Study Reveals (study + reveal)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Life Sciences

Kinds of Study Reveals

  • present study reveal


  • Selected Abstracts


    Venture Capitalists as Catalysts to New Venture Internationalization: The Impact of Their Knowledge and Reputation Resources

    ENTREPRENEURSHIP THEORY AND PRACTICE, Issue 1 2009
    Stephanie A. Fernhaber
    Venture Capitalists (VC) play an important role in influencing the strategic direction of the firms in which they invest. The findings of this study reveal that VCs can serve as a catalyst to new venture internationalization through the provision of knowledge and reputation resources. Furthermore, the international knowledge of a VC is more positively related to new venture internationalization when the VC is also reputable. [source]


    Common and distinct neural substrates for the perception of speech rhythm and intonation

    HUMAN BRAIN MAPPING, Issue 7 2010
    Linjun Zhang
    Abstract The present study examines the neural substrates for the perception of speech rhythm and intonation. Subjects listened passively to synthesized speech stimuli that contained no semantic and phonological information, in three conditions: (1) continuous speech stimuli with fixed syllable duration and fundamental frequency in the standard condition, (2) stimuli with varying vocalic durations of syllables in the speech rhythm condition, and (3) stimuli with varying fundamental frequency in the intonation condition. Compared to the standard condition, speech rhythm activated the right middle superior temporal gyrus (mSTG), whereas intonation activated the bilateral superior temporal gyrus and sulcus (STG/STS) and the right posterior STS. Conjunction analysis further revealed that rhythm and intonation activated a common area in the right mSTG but compared to speech rhythm, intonation elicited additional activations in the right anterior STS. Findings from the current study reveal that the right mSTG plays an important role in prosodic processing. Implications of our findings are discussed with respect to neurocognitive theories of auditory processing. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Some questions on dispersion of human exhaled droplets in ventilation room: answers from numerical investigation

    INDOOR AIR, Issue 2 2010
    C. Chen
    Abstract, This study employs a numerical model to investigate the dispersion characteristics of human exhaled droplets in ventilation rooms. The numerical model is validated by two different experiments prior to the application for the studied cases. Some typical questions on studying dispersion of human exhaled droplets indoors are reviewed and numerical study using the normalized evaporation time and normalized gravitational sedimentation time was performed to obtain the answers. It was found that modeling the transient process from a droplet to a droplet nucleus due to evaporation can be neglected when the normalized evaporation time is <0.051. When the normalized gravitational sedimentation time is <0.005, the influence of ventilation rate could be neglected. However, the influence of ventilation pattern and initial exhaled velocity on the exhaled droplets dispersion is dominant as the airflow decides the droplets dispersion significantly. Besides, the influence of temperature and relative humidity on the dispersion of droplets can be neglected for the droplet with initial diameter <200 ,m; while droplet nuclei size plays an important role only for the droplets with initial diameter within the range of 10 ,m,100 ,m. Practical Implications Dispersion of human exhaled droplets indoor is a key issue when evaluating human exposure to infectious droplets. Results from detailed numerical studies in this study reveal how the evaporation of droplets, ventilation rate, airflow pattern, initial exhaled velocity, and particle component decide the droplet dispersion indoor. The detailed analysis of these main influencing factors on droplet dispersion in ventilation rooms may help to guide (1) the selection of numerical approach, e.g., if the transient process from a droplet to a droplet nucleus due to evaporation should be incorporated to study droplet dispersion, and (2) the selection of ventilation system to minimize the spread of pathogen-laden droplets in an indoor environment. [source]


    An exploratory study of the influences that compromise the sun protection of young adults

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CONSUMER STUDIES, Issue 6 2008
    Ngaia Calder
    Abstract This paper reports on an exploratory research project designed to gain a deeper understanding of the influences on ultraviolet radiation (UVR) behaviours among high-risk young adults to determine what compromises the adoption of protection measures for this group. A dual approach using focus groups and the Zaltman Metaphor Elicitation Technique was used to provide personal narratives related to UVR behaviour for tertiary education students. Results from both ,conversations' were content-analysed using an iterative ,bootstrapping' technique to identify key themes and issues. This exploratory research identified a number of key themes including effect on mood, influence of culture, the value of tans, unrealistic optimism, risk-orientation, and the role of experience. This group felt that they not been targeted effectively by public health campaigns and did not fully understand the dangers of high-risk UVR behaviours. Although a number of previous studies have investigated the relationship between knowledge and behaviour, and largely concluded that increases in knowledge do not lead to increases in adoption of protection practices, the preliminary findings of this study reveal that the knowledge and perceived self efficacy of protective practices is extremely high, what is lacking is the perceived threat and thus the motivations to adopt such behaviours. The conclusions drawn from this research indicate that there are a variety of important influencing factors that compromise UVR behaviours, in particular, the lack of perceived seriousness and severity towards long term consequences such as skin cancer. The recommendation to address the imbalance of ,perceived threat' and ,outcome expectations' is to focus on increasing knowledge of skin cancer, particularly susceptibility to skin cancer and the severity of the condition. [source]


    Testing the impact of a promotional video on destination image change: application of China as a tourism destination

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TOURISM RESEARCH, Issue 2 2010
    Amir Shani
    Abstract This study empirically examines the potential effects of a promotional video on the image change of China as a travel destination. The analysis is based on an experimental study conducted among young, international short-term employees in the USA. Despite positive changes in almost all the destination attributes as a result of watching the promotional video, the structure of the image constructs remains fairly stable, providing critical insights on the potential role of publicity campaigns in affecting destination images. Results of the study reveal that China's image consists of mixed and often contrasting representations, especially the polarity of modernisation and progress versus nature and history. It was found that the dominant factor affecting the respondents' behavioural intentions was the cultural and nature tourism dimension. Although other image dimensions exhibit influence as well, findings of this study suggest that perceived value should be a strategic focus in promoting China as a desirable travel destination, in addition to culture and nature tourism. This paper ends with conclusions and implications for both research on destination image and destination marketing in China. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


    Annual trend of fish assemblages associated with FADs in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea

    JOURNAL OF APPLIED ICHTHYOLOGY, Issue 3 2007
    F. Andaloro
    Summary A study on fish assemblage associated with fish aggregating devices (FADs) in Sicily was carried out between January 2000 and January 2001. With a fortnightly periodicity, 156 experimental hauls were carried out by means of a purse seine in a FAD-containing marine section banned to commercial fishing. A total of 14 229 fish specimens belonging to six families and 10 species was found. These species were Balistes carolinensis, Caranx crysos, Naucrates ductor, Seriola dumerili, Seriola fasciata, Tachurus picturatus, Coryphaena hippurus, Schedophilus ovalis, Thunnus thynnus, Polyprion americanus and showed all young-of-the-year undergoing a rapid growth. The applied ordination technique highlighted the existence of four assemblage periods describing the annual trend. The results confirm that fish assemblages associated with FADs are related to season, following a fish colonization tied to natural recruitment. Comparison of the ecological indices across the four periods showed that the assemblages in the periods from summer to winter were more structured than those in spring. The quantity of individuals also showed a strong variation peaking in the summer period. The results of this study reveal that FADs represent a particular nursery area for the associated species that could influence their survival. [source]


    Cognitive perturbation through dynamic modelling: a pedagogical approach to conceptual change in science

    JOURNAL OF COMPUTER ASSISTED LEARNING, Issue 6 2006
    S. C. Li
    Abstract While simulations have widely been used to facilitate conceptual change in learning science, results indicate that significant disparity or gap between students' prior conceptions and scientific conceptions still exists. To bridge the gap, we argue that the applications of computer simulation in science education should be broadened to enable students to model their thoughts and to improve and advance their theories progressively. While computer simulations are often used to offer opportunities for students to explore scientific models, they do not give them the space to explore their own conceptions, and thus cannot effectively address the challenge of changing students' alternative conceptions. Findings from our recent empirical study reveal that, firstly, dynamic modelling using the environment WorldMaker 2000 in conjunction with the use of a cognitive perturbation strategy by the teacher was effective in helping students to migrate from their alternative conceptions towards a more scientifically inclined one; secondly, the pathways of conceptual change across groups were idiosyncratic and diverse. Respecting students' ideas seriously and providing cognitive perturbation at appropriate junctures of the inquiry process are found to be conducive to fostering conceptual change. In this paper, we will report on the details of the pedagogical approach adopted by the teacher and portray how students' conceptions change during the entire process of model building. [source]


    Absenteeism among nursing students , fact or fiction?

    JOURNAL OF NURSING MANAGEMENT, Issue 5 2002
    F. Timmins RGN, FFNRCSI
    This study explores absenteeism patterns and trends among a group of third-year student nurses. A questionnaire was used to elicit information about absence behaviour from 110 students at two hospital sites. Retrospective analysis of attendance records of 70 of these students, covering a period of 123 weeks, was also performed to determine absenteeism trends. The findings of the study reveal that 1567 days were lost because of absenteeism during this period on 1027 episodes. This represents a time lost index, which is the amount of days lost expressed as a percentage of total days available, of 4% among the group. Most absenteeism episodes lasted 3 days or less, with 73% of episodes lasting only 1 day. Absenteeism commencing either on Mondays or Fridays accounted for more than half of the absenteeism episodes in the group. Voluntary absence was a reported feature of this group, which occurred more frequently from lectures than wards. The main reasons cited for absence from both lectures and ward duties were personal and social commitments and stress. Students' views on nursing as a career and responses to factors that may cause stress were examined and revealed an association with reported absence behaviour. [source]


    A narrative review of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and implications for its use in an alcohol-dependent population

    JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC & MENTAL HEALTH NURSING, Issue 1 2010
    A. MCPHERSON rn ba(hons) bsc
    Accessible summary ,,The findings from the present study reveal that the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring depression in a variety of populations. This realization should enable nurses and other health professionals to utilize the tool with added confidence and assurance. ,,The main finding was that the BDI would probably be a reliable and valid screening tool in an alcohol-dependent population. This conclusion appears to echo the relationship that alcohol consumption generally has with depression. This finding is important to those practitioners using the BDI in this population in that it provides further evidence to enhance their practical experience. Abstract A psychometric evaluation of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was carried out on contemporary studies to ascertain its suitability for use in an alcohol-dependent population. Three criteria were used for this: factor analysis, test,retest reliability and internal consistency reliability. Factor analysis revealed that its structure is consistent with either two or three factor models, depending on the population. Test,retest results concluded that the correlation coefficient remained above the recommended threshold and internal consistency reliability highlighted alpha coefficient results consistently above suggested scores, leading to the conclusion that the BDI is probably an effective screening tool in an alcohol-dependent population. [source]


    ASSESSING FLOOD MITIGATION ALTERNATIVES IN SHIJR AREA IN METROPOLITAN TAIPEI,

    JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN WATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATION, Issue 2 2006
    Chao-Hsien Liaw
    ABSTRACT: The Keelung River Basin in northern Taiwan lies immediately upstream of the Taipei metropolitan area. The Shijr area is in the lower basin and is subject to frequent flooding. This work applies micromanagement and source control, including widely distributed infiltration and detention/ retention runoff retarding measures, in the Wudu watershed above Shijr. A method is also developed that combines a genetic algorithm and a rainfall runoff model to optimize the spatial distribution of runoff retarding facilities. Downstream of Wudu in the Shijr area, five dredging schemes are considered. If 10-year flood flows cannot be confined in the channel, then a levee embankment that corresponds to the respective runoff retarding scheme will be required. The minimum total cost is considered in the rule to select from the regional flood mitigation alternatives. The results of this study reveal that runoff retarding facilities installed in the upper and middle parts of the watershed are most effective in reducing the flood peak. Moreover, as the cost of acquiring land for the levee embankment increases, installing runoff retarding measures in the upper portion of the watershed becomes more economical. [source]


    Determination of cadmium and selected micronutrients in commonly used and traded medicinal plants in Turkey

    JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 1 2008
    Nazim Sekeroglu
    Abstract BACKGROUND: Medicinal plants commonly used and traded in Turkey were monitored for their cadmium and selected micronutrient (copper, iron, manganese and zinc) content. RESULTS: Cadmium was not detected in any sample of licorice extract, linden flowers or nettle leaves. However, in the rest of the samples, cadmium was found in the range of 7,126 µg kg,1, with the highest concentration in chamomile leaf. Of all the monitored trace elements, the highest concentration found was 520 mg kg,1 iron in zahter. The highest copper, manganese and zinc concentrations were found in rose hips (24 mg kg,1), Turkish oregano (58 mg kg,1) and zahter (50 mg kg,1), respectively. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study reveal that cadmium and trace element concentrations in medicinal plants commonly used as traditional medicines in Turkey are well below the critical levels. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry [source]


    Do VIP programs always work well?

    PSYCHOLOGY & MARKETING, Issue 7 2009
    The moderating role of loyalty
    This paper addresses some important issues involving the effective deployment of ever-increasing VIP program budgets. Recent research results on the effects of VIP programs have been somewhat mixed. Some studies have found a positive influence on consumer behavior, while others report no significant impact. The purpose of this research is to provide a possible explanation for such contradictory evidence in the literature. The results of this study reveal that customer responses to VIP programs depend on their loyalty traits. Specifically, two loyalty dimensions,behavioral loyalty and attitudinal loyalty,interact with each other in moderating the impact of VIP programs on customer response. A VIP program may produce positive results even for customers who are low in behavioral loyalty, with low spending levels, if their attitudinal loyalty is high. Conversely, such a program may not produce significant results even for high-spending customers if their attitudinal loyalty is not high enough. Thus, analysis that overlooks the moderating role of loyalty dimensions may have led to erroneous conclusions. Finally, at the managerial level, this paper points out the potential problems of relying solely on behavioral loyalty measures, such as purchase amount, in identifying VIP customers. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source]


    Assessing the Effectiveness of Executive Order 12898: Environmental Justice for All?

    PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION REVIEW, Issue 6 2002
    Celeste Murphy, Greene
    This article examines several federal and state laws, such as the Worker Protection Standards and the Florida Pesticide Law, to determine whether the goals of these laws are being achieved in the State of Florida. A survey based on questions pertaining to various laws was used to gather data on farm workers in three South Florida counties. Face,to,face interviews were conducted with farm workers in Palm Beach and Indian River counties, Florida, in 1997 and in Collier County, Florida, in 1999. Overall, the findings indicate that farm workers in South Florida have been exposed to pesticides through direct or indirect spraying. The findings of the study reveal that federal and state laws,currently in place to protect the workers from pesticide exposure,are not effectively implemented, and farm workers are uninformed of the laws that exist to protect them from pesticide exposure. The study concludes with policy recommendations that will improve the implementation and enforcement of the current laws, which are designed to protect farm workers from pesticide exposure. [source]


    Effect of Cellulase Mole Fraction and Cellulose Recalcitrance on Synergism in Cellulose Hydrolysis and Binding

    BIOTECHNOLOGY PROGRESS, Issue 1 2006
    Tina Jeoh
    Elucidating the molecular mechanisms that govern synergism is important for the rational engineering of cellulase mixtures. Our goal was to observe how varying the loading molar ratio of cellulases in a binary mixture and the recalcitrance of the cellulose to enzymatic degradation influenced the degree of synergistic effect (DSE) and degree of synergistic binding (DSB). The effect of cellulose recalcitrance was studied using a bacterial microcrystalline cellulose (BMCC), which was exhaustively hydrolyzed by a catalytic domain of Cel5A, an endocellulase. The remaining prehydrolyzed BMCC (PHBMCC) was used to represent a recalcitrant form of cellulose. DSE was observed to be sensitive to loading molar ratio. However, on the more recalcitrant cellulose, synergism decreased. Furthermore, the results from this study reveal that when an exocellulase (Cel6B) is mixed with either an endocellulase (Cel5A) or a processive endocellulase (Cel9A) and reacted with BMCC, synergism is observed in both hydrolysis and binding. This study also revealed that when a "classical" endocellulase (Cel5A) and a processive endocellulase (Cel9A) are mixed and reacted with BMCC, only limited synergism is observed in reducing sugar production; however, binding is clearly increased by the presence of the Cel5A. [source]


    Incorporation of 3T3-L1 Cells To Mimic Bioaccumulation in a Microscale Cell Culture Analog Device for Toxicity Studies

    BIOTECHNOLOGY PROGRESS, Issue 2 2004
    Kwanchanok Viravaidya
    Deficiencies in the early ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination, and toxicity) information on drug candidates extract a significant economic penalty on pharmaceutical firms. We have developed a microscale cell culture analog (,CCA) device that can potentially provide better, faster, and more efficient prediction of human and animal responses to a wide range of chemicals. The system described in this paper is a simple four-chamber ,CCA ("lung","liver","fat","other tissue") designed on the basis of a physiologically based pharmacokinetics (PBPK) model of a rat. Cultures of L2, HepG2/C3A, and differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes were selected to mimic the key functions of the lung, liver, and fat compartments, respectively. Here, we have demonstrated the application of the ,CCA system to study bioaccumulation, distribution, and toxicity of selected compounds. Results from the bioaccumulation study reveal that hydrophobic compounds such as fluoranthene preferentially accumulated in the fat chamber. Only a small amount of fluoranthene was observed in the liver and lung chambers. In addition, the presence of the differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes in the ,CCA device significantly reduced naphthalene and naphthoquinone-induced glutathione (GSH) depletion. These findings suggest the potential utilization of the ,CCA system to assess ADMET characteristics of the compound of interest prior to animal or human trials. [source]


    Foetal size to final height

    ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 6 2000
    J Karlberg
    It is well known that some adult diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, may be programmed during foetal life. It is not clear, however, whether final height may be predicted from foetal growth. A longitudinal cohort of full-term healthy Swedish babies (n = 3650) was followed up from birth to maturity in a population-based growth study. Length or height and its changes were analysed from birth to 18 y of age; 2807 children, with data available on birth length, final height and parental height, were included in this analysis. The result clearly shows that length at birth relates to final height. In terms of standard deviation scores (SDS), the mean difference in length at birth from the mean was greatly decreased in final height, but retained the same order as was seen at birth. In terms of centimeter difference from the reference mean values, the difference in length at birth remained roughly stable into final height. For instance, babies 5 cm above or below the mean birth length will end up approximately 5 cm above or below the mean in final height. Parental height,a surrogate value of the genetic final height potential of an individual,is shown to influence postnatal growth in height strongly. However, the difference from the mean in length at birth remained into adulthood within the same midparental height group. Conclusion: This study reveals that trends in foetal linear growth continue into maturity. Foetal growth is a significant predictor of postnatal growth. Final height is dependent on both the magnitude of foetal growth and the genetic potential in stature, and appears to some extent to be programmed from foetal growth. [source]


    Vibrational, optical and microhardness studies of trimethoprim DL -malate

    CRYSTAL RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 12 2009
    S. Franklin
    Abstract Trimethoprim malate, an organic crystal, has been synthesized using slow evaporation method from its aqueous solution. Structural, optical and the mechanical properties of the grown crystal have been investigated by various characterization techniques which include FTIR spectra, single crystal XRD, UV-Vis spectra and Vickers microhardness testing. The structure of the compound predicted by analysing the recorded FTIR spectrum compliments the structure determined using single crystal X-ray diffraction. Single crystal X-ray diffraction study reveals that the crystals are monoclinic [P21/c, a=12.9850 Å, b=9.3038 Å, c=15.6815 Å and ,=111.065°]. The UV-Vis spectrum exhibits maximum transparency (98%) for a wide range suggesting the suitability of the title compound for optical applications. The optical constants have been calculated and illustrated graphically. Microhardness tests have been performed on the cystal under study and the Vicker hardness number has been calculated. The work hardening coefficient is found to be 2.85 which suggest that the crystal belongs to the family of soft materials. (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source]


    Minimum duration of reactivation at 3 months of age

    DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2002
    A. Joh
    Abstract Briefly exposing subjects to an isolated component of an event after they have forgotten can reactivate their memory of it, leading to renewed retention on an ensuing test. In two experiments with forty-eight 3-month-old infants, we asked what minimum duration of a reactivation treatment could recover their forgotten memory of an operant mobile task and whether the minimum duration was affected by how long the memory was forgotten. In Experiment 1, the minimum duration for reactivating the memory 1 week after forgetting was 120 s,substantially longer than the minimum duration required for reactivation at 6 months after the same relative delay. In Experiment 2, the minimum effective duration for reactivation increased linearly with the time since forgetting, from 7.5 s after 1 day to 180 s after 3 weeks. This study reveals that the duration of an effective memory prime is directly related to age and to memory accessibility. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 40: 23,32, 2002 [source]


    Anomalous electrophoretic behavior of a very acidic protein: Ribonuclease U2

    ELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 18 2005
    Lucía García-Ortega
    Abstract Ribonuclease U2 is a low-molecular-weight acidic protein with three disulfide bridges. This protein displays an anomalous electrophoretic behavior on standard SDS-PAGE. The electrophoretic mobility of the nonreduced protein roughly corresponds to its molecular mass while the migration of the reduced protein would be in accordance with the expected molecular mass of the protein dimer. This study reveals that the protein does not bind SDS under the SDS-PAGE conditions, its electrophoretic mobility being only determined by its electrostatic charge and hydrodynamic properties. In addition, the nonreduced protein cannot be blotted to a membrane. Unfolding of the protein upon reduction of its disulfide bridges enables electrotransference to membranes due to a restricted diffusion along the electrophoresis gel. [source]


    Soil CO2 flux and photoautotrophic community composition in high-elevation, ,barren' soil

    ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 3 2009
    Kristen R. Freeman
    Summary Soil-dominated ecosystems, with little or no plant cover (i.e. deserts, polar regions, high-elevation areas and zones of glacial retreat), are often described as ,barren', despite their potential to host photoautotrophic microbial communities. In high-elevation, subnival zone soil (i.e. elevations higher than the zone of continuous vegetation), the structure and function of these photoautotrophic microbial communities remains essentially unknown. We measured soil CO2 flux at three sites (above 3600 m) and used molecular techniques to determine the composition and distribution of soil photoautotrophs in the Colorado Front Range. Soil CO2 flux data from 2002 and 2007 indicate that light-driven CO2 uptake occurred on most dates. A diverse community of Cyanobacteria, Chloroflexi and eukaryotic algae was present in the top 2 cm of the soil, whereas these clades were nearly absent in deeper soils (2,4 cm). Cyanobacterial communities were composed of lineages most closely related to Microcoleus vaginatus and Phormidium murrayi, eukaryotic photoautotrophs were dominated by green algae, and three novel clades of Chloroflexi were also abundant in the surface soil. During the light hours of the 2007 snow-free measurement period, CO2 uptake was conservatively estimated to be 23.7 g C m,2 season,1. Our study reveals that photoautotrophic microbial communities play an important role in the biogeochemical cycling of subnival zone soil. [source]


    Myocardial lipofuscin-laden lysosomes contain the apoptosis marker caspase-cleaved cytokeratin-18

    EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 10 2008
    A. Soleiman
    ABSTRACT Background Acute coronary syndrome is related to increased circulatory concentration of soluble apoptosis specific caspase-cleaved cytokeratin-18 (ccCK-18). Potential cardiac sources of this intermediate filament derivative have not been investigated to date. Materials and methods Paraffin embedded tissue of normal myocardium, and chronically damaged samples of ischaemic, congestive and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were analysed by histology and by CK-8, CK-18, ccCK-18 immunohistochemistry (each group, n = 15). Antibody specificity of the ccCK-18 antibody M30 was checked by immunoblotting on lysed myocardium and enriched myocardial lysosomes. Results ccCK-18 and CK-18 but not CK-8 were present in all forms of cardiomyopathy, most prominently in ischaemic cardiomyopathy while only traces were detectable immunohistochemically in normal myocardium. Weak CK-18 and strong ccCK-18 staining co-localized to lysosomes with cardiac age pigment lipofuscin. Weak staining of CK-18 was detected in the cytoplasm of coronary endothelia. Conclusion Our study reveals that cardiac lipofuscin-laden lysosomes contain ccCK-18, a marker of apoptosis and its precursor CK-18. This ccCK-18 pool might contribute to increased systemic levels of ccCK-18 in acute coronary syndrome thus monitoring myocardial damage. [source]


    Functional plasticity and robustness are essential characteristics of biological systems: Lessons learned from KLRG1-deficient mice

    EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 5 2010
    Stipan Jonjic
    Abstract Killer cell lectin-like receptor G1 (KLRG1) receptor is considered to be a marker of terminally differentiated NK and T cells and is strongly induced by viral and other infections. KLRG1 is a C-type lectin-like inhibitory receptor, which interacts with members of the cadherin family of molecules leading to the inhibition of T- and NK-cell function. A study in this issue of the European Journal of Immunology addresses the role of KLRG1 in the maturation and differentiation of NK and T cells in vivo. Using KLRG1-deficient mice generated by homologous recombination, the study reveals that KLRG1 is dispensable for NK- and CD8+ T-cell differentiation and function in vivo. This interesting finding is discussed in this Commentary in light of the plasticity and robustness of immune response mechanisms. [source]


    Antheraea assama Silk Fibroin-Based Functional Scaffold with Enhanced Blood Compatibility for Tissue Engineering Applications,

    ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 5 2010
    Naresh Kasoju
    Abstract The architecture and surface chemistry of a scaffold determine its utility in tissue engineering (TE). Conventional techniques have limitations in fabricating a scaffold with control over both architecture and surface chemistry. To ameliorate this, in this report, we demonstrate the fabrication of an Antheraea assama silk fibroin (AASF)-based functional scaffold. AASF is a non-mulberry variety having superior qualities to mulberry SF and is largely unexplored in the context of TE. First, a 3D scaffold with biomimetic architecture is fabricated. The scaffold is subsequently made blood compatible by modifying the surface chemistry through a simple sulfation reaction. EDX and FTIR analysis demonstrate the successful sulfation of the scaffold. SEM observations reveal that sulfation has no any effect on the scaffold architecture. TGA reveals that it has increased thermal stability. The sulfation reaction significantly improves the overall hydrophilicity of the scaffold, as is evident from the increase in water holding capacity; this possibly enhances the blood compatibility. The enhancement in blood compatibility of the sulfated scaffold is determined from in vitro haemolysis, protein adsorption and platelet adhesion studies. The sulfated scaffold is non-toxic and supports cell adhesion and growth, as revealed by indirect and direct contact-based in vitro cytotoxicity assays. This study reveals that the AASF-based functional scaffold, which has biomimetic architecture and blood-compatible surface chemistry, could be suitable for TE applications. [source]


    Phosphorylation modulates the local conformation and self-aggregation ability of a peptide from the fourth tau microtubule-binding repeat

    FEBS JOURNAL, Issue 19 2007
    Jin-Tang Du
    Phosphorylation of tau protein modulates both its physiological role and its aggregation into paired helical fragments, as observed in Alzheimer's diseased neurons. It is of fundamental importance to study paired helical fragment formation and its modulation by phosphorylation. This study focused on the fourth microtubule-binding repeat of tau, encompassing an abnormal phosphorylation site, Ser356. The aggregation propensities of this repeat peptide and its corresponding phosphorylated form were investigated using turbidity, thioflavin T fluorescence and electron microscopy. There is evidence for a conformational change in the fourth microtubule-binding repeat of tau peptide upon phosphorylation, as well as changes in aggregation activity. Although both tau peptides have the ability to aggregate, this is weaker in the phosphorylated peptide. This study reveals that both tau peptides are capable of self-aggregation and that phosphorylation at Ser356 can modulate this process. [source]


    Highly Efficient p-i-n and Tandem Organic Light-Emitting Devices Using an Air-Stable and Low-Temperature-Evaporable Metal Azide as an n-Dopant

    ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 11 2010
    Kyoung Soo Yook
    Abstract Cesium azide (CsN3) is employed as a novel n-dopant because of its air stability and low deposition temperature. CsN3 is easily co-deposited with the electron transporting materials in an organic molecular beam deposition chamber so that it works well as an n-dopant in the electron transport layer because its evaporation temperature is similar to that of common organic materials. The driving voltage of the p-i-n device with the CsN3 -doped n-type layer and a MoO3 -doped p-type layer is greatly reduced, and this device exhibits a very high power efficiency (57,lm W,1). Additionally, an n-doping mechanism study reveals that CsN3 was decomposed into Cs and N2 during the evaporation. The charge injection mechanism was investigated using transient electroluminescence and capacitance,voltage measurements. A very highly efficient tandem organic light-emitting diodes (OLED; 84,cd A,1) is also created using an n,p junction that is composed of the CsN3 -doped n-type organic layer/MoO3 p-type inorganic layer as the interconnecting unit. This work demonstrates that an air-stable and low-temperature-evaporable inorganic n-dopant can very effectively enhance the device performance in p-i-n and tandem OLEDs, as well as simplify the material handling for the vacuum deposition process. [source]


    Phenotypic diversity of Flo protein family-mediated adhesion in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

    FEMS YEAST RESEARCH, Issue 2 2009
    Sebastiaan E. Van Mulders
    Abstract The Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome encodes a Flo (flocculin) adhesin family responsible for cell,cell and cell,surface adherence. In commonly used laboratory strains, these FLO genes are transcriptionally silent, because of a nonsense mutation in the transcriptional activator FLO8, concealing the potential phenotypic diversity of fungal adhesion. Here, we analyse the distinct adhesion characteristics conferred by each of the five FLO genes in the S288C strain and compare these phenotypes with a strain containing a functional copy of FLO8. Our results show that four FLO genes confer flocculation, but with divergent characteristics such as binding strength, carbohydrate recognition and floc size. Adhesion to agar surfaces, on the other hand, largely depended on two adhesins, Flo10 and Flo11. Expression of any FLO gene caused a significant increase in cell wall hydrophobicity. Nevertheless, the capacity to adhere to plastic surfaces, which is believed to depend on hydrophobic interactions, differed strongly between the adhesins. Restoring Flo8 yielded both flocculation and cell,surface adherence, such as invasive growth, a phenotype not observed when any of the single FLO genes was overexpressed. Taken together, this study reveals how S. cerevisiae carries a small reservoir of FLO genes that allows cells to display a wide variety of adhesive properties. [source]


    STRINGS ATTACHED: NEW PUBLIC MANAGEMENT, COMPETITIVE GRANT FUNDING AND SOCIAL CAPITAL

    FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY & MANAGEMENT, Issue 2 2009
    Helen Irvine
    This paper first investigates the impact of New Public Management (NPM) practices, particularly competitive grant funding, on Bushcare New South Wales (NSW), an Australian environmental volunteering organisation. Secondly, identifying such local volunteering organisations as repositories of valuable social capital, it explores the link between volunteering and social capital. Using mixed methods and institutional theory, the study reveals that an increased level of professionalism and accountability is required of Bushcare groups, and that local coordinators face a challenge in balancing local, regional and national priorities without sacrificing Bushcare's mission. These dynamics, it is proposed, have potentially serious social capital implications. [source]


    Literary Discussions and Advanced Speaking Functions: Researching the (Dis) Connection

    FOREIGN LANGUAGE ANNALS, Issue 2 2004
    Richard Donato PhD
    Motivating this study was the need for research to determine how discussion in advanced undergraduate literature courses provides discourse opportunities to students to develop advanced language functions, as defined in the ACTFL Guidelines. Despite claims that literature classes play an additional role in developing language proficiency, this issue has not received serious research attention. In this study, classroom transcripts were analyzed for the following features: (1) discourse structure of the literary discussion; (2) the use of teacher questions; (3) verb tense distribution; and (4) student uptake. The analysis attempted to uncover how literary discussion afforded opportunities for students to describe, to narrate in major timeframes, to use extended discourse, to share opinions and arguments, to explore alternatives, and to hypothesize,all advanced and superior level speaking functions. The study also included instructor and student interviews to determine their views of foreign language literature classes and to see if what was observed could be explained by the goals the instructor and students had expressed. The findings suggest that simply having a literary discussion does not ensure that students will be pushed to use the language in advanced ways even when faced with tasks requiring critical thinking and advanced language use. One issue that this study reveals is that, for students to experience speaking in the advanced ranges of proficiency, discussions must enable complex thinking in complex language. Other findings suggest that literature instructors should be aware of the discourse opportunities that arise in literary discussions, should make speaking expectations and advanced functions clear to students, and should monitor student language use during discussions. [source]


    Subnational Foreign Policy Actors: How and Why Governors Participate in U.S. Foreign Policy

    FOREIGN POLICY ANALYSIS, Issue 3 2008
    Samuel Lucas McMillan
    U.S. governors lead overseas missions seeking investment and promoting trade, establish international offices, meet with heads of government, receive ambassadors, and take positions on foreign policy. This paper describes how governors are involved in participating in U.S. foreign policy, explains why governors seek to voice their views and play an active role in working with leaders and issues beyond their state's borders, and argues that U.S. states and governors need to be better conceptualized and considered in both international relations theory and foreign policy analysis. This study reveals that governors with greater institutional powers,such as appointment and budgetary control,as well as personal powers,derived from their electoral mandate, ambition, and public approval,are more likely to have higher degrees of foreign policy activity. These actions are more likely to take place during wartime and also from governors representing U.S. states bordering Canada or Mexico. [source]


    Combined First-Principle Calculations and Experimental Study on Multi-Component Olivine Cathode for Lithium Rechargeable Batteries

    ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 20 2009
    Hyeokjo Gwon
    Abstract The electrochemical properties and phase stability of the multi-component olivine compound LiMn1/3Fe1/3Co1/3PO4 are studied experimentally and with first-principles calculation. The formation of a solid solution between LiMnPO4, LiFePO4, and LiCoPO4 at this composition is confirmed by XRD patterns and the calculated energy. The experimental and first-principle results indicate that there are three distinct regions in the electrochemical profile at quasi-open-circuit potentials of ,3.5,V, ,4.1,V, and ,4.7,V, which are attributed to Fe3+/Fe2+, Mn3+/Mn2+, and Co3+/Co2+ redox couples, respectively. However, exceptionally large polarization is observed only for the region near 4.1,V of Mn3+/Mn2+ redox couples, implying an intrinsic charge transfer problem. An ex situ XRD study reveals that the reversible one-phase reaction of Li extraction/insertion mechanism prevails, unexpectedly, for all lithium compositions of LixMn1/3Fe1/3Co1/3PO4 (0,,,x,,,1) at room temperature. This is the first demonstration that the well-ordered, non-nanocrystalline (less than 1% Li,M disorder and a few hundred nanometer size particle) olivine electrode can be operated solely in a one-phase mode. [source]