Skin microbiota: a source of disease or defence?

Microbes found on the skin are usually regarded as pathogens, potential pathogens or innocuous symbiotic organisms. Advances in microbiology and immunology are revising our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of microbial virulence and the specific events involved in the host-microbe interaction. Current data contradict some historical classifications of cutaneous microbiota and suggest that these organisms may protect the host, defining them not as simple symbiotic microbes but rather as mutualistic. This review will summarize current information on bacterial skin flora including Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, Propionibacterium, Streptococcus and Pseudomonas. Specifically, the review will discuss our current understanding of the cutaneous microbiota as well as shifting paradigms in the interpretation of the roles microbes play in skin health and disease

Heavy-mineral zones in the Modelo Formation of the Santa Monica Mountains, California

A detailed heavy mineral study was made of a portion of the Modelo formation in the Santa Monica Mountains, near Los Angeles. It was found that the heavy minerals varied both vertically in the formation and laterally within single lithologic units. Four distinct mineral zones were recognized. These zones transect the lithologic boundaries and the structure of the formation. The cause of the peculiar boundary relations between the mineral zones and the rock units is not clear. Whether or not the mineral zone boundaries are surfaces of contemporaneous deposition remains a moot question

Some suggestions for heavy-mineral investigations of sediments

Attention is directed to the variability in quantitative relations between heavy minerals as a consequence of changes in the texture of sediments. It is suggested that for quantitative comparisons of heavy minerals, materials of the same grade-size should be utilized. Various methods in use for describing quantitative relations between heavy minerals are critically analysed. A new method of representation is suggested. A standard or type sample is selected. It is screened and the heavy minerals are separated from the suitable grade-size fractions. A known portion of the heavy mineral crop is counted and the abundance of each mineral species is established for a definite weight of uniformly sized material. The abundance of any mineral species in other samples is then given by a comparison with this standard

Mechanics of the Lone Mountain landslides, San Francisco, California

This study was initiated for the purpose of determining the mechanics and causes of three landslides that had occurred on Lone Mountain. A careful survey was made of the geology at the slide localities. By means of graphical methods based on the principles of soil mechanics, the frictional resistance to sliding, which the ground exerted when motion impended, was determined. The inherent frictional properties of the ground were evaluated by laboratory experiments on samples of material obtained from the slide localities. Discordance between the graphical and the experimental values for the friction coefficients points to the presence of an agent which nullified, in part, the action of friction. The natural stability of the hillside on which the Parker Avenue slide occurred was reduced through a series of civic improvements which, in combination with the unfavorable geologic structure and the presence of water, ultimately caused tile landslide. The two smaller slides along Turk Street may be attributed to the hydro-dynamic action of water in the highly porous and unconsolidated sandy ground, with the consequent reduction of friction between the sand grains, and resultant liquefaction of the hillside mass

Team drivers and knowledge sharing in the performance management of agile projects

Dissertation presented as the partial requirement for obtaining a Master's degree in Information Management, specialization in Information Systems and Technologies ManagementOrganizations are adopting agile methodologies to create value, be competitive, and quickly respond to market changes to satisfy customers. As a result of these challenges, projects are increasingly complex, strategic, and must be addressed by efficient teams during a limited amount of time to deliver high value. We study the agile project performance with a mixed methods approach. We surveyed 160 agile practitioners and conducted six interviews with agile experts. Our results indicate that team autonomy, team diversity, and team resilience affect knowledge sharing. We also find that team resilience and risk monitoring influence the agile project performance

Heavy-mineral zones in the Modelo Formation of the Santa Monica Mountains, California

A detailed heavy mineral study was made of a portion of the Modelo formation in the Santa Monica Mountains, near Los Angeles. It was found that the heavy minerals varied both vertically in the formation and laterally within single lithologic units. Four distinct mineral zones were recognized. These zones transect the lithologic boundaries and the structure of the formation. The cause of the peculiar boundary relations between the mineral zones and the rock units is not clear. Whether or not the mineral zone boundaries are surfaces of contemporaneous deposition remains a moot question

Responsive Urban Renewal: The Neighborhood Shapes the Plan

Only massive infusions of federal subsidy, encouragement, and prodding can stimulate the private and local governmental action needed to rebuild our nation\u27s cities. We must expand, not contract, urban the renewal program

Anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha therapy during murine Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteremia: increased mortality in the absence of liver injury.

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a leading cause of gram-negative bacterial pneumonia, often resulting in bacteremia concurrent with the localized pulmonary infection. The beneficial role of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha during pulmonary infection has been well documented; however, consequences of TNF-alpha production during systemic bacterial infection are controversial. A murine model of K. pneumoniae was developed to address this important issue. Liver-associated TNF-alpha mRNA was induced within 30 min after intravenous bacterial inoculation and remained elevated through 6 h before returning to near-baseline at 24 h postinfection. Intravenous K. pneumoniae infection induced liver cellular injury that was completely ablated when mice were pretreated with a neutralizing anti-TNF-alpha antibody. Interestingly, this reduction in liver injury failed to translate into improved survival. Mice receiving anti-TNF-alpha continued to succumb to the infection even out to day 10 postinfection. Bacterial clearance after TNF-alpha neutralization was significantly impaired at later time points during infection. Correlating with impaired bacterial clearance was diminished production of liver-associated MIP-2, MIP-1alpha, MCP-1, and interferon-gamma. Further evidence of diminished antibacterial immune responses was noted when the activational status of splenic natural killer cells in anti-TNF-alpha-treated mice was examined 24 h postinfection. Natural killer cells displayed decreased CD69 expression. Combined, these data indicate that the beneficial effects of TNF-alpha during systemic K. pneumoniae infection outweigh the detrimental effects of TNF-alpha-mediated hepatocyte cellular injury. Anti-TNF-alpha therapy, although preventing liver injury during blood-borne bacterial infection, results in a dampened anti-bacterial host response, resulting in decreased bacterial clearance and overall survival

Symptomatic L4-L5 Disc Herniation in a Professional Hockey Player

In volume 4, Issue 1 of the JSMAHS you will find Professional Research Abstracts, as well as Bachelor Student Research Abstracts and Case Reports. Thank you for viewing this 4th Annual OATA Special Editio