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Comprehensive Overview (comprehensive + overview)
Selected AbstractsPrinciples and Applications of Computer Graphics in MedicineCOMPUTER GRAPHICS FORUM, Issue 1 2006F.P. Vidal Abstract The medical domain provides excellent opportunities for the application of computer graphics, visualization and virtual environments, with the potential to help improve healthcare and bring benefits to patients. This survey paper provides a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art in this exciting field. It has been written from the perspective of both computer scientists and practising clinicians and documents past and current successes together with the challenges that lie ahead. The article begins with a description of the software algorithms and techniques that allow visualization of and interaction with medical data. Example applications from research projects and commercially available products are listed, including educational tools; diagnostic aids; virtual endoscopy; planning aids; guidance aids; skills training; computer augmented reality and use of high performance computing. The final section of the paper summarizes the current issues and looks ahead to future developments. [source] MicroRNA expression during chick embryo developmentDEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 11 2006Diana K. Darnell Abstract MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, abundant, noncoding RNAs that modulate protein abundance by interfering with target mRNA translation or stability. miRNAs are detected in organisms from all domains and may regulate 30% of transcripts in vertebrates. Understanding miRNA function requires a detailed determination of expression, yet this has not been reported in an amniote species. High-throughput whole mount in situ hybridization was performed on chicken embryos to map expression of 135 miRNA genes including five miRNAs that had not been previously reported in chicken. Eighty-four miRNAs were detected before day 5 of embryogenesis, and 75 miRNAs showed differential expression. Whereas few miRNAs were expressed during formation of the primary germ layers, the number of miRNAs detected increased rapidly during organogenesis. Patterns highlighted cell-type, organ or structure-specific expression, localization within germ layers and their derivatives, and expression in multiple cell and tissue types and within sub-regions of structures and tissues. A novel group of miRNAs was highly expressed in most tissues but much reduced in one or a few organs, including the heart. This study presents the first comprehensive overview of miRNA expression in an amniote organism and provides an important foundation for investigations of miRNA gene regulation and function. Developmental Dynamics 235:3156,3165, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Comprehensive expression atlas of fibroblast growth factors and their receptors generated by a novel robotic in situ hybridization platformDEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 2 2005Murat Burak Yaylaoglu Abstract A recently developed robotic platform termed "Genepaint" can carry out large-scale nonradioactive in situ hybridization (ISH) on tissue sections. We report a series of experiments that validate this novel platform. Signal-to-noise ratio and mRNA detection limits were comparable to traditional ISH procedures, and hybridization was transcript-specific, even in cases in which probes could have hybridized to several transcripts of a multigene family. We established an atlas of expression patterns of fibroblast growth factors (Fgfs) and their receptors (Fgfrs) for the embryonic day 14.5 mouse embryo. This atlas provides a comprehensive overview of previously known as well as novel sites of expression for this important family of signaling molecules. The Fgf/Fgfr atlas was integrated into the transcriptome database (www.genepaint.org), where individual Fgf and Fgfr expression patterns can be interactively viewed at cellular resolution and where sites of expressions can be retrieved using an anatomy-based search. Developmental Dynamics 234:371,386, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Potential manipulation of endothelial progenitor cells in diabetes and its complicationsDIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 7 2010G. P. Fadini Diabetes mellitus increases cardiovascular risk through its negative impact on vascular endothelium. Although glucotoxicity and lipotoxicity account for endothelial cell damage, endothelial repair is also affected by diabetes. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are involved in the maintenance of endothelial homoeostasis and in the process of new vessel formation. For these reasons, EPCs are thought to have a protective impact within the cardiovascular system. In addition, EPCs appear to modulate the functioning of other organs, providing neurotropic signals and promoting repair of the glomerular endothelium. The exact mechanisms by which EPCs provide cardiovascular protection are unknown and the definition of EPCs is not standardized. Notwithstanding these limitations, the literature consistently indicates that EPCs are altered in type 1 and type 2 diabetes and in virtually all diabetic complications. Moreover, experimental models suggest that EPC-based therapies might help prevent or reverse the features of end-organ complications. This identifies EPCs as having a novel pathogenic role in diabetes and being a potential therapeutic target. Several ways of favourably modulating EPCs have been identified, including lifestyle intervention, commonly used medications and cell-based approaches. Herein, we provide a comprehensive overview of EPC pathophysiology and the potential for EPC modulation in diabetes. [source] Shaking table tests on reinforced concrete frames without and with passive control systemsEARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING AND STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS, Issue 14 2005Mauro Dolce Abstract An extensive experimental program of shaking table tests on reduced-scale structural models was carried out within the activities of the MANSIDE project, for the development of new seismic isolation and energy dissipation devices based on shape memory alloys (SMAs). The aim of the experimental program was to compare the behaviour of structures endowed with innovative SMA-based devices to the behaviour of conventional structures and of structures endowed with currently used passive control systems. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the main results of the shaking table tests carried out on the models with and without special braces. Two different types of energy dissipating and re-centring braces have been considered to enhance the seismic performances of the tested model. They are based on the hysteretic properties of steel elements and on the superelastic properties of SMAs, respectively. The addition of passive control braces in the reinforced concrete frame resulted in significant benefits on the overall seismic behaviour. The seismic intensity producing structural collapse was considerably raised, interstorey drifts and shear forces in columns were drastically reduced. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Methods to account for spatial autocorrelation in the analysis of species distributional data: a reviewECOGRAPHY, Issue 5 2007Carsten F. Dormann Species distributional or trait data based on range map (extent-of-occurrence) or atlas survey data often display spatial autocorrelation, i.e. locations close to each other exhibit more similar values than those further apart. If this pattern remains present in the residuals of a statistical model based on such data, one of the key assumptions of standard statistical analyses, that residuals are independent and identically distributed (i.i.d), is violated. The violation of the assumption of i.i.d. residuals may bias parameter estimates and can increase type I error rates (falsely rejecting the null hypothesis of no effect). While this is increasingly recognised by researchers analysing species distribution data, there is, to our knowledge, no comprehensive overview of the many available spatial statistical methods to take spatial autocorrelation into account in tests of statistical significance. Here, we describe six different statistical approaches to infer correlates of species' distributions, for both presence/absence (binary response) and species abundance data (poisson or normally distributed response), while accounting for spatial autocorrelation in model residuals: autocovariate regression; spatial eigenvector mapping; generalised least squares; (conditional and simultaneous) autoregressive models and generalised estimating equations. A comprehensive comparison of the relative merits of these methods is beyond the scope of this paper. To demonstrate each method's implementation, however, we undertook preliminary tests based on simulated data. These preliminary tests verified that most of the spatial modeling techniques we examined showed good type I error control and precise parameter estimates, at least when confronted with simplistic simulated data containing spatial autocorrelation in the errors. However, we found that for presence/absence data the results and conclusions were very variable between the different methods. This is likely due to the low information content of binary maps. Also, in contrast with previous studies, we found that autocovariate methods consistently underestimated the effects of environmental controls of species distributions. Given their widespread use, in particular for the modelling of species presence/absence data (e.g. climate envelope models), we argue that this warrants further study and caution in their use. To aid other ecologists in making use of the methods described, code to implement them in freely available software is provided in an electronic appendix. [source] EORTC QLQ-C30 and FACT-BMT for the measurement of quality of life in bone marrow transplant recipients: a comparisonEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2000Martin Kopp Abstract: The purpose of the study was to compare two differentquality-of-life self-rating instruments, namely the EORTC QLQ-C30, developed by the quality-of-life study group of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer, and the FACT-BMT (version 3), the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy , Bone Marrow Transplantation scale, which is the FACT-G(eneral measure) in combination with a module developed specifically for evaluating quality of life of bone marrow transplant (BMT) patients. Fifty-six BMT recipients completed both the EORTC QLQ-C30 and the FACT-BMT (German language version) during the same session. Questionnaire data were analyzed on a subscale basis using correlation analysis and multiple linear regression. Correlations between corresponding subscales of EORTC QLQ-C30 and the FACT-BMT ranged from r=0.30 for the emotional domain (poor agreement) to r=0.77 for global QOL (good agreement). This suggests that the instruments, despite considerable overlap, possibly focus on different aspects of QOL, in particular in addressing emotional and social issues of BMT patients. It appears that the FACT-BMT gives a more comprehensive overview regarding the multidimensional construct of quality of life. The EORTC QLQ-C30 gives more insight into the physical aspects of quality of life and helps to identify symptoms which effectively decrease quality of life from the patient's perspective. The QLQ-C30 might be improved by the incorporation of a BMT-specific module currently under development. We therefore conclude that neither of the two instruments can be replaced by the other in the assessment of QOL of BMT patients and that a direct comparison of results obtained with the two instruments is likely to be misleading. [source] Promoter regulation in Candida albicans and related speciesFEMS YEAST RESEARCH, Issue 1 2009Sabine E. Eckert Abstract Regulation of gene expression has been studied extensively in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Some, but by far not all, of the findings are also applicable to Candida albicans, an important ascomycete fungal pathogen of humans. Areas of research in C. albicans include the influence of key signal transduction cascades on morphology, and the response to host-generated influences, such as host immune effector cells, blood, pH or elevated carbon dioxide. The resistance to antifungal agents and response to stress are also well researched. Conditional gene expression and reporter genes adapted to the codon usage of C. albicans are now widely used in C. albicans. Here we present a comprehensive overview of the current techniques used to investigate regulation mechanisms for promoters in C. albicans and other Candida species. In addition, we discuss reporter genes used for the study of gene expression. [source] Self-Assembled Quantum Dot MoleculesADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 25-26 2009Lijuan Wang Abstract Semiconductor quantum dot molecules (QDMs) are systems composed of two or more closely spaced and interacting QDs. QDMs are receiving much attention both as playground for studying coupling and energy transfer processes between "artificial atoms" and as new systems, which substantially extend the range of possible applications of QDs. QDMs can be conveniently fabricated by self-assembly either through chemical synthesis or epitaxial growth. Although QDMs relying on the random occurrence of nearby QDs can be used for fundamental studies, special fabrication protocols must be used to create QDMs with well-defined properties. In this article, we focus on self-assembled QDMs obtained by epitaxial growth and embedded in a semiconductor matrix, which are appealing for the possible realization of quantum gates based on two-level systems defined in QDs. We provide a comprehensive overview of the development and current stage of the research on QDMs composed of vertically (in the growth direction) or laterally (in the growth plane) aligned QDs. The review highlights some recent milestone works and points out the challenges and future directions in the field. [source] Emigration from China: A Sending Country PerspectiveINTERNATIONAL MIGRATION, Issue 3 2003Xiang Biao This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the policies pursued by the People's Republic of China (PRC) regarding the emigration of Chinese nationals. Most of the available literature on migration management has focused on receiving countries. With a few exceptions, little attention has been directed at migration management policies pursued in countries of origin. In the case of the PRC, policies regarding overseas Chinese have been fairly well documented and researched, but very little has been written about how the Chinese authorities manage ongoing emigration flows. This gap becomes particularly salient as the importance of the "partnership with the countries of origin" in devising migration policies is being increasingly acknowledged by receiving countries in Europe (Commission of the European Communities, 2000). Over the last 20 years, there have been significant changes in the Chinese Government's policies and perspectives on emigration. But, just like most other governments, the Chinese authorities do not have a single blanket policy covering all categories of emigrants. Emigration is normally managed on a case-by-case basis and the Government's attitude toward the same type of emigration may vary depending on different cases and circumstances. Because of this, this article examines China's major emigration-related policy spheres one by one. Specifically, six issues will be discussed: (1) exit control; (2) diaspora policy; (3) student migration; (4) labour export; (5) regulations on emigration agencies and, finally (6) the Government's response to human smuggling. This article shows both the coherence and the fragmentation in China's policies toward emigration. The coherence is due to the fact that all the policies are inherently linked to China's overall economic and social development strategy. The emigration management regime is sometimes fragmented partly because emigration consists of different streams and is handled by different Government departments, partly because some emigration issues (such as regulations on emigration agents) are very new for the Chinese Government and the authorities are still exploring them. Overall, the Chinese authorities increasingly see emigration as a means to enhance China's integration to the world and are keen to avoid conflicts with the international community over migration issues. At the same time, China's emigration policies need to be more balanced, in particular, the emigration of unskilled labour should be given more priority. [source] Pediatric Short Bowel Syndrome: Pathophysiology, Nursing Care, and Management IssuesJOURNAL FOR SPECIALISTS IN PEDIATRIC NURSING, Issue 3 2000Louise D. Jakubik ISSUES AND PURPOSE. A comprehensive overview of the etiology, pathophysiology, nursing care, and medical and surgical management of the child with short bowel syndrome (SBS), which follows massive anatomical or functional loss of the small intestine. CONCLUSIONS. The outlook for children with SBS has improved due to recent advances in parenteral and enteral nutrition, pharmacologic interventions, and surgical options. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Nurses whose practice reflects an in-depth knowledge of the etiology, pathophysiology, medical and surgical management, nursing interventions, and complications of SBS will be equipped to provide quality care for children and families affected by SBS. [source] THE ECONOMICS OF FISCAL DECENTRALIZATIONJOURNAL OF ECONOMIC SURVEYS, Issue 4 2010Duc Hong Vo Abstract There is no complete overview or discussion of the literature of the economics of federalism and fiscal decentralization, even though scholarly interest in the topic has been increasing significantly over recent years. This paper provides a general, brief but comprehensive overview of the main insights from the literature on fiscal federalism and decentralization. In doing so, literature on fiscal federalism and decentralization is grouped into two main approaches: ,first generation approach' and ,an emerging second generation approach'. The discussion generally covers the two notions of fiscal decentralization: ,fiscal autonomy' and ,fiscal importance' of subnational governments as the background of the most recently developed index of fiscal decentralization in Vo. The relevance of this discussion to any further development of a fiscal decentralization index is briefly noted. [source] A THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL PERSPECTIVE ON THE EQUITY RISK PREMIUM,JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC SURVEYS, Issue 2 2008Roelof SalomonsArticle first published online: 10 MAR 200 Abstract In historical perspective, equity returns have been higher than interest rates but have also varied a good deal more. However, the average excess return has been larger than what could be expected based on classical equilibrium theory: the equity risk premium (ERP) puzzle. This paper has two objectives. First, the paper presents a comprehensive overview of the vast literature developed aimed at adjusting theory and testing the robustness of the puzzle. Here we will show that the failure of theory to link asset prices to economics is mostly quantitative by nature and not qualitative (anymore). Second, beyond providing a survey of theory, we aim for a relevant practical angle as well. Our main contribution is that we spend time on why returns have been higher than investors reasonably could have expected. We present evidence that forecasts of equity returns can be enhanced by valuation models: low valuation levels (low price-to-earnings ratios) portend high subsequent returns. While conventional wisdom (several years ago) was to use historical returns to forecast future returns, a growing consensus now recognizes that the predictive power of valuation ratios is preferred. Finally we provide some practical implications based on this predictability. While the ERP is essentially a long-term issue, the likelihood of a lower risk premium increases risk for many and means that short-term volatility might not be neglected. [source] Identification of Differentially Expressed Genes During Anther Abortion of Taigu Genic Male Sterile Wheat by Combining Suppression Subtractive Hybridization and cDNA ArrayJOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY, Issue 11 2006Qing-Shan Chang Abstract Taigu Genic Male Sterile Wheat (TGMSW; Triticum aestivum L.), a dominant genic male sterile germplasm, is of considerable value in the genetic improvement of wheat because of its stable inherence, complete male abortion, and high cross-fertilization rate. To identify specially transcribed genes in sterile anther, a suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) library was constructed with sterile anther as the tester and fertile anther as the driver. A total of 2 304 SSH inserts amplified by polymerase chain reaction were arrayed using robotic printing. The cDNA arrays were hybridized with 32P-labeled probes prepared from the RNA of forward- and reverse-subtracted anthers. Ninety-six clones were scored as upregulated in sterile anthers compared with the corresponding fertile anthers and some clones were selected for sequencing and analysis in GenBank. Based on their putative functions, 87 non-redundant clones were classified into the following groups: (i) eight genes involved in metabolic processes; (ii) four material transportation genes; (iii) three signal transduction-associated genes; (iv) four stress response and senescence-associated protein genes; (v) seven other functional protein genes; (vi) five genes with no known function; and (vii) another 56 genes with no match to the databases. To test the hybridization efficiency, eight genes were selected and analyzed by Northern blot. The results of the present study provide a comprehensive overview of the genes and gene products involved in anther abortion in TGMSW. (Managing editor: Li-Hui Zhao) [source] Process intensification aspects for steam methane reforming: An overviewAICHE JOURNAL, Issue 2 2009Shrikant A. Bhat Abstract Steam methane reforming (SMR) is the most widely used process in industry for the production of hydrogen, which is considered as the future generation energy carrier. Having been perceived as an important source of H2, there are abundant incentives for design and development of SMR processes mainly through the consideration of process intensification and multiscale modeling; two areas which are considered as the main focus of the future generation chemical engineering to meet the global energy challenges. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the process integration aspects for SMR, especially the potential for multiscale modeling in this area. The intensification for SMR is achieved by coupling with adsorption and membrane separation technologies, etc., and using the concept of multifunctional reactors and catalysts to overcome the mass transfer, heat transfer, and thermodynamic limitations. In this article, the focus of existing and future research on these emerging areas has been drawn. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009 [source] In vivo, in vitro and in silico methods for small molecule transfer across the BBBJOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, Issue 12 2009Jurgen Mensch Abstract The inability of molecules to permeate the BBB is a significant source of attrition in Central Nervous System (CNS) drug discovery. Given the increasing medical drivers for new and improved CNS drugs, small molecule transfer across the BBB is attracting a heightened awareness within pharmaceutical industry and medical fields. In order to assess the potential for small CNS molecules to permeate the BBB, a variety of methods and models, from in silico to in vivo going through in vitro models are developed as predictive tools in drug discovery. This review gives a comprehensive overview of different approaches currently considered in drug discovery to circumvent the lack of small molecule transfer through the BBB, together with their inherent advantages and disadvantages. Particularly, special attention is drawn to in silico models, with a detailed and contemporary point of view on prediction tools and guidelines for rational design. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 98:4429,4468, 2009 [source] Advancing Alcohol Biomarkers ResearchALCOHOLISM, Issue 6 2010Cynthia F. Bearer Biomarkers to detect past alcohol use and identify alcohol-related diseases have long been pursued as important tools for research into alcohol use disorders as well as for clinical and treatment applications and other settings. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) sponsored a workshop titled "Workshop on Biomarkers for Alcohol-Induced Disorders" in June 2008. The intent of this workshop was to review and discuss recent progress in the development and implementation of biomarkers for alcohol use and alcohol-related disorders with a goal to formulate a set of recommendations to use to stimulate and advance research progress in this critical area of alcoholism research. Presentations at this workshop reviewed the current status of alcohol biomarkers, providing a summary of the history of biomarkers and the major goals of alcohol biomarker research. Moreover, presentations provided a comprehensive overview of the current status of several well-recognized biomarkers of alcohol use, a summary of recent studies to characterize novel biomarkers and their validation, along with perspectives and experiences from other NIH institutes and from other federal agencies and industry, related to regulatory issues. Following these presentations, a panel discussion focused on a set of issues presented by the organizers of this workshop. These discussion points addressed: (i) issues related to strategies to be adopted to stimulate biomarker discovery and application, (ii) the relevance of animal studies in biomarker development and the status of biomarkers in basic science studies, and (iii) issues related to the opportunities for clinical and commercial applications. This article summarizes these perspectives and highlights topics that constituted the basis for recommendations to enhance alcohol biomarker research. [source] The role of mid-chain radicals in acrylate free radical polymerization: Branching and scissionJOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 23 2008Thomas Junkers Abstract The past 5 years have seen a significant increase in the understanding of the fate of so-called mid-chain radicals (MCR), which are formed during the free radical polymerization of monomers that form highly reactive propagating radicals and contain an easily abstractable hydrogen atom. Among these monomers, acrylates are, beside ethylene, among the most prominent. Typically, a secondary propagating acrylate-type macroradical (SPR) can easily transfer its radical functionality via a six-membered transition state to a position within the polymer chain (in a so-called backbiting reaction), creating a tertiary MCR. Alternatively, the radical function can be transferred intramolecularly to any position within the chain (also forming an MCR) or intermolecularly to another polymer strand. This article aims at providing a comprehensive overview of the up-to-date knowledge about the rates at which MCRs are formed, their secondary reactions as well as the consequences of their occurrence under variable reaction conditions. We explore the latest aspects of their detection (via electron spin resonance spectroscopy) as well as the characterization of the polymer structures to which they lead (via high resolution mass spectrometry). The presence of MCRs leads to the formation of branched polymers and the partial formation of polymer networks. They also limit the measurement of kinetic parameters (such as the SPR propagation rate coefficient) with conventional methods. However, their occurrence can also be used as a synthetic handle, for example, the high-temperature preparation of macromonomers. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 7585,7605, 2008 [source] Cutaneous sarcoidosis: updates in the pathogenesisJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 7 2010MM Ali Abstract Sarcoidosis is a multiorgan granulomatous disease in which the skin is one of the frequently involved target organs. Cutaneous involvement occurs in a third of patients with sarcoidosis and has protean manifestations. More than a century has passed since the initial description of sarcoidosis, but its cause continues to be an enigma. Recent studies have introduced several new insights into the pathogenesis of this disease. The aim of this literature review was to provide a comprehensive overview on the current updates in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis. This review has revealed that several genetic polymorphisms are associated with an increased risk of developing sarcoidosis, suggesting that genetic susceptibility to sarcoidosis is probably polygenic. Environmental factors may also modify the susceptibility to sarcoidosis. Evidence favouring an infectious aetiology has been accumulating, but the results of studies are conflicting. The current concept is that the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis involves a T-helper-1-mediated immune response to environmental antigens in a genetically susceptible host. The studies carried out on sarcoidosis have largely focused on the pulmonary aspects and have been mainly conducted by respiratory physicians. In contrast, research conducted on the cutaneous aspects of sarcoidosis is comparatively limited. Although tremendous advances have been made, there is a significant gap between the vast knowledge accumulated on sarcoidosis in recent years and the understanding of this disease. [source] Progenitor and stem cells for bone and cartilage regenerationJOURNAL OF TISSUE ENGINEERING AND REGENERATIVE MEDICINE, Issue 5 2009M. K. El Tamer Abstract Research in regenerative medicine is developing at a significantly quick pace. Cell-based bone and cartilage replacement is an evolving therapy aiming at the treatment of patients who suffer from limb amputation, damaged tissues and various bone and cartilage-related disorders. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells with the capability to regenerate into one or more committed cell lineages. Stem cells isolated from multiple sources have been finding widespread use to advance the field of tissue repair. The present review gives a comprehensive overview of the developments in stem cells originating from different tissues and suggests future prospects for functional bone and cartilage tissue regeneration. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The application of Tet repressor in prokaryotic gene regulation and expressionMICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY, Issue 1 2008Ralph Bertram Summary Inducible gene expression based upon Tet repressor (tet regulation) is a broadly applied tool in molecular genetics. In its original environment, Tet repressor (TetR) negatively controls tetracycline (tc) resistance in bacteria. In the presence of tc, TetR is induced and detaches from its cognate DNA sequence tetO, so that a tc antiporter protein is expressed. In this article, we provide a comprehensive overview about tet regulation in bacteria and illustrate the parameters of different regulatory architectures. While some of these set-ups rely on natural tet -control regions like those found on transposon Tn10, highly efficient variations of this system have recently been adapted to different Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Novel tet -controllable artificial or hybrid promoters were employed for target gene expression. They are controlled by regulators expressed at different levels either in a constitutive or in an autoregulated manner. The resulting tet systems have been used for various purposes. We discuss integrative elements vested with tc-sensitive promoters, as well as tet regulation in Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria for analytical purposes and for protein overproduction. Also the use of TetR as an in vivo biosensor for tetracyclines or as a regulatory device in synthetic biology constructs is outlined. Technical specifications underlying different regulatory set-ups are highlighted, and finally recent developments concerning variations of TetR are presented, which may expand the use of prokaryotic tet systems in the future. [source] Neuromuscular electrical stimulation in neurorehabilitation,MUSCLE AND NERVE, Issue 5 2007Lynne R. Sheffler MD Abstract This review provides a comprehensive overview of the clinical uses of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for functional and therapeutic applications in subjects with spinal cord injury or stroke. Functional applications refer to the use of NMES to activate paralyzed muscles in precise sequence and magnitude to directly accomplish functional tasks. In therapeutic applications, NMES may lead to a specific effect that enhances function, but does not directly provide function. The specific neuroprosthetic or "functional" applications reviewed in this article include upper- and lower-limb motor movement for self-care tasks and mobility, respectively, bladder function, and respiratory control. Specific therapeutic applications include motor relearning, reduction of hemiplegic shoulder pain, muscle strengthening, prevention of muscle atrophy, prophylaxis of deep venous thrombosis, improvement of tissue oxygenation and peripheral hemodynamic functioning, and cardiopulmonary conditioning. Perspectives on future developments and clinical applications of NMES are presented. Muscle Nerve, 2007 [source] Review Article: Probiotics for allergic diseases: Realities and mythsPEDIATRIC ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 6 2010Tsung-Chieh Yao Yao T-C, Chang C-J, Hsu Y-H, Huang J-L. Probiotics for allergic diseases: Realities and myths. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010: 21: 900,919. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S The prevalence of allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis has increased sharply over the past two to three decades in many countries, and allergies are now the most common chronic disease among children throughout the world. In the past few years, probiotics have been advocated for the management of allergic diseases in many parts of the world. Physicians have a responsibility to ensure the efficacy and safety of any products they prescribe or recommend. This article provides a comprehensive overview and a critical interpretation of currently available evidence regarding the role of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of allergic diseases in humans and also discusses several major myths and potential risks associated with the use of probiotics. In the current era of evidence-based medicine, there is still insufficient evidence to recommend probiotics for the prevention of allergic diseases or as part of standard management for any allergic conditions in children. [source] Charting online OMICS resources: A navigational chart for clinical researchersPROTEOMICS - CLINICAL APPLICATIONS, Issue 1 2009Juan Antonio Vizcaíno Abstract The life sciences have sprouted several popular and successful OMICS technologies that span all levels of biological information transfer. Ever since the start of the Human Genome Project, the then revolutionary idea to make all resulting data publicly available has been central to all of the efforts across OMICS technologies. As a result, a great variety of publicly available data repositories and resources is currently available to the research community. This widespread availability of data does come at the price of increased confusion on the part of the users, especially for those that see the OMICS technologies as tools to help unravel a larger biological or clinical question. We therefore provide a comprehensive overview of the available resources across OMICS fields, with a special emphasis on those databases that are relevant to the study of proteins. Additionally, we also describe various integrative systems that have been established, and highlight new developments in the field that can revolutionize the way in which live data integration is achieved over the internet. [source] The Effects of Inflation and the Business Cycle on Revisions of Macroeconomic DataTHE AUSTRALIAN ECONOMIC REVIEW, Issue 3 2002Christopher Bajada Although national accounts data provide the most comprehensive overview of economic activity, preliminary estimates are subject to much revision before they are regarded as reliable indicators. Oddly enough, the market acts on the preliminary estimates as though they were final and complete. Even though there exists a considerable international literature on the statistical properties of these revisions, little attention has been devoted to the effects of inflation and the business cycle on the size and direction of these early revisions. The aim of this article is to provide the first known examination of these effects. The findings in this article suggest that preliminary estimates are more reliable in periods of low inflationary economic growth. [source] Target registration and target positioning errors in computer-assisted neurosurgery: proposal for a standardized reporting of error assessmentTHE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ROBOTICS AND COMPUTER ASSISTED SURGERY, Issue 4 2009Gerlig Widmann Abstract Background Assessment of errors is essential in development, testing and clinical application of computer-assisted neurosurgery. Our aim was to provide a comprehensive overview of the different methods to assess target registration error (TRE) and target positioning error (TPE) and to develop a proposal for a standardized reporting of error assessment. Methods A PubMed research on phantom, cadaver or clinical studies on TRE and TPE has been perfomed. Reporting standards have been defined according to (a) study design and evaluation methods and (b) specifications of the navigation technology. Results The proposed standardized reporting includes (a) study design (controlled, non-controlled), study type (non-anthropomorphic phantom, anthropomorphic phantom, cadaver, patient), target design, error type and subtypes, space of TPE measurement, statistics, and (b) image modality, scan parameters, tracking technology, registration procedure and targeting technique. Conclusions Adoption of the proposed standardized reporting may help in the understanding and comparability of different accuracy reports. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Cylinder seals and their use in the Arabian PeninsulaARABIAN ARCHAEOLOGY AND EPIGRAPHY, Issue 1 2010D.T. Potts Cylinder seals were used in the ancient Near East from the fourth to the first millennium BC. Although the numbers known from sites in the Arabian Peninsula seem relatively small, more have been found there than is generally recognised. A comprehensive overview of the cylinder seals of Arabia is presented, and the cylinder and stamp sealing traditions of the region are discussed. [source] Pitfalls in the design and analysis of paediatric clinical trials: a case of a ,failed' multi-centre study, and potential solutionsACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 2 2009Johanna H Van Der Lee Abstract Aim: To increase awareness of possible pitfalls in the design and analysis of a multi-centre randomized clinical trial and to give an overview of alternative study designs and their consequences for power analyses in case of limited availability of trial participants. Methods: Investigation of the assumptions in the power calculation and re-analysis of the original data of a ,failed' trial on the effect of dexamethasone on the duration of mechanical ventilation in young children with respiratory syncytial virus infection. Use of ,boundaries approach' is explored using the data from this trial. A comprehensive overview of the various modern solutions for the design of a subsequent trial in this field is given. Results: Two frequent major deficiencies of trial design and data analysis are reviewed in depth, i.e. too optimistic assumptions for the sample size calculation and failure to adjust for centre effects. Conclusion: Critical review of trial assumptions and if necessary sample size recalculation based on an internal pilot by a data monitoring committee is recommended to maximize the probability of obtaining conclusive results. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||