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This position paper brings together recent and emerging developments in the field of presenteeism. A critical synthesis of the evidence is needed due to persisting conceptual and methodological challenges as well as the increased volume of research in the field. This paper integrates emerging evidence and critical thinking into three areas: (1) concept, (2) measurement and methodological issues, and (3) the context of presenteeism. First, due to the variety of existing definitions, competing understandings, as well as the notion of positive presenteeism, it is important to reconsider the notion of presenteeism. Second, it is important to reflect on the measurement of the act of presenteeism and the productivity loss associated with that. Third, following the call to investigate presenteeism in specific contexts, it is important to explain the social, occupational, cross-cultural aspects, as well as the contemporary workplace changes. Based on this critical synthesis, we conclude by identifying recommendations for future research on presenteeism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shielding prevents coupling of undesired radiated electromagnetic energy into equipment otherwise susceptible to it. In view of this, some studies on shielding effectiveness of laminated shields with conductors and conductive polymers using plane-wave theory are carried out in this paper. The plane wave shielding effectiveness of new combination of these materials is evaluated as a function of frequency and thickness of material. Conductivity of the polymers, measured in previous investigations by the cavity perturbation technique, is used to compute the overall reflection and transmission coefficients of single and multiple layers of the polymers. With recent advances in synthesizing stable highly conductive polymers these light-weight mechanically strong materials appear to be viable alternatives to metals for EM1 shielding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The synthesis of the C11–C23 fragment 2 of (−)-16-normethyldictyostatin has been achieved by cross metathesis between two olefinic fragments 4 and 5 followed by a reduction of the double bond at C16–C17. Both the olefinic fragments are easily synthesized in a diastereoselective manner from the common precursor alcohol 7. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We describe an efficient synthesis of the 14-membered macrolide core 2 of migrastatin via key intermediate 3 employing a diastereoselective aldol condensation, Lewis acid mediated diastereoselective addition and an exclusive (Z)-olefination sequence. Yamaguchi esterification of the key intermediate 3 followed by ring-closing metathesis (RCM) produced macrolide 2 with high selectivity and good yield. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A five-month-old, female Japanese domestic shorthair cat with proportionate dwarfism developed neurological disorders, including ataxia, decreased postural responses and generalised body and head tremors, at between two and five months of age. Leucocytosis due to lymphocytosis with abnormal cytoplasmic vacuolations was observed. The concentration of GM2-ganglioside in its cerebrospinal fluid was markedly higher than in normal cats, and the activities of 3-hexosaminidases A and B in its leucocytes were markedly reduced. On the basis of these biochemical data, the cat was diagnosed antemortem with GM2-gangliosidosis variant 0 (Sandhoff-like disease). The neurological signs became more severe and the cat died at 10 months of age. Histopathologically, neurons throughout the central nervous system were distended, and an ultrastructural study revealed membranous cytoplasmic bodies in these distended neurons. The compound which accumulated in the brain was identified as GM2-ganglioside, confirming GM2-gangliosidosis. A family study revealed that there were probable heterozygous carriers in which the activities of leucocyte 3-hexosaminidases A and B were less than half the normal value. The Sandhoff-like disease observed in this family of Japanese domestic cats is the first occurrence reported in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The MRI characteristics of an isolated subacute aneurysmal corpus callosum hematoma, without evidence of blood in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) spaces or ventricles, have not been previously reported. This report highlights the difficulty of accurate diagnosis and treatment in a patient with an unusual ruptured pericallosal aneurysm simulating a corpus callosum tumour. Additionally we analyse the particular radiological configuration and appearance of blood products in this region. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]