Hidden in Plain Sight: Achieving More Just Results in Hostile Work Environment Sexual Harassment Cases by Re-Examining Supreme Court Precedent

Control of a hydraulic crane is considered. Due to the oscillatory character of the system smooth the operation of the crane is a demanding task. In order to improve the handling properties feedback control of the crane is studied. Based on linearized models feedback regulators of both LQG and PID type are designed. The feedback is based on position, pressure and acceleration measurements. Since the properties of the system change with load and operating point adaptive control is also introduced. The use of accelerometer signals for impact detection is also discussed. The proposed solutions are tested in both simulations and experiments on a real crane

The Interchangeability of CVLT-II and WMS-IV Verbal Paired Associates Scores: A Slightly Different Story

We investigated the similarity of the Wechsler Memory Scale-Fourth Edition (WMS-IV) Auditory Memory Index (AMI) scores when California Verbal Learning Test-Second Edition (CVLT-II) scores are substituted for WMS-IV Verbal Paired Associates (VPA) subtest scores. College students (n = 103) were administered select WMS-IV subtests and the CVLT-II in a randomized order. Immediate and delayed VPA scaled scores were significantly greater than VPA substitute scaled scores derived from CVLT-II performance. At the Index level, AMI scores were significantly lower when CVLT-II scores were used in place of VPA scores. It is important that clinicians recognize the accepted substitution of CVLT-II scores can result in WMS-IV scores that are inconsistent with those derived from standard administration. Psychometric issues that plausibly contribute to these differences and clinical implications are discussed

Human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist is expressed in liver

AbstractUsing PCR and Northern blot analysis, an IL-1 receptor antagonist specific transcript was amplified from HepG2- and liver mRNA, cDNA clones coding for IL-1 receptor antagonist were isolated from a liver cDNA library and sequence comparison revealed complete identity with the secreted, monocytic form of IL-1 receptor antagonist

An investigation into the nutritional status of patients receiving an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol versus standard care following Oesophagectomy

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols have been effectively expanded to various surgical specialities including oesophagectomy. Despite nutrition being a key component, actual nutrition outcomes and specific guidelines are lacking. This cohort comparison study aims to compare nutritional status and adherence during implementation of a standardised post-operative nutritional support protocol, as part of ERAS, compared to those who received usual care.Two groups of patients undergoing resection of oesophageal cancer were studied. Group 1 (n = 17) underwent oesophagectomy between Oct 2014 and Nov 2016 during implementation of an ERAS protocol. Patients in group 2 (n = 16) underwent oesophagectomy between Jan 2011 and Dec 2012 prior to the implementation of ERAS. Demographic, nutritional status, dietary intake and adherence data were collected. Ordinal data was analysed using independent t tests, and categorical data using chi-square tests.There was no significant difference in nutrition status, dietary intake or length of stay following implementation of an ERAS protocol. Malnutrition remained prevalent in both groups at day 42 post surgery (n = 10, 83% usual care; and n = 9, 60% ERAS). A significant difference was demonstrated in adherence with earlier initiation of oral free fluids (p

Professionalism and Job Satisfaction of Registered Nurses in the Commonwealth of Virginia

The purpose of this study was to investigate current views of professionalism and job satisfaction of registered nurses practicing a variety of health care settings in the State of Virginia. Five research questions were investigated in this analytical-descriptive study. A two percent stratified random sample of 427 registered nurses, female and actively employed, represented all nurses from five regions in the state of Virginia. The demographic findings indicated that the majority of nurses were diploma graduates, staff nurses, employed in hospital settings, and working full-time. A descriptive analysis of Stone and Knopke Health Care Professional Attitude Inventory items modified by Lawler indicated that registered nurses have professional status according to Dumont’s model of professionalism. Nurses identified consumer control, indifference to credentials, compassion, and impatience with the rate of change as important elements of professionalism. However, there was no significant relationship between nurses\u27 professionalism and highest levels of education in nursing, current job positions, and major job settings. Job satisfaction findings using Atwood and Hinshaw’s Work Satisfaction Scale indicated that nurses were generally satisfied in their work setting although they were concerned about pay compensation, opportunities to advance, and control of nursing practice. A significant relationship was found between nurses\u27 work setting and job satisfaction. Hospital nurses exhibited greater job satisfaction than nurses in other health care settings. A small relationship was revealed using job satisfaction as a predictor of professionalism

Detection of Human Group a and C Rotaviruses in Pediatric Patients with Acute Gastroenteritis by Real TIME RT-PCR Assay: a Preliminary Study

Rotavirus causes 25–55% of all hospital admissions for diarrhea and approximately 611.000 deaths every year in developing countries. Clinically, it is not possible to recognize the diarrhea caused by rotavirus and other infections. To know a causative agent of rotavirus gastroenteritis, availability of an accurate diagnosis assay is necessary. Therefore, we developed real time RT-PCR assay (rRT-PCR) assay for confirmation of infections of Group A or C rotaviruses simultaneously. A total of 54 stool samples obtained from pediatric patients (< 5 years old) was used in this study. All samples were tested for Group A rotavirus by Serological rapid test. Result of serological rapid test was compared with rRT-PCR assay to obtain the test accuracies of both assays. Result of this study showed that rates of positive testing for Group A rotavirus by serological rapid test and the rRT-PCR assay were 22.22% and 18.50%, respectively. Forty-two serology-negative specimens for Group A rotavirus were also PCR negative (100% specificity). Two serology-positive specimens for Group A rotavirus was rRT-PCR negative (confirmed by electrophoresis gel); therefore, rRT-PCR assay represents the decrease of 3.70% in the number of specimens that are positive for Group A rotavirus. For Group C rotavirus, all tested samples were no rRT-PCR positive and the results need to be confirmed in the future