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These authors provide a review of the Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT) research program written from the research informed clinical perspective. Research informed clinicians attempt to integrate scientific research into real world clinical practice. Therefore, determining the clinical implications and relevance of the IBCT research program is the focus of this review. The IBCT intervention, developed by Andrew Christensen and Neil Jacobson, integrates the change-based strategies of traditional behavioral couple therapy with emotional acceptance, tolerance building, empathy, and mindfulness techniques. The IBCT research program's research methodology is among the most rigorous in the field of couple therapy, increasing confidence in research findings that have shown IBCT to be a beneficial treatment for highly distressed couples. Because these promising outcomes are founded in strong research methodology, research informed clinicians should be compelled to consider the use of IBCT with those chronically and highly distressed couples who seek treatment in real world clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Schizophrenia (SZ) is a complex disease characterized by impaired neuronal functioning. Although defective alternative splicing has been linked to SZ, the molecular mechanisms responsible are unknown. Additionally, there is limited understanding of the early transcriptomic responses to neuronal activation. Here, we profile these transcriptomic responses and show that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are dynamically regulated by neuronal activation, including acute downregulation of the lncRNA Gomafu, previously implicated in brain and retinal development. Moreover, we demonstrate that Gomafu binds directly to the splicing factors QKI and SRSF1 (serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 1) and dysregulation of Gomafu leads to alternative splicing patterns that resemble those observed in SZ for the archetypal SZ-associated genes DISC1 and ERBB4. Finally, we show that Gomafu is downregulated in post-mortem cortical gray matter from the superior temporal gyrus in SZ. These results functionally link activity-regulated lncRNAs and alternative splicing in neuronal function and suggest that their dysregulation may contribute to neurological disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HENDERSON A., BRIGGS J., SCHOONBEEK S., & PATERSON K. (2011) A framework to develop a clinical learning culture in health facilities: ideas from the literature. International Nursing Review, 196-202 Internationally, there is an increase in demand to educate nurses within the clinical practice environment. Clinical practice settings that encourage teaching and learning during episodes of care delivery can be powerful in educating both the existing nursing workforce and nursing students. This paper presents a framework, informed by the literature, that identifies the key factors that are needed to encourage the interactions fundamental to learning in clinical practice. Learning occurs when nurses demonstrate good practice, share their knowledge through conversations and discussions, and also provide feedback to learners, such as students and novices. These types of interactions occur when positive leadership practices encourage trust and openness between staff; when the management team provides sessions for staff to learn how to interact with learners, and also when partnerships provide support and guidance around learning in the workplace. This framework presents how the concepts of leadership, management and partnership interact to create and sustain learning environments. The feedback from proposed measurement tools can provide valuable information about the positive and negative aspects of these concepts in the clinical learning environment. Analysis of the subscales can assist in identifying appropriate recommended strategies outlined in the framework to guide nurses in improving the recognized deficits in the relationship between the concepts. Leadership, management and partnerships are pivotal for the creation and maintenance of positive learning environments. Diagnostic measurement tools can provide specific information about weaknesses across these areas. This knowledge can guide future initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The major structural components of HIV are synthesized as a 55-kDa polyprotein, Gag. Particle formation is driven by the self-assembly of Gag into a curved hexameric lattice, the structure of which is poorly understood.. We used cryoelectron tomography and contrast-transfer-function corrected subtomogram averaging to study the structure of the assembled immature Gag lattice to ≈17-Å resolution. Gag is arranged in the immature virus as a single, continuous, but incomplete hexameric lattice whose curvature is mediated without a requirement for pentameric defects. The resolution of the structure allows positioning of individual protein domains. High-resolution crystal structures were fitted into the reconstruction to locate protein-protein interfaces involved in Gag assembly, and to identify the structural transformations associated with virus maturation. The results of this study suggest a concept for the formation of nonsymmetrical enveloped viruses of variable sizes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ISABEL is a web-based clinical decision-support system for use by healthcare professionals. The Web site has been developed by the ISABEL Medical Charity. The system has come to the attention of the Department of Health, which is examining its potential effectiveness in the wider clinical context and exploring options for promoting its wider use in the NHS. The objectives of the work reported here were to review the existing use of ISABEL and to identify impediments to its development. A questionnaire was sent by e-mail to selected users of the system. Based on an analysis of the results ( n = 518), we found ISABEL to be a useful tool with many users. We believe that there is evidence of its success sufficient to support its continued availability and development. However, the largest hurdles to its increased use are systemic ones within the NHS and the way services are delivered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the well-publicized problems with paediatric cardiac surgery at the Bristol Royal Infirmary, there is wide public interest in measures of hospital performance. The Kennedy report on the BRI events suggested that such measures should be meaningful to the public, case-mix-adjusted, and based on data collected as part of routine clinical care. We have found that it is possible to predict in-hospital mortality (a measure readily understood by the public) using simple routine data—age, mode of admission, sex, and routine blood test results. The clinical data items can be obtained at a single venesection, are commonly collected in the routine care of patients, are already stored on hospital core IT systems, and so place no extra burden on the clinical staff providing care. Such risk models could provide a metric for use in evidence-based clinical performance management. National application is logistically feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determinants of the balance between grass and woody vegetation in grasslands and savannas have received considerable attention because of the potential for dramatic shifts in ecosystem structure and function as one growth form replaces the other. We studied a mesic grassland where recently established "shrub islands" are increasing in abundance due to fire suppression. Our objective was to assess the role of the direct effects of fire vs. indirect alterations in resource availability (N and light), as mechanisms that may constrain/facilitate shrub (Cornus drummondii) encroachment. The direct effects of fire in 2001 and 2002 were 100% aboveground mortality of C. drummondii shoots and removal of the detrital layer. Post-fire resprouting resulted in ∼600% increase in stem density compared to a 200% increase in shrub islands protected from fire. In burned shrub islands with an added detrital layer, temperature and light penetration to the soil surface were reduced (by 6.5°C and to <3% of full sunlight), but stem density still increased by ∼400%. Thus, both the direct effects of fire and the indirect effect on the energy environment increased C. drummondii stem densities. In contrast, N additions did not influence new stem production or aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP; grams per square meter per year), suggesting that N availability did not constrain shrub growth during this study. While fire did not impact total ANPP, it did shift the relative abundance of growth forms. Grass productivity (360.7 ± 20.1 g/m² [mean ± 1 SE]) was stimulated (an increase of ∼30%) by the high light conditions of the post-fire environment, while C. drummondii ANPP (34.2 ± 2.4 g/m²) was reduced by ∼30%. In shrub islands protected from fire, C. drummondil ANPP was greatest (50.4 ± 2.2 g/m²), whereas lower graminoid ANPP (282.5 ± 19.9 g/m²) was observed. The persistence of woody vegetation, despite two successive fires, along with a significant reduction in grass ANPP (∼30%) suggests that once established, C. drurnmondii can persist and exclude C4 grasses. Thus, restoring fire to mesic grasslands may prevent further conversion to shrub/woodland, but the abundance of shrubs is likely to remain unchanged with community structure co-dominated by multiple growth forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines spatial variation in the delivery of out of hours care through general practice, in two Health Authorities in northwest England. It demonstrates considerable variations in the type of care provided to patients in different parts of the region. These differences are not due primarily to either the geographical or socio-economic characteristics of the areas. Rather, the type of out of hours care delivered depends much more on variations in the structure and organization of service delivery. These factors, in turn, largely reflect the history of service development in each area and the ethos of individual general practitioners instrumental in establishing the service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study that applied a homogenization procedure to estimate the effective behavior of active composite materials consisting of aligned shape memory alloy (SMA) fibers. Description of the SMA constitutive model; Details on the thermal cycling of an SMA fiber with a constant tensile prestress; Discussion on homogenization estimates for nonlinear composites.

This paper reviews some recent developments in the technology of the Internet, and shows how they may affect the way in which healthcare is provided. Starting with a brief technical history of the Internet, the paper discusses some of the technical developments that have taken place or been proposed in recent years, and speculates on the realities of their adoption within the next five years. The paper also discusses trends in public accessibility to the Internet and the development of Internet services. Finally, the impact of the technological developments on the way in which new healthcare services may be provided is discussed. Our conclusions are that the growth rate in Internet access and the improvements in performance resulting from the new technologies will make the Internet the focus of many new healthcare developments, in particular in the areas of telemedicine and in communication between patient and healthcare professionals. Increasingly, the Internet will be used to convey more 'real-time' information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single ionization of helium and atomic hydrogen by the impact of protons and antiprotons is considered. Using a multiple scattering model, first proposed by Garibotti and Miraglia [1], angular and energy distributions of the ejected electrons are calculated. Structures arising in the cross section, especially the Coulomb density of states effect (CDS), are analysed. The contributions of various scattering amplitudes to the cross section are studied. It is concluded that multiple scattering together with the CDS-effect play an important role in determining the transition amplitude. Differences between particle and antiparticle impact are examined. In addition to the different behaviour of the CDS-effect, the interference of two scattering amplitudes turns out to be decisive in ionization by particle and antiparticle impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The criteria necessary to obtain single-channel adiabatic molecular-energy curves with correct united-atom and separated-atom limits are examined. The simplest LCAO form of molecular orbital allows an explicit analytic demonstration of these criteria to be given. An adiabatic single-channel 1 s σ g molecular energy curve for ( d d μ) based on two centre functions and satisfying the above limits reproduces the ground-state binding energy of large coupled-channel calculations within 0.7%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Production patterns of tallgrass prairie and adjacent eastern deciduous forest were summarized for a five to seven year period. Each system responded differentially to annual or growing season rainfall and solar energy (measured by pan water evaporation). Overall, forest productivity was negatively correlated with annual precipitation; the prairie exhibited no relationship with precipitation. These differences probably reflect the lack of water limitation of the forest and the "downstream" position of the forest. Wood and seed production in the forest were the most variable components measured in our study. Neither variable was related to forest foliage production. Seed production in the prairie was also variable within and between years but was related to prairie foliage production. Prairie seed production was not correlated with seed production of the forest. The two ecosystems respond differentially and independently of each other within the range of climatic variation observed here. Such differences have potential significance to consumers who use both systems for habitat or resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Narcissus bulbs were treated with various concentrations of formaldehyde in hot water at different times relative to lifting and planting. There was no improvement in control of Fusarium oxysporum basal rot by using formaldehyde concentrations greater than the usual 0.2 per cent. The date of treatment was critical, and better control of the disease was obtained by treating in mid-July than in mid-August, although flower production in the following season was impaired. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the impact of various disasters on the environment in Brittany, France during the years 1773-1776. Attitudes of the people living in Brittany.

Compares the outcome of renal replacement treatment in patients with diabetes mellitus and in non-diabetic patients with end stage renal failure in Glasgow, Scotland. Prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy and myocardial ischaemia; Survival of the diabetic patients; Incidence of peritonitis.

In a recent paper by D. R. Bellwood and C. P. Meyer (‘Searching for heat in a marine biodiversity hotspot’, Journal of Biogeography, 2009, 36, 569–576), the authors had two evident objectives: (1) to disprove the theory that the geographical origins of reef organisms could be determined by locating concentrations of endemic species, and (2) to emphasize that the high diversity of the Coral Triangle was due to an accumulation of species from outside that area. With regard to the first point, no such theory had previously been proposed to my knowledge. Second, the accumulation theory was promoted without consideration of the facts supporting the centre of origin hypothesis, except to dismiss it by saying that it had its origin in pre-continental drift ideas. This short response outlines the properties and evidence for the operation of centres of origin in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predicts the future growth of end-stage renal disease prevalence among European Union countries. History of ERA-EDTA Registry; Rates of renal transplantation; Reasons for the variation of transplantation rates between countries.

In 1961, Dungey suggested that magnetic reconnection occurs due to the solar-terrestrial interaction. The interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) is thought to merge with Earth's geomagnetic field (GMF). After the reconnection process the newly formed magnetic flux tube, consisting of both the IMF and GMF, moves anti-sunward. Poleward-moving auroral forms (PMAFs) are believed to be the ionospheric signatures of this process, which transfers magnetic flux from the dayside to the nightside. This paper looks at the connection between the solar wind speed and the motion of the PMAF as it moves from the auroral oval, anti-sunward, into the polar cap. PMAFs are identified using both the meridian scanning photometer (MSP) and colored all-sky camera (ASC). Once the PMAFs are identified, the PMAF-SLOPE, v[sub α] (units of degrees per time) and the angle (αPMAF) the PMAF makes with the horizontal (Time axis), in the MSP plot are calculated. These values (vα and αPMAF) are individually plotted against the vx-component of the solar wind speed and the flow speed (total solar wind speed). The plots generate linear a relationship between PMAF-SLOPEs, vα, [or PMAF angles (αPMAF)], and the vx-component of the solar wind speed (or the flow speed). A total of 57 PMAF events from 8 different days were associated with solar wind speeds (vx-component) ranging from 344 to 679 km/s. The first linear plot, between the PMAF-SLOPE and solar wind speed (vx-component), shows a high correlation: rvα = 0.944. A second linear plot, between αPMAF and the solar wind speed (vx-component) shows a very high correlation: rα[sub PMAF] =0.973. The conclusions obtained from this statistical study are: 1) both the PMAF-SLOPE vα and αPMAF are highly correlated to the vx-component of the solar wind, increasing when vx increases and vice versa, 2) PMAFs must be connected to both the IMF and GMF and are dragged anti-sunward, mostly by the vx-component of the solar wind, and 3) PMAFs are indeed the ionospheric footprints of a newly formed magnetic flux tube, due to dayside magnetic reconnection, being transferred from the dayside to nightside. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exchange narrowing of the J band of certain dye monomers upon aggregation in solution has been known since the 1930s. Here, we analyze the theoretical explanations put forward to account for these narrow absorption bands. Although the theories range from models of identical monomers interacting with vibrations to the opposite of rigid monomers with statistically distributed electronic site energies, all approaches exhibit exchange narrowing. However, we show that the origins of the narrowing are different. A unified theory incorporating the two approaches is presented in which features of both narrowing mechanisms are evident. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A theory of the electronic circular dichroism (CD) and optical rotatory dispersion (ORD) of infinite aggregates exhibiting cylindrical symmetry is presented in which, to the authors’ knowledge, for the first time vibrational structure is included explicitly. It is shown that, with the coherent exciton scattering approximation in the Green function approach, the detailed vibrational structure of the aggregate absorption. CD and ORD bands can be calculated from a knowledge of the electronic coupling and the monomer absorption line shape alone. Detailed model calculations for a single helix are made and the results are used to expose the origin of different spectral features. A good reproduction of experimental J-aggregate spectra is obtained, using the same electronic interaction to fit both absorption and CD spectral line shapes. The theory allows some prediction of aggregate geometry to be made, but it is shown that an unambiguous geometrical assignment can only be made where experimental spectra for light of different propagation directions with respect to the cylinder axis are available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The NEWS is a track and trigger risk score designed to identify deteriorating patients with a high risk of death/unintended intensive care admission within 24 h of those vital signs being taken [[4]]. He is indeed correct that the National Early Warning Score (NEWS) was much better at predicting 24-h mortality in the Kovacs et al. [[3]] study on emergency surgical admissions (c-statistic 0.89), than 30-day mortality following emergency bowel surgery in our paper (c-statistic 0.71). [Extracted from the article]

Stimulated by experiments by Zewail and co-workers [Chem. Phys. Lett. 172, 109 (1990)], we perform quantum calculations on the long time behavior of a wave packet which moves on coupled electronic surfaces of the NaI molecule. Beat structures in the simulated femtosecond pump/probe signal are shown to depend critically on the parameters used in the calculation. The adiabatic motion is compared to the dynamics including the nonadiabatic coupling and the consequences for the signal are explored. The results are compared to a semiclassical analysis of Chapman and Child [J. Phys. Chem. 95, 578 (1991)]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a recent paper by M. J. Cavalcanti and V. Gallo, ‘Panbiogeographical analysis of distribution patterns in hagfishes (Craniata: Myxinidae)’ ( Journal of Biogeography, 2008, 35, 1258–1268), the authors studied the biogeography of an ancient fish family (Myxinidae) in the hope that the contemporary distributions of the species would reveal their past history and that of the ocean basins where they reside. In order to accomplish this task, there are several criteria that should have been met: (1) the ages of the taxa utilized (species) would have to be old enough to reflect the history of the areas where they are found, (2) the identification of the species as listed in the databases would have to be accurate, (3) the geographical locations indicated on the figures would have to be consistent with the statements in the text, and (4) the significance of the vicariant patterns would have to depend on evidence pertaining to the ages of such patterns. Unfortunately, it appears that none of these conditions has been met. It seems apparent that faith in an antiquated method of analysis led to neglect of the necessary steps in the analysis. This leaves little justification for publication of the paper, except to show that hagfishes are very widely distributed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Pre‐operative risk stratification is a key part of the care pathway for emergency bowel surgery, as it facilitates the identification of high‐risk patients. Several novel risk scores have recently been published that are designed to identify patients who are frail or significantly unwell. They can also be calculated pre‐operatively from routinely collected clinical data. This study aimed to investigate the ability of these scores to predict 30‐day mortality after emergency bowel surgery. A single centre cohort study was performed using our local data from the National Emergency Laparotomy Audit database. Further data were extracted from electronic hospital records (n = 1508). The National Early Warning Score, Laboratory Decision Tree Early Warning Score and Hospital Frailty Risk Score were then calculated. The most abnormal National or Laboratory Decision Tree Early Warning Score in the 24 or 72 h before surgery was used in analysis. Individual scores were reasonable predictors of mortality (c‐statistic 0.699–0.740) but all were poorly calibrated. A National Early Warning Score ≥ 4 was associated with a high overall mortality rate (> 10%). A logistic regression model was developed using age, National Early Warning Score, Laboratory Decision Tree Early Warning Score and Hospital Frailty Risk Score as predictor variables, and its performance compared with other established risk models. The model demonstrated good discrimination and calibration (c‐statistic 0.827) but was marginally outperformed by the National Emergency Laparotomy Audit score (c‐statistic 0.861). All other models compared performed less well (c‐statistics 0.734–0.808). Pre‐operative patient vital signs, blood tests and markers of frailty can be used to accurately predict the risk of 30‐day mortality after emergency bowel surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time the capture of inner-shell electrons by protons is calculated by the SPB method without further approximation and using Hartree-Slater wavefunctions. The resulting cross-section has roughly the correct shape, but is much too large. The problem is traced to a loss of normalization caused by the SPB approximation. A suitably renormalized SPB gives close agreement with experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthesis and characterization of the bifunctional sensor receptor ligand N-([2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine]-4′-yl)methyl)-N-propylacrylamide (1) and the model ligand N-([2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine]-4′-yl)methyl)-N-propylisobutyramide (2) are described. Ligand 1 is a receptor for Cu(II) that is copolymerizable with N-isopropylacrylamide giving a ratiometric sensor of weakly bound Cu(II) in environmental waters. Ligand 2 is a model for copolymerized 1 whereby the reactive acrylamide group is replaced by isobutyramide. Solution speciation of complexes of Cu(II) and Zn(II) with 2 were investigated spectroscopically and their solid-state structures were studied through single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Solution UV–vis and fluorescence studies show a preference of 2 toward Cu(II) over Na(I), Zn(II), Cu(II), Co(II), Mn(II), Ni(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II) in accord with the Irving–Williams series and other coordination principles. Solution speciation determined in a weakly coordinating aqueous-organic (60 : 40 DMF/H2O) medium indicates 1 : 1 Cu(II):2 binding as desired in that formation of [Cu(2)2]2+ would crosslink the polymer sensor. The crystal structures of [Cu(2)(NO3)2] and [Zn(2)(NO3)2]·MeOH·1/2Et2O display distorted octahedral geometries where 2 coordinates meridionally and two nitrate groups occupy the remaining sites around the metal center. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predictions for future growth of ESRD prevalence. The European Union (EU) has 15 member countries and a total population of 373 million. In 1995 the incidence of new patients starting renal replacement therapy (RRT) was 120 per million population (pmp). The overall incidence of death was 67 pmp and the total number of patients alive on treatment was 644 pmp. During this year, the pool of patients expanded by 8.2%. These overall figures concealed large differences between countries. For example, the incidence of new patients varied from 69 pmp to 163 pmp, the stock of patients on RRT varied from 444 pmp to 773 pmp and the expansion rate of the pool of RRT patients varied form 2.3% to 13%. On the basis of these figures, it is likely that the stock of patients will continue to increase steadily, but at a slowly diminishing rate, to reach a figure of 1000 pmp by 2001 or 2002. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review focuses on the radiology of mesenteric ischaemia. Covering the acute and chronic presentations, both of which result from impaired vascularisation of the gastrointestinal tract, we evaluate the role of radiographs, ultrasound, CT, MRI, and catheter angiography in the diagnosis of these conditions. Looking to the future, we also assess some of the emerging imaging techniques. Across medicine and surgery there has been a significant shift towards minimally invasive interventions. Although percutaneous revascularisation of chronic mesenteric ischaemia has been performed for some time, there has been a developing trend for the use of such techniques in acute mesenteric ischaemia. We evaluate the available evidence for the use of these percutaneous interventions and assess how they compare with or in some instances compliment traditional surgical alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adjustments of renal vascular resistance in response to changes in blood pressure are mediated by an interplay between the myocyte-inherent myogenic and the kidney-specific tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) mechanisms. Using mice with deletion of the A1 adenosine receptor (AIAR) gene, we tested the prediction that the absence of TGF, previously established to result from AIAR deficiency, is associated with a reduction in the efficiency of autoregulation. In anesthetized wild-type (A1AR+/+) and A1AR-deficient mice (A1AR-/-), glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal blood flow (RBF) were determined before and after reducing renal perfusion pressure through a suprarenal aortic clamp. In response to a blood pressure reduction by 15.9 ± 1.34 mmHg in A1AR-/- (n = 9) and by 14.2 ± 0.9 mmHg in A1AR+/+ mice (n = 8; P = 0.31), GFR fell by 187.9 ± 37 µl/min and by 72.3 ± 10 µl/min in A1AR-/- and A1AR+/+ mice, respectively (P = 0.013). Similarly, with pressure reductions of 14.8 ± 1.1 and 13.3 ± 1.5 mmHg in A1AR-/- (n = 9) and wild-type mice (n = 8), respectively (P = 0.43), RBF fell by 0.17 ± 0.02 ml/min in A1AR-/- mice and by only 0.08 ± 0.02 ml/min in wild-type animals (P = 0.0039). Autoregulatory indexes for both GFR and RBF were significantly higher in A1AR-/- compared with A1AR+/+ mice, indicating reduced regulatory responsiveness in the knockout animals. We conclude that autoregulation of renal vascular resistance is less complete in A1AR-deficient mice, an effect that is presumably related to absence of TGF regulation in these animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polarisation Sagnac speedmeter interferometer has the potential to replace the Michelson interferometer as the instrumental basis for future generations of ground-based gravitational wave detectors. The quantum noise benefit of this speedmeter is dependent on high-quality polarisation optics, the polarisation beam-splitter (PBS) and quarter-waveplate (QWP) optics that are key to this detector configuration and careful consideration of the effect of birefringence in the arm cavities of the interferometer. A PBS with an extinction ratio of better than 4000 in transmission and 700 in reflection for a 41° angle of incidence was characterised along with a QWP of birefringence of. The cavity mirror optics of a 10 m prototype polarisation Sagnac speedmeter were measured to have birefringence in the range 1 × 10−3 to 2 × 10−5 radians. This level of birefringence, along with the QWP imperfections, can be cancelled out by careful adjustment of the QWP angle, to the extent that the extinction ratio of the PBS is the leading limitation for the polarisation Sagnac speedmeter in terms of polarisation effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An exploratory study assessing the economic consequences of inadequate prescribing by health-care providers was carried out in two cities of Chiapas State, South Mexico. Two research methods were used: (a) an exit survey with pharmacy users (1190 interviews) and (b) in-depth individual interviews with patients at hospital level (19 interviews). For comparative purposes, three tracer conditions were selected: acute respiratory infection (ARI), diarrhoeal disease (DD) and hypertension. The main findings were that doctors, drug vendors at pharmacies, traditional healers, users of health-care services themselves (through self-prescription) and other health staff are all sources of inadequate prescribing and impose a substantial economic burden of unnecessary cost on health-care users. In general, treatment costs were high compared with standard treatments, and prescriptions included a high proportion of non-essential drugs (50–64%). Additional costs to the standard treatment were particularly high when the prescription was by a medical doctor (US$ 3.57 per ARI prescription and US$ 8.37 for DD). Losses attributable to inadequate prescribing averaged US$ 47 per patient. The study concludes that training programmes on rational drug use aimed exclusively at medical doctors can only have a limited effect in reducing economic losses due to inadequate prescribing. Such efforts should be extended to other providers who are very active in prescribing drugs and providing health advice. The main challenge that the Mexican health system will be facing in the foreseeable future is not only to improve equity of access to essential drugs, but also to improve quality of drug advice and prescription and rational use of drugs by the population. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We have engineered two Chinese hamster ovary cell lines secreting different recombinant glycopro-teins to express high levels of human β1,4-galactosyltransferase (GT, E.C. 2.4.1.38) and/or α2,3-sialyl-transferase (ST, E.C. 2.4.99.6). N-linked oligosaccharide structures synthesized by cells overexpressing the glycosyltransferases showed greater homogeneity compared with control cell lines. When GT was overexpressed, oligosaccharides terminating with GlcNAc were significantly reduced compared with controls, whereas overexpression of ST resulted in sialylation of ≥90% of available branches. As expected, GT overexpression resulted in reduction of oligosaccharides terminating with GlcNAc, whereas overexpression of ST resulted in sialylation of ≥90% of available branches. The more highly sialylated glycoproteins had a significantly longer mean residence time in a rabbit model of pharmacokinetics. These experiments demonstrate the feasibility of genetically engineering cell lines to produce therapeutics with desired glycosylation patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the help of the exact classical path representation of the time dependent propagator the dynamics of a charged particle in a Penning trap in the presence of an additional classical, time-dependent electric field is investigated. In this way the connection between quantum and classical dynamics is exhibited in a clear way. The possibility of localizing a particle in the ground state of a Penning trap with unit probability by a suitably chosen electric field is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximations to exact wave functions for the scattering of few-particle systems often involve components corresponding to the interaction of two of the particles 'off the energy-shell'. Several examples arising in the collision of ions and photons with atoms are given. An expansion in partial waves leads to an off-shell radial wave function. The defining differential equation is solved here numerically with particular emphasis on the behaviour arising from two-body potentials of long-range Coulomb form. The transition to shell of the radial wave functions, Jost functions and solutions and T-matrix elements is discussed for both short-range and Coulomb potentials. It is shown that the approximation of a Coulomb potential by a shorter-range form involves little error when sufficiently far off the energy shell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports the general medical contraindications to organ donation in Great Britain. Major problem in the decision whether a transplantation in contraindicated; Information on the upper age limit for donors; Disagreements between medical practitioners and specialist.

A compact heater, designed for the deposition of thin films at high temperatures in an oxidizing atmosphere or in vacuum, is described. The heater, including an oxygen-resistant case and the attached substrate, can be loaded into a vacuum deposition chamber through a small-diameter load-lock port, and will operate in 0-1 atm of oxygen at temperatures up to at least 800 °C. Heat is generated resistively, and the substrates are heated directly by thermal conduction. The heater was built specifically to heat substrates during the growth of high-temperature superconducting thin films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-complement-fixing immune complexes were detected by EA rosette inhibition in the sera of 47% of patients with primary glomerulonephritis (GN) and 60% with GN associated with systemic disease. Fifteen patients with minimal-change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) in relapse produced significantly greater inhibition than the sera from 11 who were in remission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]