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Powerful Application (powerful + application)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Life Sciences	75%

Selected Abstracts

Gene Transfer Strategies for the Physiologist

EXPERIMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 6 2000
Liang-Fong Wong
Foreign genes can be introduced into whole animals using methods of germline transgenesis and somatic gene delivery. While germline transgenesis can generate useful animal models for genetic studies, it can be costly, time-consuming and requires the use of a large number of animals. An alternative means of gene transfer is to deliver genes to somatic cells using non-viral and viral technologies. Non-viral methods such as naked DNA injection, electroporation and liposome/cation lipid-mediated gene transfer are relatively inefficient. In contrast, viruses are effective vehicles that carry foreign genes into a cell rapidly and efficiently. Here we illustrate the usefulness of adenoviral vectors to express a potent and specific inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) to study the role of cyclic 3,,5,-cyclic AMP (cAMP) in the osmotic regulation of the vasopressin gene in a transgenic rat model. The ability to modify endogenous systems within specific cells in a whole animal model allows gene effects to be studied with physiological relevance. The combination of molecular biology and integrative physiology is a powerful application that can aid in the elucidation of how gene function can translate into complex systems in an organism [source]

Neutron imaging with bent perfect crystals.

JOURNAL OF APPLIED CRYSTALLOGRAPHY, Issue 3 2001

Neutron imaging with bent crystals is considered in the linear approximation of neutron optics. A matrix formalism analogous to that of conventional lens optics is developed. Various imaging conditions are discussed in relation to the crystal deformation type and to possible applications in neutron scattering. All focusing conditions known previously are included as particular cases. Arrangements combining high resolution in imaging with high resolution in scattering are examined. The concept of Bragg mirrors as devices for non-dispersive imaging is introduced. The most powerful application appears to be that of Bragg mirrors combined with the time-of-flight method. Imaging with a thick packet of silicon wafers at the spatial resolution of a single thin wafer is demonstrated. [source]

Source population of dispersing rock-wallabies (Petrogale lateralis) idengified by assignment tests on multilocus genotypic data

MOLECULAR ECOLOGY, Issue 12 2001
M. D. B. Eldridge
Abstract The ability to confidently idengify or exclude a population as the source of an individual has numerous powerful applications in molecular ecology. Several alternative assignment methods have recently been developed and are yet to be fully evaluated with empirical data. In this study we tested the efficacy of different assignment methods by using a translocated rock-wallaby (Petrogale lateralis) population, of known provenance. Specimens from the translocated population (n = 43), its known source population (n = 30) and four other nearby populations (n = 19,32) were genotyped for 11 polymorphic microsatellite loci. The results idengified Bayesian clustering, frequency and Bayesian methods as the most consistent and accurate, correctly assigning 93,100% of individuals up to a significance threshold of P = 0.01. Performance was variable among the distance-based methods, with the Cavalli-Sforza and Edwards chord distance performing best, whereas Goldstein et al.'s (,µ)2 consistently performed poorly. Using Bayesian clustering, frequency and Bayesian methods we then attempted to determine the source of rock-wallabies which have recently recolonized an outcrop (Gardners) 8 km from the nearest rock-wallaby population. Results indicate that the population at Gardners originated via a recent dispersal event from the eastern end of Mt. Caroline. This is only the second published record of dispersal by rock-wallabies between habitat patches and is the longest movement recorded to date. Molecular techniques and methods of analysis are now available to allow detailed studies of dispersal in rock-wallabies and should also be possible for many other taxa. [source]

Remote Sensing Research Priorities in Tropical Dry Forest Environments

BIOTROPICA, Issue 2 2003
G. A. Sánchez-Azofeifa
ABSTRACT Satellite multi, and hyper-spectral sensors have evolved over the past three decades into powerful monitoring tools for ecosystem processes. Research in temperate environments, however, has tended to keep pace with new remote sensing technologies more so than in tropical environments. Here, we identify what we consider to be three priority areas for remote sensing research in Neotropical dry forests. The first priority is the use of improved sensor capabilities, which should allow for better characterization of tropical secondary forests than has been achieved. Secondary forests are of key interest due to their potential for sequestering carbon in relatively short periods of time. The second priority is the need to characterize leaf area index (LAI) and other biophysical variables by means of bidirectional reflectance function models. These biophysical parameters have importance linkages with net primary productivity and may be estimated through remote sensing. The third priority is to identify tree species using hyper-spectral imagery, which represents an entirely new area of research for tropical forests that could have powerful applications in biodiversity conservation. RESUMEN En las últimas tres decadas, los sensores satelitales multi e hiper-espectrales han evolucionado hasta convertirse en importantes herramientas para el monitoreo de los ecosistemas. La investigación en los ecosistemas templados y boreales ha seguido el paso de los avances en los sistemas de percepción remota, mientras que en los sistemas tropicales existe un desface significative. En este articulo identificamos y revisamos tres prioridades básicas en la investigación basada en sensores remotos de las regiones neotropicales del bosque seco. Estas prioridades están relacionadas con el monitoreo de bosques secundarios, el desarrollo de estudios relacionados con la cuantificación del área foliar por médio de métodos ópticos y finalmente el desarrollo de técnicas, que ligadas a información hiper-espectral, puedan ser utilizadas para la identificación de especies de árboles en zonas tropicales. Esta última prioridad representa una nueva área de investigación en los bosques tropicales con importantes connotaciones para la conservación de la biodiversidad boilógica. [source]