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Dual
Terms modified by Dual Selected AbstractsThe effect of time-of-day dosing on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of dexlansoprazole MR: evidence for dosing flexibility with a Dual Delayed Release proton pump inhibitorALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 9 2010R. D. LEE Aliment Pharmacol Ther,31, 1001,1011 Summary Background, Dexlansoprazole MR is a Dual Delayed Release proton pump inhibitor formulated to extend the duration of acid suppression. Aim, To evaluate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of dexlansoprazole MR dosed before 4 different meal times. Methods, In this randomized, open-label, four-way crossover study, 48 healthy subjects received dexlansoprazole MR 60 mg once daily 30 min before breakfast, lunch, dinner or an evening snack. Pharmacokinetics of dexlansoprazole MR and intragastric pH were assessed over a 24-h postdose interval on day 5 for each regimen. Results, Absorption was delayed when dexlansoprazole MR was administered before each regimen relative to breakfast; however, systemic exposures of dexlansoprazole at all regimens were bioequivalent. There were no statistically significant differences in mean 24-h intragastric pH between dosing before dinner or an evening snack vs. breakfast; however, there was a small (0.2), but statistically significant difference between lunch and breakfast. There was a statistically significant difference of 7 percentage points in the percentage of time intragastric pH was >4 for the snack regimen relative to the breakfast regimen, but there were no statistically significant differences between lunch or dinner compared with breakfast. Conclusion, Dexlansoprazole MR provides comparable acid control when administered at different times of the day. [source] Clinical trial: the effects of the proton pump inhibitor dexlansoprazole MR on daytime and nighttime heartburn in patients with non-erosive reflux diseaseALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 12 2009R. FASS Summary Background, The proportion of patients who respond to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy is about 20% lower in those with non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) than in those with erosive oesophagitis. Aim, To assess efficacy and safety of dexlansoprazole MR, a PPI using Dual Delayed Release technology, in NERD patients. Methods, In this 4-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 947 NERD patients randomly received dexlansoprazole MR 30 mg, 60 mg or placebo once daily (QD). The percentages of 24-h heartburn-free days (primary) and nights without heartburn (secondary) were assessed from patients' daily diaries. Investigators also assessed symptoms. Patients completed validated quality of life and symptom severity questionnaires. Results, Dexlansoprazole MR provided significantly greater median percentages of 24-h heartburn-free days (54.9% and 50.0% for the 30- and 60-mg doses vs. 17.5% for placebo, P < 0.00001) and nights without heartburn (80.8% and 76.9% vs. 51.7%, P < 0.00001 vs. placebo). Dexlansoprazole MR also reduced symptom severity. Quality of life improvements in patients receiving dexlansoprazole MR were consistent with clinical efficacy endpoints. Percentages of patients experiencing treatment-emergent adverse events were similar among groups. Conclusions, Dexlansoprazole MR 30 and 60 mg were superior to placebo in providing 24-h heartburn-free days and nights in NERD patients. Treatment was well tolerated. [source] Review article: dual delayed release formulation of dexlansoprazole MR, a novel approach to overcome the limitations of conventional single release proton pump inhibitor therapyALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 9 2009D. C. METZ Summary Background, Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) provide the most effective pharmacotherapy for treating acid-related disorders. However, PPIs do not completely control acid over 24 h with once-daily dosing. Aims, To discuss limitations inherent in the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics of conventional PPI formulations, which provide a single drug release. Also, to consider approaches to extending the duration of acid suppression focusing on dexlansoprazole MR, a PPI with a novel Dual Delayed Release (DDR) formulation. Method, We reviewed the available literature regarding marketed and investigational PPIs. Results, Non-standard dosing of currently marketed PPIs has produced incremental advances in acid control. Multiple approaches are being evaluated to enhance acid suppression with PPIs. Dexlansoprazole MR is a DDR formulation of dexlansoprazole, an enantiomer of lansoprazole, with two distinct drug release periods to prolong the plasma dexlansoprazole concentration,time profile and extend duration of acid suppression. Clinical studies show that dexlansoprazole MR produces a dual-peak PK profile that maintains therapeutic plasma drug concentrations longer than lansoprazole, with a single-peak PK profile, and increases the percentage of time that intragastric pH >4. Conclusions, Novel drug delivery platforms, including the dexlansoprazole MR DDR formulation, may improve acid suppression and offer benefits over conventional single release PPI formulations. [source] Clinical trial: the effect and timing of food on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of dexlansoprazole MR, a novel Dual Delayed Release formulation of a proton pump inhibitor , evidence for dosing flexibilityALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 8 2009R. D. LEE Summary Background Dexlansoprazole MR is a proton pump inhibitor with a Dual Delayed Release (DDR) formulation designed to prolong the dexlansoprazole plasma concentration,time profile. The presence of food or time of dosing relative to food may affect dexlansoprazole absorption. Aims To evaluate the effect of food on the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of dexlansoprazole following oral administration of dexlansoprazole MR. Methods In this open-label, single-dose, randomized, 4-way crossover study, 48 healthy subjects received placebo (day 1) and dexlansoprazole MR 90 mg (day 3) after fasting, 5 or 30 min before a high-fat breakfast, or 30 min after a high-fat breakfast. Intragastric pH (days 1 and 3) and PK (day 3) of dexlansoprazole were assessed over a 24-h interval after each dose. Results Following administration of dexlansoprazole MR under fasted/fed conditions, mean dexlansoprazole plasma concentration,time profiles generally exhibited two distinct peaks, resulting from the DDR formulation. Increases in dexlansoprazole maximum plasma concentration (12,31%) and area under the plasma concentration,time curve (9,21%) were observed with the fed regimens; however, differences in intragastric pH were not considered clinically relevant. Conclusion Dexlansoprazole MR can be administered without regard to food or the timing of food in most patients. [source] Erratum: Dual and triple-band PIFA design for WLAN applicationsMICROWAVE AND OPTICAL TECHNOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 12 2007Chow-Yen-Desmond Sim Originally published Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 2159,2162, 2007. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 3192, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22885 [source] Dual isotope and isotopomer ratios of N2O emitted from a temperate grassland soil after fertiliser applicationRAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY, Issue 22 2003R. Bol The N2O and N2 fluxes emitted from a temperate UK grassland soil after fertiliser application (equivalent to 25 and 75,kg N ha,1) were simultaneously measured, using a new automated soil incubation system, which replaces soil atmosphere (N2 dominated) with a He+O2 mixture. Dual isotope and isotopomer ratios of the emitted N2O were also determined. Total N2O and N2 fluxes were significantly lower (P,<,0.001) in the control (0,kg N) than in the 25 and 75,kg N treatments. The total N2O flux was significantly higher (P,<,0.001) in the 75,kg N than in the 25,kg N treatment. The general patterns of N2O and N2 fluxes were similar for both fertiliser treatments. The total gaseous N loss in the control treatment was nearly all N2, whereas in the fertiliser treatment more N2O than N2 was emitted from the soil. The ratio N2O/N2 fluxes as measured during the experiment suggested three phases in N2O production, in phase 1 nitrification > denitrification, in phase 2 denitrification,>,nitrification, and in phase 3 denitrification (and total denitrification),,,nitrification. Dual ,15N and ,18O isotope and isotopomer (,15N, and ,15N,) value ratios of emitted N2O also pointed towards an increasing dominance of the production of N2O by denitrification and total denitrification. The site preference value from the soil-emitted N2O was lower than the troposphere value. This confirmed that the enhanced troposphere N2O site preference could result from back injection of N2O from the stratosphere. The measurements of N2O/N2 flux ratio and the isotopic content of emitted N2O pointed, independently, to similar temporal trends in N2O production processes after fertiliser application to grassland soil. This confirmed that both measurements are suitable diagnostic tools to study the N2O production process in soils. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Effects of the Intensity of Immunosuppressive Therapy on Outcome of Treatment for CMV Disease in Organ Transplant RecipientsAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 8 2010A. Åsberg An effective host immune response, critical for successful control of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease in solid organ transplant recipients, is affected by intensity and type of immunosuppressive therapy. We used information prospectively captured in the VICTOR-trial to investigate the impact of immunosuppressive therapy on short- and long-term outcomes of CMV treatment in organ transplant recipients. Dual, as compared to triple, immunosuppressive therapy ([odds ratios] OR of 2.55; 95% CI: 1.51,4.60; p = 0.002), lower blood concentrations of calcineurin inhibitors (OR of 5.53; CI: 1.04,29.35; p = 0.045), and longer time since transplantation (OR of 1.70; CI: 1.01,2.87; p = 0.047) all showed better early (Day 21) CMV DNAemia eradication. We observed no effect of the intensity of the immunosuppressive therapy on overall rates of viral eradication or recurrence. The type of calcineurin inhibitor (tacrolimus/cyclosporine) or use of mycophenolate did not affect treatment efficacy, although both tacrolimus and mycophenolate treated patients showed a lower rate of virological recurrence OR 0.51 (95% CI: 0.26,0.98; p = 0.044) and OR 0.45 (95% CI: 0.22,0.93; p = 0.031), respectively. Lower total intensity of immunosuppressive therapy was associated with more effective early, but not overall, CMV DNAemia eradication by valganciclovir/ganciclovir therapy. Both mycophenolate and tacrolimus (rather than cyclosporine) therapy seem to be associated with reduced risk of recurrence. [source] Dual- and triple-mode matrix approximation and regression modellingAPPLIED STOCHASTIC MODELS IN BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY, Issue 4 2003Stan Lipovetsky Abstract We propose a dual- and triple-mode least squares for matrix approximation. This technique applied to the singular value decomposition produces the classical solution with a new interpretation. Applied to regression modelling, this approach corresponds to a regularized objective and yields a new solution with properties of a ridge regression. The results for regression are robust and suggest a convenient tool for the analysis and interpretation of the model coefficients. Numerical results are given for a marketing research data set. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Parenchymal lesions in pharmacoresistant temporal lobe epilepsy: dual and multiple pathologyACTA NEUROLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 3 2005S. H. Eriksson Objectives,,, Dual pathology is reported in 5,30% of temporal lobe resections performed in pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Dual pathology may be of importance for surgical planning and also for the understanding of the pathogenesis of epilepsy. We describe the frequency of dual or multiple pathology, i.e. more than one histopathological diagnosis, in adults with temporal lobe resections. Material and Methods,,, Surgical specimens from 33 consecutive patients with resections including mesial as well as neocortical temporal structures were reviewed. All histopathological findings were recorded. Post-mortem specimens from 11 control subjects were also reviewed. Results,,, Dual or multiple pathology was found in almost half of the epilepsy patients (48%). Hippocampal sclerosis was found in 25 patients (76%), malformations of cortical development in 15 (46%), of which 12 (36%) were microdysgenesis, and low-grade tumours in seven (21%). Apart from mild gliosis, there were no histopathological changes in the control specimens. Conclusion,,, Dual or multiple pathology was a common finding in this group of adults with temporal lobe resections. In order to increase our understanding of how aetiological factors may combine in the development of seizures, we consider it relevant and important to report all histopathological findings in epilepsy surgery series. [source] Crown-Ether-Like PbII -Metal Framework with Dual- and Bimodal Emissive Properties Based on Its Photochromic Precursor by LeachingCHEMISTRY - A EUROPEAN JOURNAL, Issue 41 2009You-Yun Jiang Kingdom for a lead crown: A crown-ether-like, open PbII framework is generated from its phtotochromic precursor by a leaching approach. The dual and bimodal emissions are successfully realized by intercalation of the different Ln3+ hydrates into the hollow PbII framework based on a guest-driven approach (see graphic). [source] Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in normal physiological processesACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 1 2010J. Pourova Abstract Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species have generally been considered as being highly reactive and cytotoxic molecules. Besides their noxious effects, ROS participate in physiological processes in a carefully regulated manner. By way of example, microbicidal ROS are produced in professional phagocytes, ROS function as short-lived messengers having a role in signal transduction and, among other processes, participate in the synthesis of the iodothyronine hormones, reproduction, apoptosis and necrosis. Because of their ability to mediate a crosstalk between key molecules, their role might be dual (at least in some cases). The levels of ROS increase from a certain age, being associated with various diseases typical of senescence. The aim of this review is to summarize the recent findings on the physiological role of ROS. Other issues addressed are an increase in ROS levels during ageing, and the possibility of the physiological nature of this process. [source] Soleus T reflex modulation in response to spinal and tendinous adaptations to unilateral lower limb suspension in humansACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 3 2008O. R. Seynnes Abstract Aim:, To investigate the influence of tendinous and synaptic changes induced by unilateral lower limb suspension (ULLS) on the tendon tap reflex. Methods:, Eight young men underwent a 23-day period of ULLS. Muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), torque and electromyographic (EMG) activity of the plantar flexor muscles (normalized to the M wave), Achilles tendon,aponeurosis mechanical properties, soleus (SOL) H and T reflexes and associated peak twitch torques were measured at baseline, after 14 and 23 days of ULLS, and 1 week after resuming ambulatory activity. Results:, Significant decreases in muscle CSA (,9%), in maximal voluntary torque (,10%) and in the associated SOL EMG activity (,16%) were found after ULLS (P < 0.05). In addition to a 36% (P < 0.01) decrease in tendon,aponeurosis stiffness, normalized H reflex increased by 35% (P < 0.05). An increase in the slope (28%, P < 0.05) and intercept (85%, P < 0.05) of the T reflex recruitment curve pointed to an increase in the gain and to a decrease in the sensitivity of this reflex, possibly resulting from the decrease in the tendon,aponeurosis stiffness at low forces. Following ULLS, changes in tendinous stiffness correlated with changes in neuromuscular efficiency (peak twitch torque to reflex ratio) at higher tendon tap forces. Conclusion:, These findings point out the dual and antagonistic influences of spinal and tendinous adaptations upon the tendon tap reflex in humans under conditions of chronic unloading. These observations have potential implications for the sensitivity of the short-latency Ia stretch response involved in rapid compensatory contractions to unexpected postural perturbations. [source] Novel application of flow cytometry: Determination of muscle fiber types and protein levels in whole murine skeletal muscles and heartCYTOSKELETON, Issue 12 2007Connie Jackaman Abstract Conventional methods for measuring proteins within muscle samples such as immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis can be time consuming, labor intensive and subject to sampling errors. We have developed flow cytometry techniques to detect proteins in whole murine heart and skeletal muscle. Flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry were performed on quadriceps and soleus muscles from male C57BL/6J, BALB/c, CBA and mdx mice. Proteins including actins, myosins, tropomyosin and ,-actinin were detected via single staining flow cytometric analysis. This correlated with immunohistochemistry using the same antibodies. Muscle fiber types could be determined by dual labeled flow cytometry for skeletal muscle actin and different myosins. This showed similar results to immunohistochemistry for I, IIA and IIB myosins. Flow cytometry of heart samples from C57BL/6J and BALB/c mice dual labeled with cardiac and skeletal muscle actin antibodies demonstrated the known increase in skeletal actin protein in BALB/c hearts. The membrane-associated proteins ,-sarcoglycan and dystrophin could be detected in C57BL/6J mice, but were decreased or absent in mdx mice. With the ability to label whole muscle samples simultaneously with multiple antibodies, flow cytometry may have advantages over conventional methods for certain applications, including assessing the efficacy of potential therapies for muscle diseases. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Coordinated Capacitated Lot-Sizing Problem with Dynamic Demand: A Lagrangian HeuristicDECISION SCIENCES, Issue 1 2004E. Powell Robinson Jr. ABSTRACT Coordinated replenishment problems are common in manufacturing and distribution when a family of items shares a common production line, supplier, or a mode of transportation. In these situations the coordination of shared, and often limited, resources across items is economically attractive. This paper describes a mixed-integer programming formulation and Lagrangian relaxation solution procedure for the single-family coordinated capacitated lot-sizing problem with dynamic demand. The problem extends both the multi-item capacitated dynamic demand lot-sizing problem and the uncapacitated coordinated dynamic demand lot-sizing problem. We provide the results of computational experiments investigating the mathematical properties of the formulation and the performance of the Lagrangian procedures. The results indicate the superiority of the dual-based heuristic over linear programming-based approaches to the problem. The quality of the Lagrangian heuristic solution improved in most instances with increases in problem size. Heuristic solutions averaged 2.52% above optimal. The procedures were applied to an industry test problem yielding a 22.5% reduction in total costs. [source] Post-prandial glucose excursions following four methods of bolus insulin administration in subjects with Type 1 diabetesDIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 4 2002H. P. Chase Abstract Aims To determine if one method of short-acting insulin bolus administration is superior to other methods in managing a meal high in carbohydrates, calories and fat. Methods Nine subjects receiving continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion using insulin lispro (Humalog®) agreed to consume the same meal high in carbohydrates, calories and fat on four occasions 1 week apart. They received the same dose of bolus insulin on each of the four occasions randomly assigned and beginning 10 min prior to the meal as either a single bolus, two separate boluses of one-half the same total dose (the second after 90 min), the entire bolus given as a square-wave (over 2 h) or a dual-wave (70% as a bolus and 30% as a square-wave over 2 h). Blood glucose levels were measured at ,60 and ,30 min and at zero time, and then every half-hour for 6 h using the Hemacue® in the out-patient clinic. Results Changes in blood glucose values from fasting were the lowest after 90 and 120 min (P < 0.01) when the dual wave was administered. When the dual or square-wave methods of insulin administration were used, subjects had significantly lower glucose levels after 4 h in comparison with when the single or double boluses were used (P = 0.04). Conclusions We conclude that the dual wave provided the most effective method of insulin administration for this meal. The dual- and square-wave therapies resulted in lower glucose levels 4 h after the meal in comparison with the single and double-bolus treatments. [source] Simultaneous determination of nine endogenous steroids in human urine by polymeric-mixed micelle capillary electrophoresisELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 19 2010Sabrina Flor Abstract A new CE system based on the use of polymeric-mixed micelles (cholic acid, SDS and the poloxamine Tetronic® 1107) was developed for the simultaneous determination of nine steroids in human urine. This method allows the baseline separation and quantitation of cortisol, androstenedione, estriol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, estrone, progesterone and estradiol in less than 25,min showing to be sensitive enough to detect low concentrations of these steroids in urine samples (5,45,ng/mL). The optimized electrophoretic conditions were performed using a 50,cm×75,,m capillary, 18,kV, 25°C, with 44,mM cholic acid, 10,mM SDS, 0.05%,w/v tetronic® 1107, 2.5%,v/v methanol, 2.5%,v/v tetrahydrofuran in 5,mM borate , 5,mM phosphate buffer (pH=8.0) as a background electrolyte and a dual 210/254 UV-detection. The method can simultaneously determine 0.1,120,,g/mL, which corresponds to 5,6000,ng/mL of steroids in 2,mL urine. The recoveries ranged between 82.4 and 101.5%. Due to its simplicity, speed, accuracy and reliability, the proposed method could be a potential alternative to the traditional methodologies used with clinical purposes. [source] Direct automatic determination of free and total anesthetic drugs in human plasma by use of a dual (microdialysis,microextraction by packed sorbent) sample treatment coupled at-line to NACE,MSELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 10 2009Gabriel Morales-Cid Abstract This paper reports for the first time the use of microextraction by packed sorbent in combination with CE. The combined system was used to determine anesthetic drugs in human plasma. A microdialysis fiber was coupled on-line to the microextraction unit in order to distinguish between free and total concentrations of drugs. The system was automated by connecting the microextraction unit to a syringe pump and interfacing it to a computer. The ensuing method allows the determination of 10,,g/L concentrations of free drugs and 1,,g/L concentrations of total drugs from only 200,,L of sample with an RSD of less than 9%. [source] Biting Behavior, Aggression, and SeizuresEPILEPSIA, Issue 5 2005Carlo Alberto Tassinari Summary:,Purpose: To describe the semiologic features of aggressive behaviors observed in human epileptic seizures with particular reference to the act of biting a conspecific. Methods: We analyzed the biting behavior (BB) and other aggressive gestures occurring in a group of 11 patients retrospectively selected from >1,000 patients subjected to video-EEG/SEEG monitoring for presurgical evaluation of drug-resistant seizures. Results: Patients displaying BB showed (a) a male sex predominance, (b) heterogeneous etiologies and lesion locations, and (c) seizures involving the frontotemporal regions of both hemispheres. The act of biting was a rapid motor action, lasting ,600 ms, occurring in the context of strong emotional arousal, fear, and anger, with various bodily gestures with aggressive connotation. BB was mainly a "reflexive" behavior, in that biting acts were evoked (both during and after seizures) by actions of people in close contact with the patient. The sole intrusion of the examiner's hand in the space near the patient's face was effective in triggering BB. Rarely, self-directed or object-directed biting acts were not triggered by external stimuli. Intracranial data (SEEG) obtained in one subject showed that the amygdala/hippocampal region plus the orbitomedial prefrontal cortex had to be involved by ictal activity to observe BB. Conclusions: Anatomic and electrophysiologic data in our patients suggest that a model of dual,temporal and frontal,dysfunction could account for the occurrence of ictal/postictal BB. Behavioral data suggest also that BB and related aggressive gestures can be considered as the emergence of instinctive behaviors with an adaptative significance of defense of the peripersonal space. [source] Neuropeptide Y suppresses absence seizures in a genetic rat model primarily through effects on Y2 receptorsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 4 2007Margaret J. Morris Abstract Neuropeptide Y (NPY) potently suppresses absence seizures in a model of genetic generalized epilepsy, genetic absence epilepsy rats of Strasbourg (GAERS). Here we investigated the Y-receptor subtype(s) on which NPY exerts this anti-absence effect. A dual in vivo approach was used: the cumulative duration of seizures was quantified in adult male GAERS in 90-min electroencephalogram recordings following intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of: (i) subtype-selective agonists of Y1 ([Leu31Pro34]NPY, 2.5 nmol), Y2 (Ac[Leu28,31]NPY24,36, 3 nmol), Y5 receptors [hPP1,17,Ala31,Aib32]NPY, 4 nmol), NPY (3 nmol) or vehicle; and following (ii) i.c.v. injection of antagonists of Y1 (BIBP3226, 20 nmol), Y2 (BIIE0246, 20 nmol) and Y5 (NPY5RA972, 20 nmol) receptors or vehicle, followed by NPY (3 nmol). Injection of the Y1 - and Y5 -selective agonists resulted in significantly less mean seizure suppression (37.4% and 53.9%, respectively) than NPY (83.2%; P < 0.05), while the Y2 agonist had similar effects to NPY (62.3% suppression, P = 0.57). Food intake was not increased following injection of the Y2 agonist, while significant increases in food intake were seen following NPY and the other Y-subtype agonists. Compared with vehicle, NPY injection suppressed seizures following the Y1 and Y5 antagonists (45.3% and 80.1%, respectively, P < 0.05), but not following the Y2 antagonist (5.1% suppression, P = 0.46). We conclude that NPY Y2 receptors are more important than Y1 and Y5 receptors in mediating the effect of NPY to suppress absence seizures in a genetic rat model. Y2 receptor agonists may represent targets for novel drugs against genetic generalized epilepsies without resulting in appetite stimulation. [source] The construct validity of three entry level personality inventories used in the UK: cautionary findings from a multiple-inventory investigation,EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY, Issue S1 2003Neil Anderson This paper reports psychometric analyses into the convergent and divergent validity of three popular entry-level measures of occupational personality in the UK and Continental Europe. A sample of 504 individuals completed all three measures: the British version of the Hogan Personality Inventory (HPI), the Occupational Personality Questionnaire (OPQ Version FS5.2), and the Business Personality Indicator (BPI). In addition, independent ratings of the conceptual loading of primary source scales onto the Five Factor Model (FFM) were obtained (n,=,66). Data were used in a three-stage analytical procedure directed at examining psychometric and construct validity. Results are reported for descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations, Cohen's d), internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alphas), and exploratory factor analyses. Findings into the construct validity of first-order scales (i.e. primary source scales) and second-order scales (i.e. FFM loadings) are presented in detail, including multitrait,multimethod (MTMM) analyses of convergent and divergent validity. For some scales, the observed variability in our sample suggested significant range restriction/enhancement. It was found that scale reliabilities were generally lower than those typically reported by the test publishers, and that published factor structures for these measures could not be replicated by the authors for this sample of individuals. Further independent construct validity research into occupational personality inventories is encouraged based upon our proposed model of single-, dual-, and multiple-inventory construct validation studies. Practically, our findings suggest that when IWO psychologists or personnel professionals aim to select/screen job applicants for a particular personality trait those who are selected may vary depending on (i) which personality inventory is used, (ii) the actual variability in the applicant sample tested, and (iii) reliability of the scales under consideration. As such, this study sounds a note of caution. Future research is called for to replicate these findings. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Diffusion of strongly sorbed solutes in soil: a dual-porosity model allowing for slow access to sorption sites and time-dependent sorption reactionsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE, Issue 1 2010M. Ptashnyk We use homogenization techniques to derive a dual (or double) porosity model of solute diffusion and reaction in soil, allowing for slow access to sorption sites within micro-aggregates and time-dependent sorption reactions. We give a means for determining the conditions in which micro-scale concentration gradients affect macro-scale gradients and fluxes. We present equations for a unit volume of soil represented as a series of uniformly-spaced, porous spherical particles, containing and surrounded by solution through which solutes diffuse. The methods we use can, in principle, be applied to more complex geometries. We compare the model's predictions with those of the equivalent single porosity model for commonly used boundary conditions. We show that failure to allow for slow access to reaction sites can lead to seriously erroneous results. Slow access has the effect of decreasing the sorption of solute into soil from a source or desorption from soil to a sink. As a result of slow access, the diffusion coefficients of strongly-sorbed solutes measured at the macro-scale will be time-dependent and will depend on the method of measurement. We also show that slow access is more often likely to limit macro-scale diffusion than rates of slow chemical reactions per se. In principle, the unimportance of slow reactions except at periods longer than several weeks of diffusion simplifies modelling because, if slow access is correctly allowed for, sorption can be described with equilibrium relations with an understanding of speciation and rapid sorption-desorption reactions. [source] Backreacting flavors in the Klebanov-Witten model via D7-branesFORTSCHRITTE DER PHYSIK/PROGRESS OF PHYSICS, Issue 7-9 2008Article first published online: 21 JUL 200, F. Benini Abstract We discuss the addition of backreacting D7-branes to (fractional) D3-brane solutions in IIB supergravity which is dual to the addition of a large number of fields in the fundamental representation to known field theories in the Veneziano limit. We specialize to D7/D3-branes on the conifold (flavored Klebanov-Witten theory); we then generalize to massive flavors and to the case of fractional D3-branes and D7-branes with gauge flux (flavored Klebanov-Tseytlin theory). This talk is mainly based on [16, 18]. [source] On supersymmetry and other properties of a class of marginally deformed backgroundsFORTSCHRITTE DER PHYSIK/PROGRESS OF PHYSICS, Issue 5-6 2006R. Hernández Abstract We summarize our recent work on supergravity backgrounds dual to part of the Coulomb branch of ,, = 1 theories constructed as marginal deformations of ,, = 4 Yang,Mills. In particular, we present a summary of the behaviour of the heavy quark-antiquark potential which shows confining behaviour in the IR as well as of the spectrum of the wave equation. The reduced supersymmetry is due to the implementation of T-duality in the construction of the deformed supergravity solutions. As a new result we analyze and explicitly solve the Killing spinor equations of the ,, = 1 background in the superconformal limit. [source] New phases of thermal SYM and LST from Kaluza-Klein black holesFORTSCHRITTE DER PHYSIK/PROGRESS OF PHYSICS, Issue 7-8 2005T. Harmark Abstract We review the recently found map that takes any static and neutral Kaluza-Klein black hole, i.e. any static and neutral black hole on Minkowski-space times a circle ,d × S1, and maps it to a corresponding solution for a non- and near-extremal brane on a circle. This gives a precise connection between phases of Kaluza-Klein black holes and the thermodynamic behavior of the non-gravitational theories dual to near-extremal branes on a circle. In particular, for the thermodynamics of strongly-coupled supersymmetric Yang-Mills theories on a circle we predict the existence of a new non-uniform phase and find new information about the localized phase. We also find evidence for the existence of a new stable phase of (2,0) Little String Theory in the canonical ensemble for temperatures above its Hagedorn temperature. [source] Generalizations of the AdS/CFT correspondence,FORTSCHRITTE DER PHYSIK/PROGRESS OF PHYSICS, Issue 8 2004I. Kirsch Abstract We consider generalizations of the AdS/CFT correspondence in which probe branes are embedded in gravity backgrounds dual to either conformal or confining gauge theories. These correspond to defect conformal field theories (dCFT) or QCD-like theories with fundamental matter, respectively. Moreover, starting from the dCFT we discuss the deconstruction of intersecting M5-branes and M-theory. We obtain the following results: i) Holography of defect conformal field theories. We consider holography for a general D3-Dp brane intersection in type IIB string theory (p , {3,5,7}). The corresponding near-horizon geometry is given by a probe AdS-brane in AdS5 × S5. The dual defect conformal field theory describes ,, = 4 super Yang-Mills degrees of freedom coupled to fundamental matter on a lower-dimensional space-time defect. We derive the spectrum of fluctuations about the brane embedding and determine the behaviour of correlation functions involving defect operators. We also study the dual conformal field theory in the case of intersecting D3-branes. To this end, we develop a convenient superspace approach in which both two- and four-dimensional fields are described in a two-dimensional (2,2) superspace. We show that quantum corrections vanish to all orders in perturbation theory, such that the theory remains a (defect) conformal field theory when quantized. ii) Flavour in generalized AdS/CFT dualities. We present a holographic non-perturbative description of QCD-like theories with a large number of colours by embedding D7-brane probes into two non-supersymmetric gravity backgrounds. Both backgrounds exhibit confinement of fundamental matter and a discrete glueball and meson spectrum. We numerically compute the quark condensate and meson spectrum associated with these backgrounds. In the first background, we find some numerical evidence for a first order phase transition at a critical quark mass where the D7 embedding undergoes a geometric transition. In the second, we find a chiral symmetry breaking condensate as well as the associated Goldstone boson. iii) Deconstruction of extra dimensions. We apply the deconstruction method to the dCFT of intersecting D3-branes to obtain a field theory description for intersecting M5-branes. The resulting theory corresponds to two six-dimensional (2,0) superconformal field theories which we show to have tensionless strings on their four-dimensional intersection. Moreover, we argue that the SU(2)L R-symmetry of the dCFT matches the manifest SU(2) R-symmetry of the M5-M5 intersection. We finally explore the fascinating idea of deconstructing M-theory itself. We give arguments for an equivalence of M-theory on a certain background with the Higgs branch of a four-dimensional non-supersymmetric (quiver) gauge theory: in addition to a string theoretical motivation, we find wrapped M2-branes in the mass spectrum of the quiver theory at low energies. [source] Lectures on the plane-wave string/gauge theory dualityFORTSCHRITTE DER PHYSIK/PROGRESS OF PHYSICS, Issue 2-3 2004J.C. Plefka Abstract These lectures give an introduction to the novel duality relating type IIB string theory in a maximally supersymmetric plane-wave background to ,, = 4, d = 4, U(N) super Yang-Mills theory in a particular large N and large R-charge limit due to Berenstein, Maldacena and Nastase. In the first part of these lectures the duality is derived from the AdS/CFT correspondence by taking a Penrose limit of the AdS5 × S5 geometry and studying the corresponding double-scaling limit on the gauge theory side. The resulting free plane-wave superstring is then quantized in light-cone gauge. On the gauge theory side of the correspondence the composite super Yang-Mills operators dual to string excitations are identified, and it is shown how the string spectrum can be mapped to the planar scaling dimensions of these operators. In the second part of these lectures we study the correspondence at the interacting respectively non-planar level. On the gauge theory side it is demonstrated that the large N large R-charge limit in question preserves contributions from Feynman graphs of all genera through the emergence of a new genus counting parameter , in agreement with the string genus expansion for non-zero gs. Effective quantum mechanical tools to compute higher genus contributions to the scaling dimensions of composite operators are developed and explicitly applied in a genus one computation. We then turn to the interacting string theory side and give an elementary introduction into light-cone superstring field theory in a plane-wave background and point out how the genus one prediction from gauge theory can be reproduced. Finally, we summarize the present status of the plane-wave string/gauge theory duality. [source] Gastrointestinal, selective airways and urinary bladder relaxant effects of Hyoscyamus niger are mediated through dual blockade of muscarinic receptors and Ca2+ channelsFUNDAMENTAL & CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 1 2008Anwarul Hassan Gilani Abstract This study describes the spasmolytic, antidiarrhoeal, antisecretory, bronchodilatory and urinary bladder relaxant properties of Hyoscyamus niger to rationalize some of its medicinal uses. The crude extract of H. niger seeds (Hn.Cr) caused a complete concentration-dependent relaxation of spontaneous contractions of rabbit jejunum, similar to that caused by verapamil, whereas atropine produced partial inhibition. Hn.Cr inhibited contractions induced by carbachol (1 ,m) and K+ (80 mm) in a pattern similar to that of dicyclomine, but different from verapamil and atropine. Hn.Cr shifted the Ca2+ concentration,response curves to the right, similar to that caused by verapamil and dicyclomine, suggesting a Ca2+ channel-blocking mechanism in addition to an anticholinergic effect. In the guinea-pig ileum, Hn.Cr produced a rightward parallel shift of the acetylcholine curves, followed by a non-parallel shift with suppression of the maximum response at a higher concentration, similar to that caused by dicyclomine, but different from that of verapamil and atropine. Hn.Cr exhibited antidiarrhoeal and antisecretory effects against castor oil-induced diarrhoea and intestinal fluid accumulation in mice. In guinea-pig trachea and rabbit urinary bladder tissues, Hn.Cr caused relaxation of carbachol (1 ,m) and K+ (80 mm) induced contractions at around 10 and 25 times lower concentrations than in gut, respectively, and shifted carbachol curves to the right. Only the organic fractions of the extract had a Ca2+ antagonist effect, whereas both organic and aqueous fractions had anticholinergic effect. A constituent, ,-sitosterol exhibited Ca2+ channel-blocking action. These results suggest that the antispasmodic effect of H. niger is mediated through a combination of anticholinergic and Ca2+ antagonist mechanisms. The relaxant effects of Hn.Cr occur at much lower concentrations in the trachea and bladder. This study offers explanations for the medicinal use of H. niger in treating gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders and bladder hyperactivity. [source] Transgenic mice expressing a dual, CRE-inducible reporter for the analysis of axon guidance and synaptogenesis,GENESIS: THE JOURNAL OF GENETICS AND DEVELOPMENT, Issue 6 2007Aurora Badaloni Abstract Improved and modular tools are needed for the neuroanatomical dissection of CNS axonal tracts, and to study the cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic cues that govern their assembly and plasticity. Here we describe a general purpose transgenic tracer that can be used to visualize axonal tracts and synaptic terminals in any region of the embryonic neural tube or postnatal CNS, on any wild type or mutant genetic background. The construct permits CRE-inducible expression of a dicistronic axonal marker encoding two surface reporter proteins: a farnesylated GFP and the human Placental Alkaline Phosphatase (PLAP). Both proteins localize alongside the neuronal surface, permitting the concomitant detection of cell body, neurites, and presynaptic and postsynaptic sites in the same neuron. This provides a CRE-inducible dual system for imaging neural circuits in vivo, and to study their assembly and remodeling in cultured neurons, neural stem cells, and tissue explants derived from the reporter line. Unlike existing lines, this reporter does not encode a ubiquitously expressed, floxable LacZ gene, permitting the simultaneous analysis of beta galactosidase activity in mutant lines. genesis 45:405,412, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Primary care in the UK: understanding the dynamics of devolutionHEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY, Issue 5 2001Mark Exworthy Abstract The United Kingdom is ostensibly one country and yet public policy often varies between its constituent territories , England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Health policy illustrates the dilemmas inherent in an apparently unitary system that permits scope for territorial variation. Administrative devolution has now been accompanied by political devolution but their interaction has yet to produce policy outcomes. This paper describes recent health policy reform with regard to primary care in terms of the tension inherent in current policy between notions of a ,one nation NHS' and the territorial diversity wrought by devolution. The paper provides a framework for understanding the emergent outcomes by exploring various concepts. In particular, the existing character of territorial policy networks, the properties of policies in devolved territories and intergovernmental relations are considered from various disciplines to examine whether greater diversity or uniformity will result from the dual reform process. Whilst this evaluation can, at this stage, only be preliminary, the paper provides a framework to appraise the emerging impact of devolution upon primary care in the UK. [source] Prevalence of drug resistance and importance of viral load measurements in Honduran HIV-infected patients failing antiretroviral treatmentHIV MEDICINE, Issue 2 2010W Murillo Objective The Honduran HIV/AIDS Program began to scale up access to HIV therapy in 2002. Up to May 2008, more than 6000 patients received combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). As HIV drug resistance is the major obstacle for effective treatment, the purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of antiretroviral drug resistance in Honduran HIV-1-infected individuals. Methods We collected samples from 138 individuals (97 adults and 41 children) on cART with virological, immunological or clinical signs of treatment failure. HIV-1 pol sequences were obtained using an in-house method. Resistance mutations were identified according to the 2007 International AIDS Society (IAS)-USA list and predicted susceptibility to cART was scored using the anrs algorithm. Results Resistance mutations were detected in 112 patients (81%), 74% in adults and 98% in children. Triple-, dual- and single-class drug resistance was documented in 27%, 43% and 11% of the study subjects, respectively. Multiple logistic regression showed that resistance was independently associated with type of treatment failure [virological failure (odds ratio (OR)=1) vs. immunological failure (OR=0.11; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.030,0.43) vs. clinical failure (OR=0.037; 95% CI 0.0063,0.22)], route of transmission (OR=42.8; 95% CI 3.73,491), and years on therapy (OR=1.81; 95% CI 1.11,2.93). Conclusion The prevalence of antiretroviral resistance was high in Honduran HIV-infected patients with signs of treatment failure. A majority of study subjects showed dual- or triple-class resistance to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and protease inhibitors. Virologically defined treatment failure was a strong predictor of resistance, indicating that viral load testing is needed to correctly identify patients with treatment failure attributable to resistance. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||