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Selected AbstractsRadiation damage in protein crystals examined under various conditions by different methodsJOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION, Issue 2 2009Elspeth F. Garman Investigation of radiation damage in protein crystals has progressed in several directions over the past couple of years. There have been improvements in the basic procedures such as calibration of the incident X-ray intensity and calculation of the dose likely to be deposited in a crystal of known size and composition with this intensity. There has been increased emphasis on using additional techniques such as optical, Raman or X-ray spectroscopy to complement X-ray diffraction. Apparent discrepancies between the results of different techniques can be explained by the fact that they are sensitive to different length scales or to changes in the electronic state rather than to movement of atoms. Investigations have been carried out at room temperature as well as cryo-temperatures and, in both cases, with the introduction of potential scavenger molecules. These and other studies are leading to an overall description of the changes which can occur when a protein crystal is irradiated with X-rays at both cryo- and room temperatures. Results from crystallographic and spectroscopic radiation-damage experiments can be reconciled with other studies in the field of radiation physics and chemistry. [source] CAN THE ANTHROPOLOGY OF TOURISM MAKE US BETTER TRAVELERS?ANNALS OF ANTHROPOLOGICAL PRACTICE, Issue 1 2005ERVE CHAMBERS Although the deliberate study of tourism is still relatively new in anthropology, we have over the past couple of decades managed to accumulate an impressive amount of research and experience. This article asks whether our inquiries can provide us with any practical knowledge regarding how tourism is conducted. While it has proven difficult to generalize the impacts of tourism upon particular communities, I argue here that our present knowledge can help us develop guidelines for responsible tourism that are more realistic than those that are usually offered. The danger for well-meaning travelers is that they are often encouraged to assume that their motives alone place them above those mass travelers who are so easily criticized for their lack of cultural interest or sensitivity. The anthropological approach to tourism described here suggests that we might be better off if we recognize that our intrusions into the places of others are not really all that different. This article provides some "alternative travel tips" aimed at creating more aware travelers. [source] Application of genomics to grapevine improvementAUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF GRAPE AND WINE RESEARCH, Issue 2010G. DI GASPERO Abstract Imagine a breeder browsing a grape chromosome nucleotide-by-nucleotide around a trait locus, scrolling down the list of catalogued genes along a genetic interval, resequencing for a few thousand dollars a potential parent or a selected breeding line. In the past couple of years, this vision has become a reality. The availability of the reference genome sequence has provided significant assistance in the saturation of loci with targeted genetic markers. Grape breeders are now offered unprecedented possibilities for selecting plants using deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequences within or near the gene that controls a desirable trait rather than handling their phenotypes. Genomics-assisted selection offers unique advantages in the correct choice of elite genotypes, in order to improve traits for which limitations of phenotyping technologies or low hereditability adversely affect the efficiency of phenotypic selection. DNA technologies enable the application of marker-assisted selection to thousands of grape seedlings every year, which was previously feasible only for cereals and annuals, enhancing the possibilities of finding an ideal recombinant in populations bred from highly heterozygous parents. The expected outcome is a renewal of the varietal choices available to viticulturists, with novel genotypes that meet the demand for disease-free vines and flavourful grapes. The depth of exploration and characterisation of the existing germplasm is crucial for translating natural diversity into new varieties that could perform beyond the fence of the experimental vineyards and gain substantial market share. We review here how current achievements in genomics and genome sequencing are expected to increase the efficiency of grapevine breeding programs. [source] Policy governance and "best practices"BOARD LEADERSHIP: POLICY GOVERNANCE IN ACTION, Issue 82 2005John Carver A popular phrase that has grown in use over the past couple of decades is "best practices." In this article, John Carver explains why proponents of Policy Governance tend to shy away from the expression. Carver does not object to the notion that it is desirable to make small-scale improvements in individual practices, but he points out that such activity is in itself insufficient to truly improve governance since it implies a reliance on already established conceptual frameworks. Policy Governance calls for a break with received wisdom and the adoption of a more logical governance framework. Once within the structure of Policy Governance, however, boards should indeed look for ways to improve their practices. [source] Contact lens management of infantile aphakiaCLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL OPTOMETRY, Issue 1 2010Richard G Lindsay BScOptom MBA FAAO (DipCL) FCLSA FVCO The visual outcomes for infants 18 months or younger with cataracts have improved dramatically over the past couple of decades. Earlier detection of infantile cataract and prompt surgical removal,with subsequent visual rehabilitation with contact lenses,mean that these patients now have a much better visual prognosis. Advances in contact lens technology have led to a significantly higher success rate with contact lenses and this has been a major factor in improving the visual outcomes for aphakic infants. This review outlines the contact lens management of infantile cataract, including a detailed analysis of the various contact lens options available and a discussion regarding the important factors that can cause issues with contact lens wear and affect the overall visual rehabilitation of the infant. [source] | ||||||||||