K-Shell Photoionization of B-like Oxygen (O3+^{3+}) Ions: Experiment and Theory

Absolute cross sections for the {\it K}-shell photoionization of boron-like (B-like) O$^{3+}$ ions were measured by employing the ion-photon merged-beam technique at the SOLEIL synchrotron-radiation facility in Saint-Aubin, France. High-resolution spectroscopy with E/$\Delta$E $\approx$ 5000 ($\approx$ 110 meV, FWHM) was achieved with photon energy from 540 eV up to 600 eV. Several theoretical approaches, including R-Matrix, Multi-Configuration Dirac-Fock and Screening Constant by Unit Nuclear Charge were used to identify and characterize the strong 1s $\rightarrow$ 2p and the weaker 1s $\rightarrow$ 3p resonances observed in the {\it K}-shell spectra of this ion. The trend of the integrated oscillator strength and autoionisation width (natural line width) of the strong $\rm 1s \rightarrow 2p$ resonances along the first few ions of the B-like sequence is discussed.Comment: 23 pages, 5 figures, 5 tables, accepted for publication in J. Phys. B. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1402.051

K-Shell Photoionization of Singly Ionized Atomic Nitrogen: Experiment and Theory

Absolute cross sections for the K-shell photoionization of C-like nitrogen ions were measured by employing the ion-photon merged-beam technique at the SOLEIL synchrotron radiation facility in Saint-Aubin, France. High-resolution spectroscopy with E/$\Delta$E $\approx$ 7,000 was achieved with the photon energy from 388 to 430 eV scanned with a band pass of 300 meV, and the 399.4 to 402 eV range with 60 meV. Experimental results are compared with theoretical predictions made from the multi-configuration Dirac-Fock (MCDF) and R-matrix methods. The interplay between experiment and theory enabled the identification and characterization of the strong 1s $\rightarrow$ 2p resonances observed in the spectra.Comment: 7 pages, 3 figures, 2 table

Evaluation of the BD GeneOhm MRSA and VanR Assays as a Rapid Screening Tool for Detection of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci in a Tertiary Hospital in Saudi Arabia

Objectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of BD GeneOhm VanR Assay, a rapid PCR test that detects the presence of vanA and/or vanB genes and the performance of BDGeneOhm MRSA Assay which detects the staphylococcal cassette chromosomemec (SCCmec cassette) carrying the mecA gene and Staphylococcus aureus specific sequence located within the orfX gene. Methods. 300 duplicate rectal swabs collected consecutively were analyzed for the presence of VRE by culture and BD PCR. 2267 duplicate swabs were collected (728 nasal and 1539 groin swabs) and analyzed for the presence of MRSA by culture method and BD PCR. Results. Compared to culture, the BD GeneOhm VanR Assay showed a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 100%, 91.1%, 23.5%, and 100%, respectively. The BD GeneOhm MRSA Assay revealed sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 97.2%, 99.4%, 89.7%, and 99.9%, respectively, for nasal swabs. For groin swabs, it was 100%, 98.7%, 61.5% and 100%, respectively. Conclusion. The BD GeneOhm vanR Assay is a good screening test for rapid exclusion of VRE carriers in hospitals. The BD GeneOhm MRSA Assay represents a reliable screening test. The true strength of the BD GeneOhm Assay for MRSA and VRE is its exceptionally high NPV making the test an ideal tool for rapid exclusion of MRSA and VRE carriers in hospitals. As a consequence, this would dramatically shorten the patient isolation time

An unusual case of Escherichia coli meningitis and bacteremia in an elderly woman presenting with intractable low back pain

Abstract Introduction: We report an unusual case of E. coli meningitis in an elderly woman who presented to the emergency room with a chief complaint of intractable low back pain. Case Description: A 67 year old woman presented to the emergency room for a chief complaint of intractable low back pain. After admission, the patient developed delirium. Blood cultures were drawn. Patient underwent a lumbar puncture which revealed purulent cerebrospinal fluid. Results of the cerebrospinal fluid and blood cultures revealed pan-sensitive E. coli. Conclusion: In the geriatric population, delayed presentation of meningitis can occur for various reasons. With the older adult population, existing co-morbidities and decline in immunologic function can mask symptoms. Clinicians caring for the elderly population need to have a high index of suspicion in the setting of subtle symptoms when it comes to diagnosing acute bacterial meningitis. Key Words: bacteremia, meningitis, geriatric, E. Coli, clinical, cerebrospinal, cultures, deliriu

Risk assessment for the spread of Serratia marcescens within dental-unit waterline systems using Vermamoeba vermiformis

Vermamoeba vermiformis is associated with the biofilm ecology of dental-unit waterlines (DUWLs). This study investigated whether V. vermiformis is able to act as a vector for potentially pathogenic bacteria and so aid their dispersal within DUWL systems. Clinical dental water was initially examined for Legionella species by inoculating it onto Legionella selective-medium plates. The molecular identity/profile of the glassy colonies obtained indicated none of these isolates were Legionella species. During this work bacterial colonies were identified as a non-pigmented Serratia marcescens. As the water was from a clinical DUWL which had been treated with Alpron™ this prompted the question as to whether S. marcescens had developed resistance to the biocide. Exposure to Alpron™ indicated that this dental biocide was effective, under laboratory conditions, against S. marcescens at up to 1x108 colony forming units/millilitre (cfu/ml). V. vermiformis was cultured for eight weeks on cells of S. marcescens and Escherichia coli. Subsequent electron microscopy showed that V. vermiformis grew equally well on S. marcescens and E. coli (p = 0.0001). Failure to detect the presence of S. marcescens within the encysted amoebae suggests that V. vermiformis is unlikely to act as a vector supporting the growth of this newly isolated, nosocomial bacterium

Digital Service Quality and Customer Loyalty of Commercial Banks in Jordan: the Mediating Role of Corporate Image

The major goal of this research is to examine the influence of corporate image on the relationship between digital service quality and customer loyalty for Jordanian commercial banks. The current research focuses on Jordan’s banking sector. Jordan has a unique financial structure that has helped it to rise to prominence in the Middle East and around the world. This sector is made up of 20 commercial banks and four Islamic banks. The core data for this study was gathered using a random sample method. The research was conducted using a self-report questionnaire as the primary tool. The study hypotheses were tested using the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique. The findings confirmed that the quality of digital services had a direct impact on customer loyalty, with corporate image serving as a mediating effect. The researchers proposed that the top management of the organizations questioned work on involving the customer in the production process by taking into account his opinion on electronic service components and characteristics, which allows the consumer to decide on product quality

Exploring the dynamics of providing cognition using a computational model of cognitive insomnia

Insomnia is a common sleep-related neuropsychological disorder that can lead to a range of problems, including cognitive deficits, emotional distress, negative thoughts, and a sense of insufficient sleep. This study proposes a providing computational dynamic cognitive model (PCDCM) insight into providing cognitive mechanisms of insomnia and consequent cognitive deficits. Since the support providing is significantly dynamic and it includes substantial changes as demanding condition happen. From this perspective the underlying model covers integrating of both coping strategies, provision preferences and adaptation concepts. The model was found to produce realistic behavior that could clarify conditions for providing support to handle insomnia individuals, which was done by employing simulation experiments under various negative events, personality resources, altruistic attitude and personality attributes. Simulation results show that, a person with bonadaptation and either problem focused or emotion focused coping can provide different social support based on his personality resources, personality attributes, and knowledge level, whereas a person with maladaptation regardless the coping strategies cannot provide any type of social support. Moreover, person with close tie tends to provide instrumental, emotional, and companionship support than from weak tie. Finally, a mathematical analysis was used to examine the possible equilibria of the model.