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The ion–molecule reaction OH-+H2CO→H3O-+CO has been studied at 300 K with isotopic labeling of reactants. The H3O- product is only observed in small abundance because the ion dissociates into OH-+H2 upon multiple collisions in a helium buffer gas. Without isotopic labeling, the pseudo-first-order kinetics plots for the reactions of OH- with H2CO and OD-+D2CO were found to be curved as a result of the regeneration of OH- or OD- reactant. A scavenger technique was used to remove the H3O- (or D3O-) produced prior to dissociation, to reveal the true first-order attenuation of OH- (or OD-) in reaction with H2CO (or D2CO). The rate constant for the OH-+H2CO reaction is 7.6×10-10 cm3 s-1, and for OD-+D2CO is 5.7×10-10 cm3 s-1. For the isotopically mixed cases OH-+D2CO and OD-+H2CO, the rate constants are equal to 1.3×10-9 cm3 s-1, about twice as large as those for the reactions involving only a single hydrogen isotope, indicating that isotopic exchange is an important process. The rate constants for the thermal dissociation of H3O- and D3O- in helium were found to be 1.6×10-12 and 1.1×10-12 cm3 s-1, respectively, within a factor of 2. The results are discussed in terms of other thermal dissociation reactions of ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have reexamined whether N2(v=1) transfers its vibrational quantum to NO+(v=0). In light of recent results that show that CH3I does not charge transfer rapidly with NO+(v=1), we show that previous measurements could not have detected vibrational–vibrational (V–V) energy transfer from N2(v=1) to NO+(v=0). We have made measurements to examine this process by using C2H5I as the monitor for NO+(v=1). Our results show that NO+(v>=0) is indeed produced from reaction of NO+(v=0) with N2(v) but these results cannot be used to distinguish between resonant V–V energy transfer from N2(v=1) to NO+(v=0) and V–V, T energy transfer from higher levels of N2(v). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the efficacy and tolerability of olanzapine/fluoxetine combination (OFC) compared with lamotrigine (Lam) for long-term treatment of bipolar I depression, this 25-wk, randomized, double-blind study compared OFC (6/25, 6/50, 12/25, or 12/50 mg/d, n=205) with Lam titrated to 200 mg/d (n=205) in patients with bipolar I disorder, depressed. A protocol-specified analysis of 7-wk outcomes was previously reported. Outcome measures included Clinical Global Impressions - Severity of Illness (CGI-S) (primary), Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) scores. OFC-treated patients had significantly greater improvement than Lam-treated patients over 25 wk on CGI-S (p=0.008), MADRS (p=0.005), and YMRS (p<0.001) scores, and from baseline across visits from week 5 (titration complete) to the end of the study on CGI-S (p=0.043), MADRS (p=0.017), and YMRS (p=0.001) scores. Of patients in remission after the 7-wk acute phase, there was no significant difference between treatment groups in the incidence of relapse (MADRS>15, p=0.528). Rate of treatmentemergent mania was not significantly different by treatment (p=0.401). OFC-treated patients had more frequent (p<0.05) somnolence, increased appetite, dry mouth, sedation, weight gain, and tremor; Lam-treated patients had more frequent insomnia. There was a significant difference in incidence of treatment-emergent cholesterol ⩾240 (p<0.001) and in weight gain of ⩾7% (p<0.001) in favour of the Lam group. Patients with bipolar I depression had significantly greater symptom improvement over 25 wk on OFC compared with Lam. There was no treatment difference in incidence of relapse. OFCtreated patients had more treatment-emergent adverse events and greater incidence of weight gain and hypercholesterolaemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Gaps remain between rating scale changes obtained in a clinical trial and what those results mean in clinical practice. Objective: To better understand the relevance of results from a clinical trial we examined the relationship between rating scale measures and the clinicians'' assessment of illness severity. Methods: Data from a randomized double-blind 8-week study of bipolar I depression were examined post hoc in patients who received placebo (PLA, n =355), olanzapine (n =351) (OLZ, 5 to 20 mg/d), or olanzapine–fluoxetine combination (n =82) (OFC, 6 and 25, 6 and 50, or 12 and 50 mg/d). Principal components analysis identified related symptoms (factors) from Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) item scores. Regression analysis examined baseline to endpoint changes in factor scores and Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scores. Mixed-effects model repeated measures analysis assessed differences between treatment groups. Results: MADRS factors identified were: sadness, negative thoughts, detachment, and neurovegetative symptoms. Factor and CGI scores were significantly reduced from baseline to endpoint (LOCF) in the combination therapy group as compared with placebo (p <.01). Changes in factor scores were highly correlated (p <.001) with changes in the CGI. Over 80% of this treatment effect was attributable to indirect effects of improvements in the MADRS factors, the remaining difference could not be explained even when changes in the YMRS and HAMA scores were included in the analytical model. Conclusions: The changes in MADRS factors were closely aligned with the clinician''s assessment of overall depression severity, which may suggest a high degree of clinical relevance for differences observed between treatments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Rapid cycling in bipolar disorder has been associated with greater morbidity. We examine whether rapid cycling affects treatment response to olanzapine or divalproex in acute mania. Methods: A post hoc analysis of a 47-week, randomized, double-blind study compared olanzapine (5–20 mg/day) to divalproex sodium (500–2500 mg/day) for bipolar manic or mixed episodes (N =251). Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) scores ≥20 were required for inclusion. Patients were classified at study entry as “rapid cyclers” if they experienced ≥4 episodes within the last year. A repeated measures analysis of variance was used to analyze YMRS change from baseline. Results: A significant three-way interaction (cycling frequency by medication by visit) was found when modeling change in YMRS total scores. For patients with bipolar I disorder identified as rapid cyclers, mania improvement across the trial did not differ significantly between treatment groups (p =0.181). Among non-rapid cyclers, olanzapine-treated patients had significantly greater YMRS improvement than divalproex-treated patients across the trial (p <0.001) and at most time points. Among olanzapine-treated patients, non-rapid cyclers experienced numerically greater YMRS improvement than rapid cyclers throughout the trial; statistically significant differences occurred at weeks 11, 15 and 39. In contrast, among divalproex-treated patients, YMRS scores were significantly better in rapid cyclers than non-rapid cyclers during the first two study weeks but were comparable thereafter. A similar pattern was seen in Clinical Global Impressions-Mania Severity scores. Hamilton Depression scores in rapid versus non-rapid cycling patients differed at some time points but not over the entire trial and differences by cycling status were not treatment-specific. Limitations: Apart from the post hoc nature of the analyses, there were high dropout rates in both groups, and cycle frequency was not taken into account. Conclusions: Rapid cycling patients did less well over long-term treatment than non-rapid cycling patients. Among rapid cycling patients, olanzapine and divalproex appear similarly effective against manic symptoms; however, among non-rapid cycling patients, olanzapine-treated patients experienced superior mania improvement. Olanzapine-treated, non-rapid cyclers experienced greater mania improvement than rapid cyclers. The converse was true of divalproex-treated patients early in treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article is an exercise in comparative librarianship, confined to strict geographical limits because of the vastness of the topic. The Federal Republic is studied first. In 1939 Germany had wonderful research libraries and mediocre public libraries; reasons for latter investigated. An account is given of damage suffered and reconstruction measures. Investigation of war damage in English libraries is more difficult owing to lack of published data, but it is clear that the extent of it is much less. Damage was chiefly to public libraries, which lost much valuable material. In reconstruction, less emphasis was placed on rebuilding than on keeping the service unbroken. The conclusion is that, while war damage in English libraries caused setbacks, England had to reconstruct basically along same lines, incorporating improvements. In Federal Republic library systems brought to a standstill, but the end of the war renewed contact with outside world. Reconstruction gave the opportunity of creating a vastly improved public libraiy system and making the most of remaining resources in research libraries by improved organization in inter-library co-operation, staff training and professional associations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Whole and processed Alaskan fish were examined for aerobic plate counts, total coliforms, and Escherichia coli. Washing whole salmon and halibut reduced skin microbial counts from 10³/cm² to l0²/cm². Whole and dressed fish had coliform counts less than 13/cm² and E.coli counts less than 0.3/cm². Alaska pollock and Pacific cod fillets had microbial counts between l0³/g and l06g, coliform counts less than 70/g, and E. coli counts less than 4/g. Whole fish contained microbial flora predominated by Moraxella species whereas dressed fish and fillets had microbial flora consisting of Arthrobacter/Corynebacterium, Flavobacterium, and Pseudomonas species. Microorganisms on conveyor belts and other contact surfaces may have contributed contaminants to fillets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two shore-based surimi plants in Alaska were investigated to determine microbial conditions of Alaska pollock flesh during processing. Median aerobic plate count (APC) was 2.0 x 10⊃3/g after mincing, 2.3 x 10⊃3/g after washing/screening, 4.2 x 104/g after refining and 1.6 x 104g after dewatering. Reprocessing, needed for nonanalog grade surimi, resulted in APC of 1.2 x 105/g after a second refining and 3.0 x 105/g after a second dewatering. The APC for analog grade surimi was 5.5 x 104/g and 2.0 x 106/g for nonanalog grade surimi. Highest total coliform most probable number (MPN) of > 1100/g was determined from a nonanalog grade surimi sample and from a mince that had been refined twice. Highest Escherichia coli MPN of 460/g was determined from two minces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterotrophic bacteria isolated from two shore-based surimi processing plants in Alaska were identified to the genus level. In one plant, the major bacterial constituents were Flavobacterium and Pseudomonas, followed by Moraxella, Aeromonas, Lactobacillus, Serratia, and Acinetobacter. In the other plant, major bacterial groups were Flavobactetium and Arthrobacter/Colynebacterium, followed by Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter. Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, and Serratia were capable of rapid growth as low as 8°C, with respective generation times 3.0, 3.1, and 3.6 hours. Freezing and thawing of surimi reduced microbial counts to 45-67% of the pre-frozen load; however, the composition of the microbial flora was maintained. The plant environment was a potential source of microbial contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on NZNA/NZNO, an affiliate of the National Council of Women New (NCW) Zealand, an umbrella organization representing the views of women and women's groups on issues affecting women. Contribution of NCW to parliamentary submissions; NCW priorities for 2005 namely, equality, freedom from violence and the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women report.

The article reports on the New Zealand Ministry of Health's National Health Emergency Plan (NEHP) and calls on participation by nurses. The plan includes preparations for a possible outbreak of avian influenza. The guiding principles of NEHP are outlined, as are the requirements identified to prepare for an infectious disease outbreak. The early participation of nurses and healthcare workers in contingency planning is essential in order to respond effectively to a major influenza outbreak.

Focuses on New Zealand Nurses Organisation's ten key policy objectives for the health workforce. Improvement of health for all New Zealanders; Implications of the 2005 general elections.

Focuses on the failure of the government to deliver the funding increases for the aged-care sector in New Zealand. Determination of the New Zealand Nurses Organization to ensure fairness for the nurses and other workers and quality care for older people despite the failure of the government to deliver adequate funding; Confirmation of the importance of industrial response in aged care to success and change; Support of the public and health care workers to the upgrading of public hospitals throughout the country.

Details a report from Working Party on Support Services for Older People and People with Disabilities presented to New Zealand Associate Minister of Health Pete Hodgson in February 2005. Goal in establishing the working party in 2004; Concern about funding levels expressed by provider, union and consumer representatives; Impact to nurses and caregivers of under-funding in the sector; Issue concerning unions on the need for accountability mechanisms to ensure that increased funding actually goes directly to the workforce.

Reports that the New Zealand Nurses Organization is urging nurses and caregivers working in residential aged-care care facilities to respond to a document "Staffing Effectiveness Indicators for Residential Aged and Dementia Care". Proposal of minimum staffing levels for aged-care facilities; Formula for registered nurse staffing levels in aged-residential care; International evidence confirming the relationship between good patient outcomes and appropriate staff numbers.

Reports that the publication of the "New Zealand Patient Handling Guidelines" has resulted in more attention to patient handling programs in district health boards (DHBs). Full-time positions at DHBs dedicated to training and developing safer patient handling; Assessment of hospitals and residential care facilities; Barriers to successful implementation of the guidelines.