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We report the successful synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of a novel, water soluble anthanthrene-based derivative, 6,12-bis(TEG)anthanthrene 3. The presence of the two long ethylene glycol side chains gives this large, six-membered polycyclic aromatic compound a high aqueous solubility. It exhibits UV–vis absorption properties similar to those of anthanthrene itself, indicating that the side chains do not have a significant effect on the electronic structure of the central chromophore. The compound exhibits strong, polarity-sensitive fluorescence in aqueous solution in the blue–green region of the spectrum, with a fluorescence quantum yield of 0.13 and a polarity sensitivity factor (PSF) of 2.0. The utility of this new fluorescent molecule as a probe of supramolecular complexation was demonstrated by its inclusion into the molecular host hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin in aqueous solution. Strictly 1:1 inclusion was observed, with a moderately strong binding constant K of 650 M−1. This new fluorescence probe has significant potential applications in fluorescence-based studies of aqueous biochemical and supramolecular systems.

Aim We evaluated time to definitive treatment of Gallstone Pancreatitis (GSP) against the BSG guidelines during the first wave of COVID-19, comparing it to data of the same time period the previous year. Did the first wave of Covid-19 impact on time to intervention for patients diagnosed with GSP? Method Data were obtained retrospectively for 40 patients identified via the hospital coding department that presented with GSP between March 2019 - June 2019 and March 2020 – June 2020. Patient demographics, length of stay, time to intervention and re-admission awaiting intervention were recorded. Results Twenty-three patients were admitted during the non-COVID period. 30% (n = 7) of the non-COVID cohort had definitive management of GSP during index admission or within 2 weeks. Seventeen patients were admitted during the first wave of Covid-19. 64.7% (n = 11) of the COVID-19 cohort had definitive management of GSP during the index admission or within 2 weeks. Conclusions Prior to COVID-19, we were not meeting guidelines for definitive management on index admission / within 2 weeks. During the first wave of COVID-19, more patients received definitive management of GSP during index admission / within 2 weeks than during the non-COVID period. A higher percentage of patients received surgical management within 2 weeks than in the non-COVID cohort. Those that did not receive management within 2 weeks, waited longer for intervention and had higher rates of re-admission than the non-COVID cohort. Despite anticipated future waves of COVID-19, prioritisation of urgent OP services is essential for those diagnosed with GSP to help reduce re-admission rates whilst awaiting intervention.

Aim The COVID-19 pandemic is an evolving healthcare challenge introducing greater burden on existing resources. With 1,100 people in Northern Ireland diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) per annum, concerns over disruption of cancer services and secondary consequences have been highlighted. We aim to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on the CRC red flag pathway in comparison to the pre-COVID era. Methods Two comparative data sets were compiled through retrospective analysis of red-flag colorectal referrals over a 3-month period for both April to June 2019 and 2020. A comprehensive review of each patient’s electronic care record and medical notes was completed. Patient demographics, co-morbidity, referral information, time to hospital appointment and investigation modality were documented. For patients identified with CRC the stage and time to first definitive treatment was documented. Results A total of 47 CRCs were identified from both red-flag referral groups; 25 CRCs 2019 compared to 22 in 2020. Median age at time of referral was 79 years in 2019 compared to 71 years in 2020. Time to outpatient review was significantly less during 2020 compared to 2019; 16 days and 31 days respectively (p Conclusion Despite disruption of established colorectal cancer services during the COVID-19 pandemic, we demonstrated patients waited less time to outpatient review and intervention. With comparative cases of CRC to the pre-COVID era diagnosed.

Aim Due to the impact of COVID-19 on elective services an exclusive day procedure centre has been established for the region. This study aims to review the patient experiences of the service. Method A 26-question feedback survey assessed patient outcomes, complications, and experiences. All patients who underwent hernia repair from September to November 2020 were contacted 6 weeks postoperatively by telephone to participate. Results Over 10 weeks, 55 patients underwent unilateral inguinal hernia repair. 49 patients completed the survey, 5 patients were not contactable, and 1 patient declined to participate. Overall high levels of patient satisfaction were reported, when asked the question “Rate the overall experience (out of 10) from the time you were contacted to proceed with surgery to now?” The average patient reported score was 9.5. Results indicated excellent use of written patient information leaflets. 92% (N = 46) of participants had a travel time of less than 60 minutes and 94% (N = 45) of those contacted reported the centre as a convenient location. Qualitative responses described pain at 48-72hrs following the procedure when local anaesthetic had worn off, to the detriment of overall patient satisfaction. Conclusions A dedicated site for day-surgery can be successful during the period of COVID-19 restrictions. High levels of patient satisfaction reported. However, lessons learned include need for improved education regarding postoperative analgesia; the effects of local anesthesia and patient directed follow up via the well-established local surgical hub.

Patient selection for critical care admission must balance patient safety with optimal resource allocation. This study aimed to determine the relationship between critical care admission, and postoperative mortality after abdominal surgery.This prespecified secondary analysis of a multicentre, prospective, observational study included consecutive patients enrolled in the DISCOVER study from UK and Republic of Ireland undergoing major gastrointestinal and liver surgery between October and December 2014. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Multivariate logistic regression was used to explore associations between critical care admission (planned and unplanned) and mortality, and inter-centre variation in critical care admission after emergency laparotomy.Of 4529 patients included, 37.8% (n=1713) underwent planned critical care admissions from theatre. Some 3.1% (n=86/2816) admitted to ward-level care subsequently underwent unplanned critical care admission. Overall 30-day mortality was 2.9% (n=133/4519), and the risk-adjusted association between 30-day mortality and critical care admission was higher in unplanned [odds ratio (OR): 8.65, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.51-19.97) than planned admissions (OR: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.43-3.85). Some 26.7% of patients (n=1210/4529) underwent emergency laparotomies. After adjustment, 49.3% (95% CI: 46.8-51.9%, P0.001) were predicted to have planned critical care admissions, with 7% (n=10/145) of centres outside the 95% CI.After risk adjustment, no 30-day survival benefit was identified for either planned or unplanned postoperative admissions to critical care within this cohort. This likely represents appropriate admission of the highest-risk patients. Planned admissions in selected, intermediate-risk patients may present a strategy to mitigate the risk of unplanned admission. Substantial inter-centre variation exists in planned critical care admissions after emergency laparotomies.

Corporations have increasingly used their websites to communicate their environmental policies with their stakeholders. Their claims fall into two categories: substantive claims, which include product- or process-related claims, and associative claims, which are not directly related to a firm's products or its processes. This paper aims to explore the use of these two types of claims on Fortune 500 websites. The findings indicate that both types of claims are used, although there are more substantive claims than associative claims. Both types of claims are positively correlated with firm sales. Implications of the research are also discussed.

Due to the importance of environmental issues to the public, corporations have paid more attention to these issues in recent years. This article aims to explore how Fortune 500 companies’ Web sites are used to convey corporate environmental messages. The findings indicate that these leading firms do try to communicate a number of different environmental issues or activities. However, most of these communications occur on the second- or third-level Web page rather than on the company home page. It has also been found that there is a clear association between most of the environmental issues and firm sales. Implications of the research are discussed.

A combined NMR and TOF-SIMS study has been carried out on 1H,1H,2H-perfluorododecene plasma polymers. Pulsed plasma polymerization is found to give rise to a high level of structural retention for the perfluoroalkyl groups, whereas continuous wave conditions lead to monomer fragmentation and cross linking. This investigation provides unequivocal proof that pulsed plasma deposition is a simple and highly effective method for functionalising solid surfaces.

In response to external and internal customer dissatisfaction and in anticipation of markedly higher volumes of examination requests, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) produced an eight-month facilitated quality-improvement project designed to improve the quality and timeliness of compensation examination processing. To determine whether participation in the project was associated with better outcomes and to identify team characteristics that were associated with high performance, we obtained centrally collected facility-level performance measures on quality and timeliness of the examinations. To determine factors associated with team success, we compared measures of leadership support reported by teams with high and low performance outcomes. Thirty teams representing 34 VA medical centers and 22 Veterans Benefits Administration's regional offices participated in the project. Monthly volumes were significantly higher for participating teams, and volumes increased significantly over time for both groups. At the beginning of the project, examination timeliness was substantially worse for participating teams (34.1 versus 29.9 days, p = .03); by the end, participants had better performance (28.5 versus 30.3 days, p = .00). Quality measures were maintained. By the end of the project, high performers reported improved leadership, frontline support, resource availability, alignment with strategic goals, and leadership mandate when compared to performance at the beginning of the project; low performers reported the opposite. These results suggest that the principles of clinical improvement can be applied successfully to teach teams how to achieve process improvements within a large healthcare organization. Visible, ongoing support by leadership and alignment of project objectives with strategic goals are associated with improved project outcomes.

Parasympathetic nerves provide the dominant autonomic innervation of the airways. Release of acetylcholine from parasympathetic nerves activates postjunctional muscarinic receptors present on airway smooth muscle, submucosal glands, and blood vessels to cause bronchoconstriction, mucus secretion, and vasodilatation, respectively. Acetylcholine also feeds back onto prejunctional muscarinic receptors to enhance or inhibit further acetylcholine release. In asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchoconstriction and mucus secretion is increased and the airways are hyperresponsive to contractile agents. These changes are due to increased parasympathetic nerve activity. The number and function of postjunctional muscarinic receptors in the airways are unchanged in animal models of asthma. Rather, it is the supply of acetylcholine to the postjunctional cells (smooth muscle and submucosal gland) that is increased. The increase in acetylcholine release occurs because prejunctional, inhibitory M(2) muscarinic receptors on the parasympathetic nerves are dysfunctional. M(2) muscarinic receptor dysfunction and subsequent airway hyperreactivity have been demonstrated to occur in animals in response to a variety of triggers, including antigen challenge, virus infection, ozone exposure, and vitamin A deficiency. In humans, there is evidence that loss of M(2) muscarinic receptor function is related to asthma. The mechanisms by which neuronal M(2) muscarinic receptor function is lost and its relevance to human airway disease are discussed in this review.

Repetitive bursts of continuous wave plasma polymerization on the minute time scale are found to lead to the deposition of well-defined polymeric nanospheres. This unique mode of film growth is attributed to a high level of monomer replenishment in combination with minimal secondary reaction processes (e.g., fragmentation, cross-linking, and etching). In the case of the 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyl acrylate precursor, high contact angle (super-hydrophobic) surfaces are produced by this method.

Deposition of low surface energy plasma polymer layers onto microroughened PTFE substrates is found to give rise to high repellency toward polar and nonpolar probe liquids. This behavior has been interpreted in terms of Wenzels theory and the Cassie−Baxter relationship.

Room-temperature pulsed plasma polymerization of long-chain perfluoroacrylates produces well-adhered liquid-repellent (hydrophobic and oleophobic) films. Critical surface tension values as low as γc = 4.3 mN m-1 have been measured on coated flat glass substrates. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared, and atomic force microscopy characterization of these surfaces indicates that the low surface energy perfluoroalkyl chains remain intact, while polymerization occurs predominantly via the acrylate carbon−carbon double bond during the plasma duty cycle off-period.

Pulsed plasma polymerization of precursors containing long perfluoroalkyl chains can lead to the formation of structurally well-defined low surface energy films. Greater chemical selectivity and faster deposition rates are found for monomers containing carbon−carbon double bonds compared to their saturated analogues. Critical surface tension values (γc) as low as 1.5 mN m-1 have been achieved, which corresponds to exceptional hydrophobic and oleophobic liquid repellency behavior.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role that perceptions of equity and justice play in sales force commitment to the organization and intent to turnover. The sample chosen for the present analysis were outside salespeople. Results indicated that facets of both internal and external equity were significant factors in explaining organizational commitment and intent to turnover. And, contrary to previous fmdings (Folger and Konovsky and 1989; McFarlin and Sweeney 1992 and others), distributive justice was more important to organizational commitment and intent to turnover than procedural justice. The above findings have important implications for sales force management and future research endeavors.

STUDY QUESTION Are arterial stiffness, carotid intima-media thickness and diastolic dysfunction increased in young women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) independently of the effects of obesity? SUMMARY ANSWER Insulin resistance and central obesity are associated with subclinical cardiovascular dysfunction in young women, but a diagnosis of PCOS does not appear to confer additional risk at this age. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Some studies have shown that young women with PCOS may have increased measures of cardiovascular risk, including arterial stiffness, carotid intima-media thickness and myocardial dysfunction. However, it is difficult to establish how much of this risk is due to PCOS per se and how much is due to obesity and insulin resistance, which are common in PCOS and themselves associated with greater vascular risk. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This cross-sectional study comprised 84 women with PCOS and 95 healthy volunteers, aged 16–45 years. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The study was conducted in a university hospital. Subjects underwent a comprehensive assessment of body composition (including computed tomography (CT) assessment of visceral fat; VF), measurements of arterial stiffness (aortic pulse wave velocity; aPWV), common carotid intima-media thickness (ccIMT), diastolic function (longitudinal tissue velocity; e′:a′) and endocrinological measures. A sample size of 80 in each group gave 80% power for detecting a difference of 0.45 m/s in aPWV or a difference of 0.25 in e′:a′. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE After adjustment for age and body mass index (BMI), PCOS subjects had a greater insulin response (insulin area under the curve—IAUC) following glucose challenge (adjusted difference [AD] 35 900 pmol min/l, P < 0.001) and higher testosterone (AD 0.57 nmol/l, P < 0.001) and high molecular weight adiponectin than controls (AD 3.01 µg/ml, P = 0.02), but no significant differences in aPWV (AD −0.13 m/s, P = 0.33), ccIMT (AD −0.01 mm, P = 0.13), or e′:a′ (AD −0.01, P = 0.86) were observed. After adjustment for age, height and central pulse pressure, e′:a′ and aPWV were associated with logVF and IAUC. ccIMT was not related to logVF. The relationships between e′:a′ or aPWV and insulin resistance were only partly attenuated by adjusting for logVF. There was no significant relationship between aPWV or e′:a′ and either testosterone or adiponectin. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The study recruited young women meeting the Rotterdam criteria for PCOS diagnosis; hence our findings may not be generalizable to older patients or those meeting other definitions of the syndrome. Biochemical hyperandrogenism was based solely on measurement of total testosterone. Cases and controls were not matched in advance for age and BMI, although the influence of these variables on the cardiovascular outcome measures was adjusted for. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study shows that central arterial stiffness and diastolic dysfunction are not increased in young women with PCOS, whereas they are associated with both insulin resistance and central obesity. Obesity thus represents the greatest modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease in young women with PCOS and lifestyle measures which target weight reduction are critical. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study received no specific grant support from any funding body. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Classical biological control, the introduction of exotic natural enemies to control non-indigenous insect pests and weeds, has been practised in the USA for over 100 years. To date, there have been no fully documented, substantial negative results, and many important insect pests and weeds have been successfully controlled. Over the past decade, concern about the safety of biocontrol agents has increased in line with concern for general health of the natural, native biota. This concern has focused primarily on endangered, threatened, and listed species of plants, but is broadening to include most other organisms. Scientists, administrators and others involved in the process have long recognized the need to ensure that natural enemies of weeds do not attack commercially or horticulturally important plants and to ensure that natural enemies of insects do not attack beneficial species. Procedures for testing the host specificity of the natural enemies of weeds in their area of origin, before shipment to the country of release, have been developed to quite high levels of reliability but there is need for further improvements. Further host-specificity testing is often required in quarantine in the USA. The rigour of this system is helped by the fact that all applications for permission to introduce biocontrol agents are examined by an Inter-agency Technical Advisory Committee for Biological Control of Weeds (TAGBCW) before import permits are issued by the relevant authority (USDA APHIS/PPQ). TAGBCW review includes study of research plans and of lists of host plants for testing host specificity; it also analyses and offers advice on potential conflicts of interest. A ‘TAGBCW’ could be recommended for the European Union. With regard to natural enemies of insect pests, there is relatively little need for host-range testing of most parasitoids because these are generally co-evolved and intimately related organisms that are restricted to one or a few host species. Concern about the potential impact of oligophagous predators on non-target organisms has increased recently and is a developing field of research. Some operating procedures that involve safety are discussed. The import permit system in the USA is presented, and two suggestions for changes in European permit procedures are suggested. Past regulatory procedures for classical biological control in the USA are described, and the current situation is presented.

Microorganisms are enormous but largely untapped natural resources for biological control of pests and diseases. There are two primary reasons for their underployment for pest or disease control: (1) the technical difficulties of using microorganisms for biological control, owing to a lack of fundamental information on them and their ecology, and (2) the costs of product development and regulatory approvals required for each strain, formulation, and use. Agriculture and forestry benefit greatly from the resident communities of microorganisms responsible for naturally occurring biological control of pest species, but additional benefits are achieved by introducing/applying them when or where needed. This can be done as (1) an inoculative release, (2) an augmentative application, or (3) an inundative application. Because of their specificity, different microbial biocontrol agents typically are needed to control different pests or the same pest in different environments. Four potential adverse effects are identified as safety issues (hazards) associated with the use of microorganisms for the biological control of plant pests and diseases. These are: (1) displacement of nontarget microorganisms, (2) allergenicity to humans and other animals, (3) toxigenicity to nontarget organisms, and (4) pathogenicity to nontarget organisms. Except for allergenicity, these are the same attributes that contribute to the efficacy of microbial biocontrol agents toward the target pest species. The probability of occurrence of a particular adverse nontarget effect of a microbial biocontrol agent may be a function of geographic origin or a specific trait genetically added or modified, but the safety issues are the still the same, including whether the microorganism intended for pest or disease control is indigenous, nonindigenous (imported and released), or genetically modified by traditional or recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology. Likewise, the probability of occurrence of a particular adverse nontarget effect may vary with method of application, e.g., whether as an aerosol, soil treatment, baits, or seed treatment, and may increase with increased scale of use, but the safety issues are still the same, including whether the microorganism is used for an inoculative release or augmentative or inundative application. Existing practices for managing microorganisms in the environment (e.g., plant pathogens,Rhizobium,plant inoculants) provide experience and options for managing the risks of microorganisms applied for pest and disease control. Moreover, experience to date indicates that any adverse nontarget effects, should they occur, are likely to be short-term or transitory effects that can, if significant, be eliminated by terminating use of the microbial biocontrol agent. In contrast, production agriculture as currently practiced, such as the use of tillage and crop rotations, has significant and long-term effects on nontarget organisms, including the intentional and unintentional displacement of microorganisms. Even the decision to leave plant pests and diseases unmanaged could have significant long-term environmental effects on nontarget organisms. Potential safety issues associated with the use of microbial biocontrol must therefore be properly identified and compared with the impact of other options for managing the pest or leaving the pest unmanaged. This paper provides a scientific framework for this process.

Adenosine A1 receptor densities were increased in cultured LLC-PK1 and OK cells by chronic treatment with the adenosine receptor antagonists 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine (caffeine, 1 mM) and 1,3-dimethyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine [cyclopentyltheophylline (CPT), < or = 0.4 mM], respectively. The A1 receptor number per cell was increased twofold by 10-day treatments with 1 mM caffeine or 0.1 mM CPT, and the sodium-coupled glucose uptake was augmented twofold by 1 mM caffeine and sevenfold by 0.1 microM CPT (higher doses of CPT were progressively less stimulatory). Glucose uptake was blocked by acute (2-h) treatment with CPT, adenosine deaminase, or calphostin C. Caffeine (1 mM) or CPT (> or = 0.1 mM) inhibited cell proliferation for the first 10 days, then cell growth assumed a normal proliferative rate despite continued presence of antagonist. Cytosolic protein kinase C (PKC) beta-isoform immunoactivity and PKC-beta II mRNA were elevated at least twofold during 10 days of 0.1 mM CPT or 1 mM caffeine treatment. The sustained elevation in sodium-glucose symport and PKC activity observed with adenosine receptor antagonists was similar to acute (2-h) effects of the adenosine A1 agonist R(-)-N6-phenylisopropyladenosine (R-PIA, 0.1-1 microM). Moreover, cell proliferation was increased by adenosine (0.1 microM R-PIA), whereas Na-K-adenosinetriphosphatase activity was unaltered with chronic antagonist or acute adenosine treatments. Caffeine treatment may have some non-adenosine A1 receptor-mediated actions, because it slightly (30%) augmented protein kinase A activity. It is concluded that chronic exposure of proximal tubule cells to caffeine or CPT augments PKC and sodium-glucose transport but retards cell proliferation mainly via adenosine A1 receptor-mediated mechanisms.

CENP-E is a kinesin-like protein that binds to kinetochores through the early stages of mitosis, but after initiation of anaphase, it relocalizes to the overlapping microtubules in the midzone, ultimately concentration in the developing midbody. By immunoblotting of cells separated at various positions in the cell cycle using centrifugal elutriation, we show that CENP-E levels increase progressively across the cycle peaking at approximately 22,000 molecules/cell early in mitosis, followed by an abrupt (> 10 fold) loss at the end of mitosis. Pulse-labeling with [35S]methionine reveals that beyond a twofold increase in synthesis between G1 and G2, interphase accumulation results primarily from stabilization of CENP-E during S and G2. Despite localizing in the midbody during normal cell division, CENP-E loss at the end of mitosis is independent of cytokinesis, since complete blockage of division with cytochalasin has no affect on CENP-E loss at the M/G1 transition. Thus, like mitotic cyclins, CENP-E accumulation peaks before cell division, and it is specifically degraded at the end of mitosis. However, CENP-E degradation kinetically follows proteolysis of cyclin B in anaphase. Combined with cyclin A destruction before the end of metaphase, degradation of as yet unidentified components at the metaphase/anaphase transition, and cyclin B degradation at or after the anaphase transition, CENP-E destruction defines a fourth point in a mitotic cascade of timed proteolysis.

Both renal and nonrenal cells in culture adapt to deprivation of Pi by increasing Na-dependent Pi uptake. We studied whether this change in uptake is reflected in an increased renal transepithelial Pi transport. We grew primary cultures of rabbit renal cortical cells in plastic flasks and subcultured them onto Millicell-HA filters. This produced cell monolayers, which structurally and functionally resembled proximal tubule. These cells performed Na-dependent net transepithelial transport of 32Pi in the apical-to-basolateral direction that was inhibited by phosphonoformic acid in the apical fluid or by ouabain in the basolateral fluid or by preincubation with parathyroid hormone. Overnight incubation at low Pi concentrations led to a progressive increase in 5-min Na-dependent Pi uptake into cell monolayers. Na-dependent Pi uptake was threefold higher following overnight incubation at 25 microM Pi, compared with 3 mM Pi, and the increase was one-half maximal with incubation at an extracellular Pi concentration ([Pi]) of 300 microM. This was associated with a decrease in Na-dependent transepithelial Pi flux to the basolateral fluid by the same cells, which fell dramatically following incubation at < or = 300 microM Pi. There was no change in Na-dependent uptake or transepithelial transport of L-glutamine. This adaptation to Pi deprivation in vitro appears to serve to restore depleted cell stores of Pi rather than to regulate transepithelial Pi transport.

The steady-state level of alpha- and beta-tubulin synthesis is autoregulated by a posttranscriptional mechanism that selectively alters alpha- and beta-tubulin mRNA levels in response to changes in the unassembled tubulin subunit concentration. For beta-tubulin mRNAs, previous efforts have shown that this is the result of a selective mRNA degradation mechanism which involves cotranslational recognition of the nascent amino-terminal beta-tubulin tetrapeptide as it emerges from the ribosome. Site-directed mutagenesis is now used to determine that the minimal sequence requirement for conferring the full range of beta-tubulin autoregulation is the amino-terminal tetrapeptide MR(E/D)I. Although tubulin-dependent changes in alpha-tubulin mRNA levels are shown to result from changes in cytoplasmic mRNA stability, transfection of wild-type and mutated alpha-tubulin genes reveals that alpha- and beta-tubulin mRNA degradation is not mediated through a common pathway. Not only does the amino-terminal alpha-tubulin tetrapeptide MREC fail to confer regulated mRNA degradation, neither wild-type alpha-tubulin transgenes nor an alpha-tubulin gene mutated to encode an amino-terminal MREI yields mRNAs that are autoregulated. Further, although slowing ribosome transit accelerates the autoregulated degradation of endogenous alpha- and beta-tubulin mRNAs, degradation of alpha-tubulin transgene mRNAs is not enhanced, and in one case, the mRNA is actually stabilized. We conclude that, despite similarities, alpha- and beta-tubulin mRNA destabilization pathways utilize divergent determinants to link RNA instability to tubulin subunit concentrations.

The development of telematic exchange of information in pharmacovigilance has as a consequence the necessary development of the messages used to transmit the information. The first of these messages is the one used to transmit information on individual case reports. Common formats exist on paper, but these have not been applied to electronic transmission. A structured message for the transmission of single case information has been developed within the ENS European research programme, by three National Pharmacovigilance administrations, and reviewed by the relevant European bodies. It has been submitted to the Western European Edifact Board MD9 for admission as an EDIFACT message, so that it will be possible to exchange information concerning these single cases, using standard EDI methodology.

Pharmacovigilance is a field where communication is paramount. Information, such as single case reports, is transferred from health professionals to National Regulatory Administrations and between administrations and industry. The cumulation of reports may be used for information purposes, and to assist in the identification of possible signals. These are then assessed by the analysis of individual and aggregate cases, the latter being exchanged between administrations for multinational analysis at the European level. Once a decision has been made on a possible alert, the decisions and the reasons thereof must be transmitted to administrations and to other correspondents, such as health professionals, the pharmaceutical industry and WHO. Within the CARE project of the DGXIII European Nervous System telematics research programme, the Pharmacovigilance Pilot, consisting of representatives of the French, Spanish, and UK pharmacovigilance systems, set out to identify and describe the messages corresponding to these communication needs, and the methods best suited to effective telematic transmission. The messages identified concern: the transmission of individual case reports, the transmission of cumulative and aggregate case reports, and of regulatory decisions. Each of these information messages have been structured for future inclusion into a network for electronic data interchange between administrations in pharmacovigilance. In time they should provide a common electronic vocabulary enabling all parties involved in pharmacovigilance to communicate telematically. Transmission options have been considered also. In view of the large number of existing and potential partners involved in the communication processes in pharmacovigilance, EDI (electronic data interchange) seems the most appropriate method to exchange these messages. Two of these, concerning the single case and the aggregate cases (rapid alerts) have been submitted to the Western European EDIFACT Board MD9 for integration into EDIFACT (as MEDADR and MEDPHV).

The sub-prime financial crisis exposed weaknesses in the financial risk management of several prominent firms. A deficient risk management is mainly attributed to the lack of integration of finance with other business disciplines. In this paper, we describe a tested implementation of a cross-functional project that improves students’ understanding of firm-value creation and risk management. While this approach can be implemented in any MBA program, we focus specifically on accelerated MBA programs with tight time constraints. Our methods are different from most other integrated courses in several ways. Our cross-functional project bridges the knowledge gaps of students in the area of finance, even if finance is not their primary area of specialization. Further, our approach creates a virtuous cycle for students, faculty, clients, local banks and institutions, university, and the local community. Keywords: MBA, cross-functional, pedagogy, assessment, marketing, finance

P urple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria L.) is an exotic wetland perennial responsible for the degradation of many prime wetland habitats throughout the temperate regions of the United States and Canada. Large, monotypic stands reduce the biotic diversity of wetland systems by replacing native plant species (Stuckey 1980) and thereby eliminating the natural foods and cover essential to many wetland wildlife inhabitants, including waterfowl (Friesen 1966, Rawinski and Malecki 1984, Smith 1964). In North America, this plant is a classic example of an introduced species whose distribution and spread has been enhanced by the absence of natural enemies and the disturbance of natural systems, pri

Ferritin synthesis, maintained at a very low basal rate when extracellular iron levels are low, is elevated up to 50-fold when iron levels are increased. Previous examinations of this iron-dependent activation have concluded that changes in ferritin synthesis results from selective translational activation conferred by an "iron response element" that lies near the 5' terminus of all known ferritin mRNAs. By placing an iron response element in an optimal position in other mRNAs, we find the iron response element to be a potent translational repressor whose influence can only partially be abrogated under optimal inducing conditions. Further, we show that the 25- to 50-fold iron-mediated increase in ferritin synthesis results from coupling a 5- to 6-fold iron-dependent translational derepression with a similar 5- to 6-fold nuclear-dependent increase in mRNA level.

The kinetics of the catalytic fluorination and chlorination of 1-chloro-1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (HCFC-124) by HF and HCl to give pentafluoroethane (HFC-125) and 1,1-dichloro-2,2-trifluoroethane (HCFC-123), respectively, were examined in order to further define the mechanisms of these reactions. An HF-treated preparation of 2% CoCl[sub 2] on Al[sub 2]O[sub 3] was used as a catalyst. Reaction of deuterium-labeled HCFC-124 With HF or HCl showed the deuterium to be retained in both reactant and products, suggesting the absence of carbenoid or olefinic intermediates in these halogenations. Thermodynamic and thermokinetic properties of these halogenations were also determined in order to determine the extent of contributions of reverse reactions to the kinetics of these halogenations. Kinetic studies indicated that these halogenations are consistent with a classical Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism where both HX (X = F or Cl) and HCFC-124 are adsorbed on identical active sites of the catalyst in the rate-determining step. 17 refs., 5 figs., 5 tabs.

The kinetics of the catalytic fluorination and chlorination of 1-chloro-1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (HCFC-124) by HF and HCl to give pentafluoroethane (HFC-125) and 1,1-dichloro-2,2-trifluoroethane (HCFC-123), respectively, were examined in order to further define the mechanisms of these reactions. An HF-treated preparation of 2% CoCl[sub 2] on Al[sub 2]O[sub 3] was used as a catalyst. Reaction of deuterium-labeled HCFC-124 With HF or HCl showed the deuterium to be retained in both reactant and products, suggesting the absence of carbenoid or olefinic intermediates in these halogenations. Thermodynamic and thermokinetic properties of these halogenations were also determined in order to determine the extent of contributions of reverse reactions to the kinetics of these halogenations. Kinetic studies indicated that these halogenations are consistent with a classical Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism where both HX (X = F or Cl) and HCFC-124 are adsorbed on identical active sites of the catalyst in the rate-determining step. 17 refs., 5 figs., 5 tabs.

In view of increasing world attention to biodiversity and faunal surveys, improved documentation of the movement of biological control agents from one part of the world to another is needed. More detailed record-keeping and retention of voucher specimens can also help improve the success rate and provide useful feedback for classical biological control programs. The availability of such records will also aid research by ecologists and taxonomists and help regulatory agencies prevent the introduction of harmful exotic organisms. One of the functions of the Biological Control Documentation Center of the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is to improve the documentation of the introduction of biological control agents into the United States. A computerized system has been developed for making such records more readily available and useful to scientists and other users of these data. The ARS documentation system and the computerized Releases of Beneficial Organisms in the United States and Territories (ROBO) program and publication series are described. Objections raised to these systems by some US researchers are discussed. The ARS documentation system and ROBO program provide insights into improved methods for documenting the international movement and release of beneficial organisms in other parts of the world.

Guidelines are suggested to implement the introduction of beneficial insect-parasitic nematodes into the United States from abroad. These suggestions result from experiences and research with these and other biological control agents and from the current need for procedures to import nematodes. Subjects considered are need to import, foreign exploration, taxonomy, shipment, quarantine facilities, permits, host range tests, release, and documentation. Nematodes covered under these suggested guidelines include entomopathogenic species of mermithids, sphaerulariids, aphelenchids, steinernematids, and heterorhabditids. Host specificity and safety tests are discussed. Concern over the possible concomitant introduction of plant-parasitic nematodes, insects, or other pests is expressed. Current information on the treatment of insect-parasitic nematodes by the Environmental Protection Agency and USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is presented. These suggested guidelines are presented to stimulate the development of workable protocols for safe introduction of beneficial insect-parasitic nematodes into the United States from aboard.

DNA fingerprinting should permit the identification of individual human hosts of haematophagous arthropods, providing epidemi-ologically useful information, for example, the biting rates on different people and the impact of insecticide-impregnated bednets. Investigations reported here demonstrate that it is possible to extract, amplify and fingerprint human DNA from the bloodmeals of individual female Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes kept at 24oC for up to 10–15 h post-ingestion.

The trypanosomatid parasite Leishmania major is one of the principal causal agents of human cutaneous leishmaniasis. Promastigotes grown in vitro undergo growth cycle-dependent differentiation, associated with morphological and biochemical changes, to produce forms which are infective to the mammalian host. By differentially screening a cDNA library constructed from stage-specific mRNA, we have isolated 4 clones encoding mRNAs which show unique or elevated expression in the infective promastigotes of Leishmania major. One of these clones is homologous to a heat-shock protein 70-related gene, that is non-heat-inducible but shows up-regulation during promastigote differentiation. Each of the other cDNAs isolated also recognises multiple transcripts, which show differential regulation between parasite stages and are encoded by repeated, linked nuclear genes. In trypanosomatids, this genomic organisation is indicative of polycistronic transcription.

The purpose of this study was to better understand the lessons that students intended to transfer home from an Outward Bound wilderness course and what actual learning they had used 2 years postcourse. Participants had completed an open-enrollment course during the 2009 summer at the North Carolina Outward Bound School. The primarily qualitative data were collected via a written survey at the end of their experience (n = 369) and 2 years following via an online survey (n = 30). The results indicate the experience made a positive difference in the lives of many participants at the conclusion of the course and 2 years later. The themes that emerged 2 years later included (a) increased self-confidence and self-reliance, (b) interpersonal effectiveness, and (c) mental strength. The data indicate a consistency between participants' intended and actual transfer of learning and also new learning that emerged over time.