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Biomedical subjects

J Finney

Publications and source records attributed to J Finney.

11 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Enzyme activity and dynamics: xylanase activity in the absence of fast anharmonic dynamics.

The activity and dynamics of a simple, single subunit enzyme, the xylanase from Thermotoga maritima strain Fj SS3B.1 have been measured under similar conditions, from -70 to +10 degrees C. The internal motions of the enzyme, as evidenced by neutron scattering, undergo a sharp transition within this temperature range; they show no evidence for picosecond-timescale anharmonic behaviour (e.g. local diffusive motions or jumps between alternative conformations) at temperatures below -50 degrees C, whereas these motions are strongly activated at higher temperatures. The activity follows Arrhenius behaviour over the whole of the temperature range investigated, -70 to +10 degrees C. The results indicate that a temperature range exists over which the enzyme rate-limiting step is independent of fast anharmonic dynamics.

Enzyme Activation↗
PubMed1994

A computerized dispatch system that really delivers.

In 1990, Victoria Hospital in London, Ontario undertook a review of its Central Portering Department. The department's name was changed to Distribution Services and its need for more efficient servicing of customers led to the search for a computer system to replace the manual dispatch operation. After failing to find an existing system, the hospital contracted to develop its own system, called Vic Tracker. The system categorizes and prioritizes requests and produces various activity reports. Response time has improved 50% on average, and improved efficiency and a pre-booking feature has resulted in a decrease of approximately 100 calls per day.

Computer Systems↗
PubMed1989

Evaluation of hematuria.

Hematuria is an important sign that indicates the presence of a pathologic condition in the genitourinary tract. Causes can be categorized by where in the urinary tract the problem is located--above the kidney, in the kidney or one of its structures, or below the kidney. Another category is false hematuria, such as urine that has been discolored by intake of a certain food or drug. A thorough history, physical examination, and appropriate laboratory studies, followed by more sophisticated diagnostic tests chosen on the basis of the assembled clues, can establish the diagnosis in most cases. Patients rarely have to be hospitalized or undergo invasive procedures for assessment of hematuria.

Female↗
PubMed1988

Inelastic neutron scattering analysis of picosecond internal protein dynamics. Comparison of harmonic theory with experiment.

The experimental inelastic neutron scattering spectrum of a protein, the bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI), in a powder sample is presented together with the generalized density of states, G(omega), as a function of the frequency, omega, derived from the scattering data. The experimental results are compared with calculations from two different normal mode analyses of BPTI. One of these, based on an improved model, gives a calculated spectrum and density of states in general agreement with those obtained experimentally; the other, based on an earlier model, shows considerable disagreement. The important improvements in the newer normal mode analysis are the explicit treatment of all atoms (non-polar as well as polar hydrogens are included) and a modified truncation scheme for the long-range electrostatic interactions. The fact that the inelastic neutron scattering measurements can distinguish between the two theoretical models makes clear their utility for the analysis of protein dynamics.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Direct measurement of hydration-related dynamic changes in lysozyme using inelastic neutron scattering spectroscopy.

Inelastic neutron scattering spectroscopy is used to investigate dynamic changes in lysozyme powder at two different low D2O hydrations (0.07g D2O/g protein and 0.20 g D2O/g protein). In the higher hydration sample, the inelastic scattering between 0.8 and 4.0 cm-1 energy transfer is increased and the elastic scattering is decreased. The decreased elastic scattering suggests increased atomic amplitudes of motion and the increased 0.8 to 4.0 cm-1 scattering suggests increased motions in this frequency range. Comparison with normal mode models of lysozyme dynamics shows that the inelastic difference occurs in the frequency region predicted for the lowest frequency, largest amplitude, global modes of the molecular [M. Levitt, C. Sander and P.S. Stern, J. Mol. Biol. 181, 423 (1985). B. Brooks and M. Karplus, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci (U.S.A) 82, 4995 (1985), R.E. Bruccoleri, M. Karplus and J.A. McCammon, Biopolymers 25 1767 (1986)]. Our results are consistent with a model in which an increased number of low frequency global modes are present in the higher hydrated sample.

Energy Transfer↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Evaluating and improving VA substance abuse patients' care.

The VA has implemented a nationwide evaluation program to monitor process and outcome of care for substance abuse patients. This program focuses on the changing characteristics of VA substance abuse patients and treatment services and involves outcome-based evaluations of major VA substance abuse treatment modalities. Initial findings show that VA substance abuse patients, including patients with concomitant psychiatric disorders, improve substantially from treatment intake to a 1-year follow-up and that community residential facilities are an important part of the continuum of substance abuse care. Moreover, within broad limits, there is a dose-response relationship between the continuity of outpatient mental health care and better 1-year substance use and psychosocial outcomes. These findings are placed into context as part of an evidence-based initiative to improve the quality of VA mental health care.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Expanding the nursing repertoire: the effect of massage on post-operative pain.

An equivalent groups design with a treatment group of 19 patients and a control group of 20 patients was used to investigate the impact of massage therapy on patients' perceptions of post-operative pain. Data were analysed using analysis of covariance repeated measures (within subjects) design. Controlling for age, the results indicated that massage produced a significant reduction in patients' perceptions of pain over a 24 hour period. A linear positive relationship emerged between patients' age and the duration of the massage. The study indicates that further investigation of the potential for massage to reduce pain is warranted.

Adult↗