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Background Past studies have shown a commission bias for cancer treatment, a tendency to choose active treatment even when watchful waiting is less risky. This bias suggests motivations for action beyond mortality statistics, but recent evidence suggests that individuals differ in their emotional sensitivity to probabilities (ESP), the tendency to calibrate emotional reactions to probability. The current study aims to examine the role of ESP in the commission bias, specifically whether those higher in ESP are more likely to choose watchful waiting when risk probabilities align with that choice. Methods Participants ( N = 1,055) read a scenario describing a hypothetical cancer diagnosis and chose between surgery and watchful waiting, with random assignment between versions where the mortality rate was either lower for surgery or for watchful waiting. We modeled choice using the Possibility Probability Questionnaire (PPQ), a measure of ESP, and several other individual differences in a logistic regression. Results We observed a commission bias as in past studies with most participants choosing surgery both when surgery was optimal (71%) and when watchful waiting was optimal (58%). An ESP × Condition interaction indicated that the predictive role of ESP depended on condition. Those higher in ESP were more likely to choose surgery when probabilities favored surgery, β = 0.57, P < 0.001, but when probabilities favored watchful waiting, ESP had a near-zero relationship with choice, β = 0.05, P < 0.99. Conclusions The role of ESP in decision making is context specific. Higher levels of ESP predict choosing action when that action is warranted but do not predict a shift away from surgery when watchful waiting offers better chances of survival. ESP does not overcome the commission bias. Highlights Past studies have identified a “commission bias,” a tendency to choose active treatment over watchful waiting, even when mortality rate is lower for waiting. Evaluation of risk probabilities is related to individual differences in emotional sensitivity to probabilities (ESP) and has been shown to predict reactions to and decisions about health risk situations. ESP appears to be selectively factored into decision making. ESP was a robust predictor of choosing surgery when probability information supported surgery but did not predict decisions when probability information supported watchful waiting. Those who are most emotionally attuned to probabilities are just as susceptible to the commission bias as those who are less attuned.

Boat-based acoustic and visual surveys for harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) were conducted during the summers of 2001 and 2002 in order to investigate their distribution and relative abundance in the Baltic Sea, and to compare the results with the adjacent Kiel and Mecklenburg Bights and the Little Belt. Harbour porpoises are subject to year-round bycatch in gillnets and other fishing gear in these waters. This is of particular concern in the Baltic Sea where a survey carried out in 1995 indicated that the population is low and current levels of anthropogenic mortality are believed to be unsustainable. Polish coastal waters were not included in the 1995 survey and it has been hypothesised that these unsurveyed waters may contain a significant uncounted part of the Baltic Sea population. Results show that the porpoise detection rate was two orders of magnitude lower in the Baltic Sea than in other waters surveyed. No evidence was found that Polish waters contain a significant, previously uncounted part of the Baltic Sea population. The results confirm the endangered status of the Baltic Sea population, and stress the urgency of preventing future anthropogenic mortalities that threaten the survival of the population.

Funding: This study forms part of the ecosystems component of the British Antarctic Survey, Polar Science for Planet Earth Programme, funded by the Natural Environment Research Council. This work received funding support from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, as part of the Overseas Territories Blue Belt Programme, the South Georgia Heritage Trust and from Darwin PLUS award DPLUS057. The data collected from the RV ‘Kronprins Haakon’ work was supported by the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries (NFD, via project number 15208), the Institute of Marine Research (IMR) and the IMR project Krill (project number 14246). The data collected from the FV ‘Cabo de Hornos’ was financed by the Association of Responsible Krill Harvesting Companies (ARK, www.ark-krill.org), Aker Biomarine AS (www.akerbiomarine.com), NFD via project number 15208 and the IMR project Krill. Following the cessation of whaling, South Atlantic populations of humpback Megaptera novaeangliae and some other baleen whale species are recovering, but there has been limited monitoring of their recovery in the Scotia Arc, a former whaling epicentre and a hotspot for Antarctic krill Euphausia superba. To inform the management of krill fisheries, up-to-date assessment of whale biomass and prey consumption is essential. Using a model-based approach, we provide the first estimates of whale abundance and krill consumption for South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands and total abundance of humpback whales across their southwestern Atlantic feeding grounds, using data collected in 2019. Humpback whale abundance was estimated at 24543 (coefficient of variation, CV = 0.26; 95% CI = 14863-40528), similar to that measured in Brazil on the main wintering ground for this population. The abundance of baleen whales in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, including those not identified to species level, was estimated at 43824 (CV = 0.15, 95% CI = 33509-59077). Based on the proportion of humpback whales identified during the surveys (83%), the majority of these are likely to be humpback whales. Annual krill consumption by baleen whales was estimated to be in the range 4.8 to 7.2 million tons, representing 7 to 10% of the estimated krill biomass in the region. However, there is a need to better understand feeding rates in baleen whales, and further research into this field should be a priority to improve the accuracy and precision of prey consumption rate estimation. Postprint

While the availability of genetic testing is rapidly increasing, many opt out of testing. The decision to test or not is emotionally charged, and both clinical research and theoretical work in psychology show that in emotional decisions, people often struggle to interpret and utilize risk information. Clinical research on genetic testing uptake also shows that feeling overwhelmed by numeric information may be a deterrent to testing. However, recent psychological research indicates that some portion of the population has greater emotional sensitivity to probability, (i.e., the extent to which emotional reactions to risk depend on probabilities) than others. We hypothesize that participants high in emotional sensitivity to probability will be more interested in genetic testing as an opportunity to seek greater precision in risk estimates and that this relationship is moderated by the testing context itself. In an online survey of a nationally representative sample (not recruited as patients), participants were presented with a hypothetical scenario describing a suspected diagnosis with an option for genetic testing. The scenario experimentally varied the pre-test probability estimate of the diagnosis (low or high) and whether the test results would result in certainty (ruling in or ruling out the diagnosis), or reduced uncertainty (providing a more precise individual risk estimate). Results indicated that emotional sensitivity to probability was a strong predictor of intention to test, particularly when the test allowed participants to rule out a diagnosis, reducing an already low probability to zero. These results highlight the way patients' individual characteristics interact with the testing context to guide decision-making and provide important insight into the way patients integrate risk probability information into intensely emotional decisions.

An increasing number of pipelines across the UK Continental Shelf are reaching the end of their economic life, resulting in a growing impetus on decommissioning. Implicit to the decommissioning process is the evaluation of the environmental impacts of the different decommissioning options, however little is known regarding the epifauna that interact with these structures. This study utilized industry-collected footage from remotely operated vehicle inspections of pipelines to assess the interactions of benthic epifauna with pipelines, and their associated structures, for the first time. Footage was analysed from across the northern and central North Sea to examine relationships between faunal community compositions and pipelines and their protective coverings. The complex habitat of concrete and Link-lok mattresses had the highest numbers of observable taxa. Differences in community composition were largely due to varying proportions of common epilithic species. There was a weak relationship between pipeline covering type and the species composition of the immediately neighbouring substrate. Depth and latitude were the strongest correlators with the observed community compositions. This study has compiled the first dataset on epifaunal associations with subsea pipelines in the North Sea.

Deep-sea animals inhabiting the hadal zone (>6000 m deep) are frequently reported to occupy large bathymetric ranges, but details of intra-specific population structure and the underlying drivers remain poorly understood. Here we describe the population structure of the dominant SW Pacific hadal amphipod, Bathycallisoma schellenbergi, across its bathymetric range in the Kermadec (10,047 m) and New Hebrides (7156 m) trenches and explore the factors likely responsible for the observed patterns. These two trenches are relatively close geographically but underlie different water masses and are topographically isolated by the Kermadec fore-arc. The minimum depth of B. schellenbergi was ~1000 m shallower in the New Hebrides Trench than in the Kermadec Trench although similar patterns of ontogenetic stratification were present; juveniles were restricted to depths Hirondellea dubia, at mid-trench depths corresponded to maximum densities of B. schellenbergi , a trend that was reversed towards the trench axes regardless of actual depth. This suggests that the population structure and amphipod assemblages are more affected by how trench topography influences the distribution of food and potential ecological interactions, rather than simply by the effects of hydrostatic pressure.

Purpose Exercise and sport participation lead to many physical and psychosocial benefits. However, barriers to exercise and sporting participation exist. This study aims to examine if stammering acts as a barrier to exercise and sporting participation in adults. Methods One hundred and six adults who stammer (male n = 74, female n = 32; 33.83 ± 14.5 years) completed an anonymous questionnaire which evaluated their stammering history, exercise and sporting participation, views on why they exercise, whether stammering prevented or negatively influenced their participation in exercise or sport. Descriptive statistics were then calculated. Results The majority (90.6 %) of participants take part in some form of exercise/sport. However, their stammer prevented them from taking part in a specific exercise/sport at least once (49.1 %), due to being too nervous to introduce themselves, nervous or fear of stammering or being judged. Their stammer also negatively impacted their involvement when participating at least once (42.4 %), with not feeling part of the team and fear of speaking reported. Self-disclosure of their stammer and improving awareness of stammering were identified as common facilitators for taking part in exercise/sport. Conclusion Stammering was not found to impact general participation in exercise and sport but was identified as a barrier to partaking in specific exercise and sport and their enjoyment thereof. Encouraging those who stammer to inform those involved in sport and exercise (e.g. fellow players, coaches) about their stammer and improving stammer awareness across the general and sporting population may encourage further participation in exercise and sport in those who stammer.

Highly refractive and transparent polyphosphonates with varying aromatic backbones have been synthesised by polycondensation of phosphonic dichlorides and diols, significantly expanding the reported scope of these intrinsic high refractive index polymers. The polyphosphonates display excellent thermal properties, with thermal stability up to 450 °C and tuneable glass transition temperatures ranging from 41 to 214 °C by terminating the polymer with different alcohols. The polymers synthesised also possess excellent optical properties, with low UV cut off points and high refractive indices up to 1.66, the highest reported for this type of polymer. We also report Abbe numbers for this class of polymers for the first time; all are high (>22), making these polymers excellent potential candidates for a range of optical applications.

There are few biological datasets that span large bathymetric ranges with sufficient resolution to identify trends across the abyssal and hadal transition zone, particularly over multiple trenches. Here, scavenging Amphipoda were collected from three trenches in the South Pacific Ocean at bathyal to hadal depths. Diversity and community structure were examined from stations within the Kermadec Trench (1490–9908 m) and New Hebrides Trench (2000–6948 m) and additional data were included from the South Fiji Basin (4000 m) and Peru-Chile Trench (4602–8074 m). The hadal community structure of the Kermadec and New Hebrides trenches were distinct from the surrounding abyssal and bathyal depths and correlated to hydrostatic pressure and POC flux. Low POC flux in the New Hebrides Trench and South Fiji Basin best explained the dissimilarity in abyssal community structure from those of the disparate Kermadec and Peru-Chile trenches. POC flux also best explained patterns in hadal community structure with the Kermadec and New Hebrides Trench communities showing greater similarity to each other than to the eutrophic Peru-Chile Trench. Hydrostatic pressure was the strongest driver of intra-trench assemblage composition in all trench environments. A unimodal pattern of species diversity, peaking between 4000 and 5000 m, was best explained by hydrostatic pressure and temperature.

Aims: Irradiation of the internal mammary chain (IMC) is increasing following recently published data, but the need for formal delineation of lymph node volumes is slowing implementation in some healthcare settings. A field-placement algorithm for irradiating locoregional lymph nodes including the IMC could reduce the resource impact of introducing irradiation of the IMC. This study describes the development and evaluation of such an algorithm. Materials and methods: An algorithm was developed in which six points representing lymph node clinical target volume borders (based on European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology consensus nodal contouring guidelines) were placed on computed tomography-defined anatomical landmarks and used to place tangential and nodal fields. Single-centre testing in 20 cases assessed the success of the algorithm in covering planning target volumes (PTVs) and adequately sparing organs at risk. Plans derived using the points algorithm were also compared with plans generated following formal delineation of nodal PTVs, using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Timing data for point placement were collected. Multicentre testing using the same methods was then carried out to establish whether the technique was transferable to other centres. Results: Single-centre testing showed that 95% of cases met the nodal PTV coverage dose constraints (binomial probability confidence interval 75.1-99.9%) with no statistically significant reduction in mean heart dose or ipsilateral lung V-17Gy associated with formal nodal delineation. In multicentre testing, 69% of cases met nodal PTV dose constraints and there was a statistically significant difference in IMC PTV coverage using the points algorithm when compared with formally delineated nodal volumes (P < 0.01). However, there was no difference in axillary level 1-4 PTV coverage (P = 0.11) with all cases meeting target volume constraints. Conclusions: The optimal strategy for breast and locoregional lymph node radiotherapy is target volume delineation. However, use of this novel points-based field-placement algorithm results in dosimetrically acceptable plans without the need for formal lymph node contouring in a single-centre setting and for the breast and level 1-4 axilla in a multicentre setting. Further quality assurance measures are needed to enable implementation of the algorithm for irradiation of the IMC in a multicentre setting. (C) 2018 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The Royal College of Radiologists.

In this chapter, the author interprets methodology to include methodological aspects of theory. The review that follows is a personal statement. In it she explains some of the factors that led up to and shaped the study, and which are seldom discussed in sociological monographs. She hopes to make clear the central ideas underlying the methodology and how these were developed during the research. The chapter has a broadly chronological structure and shows how a general concern with the problems of society were shaped by her experience within the Department of Social Anthropology and Sociology at Manchester, and finally moulded into a methodology through her study of Hightown Grammar. The analyses of a wide range of fieldwork situations were united by Manchester's own peculiar blend of conflict theory and functionalism. She then explores most affected by social anthropological criticism and which itself contains an implied criticism of much social anthropological writing.

Here we provide the first record of the ‘supergiant’ amphipod Alicella gigantea Chevreux, 1899 (Alicellidae) from the Southern Hemisphere, and extend the known bathymetric range by over 1000 m to 7000 m. An estimated nine individuals were observed across 1500 photographs taken in situ by baited camera at 6979 m in the Kermadec Trench, SW Pacific Ocean. Nine specimens, ranging in length from 102 to 290 mm were recovered by baited trap at depths of 6265 m and 7000 m. Mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences obtained indicate a cosmopolitan distribution for the species. Data and observations from the study are used to discuss the reason for gigantism in this species, and its apparently disjunct geographical distribution.

The population structure of Hirondellea gigas (Birstein and Vinogradov, 1955), collected by baited trap from 8172 and 9316 m in the Izu-Bonin Trench (NW Pacific) was examined. Specimens were categorized according to sex and life stage. At 8172 m, juveniles comprised the overwhelming majority of the population, whilst at 9316 m the male: female: juvenile ratio was more evenly distributed, suggesting vertical ontogenetic structuring. Furthermore, juveniles from 8172 m were significantly smaller than those from 9316 m with an average body length of 11.1 mm (±4.6 S.D.) compared to 19.8 mm (±3.1 S.D.). Females and males showed the opposite trend to juveniles, with both the largest individuals and the greatest proportion of males and females occurring at 9316 m, no ♀6 nor brooding females were captured. Female reproductive strategies and the environmental drivers of ontogenetic structuring of H. gigas populations are discussed. We conclude that pressure per se does not drive the observed trends but rather an interaction between depth (pressure) and topography-influenced distribution of resources in terms of both quality and quantity.

A method is described and tested for identifying and prioritizing actions to facilitate recovery (restoration) and/or conservation (maintenance) of populations of threatened marine species. The exercise was based on established approaches for terrestrial species and on assessing each species according to ‘degree of threat’ and ‘recovery/conservation potential’. Assessment of both degree of threat and recovery/conservation potential was informed by researching the relevant life-history traits of each species and existing knowledge of natural fluctuations in abundance. ‘Rarity’ was a key consideration in assessing degree of threat but rarity measures for cetaceans and pelagic fishes were not available and a new methodology was therefore developed. Likely actions for maintenance or recovery of a population of a species were specified under the headings: ‘Site Management’, ‘Translocation’, ‘Enforcement’, ‘Research’, ‘Monitoring’ and ‘Wider Environment’. The recovery/conservation goal for each species was identified according to SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound) criteria. The terrestrial approach transferred well to marine species but with some adaptation as the marine environment is different to terrestrial ecosystems in the pressures and activities that are likely to adversely affect species, to our knowledge of decline in species and to the ecological processes that are likely to aid recovery. The species researched are prioritized for action according to degree of threat and recovery/conservation potential. Recovery/conservation goals are specified and the reasons for proposed actions are explained. Identifying measures for recovery or conservation was often difficult because the cause of decline or the threats to species were unknown or unclear. Better collation of relevant information would create a stronger evidence base, assist the provision of better advice, and therefore support better decision-making by managers. Application of the methodology to other marine species of conservation concern in a particular biogeographical or administrative area needs more meaningful lists than are currently used of species that are rare, scarce, in decline or threatened with decline. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This work was funded and conducted by the International Fund for Animal Welfare. Photo-grammetric techniques developed for measuring body length and small scale movement patterns of cetaceans were applied to surface swimming basking sharks off the west coast of Scotland. These methods removed the need for close approaches, reducing the likelihood of disturbing the focal animal. Average swimming speed was calculated from the total path length between shark locations measured at approximately one minute intervals. These average speeds varied from 0.49 to 0.73 ms−1 for tracks of between 30 and 170 minutes' duration. Body length measurements ranged between 2.35 and 6.43 m. For ten sharks where body length and swimming speed were measured there was a significant correlation between body length (L) and swimming speed (V) expressed as V = 0.36L033. Publisher PDF

The distribution of harbour porpoises Phocoena phocoena in southern Europe and along the Atlantic African coast is poorly understood, with tentative assessments suggesting a discrete West African population with a northern limit around the Straits of Gibraltar. This study describes visual and acoustic surveys for porpoises in Atlantic waters of North-West Africa in spring 2005 between latitudes of 20°N and 37°N. During this period, 276h of acoustic data were collected in all sea states (from 3 125km of trackline) and 60h (824km) of visual effort was conducted in Beaufort sea states of three or less. Harbour porpoises were seen three times on the survey trackline and on four additional occasions off the trackline. The four individuals seen in Agadir Bay (30°N) represent the northernmost living porpoises reported from the Atlantic African coasts and the first sightings of porpoises reported in Moroccan waters. In addition, 31 acoustic detections were made on the survey trackline, of which 23 were made between Dakhla (24°N) and Cap Barbas (22°N). Fishing activities off North-West Africa are intense, ranging from small-scale artisanal gillnetters to international freeze-trawlers. Further monitoring of the status of this little known and isolated population is required for effective conservation management. Keywords: acoustics; distribution; harbour porpoise; Phocoena phocoena; West Africa African Journal of Marine Science Vol. 29 (3) 2007: pp. 403-410

In the mixing of prepared casein glues with water in quantity, the difficulties met with, namely lump-formation and air-entrainment, arise from difficulties experienced by the particles in penetrating the water surface, especially if the water already has part of the casein dissolved in it. It is shown that the mixing problem can be solved by carrying out the operation on a continuous basis, and using centrifugal forces to submerge the particles; a machine has been built in which correctly proportioned streams of casein powder and water are passed into a specially designed centrifuge cup, continuously discharged at the top through a scoop-tube; a scraper provides reflux near the base, and air is removed centripetally as the materials ascend the divergent walls. The machine absorbed only 1/15 h.p. and yielded a virtually faultless mix at rates up to 20 1b. per minute.

Acoustic surveys for sperm whales, using line-transect methodology, were carried out in the Ionian Sea and Straits of Sicily, Mediterranean Sea, in 2003. A total of 17 whales were detected along 3846 km of designed survey track in the Ionian Sea, and no whales along 892 km in the Straits of Sicily. This total was insufficient to estimate a detection function, so further data were obtained from quasi-random passages made elsewhere in the western Mediterranean in the same year. The encounters included several tight aggregations with inter-animal spacing less than 1 km, primarily from the western Mediterranean. Including individuals from these aggregations distorted the detection function due to the small sample sizes. No such aggregations were found during formal survey of the two areas of interest, and the aggregations were therefore excluded from detection function estimation. The resultant effective strip half-width was 10.0 km (n=40). On the assumption that g(0)=1, the resulting abundance estimates for the Ionian Sea were 62 (with 95% lognormal confidence limits of [24,165]), and 0 for the Straits of Sicily. The low abundance estimate for the Ionian Sea indicates that careful monitoring of the population is needed in the future. During passages along the Hellenic Trench, that were not part of the designed survey, several sperm whales including two aggregations were detected, suggesting that this may be a higher density area and ought to be considered as a separate stratum when designing future surveys.

current concerns about the population levels of the basking shark (cetorhinus maximus) in the north-east atlantic have prompted a need to understand population distribution, habitat preference and centres of abundance. in this study, spatial distribution maps derived from satellite-tag geolocations, boat surveys and public sightings data were compared. the broad distribution patterns revealed by these different methods are similar, but there are considerable differences in density distributions. surface sightings data show high densities, or ‘hotspots’ in the hebridean sea, clyde sea, irish sea and close inshore around devon and cornwall. tag geolocations, in contrast, identified two areas where individuals spent considerable time outside the distributions indicated by surveys and public sightings: the celtic sea and western approaches of the english channel. the reason for this disparity and its implications for population estimates for the species are discussed.

The ability to inhibit inappropriate responses is central to cognitive control, but whether the same brain mechanisms mediate inhibition across different tasks is not known. We present evidence for a common set of frontal and parietal regions engaged in response inhibition across three tasks: a go/no-go task, a flanker task, and a stimulus-response compatibility task. Regions included bilateral anterior insula/frontal operculum and anterior prefrontal, right dorsolateral and premotor, and parietal cortices. Insula activity was positively correlated with interference costs in behavioral performance in each task. Principal components analysis showed a coherent pattern of individual differences in these regions that was also positively correlated with performance in all three tasks. However, correlations among tasks were low, for both brain activity and performance. We suggest that common interference detection and/or resolution mechanisms are engaged across tasks, and that inter-task correlations in behavioral performance are low because they conflate measurements of common mechanisms with measurements of individual biases unique to each task.

Working memory is often conceptualized as storage buffers that retain information briefly, rehearsal processes that refresh the buffers, and executive processes that manipulate the contents of the buffers. We review evidence about the brain mechanisms that may underlie storage and rehearsal in working memory. We hypothesize that storage is mediated by the same brain structures that process perceptual information and that rehearsal engages a network of brain areas that also controls attention to external stimuli.

Is there a single executive process or are there multiple executive processes that work together towards the same goal in some task? In these experiments, we use counter switching and response inhibition tasks to examine the neural underpinnings of two cognitive processes that have often been identified as potential executive processes: the switching of attention between tasks, and the resolution of interference between competing task responses. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), for both event-related and blocked design tasks, we find evidence for common neural areas across both tasks in bilateral parietal cortex (BA 40), left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC; BA 9), premotor cortex (BA 6) and medial frontal cortex (BA 6/32). However, we also find areas preferentially involved in the switching of attention between mental counts (BA 7, BA 18) and the inhibition of a prepotent motor response (BA 6, BA 10), respectively. These findings provide evidence for the separability of cognitive processes underlying executive control.

Solid phase peptide library screening followed by extension of a lead recognition element for binding to a dsDNA sequence (NF binding site of IL6) using solution phase screening, delivered a new DNA binding peptide, Ac-Arg-Ual-Sar-Chi-Chi-Tal-Arg-CONH 2 . In the present research, the contribution of the different amino acid side chains to the binding strength of the peptide to dsDNA was investigated using an ethidium bromide displacement test. Based on these results, the lead structure was optimized by deconvolution. Eight new unnatural amino acids were evaluated at two positions of the heptapeptide replacing the Ual-Sar fragment. The strongest dsDNA binding was observed using {[(3-chlorophenyl)methyl]amino}acetic acid (Cbg) and β-cyclohexyl-l-alanine (Cha) respectively, at those two positions. A 10-fold increase in affinity compared to the Ual-Sar sequence was obtained. Further enhancement of dsDNA binding was obtained with hybrid molecules linking the newly developed peptide fragment to an acridine derivative with a flexible spacer. This resulted in ligands with affinities in the μM range for the dsDNA target ( K d of 2.1×10 −6 M). DNase I footprinting with the newly developed oligopeptide motifs showed the presence of a pronounced pyrimidine specificity, while conjugation to an intercalator seems to redirect the interaction to mixed sequences. This way, new unnatural oligopeptide motifs and hybrid molecules have been developed endowed with different sequence selectivities. The results demonstrate that the unnatural peptide library approach combined with subsequent modification of selected amino acid positions, is very suited for the discovery of novel sequence-specific dsDNA binding ligands.

Individual differences in susceptibility to memory distortion in autobiographical and laboratory-generated memories were examined. Subjects from an earlier autobiographical memory study completed three personality measures and a list learning task designed to elicit false memories. Scores on the Tellegen Absorption Scale were negatively correlated with accuracy of the autobiographical memory. None of the personality measures predicted the occurrence of false memories in the laboratory task. Distortion of autobiographical memories was positively correlated with the production of false memories in the laboratory task. Copyright © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

We report observational results of a VLA 20 cm and 6 cm survey of the nearby spiral galaxy NGC 6946. The purpose of the survey is to identify compact radio sources in NGC 6946. We report the detection of 118 such sources. Using the spectral index to discriminate between thermal and nonthermal emission, 37 candidate sources have been identified as possible supernova remnants or background objects, 31 candidate sources have been identified as possible H II regions, and six sources have been identified with inverted spectra. The remaining sources were detected only at 20 cm. A catalog summarizing the properties of the radio sources is presented. The source positions, flux densities, and spectral indices are listed in the catalog. An atlas consisting of contour maps of all detected sources is presented.

INTRODUCTION A total of 17 cases of penetrating neck injury were managed by the otolaryngology team at King’s College Hospital over a 3-year period in the 1980s. In April 2010 King’s College Hospital became the major trauma centre for South East London. This prospective cohort study compares the incidence, changing demographic features and treatment outcomes of penetrating neck trauma in South East London over the previous 23 years. METHODS Data were collected over a 12-month period (April 2010 to March 2011) and a selective management protocol was introduced to standardise initial investigations and further treatment. RESULTS The past 23 years have seen a 550% increase in the incidence of penetrating neck injuries in South East London, with a marked increase in gun crime. Only 38% of cases underwent negative neck exploration in 2011 compared with 65% in 1987. Selective conservative management based on the absence of haemodynamic instability or radiological findings reduces length of hospital stay, lightens surgical workload and cuts costs without affecting morbidity or mortality. CONCLUSIONS The increased incidence of penetrating neck injury is a reflection of more interpersonal violence rather than a consequence of the larger South East London trauma centre catchment area. Tackling this problem requires focus on wider issues of community prevention. Sharing of data between the four London trauma centres and the police is needed to help prevent interpersonal violence and develop a universal treatment algorithm for other institutions to follow.

Existing evidence suggests low recognition of alcohol problems in primary care. This study aimed to determine the 12-month prevalence of harmful or hazardous drinking (HHD) in a population sample and to measure the relationship between HHD and talking about alcohol in primary care consultations in that period.A New Zealand population survey of 12 488 adults. Alcohol use in the past 12 months was assessed by the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), with HHD defined as a total score of eight or above. Talking about alcohol was self-reported.HHD was present in 17.7% and was commoner in men and in younger age groups, with the highest prevalence 53.6% in men aged 18-24. Three per cent of those who attended their usual primary care provider in the past 12 months reported being talked to about alcohol. Talking about alcohol increased with AUDIT score, but was not commoner in young people despite their higher prevalence of HHD. Overall, 9.4% of attendees with HHD reported talking about alcohol.HHD is common but largely not detected in primary care. Improved detection would permit the delivery of effective treatments such as brief interventions.

Recent reports suggest that the ribosome retains considerable peptidyl transferase activity even when much of the protein of the ribosome is removed and further suggests that rRNA may be the peptidyl transferase. The work here suggests that the AMP residue at the 3' terminus of each tRNA has some catalytic activity both in the esterification reaction and in forming a pseudopeptide, AcGly, and further suggests that whatever peptidyl transferase is, it finds a cooperative substrate in the aminoacyl-AMP at the 3' terminus of tRNA.

Studies of the properties of aminoacyl derivatives of 5'-AMP are aimed at understanding the origin of the process of protein synthesis. Aminoacyl (2',3') esters of 5'-AMP can serve as models of the 3'-terminus of aminoacyl tRNA. We report here on the relative rates of hydrolysis of Ac-D- and L-Phe AMP esters as a function of pH. At all pHs above 3, the rate constant of hydrolysis of the Ac-L-Phe ester is 1.7 to 2.1 times that of Ac-D-Phe ester. The D-isomer seems partially protected from hydrolysis by a stronger association with the adenine ring of the 5'-AMP.

17 páginas, 11 figuras, 4 tablas.-- El Pdf del artículo es la versión pre-print: arXiv:0910.4279v1.-- et al., The Herschel ATLAS is the largest open-time key project that will be carried out on the Herschel Space Observatory. It will survey 570 deg2 of the extragalactic sky, 4 times larger than all the other Herschel extragalactic surveys combined, in five far-infrared and submillimeter bands. We describe the survey, the complementary multiwavelength data sets that will be combined with the Herschel data, and the six major science programs we are undertaking. Using new models based on a previous submillimeter survey of galaxies, we present predictions of the properties of the ATLAS sources in other wave bands.

This article is an update of our earlier review (Lacey and Mullins, 1983) in this journal on the origin of the genetic code and the process of protein synthesis. It is our intent to discuss only experimental evidence published since then although there is the necessity to mention the old enough to place the new in context. We do not include theoretical nor hypothetical treatments of the code or protein synthesis. Relevant data regarding the evolution of tRNAs and the recognition of tRNAs by aminoacyl-tRNA-synthetases are discussed. Our present belief is that the code arose based on a core of early assignments which were made on a physico-chemical and anticodonic basis and this was expanded with new assignments later. These late assignments do not necessarily show an amino acid-anticodon relatedness. In spite of the fact that most data suggest a code origin based on amino acid-anticodon relationships, some new data suggesting preferential binding of Arg to its codons are discussed. While information regarding coding is not increasing very rapidly, information regarding the basic chemistry of the process of protein synthesis has increased significantly, principally relating to aminoacylation of mono- and polyribonucleotides. Included in those studies are several which show stereoselective reactions of L-amino acids with nucleotides having D-sugars. Hydrophobic interactions definitely play a role in the preferences which have been observed.

We have studied the chemistry of aminoacyl AMP to model reactions at the 3' terminus of aminoacyl tRNA for the purpose of understanding the origin of protein synthesis. The present studies relate to the D, L preference in the esterification of 5'-AMP. All N-acetyl amino acids we studied showed faster reaction of the D-isomer, with a generally decreasing preference for D-isomer as the hydrophobicity of the amino acid decreased. The beta-branched amino acids, Ile and Val, showed an extreme preference for D-isomer. Ac-Leu, the gamma-branched amino acid, showed a slightly low D/L ratio relative to its hydrophobicity. The molecular basis for these preferences for D-isomer is understandable in the light of our previous studies and seems to be due to preferential hydrophobic interaction of the D-isomer with adenine. The preference for hydrophobic D-amino acids can be decreased by addition of an organic solvent to the reaction medium. Conversely, peptidylation with Ac-PhePhe shows a preference for the LL isomer over the DD isomer.

Aims The purpose of the study was to evaluate the modification of an American model of academic leadership training for utilization in an African university and to pilot test the efficacy of the resulting model. Background Traditionally many educators have moved into administrative positions without adequate training. Current world standards require leadership preparation for a wide array of persons. However, this opportunity did not yet exist in the study setting. Method University leaders from the University of the Western Cape and the University of Missouri collaborated on revising and pilot testing a successful American academic leadership programme for use among African faculty. Cross-cultural adaptations, participant satisfaction and subsequent outcomes were assessed during the 2-year ‘train-the-trainer’ leadership development programme. Results African faculty successfully modified the American training model, participated in training activities, and after 2 years, began to offer the service to other institutions in the region, which has increased the number of nurses in Africa who have had, and who will continue to have, the opportunity to move up the career ladder. Conclusion The impact of the project extended further than originally expected, as the original plan to utilize the training materials at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) for the in-house faculty was expanded to allow UWC to utilize the modified materials to serve leadership development needs of faculty in other African universities. Implications for nursing management Study findings will inform those interested in university policy and procedure on leadership training issues. The successful development of a self-sustaining leadership programme in which values of multiple cultures must be appropriately addressed has a significant impact for nursing administration. With the severe nursing shortage, health care institutions must develop cost effective yet quality development programmes to assure the succession of current staff into leadership positions. We no longer have the luxury of recruiting broadly and we must identify those talented nurses within our own institutions and prepare them for advanced leadership roles. This succession plan is especially important for the next generation of nurse leaders representing minority populations. In particular, nurse managers will find the overview of the literature for middle managers enlightening, and may find links to key resources that could be revised to be more culturally relevant for use in a wide array of settings.

Aseptic loosening results in pain, loss of function, and ultimately prosthetic joint failure and revision surgery. The generation of wear particles from the prosthesis is a major factor in local osteolysis. We investigated the effects of such wear particles on the survival of monocytes and macrophages, populations implicated in wear particle-driven pathology. Particles from titanium aluminum vanadium (TiAlV) and cobalt chromium (CoCr) alloys were generated in-house and were equivalent in size (0.5-3 microm) to those seen in patients. Human CD14(+) monocytes and murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMM) were treated with TiAlV and CoCr particles in vitro, and cell survival was assayed. Both particles increased monocyte and macrophage survival in a dose-dependent manner, with an optimal concentration of around 10(7) particles/mL. Conditioned media from particle-treated BMM also increased macrophage survival. Studies with antibody blockade and gene-deficient mice suggest that particle-induced BMM survival is independent of endogenous CSF-1 (M-CSF), GM-CSF, and TNFalpha. These data indicate that wear particles can promote monocyte/macrophage survival in vitro possibly via an endogenous mediator. If this phenomenon occurs in vivo, it could mean that increased numbers of macrophages (and osteoclasts) would be found at a site of joint implant failure, which could contribute to the local inflammatory reaction and osteolysis.

In the biosynthesis of proteins, each amino acid passes from the aminoacyl adenylate to become an amino acid ester and finally a 2′ (3′) peptidyl ester of the AMP residue at the end of a tRNA. Consequently, the chemistry of protein synthesis is the chemistry of aminoacyl and peptidyl AMP. Our data has revealed properties of 5′-AMP and its esters which should allow the preferential catalytic synthesis of l -amino acid peptides via a bis(2′, 3′-aminoacyl) ester intermediate. Results in this paper concern one step in the proposed process and show that preexisting Ac- l -Phe monoester reacts about 2.5-times faster to form diester than preexisting Ac- d -Phe monoester.

There is widespread agreement that nurses must acquire and maintain the specialized knowledge needed to provide highly skilled care and to demonstrate their competence to the public, their employers, their profession, and patients on an ongoing basis throughout their work lives. Nurses report that continuing nursing education is the third most vital component of nursing skill building. Nurses from states that mandate continuing nursing education, as well as those from states that do not, rank continuing nursing education just after their workplace experience and their basic nursing education in importance. A wide range of organizations create and disseminate continuing nursing education to nurses in states with and without mandated continuing nursing education requirements. Although there is no governmental standard for the field, nursing monitors education across work-life stages. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing monitors nursing licensure and continuing nursing education. The credentialing arm of the American Nurses Association, the American Nurses Credentialing Center, acting in synch with national organizations that call for accreditation standards in the health care professions, provides review and accreditation of providers and approvers of continuing nursing education on a national basis and is, itself, internationally certified by International Standards for a Sustainable World.

We describe experiments here which show that chemical esterification of 5'-adenylic acid (5'-AMP) with N-acetyl D- or L-phenylalanine (Ac-D- or Ac-L-Phe) imidazolide occurs principally, if not exclusively, at the 2' position. Furthermore, in experiments with the formation of the 2'-3' diester with butyric acid and N-acetyl glycine (Ac-Gly), we found the second esterification was also predominantly at the 2' position. This means that mixed diesters can be predictably prepared with the positions of the substituents known. The results are consistent with a model for the preferential catalytic synthesis of L-based peptides via a 2'-3' diester intermediate of purine monoribonucleotides.