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Terms modified by Lesser Selected AbstractsSOME LESSER KNOWN FEATURES OF THE ANCIENT CEPHALOPOD ORDER ELLESMEROCERIDA (NAUTILOIDEA, CEPHALOPODA)PALAEONTOLOGY, Issue 3 2007BJÖRN KRÖGER Abstract:, Three specimens of the small breviconic ellesmeroceratid Paradakeoceras minor Flower, 1964 from the Tremadocian of the New York area preserve the annular elevation and muscle scars in moulds of the body chamber. The annular elevation is positioned at the base of the body chamber and is wider on the convex side of the shell than on the concave side. Multiple paired muscle scars can be seen within this annular elevation. A well-preserved body chamber of the breviconic ellesmeroceratid Levisoceras cf. edwardsi Ulrich, Foerste and Miller is described. Its body chamber shows a strong anterior,posterior asymmetry, which is common within the Ellesmeroceratida. The shape of the body chamber and of the soft body attachment structures has led to a reconstruction of an ellesmeroceratid soft body that is organized like a primitive conchiferan mollusc. Based on this reconstruction, a tryblidian cephalopod ancestor is supported. An evolutionary scenario is reconstructed from an ancestral nautiloid that is stretched along the anterior,posterior axis, and has serially arranged shell muscles and a small mantle cavity, towards a modern cephalopod with a dorsal,ventral body orientation, reduced number of shell muscles and a large mantle cavity. [source] Weight gain in bipolar disorder: pharmacological treatment as a contributing factorACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 1 2008C. Torrent Objective:, The aim of this paper was to review the association of most commonly used psychopharmacological drugs with weight gain in bipolar disorder. Method:, Information was retrieved from a PubMed/Medline literature search reviewing weight gain in pharmacological studies in bipolar disorder. Results:, Obesity and overweight in bipolar disorder are partly related to prescribed drugs with a strong effect of clozapine and olanzapine. Lesser but still relevant weight gain is caused by quetiapine, risperidone, lithium, valproate, gabapentin and by some antidepressants. Ziprasidone, aripiprazole, carbamazepine and lamotrigine do not seem to cause significant overweight. Conclusion:, Careful monitoring of weight changes in patients before and after drug prescription should be implemented in the clinical routine and drugs which potentially cause weight gain should be avoided in overweight patients with bipolar disorder. Furthermore, eating habits and daily activities should be targeted as they may also have a significant impact on overall health and weight-related issues. [source] Knowledge and Social Capital: Foundations and Applications by Eric L. Lesser and Getting Agencies to Work Together: The Practice and Theory of Managerial Craftsmanship by Eugene BardachJOURNAL OF POLICY ANALYSIS AND MANAGEMENT, Issue 3 2002Steve Kelmen [source] FS01.3 Disperse (yes), orange (yes), 3 (no): what do we test in textile dye dermatitis?CONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 3 2004Christophe J Le Coz Introduction:, Patients sensitized to para-phenylenediamine (PPD) have a high degree of patch test reactivity to Disperse Orange 3 (DO3), and a lesser one to Disperse Red 1 and Red 17. Two successive patients positive to PPD, Disperse Red 1 and 17, negative to DO3 were real eye-openers for our considerations about purity of our current allergen DO3. Materials and methods:, We realized comparative thin-layer chromatography (TLC), with DO3 from Chemotechnique®(DO3-Chem) and Trolab®(both extracted from petrolatum), and "pure" DO3 from two chemical providers. TLC clearly indicated that DO3-Chem was not DO3. HPLC analysis with pure DO3 from Chemotechnique® and comparison of structures by NMR with samples of DO3, revealed that DO3-Chem was Disperse Orange 31 (DO31). In addition, signals through the GERDA network allowed the collection of test materials and observations. Among other members, only 2 used DO3-Chem (from 2 different batches) that was DO31 too, according to TLC Results: According to their data, they observed no or a lower reactivity to DO3 than expected (4 patients DO3-Chem + among 23 PPD+ e.g.). Finally, the error was proved to be due to the provider of the dye to Chemotechnique®, who likely deleted the 1 of Disperse Orange 31 on his packaging. Discussion:, Chemical structure of DO31 indicates a possible in vivo hydrolysis into nitroaniline and a second compound, a substituted PPD derivative that clearly does not frequently react in PPD positive patients. Like drugs, patch tests are submitted to post-commercialization controls. In addition to allergens providers who should enhance their quality controls, dermato-allergologists have to be vigilant, and must active networks when they observe a rare bird. [source] Endoscopic classification of chronic gastritis based on a pilot study by the research society for gastritisDIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY, Issue 4 2002Michio Kaminishi Background:,Various types of classification of gastritis have been proposed, but no plausible classification has been available until now. The Research Society for Gastritis performed a pilot study to establish an endoscopic classification, taking into consideration the following: (i) ease of use; (ii) permitting everyone the common image; and (iii) presence of histopathological evidence. Methods:,One hundred and fifty-five patients were enrolled and underwent gastroscopy. Eight basic endoscopic and histological types of gastritis (superficial, hemorrhagic, erosive, verrucous, atrophic, metaplastic, hyperplastic and special types) were defined. Gastritis was endoscopically diagnosed according to the definition of the endoscopic types of gastritis. Four or more biopsy specimens were obtained from the lesser and the greater curvatures of the antrum and the corpus of each patient, and the histological findings of gastritis and Helicobacter pylori infection were assessed. The histological diagnosis of gastritis was made according to the definition of histology types of gastritis. The endoscopic and the histological diagnoses were then compared in a blinded fashion. Results:,Endoscopic diagnosis was 62% as sensitive as histological diagnosis for erosive gastritis, 67% for verrucous gastritis and 84% for atrophic gastritis in the antrum. In superficial gastritis, sensitivity was approximately 25% in the corpus, but only 8% in the antrum. Metaplastic and hyperplastic gastritis were correctly diagnosed only in severe cases. Conclusion:,Five basic types of gastritis (superficial, erosive, verrucous, atrophic and special types) should be employed for the new endoscopic gastritis classification. Metaplastic and hyperplastic gastritis are considered to be subtypes of atrophic gastritis and they should be excluded from the basic endoscopic classification. A new definition of gastritis in the antrum accompanied by redness still remains to be investigated. [source] Size traits and site conditions determine changes in seed bank structure caused by grazing exclusion in semiarid annual plant communitiesECOGRAPHY, Issue 1 2006Yagil Osem 1. Contrasting patterns of change in the seed bank of natural grasslands are frequently found in response to grazing by domestic herbivores. Here, we studied the hypotheses that a) patterns of change in seed bank density and composition in response to grazing depend on spatial variation in resource availability and productivity, and b) that variation among species in patterns of seed bank response to grazing is linked to differences in species size traits (i.e. size of plant, dispersal unit and seed). 2. Effects of sheep grazing exclusion on the seed bank were followed during five years in a semiarid Mediterranean annual plant community in Israel. Seed bank density and composition were measured in autumn, before the rainy season, inside and outside fenced exclosures in four neighboring topographic sites differing in vegetation characteristics, soil resources and primary productivity: Wadi (dry stream terraces, high productive site), Hilltop, South- and North-facing slopes (less productive sites). 3. Topographic sites differed in seed density (range ca 2500,18000 seed m,2) and in seed bank response to grazing exclusion. Fencing increased seed density by 78, 51 and 18% in the Wadi, South- and North-facing slopes, respectively, but had no effect in the Hilltop. At the species level, grazing exclusion interacted with site conditions in determining species seed bank density, with larger or opposite changes in the high productive Wadi compared to the other less productive sites. 4. Changes in seed bank structure after grazing exclusion were strongly related to species size traits. Grazing exclusion favored species with large size traits in all sites, while seed density of tiny species decreased strongly in the high productive Wadi. Species with medium and small size traits showed lesser or no responses. 5. The size of plants, dispersal units and seeds were strongly correlated to each other, thus confounding the evaluation of the relative importance of each trait in the response of species to grazing and site conditions. We propose that the relative importance of plant size vs seed size in the response to grazing changes with productivity level. [source] Competing with the Public Sector in BroadcastingECONOMIC AFFAIRS, Issue 4 2000David Elstein There are two public sector broadcasters in the UK: the BBC and Channel 4. In their different ways, their behaviour attracts criticism from the private sector. However, this critique is unfocused and potentially counter-productive. A more efficient , or privatised , public sector would create greater, not lesser, problems for the private sector. The allegations of abuse of privilege and unfair competition may be justified, but the private sector needs a coherent alternative rationale for public funding of broadcasting before it can expect to win a public and political debate. [source] Genetic and environmental influences on cannabis use initiation and problematic use: a meta-analysis of twin studiesADDICTION, Issue 3 2010Karin J. H. Verweij ABSTRACT Background Because cannabis use is associated with social, physical and psychological problems, it is important to know what causes some individuals to initiate cannabis use and a subset of those to become problematic users. Previous twin studies found evidence for both genetic and environmental influences on vulnerability, but due to considerable variation in the results it is difficult to draw clear conclusions regarding the relative magnitude of these influences. Methods A systematic literature search identified 28 twin studies on cannabis use initiation and 24 studies on problematic cannabis use. The proportion of total variance accounted for by genes (A), shared environment (C) and unshared environment (E) in (i) initiation of cannabis use and (ii) problematic cannabis use was calculated by averaging corresponding A, C and E estimates across studies from independent cohorts and weighting by sample size. Results For cannabis use initiation, A, C and E estimates were 48%, 25% and 27% in males and 40%, 39% and 21% in females. For problematic cannabis use A, C and E estimates were 51%, 20% and 29% for males and 59%, 15% and 26% for females. Confidence intervals of these estimates are considerably narrower than those in the source studies. Conclusions Our results indicate that vulnerability to both cannabis use initiation and problematic use was influenced significantly by A, C and E. There was a trend for a greater C and lesser A component for cannabis use initiation compared to problematic use for females. [source] Recent advances in the neurophysiology of chronic painEMERGENCY MEDICINE AUSTRALASIA, Issue 1 2005Kylie Baker Abstract The chronic pain syndrome patient has become the ,leper' of emergency medicine. There are no emergency medicine guidelines and minimal research into managing this challenging group of patients. Objective:, To summarize the recent advances in laboratory research into the development of chronic pain that have relevance to emergency management. When the level of supporting evidence is low, it is imperative that emergency physicians understand the physiology that underpins those expert opinions upon which they base their treatment strategies. Methods:, Literature was searched via Medline, Cochrane, Cinahl, and PsycINFO from 1996 to 2004, under ,chronic pain and emergency management'. Medline from 1996 was searched for ,chronic pain and prevention', ,chronic pain and emergency' and ,chronic pain'. Bibliographies were manually searched for older keynote articles. Results:, Advances in understanding the biochemical changes of chronic pain are paralleled by lesser known advances in delineation of the corticol processing. Conclusions:, Drug manipulation causes complex action and reaction in chronic pain. Emergency physicians must also optimize cognitive and behavioural aspects of treatment to successfully manage this systemic disease. [source] Influence of track surface on the equine superficial digital flexor tendon loading in two horses at high speed trotEQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 3 2009N. Crevier-Denoix Summary Reasons for performing study: Although track surfaces are a risk factor of tendon injuries, their effects on tendon loading at high speed are unknown. Using a noninvasive ultrasonic technique, it is now possible to evaluate the forces in the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) in exercise conditions. Objectives: To compare the effects of an all-weather waxed track (W) vs. a crushed sand track (S), on the SDFT loading in the trotter horse at high speed. Methods: Two trotter horses were equipped with the ultrasonic device (1 MHz ultrasonic probe, fixed on the palmar metacarpal area of the right forelimb). For each trial, data acquisition was made at 400 Hz and 10 consecutive strides were analysed. In each session, the 2 track surfaces were tested in a straight line. The speed was imposed at 10 m/s and recorded. The right forelimb was also equipped with a dynamometric horseshoe and skin markers. The horse was filmed with a high-speed camera (600 Hz); all recordings were synchronised. Statistical differences were tested using the GLM procedure (SAS; P<0.05). Results: Maximal tendon force was significantly lower on W compared with S. In addition to maximal force peaks around mid-stance, earlier peaks were observed, more pronounced on S than on W, at about 13%(horse 2) and 30% (both horses) of the stance phase. Comparison with kinematic data revealed that these early peaks were accompanied by plateaux in the fetlock angle-time chart. For high tendon forces, the tendon maximal loading rate was significantly lower on W than on S. Conclusions and potential clinical relevance: The all-weather waxed track appears to induce a lesser and more gradual SDFT loading than crushed sand. The SDFT loading pattern at high speed trot suggests proximal interphalangeal joint movements during limb loading. [source] The Extraordinary Cocatalytic Action of Polymethylaluminoxane (MAO) in the Polymerization of Terminal Olefins by Metallocenes: Chemical Change in the Group 4 Metallocene Dimethyl Derivatives Induced by MAO,EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 20 2005John J. Eisch Abstract In the polymerization of olefins with Group 4 metallocene dichlorides or dimethyl derivatives as procatalysts the use of polymethylaluminoxane (MAO) as the cocatalyst, especially in extreme excess (102,103 times the metallocene equivalent), has been shown to have an extraordinary accelerating effect on the rate of olefin polymerization, when compared with the cocatalytic action of alkylaluminum halides. In attempts at explaining the greatly superior catalytic activity of MAO in olefin polymerization (the MAO conundrum), hypotheses have generally paralleled the steps involved in the cocatalytic action of RnAlCl3,n, namely the alkylation of Cp2MtCl2, ionization of Cp2Mt(R)Cl into the metallocenium cation, [Cp2Mt,R]+, and anion, [Rn,1AlCl4,n], and subsequent ion-pair separation. In order to understand any differences in catalytic action between such cocatalysts, we have studied the individual action of MAO (100 equiv.) and of MeAlCl2 (1,2 equiv.) on each of the Group 4 metallocene derivatives, Cp2TiCl2, Cp2ZrCl2, Cp2Ti(CH3)2 and Cp2Zr(CH3)2. With MeAlCl2 each of the metallocene derivatives appeared to form the cation, [Cp2Mt,CH3]+, with greater (Ti) or lesser (Zr) ease, because an alkyne such as diphenylacetylene was then found to insert into the Mt,CH3 bond stereoselectively. In striking contrast, treatment of each metallocene with MAO gave two reactions very different from MeAlCl2, namely a steady evolution of methane gas upon mixing and a finding upon hydrolytic workup that the diphenylacetylene present had undergone no insertion into the Mt,CH3 bond but instead had been reductively dimerized completely to (E,E)-1,2,3,4-tetraphenyl-1,3-butadiene. To account for this astonishing difference in chemical behavior between MAO and MeAlCl2 in their cocatalytic activation of Group 4 metallocenes to olefin polymerization, it is necessary to postulate a novel, unique sequence of reaction steps occurring between MAO and the metallocene. If one starts with the metallocene dichloride, then the free TMA present in the MAO would generate the Cp2Mt(CH3)2. This metallocene dimethyl derivative, complexed with an oligomeric MAO unit, would undergo a transfer-epimetallation with added olefin or acetylene to form a metallacyclopropane or metallacyclopropene, respectively. With added diphenylacetylene the resulting 2,3-diphenylmetallacyclopropene would be expected rapidly to insert a second alkyne to form the 2,3,4,5-tetraphenyl-1-metallacyclopentadiene. Simple hydrolysis of the latter intermediate would generate (E,E)-1,2,3,4-tetraphenyl-1,3-butadiene while alternative workup with D2O would give the 1,4-dideuterio derivative of this butadiene. Both such expectations were confirmed by experiment. In the case of added olefin, similar metallacyclopropane and metallacyclopentane intermediates should be produced until ring opening of the latter five-membered ring leads to an open-chain zwitterion, a process having ample precedent in the research of Gerhard Erker. The solution to the MAO conundrum then, namely the extraordinary cocatalytic activity of MAO in olefin polymerization by metallocenes, lies in the unique catalytic activation of the Group 4 metallocene dimethyl derivative, which occurs by transfer-epimetallation of the olefin monomer by the Cp2Mt(CH3)2,MAO complex. The most advantageous Lewis acidic sites in the MAO,oligomeric mixture for such metallocene,MAO complexation are suggested to be terminal Me2Al,O,AlMe, segments of an open-chain oligomer. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005) [source] Orobanche benkertii sp. nova (Orobanchaceae Vent.) und weitere Orobanche -Sippen aus dem Nordwest-KaukasusFEDDES REPERTORIUM, Issue 1-2 2004St. Rätzel Im Verlaufe von zwei Exkursionen des Erstautors in den Nordwest-Kaukasus (Republik Adygeja) in den Jahren 2001 und 2002 konnte reichhaltiges Material der Gattung Orobanche L. gesammelt werden. Im Ergebnis der Durchsicht der Belege wurden weitere Erkenntnisse insbesondere zu den weniger bekannten Endemiten Orobanche gamosepala, O. grossheimii und O.inulae gewonnen sowie sechs neue Taxa (Orobanche benkertii sp. nova, O. laxissima sp. nova, O. alba subsp. xanthostigma subsp. nova, O. alba subsp. xanthostigma f. sineglandulosa f. nova, O. grossheimii f. pallescens f. nova, O. flava subsp. cicerbitae subsp. nova) werden beschrieben. (© 2004 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) Orobanche benkertii sp. nova (Orobanchaceae Vent.) and further Orobanche species from the Northwest Caucasus mountains During two excursions of the first author to the northwest Caucasian area (Republic Adygeja) in 2001 and 2002 rich material of genus Orobanche L. has been collected. As a result of the determination of these specimens better knowledges especially about the lesser known and endemic species Orobanche gamosepala, O.grossheimii and O.inulae could be received and , besides , six new taxa (Orobanche benkertii sp. nova, O. laxissima sp. nova, O. alba subsp. xanthostigma subsp. nova, O. alba subsp. xanthostigma f. sineglandulosa f. nova, O. grossheimii f. pallescens f. nova, O. flava subsp. cicerbitae subsp. nova) are described. [source] Protection against Fas-induced liver apoptosis in transgenic mice expressing cyclooxygenase 2 in hepatocytes,HEPATOLOGY, Issue 3 2007Marta Casado Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is upregulated in many cancers, and the prostanoids synthesized increase proliferation, improve angiogenesis, and inhibit apoptosis in several tissues. To explore the function of COX-2 in liver, transgenic (Tg) mice were generated containing a fusion gene (LIVhCOX-2) consisting of human COX-2 cDNA under the control of the human ApoE promoter. Six lines were developed; all of them expressed the LIVhCOX-2 transgene selectively in hepatocytes. The Tg mice exhibited a normal phenotype, and the increased levels of PGE2 found were due to the constitutively expressed COX-2. Histological analysis of different tissues and macroscopic examination of the liver showed no differences between wild-type (Wt) and Tg animals. However, Tg animals were resistant to Fas-mediated liver injury, as demonstrated by low levels of plasmatic aminotransferases, a lesser caspase-3 activation, and Bax levels and an increase in Bcl-2, Mcl-1, and xIAP proteins, when compared with the Wt animals. Moreover, the resistance to Fas-mediated apoptosis is suppressed in the presence of COX-2,selective inhibitors, which prevented prostaglandin accumulation in the liver of Tg mice. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that expression of COX-2,dependent prostaglandins exerted a protection against liver apoptosis. (HEPATOLOGY 2007;45:631,638.) [source] Relationship of prolactin response to meta-chlorophenylpiperazine with severity of drug use in cocaine dependenceHUMAN PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY: CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL, Issue 6 2006Ashwin A. Patkar Abstract Rationale Serotonergic (5-HT) mechanisms appear to mediate central effects of cocaine. Therefore 5-HT disturbances could be associated with drug severity. Objectives We investigated whether prolactin (PRL) response to meta-chlorophenylpiperazine (m-CPP), a mixed 5-HT agonist/antagonist were associated with severity of cocaine use. Methods Thirty-six cocaine-dependent subjects and 33 controls underwent a challenge with 0.5,mg/kg of oral m-CPP. Severity of drug use was assessed using the Addiction Severity Index (ASI). Results The PRL response to m-CPP was significantly blunted in cocaine patients compared to controls (F,=,21.86, p,<,0.001). ,PRL (peak PRL,baseline PRL) was negatively correlated with ASI-drug (r,=,,0.45, p,<,0.01), ASI-alcohol (r,=,,0.32, p,<,0.05), and ASI-psychological (r,=,,0.41, p,<,0.01) composite scores, and with the quantity, frequency and duration of drug use (r ranged from ,,0.41 to ,,0.32, p ranged from <,0.01 to 0.05). Hierarchical regressions showed that ASI-drug composite scores significantly predicted the variance in ,PRL after controlling for behavioral and demographic variables (F,=,4.27, p,<,0.05). Conclusions The results indicate that disturbances in 5-HT function as reflected by a blunted response to m-CPP seem to be primarily associated with severity of drug use and to a lesser, although significant extent with behavioral traits in cocaine-dependent patients. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Comparative study on composition and antioxidant properties of mint and black tea extractINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 10 2008Ekambaram Padmini Summary The antioxidant properties of plants could be correlated with oxidative stress defence in different human diseases. The present study was undertaken to evaluate and compare the antioxidant potential and the phytochemical composition in the aqueous extracts of mint leaves, black tea and black tea enriched with mint extract. All the three preparations exhibited free radical-scavenging potential for nitric oxide (NO) radical, superoxide anion radical and hydroxyl radical, and the values were lesser than those of the antioxidants which acted as standards. In comparison, the mint extract exhibited higher free radical and NO scavenging effect. Hydroxyl radical and superoxide scavenging effects were more pronounced in tea with the mint extract, while the reducing power was exhibited more significantly by the black tea extract. The phytochemical compounds were identified and the total phenols and flavonoids were quantified and compared between these extracts. [source] Deliberate self-harm in older adults: a review of the literature from 1995 to 2004INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 8 2007Jenifer Chan Abstract Background The prevention of suicide is a national and international policy priority. Old age is an important predictor of completed suicide. Suicide rates in old age differ markedly from country to country but there is a general trend towards increasing rates with increasing age. In 1996 Draper reviewed critically the evidence on attempted suicide in old age in the 10 years between 1985 and 1994. The review highlighted a need for prospective controlled studies in older people with more representative samples as well as studies examining the interaction of risk factors, precipitants, motivations, psychopathology and response to treatment. The aim of this paper is to update this review and to summarise the advances in our understanding of DSH in later life. Method We have critically reviewed relevant studies published between 1995 and 2004 to summarise the advances in our understanding of factors associated with deliberate self-harm in later life. Results The main advances in understanding have been to clarify the effect of personality and cultural factors, service utilisation pre and post attempt, and the (lesser) impact of socio-economic status and physical illness. Methodological weaknesses continue to include inadequate sample sizes performed on highly selected populations, inconsistent age criteria and lack of informant data on studies relating to role of personality. Conclusions Future studies should include prospective, cross-cultural research with adequate sample sizes and which are population-based. Such approaches might confirm or refute the results generated to date and improve knowledge on factors such as the biological correlates of deliberate self-harm, service utilisation, costs and barriers to health care, and the interaction of these factors. Intervention studies to elucidate the impact of modifying these factors and of specific treatment packages are also needed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] To be and to continue being a cog: the conservation of the Bremen Cog of 1380INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NAUTICAL ARCHAEOLOGY, Issue 1 2001Per Hoffmann The conservation project for the Bremen Cog of 1380 took 38 years from salvage to presentation of the ship to the public in the Deutsches Schiffahrtsmuseum in 2000. The ship was salvaged from the River Weser in about 2000 pieces, and stored in water tanks. A new museum was built, and the Cog reassembled from the waterlogged timbers. The ship was reconstructed with most of the weight being taken by the ceiling of the hall via a steel-rod hanging system. Then a conservation tank was built around the hull, and a novel two-step PEG-treatment applied, especially developed for the Cog. In two consecutive baths PEG 200 and PEG 3000 stabilized lesser degraded and heavily degraded wood against shrinkage, splitting, and warping. After cleaning, the wood looks dark brown, dry, and natural. The extraordinary project is regarded a success. [source] On the Consequences of Frequent Applicants in Adverse Impact Analyses: A demonstration studyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SELECTION AND ASSESSMENT, Issue 4 2008Eric M. Dunleavy Electronic résumés, online applications, and automated personnel systems have reduced the effort required for a candidate to apply for employment opportunities like selection and promotion. The nature of these systems may affect analyses of adverse impact. For example, candidates that can easily apply to many positions multiple times could strongly influence analyses of adverse impact under particular circumstances. This study demonstrates some potential consequences of including frequent applicants in adverse impact analyses. Using workforce simulation methodology, we illustrate some conditions where a lesser qualified frequent applicant substantially influences the statistical significance of adverse impact detection. In some cases, the adverse impact against a subgroup may be accounted for by a single frequent applicant; in other cases, statistically significant adverse impact may be disguised by a single frequent applicant. We also consider methods for identifying frequent applicants and present options for handling these cases in analyses. [source] Modafinil reduces patient-reported tiredness after sedation/analgesia but does not improve patient psychomotor skillsACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 2 2010E. GALVIN Background: Early recovery of patients following sedation/analgesia and anesthesia is important in ambulatory practice. The aim of this study was to assess whether modafinil, used for the treatment of narcolepsy, improves recovery following sedation/analgesia. Methods: Patients scheduled for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy were randomly assigned to one of four groups. Two groups received a combination of fentanyl/midazolam with either modafinil or placebo. The remaining groups received remifentanil/propofol with either modafinil or placebo. Modafinil 200 mg was administered to the treatment group patients 1 h before sedation/analgesia. Groups were compared using the digital symbol substitution test (DSST), trail making test (TMT), observer scale of sedation and analgesia (OAA/S) and Aldrete score. Verbal rating scale (VRS) scores for secondary outcome variables e.g. energy, tiredness and dizziness were also recorded before and after treatment. Results: Sixty-seven patients successfully completed the study. Groups received similar doses of sedation and analgesic drugs. No statistically significant difference was found for DSST between groups. No significant adverse effects occurred in relation to modafinil. No statistically significant difference between groups was identified for TMT, OAA/S and Aldrete scores. The mean VRS score for tiredness was lesser in the modafinil/fentanyl/midazolam group [1.3 (2.0)] compared with the placebo group [3.8 (2.5)], P=0.02. Such a difference was not found between the remifentanil/propofol groups [placebo 2.6 (2.2) vs. modafinil 3.1(2.7)], p>0.05. Dizziness was greater in the modafinil/remifentanil/propofol group 1.7 (2.0) vs. placebo 0.0 (0.5), p<0.05. Conclusion: Modafinil reduces patient-reported tiredness after sedation/analgesia but does not improve recovery in terms of objective measures of patient psychomotor skills. [source] Absence of carotid rete mirabile in small tropical ruminants: implications for the evolution of the arterial system in artiodactylsJOURNAL OF ANATOMY, Issue 1 2007Katsuhiro Fukuta Abstract The intracranial carotid rete (or rete mirabile epidurale) is a unique blood vascular system supplying the brain of artiodactyls, which have either an involuted or no internal carotid artery. Although the lesser and greater mouse deer (Tragulus javanicus and T. napu, respectively) are ruminants, the rete mirabile epidurale is absent. In these animals, as in non-artiodactyls, such as canines, equines and humans, the complete internal carotid artery supplies the brain. It is currently uncertain whether the absence of the rete is confined to mouse deer among ruminants. The absence of the rete in mouse deer provides new insights into the evolution of the arterial system in artiodactyls. [source] Gingival crevicular fluid and serum leptin: their relationship to periodontal health and diseaseJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 6 2007B. V. Karthikeyan Abstract Background & Aims: Leptin is a pleiotrophic hormone produced by adipose tissue and it plays an important role in protection of the host from inflammation and infection. The purpose of this study is to determine the presence of leptin in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and serum samples and to find out their association, if any. Methods: Forty two subjects were selected based on their body mass index and were divided into three groups of 14 each; healthy (Group I), chronic gingivitis (Group II) and chronic periodontitis (Group III). GCF samples (by microcapillary pipettes) and serum samples (by venipuncture) were collected to estimate the levels of leptin using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay kit. Results: The highest mean leptin concentration in GCF was obtained for Group I (2658 pg/ml) and the least for Group III (1312 pg/ml). In contrast, the lowest serum leptin concentration was obtained for the Group I (8783 pg/ml), and the highest for Group III (12082 pg/ml). This suggests a negative correlation of GCF leptin concentration and a positive correlation of serum leptin concentration as the clinical attachment level progresses (p<0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that greater the periodontal destruction, lesser is the GCF leptin concentration and greater the serum leptin concentration. [source] Gill disease of marine fish caused by infection with Neoparamoeba pemaquidensisJOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES, Issue 9 2001B L Munday Amoebic gill disease (AGD) of maricultured salmonids, turbot, Scophthalmus maximus (L.), European seabass, Dicentrarchus labrax (L.), and sharpsnout seabream, Diplodus puntazzo (Cetti), caused by Neoparamoeba pemaquidensis has been reported from Australia (Tasmania), Ireland, France, Chile, North America (Washington State and California) and Spain. Of the salmonids, Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., appears to be the most susceptible with rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), also suffering significant disease. Only minor outbreaks have been reported in coho, O. kisutch (Walbaum), and chinook salmon, O. tshawytscha (Walbaum). The disease now accounts for 10,20% of production costs of Atlantic salmon in Tasmania and has lead to temporary abandonment of culture of this species in parts of Spain. It is of lesser, but still significant, importance in other countries. Much is known about the pathology of AGD but the pathophysiology of the disease is poorly understood. There is evidence that non-specific immunity is involved in fish acquiring resistance to AGD, but no unequivocal evidence exists for protection as a result of specific immune responses. To date, for salmonids, the only effective treatment for AGD is a freshwater bath. Control procedures based on modification of management strategies have been minimal and virtually unresearched. [source] RHEOLOGICAL AND SENSORY QUALITY OF READY-TO-BAKE CHAPATTI DURING FROZEN STORAGEJOURNAL OF FOOD QUALITY, Issue 4 2009D.N. YADAV ABSTRACT The effect of prolonged frozen storage at ,18C, on the textural and sensory properties of ready-to-bake frozen chapatti (R-BFC) was evaluated. The R-BFC samples were prepared from normal- (control) and microwave-treated (18% moisture content for 80 s) wheat grains. Results showed that the extensibility of dough and maximum load for resistance increased gradually in both the samples during frozen storage; however, the increase was lesser in the treated ones. Chapattis prepared from both R-BFC samples exhibited higher hardness, cohesiveness, chewiness and lower springiness values during frozen storage. Microwave-treated R-BFC samples were rated as better retained in color, texture and overall acceptability scores as compared with control, up to 6 months of storage at ,18C. Thiamin and riboflavin contents were monitored during frozen storage and a loss of 12.0,14.5% in thiamin and 4,6% in riboflavin after 6 months of frozen storage was recorded. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS During frozen storage, various physical, rheological and sensory changes occur in the food products, which determine the consumer's acceptability. The results of this study will help to establish quality of the frozen chapattis with respect to texture, color and aroma which will meet the consumer's acceptance. The protocol for the storage of frozen chapattis will help the industry to deliver the product of optimum quality. [source] WHEAT BRAN (TRITICUM AESTIVUM): COMPOSITION, FUNCTIONALITY AND INCORPORATION IN UNLEAVENED BREADJOURNAL OF FOOD QUALITY, Issue 3 2002ARCHANA SHENOY H. High fiber Chapathi, an Indian unleavened bread incorporating different levels (5,15%) of wheat bran to wheat flour was prepared and evaluated for acceptability and farinograph characteristics. Whole wheat flour, wheat bran and its differently milled fractions were analyzed for chemical composition and functional properties. The water absorption capacity of bran was slightly lower than that of flour and did not increase as a function of time. The bran incorporated doughs were difficult to knead and sticky with no change in rolling properties. Farinograph characteristics revealed an increase in dough development time and a decrease in mixing tolerance index as the level of incorporation of bran increased. Wheat bran incorporated products scored lesser for the sensory quality attributes than controls. The differences were statistically significant for products prepared with 10% and 15% bran and not significant for products prepared with 5% level of bran. It can be concluded that wheat bran can be incorporated up to a level of 5% for preparation of high fiber phulkas or chapathis without affecting sensory quality. [source] Comparison of closed loop vs. manual administration of propofol using the Bispectral index in cardiac surgeryACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 3 2009J. AGARWAL Background: In recent years, electroencephalographic indices of anaesthetic depth have facilitated automated anaesthesia delivery systems. Such closed-loop control of anaesthesia has been described in various surgical settings in ASA I,II patients (1,4), but not in open heart surgery characterized by haemodynamic instability and higher risk of intra-operative awareness. Therefore, a newly developed closed-loop anaesthesia delivery system (CLADS) to regulate propofol infusion by the Bispectral index (BIS) was compared with manual control during open heart surgery. Methods: Forty-four adult ASA II,III patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass were enrolled. The study participants were randomized to two groups: the CLADS group received propofol delivered by the CLADS, while in the manual group, propofol delivery was adjusted manually. The depth of anaesthesia was titrated to a target BIS of 50 in both the groups. Results: During induction, the CLADS group required lower doses of propofol (P<0.001), resulting in lesser overshoots of BIS (P<0.001) and mean arterial blood pressure (P=0.004). Subsequently, BIS was maintained within ± 10 of the target for a significantly longer time in the CLADS group (P=0.01). The parameters of performance assessment, median absolute performance error (P=0.01), wobble (P=0.04) and divergence (P<0.001), were all significantly better in the CLADS group. Haemodynamic stability was better in the CLADS group and the requirement of phenylephrine in the pre-cardiopulmonary bypass period as well as the cumulative dose of phenylephrine used were significantly higher in the manual group. Conclusion: The automated delivery of propofol using CLADS was safe, efficient and performed better than manual administration in open heart surgery. [source] Lymph drainage of the mammary glands in female catsJOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY, Issue 3 2006F. Raharison Abstract The mammary gland is a common site of neoplasms in the female cat. All the malignant tumors metastasize to a lesser or a greater extent through the lymphatic system. However, the anatomical knowledge of this system is not sufficiently well known in cats to develop a reasoned model for the extirpation of these glands in case of malignant tumors. A study of the lymph drainage in 50 female cats was done by indirect injection in vivo of India ink inside the mammary parenchyma. After a waiting interval, mammary glands were extracted and the thoracic cavity opened. All the lymph nodes were examined after clearing. The success rate of the colorations of lymph nodes and lymph vessels was 91.8%. Out of the 100 observed mammary chains, the two intermediate mammary glands (T2, A1) may drain caudally to the superficial inguinal lymph center and/or cranially to the axillary lymph center. The T1 gland always drains exclusively cranially and A2 exclusively caudally. The two mammary glands (T1 and A1) often drain towards the sternal cranial lymph nodes, but 100% of the T2 drain towards it. This research assumes that the limit between the two directions of drainage can exist only between glands T2 and A1. The results obtained with the study of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th mammary glands permit production of new and more complete data of functional significance that will eventually aid block dissection surgical technique in the removal of malignant tumors in cats. J. Morphol. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Vascular endothelial growth factor enhances migration of astroglial cells in subventricular zone neurosphere culturesJOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH, Issue 2 2010Nina Mani Abstract Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an endothelial and neuronal survival factor and a mitogen for endothelial cells and astrocytes in both explant and in vivo injury models. In the CNS, interplay between the vasculature and neural stem progenitor (NSP) cells is required for the maintenance of angiogenic/neurogenic coordination in the germinal niche in the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricle. Using an in vitro SVZ neurosphere (NS) model, this study aimed to understand the direct effects of VEGF and its receptor signaling on neonatal NSP cell growth and migration. Our data indicate that VEGF administration, compared with untreated or brain-derived neurotrophic factor-treated NS, significantly increased growth and migratory capacity of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)+ and nestin+ NSP cells and in secondary cultures induced a stellate astrocyte morphology. Blockade of both VEGF, which is normally expressed in some NS cells, and its flt-1 receptor signaling by neutralizing antibodies caused morphological changes specifically in GFAP+ cells and disrupted sphere formation and outward migration. These cells did not appear as conventional polygonal astrocytes; their process growth was severely restricted, and overall migration was reduced by up to 76% of control cultures. Blockade of VEGF's flk-1 receptor reduced VEGF expression and caused a lesser, though significant, decrease (29%) in NSP (GFAP+) cell migration. The results show that both VEGF and, in particular, flt-1 receptor signaling are critical to the proper configuration of the NS and its subsequent development. VEGF is also an important growth and migratory factor particularly for GFAP+ cells developing in SVZ-derived NS in culture. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Interdisciplinary teamwork: is the influence of emotional intelligence fully appreciated?JOURNAL OF NURSING MANAGEMENT, Issue 4 2007ANTOINETTE McCALLIN BA, MA (Hons) Aim, The purpose of this study is to discuss how emotional intelligence affects interdisciplinary team effectiveness. Some findings from a larger study on interdisciplinary teamworking are discussed. Background, Teams are often evaluated for complementary skill mix and expertise that are integrated for specialist service delivery. Interactional skills and emotional intelligence also affect team behaviour and performance. An effective team needs both emotional intelligence and expertise, including technical, clinical, social and interactional skills, so that teamwork becomes greater or lesser than the whole, depending on how well individuals work together. Key issues, Team diversity, individuality and personality differences, and interprofessional safety are analysed to raise awareness for nurse managers of the complexity of interdisciplinary working relationships. Conclusion, If nursing input into interdisciplinary work is to be maximized, nurse managers might consider the role of emotional intelligence in influencing team effectiveness, the quality of client care, staff retention and job satisfaction. [source] Responsiveness, affinity constants and receptor reserves for serotonin on aortae of aged normotensive and hypertensive ratsJOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 10 2001Sheila A. Doggrell We have previously shown that the potency and affinity constants (KA values) for serotonin (5-HT) are greater, and the 5-HT2A -receptor reserve is lesser, on the aorta of 6-month-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) compared with age-matched Wistar Kyoto normotensive (WKY) rats. The present study was undertaken to investigate whether these parameters are altered on the aorta with ageing and as hypertension progresses to heart failure. The effects of phenoxybenzamine on the serotonergic responses of the aortae of 24-month-old WKY rats and SHRs were determined. On WKY rat aorta, ageing from 6 to 24 months was associated with an increase in sensitivity and affinity for serotonin, and a loss of 5-HT2A -receptor reserve. On SHR aorta, ageing from 6 to 24 months was also associated with an increase in sensitivity and affinity for serotonin, but a loss of 5-HT2A -receptor reserve. The sensitivity to serotonin was greater on the 24-month-old SHR aorta (pD2 6.53) than age-matched WKY rat aorta (pD2 5.89). On the aorta of the 24-month-old WKY rats, the KA value for serotonin was 4.5 times 10,6 M, and the receptor occupancies required for 20 and 50% maximum responses were 12 and 29%, respectively. There was a similar affinity, but greater receptor reserves, for serotonin on the aorta of age-matched SHRs. In summary, we have shown changes in sensitivity, affinity and 5-HT2A -receptor reserves for serotonin on the aorta with ageing and in hypertension/heart failure. [source] Kinetics of styrene emulsion polymerization above the critical micelle concentration: Effect of the initial monomer concentration on the molecular weightJOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 9 2005Jorge Herrera-Ordonez Abstract The emulsion polymerization of styrene above the critical micelle concentration has been experimentally studied from a low final polymer content up to a high polymer content (,50%). A maximum in the molecular weight (M) evolution has been observed in all cases. The presence or absence of such a maximum depends on the relative values of the rate of free-radical entry (,) and the rate of chain transfer to the monomer (KtrCMp, where Ktr is the chain transfer to monomer rate coefficient and CMp is the monomer concentration in particles). If , , KtrCMp, M is constant and equal to Kp/Ktr (where Kp is the propagation rate coefficient), except at very low particles sizes typical of the early stages of the reaction, in which the chain length is limited by the particle size. On the other hand, if , , KtrCMp, M is determined by both CMp and ,. It is proposed that , is determined by the sum of the entry of the oligomeric radicals formed in the aqueous phase and those contained in particles that undergo limited coagulation. This coagulative entry can become very significant; therefore, reactor hydrodynamics can play a major role in the kinetic behavior observed. Disagreement between Clay and Gilbert's model and molecular weight distribution data can be ascribed, to a lesser or greater extent, to the degree of correctness of the quasi-steady-state and instantaneous-termination approaches. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 1963,1972, 2005 [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||