Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Invaluable
Terms modified by Invaluable Selected AbstractsCharacterization of Bves expression during mouse development using newly generated immunoreagentsDEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 6 2006Travis K. Smith Abstract Bves (blood vessel/epicardial substance) is a transmembrane protein postulated to play a role in cell,cell interaction/adhesion. It was independently isolated by two groups as a gene product highly enriched in the developing heart. Disagreement exists about its expression during development. Most notably, the expression of Bves in non-muscle cells is disputed. Determining the expression profile of Bves is a critical initial step preceding the characterization of protein function in development and in the adult. We have generated new monoclonal antibodies against mouse Bves and used these immunoreagents to elucidate Bves expression in development. As expected, we detect Bves in myocytes of the developing heart throughout development. In addition, skeletal and smooth muscle cells including those of the coronary system express Bves. Finally, specific, but not all, epithelial derivatives of the three germ layers are stained positively with these monoclonal antibodies. Protein expression in cultured epithelial and muscle cell lines corroborate our in vivo findings. Taken together, these results demonstrate the expression of Bves in a wide range of epithelial and muscle cells during mouse embryogenesis and indicate a broad function for this protein in development, and show that these newly generated reagents will be invaluable in further investigation of Bves. Developmental Dynamics 235:1701,1708, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Parasites lost , do invaders miss the boat or drown on arrival?ECOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 4 2010Catriona J. MacLeod Ecology Letters (2010) 13: 516,527 Abstract Host species that colonize new regions often lose parasite species. Using population arrival and establishment data for New Zealand's introduced bird species and their ectoparasitic chewing lice species, we test the relative importance of different processes and mechanisms in causing parasite species loss. Few lice failed to arrive in New Zealand with their hosts due to being missed by chance in the sample of hosts from the original population (missing the boat). Rather, most lice were absent because their hosts or the parasite themselves failed to establish populations in their new environment. Given they arrived and their host established, parasite persistence was more strongly related to factors associated with transmission efficiency (number of host individuals introduced, host body size, host sociality and parasite suborder) than parasite propagule pressure and aggregation. Such insights into parasite success are invaluable to both understanding and managing their impact. [source] Multiplex primer extension analysis for rapid detection of major European mitochondrial haplogroupsELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 19 2006Martina Wiesbauer Abstract The evolution of the human mitochondrial genome is reflected in the existence of ethnically distinct lineages or haplogroups. Alterations of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have been instrumental in studies of human phylogeny, in population genetics, and in molecular medicine to link pathological mutations to a variety of human diseases of complex etiology. For each of these applications, rapid and cost effective assays for mtDNA haplogrouping are invaluable. Here we describe a hierarchical system for mtDNA haplogrouping that combines multiplex PCR amplifications, multiplex single-base primer extensions, and CE for analyzing ten haplogroup-diagnostic mitochondrial single nucleotide polymorphisms. Using this rapid and cost-effective mtDNA genotyping method, we were able to show that within a large, randomly selected cohort of healthy Austrians (n,=,1172), mtDNAs could be assigned to all nine major European haplogroups. Forty-four percent belonged to haplogroup H, the most frequent haplogroup in European Caucasian populations. The other major haplogroups identified were U (15.4%), J (11.8%), T (8.2%) and K (5.1%). The frequencies of haplogroups in Austria is within the range observed for other European countries. Our method may be suitable for mitochondrial genotyping of samples from large-scale epidemiology studies and for identifying markers of genetic susceptibility. [source] Targeting clusters of transferred genes in Thermotoga maritimaENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 11 2003Camilla L. Nesbø Summary We screened a Thermotoga sp. strain RQ2 lambda library for genes present in that strain but absent from the closely related completely sequenced relative Thermotoga maritima strain MSB8, by using probes generated in an earlier genomic subtraction study. Five lambda insert fragments were sequenced, containing, respectively, an archaeal type ATPase operon, rhamnose biosynthetic genes, ORFs with similarity to an arabinosidase, a Thermotoga sp. strain RQ2-specific alcohol dehydrogenase and a novel archaeal Mut-S homologue. All but one of these fragments contained additional Thermotoga sp. strain RQ2-specific sequences not screened for, suggesting that many such strain-specific genes will be found clustered in the genome. Moreover, phylogenetic analyses, phylogenetic distribution and/or G + C content suggests that all the Thermotoga sp. strain RQ2 specific sequences in the sequenced lambda clones have been acquired by lateral gene transfer. We suggest that the use of strain-specific small insert clones obtained by subtractive hybridization to target larger inserts for sequencing is an efficient, economical way to identify environmentally (or clinically) relevant interstrain differences and novel gene clusters, and will be invaluable in comparative genomics. [source] Videoendoscopic evaluation of the upper respiratory tract in 93 sport horses during exercise testing on a high-speed treadmillEQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue S36 2006S. H. FRANKLIN Summary Reasons for performing study: Videoendoscopy of the upper respiratory tract (URT) during high-speed treadmill exercise has proved to be invaluable in the assessment of URT dysfunction in racehorses. However, very little information exists regarding dynamic airway collapse in other sport horses used in nonracing equestrian disciplines. Objectives: To evaluate the videoendoscopic findings at rest and during exercise in a mixed population of sport horses referred for investigation of poor athletic performance and/or abnormal respiratory noise. Methods: Videoendoscopy of the upper airway was performed at rest and during high-speed treadmill exercise in 93 horses. Results: Dynamic airway obstructions were diagnosed in 77% of horses and were frequently complex in nature. The most common forms of dynamic collapse included soft palate dysfunction (54%), dynamic laryngeal collapse (38%), axial deviation of the aryepiglottic folds (24%) and pharyngeal wall collapse (18%). In the majority of horses, no obvious abnormalities were identified at rest. Enforced poll flexion was found to be a contributing factor in 24% of cases. Conclusions: Dynamic obstructions of the URT were a common cause of poor performance and/or abnormal respiratory noise in sport horses referred for investigation of performance problems. Potential relevance: This study highlights the importance of videoendoscopic evaluation of the URT during exercise in horses utilised for equestrian sports where exercise during competition is submaximal in nature. [source] Molecular typing of meningococci: recommendations for target choice and nomenclatureFEMS MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS, Issue 1 2007Keith A. Jolley Abstract The diversity and dynamics of Neisseria meningitidis populations generate a requirement for high resolution, comprehensive, and portable typing schemes for meningococcal disease surveillance. Molecular approaches, specifically DNA amplification and sequencing, are the methods of choice for various reasons, including: their generic nature and portability, comprehensive coverage, and ready implementation to culture negative clinical specimens. The following target genes are recommended: (1) the variable regions of the antigen-encoding genes porA and fetA and, if additional resolution is required, the porB gene for rapid investigation of disease outbreaks and investigating the distribution of antigenic variants; (2) the seven multilocus sequence typing loci,these data are essential for the most effective national, and international management of meningococcal disease, as well as being invaluable in studies of meningococcal population biology and evolution. These targets have been employed extensively in reference laboratories throughout the world and validated protocols have been published. It is further recommended that a modified nomenclature be adopted of the form: serogroup: PorA type: FetA type: sequence type (clonal complex), thus: B: P1.19,15: F5-1: ST-33 (cc32). [source] Association between the CHRM2 gene and intelligence in a sample of 304 Dutch familiesGENES, BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR, Issue 8 2006M. F. Gosso The CHRM2 gene is thought to be involved in neuronal excitability, synaptic plasticity and feedback regulation of acetylcholine release and has previously been implicated in higher cognitive processing. In a sample of 667 individuals from 304 families, we genotyped three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CHRM2 gene on 7q31,35. From all individuals, standardized intelligence measures were available. Using a test of within-family association, which controls for the possible effects of population stratification, a highly significant association was found between the CHRM2 gene and intelligence. The strongest association was between rs324650 and performance IQ (PIQ), where the T allele was associated with an increase of 4.6 PIQ points. In parallel with a large family-based association, we observed an attenuated , although still significant , population-based association, illustrating that population stratification may decrease our chances of detecting allele,trait associations. Such a mechanism has been predicted earlier, and this article is one of the first to empirically show that family-based association methods are not only needed to guard against false positives, but are also invaluable in guarding against false negatives. [source] Beyond stratigraphic noise: Unraveling the evolution of stratified assemblages in faunalturbated sitesGEOARCHAEOLOGY: AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL, Issue 6 2006Eugène Morin This study explores the stratigraphic evolution of archaeological assemblages in faunalturbated sites. These sites are sometimes described as having limited archaeological value because of varying degrees of occupation mixing. It is argued here that the vertical distribution of assemblages is predictable in faunalturbated contexts. Understanding this vertical evolution may lead to a better assessment of the archaeological potential of a cultural sequence. In faunalturbated soils, the stratigraphic evolution of the assemblages is largely dictated by faunal activity. Tunneling by small animals tend to "sink" cultural remains through the deposits. Although objects sink at a relatively fast pace near the surface, the process slows down as the objects reach the bottom of the biomantle where the sediments are more compact. This process affects the shape of the artifact vertical distribution. The analysis of a multicomponent site from southern Québec is used to model how assemblages may evolve temporally in faunalturbated settings. At Station 3-avant, the stratigraphic distribution of the cultural remains appears to evolve from an upward-skewed distribution to a bottom-skewed distribution through time. This evolution is interpreted to result from the fact that objects are often too large and/or heavy to be moved upward by the pedofauna. In situations in which this stage of stratigraphic evolution is not yet reached, enough information about temporal successions may be retained for the site to be useful for investigating diachronic change. This may prove invaluable in regions in which faunalturbated sequences are common. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Detailed Characterization of Contact Resistance, Gate-Bias-Dependent Field-Effect Mobility, and Short-Channel Effects with Microscale Elastomeric Single-Crystal Field-Effect TransistorsADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 5 2009Colin Reese Abstract The organic field-effect transistor (OFET) has proven itself invaluable as both the fundamental element in organic circuits and the primary tool for the characterization of novel organic electronic materials. Crucial to the success of the OFET in each of these venues is a working understanding of the device physics that manifest themselves in the form of electrical characteristics. As commercial applications shift to smaller device dimensions and structure/property relationships become more refined, the understanding of these phenomena become increasingly critical. Here, we employ high-performance, elastomeric, photolithographically patterned single-crystal field-effect transistors as tools for the characterization of short-channel effects and bias-dependent parasitic contact resistance and field-effect mobility. Redundant characterization of devices at multiple channel lengths under a single crystal allow the morphology-free analysis of these effects, which is carried out in the context of a device model previously reported. The data show remarkable consistency with our model, yielding fresh insight into each of these phenomena, as well as confirming the utility of our FET design. [source] New method of purification for establishing primary cultures of ensheathing cells from the adult olfactory bulb,GLIA, Issue 2 2001Holly H. Nash Abstract Ensheathing cells exclusively enfold olfactory axons. The ability of olfactory axons to reinnervate the adult mammalian olfactory bulb throughout the lifetime of an organism is believed to result from the presence of this unique glial cell in the olfactory system. This theory has been substantiated by research demonstrating the ability of transplanted ensheathing cells to promote axonal regrowth in areas of the central nervous system that are normally nonpermissive. A simple method for purifying ensheathing cells resulting in a large yield of cells is therefore invaluable for transplantation studies. We have developed such a method based on the differing rates of attachment of the various harvested cell types. The greatest percentage of cells (70.4%) that attached during the first step of the separation was determined to be fibroblasts. The remainder of the cells were classified as astrocytes (20.8%) and ensheathing cells (6.8%). The percentage of attached astrocytes (67.6%) was greatly increased during the second purification step while the percentage of fibroblasts decreased greatly (27.9%) and the percentage of ensheathing cells (5.3%) slightly decreased. In the final cultures, 93.2 % of the attached cells were ensheathing cells, while astrocytes (5.9%) and fibroblasts (1.4%) were only minor components. This simple, inexpensive method of purifying ensheathing cells will facilitate their use in central nervous system regeneration research. GLIA 34:81,87, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] THE USES OF WALTER: WALTER BENJAMIN AND THE COUNTERFACTUAL IMAGINATIONHISTORY AND THEORY, Issue 3 2010BENJAMIN ALDES WURGAFT ABSTRACT Many authors, both scholarly and otherwise, have asked what might have happened had Walter Benjamin survived his 1940 attempt to escape Nazi-occupied Europe. This essay examines several implicitly or explicitly "counterfactual" thought experiments regarding Benjamin's "survival," including Hannah Arendt's influential "Walter Benjamin: 1892,1940," and asks why our attachment to Benjamin's story has prompted so much counterfactual inquiry. It also explores the larger question of why few intellectual historians ask explicitly counterfactual questions in their work. While counterfactuals have proven invaluable for scholars in diplomatic, military, and economic history, those writing about the history of ideas often seem less concerned with chains of events and contingency than some of their colleagues are,or they attend to contingency in a selective fashion. Thus this essay attends to the ambivalence about the category of contingency that runs through much work in intellectual history. Returning to the case of Walter Benjamin, this essay explores his own tendency to pose "what if?" questions, and then concludes with an attempt to ask a serious counterfactual question about his story. The effort to ask this question reveals one methodological advantage of counterfactual inquiry: the effort to ask such questions often serves as an excellent guide to the prejudices and interests of the historian asking them. By engaging in counterfactual thought experiments, intellectual historians could restore an awareness of sheer contingency to the stories we tell about the major texts and debates of intellectual history. [source] How Do You Assess a Manager's Decision-Making Abilities?INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SELECTION AND ASSESSMENT, Issue 2 2000The Use of Situational Inventories Decision-making capabilities are absolutely crucial to a manager. Unfortunately, existing methods of assessing managers in this area for selection and development purposes (in-tray exercises, situational interviews, ability tests, etc.) leave a lot to be desired. This article focuses on an alternative for assessing managerial decision making , the situational inventory , and presents research findings and information on practical applications. Detailed findings are also presented for ,Scenarios', the UK's first published situational measure of managerial judgement. Situational inventories work by presenting participants with realistic but difficult real-life management scenarios. Each scenario is accompanied by a number of possible responses which participants rate for effectiveness in dealing with the scenario. Participants' ratings are then scored against a set of ideal answers, producing an assessment of current decision-making ability. Decision-making ability can be developed in individuals, making feedback invaluable to participants. Evidence that has been accumulating in the United States and the UK for at least 15 years is presented to support the general situational inventory approach. Additionally, specific evidence is presented for ,Scenarios'. It was found to correlate significantly with a number of managerial performance and responsibility indicators while appearing to be largely separate from existing psychometric (ability and personality) tests. [source] A test of methods for estimating population size of the invasive land snail Achatina fulica in dense vegetationJOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY, Issue 4 2002Paul G. Craze Summary 1Physical inaccessibility often complicates censuses of poorly mobile organisms. We therefore assessed the effectiveness of using a sample of quadrat counts to generate a population estimate corrected for inaccessible areas. The result is directly applicable to management of the introduced snail Achatina fulica on Ile aux Aigrettes, a small island off Mauritius, but also has implications for counting this and similar species elsewhere. Accurate counting of A. fulica is important given that this species is such a widespread and serious pest. 2Counts were made in 17 quadrats taken from a grid covering the island. These were used to produce one population estimate by interpolating for the rest of the grid using GIS software (method 1). A second estimate assumed equal density of snails in accessible and inaccessible parts of the 17 quadrats, again with the population estimate interpolated (method 2). 3Four further quadrats were cleared of vegetation and, by comparison of counts before and after clearance, the relationship between initial count and true snail number was estimated. This resulted in two further population estimates, with the relationship used to adjust counts in the 17 experimental quadrats before interpolation (methods 3 and 4). 4All four estimates were tested using 35 additional quadrats of two types. Type 1 quadrats were physically cleared of vegetation; type 2 quadrats were fully accessible without clearance. Predicted counts in these quadrats were assessed for accuracy by comparison with actual counts. 5The method 1 estimate was clearly inadequate; method 4 gave a consistent overestimate; method 2 gave the smallest error in both quadrat types. In type 1 quadrats, method 2 and 3 estimates were not significantly different and method 2 had a slight tendency to underestimate. Overall, for studies of A. fulica, method 2 is recommended. However, it should be noted that the study took place towards the end of the wet season. In the dry season, damp refuges under inaccessible vegetation may be more important and methods 3 and 4 may then give a better estimate. 6The population of A. fulica with shell length > 10 mm on Ile aux Aigrettes near the end of the wet season in 2000 was between 37 300 and 45 100, with 39 700 being the best estimate. 7The results underline the importance of considering inaccessible areas when accurate counts of species are needed, and a method is suggested by which a simple census technique can be adjusted. In the case of A. fulica, more accurate estimates of population size and distribution are invaluable in the management, monitoring and eradication of this invasive species. [source] Does nutritional intervention for patients with hip fractures reduce postoperative complications and improve rehabilitation?JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 9 2009Anna-Karin Gunnarsson Aims and objectives., The aims were to investigate whether there were any differences between patients receiving nutritional intervention preoperatively and over five days postoperatively and patients who did not, in terms of postoperative complications, rehabilitation, length of stay and food and liquid intake. Background., Patients with hip fractures are often malnourished at admission to hospital and they typically do not receive the energy and calories needed postoperatively. Design., The design was a quasi-experimental, pre- and post-test comparison group design without random group assignment. Methods., One hundred patients with hip fractures were consecutively included. The control group (n = 50) received regular nutritional support. The intervention group (n = 50) received nutrition according to nutritional guidelines. The outcome measures used were risk of pressure ulcer, pressure ulcers, weight, nosocomial infections, cognitive ability, walking assistance and functional ability, collected preoperatively and five days postoperatively. Each patient's nutrient and liquid intake were assessed daily for five days postoperatively. Results., Significantly fewer (p = 0·043) patients in the intervention group (18%) had pressure ulcers five days postoperatively compared with the control group (36%). Nutrient and liquid intake was significantly higher (p < 0·001) in the intervention group. Median length of stay decreased from nine to seven days (p = 0·137), as did nosocomial infections, from 18,8·7% (p = 0·137). Conclusion., Patients with hip fractures receiving nutrition according to nutritional guidelines developed fewer pressure ulcers. This is invaluable to patients' quality of life and a major economic saving for society. Relevance to clinical practice., Great benefits can be gained for the patients through modest efforts by nurses and physicians such as nutritional intervention. [source] Impact of intraoperative sonography on resection and cryoablation of liver tumorsJOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND, Issue 5 2001Diana Gaitini MD Abstract Purpose We retrospectively analyzed the impact of intraoperative sonography (IOUS) on the management of patients referred for resection of liver tumors. Methods Forty patients underwent IOUS with a 7-MHz curved-array sector transducer; in selected cases, a 5-MHz linear-array transducer attached to a color Doppler unit was also used. The number, size, and location of tumors on IOUS, including tumor proximity to or invasion of major vessels or invasion of the diaphragm, were compared to findings on preoperative imaging studies. The effect of these findings on surgical management was assessed. Unresectable lesions were treated by cryoablation under ultrasound guidance. Results IOUS detected preoperatively unsuspected lesions in 7 patients (18%). Metastases suspected on CT arterial portography were ruled out in 2 patients (5%), and indeterminate lesions were diagnosed as cysts by IOUS in 2 other patients (5%). Vascular proximity or vascular or diaphragmatic invasion detected by IOUS rendered lesions unresectable in 4 patients (10%). Cryoablation under IOUS guidance and monitoring was attempted in 11 patients (28%) and performed successfully in 10. Conclusions IOUS changed the management in 38% of patients and guided cryoablation in 28% of patients. IOUS performed by an experienced sonologist is invaluable for the accurate assessment of liver tumor resectability; the detection of additional, preoperatively unknown lesions; and the guidance of cryoablation of unresectable tumors. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 29:265,272, 2001. [source] Measurement of HbA1c from stored whole blood samples in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities studyJOURNAL OF DIABETES, Issue 2 2010Elizabeth SELVIN Abstract Background:, The aims of the present study were to demonstrate the reliability of HbA1c measurements during two time periods and to compare these measurements with HbA1c distribution in the general US population. Methods:, HbA1c was measured in 14 069 whole blood samples in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study using different HPLC instruments across two time periods, namely 2003,2004 and 2007,2008. At the time of measurement, samples had been in storage at ,70°C for up to 18 years. To assess differences in values, HbA1c measurements were repeated in 383 samples at both periods. Indirect comparisons were made by comparing our measurements against those from a nationally representative study. Results:, The coefficients of variation for quality control samples were 1.8% (n = 89) in 2003,2004 and 1.4% (n = 259) in 2007,2008. The correlation between measurements at the two time points was high (r = 0.99), but with a slight bias: 0.29% points higher in 2007,2008 vs 2003,2004 (n = 383; P < 0.0001). The comparison yielded the following Deming regression equation: y(2007,2008) = 0.073 + 1.034x(2003,2004). After alignment using this equation, the distribution of HbA1c in the ARIC study was similar to that in the national study using fresh samples. Conclusions:, Measurements of HbA1c from samples stored for up to 18 years are highly reliable when using state-of-the-art HPLC instruments, but with some bias introduced over time. The HbA1c data now available in the ARIC study should be invaluable for investigations into the clinical utility of HbA1c as a diagnostic test for diabetes. [source] Psychometric properties of the MacNew heart disease health-related quality of life instrument in patients with heart failureJOURNAL OF EVALUATION IN CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 4 2008Stefan Höfer Abstract Rationale, aims and objectives, Heart failure (HF) is a severe chronic disease and impairs health-related quality of life (HRQL). While validated specific HRQL instruments are required for evaluation of treatment and rehabilitation in patients with HF, a single validated measure to document changes in HRQL for patients with different heart disease diagnoses would be invaluable. The purpose of this analysis was the psychometric analysis of the German MacNew Heart Disease Questionnaire (MacNew) in HF patients, which has previously been shown to be reliable and valid in patients with myocardial infarction, angina pectoris and arrhythmia. Methods, We recruited 89 patients (61.7 ± 11.5 years; 84.3% male) in two Austrian and one Swiss cardiology department with documented HF (effect sizes 28.9 ± 10.1%). The self-administered MacNew, the Short Form-36 (SF-36) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were completed. Internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's ,), discriminative and evaluative validity were assessed. Results, Cronbach's , exceeded 0.80. Each MacNew scale differentiated between patients with and without anxiety (3.9 ± 1.0 vs. 5.3 ± 0.8, all P < 0.001), with and without depression (4.2 ± 1.2 vs. 5.2 ± 0.9 all P < 0.03) and by the SF-36 health transition item (deteriorate = 4.39, no change = 4.95, improve = 5.45, all P < 0.02). Evaluative validity was demonstrated with effect sizes >0.70 for a subsample attending a 12-week outpatient rehabilitation programme. Conclusions, The German language version of the MacNew demonstrates consistently acceptable psychometric properties of reliability, validity and responsiveness in patients with documented HF. Together with previous documentation of reliability, validity and responsive, these findings strengthen the argument for the MacNew as a potential ,core' HRQL measure, at least in the German language. [source] An autonomous tracked vehicle with omnidirectional sensingJOURNAL OF FIELD ROBOTICS (FORMERLY JOURNAL OF ROBOTIC SYSTEMS), Issue 8 2004R. David Hampton Operation of an autonomous vehicle along a marked path, in an obstacle-laden environment, requires path detection, relative position detection and control, and obstacle detection and avoidance. The design solution of the team from the U.S. Military Academy is a tracked vehicle operating open-loop in response to position information from an omnidirectional mirror, and to obstacle-detection input from the mirror and from a scanning laser. The use of a tracked rather than a wheeled vehicle is the team's open-loop solution to the problem of wheeled-vehicle slippage on wet and sandy surfaces. The vehicleresponds to sensor information from (1) a digital camera-mounted parabolic omnidirectional mirror for visual inputs and (2) a scanning laser for detecting obstacles in relief. Raw sensor data is converted synchronously into a global virtual context, which places the vehicle's center at the origin of a 2-D Cartesian coordinate system. A four-phase process is used to convert the camera's inputs into the data structures needed to reason about the vehicle's position relative to the course. Development of the path plan proceeds incrementally, using a space-sweeping algorithm to identify safe paths along waypoints within the course boundaries. An attempt is made to minimize translation errors by favoring paths which exhibit fewer sharp turns. Integration of Intel's OpenCV computer vision library and the Independent JPEG Group's JPEG library allow for very good encapsulation of the low-level functions needed to do most of the image processing. Ada95 is the language of choice for the majority of the team-developed software, except where needed to interface to motors and sensors. Use of an object-oriented high-level language has been invaluable in leveraging the efforts of previous years' development activities, and for maximizing the ability to log or otherwise respond to anomalous behavior. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Milk Protein Analysis Using a Micro Fabricated Sieve: A Promising PossibilityJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 3 2001C.S. Rao ABSTRACT: In cheese making, proteins present in the micellar phase, i.e., ,, ,, ,, , casein and their variants, determine the yield and properties of the final product (Walsh and others 1995). The current milk prices are based on solid components, that is, fat, total protein and other solids. However, the cheese yields are extremely sensitive to variations in protein sub-components. Thus, total protein content, although a simple measure of yield, is not the most accurate one. In the future, the food industry might require simple tools to analyze protein components in a given sample of milk. Two features of such a tool, portability and accuracy, would be invaluable. In this article, a protocol for design of a micro-scale sieve for the separation of proteins is conceived. [source] The Correlation Between Skeletal Weathering and DNA Quality and Quantity,JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES, Issue 4 2009Lisa M. Misner M.S. Abstract:, Mitochondrial DNA analysis of skeletal material is invaluable in forensic identification, although results can vary widely among remains. Previous studies have included bones of different ages, burial conditions, and even species. In the research presented, a collection of human remains that lacked major confounders such as burial age, interment style, and gross environmental conditions, while displaying a very broad range of skeletal degradation, were examined for both mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) quality and quantity. Overall skeletal weathering, individual bone weathering, and bone variety were considered. Neither skeletal nor bone weathering influenced DNA quality or quantity, indicating that factors that degrade bone do not have the same effect on DNA. In contrast, bone variety, regardless of weathering level, was a significant element in DNA amplification success. Taken together, the results indicate that neither skeletal nor individual bone appearance are reliable indicators of subsequent mtDNA typing outcomes, while the type of bone assayed is. [source] Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Database: Resource for Evidence-Based PracticeJOURNAL OF OBSTETRIC, GYNECOLOGIC & NEONATAL NURSING, Issue 2 2000Lynn Clark Callister RN The Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth database is an ongoing meta-analysis of evidence documenting effective health care practices for childbearing women and their neonates. It is proving invaluable to nurse educators, researchers, clinicians, and administrators working in a variety of health care delivery settings. Evidence-based nursing practice that is safe and effective can enhance rather than overpower pivotal and celebratory life events such as childbirth. [source] Measuring masticatory performance using a new device and ,-carotene in test gummy jellyJOURNAL OF ORAL REHABILITATION, Issue 11 2010T. NOKUBI Summary, Objective methods for evaluating masticatory performance are invaluable for quantitative comparisons between various dental treatments as well as diagnosing masticatory disorder. The purpose of this study was to develop an accurate method for automatically measuring masticatory performance using a new measuring device consisting of light-emitting diodes and a photodiode and test gummy jelly. First, the relationship between six known ,-carotene concentrations in aqueous solution and the voltage values exhibited on a photodiode was investigated. Mean voltage obtained by red light incident on the photodiode indicated a significantly high correlation (r = 0·999 in a cubic function, P < 0·01) with ,-carotene concentration in the aqueous solution. Second, to establish the optimal measuring conditions for evaluating masticatory performance, factors influencing mean voltage were investigated, such as water temperature and times for rinsing the gummy jelly and dissolving ,-carotene from the jelly. A stable mean voltage was obtained by measuring under the following conditions: rinsing water temperature, 35 °C; rinsing time, 30 s; water dissolving temperature, 35 °C; dissolving time, 10 s. Finally, the relationship between seven surface area values of divided gummy jelly and ,-carotene concentrations dissolved from the divided jellies was investigated. The increase in surface area of divided test gummy jelly particles was accurately calculated (r = 0·992, P < 0·001) from mean voltage on the photodiode to change with ,-carotene concentration dissolved from the jelly surface. This new method using test gummy jelly and an automatic measuring device appears useful for precisely evaluating masticatory performance. [source] Deinstitutionalization in Ontario, Canada: Understanding Who Moved WhenJOURNAL OF POLICY AND PRACTICE IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES, Issue 3 2010Lynn Martin Abstract The results of deinstitutionalization are well known, but less information is available on the process of deinstitutionalization itself. This study sought to understand the process of deinstitutionalization in Ontario by examining the timing of individuals' transitions to the community and the characteristics of individuals who experienced a change in the timing of their move. Data used were based on census information collected between 2005 and 2008 using the interRAI Intellectual Disability assessment instrument on all persons residing in Ontario's specialized institutions. Analyses of characteristics at baseline by the anticipated transition year revealed the existence of significant differences between the groups. Comparisons of anticipated and actual transition years revealed that about 40% of individuals experienced a change in their transition year. Age, bladder incontinence, and number of medical diagnoses were associated with increased likelihood of moving earlier than anticipated, whereas family contact, presence of a strong and supportive relationship with family, psychiatric diagnoses, destructive behavior, and aggression were associated with higher likelihood of moving later. Careful attention to characteristics and level of need was paid at the onset of the deinstitutionalization planning process; however, the timing of transitions to the community was not "set in stone." In the future, studies should not only examine the individual's outcomes and quality of life in the community, but also should seek to qualitatively describe the individual's and family's experiences of the transition process. This type of information is invaluable for other jurisdictions in which deinstitutionalization is planned or under way. [source] Comparison of genuine (1851,1852 AD) and forged or reproduction Hawaiian Missionary stamps using Raman microscopyJOURNAL OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY, Issue 6 2002Tracey D. Chaplin The rare and valuable Hawaiian Missionary stamps from the Tapling Collection held at the British Library were analysed using Raman microscopy and shown to be printed with an ink composed of Prussian blue. Blue particles dispersed between the paper fibres of the stamps and present as optical brighteners were identified to be lazurite or the synthetic equivalent, ultramarine blue. Each cancellation or postmark, where present, is composed of carbon, vermilion, iron(III) oxide or a madder-like organic pigment. The Raman analysis also showed that microscopic repair work on stamps can be identified. The genuine stamps were compared with 13 forged Hawaiian Missionary stamps, printed in the early 20th century, and with a set of eight reproduction items printed in 1985, from the Royal Philatelic Society London. Raman analysis of the forged stamps showed that the ink used is different from that of the genuine stamps, being a mixture of Prussian blue and ultramarine blue, or an organic blue pigment. Analysis of the 1985 reproduction stamps showed that they were printed with modern phthalocyanine blue ink, on paper coated with a yellow organic pigment to simulate aged paper. This analysis provides an invaluable and non-destructive method for assisting in drawing a distinction between fraudulent or reproduction material and the genuine article. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Review of methods for measuring and comparing center performance after organ transplantationLIVER TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 10 2010James Neuberger The assessment of outcomes after transplantation is important for several reasons: it provides patients with data so that they can make informed decisions about the benefits of transplantation and the success of the transplant unit; it informs commissioners that resources are allocated properly; and it provides clinicians reassurance that results are acceptable or, if they are not, provides early warning so that problems can be identified, corrections can be instituted early, and all interested parties can be reassured that scarce resources are used fairly. The need for greater transparency in reporting outcomes after liver transplantation and for comparisons both between and within centers has led to a number of approaches being adopted for monitoring center performance. We review some of the commonly used methods, highlight their strengths and weaknesses, and concentrate on methods that incorporate risk adjustment. Measuring and comparing outcomes after transplantation is complex, and there is no single approach that gives a complete picture. All those using analyses of outcomes must understand the merits and limitations of individual methods. When used properly, such methods are invaluable in ensuring that a scarce resource is used effectively, any adverse trend in outcomes is identified promptly and remedied, and best performers are identified; they thus allow the sharing of best practices. However, when they are used inappropriately, such measurements may lead to inappropriate conclusions, encourage risk-averse behavior, and discourage innovation. Liver Transpl 16:1119,1128, 2010. © 2010 AASLD. [source] Development of polymorphic microsatellite loci in Nothapodytes nimmoniana, a medicinally important tree from the Western Ghats, IndiaMOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES, Issue 1 2009B. T. RAMESHA Abstract Nothapodytes nimmoniana is a medicinally important tree species that occur in the Western Ghats, a megadiversity hotspot in southern India. Inner stem bark of the tree contains an important anti-cancer alkaloid, camptothecin for which the natural population of the tree is heavily harvested. In this paper, we report the isolation and characterization of eight polymorphic microsatellite loci using enrichment hybridization protocol. Analysis of 36 individuals representing two populations revealed three to 12 alleles per locus. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.21 to 0.94 for the two populations. None of the loci tested showed linkage disequilibrium. These markers are invaluable for evaluating the genetic structure and assessing the genetic impacts of harvesting of N. nimmoniana in the Western Ghats to formulate strategies for conservation of the species. [source] Population-based drug-related anaphylaxis in children and adolescents captured by South Carolina Emergency Room Hospital Discharge Database (SCERHDD) (2000,2002),PHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY, Issue 12 2007Suzanne L. West MPH Abstract Purpose Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition; drug-related anaphylaxis represents approximately 10% of all cases. We assessed the utility of a statewide emergency department (ED) database for identifying drug-related anaphylaxis in children by developing and validating an algorithm composed of ICD-9-CM codes. Methods There were 1,314,760 visits to South Carolina (SC) emergency departments (EDs) for patients <19 years in 2000,2002. We used ICD-9-CM disease or external cause of injury codes (E-codes) that suggested drug-related anaphylaxis or a severe drug-related allergic reaction. We found 50 cases classifiable as probable or possible drug-related anaphylaxis and 13 as drug-related allergic reactions. We used clinical evaluation by two pediatricians as the ,alloyed gold standard'1 for estimating sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) of our algorithm. Results ED-treated drug-related anaphylaxis in the SC pediatric population was 1.56/100,000 person-years based on the algorithm and 0.50/100,000 person-years based on clinical evaluation. Assuming the disease codes we used identified all potential anaphylaxis cases in the database, the sensitivity was 1.00 (95%CI: 0.79, 1.00), specificity was 0.28 (95%CI: 0.16, 0.43), and the PPV was 0.32 (0.20, 0.47) for the algorithm. Sensitivity analyses improved the measurement properties of the algorithm. Conclusions E-codes were invaluable for developing an anaphylaxis algorithm although the frequently used code of E947.9 was often incorrectly applied. We believe that our algorithm may have over-ascertained drug-related anaphylaxis patients seen in an ED, but the clinical evaluation may have under-represented this diagnosis due to limited information on the offending agent in the abstracted ED records. Post-marketing drug surveillance using ED records may be viable if clinicians were to document drug-related anaphylaxis in the charts so that billing codes could be assigned properly. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Political Theory and Practical Public ReasoningPOLITICAL STUDIES, Issue 2 2010Albert Weale Political theory and political philosophy (used interchangeably in this article) have always played a role in public life. The argument pursued here is that this is not accidental. We cannot understand in an explanatory sense developments in public policy without understanding the structure of ideas that influence those developments, including the normative presuppositions at the core of those structures of ideas. However, we can pass from explanation in the narrow sense to justification and the evaluation of the merits of those ideas. The techniques of normative political theory are invaluable in this context of justification and evaluation. Two examples are given to illustrate this last claim. [source] Potential impact of a new blood glucose monitoring device: the GlucoWatch® BiographerPRACTICAL DIABETES INTERNATIONAL (INCORPORATING CARDIABETES), Issue 4 2002NN Chan Abstract Home blood glucose monitoring may be laborious, time-consuming, inconvenient and painful. Failure to test may preclude optimisation of glycaemic control. We aimed to evaluate the potential usefulness of a new noninvasive automatic glucose monitor, the GlucoWatch® Biographer. Eight patients with type 1 diabetes and two with type 2 diabetes (4M:6F) aged between 23 and 65 years participated in this study. All participants were given 1 hour of instruction prior to provision of the GlucoWatch®. They were given contact numbers and reviewed weekly. Several disadvantages were encountered by the participants, which included the daily 3 hour calibration period (n = 10), skin irritations (n = 6) and skipped measurements (n = 2) due to unsatisfactory probe contact due to skin temperature or sweats. Several patients, however, found it invaluable to have their daily profile monitored to allow insulin dosage adjustment and detection of hypoglycaemia. The GlucoWatch® Biographer is an invaluable tool that allows noninvasive detection of glucose trends, which contributes to glycaemic control. However, it is not suitable for every patient. Self-motivation and ability to learn how to use the device are the key factors. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The value of a ,failed' R&D project: an emerging evaluation framework for building innovative capabilities1R & D MANAGEMENT, Issue 2 2009Maria Elmquist In literature and R&D organizations alike, project success consists in minimizing the deviations from set targets in terms of quality, cost and time. The main management task is to execute and monitor progress to reduce risks , assuming that project attributes are known, necessary resources can be estimated and a reasonable time table can be agreed upon. In such a context, evaluating project success is easy. However, in an innovative context, setting project targets initially is difficult and the contributions of the projects sometimes are of an unexpected nature. This paper investigates if projects can be evaluated in terms of how they contribute to the building of innovative capabilities of the firm instead of independently. Based on a case study at the Régie Autonome des Transports Parisians and the theoretical framework of innovation fields, a framework for evaluating projects from an additional perspective is proposed. Based on the following four criteria: financial resources, the development of a structured, refined and expanded strategic vision, developed competences (with related suppliers) and identification of knowledge gaps (occasionally with related partners for knowledge production), this framework shows how seemingly failed R&D projects can instead be considered as invaluable to the overall innovation process. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||