Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Straightforward
Terms modified by Straightforward Selected AbstractsProtein Immobilization Using Atmospheric-Pressure Dielectric-Barrier Discharges: A Route to a Straightforward Manufacture of Bioactive FilmsPLASMA PROCESSES AND POLYMERS, Issue 2 2008Pieter Heyse Abstract An alternative single-step method for biomolecule entrapment in atmospheric plasma polymers is described. Relying on our experience to fabricate organic coatings at mild plasma conditions, fluorescent proteins and an organic coating precursor were simultaneously introduced to the DBD. Fluorescence microscopy and spectrum analysis unambiguously illustrate the single-step protein immobilization procedure using DBD. Moreover, in contrast to covalent immobilization procedures, the developed technique showed a homogeneous protein distribution in the coating. [source] ChemInform Abstract: Self-Modulated Highly Chemoselective Direct-Reductive-Amination (DRA) of Benzaldehydes Straightforward to N-Monosubstituted Benzylamine Hydrochlorides.CHEMINFORM, Issue 19 2009Lixin Xing Abstract ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a "Full Text" option. The original article is trackable via the "References" option. [source] A Straightforward Highly Efficient Paal,Knorr Synthesis of Pyrroles.CHEMINFORM, Issue 32 2005Bimal K. Banik Abstract For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text. [source] A Straightforward and Mild Synthesis of Functionalized 3-Alkynoates.CHEMINFORM, Issue 42 2004Andres Suarez Abstract For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text. [source] Six-year follow-up of an intervention to improve the management of preschool children with asthmaACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 12 2009Carl-Axel Hederos Abstract Aims:, In a randomized controlled study involving 60 preschool children with asthma, an intervention with extra information and support to parents in the form of group discussions was performed. An earlier follow-up after 18 months revealed an improved adherence and a reduction of exacerbation days. This is a 6-year follow-up. Methods:, Fifty-four children performed clinical examinations, blood tests, measurements of exhaled nitric oxide, spirometry, bronchial provocation with dry air and skin prick tests. Data from the patients' records and questionnaires were obtained. Results:, Twenty-nine per cent had no current signs of asthma, whereas 43% exhibited persistent and 28% intermittent asthma. The burden on the healthcare system was minimal. Intermittent inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) therapy was used by 81%. The intervention group (IG) had fewer contacts with nurses. Their parents had a better quality of life. Interviewing children separately contributed in identification of children needing treatment. More children in the IG had to restart ICS as they had signs of worse asthma control. Conclusion:, Straightforward and timely support to parents of children with asthma can have long-term positive effects by strengthening the ability of parents to treat their children at home, although parents may also develop an underestimation of mild symptoms. It is important to directly ask children about their disease and to maintain regular follow-up visits. [source] Conflict management in buyer-seller relationshipsCONFLICT RESOLUTION QUARTERLY, Issue 3 2010Lionel Bobot Given differing organizational needs and goals, underlying conflicts and tensions are an inherent part of buyer-seller relationships. This research presents and tests a conceptual framework examining the effect of the type of conflict (dysfunctional and functional) in the relationship, the conflict management approaches used by the salesperson, and the subsequent quality of the buyer-seller relationship. The framework is tested using surveys completed by 109 salespeople. The findings of this study are relevant to marketing practitioners and managers, particularly salespeople, sales managers, and purchasing managers. First, the most straightforward and obvious finding is that dysfunctional conflict is detrimental to relationship quality. Conversely, functional conflict showed no significant association with either trust or satisfaction. The only conflict management strategy that had a significant association with both functional and dysfunctional conflicts in this study was the confronting strategy. [source] Dynein light chain family in Tetrahymena thermophilaCYTOSKELETON, Issue 2 2007David E. Wilkes Abstract Dyneins are large protein complexes that produce directed movement on microtubules. In situ, dyneins comprise combinations of heavy, intermediate, light-intermediate, and light chains. The light chains regulate the locations and activities of dyneins but their functions are not completely understood. We have searched the recently sequenced Tetrahymena thermophila macronuclear genome to describe the entire family of dynein light chains expressed in this organism. We identified fourteen genes encoding putative dynein light chains and seven genes encoding light chain-like proteins. RNA-directed PCR revealed that all 21 genes were expressed. Quantitative real time reverse transcription PCR showed that many of these genes were upregulated after deciliation, indicating that these proteins are present in cilia. Using the nomenclature developed in Chlamydomonas, Tetrahymena expresses two isoforms each of LC2, LC4, LC7, and Tctex1, three isoforms of p28, and six LC8/LC8-like isoforms. Tetrahymena also expresses two LC3-like genes. No Tetrahymena orthologue was found for Chlamydomonas LC5 or LC6. This study provides a complete description of the different genes and isoforms of the dynein light chains that are expressed in Tetrahymena, a model organism in which the targeted manipulation of genes is straightforward. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Agoraphobia: a review of the diagnostic classificatory position and criteria,,DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, Issue 2 2010Hans-Ulrich Wittchen Ph.D. Abstract The status of agoraphobia (AG) as an independent diagnostic category is reviewed and preliminary options and recommendations for the fifth edition of The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-V) are presented. The review concentrates on epidemiology, psychopathology, neurobiology, vulnerability and risk factors, clinical course and outcome, and correlates and consequences of AG since 1990. Differences and similarities across conventions and criteria of DSM and ICD-10 are considered. Three core questions are addressed. First, what is the evidence for AG as a diagnosis independent of panic disorder? Second, should AG be conceptualized as a subordinate form of panic disorder (PD) as currently stipulated in DSM-IV-TR? Third, is there evidence for modifying or changing the current diagnostic criteria? We come to the conclusion that AG should be conceptualized as an independent disorder with more specific criteria rather than a subordinate, residual form of PD as currently stipulated in DSM-IV-TR. Among other issues, this conclusion was based on psychometric evaluations of the construct, epidemiological investigations which show that AG can exist independently of panic disorder, and the impact of agoraphobic avoidance upon clinical course and outcome. However, evidence from basic and clinic validation studies remains incomplete and partly contradictory. The apparent advantages of a more straightforward, simpler classification without implicit hierarchies and insufficiently supported differential diagnostic considerations, plus the option for improved further research, led to favoring the separate diagnostic criteria for AG as a diagnosis independent of panic disorder. Depression and Anxiety, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Photodynamic Therapy for the Treatment of Cutaneous Neoplasia, Inflammatory Disorders, and PhotoagingDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 5 2009EMILY TIERNEY MD BACKGROUND Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has demonstrated high efficacy, minimal side effects, and improved cosmetic outcome when used for the treatment of actinic keratoses (AK), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma, and photoaging. METHODS To review the literature on the use of PDT in dermatologic surgery using MEDLINE. RESULTS Published clinical studies using PDT in the treatment of AKs yield overall efficacy rates ranging from 50% to 71% with one treatment to as high as 88% to 90% with two or more treatments. For superficial BCC, initial clearance rates were 76% to 97%, and for Bowen's disease, initial clearance rates ranged from 72% to 94% overall. The use of PDT for photorejuvenation is a relatively new application of this technology, which has shown promise in improving the appearance of fine lines, pigmentary variation, and telangiectasias. CONCLUSIONS The advantages of photodynamic therapy include the capacity for noninvasive targeted therapy through topical application of aminolevulinic acid and methyl aminolevulinic acid, with outstanding cosmetic results. Although the theory behind the use of chemical photosensitizers and ultraviolet light to treat a wide variety of skin disorders is straightforward, the practical application of this technology is evolving. Additional research into the precise mechanisms of action for specific photosensitizers and optimal light sources will be highly beneficial to the advancement of this technology. [source] Federal Restructuring in Ethiopia: Renegotiating Identity and Borders along the Oromo,Somali Ethnic FrontiersDEVELOPMENT AND CHANGE, Issue 4 2010Asnake Kefale ABSTRACT When the Ethiopian state was reorganized as an ethnic federation in the 1990s, both ethnicity and governance experienced the impact of the change. Most importantly, ethnicity became the key instrument regarding entitlement, representation and state organization. For the larger ethnic groups, fitting into the new ethno-federal structure has been relatively straightforward. In contrast, ethnic federalism has necessitated a renegotiation of identity and of statehood among several smaller communities that straddle larger ethnic groups. It has also led to the reconfiguration of centre,periphery relations. This contribution discusses how the federal restructuring of Ethiopia with the aim of matching ethnic and political boundaries led to renegotiation of identity, statehood and centre,periphery relations among several Somali and Oromo clans that share considerable ethno-linguistic affinities. [source] Melanoma with cartilaginous differentiation: Diagnostic challenge on fine-needle aspiration with emphasis on differential diagnosisDIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 1 2009Krisztina Z. Hanley M.D. Abstract Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is a minimally invasive, fast, and accurate diagnostic method for the evaluation of patients with locally recurrent or distant metastases of malignant melanoma. In the vast majority of cases, the diagnosis is straightforward with the characteristic cytologic features well documented in the literature. Divergent differentiation (chondroid, neural, myofibroblastic, and osteocartilagenous) in a melanoma is rare and can potentially create diagnostic challenges if the evaluator is unaware of the same. We report a case of a 46-year-old female with a history of primary anal melanoma who presented with a groin mass. The FNA of the groin mass showed a neoplasm rich in chondroid matrix and raised the possibility of a second primary mesenchymal neoplasm rather than metastasis from the patient's known primary anal melanoma. A review of the histologic features of the anal melanoma showed divergent chondroid differentiation in the anal melanoma with the metastatic deposit in the groin exhibiting extensive chondroid differentiation. The differential diagnostic considerations are discussed. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] HBME-1 and CK19 are highly discriminatory in the cytological diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinomaDIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 8 2008FRCPA, Min-En Nga MRCPath Abstract The cytologic diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma is straightforward in most instances. However, there are some mimics including goitrous nodules and Hurthle cell neoplasms. Many studies have shown the combination of HBME-1 and CK19 expression to be useful in reaching a correct histologic diagnosis on tissue sections. We aim to assess the value of these markers in the setting of cell blocks prepared from needle aspiration specimens. We performed immunohistochemical staining of HBME-1 and CK19 on cell block material from 22 thyroid nodules that also had follow-up histology. Both CK19 and HBME-1 were strongly positive in all nine cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma, the latter showing distinct luminal accentuation. In the non-papillary carcinomas, none showed positivity for both HBME-1 and CK19. Two of six Hurthle cell neoplasms were positive for CK19, however all were negative for HBME-1. One of nine goitrous nodules was strongly positive for HBME-1 with luminal/membranous staining, but this were negative for CK19. The sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of HBME-1 in distinguishing between papillary thyroid carcinoma and goitrous nodules/Hurthle cell neoplasms were found to be 100%, 92.9% and 0.9, respectively; and that of HBME-1 and CK19 combination was 100%, 100% and 1. We thus conclude that the combination of positive HBME-1 (luminal/membranous) and CK 19 (cytoplasmic) staining on cell blocks of thyroid cytologic specimens is highly discriminatory in the diagnostic workup for papillary thyroid carcinoma. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008; 36: 550,556. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Utility of CD10 and RCCma in the diagnosis of metastatic conventional renal-cell adenocarcinoma by fine-needle aspiration biopsyDIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 1 2005Aylin Simsir M.D. Abstract The cytologic diagnosis of primary conventional renal-cell adenocarcinoma (cRCC) is usually straightforward; however, metastatic cRCC must be distinguished from a variety of neoplasms with clear-cell features. CD10, a cell membrane-associated neutral endopeptidase, and renal-cell carcinoma marker (RCCma), an antibody against human proximal tubular brush border antigen, have recently been shown to be useful in the diagnosis of cRCC. We compared CD10 and RCCma in cell block material from fine-needle aspiration biopsies (FNABs) to assess their utility in the diagnosis of metastatic cRCC, in cytologic specimens. Seven primary and sixteen metastatic cRCCs were immunostained with CD10 and RCCma. The immunoreactivity results were compared with those of a variety of neoplasms originating from other sites such as the liver, lungs, breast, and the gastrointestinal tract. The sensitivity and specificity of CD10 for cRCC were 100% and 59%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of RCCma for cRCC were 35% and 100%, respectively. We conclude that CD10 has limited value in confirming the diagnosis of cRCC because of its low specificity. RCCma, when positive, is highly specific for cRCC, but its low sensitivity hinders its diagnostic usefulness. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2005;33:3,7. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] GENERAL RULES FOR RECORDING ENDOSCOPIC FINDINGS OF ESOPHAGOGASTRIC VARICES (2ND EDITION)DIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY, Issue 1 2010Takashi Tajiri General rules for recording endoscopic findings of esophageal varices were initially proposed in 1980 and revised in 1991. These rules have widely been used in Japan and other countries. Recently, portal hypertensive gastropathy has been recognized as a distinct histological and functional entity. Endoscopic ultrasonography can clearly depict vascular structures around the esophageal wall in patients with portal hypertension. Owing to progress in medicine, we have updated and slightly modified the former rules. The revised rules are simpler and more straightforward than the former rules and include newly recognized findings of portal hypertensive gastropathy and a new classification for endoscopic ultrasonographic findings. [source] Ecological boundary detection using Carlin,Chib Bayesian model selectionDIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS, Issue 6 2005Ralph Mac Nally ABSTRACT Sharp ecological transitions in space (ecotones, edges, boundaries) often are where ecologically important events occur, such as elevated or reduced biodiversity or altered ecological functions (e.g. changes in productivity, pollination rates or parasitism loads, nesting success). While human observers often identify these transitions by using intuitive or gestalt assignments (e.g. the boundary between a remnant woodland patch and the surrounding farm paddock seems obvious), it is clearly desirable to make statistical assessments based on measurements. These assessments often are straightforward to make if the data are univariate, but identifying boundaries or transitions using compositional or multivariate data sets is more difficult. There is a need for an intermediate step in which pairwise similarities between points or temporal samples are computed. Here, I describe an approach that treats points along a transect as alternative hypotheses (models) about the location of the boundary. Carlin and Chib (1995) introduced a Bayesian technique for comparing non-hierarchical models, which I adapted to compute the probabilities of each boundary location (i.e. a model) relative to the ensemble of models constituting the set of possible points of the boundary along the transect. Several artificial data sets and two field data sets (on vegetation and soils and on cave-dwelling invertebrates and microclimates) are used to illustrate the approach. The method can be extended to cases in with several boundaries along a gradient, such as where there is an ecotone of non-zero thickness. [source] Clinical issues in using buprenorphine in the treatment of opiate dependenceDRUG AND ALCOHOL REVIEW, Issue 3 2000Dr A. Chadderton MB Abstract This paper looks at the current role of buprenorphine in the treatment of opiate dependence. It suggests that buprenorphine is a useful alternative to methadone and that in at least some cases it may be the preferred option. Buprenorphineis a partial agonist and a partial antagonist with a ceiling of opiate activity probably approximately equal to 30mg methadone. It achieves this at a dose of 10-12mg, although there is considerable individual variation. Because of its ceiling effect it has a good safety profile compared to full agonists such as methadone although some overdose deaths, particularly in conjunction with benzodiazepine abuse, have been reported in France. Induction of buprenorphine may take slightly longer than for methadone and there is a higher dropout rate compared to methadone in the first 2 weeks. This is probably due to the antagonist action of buprenorphine causing more withdrawal symptoms in comparison to methadone. Also, the ceiling effect for buprenorphine means that some clients do not experience sufficient opiate activity to satisfy them. Buprenorphine has a long half-life and dissociates slowly from opiate receptors. Most clients can be dosed second-daily but some find this unacceptable due to mood swings and/or withdrawal symptomson the second day. For these clients daily dosing is required. Transferring from buprenorphine to methadone is straightforward and well tolerated by clients. Transferring from methadone to buprenorphine, however, is more difficult because of the partial antagonist action of buprenorphine. Clients experience withdrawal symptoms that can take up to 2 weeks to settle. Most clients find these symptoms unacceptable when transferring from doses of over 30mg of methadone. The optimum method for transferring from methadone to buprenorphine is still to be determined. Withdrawal from buprenorphine appears to be relatively easier than from methadone. This is presumably due to buprenorphine's partial agonist effect at mureceptors. It is expected that during 2000 buprenorphine will be approved for use in Australia for the treatment of opiate dependence. It may well becomea first-line choice for opiate replacement in heroin dependence. It is also likely to be useful in assisting detoxification fromboth methadone and heroin. [source] Evidence for repeated re-activation of old landslides under forestEARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS, Issue 3 2009M. Van Den Eeckhaut Abstract Local reactivations of landslides in forests are rarely reported in landslide catalogues. The occurrence of hillslope sections with fresh morphological landslide features in forested old, deep-seated landslides, however, suggests that landslide reactivations are not restricted to residential areas. In this study, a dendrogeomorphological analysis of beech stands was used to investigate the periods of reactivation of a deep-seated rotational slide in the Koppenberg forest (Flemish Ardennes, Belgium). The relation to rainfall and the correspondence to landslide reactivations reported in a nearby built-up area were also analysed. A dendrometrical study preceding the dendrochronological analysis proved that, compared with the nearby reference site, trees on the Koppenberg forest landslide site were significantly more inclined and showed more knees, indicating that the landslide site has not stabilized yet. As the sampled trees are younger than the landslide, dendrochronology did not allow determination of the year in which the landslide was initiated, but analysis of two different tree ring width parameters (i.e. ring eccentricity and growth change) calculated for trees sampled on the Koppenberg landslide and the reference site proved to be of great help in determining the temporal sequence of landslide reactivation. During the past 80 years, several periods indicative of local reactivations (i.e. 1943,1945, 1949,1952, 1967,1970, 1972,1977, 1979,1981, 1988,1997) were found within the investigated landslide, but delineation of the spatial extent of the reactivations during these indicative periods was not straightforward. These periods generally correspond to years with above-average rainfall. Finally, the fact that at least 34% of the years indicative of reactivation of the Koppenberg forest landslide correspond to a year in which a landslide reactivation was reported in the Flemish Ardennes suggests that in built-up areas, apart from anthropogenic interventions, natural triggering factors remain very important. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Efficient sampling and data reduction techniques for probabilistic seismic lifeline risk assessmentEARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING AND STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS, Issue 10 2010Nirmal Jayaram Abstract Probabilistic seismic risk assessment for spatially distributed lifelines is less straightforward than for individual structures. While procedures such as the ,PEER framework' have been developed for risk assessment of individual structures, these are not easily applicable to distributed lifeline systems, due to difficulties in describing ground-motion intensity (e.g. spectral acceleration) over a region (in contrast to ground-motion intensity at a single site, which is easily quantified using Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis), and since the link between the ground-motion intensities and lifeline performance is usually not available in closed form. As a result, Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) and its variants are well suited for characterizing ground motions and computing resulting losses to lifelines. This paper proposes a simulation-based framework for developing a small but stochastically representative catalog of earthquake ground-motion intensity maps that can be used for lifeline risk assessment. In this framework, Importance Sampling is used to preferentially sample ,important' ground-motion intensity maps, and K -Means Clustering is used to identify and combine redundant maps in order to obtain a small catalog. The effects of sampling and clustering are accounted for through a weighting on each remaining map, so that the resulting catalog is still a probabilistically correct representation. The feasibility of the proposed simulation framework is illustrated by using it to assess the seismic risk of a simplified model of the San Francisco Bay Area transportation network. A catalog of just 150 intensity maps is generated to represent hazard at 1038 sites from 10 regional fault segments causing earthquakes with magnitudes between five and eight. The risk estimates obtained using these maps are consistent with those obtained using conventional MCS utilizing many orders of magnitudes more ground-motion intensity maps. Therefore, the proposed technique can be used to drastically reduce the computational expense of a simulation-based risk assessment, without compromising the accuracy of the risk estimates. This will facilitate computationally intensive risk analysis of systems such as transportation networks. Finally, the study shows that the uncertainties in the ground-motion intensities and the spatial correlations between ground-motion intensities at various sites must be modeled in order to obtain unbiased estimates of lifeline risk. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Response of unbounded soil in scaled boundary finite-element methodEARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING AND STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS, Issue 1 2002John P. Wolf Abstract The scaled boundary finite-element method is a powerful semi-analytical computational procedure to calculate the dynamic stiffness of the unbounded soil at the structure,soil interface. This permits the analysis of dynamic soil,structure interaction using the substructure method. The response in the neighbouring soil can also be determined analytically. The method is extended to calculate numerically the response throughout the unbounded soil including the far field. The three-dimensional vector-wave equation of elasto-dynamics is addressed. The radiation condition at infinity is satisfied exactly. By solving an eigenvalue problem, the high-frequency limit of the dynamic stiffness is constructed to be positive definite. However, a direct determination using impedances is also possible. Solving two first-order ordinary differential equations numerically permits the radiation condition and the boundary condition of the structure,soil interface to be satisfied sequentially, leading to the displacements in the unbounded soil. A generalization to viscoelastic material using the correspondence principle is straightforward. Alternatively, the displacements can also be calculated analytically in the far field. Good agreement of displacements along the free surface and below a prism foundation embedded in a half-space with the results of the boundary-element method is observed. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Parasites in food webs: the ultimate missing linksECOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 6 2008Kevin D. Lafferty Abstract Parasitism is the most common consumer strategy among organisms, yet only recently has there been a call for the inclusion of infectious disease agents in food webs. The value of this effort hinges on whether parasites affect food-web properties. Increasing evidence suggests that parasites have the potential to uniquely alter food-web topology in terms of chain length, connectance and robustness. In addition, parasites might affect food-web stability, interaction strength and energy flow. Food-web structure also affects infectious disease dynamics because parasites depend on the ecological networks in which they live. Empirically, incorporating parasites into food webs is straightforward. We may start with existing food webs and add parasites as nodes, or we may try to build food webs around systems for which we already have a good understanding of infectious processes. In the future, perhaps researchers will add parasites while they construct food webs. Less clear is how food-web theory can accommodate parasites. This is a deep and central problem in theoretical biology and applied mathematics. For instance, is representing parasites with complex life cycles as a single node equivalent to representing other species with ontogenetic niche shifts as a single node? Can parasitism fit into fundamental frameworks such as the niche model? Can we integrate infectious disease models into the emerging field of dynamic food-web modelling? Future progress will benefit from interdisciplinary collaborations between ecologists and infectious disease biologists. [source] Identification and Estimation of Regression Models with MisclassificationECONOMETRICA, Issue 3 2006Aprajit Mahajan This paper studies the problem of identification and estimation in nonparametric regression models with a misclassified binary regressor where the measurement error may be correlated with the regressors. We show that the regression function is nonparametrically identified in the presence of an additional random variable that is correlated with the unobserved true underlying variable but unrelated to the measurement error. Identification for semiparametric and parametric regression functions follows straightforwardly from the basic identification result. We propose a kernel estimator based on the identification strategy, derive its large sample properties, and discuss alternative estimation procedures. We also propose a test for misclassification in the model based on an exclusion restriction that is straightforward to implement. [source] Trade Liberalization and the Geography of Production: Agglomeration, Concentration, and Dispersal in Indonesia's Manufacturing IndustryECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY, Issue 3 2004Örjan Sjöberg Abstract: The effect of the liberalization of trade on the spatial concentration of economic activities is not straightforward. It has been widely argued that protectionism increases spatial concentration as firms locate close to the main domestic markets. However, it has also been argued that an expansion of international trade primarily favors existing industrial centers and therefore leads to increased regional inequalities. Against the background of ongoing debates in both mainstream economics and in geography, we examine the spatial concentration of manufacturing in Indonesia between 1980 and 1996, a period when Indonesia substantially liberalized its trade regime. The high concentration did not decrease during this period, and establishments that engaged in international trade were actually comparably concentrated. We discuss some possible explanations for the spatial concentration in Indonesia and conclude that a host of factors may affect the outcome of trade liberalizations. In particular, the spatial configuration of the national settlement system is a potentially important factor in this regard. [source] Incorporation of Disposable Screen-Printed Electrodes for Use in Capillary Electrophoresis End-Column Amperometric Detection SystemELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 21 2005Dong-Mung Tsai Abstract The development and performance of an end-column amperometric detection system integrated with disposable screen-printed electrodes for capillary electrophoresis is presented. In this system, the electrode and capillary can be easily replaced and the capillary/electrode alignment procedure is straightforward. The use of easily replaceable screen-printed electrodes offers a tremendous benefit for capillary electrophoresis applications requiring frequent replacement of the working electrode due to fouling. This simple and convenient system is very attractive for routine analyses by capillary electrophoresis with electrochemical detection. The separation and determination of uric acid in human urine is presented. [source] Simultaneous analysis of multiple PCR amplicons enhances capillary SSCP discrimination of MHC allelesELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 8 2010Miguel Alcaide Abstract Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genotyping still remains one of the most challenging issues for evolutionary ecologists. To date, none of the proposed methods have proven to be perfect, and all provide both important pros and cons. Although denaturing capillary electrophoresis has become a popular alternative, allele identification commonly relies upon conformational polymorphisms of two single-stranded DNA molecules at the most. Using the MHC class II (, chain, exon 2) of the black kite (Aves: Accipitridae) as our model system, we show that the simultaneous analysis of overlapping PCR amplicons from the same target region substantially enhances allele discrimination. To cover this aim, we designed a multiplex PCR capable to generate four differentially sized and labeled amplicons from the same allele. Informative peaks to assist allele calling then fourfold those generated by the analysis of single PCR amplicons. Our approach proved successful to differentiate all the alleles (N=13) isolated from eight unrelated birds at a single optimal run temperature and electrophoretic conditions. In particular, we emphasize that this approach may constitute a straightforward and cost-effective alternative for the genotyping of single or duplicated MHC genes displaying low to moderate sets of divergent alleles. [source] A new autosomal STR nineplex for canine identification and parentage testingELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 2 2009Barbara van Asch Abstract A single multiplex PCR assay capable of simultaneously amplifying nine canine-specific autosomal STR markers (FH3210, FH3241, FH2004, FH2658, FH4012, REN214L11, FH2010, FH2361 and the newly described C38) was developed for individual identification and parentage testing in domestic dogs. In order to increase genotyping efficiency, amplicon sizes were optimized for a 90,350,bp range, with fluorescently labelled primers for use in Applied Biosystems, Inc., platforms. The performance of this new multiplex system was tested in 113 individuals from a case-study population and 12 random dogs from mixed-breed origin. Co-dominant inheritance of STR alleles was investigated in 101 father, mother and son trios. Expected heterozygosity values vary between 0.5648 for REN214L11 and 0.9050 for C38. The high level of genetic diversity observed for most markers provides this multiplex with a very high discriminating power (matching probability=1.63/1010 and matching probability among siblings=4.9/103). Allele sequences and a proposal for standardized nomenclature are also herein presented, aiming at implementing the use of this system in forensic DNA typing and population genetic studies. This approach resulted in an optimized and well-characterized canine DNA genotyping system that is highly performing and straightforward to integrate and employ routinely. Although this STR multiplex was developed for use and tested in a case-study population, the Portuguese breed Cão de Gado Transmontano, it proved to be useful for general identification purposes or parentage testing. [source] Rapid and sensitive determination of phosphorus-containing amino acid herbicides in soil samples by capillary zone electrophoresis with diode laser-induced fluorescence detectionELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 23 2005Eva Orejuela Abstract A straightforward and sensitive method has been developed for the analysis of phosphorus-containing amino acid herbicides (glufosinate and aminomethylphosphonic acid, the major metabolite of glyphosate) in soil samples. For this purpose, the analytical features of two indocyanine fluorescent dyes, sulfoindocyanine succinimidyl ester (Cy5) and 1-ethyl-1-[5-(N -succinimidyl-oxycarbonyl)pentyl]-3,3,3,3-tetramethyl-indodicarbocyanine chloride, as labeling reagents for the determination of these herbicides by CZE with diode LIF detection were investigated. Practical aspects related to the labeling chemistry and CZE separation showed that the two probes behave similarly, Cy5 being the best choice for the determination of these herbicides on account of its higher sensitivity. The optimum procedure includes a derivatization step of the pesticides at 25°C for 30,min and direct injection to CZE analysis, which is conducted within about 14,min using ACN in the running buffer. The lowest detectable analyte concentration ranged from 0.025 to 0.18,µg/L with a precision of 3.6,5.4%. These results indicate that indocyanine fluorescence dyes are useful as rapid and sensitive labels for the determination of these herbicides when compared with typical fluorescein dyes such as FITC and 5-(4,6-dichloro- s -triazin-2-ylamino) fluorescein, because they provide faster labeling reactions even at room temperature and the excess of reagent practically does not interfere the determination. Finally, the Cy5 method was successfully applied to soil samples without a preliminary clean-up procedure, and the herbicides were measured without any interference from coexisting substances. The recoveries of these compounds in these samples at fortification levels of 100,500,ng/g were 90,93%. [source] Microautosamplers for discrete sample injection and dispensationELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 9 2005Chun-Wei Huang Abstract Microfluidic systems show considerable potential for use in the continuous reaction and analysis of biosamples for various applications, such as drug screening and chemical synthesis. Typically, microfluidic chips are externally connected with large-scale autosamplers to inject specific volumes of discrete samples in the continuous monitoring and analysis of multiple samples. This paper presents a novel microelectromechanical system (MEMS)-based autosampler capable of performing the discrete injection and dispensation of variable-volume samples. This microdevice can be integrated with other microfluidic devices to facilitate the continuous monitoring and analysis of multiple biosamples. By means of electroosmotic focusing and switching controlled by the direct application of electric sources on specific fluid reservoirs, a precise sample volume can be injected into the specified outlet port. Fluorescence dye images verify the performance of the developed device. An injection-and-washing scheme is developed to prevent cross-contamination during the continuous injection of different samples. This approach renders feasible the injection of several discrete samples using a single microchip. Compared to its large-scale counterparts, the developed microautosampler is compact in size, has low fabrication costs, is straightforward to control, and most importantly, is readily integrated with other microfluidic devices (e.g., microcapillary electrophoresis chips) to form a microfluidic system capable of the continuous monitoring and analysis of bioreactions. The proposed microautosampler could be promising towards realizing the micrototal analysis system (,-TAS) concept. [source] High-throughput screening of kinase inhibitors by multiplex capillary electrophoresis with UV absorption detectionELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 1-2 2003Yan He Abstract Protein kinases play a major role in the transformation of cells and are often used as molecular targets for the new generation of anticancer drugs. We present a novel technique for high-throughput screening of inhibitors of protein kinases. The technique involves the use of multiplexed capillary electrophoresis (CE) for the rapid separation of the peptides, phosphopeptides, and various inhibitors. By means of UV detection, diversified peptides with native amino acid sequences and their phosphorylated counterparts can be directly analyzed without the need for radioactive or fluorescence labeling. The effects of different inhibitors and their IC50 value were determined using three different situations involving the use of a single purified kinase, two purified kinases, and crude cell extracts, respectively. The results suggest that multiplexed CE/UV may prove to be a straightforward and general approach for high-throughput screening of compound libraries to find potent and selective inhibitors of the various protein kinases. [source] Ratio estimators in adaptive cluster samplingENVIRONMETRICS, Issue 6 2007Arthur L. Dryver Abstract In most surveys data are collected on many items rather than just the one variable of primary interest. Making the most use of the information collected is a issue of both practical and theoretical interest. Ratio estimates for the population mean or total are often more efficient. Unfortunately, ratio estimation is straightforward with simple random sampling, but this is often not the case when more complicated sampling designs are used, such as adaptive cluster sampling. A serious concern with ratio estimates introduced with many complicated designs is lack of independence, a necessary assumption. In this article, we propose two new ratio estimators under adaptive cluster sampling, one of which is unbiased for adaptive cluster sampling designs. The efficiencies of the new estimators to existing unbiased estimators, which do not utilize the auxiliary information, for adaptive cluster sampling and the conventional ratio estimation under simple random sampling without replacement are compared in this article. Related result shows the proposed estimators can be considered as a robust alternative of the conventional ratio estimator, especially when the correlation between the variable of interest and the auxiliary variable is not high enough for the conventional ratio estimator to have satisfactory performance. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Bootstrap calibration to improve the reliability of tests to compare sample means and variancesENVIRONMETRICS, Issue 8 2001R. I. C. Chris Francis Abstract The comparison of several sample means to see whether they differ significantly is a common analysis, which is not straightforward when the samples may be from non-normal distributions with different variances. A recent study found that a randomization test that attempts to approximate the distribution of F -statistics from one- and two-factor analysis of variance in the presence of unequal population variances was the best of 12 alternative tests considered. However, it sometimes suffered from excess size with data from extremely non-normal distributions. In the present article a method for improving the robustness of the test by bootstrap calibration is described for one-factor analysis of variance, and shown to be effective by a simulation study. The method is also applied with Levene's test for unequal variance by randomization. In this case the test is very robust without calibration, and calibration does not improve it. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||