Neonatal Transport Nursing is an Interpretive Practice

In this paper, we offer a personal account of a neonatal transport nurse (TRN) and the interpretive nature of the TRN’s work. Beginning at the start of a shift, the reader encounters the many ways in which the neonatal transport nurse interprets her surroundings, colleagues, patients, and circumstances, lending to how these factors are consciously and subconsciously engaged in the TRN’s practice throughout a day’s work

Effective Actions, Boundaries and Precision Calculations of Casimir Energies

We perform the matching required to compute the leading effective boundary contribution to the QED lagrangian in the presence of a conducting surface, once the electron is integrated out. Our result resolves a confusion in the literature concerning the interpretation of the leading such correction to the Casimir energy. It also provides a useful theoretical laboratory for brane-world calculations in which kinetic terms are generated on the brane, since a lot is known about QED near boundaries.Comment: 5 pages. revtex; Added paragraphs describing finite-conductivity effects and effects due to curvatur

A Partial Albino Hatchling Northern Ring-necked Snake, Diadophis punctatus edwardsii, from Big Tancook Island, Mahone Bay, Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia, Canada

On 10 June 2012 a sample of seven gravid female Northern Ring-necked Snakes (Diadophis punctatus edwardsii), from Big Tancook Island, Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia, was selected for a seasonal live display at the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History in Halifax. A total of 13 eggs was removed from the display in late June 2012 and incubated for public viewing. The eggs began hatching on 22 August 2012. One of the hatchlings was partial albino (with zanthophores or amelanistic). This is the first record of an albinistic Northern Ring-necked Snake in Nova Scotia

A Sino-German λ\lambda6\ cm polarization survey of the Galactic plane. V. Large supernova remnants

Observations of large supernova remnants (SNRs) at high frequencies are rare, but provide valuable information about their physical properties. The total intensity and polarization properties of 16 large SNRs in the Galactic plane were investigated based on observations of the Urumqi $\lambda$6\ cm polarization survey of the Galactic plane with an angular resolution of 9\farcm5. We extracted total intensity and linear polarization maps of large SNRs from the Urumqi $\lambda$6\ cm survey, obtained their integrated flux densities, and derived the radio spectra in context with previously published flux densities at various frequencies. In particular, Effelsberg $\lambda$11\ cm and $\lambda$21\ cm survey data were used for calculating integrated flux densities. The $\lambda$6\ cm polarization data also delineate the magnetic field structures of the SNRs. We present the first total intensity maps at $\lambda$6\ cm for SNRs G106.3+2.7, G114.3+0.3, G116.5+1.1, G166.0+4.3 (VRO 42.05.01), G205.5+0.5 (Monoceros Nebula) and G206.9+2.3 (PKS 0646+06) and the first polarization measurements at $\lambda$6\ cm for SNRs G82.2+5.3 (W63), G106.3+2.7, G114.3+0.3, G116.5+1.1, G166.0+4.3 (VRO 42.05.01), G205.5+0.5 (Monoceros Nebula) and G206.9+2.3 (PKS 0646+06). Most of the newly derived integrated radio spectra are consistent with previous results. The new flux densities obtained from the Urumqi $\lambda$6\ cm, Effelsberg $\lambda$11\ cm and $\lambda$21\ cm surveys are crucial to determine the spectra of SNR G65.1+0.6, G69.0+2.7 (CTB 80), G93.7-0.2 and G114.3+0.3. We find that G192.8$-$1.1 (PKS 0607+17) consists of background sources, \ion{H}{II} regions and the extended diffuse emission of thermal nature, and conclude that G192.8$-$1.1 is not a SNR.Comment: 15 pages, 10 figures, accepted by A&\amp;A. Language improved. For the version with high resolution figures, please go to: http://zmtt.bao.ac.cn/6cm/paper/gxy_largeSNR.pd

Breast cancer risk reduction:is it feasible to initiate a randomised controlled trial of a lifestyle intervention programme (ActWell) within a national breast screening programme?

BackgroundBreast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second cause of cancer deaths amongst women in the UK. The incidence of the disease is increasing and is highest in women from least deprived areas. It is estimated that around 42% of the disease in post-menopausal women could be prevented by increased physical activity and reductions in alcohol intake and body fatness. Breast cancer control endeavours focus on national screening programmes but these do not include communications or interventions for risk reductionThis study aimed to assess the feasibility of delivery, indicative effects and acceptability of a lifestyle intervention programme initiated within the NHS Scottish Breast Screening Programme (NHSSBSP).MethodsA 1:1 randomised controlled trial (RCT) of the 3 month ActWell programme (focussing on body weight, physical activity and alcohol) versus usual care conducted in two NHSSBSP sites between June 2013 and January 2014. Feasibility assessments included recruitment, retention, and fidelity to protocol. Indicative outcomes were measured at baseline and 3 month follow-up (body weight, waist circumference, eating and alcohol habits and physical activity. At study end, a questionnaire assessed participant satisfaction and qualitative interviews elicited women¿s, coaches and radiographers¿ experiences. Statistical analysis used Chi squared tests for comparisons in proportions and paired t tests for comparisons of means. Linear regression analyses were performed, adjusted for baseline values, with group allocation as a fixed effectResultsA pre-set recruitment target of 80 women was achieved within 12 weeks and 65 (81%) participants (29 intervention, 36 control) completed 3 month assessments. Mean age was 58¿±¿5.6 years, mean BMI was 29.2¿±¿7.0 kg/m2 and many (44%) reported a family history of breast cancer.The primary analysis (baseline body weight adjusted) showed a significant between group difference favouring the intervention group of 2.04 kg (95%CI ¿3.24 kg to ¿0.85 kg). Significant, favourable between group differences were also detected for BMI, waist circumference, physical activity and sitting time. Women rated the programme highly and 70% said they would recommend it to others.ConclusionsRecruitment, retention, indicative results and participant acceptability support the development of a definitive RCT to measure long term effects.Trial registrationThe trial was registered with Current Controlled Trials (ISRCTN56223933)

Enhancement in the rate of nitrate degradation on Au- and Ag-decorated TiO2 photocatalysts

The solar-driven reduction of nitrate to nitrogen has been studied in the presence of a formate hole scavenger, over a series of Au- and Ag-decorated TiO2 catalysts. In this study, the catalyst preparation protocol was found to influence the nitrate transformation in the order: incipient wetness impregnation > stabilizer-free sol immobilization > sol immobilization. However, the sequence of performing specific treatment steps such as drying, calcination and sieving had a less pronounced effect. Low-conversion conditions were utilized to study the photo-degradation of nitrate over a range of monometallic and bimetallic catalysts with metal concentrations in the range M = 0–1 wt% (M: Au, Ag, Pd, AuAg). Our findings demonstrate that selectively degrading nitrate to N2 over these co-catalysts is non-trivial and is metal content dependent. For Au-doped TiO2 catalysts, the highest activity was measured over 0.2 wt% Au/TiO2 while a higher metal loading of 0.4 wt% was required for the Ag/TiO2 photocatalyst. Product selectivity was also demonstrated to be dependent on metal and metal loading: approximately 22% nitrite selectivity was determined over a 0.1 wt% Ag-doped catalysts, however this product was not detected when utilising Au-doped catalysts. Total selectivity to dinitrogen was shown to be possible on both Au and Ag doped catalysts, and again this was dependent on the concentration of the metal (Ag > 0.3 wt%; 0.2 < Au ≥ 0.4 wt%)

A Re-examination of the Distribution of Galactic Free Electrons

We present a list of 109 pulsars with independent distance information compiled from the literature. Since the compilation of Frail & Weisberg, there are 35 pulsars with new distance estimate and 25 pulsars for which the distance or distance uncertainty have been revised. We used this data to fit a smooth, axisymmetric, two disk model of the distribution of galactic electrons. The two exponential model components have mean local midplane densities at the solar circle of 2.03e-2 cm^-3 and 0.71e-2 cm^-3, and scale heights of 1.07 and 0.053 kpc. The thick component shows very little radial variation, while the second has a radial scale length of only a few kiloparsecs. We also examined a model which varies as sech^2(x), rather than exp(-x), in both the radial and vertical direction. We prefer this model with no midplane cusp, but find that the fit parameters essentially describe the same electron distribution. The distances predicted by this distribution have a similar scatter as the more complex model of Taylor & Cordes. We examine the pulsars that deviate strongly from this model. There are two regions of enhanced dispersion measure, one of which correlates well with the Sagittarius-Carina spiral arm. We find that the scatter of the observed dispersion measure from the model is not fit well by either a normal or log-normal distribution of lump sizes, but may be caused instead by the uncertainties in the distances.Comment: 31 pages, 10 embedded figures, submitted to A

UWISH2 -- The UKIRT Widefield Infrared Survey for H2

We present the goals and preliminary results of an unbiased, near-infrared, narrow-band imaging survey of the First Galactic Quadrant (10deg<l<65deg ; -1.3deg<b<+1.3deg). This area includes most of the Giant Molecular Clouds and massive star forming regions in the northern hemisphere. The survey is centred on the 1-0S(1) ro-vibrational line of H2, a proven tracer of hot, dense molecular gas in star-forming regions, around evolved stars, and in supernova remnants. The observations complement existing and upcoming photometric surveys (Spitzer-GLIMPSE, UKIDSS-GPS, JCMT-JPS, AKARI, Herschel Hi-GAL, etc.), though we probe a dynamically active component of star formation not covered by these broad-band surveys. Our narrow-band survey is currently more than 60% complete. The median seeing in our images is 0.73arcsec. The images have a 5sigma detection limit of point sources of K=18mag and the surface brightness limit is 10^-19Wm^-2arcsec^-2 when averaged over our typical seeing. Jets and outflows from both low and high mass Young Stellar Objects are revealed, as are new Planetary Nebulae and - via a comparison with earlier K-band observations acquired as part of the UKIDSS GPS - numerous variable stars. With their superior spatial resolution, the UWISH2 data also have the potential to reveal the true nature of many of the Extended Green Objects found in the GLIMPSE survey.Comment: 14pages, 8figures, 2tables, accepted for publication by MNRAS, a version with higher resolution figures can be found at http://astro.kent.ac.uk/~df

Fibronectin rescues estrogen receptor α from lysosomal degradation in breast cancer cells

Estrogen receptor α (ERα) is expressed in tissues as diverse as brains and mammary glands. In breast cancer, ERα is a key regulator of tumor progression. Therefore, understanding what activates ERα is critical for cancer treatment in particular and cell biology in general. Using biochemical approaches and superresolution microscopy, we show that estrogen drives membrane ERα into endosomes in breast cancer cells and that its fate is determined by the presence of fibronectin (FN) in the extracellular matrix; it is trafficked to lysosomes in the absence of FN and avoids the lysosomal compartment in its presence. In this context, FN prolongs ERα half-life and strengthens its transcriptional activity. We show that ERα is associated with β1-integrin at the membrane, and this integrin follows the same endocytosis and subcellular trafficking pathway triggered by estrogen. Moreover, ERα+ vesicles are present within human breast tissues, and colocalization with β1-integrin is detected primarily in tumors. Our work unravels a key, clinically relevant mechanism of microenvironmental regulation of ERα signaling.Fil: Sampayo, Rocío Guadalupe. Universidad Nacional de San Martin. Instituto de Nanosistemas; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Oncología "Ángel H. Roffo"; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; ArgentinaFil: Toscani, Andrés Martin. Universidad Nacional de Luján; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; ArgentinaFil: Rubashkin, Matthew G.. University of California; Estados UnidosFil: Thi, Kate. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; Estados UnidosFil: Masullo, Luciano Andrés. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Física de Buenos Aires. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Física de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Violi, Ianina Lucila. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Centro de Investigaciones en Bionanociencias "Elizabeth Jares Erijman"; ArgentinaFil: Lakins, Jonathon N.. University of California; Estados UnidosFil: Caceres, Alfredo Oscar. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra; ArgentinaFil: Hines, William C.. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; Estados UnidosFil: Coluccio Leskow, Federico. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Luján; ArgentinaFil: Stefani, Fernando Daniel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Física de Buenos Aires. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Física de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Chialvo, Dante Renato. Universidad de Buenos Aires; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de San Martín. Escuela de Ciencia y Tecnología. Centro Internacional de Estudios Avanzados; ArgentinaFil: Bissell, Mina J.. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; Estados UnidosFil: Weaver, Valerie M.. University of California; Estados UnidosFil: Simian, Marina. Universidad Nacional de San Martin. Instituto de Nanosistemas; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Oncología "Ángel H. Roffo"; Argentin

The 6-GHz methanol multibeam maser catalogue - I. Galactic Centre region, longitudes 345? to 6?

We have conducted a Galactic plane survey of methanol masers at 6668 MHz using a sevenbeam receiver on the Parkes telescope. Here we present results from the first part, which provides sensitive unbiased coverage of a large region around the Galactic Centre. Details are given for 183 methanol maser sites in the longitude range 345◦ through the Galactic Centre to 6◦. Within 6◦ of the Galactic Centre, we found 88 maser sites, of which more than half (48) are new discoveries. The masers are confined to a narrow Galactic latitude range, indicative of many sources at the Galactic Centre distance and beyond, and confined to a thin disc population; there is no high-latitude population that might be ascribed to the Galactic bulge. Within 2◦ of the Galactic Centre the maser velocities all lie between −60 and +77 km s−1, a range much smaller than the 540 km s−1 range observed in CO. Elsewhere, the maser with highest positive velocity (+107 km s−1) occurs, surprisingly, near longitude 355◦ and is probably attributable to the Galactic bar. The maser with the most negative velocity (−127 km s−1) is near longitude 346◦, within the longitude–velocity locus of the near side of the ‘3-kpc arm’. It has the most extreme velocity of a clear population of masers associated with the near and far sides of the 3-kpc arm. Closer to the Galactic Centre the maser space density is generally low, except within 0.25 kpc of the Galactic Centre itself, the ‘Galactic Centre zone’, where it is 50 times higher, which is hinted at by the longitude distribution, and confirmed by the unusual velocities.AA and DW-McS acknowledge support from a Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) studentship. LQ acknowledges support from the EU Framework 6 Marie Curie Early Stage Training programme under contract MEST-CT-2005-19669 ‘ESTRELA’