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Background Pharmacists are in demand now more than ever to provide high-quality expertise about the effectiveness, safety and use of medications. Amidst an increasingly complex and costly healthcare system, policy makers need robust evidence to justify public spending on pharmacy services. Research on the impact of existing and emerging pharmacy practices is required. Objective To explore barriers and opportunities to enhance research among pharmacists in Ireland utilising a World Café methodology. Methods A pharmacy research discussion day was held in November 2018, open to all pharmacists in Ireland. A World Café methodology was utilised as a mechanism to facilitate group discussions about pharmacy practice research. Results Discussions with 63 attendees identified four themes and seventeen subthemes. The four themes were challenges undertaking research, research motivations, leadership and training. Subthemes included robust evidence, clinical, economic and societal outcomes, alignment with national and international health system priorities, need for incentives from professional training bodies, competitive business model and embed within schools of pharmacy. Conclusions The most commonly discussed barriers inhibiting research were workload, technology limitations and financial considerations. Organisational leadership to prioritise and coordinate research efforts, training to build research capacity, building on existing examples of excellence and initiation of bottom-up community-based research projects were identified in our study as opportunities to enhance pharmacist involvement in research and ultimately patient health outcomes.

The sixth update of the Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations: Rehabilitation, Recovery, and Reintegration following Stroke. Part one: Rehabilitation and Recovery Following Stroke is a comprehensive set of evidence-based guidelines addressing issues surrounding impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions following stroke. Rehabilitation is a critical component of recovery, essential for helping patients to regain lost skills, relearn tasks, and regain independence. Following a stroke, many people typically require rehabilitation for persisting deficits related to hemiparesis, upper-limb dysfunction, pain, impaired balance, swallowing, and vision, neglect, and limitations with mobility, activities of daily living, and communication. This module addresses interventions related to these issues as well as the structure in which they are provided, since rehabilitation can be provided on an inpatient, outpatient, or community basis. These guidelines also recognize that rehabilitation needs of people with stroke may change over time and therefore intermittent reassessment is important. Recommendations are appropriate for use by all healthcare providers and system planners who organize and provide care to patients following stroke across a broad range of settings. Unlike the previous set of recommendations, in which pediatric stroke was included, this set of recommendations includes primarily adult rehabilitation, recognizing many of these therapies may be applicable in children. Recommendations related to community reintegration, which were previously included within this rehabilitation module, can now be found in the companion module, Rehabilitation, Recovery, and Community Participation following Stroke. Part Two: Transitions and Community Participation Following Stroke.

Abstract: The efficacy and tolerability of tubulin binding agents are hampered by their low specificity for cancer cells like most clinically used anticancer agents. To improve specificity, tubulin binding agents have been covalently conjugated to agents that target cancer cells to give actively targeted drug conjugates. These conjugates are designed to increase uptake of the drug by cancer cells while having limited uptake by normal cells, thereby improving efficacy and tolerability. Approaches used include an attachment to small molecules, polysaccharides, peptides, proteins, and antibodies that exploit the overexpression of receptors for these substances. Antibody targeted strategies have been the most successful to date, with six such examples having gained clinical approval. Many other conjugate types, especially those targeting the folate receptor, have shown promising efficacy and toxicity profiles in pre-clinical models and in early-stage clinical studies. Presented herein is a discussion of the success or otherwise of the recent strategies used to form these actively targeted conjugates.

The sixth update of the

Coronavirus pneumonia is accompanied by rapid virus replication, where a large number of inflammatory cell infiltration and cytokine storm may lead to acute lung injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and death. The uncontrolled release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6, is associated with ARDS. This constituted the first study to report on the variability in physicochemical properties of β-glucans extracts from the same edible mushroom Lentinus edodes on reduction of these pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. Specifically, the impact on the immunomodulatory and cytoprotective properties of our novel ‘in house’ (IH-Lentinan, IHL) and a commercial (Carbosynth-Lentinan, CL) Lentinan extract were investigated using in vitro models of lung injury and macrophage phagocytosis. CL comprised higher amounts of α-glucans and correspondingly less β-glucans. The two lentinan extracts demonstrated varying immunomodulatory activities. Both Lentinan extracts reduced cytokine induced NF-κB activation in human alveolar epithelial A549 cells, with the IHL extract proving more effective at lower doses. In contract, in activated THP-1 derived macrophages, the CL extract more effectively attenuated pro-inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-8, IL-2, IL-6, IL-22) as well as TGF-β and IL-10. The CL extract attenuated oxidative stress induced early apoptosis, while the IHL extract attenuated late apoptosis. Our findings demonstrate significant physicochemical differences between Lentinan extracts, which produce differential in vitro immunomodulatory and pulmonary cytoprotective effects that may also have positive relevance to candidate COVID-19 therapeutics targeting cytokine storm., Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image, Highlights • β-Glucans from shiitake mushroom reduces IL-1β, IL-6 in in vitro lung injury model. • β-Glucans from same source can differ in immunomodulatory and pulmonary cytoprotective effects. • β-Glucans can reduce oxidative stress and activate macrophages. • β-Glucans may ameliorate cytokine storm that causes ARDS as seen with COVID-19.

Purpose Project was undertaken to examine the utility of the Blaylock Risk Assessment Screen (BRASS) in identifying patients who may experience discharge complications as indicated by longer hospital stays or readmission within 30-days of a discharge to home. Background Before measures can be put in place to facilitate discharge planning and to prevent unplanned readmission by recently discharged patients, those at risk of such events must be identified. Methods Project involved an analysis of 13-months of administrative data from one tertiary care hospital. Utility of the BRASS was examined in terms of its sensitivity and specificity as well as its positive and negative predictive values. Results Majority (83%) of hospital discharges were to home. Approximately 7% of patients experienced at least one readmission within 30-days of being discharged to home. Using scores of 10 or higher as an indicator of risk, BRASS exhibited a high degree of specificity suggesting it is useful for ‘ruling in’ those who have the outcomes-of-interest. However low sensitivity indicates many who experienced the outcomes were incorrectly classified by the BRASS as low risk. The low positive predictive value for 30-day readmission also suggests many who were classified by the BRASS as being ‘at risk’ were not readmitted. Conclusion The observed rate of 30-day readmission is likely conservative as the analysis involved data from only one acute care facility. One explanation for the low positive predictive value for 30-day readmission is that completion of the BRASS on admission enabled the implementation of preventive measures.

In the α decay of a nucleus, the tracks left in the medium by the α particle are linear, even though its initial wave function is spherically symmetric. Understanding this quantum phenomenon has been called “the Mott problem”, ever since Mott’s fundamental paper on the subject (Mott in Proc. R. Soc. London Ser. A 126:79 1929). Here we study a one dimensional version of the Mott problem. The particle emitted in the decay is represented as a superposition of waves, one traveling to the left, the other to the right. The atoms with which the particle interacts are modeled as two level systems. The wave equation obeyed by the particle is taken to be the massless Dirac equation. For a certain space-time structure for the particle-atom interaction, it is possible to derive an explicit space-time solution for the entire system, for an arbitrary number of atoms. In the one dimensional solution, the coherent superposition of right and left-moving wave packets leaves behind tracks of excited atoms. The Mott problem on the nature of the tracks left behind is addressed using the reduced density matrix, defined by taking the trace over all particle degrees of freedom. It is found that the reduced density matrix is the incoherent sum of two terms, one involving excited atoms only on the right; the other involving excited atoms only on the left, implying that tracks will show excited atoms on one side or the other. In one dimension, tracks which involve excited atoms exclusively on one side or the other are the analog of straight tracks in three dimensions.

Despite their side effect profile, there currently remains a heavy reliance on traditional cytotoxics and particularly tubulin targeting agents in cancer chemotherapy. To address this concern, significant progress has been made in the selective delivery of drugs to the tumour site. This review will examine the published data in support of the hypothesis that forming antibody conjugates of tubulin targeting agents is an effective approach towards their more effective delivery to the tumour site. Particular emphasis will be placed on the diversity of concepts under investigation, the efficacy of resultant conjugates, evidence of decreased resistance and the side effect profiles of the conjugates.

We have used the University of Tasmania Mt Pleasant 26m radio telescope to investigate the polarisation characteristics of a sample of strong 6.7 GHz methanol masers, the first spectral line polarisation observations to be undertaken with this instrument. As part of this process we have developed a new technique for calibrating linear polarisation spectral line observations. This calibration method gives results consistent with more traditional techniques, but requires much less observing time on the telescope. We have made the first polarisation measurements of a number of 6.7 GHz methanol masers and find linear polarisation at levels of a few - 10% in most of the sources we observed, consistent with previous results. We also investigated the circular polarisation produced by Zeeman splitting in the 6.7 GHz methanol maser G9.62+0.20 to get an estimate of the line of sight magnetic field strength of 35+/-7 mG., Comment: 18 pages, 48 figures, accepted for publication in PASA

The photosynthetic apparatus of purple bacteria is contained within organelles called chromatophores, which form as extensions of the cytoplasmic membrane. The shape of these chromatophores can be spherical (as in Rhodobacter sphaeroides), lamellar (as in Rhodopseudomonas acidophila and Phaeospirillum molischianum), or tubular (as in certain Rb. sphaeroides mutants). Chromatophore shape is thought to be influenced by the integral membrane proteins Light Harvesting Complexes I and II (LH1 and LH2), which pack tightly together in the chromatophore. It has been suggested that the shape of LH2, together with its close packing in the membrane, induces membrane curvature. The mechanism of LH2-induced curvature is explored via molecular dynamics simulations of multiple LH2 complexes in a membrane patch. LH2s from three species—Rb. sphaeroides, Rps. acidophila, and Phsp. molischianum—were simulated in different packing arrangements. In each case, the LH2s pack together and tilt with respect to neighboring LH2s in a way that produces an overall curvature. This curvature appears to be driven by a combination of LH2's shape and electrostatic forces that are modulated by the presence of well-conserved cytoplasmic charged residues, the removal of which inhibits LH2 curvature. The interaction of LH2s and an LH1 monomer is also explored, and it suggests that curvature is diminished by the presence of LH1 monomers. The implications of our results for chromatophore shape are discussed.

To describe our experience using intraoperative ultrasound for various conditions in horses.Retrospective case series.Horses (n=113).Medical records including surgical reports at 2 equine hospitals (2007-2013) were reviewed to identify ultrasound-assisted surgeries. The diagnosis, reasons for using intraoperative ultrasound, the technique employed, and the surgical procedure performed (e.g., synovial endoscopy, cut-down, resection, dissection, curettage, and implant placement/removal) were recorded for each surgery. Intraoperative ultrasound was used to mark the optimal site for skin incision or to guide instrumentation within the tissues. The incision site was marked on the skin with staples. Depth soundings were taken on the ultrasound, using the caliper-measuring tool to facilitate dissection. For each surgery, the primary specialist surgeon (ACVS or ECVS) retrospectively recorded whether intraoperative ultrasound was helpful, unhelpful, or harmful.Intraoperative ultrasound was rated helpful in 105/113 (93%) of surgeries, unhelpful in 7/113 (6%), and harmful in 1/113 (1%) of surgeries.Intraoperative ultrasound can be a useful adjunct to surgical techniques for various conditions in horses.

We determine the coefficients of the terms multiplying the gauge fields, gravitational field and cosmological term in a scheme whereby properties are characterized by $N$ anticommuting scalar Grassmann variables. We do this for general $N$, using analytical methods; this obviates the need for our algebraic computing package which can become quite unwieldy as $N$ is increased., Comment: 7 pages

We develop the general relativity of extended spacetime-property for describing events including their properties. The anticommuting nature of property coordinates, augmenting space-time $({\bf x},t)$, allows for the natural emergence of generations and for the simple incorporation of gauge fields in the spacetime-property sector. With one electric property this results in a geometrical unification of gravity and electromagnetism, leading to a Maxwell-Einstein Lagrangian plus a cosmological term. Addition of one neutrinic and three chromic properties should lead to unification of gravity with electroweak and strong interactions., Comment: To appear in IJMPA

This paper reports a novel launch scheme for coupling light into the skew rays of a graded index fiber. This is accomplished by utilizing a diffractive optical element in conjunction with a single mode fiber to mode match a graded index fiber. Results are used to confirm the fact that the element does improve the coupling into the skew rays of graded index fiber. This approach offers an alternative to existing methods based on tilting and angular offsets for the conditioned launch problem.

We investigate the masses of 0+ and 2+ glueballs in SU(2) lattice gauge theory using abelian projection to the maximum abelian gauge. We calculate glueball masses using both abelian links and monopole operators. Both methods reproduce the known full SU(2) results quantitatively. Positivity problems present in the abelian projection are discussed. We study the dependence of the glueball masses on magnetic current loop size, and find that the 0+ state requires a much greater range of sizes than does the 2+ state., 18 pages, latex, 4 postscript figures

Does media endorsement for catharsis produce a self-fulfilling or a self-defeating prophecy? In Study 1, participants who read a procatharsis message (claiming that aggressive action is a good way to relax and reduce anger) subsequently expressed a greater desire to hit a punching bag than did participants who read an anticatharsis message. In Study 2, participants read the same messages and then actually did hit a punching bag. This exercise was followed by an opportunity to engage in laboratory aggression. Contrary to the catharsis hypothesis and to the self-fulfilling prophecy prediction, people who read the procatharsis message and then hit the punching bag were subsequently more aggressive than were people who read the anticatharsis message.

We present results from magnetic monopoles in $SU(2)$ lattice gauge theory at finite temperature. The lattices are $16^{3}\times N_{t}$, for $N_{t}=4,6,8,12$, at $\beta=2.5115$. Quantities discussed are: the spacial string tension, Polyakov loops, and the screening of timelike and spacelike magnetic currents., Comment: 5 pages, four Postscript figures, Latex

Under growing public and government pressure, the television networks have adopted warning labels for violent programs. Tainted fruit theory posits that warning labels will decrease interest in violent programs, whereas forbidden fruit theory posits that warning labels will increase interest in violent programs. In Experiment 1, it was found that warning labels increased interest in violent programs, especially when the label source was authoritative. In Experiment 2, it was found that high-reactance individuals were especially interested in viewing violent programs with warning labels. In Experiment 3, it was found that warning labels increased interest in violent programs more than did information labels. These results are consistent with forbidden fruit theory. Those who are interested in reducing viewership of violent media might use these results as a caution against assuming that warning labels decrease viewership when warning labels may in fact increase viewership.

We introduce a generalized Maximum Abelian Gauge (MAG). We work with this new gauge on 12^4 lattices for beta=5.7,5.8 and 16^4 lattices for beta=5.9,6.0. We also introduce a form of abelian projection related to the generalized MAG. We measure U(1)xU(1) wilson loops and single color magnetic current densities., 3 Pages, Lattice2002(topology)

We gauge fix 600 SU(3) beta=6.0 configurations on a 16^4 lattice to a simple form of the maximal abelian gauge. We project the SU(3) valued links to the U(1)xU(1) subgroup, and extract U(1)xU(1) and monopole string tensions. After gauge fixing to the indirect center gauge, the U(1)xU(1) links are projected to Z(3) and a vortex string tension is measured. The vortex and magnetic current densities are measured., Comment: Lattice2001(confinement), 3 pages, 1 figure

An understanding of the mechanics of paper separation is very important to the design of reliable photocopiers, and in this paper a model is developed to simulate friction feed paper separation. The importance of such system parameters as roller acceleration and compressive load is demonstrated. The variability of friction coefficients is shown to have a significant effect on feeding reliability. Experimental data are shown to be in good agreement with predicted results. Recommendations are made for the design of reliable friction feed paper separators.

In genome packaging by tailed bacteriophages and herpesviruses, a concatemeric DNA is cut and inserted into an empty procapsid. A series of cuts follow the encapsidation of each unit-length 'headful' genome, but the mechanisms by which cutting is coupled to packaging are not understood. Here we report the first biochemical characterization of a headful nuclease from bacteriophage T4. Our results show that the T4 nuclease, which resides in the C-terminal domain of large 'terminase' gp17, is a weak endonuclease and regulated by a variety of factors; Mg, NaCl, ATP, small terminase gp16 and N-terminal ATPase domain. The small terminase, which stimulates gp17-ATPase, also stimulates nuclease in the presence of ATP but inhibits in the absence of ATP suggesting interdomain crosstalk. Comparison of the 'relaxed' and 'tensed' states of the motor show that a number of basic residues lining the nuclease groove are positioned to interact with DNA in the tensed state but change their positions in the relaxed state. These results suggest that conformational changes in the ATPase center remodel the nuclease center via an interdomain 'communication track'. This might be a common regulatory mechanism for coupling DNA cutting to DNA packaging among the headful packaging nucleases from dsDNA viruses.

We present numerical calculations using the magnetic monopoles of four-dimensional U(1) lattice gauge theory to obtain the heavy quark potential. Using the cosine action we perform a conventional gauge field simulation on a 164 lattice. We then use the DeGrand-Toussaint scheme for locating magnetic current in the lattice gauge field configurations to obtain our monopole configurations. In addition to the heavy quark potential we also calculate the potential between heavy external monopoles. In the confined phase of quarks, we observe total screening between external monopoles. In the Coulomb phase of the quarks we find a partially screened Coulomb potential between external monopoles. Under the assumptions used to obtain the potential between external monopoles, we verify that the Dirac quantization condition holds for the product of renormalized electric and magnetic charges.

We present a method for optimizing a free-form illuminator implemented using a diffractive optical element (DOE). The method, which co-optimizes the source and mask taking entire images of circuit clips into account, improves the common process-window and 2-D image fidelity. We compare process-windows for optimized standard and free-form DOE illuminations for arrays and random placements of contact holes at the 45 nm and 32 nm nodes. Source-mask cooptimization leads to a better-performing source compared to source-only optimization. We quantify the effect of typical DOE manufacturing defects on lithography performance in terms of NILS and common process-window.

We study the heavy quark potential in the SU(2) positive plaquette model using monopoles in the maximum abelian gauge, and vortices. Monopoles give a quantitative description of the string tension. Vortices approximately reproduce the entire heavy quark potential., Comment: 3 pages, latex, 2 postscript figures

We present advancements in the manufacture of high-performance diffractive optical elements (DOEs) used in stepper/scanner off-axis illumination systems. These advancements have been made by employing high resolution lithographic techniques, in combination with precision glass-etching capabilities. Enhanced performance of DOE designs is demonstrated, including higher efficiency with improved uniformity for multi-pole illumination at the pupil plane, while maintaining low on-axis intensity. Theoretical predictions of the performance for several classes of DOE designs will be presented and compared with experimental results. This new process capability results in improved performance of current DOE designs, and enables greater customization including control of the output spatial intensity distribution for future designs. These advancements will facilitate continuous improvements in off-axis illumination optimization required by the end user to obtain larger effective lithographic process windows.

The standard model ascribes distinct properties to different chiralities of fermions. We show how to incorporate this aspect in an extended spacetime-property framework involving two different attributes using a generalized metric which includes gauge fields as well as gravitation. Because the gauge fields are accompanied by coupling constants, all such schemes, including ours, necessitate coupling unification at high energy to ensure universality of gravitational interactions with matter., 10 pages, no figures. To appear in IJMPA

We present results on measuring glueball masses both from links and monopoles in U (1) lattice gauge theory. Brief comments are made on glueballs from monopoles SU (2).

Salt Lake County (SLCo), Salt Lake City (SLC) and Utah department of Transportation (UDOT) have been permitted under the Municipal Phase I National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program since 1995. Stormwater runoff monitoring and wet and dry weather screenings have been conducted since 1992 on nine outfall locations located throughout Salt Lake County. A total of 13 storm events have been sampled up to 1999. Annual pollutant loads and event mean concentrations (EMC) were calculated for total suspended solids (TSS), trace metals, total phosphorus, and biological oxygen demand for three primary landuse types residential, transportation, and commercial/industrial. Annual pollutant loads for transportation and commercial/industrial la nduses were determined to be the greatest contributor to all major pollutants. EMCs for all six major pollutants were found to fall within the range of values reported by several municipalities across the country with a similar climate type. The calculat ed EMCs also compared reasonably with the National Urban Runoff Program (NURP) data for Salt Lake County.

Results are presented on the spacial string tension obtained from monopoles for SU (2) pure gauge theory. Comparison is made to the available results for the full SU (2) spacial string tension.

Intrathecal (IT) morphine provides excellent postoperative analgesia but may result in many side effects, including postoperative nausea and vomiting, pruritus, and respiratory depression, particularly at larger doses. Older patients may be at particular risk. The optimal dose of spinal morphine in older patients undergoing hip arthroplasty is not known. We designed this prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blinded study to evaluate the analgesic efficacy and side effect profile of 50-200 microg of IT morphine in older patients undergoing elective hip arthroplasty. Sixty patients older than 65 years undergoing elective hip arthroplasty were enrolled. Patients were randomized to receive spinal anesthesia with 15 mg of bupivacaine and IT morphine in four groups: 1). 0 microg, 2). 50 microg, 3). 100 microg, and 4). 200 microg. IT morphine 100 and 200 microg produced effective pain relief and decreased the postoperative requirement for morphine compared with control. IT morphine 50 microg did not provide effective pain relief. Both 100 and 200 microg of IT morphine provided comparable levels of postoperative analgesia. There were no between-group differences in postoperative nausea and vomiting, sedation, respiratory depression, or urinary retention. Pruritus was significantly more frequent with 200 microg of IT morphine. In conclusion, 100 microg of IT morphine provided the best balance between analgesic efficacy and side effect profile in older patients undergoing hip arthroplasty.The dosage of intrathecal morphine that provides the best balance between analgesic efficacy and side effect profile in the older patient undergoing hip arthroplasty is not known. This prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blinded clinical trial demonstrates that a dose of 100 microg of intrathecal morphine provides the best balance between efficacy and side effects, compared with doses of 0, 50, and 200 microg of morphine, in this patient population.

As CDs continue to shrink, lithographers are moving towards using off-axis illumination while continuing to decrease the operating wavelength to improve their CD budget. Currently DUV lithography at 248nm and 193nm are driving the ability of the foundries and IDM’s to meet or exceed the SIA roadmap for semiconductor chip performance. In time, however, the industry will migrate to the even shorter wavelengths of 157nm and 13nm. To meet today’s needs with 248nm and 193nm requires the use of Resolution Enhancement Techniques such as Optical Proximity Correction, Phase Shift Mask, and Off Axis Illumination. The need for these techniques will be only slightly reduced as the industry migrates to 157nm in several years. Off-axis illumination (the topic of this paper) has been shown to significantly increase the lithographic process window and there have been several papers over the last few years describing various illumination profiles designed for application specific optimization. These include various annular and quadrupole illumination schemes including weak quadrupole, CQUEST, and Quasar Diffractive optics, if incorporated into the design of the illumination system, can be used to create arbitrary illumination profiles without the associated light loss, thus maintaining throughput while optimizing system performance. We report on the design and fabrication of such devices for use with KrF, ArF, and F 2 scanners.

A key barrier to market penetration of optics into the electronic marketplace for a wide range of applications is cost. One of the advantages of computer generated holograms is the low fabrication cost based on VLSI processing technology. In addition, as further investment is made and the technology advances, CGH fabrication technology will follow that investment/learning curve to achieve further cost reduction. In this presentation, the design of a new low cost computer generated hologram for coupling a laser diode to single mode fiber will be presented. >