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Direct Application (direct + application)
Selected AbstractsEFFECT OF DIRECT APPLICATIONS OF SAGE (SALVIA OFFICINALIS L.) LEAVES ON OXIDATIVE STABILITY OF SUNFLOWER OIL DURING ACCELERATED STORAGEJOURNAL OF FOOD QUALITY, Issue 5 2009EDA ĒALIKO ABSTRACT In this study, various sage applications were examined on oxidative stability of sunflower oil during accelerated storage. There are three applications: (1) direct sage leaves (S); (2) deodorized sage leaves (DeS); and (3) essential oil of sage leaves. The main compounds of essential oil were identified as, -thujone (35.87%),, -thujone (14.41%), 1,8-cineol (10.59%) and camphor (10.09%). Oxidative stability of these three applications was tested by Schall Oven test at 60C applying peroxide value and conjugated dienes, and Rancimat at 110C. Whereas the highest antioxidants activity was found for 2% S followed by 0.5% S and 2% DeS, all sage treatments statistically retarded the oxidation compared with the control sample. The most appealing result was that the residue can be used as a natural antioxidants. That means the reuse of residue may decrease economic losses and health risk in comparison with synthetic antioxidants and extracts because it is completely natural and contains no residual solvent. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS While almost all of previous studies were concentrated on the use of herb extracts, our study investigates the results of direct application of sage on oxidation. Especially with this study, we have evaluated a possible application area for sage residue leftover after the deodorization process. [source] Direct Application of Phenolic Salts to Nickel-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling Reactions with Aryl Grignard Reagents,ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE, Issue 27 2010Da-Gang Yu Nickel und Naphtholate: Der erfolgreiche Einsatz von Naphtholaten als Elektrophile (siehe Schema, X=Halogenid) in Kreuzkupplungen verbessert die Stufen- und Atomökonomie und senkt dadurch die Kosten, die entstehen, wenn komplizierte Gerüste aus leicht erhältlichen Phenolderivaten aufgebaut werden. [source] Productivity and Sustainability of Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.),Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Cropping System as Influenced by Prilled Urea, Farmyard Manure and AzotobacterJOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AND CROP SCIENCE, Issue 5 2004A. Das Abstract Field experiments were conducted at Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, during 2001,2002 and 2002,2003, to study the effect of inorganic, organic and Azotobacter combined sources of N on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and their residual effect on succeeding wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop. The results indicated considerable increase in yield attributes and mean seed cotton yield (2.33 Mg ha,1) with the combined application of 30 kg N and farmyard manure (FYM) at 12 Mg ha,1 along with Azotobacter (M4). The treatment in cotton that included FYM, especially when fertilizer N was also applied could either improve or maintain the soil fertility status in terms of available N, P and K. Distinct increase in yield attributes and grain yield of wheat was observed with the residual effect of integrated application of 30 kg N ha,1 + FYM at 12 Mg ha,1 + Azotobacter. Direct application of 120 kg N ha,1 resulted 67.4 and 17.7 % increase in mean grain yield of wheat over no N and 60 kg N ha,1, respectively. Integrated application of organic and inorganic fertilizer is therefore, recommended for higher productivity and sustainability of the cotton,wheat system. [source] Time Course of Esophageal Lesions After Catheter Ablation with Cryothermal and Radiofrequency Ablation: Implication for Atrio-Esophageal Fistula Formation After Catheter Ablation for Atrial FibrillationJOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 6 2007KENNETH LAUREN RIPLEY M.S.E.E. Background: Atrio-esophageal fistulas have been described as a consequence of radiofrequency (RF) ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, whether cryoablation can avoid this potential fatal complication remains unclear. Methods and Results: We studied the effects of direct application of RF and cryoablation on the cervical esophagus in 16 calves. Cryoablation was performed with a 6.5-mm catheter probe using a single 5-minute freeze at <,80°C, and RF ablation was delivered with an 8-mm catheter electrode at 50 W and 50°C for 45,60 seconds. Histopathologic assessments were performed at 1, 4, 7, and 14 day(s) after completion of the ablation protocol: four animals were examined each day. A total of 85 direct esophageal ablations were performed: 41 with RF and 44 with cryoablation. There were no significant differences in lesion width, depth, or volume between cryoablation and RF ablation at Day 1, 4, and 14 after the procedure (P > 0.05). However, lesion width and volume were significantly larger with RF than with cryoablation at Day 7. Although acute (Day 1) and chronic (Day 14) RF and cryoablation lesions were of comparable size, histologic evidence of partial- to full-wall esophageal lesion ulceration was observed in 0 of 44 (0%) lesions with cryoablation, compared with 9 of 41 (22%) lesions with RF ablation (P = 0.0025). Conclusions: Direct application of cryoablation and RF ablation created similar acute and chronic lesion dimensions on the esophagus. However, cryoablation was associated with a significantly lower risk of esophageal ulceration, compared with RF ablation. [source] Hierarchical Spatial Modeling of Additive and Dominance Genetic Variance for Large Spatial Trial DatasetsBIOMETRICS, Issue 2 2009Andrew O. Finley Summary This article expands upon recent interest in Bayesian hierarchical models in quantitative genetics by developing spatial process models for inference on additive and dominance genetic variance within the context of large spatially referenced trial datasets. Direct application of such models to large spatial datasets are, however, computationally infeasible because of cubic-order matrix algorithms involved in estimation. The situation is even worse in Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) contexts where such computations are performed for several iterations. Here, we discuss approaches that help obviate these hurdles without sacrificing the richness in modeling. For genetic effects, we demonstrate how an initial spectral decomposition of the relationship matrices negate the expensive matrix inversions required in previously proposed MCMC methods. For spatial effects, we outline two approaches for circumventing the prohibitively expensive matrix decompositions: the first leverages analytical results from Ornstein,Uhlenbeck processes that yield computationally efficient tridiagonal structures, whereas the second derives a modified predictive process model from the original model by projecting its realizations to a lower-dimensional subspace, thereby reducing the computational burden. We illustrate the proposed methods using a synthetic dataset with additive, dominance, genetic effects and anisotropic spatial residuals, and a large dataset from a Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) progeny study conducted in northern Sweden. Our approaches enable us to provide a comprehensive analysis of this large trial, which amply demonstrates that, in addition to violating basic assumptions of the linear model, ignoring spatial effects can result in downwardly biased measures of heritability. [source] Dynamic gene expression regulation model for growth and penicillin production in Penicillium chrysogenumBIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOENGINEERING, Issue 4 2010Rutger D. Douma Abstract As is often the case for microbial product formation, the penicillin production rate of Penicillium chrysogenum has been observed to be a function of the growth rate of the organism. The relation between the biomass specific rate of penicillin formation (qp) and growth rate (µ) has been measured under steady state conditions in carbon limited chemostats resulting in a steady state qp(µ) relation. Direct application of such a relation to predict the rate of product formation during dynamic conditions, as they occur, for example, in fed-batch experiments, leads to errors in the prediction, because qp is not an instantaneous function of the growth rate but rather lags behind because of adaptational and regulatory processes. In this paper a dynamic gene regulation model is presented, in which the specific rate of penicillin production is assumed to be a linear function of the amount of a rate-limiting enzyme in the penicillin production pathway. Enzyme activity assays were performed and strongly indicated that isopenicillin-N synthase (IPNS) was the main rate-limiting enzyme for penicillin-G biosynthesis in our strain. The developed gene regulation model predicts the expression of this rate limiting enzyme based on glucose repression, fast decay of the mRNA encoding for the enzyme as well as the decay of the enzyme itself. The gene regulation model was combined with a stoichiometric model and appeared to accurately describe the biomass and penicillin concentrations for both chemostat steady-state as well as the dynamics during chemostat start-up and fed-batch cultivation. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010;106: 608,618. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Sample Splitting and Threshold EstimationECONOMETRICA, Issue 3 2000Bruce E. Hansen Threshold models have a wide variety of applications in economics. Direct applications include models of separating and multiple equilibria. Other applications include empirical sample splitting when the sample split is based on a continuously-distributed variable such as firm size. In addition, threshold models may be used as a parsimonious strategy for nonparametric function estimation. For example, the threshold autoregressive model (TAR) is popular in the nonlinear time series literature. Threshold models also emerge as special cases of more complex statistical frameworks, such as mixture models, switching models, Markov switching models, and smooth transition threshold models. It may be important to understand the statistical properties of threshold models as a preliminary step in the development of statistical tools to handle these more complicated structures. Despite the large number of potential applications, the statistical theory of threshold estimation is undeveloped. It is known that threshold estimates are super-consistent, but a distribution theory useful for testing and inference has yet to be provided. This paper develops a statistical theory for threshold estimation in the regression context. We allow for either cross-section or time series observations. Least squares estimation of the regression parameters is considered. An asymptotic distribution theory for the regression estimates (the threshold and the regression slopes) is developed. It is found that the distribution of the threshold estimate is nonstandard. A method to construct asymptotic confidence intervals is developed by inverting the likelihood ratio statistic. It is shown that this yields asymptotically conservative confidence regions. Monte Carlo simulations are presented to assess the accuracy of the asymptotic approximations. The empirical relevance of the theory is illustrated through an application to the multiple equilibria growth model of Durlauf and Johnson (1995). [source] Structural testing criteria for message-passing parallel programsCONCURRENCY AND COMPUTATION: PRACTICE & EXPERIENCE, Issue 16 2008S. R. S. Souza Abstract Parallel programs present some features such as concurrency, communication and synchronization that make the test a challenging activity. Because of these characteristics, the direct application of traditional testing is not always possible and adequate testing criteria and tools are necessary. In this paper we investigate the challenges of validating message-passing parallel programs and present a set of specific testing criteria. We introduce a family of structural testing criteria based on a test model. The model captures control and data flow of the message-passing programs, by considering their sequential and parallel aspects. The criteria provide a coverage measure that can be used for evaluating the progress of the testing activity and also provide guidelines for the generation of test data. We also describe a tool, called ValiPar, which supports the application of the proposed testing criteria. Currently, ValiPar is configured for parallel virtual machine (PVM) and message-passing interface (MPI). Results of the application of the proposed criteria to MPI programs are also presented and analyzed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] A stability criterion inherent in laws governing alluvial channel flowEARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS, Issue 9 2002He Qing Huang Abstract The stability criterion of maximum flow efficiency (MFE) has previously been found inherent in typical alluvial channel flow relationships, and this study investigates the general nature of this criterion using a wider range of flow resistance and bedload transport formulae. For straight alluvial channels, in which the effect of sediment sorting is insignificant, our detailed mathematical analysis demonstrates that a flow efficiency factor , occurs generally as the ratio of sediment (bedload) discharge Qs to stream power , (,QS) in the form of . When , is maximized (i.e. Qs is maximized or , is minimized), maximally efficient straight channel geometries derived from most flow resistance and bedload transport formulae are found compatible with observed bankfull hydraulic geometry relations. This study provides support for the use of the criteria of MFE, maximum sediment transporting capacity and minimum stream power for understanding the operation of alluvial rivers, and also addresses limitations to the direct application of its findings. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Approximate analysis methods for asymmetric plan base-isolated buildingsEARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING AND STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS, Issue 1 2002Keri L. Ryan Abstract An approximate method for linear analysis of asymmetric-plan, multistorey buildings is specialized for a single-storey, base-isolated structure. To find the mode shapes of the torsionally coupled system, the Rayleigh,Ritz procedure is applied using the torsionally uncoupled modes as Ritz vectors. This approach reduces to analysis of two single-storey systems, each with vibration properties and eccentricities (labelled ,effective eccentricities') similar to corresponding properties of the isolation system or the fixed-base structure. With certain assumptions, the vibration properties of the coupled system can be expressed explicitly in terms of these single-storey system properties. Three different methods are developed: the first is a direct application of the Rayleigh,Ritz procedure; the second and third use simplifications for the effective eccentricities, assuming a relatively stiff superstructure. The accuracy of these proposed methods and the rigid structure method in determining responses are assessed for a range of system parameters including eccentricity and structure flexibility. For a subset of systems with equal isolation and structural eccentricities, two of the methods are exact and the third is sufficiently accurate; all three are preferred to the rigid structure method. For systems with zero isolation eccentricity, however, all approximate methods considered are inconsistent and should be applied with caution, only to systems with small structural eccentricities or stiff structures. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Microautosamplers for discrete sample injection and dispensationELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 9 2005Chun-Wei Huang Abstract Microfluidic systems show considerable potential for use in the continuous reaction and analysis of biosamples for various applications, such as drug screening and chemical synthesis. Typically, microfluidic chips are externally connected with large-scale autosamplers to inject specific volumes of discrete samples in the continuous monitoring and analysis of multiple samples. This paper presents a novel microelectromechanical system (MEMS)-based autosampler capable of performing the discrete injection and dispensation of variable-volume samples. This microdevice can be integrated with other microfluidic devices to facilitate the continuous monitoring and analysis of multiple biosamples. By means of electroosmotic focusing and switching controlled by the direct application of electric sources on specific fluid reservoirs, a precise sample volume can be injected into the specified outlet port. Fluorescence dye images verify the performance of the developed device. An injection-and-washing scheme is developed to prevent cross-contamination during the continuous injection of different samples. This approach renders feasible the injection of several discrete samples using a single microchip. Compared to its large-scale counterparts, the developed microautosampler is compact in size, has low fabrication costs, is straightforward to control, and most importantly, is readily integrated with other microfluidic devices (e.g., microcapillary electrophoresis chips) to form a microfluidic system capable of the continuous monitoring and analysis of bioreactions. The proposed microautosampler could be promising towards realizing the micrototal analysis system (,-TAS) concept. [source] Coupling of Forming Process and Fatigue Design Computations: A Local ApproachADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 9 2009Matteo Luca Facchinetti The fatigue design of stamped parts is supposed to take into account for the forming process. In this paper, stamping of steel sheets is addressed by basic rules coming from elementary solid mechanics and plasticity. As an effective alternative to complex FE computations, such a pragmatic approach highlights how the forming process affects fatigue design and allows direct application in an industrial framework. [source] Comprehensive elements of a physiotherapy exercise programme in haemophilia , a global perspectiveHAEMOPHILIA, Issue 2010G. BLAMEY Summary., Exercise programmes for people with haemophilia are usually designed and implemented to help manage the recovery after a haemarthrosis or a muscle bleed, or as a tool to help prevent bleeding episodes from occurring. In this article, we have identified individual components of exercise that are often applied as separate entities, but may also need to be implemented in concert for optimized impact. Although it may be necessary on occasion to bias an exercise programme towards one component over the others, it is important to recognize that the various elements of exercise are not mutually exclusive. Decreased flexibility, strength and proprioception, will result in an impairment of balance and a loss of function. Programme design should whenever possible be guided by proven methodology in terms of how each component is incorporated, and more specifically how long to perform the exercise for and how many repetitions should be performed. We recognize, however, that this is not always possible and that there is significant value in drawing from the experience of clinicians with specialized training in the management of haemophilia. In this study, both perspectives are presented, providing reference-based reviews of the mechanics of the various elements of exercise as well as the expert opinions of the authors. Research that has been completed using patients with conditions other than haemophilia may or may not have a direct application with the bleeding disorders population, but the programme design based on principles of tissue healing in addition to disease specific knowledge should be encouraged. [source] A study of ground-structure interaction in dynamic plate load testingINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL AND ANALYTICAL METHODS IN GEOMECHANICS, Issue 12 2002Bojan B. Guzina Abstract A mathematical treatment is presented for the forced vertical vibration of a padded annular footing on a layered viscoelastic half-space. On assuming a depth-independent stress distribution for the interfacial buffer, the set of triple integral equations stemming from the problem is reduced to a Fredholm integral equation of the second kind. The solution method, which is tailored to capture the stress concentrations beneath footing edges, is highlighted. To cater to small-scale geophysical applications, the model is used to investigate the near-field effects of ground-loading system interaction in dynamic geotechnical and pavement testing. Numerical results indicate that the uniform-pressure assumption for the contact load between the composite disc and the ground which is customary in dynamic plate load testing may lead to significant errors in the diagnosis of subsurface soil and pavement conditions. Beyond its direct application to non-intrusive site characterization, the proposed solution can be used in the seismic analysis of a variety of structures involving annular foundation geometries. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Stability of linear time-periodic delay-differential equations via Chebyshev polynomialsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING, Issue 7 2004Eric A. Butcher Abstract This paper presents a new technique for studying the stability properties of dynamic systems modeled by delay-differential equations (DDEs) with time-periodic parameters. By employing a shifted Chebyshev polynomial approximation in each time interval with length equal to the delay and parametric excitation period, the dynamic system can be reduced to a set of linear difference equations for the Chebyshev expansion coefficients of the state vector in the previous and current intervals. This defines a linear map which is the ,infinite-dimensional Floquet transition matrix U'. Two different formulas for the computation of the approximate U, whose size is determined by the number of polynomials employed, are given. The first one uses the direct integral form of the original system in state space form while the second uses a convolution integral (variation of parameters) formulation. Additionally, a variation on the former method for direct application to second-order systems is also shown. An error analysis is presented which allows the number of polynomials employed in the approximation to be selected in advance for a desired tolerance. An extension of the method to the case where the delay and parametric periods are commensurate is also shown. Stability charts are produced for several examples of time-periodic DDEs, including the delayed Mathieu equation and a model for regenerative chatter in impedance-modulated turning. The results indicate that this method is an effective way to study the stability of time-periodic DDEs. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Brain networks: Graph theoretical analysis and development modelsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF IMAGING SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 2 2010Myoung Won Cho Abstract A trendy method to understand the brain is to make a map representing the structural network of the brain, also known as the connectome, on the scale of a brain region. Indeed analysis based on graph theory provides quantitative insights into general topological principles of brain network organization. In particular, it is disclosed that typical brain networks share the topological properties, such as small-world and scale-free, with many other complex networks encountered in nature. Such topological properties are regarded as characteristics of the optimal neural connectivity to implement efficient computation and communication; brains with disease or abnormality show distinguishable deviations in the graph theoretical analysis. Considering that conventional models in graph theory are, however, not adequate for direct application to the neural system, we also discuss a model for explaining how the neural connectivity is organized. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 20, 108,116, 2010 [source] The International Relations of the "Transition": Ernest Gellner's Social Philosophy and Political Sociology,INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL SOCIOLOGY, Issue 4 2007Roland Dannreuther Ernest Gellner's political sociology has been relatively neglected not only in international relations (IR) but also in sociology and social anthropology. This article provides an overview of Gellner's ambitious vision of our modern condition. Central to this vision is the salience of the "transition" from agrarian to industrial society, which Gellner believed had transformed and revolutionized not only our philosophical outlook but also our sociological and historical condition. This article argues that Gellner's work provides an intellectually rich, demanding, and fruitful model which has much relevance to IR. We illustrate this by showing how Gellner's sociological insights into the study of nationalism and Islamic fundamentalism continue to have a direct application to contemporary concerns within IR, as well as providing an illustration of how IR can benefit from a multidisciplinary engagement with the disciplines that Gellner most creatively borrowed from: sociology, anthropology, and philosophy. [source] Economic behaviour and the norms of capitalismINTERNATIONAL SOCIAL SCIENCE JOURNAL, Issue 185 2005Pierre Demeulenaere The idea of moralising the capitalist economy presupposes an idea of morality or justice. If we confine ourselves intuitively to the principle of freedom or non-domination , often connected with a defence of market institutions as well as broader moral justifications , two questions must be asked. Firstly, can profit-oriented economic behaviour secure principles of non-domination? The answer is no, for there is a structural interest in cheating in a prisoner's dilemma situation. Additional normative considerations must be introduced in order to ensure that market norms are respected. The second question is, then, whether moral regard for the principle of non-domination can in itself justify free-trade institutions. Here again the answer is no, inasmuch as various typical features of social existence prevent us from thinking that respect for the pure norms of free trade can be consonant with direct application of this non-domination principle. In fact, actual social existence introduces other norms reflecting other social objectives that may also be derived from a non-domination principle. [source] The uptake of applied ecologyJOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY, Issue 1 2002S. J. Ormerod Summary 1We asked 229 authors who have published recently in the Journal of Applied Ecology (1999,2001) whether their papers made management or policy recommendations and whether they had evidence of consequent uptake. 2A total of 108 respondents working in the UK (34%), Europe (30%), the Americas (12%), Australasia (11%), Asia (7%) and Africa (6%) reported on 110 papers. They represented agro-ecosystems (35%), temperate forests or woodlands (16%), savanna, grass or arid lands (11%), rivers or wetlands (10%), estuaries or marine systems (7%) and tropical forests (5%). The major organisms were invertebrates (27%), birds (24%), mammals (21%) and higher plants (21%). Topics apparently under-represented in recent coverage include ecosystem science, urban areas, soils, mountain systems, fish, amphibians and lower organisms such as algae. 3Almost all papers (99%) carried recommendations and for 57% there was evidence of uptake in the broad categories of ,environmental management or models', ,information, training and education' and ,monitoring and assessment'. Most uptake involved large geographical scales through habitat or species management plans (32% of cases), effects on reserve design or designation (6%), and effects on agri-environmental policy (5%). The development of further research (11%), the communication of methods to other ecologists (9%), the dissemination of recommendations to practitioners or agencies (7%), and uptake in training or education (5%) were important uses of information. 4Prestige from publication in the Journal of Applied Ecology aided several authors in convincing end-users of research value. User involvement in research as participants or funders was widespread (> 42% of papers), a fact which almost certainly promotes uptake along with the parallel dissemination of management messages. We view applied issues as an important interface between end-users and ecologists of value to ,both' communities but suggest that improved communication will further benefit the sponsorship and application of ecological science. 5The major reason offered for lack of uptake was that it was still too soon after publication (21% of respondents). Costs, difficulty of implementation, the scale of the problem, and ,challenges to existing thinking' each figured in more than one response. 6For some respondents, papers were led by curiosity rather than the need for direct application. Several authors published in the Journal to share ideas internationally, or said that recommendations were general, conceptual or long-term rather than specific. The editors of the Journal of Applied Ecology recognize the seminal importance of contributions that affect policy incrementally and conceptually as much as those with specific application. 7These data provide evidence that ecological science is aiding environmental management and policy across a wide range of regions, ecosystems and types of organisms; rather than merely detecting problems, applied ecology is offering solutions both directly and more diffusely through conceptual advance. We invite the user community to offer their own perspectives about the value of research-led publications such as this Journal, about how links between researchers and users might be strengthened, and about how the uptake of applied ecology might be further advanced. [source] Addition of nimesulide to small intestinal submucosa biomaterial inhibits postsurgical adhesiogenesis in ratsJOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH, Issue 1 2010Mark A. Suckow Abstract Adhesion formation is a common complication in abdominal surgery with incidence as high as 93% and small bowel obstruction a common complication. Because the extracellular matrix material, small intestinal submucosa (SIS), is commonly used in various surgical procedures, methods to inhibit adhesiogenesis are of great interest. This study was undertaken to determine if incorporation of nimesulide (NM), a selective cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor, could reduce the extent and tenacity of intraabdominal adhesion formation associated with SIS implantation. Female Sprague,Dawley rats underwent a cecal abrasion surgical procedure to induce adhesiogenesis. Rats were either left untreated or treated by direct application over the injured cecum with polypropylene mesh (PPM); SIS; SIS containing a low dose of NM; or SIS containing a high dose of NM. Rats were euthanized 21 days later, and adhesion extent and tenacity were evaluated using standard scales (0 = minimal adhesiogenesis; 4 = severe adhesiogenesis). Addition of NM to SIS resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in adhesion extent and in a similar reduction in adhesion tenacity for SIS containing a low dose of NM. Adhesions typically extended from the abraded cecal surface to the body wall and were characterized histologically by fibrous tissue adherent to the cecal wall. In conclusion, addition of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, COX-2 selective drug, NM, to SIS attenuates adhesion extent and tenacity when compared with surgical placement of SIS or PPM alone. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010 [source] Time Course of Esophageal Lesions After Catheter Ablation with Cryothermal and Radiofrequency Ablation: Implication for Atrio-Esophageal Fistula Formation After Catheter Ablation for Atrial FibrillationJOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 6 2007KENNETH LAUREN RIPLEY M.S.E.E. Background: Atrio-esophageal fistulas have been described as a consequence of radiofrequency (RF) ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, whether cryoablation can avoid this potential fatal complication remains unclear. Methods and Results: We studied the effects of direct application of RF and cryoablation on the cervical esophagus in 16 calves. Cryoablation was performed with a 6.5-mm catheter probe using a single 5-minute freeze at <,80°C, and RF ablation was delivered with an 8-mm catheter electrode at 50 W and 50°C for 45,60 seconds. Histopathologic assessments were performed at 1, 4, 7, and 14 day(s) after completion of the ablation protocol: four animals were examined each day. A total of 85 direct esophageal ablations were performed: 41 with RF and 44 with cryoablation. There were no significant differences in lesion width, depth, or volume between cryoablation and RF ablation at Day 1, 4, and 14 after the procedure (P > 0.05). However, lesion width and volume were significantly larger with RF than with cryoablation at Day 7. Although acute (Day 1) and chronic (Day 14) RF and cryoablation lesions were of comparable size, histologic evidence of partial- to full-wall esophageal lesion ulceration was observed in 0 of 44 (0%) lesions with cryoablation, compared with 9 of 41 (22%) lesions with RF ablation (P = 0.0025). Conclusions: Direct application of cryoablation and RF ablation created similar acute and chronic lesion dimensions on the esophagus. However, cryoablation was associated with a significantly lower risk of esophageal ulceration, compared with RF ablation. [source] Determination of rank by median absolute deviation (DRMAD): a simple method for determining the number of principal factors responsible for a data matrix,JOURNAL OF CHEMOMETRICS, Issue 1 2009Edmund R. Malinowski Abstract Median absolute deviation (MAD) is a well-established statistical method for determining outliers. This simple statistic can be used to determine the number of principal factors responsible for a data matrix by direct application to the residual standard deviation (RSD) obtained from principal component analysis (PCA). Unlike many other popular methods the proposed method, called determination of rank by MAD (DRMAD), does not involve the use of pseudo degrees of freedom, pseudo F -tests, extensive calibration tables, time-consuming iterations, nor empirical procedures. The method does not require strict adherence to normal distributions of experimental uncertainties. The computations are direct, simple to use and extremely fast, ideally suitable for online data processing. The results obtained using various sets of chemical data previously reported in the chemical literature agree with the early work. Limitations of the method, determined from model data, are discussed. An algorithm, written in MATLAB format, is presented in the Appendix. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] EFFECT OF DIRECT APPLICATIONS OF SAGE (SALVIA OFFICINALIS L.) LEAVES ON OXIDATIVE STABILITY OF SUNFLOWER OIL DURING ACCELERATED STORAGEJOURNAL OF FOOD QUALITY, Issue 5 2009EDA ĒALIKO ABSTRACT In this study, various sage applications were examined on oxidative stability of sunflower oil during accelerated storage. There are three applications: (1) direct sage leaves (S); (2) deodorized sage leaves (DeS); and (3) essential oil of sage leaves. The main compounds of essential oil were identified as, -thujone (35.87%),, -thujone (14.41%), 1,8-cineol (10.59%) and camphor (10.09%). Oxidative stability of these three applications was tested by Schall Oven test at 60C applying peroxide value and conjugated dienes, and Rancimat at 110C. Whereas the highest antioxidants activity was found for 2% S followed by 0.5% S and 2% DeS, all sage treatments statistically retarded the oxidation compared with the control sample. The most appealing result was that the residue can be used as a natural antioxidants. That means the reuse of residue may decrease economic losses and health risk in comparison with synthetic antioxidants and extracts because it is completely natural and contains no residual solvent. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS While almost all of previous studies were concentrated on the use of herb extracts, our study investigates the results of direct application of sage on oxidation. Especially with this study, we have evaluated a possible application area for sage residue leftover after the deodorization process. [source] Feasibility of Myxomatous Mitral Valve Repair Using Direct Leaflet and Chordal Radiofrequency AblationJOURNAL OF INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY, Issue 6 2008JEFFREY L. WILLIAMS M.D., M.S. Objective: Minimally invasive repair of mitral valve prolapse (MVP) causing severe mitral regurgitation (MR) should reduce MR and have chronic durability. Our ex vivo, acute in vivo, and chronic in vivo studies suggest that direct application of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to mitral leaflets and chordae can effect these repair goals to decrease MR. Methods: A total of seven canines were studied to assess the effects of RFA on mitral valve structure and function. RFA was applied ex vivo (n = 1), acutely in vivo using a right lateral thoracotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass (n = 3), and chronically in vivo using percutaneous access to the heart (n = 3). RFA was applied to the mitral valve and its associated chordae. Mitral valve structure and function (in vivo preparations) were then assessed. Results: Ex vivo application of RFA resulted in qualitative reduction in mitral leaflet surface area and chordal length. Acute in vivo application of RFA to canines found to have MVP causing severe MR demonstrated a 43.7,60.7% statistically significant (P = 0.039) reduction in postablation MR. Chronic, in vivo, percutaneous application of RFA was found to be feasible and the engendered alterations durable. Conclusion: These data suggest that myxomatous mitral valve repair using radiofrequency energy delivered via catheter is feasible. [source] The Bridge to the ,Real World': Applied Science or a ,Schizophrenic Tour de Force'?*JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES, Issue 6 2004Alexander T. Nicolai abstract This article concerns those publications which have received considerable attention in an academic as well as in a practical context. In these rare cases, it seems that it was possible to transfer scientific findings more or less directly into managerial implications. This widely shared view is contrasted with a socials systems perspective. From this point of view there cannot be a direct application of scientific knowledge. This also holds true for the classic examples of applied science. It is argued that even in these cases there is no evidence of linear knowledge transfer but rather ,Applied Science Fiction' (ASF). ASF comprises all techniques with which the scientific system reacts to external application pressure without having to relinquish its own self-referential logic. Different forms of ASF are introduced. These are retrofitting, reputation, symbolic labels and undisciplined eclecticism. The ASF-concept will be illustrated by Michael Porter's Competitive Strategy. Paradoxically, however, the conventional concept of application and ASF are a barrier for the sustainable relevance of management studies. [source] Insulin-like growth factor-I increases astrocyte intercellular gap junctional communication and connexin43 expression in vitroJOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH, Issue 1 2003N. David Åberg Abstract Connexin43 (cx43) forms gap junctions in astrocytes, and these gap junctions mediate intercellular communication by providing transport of low-molecular-weight metabolites and ions. We have recently shown that systemic growth hormone increases cx43 in the brain. One possibility was that local brain insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) could mediate the effect by acting directly on astrocytes. In the present study, we examined the effects of direct application of recombinant human IGF-I (rhIGF-I) on astrocytes in primary culture concerning cx43 protein expression and gap junctional communication (GJC). After 24 hr of stimulation with rhIGF-I under serum-free conditions, the GJC and cx43 protein were analyzed. Administration of 30 ng/ml rhIGF-I increased the GJC and the abundance of cx43 protein. Cell proliferation of the astrocytes was not significantly increased by rhIGF-I at this concentration. However, a higher concentration of rhIGF-I (150 ng/ml) had no effect on GJC/cx43 but increased cell proliferation. Because of the important modulatory role of IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) on IGF-I action, we analyzed IGFBPs in conditioned media. In cultures with a low abundance of IGFBPs (especially IGFBP-2), the GJC response to 30 ng/ml rhIGF-I was 81%, compared with the average of 25%. Finally, as a control, insulin was given in equimolar concentrations. However, GJC was not affected, which suggests that rhIGF-I acted via IGF-I receptors. In summary, the data show that rhIGF-I may increase GJC/cx43, whereas a higher concentration of rhIGF-I,at which stimulation of proliferation occurred,did not affect GJC/cx43. Furthermore, IGFBP-2 appeared to modulate the action of rhIGF-I on GJC in astrocytes by a paracrine mechanism. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Aminolevulinic acid-loaded Witepsol microparticles manufactured using a spray congealing procedure: implications for topical photodynamic therapyJOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 9 2009Rasil Al-Kassas Abstract Objectives The aim was to enhance aminolevulinic acid (ALA) stability by incorporation into low-melting microparticles prepared using a spray congealing procedure and to evaluate temperature-triggered release, allowing topical bioavailability following melting at skin temperature. Methods ALA-loaded Witepsol microparticles were prepared using a novel spray congealing technique. Entrapment efficiency was compared with conventional emulsion-based methods and modelled drug release profiles determined using a membrane separation technique. Raised receiver medium temperature was used to determine triggered release. Bioavailability and lipid-mediated enhancement of ALA penetration were determined in excised murine skin. Key findings ALA-loaded Witepsol microparticles were spherical, with a mean diameter of 20 ,m. Loading and stability studies demonstrated effective encapsulation, ranging from 91% to 100%, with no evidence of degradation to pyrazine derivatives. ALA release correlated with dissolution medium temperature, triggered at temperatures close to that of skin. Results suggested that molten Witepsol enhanced cutaneous permeation, whereas incorporation of microparticles in a semi-solid vehicle attenuated ALA penetration. Optimal use was direct application under occlusion. Conclusions Spray congealing is superior to the emulsion-based procedures with respect to encapsulation efficiency of ALA in Witepsol matrices, providing temperature-triggered release, enhanced stability and improved penetration of ALA through keratinised skin. These features could improve ALA delivery to superficial lesions as part of photodynamic therapy. [source] Spatial risk assessment for extreme river flowsJOURNAL OF THE ROYAL STATISTICAL SOCIETY: SERIES C (APPLIED STATISTICS), Issue 5 2009Caroline Keef Summary., The UK has in recent years experienced a series of fluvial flooding events which have simultaneously affected communities over different parts of the country. For the co-ordination of flood mitigation activities and for the insurance and reinsurance industries, knowledge of the spatial characteristics of fluvial flooding is important. Past research into the spatiotemporal risk of fluvial flooding has largely been restricted to empirical estimates of risk measures. A weakness with such an approach is that there is no basis for extrapolation of these estimates to rarer events, which is required as empirical evidence suggests that larger events tend to be more localized in space. We adopt a model-based approach using the methods of Heffernan and Tawn. However, the large proportion of missing data over a network of sites makes direct application of this method highly inefficient. We therefore propose an extension of the Heffernan and Tawn method which accounts for missing values. Furthermore, as the risk measures are spatiotemporal an extension of the Heffernan and Tawn method is also required to handle temporal dependence. We illustrate the benefits of the procedure with a simulation study and by assessing spatial dependence over four fluvial sites in Scotland. [source] Monitoring processes with data censored owing to competing risks by using exponentially weighted moving average control chartsJOURNAL OF THE ROYAL STATISTICAL SOCIETY: SERIES C (APPLIED STATISTICS), Issue 3 2001Stefan H. Steiner In industry, process monitoring is widely employed to detect process changes rapidly. However, in some industrial applications observations are censored. For example, when testing breaking strengths and failure times often a limited stress test is performed. With censored observations, a direct application of traditional monitoring procedures is not appropriate. When the censoring occurs due to competing risks, we propose a control chart based on conditional expected values to detect changes in the mean strength. To protect against possible confounding caused by changes in the mean of the censoring mechanism we also suggest a similar chart to detect changes in the mean censoring level. We provide an example of monitoring bond strength to illustrate the application of this methodology. [source] Incomplete sensitivities and cost function reformulation leading to multi-criteria investigation of inverse problemsOPTIMAL CONTROL APPLICATIONS AND METHODS, Issue 2 2003A. Cabot Abstract This paper deals with the application of typical minimization methods based on dynamical systems to the solution of a characteristic inverse problem. The state equation is based on the Burgers equation. The control is meant to achieve a prescribed state distribution and a given shock location. We show how to use incomplete sensitivities during the minimization process. We also show through a redefinition of the cost function that a multi-criteria problem needs to be considered in inverse problems. This example shows that a correct definition of the minimization problem is crucial and needs to be studied before a direct application of brute force minimization approaches. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||