General description of electromagnetic radiation processes based on instantaneous charge acceleration in `endpoints'

We present a new methodology for calculating the electromagnetic radiation from accelerated charged particles. Our formulation --- the `endpoint formulation' --- combines numerous results developed in the literature in relation to radiation arising from particle acceleration using a complete, and completely general, treatment. We do this by describing particle motion via a series of discrete, instantaneous acceleration events, or `endpoints', with each such event being treated as a source of emission. This method implicitly allows for particle creation/destruction, and is suited to direct numerical implementation in either the time- or frequency-domains. In this paper, we demonstrate the complete generality of our method for calculating the radiated field from charged particle acceleration, and show how it reduces to the classical named radiation processes such as synchrotron, Tamm's description of Vavilov-Cherenkov, and transition radiation under appropriate limits. Using this formulation, we are immediately able to answer outstanding questions regarding the phenomenology of radio emission from ultra-high-energy particle interactions in both the Earth's atmosphere and the Moon. In particular, our formulation makes it apparent that the dominant emission component of the Askaryan Effect (coherent radio-wave radiation from high-energy particle cascades in dense media) comes from coherent `bremsstrahlung' from particle acceleration, rather than coherent Vavilov-Cherenkov radiation.Comment: accepted by Phys. Rev. E, new title, some corrections in equations and references, figure styles updated to match journal policie

Biomarkers for cystic fibrosis drug development

To provide a review of the status of biomarkers in cystic fibrosis drug development, including regulatory definitions and considerations, a summary of biomarkers in current use with supportive data, current gaps, and future needs

Crystal Structure of the Zorbamycin-Binding Protein ZbmA, the Primary Self-Resistance Element in Streptomyces flavoviridis ATCC21892

The bleomycins (BLMs), tallysomycins (TLMs), phleomycin, and zorbamycin (ZBM) are members of the BLM family of glycopeptide-derived antitumor antibiotics. The BLM-producing Streptomyces verticillus ATCC15003 and the TLM-producing Streptoalloteichus hindustanus E465-94 ATCC31158 both possess at least two self-resistance elements, an N-acetyltransferase and a binding protein. The N-acetyltransferase provides resistance by disrupting the metal-binding domain of the antibiotic that is required for activity, while the binding protein confers resistance by sequestering the metal-bound antibiotic and preventing drug activation via molecular oxygen. We recently established that the ZBM producer, Streptomyces flavoviridis ATCC21892, lacks the N-acetyltransferase resistance gene and that the ZBM-binding protein, ZbmA, is sufficient to confer resistance in the producing strain. To investigate the resistance mechanism attributed to ZbmA, we determined the crystal structures of apo and Cu(II)-ZBM-bound ZbmA at high resolutions of 1.90 and 1.65 Å, respectively. A comparison and contrast with other structurally characterized members of the BLM-binding protein family revealed key differences in the protein–ligand binding environment that fine-tunes the ability of ZbmA to sequester metal-bound ZBM and supports drug sequestration as the primary resistance mechanism in the producing organisms of the BLM family of antitumor antibiotics

Plasma TGF-β1 in pediatric cystic fibrosis: Potential biomarker of lung disease and response to therapy

Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) is an important genetic modifier of lung disease severity in cystic fibrosis (CF), yet the mechanism behind this disease association remains unknown. Initial steps in the investigation of the relationship between TGF-β1 and CF lung disease include determining the most appropriate available biospecimen for TGF-β1 protein measurement

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Older persons' narrations on falls and falling - stories of courage and endurance

Fall related injuries in nursing homes have a major impact on the quality of life in later adulthood and there is a dearth of studies on falling and fall prevention from the older person's perspective. The aim of the study was to identify how older persons perceive falling, fall prevention, and fall accidents. Six in-depth interviews were carried out and a hermeneutic phenomenological method was used to describe and interpret the older persons’ accounts. Interpretations of Levinasian and Heidegarian philosophy related to dwelling and mobility helped cultivate important insights. Symbolic and physical environments are important for the participants’ well-being. The older persons in the study did not wish to dwell on the subject of falling and spoke of past and present coping strategies and the importance of staying on their feet. The women spoke about endurance in their daily lives. The men's narrations were more dramatic; they became animated when they spoke of their active past lives. As the scope of the study is small, these gender differences require further investigation. However, their stories give specific knowledge about the individual and their symbolic environmental circumstances and universal knowledge about the importance of integrating cultural environmental knowledge in health promotion and care work. Traditional fall prevention interventions are often risk oriented and based on generalized knowledge applied to particular cases. The findings indicate a need for contextual life-world knowledge and an understanding of fall prevention as a piece in a larger puzzle within a broader framework of culture, health, and well-being. Showing an interest in the older persons’ stories can help safeguard their integrity and promote their well-being. This can ignite a spark that kindles their desire to participate in meaningful exercises and activities

Nordisk sundhedsfremmende perspektiver på ældre menneskers deltagelse og tryghed

Demographic changes and the growing elderly population in Scandinavia provide an incentive to study Health Ageing in the Nordic Countries. The chosen Nordic perspective takes into account commonalities and differences in socio-economic status, welfare systems, gender, history and culture. It also involves focusing on the health of individuals and populations. The Nordic perspective and the authors’ understanding of health and health promotion provide a backdrop for the essay. The authors are part of the Nordic Health Promotion Network (NHPRN), which is grounded in an ethics of health and well-being. This understanding highlights key values such as participation, justice and equality (freedom from discrimination), autonomy (independence). The authors focus mainly on the importance of participation and on the older person’s sense of security in this paper. We seek answers to what prevents and in which way Healthy Ageing can be promoted in the Northern countries. Concepts such as discrimination, retirement, dementia, nursing home residents’ access to nature and the elements, and the importance of relationships are illuminated

Nordisk sundhedsfremmende perspektiver på ældre menneskers deltagelse og tryghed

Demographic changes and the growing elderly population in Scandinavia provide an incentive to study Health Ageing in the Nordic Countries. The chosen Nordic perspective takes into account commonalities and differences in socio-economic status, welfare systems, gender, history and culture. It also involves focusing on the health of individuals and populations. The Nordic perspective and the authors’ understanding of health and health promotion provide a backdrop for the essay. The authors are part of the Nordic Health Promotion Network (NHPRN), which is grounded in an ethics of health and well-being. This understanding highlights key values such as participation, justice and equality (freedom from discrimination), autonomy (independence). The authors focus mainly on the importance of participation and on the older person’s sense of security in this paper. We seek answers to what prevents and in which way Healthy Ageing can be promoted in the Northern countries. Concepts such as discrimination, retirement, dementia, nursing home residents’ access to nature and the elements, and the importance of relationships are illuminated