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Better Approach (good + approach)
Selected AbstractsPreserving , Cells in Type 1 Diabetes mellitus: the role of immunological toleranceDRUG DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH, Issue 3 2008Stanley R. Pillemer Abstract Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is characterized by an autoimmune attack on beta cells of the islets of Langerhans. This immunological attack is mediated by effector T-lymphocytes and results in the destruction of the , cells. One approach to abrogating the immunological attack is to use immunosuppressive treatments. Such treatments tend to broadly suppress the immune system. A better approach is to develop treatments that induce tolerance. Autoimmune diseases are associated with the presence of inadequate numbers of functionally active regulatory T cells (Tregs). Tregs can induce a state of immunological tolerance and suppress the inflammation and destruction of target tissues. Teplizumab, also known as hOKT3,1 (Ala-Ala), is a humanized monoclonal antibody that induces Tregs. In clinical trials, treatment with this antibody preserved insulin production and improved metabolic control during the first year of T1DM. A pivotal multinational trial is in progress to determine the efficacy and safety of teplizumab in the treatment of new onset T1DM. Drug Dev Res 69:153,157, 2008. ©2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Equal Channel Angular Pressing of a Mg,3Al,1Zn Alloy with Back Pressure,ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 8 2010Feng Kang Abstract An extruded Mg,3Al,1Zn alloy bar is subjected to 1,4 passes equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) with or without 125,MPa backpressure via route Bc at 200,°C. Both strength and ductility are significantly increased after ECAP with backpressure; this is in strong contrast to the case of ECAP without backpressure, where significant improvement in ductility is accompanied by obvious decrease in yield strength from texture softening. Compared to ECAP without backpressure, much enhanced grain refinement, and the split of the dominant texture component of (0002) pole were observed with scatter intensity peaks in the case after ECAP with backpressure. This turns out to be resulted mainly from the activation of new slip system together with enhanced dynamic recrystallization under the effect of backpressure. The improvement of both strength and ductility in Mg,3Al,1Zn alloy through ECAP with back pressure provides a better approach to meet the engineering requests on comprehensive performance of this light alloy. [source] Efficacy of splenectomy for hypersplenic patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinomaHEPATOLOGY RESEARCH, Issue 12 2008Masashi Hirooka Aim:, Chemotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with hypersplenism is generally unsatisfactory, as a lower-dose therapy is usually administered. Splenectomy may represent a better approach to overcoming the complication due to hypersplenism in patients with advanced HCC. This retrospective study was conducted to evaluate whether HCC patients who undergo splenectomy show improved prognosis. Methods:, We examined 34 HCC patients. Twenty-two had thrombocytopenia and/or leucopenia and underwent laparoscopic splenectomy. The completion rate of full-dose drug regimens, the response rate, the toxicity of chemotherapy and the cumulative survival rate were compared between the splenectomy and non-splenectomy groups. Results:, The response rate and the cumulative survival rate in the splenectomy group were significantly better than that in the non-splenectomy group. Conclusions:, Splenectomy is an efficient method for advanced HCC patients with hypersplenism treated by chemotherapy. [source] Study on the degeneration of quadrilateral element to triangular elementINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING, Issue 9 2004L.-X. Li Abstract In this paper, the problems involved in the process of degeneration of quadrilateral element into triangular element are thoroughly analysed. The contents include the formulation of the geometry mapping induced by collapsing one side of the quadrilateral element and the construction of the shape functions. The study focuses first on a 4-node bilinear quadrilateral (Q4) element to 3-node constant strain triangular (CST) element, and then on a 8-node serendipity (Q8) element to 6-node triangular element (T6). In the analysis, the quadrilateral element and degenerate triangular element are assumed to be enclosed by straight edges. The theoretical results show that there is another better approach to realize the degeneration, and that even for conventional approach of degeneration we can give more reasonable explanation to the unclear problems like the CST property in degenerate CST element and the necessity of the additional terms in degenerate T6 element. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Prediction, potential and control of plume from wet cooling tower of commercial buildings in Hong Kong: A case studyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH, Issue 8 2007S. K. Tyagi Abstract This paper presents a case study of the prediction, potential and control of plume in wet cooling towers from a huge commercial building in Hong Kong based on the weather data available for a particular year. The power input is found to be lower and the coefficient of performance (COP) moderate when all the 10 towers with low speed are in use, while it is found to be reverse when there are five towers, especially, three low and two high-speed towers are used. It is also found that the combined heating and cooling option can be a better approach than that of the heating option alone from the point of view of thermodynamics as well as from the point of view of economics. The COP of the chillers increases from 6.01 to 7.09 when the number of cooling towers increases from five to ten. On the other hand, the power consumption first decreases and then increases which is mainly due to the increment in the consumption of fan power from 270 to 900 kW for both options. The overall power consumption decreases slightly for the combined heating and cooling option, while in the heating option, the overall power consumption increases slightly. However, it is observed that a proper operation of cooling towers is an effective means to control and/or at least reduce the potential of visible plume generated by wet cooling towers at the existing chilling plant design for this particular building. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The standard of neutrality: still flapping in the breeze?JOURNAL OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY, Issue 7 2010S. R. PROULX Abstract Neutrality plays an important role as a null model in evolutionary biology. Recent theoretical advances suggest that neutrality is not a unitary concept, and we identify three distinct forms of neutrality. Eu-neutrality means that types do not differ in any measurable way and is thus the idealized form of neutrality. However, individuals or species that do differ in important ways can behave neutrally under some circumstances, both broadening and complicating the applicability of the concept of neutrality. Our second two types of neutrality address two quite different forms of context-dependent neutrality. Circum-neutrality means that two character states have the same direct effect on fitness but do not evolve neutrally because of differences in their circumstances. Iso-neutrality means that two types are equivalent in some population or ecological contexts but not in others, producing an isocline. Confounding of these different definitions has created significant confusion about which models are truly neutral, why some models behave neutrally even when there are large differences in reproductive outputs, and what these different views of neutrality mean to practicing biologists. These complications call into question the acceptance of neutral models as null models and suggest that a better approach is to compare the predictions of models that differ in sources of stochasticity and degree of selection. [source] COMPARISON OF METHODS FOR ANALYZING REPLICATED PREFERENCE TESTSJOURNAL OF SENSORY STUDIES, Issue 6 2005CHUN-YEN CHANG COCHRANE ABSTRACT Preference testing is commonly used in consumer sensory evaluation. Traditionally, it is done without replication, effectively leading to a single 0/1 (binary) measurement on each panelist. However, to understand the nature of the preference, replicated preference tests are a better approach, resulting in binomial counts of preferences on each panelist. Variability among panelists then leads to overdispersion of the counts when the binomial model is used and to an inflated Type I error rate for statistical tests of preference. Overdispersion can be adjusted by Pearson correction or by other models such as correlated binomial or beta-binomial. Several methods are suggested or reviewed in this study for analyzing replicated preference tests and their Type I error rates and power are compared. Simulation studies show that all methods have reasonable Type I error rates and similar power. Among them, the binomial model with Pearson adjustment is probably the safest way to analyze replicated preference tests, while a normal model in which the binomial distribution is not assumed is the easiest. [source] Equity in Toxic Tort Litigation: Unjust Enrichment and the Poor,LAW & POLICY, Issue 2 2004ALLAN KANNER This paper proposes to explore the current and prospective role of equitable theories and remedies in toxic tort litigation. The argument is for an unjust enrichment remedy in certain property pollution cases. The idea is to remove the monetary incentive for polluting economically depressed areas. Two specific areas of investigation come immediately to mind. First, courts have already embraced equitable remedies to address pollution damages. Under Ayers and its progeny, many states have allowed the equitable remedy medical monitoring. What is important to understand is how legal relief for increased risk claims would have been inadequate and also the propriety of finding an equitable approach. Second, moving from personal injury to real property damage claims, we see a similar opportunity for use of equitable relief under an unjust enrichment theory. Currently, there is much debate about the propriety of restoration damages as opposed to fair market value (FMV) damages for the landowners whose property is damaged by the pollution of another. Each approach has various strengths and weaknesses. A better approach might be to use unjust enrichment on a law and economics basis as a remedy to force polluters to internalize the cost of pollution. For instance, take a polluter who pollutes the neighboring environs in lieu of paying one million dollars in disposal and storage costs. Assume the neighboring properties are only worth three hundred thousand dollars on a FMV approach. Assume further that restoration costs are ten million dollars, but that the relevant government agency would accept a natural attenuation clean-up approach. How should the remedy be set, and should one consider allowing a de facto pollution easement? [source] What Research Tells Us About the Intersecting Streams of Homelessness and Foster CareAMERICAN JOURNAL OF ORTHOPSYCHIATRY, Issue 3 2009Cheryl Zlotnick RN This paper reviews mourning evidence linking foster care and homelessness and considers new approaches for intervention. Although there is no causal evidence that family homelessness leads to foster care or vice versa, the association no longer originates solely from samples of homeless people, but also from samples of people with childhood histories of foster care. Many programs work with families, children or youth based on their current living situations and limits imposed by funders. This results in discontinued services when the living situations change. Given the strong and consistent associations between homelessness and foster care, a better approach is to design programs that work with transient families regardless of their living situation. Parenting is key. Whether the parents arc living with their children in homeless circumstances or arc formerly homeless parents working to reunify with their children, coordinated, comprehensive, trauma-informed and family focused programs are needed to support parenting and family stability. [source] Partial Utilitarianism as a suggested ethical framework for evaluating corporate mergers and acquisitionsBUSINESS ETHICS: A EUROPEAN REVIEW, Issue 4 2010Nick Collett Prior literature on ethical concerns in mergers and acquisitions (M&As) has often concluded that many stakeholders, such as workers and communities, have unjustly suffered as a result of takeovers and associated defences and that their rights as stakeholders have been violated. However, very few papers provide any guidance on how to evaluate a merger or acquisition from an ethical standpoint. This study looks at how ethical frameworks could be used to assess the ethical impact of a merger or acquisition and gives practical guidance. It is proposed that decision makers should consider the impact on four stakeholder groups: shareholders, employees, customers and directors. We call the proposed method for doing this Partial Utilitarian analysis. We suggest two possible ways of applying the Partial Utilitarian analysis. One approach could rely on the evidence from a sample of recent deals. For this, empirical analysis is conducted on a sample of large M&As in the United Kingdom in the period 1993,2003. Alternatively, a better approach, requiring considerable management time, requires forecasting of the economic impact on the four groups of stakeholders. The paper shows how to do this. [source] Analysis of vitamin D-regulated gene expression in LNCaP human prostate cancer cells using cDNA microarraysTHE PROSTATE, Issue 3 2004Aruna V. Krishnan Abstract BACKGROUND 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] exerts growth inhibitory, pro-differentiating, and pro-apoptotic effects on prostate cells. To better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying these actions, we employed cDNA microarrays to study 1,25(OH)2D3 -regulated gene expression in the LNCaP human prostate cancer cells. METHODS mRNA isolated from LNCaP cells treated with vehicle or 50 nM 1,25(OH)2D3 for various lengths of time were hybridized to microarrays carrying approximately 23,000 genes. Some of the putative target genes revealed by the microarray analysis were verified by real-time PCR assays. RESULTS 1,25(OH)2D3 most substantially increased the expression of the insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) gene. Our analysis also revealed several novel 1,25(OH)2D3 -responsive genes. Interestingly, some of the key genes regulated by 1,25(OH)2D3 are also androgen-responsive genes. 1,25(OH)2D3 also down-regulated genes that mediate androgen catabolism. CONCLUSIONS The putative 1,25(OH)2D3 target genes appear to be involved in a variety of cellular functions including growth regulation, differentiation, membrane transport, cell,cell and cell,matrix interactions, DNA repair, and inhibition of metastasis. The up-regulation of IGFBP-3 gene has been shown to be crucial in 1,25(OH)2D3 -mediated inhibition of LNCaP cell growth. 1,25(OH)2D3 regulation of androgen-responsive genes as well as genes involved in androgen catabolism suggests that there are interactions between 1,25(OH)2D3 and androgen signaling pathways in LNCaP cells. Further studies on the role of these genes and others in mediating the anti-cancer effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 may lead to better approaches to the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Experiences with a group intervention for adolescents with type 1 diabetes and their parentsEUROPEAN DIABETES NURSING, Issue 1 2008RN Løding RN Registered Nurse Abstract Background: Increased adolescent-parent engagement in diabetes-related tasks appears to decrease diabetes-related family conflict. Group intervention may be a good approach when caring for adolescents with chronic conditions, including diabetes. Aim: This article aims to describe how group intervention may be useful in the treatment of adolescents with type 1 diabetes. When these children enter puberty and become adolescents, it can become difficult. In many cases, family-related conflict has a negative impact on an adolescent's blood sugar levels and self-care behaviour. Method: 19 adolescents (age 13,17 years) and their parents participated in group intervention. Families were recruited from outpatient clinics in two centres in Middle-Norway. Separate groups met once a month for 1 year. All adolescents and parents completed a battery of self-report measures. In addition, HbA1c values were obtained five times from the adolescents' medical records. Results: In terms of metabolic control there was a significant decrease in HbA1c values in the girls studied. In adolescents of both sexes, the process of deterioration was stopped. Conclusion: The development of efficient interventions for this group of patients is highly needed. Our intervention was peer-oriented and psycho-educative. Although the sample size in this study was small, one may still consider that group intervention may improve parent-adolescent relationships. Results from the study also demonstrate that group intervention may improve metabolic control in girls, without deterioration in health-related quality-of-life. Copyright © 2008 FEND [source] Characteristics of Solution-Processed Small-Molecule Organic Films and Light-Emitting Diodes Compared with their Vacuum-Deposited CounterpartsADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 10 2009Tae-Woo Lee Abstract Although significant progress has been made in the development of vacuum-deposited small-molecule organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), one of the most desired research goals is still to produce flexible displays by low-cost solution processing. The development of solution-processed OLEDs based on small molecules could potentially be a good approach but no intensive studies on this topic have been conducted so far. To fabricate high-performance devices based on solution-processed small molecules, the underlying nature of the produced films and devices must be elucidated. Here, the distinctive characteristics of solution-processed small-molecule films and devices compared to their vacuum-deposited counterparts are reported. Solution-processed blue OLEDs show a very high luminous efficiency (of about 8.9,cd A,1) despite their simplified structure. A better hole-blocking and electron-transporting layer is essential for achieving high-efficiency solution-processed devices because the solution-processed emitting layer gives the devices a better hole-transporting capability and more electron traps than the vacuum-deposited layer. It is found that the lower density of the solution-processed films (compared to the vacuum-deposited films) can be a major cause for the short lifetimes observed for the corresponding devices. [source] Gonadogenesis in early developmental stages of Acipenser naccarii and influence of estrogen immersion on feminizationJOURNAL OF APPLIED ICHTHYOLOGY, Issue 1 2007G. Grandi Summary Gonad development processes and the effects of a single 8-hour immersion treatment with 17, -estradiol (E2, 400 ,g L,1) on sex differentation in the Adriatic sturgeon, Acipenser naccarii, were investigated. After migration of germ cells, gonadal ridges appeared in 16- to 18-day old larvae and undifferentiated gonads in 55- to 60-day old larvae. Putative ovaries with notches in the germinal epithelium and presumed testes with smooth germinal epithelium appeared in 180,185-day old juveniles. Ovaries with proliferating oogonia and early meiotic oocytes clusters were observed in 292-day old juveniles. Testes did not exhibit germ cell mitosis until 430 days of age. Developmental stages in E2 -treated animals closely followed those of controls up to 430 days. The treatment significantly increased the percentage of ovaries when administered to embryos about 1.5 day before hatching, while did not significantly altered the normal 1/1 sex ratio when administered to 1.5-day old pre-larvae and 10-day old larvae. It is likely that in A. naccarii exogenous E2 administration may act through a feedback mechanism of self-supporting steroid production and that steroids are the physiological inducers of sex differentiation, as in most teleosts. The E2 -immersion treatment, easier than time-consuming administration through food, could be a good approach to control sex differentiation and caviar production. [source] Learning microsurgical suturing and knotting techniques: comparative dataMICROSURGERY, Issue 1 2006D.Sc., Istvan Furka M.D., Ph.D. Correctly performed surgical sutures are the basis of surgical safety. This retrospective survey was conducted among participants (n = 263) taking graduate and postgraduate courses between 2000,2004. Placement of sutures, time to perform knotting, safety of knots, and quality of knot stability were tested. None of the students had been previously instructed in microsurgical techniques. At the beginning of the training program, 90,95% of participants damaged the suturing thread at several places. By the end of the course, knotting times significantly decreased in both groups. Graduates decreased their time from 6.8 ± 2.34 min to 3.28 ± 0.71 min (mean ± standard error of the mean), and postgraduates decreased their time from 5.02 ± 3.25 min to 1.54 ± 0.54 min (mean ± standard error of the mean). In our opinion, "mass training" to teach the basics of microsurgery is not a good approach. Instead, individual training should be provided, as tutors offer invaluable advice, and adjust almost each stitch and knot during teaching sessions. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 26: 4,7, 2006. [source] High-resolution Melting Facilitates Mutation Screening of PYGM in Patients with McArdle DiseaseANNALS OF HUMAN GENETICS, Issue 3 2009Morten Duno Summary Mutations in PYGM, encoding the muscle-specific glycogen phosphorylase (myophosphorylase), are responsible for McArdle disease. Among Caucasians, a large proportion of patients are homozygous for the R50X mutation, but other mutations can affect all the 20 exons of PYGM, making mutation detection laborious. We have developed a high-resolution melting (HRM) assay for mutation detection in PYGM. Twelve McArdle patients were investigated, in whom pre-screening had ruled out homozygosity or compound heterozygosity for the two common G205S and R50X mutations. In total, we identified 16 different variations. Thirteen of these are pathogenic, and three were classified as polymorphisms. Nine variations had not previously been described. One of the novel mutations, c.2430C > T, was initially predicted to result in a silent G810G change, but cDNA analysis demonstrated that the mutation led to abnormal mRNA processing. The HRM protocol reduced the need for direct sequencing by approximately 85%, and is a good approach to search for new mutations in PYGM. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||