cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Complex association patterns for inflammatory mediators in induced sputum from subjects with asthma.

BACKGROUND The release of various inflammatory mediators into the bronchial lumen is thought to reflect both the type and degree of airway inflammation, eosinophilic Th2, and Th9, or neutrophilic Th1, and Th17, in patients with asthma. AIMS We investigated whether cytokines and chemokines differed in sputum from subjects with more severe compared with milder asthma and whether unbiased factor analysis of cytokine and chemokine groupings indicates specific inflammatory pathways. METHODS Cell-free supernatants from induced sputum were obtained from subjects with a broad range of asthma severity (n = 158) and assessed using Milliplex® Cytokines/Chemokine kits I, II and III, measuring 75 individual proteins. Each cytokine, chemokine or growth factor concentration was examined for differences between asthma severity groups, for association with leucocyte counts, and by factor analysis. RESULTS Severe asthma subjects had 9 increased and 4 decreased proteins compared to mild asthma subjects and fewer differences compared to moderate asthma. Twenty-six mediators were significantly associated with an increasing single leucocyte type: 16 with neutrophils (3 interleukins [IL], 3 CC chemokines, 4 CXC chemokines, 4 growth factors, TNF-α and CX3CL1/Fractalkine); 5 with lymphocytes (IL-7, IL-16, IL-23, IFN-α2 and CCL4/MIP1β); IL-15 and CCL15/MIP1δ with macrophages; IL-5 with eosinophils; and IL-4 and TNFSF10/TRAIL with airway epithelial cells. Factor analysis grouped 43 cytokines, chemokines and growth factors which had no missing data onto the first 10 factors, containing mixes of Th1, Th2, Th9 and Th17 inflammatory and anti-inflammatory proteins. CONCLUSIONS Sputum cytokines, chemokines and growth factors were increased in severe asthma, primarily with increased neutrophils. Factor analysis identified complex inflammatory protein interactions, suggesting airway inflammation in asthma is characterized by overlapping immune pathways. Thus, focus on a single specific inflammatory mediator or pathway may limit understanding the complexity of inflammation underlying airway changes in asthma and selection of appropriate therapy.
Variations in snowpack melt on the Greenland ice sheet based on passive-microwave measurements

A simple microwave-emission model is used to simulate 37 GHz brightness temperatures associated with snowpack-melt conditions for locations across the Greenland ice sheet. The simulated values are utilized as threshold values and compared to daily, gridded SMMR and SSM/I passive-microwave data, in order to reveal regions experiencing melt. The spatial extent of the area classified as melting is examined on a daily, monthly and seasonal (May-August) basis for 1979–91. The typical seasonal cycle of melt coverage shows melt beginning in late April, a rapid increase in the melting area from mid-May to mid-July, a rapid decrease in melt extent from late July through mid-August, and cessation of melt in late September. Seasonal averages of the daily melt extents demonstrate an apparent increase in melt coverage over the 13 year period of approximately 3.8% annually (significant at the 95% confidence interval). This increase is dominated by statistically significant positive trends in melt coverage during July and August in the west and southwest of the ice sheet. We find that a linear correlation between microwave-derived melt extent and a surface measure of ablation rate is significant in June and July but not August, so caution must be exercised in using the microwave-derived melt extents in August. Nevertheless, knowledge of the variability of snowpack melt on the Greenland ice sheet as derived from microwave data should prove useful in detecting climate change in the Arctic and examining the impact of climate change on the ice sheet.
Antibiotics, β -Lactam

Ceftriaxone is a white crystalline powder that displays broad-spectrum antibiotic activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In this article, the authors review the antibacterial mechanism of action and pharmacokinetics of ceftriaxone. They also review a novel mechanism of action of ceftriaxone, the enhancement of cellular glutamate uptake through activation of the astrocytic glutamate transporter subtype 1 (GLT-1) protein, and discuss the potential utility of ceftriaxone as a central nervous system (CNS)-active therapeutic for the treatment of diseases that lack safe and efficacious medications.
Land: Hybrid Corn

Crop plant modification through both breeding and genetic engineering have the potential for both improving human welfare and causing problems for people as well as the environment.
Outlook for EFT Technology

The development of electronic funds transfer (EFT) systems has been evolving over a period of years. A number of key elements contributed to its development and current widespread use. One of the leading forerunners in the use of computers was the banking industry. The first application was to mechanize the bookkeeping and accounting tasks within banks. This led to the automation of financial transaction flows at either the teller windows or in the check-sorting process.
Preparation of refractory metal powders with unusual properties

What is the potential of the flame reactor technology? Preparation of new alloy powders as well as pure powders of other metals should be quite feasible. Assurance of a stimulating development program is evident
Leading the Dialysis Unit: Role of the Medical Director

The responsibilities of a dialysis unit medical director are specified in the ESRD Conditions for Coverage and encompass multiple quality, safety, and educational domains. Many of these responsibilities require leadership skills that are neither intuitive nor acquired as part of the medical director's training. An effective medical director is able to shape the culture of the dialysis facility such that patients and staff feel free to communicate their concerns regarding suboptimal processes without fear of retribution, and there is a continuous iterative process of quality improvement and safety, which values input from all stakeholders. This ultimately decreases the use of shortcuts and work-arounds that may compromise patient safety and quality because policies and procedures make it easiest to do the right thing. Fundamental to this leadership by the medical director are communications skills, staff empowerment, allocation of resources, mentoring, team building, and strategic vision. The medical director leads by example and must be present in the dialysis unit for extended periods to send a message of accessibility and commitment. Many dialysis medical directors would benefit from leadership training inside or outside their dialysis corporation.
The correlation between DPYD*9A (c.85T > C) genotype and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency phenotype in patients with gastrointestinal malignancies treated with fluoropyrimidines: Updated analysis.

544Background: The correlation between DPYD*9A (c.85T > C) genotype and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency phenotype is controversial. In our cohort of 28 patients with gastrointestin...
Sponsorships in Sports Marketing: Some Propositions

Sponsorships of sporting events have experienced phenomenal growth in recent years. Yet, very little research attention has been devoted to this widely used promotional tool. We first briefly clarify the phenomenon of sport sponsorship, and then provide propositions concerning areas of interest that researchers may wish to pursue. In doing so, we point out existing gaps in the sports sponsorship literature and present propositions delineating possible foci of future research.
Agent-Based Models for Assessing Complex Statistical Models: An Example Evaluating Selection and Social Influence Estimates from SIENA.

Although agent-based models (ABMs) have been increasingly accepted in social sciences as a valid tool to formalize theory, propose mechanisms able to recreate regularities, and guide empirical rese...
The state of progress and associated challenges in the global deployment of small modular reactors

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) represent an innovative class of reactors with the advantages demonstrated through the reliable history of the current fleet coupled with a unique operational paradigm that may facilitate their deployment. This paradigm refers to new markets: nuclear hybrid energy systems; baseload generation to back intermittent renewable sources or process heat applications; decentralised electricity grid generation, where electricity demand may not support large reactors or the water supply is limited; and construction of single modules at a time, allowing new investors to enter the market with lower investments risks. With the increase in wind and solar generation worldwide, the inherent electricity grid and market fluctuations must be addressed. SMRs offer one potential solution; however, the social, political, and economic challenges must be overcome in regions where nuclear power is already prevalent. Other obstacles exist in new nuclear markets, including the development of a regulatory body and supply chain.
Analysis on Recycle of Steam Condensate in Automobile Industry

The article introduces a new method of recycling steam condensate in Automobile industry for the area without central condensate return piping,analysis the disadvantage of normal design,seek and probe into the best design method and scheme.
Clinical Reasoning: An underrecognized etiology of new daily persistent headache.

A 66-year-old man with no headache history presented with a new daily and persistent headache that began acutely 1 year ago without any clear provoking features. The pain was mild, constant holocephalic pressure with associated photophobia and phonophobia. He denied nausea/vomiting or migraine aura–like symptoms. Previously failed preventive migraine medications included onabotulinumtoxinA injections, nortriptyline, gabapentin, and metoprolol. The patient's neurologic examination including funduscopic evaluation was normal.
LONG TERM OUTCOMES IN MIXED AORTIC VALVE DISEASE

Mixed aortic valve disease (MAVD) is the concurrent presence of aortic stenosis (AS) and aortic regurgitation (AR). We aim to evaluate the long-term outcomes and its associations in a contemporary cohort of patients with MAVD with extended follow-up. This cohort study evaluated 862 patients with at
Revisiting Minimal Realizations [Lecture Notes]

Although realizations of transfer functions are a standard topic in textbooks about linear systems theory, this article focuses on several points that are not widely treated. First, it is shown that, for a given dynamics matrix A, the smallest number of sensors and actuators that can be used to form a minimal realization is determined by properties of the Jordan form of A. This leads to the notions of minimally sensed and minimally actuated systems. Next, the rank of a transfer function is related to properties of the Jordan form of A and the rank of the Rosenbrock system matrix.
The rapid evolution of complex systems from simple beginnings

Methods for the geological production of proteinous amino acids are examined. Particular attention was given to organic evolution and thermal polymerization. Also included are data on amino acid reactions after polymerization.
Regulatory Requirements in the United States on Hygiene Control in the Design, Construction, and Renovation of Food Processing Factories

The regulatory requirements on hygiene control in the design, construction and renovation of food processing facilities in the United States are summarized. Food processing plants in the United States fall under the federal regulatory authority of the FDA or the USDA. However, state agencies play the major role in approval of hygienic plant design and in the enforcement of the standards. Additional government entities may be involved in a non-regulatory role, such as the USDA Dairy Program. An overview of the applicable federal statutes and regulations is provided, which generally specify performance requirements. The role of third party certifying organizations is explained, as well as the use of guidance and other recommendations. Finally, specific regulations for specialized processes, such as low-acid canning, are discussed.
Adiponectin: spectator or player?

Despite efforts at controlling traditional risk factors, stroke remains a devastating and all-too-common disease. Identifying new markers for patients at higher risk of stroke would aid in future risk factor management as well as potentially offering new venues for preventive therapies. In this issue of Stroke , Efstathiou et al1 report on a highly significant inverse relation between adiponectin levels and subsequent 5-year mortality. Adiponectin, a recently discovered cytokine, has previously been theorized to be involved in the development of atherosclerotic disease.2 Adiponectin appears to have both anti-inflammatory and antiatherogenic properties, and as such, it was expected that there would be an inverse relation between the serum level of adiponectin and subsequent cerebrovascular mortality. In their study, Efstathiou et al confirm this inverse relation, finding that patients with adiponectin levels in the lowest tertile had a 92.8% 5-year mortality compared with a 10.5% mortality in patients with adiponectin levels in the highest tertile.1 This corresponds to an 8-fold increase in risk for individuals with low adiponectin levels compared with those with the highest tertile of adiponectin levels. Similar results with adiponectin have been …
Population Dynamics of Soil Pseudomonads in the Rhizosphere of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.).

Rhizosphere population dynamics of seven Pseudomonas fluorescens and Pseudomonas putida strains isolated from rhizospheres of various agricultural plants were studied on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in field soil under controlled environmental conditions. Rhizosphere populations of two strains (B10 and B4) were quantitatively related to initial seed piece inoculum levels when plants were grown at -0.3 bar matric potential. At a given inoculum level, rhizosphere populations of strain B4 were consistently greater than those of strain B10. In vivo growth curves on 4-cm root tip-proximal segments indicated that both strains grew at similar rates in the potato rhizosphere, but large populations of strain B10 were not maintained at 24 degrees C after 7 h, whereas those of strain B4 were maintained for at least 40 h. Although both strains grew more rapidly in the rhizosphere at 24 degrees C than at 12 degrees C, their rhizosphere populations after seed piece inoculation were generally greater at 12 or 18 degrees C, indicating that in vivo growth did not solely determine rhizosphere populations in these studies. In vitro osmotolerance of seven Pseudomonas strains (including strains B4 and B10) was correlated with their abilities to establish stable populations in the rhizosphere of potato. Stability of rhizosphere populations of the Pseudomonas strains studied here was maximized at low (i.e., 12 degrees C) soil temperatures. These results indicate that Pseudomonas strains differ in their capacity to maintain stable rhizosphere populations in association with potato. This capacity, distinct from the ability to grow in the rhizosphere, may limit the establishment of rhizosphere populations under some environmental conditions.
Rapid nitrate uptake rates and large short-term storage capacities may explain why opportunistic green macroalgae dominate shallow eutrophic estuaries.

We quantified the effects of initial macroalgal tissue nitrogen (N) status (depleted and enriched) and varying pulses of nitrate (NO3 (-) ) concentration on uptake and storage of nitrogen in Ulva intestinalis L. and Ulva expansa (Setch.) Setch. et N. L. Gardner using mesocosms modeling shallow coastal estuaries in Mediterranean climates. Uptake of NO3 (-) (μmol · g dry weight [dwt](-1) · h(-1) ) was measured as loss from the water after 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h and storage as total tissue nitrogen (% dwt) and nitrate (ppm). Both species of algae exhibited a high affinity for NO3 (-) across all N pulses and initial tissue contents. There was greater NO3 (-) removal from the water for depleted than enriched algae across all time intervals. In the low-N-pulse treatment, U. intestinalis and U. expansa removed all measurable NO3 (-) within 8 and 12 h, respectively, and in the medium and high treatments, removal was high and then decreased over time. Maximum mean uptake rates of nitrate were greater for U. expansa (∼300 μmol · g dwt(-1) · h(-1) ) than U. intestinalis (∼100 μmol · g dwt(-1) · h(-1) ); however, uptake rates were highly variable over time. Overall, U. expansa uptake rates were double those of U. intestinalis. Maximum tissue NO3 (-) for U. expansa was >1,000 ppm, five times that of U. intestinalis, suggesting that U. expansa has a greater storage capacity in this cellular pool. These results showed that opportunistic green algae with differing tissue nutrient histories were able to efficiently remove nitrate from the water across a wide range of N pulses; thus, both are highly adapted to proliferate in estuarine environments with pulsed nutrient supplies.
Chronometric corrections to the determination of masses of distant galaxies

Measurements on distant galaxies are reinterpreted according to Segal’s new chronometric theory of the cosmos, admitting the conformal groupSO4,2 as a global symmetry group. In particular, we find the corrected values for the ratio neutral-hydrogen mass to total mass as given in the 21 cm study of peculiar galaxies by Peterson and Shostak. For this sample, the apparent, increase of the mass ratio with distance is reduced in the chronometric theory.
Sex differences in how a low sensitivity to alcohol relates to later heavy drinking.

Introduction and Aims. A low level of response (LR), or low sensitivity, to alcohol is a genetically influenced characteristic that predicts future heavy drinking and alcohol problems. While previous analyses of how LR relates to heavier drinking reported the process is similar in males and females, some potential sex differences have been identified. This difference is further explored in these analyses. Design and Methods. Prospective structural equation models (SEMs) were evaluated for 183 young adult females and 162 males, none of Asian background, from the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism. Invariance analyses and SEM evaluations by sex were used to compare across females and males for these primarily Caucasian (75%), non-Asian young (mean age 19) subjects. Results. The prospective SEM for the full set of 345 subjects had good fit characteristics and explained 37% of the variance. While the initial invariance analyses identified few sex differences, comparisons of correlations and direct evaluations of path coefficients across males and females indicated that only females showed a link between a low LR and future alcohol problems that was partially mediated by more positive alcohol expectancies and drinking to cope. These sex differences were reflected in the different structures of the SEM results for female versus male subjects. Discussion and Conclusions. These prospective results indicate that there might be some important sex differences regarding how a lower LR relates to alcohol outcomes that should be considered in protocols focusing on preventing the impact of LR on future drinking problems.[Schuckit MA, Smith TL, Trim RS, Kuperman S, Kramer J, Hesselbrock V, Bucholz KK, Nurnberger Jr JI, Hesselbrock M, Saunders G. Sex differences in how a low sensitivity to alcohol relates to later heavy drinking. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012]. Language: en
Jan Linderberg, Scientist, Teacher, Friend

Abstract It is difficult to write an article about a close friend and colleague, and when asked to do so about Jan Erik Linderberg, I hesitated. It would be far less demanding to give a speech about him with a few jokes and reminiscences. Nevertheless, I have tried to present Jan as I know him. I am not trying to list everything that he has done in science and otherwise. That is too difficult a task. I have instead picked a few examples of his published works and glimpses of events in his career and present them as illustrations of Jan the Scientist, the Teacher, and the Friend.
Functional advantages of dynamic protein disorder

Intrinsically disordered proteins participate in many important cellular regulatory processes. The absence of a well-defined structure in the free state of a disordered domain, and even on occasion when it is bound to physiological partners, is fundamental to its function. Disordered domains are frequently the location of multiple sites for post-translational modification, the key element of metabolic control in the cell. When a disordered domain folds upon binding to a partner, the resulting complex buries a far greater surface area than in an interaction of comparably-sized folded proteins, thus maximizing specificity at modest protein size. Disorder also maintains accessibility of sites for post-translational modification. Because of their inherent plasticity, disordered domains frequently adopt entirely different structures when bound to different partners, increasing the repertoire of available interactions without the necessity for expression of many different proteins. This feature also adds to the faithfulness of cellular regulation, as the availability of a given disordered domain depends on competition between various partners relevant to different cellular processes.
The crabs that live where hot and cold collide.

The distribution of Kiwa tyleri with the large male individual in the high-temperature flow (right hand side – fluid flow indicated by shimmering water) and the mixed sex assemblage (left). Note the heavy coat of epibiotic bacteria (grey colouring) on the individual in the hottest section of the vent, as expected from being closest to the sulphide needed to sustain the epibiotic bacteria that this species harvests for its food. Image courtesy of Dr. L. Marsh (Credit: NERC ChEsSo Consortium). In Focus: Marsh, L., Copley, J.T., Tyler, P.A. & Thatje, S. (2015) In hot and cold water: differential life-history traits are key to success in contrasting thermal deep-sea environments. Journal of Animal Ecology, 84, 898–913. Southern Ocean hydrothermal vents juxtapose two extremes – intense food-poor cold and scalding food-rich oases. At these vents, Marsh et al. (2015) found a community of Kiwa (Yeti) crabs that separated themselves along this gradient with the largest males sitting in hot, food-rich waters, while smaller males and females co-occur in an intermediate zone of warmth. However, as their eggs start to develop, females embark away from the vent to the food-poor yet stable cold of the Southern Ocean. This species has found an intriguing way to balance foraging risk and population persistence at the interface of hot and cold.
Launching a Hospital-Wide Hand Hygiene Education and Competency Program To Meet JCAHO Safety Goal #7

Abstract ISSUE: The new hand hygiene recommendations are the first in a series of patient safety campaigns to educate healthcare personnel. Hand and nail hygiene was chosen to start the series as a key safety goal to reduce hospital-acquired infections and prevent the spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria. How to monitor caregivers hand and nail habits was an issue. PROJECT: A Hand Hygiene Task Force was developed to critique the education program and to develop a monitoring tool and competency on hand and nail hygiene. A PowerPoint presentation was developed that included key points on patient safety goals, use of waterless hand antiseptic, glove and lotion usage, artificial and natural nails. Sessions were mandatory for all direct caregivers. A monitoring tool was developed by the task force and incorporated into the competency program. RESULTS: Education sessions were completed in 1 month. Raffling hand kit prizes improved attendance rates. Managers were asked to complete a monitoring tool on direct caregivers on their units. Ten observations per month or 30 per quarter are the recommendations. Results are tallied by Infection Control and Standards and then reported quarterly to the hospital Leadership Committee. An Individual Competency assessment plan was also developed in critical elements. This was incorporated into the hospital competency plan. Managers could choose hand and nail hygiene as one of the patient safety goals for competency by individual/group discussion or observation. LESSONS LEARNED: The patient safety act is an important initiative in healthcare. We are able to measure the outcomes of our education process and include individual remediation similar to the other patient safety goals in the hospital competency plan.
Is there a Dutch disease in Botswana

Abstract The Dutch disease is regularly evoked in the resource curse literature and remains a frequent explanation for the poor economic performance found in many resource-rich countries. Given Botswana's high rate of per capita GDP growth, it might seem superfluous at first glance to ask whether or not there is a Dutch disease in Botswana. Yet, Botswana merits study here both as a significant potential exception to any posited inevitability of the Dutch disease and also because the debate on whether or not Botswana has avoided the Dutch disease is far less settled than is indicated by its economic growth record. Botswana currently suffers from many of the symptoms of the Dutch disease but not for the causal reasons posited in the Dutch disease model. Indeed, many of the explanations for the lack of diversification found in Botswana's mineral-dependent economy have nothing to do with either diamond revenues or the Dutch disease. Botswana has done about as well managing its resource wealth as could realistically be expected but it is unlikely to succeed in diversifying its economy away from diamonds anytime soon.
Talk About Teaching: Reflections on the Problem of Teaching Evaluation

A teacher should be an important resource, but it is more essential to learn from them an attitude towards the material, towards learning, towards life. If a teacher's job is to help in the growth process of the student, I believe that the qualities of personhood are equally if not more important than those of scholarship.
Discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) kinase as target for structure-based drug discovery

Discoidin domain receptor (DDR) 1 and 2 are transmembrane receptors that belong to the family of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK). Upon collagen binding, DDRs transduce cellular signaling involved in various cell functions, including cell adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, migration, and matrix homeostasis. Altered DDR function resulting from either mutations or overexpression has been implicated in several types of disease, including atherosclerosis, inflammation, cancer, and tissue fibrosis. Several established inhibitors, such as imatinib, dasatinib, and nilotinib, originally developed as Abelson murine leukemia (Abl) kinase inhibitors, have been found to inhibit DDR kinase activity. As we review here, recent discoveries of novel inhibitors and their co-crystal structure with the DDR1 kinase domain have made structure-based drug discovery for DDR1 amenable.
Newly diagnosed pulmonary sarcoidosis in HIV-infected patients.

PURPOSE: To determine the radiologic and clinical features of newly diagnosed pulmonary sarcoidosis in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–infected patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten HIV-infected patients (seven women, three men; age range, 26–66 years; mean age, 37 years) with newly diagnosed sarcoidosis between 1989 and 1997 were retrospectively identified. Charts were reviewed for the interval between the two diagnoses, CD4 cell count, signs or symptoms, angiotensin-converting enzyme level, and initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Chest radiographs (n = 10) and computed tomographic (CT) scans (n = 8) were assessed for lymphadenopathy, pulmonary nodules, focal consolidation, reticular or granular opacities (thickened interlobular septa and ground-glass opacities at CT), cysts or cavities, and fibrosis. RESULTS: Mean interval between the two diagnoses was 3 years. Mean CD4 cell count was 213 cells per cubic millimeter. When sarcoidosis was diagnosed, eight patients had pulmonary s...
The Social Transformation Of American Medicine Starr, P. (Basic Books, Inc., New York, 1982), 514 pages, $24.95

(1984). The Social Transformation Of American Medicine Starr, P. (Basic Books, Inc., New York, 1982), 514 pages, $24.95. Journal of Legal Medicine: Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 153-162.
Metabolic activation of organic extracts from diesel, coke oven, roofing tar, and cigarette smoke emissions in the Ames assay.

Four environmental emissions samples were ranked by their genotoxic potency in several bioassays. Although the relative potency of a series of automotive emissions (diesel and gasoline) in the Ames assay correlated well with the relative potency in mammalian cell and mouse skin, this was not the case for the coke oven, roofing tar, and cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) emissions. This study examines the role of metabolic activation in determining the difference between a microbial and a mammalian bioassay in ranking the genotoxic potency of these environmental emissions. Uninduced and Aroclor 1254-induced S9 from both rat and hamster liver were compared as the metabolic activator in the Ames assay with Salmonella typhimurium TA98. The diesel emissions sample was direct-acting while the other samples required activation. The standard S9 concentration also produced the maximum mutagenic activity. The relative potency of these four samples was not significantly different between the microbial (Ames), mammalian cell (mouse lymphoma), and tumor initiation (mouse skin) assays. These results suggest that the differences observed between the relative mutagenic activity of these emissions in the mammalian cell and microbial assays was not due to a lack of optimization of the S9 system but may be inherent in the differentmore » response of the indicator cells to different chemical classes.« less
Factors associated with safe patient handling behaviors among critical care nurses

Background Patient handling is a major risk factor for musculoskeletal (MS) injury among nurses. The aims of the study were to describe nurses' work behaviors related to safe patient handling and identify factors influencing their safe work behaviors, including the use of lifting equipment. Methods A cross-sectional study using a mailed questionnaire with a nationwide random sample of 361 critical care nurses. Nurses reported on the physical, psychosocial, and organizational characteristics of their jobs and on their MS symptoms, risk perception, work behaviors, and demographics. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analyses were used to identify significant factors. Results More than half of participants had no lifting equipment on their unit, and 74% reported that they performed all patient lift or transfer tasks manually. Significant factors for safer work behavior included better safety climate, higher effort–reward imbalance, less overcommitment, greater social support, and day shift work. Physical workload, personal risk perception, or MS symptom experiences were not associated with safe work behavior. Conclusions Safe work behaviors are best understood as socio-cultural phenomena influenced by organizational, psychosocial, and job factors but, counter to extant theories of health behaviors, do not appear to be related to personal risk perception. Management efforts to improve working conditions and enhance safety culture in hospitals could prove to be crucial in promoting nurses' safe work behavior and reducing risk of MS injury. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:886–897, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Prolactin responsive neurons in the rabbit hypothalamus.

Abstract The effects of intravenous injections of Prolactin on the firing rates of individual hypothalamic neurons have been studied in 45 units in 11 unanesthetized rabbits. The rabbits were chronically implanted with cortical silver ball electrodes, a silastic intravenous cannula and a stainless steel adaptor to hold a positionable microelectrode guide tube through which the electrode could be advanced into the hypothalamus by a remote hydraulic drive. Appropriate connections to the implanted facilities could be made at a plastic platform fixed rigidly to the skull. Out of 40 neurons tested with Prolactin, 11 increased and 14 decreased their rate of firing; the remaining 15 showed no change of activity. The findings suggest a short-loop feedback action of Prolactin on the brain but do not localize the pathways employed.
Probability detection mechanisms and motor learning

The automatic detection of patterns or regularities in the environment is central to certain forms of motor learning, which are largely procedural and implicit. The rules underlying the detection and use of probabilistic information in the perceptual-motor domain are largely unknown. We conducted two experiments involving a motor learning task with direct and crossed mapping of motor responses in which probabilities were present at the stimulus set level, the response set level, and at the level of stimulus-response (S-R) mapping. We manipulated only one level at a time, while controlling for the other two. The results show that probabilities were detected only when present at the S-R mapping and motor levels, but not at the perceptual one (experiment 1), unless the perceptual features have a dimensional overlap with the S-R mapping rule (experiment 2). The effects of probability detection were mostly facilitatory at the S-R mapping, both facilitatory and inhibitory at the perceptual level, and predominantly inhibitory at the response-set level. The facilitatory effects were based on learning the absolute frequencies first and transitional probabilities later (for the S-R mapping rule) or both types of information at the same time (for perceptual level), whereas the inhibitory effects were based on learning first the transitional probabilities. Our data suggest that both absolute frequencies and transitional probabilities are used in motor learning, but in different temporal orders, according to the probabilistic properties of the environment. The results support the idea that separate neural circuits may be involved in detecting absolute frequencies as compared to transitional probabilities.
New concepts in bioorganic chemistry beyond enzyme kinetics: Direct determination of mechanisms by stopped-flow mass spectrometry

The development of soft ionization techniques has made mass spectrometry an efficient and essential tool for the determinations of the primary structures of peptides and proteins. Recently the technique has been extended at an explosive rate to noncovalent structures as well as dynamics of protein-protein interactions. We propose here that interfacing mass spectrometry with a stopped-flow mixing device and applying these new techniques of soft ionization to enzymes undergoing catalysis will provide direct access to enzyme mechanisms, both kinetic mechanisms (which describe the comings and goings of substrates, products, and inhibitors) and chemical mechanisms (which describe the order of breaking and making chemical bonds). Transient-state measurements will provide the order of reaction events; steady-state measurements will provide the distribution and therefore the relative energy level of enzyme forms participating in those events; combining transient-state and steady-state measurements is therefore expected to provide sufficient information to construct a free energy diagram of the enzyme-catalyzed reaction.
Structure −Activity Relationship Studies of Targeting Ligands against Breast Cancer Cells

A series of LXY3 (1) analogues were designed and synthesized. Their binding affinity was demonstrated using MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells adherence inhibition assay. Further structure−activity rel...
A diskette-microprocessor emulator replacement for paper-tape peripherals in an educational laboratory minicomputer system

Abstract A microprocessor-based diskette system for replacement of high-speed punch paper tape Input/Output functions is described. The system was designed for an educational laboratory environment. Thus, it was designed to emulate paper tape I/O functions to cause minimal problems for students making the transition from paper tape to diskette I/O, while providing for faster, more convenient, and more reliable I/O.
Population structure and spatial pattern in the dioecious shrub Ceratiola ericoides

The dioecious shrub Ceratiola ericoides (Florida rosemary) dominates xeric, infrequently burned Florida scrub vegetation, often to the near-exclusion of other woody species. We studied the spatial pattern, age, sex and size structure of four populations in Florida, USA: two coastal scrub populations subject to recurrent local disturbances due to sand movement, and two inland scrub populations in sites periodically burned by stand-replacing fires. The age structure of individual genets was estimated from node counts and used to describe the age structure of the populations. The sex ratio of males to females was not significantly different from 1:1, except within a fe- male-biased coastal population subject to frequent sand move- ment. Node counts indicated that the mean age for reproduc- tive individuals was 15 - 16 yr for the inland populations and 13 - 16 yr for the coastal populations. In all sites, there was no difference in mean age between males and females. Vegeta- tive reproduction was uncommon except for the least-dis- turbed coastal population where 72 % of the reproductive individuals originated through layering. Individuals were gen- erally randomly dispersed at the coastal sites, whereas signifi- cant aggregation of males and females occurred in the inland sites where the populations were initiated following fire. Seed- ling recruitment was continuous in the disturbed coastal scrub site, where 35 % of the individuals were juveniles. Most juve- niles were dispersed from 0.5 to 0.75 m around females. At one of the inland sites, where juveniles comprised 11 % of the population, juveniles were clustered at 0.25 to 5.75 m around females. Coastal populations were all-aged, while inland populations were uneven-aged. Recruitment appears to follow periods of disturbance; infrequent fire in the inland populations and continuous sand movement on the coast are factors initiat- ing recruitment.
109Ag NMR lineshape study of the 3q incommensurate insulator proustite (Ag3AsS3)

Abstract We have observed the NMR lineshape for 109 Ag in the paraelectric, incommensurate and commensurate phases of the 3 q incommensurate insulator proustite (Ag 3 AsS 3 ). In the paraelectric phase we observed discrete narrow lines representative of the six Ag sites in the unit cell. In the incommunsurate region the narrow lines are replaced by two broad, featureless peaks, typical of a 3 q incommensurate modulation. This is the first observation of such incommensurate line broadening for a dipolar nucleus in an insulator. In the commensurate region a larger number of discrete lines are observed, indicative of an increase in the size of the unit cell.
The Emergence of Barebacking Among Gay and Bisexual Men in the United States: A Public Health Perspective

SUMMARY Barebacking (intentional unprotected anal sex) represents a significant threat to the health of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM), which is not well defined and understood. Despite a relative lack of research on this issue, most MSM have heard of barebacking, and a substantial minority has had bareback sex. Individual reasons and six community-level influences that may have contributed to the emergence of barebacking are reviewed: (1) improvements in HIV treatment, (2) more complex sexual decision-making, (3) the Internet, (4) substance use, (5) safer sex fatigue, and (6) changes in HIV prevention programs. The implications of barebacking for HIV prevention are discussed, and suggestions for future research are offered.
Peptide factor extracted from molluscan ganglia that modulates bursting pacemaker activity.

NEUROHORMONES have been suggested as long term regulators of the physiology and biochemistry of nervous tissue1–3. Long term changes in the electrophysiology and biochemistry of a specific neurosecretory cell in the land snail Otala lactea4,5 suggested such a form of long term hormonal regulation, and in fact several vertebrate neurohypophysial peptides cause long term changes in the membrane properties of this cell6. The regulatory effects observed involve the induction or potentiation of bursting pacemaker potential (BPP) activity, resulting in net excitation of the cell. These effects are different from the conventional transient conductance changes produced by various putative transmitters on these cells. We have now found a naturally occurring substance present in the snail brain that produces similar long term changes in the membrane properties of this neurosecretory cell. The results provide evidence for a peptide neurohormone which may function physiologically in the seasonal regulation of the physiology and biochemistry of a neurosecretory cell.
On the function of the 2'-hydroxyl group in the peptidyl tRNA terminus during elongation in ribosomal peptide biosynthesis

Abstract Intramolecular ester amminolysis in 1,2-diglycyloxyethane, which was used in the present study to represent a bis(acyloxy)-tRNA adenylate terminus, was found to be so slow (5–10% yield after 8–10 hours at 195°) that the likelihood of bis(acyloxy)-tRNA as an intermediate in the ribosomal peptide biosynthetic process appears to be highly improbable.
Behavioral Changes in Social Groups of Bluegills Exposed to Copper

Abstract The effects of three concentrations of copper (0.034, 0.057, and 1.30 mg/L) on the behavior of social groups of bluegills Lepomis macrochirus were examined. Social hierarchy formation was similar in all test groups. Ten behaviors, including respiratory disruptions and changes in comfort movements and aggression, were monitored. At the group level, there was a significant positive dose-response relationship demonstrated for coughs, yawns, fin flicks, nips and threats. The most subordinate and most dominant individuals of the hierarchy were affected more than the other fish. Subordinate fish had higher cough, yawn, and fin-flick frequencies during treatment than all other fish in the population; the dominant fish had the next highest frequencies. The aggressiveness of the dominant fish in each tank increased after copper exposure. The observation of significant behavioral changes at copper concentrations as low as 0.034 mg/L demonstrated that behavior can be a sensitive indicator of copper stress.
Stimulation of sugar‐beet hypocotyl extension with potassium nitrate

Summary Steeping sugar-beet seeds in an aqueous thiram suspension, as now used commercially in the UK, makes seedling emergence more rapid and increases the number of plants established. This study investigated whether the potassium and nitrate, removed by steeping, were needed to stimulate subsequent hypocotyl growth. Experiments under controlled conditions showed that re-incorporation of KNO3 by adding the salt to the steeping solution or, less wastefully during pelleting, slightly slowed root protrusion but made hypocotyl extension more rapid, particularly under dry conditions. There were indications that placement of KNO3 under the seed would be better. Nevertheless, in the field where recommended amounts of fertiliser were applied, incorporation of about 5 g KNO3/kg seed during pelleting was consistently beneficial following the four sowings. This amount decreased the time to half-final emergence by 0.3 days, gave 3% more established plants and, with the later sowings, increased dry weight in mid-May by 10%.
The impact of interactions in spatial simulation of the dynamics of urban sprawl

This study investigated the modeling process for simulating the spatial dynamics of an urban ecosystem. Logistic regression is a common method for empirically modeling and analyzing land use and land use change. In most conventional applications of logistic regression, only the individual factors of the system are considered in the development of the logistic regression functions. However, this does not consider the relationships among factors that potentially occur within most ecosystems. Factors in a system, especially an urban system, are usually not fixed and not independent of each other, but rather are influenced by each other. Based on this point of view, the interactions of factors are introduced into a logistic regression in this study. This technique has been tested with a case study using historical land use maps and a spatially explicit dynamic cellular automata urban sprawl model. Using historical land use data, a logistic regression was used to analytically weight the scores of the driving factors of an urban sprawl model for predicting probability maps of land use change. The results of the case study have verified that interactions of factors can significantly improve the prediction of spatial dynamics of urban sprawl, and can provide a means to improve cellular automata models for simulation of the dynamics of urban and other ecosystems.
Human DNA Ligase IV and the Ligase IV/XRCC4 Complex: Analysis of Nick Ligation Fidelity†

In addition to linking nicked/fragmented DNA molecules back into a contiguous duplex, DNA ligases also have the capacity to influence the accuracy of DNA repair pathways via their tolerance/intolerance of nicks containing mismatched base pairs. Although human DNA ligase I (Okazaki fragment processing) and the human DNA ligase III/XRCC1 complex (general DNA repair) have been shown to be relatively intolerant of nicks containing mismatched base pairs, the human DNA ligase IV/XRCC4 complex has not been studied in this regard. Ligase IV/XRCC4 is the sole DNA ligase involved in the repair of double strand breaks (DSBs) via the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway. During the repair of DSBs generated by chemical/physical damage as well as the repair of the programmed DSB intermediates of V(D)J recombination, there are scenarios where, at least conceptually, a capacity for ligating nicks containing mismatched base pairs would appear to be advantageous. Herein we examine whether ligase IV/XRCC4 can contribut...
Social issues in the management of released hostages.

Mental health clinicians have assumed a more important role in the release of individuals held hostage by international terrorists. The author uses his experiences during three hostage releases in the late 1980s--the Achille Lauro incident, the hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73 in Karachi, Pakistan, and the release of a single hostage from Beirut--to illustrate important factors in managing victims. He describes an intervention model that emphasizes the importance of creating a healing social environment immediately after release. Such an environment encourages strong cohesiveness within the victim group, isolates the victims from external groups, promotes abreaction, and provides an opportunity for rest and replenishment. Interventions are made to restore a sense of power to the victims and to reduce their feelings of isolation and helplessness and of being dominated by the terrorists. Language: en
Tidal Forces and the Formation of Hurricanes

RECENTLY, it has been suggested that tidal forces may play a part in the formation of hurricanes1. The idea that extra-terrestrial influences may serve in triggering atmospheric phenomena has also received attention from other points of view in recent articles2,3. However, it is to be questioned whether the hurricane data presented in Prof. C. H. Smiley's communication offer much support for the tidal hypothesis.
Aliasing effects and sampling theorems of spherical random fields when sampled on a finite grid

Aliasing effects are investigated for spherical random fields sampled on a finite grid. Using the spherical harmonics expansion, it is shown that for a band-limited spherical random field its trend and spectrum can be uniquely reconstructed from the sampled field if the sampling points are judiciously designed. Analytical expressions are also obtained for aliasing errors in the trend and the spectrum when the field is not band-limited.