“The Policy Exists but You Can’t Really Use It”: Communication and the Structuration of Work-Family Policies

Although work-family benefits are increasingly important organizational policies, limited research addresses the impact of communication on benefit utilization. However, communication is significant because the perceived appropriateness of work-family benefits emerges through interaction. For example, when coworkers complain about “picking up the slack” for those using family leave, their discourse may impact future decisions of other workers regarding whether they utilize the work-family benefits available to them. We apply Giddens’ (1984) Structuration Theory to examine organizational members’ discursive responses to conditions (and contradictions) present in utilizing work-family benefits in a governmental organization. We argue the daily discursive practices of individuals can either reinforce or undermine formally stated work-family initiatives, and in turn discuss the implications of this “structuration” of policy

A probabilistic approach to emission-line galaxy classification

We invoke a Gaussian mixture model (GMM) to jointly analyse two traditional emission-line classification schemes of galaxy ionization sources: the Baldwin-Phillips-Terlevich (BPT) and $\rm W_{H\alpha}$ vs. [NII]/H$\alpha$ (WHAN) diagrams, using spectroscopic data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 7 and SEAGal/STARLIGHT datasets. We apply a GMM to empirically define classes of galaxies in a three-dimensional space spanned by the $\log$ [OIII]/H$\beta$, $\log$ [NII]/H$\alpha$, and $\log$ EW(H${\alpha}$), optical parameters. The best-fit GMM based on several statistical criteria suggests a solution around four Gaussian components (GCs), which are capable to explain up to 97 per cent of the data variance. Using elements of information theory, we compare each GC to their respective astronomical counterpart. GC1 and GC4 are associated with star-forming galaxies, suggesting the need to define a new starburst subgroup. GC2 is associated with BPT's Active Galaxy Nuclei (AGN) class and WHAN's weak AGN class. GC3 is associated with BPT's composite class and WHAN's strong AGN class. Conversely, there is no statistical evidence -- based on four GCs -- for the existence of a Seyfert/LINER dichotomy in our sample. Notwithstanding, the inclusion of an additional GC5 unravels it. The GC5 appears associated to the LINER and Passive galaxies on the BPT and WHAN diagrams respectively. Subtleties aside, we demonstrate the potential of our methodology to recover/unravel different objects inside the wilderness of astronomical datasets, without lacking the ability to convey physically interpretable results. The probabilistic classifications from the GMM analysis are publicly available within the COINtoolbox (https://cointoolbox.github.io/GMM\_Catalogue/).Comment: Accepted for publication in MNRA

Impact of carbon sources on growth and oxalate synthesis by the phytopathogenic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

The impact of various supplemental carbon sources (oxalate, glyoxylate, glycolate, pyruvate, formate, malate, acetate, and succinate) on growth and oxalate formation (i.e., oxalogenesis) by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum was studied. With isolates D-E7, 105, W-B10, and Arg-L of S. sclerotiorum, growth in an undefined broth medium (0.1% soytone; pH 5) with 25 mM glucose and 25 mM supplemental carbon source was increased by the addition of malate and succinate. Oxalate accumulation occurred in the presence of glucose and a supplemental carbon source, with malate, acetate, and succinate supporting the most oxalate synthesis. With S. sclerotiorum Arg-L, oxalate-to-biomass ratios, an indicator of oxalogenic potential, were dissimilar when the organism was grown in the presence of different carbon sources. The highest oxalate-to-biomass ratios were observed with pyruvate, formate, malate, acetate, and succinate. Time-course studies with acetate-supplemented cultures revealed that acetate and glucose consumption by S. sclerotiorum D-E7 coincided with oxalogenesis and culture acidification. By day 5 of incubation, oxalogenesis was halted when cultures reached a pH of 3 and were devoid of acetate. In succinate-supplemented cultures, oxalogenesis essentially paralleled glucose and succinate utilization over the 9-day incubation period; during this time period, culture pH declined but never fell below 4. Overall, these results indicate that carbon sources can regulate the accumulation of oxalate, a key pathogenicity determinant for S. sclerotiorum

The relationship between cognitive maturity and information about health problems among school age children

This study of urban, multi-ethnic children was undertaken to explore the relationships between age, cognitive developmental capability (termed ‘cognitive maturity’) and accuracy of information about health problems. A total of 299 children in the first, second and third grades from six public and one private school hi New York City were individually interviewed using an open-ended set of questions. Findings indicated that having accurate health information is not the same as comprehending the abstract internal nature of the ‘facts’. Results supported Piaget\u27s levels of cognitive development applied to the area of health. Findings also showed that age is a better predictor of children\u27s accuracy about health information than their cognitive maturity. The findings underscore the need for those providing health education to place emphasis on the cognitive abilities of children and not to mistake recitation of factual information for understanding of conceptual elements of a health problem

Impact of carbon sources on growth and oxalate synthesis by the phytopathogenic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

The impact of various supplemental carbon sources (oxalate, glyoxylate, glycolate, pyruvate, formate, malate, acetate, and succinate) on growth and oxalate formation (i.e., oxalogenesis) by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum was studied. With isolates D-E7, 105, W-B10, and Arg-L of S. sclerotiorum, growth in an undefined broth medium (0.1% soytone; pH 5) with 25 mM glucose and 25 mM supplemental carbon source was increased by the addition of malate and succinate. Oxalate accumulation occurred in the presence of glucose and a supplemental carbon source, with malate, acetate, and succinate supporting the most oxalate synthesis. With S. sclerotiorum Arg-L, oxalate-to-biomass ratios, an indicator of oxalogenic potential, were dissimilar when the organism was grown in the presence of different carbon sources. The highest oxalate-to-biomass ratios were observed with pyruvate, formate, malate, acetate, and succinate. Time-course studies with acetate-supplemented cultures revealed that acetate and glucose consumption by S. sclerotiorum D-E7 coincided with oxalogenesis and culture acidification. By day 5 of incubation, oxalogenesis was halted when cultures reached a pH of 3 and were devoid of acetate. In succinate-supplemented cultures, oxalogenesis essentially paralleled glucose and succinate utilization over the 9-day incubation period; during this time period, culture pH declined but never fell below 4. Overall, these results indicate that carbon sources can regulate the accumulation of oxalate, a key pathogenicity determinant for S. sclerotiorum

Impact of carbon sources on growth and oxalate synthesis by the phytopathogenic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

The impact of various supplemental carbon sources (oxalate, glyoxylate, glycolate, pyruvate, formate, malate, acetate, and succinate) on growth and oxalate formation (i.e., oxalogenesis) by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum was studied. With isolates D-E7, 105, W-B10, and Arg-L of S. sclerotiorum, growth in an undefined broth medium (0.1% soytone; pH 5) with 25 mM glucose and 25 mM supplemental carbon source was increased by the addition of malate and succinate. Oxalate accumulation occurred in the presence of glucose and a supplemental carbon source, with malate, acetate, and succinate supporting the most oxalate synthesis. With S. sclerotiorum Arg-L, oxalate-to-biomass ratios, an indicator of oxalogenic potential, were dissimilar when the organism was grown in the presence of different carbon sources. The highest oxalate-to-biomass ratios were observed with pyruvate, formate, malate, acetate, and succinate. Time-course studies with acetate-supplemented cultures revealed that acetate and glucose consumption by S. sclerotiorum D-E7 coincided with oxalogenesis and culture acidification. By day 5 of incubation, oxalogenesis was halted when cultures reached a pH of 3 and were devoid of acetate. In succinate-supplemented cultures, oxalogenesis essentially paralleled glucose and succinate utilization over the 9-day incubation period; during this time period, culture pH declined but never fell below 4. Overall, these results indicate that carbon sources can regulate the accumulation of oxalate, a key pathogenicity determinant for S. sclerotiorum

Functional consequences of seven novel mutations in the CYP11B1 Gene: four mutations associated with nonclassic and three mutations causing classic 11 -Hydroxylase Deficiency

Context: Steroid 11β-hydroxylase (CYP11B1) deficiency (11OHD) is the second most common form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Cases of nonclassic 11OHD are rare compared with the incidence of nonclassic 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Objective: The aim of the study was to analyze the functional consequences of seven novel CYP11B1 mutations (p.M88I, p.W116G, p.P159L, p.A165D, p.K254_A259del, p.R366C, p.T401A) found in three patients with classic 11OHD, two patients with nonclassic 11OHD, and three heterozygous carriers for CYP11B1 mutations. Methods: We conducted functional studies employing a COS7 cell in vitro expression system comparing wild-type (WT) and mutant CYP11B1 activity. Mutants were examined in a computational three-dimensional model of the CYP11B1 protein. Results: All mutations (p.W116G, p.A165D, p.K254_A259del) found in patients with classic 11OHD have absent or very little 11β-hydroxylase activity relative to WT. The mutations detected in patients with nonclassic 11OHD showed partial functional impairment, with one patient being homozygous (p.P159L; 25% of WT) and the other patient compound heterozygous for a novel mild p.M88I (40% of WT) and the known severe p.R383Q mutation. The two mutations detected in heterozygous carriers (p.R366C, p.T401A) also reduced CYP11B1 activity by 23 to 37%, respectively. Conclusion: Functional analysis results allow for the classification of novel CYP11B1 mutations as causative for classic and nonclassic 11OHD, respectively. Four partially inactivating mutations are predicted to result in nonclassic 11OHD. These findings double the number of mild CYP11B1 mutations previously described as associated with mild 11OHD. Our data are important to predict phenotypic expression and provide important information for clinical and genetic counseling i

Patient Satisfaction with a Pilot Chronic Pain Management Programme in Cape Town, South Africa

Background: The goals of a chronic pain management clinic includeincreasing patient knowledge about pain, developing pain management skillsand increasing patients’ confidence in their pain management abilities.A Chronic Pain Management Programme (CPMP) based on evidence basedguidelines was developed at a chronic pain management clinic to facilitatepatient discharge to a primary healthcare level. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore patient satisfaction with, acceptability of and the perceived success which could be due to the CPMP developed at the Chronic Pain Management Clinic of Groote Schuur Hospital,Cape Town.Methods: Patients (n=14) were referred to the pilot study from the Chronic Pain Management Clinic. A s a pilot, four courses were run over a period ofone year. In order to reach the research aim, an eleven-question, structuredopen-ended interview was conducted with all participants. Results: Fourteen patients enrolled in the CPMP. Responses were favourable with participants emphasising the roleof increased knowledge about pain, the role of exercise and of stress management techniques. Participants also recog-nised a positive change in behaviours and attitudes following participation in the CPMP.Conclusions: Findings suggest that participants found the format of the course acceptable as regards course content,structure and delivery. Participant responses suggest that the course was acceptable and perceived as useful. However,future courses would benefit from refresher courses or structured support groups

Ferredoxin 1b deficiency leads to testis disorganization, impaired spermatogenesis and feminization in zebrafish

The roles of steroids in zebrafish sex differentiation, gonadal development and function of the adult gonad are poorly understood. Herein, we have employed a ferredoxin 1b (fdx1b) mutant zebrafish to explore such processes. Fdx1b is an essential electron-providing cofactor to mitochondrial steroidogenic enzymes, which are crucial for glucocorticoid and androgen production in vertebrates. Fdx1b-/- zebrafish mutants develop into viable adults, in which concentrations of androgens and the glucocorticoid, cortisol, are significantly reduced. Adult fdx1b-/- mutant zebrafish display predominantly female secondary sex characteristics but may possess either ovaries or testes, confirming that androgen signaling is dispensable for testicular differentiation in this species, as previously demonstrated in androgen receptor mutant zebrafish. Adult male fdx1b-/- mutant zebrafish do not exhibit characteristic breeding behaviors, and sperm production is reduced, resulting in infertility in standard breeding scenarios. However, eggs collected from wild-type females can be fertilized by the sperm of fdx1b-/- mutant males by IVF. The testes of fdx1b-/- mutant males are disorganized and lack defined seminiferous tubule structure. Expression of several pro-male and spermatogenic genes is decreased in the testes of fdx1b-/- mutant males, including pro-male transcription factor SRY-box 9a (sox9a) and spermatogenic genes insulin-like growth factor 3 (igf3) and insulin-like 3 (insl3). This study establishes an androgen- and cortisol-deficient fdx1b zebrafish mutant as a model for understanding the impacts of steroid deficiency on sex development and reproductive function. This model will be particularly useful for further investigation of the roles of steroids in spermatogenesis, gonadal development and regulation of reproductive behavior, thus enabling further elucidation of the physiological consequences of endocrine disruption in vertebrates

Risk of Major Complications From Coronary Angioplasty Performed Immediately After Diagnostic Coronary Angiography: Results From the Registry of the Society for Cardiac Angiography and Interventions

AbstractObjectives. This study was designed to determine the risk of performing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) at the time of diagnostic catheterization (“combined procedures”).Background. Health care providers are under increasing pressure to combine diagnostic and interventional coronary procedures to reduce costs. However, the risk associated with combined procedures has not been rigorously assessed.Methods. A multicenter cohort study of 35,700 patients undergoing elective PTCA from 1992 through 1995 was performed to determine the risk of major complications (myocardial infarction, emergency coronary artery bypass graft surgery or death) from combined relative to staged procedures (i.e., performing PTCA at a session subsequent to diagnostic catheterization).Results. The risks of major complications from combined and staged procedures were 2.0% and 1.6%, respectively (unadjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05 to 1.57). After adjusting for clinical and angiographic differences and clustering by laboratory, the risk from combined procedures was not significantly elevated (multivariable OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.55). However, several subgroups of patients did have an increased risk from combined procedures: patients with multivessel disease (multivariable OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.13 to 2.39); women (multivariable OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.55); patients >65 years old (multivariable OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.93); and patients undergoing multilesion PTCA (multivariable OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.21). The risk of combined relative to staged procedures decreased over the 4-year period (multivariable p = 0.029).Conclusions. Combining PTCA with diagnostic catheterization appears to be safe in many patients. However, several subgroups of patients may be at increased risk. Careful patient selection will most likely remain critical to ensuring the safety of combined procedures.(J Am Coll Cardiol 1997;30:193–200