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Biofilms consist of not only bacteria but also extracellular polymer substrates (EPS). They are groups of microorganisms that adhere to each other on a surface, especially as a result of exposure to water and bacteria. They can pose health risks to humans as they grow in hospital settings that include medical supplies and devices. In a previous study, the researchers discovered that bacteria/biofilm grew well on wetted external latex, male catheters. These results concerned the investigators and encouraged them to find ways for prohibiting the growth of bacteria/biofilm on the male catheters (which are made of natural rubber). They carried out a new study to assess the influence of metals and voltage for the growth of bacteria on these latex samples. For this purpose, a unique Rotation Disk Reactor was used to accelerate biofilm formation on external male catheter samples. This setup included a dip tank containing water and a rotating wheel with the attached latex samples (some of which had single electrodes while others had paired electrodes with applied voltage). The process allowed the samples to become wetted and also exposed them to microorganisms in the ambient air during each revolution of the wheel. The results (as viewed from SEM images) showed that when compared to the control sample, the presence of metals (brass, stainless steel, and silver) was generally effective in preventing bacterial growth. Also the use of voltage (9.5 volt battery) essentially eliminated the appearance of rod shaped bacteria in some of the samples. It can be concluded that the presence of metals significantly reduced bacterial growth on latex and the application of voltage was able to essentially eliminate bacteria, providing appropriate electrode combinations were used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent work we constructed completely general conservation laws for energy (McGrath et�al 2012 Class. Quantum Grav.29 215012) and linear and angular momentum (Epp et�al 2013 Class. Quantum Grav.30 195019) of extended systems in general relativity based on the notion of a rigid quasilocal frame (RQF). We argued at a fundamental level that these RQF conservation laws are superior to conservation laws based on the local stress–energy–momentum tensor of matter because (1) they do not rely on spacetime symmetries and (2) they properly account for both matter and gravitational effects. Moreover, they provide simple, exact, operational expressions for fluxes of gravitational energy and linear and angular momentum. In this paper we derive the form of these laws in a general first post-Newtonian (1PN) approximation, and then apply these approximate laws to the problem of gravitational tidal interactions. We obtain formulas for tidal heating and tidal torque that agree with the literature, but without resorting to the use of pseudotensors. We describe the physical mechanism of these tidal interactions not in the traditional terms of a Newtonian gravitational force, but in terms of a much simpler and universal mechanism that is an exact, quasilocal manifestation of the equivalence principle in general relativity. As concrete examples, we look at the tidal heating of Jupiter’s moon Io and angular momentum transfer in the Earth–Moon system that causes a gradual spin-down of the Earth and recession of the Moon. In both examples we find agreement with observation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We construct a general relativistic conservation law for linear and angular momentum for matter and gravitational fields in a finite volume of space that does not rely on any spacetime symmetries. This work builds on our previous construction of a general relativistic energy conservation law with the same features (McGrath et al 2012 Class. Quantum Grav.29 215012). Our approach uses the Brown and York (1993 Phys. Rev. D 47 1407–19) quasilocal stress–energy–momentum tensor for matter and gravitational fields, plus the concept of a rigid quasilocal frame (RQF) introduced in (Epp et al 2009 Class. Quantum Grav.26 035015; 2012 Classical and Quantum Gravity: Theory, Analysis, and Applications (Nova Science)). The RQF approach allows us to construct, in a generic spacetime, frames of reference whose boundaries are rigid (their shape and size do not change with time), and that have precisely the same six arbitrary time-dependent degrees of freedom as the accelerating and tumbling rigid frames we are familiar with in Newtonian mechanics. These RQFs, in turn, give rise to a completely general conservation law for the six components of momentum (three linear and three angular) of a finite system of matter and gravitational fields. We compare in detail this quasilocal RQF approach to constructing conservation laws with the usual local one based on spacetime symmetries, and discuss the shortcomings of the latter. These RQF conservation laws lead to a deeper understanding of physics in the form of simple, exact, operational definitions of gravitational energy and momentum fluxes, which in turn reveal, for the first time, the exact, detailed mechanisms of gravitational energy and momentum transfer taking place in a wide variety of physical phenomena, including a simple falling apple. As a concrete example, we derive a general relativistic version of Archimedes’ law that we apply to understand electrostatic weight and buoyant force in the context of a Reissner–Nordström black hole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We argue that conservation laws based on the local matter-only stress- energy-momentum tensor (characterized by energy and momentum per unit volume) cannot adequately explain a wide variety of even very simple physical phenomena because they fail to properly account for gravitational effects. We construct a general quasilocal conservation law based on the Brown and York total (matter plus gravity) stress-energy-momentum tensor (characterized by energy and momentum per unit area), and argue that it does properly account for gravitational effects. As a simple example of the explanatory power of this quasilocal approach, consider that, when we accelerate toward a freely-floating massive object, the kinetic energy of that object increases (relative to our frame). But how, exactly, does the object acquire this increasing kinetic energy? Using the energy form of our quasilocal conservation law, we can see precisely the actual mechanism by which the kinetic energy increases: it is due to a bona fide gravitational energy flux that is exactly analogous to the electromagnetic Poynting flux, and involves the general relativistic effect of frame dragging caused by the object's motion relative to us. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A computer-assisted learning (CAL) package, NeuroLab, developed for use by first-year university students undertaking professional programs in the health are:,, is described and evaluated. NeuroLab is a simulation of a laboratory, in which students are able to impale neurons to measure resting membrane potentials and subsequently undertake experiments including measuring resting membrane potentials, determining threshold potentials, measuring refractory periods, and examining effects on membrane potential through altering the membrane permeability to sodium and potassium ions. Students find the package to be a worthwhile learning experience, with 81 ± 2.2% reporting the package increased their understanding of neuron function, and 78 ± 2.5% expressing a desire for more CAL packages. Exposure to the package resulted in significantly higher mean scores in a multiple-choice question test on measuring neuron membrane potentials compared with those who were not exposed (mean scores out of 4 of 2.42 and 2.02, respectively, P lt; 0.001). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is a contribution to the emerging focus on premodem concerns in organisational studies. It provides an historical account of early medieval Irish monastic communities highlighting the unusual fusion of structure, community and spirituality as a way of explaining the considerable success and longevity of this unusual organisation form. Key insights arising from this study are then applied to contemporary debates on post-modem organisational forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates the kinetics of the reactions of the nitrogen-sulfur(VI) esters 4-nitrophenyl N-methylsulfamate with a series of pyridines and alicyclic amines and of 4-nitrophenyl N-benzylsulfamate with pyridines, alicyclic amines and series of quinuclidines in acetonitrile in the presence of excess amine at various temperatures. Changes in the rate-determining step in an E1cB mechanism during aminolysis.

Presents a study to assess the relationship between physician and hospital percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) volumes and patient outcomes following PCIs, given the availability of coronary stents. Design, setting and participants; Main outcome measures; Results; Conclusion.

There is good evidence that computer-aided learning is well accepted by students with autism and is of great potential benefit to them. Despite the potential, however, the field remains relatively unexplored. This paper therefore proposes a framework for further research and development in the field of computer-aided learning for students with autism. The framework is based around the core deficiencies of autism, namely a social impairment, a communication impairment, rigidity and inflexibility in thinking and a theory of mind deficit. Proposals for computer-aided learning systems for each of these areas are put forward, and our current development work outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a commentary on the study which concluded that exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation reduces all-cause and cardiac mortality in coronary heart disease .Recent data indicate that over 13 million people in the United States have CHD, and over 5 million people have a diagnosis of congestive heart failure (CHF) [1]. With this burden of disease, CHF is the most common discharge diagnosis for hospitalized Medicare patients. One of the cornerstones of therapy for these patients is regular exercise.

We determine the gyromagnetic factor of the positronium ion, a three-body system consisting of two electrons and a positron, including first relativistic corrections. We find that the g-factor is modified by a term , exceeding 15 times the correction for a free electron. We compare this effect with analogous results found previously in atomic positronium and in hydrogen-like ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collaborative virtual environments (CVEs) hold great potential for people with autism. An exploratory empirical study was conducted to determine if children and youth with autism could understand basic emotions as represented by a humanoid avatar. Thirty-four participants (ages 7.8-16 years) reported to have autism interacted with a software program designed to evaluate their ability to identify and make inferences from facial expressions. Over 90% of the participants accurately recognized emotions displayed by avatar representations. These findings support the optimism that CVEs can be used effectively as an assistive technology, as an educational technology, and as a means of helping address potential theory-of-mind impairments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reliability and power-quality (PQ) expectations of the power distribution system are steadily increasing. Performance-based rates and/or incentives are being put into place in order to ensure that reliability standards are being met. The distribution system planners, designers, and operators are given the task of developing system upgrades that will successfully meet these new performance goals. This is not always an easy or straightforward task, particularly in cases where a system upgrade can impact the various reliability and PQ indices in different directions. This paper develops an incremental cost-based approach to providing linkage between the sustained and momentary interruption indices. This new approach is readily implementable, and also readily adjusted to meet local performance goals. This paper also presents a case study involving a distribution feeder, and assesses the use of the method in evaluating fuse saving/fuse melting and sectionalizing switch automation upgrades on the line. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: This is the latest edition of Baker & McKenzie''s column on developments in EU law relating to IP, IT and telecommunications. This article summarises recent developments that are considered important for practitioners, students and academics in a wide range of information technology, e-commerce, telecommunications and intellectual property areas. It cannot be exhaustive but intends to address the important points. This is a hard copy reference guide, but links to outside web sites are included where possible. No responsibility is assumed for the accuracy of information contained in these links. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

: ObjectivesWe sought to determine whether the changing practice of interventional cardiology has been associated with improved outcomes for women, and how these outcomes compare with those for men.: BackgroundPrevious work from the early 1990s suggested women are at a higher risk than men for adverse outcomes after percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs).: MethodsFrom 1994 to 1999 data were collected on 33,666 consecutive hospital admissions for a PCI in Northern New England. Multivariate models were used to adjust for differences in case-mix across year of procedure when comparing outcomes. Direct standardization was used to calculate adjusted rates.: ResultsFrom 1994 to 1999, the case-mix worsened for both women and men, although women had more co-morbidities than did men throughout the period. Stent use increased over time (>75% in 1999). Concomitantly, the need for emergency coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) decreased significantly (ptrend ≤ 0.001; in 1999: 0.06% for women, 0.05% for men). Although the emergency CABG rates were higher for women at the beginning of the study, by the end, they were comparable (adjusted odds ratio 1.34, 95% confidence interval 0.76 to 2.38, p = 0.315). The myocardial infarction (MI) rates decreased over time for both women (by 29.7%, ptrend = 0.378) and men (by 37.6%, ptrend = 0.009) and did not differ by gender. The mortality rates did not decrease significantly over time and were not significantly different between the genders (mean 1.21% for women, 1.06% for men; p = 0.096).: ConclusionsConcurrent with the changing practice of PCI, and despite treating sicker patients, there have been important improvements in post-PCI CABG and MI rates for women, as well as for men. Unlike in earlier years, there are no longer significant differences in outcomes by gender. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Presents a study on the performance of the Level 1 Calorimeter Trigger which identifies the energy deposits left by particles in the BABAR detector. Requirements of the Level 1 Calorimeter Trigger; Data interfaces and algorithm of the electromagnetic calorimeter trigger; Conclusion.