five high-performing NDUs. This paper provides an overview of the study and findings from Phases 1-3. It was important for clinical leaders to be clinically credible, to have authority and to be free from day-to-day care provision and management. Quantitative differences between NDUs and comparison units emerged for research and dissemination activity (NDUs were more active), and sickness absence (more long-term sickness in NDUs) but not for audit and staff development activity, nor for the financial context. Data from the final phase will give a more detailed understanding of the significance of these differences and the different pathways that can be taken to achieving success as an NDU.
The use of literature in grounded theory
Authors: Hickey Gary
Published: June 2007

Unlike most approaches to research, grounded theory requires that literature is not reviewed before commencing a research study because to do so could lead the researcher into making misconceived assumptions about what issues warrant further investigation. Using the initial stages of a study investigating the effects of the National Health Service and Community Care Act1 on the role of the district nurse, this paper discusses the disadvantages of undertaking a pre-study literature review. There is, however, a dearth of information outlining how literature can be used in grounded theory studies. Potential themes from the study are drawn on to illustrate how literature can be used in a grounded theory study to help clarify a research problem.
Characteristics and dissemination of nursing research in an acute healthcare trust
Authors: Bartlett Helen , Ersser Steven , Davies Cath , Chappell Susannah
Published: June 2007

This paper focuses on a study to identify and evaluate nursing research activity between 1990 and 1996 within a large acute hospital trust. One of the first steps in this process involved establishing a database of nursing research. On the surface, the task appeared to be relatively straightforward. In reality, it proved to be far more complex and time-consuming than originally anticipated. The data collection process is reviewed and the key features of the database described. Issues concerning the coordination and dissemination of nursing research activity within the trust are highlighted. Finally, recommendations for coordinating nursing research within the trust are made, including the role of the university and suggestions for further research.
Progress in research into the neurobiological bases of schizophrenia: A review and commentary
Authors: Stirling John
Published: June 2007

Schizophrenia is a severe, often disabling, and sometimes enduring psychiatric disorder. Ever since its characterisation as a mental illness at the beginning of this century, its nature, course and aetiology have been the subject of debate. As understanding of genetic mechanisms, brain biochemistry, and the relationship between brain structure and function has recently developed, researchers are now making considerable progress in their attempts to unravel some of the neurobiological factors of importance in the development, manifestation, and treatment of schizophrenia.

Current research in three main areas of interest is described in this review paper. Findings from genetic research suggest that, in many cases, schizophrenia may have a neurodevelopmental origin, which is, in turn, influenced by genetic factors. Biochemical research indicates that disturbances to the functioning of several brain neurotransmitters may collectively contribute to the changes in behaviour that are identified as the signs and symptoms of the condition. Neuropsychological research reinforces the view that schizophrenia is not a unitary condition, and that disturbances to discrete networks of neurons may be responsible for different sub-types of the disorder.
A role for Insulin-like growth factor 2 in specification of the fast skeletal muscle fibre
Authors: Merrick Deborah , Ting Tao , Stadler Lukas Kurt Josef , Smith Janet
Published: June 2007

Background

Fibre type specification is a poorly understood process beginning in embryogenesis in which skeletal muscle myotubes switch myosin-type to establish fast, slow and mixed fibre muscle groups with distinct function. Growth factors are required to establish slow fibres; it is unknown how fast twitch fibres are specified. Igf-2 is an embryonically expressed growth factor with established in vitro roles in skeletal muscle. Its localisation and role in embryonic muscle differentiation had not been established.

Results

Between E11.5 and E15.5 fast Myosin (FMyHC) localises to secondary myotubes evenly distributed throughout the embryonic musculature and gradually increasing in number so that by E15.5 around half contain FMyHC. The Igf-2 pattern closely correlates with FMyHC from E13.5 and peaks at E15.5 when over 90% of FMyHC+ myotubes also contain Igf-2. Igf-2 lags FMyHC and it is absent from muscle myotubes until E13.5. Igf-2 strongly down-regulates by E17.5. A striking feature of the FMyHC pattern is its increased heterogeneity and attenuation in many fibres from E15.5 to day one after birth (P1). Transgenic mice (MIG) which express Igf-2 in all of their myotubes, have increased FMyHC staining, a higher proportion of FMyHC+ myotubes and loose their FMyHC staining heterogeneity. In Igf-2 deficient mice (MatDi) FMyHC+ myotubes are reduced to 60% of WT by E15.5. In vitro, MIG induces a 50% excess of FMyHC+ and a 30% reduction of SMHyC+ myotubes in C2 cells which can be reversed by Igf-2-targeted ShRNA resulting in 50% reduction of FMyHC. Total number of myotubes was not affected.

Conclusion

In WT embryos the appearance of Igf-2 in embryonic myotubes lags FMyHC, but by E15.5 around 45% of secondary myotubes contain both proteins. Forced expression of Igf-2 into all myotubes causes an excess, and absence of Igf-2 suppresses, the FMyHC+ myotube component in both embryonic muscle and differentiated myoblasts. Igf-2 is thus required, not for initiating secondary myotube differentiation, but for establishing the correct proportion of FMyHC+ myotubes during fibre type specification (E15.5 - P1). Since specific loss of FMyHC fibres is associated with many skeletal muscle pathologies these data have important medical implications.
MAK-4 and -5 supplemented diet inhibits liver carcinogenesis in mice
Authors: Penza Marialetizia , Montani Claudia , Jeremic Marija , Mazzoleni Giovanna , Hsiao WL Wendy , Marra Maurizio , Sharma Hari , Di Lorenzo Diego
Published: June 2007

Background

Maharishi Amrit Kalash (MAK) is an herbal formulation composed of two herbal mixtures, MAK-4 and MAK-5. These preparations are part of a natural health care system from India, known as Maharishi Ayur-Veda. MAK-4 and MAK-5 are each composed of different herbs and are said to have maximum benefit when used in combination. This investigation evaluated the cancer inhibiting effects of MAK-4 and MAK-5, in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

In vitro assays: Aqueous extracts of MAK-4 and MAK-5 were tested for effects on ras induced cell transformation in the Rat 6 cell line assessed by focus formation assay. In vivo assays: Urethane-treated mice were put on a standard pellet diet or a diet supplemented with MAK-4, MAK-5 or both. At 36 weeks, livers were examined for tumors, sera for oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), and liver homogenates for enzyme activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and NAD(P)H: quinone reductase (QR). Liver fragments of MAK-fed mice were analyzed for connexin (cx) protein expression.

Results

MAK-5 and a combination of MAK-5 plus MAK-4, inhibited ras-induced cell transformation. In MAK-4, MAK-5 and MAK4+5-treated mice we observed a 35%, 27% and 46% reduction in the development of urethane-induced liver nodules respectively. MAK-4 and MAK4+5-treated mice had a significantly higher ORAC value (P < 0.05) compared to controls (200.2 ± 33.7 and 191.6 ± 32.2 vs. 152.2 ± 15.7 ORAC units, respectively). The urethane-treated MAK-4, MAK-5 and MAK4+5-fed mice had significantly higher activities of liver cytosolic enzymes compared to the urethane-treated controls and to untreated mice: GPX(0.23 ± 0.08, 0.21 ± 0.05, 0.25 ± 0.04, 0.20 ± 0.05, 0.21 ± 0.03 U/mg protein, respectively), GST (2.0 ± 0.4, 2.0 ± 0.6, 2.1 ± 0.3, 1.7 ± 0.2, 1.7 ± 0.2 U/mg protein, respectively) and QR (0.13 ± 0.02, 0.12 ± 0.06, 0.15 ± 0.03, 0.1 ± 0.04, 0.11 ± 0.03 U/mg protein, respectively). Livers of MAK-treated mice showed a time-dependent increased expression of cx32.

Conclusion

Our results show that a MAK-supplemented diet inhibits liver carcinogenesis in urethane-treated mice. The prevention of excessive oxidative damage and the up-regulation of connexin expression are two of the possible effects of these products.
Electronic Excitations in a Ladder Type Fluoranthenopyracylene in its Neutral and Charged States: A Theoretical and Experimental Study
Authors: Lukeš Vladimír , Matuszná Katarína , Rapta Peter , Dunsch Lothar , Aquino Adelia Justina Aguiar , Lischka Hans
Published: June 2007

This work reports on theoretical and spectroelectrochemical studies of a thermally and chemically stable fluoranthenopyracylene ladder type molecule 7,10,17,20 tetra-p-dodecylphenyl(bisfluorantheno[8,9-a,c]) pyracylene. Optimal geometries were evaluated for neutral and positively/negatively charged states performing density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Absorption spectral line frequencies as well as oscillator strengths were calculated using the time-dependent DFT and collective electronic oscillator (CEO) methods. The calculated optical spectra are in good agreement with the experimental measurements in solution. The difference of charged states produced by reduction and/or oxidation versus the electronic neutral forms on the vertical excitation energies and CEO electronic density matrix distribution has been characterized and compared to the geometrical changes of the molecular fragments. The localization of excitation in the optical transition of the charged states shows that the excitation is less separated and shows larger electronic coherence in comparison to the neutral form.
Soil Mineralogy Affects Conifer Forest Soil Carbon Source Utilization and Microbial Priming
Authors: Rasmussen Craig , Southard Randal J. , Horwath William R.
Published: June 2007

The cycling of temperate forest soil C is likely to be altered with climate change. Climate change may induce changes in forest litter that promotes priming, or enhanced decomposition of extant soil C. The effects of environmental factors such as temperature, litter quality, and soil mineralogy on priming are not well understood. The objectives of this study were to determine the interaction of temperature and soil mineral assemblage on priming of temperate forest soil C. We incubated soils from three forest types (ponderosa pine, white fir, and red fir), on granite (GR), basalt (BS), and andesite (AN) parent materials at three temperatures (12.5, 7.5, and 5.0°C), with the addition of 13C‐labeled ponderosa pine litter. Soil C mineralized from each parent material differed in response to increasing temperature (i.e., relative increases of 38–70% from 5.0–12.5°C), following a pattern of GR > BS > AN. The percentage of C derived from litter and soil C pools varied significantly by parent material and forest type. Andesite soils, dominated by short‐range‐oder (SRO) aluminosilicates demonstrated decreased priming relative to BS and GR soils across all forest types. Soil C mineralization rate data indicated that the majority of priming effects were short term (within the first 20 d of a 90‐d incubation). Regression analysis indicated control of priming by soil C, C/N, and soil C 13C signature, SRO Fe oxyhydroxides, and Al–humus complexes. Variation in the soil mineral assemblage was the dominant control of both cumulative soil C mineralization and soil C priming.
OpenMI: Open modelling interface
Authors: Gregersen J. B. , Gijsbers P. J. A. , Westen S. J. P.
Published: June 2007

Management issues in many sectors of society demand integrated analysis that can be supported by integrated modelling. Since all-inclusive modelling software is difficult to achieve, and possibly even undesirable, integrated modelling requires the linkage of individual models or model components that address specific domains. Emerging from the water sector, the OpenMI has been developed with the purpose of being the glue that can link together model components from various origins. The OpenMI provides a standardized interface to define, describe and transfer data on a time basis between software components that run simultaneously, thus supporting systems where feedback between the modelled processes is necessary in order to achieve physically sound results. The OpenMI allows the linking of models with different spatial and temporal representations: for example, linking river models and groundwater models, where the river model typically uses a one-dimensional grid and a short timestep and the groundwater model uses a two- or three-dimensional grid and a longer timestep. The OpenMI is designed to accommodate the easy migration of existing modelling systems, since their re-implementation may not be economically feasible due to the large investments that have been put into the development and testing of these systems.
Dynamic penalty function as a strategy in solving water resources combinatorial optimization problems with honey-bee mating optimization (HBMO) algorithm
Authors: Haddad Omid Bozorg , Mariño Miguel A.
Published: June 2007

Because of the complexity of some optimization problems, evolutionary and meta-heuristic algorithms are sometimes more applicable than the traditional optimization methods. Some difficulties in solving design-operation problems in the field of engineering are due to the multi-modality of the solution region of these problems. Since the design variables usually are specified as discrete variables and other continuous decision variables have to be set according to the range of the discrete ones, the possibility of trapping the final solution into some local optimum increases. In such cases, the capability of both traditional and evolutionary algorithms decreases. Thus, the development of a strategy to overcome this problem is the subject of this paper. For water utilities, one of the greatest potential areas for energy cost-savings is the effective scheduling of daily pump operations. Optimum design operation of pumping stations is a potential problem in this area that performs a wide background of solutions to this problem with different methods. Computation in all methods is driven by an objective function that includes operating and capital costs subject to various performances and hydraulic constraints. This paper achieves the optimal control and operation of an irrigation pumping station system by one of the latest tools used in optimization problems, which is the honey-bees mating optimization (HBMO) algorithm and is tested with a practical design. The HBMO algorithm with dynamic penalty function is presented and compared with two other well-known optimization tools which are the Lagrange multipliers (LM) method and genetic algorithms (GA) as well as with the previous results of the HBMO algorithm with constant penalty function for the same problem. The LM, GA and HBMO approaches simultaneously determine the least total annual cost of the pumping station and its operation. The solution includes the selection of pump type, capacity and the number of units, as well as scheduling the operation of irrigation pumps that results in minimum design and operating cost for a set of water demand curves. In this paper, the HBMO algorithm is applied and the dynamic penalty function is tested to demonstrate the efficiency of this combination simultaneously. The results are very promising and prove the ability of combining the dynamic penalty function with the HBMO algorithm for solving combinatorial design–operation optimization problems. Application of all these models to a real-world project shows not only considerable savings in cost and energy but also highlights the efficiency and capability of the dynamic penalty function in the HBMO algorithm for solving complex problems of this type.
Evaluation of spatially variable control parameters in a complex catchment modelling system: a genetic algorithm application
Authors: Fang Tianjun , Ball James E.
Published: June 2007

Successful implementation of a catchment modelling system requires careful consideration of the system calibration which involves evaluation of many spatially and temporally variable control parameters. Evaluation of spatially variable control parameters has been an issue of increasing concern arising from an increased awareness of the inappropriateness of assuming catchment averaged values. Presented herein is the application of a real-value coding genetic algorithm (GA) for evaluation of spatially variable control parameters for implementation with the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM). It was found that a real-value coding GA using multiple storms calibration was a robust search technique that was capable of identifying the most promising range of values for spatially variable control parameters. As the selection of appropriate GA operators is an important aspect of the GA efficiency, a comprehensive investigation of the GA operators in a high-dimensional search space was conducted. It was found that a uniform crossover operation was superior to both one-point and two-point crossover operations over the whole range of crossover probabilities, and the optimal uniform crossover and mutation probabilities for the complex system considered were in the range of 0.75–0.90 and 0.01–0.1, respectively.
Enediyne compounds - new promises in anticancer therapy
Authors: Gredičak Matija , Jerić Ivanka
Published: June 2007

Enediyne compounds - new promises in anticancer therapy

Scientists of all kinds have long been intrigued by the nature, action and potential of natural toxins that possess exceptional antibacterial and anticancer activities. These compounds, named enediynes, are among the most effective chemotherapeutic agents known. Often compared with intelligent weapons, due to the unique structure and sophisticated mechanism by which they destroy double-helical DNA, enediyne antibiotics are nowadays the most promising leaders in the anticancer therapy. Apart from their diversity, enediyne compounds share some structural and functional similarities. One fragment of a structure is responsible for the recognition and transport, another part acts as molecular trigger while the third, reactive enediyne unit, undergoes Bergman cycloaromatization and causes DNA breakage. Members of the enediyne family are already in clinical use to treat various cancers, but more general use is limited by their complex structure, which makes them formidable targets for synthetic chemists. There are three main approaches in the design of new enediyne-related compounds: improvement of enediyne "warheads", increasing the selectivity and control of chemical or photo-induced activation. This paper gives an overview of naturally occurring enediynes, their mode of action and efforts undertaken to design artificial enediyne-related DNA cleaving agents.
Spectrophotometric determination of pefloxacin mesylate in pharmaceuticals
Authors: Basavaiah Kanakapura , Prameela Hullikal , Somashekar Bankavadi
Published: June 2007

Spectrophotometric determination of pefloxacin mesylate in pharmaceuticals

A spectrophotometric method is described for assay of pefloxacin mesylate (PFM) in bulk drug and in tablets. The method is based on back extraction of the bromophenol blue dye at pH 5.2 from the dye-drug ion pair followed by measurement of the dye absorbance at 590 nm. The working conditions of the method were investigated and optimized. Beer's law plot showed a good correlation in the concentration range of 0.15-1.25 μg mL-1.Sensitivity indices such as molar absorptivity, limits of detection and quantification are reported. Intra-day and inter-day precision, and accuracy of the methods were established according to the ICH guidelines, and theervalues were in the range of -1.7 to 1.8% with RSD values ranging from 1.0 to 1.1%. The method was successfully applied to the assay of PFM in tablet preparations with recoveries varying from 97.5 to 101.9%, with standard deviation in the range of 0.6 to 1.9. The results were statistically compared with those of the reference method by applying Student'st-test andF-test. Accuracy evaluated by means of the spike recovery method, range from 97.0 to 106.0%, with precision better than 3%.
Micellar liquid chromatographic analysis of benzyl alcohol and benzaldehyde in injectable formulations
Authors: Rizk Mohamed , Ibrahim Fawzia , Hefnawy Mohamed , Nasr Jenny
Published: June 2007

Micellar liquid chromatographic analysis of benzyl alcohol and benzaldehyde in injectable formulations

An accurate, sensitive and selective reversed-phase micellar liquid chromatographic method was developed for simultaneous determination of benzyl alcohol and benzaldehyde. This method was applied in different injectable formulations containing diclofenac, piroxicam, lincomycin and clindamycin. The method showed excellent linearity in the range of 10-100 μg mL-1and 1-20 μg mL-1with the limit of detection (S/N = 3) 0.25 μg mL-1(2.3 x 10-6mol L-1) and 0.12 μg mL-1(1.13 x 10-6mol L-1) for benzyl alcohol and benzaldehyde, respectively. The suggested method was successfully applied to the analysis of the studied drugs in bulk with average recoveries of 100.1 ± 1.0% for benzyl alcohol and 100.4 ± 1.6% for benzaldehyde, and to the determination of benzyl alcohol and benzaldehyde in injectable formulations with the respective average recoveries of 99.8 ± 0.3 and 100.0 ± 0.4%.
Supramalleolar Lateral Closing Wedge Osteotomy for the Treatment of Varus Ankle Arthrosis
Authors: Harstall Roger , Lehmann Oliver , Krause Fabian , Weber Martin
Published: June 2007

Background: Medial ankle joint pain with localized cartilage degeneration due to medial joint overload in varus malalignment of the hindfoot lends itself to treatment by lateral closing wedge supramalleolar osteotomy. Methods: From 1998 to 2003, nine patients between the ages of 21 to 59 years were operated. The etiology of the malalignment and degeneration was posttraumatic in eight and childhood osteomyelitis in one. Preoperative and postoperative standing radiographs were analyzed to determine the correction of the deformity and the grade of degeneration. Function and pain were assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale. The average followup was 56 (range 15 to 88) months. Results: The average time to osseous union was 10 ± 3.31 weeks. There were no operative or postoperative complications. The average AOFAS score improved from 48 ± 16.0 preoperatively to 74 ± 11.7 postoperatively ( p < 0.004). The average pain subscore improved from 16 ± 8.8 to 30 ± 7.1 ( p < 0.008). The average tibial-ankle surface angle improved from 6.9 ± 3.8 degrees of varus preoperatively to 0.6 ± 1.9 degrees of valgus postoperatively ( p < 0.004). In the sagittal plane, the tibial-lateral-surface angle remained unchanged. At the final followup, two patients showed progression of radiographic ankle arthrosis grades. In one patient, it rose from grade 0 to I. In the other patient it advanced from grade II to III, with subsequent ankle arthrodesis required 16 months after the index procedure. Seven patients returned to their previous work. Conclusions: Lateral supramalleolar closing wedge osteotomy was an easy and safe procedure, effectively correcting hindfoot malalignment, relieving pain, restoring function, and halting progression of the degeneration in the short-term to mid-term in seven of nine patients.
Biomechanical Comparison of the Interosseous Tibiofibular Ligament and the Anterior Tibiofibular Ligament
Authors: Hoefnagels Eva M. , Waites Matthew D. , Wing Ian D. , Belkoff Stephen M. , Swierstra Bart A.
Published: June 2007

Background: The mechanical importance of the interosseous tibiofibular ligament of the ankle is unclear. The purpose of the current study was to compare the stiffness and strength of the interosseous tibiofibular ligament to that of the anterior tibiofibular ligament. Methods: Twelve pairs of ankles were obtained from the Maryland State Anatomy Board. All soft tissue was removed except for the interosseous tibiofibular ligament in one ankle of each pair and the anterior tibiofibular ligament in the contralateral ankle. The assignment of which ligament would be excised in the right or left ankle of each pair was random. The specimens were potted as bone-ligament-bone preparations and mounted in a servohydraulic testing machine so that the ligament's long axis was coincident with the actuator. Specimens were elongated at 0.5 mm/s until rupture. Failure load and failure site were recorded, and stiffness was calculated. Stiffness and failure loads were compared with a paired t-test. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The interosseous ligament was significantly stiffer (234 ± 122 N/mm) than the anterior tibiofibular ligament (162 ± 64 N/mm). The mean failure load of the interosseous tibiofibular ligament (822 ± 298 N) was significantly greater than that of the anterior tibiofibular ligament (625 ± 255 N). Conclusions: The interosseous tibiofibular ligament is stiffer and stronger than the anterior tibiofibular ligament. Clinical Relevance. The current study suggests that the interosseous ligament plays an important role in the stability of the ankle, and its status should be part of the diagnostic evaluation in syndesmotic instability.
Mediation gone wild: How three minutes put an ADR party behind bars
Authors: Young Michael D.
Published: June 2007

Michael D. Young, of Los Angeles, read that soft‐porn producer Joe Francis was put in jail in Florida for his conduct at a civil mediation during a federal suit Francis was defending. The suit alleged that Francis used underage girls in his notorious Girls Gone Wild videos. Young tracked down the documents in the case, and provides Alternatives' readers with a full chronology of the events leading to Francis's Mediation Spring Break in a federal penitentiary. The reach of the judge's rulings about the mediation raises many questions
An automated current‐awareness service for public libraries
Authors: Davis Charles H. , Hiatt Peter
Published: June 2007

The results of an SDI demonstration in a public library situation are reported. Modified second summaries of the Dewey Decimal Classification schedule were used as reading interest checksheets, and the resulting profiles were matched against recent acquisitions using an IBM 7040 computer and a FORTRAN IV program.

Output, which consisted of basic bibliographic information, was printed out under the names and addresses of the participating patrons. Both user response and time and cost data indicate the feasibility of such a service.
An analytical model of a library network
Authors: Nance Richard E.
Published: June 2007

Networks and network models of industrial and military systems have received much attention in operations research literature. The extension of network modeling to library networks provides some interesting twists of the usual models. A general library network is offered, a mathematical statement of the network problem is given, and the solution of the problem is discussed. An example of the use of the model in evaluation and design situations is provided. The necessity for further work in both theoretical and applied areas is cited in the summary.
Towards a metascience of information: Informatology
Authors: Otten Klaus , Debons Anthony
Published: June 2007

Arguments are advanced to suggest that information and operations on information are phenomena, the principles of which provide the basis for a meta‐science of information (informatology). The fundamental character of the phenomena is evidenced in the operations executed during the processing and communication functions. The role of the metascience is dictated by several factors, namely, the need for a common basis upon which all information‐oriented specialized sciences and technologies can be understood and studied, a common framework and language for all scientists and technologists concerned in some form or other with information, and the need to integrate various theories that concern themselves with the phenomena of information on one side and man's relationship to the phenomena on the other side. The content of the postulated metascience of information is circumscribed by a list of specific questions and problems for which the science has to provide answers and solutions. It is suggested that an educational concept responsive to the needs of metascience of information be developed and implemented.