Relevance of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics

This ex post facto study investigated the relationship of social support from two workplace sources, unit managers and registered nurse (RNs) coworkers, to work-related stress among staff nurses. Sample participants included 51 full-time RNs from a variety of clinical specialties in one nursing organization. The three theoretical components--affect, affirmation, and aid--were measured by the Norbeck Social Support Questionnaire. The Nursing Stress Scale was used to quantify the levels of perceived work-related stress. Statistically significant negative correlations were found between affect from unit managers (r = -299; P = 0.15) and aid from coworkers (r = -.294; P = .036) on levels of perceived work-related stress. Additionally, the increased age of the subjects (r = -.342; P = .007), years of nursing experience (r = -252; P = .037), and length of employment (r = -329; P = .009) had a negative relationship with work stress. The results of this research demonstrated that two components of social support--affect (emotional support) from unit managers and aid (services, information, materials) from coworkers--were linked to lower stress scores in this sample of staff nurses.     

Two-channel constrained least squares problems: solutions using power methods and connections with canonical coordinates

The problem of two-channel constrained least squares (CLS) filtering under various sets of constraints is considered, and a general set of solutions is derived. For each set of constraints, the solution is determined by a coupled (asymmetric) generalized eigenvalue problem. This eigenvalue problem establishes a connection between two-channel CLS filtering and transform methods for resolving channel measurements into canonical or half-canonical coordinates. Based on this connection, a unified framework for reduced-rank Wiener filtering is presented. Then, various representations of reduced-rank Wiener filters in canonical and half-canonical coordinates are introduced. An alternating power method is proposed to recursively compute the canonical coordinate and half-canonical coordinate mappings. A deflation process is introduced to extract the mappings associated with the dominant coordinates. The correctness of the alternating power method is demonstrated on a synthesized data set, and conclusions are drawn.     

A low cost and low power silicon npn bipolar process with NMOS transistors (ADRF) for RF and microwave applications

A silicon bipolar process for RF and microwave applications, which features 25-GHz double-polysilicon self-aligned npn bipolar transistors with 5.5-V BV/sub CEO/, optional 0.7-/spl mu/m (L/sub eff/) NMOS transistors with p/sup +/ polysilicon gates for switch applications, lateral pnp transistors, high and low valued resistors, p/sup +/ polysilicon-to-n/sup +/ plug capacitors, and inductors is described. The npn transistors utilize nitride-oxide composite spacers formed using sacrificial TEOS spacers, a process which is simpler than the previously reported composite spacer processes. Use of the composite spacer structure virtually eliminates problems relating to the extrinsic-intrinsic base link-up and reduces plasma induced damage associated with the conventional spacer process. Microwave and RF capabilities of the process up to several GHz are demonstrated by fabricating and characterizing RF amplifiers, low noise amplifiers, and RF switches.<>     

Developing independence in a life transition: Investing the self in the concerns of the day.

Developing independence involves mastering the tasks of each life transition. Those more anxious about developing independence will become more invested in the normative tasks of each transition, and this anxiety will spread to the domain represented by these tasks. In Study 1, Honors College students expressed their anxiety about developing independence in academic performance at the beginning of college when this was the normative task and in social relationships after college when this was the normative task. This anxiety could be distinguished from other (e.g., academic) anxiety. In Study 2, sorority women expressed anxiety about developing independence in family and sorority relationships. Data demonstrate the social construction of anxiety and the dynamics of personality change. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

X-ray Fluorescence Uptake Measurement of Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles in Tumor Cell Microsamples

Quantitative cellular in vitro nanoparticle uptake measurements are possible with a large number of different techniques, however, all have their respective restrictions. Here, we demonstrate the application of synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence imaging (XFI) on prostate tumor cells, which have internalized differently functionalized gold nanoparticles. Total nanoparticle uptake on the order of a few hundred picograms could be conveniently observed with microsamples consisting of only a few hundreds of cells. A comparison with mass spectroscopy quantification is provided, experimental results are both supported and sensitivity limits of this XFI approach extrapolated by Monte-Carlo simulations, yielding a minimum detectable nanoparticle mass of just 5 pg. This study demonstrates the high sensitivity level of XFI, allowing non-destructive uptake measurements with very small microsamples within just seconds of irradiation time.