Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Licensing”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Identifying best practices states in motorcycle rider education and licensing.

PROBLEM: After decreasing to a historic low in 1997, motorcycle crash-related fatalities are increasing. Although causes remain unclear, motorcycle rider education and licensing play key roles in reducing motorcycle crashes and injuries. Yet, little is known about what constitutes effective rider training and licensing. This study develops a model of best practices in motorcycle rider education and licensing and combines primary and secondary data to identify states that most closely adhere to this model. Evidence on the validity of the model is also examined. METHOD: States were rated along three areas of best practices: (a) program administration; (b) rider education; and (c) licensing based on 2001 data collected for a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)-sponsored study. RESULTS: Results indicate wide variation in states' adherence to best practices; several states meet most, others very few. When the areas of best practices are considered separately, a state tends to behave similarly on all three. Initial evidence supports the validity of the model, with high best practices states having the lowest rates of motorcycle fatalities. IMPACT ON TRAFFIC SAFETY: As motorcycle-related crashes increase and state and federal support for rider education programs diminishes, it is critical that states identify deficiencies in their program and learn from successful states about efficient, cost-effective strategies for increasing best practices in motorcycle rider education and licensing.

Accidents, Traffic↗

Repression of DNA replication licensing in quiescence is independent of geminin and may define the cell cycle state of progenitor cells.

The DNA replication (or origin) licensing machinery ensures precise duplication of the genome and contributes to the regulation of proliferative capacity in metazoa. Using an in vitro fibroblast model system coupled to a cell-free DNA replication assay, we have studied regulation of the origin licensing pathway during exit from and re-entry into the mitotic cell cycle. We show that in the quiescent state (G0) loss of proliferative capacity is achieved in part through down-regulation of the replication licensing factors Cdc6 and Mcm2-7. The origin licensing repressor geminin is absent in quiescent fibroblasts, suggesting that this powerful inhibitor of the licensing machinery is not required to suppress proliferative capacity in G0. Geminin expression is induced at a late stage in the G0-S transition post pre-RC assembly. Ectopic geminin can block re-acquisition of DNA replication competence during re-entry into the cell cycle, indicating that geminin levels must be tightly down-regulated for escape from G0. Analysis of geminin levels in thyroid shows that geminin expression is suppressed in anatomical compartments/tissues harbouring quiescent cells, confirming our in vitro data. Spatio-temporal control of geminin expression may therefore be of particular relevance for multi-potential stem cells which cycle infrequently. In support of this hypothesis, we have identified a unique population of cells in the putative stem cell niche of intestinal epithelium that are unlicensed and lack geminin expression, a prerequisite for successful re-entry into cycle. Our data argue that the prolonged cell cycle times observed for intestinal stem cells could be due to exit of progenitor cells from cycle into an unlicensed "out-of-cycle" state, a powerful mechanism by which rapidly proliferating tissues may resist genotoxic insult.

3T3 Cells↗

What we know, what we don't know, and what we need to know about graduated driver licensing.

On November 5-7, 2002, the Symposium on Graduated Driver Licensing in Chatham, MA, brought together 75 researchers and practitioners from the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand to document the current science of graduated driver licensing (GDL) and to outline research needs. Participants reviewed 12 background papers and discussed the papers in depth. The symposium's background papers are published in this issue of the Journal of Safety Research. This paper summarizes and provides a quick reference to information from the symposium papers and participant discussions. It cites the 12 symposium papers, which in turn provide more information and cite original sources. Issues and recommendations not followed by a citation were raised in the symposium discussions. This paper is divided into seven sections. The first six sections summarize information from the symposium papers and discussions. The sections are: (1) The need for graduated driver licensing; (2) Effectiveness of GDL as implemented; (3) The learner's permit phase; (4) The provisional license phase; (5) The roles of teens, parents, and public agencies; and (6) Enacting and implementing GDL. In each of these six sections, research needs are classified as either high priority (important for designing and implementing effective GDL programs) or lower priority (useful but not critical for GDL at this time). The final section summarizes the discussion of research issues and priorities from the symposium's closing session. This section has three topics: general research, issues involving parents, and issues involving graduated licensing legislation and implementation. It presents participants' collective views on both broad priorities and specific issues. In providing a concise summary of presentations and discussions from the symposium, this paper necessarily omits some information and points of discussion. The views and judgments expressed are the authors' best attempt to capture the symposium's consensus, but they do not necessarily represent the views of the authors, their organizations, or any other individual symposium participant. In particular, they are not necessarily endorsed by the symposium's sponsors: General Motors, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the National Safety Council, and Nationwide.

Accidents, Traffic↗

Provisional license.

The Provisional or Intermediate license is the central phase in a comprehensive Graduated Licensing System. Young drivers qualify for a Provisional license by completing their Learners phase, reaching a specified age, and passing a road test. Provisional license holders are allowed to drive unsupervised subject to various restrictions. Typical restrictions include prohibitions against night driving, passengers and alcohol. The goal is to limit teen exposure to risky driving situations during their first few months of licensure, a time when their crash rates are extremely high. States with such restrictions have been shown to have lower teen crash rates than states without. Parents indicate strong support both for Graduated Licensing Systems and for the specific restrictions.

Accidents, Traffic↗

Processing polarity items: contrastive licensing costs.

We describe an experiment that investigated the failure to license polarity items in German using event-related brain potentials (ERPs). The results reveal distinct processing reflexes associated with failure to license positive polarity items in comparison to failure to license negative polarity items. Failure to license both negative and positive polarity items elicited an N400 component reflecting semantic integration cost. Failure to license positive polarity items, however, also elicited a P600 component. The additional P600 in the positive polarity violations may reflect higher processing complexity associated with a negative operator. This difference between the two types of violation suggests that the processing of negative and positive polarity items does not involve identical mechanisms.

Adult↗

Value of drug-licensing documents in studying the effect of postmenopausal hormone therapy on cardiovascular disease.

BACKGROUND: In a previous study of pooled data from published trials, we found no evidence to support the claim that postmenopausal hormone therapy (PHT) is associated with a decrease in cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to see whether reports of clinical trials attached to drug-licensing applications in Finland could be obtained for scientific purposes, whether they are useful for studying cardiovascular events resulting from PHT, and if so, whether these unpublished reports corroborate the results of published reports. METHODS: Since clinical trials in drug-licensing documents are confidential, we had to obtain special permission from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health to use the data for research purposes. After permission was granted, we studied the clinical sections of licensing documents for PHT drugs sent by drug companies to the Finnish Drug Agency. We aimed to identify trials that compared PHT and a placebo (or no therapy, or vitamin-mineral drugs), and that reported on cardiovascular and thromboembolic events or superficial phlebitis. New trials were identified and their data were pooled with those of published trials. FINDINGS: 17 licensing applications for drugs used as PHT were found. The number, type, and quality of reporting of clinical trials varied widely between applications. The trials and their reporting of unanticipated adverse events were mostly inadequate. Six new trials (ie, those fulfilling the inclusion criteria and not included in our earlier report) were found. The new trials added little to the conclusions of previously published studies: the calculated odds ratios of cardiovascular and thromboembolic events for women taking PHT versus those not taking it was 1.97 (95% CI 0.84-4.63), compared with 1.65 (0.65-4.21) in our previous study. INTERPRETATION: In this case, unpublished trials added only a little to the data available from published trials, mainly due to the type of clinical data used in the licensing applications. The new data did not change the previous conclusion that clinical trials do not support a beneficial effect of PHT on cardiovascular diseases.

Adult↗

Can I have a beer, please? A study of alcohol service to young adults on licensed premises in Stockholm.

This study evaluated the effects of a community alcohol prevention program on the frequency of alcohol service to young adults at licensed premises in Stockholm, Sweden. We used a pretest (1996)-posttests (1998 and 2001) design with intervention and control areas. The multicomponent intervention combines training of serving staff in responsible beverage service, policy initiatives, and enforcement of existing alcohol regulations. Adolescents 18 years old (the legal drinking age on licensed premises in Sweden), but younger looking according to an expert panel, visited licensed premises in pairs, where each adolescent ordered a beer. At baseline in 1996, the adolescents made 600 attempts to order. At follow-up in 1998, the number of attempts to order was 252, and at the second follow-up in 2001, the adolescents made 238 attempts. We found no statistically significant differences between the intervention and control areas. Overall, the frequency of alcohol service to adolescents on licensed premises in these areas of Stockholm decreased significantly over time, from 45 to 41 and to 32%, in 1996, 1998, and 2001, respectively. The decrease in alcohol service in 2001 was statistically significant compared to the baseline in 1996. One explanation for this improvement could be more effective enforcement of existing alcohol laws in both the intervention and control areas. We also found that licensed premises that used doormen to screen potential customers were less likely to sell to minors.

Adolescent↗

Cognate CD4(+) T cell licensing of dendritic cells in CD8(+) T cell immunity.

Several studies have indicated that CD8(+) T cells require CD4(+) T cell help for memory formation. Evidence suggests that such help can be antigen independent, challenging whether the 'licensing' of dendritic cells (DCs) by CD4(+) T cells is ever required for cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses. We show here that help is essential for the generation of CTL immunity to herpes simplex virus 1 and that CD4(+) T cells mediate help in a cognate, antigen-specific way. We provide direct in vivo evidence for DC licensing by helper T cells and show that licensing is rapid and essential for the formation of effector and memory CTLs. In situations in which DCs are poorly licensed by pathogen-derived signals, our findings suggest that CTL immunity may be heavily dependent on cognate DC licensing.

Animals↗

Cell type-specific responses of human cells to inhibition of replication licensing.

Replication origins are 'licensed' for a single initiation event by loading Mcm2-7 complexes during late mitosis and G1. Licensing is blocked at other cell cycle stages by the activity of cyclin-dependent kinases and a small protein called geminin. Here, we describe the effects of over-expressing a non-degradable form of geminin in various cell lines. Geminin expression reduced the quantity of Mcm2 bound to chromatin and blocked cell proliferation. U2OS (p53+/Rb+) cells showed an early S phase arrest with high cyclin E and undetectable cyclin A levels, consistent with the activation of an intra-S checkpoint. Saos2 (p53-/Rb-) cells showed an accumulation of cells in late S and G2/M with approximately normal levels of cyclin A, consistent with loss of this intra-S phase checkpoint. Geminin also induced apoptosis in both these cell lines. In contrast, IMR90 primary fibroblasts over-expressing geminin arrested in G1 with reduced cyclin E levels and no detectable apoptosis. A 'licensing checkpoint' may therefore act in primary cells to prevent passage into S phase in the absence of sufficient origin licensing. These results suggest that inhibition of the licensing system may cause cancer-specific cell killing and therefore represent a novel anti-cancer target.

Adenoviridae↗

Over-serving patrons in licensed premises in Stockholm.

AIMS: To study the frequency of alcohol service to intoxicated patrons in licensed premises. DESIGN: Actors were hired to simulate severe intoxication. Following a review of videotaped portrayals of drunken behaviour by the actors, an expert panel of bartenders and restaurant managers determined which scene was least consistent with responsible beverage service. The actors then enacted this scene in the licensed premises, while monitored by project staff. SETTING: Ninety-two licensed premises in Stockholm city were visited by the actors. FINDINGS: The actors were served alcohol at 95% of the licensed premises. CONCLUSION: The results show that existing serving policies at licensed premises in Stockholm are very permissive regarding the degree of intoxication among patrons.

Alcohol Drinking↗

Signs of intoxication and server intervention among 18-39-year-olds drinking at licensed premises in New South Wales, Australia.

AIMS: To estimate the extent of responsible service of alcohol (RSA) practice to young adults showing signs of alcohol intoxication on licensed premises in New South Wales. DESIGN: Telephone-based cross-sectional survey. SETTING: New South Wales, Australia. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1090 people aged 18-39 years old. FINDINGS: Seventy-five per cent of males and 64% of females reported that they had consumed at levels for acute alcohol-related harm during the previous 12 months, with 34% of males and 24% of females reporting doing so weekly; 54% (95% CI: 51-58%) of both males and females who had consumed at acute-risk levels, reported that this last drinking occasion occurred at a licensed premises. Of these, 56% (95% CI: 51-61%) reported that they had exhibited at least one sign of overt alcohol intoxication, while 19% (95% CI: 15-23%) reported showing three or more signs of intoxication. Among those reporting at least one sign of intoxication, only 10% (95% CI: 7-15%) reported that the licensed premises staff had provided at least one of seven different responsible service initiatives, while 55% (95% CI: 48-61%) reported that they were continued to be served alcohol. While these results suggest that intoxicated patrons are not being refused service as often as they should, there was evidence for some degree of responsible service provision with around half of the 'non-intoxicated' patrons reporting that they had seen licensed premises staff intervene in some way with other 'intoxicated' patrons. CONCLUSIONS: While the majority of 18-39-year-olds report showing signs of intoxication while drinking at licensed premises in NSW, only a small minority report experiencing RSA initiatives from bar staff in response to these signs.

Adolescent↗

Nucleoplasmin-mediated chromatin remodelling is required for Xenopus sperm nuclei to become licensed for DNA replication.

During late mitosis and early G(1), a series of proteins are assembled onto replication origins, resulting in them becoming 'licensed' for replication in the subsequent S phase. Four factors have so far been identified that are required for chromatin to become functionally licensed: ORC (the origin recognition complex) and Cdc6, plus the two components of the replication licensing system RLF-M and RLF-B. Here we describe the first steps of a systematic fractionation of Xenopus egg extracts to identify all the components necessary for the assembly of licensed replication origins on Xenopus sperm nuclei (the physiological DNA substrate in this system). We have purified a new activity essential for this reaction, and have shown that it is nucleoplasmin, a previously known chromatin remodelling protein. Nucleoplasmin decondenses the sperm chromatin by removing protamines, and is required at the earliest known step in origin assembly to allow ORC to bind to the DNA. Sperm nuclei can be licensed by a combination of nucleoplasmin, RLF-M and a partially purified fraction that contains ORC, Cdc6 and RLF-B. This suggests that we are likely to have identified most of the proteins required for this assembly reaction.

Animals↗

Variation in licensing authority standards for diabetic taxi drivers in the United Kingdom. Driving and Employment Working Party of the British Diabetic Association.

In the UK, prospective taxi-drivers with diabetes are licensed locally according to variable criteria. In order to determine the criteria used for licensing, questionnaires were sent to all 422 local licensing authorities. Responses were obtained from 372 authorities (88% response rate). Only 201 (54%) currently issue licences to drivers on insulin treatment, and 260 (70%) to those on diet and/or oral hypoglycaemic agents. Most local authorities would prefer taxi-licensing to operate centrally rather than locally. It is apparent that the current UK system for licensing diabetic taxi drivers is variable and not evidence-based. A nationally organized system with clearly defined criteria and the capacity for individual consideration, would be more fair and consistent, and would be unlikely to compromise road safety.

Automobile Driving↗

Recruiting licensed staff in mental health.

This 4- to 6-month mental health internship program for new graduates vocational nurses (GVNs) involves a 4-month mental health course, a new graduate course, management of assaultive behavior course, and a 1:1 preceptorship in mental health. This successful program has recruited and trained 18 VNs to improve licensed staff/patient ratios in mental health. These new graduates are licensed at the end of 4 months and are working successfully as licensed staff on the psychiatric units. All of these licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) are now completing prerequisites or entering registered nurse (RN) programs to earn an advanced degree. They bring their medical skills, positive attitudes, and therapeutic strategies to contribute to the milieu on the nursing units. They have reduced the facility's licensed staff shortage in mental health.

California↗

The predictive validity of the MCAT for medical school performance and medical board licensing examinations: a meta-analysis of the published research.

PURPOSE: To conduct a meta-analysis of published studies to determine the predictive validity of the MCAT on medical school performance and medical board licensing examinations. METHOD: The authors included all peer-reviewed published studies reporting empirical data on the relationship between MCAT scores and medical school performance or medical board licensing exam measures. Moderator variables, participant characteristics, and medical school performance/medical board licensing exam measures were extracted and reviewed separately by three reviewers using a standardized protocol. RESULTS: Medical school performance measures from 11 studies and medical board licensing examinations from 18 studies, for a total of 23 studies, were selected. A random-effects model meta-analysis of weighted effects sizes (r) resulted in (1) a predictive validity coefficient for the MCAT in the preclinical years of r = 0.39 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.21-0.54) and on the USMLE Step 1 of r = 0.60 (95% CI, 0.50-0.67); and (2) the biological sciences subtest as the best predictor of medical school performance in the preclinical years (r = 0.32 95% CI, 0.21-0.42) and on the USMLE Step 1 (r = 0.48 95% CI, 0.41-0.54). CONCLUSIONS: The predictive validity of the MCAT ranges from small to medium for both medical school performance and medical board licensing exam measures. The medical profession is challenged to develop screening and selection criteria with improved validity that can supplement the MCAT as an important criterion for admission to medical schools.

Achievement↗

Cost and care quality between licensed nursing homes under different types of ownership.

In Taiwan, there is some uncertainty and concern regarding the quality and safety of unlicensed nursing homes, as they are typically crowded and poorly equipped. There are data insufficient regarding the quality of care in licensed nursing homes for the government to reliably assist unlicensed facilities to become licensed. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the different nursing home ownership types and the following dependent variables: (1) operating cost per resident day, (2) RN to resident ratio, (3) facility size, (4) occupancy rate, and (5) quality of care amongst licensed nursing homes nationwide. The descriptive study used a survey design. Data were obtained from 28 licensed nursing homes using self-administered questionnaires, on-site interviews and record reviews. Data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman s correlation. A positive and significant relationship existed between nursing home quality and the RN ratio per resident day. Chain/For-profit and Chain/Non- profit nursing homes tended to have higher operating costs and a better quality of service. Secondary research is still needed to examine the results by detailed cost analysis or by research oriented toward outcomes of residents care. These findings provide basic reference for the government for planning the operation of nursing home facilities and also to assist the many unlicensed nursing homes to ultimately become licensed. The results also present important data for developing reimbursement policies.

Aged↗

The accuracy of coin-operated breath analysers installed in licensed premises in the Perth metropolitan area.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the accuracy of coin-operated breath analysers installed in licensed premises in the Perth metropolitan area. METHOD: Two hundred licensed premises were contacted, which resulted in the location of 36 wall-mounted, coin-operated breath analysers. One instrument was removed prior to testing. These premises were then visited and the accuracy of the instruments was tested in situ using National Association of Testing Authorities Australia (NATA) certified 0.080% and 0.100% ethanol in nitrogen gas. RESULTS: The instruments were installed in the licensed premises as follows: 15 in the lounge bar, 10 in the main entrance, six in the public bar, two in the passageway to the toilets, and one in the male toilets. One licensed premise provided a handheld breath instrument. All instruments were accompanied by warning and operating instructions, but only five had any educational material. Only seven of the licensed premises had staff who had received any training in the operation of the wall-mounted instruments. Half of the licensees were unaware of the servicing requirements of the instruments. The testing found that only nine (25%) of the instruments provided acceptable results. CONCLUSION: The low level of accuracy of coin-operated breath analysers in the Perth metropolitan area is alarming and users should be informed of the potential inaccuracies. This paper, however, does not rule out that some wall-mounted breath analysing instruments may provide accurate results when properly maintained.

Breath Tests↗

Rationale for graduated licensing and the risks it should address.

The increased crash risk of young, beginning drivers has long been cause for concern. Graduated licensing systems, which seek to phase in driving experience gradually over time, have recently been adopted by many states in an effort to reduce these risks. In an attempt to define the basic rationale for graduated licensing, relevant research evidence that describes the conditions under which risk is known to be increased for young drivers was reviewed. Potential changes in licensing laws that best address these known risk factors are described. It was found that certain situations contribute to even greater crash risk, most notably nighttime driving and driving with passengers in the peer group. The underlying premise for graduated licensing is that while crash risk of young drivers is heightened under all situations, some situations are more or less risky than others. If experience can be gained initially under lower risk conditions, both in the learning stage and when first licensed, crash risk will be reduced.

Accidents, Traffic↗