Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Modified
Kinds of Modified Terms modified by Modified Selected AbstractsOn the Segregation of Genetically Modified, Conventional and Organic Products in European Agriculture: A Multi-market Equilibrium AnalysisJOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS, Issue 3 2005GianCarlo Moschini Q1; O3 Abstract Evaluating the possible benefits of the introduction of genetically modified (GM) crops must address the issue of consumer resistance as well as the complex regulation that has ensued. In the European Union (EU), this regulation envisions the co-existence of GM food with conventional and quality-enhanced products, mandates the labelling and traceability of GM products and allows only a stringent adventitious presence of GM content in other products. All these elements are brought together within a partial equilibrium model of the EU agricultural food sector. The model comprises conventional, GM and organic food. Demand is modelled in a novel fashion, whereby organic and conventional products are treated as horizontally differentiated but GM products are vertically differentiated (weakly inferior) relative to conventional ones. Supply accounts explicitly for the land constraint at the sector level and for the need for additional resources to produce organic food. Model calibration and simulation allow insights into the qualitative and quantitative effects of the large-scale introduction of GM products in the EU market. We find that the introduction of GM food reduces overall EU welfare, mostly because of the associated need for costly segregation of non-GM products, but the producers of quality-enhanced products actually benefit. [source] Nesting Habitat of the Lilac-crowned Parrot in a Modified Landscape in MexicoBIOTROPICA, Issue 3 2009Tiberio C. Monterrubio-Rico ABSTRACT Parrot populations are being increasingly pressured to occupy modified or fragmented landscapes, yet little is known of the habitat requirements of most species, particularly with regard to the effects on breeding habitat. We evaluated nesting habitat of the lilac-crowned parrot Amazona finschi in the modified landscape of coastal Michoacan in Mexico. We located 90 parrot nests in 12 tree species in Michoacan, with lilac-crowned parrots presenting a narrow niche-breadth of tree species used for nesting. Considering an additional 82 nest trees recorded for lilac-crowned parrots in Jalisco, we determined a 51 percent similarity in cavity resource use by parrots in the two dry forest regions. Overall, the predominant nest tree species with 76 percent of nests were Astronium graveolens, Piranhea mexicana, Brosimum alicastrum, and Tabebuia spp., all characteristic of semi-deciduous forest. Only 8 percent of nests occurred in trees characteristic of deciduous forest. Parrots utilized large trees with canopy level cavities as nest sites, and preferred conserved semi-deciduous forest for nesting, with fewer nests than expected in deciduous forest and transformed agricultural land. Nest areas in semi-deciduous forest occurred on significantly steeper terrain, as remnant semi-deciduous forest is restricted to steep ridges and canyons. Those parrot nests in modified habitats and forest patches were located near to continuous forest, with nest trees in open agricultural land being significantly closer to continuous forest than nests in disturbed forest patches. These results demonstrate the importance of conserved semi-deciduous forest as breeding habitat for the threatened, endemic lilac-crowned parrot, making wild populations of the species vulnerable to the high rate of transformation and fragmentation of tropical dry forest. RESUMEN Las poblaciones de Psitácidos están siendo presionadas a ocupar paisajes modificados, sin embargo poco se conoce sobre los requerimientos de hábitat para la mayoría de las especies, particularmente con respecto a los efectos sobre sus hábitats de anidación. Evaluamos el hábitat de anidación del loro corona lila (Amazona finschi) en el paisaje modificado de la costa de Michoacán en México. Localizamos 90 sitios de anidación en 12 especies de árboles en Michoacan, encontrando que el loro corona lila presentó una estrecha amplitud de nicho en el uso de especies de árboles para anidar. Considerando un adicional 82 árboles-nido del loro corona lila en Jalisco, determinamos un 51% de similitud en utilización del recurso de cavidades por los loros en los dos regiones de bosque seco. Los árboles claves, con 76% de los nidos, fueron Astronium graveolens, Piranhea mexicana, Brosimum alicastrum, y Tabebuia spp., todos característicos del bosque subcaducifolio. Solo 8% de los nidos se encontraron en arboles características del bosque caducifolio. Los loros utilizaron árboles grandes con cavidades en el dosel como sitios de anidación, y prefirieron el bosque subcaducifolio conservado para anidar, con un menor número de nidos que lo esperado en el bosque caducifolio y tierras agropecuarias. Las áreas de anidación en bosque subcaducifolio ocurrieron sobre pendientes significativamente más inclinadas, ya que los remanentes de este tipo de vegetación están actualmente restringidos a pendientes inclinadas y cañadas. Aquellos nidos en hábitats modificados y parches pequeños de vegetación se localizaron cerca de áreas de bosque continuo, con los árboles-nido que ocurrieron en terrenos agropecuarios significativamente más cerca de los bosques continuos, que los que ocurrieron en fragmentos de bosques perturbados. Estos resultados destacan la importancia del bosque subcaducifolio conservado como hábitat de anidación para esta especie de loro endémico y amenazado, haciendo a sus poblaciones silvestres vulnerables al alto nivel de transformación y fragmentación del bosque tropical seco. [source] Landscape Clubs: Co-existence of Genetically Modified and Organic CropsCANADIAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS, Issue 2 2007W. H. Furtan The possibility of increased production of genetically modified (GM) crops in agriculture accentuates the need to examine the feasibility of GM and non-GM technologies co-existing on a common physical landscape. Using the theory of clubs, this paper examines the possibility of co-existence for GM and organic wheat technologies through the formation of an organic club with an endogenously determined buffer zone. Given the available data on prices, and yields, it is shown that a club can be created in which GM and organic agricultural production technologies can economically co-exist in the same physical landscape. Specifically, co-existence results in an increase in economic welfare over a situation where only GM technology is used but is not Pareto superior because producers in the buffer zone will incur injury. We show that organic producers in the club can compensate producers in the buffer zone and still be better off. Hence, the compensation principle holds. La possibilité de production accrue de cultures génétiquement modifiées (GM) accentue la nécessité d'examiner la faisabilité de coexistence des technologies GM et non GM dans un même paysage agricole. À l'aide de la théorie des clubs, le présent article a examiné la possibilité de coexistence des technologies de culture de blé GM et de blé biologique en créant un club ,biologique, comprenant une zone tampon déterminée de façon endogène. Compte tenu des données disponibles concernant les prix et les rendements, il est montré qu'il est possible de créer un club au sein duquel les technologies de production de cultures biologiques et GM peuvent économiquement coexister dans un même paysage naturel. Spécifiquement, la coexistence engendre une augmentation du bien-être économique par rapport à une situation où seule la technologie GM est utilisée, mais elle n'est pas Pareto supérieure parce que les producteurs dans la zone tampon subiront des dommages. Nous montrons que les producteurs de cultures biologiques membres du club peuvent indemniser les producteurs de la zone tampon tout en demeurant en bonne position. Le principe de compensation tient donc. [source] A Modified and Green Methodology for Preparation of Polysubstituted Furans.CHEMINFORM, Issue 40 2005Javad Azizian Abstract For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text. [source] Symptom experience associated with immunosuppressive drugs after liver transplantation in adults: possible relationship with medication non-compliance?CLINICAL TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 6 2008G. Drent Abstract:, Symptom experience (occurrence and perceived distress) associated with side effects of immunosuppressive medications in organ transplant patients may well be associated with poorer quality of life and medication non-compliance. The aims of this study were: first, to assess symptom experience in clinically stable adult patients during long-term follow-up after liver transplantation; and second, to study the relationship between symptom experience and medication non-compliance. This cross-sectional study included 123 liver transplant patients. Symptom experience was assessed using the "Modified Transplant Symptom Occurrence and Symptom Distress Scale" (29-item version) at the annual evaluation. According to the duration of follow-up, patients were divided into a short-term (1,4 yr) and a long-term (5,18 yr) cohort. Medication non-compliance was measured using electronic monitoring. Results showed that increased hair growth was the most frequent symptom in both sexes. Symptom distress was more serious in women than in men. The most distressing symptom in women was excessive and/or painful periods, while in men this was impotence. Clear differences were revealed at item level between symptom occurrence and symptom distress in relationship with the two time cohorts and between sexes. No relationship was found between symptom experience and prednisolone non-compliance. [source] Particle Level Set Advection for the Interactive Visualization of Unsteady 3D FlowCOMPUTER GRAPHICS FORUM, Issue 3 2008Nicolas Cuntz Abstract Typically, flow volumes are visualized by defining their boundary as iso-surface of a level set function. Grid-based level sets offer a good global representation but suffer from numerical diffusion of surface detail, whereas particle-based methods preserve details more accurately but introduce the problem of unequal global representation. The particle level set (PLS) method combines the advantages of both approaches by interchanging the information between the grid and the particles. Our work demonstrates that the PLS technique can be adapted to volumetric dye advection via streak volumes, and to the visualization by time surfaces and path volumes. We achieve this with a modified and extended PLS, including a model for dye injection. A new algorithmic interpretation of PLS is introduced to exploit the efficiency of the GPU, leading to interactive visualization. Finally, we demonstrate the high quality and usefulness of PLS flow visualization by providing quantitative results on volume preservation and by discussing typical applications of 3D flow visualization. [source] The "Modified" Winch StitchDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 10 2001J. Michael Casparian MD Background. The methods described to achieve intraoperative tissue expansion have drawbacks. Objective. To report an intraoperative tissue expansion technique using standard suture material and hemostats to create a "modified" winch stitch. Methods. A continuous running suture is placed with both ends left free. A "fixed" hemostat is placed above the skin at one end. After pulling at the other end with a second hemostat, a third hemostat is placed proximal to this hemostat just above the skin, which is left in place to produce stretching. The second and third hemostats are then used in an alternating pulling and holding fashion. Results. This method produces significant tissue expansion. If the desired degree of approximation is achieved, the ends of the suture can be tied together, as in the previously described winch stitch. Conclusion. The modified winch stitch is a simple and inexpensive means to facilitate closure of wounds under a significant amount of tension. [source] Retinal capillary basement membrane thickness in diabetic mice genetically modified at the haptoglobin locusDIABETES/METABOLISM: RESEARCH AND REVIEWS, Issue 2 2007Rachel Miller-Lotan Technion Faculty of Medicine Abstract Background Individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) homozygous for the haptoglobin (Hp) 1 allele are at decreased risk of retinopathy as compared to DM individuals with the Hp 2 allele. We sought to recapitulate these findings in DM mice genetically modified at the Hp locus. Methods An early morphological characteristic of the microangiopathy seen in diabetic retinal disease is retinal capillary basement membrane (RCBM) thickening. RCBM thickness as assessed by electron microscopy was performed on a total of 12 eyes taken from three mice in each of the four study groups (three eyes from C57Bl/6 Hp 1 and C57Bl/6 Hp 2 mice with and without streptozotocin-induced diabetes). Results The non-parametric Kruskal,Wallis ANOVA test demonstrated that there was a highly significant difference between the four groups of mice (P < 0.0001). Mann,Whitney tests for specific pair-wise comparisons demonstrated that there was no significant difference in the RCBM thickness between Hp 1 and Hp 2 mice (p = 0.70) or between DM Hp 1 and non-DM Hp 1 mice (p = 0.42). However, induction of diabetes resulted in a marked increase in RCBM thickness in Hp 2 mice compared to non-DM Hp 2 mice (p = 0.0004) and compared to DM Hp 1 mice (p = 0.0005). Conclusions A highly significant increase in RCBM thickness was observed in DM mice with the Hp 2 genotype. These data provide important support for association studies done in humans showing an increased prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in individuals with the Hp 2 genotype. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Interpreting sustainable development and societal utility in Norwegian GMO assessmentsENVIRONMENTAL POLICY AND GOVERNANCE, Issue 4 2008G. Kristin Rosendal Abstract This article examines the process of assessing applications for genetically modified (GM) crops or plants for import or commercial planting in Norway. GMO legislation in Norway is closely linked to the EU through the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA), to which Norway is a party. A central difference with the EU processes emanates from specific clauses in the Norwegian Gene Technology Act on ,sustainable development' and ,societal utility', which provide a potentially wider leverage for Norwegian authorities to turn down the applications. Research material indicates evidence of an increasingly restrictive practice in the Norwegian evaluations, raising the question of how this can be explained in the face of increasing global acceptance of GMOs. A related question is to what extent and how this result is affected by the trends in the EU. An increasingly restrictive practice may be explained by changes in the access structure to the evaluating body, or it may be due to learning and a growing acceptance of the precautionary principle in this sector. Third, a higher number of rejections may largely be associated with the interest structure pertaining to GMOs in Norway. Final decisions are pending and there are uncertainties concerning how Norwegian authorities will apply the specific criteria of the Gene Technology Act. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment. [source] The role of political myth in the international conflict over genetically modified foods and cropsENVIRONMENTAL POLICY AND GOVERNANCE, Issue 6 2007Sarah Lieberman Abstract Although the controversy over genetically modified (GM) foods and crops has generated some well known myths, such as ,frankenfoods', there has been little analysis of the political role played by these myths. Yet the significance of myth in the GM debate is considerable: indeed, by reflecting and reinforcing the political stances of the major protagonists, myths have themselves become important components in the conflict. With the aid of theoretical tools derived from Laclau, we examine the notion of political myth, and find that it has three levels: factual error, social meaning and political hegemony. We apply this theory to the GM controversy, distinguishing between substantive GM myths, such as frankenfoods, and procedural GM myths, such as the EU moratorium on GM products. We conclude that if such political myths become powerful enough, they could transform themselves into dominant hegemons , i.e. what Laclau calls social imaginaries , and begin to dictate GM policies across the globe. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment. [source] GMO Food Labelling in the EU: Tracing ,the Seeds of Dispute'EUROCHOICES, Issue 1 2003Maria L. Loureiro Summary GMO Food Labelling in the EU: Tracinq ,the Seeds of Dispute' Genetically modified (GM) food labelling has become a critical issue in the international trade arena. Policymakers and consumers in the European Union (EU) seem to agree on the need to control the use of biotechnology in the food industry. As a consequence, recently the EU Commission approved a measure that establishes strict rules on genetically modified organisms (GMOs), but which lifts the moratorium on GMO production and marketing. This new Directive deals with mandatory labelling of GM foods and their traceability along the food chain. In spite of the substantial effort made to reconcile the different opinions in the escalating debate about biotechnology, the new GMO regulation seems to be unsatisfactory for too many interest groups. A system of total traceability from ,farm to fork' and mandatory labelling for genetically modified products may be considered too complex and too expensive to implement, particularly by those countries or industries that have produced GMO foods for many years. Yet, giving European consumers the freedom to choose GMOs may be the only option that there is until Europeans restore their confidence in the food system and food regulators. A market or consumer-driven solution may eventually terminate the GMO dispute between the two transatlantic trading blocks. , Assurance , Revenud a ns , Agriculture Européenne ,étiquetage des aliments contenant des organismes génétiquement modifyés (OGM) est devenu une question cruciale sur la scène du commerce international. Tant les décideurs politiques que les citoyens de , Union européenne semblent s'accorder sur la nécessité de soumettre à contrôle , utilisation des biotechnologies dans , industrie alimentaire. En conséquence, la Commission européenne a récemment approuvé une mesure qui établit des règies strictes sur les OGM, mais qui lève le moratoire sur leur production et leur commercialisation. Cette nouvelle directive concerne ,étiquetage obligatoire des aliments contenant des OGM et la façon ? en assurer le suivi dans les filières alimentaires. Ce nouveau règlement OGM, en dépit des efforts réels effectués pour réconcilier les différents points de vue dans la montée du débat sur les biotechnologies, semble inconciliable avec trop de groupes ? intérêts pour être satisfaisant. Un système assurant une traçabilité totale, ,du champ à la fourchette' et un étiquetage obligatoire pour tout produit contenant des OGM, paraît bien trop complexe et coûteux à mettre en ,uvre, en particulier pour les pays ou les industries qui produisent des aliments génétiquement modifyés depuis des années. Et pourtant, il se pourrait bien que la seule façpn de restaurer la confiance perdue des Européens dans le système alimentaire et ses institutions soit justement de leur donner le droit de choisir. La fin de la querelle des OGM entre les blocs commerciaux des deux rives de , Atlantique peut venir de solutions apportées par le marché et issues des consommateurs. Einkommenversicherung in der Europäischen Landwirtschaft Die Kennzeichnung von genetisch veränderten Lebensmitteln ist zu einer der bedeutendsten Streitfragen auf dem Gebiet des internationalen Handels geworden. Politische Entscheidungsträger und Verbraucher in der Europäischen Union scheinen dahingehend überein zu stimmen, dass der Einsatz von Biotechnologie in der Nahrungsmittel-industrie kontrolliert werden sollte. Als Reaktion darauf hat die EU-Kommission kürzlich einer Maßnahme zugestimmt, welche ein strenges Regelwerk für genetisch veränderte Organismen (GVO) festschreibt, mit der aber gleichzeitig das Moratorium für die Produktion und Vermarktung von GVO aufgehoben wird. Die neue Richtlinie beschäftigt sich mit der Pflichtkennzeichnung von genetisch veränderten Nahrungsmitteln und mit ihrer Rückverfolgbarkeit entlang der Nahrungsmittelkette. Trotz der erheblichen Anstrengungen, die verschiedenen Standpunkte in der eskalierenden Debatte um Biotechnologie zu berücksichtigen, scheint die neue GVO Richtlinie in den Augen (zu) vieler Interessengruppen unbefriedigend zu sein. Ein System der vollständigen Rückverfolgbarkeit vom Stall bis zum Teller und die Pflichtkennzeichnung von genetisch veränderten Nahrungsmitteln mag in der Umsetzung als zu komplex und zu teuer betrachtet werden, insbesondere von den Ländern oder Industriezweigen, welche seit vielen Jahren GVO-Nahrungsmittel hergestellt haben. Dennoch könnte der Ansatz, den europäischen Verbrauchern die freie Wahl für oder gegen GVO zu gewähren, der einzig gangbare Weg sein, bis die Europäer ihr Vertrauen in das Produktions- und Kontrollsystem für Nahrungsmittel zurückgewonnen haben. Eine markt- oder verbraucherorientierte Lösung könnte letztlich den Streit um GVO zwischen den beiden transatlantischen Handelsblöcken beenden. [source] A metapopulation model for the introgression from genetically modified plants into their wild relativesEVOLUTIONARY APPLICATIONS (ELECTRONIC), Issue 2 2009Patrick G. Meirmans Abstract Most models on introgression from genetically modified (GM) plants have focused on small spatial scales, modelling gene flow from a field containing GM plants into a single adjacent population of a wild relative. Here, we present a model to study the effect of introgression from multiple plantations into the whole metapopulation of the wild relative. The most important result of the model is that even very low levels of introgression and selection can lead to a high probability that the transgene goes to fixation in the metapopulation. Furthermore, the overall frequency of the transgene in the metapopulation, after a certain number of generations of introgression, depends on the population dynamics. If there is a high rate of migration or a high rate of population turnover, the overall transgene frequency is much higher than with lower rates. However, under an island model of population structure, this increased frequency has only a very small effect on the probability of fixation of the transgene. Considering these results, studies on the potential ecological risks of introgression from GM plants should look not only at the rate of introgression and selection acting on the transgene, but also at the metapopulation dynamics of the wild relative. [source] Conformational and functional analysis of the lipid binding protein Ag-NPA-1 from the parasitic nematode Ascaridia galliFEBS JOURNAL, Issue 1 2005Rositsa Jordanova Ag-NPA-1 (AgFABP), a 15 kDa lipid binding protein (LBP) from Ascaridia galli, is a member of the nematode polyprotein allergen/antigen (NPA) family. Spectroscopic analysis shows that Ag-NPA-1 is a highly ordered, ,-helical protein and that ligand binding slightly increases the ordered secondary structure content. The conserved, single Trp residue (Trp17) and three Tyr residues determine the fluorescence properties of Ag-NPA-1. Analysis of the efficiency of the energy transfer between these chromophores shows a high degree of Tyr-Trp dipole-dipole coupling. Binding of fatty acids and retinol was accompanied by enhancement of the Trp emission, which allowed calculation of the affinity constants of the binary complexes. The distance between the single Trp of Ag-NPA-1 and the fluorescent fatty acid analogue 11-[(5-dimethylaminonaphthalene-1- sulfonyl)amino]undecanoic acid (DAUDA) from the protein binding site is 1.41 nm as estimated by fluorescence resonance energy transfer. A chemical modification of the Cys residues of Ag-NPA-1 (Cys66 and Cys122) with the thiol reactive probes 5-({[(2-iodoacetyl)amino]ethyl}amino) naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (IAEDANS) and N,N,-dimethyl- N -(iodoacetyl)- N,-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)ethylenediamine (IANBD), followed by MALDI-TOF analysis showed that only Cys66 was labeled. The observed similar affinities for fatty acids of the modified and native Ag-NPA-1 suggest that Cys66 is not a part of the protein binding pocket but is located close to it. Ag-NPA-1 is one of the most abundant proteins in A. galli and it is distributed extracellularly mainly as shown by immunohistology and immunogold electron microscopy. This suggests that Ag-NPA-1 plays an important role in the transport of fatty acids and retinoids. [source] Planarization of Polymeric Field-Effect Transistors: Improvement of Nanomorphology and Enhancement of Electrical PerformanceADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 14 2010Kumar A. Singh Abstract The planarization of bottom-contact organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) resulting in dramatic improvement in the nanomorphology and an associated enhancement in charge injection and transport is reported. Planar OFETs based on regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (rr-P3HT) are fabricated wherein the Au bottom-contacts are recessed completely in the gate-dielectric. Normal OFETs having a conventional bottom-contact configuration with 50-nm-high contacts are used for comparison purpose. A modified solvent-assisted drop-casting process is utilized to form extremely thin rr-P3HT films. This process is critical for direct visualization of the effect of planarization on the polymer morphology. Atomic force micrographs (AFM) show that in a normal OFET the step between the surface of the contacts and the gate dielectric disrupts the self-assembly of the rr-P3HT film, resulting in poor morphology at the contact edges. The planarization of contacts results in notable improvement of the nanomorphology of rr-P3HT, resulting in lower resistance to charge injection. However, an improvement in field-effect mobility is observed only at short channel lengths. AFM shows the presence of well-ordered nanofibrils extending over short channel lengths. At longer channel lengths the presence of grain boundaries significantly minimizes the effect of improvement in contact geometry as the charge transport becomes channel-limited. [source] Interactions between engineered tomato plants expressing antifungal enzymes and nontarget fungi in the rhizosphere and phyllosphereFEMS MICROBIOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 1 2008Mariangela Girlanda Abstract The introduction of genetically modified (GM) plants in agroecosystems raises concern about possible effects on nontarget species. The impact of a tomato line transformed for constitutive expression of tobacco ,-1,3-glucanase and chitinase on indigenous nonpathogenic fungi was investigated. In greenhouse experiments, no significant differences were found in the colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Diversity indices computed from over 20 500 colonies of culturable rhizosphere and phyllosphere saprotrophic microfungi, assigned to 165 species (plus>80 sterile morphotypes), showed no significant differences between GM and wild-type plants. Differences were found by discriminant analysis in both the rhizosphere and the phyllosphere, but such effects were minor compared with those linked to different plant growth stages. [source] Heterologous expression of a Clostridium minicellulosome in Saccharomyces cerevisiaeFEMS YEAST RESEARCH, Issue 8 2009Mariska Lilly Abstract The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was genetically modified to assemble a minicellulosome on its cell surface by heterologous expression of a chimeric scaffoldin protein from Clostridium cellulolyticum under the regulation of the phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1) promoter and terminator regulatory elements, together with the ,-xylanase 2 secretion signal of Trichoderma reesei and cell wall protein 2 (Cwp2) of S. cerevisiae. Fluorescent microscopy and Far Western blot analysis confirmed that the Scaf3p is targeted to the yeast cell surface and that the Clostridium thermocellum cohesin domain is functional in yeast. Similarly, functionality of the C. thermocellum dockerin domain in yeast is shown by binding to the Scaf3 protein in Far Western blot analysis. Phenotypic evidence for cohesin,dockerin interaction was also established with the detection of a twofold increase in tethered endoglucanase enzyme activity in S. cerevisiae cells expressing the Scaf3 protein compared with the parent strain. This study highlights the feasibility to future design of enhanced cellulolytic strains of S. cerevisiae through emulation of the cellulosome concept. Potentially, Scaf3p-armed yeast could also be developed into an alternative cell surface display strategy with various tailor-made applications. [source] Prospective Validation of a Modified Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction Risk Score in Emergency Department Patients With Chest Pain and Possible Acute Coronary SyndromeACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 4 2010Erik P. Hess MD Abstract Objectives:, This study attempted to prospectively validate a modified Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) risk score that classifies patients with either ST-segment deviation or cardiac troponin elevation as high risk. The objectives were to determine the ability of the modified score to risk-stratify emergency department (ED) patients with chest pain and to identify patients safe for early discharge. Methods:, This was a prospective cohort study in an urban academic ED over a 9-month period. Patients over 24 years of age with a primary complaint of chest pain were enrolled. On-duty physicians completed standardized data collection forms prior to diagnostic testing. Cardiac troponin T-values of >99th percentile (,0.01 ng/mL) were considered elevated. The primary outcome was acute myocardial infarction (AMI), revascularization, or death within 30 days. The overall diagnostic accuracy of the risk scores was compared by generating receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and comparing the area under the curve. The performance of the risk scores at potential decision thresholds was assessed by calculating the sensitivity and specificity at each potential cut-point. Results:, The study enrolled 1,017 patients with the following characteristics: mean (±SD) age 59.3 (±13.8) years, 60.6% male, 17.9% with a history of diabetes, and 22.4% with a history of myocardial infarction. A total of 117 (11.5%) experienced a cardiac event within 30 days (6.6% AMI, 8.9% revascularization, 0.2% death of cardiac or unknown cause). The modified TIMI risk score outperformed the original with regard to overall diagnostic accuracy (area under the ROC curve = 0.83 vs. 0.79; p = 0.030; absolute difference 0.037; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.004 to 0.071). The specificity of the modified score was lower at all cut-points of >0. Sensitivity and specificity at potential decision thresholds were: >0 = sensitivity 96.6%, specificity 23.7%; >1 = sensitivity 91.5%, specificity 54.2%; and >2 = sensitivity 80.3%, specificity 73.4%. The lowest cut-point (TIMI/modified TIMI >0) was the only cut-point to predict cardiac events with sufficient sensitivity to consider early discharge. The sensitivity and specificity of the modified and original TIMI risk scores at this cut-point were identical. Conclusions:, The modified TIMI risk score outperformed the original with regard to overall diagnostic accuracy. However, it had lower specificity at all cut-points of >0, suggesting suboptimal risk stratification in high-risk patients. It also lacked sufficient sensitivity and specificity to safely guide patient disposition. Both scores are insufficiently sensitive and specific to recommend as the sole means of determining disposition in ED chest pain patients. ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE,2010; 17:368,375 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine [source] A General Approach to Semimetallic, Ultra-High-Resolution, Electron-Beam ResistsADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 9 2009Bao-Yu Zong Abstract Commercial electron-beam resists are modified into semimetallic resists by doping with 1,3,nm metal nanoparticles, which improve the resolution, contrast, strength, dry-etching resistance, and other properties of the resist. With the modified resists, fine resist nanopatterns from electron-beam lithography are readily converted into 5,50,nm, high-quality multilayers for metallic nanosensors or nanopatterns via ion-beam etching. This method solves the problem of the fabrication of fine (<50,nm) metallic nanodevices via pattern transferring. [source] Ruptured internal jugular vein: A postoperative complication of modified/selected neck dissectionHEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 5 2003Suzanne S. Cleland-Zamudio MD Abstract Background. Postoperative hemorrhage from the internal jugular vein after a modified or selective neck dissection is an infrequent, yet potentially life-threatening, complication. Despite the increasing frequency of modified or selective neck dissections, this complication has not been previously highlighted in the literature. Setting. Tertiary referral academic center. Material and Methods. The records of six patients who experienced this complication were reviewed and analyzed for risk factors that might predict its occurrence. Results. Common risk factors included postoperative pharyngeal fistula formation, significant tobacco history, and poor nutritional status. A more complete circumferential dissection of the vein low in the neck in the presence of hypopharyngeal fistula may place it at a higher risk for rupture. Conclusions. Patients who have a complete circumferential dissection of the internal jugular vein low in the neck and go on to have fistulas develop may be more prone to internal jugular vein rupture. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 25: 000,000, 2003 [source] A modified and green methodology for preparation of polysubstituted furansHETEROATOM CHEMISTRY, Issue 4 2005Javad Azizian In this study, we introduced a very simple, one-pot and green methodology for preparation of polysubstituted furans by reaction of aromatic aldehydes, DMAD, and alkylisocyanides in water and at room temperature. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 16:259,262, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20086 [source] Availability and selection of arboreal termitaria as nest-sites by Orange-fronted Parakeets Aratinga canicularis in conserved and modified landscapes in MexicoIBIS, Issue 2 2009TANIA C. SANCHEZ-MARTINEZ Few studies have investigated the use of termitaria by nesting parrots, or how this may be affected by habitat transformation. We determined selection of termitaria by nesting Orange-fronted Parakeets Aratinga canicularis, and evaluated the effect of habitat transformation on the availability of termitaria nest-sites for Parakeets in the tropical dry forest of Western Mexico. Availability of termitaria was quantified in 24 survey plots in a factorial design of six 1-ha plots in each of conserved and modified, deciduous and semi-deciduous forest. Characteristics of termitaria were determined in survey plots, as well as 21 nest-termitaria used by Parakeets, and their nearest adjacent termitarium. There was an overall density of 1.6 termitaria/ha suitable for nesting by Parakeets, which did not differ between habitats, although only 8% of apparently suitable termitaria were occupied by nesting Parakeets. However, termitaria in conserved semi-deciduous forest were significantly higher above the ground, and termitaria in conserved deciduous forest were significantly smaller in volume. In the modified landscape, termitaria were significantly lower and their volume significantly larger than in conserved landscapes. Termitaria used by nesting parrots were at a significantly greater height above the ground than the nearest adjacent termitaria. Termitarium volume did not reliably predict the likelihood of nest-site selection, although Parakeets only used termitaria between 15 and 150 l. Parakeets nesting in modified habitats used termitaria at a significantly lower height than Parakeets nesting in conserved habitat. It is unclear whether this represents a decline in nest-site quality in modified habitats, which could affect reproductive success of Parakeet populations in fragmented landscapes. [source] Adaptive preconditioning of linear stochastic algebraic systems of equationsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING, Issue 11 2007Y. T. Feng Abstract This paper proposes an adaptively preconditioned iterative method for the solution of large-scale linear stochastic algebraic systems of equations with one random variable that arise from the stochastic finite element modelling of linear elastic problems. Firstly, a Rank-one posteriori preconditioner is introduced for a general linear system of equations. This concept is then developed into an effective adaptive preconditioning scheme for the iterative solution of the stochastic equations in the context of a modified Monte Carlo simulation approach. To limit the maximum number of base vectors used in the scheme, a simple selection criterion is proposed to update the base vectors. Finally, numerical experiments are conducted to assess the performance of the proposed adaptive preconditioning strategy, which indicates that the scheme with very few base vectors can improve the convergence of the standard Incomplete Cholesky preconditioning up to 50%. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Expression of oncogenic K-ras and loss of Smad4 cooperate to induce the expression of EGFR and to promote invasion of immortalized human pancreas ductal cellsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 9 2010Shujie Zhao Abstract Activating mutation of K-ras and inactivation of DPC4 are two common genetic alterations that occur in the development and progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC). A separate common event in PDAC progression is increased expression of phosphotyrosine kinase receptors (PTKRs). In our study, we examined whether activating mutations of K-ras and loss of Smad4 play a role in causing the aberrant expression of PTKRs. Immortalized human pancreas ductal cells (HPNE) were genetically modified by expressing oncogenic K-ras and/or by shRNA knockdown of Smad4. EGFR and erbB2 protein levels but not Ron or IGF-1R were substantially upregulated in HPNE cells that express K-ras(GD12). The increased expression of EGFR in HPNE cells that expressed K-ras(GD12) was mediated by both stabilizing EGFR protein and by increasing EGFR transcription. TGF-, signaling partially suppressed K-ras(GD12) induced EGFR transcription in Smad4 intact HPNE cells; whereas knockdown of Smad4 in cells expressing K-ras(GD12) further enhanced expression of EGFR and erbB2. The upregulation of EGFR and erbB2 was associated with an increase of invasion, which was blocked by a kinase inhibitor of EGFR. Our study indicates for the first time, that oncogenic ras and loss of Smad signaling cooperate to upregulate EGFR and erbB2, which plays a role in promoting invasion. [source] Accurate and time efficient estimation of the probability of error in bursty channels,INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, Issue 7 2003M. Stevan Berber Abstract A method and a technique for the probability of error estimation in digital channels with memory are developed and demonstrated. The expressions for the mean and variance of a random variable, representing a block of bits transmission in a bursty channel (channel with memory), are derived. The influence of the memory is expressed by a parameter called the memory factor. It is shown that the traditional Monte Carlo method can be applied for the probability of error estimation. In order to control the accuracy and increase the time efficiency of estimation this method is modified and a new method, called the modified Monte Carlo method, is proposed. Based on this modified method a technique of estimation with controlled accuracy is developed and demonstrated using data obtained by simulation. According to this technique the sample size is adjusted in the course of estimating procedure to give an accurate estimate of the probability of error for a minimum required time of estimation. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Measured average cell rate-based congestion avoidance schemeINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, Issue 1 2001Hyun M. Choi Abstract Techniques for congestion control of available bit-rate (ABR) traffic in ATM (asynchronous transfer mode) networks remain an important issue. Several congestion control schemes have been proposed to adjust the cell rates of sources with a modified or mean allowed cell rate. To make these schemes work effectively in practice, the modified or mean allowed cell rate must converge under all conditions. However, it is not easy to obtain an accurate value, and an inaccurate value could result in network performance degradation such as severe oscillations and considerable unfairness. Therefore, we propose a measured average cell rate-based congestion avoidance for ABR traffic in ATM networks. The scheme has high throughput and achieves shorter queue lengths without congestion. With measured average cell rate, the scheme provides fast convergence to a start-up virtual connection (VC) and rate of equalization from different initial conditions of the sources. Thus, this scheme provides better fairness among connections. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Flame structure and NO emissions in gas combustion of low calorific heating valueINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH, Issue 15 2003Jeong Park Abstract Numerical study on addition effects of CO and CO2 in fuel side (H2/Ar) on flame structure and NO emission behaviour in counterflow diffusion flame has been conducted with detailed chemistry to fundamentally understand gas combustion of low calorific heating value. A modified Miller,Bowman reaction scheme including a complementary C2 -reaction subset is adopted. The radiative heat loss term, which is based on an optically thin model and it especially important at low strain rates, is included to cover the importance of the temperature dependence on NO emission. Special interest is taken to estimate the roles of added CO and CO2 in fuel side on flame structure and NO emission characteristics. Increasing CO concentration in fuel side contributes to the enhancement of combustion due to the increase effect of the concentration of reactive species. The increase of added CO2 concentration in fuel side suppresses overall reaction rate due to the high heat capacity. It is seen that chemical effects due to the breakdown of added CO2 in fuel side make C2 -branch chemical species be remarkably formed and the prevailing contribution of prompt NO is a direct outcome of these effects. It is found that in the combined forms of H2/CO/CO2/Ar fuels the effects of added CO and CO2 concentrations in fuel side compete contrarily to each other in NO emission behaviour. Particularly the role of added CO is stressed in the side of restraining prompt NO. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Isolation of DNA from genetically modified oils by fast protein liquid chromatographyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 7 2010Li Huang Summary In this study, a novel method of fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) anion exchange chromatography was developed for isolation of DNA from processed genetically modified (GM) oils. Four kinds of different GM edible oil had been chosen as model sample. Salmon DNA was used as the control sample to determine the pH values and NaCl in mobile phase buffer. Applying pH 8 and NaCl gradient 0.5,2 m were chosen for the DNA isolation. The quality and purity of isolated DNA were tested with agarose gel electrophoresis, scanned with UV absorbance spectra and amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The result indicated that the quantity of DNA isolated by FPLC was suitable for further PCR analyses. Furthermore, it is more effective and less time-consuming in comparison with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide method and High Pure GMO Sample Preparation Kit method. [source] Consumers' beliefs, attitudes and intentions towards genetically modified foods, based on the 'perceived safety vs. benefits' perspectiveINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 4 2005Ioannis S. Arvanitoyannis Summary It has been repeatedly claimed that the application of genetic engineering in the field of agricultural and food production is both beneficial and advantageous. However, biotechnology is developing in an environment where public concerns about food safety and environmental protection are steadily increasing. The present study aims at gaining an insight into Greek consumers' beliefs, attitudes and intentions towards genetically modified (GM) food products. The objectives of this study are summarized as follows (i) to provide evidence that consumer beliefs are built around the ,safety-benefits' axis, and (ii) to segment the Greek market in terms of consumer beliefs about GM food products and identify a number of clusters with clear-cut behavioural profiles. Although the overall attitude of Greek consumers towards GM food is negative, the research very interestingly concludes that there exists a market segment of substantial size, whose beliefs about GM food appears to be positive. This finding suggests that there is not a ,consensus' regarding the rejection of GM foods in the Greek market as one might have expected thus ,encouraging' the implementation of adequate marketing strategies to target this segment of ,early adopters' in the first place. [source] Performance assessment under field conditions of a rapid immunological test for transgenic soybeansINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 4 2001John Fagan Summary Current market conditions and food regulations make it necessary for international and domestic participants in the agrifood industry to structure supply chains that control the content of genetically modified (GM) material in their products. Tests to detect and/or quantify GM components represent an important tool in maintaining such supply systems. This study assesses the field performance of kits that employ lateral flow immuno-technology to detect soybeans GM to be resistant to the herbicide glyphosate. Operators at 23 grain-handling facilities were paid to conduct analyses on a series of blinded samples containing defined proportions of conventional and transgenic soybeans. The observed rate of false positives was 6.7% in an experiment in which the highest level of GM material was 1% and 22.3% in a second experiment in which the highest level of GM material was 10%. This difference may be attributed to increased risk of cross-contamination with the higher level of transgenic material used in the second study. Samples containing 0.01% GM material were reported as genetically modified 6.70% of the time, while samples containing 0.1, 0.5 and 1% GM material were classified as genetically modified 29.5, 67.7 and 68.2% of the time, respectively. Thus, the frequencies of false negatives were 93.3, 70.5, 33.3 and 31.8% for samples containing 0.01, 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0% GM material. Samples containing 10% GM material were correctly reported as genetically modified in all cases. These results lead to the conclusion that the kit under study is useful in screening for lots of soybeans that contain high levels of GM material, but that, as a field tool, it is not effective in monitoring for GM material at the level of 1.0% or lower. Statistical and immunochemical analyses were carried out in order to assess the relative contributions of various factors to the error observed in these studies. These analyses indicated that limitations in operator performance, not defects in test kit materials, were the primary contributors, while sample size may play a secondary role. As both operator performance and sample size are independent of the specific characteristics of the test kit used in this study, it appears justifiable to generalize conclusions obtained here to other similar test systems. [source] Is Bt Cotton a Pro-Poor Technology?JOURNAL OF AGRARIAN CHANGE, Issue 4 2010A Review, Critique of the Empirical Record Policy makers, journalists and other commentators have hailed genetically modified (GM) crops as a ,pro-poor' success in the developing world. Their confidence appears to be justified by the encouraging conclusions reached by academic studies on the performance and impacts of GM crops, which seem to provide convincing evidence of substantial benefits for smallholders in developing countries. However, a detailed, critical examination of studies on transgenic, insect-resistant cotton in China, India and South Africa demonstrates that the technology's impacts have been evaluated and represented in selective and misleading ways. The performance and impacts of GM crops have in fact been highly variable, socio-economically differentiated and contingent on a range of agronomic, socio-economic and institutional factors. The shortcomings of the GM crop-impacts literature have done a disservice to public and policy debates about GM crops in international development and impeded the development of sound, evidence-based policy. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||