Turning the winter of doctor discontent to summer : tackling GP needs in state primary care

Introduction: A study on job satisfaction among state General Practitioners (GPs) in Malta addressed the problem of the inadequate number of doctors within the government GP service. It investigated the hypothesis that this is due to poor job satisfaction, and allowed GPs to suggest other reasons and propose solutions. Method: A mixed methodology was used, with both quantitative (the Spector `Job Satisfaction Survey') and qualitative methods (3 open questions) in a questionnaire sent to current and former government GPs, followed by focus group/elite interviews. Results: 71 out of 136 questionnaires were returned, giving a 52% response rate. (a) Quantitative analysis: Job dissatisfaction was confirmed among health-centre doctors during 1998-2003. Taking significance as p<0.05, regression analysis revealed that doctors formerly working in health centres were significantly more dissatisfied than present ones (univariate p=0.033), and working part-time is significantly more satisfying than working full-time (univariate p=0.007, multiple p=0.039). (b) Qualitative analysis: 41% of GPs felt unappreciated, neglected and disrespected; 39% experienced job dissatisfaction, stress and depression; while 31% felt verbally and physically used, misused and abused. The top causes cited for the lack of government GPs were poor pay and ancillary benefits (70%), poor training prospects/ career progression (54%) and poor working conditions (46%). Discussion: As former state GPs during 1998-2002 were significantly more dissatisfied than those in employment in 2003, this corroborates the hypothesis that job dissatisfaction is associated with the shortage of government GPs. Direct solutions (enhanced remuneration/conditions and professional development) and indirect measures (organisational, management and educational initiatives to improve working arrangements) were proposed and discussed

Comparison of Water and Saltwater Movement in Mortar Based on a Semi-Empirical Electromagnetic Model

The presence of chloride ions in steel-reinforced structures leads to the corrosion of the reinforcement thus compromising the integrity and strength of the structure. Thus, it is of great importance to be able to non-destructively detect and evaluate the free chloride content in concrete. To that end, an investigation was initiated where two mortar cubes were soaked in distilled water and saltwater solutions, respectively. Their temporal microwave reflection properties were measured using open-ended rectangular waveguides on a daily basis for three cycles, each lasting 35 days. A semi-empirical electromagnetic model was then developed to simulate the reflection properties of the cubes. The outcome of the model describes the water and saltwater distribution within the cubes. In addition, the distribution curves also depict the manner in which the water and saltwater contents vary within the cubes from day to day. This paper presents a comparison between the water and saltwater distributions obtained from this model. The results of such a comparison would then indicate the mechanism of mass transport within the cubes

Chemical genetics : receptor-ligand pairs for rapid manipulation of neuronal activity

PMID: 22119143 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] PMCID: PMC3294416 Free PMC ArticlePeer reviewedPublisher PD

Observation of the Faraday effect via beam deflection in a longitudinal magnetic field

We report the observation of the magnetic field induced circular differential deflection of light at the interface of a Faraday medium. The difference in the angles of refraction or reflection between the two circular polarization components is a function of the magnetic field strength and the Verdet constant. The reported phenomena permit the observation of the Faraday effect not via polarization rotation in transmission, but via changes in the propagation direction in refraction or in reflection. An unpolarized light beam is predicted to split into its two circular polarization components. The light deflection arises within a few wavelengths at the interface and is therefore independent of pathlength

Ro 15-4513 Antagonizes Alcohol-Induced Sedation in Mice Through aß¿2-type GABA(A) Receptors

Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Identification of YdhV as the first molybdoenzyme binding a Bis-Mo-MPT cofactor in escherichia coli

The oxidoreductase YdhV in Escherichia coli has been predicted to belong to the family of molybdenum/tungsten cofactor (Moco/Wco)-containing enzymes. In this study, we characterized the YdhV protein in detail, which shares amino acid sequence homology with a tungsten-containing benzoyl-CoA reductase binding the bis-W-MPT (for metal-binding pterin) cofactor. The cofactor was identified to be of a bis-Mo-MPT type with no guanine nucleotides present, which represents a form of Moco that has not been found previously in any molybdoenzyme. Our studies showed that YdhV has a preference for bis-Mo-MPT over bis-W-MPT to be inserted into the enzyme. In-depth characterization of YdhV by X-ray absorption and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopies revealed that the bis-Mo-MPT cofactor in YdhV is redox active. The bis-Mo-MPT and bis-W-MPT cofactors include metal centers that bind the four sulfurs from the two dithiolene groups in addition to a cysteine and likely a sulfido ligand. The unexpected presence of a bis-Mo-MPT cofactor opens an additional route for cofactor biosynthesis in E. coli and expands the canon of the structurally highly versatile molybdenum and tungsten cofactors

Evaluation of Microwave Reflection Properties of Cyclically Soaked Mortar Based on a Semiempirical Electromagnetic Model

Detection of chloride ingress and evaluation of its distribution and temporal movement in reinforced concrete structures is an important practical issue. Steel reinforcing bars embedded in good quality concrete are normally protected from corrosion. However, the presence of a sufficient concentration of free chloride ions in the region of the reinforcing steel can initiate the process of corrosion. Therefore, it is important to be able to detect ingress of chloride ions and their distribution in cement-based materials. Moreover, it is important to obtain this information nondestructively. In recent years, near-field microwave nondestructive evaluation methods, using open-ended rectangular waveguide probes, have proven effective for evaluating many important properties of cement-based materials, including the detection of salt, added to the mixing water and when entering these materials through exposure to salt solution. Additionally, successful electromagnetic modeling of the interaction of microwave signals with moist cement-based materials has provided the necessary insight for evaluating the distribution and movement of moisture within these materials, leading to the current study involving ingress of sodium chloride solution. To this end, a mortar cube was subjected to cycles of wetting in a sodium chloride bath with a salinity of 2.8%, followed by episodes of drying. Subsequently, the microwave reflection properties of the cube were measured at 3 and 10 GHz using open-ended rectangular waveguides for several cycles, each lasting about 35 days. A semiempirical electromagnetic model, representing the cube as a stratified structure with a nonuniform dielectric property profile, was then developed to simulate the measured reflection properties. The simulated and the measured results at both frequencies and for all cycles were in good agreement. Subsequently, the effect of ingress of salt solution in terms of the temporal distribution of moisture along with the dissolved salt (i.e., pore solution) within the cube for every cycle was also estimated. This paper presents a brief description of the measurement approach and a detailed description of the model and its results

Electromagnetic Modeling of Saltwater Ingress in Mortar at Microwave Frequencies

Corrosion of reinforcing steel is a major cause of damage and deterioration in reinforced concrete structures. Therefore, as the presence of a sufficient concentration of chloride ions can lead to the onset of corrosion in embedded steel, it is of utmost importance to be able to determine the free salt content and its distribution in these materials. Moreover, it is important to obtain this information nondestructively. Previous investigations have shown the capability of near-field microwave nondestructive evaluation methods, using open-ended rectangular waveguide probes, to evaluate many important properties of cement-based materials. In this Investigation, the temporal microwave reflection properties of a mortar cube, subjected to cycles of wetting in a saltwater bath with a salinity of 2.8% and drying were measured at 3 GHz and 10 GHz using open-ended rectangular waveguides for several cycles, each lasting about 35 days. A semi-empirical electromagnetic model was then developed, representing the cube as a stratified structure with a dielectric constant profile to simulate the measured reflection properties. The issue of representing a continuous media as a stratified structure was also explored. The simulated and the measured results at both frequencies, and for all cycles were In good agreement. Subsequently, the volumetric free salt distribution, left In the cube, was also calculated. This paper presents a brief description of the model and its results at 3 GHz for the first cycle

An Electromagnetic Model for Evaluating Temporal Water Content Distribution and Movement in Cyclically Soaked Mortar

Evaluation of water distribution and its temporal movement in cement-based materials is important for assessing cement hydration, curing, and long-term performance. From a practical standpoint, it is also important to obtain this information nondestructively. Near-field microwave nondestructive evaluation methods have proven effective for evaluation of cement-based materials for their various mixture properties, including the detection of salt added to the mixing water and chloride ions entering these materials through exposure to salt water solutions. Electromagnetic modeling of the interaction of microwave signals with moist cement-based materials can provide the necessary insight to evaluate water content distribution and movement in these materials. To this end, the temporal microwave reflection properties of a mortar cube, subjected to cycles of wetting and drying, were measured at 3 and 10 GHz using open-ended rectangular waveguides for several cycles, each lasting about 35 days. A semiempirical electromagnetic model, based on modeling the cube as a layered structure with each layer having a different dielectric constant, was then developed to simulate the measured reflection properties. The simulated and measured results were obtained for both frequencies and, for all cycles, were in good agreement. The most important outcome of the model is the temporal behavior of water content distribution and, hence, its movement in the mortar cube. This paper presents a brief description of the measurement approach and a detailed description of the model. A detailed discussion of the results and its sensitivity to various parameters is also provided

A stable isotopic study of the diet of Potamonautes sidneyi (Brachyura: Potamonautidae) in two coastal lakes of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa

Potamonautes sidneyi Rathbun 1904, is a dominant freshwater crab in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Recent flood events in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park have allowed a substantial range expansion of this species, including previously hypersaline and desiccated areas. A stable isotope study was conducted to examine the feeding habits of the populations from Lake Sibaya and Mpophomeni Stream, two contrasting sites in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Juveniles from Mpophomeni Stream were more depleted in δ13C and more enriched in δ15N compared to adults, indicating a more carnivorous diet and higher trophic position. A general shift in diet was observed at both sites, with consumption of aquatic invertebrates and sedimentary organic matter more prevalent in the wet summer months, while greater proportions of detritus and microphytobenthos were consumed in autumn/winter. No significant difference was observed between adults from the two sites despite the abiotic variations. The species appears to play a complex role in the trophic web, by acting as an intermediate consumer facilitating the flow of nutrients across levels and by breaking down decomposing organic matter, allowing for rapid recycling of nutrients within its ecosystem.Keywords: diet, trophic role, stable isotopes, freshwater, brachyurans, opportunistic feeder