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Kinds of Attempts Selected AbstractsDEFINING QUIT ATTEMPTS: WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES A DAY MAKE?ADDICTION, Issue 2 2005MATTHEW J. CARPENTER No abstract is available for this article. [source] ATTEMPTS TO UTILIZE BACTERIOPHAGE TO COMBAT SALMONELLA ENTERICA SEROVAR ENTEMTIDIS INFECTION IN CHICKENSJOURNAL OF FOOD SAFETY, Issue 1 2001IAN B. SKLAR ABSTRACT Bacteriophage capable of lysing a nalidixic acid-resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis strain (SeE Nalr) were tested for the ability to reduce cecal Salmonella counts in young chickens infected with the bacterium. Qualitative analysis of cloacal swabs suggested that phage treatment can possibly reduce shedding of SeE Nalr, but average SeE Nalr counts of between 105 and 107 cfu of SeE Nalr per g of cecum were obtained even from phage-treated 14-day old birds and even when more than 107 plaque forming units of phage were present per gram of cecal content. The average cecal SeE Nalr counts were generally between 0.3 and 1.3 orders of magnitude lower in phage-treated chickens than in untreated controls birds. The difference in counts was statistically not significant in three animal trials, but significant in two trials using feed particles as delivery vehicles for the phage. Although some of the SeE Nalr in the cecae of phage-treated chickens had developed resistance to some of the phage used, factors other than phage resistance must have contributed to the failure of the phage to substantially reduce SeE Nalr counts. [source] Recurrence of kernicterus in term and near-term infants in DenmarkACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 10 2000F Ebbesen Classical acute bilirubin encephalopathy (kernicterus) in term and near-term infants had not been seen in Denmark for at least 20 y until 1994. From 1994 to 1998, however, six cases were diagnosed. Aetiology of the hyperbilirubinaemia was known in two infants; spherocytosis and galactosaemia, most likely known in two infants; possible A-O blood type immunization, and unknown in two infants. However, one of these last-mentioned infants had a gestational age of only 36 wk. The maximum plasma total bilirubin concentrations were 531,745 ,mol/L. The increase in the number of cases of kernicterus was considered to have been caused by: (i) a decreased awareness of the pathological signs, (ii) a change in the assessment of the risk of bilirubin encephalopathy, (iii) early discharge of the infants from the maternity ward, (iv) so-called breastfeeding-associated jaundice, (v) demonstration of bilirubin being an antioxidant, and (vi) difficulty in estimating the degree of jaundice in certain groups of immigrants. Accordingly, for prevention: (a) Attempt to change the healthcare workers' understanding of the risk of bilirubin encephalopathy, (b) give further instructions, both orally and in writing, to mothers before discharge from the maternity ward, (c) be more liberal in giving infant formula supplements, (d) conduct home visits by the community nurse at an earlier stage, (e) follow authorized guidelines for phototherapy and exchange transfusion, (f) lower plasma bilirubin concentration limits as an indication for phototherapy and exchange transfusion, (g) screen all term and near-term infants, and (h) measure the skin's yellow colour with a device that corrects for the skin's melanin content. Conclusions: Audit of the six cases presented indicates that measures are necessary in both the primary and secondary healthcare sectors if the risk of kernicterus is to be avoided. Screening may be considered, but in order to identify the problems it would first be reasonable to perform a larger prospective study in which audit is performed on all newborn infants, born at term and near-term, who develop a plasma bilirubin concentration above the exchange transfusion limit. [source] Capital Versus the Districts: A Tale of One Multinational Company's Attempt to Disembed ItselfECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY, Issue 2 2004N. A. Phelps Abstract: The process of international economic integration in which multinational enterprises (MNEs) play a significant orchestrating role is a contradictory one of a space of flows, on the one hand, and a space of places, on the other hand. It is this contradiction that produces a variegated landscape of relations within and among MNEs and a whole range of territorially rooted organizations and institutions. As a result, interest in global production networks, as part of a broader relational turn in economic geography, has sought to highlight and uncover these webs of relations within which MNEs are embedded. In reviewing this literature, we emphasize the economic imperatives underlying such relations or, rather, their political-economic nature and the discontinuities in industrial restructuring they can produce. We then present an empirical illustration of these points and some of the key concerns within the literature on global production networks. We consider a recent round of restructuring by Black & Decker Corporation, focusing on the politico-economic ramifications of closing one of two European factories. Our reading of the literature, coupled with our empirical findings, suggests the continuing tendency for international integration as a space of flows to eclipse the coherence of places. Localized points of resistance can moderate the powers exercised by MNEs internally and across a network of organizations, although there are limits to the transferability of such tactics of resistance. [source] On Foreign Ground: One Attempt at Attracting Non-French Majors to a French Studies CourseFOREIGN LANGUAGE ANNALS, Issue 4 2002Article first published online: 31 DEC 200, Jean M. Fallon ABSTRACT: This article presents a description of "Americans in Paris," a class in English that was developed to attract nonlanguage majors to French Studies classes. The class focuses on American writers who lived and worked in Paris between 1890 and 1955 as part of a literary and cultural exchange between French and American societies. Learning about French writers and the dynamic, international community of writers and artists who came to Paris in the early twentieth century, students come to understand the literary and cultural heritages that were passed between France and America. The course's content showcases input that French professors can bring to this cross-disciplinary subject by examining American works through a French cultural viewpoint and highlighting French literary and artistic traditions. [source] G-20 Summit (Toronto): Attempt to Reconcile DifferencesAFRICA RESEARCH BULLETIN: ECONOMIC, FINANCIAL AND TECHNICAL SERIES, Issue 6 2010Article first published online: 3 AUG 2010 No abstract is available for this article. [source] Severe Hemorrhagic Complication Due to Acquired Factor V Inhibitor After Single Exposure to Bovine Thrombin ProductJOURNAL OF CARDIAC SURGERY, Issue 6 2000Michio Kajitani M.D., Ph.D. Our patient underwent emergency repair of acute aortic dissection and coronary artery bypass grafting. The patient developed leg wound infection at the saphenous vein harvest site, which was debrided and left open. Attempt to reclose the leg wound 1 month later was complicated by a life-threatening hemorrhage with markedly elevated activated partial thromboplatin time. There was no evidence of infection or disseminated intravascular coagulation, and further study identified low factor V level with positive factor V inhibitor. Treatment with plasmapheresis and steroid successfully reversed the coagulopathy. Detailed case review failed to reveal exposure to any thrombin products other than the one used for the aortic dissection repair. This case was unusual because only a single exposure to this product resulted in severe hemorrhagic complication 1 month after surgery. [source] Painless Shock Therapy: More Than Just an Attempt to Square the Circle?JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 10 2007GIUSEPPE BORIANI No abstract is available for this article. [source] Attempt of a flux-based evaluation of field capacityJOURNAL OF PLANT NUTRITION AND SOIL SCIENCE, Issue 3 2008Steffen Zacharias Abstract Field capacity is one of the most frequently used soil parameters. According to the original definition, the field capacity is a site-specific parameter, which is closely connected to soil water flux. Many of the existing procedures for field-capacity estimation neglect its flux-based character. In this study, a method and selected results are presented. This allows a better reflection of the unsteady behavior of unsaturated water flow in estimating field capacity. Based on the velocity of the relative internal drainage, a threshold value is defined (field-capacity threshold) which enables a flux-based estimation of the field-capacity value. Furthermore, the direct consideration of the drainage time allows the soil water contents to be estimated for defined internal drainage durations. [source] Combined Use of PCA and QSAR/QSPR to Predict the Drugs Mechanism of Action.MOLECULAR INFORMATICS, Issue 4 2009An Application to the NCI ACAM Database Abstract During the years the National Cancer Institute (NCI) accumulated an enormous amount of information through the application of a complex protocol of drugs screening involving several tumor cell lines, grouped into panels according to the disease class. The Anti-cancer Agent Mechanism (ACAM) database is a set of 122 compounds with anti-cancer activity and a reasonably well known mechanism of action, for which are available drug screening data that measure their ability to inhibit growth of a panel of 60 human tumor lines, explicitly designed as a training set for neural network and multivariate analysis. The aim of this work is to adapt a methodology (previously developed for the analysis of DNA minor groove binders) for the analysis of NCI ACAM database, using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and QSAR/QSPR for the prediction of the mechanism of action of anti-cancer drugs. The entire database was splitted in a training set of 60 structures and a test set of 48 ones, and each set was expressed in form of a matrix on which further procedures were performed. Three statistical parameters were calculated: First Attempt of Prediction (FAP) expresses the percentage of correct predictions at first attempt, Total Attempt of Prediction (TAP) expresses the total percentage of correct predictions across all the three attempts, Non-Classified (NC) expresses the percentage of compounds whose mechanism of action has failed to be predicted. The predictive ability of this approach is variable, but the results obtained are generally good; using 50% Growth Inhibiting concentration (GI50) values as training data, we were able to assign a correct mechanism of action with a good degree of reliability (more than 79%). [source] Multiple minute carcinoids in type A gastritis: Attempt at 3-D reconstructionPATHOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, Issue 7 2001Takuya Nojiri In type A gastritis, the numbers of endocrine cell micronests (ECM) and carcinoids increase through the trophic action of gastrin. This study examined the characteristics and growth of carcinoids in type A gastritis. A total of 395 lesions in five surgically removed stomachs with type A gastritis were investigated, in terms of number, size, distribution and histological appearance, to clarify the tumorigenesis and progression of carcinoids. 3-D reconstruction using serial paraffin sections was used to study carcinoid progression. Our findings suggest that in type A gastritis, carcinoids arise in areas where minute carcinoids are present at a high density. They also suggest that early stage carcinoids not only become large expansively, but also develop in a very complex manner, by maintaining contact with surrounding minute carcinoids. [source] ORIGINAL RESEARCH,ED PHARMACOTHERAPY: Sildenafil Citrate 100 mg Starting Dose in Men with Erectile Dysfunction in an International, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study: Effect on the Sexual Experience and Reducing Feelings of Anxiety About the Next Intercourse AttemptTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 10 2009Oleg B. Loran MD ABSTRACT Introduction., Sildenafil citrate 50 mg is the recommended starting dose for men with erectile dysfunction (ED); however, most men are later titrated to sildenafil 100 mg for improved efficacy. Aim., Assess the tolerability and efficacy of sildenafil initiated at the 100-mg dose in men with ED. Methods., Men with ED (score ,25 on the Erectile Function domain of the International Index of Erectile Function) who had received ,6 total doses of a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor and none within 4 weeks were randomized to 8 weeks of double-blind, placebo-controlled (DBPC), fixed-dose treatment (50 or 100 mg sildenafil or placebo) followed by 4 weeks of open-label flexible-dose sildenafil (50 or 100 mg). Main Outcome Measures., Efficacy, tolerability, treatment satisfaction, and other end points were measured at baseline and/or the end of the double-blind and open-label phases and compared between placebo and sildenafil initiated at doses of 50 and 100 mg. Results., Improvements in DBPC patient-reported outcomes from baseline were statistically significant for both sildenafil 50 and 100 mg compared with placebo. At the end of DBPC treatment, 56% of men on the 100-mg dose felt no anxiety about the next intercourse attempt compared with 39% in the 50-mg group (odds ratio 2.03; P = 0.0197). Changes in functional scores from baseline were not statistically significant with the 100-mg dose compared with the 50-mg dose in the DBPC. Measures of treatment satisfaction and sexual experience significantly favored the 100-mg dose compared with the 50-mg dose in the DBPC. There was no increase in adverse events with the higher dose. Conclusions., Sildenafil at 50 mg or 100 mg significantly improved erection quality, treatment satisfaction, anxiety levels, and the sexual experience compared with placebo during DBPC. Sildenafil 100 mg improved the sexual experience and treatment satisfaction, and reduced feelings of anxiety compared with the 50-mg dose. Loran OB, Ströberg P, Lee SW, Park NC, Kim SW, Tseng LJ, Collins S, and Stecher VJ. Sildenafil citrate 100 mg starting dose in men with erectile dysfunction in an international, double-blind, placebo-controlled study: Effect on the sexual experience and reducing feelings of anxiety about the next intercourse attempt. J Sex Med 2009;6:2826,2835. [source] Timing of Dose Relative to Sexual Intercourse Attempt in Previous Sildenafil Citrate Users Treated with Tadalafil: A Geographical Comparison from a Single Arm, Open-Label StudyTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 10 2009Eusebio Rubio-Aurioles MD ABSTRACT Introduction., Previous research has demonstrated that sildenafil citrate users alter dosing-sexual attempt behavior when switched to tadalafil. The impact of geography and culture on sexual behavior with phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor treatment has not been fully investigated. Aim., To describe and compare the changes in dosing-sexual attempt behavior with sildenafil citrate vs. tadalafil treatment across four distinct geographies: Asia, Australia/New Zealand (ANZ), Central Eastern Europe/Middle East (CEE/ME), and Latin America (LA). Methods., Data from a single-arm, open-label clinical trial conducted in 21 countries from November 2002 to May 2004 were used in this analysis. Men with erectile dysfunction and a history of ,6-week prior sildenafil citrate use continued sildenafil citrate treatment for 4 weeks then switched to tadalafil for 8 weeks. Dosing instructions were provided. Main Outcomes Measures., Timing of dose and sexual intercourse was assessed through patient diaries for the final 4 weeks of each treatment period. Results., A total of 2,760 men were enrolled: Asia 15.8%; ANZ 29.4%; CEE/ME 19.7%; LA 35.1%. The median time from dosing to intercourse was significantly increased during tadalafil treatment across all geographical regions; however, the magnitude of increase differed significantly by geography (P < 0.0001). The Asian cohort demonstrated the shortest duration between dosing and sexual intercourse attempts (irrespective of drug), and altered sexual behavior the least upon switching to tadalafil. The ANZ cohort demonstrated the longest duration between dosing and sexual intercourse attempts (irrespective of drug), and altered sexual behavior the most upon switching to tadalafil. Conclusion., Men with a history of established sildenafil citrate use alter their dose-attempt behavior when treated with tadalafil irrespective of geography. However, the extent to which sexual behavior alters is not uniform across geographical regions, suggesting that dosing instructions and duration of drug effectiveness, in combination with personal and cultural preferences, may determine sexual behavior with PDE5 inhibitor use. Rubio-Aurioles E, Glina S, Abdo CHN, Hernandez-Serrano R, Rampazzo C, Sotomayor M, West TM, Gallagher GL, and Lenero E. Timing of dose relative to sexual intercourse attempt in previous sildenafil citrate users treated with tadalafil: A geographical comparison from a single arm, open-label study. J Sex Med 2009;6:2836,2850. [source] Trends in Contemporary Islam: A Preliminary Attempt at a ClassificationTHE MUSLIM WORLD, Issue 3 2007Abdullah Saeed First page of article [source] Acute Toxic Herbal Intake in a Suicide Attempt and Fatal Refractory Ventricular ArrhythmiaBASIC AND CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY & TOXICOLOGY, Issue 2 2010Antoine Strzelecki Repeated direct-current cardioversions were unsuccessful and no single anti-arrhythmic agent was effective for arrhythmia control. The routine blood toxicological screening was negative. Aconitine, the main toxin of Aconitum napellus was identified using a specific liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. The whole blood concentration (24 ,g/l) was higher than those reported in other aconitine-related deaths. The patient had found information about the life-threatening nature of such a toxic herb intake on a free medical encyclopaedia online. [source] Vesicles to Concentrate Iron in Low-Iron Media: An Attempt to Mimic Marine SiderophoresCHEMISTRY - A EUROPEAN JOURNAL, Issue 12 2008Lucie Bednarova Dr. Abstract Amphiphilic catechol-type iron chelators were studied with the aim of mimicking the properties of marine bacterial siderophores. The FeIII complexation constants and aqueous solution speciation of LS10, a sulfonated catechol unit that has a C10 lipophilic carbon chain connected by an amide linkage, were determined by spectrophotometric titration. The calculated value of pFe3+ is 18.1 at pH,7.4. Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy showed that the tris(catecholate) ferric complex formed at physiological pH initially assembles into micelles, in which the catecholate,iron units stay on the exterior of the micelle. The average diameter of these micelles was estimated to be 4.2,nm. The micelles then slowly rearrange into clusters of different sizes, which leads to the formation of unilamellar and bilamellar vesicles. The reorganization processes are comparable to those observed by Butler et al. for the marinobactin siderophores produced by marine bacteria, but in contrast to the marinobactins, vesicles of the Fe3+,LS10 complex form without an excess of iron relative to ligand concentration. The time-dependent micelle-to-vesicle transition is discussed herein. [source] A Pilot Study of Ultrasound Analysis before Pediatric Peripheral Vein Cannulation AttemptACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 5 2007David Schnadower MD ObjectivesTo determine whether peripheral veins can be detected by ultrasound (US) and to determine vein characteristics, as measured by US, that are associated with successful peripheral venous (PV) catheterization in young children. MethodsThe authors conducted an observational study in the pediatric emergency department (ED), with a convenience sample of children younger than 7 years. They evaluated attempts at PV catheterization in two groups on the basis of the visibility and palpability of the patients' veins: 1) clinically apparent (visible or palpable) and 2) not clinically apparent (nonvisible and nonpalpable). The authors obtained sonographic measurements in a transverse view (vertical diameter, circumference, and area) and in a longitudinal view (maximal uninterrupted length). Practitioners blinded to the US images then attempted to catheterize veins in the usual manner. The proportion of clinically apparent veins and the proportion of veins that were successfully catheterized that were identified by US were assessed, and the association between ultrasonographic vein measurements and success at catheterization, controlling for possible confounders, was determined. ResultsThe authors assessed 120 attempts (90 clinically apparent and 30 not clinically apparent) at PV catheterization in 83 patients. US detected all 90 clinically apparent veins, and cannulation success rate was 62/90 (69%). In the not clinically apparent vein group, the rate of success was only 3/30 (10%), and US detected all successfully catheterized veins. In no instance was cannulation successful when the vein was not detected by US. Maximal vein length in longitudinal view was an independent predictor of cannulation success in multivariate analysis. ConclusionsUltrasound appears to be capable of detecting peripheral veins in children younger than 7 years of age, with lack of US vein visualization likely leading to unsuccessful PV placement. Greater vein length visualization may be a useful predictor of successful PV catheterization. [source] Putting Science to Work: A Statewide Attempt to Identify and Implement Effective InterventionsCLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY: SCIENCE AND PRACTICE, Issue 2 2002Peter S. Jensen Few systematic efforts have been undertaken to identify and deploy evidence-based interventions at a statewide level. Moreover, no previous attempts have attempted to delineate criteria for judging the effectiveness of evidence-based interventions, and then to apply these criteria to the existing evidence base to evaluate interventions for children's behavioral and emotional disorders. Chorpita and their colleagues are to be commended for addressing these much-needed issues, and systematically attempting to close the gaps between "what we know" versus "what we do." While their work represents an important step forward, further evaluation of its impact will be needed. Nonetheless, in the hope that they will succeed, other groups of scientists, parents, providers, and policy-makers should consider such strategic approaches in closing the gaps between optimal, evidence-based treatments and current treatment practices. [source] Sum rules and exact relations for quantal Coulomb systemsCONTRIBUTIONS TO PLASMA PHYSICS, Issue 5-6 2003V.M. Adamyan Abstract A complex response function describing a reaction of a multi-particle system to a weak alternating external field is the boundary value of a Nevanlinna class function (i.e. a holomorphic function with non-negative imaginary part in the upper half-plane). Attempts of direct calculations of response functions based on standard approximations of the kinetic theory for real Coulomb condensed systems often result in considerable discrepancies with experiments and computer simulations. At the same time a relatively simple approach using only the exact values of leading asymptotic terms of the response function permits to restrict essentially a subset of Nevanlinna class functions containing this response function, and in this way to obtain sufficient data to explain and predict experimental results. Mathematical details of this approach are demonstrated on an example with the response function being the (external) dynamic electrical conductivity of cold dense hydrogen-like plasmas. In particular, the exact values of the leading terms of asymptotic expansions of the conductivity are calculated. (© 2003 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Board Monitoring, Regulation, and Performance in the Banking Industry: Evidence from the Market for Corporate ControlCORPORATE GOVERNANCE, Issue 5 2010Jens Hagendorff ABSTRACT Manuscript Type: Empirical Research Question/Issue: The specific monitoring effect of boards of directors versus industry regulation is unclear. In this paper, we examine how the interaction between bank-level monitoring and regulatory regimes influences the announcement period returns of acquiring banks in the US and twelve European economies. Research Findings/Insights: We study three board monitoring mechanisms , independence, CEO-chair duality, and diversity , and analyze their effectiveness in preventing underperforming merger strategies under bank regulators of varying strictness. Only under strict banking regulation regimes, do board independence and diversity improve acquisition performance. In less strict regulatory environments, corporate governance is virtually irrelevant in improving the performance outcomes of merger activities. Theoretical/Academic Implications: Our results indicate a complementary role between monitoring by boards and bank regulation. This study is the first to report evidence consistent with complementarity by investigating the effectiveness (rather than the prevalence) of governance arrangements across regulatory regimes. Practitioner/Policy Implications: Our work offers insights to policymakers charged with improving the quality of decision-making at financial institutions. Attempts to improve the ability of bank boards to critically assess managerial initiatives are most likely to be successful if internal governance is accompanied by strict industry regulation. [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] Morphodynamics of the exit of a cutoff meander: experimental findings from field and laboratory studies,EARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS, Issue 3 2010J. Le Coz Abstract The morphological evolution of the entrances and exits of abandoned river channels governs their hydrological connectivity. The study focusses on flow and sediment dynamics in the exit of a cutoff meander where the downstream entrance is still connected to the main channel, but the upstream entrance is closed. Two similar field and laboratory cases were investigated using innovative velocimetry techniques (acoustic Doppler profiling, image analysis). Laboratory experiments were conducted with a mobile-bed physical model of the Morava River (Slovakia). Field measurements were performed in the exit of the Port-Galland cutoff meander, Ain River (France). Both cases yielded consistent and complementary results from which a generic scheme for flow patterns and morphological evolution was derived. A simple analogy with flows in rectangular side cavities was used to explain the recirculating flow patterns which developed in the exit. A decelerating inflow deposits bedload in the downstream part of the cavity, while the upstream part is eroded by an accelerating outflow, leading to the retreat of the upstream bank. In the field, strong secondary currents were observed, especially in the inflow, which may enhance the scouring of the downstream corner of the cavity. Also, fine sediment deposits constituted a silt layer in a transitional zone, located between the mouth of the abandoned channel and the oxbow-lake within the cutoff meander. Attempts at morphological prediction should consider not only the flow and sediment conditions in the cavity, but also the dynamics of the main channel. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd [source] Elastic and inelastic drift performance optimization for reinforced concrete buildings under earthquake loadsEARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING AND STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS, Issue 8 2004Chun-Man Chan Abstract This paper presents an effective optimization technique for the elastic and inelastic drift performance design of reinforced concrete buildings under response spectrum loading and pushover loading. Attempts have been made to develop an automatic optimal elastic and inelastic drift design of concrete framework structures. The entire optimization procedure can be divided into elastic design optimization and inelastic design optimization. Using the principle of virtual work, the elastic drift response generated by the response spectrum loading and the inelastic drift response produced by the non-linear pushover loading can be explicitly expressed in terms of element sizing design variables. The optimization methodology for the solution of the explicit design problem of buildings is fundamentally based on the Optimality Criteria approach. One ten-story, two-bay building frame example is presented to illustrate the effectiveness and practicality of the proposed optimal design method. While rapid convergence in a few design cycles is found in the elastic optimization process, relatively slow but steady and smooth convergence of the optimal performance-based design is found in the inelastic optimization process. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Agricultural incomes and the CAPECONOMIC AFFAIRS, Issue 2 2000Berkeley Hill Concern with the living standards of farmers is central to the CAP yet it demonstrates the muddled objectives, inappropriate indicators and misdirected interventions that are the stuff of analysts' worst nightmares. As a consequence, the performance of the CAP in terms of this fundamental aim has, in all likelihood, been very poor. Attempts to reorientate the CAP to be more in line with its declared objectives face enormous vested interests in the agricultural industry and among policy-makers. [source] The Internet, Economic Growth and GovernanceECONOMIC AFFAIRS, Issue 1 2000Gordon L. Brady The Internet developed largely as a ,spontaneous order' without central co-ordination. Further development will increase the mobility of capital and labour and make tax collection more difficult. Attempts at self-regulation and government regulation are now under way but meddling is likely to be ,wealth destructive and counter productive.' [source] An Evaluation of a Blind Rotational Technique for Selective Mainstem IntubationACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 10 2004Aaron E. Bair MD Abstract Objectives: Although rare, massive hemoptysis and major bronchial disruptions are associated with high mortality. Selective ventilation of the uninvolved lung can increase the likelihood of survival. Specialized devices used for single lung ventilation are often not readily available and can be difficult to place in the emergency department. The authors evaluated a blind rotational technique for selective mainstem intubation using either a standard endotracheal tube (ET) or a directional-tip endotracheal tube (DTET). Methods: This was a prospective, randomized trial on 25 human cadavers. The desired side of mainstem intubation was determined by randomization. Each cadaver was used for four ET, four DTET, and four control intubations. In the ET group, the trachea was intubated. The tube was then rotated 90° in the direction of the desired placement and advanced until resistance was met. In the DTET group, the technique was identical, except the trigger was activated to flex the tip during advancement. In the control group, an ET was advanced in neutral alignment until resistance was met. A bronchoscopist blinded to the desired placement determined tube position. Comparison testing was performed using Pearson's chi-square test. Results: When attempting to intubate the left mainstem, use of the ET with the rotational technique was successful 72.3% of the time (95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 57% to 84%). Intubation of the left mainstem using the DTET was successful 68.5% of the time (95% CI = 54% to 81%; p = 0.67). Attempts to selectively intubate the right mainstem using the rotational technique were highly successful in both groups: 94% for the ET (95% CI = 84% to 99%) versus 97.8% for the DTET (95% CI = 89% to 100%). Among controls, the right mainstem was intubated 93% of the time (95% CI = 86% to 97%). Conclusions: In a cadaveric model, the left mainstem bronchus can be selectively intubated with moderate reliability using this rotational technique. Use of a DTET confers no significant advantage. The ability to generalize these findings to living subjects is unknown. [source] Detection of bacteria associated with harmful algal blooms from coastal and microcosm environments using electronic microarraysENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 3 2007Edward A. Barlaan Summary With the global expansion of harmful algal blooms (HABs), several measures, including molecular approaches, have been undertaken to monitor its occurrence. Many reports have indicated the significant roles of bacteria in controlling algal bloom dynamics. Attempts have been made to utilize the bacteria/harmful algae relationship in HAB monitoring. In this study, bacterial assemblages monitored during coastal HABs and bacterial communities in induced microcosm blooms were investigated. Samples were analysed using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of the 16S rRNA gene. DGGE bands with peculiar patterns before, during, and after algal blooms were isolated and identified. Probes for six ribotypes representing organisms associated with Chatonella spp., Heterocapsa circularisquama, or Heterosigma akashiwo were used for analysis on NanoChip electronic microarray. In addition, a new approach using cultured bacteria species was developed to detect longer (533 bp) polymerase chain reaction-amplified products on the electronic microarray. The use of fluorescently labelled primers allowed the detection of individual species in single or mixed DNA conditions. The developed approach enabled the detection of the presence or absence and relative abundance of the HAB-related ribotypes in coastal and microcosm blooms. This study indicates the ability of electronic microarray platform to detect or monitor bacteria in natural and induced environments. [source] Investigating the link between pulp mill effluent and endocrine disruption: Attempts to explain the presence of intersex fish in the Wabigoon River, Ontario, CanadaENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 4 2010Michael S. Pollock Abstract The ability of some pulp mill effluents (PME) to act as reproductive and endocrine disrupters in fish is well documented in the literature. However, changes are not always consistent with regard to species, gender, hormones, or reproductive effects. In the present study, the presence of the first intersexed fish that, to our knowledge, has been found in a Canadian river exposed to PME, is reported. A field survey of the Wabigoon River near Dryden, Ontario, in the fall of 2000 found intersexed walleye (Sander vitreus vitreus) with significantly altered hormone levels and reduced gonad size. The Wabigoon River receives discharge from a bleached kraft pulp and paper mill and a municipal wastewater (MWW) plant. It also has historical sediment contamination (wood fiber mats) contributing to extended periods of low dissolved oxygen under low flow, drought conditions. A mesocosm-based partial life cycle test exposing fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) to reference water, 20% effluent volume to river volume (v/v), 40% (v/v), or 60% (v/v) PME as well as a field survey of the walleye in the Wabigoon River were conducted. The only change in our mesocosm exposure was a decrease in testosterone in males with increasing effluent concentration and vitellogenin induction in males exposed to 60% (v/v) effluent. These results did not reflect the magnitude of endocrine disruption seen in the wild fish survey. Several hypotheses that may explain these discrepancies are proposed. Specifically, evidence is offered from published studies indicating that either hypoxia or MWW, alone or in combination with PME, may explain the discrepancy between our field experiment and the wild fish survey. The present study illustrates the complexities of multistressor receiving environments and the need for the development of cumulative effects assessment approaches. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:952,965. © 2010 SETAC [source] Drug injecting and syringe use in the HIV risk environment of Russian penitentiary institutions: qualitative studyADDICTION, Issue 12 2006Anya Sarang ABSTRACT Background Evidence highlights the prison as a high risk environment in relation to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmsission associated with injecting drug use. Methods We undertook qualitative studies among 209 injecting drug users (IDUs) in three Russian cities: Moscow (n = 56), Volgograd (n = 83) and Barnaul in western Siberia (n = 70). Results Over three-quarters (77%) reported experience of police arrest related to their drug use, and 35% (55% of men) a history of imprisonment or detention. Findings emphasize the critical role that penitentiary institutions may play as a structural factor in the diffusion of HIV associated with drug injection in the Russian Federation. While drugs were perceived to be generally available in penitentiary institutions, sterile injection equipment was scarce and as a consequence routinely shared, including within large groups. Attempts to clean borrowed needles or syringes were inadequate, and risk reduction was severely constrained by a combination of lack of injecting equipment availability and punishment for its possession. Perceptions of relative safety were also found to be associated with assumptions of HIV negativity, resulting from a perception that all prisoners are HIV tested upon entry with those found HIV positive segregated. Conclusion This study shows an urgent need for HIV prevention interventions in the Russian penitentiary system. [source] Adiponectin and visfatin concentrations in children treated with valproic acidEPILEPSIA, Issue 2 2008Markus Rauchenzauner Summary Chronic antiepileptic therapy with valproic acid (VPA) is associated with increased body weight and insulin resistance in adults and children. Attempts to determine the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms have failed. Adipocytokines have recently been defined as a link between glucose and fat metabolism. We herein demonstrate that VPA-associated overweight is accompanied by lower adiponectin and higher leptin concentrations in children. The absence of any relationship with visfatin concentration does not suggest a role of this novel insulin-mimetic hormone in VPA-associated metabolic alterations. Therefore, adiponectin and leptin but not visfatin may be considered as potential regulators of glucose and fat metabolism during VPA-therapy. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||