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Terms modified by Quick Selected AbstractsReducing numerical diffusion in interfacial gravity wave simulationsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN FLUIDS, Issue 3 2005O. B. Fringer Abstract We demonstrate how the background potential energy is an excellent measure of the effective numerical diffusion or antidiffusion of an advection scheme by applying several advection schemes to a standing interfacial gravity wave. All existing advection schemes do not maintain the background potential energy because they are either diffusive, antidiffusive, or oscillatory. By taking advantage of the compressive nature of some schemes, which causes a decrease in the background potential energy, and the diffusive nature of others, which causes an increase in the background potential energy, we develop two background potential energy preserving advection schemes that are well-suited to study interfacial gravity waves at a density interface between two miscible fluids in closed domains such as lakes. The schemes employ total variation diminishing limiters and universal limiters in which the limiter is a function of both the upwind and local gradients as well as the background potential energy. The effectiveness of the schemes is validated by computing a sloshing interfacial gravity wave with a nonstaggered-grid Boussinesq solver, in which QUICK is employed for momentum and the pressure correction method is used, which is second-order accurate in time. For scalar advection, the present background potential energy preserving schemes are employed and compared to other TVD and non-TVD schemes, and we demonstrate that the schemes can control the change in the background potential energy due to numerical effects. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Application of quantitative immunoprecipitation combined with knockdown and cross-linking to Chlamydomonas reveals the presence of vesicle-inducing protein in plastids 1 in a common complex with chloroplast HSP90CPROTEINS: STRUCTURE, FUNCTION AND BIOINFORMATICS, Issue 11 2009Heinrich Heide Abstract Knowledge of the interaction partners of a protein of interest may provide important information on its function. Common to currently available tools for the identification of protein,protein interactions, however, is their high rates of false positives. Only recently an assay was reported that allowed for the unequivocal identification of protein,protein interactions in mammalian cells in a single experiment. This assay, termed quantitative immunoprecipitation combined with knockdown (QUICK), combines RNAi, stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture, immunoprecipitation, and quantitative MS. We are using the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii to understand the roles of chaperones in chloroplast biogenesis. The goal of this work was to apply QUICK to Chlamydomonas for the identification of novel interaction partners of vesicle-inducing protein in plastids 1 (VIPP1), a protein required for the biosynthesis/maintenance of thylakoid membranes and known substrate of chloroplast HSP70B. We report here a robust QUICK protocol for Chlamydomonas that has been improved (i) by introducing a cross-linking step (-X) to improve protein complex stability and (ii) by including a control for the correction of unequal immunoprecipitation and/or labeling efficiencies. Using QUICK and cross-linking we could verify that HSP70B and CGE1 form a complex with VIPP1 and could also demonstrate that chloroplast HSP90C is part of this complex. Moreover, we could show that the chaperones interact with VIPP1 also in membrane fractions. [source] Development and validation of a method based on a QuEChERS procedure and heart-cutting GC-MS for determination of five mycotoxins in cereal productsJOURNAL OF SEPARATION SCIENCE, JSS, Issue 4-5 2010Sara C. Cunha Abstract A new analytical method for the rapid and simultaneous determination of five mycotoxins (zearelenone, deoxynivalenol, Fusarenon X, 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol and nivalenol) in breakfast cereals and flours by heart-cutting GC-MS has been developed and validated. Extraction was performed with MeCN, applying a modified QuEChERS (QUick, Easy, CHeap, Effective, Rugged and Safe) procedure, and the extracts were analyzed after a silylation of the analytes under study. Careful optimization of the parameters of Deans Switch device and GC-MS was achieved in order to attain a fast separation in SIM mode, allowing a total run time of only 8,min. Acceptable recoveries for all mycotoxins at two different spiking levels (20 and 100,,g/kg) were achieved with good repeatability (from 9 to 21%). LOD ranged from 2 to 15,,g/kg and LOQ ranged from 5 to 50,,g/kg, which were lower than the maximum limit legal established by the European Union (EU). The method developed was applied to commercial breakfast cereals and flours; among the mycotoxins studied, deoxynivalenol and zearalenone were the most predominant. [source] Hardness of Three Resin-Modified Glass-Ionomer Restorative Materials as a Function of Depth and TimeJOURNAL OF ESTHETIC AND RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY, Issue 4 2009HOWARD W. ROBERTS DMD ABSTRACT Statement of the Problem:, The polymerization of bulk-placed resin-modified glass-ionomer (RMGI) restoratives is compromised when penetration of the curing light is limited because of the materials' thickness. It is unknown if additional post light-curing resin polymerization and/or glass-ionomer setting occurs over time to ensure adequate polymerization. Purpose:, The primary objective was to evaluate the depth of cure of various thicknesses of RMGI restorative products over 1 year using Knoop hardness (KH) testing. Materials and Methods:, The materials were placed in Delrin molds having an internal diameter of 5.0 mm and heights of 2, 3, 4, and 5 mm and were photopolymerized with a halogen light-curing unit. Five specimens of each depth were prepared for each time period evaluated. Specimens were stored in darkness at 37 ± 2°C and 98 ± 2% humidity until being tested at 24 hours, 1 week, and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after fabrication. Mean KH values were calculated for the bottom and top surfaces of each thickness group and used to determine bottom/top hardness ratios. Data were compared using two-way analysis of variance (factors of time, thickness) at a 0.05 significance level with Scheffé's post hoc analysis, where required. Results:, The materials had relatively stable top surface KH, which permitted valid assessment of changes in bottom surface KH over time. The bottom surface KH of some RMGIs changed significantly over time (p < 0.001), but degrees of change were material dependent. Certain RMGIs demonstrated a potential for statistically significant post light-activation hardening; however, that too was material dependent. As compared with top surface KH, deeper layers of the thicker RMGI specimens consistently failed to achieve an adequate degree of polymerization. Conclusion:, Although certain RMGI materials demonstrate a potential for post light-activation chemically initiated resin polymerization and/or polyalkenoate acid/base reaction, these reactions may not be sufficient to ensure that the material is adequately polymerized for long-term success. This is particularly true when RMGI materials are placed in thicker layers where curing light penetration may be compromised. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE RMGI materials should not be placed in bulk but photopolymerized in layers to ensure adequate light activation. The results of this study suggest that Photac-Fil Quick be placed in layers no thicker than 2 mm while Fuji II LC and Vitremer may be placed in layers up to 3 mm in thickness. [source] Unexpected Loss of Bipolar Pacing With Implanted Dual Chamber PacemakersPACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 1 2000G. BIH-FANG GUO Bipolar leads are most commonly used in the current practice of pacemaker therapy. In our study of 124 patients implanted with Guidant/Cardiac Pacemakers (CPI) Vigor dual chamber pacemakers, 5 patients had unexpectedly abrupt increases in bipolar lead impedance and pacing threshold 2 weeks to 18 months postimplantation without changes in sensing function. With the lead configuration reprogrammed to unipolar, the lead impedance and pacing threshold were restored to appropriate ranges. The changes in bipolar lead parameters can be caused by the CPI's "Quick Connect" (QC1) header lead system incorporated in these pacemakers. [source] Test of a Dynamic Stress Model for Organisational Change: Do Males and Females Require Different Models?APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 2 2006Jennifer M. Kohler Cette étude a opérationnalisé et mis à l'épreuve un modèle dynamique du stress adapté au changement organisationnel en tenant compte de l'impact du sexe sur le modèle. L'échantillon était composé de 804 employés de cinq centres médicaux pour anciens combattants. Le modèle, inspiré de celui de Mack, Nelson & Quick (1998) comprenait: l'importance des retombées du changement organisationnel sur le rôle professionnel, les relations et l'environnement de travail, les opportunités, la carrière, l'incertitude et l'évaluation des problèmes à résoudre, le stress perçu et les réactions de contrôle-évitement. On est parti de l'idée que l'évaluation jouerait un rôle de médiateur entre l'importance du changement et le stress perçu et que les réactions agiraient directement sur les évaluations et le stress perçu. L'analyse en pistes causales confirma le modèle de changement proposé sous réserve de quelques modifications, mais montra que les hommes et les femmes pouvaient revendiquer leur propre modèle. Les différences dues au sexe apparaissent dans la relation entre la perception et l'évaluation du changement; et chaque sexe présente des sources spécifiques de stress. L'évaluation jouait un rôle partiel de médiateur entre l'importance du changement et le stress perçu. Le contrôle de la situation était une stratégie plus pertinente que l'évitement aussi bien pour les hommes que pour les femmes. On réfléchit aux conséquences de ce travail pour les chercheurs et les organisations. The present study operationalised and tested a dynamic stress model for organisational change, including the interaction effect of sex on the model, on 804 employees at five VA medical centers. The model, an adaptation of Mack, Nelson, and Quick's (1998) model included: the amount of organisational change within job role, work relationships, job context, facility, and career; uncertainty and challenge appraisal; perceived stress; and control and avoidance coping. It was proposed that appraisal would act as a mediator between amount of change and perceived stress and that coping would have direct effects on appraisals and perceived stress. Path analyses supported the proposed change model with some modification, but indicated that males and females may require unique models. Sex differences emerged in relationships between perceptions and appraisal of change, and males and females had unique sources of stress. Appraisal acted as a partial mediator between amount of change and perceived stress. Control coping emerged as a more adaptive strategy than avoidance coping for both males and females. Implications for researchers and organisations are discussed. [source] AID in reprogramming: Quick and efficientBIOESSAYS, Issue 5 2010Identification of a key enzyme called AID, its activity in DNA demethylation, may help to overcome a pivotal epigenetic barrier in reprogramming somatic cells toward pluripotency Abstract Current methods of reprogramming differentiated cells into induced pluripotent stem cells remain slow and inefficient. In a recent report published online in Nature, Bhutani et al.1 developed a cell fusion strategy, achieving quick and efficient reprogramming toward pluripotency. Using this assay, they identified an immune system protein called activation-induced cytidine deaminase, or AID, which unexpectedly is actually able to "aid" in reprogramming due to its involvement in DNA demethylation that is required for induction of the two key pluripotency genes, Oct4 and Nanog. More recently, Popp et al.2 also reported online in Nature that AID is important for complete cell reprogramming in mammals. Together, these findings provide new insights into how cells are reprogrammed, identify the specific role of AID in cell fate reversal, and advance the field of regenerative medicine. [source] A Quick, Clean and Green Synthesis of Methylenedioxyprecocene and Other Chromenes over Basic Montmorillonite K10 Clay.CHEMINFORM, Issue 33 2005Matthew R. Dintzner Abstract For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text. [source] Test of a Dynamic Stress Model for Organisational Change: Do Males and Females Require Different Models?APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 2 2006Jennifer M. Kohler Cette étude a opérationnalisé et mis à l'épreuve un modèle dynamique du stress adapté au changement organisationnel en tenant compte de l'impact du sexe sur le modèle. L'échantillon était composé de 804 employés de cinq centres médicaux pour anciens combattants. Le modèle, inspiré de celui de Mack, Nelson & Quick (1998) comprenait: l'importance des retombées du changement organisationnel sur le rôle professionnel, les relations et l'environnement de travail, les opportunités, la carrière, l'incertitude et l'évaluation des problèmes à résoudre, le stress perçu et les réactions de contrôle-évitement. On est parti de l'idée que l'évaluation jouerait un rôle de médiateur entre l'importance du changement et le stress perçu et que les réactions agiraient directement sur les évaluations et le stress perçu. L'analyse en pistes causales confirma le modèle de changement proposé sous réserve de quelques modifications, mais montra que les hommes et les femmes pouvaient revendiquer leur propre modèle. Les différences dues au sexe apparaissent dans la relation entre la perception et l'évaluation du changement; et chaque sexe présente des sources spécifiques de stress. L'évaluation jouait un rôle partiel de médiateur entre l'importance du changement et le stress perçu. Le contrôle de la situation était une stratégie plus pertinente que l'évitement aussi bien pour les hommes que pour les femmes. On réfléchit aux conséquences de ce travail pour les chercheurs et les organisations. The present study operationalised and tested a dynamic stress model for organisational change, including the interaction effect of sex on the model, on 804 employees at five VA medical centers. The model, an adaptation of Mack, Nelson, and Quick's (1998) model included: the amount of organisational change within job role, work relationships, job context, facility, and career; uncertainty and challenge appraisal; perceived stress; and control and avoidance coping. It was proposed that appraisal would act as a mediator between amount of change and perceived stress and that coping would have direct effects on appraisals and perceived stress. Path analyses supported the proposed change model with some modification, but indicated that males and females may require unique models. Sex differences emerged in relationships between perceptions and appraisal of change, and males and females had unique sources of stress. Appraisal acted as a partial mediator between amount of change and perceived stress. Control coping emerged as a more adaptive strategy than avoidance coping for both males and females. Implications for researchers and organisations are discussed. [source] TouchTone: Interactive Local Image Adjustment Using Point-and-SwipeCOMPUTER GRAPHICS FORUM, Issue 2 2010Chia-Kai Liang Recent proliferation of camera phones, photo sharing and social network services has significantly changed how we process our photos. Instead of going through the traditional download-edit-share cycle using desktop editors, an increasing number of photos are taken with camera phones and published through cellular networks. The immediacy of the sharing process means that on-device image editing, if needed, should be quick and intuitive. However, due to the limited computational resources and vastly different user interaction model on small screens, most traditional local selection methods can not be directly adapted to mobile devices. To address this issue, we present TouchTone, a new method for edge-aware image adjustment using simple finger gestures. Our method enables users to select regions within the image and adjust their corresponding photographic attributes simultaneously through a simple point-and-swipe interaction. To enable fast interaction, we develop a memory- and computation-efficient algorithm which samples a collection of 1D paths from the image, computes the adjustment solution along these paths, and interpolates the solutions to entire image through bilateral filtering. Our system is intuitive to use, and can support several local editing tasks, such as brightness, contrast, and color balance adjustments, within a minute on a mobile device. [source] Representation of Pseudo Inter-reflection and Transparency by Considering Characteristics of Human VisionCOMPUTER GRAPHICS FORUM, Issue 3 2002H. Matsuoka We have succeeded in developing a quick and fully automated system that can generate photo-realistic 3D CG data based on a real object. A major factor in this success comes from our findings through psychophysical experiments that human observers do not have an accurate idea of what should be actually reflected as inter-reflections on the surface of an object. Taking advantage of this characteristic of human vision, we propose a new inter-reflection representation technique in which inter-reflections are simulated by allowing the same quantity of reflection components as there are in the background to pass through the object. Since inter-reflection and transparency are calculated by the same algorithm, our system can capture 3D CG data from various real objects having a strong inter-reflection, such as plastic and porcelain items or translucent glass and acrylic resin objects. The synthetic images from the 3D CG data generated with this pseudo inter-reflection and transparency look very natural. In addition, the 3D CG data and synthetic images are produced quickly at a lower cost. [source] P-26 CONVENTIONAL V THIN LAYER TECHNIQUES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF BRONCHIAL SPECIMENS USING CONVENTIONAL AND TWO LBC METHODS, THINPREP AND SUREPATHCYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 2006J. L. Conachan The current, conventional method used is quick, easy and reasonably cheap but the nature of bronchial specimens themselves creates the need for a better preparation technique. Bronchial specimens often present with many obscuring features, such as blood and mucus, which can affect definitive diagnosis. In the study, the bronchial specimens underwent routine conventional preparation and that remaining was used to prepare an LBC slide. Both LBC methods were separately evaluated alongside the conventional method where, of the 44 specimens used, half were prepared using the conventional and ThinPrep and half with the conventional and SurePath. Evaluation forms were completed by pathologists who assessed all preparations. The results showed both LBC methods produced superior preparations that were better fixed, more cellular and had improved nuclear detail. They also removed a high percentage of background debris, were more diagnostically accurate and reduced the inadequate rate by a third. The conventional slides prepared from the same specimen as the SurePath had a lower average than those prepared with the ThinPrep. This indicated that the specimens used to evaluate the SurePath method were in fact inferior to those used for ThinPrep, with the SurePath slides showing only a slight improvement in overall quality. Despite LBC preparations reducing pathologist screening and reporting time, both methods are more labour intensive and less cost effective. The majority of laboratories are not in the financial situation to trial new methods that require extra training and more staff hours, and as such this study has highlighted an important question ,Do the benefits of better quality preparation and diagnostic accuracy offset an increase in time and cost'. [source] The use of cytospin monolayer technique in the cytological diagnosis of vulval and anal diseaseCYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 5 2001T. S. Levine The use of cytospin monolayer technique in the cytological diagnosis of vulval and anal disease This pilot study investigated the use of the non-invasive cytospin monolayer technique in the diagnosis and screening of neoplastic and non-neoplastic vulval disease. Twenty-three patients (age range 34,86 years) attending a vulval disease clinic had brush cytology performed. The samples were prepared with a cytospin monolayer technique and the slides Papanicolaou-stained. Subsequent cytological interpretation and diagnosis were performed without knowledge of the clinical history and correlated with follow-up biopsy histopathology from each patient. Twenty-eight cytospin samples were analysed in total, of which 11 (39%) contained dyskaryotic cells which were assessed and a predicted VIN/AIN grade given. Ten of 11 samples (91%) reported as dyskaryotic had VIN/AIN on biopsy histology. One of 11 samples (9%) was reported as containing occasional squamous cells with borderline nuclear features and, although the corresponding biopsy did not show VIN, basal atypia was reported. One patient had features suggesting invasive carcinoma on cytology which was verified on subsequent biopsy. The 15 cases in which no dyskaryotic cells were identified did not show VIN or AIN on subsequent histology. Two cases were acellular and considered inadequate for cytological interpretation. The cytospin monolayer technique allows the diagnosis of neoplastic from non-neoplastic vulval disease. It is a quick, inexpensive and non-invasive method that may have a role in diagnosis, screening and surveillance of patients. [source] A Percutaneous Approach to Eyebrow Lift: The Salvadorean OptionDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 8 2003Enrique Hernandez-Perez MD Background Surgical eyebrow lift can result in a number of complications. A nonsurgical simple method of lifting the brow is presented. Objective To raise the eyebrows using a simple, quick, and noninvasive approach. Methods Twenty-nine patients, 27 women and 2 men, whose ages varied from 24 to 56 years (mean of 32 years) were included in the study. Preoperative and postoperative photographs were taken. In two patients, brow suspension was performed at the time of blepharoplasty. Informed consent was signed by all of the patients. For measuring the degree of satisfaction of the patients, we gave to them a sheet grading it from one to three (with one being the least satisfactory). Local anesthesia (1% lidocaine, 1:400,000 epinephrine), a conveniently sized Keith needle, and prolene 3/0 sutures were used. Results Satisfying results were obtained in all cases. The only problem encountered in two patients was temporary edema, and it settled in a few days. Conclusion This is a very simple, quick, and noncomplicated method of raising the eyebrows. It can be repeated, revised easily, or combined with other modalities, such as peels, topical tretinoin, oral isotretinoin, fat injection, Goretex, and Botox as part of a facial rejuvenation program. [source] State Collapse and Fresh Starts: Some Critical ReflectionsDEVELOPMENT AND CHANGE, Issue 5 2002Martin Doornbos In examining the incidence of state collapse, two central themes emerge, one concerned with the search for causalities and the other concerned with appropriate responses. There is often a misplaced tendency to look for single causes and explanations of state collapse, and similarly to propose single, preferably ,quick,fix' solutions. Instead, what seems to be called for is a more nuanced scrutiny which differentiates the factors leading to collapse in specific instances, and a reconsideration, in the light of this scrutiny, of responses and possible external actor involvement. This article addresses these two themes. Firstly, it takes a preliminary look into the complex web of conditioning and facilitating factors that may or may not set in motion a chain reaction eventually leading to state collapse, examining the extent to which any emerging patterns can be identified. Secondly, it looks more closely at the response side to incidences of state collapse, specifically external responses. Whilst external actors, notably the ,donor community', are trying to better prepare themselves for the eventualities of crises of governance and state collapse in various countries, and to design more effective strategies and instruments, it remains to be seen to what extent there is a ,fit' between the determinants and dynamics of state collapse and the responses and solutions for restoration which are offered. [source] Gene transfer by electroporation into hemogenic endothelium in the avian embryoDEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 6 2010Catalina Ana Rosselló Abstract Hematopoiesis is the dynamic process whereby blood cells are continuously produced in an organism. Blood cell production is sustained by a population of self-renewing multipotent hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) throughout the life of an organism. Cells with definitive HSC properties appear in the mid-gestation embryo as dense clusters of cells budding from the floor of the aorta, and that of the vitelline and umbilical arteries in the aorta-gonads-mesonephros region. Attempts to genetically modify the aortic floor from which these HSCs arise have been unsuccessful in the mouse, since the regulation of gene expression in the hemogenic endothelium is largely unknown. Here we report the implementation of gene transfer by electroporation into dorsal aortic endothelial cells in the chick embryo. This approach provides a quick and reproducible method of generating gain/loss-of-function models to investigate the function of genes involved in HSC birth. Developmental Dynamics 239:1748,1754, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] The Tol2kit: A multisite gateway-based construction kit for Tol2 transposon transgenesis constructsDEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 11 2007Kristen M. Kwan Abstract Transgenesis is an important tool for assessing gene function. In zebrafish, transgenesis has suffered from three problems: the labor of building complex expression constructs using conventional subcloning; low transgenesis efficiency, leading to mosaicism in transient transgenics and infrequent germline incorporation; and difficulty in identifying germline integrations unless using a fluorescent marker transgene. The Tol2kit system uses site-specific recombination-based cloning (multisite Gateway technology) to allow quick, modular assembly of [promoter],[coding sequence],[3, tag] constructs in a Tol2 transposon backbone. It includes a destination vector with a cmlc2:EGFP (enhanced green fluorescent protein) transgenesis marker and a variety of widely useful entry clones, including hsp70 and beta-actin promoters; cytoplasmic, nuclear, and membrane-localized fluorescent proteins; and internal ribosome entry sequence,driven EGFP cassettes for bicistronic expression. The Tol2kit greatly facilitates zebrafish transgenesis, simplifies the sharing of clones, and enables large-scale projects testing the functions of libraries of regulatory or coding sequences. Developmental Dynamics 236:3088,3099, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Intraoperative cytology,Role in bone lesionsDIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 9 2010Khaliqur Rahman M.D. Abstract In spite of becoming an integral part of surgical pathology, very few reports are available regarding the utility of intraoperative cytology (IOC) exclusively for bone lesions. This study was undertaken in a view to fill this lacuna. Sixty bone lesions were evaluated intraoperatively with the help of cytology smears prepared by touch, scrape, or crush technique. The diagnosis made on cytological preparation was compared with histopathological diagnosis taking the latter as gold standard. Different parameters like reasons for Intraoperative consultation, best technique for preparation of smear, average time taken to render a diagnosis, and finally the accuracy of IOC was evaluated. Common reasons for the intraoperative consultation were to make or confirm a diagnosis for proper surgical intervention and to evaluate the surgical resection margin. Scrape was found to be the best method for cytological smear preparation. Average time taken to render a diagnosis was 20 minutes. Sensitivity, specificity, and overall diagnostic accuracy was 96.7, 96.6, and 96.6%, respectively. Cytology can play a valuable role in the intraoperative diagnosis of bone lesions. The method is simple, cheap, quick, and has no complication. It should be undertaken routinely, as a rapid intraoperative diagnosis will expedite timely and proper management of the patients, along with early post operative treatment and thus avoid the aggravating delays. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010;38:639,644. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Fine needle aspiration cytology in a case of fibrous dysplasia of jawDIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 12 2009Nalini Gupta M.D. Abstract Fibro-osseous lesions of the jaw comprise of a spectrum of diseases which include osseous dysplasia, fibrous dysplasia, and ossifying fibroma. The differentiation amongst these individual pathological lesions is difficult and a combined clinico-radiological and histological correlation is essential for exact categorization. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is frequently carried out to distinguish between benign and malignant lesions of the jaw as is a quick and reliable modality of investigation which guides in further management. We report, a case of a jaw swelling in a young male, diagnosed as fibrous dysplasia on FNAC. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Predicting global abundance of a threatened species from its occurrence: implications for conservation planningDIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS, Issue 1 2009Marcos S. L. Figueiredo Abstract Aim, Global abundance is an important characteristic of a species that is correlated with geographical distribution and body size. Despite its importance these estimates are not available since reliable field estimates are either expensive or difficult to obtain. Based on the relationship between a species' local abundance and distribution, some authors propose that abundance can be obtained through spatial distribution data from maps plotted at different scales. This has never been tested over the entire geographical range of a species. Thus, the aim of this study was to estimate global abundance of the Neotropical primate Brachyteles hypoxanthus (northern muriqui) and compare the results with available field estimates. Location, From southern Bahia to Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo states, in the Brazilian Atlantic rain forest. Methods, We compiled 25 recent occurrence localities of B. hypoxanthus and plotted them in grid cells of five different sizes (1, 25, 50, 75 and 100 km per side) to evaluate the performance and accuracy of abundance estimates over a wide range of scales. The abundance estimates were obtained by the negative binomial distribution (NBD) method and corrected by average group size to take into account primate social habits. To assess the accuracy of the method, the predicted abundances were then compared to recent independent field estimates. Results, The NBD estimates were quite accurate in predicting B. hypoxanthus global abundance, once the gregarious habits of this species are taken into account. The predicted abundance estimates were not statistically different from those obtained from field estimates. Main conclusions, The NBD method seems to be a quick and reliable approach to estimate species abundance once several limiting factors are taken into account, and can greatly impact conservation planning, but further applications in macroecological and ecological theory testing needs improvement of the method. [source] HARM REDUCTION DIGEST 34: How quick to heroin dependence?§DRUG AND ALCOHOL REVIEW, Issue 5 2006ROSS COOMBER In the popular press, and to some extent in the academic literature, there is an assumption that heroin can almost instantly addict a novice user. In this Digest, based on a paper presented at the 2005 APSAD Conference, Coomber & Sutton have extracted quantitative data from their qualitative study of a sample of ,street' heroin users to investigate how rapidly they became physically dependent. They suggest that the period from first use to addiction and regular use to daily use may be longer than many assume and that beliefs about ,instant addiction' are a harm reduction issue. Although small in scope, the study raises questions about the myth of instant heroin addiction which have implications for treatment, prevention and policy. Simon LentonEditor, Harm Reduction Digest [source] Use of terrain variables for mapping gully erosion susceptibility in LebanonEARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS, Issue 12 2007Rania Bou Kheir Abstract This paper predicts the geographic distribution and size of gullies across central Lebanon using a geographic information system (GIS) and terrain analysis. Eleven primary (elevation; upslope contributing area; aspect; slope; plan, profile and tangential curvature; flow direction; flow width; flow path length; rate of change of specific catchment area along the direction of flow) and three secondary (steady-state; quasi-dynamic topographic wetness; sediment transport capacity) topographic variables were generated and used along with digital data collected from other sources (soil, geology) to statistically explain gully erosion field measurements. Three tree-based regression models were developed using (1) all variables, (2) primary topographic variables only and (3) different pairs of variables. The best regression tree model combined the steady-state topographic wetness and sediment transport capacity indices and explained 80% of the variability in field gully measurements. This model proved to be simple, quick, realistic and practical, and it can be applied to other areas of the Mediterranean region with similar environmental conditions, thereby providing a tool to help with the implementation of plans for soil conservation and sustainable management. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Extremely Rapid Formation of Mitral Valve Ring Abscess in Infective EndocarditisECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 6 2004Balaram Shrestha M.D., Ph.D. A patient with infective endocarditis (IE) due to methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was found to have conversion of the hypoechoic region of the posterior mitral valve ring apparatus into a clearly delineated echolucent space by repeating transthoracic echocardiography at an interval of 1 week. Color Doppler showed features of blood entry into this space. Abscess formation in IE due to MRSA may be quick and repeated echocardiography may help detect the complications of IE. Semiurgent mitral valve plasty was performed for the associated prolapse of the posterior mitral leaflet using a hand-made, rolled, twisted autologous pericardial ring. [source] Converting visual census data into absolute abundance estimates: a method for calibrating timed counts of a sedentary insect populationECOLOGICAL ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 4 2003Ho Jung S. Yoo Abstract., 1.,Visual surveys for small organisms on complex substrates often yield serious underestimates of true counts. When both visual counts (relative estimates of abundance) and absolute counts can be obtained from the same sample, however, the visual counts can be calibrated such that absolute estimates can be obtained in the future from visual surveys alone. 2.,A method is presented for converting quick, timed, visual counts of a sedentary insect on a shrub into absolute estimates of abundance. 3.,Analogies were drawn from simple, well-known predation theories to develop a two-parameter non-linear model. Parameter estimates were obtained by both inverse prediction and direct estimation methods; the latter were found to yield more accurate predictions of absolute abundance. 4.,The calibration model is mechanistic in its approach, and thus has potential for application in other systems in which all individuals are visible, but able to be missed during timed counts. [source] The Electrochemical Properties of Co(TPP), Tetraphenylborate Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode: Application to Dopamine and Uric Acid AnalysisELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 5 2006Yunlong Zeng Abstract We report the combination of the charge repelling property of tetraphenyl-borate (TPB) anion and the electrooxidation catalytic effect of cobalt(II) tetrakisphenylporphyrin (CoTPP) embedded in a sol gel ceramic film to develop a modified glassy carbon electrode (CoTPP-TPB-SGGCE) for the simultaneous determination of dopamine (DA) and uric acid (UA). The optimized CoTPP-TPB-SGGCE shows excellent sensitivity and selectivity for the DA and UA analysis. As high as 2000 fold acceptable tolerance of ascorbic acid (AA) for the determination of trace DA and UA is reached. In the presence of 0.10,mM AA, the linear concentration range for DA is from 6.0×10,8 to 2.5×10,5,M, and the detection limit is 2.0×10,8,M. For UA, the linear concentration range is from 1.0×10,7 to 3.5×10,5,M, and the detection limit is 7.0×10,8,M. Our study has also demonstrated that the novel CoTPP-TPB-SGGCE shows high stability and reliability. For 6.00,,M DA and UA, a total of 12,measurements were taken in one week, and the relative standard deviation is 2.05% and 2.68% respectively. No obvious shift of peak current and peak potential is observed over a three-month lifetime test. The response of the sensor is very quick and response time is approximately 1,s. Satisfactory results are also achieved when the CoTPP-TPB-SGGCEs being used to detect the DA and UA in human urine samples. [source] A novel methodology for the analysis of membrane and cytosolic sub-proteomes of erythrocytes by 2-DEELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 23 2009Gloria Alvarez-Llamas Abstract With the aim of studying a wide cohort of erythrocyte samples in a clinical setting, we propose here a novel approach that allows the analysis of both human cytosolic and membrane sub-proteomes. Despite their simple structure, the high content of hemoglobin present in the red blood cells (RBCs) makes their proteome analysis enormously difficult. We investigate here different strategies for isolation of the membrane and cytosolic fractions from erythrocytes and their influence on proteome profiling by 2-DE, paying particular attention to hemoglobin removal. A simple, quick and satisfactory approach for hemoglobin depletion based on HemogloBindÔ reagent was satisfactorily applied to erythrocyte cells, allowing the analysis of the cytosolic sub-proteome by 2-DE without major interference. For membrane proteome, a novel combined strategy based on hypotonic lysis isolation and further purification on minicolumns is described here, allowing detection of high molecular weight proteins (i.e. spectrin, ankyrin) and well-resolved 2-DE patterns. An aliquot of the membrane fraction was also in solution digested and analyzed by nano-LC coupled to an LTQ-Orbitrap mass spectrometer. A total of 188 unique proteins were identified by this approach. This study sets the basis for future clinical studies where the erythrocyte cell may be implicated. [source] High MS-compatibility of silver nitrate-stained protein spots from 2-DE gels using ZipPlates and AnchorChips for successful protein identificationELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 10 2007Grit Nebrich Abstract The availability of easy-to-handle, sensitive, and cost-effective protein staining protocols for 2-DE, in conjunction with a high compatibility for subsequent MS analysis, is still a prerequisite for successful proteome research. In this article we describe a quick and easy-to-use methodological protocol based on sensitive, homogeneous, and MS-compatible silver nitrate protein staining, in combination with an in-gel digestion, employing the Millipore 96-well ZipPlate system for peptide preparation. The improved quality and MS compatibility of the generated protein digests, as compared to the otherwise weakly MS-compatible silver nitrate staining, were evaluated on real tissue samples by analyzing 192 Coomassie-stained protein spots against their counterparts from a silver-stained 2-DE gel. Furthermore, the applicability of the experimental setup was evaluated and demonstrated by the analysis of a large-scale MALDI-TOF MS experiment, in which we analyzed an additional ,1000 protein spots from 2-DE gels from mouse liver and mouse brain tissue. [source] Large-volume sample stacking combined with separation by 2-hydroxypropyl-,-cyclodextrin for analysis of isoxyzolylpenicillins by capillary electrophoresisELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 17 2003Zhiwei Zhu Abstract A simple, quick and sensitive capillary electrophoretic technique has been developed for the pharmaceutical analysis of isoxazolylpenicillins (oxacillin, cloxacillin and dicloxacillin) at trace levels for the first time. This method comprises large-volume sample stacking using the electroosmotic flow (EOF) pump (LVSEP), separation using 2-hydroxypropyl-,-cyclodextrin (HP-,-CD) as selective complex-forming background electrolyte additive, and direct UV detection. A complete resolution was achieved in the optimal background electrolyte containing 5.2 mM HP-,-CD. LVSEP was successfully applied in their determinations to improve the sensitivity, where the EOF in the buffer zone was suppressed by using an acidic buffer with pH 3.6. The detection limits of the current technique were found to be 2.0 ,g/L for each of the isoxazolylpenicillins based on the signal-to-noise ratio of 3. The curves of peak response versus concentration were linear from 5.0 to 400.0 ,g/L with regression coefficients of 0.9982, 0.9986 and 0.9976, respectively. The interaction of isoxazolylpenicillins with HP-,-CD was discussed. The association constants for complexes of HP-,-CD with isoxazolylpenicillins were determined by electrophoretic method. The obtained association constants were 27.3, 34.9, and 48.5 M,1, respectively, being proportional to their hydrophobic properties and steric hindrances. A simple and easy-manipulative sample preparation method was developed and validated by analyzing commercially available milk samples. It was found that with current sample preparation process and instrumentation system, 0.1 mL of milk sample is enough for the analysis of isoxazolylpenicillins to meet European Union (EU) guideline of 30 ,g/kg. [source] Technical equipment for assessment of dental pulp statusENDODONTIC TOPICS, Issue 1 2004Thomas R. Pitt Ford Assessment of dental pulp status is normally undertaken using thermal or electrical tests that indicate the functioning of A, nerve fibers. The tests are quick and usually reliable, although nothing is absolute. Newer tests have involved assessment of blood flow, and of these laser Doppler flowmetry has been the most widely used and beneficial to patients particularly after traumatic injury. The high cost of flowmeters and the time-consuming procedure have limited uptake. [source] Estimation of microbial cover distributions at Mammoth Hot Springs using a multiple clone library resampling methodENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 7 2006Héctor García Martín Summary We propose the use of cover as a quick, low-resolution proxy for the abundance of microbial species, which reduces polymerase chain reaction bias. We showcase this concept in a computation that uses clone library information from travertine-forming hot springs in Yellowstone National Park to provide estimates of relative covers at different locations within the spring system. Samples were used from two media: the water column and the travertine substrate. The cover distribution is found to approximate a power law for samples within the water column. Significant commonality of species with the highest cover is observed in the water column for all locations, but not for species present in the substrate at different locations or between media at the same location. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||