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A model of the electron is proposed in which it is composed of a known and detectable particle. This model clearly defines what is mass, what is energy and why E = mc². It shows that the special relativity corrections of mass, length and time with velocity are automatically a function of the structure of an electron as it moves. It also proposes the origin of electric charge and uses that origin to derive the equation for the Bohr magnetron. It shows that the electron's spin of ½ħ is simply angular momentum, further explaining why the electron has only two states of spin. This model gives an expression for the radius of an electron, at the same time pointing out why it has been detected as a point particle, yet still has angular momentum of ½ħ. It explains why the mass of an electron increases with velocity while its spin and charge remain the same and its magnetic moment decreases, as well as why its charge spirals when it travels through space. This model gives a physical reason for the existence of the de Broglie wavelength and derives the expression for it. As well as matching the known properties of an electron it also makes predictions of previously unknown properties, pointing out that they may have been detected but not recognized as such. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article summarizes provisional 2007 data on tuberculosis (TB) cases in the U.S. from the National TB Surviellance System and describes trends since 1993. A total of 13, 293 TB cases were reported in the U.S. in 2007 and the TB rate decreased 4.2% from 2006 to 4.4 cases per 100,000 population. The rate of TB incidence in 2007 was the lowest recorded since national reporting started in 1953.

Dry sedimented volcanic ash samples from each of three widely separated volcanoes of the “Circum Pacific” region have been subjected to mineralogic analysis and in vitro tests for cytotoxicity. The ash samples from the three different volcanoes varied in particle size, surface area, and concentration of silica. Total crystalline silica in the respirable fraction of ashes was 1.5% (Mount St. Helens, Moses Lake); 1.36% (Galunggung, Bandung‐1); 1.95% (Gallunggung, Bandung‐2); and 1.72% (El Chichon, Tuxtia). Hemolysis as an index of cytotoxicity was measured by in vitro tests on sheep blood erythrocytes and indicated wide differences in hemolytic activity among ash samples. Alveolar macrophage cytosolic (lactate dehydrogenase) and lysosomal (β‐glucuronidase and β‐N‐acetyl glucosaminidase) enzymes were measured as an index of cellular integrity following dust exposure. Hemolysis and release of enzymes from alveolar macrophages were greater with volcanic ash from Galunggung (Bandung‐1) and El Chichon (Tuxtia) than the other ashes. Although crystalline silica induced an effect similar to volcanic ash from Galunggung (Bandung‐1) on the release of enzymes from alveolar macrophages, the hemolytic potency of silica was much greater. Light and electron microscopic observations of dust‐exposed alveolar macrophages indicated that the ash particles were readily phagocytized. These results indicate that volcanic ash is moderately cytotoxic and that exposure may lead to overt reactions and the exacerbation of preexisitng chronic inflammatory processes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Examines the conjunction of race, gender, marital status, and migration within England and Wales. Longitudinal Study of the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys; Comparison of the propensity of men and women to engage in interregional migration; Description of the main spatial flows of long-distance gender-specific migration; Consideration of the rewards from internal migration; Gender discrepancies.

The article presents a report from the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention regarding the incidence of tuberculosis (TB) cases reported in the U.S. Statistics show a 3.8% decline in the number of TB cases between 2007 and 2008. The 4.2 cases per 100,000 people are the lowest on record. The data was collected by the National TB Surveillance System. Foreign born persons and ethnic minorities continue to bear a disproportionate burden of TB cases in the U.S. Trends in the number of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR TB) cases are analyzed.

The article focuses on trends in statistics related to tuberculosis (TB) in the U.S. for 2007. The report discusses data from the 2007 National TB Surveillance System and describes trends in TB since 1993. The TB rate declined by 4.2% from 2006, with the lowest incidence rate recorded since 1953. Particular attention is paid to the slowing rate of decline due to a disproportionate burden of TB case among foreign-born persons and ethnic minorities in the U.S. Statistics on the number of multidrug-resistant TB cases reported is discussed.

Materials with low work functions hold great potential for improving the performance of thermionic energy converters and other thermionic emission devices. Thermionic electron energy distributions (TEEDs) of graphitic carbon nanofibers (GCNFs) with and without intercalated potassium are used to characterize performance under realistic operating conditions. TEEDs of intercalated GCNFs at temperatures of 600 and 700 °C reveal an effective work function of 2.2 eV, a reduction of 2.5 eV from the work function of the GCNF without intercalate. In addition, consistent with other published work, a narrowing of the electron energy spectrum’s width occurs with intercalation. This narrower energy distribution may indicate emission from hybridized carbon–potassium states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The first objective measure to enable tracking of respiratory function for type 1. • Scoring system focuses on ventilation, secretion management and subtype. • By month 18 of treatment, stabilisation of respiratory score noted for all patients. Nusinersen (NUS), the first treatment approved for Spinal Muscular Atrophy type 1 (SMA1), was made available in the UK for SMA1 through the Expanded Access Program (EAP) in 2017. The Great Ormond Street Respiratory (GSR) score was developed as an objective respiratory assessment for children with SMA1 during their treatment. Aims: Track respiratory status of SMA1 children over the course of Nusinersen treatment and compare GSR scores amongst SMA1 sub-types. Single centre study on SMA1 patients using the GSR score at set time points: prior to first NUS dose; 2 weeks post end of loading doses; 2 weeks post-subsequent doses. GSR score ranges 1–28, being 1–9 = Stable minimal support, thorough to 23–28 = Poor reserve with maximum support. 20 SMA1 children underwent NUS treatment between January 2017 - November 2018. Median age of diagnosis was 5.0 months. NUS started at median of 9.57 months. From 5th dose onwards, GSR scores were significantly lower for Type 1C patients compared to Type 1B By month 18, irrespective of subtypes, the whole cohort appears to stabilise GSR Scores. As treatment duration increases, an overall stabilisation of respiratory status across the cohort was observed. Further longitudinal studies are needed to validate the GSR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animals have been used as experimental models for centuries and their use has enabled researchers to make significant advances in many areas of human health and disease. However, this is not always the case and there are limitations in using animal models as surrogates for humans, which have hampered the development of efficacious therapeutics for some pathologies. Scientific limitations, together with ethical concerns, legislative changes and the current economic climate are driving researchers to look for and develop alternative non-animal research tools. Technological advances in tissue engineering, 'omics' approaches and in silico modelling for example, are enabling scientists to conduct their research without using animals in a broad range of disciplines, including complex multi-system reflexes such as nausea and vomiting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This book provides a comparative analysis of European state policies relating to the dispersal of asylum seekers and refugees. It attempts to define, encourage and establish good practice in refugee integration through the comparison of national models. The authors believe that Europe’s changing position in the global refugee system has brought many more asylum seekers to the continent than was previously the case. Many of these people have chosen to settle in particular areas near their particular ethnic communities. Receiving countries perceive such concentrations as a threat and are attempting to spread the burden more evenly through a process of social engineering. The authors demonstrate this by providing an account of how and why three EU member states, the Netherlands, Sweden and UK, have introduced policies to disperse their asylum and refugee populations; by describing the mechanisms employed to achieve dispersal and their intended and unintended outcomes; by critiquing national policy and drawing attention to good practice where it exists; and by challenging some of the key philosophies that underpin dispersal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of Direct Electron Detector (DED) videos in the Electron Microscope field has boosted Single Particle Analysis to a point in which it is currently considered to be a key technique in Structural Biology. In this article we introduce an approach to estimate the DED camera gain at each pixel from the movies themselves. This gain is needed to have the set of recorded frames into a coherent gray level range, homogeneous over the whole image. The algorithm does not need any other input than the DED movie itself, being capable of providing an estimate of the camera gain image, helping to identify dead pixels and cases of incorrectly calibrated cameras. We propose the algorithm to be used either to validate the experimentally acquired gain image (for instance, to follow its possible change over time) or to verify that there is no residual gain image after experimentally correcting for the camera gain. We show results for a number of DED camera models currently in use (DE, Falcon II, Falcon 3, and K2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several cases of interstitial lung disease have been diagnosed among workers at a nylon flock plant, but the etiologic agent for the disease outbreak was unknown. The results of a medical survey and industrial hygiene study indicated that the dust present in the plant may be responsible. Thus, airborne dust collected at the plant was examined for its inflammatory potential in rat lungs. The endpoints measured were: (1) breathing rates, (2) differential cell counts of bronchoalveolar lavage cells, (3) alveolar macrophage (AM) chemiluminescence, (4) albumin concentration and matrix metalloprotease activities in the acellular fluid from the initial bronchoalveolar lavage, and (5) pulmonary histopathology. In the first study, rats received a single dose of the airborne dust sample (10 mg/kg body weight) by intratracheal (IT) instillation. At 1 d post-IT, all inflammatory endpoints were significantly increased versus controls, but by 29 d post-IT they did not differ significantly from controls. Histopathology demonstrated mild to moderate, multifocal, suppurative pneumonia, usually centered around bronchioles, at 1 d post-IT. At 29 d post-IT, pulmonary inflammation was minimal to mild and characterized by alveolar histocytosis usually restricted to the immediate area of retained birefringent fibers. In subsequent experiments, airborne dust was extracted with water and the dust (washed airborne dust) and water extract (soluble fraction) were separated by centrifugation for further study. Nylon tow dust was prepared in the laboratory by milling uncut nylon strands (called tow) that had not been treated with the finish or dyes that are commonly used in the flock plants. Rats were administered a single dose of a dust sample (10 mg/kg body weight) or the soluble fraction (1.3 ml/ kg body weight) by IT administration and the same endpoints were measured at 1 d post-IT. The dust samples caused significant increases in all of the inflammatory endpoints; however, the soluble fraction was much less active. Histological analysis of the lungs 1 d post-IT confirmed lung inflammation was occurring and tended to center around bronchioles. The results suggest that: (1) nylon flocking generates particles of respirable size that can interact with AM in the lung and can be detected in the lung 29 d after exposure, ( 2) the dust samples examined cause an inflammatory response, (3) water-extractable agent(s) from airborne dust contribute only minimally to the inflammatory response, and (4) the acute inflammatory response to these dusts is substantial when compared to other pathologic occupational dusts previously examined in our laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To outline the impact of the Canterbury, New Zealand ( NZ) earthquakes on Christchurch Hospital, and the experiences of emergency nurses during this time. Background NZ has experienced earthquakes and aftershocks centred in the Canterbury region of the South Island. The location of these, around and within the major city of Christchurch, was unexpected and associated with previously unknown fault lines. While the highest magnitude quake occurred in September 2010, registering 7.1 on the Richter scale, it was the magnitude 6.3 event on 22 February 2011 which was associated with the greatest injury burden and loss of life. Staff working in the only emergency department in the city were faced with an external emergency while also being directly affected as part of the disaster. Sources of Evidence This paper developed following interviews with nurses who worked during this period, and draws on literature related to healthcare responses to earthquakes and natural disasters. The establishment of an injury database allowed for an accurate picture to emerge of the injury burden, and each of the authors was present and worked in a clinical capacity during the earthquake. Discussion Nurses played a significant role in the response to the earthquakes and its aftermath. However, little is known regarding the impact of this, either in personal or professional terms. This paper presents an overview of the earthquakes and experiences of nurses working during this time, identifying a range of issues that will benefit from further exploration and research. It seeks to provide a sense of the experiences and the potential meanings that were derived from being part of this 'moment in time'. Conclusion Examples of innovations in practice emerged during the earthquake response and a number of recommendations for nursing practice are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Tailored and specific interventions for informal caregivers in palliative care are rare. We aimed to generate evidence to inform a subsequent appropriate intervention based on caregivers' experiences. Method: Single, semi-structured qualitative interviews were undertaken with 20 informal cancer caregivers of home cancer palliative care. Results: Carers reported the need to be prepared for their caring role, to be visible to professionals, to receive clear and specific information about the patient's condition, and to be emotionally supported. They described challenges as uncertainty, distress at witnessing disease progression and the daily struggle with financial issues, personal time, own health and sleep problems. Conclusions: Considering the time pressures and restricted caregiver time, the intervention should be brief and should aim to enhance their visibility as service recipients, patient-specific information giving, preparation for their role, and emotional support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A transcription regulatory complex (TRC) that includes Ets1, Ets2, PEA3 and β-catenin/T-cell factors regulates osteopontin (OPN) that is implicated in colorectal cancer (CRC) dissemination. The consistency of OPN transcriptional control between primary CRC and metastases is unclear. This study investigates expression and prognostic significance of the OPN-TRC in primary human CRC and associated colorectal liver metastases (CRLM).Methods: Osteopontin-TRC factors were assayed by digital microscopy in 38 primary CRCs and matched CRLM specimens and assessed against clinical prognosis.Results: In primary CRC, OPN expression intensity correlated with that of its co-activators, PEA3 (r=0.600; P<0.01), Ets1 (r=0.552; P<0.01), Ets2 (r=0.521; P<0.01) and had prognostic significance. Osteopontin intensity in primary CRC inversely correlated with the interval between diagnosis and resection of CRLM. Overall OPN intensity was lower in CRLM than primary CRC and correlations with co-activators were weaker, for example, Ets1 (P=0.047), PEA3 (P=0.022) or nonsignificant (Ets2). The ratio of OPN expression in CRLM vs primary CRC had prognostic significance.Conclusion: This study supports transcriptional control of OPN by known coregulators in both primary and secondary CRC. Weaker associations in CRLM suggest involvement of other unknown factors possibly from the liver microenvironment or resulting from additional genetic or epigenetic changes that drive tumour metastatic capability in OPN transcriptional control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal experiments remain essential to understand the fundamental mechanisms underpinning malignancy and to discover improved methods to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. Excellent standards of animal care are fully consistent with the conduct of high quality cancer research. Here we provide updated guidelines on the welfare and use of animals in cancer research. All experiments should incorporate the 3Rs: replacement, reduction and refinement. Focusing on animal welfare, we present recommendations on all aspects of cancer research, including: study design, statistics and pilot studies; choice of tumour models (e.g., genetically engineered, orthotopic and metastatic); therapy (including drugs and radiation); imaging (covering techniques, anaesthesia and restraint); humane endpoints (including tumour burden and site); and publication of best practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports the direct costs related to osteoporosis and hip fractures paid for governmental and private institutions in the Mexican health system and estimates the impact of these entities on Mexico. We conclude that the economic burden due to the direct costs of hip fracture justifies wide-scale prevention programs for osteoporosis (OP). To estimate the total direct costs of OP and hip fractures in the Mexican Health care system, a sample of governmental and private institutions were studied. Information was gathered through direct questionnaires in 275 OP patients and 218 hip fracture cases. Additionally, a chart review was conducted and experts’ opinions obtained to get accurate protocol scenarios for diagnoses and treatment of OP with no fracture. Microcosting and activity-based costing techniques were used to yield unit costs. The total direct costs for OP and hip fracture were estimated for 2006 based on the projected annual incidence of hip fractures in Mexico. A total of 22,233 hip fracture cases were estimated for 2006 with a total cost to the healthcare system of US$ 97,058,159 for the acute treatment alone ($4,365.50 per case). We found considerable differences in costs and the way the patients were treated across the different health sectors within the country. Costs of the acute treatment of hip fractures in Mexico are high and are expected to increase with the predicted increment of life expectancy and the number of elderly in our population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcoholism is a relatively common, chronic, disabling and often treatment-resistant disorder. Evidence from twin and adoption studies indicates a substantial genetic influence, with heritability estimates of 50–60%. We conducted a genome scan in the Irish Affected Sib Pair Study of Alcohol Dependence (IASPSAD). Most probands were ascertained through alcoholism treatment settings and were severely affected. Probands, affected siblings and parents were evaluated by structured interview. A 4 cM genome scan was conducted using 474 families of which most (96%) were comprised by affected sib pairs. Nonparametric and quantitative linkage analyses were conducted using DSM-IV alcohol dependence (AD) and number of DSM-IV AD symptoms (ADSX). Quantitative results indicate strong linkage for number of AD criteria to a broad region of chromosome 4, ranging from 4q22 to 4q32 (peak multipoint LOD=4.59, P=2.1 × 10−6, at D4S1611). Follow-up analyses suggest that the linkage may be due to variation in the symptoms of tolerance and out of control drinking. There was evidence of weak linkage (LODs of 1.0–2.0) to several other regions, including 1q44, 13q31, and 22q11 for AD along with 2q37, 9q21, 9q34 and 18p11 for ADSX. The location of the chromosome 4 peak is consistent with results from prior linkage studies and includes the alcohol dehydrogenase gene cluster. The results of this study suggest the importance of genetic variation in chromosome 4 in the etiology and severity of alcoholism in Caucasian populations.Molecular Psychiatry (2006) 11, 603–611. doi:10.1038/sj.mp.4001811; published online 14 March 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Commission on Health Research for Development concluded that "for the most vulnerable people, the benefits of research offer a potential for change that has gone largely untapped." This project was designed to assess low and middle income country capacity and commitment for equity-oriented research. Methods: A multi-disciplinary team with coordinators from each of four regions (Asia, Latin America, Africa and Central and Eastern Europe) developed a questionnaire through consensus meetings using a mini-Delphi technique. Indicators were selected based on their quality, validity, comprehensiveness, feasibility and relevance to equity. Indicators represented five categories that form the Health Research Profile (HRP): 1) Research priorities; 2) Resources (amount spent on research); 3) Production of knowledge (capacity); 4) Packaging of knowledge and 5) Evidence of research impact on policy and equity. We surveyed three countries from each region. Results: Most countries reported explicit national health research priorities. Of these, half included specific research priorities to address inequities in health. Data on financing were lacking for most countries due to inadequate centralized collection of this information. The five main components of HRP showed a gradient where countries scoring lower on the Human Development Index (HDI) had a lower capacity to conduct research to meet local health research needs. Packaging such as peer-reviewed journals and policy forums were reported by two thirds of the countries. Seven out of 12 countries demonstrated impact of health research on policies and reported engagement of stakeholders in this process. Conclusion: Only one out of 12 countries indicated there was research on all fronts of the equity debate. Knowledge sharing and management is needed to strengthen within-country capacity for research and implementation to reduce inequities in health. We recommend that all countries (and external agencies) should invest more in building a certain minimum level of national capacity for equity-oriented research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: Systematic review.Objective: To determine the effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in the management of chronic LBP.Summary Of Background Data: Chronic low back pain (LBP) affects a significant proportion of the population. TENS was introduced more than 30 years ago as an adjunct to pharmacologic pain management. However, despite its widespread use, the usefulness of TENS in chronic LBP is still controversial.Methods: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PEDro, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Issue 2, 2005), up to April 1, 2005. Only randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect of TENS on chronic LBP were included. Two reviewers independently selected trials and extracted data using predetermined forms. Heterogeneity was tested with Cochrane's Q test. A fixed effect model was used throughout for calculating continuous variables, except where heterogeneity existed, in which case a random effects model was used. Results are presented as weighted mean differences with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), where the difference between the treated and control groups was weighted by the inverse of the variance. Standardized mean differences were calculated by dividing the difference between the treated and control by the baseline variance. Standardized mean differences were used when different scales were used to measure the same concept. Dichotomous outcomes were analyzed with odds ratios.Results: Two RCTs (175 patients) were included. They differed with respect to study design, methodologic quality, inclusion and exclusion criteria, characteristics of TENS application, treatment schedule, cointerventions, and measured outcomes. In one RCT, TENS produced significantly greater pain relief than the placebo control. However, in the other RCT, no statistically significant differences between treatment and control groups were shown for multiple outcome measures. Preplanned subgroup analyses, intended to examine the impact of different stimulation parameters, sites of TENS application, treatment durations, and baseline patient characteristics were not possible because of the small number of included trials.Conclusions: Evidence for the efficacy of TENS as an isolated intervention in the management of chronic LBP is limited and inconsistent. Larger, multicenter, RCTs are needed to better resolve its role in this condition. Increased attention should be given to the risks and benefits of long-term use, which more appropriately addresses the realities of managing chronic low back pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is commonly used to treat the pain of osteoarthritis, the effectiveness of this type of stimulation for pain relief remains controversial. This review found statistically significant results favouring conventional and acupuncture-like stimulation for pain relief and stiffness relief. Mixed stimulation was effective in reducing knee pain but had less effect on hip pain. Burst nerve stimulation resulted in statistically significant relief of knee stiffness and increase in long-term pain relief. Conventional, burst, acupuncturelike, and mixed transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation have some benefit over placebo for certain aspects of osteoarthritis-associated disability, and can be used as an adjunct therapy for treatment of patients with arthritis involving the hips and/or knees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on a study which reviews various research to determine whether viscosupplementation, with either hyaluronan or hylan products, can relieve pain and enhance physical function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. These studies were randomized controlled trials. Results indicated that viscosupplementation minimizes pain and enhances physical function for up to 26 weeks.

Sending books home is a distinctive practice in beginning reading instruction in New Zealand. There has been little systematic description of how the practice typically operates. As part of a larger study of collaboration between communities and schools, information was collected from interviews with J1 classroom teachers and parents in 19 primary schools. Their responses revealed a normative practice. Almost all parents and teachers participated in the practice and considered parents should participate at this level. It was found that both teachers and parents believe the parental role is one of support and that little specific information on how to hear children read is shared between school and home. The results are interpreted as showing a generally robust practice but the need for more fine tuning with a redefinition of roles to maximise its developmental potential. [1] Paper presented at the New Zealand Association for Research in Education Annual Conference, Dunedin, 28 November‐1 December 1991. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

An in vitro study of the biologic responses of surface‐modified and native silica and kaolin was made to provide comparative information on the supression of cytotoxicity by pulmonary surfactant. The release of alveolar macrophage cytoplasmic enzyme, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and lysosomal enzymes β‐N‐acetylglucosaminidase (β‐NAG) and β‐glucuronidase (β‐GLUC) and sheep blood‐cell hemolysis were monitored as indicators of cell membrane damage and cytotoxicity. Surface modification of silica and kaolin with dipalmitoyl lecithin (DPL) resulted in complete abrogation of cytotoxicity of both minerals. These findings indicate that surface modification of minerals with different adsorption properties by pulmonary surfactant generally lessens their prompt adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article cites a study assessing the effectiveness of continuous passive motion (CPM) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Data sources for the presents study were various previous studies that were identified by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE/Excerpta Medica, HealthSTAR, Sports Discus, CINAHL, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, and other information sources. The quality of each study was assessed with use of the 5-point Jadad scale. Data related to active and passive knee range of motion, length of hospital stay, pain, and quadriceps strength were gathered and compared. Based on findings of the study, it was concluded that CPM imporves active knee flexion and shortens hospital stay but does not affect other functional outcomes after TKA.