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Clear Identification (clear + identification)
Selected AbstractsRecommendation for a definition of acute symptomatic seizureEPILEPSIA, Issue 4 2010Ettore Beghi Summary Purpose:, To consider the definition of acute symptomatic seizures for epidemiological studies, and to refine the criteria used to distinguish these seizures from unprovoked seizures for specific etiologies. Methods:, Systematic review of the literature and of epidemiologic studies. Results:, An acute symptomatic seizure is defined as a clinical seizure occurring at the time of a systemic insult or in close temporal association with a documented brain insult. Suggestions are made to define acute symptomatic seizures as those events occurring within 1 week of stroke, traumatic brain injury, anoxic encephalopathy, or intracranial surgery; at first identification of subdural hematoma; at the presence of an active central nervous system (CNS) infection; or during an active phase of multiple sclerosis or other autoimmune diseases. In addition, a diagnosis of acute symptomatic seizure should be made in the presence of severe metabolic derangements (documented within 24 h by specific biochemical or hematologic abnormalities), drug or alcohol intoxication and withdrawal, or exposure to well-defined epileptogenic drugs. Discussion:, Acute symptomatic seizures must be distinguished from unprovoked seizures and separately categorized for epidemiologic purposes. These recommendations are based upon the best available data at the time of this report. Systematic studies should be undertaken to better define the associations in question, with special reference to metabolic and toxic insults, for which the time window for the occurrence of an acute symptomatic seizure and the absolute values for toxic and metabolic dysfunction still require a clear identification. [source] Off the Back or on the Side: Comparison of meso and 2-Substituted Donor-Acceptor Difluoroborondipyrromethene (Bodipy) DyadsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 15 2010Andrew C. Benniston Abstract The preparation of several difluoroborondipyrromethene (Bodipy) dyads is described incorporating covalently attached hydroquinone/quinone groups at the 2-position (BD-SHQ, BD-SQ, BD-SPHQ, BD-SPQ). The compounds, currently under investigation as chemical sensors for reactive oxygen species, show various levels of fluorescence depending on the oxidation state of the appended group. The 19F NMR spectrum for BD-SHQ in CDCl3 at room temperature reveals the two fluorines are inequivalent on the NMR timescale. In contrast, the 19F NMR spectrum for the counterpart quinone compound, BD-SQ, is consistent with two equivalent fluorine atoms. The two results are interpreted as the quinone is free to rotate around the connector bond, whereas this motion is restricted for the hydroquinone group and makes the fluorines chemically inequivalent. Cyclic voltammograms recorded for all derivatives in CH2Cl2 electrolyte solution are consistent with typical Bodipy-based redox chemistry; the potentials of which depend on factors such as presence of the phenylene spacer and oxidation state of the appended group. A comparison of the electrochemical behaviour with the counterpart meso derivatives reveals some interesting trends which are associated with the location of the HOMO/LUMOs. The absorption profiles for the compounds in CH3CN are again consistent with Bodipy-based derivatives, though there are some subtle differences in the band-shapes of the closely-coupled systems. In particular, the absorption spectra for the dyad, BD-SQ, in a wide range of solvents are appreciably broader than for BD-SHQ. Femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy performed on the hydroquinone derivatives, BD-SHQ and its meso analogue is interpreted as electron transfer occurs from the hydroquinone unit to the first-excited singlet (S1) state of the Bodipy center, followed by ultrafast charge recombination to reinstate the ground state. The coupling of OH vibrations to the return electron transfer process is invoked to explain the lack of clear identification of the charge-separated state in the transient records. [source] Detection of resistance to acetolactate synthase inhibitors in weeds with emphasis on DNA-based techniques: a reviewPEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE (FORMERLY: PESTICIDE SCIENCE), Issue 7 2006Cheryl-Ann L Corbett Abstract Resistance to herbicides inhibiting acetolactate synthase (ALS) has been increasing at a faster rate than in any other herbicide group. The great majority of these cases are due to various single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the ALS gene endowing target site resistance. Many diagnostic techniques have been devised in order to confirm resistance and help producers to adopt the best management strategies. Recent advances in DNA technologies coupled with the knowledge of sequence information have allowed the development of accurate and rapid diagnostic tests. While whole plant-based diagnostic techniques such as seedling bioassays or enzyme-based in vitro bioassays provide accurate results, they tend to be labour- and/or space-intensive and will only respond to the particular herbicides tested, making resolution of cross-resistance patterns more difficult. Successful DNA-based diagnosis of ALS inhibitor resistance has been achieved with three main techniques, (1) restriction fragment length polymorphism, (2) polymerase chain reaction amplification of specific alleles and (3) denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography. All DNA-based techniques are relatively rapid and provide clear identification of the mutations causing resistance. Resistance based on non-target mechanisms is not identified by these DNA-based methods; however, given the prevalence of target site-based ALS inhibitor resistance, this is a minor inconvenience. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Class analysis from a normative perspective*THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY, Issue 4 2000Adam Swift ABSTRACT Distinguishing between an explanatory and a normative interest in social stratification, this paper considers the relation between class analysis and the value of equality. Starting from the familiar distinction between (in) equality of position and (in) equality of opportunity, and noting the extent to which mobility research focuses on the latter, it suggests that class positions can themselves be characterized in terms of the opportunities they yield to those occupying them. This enables the clear identification of the kinds of inequality that are and are not addressed by research findings presented in terms of class categories and odds ratios. The significance of those findings from a normative perspective is then discussed, and their limitations are emphasized , though the paper also explains in what ways they are indeed of normative relevance. [source] Genetic variation in the bovine myostatin gene in UK beef cattle: Allele frequencies and haplotype analysis in the South DevonANIMAL GENETICS, Issue 5 2000J A Smith Work on Belgian Blue cattle revealed that an 11 base pair (bp) deletion within the bovine myostatin gene (GDF8) is associated with the double-muscled phenotype seen in this breed. Investigations focusing on other European breeds known to show double-muscling identified several mutations within the coding region of the gene associated with the double-muscled phenotype in different breeds. The number of mutations found suggest that myostatin is highly variable within beef cattle. Variations that alter the structure of the gene product such that the protein is inactivated are associated with the most pronounced form of double-muscling as seen in the Belgian Blue. However, other mutations may have a less extreme affect on muscle development. While overt double-muscling gives rise to a high incidence of dystocia (calving difficulty), it is possible that some variants may give enhanced muscling, but with limited calving problems. We describe sequence analysis of the myostatin gene in ten beef breeds commonly used in the UK and show that the 11-bp deletion responsible for double-muscling in the Belgian Blue is also present in the South Devon cattle population. Allele frequencies and haplotypes in the South Devon and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based test for the deletion are described. PCR amplification across the deleted region provides a quick and effective test with clear identification of heterozygous individuals. We discuss our results with regard to the effect of genotype on phenotype and differences observed between the Belgian Blue and the South Devon. [source] eDrug: a dynamic interactive electronic drug formulary for medical studentsBRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 6 2006Simon R. J. Maxwell What is already known about this subject ,,Delivering education about an ever-increasing number of prescribable drugs to medical students represents a major challenge. ,,Drug names are generally not logical or intuitive, and many students find learning them akin to learning a foreign language. ,,Pharmacology and therapeutics teaching is struggling for visibility in some integrated medical curricula. What this study adds ,,Development of electronic tools allowing web delivery of a restricted student formulary facilitates dynamic access to core learning materials, improves the profile of this aspect of the curriculum and is highly appreciated by students. Aims Prescribing drugs is a key responsibility of a doctor and requires a solid grounding in the relevant scientific disciplines of pharmacology and therapeutics (PT). The move away from basic science disciplines towards a more system-based and integrated undergraduate curriculum has created difficulties in the delivery of PT teaching in some medical schools. We aimed to develop a web-based strategy to overcome these problems and improve the PT learning experience. Methods We designed and introduced ,eDrug', a dynamic interactive web-based student formulary, as an aid to teaching and learning of PT throughout a 5-year integrated medical curriculum in a UK medical school of 1300 students. This was followed by a prospective observational study of student-reported views about its impact on their PT learning experience. Results eDrug was rated highly by students and staff, with the main benefits being increased visibility of PT in the curriculum, clear identification of core drugs, regular sourcing of drug information via direct links to accredited sources including the British National Formulary, prioritization of learning, immediate access and responsiveness. It has also served as a focus of discussion concerning core PT learning objectives amongst staff and students. Conclusions Web-based delivery of PT learning objectives actively supports learning within an integrated curriculum. [source] | |||||||||||||