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General Terms (general + term)
Selected AbstractsTissue-engineered tear secretory system: Functional lacrimal gland acinar cells cultured on matrix protein-coated substrataJOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH, Issue 1 2007Shivaram Selvam Abstract Dry eye is a general term that refers to a myriad of ophthalmic disorders resulting in the inadequate wetting of the corneal surface by the tear film. Dry eyes are typically treated by the application of artificial tears. However, patients with lacrimal insufficiencies such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, chemical and thermal injuries, or ocular cicatricial pemphigoid have very limited options because of the short duration and action of lubricating agents. As a therapeutic strategy, we are working to develop a bioengineered tear secretory system for such patients. This article describes the growth and physiological properties of purified rabbit lacrimal gland acinar cells (pLGACs) on several matrix protein-coated polymers such as silicone, collagen I, copolymers of poly- D,L -lactide- co -glycolide (PLGA; 85:15 and 50:50), poly- L -lactic acid (PLLA), and Thermanox® plastic cell culture coverslips. Monolayers of acinar cells were established on all of the polymeric substrata. An assay of ,-hexosaminidase activity in the supernatant medium showed significant increases in protein secretion, following stimulation with 100 ,M carbachol on matrix protein-coated and uncoated polymers such as silicone, PLGA 85:15, and PLLA. Our study demonstrates that PLLA supported the morphological and physiological properties of purified rabbit lacrimal gland epithelial cells more successfully than the others. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2007 [source] Gene,environment interplay and psychopathology: multiple varieties but real effectsTHE JOURNAL OF CHILD PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY AND ALLIED DISCIPLINES, Issue 3-4 2006Michael Rutter Gene,environment interplay is a general term that covers several divergent concepts with different meanings and different implications. In this review, we evaluate research evidence on four varieties of gene,environment interplay. First, we consider epigenetic mechanisms by which environmental influences alter the effects of genes. Second, we focus on variations in heritability according to environmental circumstances. Third, we discuss what is known about gene,environment correlations. Finally, we assess concepts and findings on the interaction between specific identified genes and specific measured environmental risks. In order to provide an understanding of what may be involved in gene,environment interplay, we begin our presentation with a brief historical review of prevailing views about the role of genetic and environmental factors in the causation of mental disorders, and we provide a simplified account of some of the key features of how genes ,work'. [source] An Algorithmic Framework for Specifying the Semantics of Discourse RelationsCOMPUTATIONAL INTELLIGENCE, Issue 4 2000Alistair Knott In this paper, a new framework is proposed for defining the semantics of discourse relations and for defining the semantics of the utterances that relations link together. The proposal is to define relations in terms of the operation of an algorithm simulating the mental state of an agent interacting with the world. The algorithm interleaves perception, theorem proving, and action: The denotation of a complex utterance containing a relation between two simpler utterances is taken to be the description of the operation of the algorithm during the time interval identified by their Reichenbachian reference times. This proposal is presented in detail for two discourse relations. Its potential application in the treatment of mood, tense, aspect, and dialogue structure is also discussed in very general terms. [source] The New Basel Capital Adequacy FrameworkECONOMIC NOTES, Issue 3 2001Giovanni Carosio The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision is about to publish a second consultative paper on the reform of the 1988 Accord on capital adequacy. The new document takes into account the comments received on the June 1999 consultative paper, gives a much clearer picture of crucial aspects of the reform that were only presented in very general terms in the earlier paper, and quantifies most of the parameters that will be needed to calculate the capital requirements. Although considerable progress has been made towards reaching operational status, several aspects of the regulation still need to be worked out and further reflection is needed on the best way to tackle some of the more problematic issues that have been identified. Comments, suggestions, criticisms such as today's seminar will certainly provide, are therefore most welcome. There will be time to take them into consideration, as the final draft of the regulation will not be completed before the end of 2001. My presentation is divided into three parts: I first illustrate the objectives of the reform, then describe the essential features of the new regulation, and finally discuss the possible impacts of its implementation. (J.E.L. G21, G28). [source] The issue of gender within computing: reflections from the UK and ScandinaviaINFORMATION SYSTEMS JOURNAL, Issue 2 2001Maxine Robertson Abstract. Thispaper explores some of the reasons that may underlie the gender segregation and declining levels of female participation within the field of computing in Europe during the 1990s in both the professional (industrial) and academic spheres. The interrelationships between three areas , communicative processes, social networks and legitimizing claims to knowledge overlaid by gendered-power relations , are used to analyse and explain the existing situation. The paper draws upon statistical data to explore the extent of gender segregation and then focuses on the authors' own experiences within the UK and Scandinavia in order to explore some of the underlying causes. While direct discrimination does still occur, the paper suggests that indirect, deep-rooted discrimination is the major reason for the situation that currently exists. Drawing upon our own experiences in academia and business and acknowledging the importance of the institutional context, the paper offers a number of recommendations as to how the current situation may be improved. We suggest first that consideration is given to the pedagogical design and marketing of computing courses so that individuals are initially attracted to computing from far more diverse backgrounds, approaches and interests than at present. Second, we suggest that those with influence in the field reflect upon the constitution and behaviours of the informal networks in which they are involved and seek to include female researchers more actively here. Finally we suggest that consideration is given in more general terms to how the field may become more gender neutral and, thus, more inclusive in the future. Masculine discourses and ,hard' skills have dominated within computing for too long and contribute significantly to the declining participation of women within computing. [source] Calm seas or troubled waters?INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF APPLIED LINGUISTICS, Issue 3 2005Transitions, definitions, disagreements in applied linguistics This article advances the position that an apparent current consensus over the nature and scope of applied linguistics is illusory. It is achieved only when definitions of the discipline are couched in the most general terms. When the details of theories are specified, we find fundamental differences of opinion both within applied linguistics and with linguistics. In the first part, the article reflects upon the history of applied linguistics, characterising it as falling into three periods. The second part presents a view of radical ideas in the third of these periods, focusing upon recent applied linguistic work in three areas: describing languages and defining speakers; modularity, modality and relativity; science, authority and action. Some work in these areas challenges fundamental linguistic as well as more conservative applied linguistic orthodoxies such as: the comparability of languages, the centrality of the native speaker, linguistic modularity and universalism, description without prescription, and the unique authority of science. [source] Ethnic skin types: are there differences in skin structure and function?,INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COSMETIC SCIENCE, Issue 2 2006A. V. Rawlings Synopsis People of skin of colour comprise the majority of the world's population and Asian subjects comprise more than half of the total population of the earth. Even so, the literature on the characteristics of the subjects with skin of colour is limited. Several groups over the past decades have attempted to decipher the underlying differences in skin structure and function in different ethnic skin types. However, most of these studies have been of small scale and in some studies interindividual differences in skin quality overwhelm any racial differences. There has been a recent call for more studies to address genetic together with phenotypic differences among different racial groups and in this respect several large-scale studies have been conducted recently. The most obvious ethnic skin difference relates to skin colour which is dominated by the presence of melanin. The photoprotection derived from this polymer influences the rate of the skin aging changes between the different racial groups. However, all racial groups are eventually subjected to the photoaging process. Generally Caucasians have an earlier onset and greater skin wrinkling and sagging signs than other skin types and in general increased pigmentary problems are seen in skin of colour although one large study reported that East Asians living in the U.S.A. had the least pigment spots. Induction of a hyperpigmentary response is thought to be through signaling by the protease-activated receptor-2 which together with its activating protease is increased in the epidermis of subjects with skin of colour. Changes in skin biophysical properties with age demonstrate that the more darkly pigmented subjects retaining younger skin properties compared with the more lightly pigmented groups. However, despite having a more compact stratum corneum (SC) there are conflicting reports on barrier function in these subjects. Nevertheless, upon a chemical or mechanical challenge the SC barrier function is reported to be stronger in subjects with darker skin despite having the reported lowest ceramide levels. One has to remember that barrier function relates to the total architecture of the SC and not just its lipid levels. Asian skin is reported to possess a similar basal transepidermal water loss (TEWL) to Caucasian skin and similar ceramide levels but upon mechanical challenge it has the weakest barrier function. Differences in intercellular cohesion are obviously apparent. In contrast reduced SC natural moisturizing factor levels have been reported compared with Caucasian and African American skin. These differences will contribute to differences in desquamation but few data are available. One recent study has shown reduced epidermal Cathepsin L2 levels in darker skin types which if also occurs in the SC could contribute to the known skin ashing problems these subjects experience. In very general terms as the desquamatory enzymes are extruded with the lamellar granules subjects with lowered SC lipid levels are expected to have lowered desquamatory enzyme levels. Increased pores size, sebum secretion and skin surface microflora occur in Negroid subjects. Equally increased mast cell granule size occurs in these subjects. The frequency of skin sensitivity is quite similar across different racial groups but the stimuli for its induction shows subtle differences. Nevertheless, several studies indicate that Asian skin maybe more sensitive to exogenous chemicals probably due to a thinner SC and higher eccrine gland density. In conclusion, we know more of the biophysical and somatosensory characteristics of ethnic skin types but clearly, there is still more to learn and especially about the inherent underlying biological differences in ethnic skin types. Résumé, Les gens qui ont une peau de couleur représentent la majorité de la population mondiale et les sujets asiatiques en représentent plus de la moitié. Pourtant la littérature consacrée aux caractéristiques de ces sujets est limitée. Plusieurs groupes de travail ont essayé au cours des dernières années de comprendre les différences sous-jacentes de la structure et de la fonction de la peau de différentes ethnies. Maisla plupart de ces études ont été réalisées à petite échelle et dans certains cas les différences observées entre les individus au niveau de la qualité de la peau ne font pas ressortir de différence entre races. Récemment, un besoin d'études reliant les diffèrences génétiques et phénotypiques entre différents groupes raciaux s'est fait sentir et de ce fait beaucoup d'études à grande èchelle ont été entreprises. La différence la plus évidente, entre les peaux ethniques, est leur couleur liée à la présence de la mélanine. La photoprotection induite par ce polymère influence le taux de vieillissement de la peau entre les différents groupes raciaux qui finalement sont tous sujets au processus de photovieillissement. Généralement, les caucasiens ont des signes plus précoces et plus importants de formation de rides et de relâchement de la peau; en général, les problèmes d'augmentation de la pigmentation sont observés sur les peaux de couleur, bien qu'une grande étude ait rapporté que des sujets originaires de l'Asie de l'Est vivant aux U.S.A. avaient le moins de taches pigmentaires. On pense que la réponse d'une induction hyperpigmentaire est due à un signal envoyé par le récepteur 2 activé par une protéase. Le récepteur 2 augmente en même temps que la protéase activatrice dans l'épiderme des sujets ayant une peau de couleur. Les changements dans les propriètés biophysiques de la peau en fonction de l'âge montrent que les sujets qui ont la pigmentation la plus sombre gardent une peau plus jeune par comparaison aux groupes qui possèdent une pigmentation moins forte. Toutefois, bien qu'ayant un stratum corneum plus compact, il existe des rapports divergents sur la fonction barrière de ces sujets. Dans le cas d'agression chimique ou mécanique, la fonction barrière du stratum corneum est considérée plus forte chez les sujets à peau plus foncée, malgré leurs taux plus faibles encéramide. On doit garder à l'esprit que la fonction barrière du stratum corneum dépend de toute son architecture et pas seulement de sa teneur en lipides. On considère que la peau asiatique à unePIE (TEWL) basale similaire à la peau caucasienne, ainsi que des taux en céramides comparables, mais on constate que dans le cas d'agression mécanique, elle possède un effet barrière le plus faible. Des différences dans la cohésion intercellulaire sont évidentes. A contrario, on a mis en évidence des taux d'hydratation (NMF) plus faibles dans son stratum corneum, comparativement à la peau caucasienne et afro-américaine. Ces différences expliquent les variations au niveau de la desquamation, mais on a très peu de données sur ce sujet. Une étude récente a mis en évidence des taux réduits de Cathepsin L2 dans l'épiderme des types de peau plus sombre, ce qui, si cela se produisait dans le stratum corneum, expliquerait les problèmes biens connus de cendrage de la peau que ces sujets connaissent. En terme très gènéral, étant donné que les enzymes liées à la desquamation sont libérées avec les granules lamellaires, on s'attend à ce que les sujets ayant des taux de lipides faibles dans le stratum corneum aient des taux d'enzymes liés à la desquamation faibles. On constate chez les sujets noirs une augmentation de la taille des pores, de la sécrétion du sébum et de la microflore cutanée. On observe également chez ces sujets une augmentation de la taille des granules mastocellulaires. Le phénomène de peau sensible se retrouve à une fréquence similaire dans les différents groupes raciaux, mais il existe des différences subtiles dans lesstimuli nécessaires pour l'induire. En tout cas, plusieurs études montrent que la peau asiatique est peut-être plus sensible aux produits chimiques exogènes, ce qui probablement est dûà un stratum corneum plus mince et à une densité de glandes eccrines plus élevées. En conclusion, c'est sur les caractéristiques biophysiques et somato-sensorielles des différents types de peaux ethniques que nous en savons plus, mais il est clair qu'il nous reste à comprendre encore beaucoup de choses principalement sur leurs différences biologiques. [source] Sympathy reconfi gured: Some reflections on sympathy, empathy and the discovery of valuesTHE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PSYCHOANALYSIS, Issue 3 2004David M. Black Two words, sympathy and empathy, are commonly used to describe three distinguishable things. These are: i) an elementary, involuntary capacity which puts us in touch with the emotional state of another; ii) the use of ,trial identification' to discover, consciously or unconsciously, the emotional state of another; iii) the affect of compassion. Because these three usages have not been clearly sorted out, and because the word sympathy has been disparaged, empathy has been overused, and a variety of technical terms (including intersubjectivity, recurrent primary identification, projective identification, alpha function etc.), all of which have important specialised applications, have been used confusingly to describe functions at a much higher level of generality. This paper attempts to sort out the three meanings with reference to the history of the two words, and also to show that the use of clear general terms gives us a more intelligible linguistic base from which other matters can be considered: in particular, whether an origin can be discerned for judgements of value other than that of superego internalisation. [source] | |||||||||||||