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Successful Application (successful + application)
Selected AbstractsSuccessful Application of Video-Projected Human Images for Signalling to DogsETHOLOGY, Issue 10 2003Péter Pongrácz Dogs were tested (1) in a two-way choice experiment, where the experimenter indicated a baited bowl by pointing; and (2) in a task where the owner was asked to command the dog to execute simple obedience tasks. In expt 1 dogs (n = 10) were tested at first in the presence of the experimenter (three dimensional condition, 3D), that was followed by a series of pointing trials when the life-sized image of the experimenter was projected onto the wall by the means of a video-projector (two dimensional condition, 2D). Dogs performed correctly more often than expected by chance in both 3D and 2D conditions. In expt 2 the commanding owner was either present in the room (3D), or her/his image was projected on the screen (2D), or only her/his voice was audible for the dog through a speaker (0D). The performance of the dogs (n = 10) decreased to great extent comparing the 3D and 0D condition, as the number of different actions the dogs obeyed was significantly less in the 0D condition. However, there was no difference in the number of different actions obeyed in the 3D and 2D conditions. Our results show that dogs readily obey life-sized, interactive moving image in various communicative situtations. We suppose that the difference between 2D and 3D conditions can be attributed partially to the lack of some additional communicative signals as sounds (verbal cues) and odours (from the human), and to some changes in the context. [source] Successful Application of Simplex Methods to the Optimization of Textured Superconducting CeramicsJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Issue 7 2004Eva Natividad The fabrication of ceramic materials implies dealing with a great number of processing variables with clear interaction, which prevents straightforward optimization of the processes. In this paper, we report the optimization process applied to improve the properties of LFZ-textured Bi-2212 superconducting thin rods. In this process, based on Simplex optimization methods, four growth and four annealing parameters were taken as control variables to obtain high critical currents and short processing times. As a result, the critical current values increased by a factor of 3 after only 30 trials. [source] Successful Application of OPLS-DA for the Discrimination of Wild-Type and Mutated Cells in Acute Lymphoblastic LeukemiaMOLECULAR INFORMATICS, Issue 8 2009Claudio, Giuseppe Molteni Abstract OPLS-DA was successfully applied to select of a limited number of gene transcripts necessary to discriminate wild type and mutated cells in ALL patients. In the above list it was possible to identify candidate genes that could be involved in the molecular mechanisms linking PTPN11 and RAS mutations to B-ALL genesis. OPLS-DA and SIMCA classification provide a set of 50 and 77 variables respectively suitable to discriminate wild type from mutated cells in ALL patients. [source] Automatic indexing of area-detector data of periodic and aperiodic crystalsJOURNAL OF APPLIED CRYSTALLOGRAPHY, Issue 2 2002Katrin Pilz An autoindexing procedure is described that produces the indexing of diffraction data of aperiodic crystals. The procedure has been designed for indexing the data obtained with an area detector, but it can also be applied to data obtained with a single-point detector. The essential step in the indexing process is the ability to discriminate between reflections that fit to a reciprocal lattice, the satellite reflections and possible reflections that do not belong to this indexing. To achieve this goal, the refinement of the orientation matrix and the diffractometer parameters is made an intrinsic part of the process of indexing. The proposed autoindexing procedure has been implemented in a computer program called BAYINDEX. Successful application to data sets of three different one-dimensionally modulated structures, one two-dimensionally modulated structure and a periodic crystal is presented. Very good agreement between experimental and theoretical reflection positions is found. The indexing produced by BAYINDEX can serve as the basis for integration routines. [source] Engineering the catalytic domain of human protein tyrosine phosphatase , for structure-based drug discoveryACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION D, Issue 12 2006Artem G. Evdokimov Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) play roles in many biological processes and are considered to be important targets for drug discovery. As inhibitor development has proven challenging, crystal structure-based design will be very helpful to advance inhibitor potency and selectivity. Successful application of protein crystallography to drug discovery heavily relies on high-quality crystal structures of the protein of interest complexed with pharmaceutically interesting ligands. It is very important to be able to produce protein,ligand crystals rapidly and reproducibly for as many ligands as necessary. This study details our efforts to engineer the catalytic domain of human protein tyrosine phosphatase , (HPTP,-CD) with properties suitable for rapid-turnaround crystallography. Structures of apo HPTP,-CD and its complexes with several novel small-molecule inhibitors are presented here for the first time. [source] Successful application of haemoclips plus argon plasma coagulation for angioectasia bleeding with underlying arteriovenous malformation in the colonCOLORECTAL DISEASE, Issue 7Online 2010T.-Y. Lee No abstract is available for this article. [source] Predicting river water temperatures using stochastic models: case study of the Moisie River (Québec, Canada)HYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES, Issue 1 2007Behrouz Ahmadi-Nedushan Abstract Successful applications of stochastic models for simulating and predicting daily stream temperature have been reported in the literature. These stochastic models have been generally tested on small rivers and have used only air temperature as an exogenous variable. This study investigates the stochastic modelling of daily mean stream water temperatures on the Moisie River, a relatively large unregulated river located in Québec, Canada. The objective of the study is to compare different stochastic approaches previously used on small streams to relate mean daily water temperatures to air temperatures and streamflow indices. Various stochastic approaches are used to model the water temperature residuals, representing short-term variations, which were obtained by subtracting the seasonal components from water temperature time-series. The first three models, a multiple regression, a second-order autoregressive model, and a Box and Jenkins model, used only lagged air temperature residuals as exogenous variables. The root-mean-square error (RMSE) for these models varied between 0·53 and 1·70 °C and the second-order autoregressive model provided the best results. A statistical methodology using best subsets regression is proposed to model the combined effect of discharge and air temperature on stream temperatures. Various streamflow indices were considered as additional independent variables, and models with different number of variables were tested. The results indicated that the best model included relative change in flow as the most important streamflow index. The RMSE for this model was of the order of 0·51 °C, which shows a small improvement over the first three models that did not include streamflow indices. The ridge regression was applied to this model to alleviate the potential statistical inadequacies associated with multicollinearity. The amplitude and sign of the ridge regression coefficients seem to be more in agreement with prior expectations (e.g. positive correlation between water temperature residuals of different lags) and make more physical sense. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Theoretical studies on empirical structure,reactivity relationship: the Yukawa,Tsuno equationJOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 6 2003Kazuhide Nakata Abstract The substituent-dependent stabilization energies (,X,E) of a series of ,,,-R1R2 benzyl cations were determined by means of ab initio calculation at the MP2/6,31G*//RHF/6,31G*,+,ZPE (scaled 0.8929) level, based on the isodesmic hydride transfer reactions between ring X-substituted and unsubstituted R1R2 benzyl cations. Substituent stabilities (,X,E) of ,,,-dimethylbenzyl cations were determined in the same way, to define a reference set of the ab initio ,+ values. The (,X,E) of ,,,-dimethylbenzyl cations of which the cation center is set orthogonal to the benzene ,-system were correlated linearly with ,0 (solution). Based on this correlation, a set of ab initio ,0 constants [(,0)ab] was determined. The ab initio resonance substituent constants were defined as (,+)ab,,,(,0)ab. Employing the present ab initio set of (,0)ab and constants, the ab initio Yukawa,Tsuno (Y,T) equation was applied to 18 sets of cation stabilities ,X,E associated with hydride transfer reaction systems. Successful applications of the ab initio Y,T equation confirm the theoretical validity of the empirical Y,T relationship; in practice, the Y,T equation makes it possible to divide the electronic substituent effect into the non-resonance and resonance contributions. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Adaptive Logarithmic Mapping For Displaying High Contrast ScenesCOMPUTER GRAPHICS FORUM, Issue 3 2003F. Drago We propose a fast, high quality tone mapping technique to display high contrast images on devices with limited dynamicrange of luminance values. The method is based on logarithmic compression of luminance values, imitatingthe human response to light. A bias power function is introduced to adaptively vary logarithmic bases, resultingin good preservation of details and contrast. To improve contrast in dark areas, changes to the gamma correctionprocedure are proposed. Our adaptive logarithmic mapping technique is capable of producing perceptually tunedimages with high dynamic content and works at interactive speed. We demonstrate a successful application of ourtone mapping technique with a high dynamic range video player enabling to adjust optimal viewing conditions forany kind of display while taking into account user preference concerning brightness, contrast compression, anddetail reproduction. Categories and Subject Descriptors (according to ACM CCS): I.3.3 [Image Processing and Computer Vision]: Image Representation [source] Local gene delivery to the vessel wallACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 1 2001R. C. Smith This review will provide an overview of delivery strategies that are being evaluated for vascular gene therapy. We will limit our discussion to those studies that have been demonstrated, utilizing in vivo model systems, to limit post-interventional restenosis. We also discuss the efficacy of the vectors and methods currently being used to transfer genetic material to the vessel wall. The efficiency of these techniques is a critical issue for the successful application of gene therapy. [source] Application of Bacterial Biocathodes in Microbial Fuel CellsELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 19-20 2006Zhen He Abstract This review addresses the development and experimental progress of biocathodes in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Conventional MFCs consist of biological anodes and abiotic cathodes. The abiotic cathode usually requires a catalyst or an electron mediator to achieve high electron transfer, increasing the cost and lowering the operational sustainability. Such disadvantages can be overcome by biocathodes, which use microorganisms to assist cathodic reactions. Biocathodes are feasible in potentiostat-poised half cells, but only very few studies have investigated them in complete MFCs. The classification of biocathodes is based on which terminal electron acceptor is available. For aerobic biocathodes with oxygen as the terminal electron acceptor, electron mediators, such as iron and manganese, are first reduced by the cathode (abiotically) and then reoxidized by bacteria. Anaerobic biocathodes directly reduce terminal electron acceptors, such as nitrate and sulfate, by accepting electrons from a cathode electrode through microbial metabolism. Biocathodes are promising in MFCs, and we anticipate a successful application after several breakthroughs are made. [source] FlexMaster: a universal systemENDODONTIC TOPICS, Issue 1 2005David Sonntag FlexMaster® NiTi files have been in successful application for some years, not only in Germany but also worldwide, and their use is becoming increasingly widespread. The cutting blade design of K-type files provides for efficient working and effective removal of dentinal debris. Due to their convex cross-sectional profile, these instruments are moreover equipped with a more solid instrument core which reduces the risk of fractures and deformations. FlexMaster® instruments are among the most comprehensively investigated rotary NiTi instruments. Very good results have been reported both in numerous in vitro studies and in an in vivo setting. The present article elucidates and assesses both the scientific setting and the clinical aspects of the system. [source] Data Mining for Bioprocess OptimizationENGINEERING IN LIFE SCIENCES (ELECTRONIC), Issue 3 2004S. Rommel Abstract Although developed for completely different applications, the great technological potential of data analysis methods called "data mining" has increasingly been realized as a method for efficiently analyzing potentials for optimization and for troubleshooting within many application areas of process, technology. This paper presents the successful application of data mining methods for the optimization of a fermentation process, and discusses diverse characteristics of data mining for biological processes. For the optimization of biological processes a huge amount of possibly relevant process parameters exist. Those input variables can be parameters from devices as well as process control parameters. The main challenge of such optimizations is to robustly identify relevant combinations of parameters among a huge amount of process parameters. For the underlying process we found with the application of data mining methods, that the moment a special carbohydrate component is added has a strong impact on the formation of secondary components. The yield could also be increased by using 2 m3 fermentors instead of 1 m3 fermentors. [source] Design and application of oligonucleotide probes for fluorescent in situ identification of the filamentous bacterial morphotype Nostocoida limicola in activated sludgeENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 9 2001Jian Rong Liu 16S rRNA targeted probes, designed using sequence data from pure cultures of the three morphotypes of the filamentous bulking bacteria Nostocoida limicola I, II and III and their successful application to the in situ identification of these bacteria in activated sludge biomass samples are described here. Two probes were required to detect all the sequenced N. limicola II isolates. Results from fluorescent in situ hybridization suggest that the morphotypes N. limicola I and II contain at least two phylogenetically unrelated bacteria. The N. limicola II filaments that did not respond to the probes designed in this study fluoresced instead with the probes previously designed for the ,-Proteobacteria. The data also suggest that both N. limicola I and III can exist in activated sludge as single, paired or clumped cells and thus in a form not recognizable microscopically as this morphotype. Some N. limicola II filaments which responded to the probes designed here were much thinner than the filaments conventionally ,identified' as this morphotype and better fitted the descriptions often used in the literature for N. limicola I. [source] New alternative and complementary environmental policy instruments and the implementation of the Water Framework DirectiveENVIRONMENTAL POLICY AND GOVERNANCE, Issue 6 2008Andy Gouldson Abstract Based on a study conducted for the Environment Agency for England and Wales, we discuss the contribution that new alternative and complementary environmental policy instruments might make to the realization of the objectives of the EU's Water Framework Directive. Following a survey that identified nearly 100 examples where alternative and complementary instruments are currently being applied in the UK, we categorize such instruments as information-based approaches, private and voluntary regulation or support and capacity building measures. Examples are given of each category of instrument before further findings on the preconditions for the successful application of such measures are presented. These preconditions relate to levels of commitment from key groups, levels of stakeholder understanding, the role of the lead actor, the importance of timing, the need to deliver a clear message, the importance of enforcement, the role of the media and the importance of social capital in key networks. We conclude that alternative and complementary measures have significant potential to contribute to the realization of the Water Framework Directive's objectives, but only where these preconditions are met. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment. [source] Biotic ligand model of the acute toxicity of metals.ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 10 2001Abstract The biotic ligand model (BLM) of acute metal toxicity to aquatic organisms is based on the idea that mortality occurs when the metal,biotic ligand complex reaches a critical concentration. For fish, the biotic ligand is either known or suspected to be the sodium or calcium channel proteins in the gill surface that regulate the ionic composition of the blood. For other organisms, it is hypothesized that a biotic ligand exists and that mortality can be modeled in a similar way. The biotic ligand interacts with the metal cations in solution. The amount of metal that binds is determined by a competition for metal ions between the biotic ligand and the other aqueous ligands, particularly dissolved organic matter (DOM), and the competition for the biotic ligand between the toxic metal ion and the other metal cations in solution, for example, calcium. The model is a generalization of the free ion activity model that relates toxicity to the concentration of the divalent metal cation. The difference is the presence of competitive binding at the biotic ligand, which models the protective effects of other metal cations, and the direct influence of pH. The model is implemented using the Windermere humic aqueous model (WHAM) model of metal,DOM complexation. It is applied to copper and silver using gill complexation constants reported by R. Playle and coworkers. Initial application is made to the fathead minnow data set reported by R. Erickson and a water effects ratio data set by J. Diamond. The use of the BLM for determining total maximum daily loadings (TMDLs) and for regional risk assessments is discussed within a probabilistic framework. At first glance, it appears that a large amount of data are required for a successful application. However, the use of lognormal probability distributions reduces the required data to a manageable amount. [source] Determination of moisture content in a deformable soil using time-domain reflectometry (TDR)EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE, Issue 1 2000D. J. Kim Summary Time-domain reflectometry (TDR) is being used increasingly for measuring the moisture content of porous media. However, successful application for measuring water in soil has been limited to non-deformable soils, and it would be a valuable extension of the technique if it could be used for soils that shrink on drying. We have recently investigated its application to soils rich in clay and organic matter and peats. Here we propose a method for determining moisture content in deformable soils based on the relation between the dielectric constant, K, and the volumetric moisture content, ,, measured by TDR. Parallel TDR probes with a length of 15 cm and a spacing of 2 cm were placed horizontally in soil cores with a diameter of 20 cm and height of 10 cm taken from a forest. The soil is very porous with large proportions of both silt and clay. The sample weight and travel time of the electromagnetic wave guided by parallel TDR probes were simultaneously measured as a function of time, from saturation to oven-dryness during which the core samples shrank considerably. Vertical and horizontal components of shrinkage were also measured to take the air-exposed region of TDR probe into account in the determination of K. The effect of deformation on volumetric moisture content was formulated for two different expressions, namely actual volumetric moisture content (AVMC) and fictitious (uncorrected) volumetric moisture content (FVMC). The effects of air-exposure and expressions of volumetric moisture content on the relation between K and, were examined by fitting the observations with a third-order polynomial. Neglecting the travel time in the air-exposed part or use of the FVMC underestimated the , for a given K. The difference was more pronounced between AVMC and FVMC than between two different dielectric constants, i.e. accounting for air-exposure, Kac, and not accounting for air-exposure, Kau. When the existing empirical models were compared with the fitted results, most underestimated the relation based on the AVMC. This indicates that published empirical models do not reflect the effect of deformation on the determination of , in our forest soil. Correct use of the , expression has more impact on determining moisture content of a deformable soil than the accommodation of travel time through the air-exposed region of TDR probe. [source] Top-down control of phytoplankton: the role of time scale, lake depth and trophic stateFRESHWATER BIOLOGY, Issue 12 2002JÜrgen Benndorf SUMMARY 1.,One of the most controversial issues in biomanipulation research relates to the conditions required for top-down control to cascade down from piscivorous fish to phytoplankton. Numerous experiments have demonstrated that Phytoplankton biomass Top-Down Control (PTDC) occurs under the following conditions: (i) in short-term experiments, (ii) shallow lakes with macrophytes, and (iii) deep lakes of slightly eutrophic or mesotrophic state. Other experiments indicate that PTDC is unlikely in (iv) eutrophic or hypertrophic deep lakes unless severe light limitation occurs, and (v) all lakes characterised by extreme nutrient limitation (oligo to ultraoligotrophic lakes). 2.,Key factors responsible for PTDC under conditions (i) to (iii) are time scales preventing the development of slow-growing inedible phytoplankton (i), shallow depth allowing macrophytes to become dominant primary producers (ii), and biomanipulation-induced reduction of phosphorus (P) availability for phytoplankton (iii). 3.,Under conditions (iv) and (v), biomanipulation-induced reduction of P-availability might also occur but is insufficient to alter the epilimnetic P-content enough to initiate effective bottom-up control (P-limitation) of phytoplankton. In these cases, P-loading is much too high (iv) or P-content in the lake much too low (v) to initiate or enhance P-limitation of phytoplankton by a biomanipulation-induced reduction of P-availability. However, PTDC may exceptionally result under condition (iv) if high mixing depth and/or light attenuation cause severe light limitation of phytoplankton. 4.,Recognition of the five different conditions reconciles previous seemingly contradictory results from biomanipulation experiments and provides a sound basis for successful application of biomanipulation as a tool for water management. [source] On becoming a process-enabled organization: How to seed a culture of quality in a postacquisition environmentGLOBAL BUSINESS AND ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE, Issue 2 2010Charles Parker Misaligned processes and disparate cultures can plague M&As for years after the deals close. As this case study illustrates, a practical yet inexpensive approach can drive process improvement and quality in a transition-weary, cost-wary organization through organic bottom-up and top-down change. The author discusses a model of process evolution in organizations and the potentially disruptive effect of M&As, particularly successive deals. He then describes a relatively simple statistical method for assessing process quality; its successful application in a postacquisition environment; and organizational considerations, including influence models and the role of sponsors and champions, for shepherding an organization toward greater process quality and rigor. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Nucleation-Governed Reversible Self-Assembly of an Organic Semiconductor at Surfaces: Long-Range Mass Transport Forming Giant Functional Fibers,ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 18 2007G. De, Luca Abstract The use of solvent-vapor annealing (SVA) to form millimeter-long crystalline fibers, having a sub-micrometer cross section, on various solid substrates is described. Thin films of a perylene-bis(dicarboximide) (PDI) derivative, with branched alkyl chains, prepared from solution exhibit hundreds of nanometer-sized PDI needles. Upon exposure to the vapors of a chosen solvent, tetrahydrofuran (THF), the needles re-organize into long fibers that have a remarkably high aspect ratio, exceeding 103. Time- and space-resolved mapping with optical microscopy allows the self-assembly mechanism to be unravelled; the mechanism is found to be a nucleation-governed growth, which complies with an Avrami-type of mechanism. SVA is found to lead to self-assembly featuring i),long-range order (up to the millimeter scale), ii),reversible characteristics, as demonstrated through a series of assembly and disassembly steps, obtained by cycling between THF and CHCl3 as solvents, iii),remarkably high mass transport because the PDI molecular motion is found to occur at least over hundreds of micrometers. Such a detailed understanding of the growth process is fundamental to control the formation of self-assembled architectures with pre-programmed structures and physical properties. The versatility of the SVA approach is proved by its successful application using different substrates and solvents. Kelvin probe force microscopy reveals that the highly regular and thermodynamically stable fibers of PDI obtained by SVA exhibit a greater electron-accepting character than the smaller needles of the drop-cast films. The giant fibers can be grown in,situ in the gap between microscopic electrodes supported on SiOx, paving the way towards the application of SVA in micro- and nanoelectronics. [source] The role of genetic testing in soft tissue sarcomaHISTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 1 2006C R Antonescu Soft tissue tumours represent a heterogeneous group of mesenchymal lesions and their classification continues to evolve as a result of incorporating advances in cytogenetic and molecular techniques. In the last decade traditional diagnostic approaches were supplemented with a significant number of reliable molecular diagnostic tools, detecting tumour type-specific genetic alterations. In addition, the successful application of some of these techniques to formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue made it possible to subject a broader range of clinical material to molecular analysis. Thus, molecular genetics has already become an integral part of the work-up in some tumours, such as paediatric small blue round cell tumours, which demonstrate characteristic translocations. Several lines of evidence suggest that sarcomas can be divided into two major genetic groups: (i) sarcomas with specific genetic alterations and usually simple karyotypes, such as reciprocal chromosomal translocations (e.g. FUS-DDIT3 in myxoid liposarcoma) and specific oncogenic mutations (e.g. KIT mutation in gastrointestinal stromal tumours); and (i) sarcomas with non-specific genetic alterations and complex unbalanced karyotypes. Some of these genetic abnormalities, including chromosomal numerical changes, translocations, gene amplifications or large deletions can be apparent at the cytogenetic level (karyotyping, fluoresence in situ hybridization), while others, such as small deletions, insertions or point mutations, require molecular genetic techniques (polymerase chain reaction and sequence analysis). This review focuses on the applicability of genetic testing in the diagnosis and prognosis of soft tissue sarcomas, and gives a realistic appraisal of the ancillary role of molecular techniques, including its advantages and limitations. [source] Successful administration of aggressive chemotherapy concomitant to tuberculostatic and highly active antiretroviral therapy in a patient with AIDS-related Burkitt's lymphomaHIV MEDICINE, Issue 1 2005C Lehmann Treatment of AIDS-related malignant lymphoma (ARL) remains a therapeutic challenge. There are concerns not only about infectious and haematological complications in HIV-infected patients during intensive chemotherapy, but also about potential interactions between chemotherapy and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Current data on patients treated concomitantly with intensive chemotherapy and HAART are limited, and no data exist on patients with ARL suffering from active opportunistic infections. We report the case of a 38-year-old man with advanced HIV-1 infection, pulmonary tuberculosis and Burkitt's lymphoma. Intensive chemotherapy was administered in parallel with tuberculostatic therapy and HAART. Six months later, the patient achieved not only a complete remission of Burkitt's lymphoma and sustained viral suppression, but also a full recovery from tuberculosis. This case report provides some useful observations on the successful application of intensive chemotherapy in addition to tuberculostatic therapy and HAART in HIV-infected patients. [source] Understanding the design of information technologies for knowledge management in organizations: a pragmatic perspectiveINFORMATION SYSTEMS JOURNAL, Issue 2 2007Tom Butler Abstract., Researchers report mixed findings on the successful application of information technologies (IT) for knowledge management (KM). The primary difficulty is argued to be the use of information management techniques and concepts to design and develop KM Tools. Also problematic is the existence of a multiplicity of KM technologies, the application and use of which differs across organizations. This paper argues that these problems stem, in part, from the information system field's over-reliance on design concepts from the functionalist paradigm. Hence, our contention that alternative perspectives, which bring into focus issues of ontology and epistemology, need to be brought to bear in order to understand the challenges involved in the design and deployment of IT artefacts in knowledge management systems (KMS). The philosophy of technology, with its emphasis on the primacy of praxis, and which incorporates ontological and epistemological concepts from phenomenology and hermeneutics, is applied to the findings of a participative action research study to illustrate how social actors interpret and understand worldly phenomena and subsequently share their knowledge of the life-world using IT. The outcome of this marriage of situated practical theory and philosophy is a set of design principles to guide the development of a core KM Tool for KMS. [source] Laminar and turbulent flow calculations through a model human upper airway using unstructured meshesINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING, Issue 12 2007P. Nithiarasu Abstract In this paper, numerical investigation of airflow through a human upper airway is presented using an unstructured-based characteristic-based split (CBS) scheme. The CBS scheme used in the present study employs a fully explicit matrix-free solution procedure along with artificial compressibility. A one equation Spalrat,Allmaras (SA) turbulence model is employed to study low and moderate Reynolds number flows. A detailed discussion of the qualitative and quantitative results is presented. The results show a strong influence of the Reynolds number on the flow pattern and quantities of interest, pressure drop and wall shear stress. It is also apparent that SA model can be employed on unstructured meshes to predict the steady flow with good accuracy. Thus, the novelties of the present paper are: use of the unstructured mesh-based solution algorithm and the successful application of the SA model to a typical human upper airway. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] EDTA-induced pseudo-neutropenia resolved with kanamycinINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LABORATORY HEMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2001J.J.M.L. Hoffmann This report describes a case of spurious neutropenia caused by EDTA-dependent in vitro agglutination of neutrophils. After raising the temperature of the sample to 37°C the agglutination was irreversible, but it resolved completely after addition of kanamycin. Previously this method has been shown to be effective in EDTA-dependent pseudo-thrombocytopenia, but this is the first report demonstrating successful application in EDTA-dependent pseudo-neutropenia. [source] Highly Efficient Rhodium Catalysts for the Asymmetric Hydroformylation of Vinyl and Allyl Ethers using C1 -Symmetrical Diphosphite LigandsADVANCED SYNTHESIS & CATALYSIS (PREVIOUSLY: JOURNAL FUER PRAKTISCHE CHEMIE), Issue 2-3 2010Aitor Gual Abstract Here, we describe the successful application of novel glucofuranose-derived 1,3-diphosphites in the rhodium-catalysed asymmetric hydroformylation of vinyl acetate, 2,5-dihydrofuran and 2,3-dihydrofuran. In the hydroformylation of vinyl acetate, total regioselectivity and high ee (up to 73%) were obtained. When 2,3- and 2,5-dihydrofuran were the substrates, total chemo- and regioselectivities were achieved together with ees up to 88%. These results correspond to the highest ee values reported to date in the asymmetric hydroformylation of these substrates. The HP-NMR studies of the [RhH(CO)2(L)] species (L=15 and 17) demonstrated that both ligands coordinate to the Rh centre in an eq-eq fashion. The complex [RhH(CO)2(15)] was detected as a single isomer with characteristic features of eq-eq coordination. However, the broadening of the corresponding signals indicated that this species is rapidly interchanging in solution. In contrast, complex [RhH(CO)2(17)] was detected as a mixture of two conformational isomers at low temperature due to the greater flexibility of the monocyclic backbone of this ligand. [source] Syndiotactic polystyrene: Process and applicationsADVANCES IN POLYMER TECHNOLOGY, Issue 3 2006Jürgen Schellenberg Abstract In this review, a summary is provided of the manufacturing process for syndiotactic polystyrene together with an overview of applications of syndiotactic polystyrenes, including selected examples of typical applications. The manufacturing process of syndiotactic polystyrene, consists of several basic sections: catalyst premix preparation, monomer treatment, polymerization reaction using a powder bed reactor together with an evaporative cooling system, devolatilization and extrusion, and finally finishing, including cooling and crystallization of the strands. This process is suitable for providing a wide range of syndiotactic polystyrenes comprising homopolymers, with a broad range of melt flow rates as well as copolymers of various comonomer contents, leading to products with various melting temperatures. Essential relationships and correlations of the separate process stages are demonstrated, in addition to useful analytical methods to control the process. These polymers' unique combination of heat resistance, chemical resistance, and electrical properties has led to their successful application in automotive, electrical and electronics, consumer and industrial uses. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 25:141,151, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20069 [source] Combining solution wide-angle X-ray scattering and crystallography: determination of molecular envelope and heavy-atom sitesJOURNAL OF APPLIED CRYSTALLOGRAPHY, Issue 2 2009Xinguo Hong Solving the phase problem remains central to crystallographic structure determination. A six-dimensional search method of molecular replacement (FSEARCH) can be used to locate a low-resolution molecular envelope determined from small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) within the crystallographic unit cell. This method has now been applied using the higher-resolution envelope provided by combining SAXS and WAXS (wide-angle X-ray scattering) data. The method was tested on horse hemoglobin, using the most probable model selected from a set of a dozen bead models constructed from SAXS/WAXS data using the program GASBOR at 5,Å resolution (qmax = 1.25,Å,1) to phase a set of single-crystal diffraction data. It was found that inclusion of WAXS data is essential for correctly locating the molecular envelope in the crystal unit cell, as well as for locating heavy-atom sites. An anomalous difference map was calculated using phases out to 8,Å resolution from the correctly positioned envelope; four distinct peaks at the 3.2, level were identified, which agree well with the four iron sites of the known structure (Protein Data Bank code 1ns9). In contrast, no peaks could be found close to the iron sites if the molecular envelope was constructed using the data from SAXS alone (qmax = 0.25,Å,1). The initial phases can be used as a starting point for a variety of phase-extension techniques, successful application of which will result in complete phasing of a crystallographic data set and determination of the internal structure of a macromolecule to atomic resolution. It is anticipated that the combination of FSEARCH and WAXS techniques will facilitate the initial structure determination of proteins and provide a good foundation for further structure refinement. [source] Effect of autumn and winter meteorological variables on spring aphid populations in the Po valley, Northern ItalyJOURNAL OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 8 2001D. Rongai Prediction of aphid populations is crucial to the successful application of control strategies. In previous studies clear relationships between aphid catches and meteorological variables were highlighted. The primary objective of this study was to quantify the effects of autumn and winter meteorological variables on the aphid species populations the following spring. The data on all the species caught at two Italian sites (Ozzano Emilia and Budrio) up to 31 May from 1992 to 1999 were used for this study. Different models were found according to the aphid biological cycle (i.e. holocycle, anholocycle, holo-anholocycle). A fourth group of minor species, designated as ,others', was properly modelled as holo-anholocycle species. A satisfactory fit was observed when holocycle species were plotted against minimum temperature and precipitation in October, anholocycle species against minimum temperature and precipitation in December,January, holo-anholocycle species and ,others' against wind speed and number of frosty days in November, and minimum temperature and precipitation in December,January. Model response was more consistent at Budrio (open flat site) than at Ozzano Emilia (flat site delimited by a hill). A coherent pattern was found with an overall comparison of the estimates against observations. The possibility offered by these empirical models for forecasting spring aphid populations of all species at a given site is clearly of interest. This first study encouraged further investigation aimed at validating models before applying them in practice. [source] Fellowship in the American Academy of Nurse PractitionersJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NURSE PRACTITIONERS, Issue 11 2009FAANP UMC Health System Endowed Chair for Patient Safety, FNP-BC, Professor, Rodney W. Hicks PhD Abstract The purpose of this column is to describe the process of application and selection for fellowship in the Fellows of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP). Fellows are invited and selected based on their accomplishments in four priority areas: research, practice, education, and policy. Based on the 10-year history of the FAANP, current members provide guidance for potential applicants on the steps necessary for making a successful application. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||