Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Different Routes (different + route)
Selected AbstractsDifferent routes, common directions?INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOCIAL WELFARE, Issue 3 2004Activation policies for young people in Denmark, the UK This article analyses and compares the development of activation policies for young people in Denmark and the UK from the mid-1990s. Despite their diverse welfare traditions and important differences in the organisation and delivery of benefits and services for the unemployed, both countries have recently introduced large-scale compulsory activation programmes for young people. These programmes share a number of common features, especially a combination of strong compulsion and an apparently contradictory emphasis on client-centred training and support for participants. The suggested transition from the ,Keynesian welfare state' to the ,Schumpeterian workfare regime' is used as a framework to discuss the two countries' recent moves towards activation. It is argued that while this framework is useful in explaining the general shift towards active labour-market policies in Europe, it alone cannot account for the particular convergence of the Danish and British policies in the specific area of youth activation. Rather, a number of specific political factors explaining the development of policies in the mid-1990s are suggested. The article concludes that concerns about mass youth unemployment, the influence of the ,dependency culture' debate in various forms, cross-national policy diffusion and, crucially, the progressive re-engineering of compulsory activation by strong centre-left governments have all contributed to the emergence of policies that mix compulsion and a commitment to the centrality of work with a ,client-centred approach' that seeks to balance more effective job seeking with human resource development. However, attempts to combine the apparently contradictory concepts of ,client-centredness' and compulsion are likely to prove politically fragile, and both countries risk lurching towards an increasingly workfarist approach. [source] Transition metal complexes of a cyclic pseudo hexapeptide: synthesis, complex formation and catalytic activities,,JOURNAL OF PEPTIDE SCIENCE, Issue 9 2008Huong Ngyen Abstract To contribute to a better understanding of metalloenzymes, we studied ion selectivity, complex formation tendencies and catalytic activities of linear and cyclic pseudopeptides. In this contribution, a linear and cyclic pseudo hexapeptide is described. The complex with transition metal ions and the sequence were designed using the programme COSMOS. Different routes of solid-phase synthesis were performed and compared using anchoring by C -terminus or a His side chain, using preformed pseudodipeptide building units or formation of N -functionalized peptide bond during stepwise assembly. The different strategies were compared regarding cyclization tendency, yield and purity. Side-chain anchoring to solid support favours the cyclization but leads to the formation of difficult to separate dioxopiperazine. Both routes require preformed building units. Complex-formation tendencies and selectivity for certain bivalent transition metal ions were experimentally estimated and compared to ones predicted theoretically. CD measurements indicate conformational changes by complex formation with different metal ions. Catalytic activities on oxidation of catechol and hydrolysis of bis-phosphate esters by some metal complexes of linear and cyclic peptide show only low catalytic activities compared to other model peptides and related metalloenzymes. The preference of the cyclic peptide for complexation of Ni2+ corresponds well to the predictions of COSMOS-NMR force field calculations. Copyright © 2008 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Gradient nanowires and nanotubesPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (B) BASIC SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 10 2010S. Agarwal Abstract Different routes to prepare gradient nanowire and nanotubes are presented including the use of polymeric and metal nanoparticles. In the case of electrospinning, latex particles have been added to electrospinning solution. The properties of the fibres have been studied theoretically and experimentally. In the case of face-to-face-wetting of porous templates, solution as well as melt wetting for different polymeric composition from both sides of the template is carried out. It turned out that solution wetting leads to an intermixing of the compounds whereas as melt wetting leads to sharp compositional interfaces. The method has been extended to include plasmonic and magnetic nanoparticles for nanophotonic applications. [source] Synthesis of novel 2-aminoimidazo[4,5- b]pyridines, including the thieno analogue of the cooked-food mutagen IFPJOURNAL OF HETEROCYCLIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 1 2006Malin Björk Eight new compounds, including three new ring systems obtained via the Friedländer condensation of ortho -aminothiophenecarbaldehydes 11, 21 and 24 with creatinine (8), are reported. The condensation afforded 1, which is the thieno analogue of the cooked-food mutagen IFP (2-amino-1,6-dimethylfuro[2,3- e]imidazo[4,5- b]pyridine), and the benzothieno[2,3- e]- and benzothieno[3,2- e]imidazo[4,5- b]pyridines 2 and 3. Attempts to condense 11 with isocreatinine (12) were unsuccesful. Desulfurization of 3 gave the known cooked-food carcinogen PhIP. The 2-nitro (4) and 2-hydroxy (5) derivatives of 3 are reported. The related 2-amino-1-methyl-imidazo[4,5- b]benzothiophene (25) was synthesized by a different route. Fully assigned 1H and 13C nmr data of all new compounds are reported. [source] THE EFFECTS OF FISCAL SHOCKS ON CONSUMPTION: RECONCILING THEORY AND DATA,THE MANCHESTER SCHOOL, Issue 2 2007GIOVANNI GANELLI Recent research has stressed the inconsistency between empirical evidence and the theoretical prediction of both the standard real business cycle and the New Keynesian models regarding the impact of fiscal shocks on consumption. Some authors have attempted to bridge this gap by relying on assumptions about the effects of government spending on preferences and production, or on deviations from the intertemporal optimizing framework. In this paper we follow a different route. We show that introducing at the same time imperfect competition, sticky prices and deviations from Ricardian equivalence through an overlapping generations model helps to solve the inconsistency between theory and data. Our paper can also be seen in the light of the classic controversy between Keynesians and monetarists on the effectiveness of fiscal policy. From this angle, our model can be considered a reincarnation of the classic work of Blinder and Solow (Journal of Public Economics, Vol. 2 (1973), pp. 319,337). [source] Systemic toxicity of tacrolimus given by various routes and the response to dose reductionCLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, Issue 1 2005Laboratory Science Abstract Purpose:,To evaluate the long-term systemic toxicity of tacrolimus (FK-506) administered by various routes, and to assess the effect of dose reduction on toxicity. Methods:,The study animals were 120 experimentally naļve adult female Wistar rats weighing 200,250 g each. The rats were randomly divided into 10 equal groups (n = 12 in each) and treated with tacrolimus administered topically (in drops, 0.3%, q.i.d.), intravitreally (0.5 mg/kg bodyweight/week), intramuscularly (1 mg/kg bodyweight/week), low-dose intravenously (1 mg/kg bodyweight/week) and in high-dose intravenously (2 mg/kg bodyweight/week) for 3 months. The rats in the control groups (one for each different route of administration) were treated with 0.9% NaCl. The blood concentration of tacrolimus, complete blood count and biochemistry parameters were measured each month for the 3-month study period. Results:,The rats in the control groups and experimental groups administered topical and intravitreal tacrolimus did not demonstrate any systemic toxic effects. The rats that developed certain toxic effects (hyperglycaemia, hyperkalaemia and nephrotoxicity) in the groups given low-dose or high-dose i.v. tacrolimus responded well to dose reduction. Following dose reduction, blood glucose concentrations decreased from 247.4 ± 42.3 mg/dL to 189.6 ± 37.9 mg/dL (P < 0.05), and from 237.4 ± 41.1 mg/dL to 182.3 ± 22.7 mg/dL (P < 0.05) in the low- and high-dose i.v. tacrolimus-treated rats, respectively. The rats that developed impaired hepatic function after high-dose tacrolimus did not respond to dose reduction. Baseline cholesterol concentrations for the intramuscular and low- and high-dose i.v. tacrolimus-treated groups, demonstrated decreases, respectively, from 87.4 ± 14.0 mg/dL, 86.4 ± 14.0 mg/dL and 90.4 ± 14.3 mg/dL to 53.6 ± 9.8 mg/dL, 52.1 ± 12.5 mg/dL and 63.5 ± 11.7 mg/dL by the end of the second month. The differences were found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05 for each result). Conclusion:,Topical or intravitreal administration of tacrolimus seems to be systemically safe whereas parenteral administration can cause some systemic haematological changes such as dose-dependent decreased serum cholesterol concentrations. Dose reduction may prevent such adverse effects. [source] Influence of the preparation route on the optical properties of dosimetric phosphors based on rare-earth doped polycrystalline strontium boratesCRYSTAL RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 10 2004A. Lavat Abstract Most of commercial dosimetric phosphors consist of suitably doped polycrystalline compounds. Whereas the activation issue has been usually addressed, less attention has been paid to the influence of host preparation in the final perfomance of the products. In this paper different routes have been followed to synthesise phosphors based on rare-earth doped strontium borates. The structural and optical properties of the materials have been given special consideration. Finally, thermoluminescence glow curves have been recorded in order to assess which of the preparation routes yields the most efficient compound. (© 2004 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] The prevalence of methamphetamine and amphetamine abuse in North America: a review of the indicators, 1992,2007DRUG AND ALCOHOL REVIEW, Issue 3 2008JANE CARLISLE MAXWELL PhD Senior Research Scientist Abstract Introduction. This paper reviews epidemiological information about methamphetamine production and use in North America. Methods. Information is drawn from a range of sources, including, but not limited to, historical accounts, peer-reviewed papers, population surveys and large national databases. Results. Methamphetamine and amphetamine use in North America is characterised by geographic variations, with different types of the drug, different routes of administration and different types of users at various times. Unlike some other drug use patterns in North America, the nature of methamphetamine use in Canada, Mexico and the United States has been linked closely in terms of production and supply of the drug. According to their national household surveys, the annual prevalence for ,speed' use in Canada was 0.8% in 2004, 0.3% for ,anfetaminas' and 0.1% for ,metanfetaminas' in Mexico in 2002, and 1.4% for ,stimulants' in the United States in 2006. Discussion. Although the data sources in the three North American countries are not consistent in methodology, terminology or frequency of reporting, all show similar trends. The type of stimulant most used has shifted from non-medical use of pharmaceutical amphetamine to use of powder methamphetamine and then to use of ,ice'. The indicators show the problem is greatest in the western parts of the countries and is moving eastward, but the decreased availability of pseudoephedrine may have a significant impact on the nature of the epidemic in the future. Nevertheless, use of methamphetamine poses a number of risks for users and specialised treatment resources for these various populations are needed. [source] Organizational Challenges and Strategic Responses of Retail TNCs in Post-WTO-Entry ChinaECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY, Issue 1 2009Wance Tacconelli abstract In the context of a market characterized by the enduring legacy of socialism through governmental ownership of retail businesses, the continued presence of domestic retailers, and increasing levels of competition, this article examines the organizational challenges faced by, and the strategic responses adopted by, a group of leading food and general merchandise retail transnational corporations (TNCs) in developing networks of stores in the post-WTO-entry Chinese market. On the basis of extensive interview-based fieldwork conducted in China from 2006 to 2008, the article details the attempts of these retail TNCs to embed their operations in Chinese logistics and supply networks, real estate markets, and consumer cultures,three dimensions that are fundamental to the achievement of market competitiveness by the retail TNCs. The article illustrates how this process of territorial embeddedness presents major challenges for the retail TNCs and how their strategic responses vary substantially, indicating different routes to the achievement of organizational legitimacy in China. The article concludes by offering an analysis of the various strategic responses of the retail TNCs and by suggesting some future research propositions on the globalization of the retail industry. [source] Chronic copper toxicity in the estuarine copepod Acartia tonsa at different salinitiesENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 10 2010Mariana M. Lauer Abstract Chronic Cu toxicity was evaluated in the euryhaline copepod Acartia tonsa. Male and female copepods were exposed (6 d) separately to different combinations of Cu concentration and water salinity (5, 15, and 30 ppt) using different routes of exposure (waterborne, waterborne plus dietborne, and dietborne). After exposure, groups of one male and three female copepods were allowed to reproduce for 24,h. In control copepods, egg production augmented with increasing water salinity. However, egg hatching rate did not change. Copper exposure reduced egg production and hatching rate in all water salinities tested, but the reproductive response was dependent on the route of Cu exposure. Median effective concentration (EC50) values for egg production after waterborne exposure were 9.9, 36.8, and 48.8,µg/L dissolved Cu at water salinities of 5, 15, and 30 ppt, respectively. For waterborne plus dietborne exposure, they were significantly higher (40.1, 63.7, and 109.9,µg /L, respectively). After dietborne exposure, approximately 40% decrease in egg production was observed, independently of Cu concentration and water salinity tested. At water salinities of 5 and 30 ppt, egg hatching rate reduced after waterborne exposure, together or not with the dietborne exposure. At water salinity of 15 ppt, Cu toxicity was only observed after dietborne exposure. Data indicate that egg production is a more reliable reproductive endpoint to measure chronic Cu toxicity in copepods than egg hatching rate in a wide range of water salinities. They also suggest that both water salinity and route of Cu exposure should be taken into account in the development of a chronic biotic ligand model version for estuarine and marine environments. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:2297,2303. © 2010 SETAC [source] Synthesis and Characterization of Heterotrinuclear Complexes of Nickel and Palladium with Pyridinecarboxylate as Bridging LigandsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 15 2005José Ruiz Abstract Heterotrinuclear pyridinecarboxylate complexes of nickel(II) and palladium(II) of the types [Ni(mcN3)(pyridinecarboxylate)]2{,-[Pd(C6F5)2]}(PF6)2 [mcN3 = 2,4,4-trimethyl-1,5,9-triazacyclododec-1-ene (Me3 -mcN3) or 2,4,4,9-tetramethyl-1,5,9-triazacyclododec-1-ene (Me4 -mcN3)] have been prepared by two different routes. The corresponding monomeric pyridinecarboxylate complexes of nickel and the monomeric pyridinecarboxylic acid/ester complexes of palladium have also been prepared. The crystal structures of two precursors [Ni(Me4 -mcN3)(NC5H4 -3-COO)]PF6 and cis -[Pd(C6F5)2(NC5H4 -4-CH2COOCH3)2] have been established by X-ray diffraction. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005) [source] Optimization of the Magnetic Properties of FePd Alloys by Severe Plastic Deformation,ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 8 2010Abdelahad Chbihi Abstract A FePd alloy was nanostructured by severe plastic deformation following two different routes: ordered and disordered states were processed by high pressure torsion (HPT). A grain size in a range of 50 to 150,nm is obtained in both cases. Severe plastic deformation induces some significant disordering of the long range ordered L10 phase. However, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) data clearly show that few ordered nanocrystals remain in the deformed state. The deformed materials were annealed to achieve nanostructured long range ordered alloys. The transformation proceeds via a first order transition characterized by the nucleation of numerous ordered domains along grain boundaries. The influence of the annealing conditions (temperature and time) on the coercivity was studied for both routes. It is demonstrated that starting with the disorder state prior to HPT and annealing at low temperature (400,°C) leads to the highest coercivity (about 1.8,kOe). [source] Recombinant human interferon beta in relapsing,remitting multiple sclerosis: a review of the major clinical trialsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 4 2000M. Chofflon The beneficial effects of interferon beta (IFN-,) on disease activity in relapsing,remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) have been confirmed in several clinical trials. Three IFN-, products are currently available and licensed for use in RRMS at different dosages and with different routes of administration. For the prescribing physician, therefore, questions remain about the effect these differences may have on the success of therapy. This paper reviews the four large placebo-controlled clinical trials that have been conducted with IFN-, in patients with RRMS. The evidence available indicates that optimal results are likely to be achieved with the highest tolerable dosage of IFN-,. Furthermore, as inflammatory brain lesions in MS have been shown to exhibit more extensive and early axonal damage than previously suspected, early treatment may be advisable in order to delay disease progression in RRMS. [source] Route of Administration Differentially Affects Fevers Induced by Gram-Negative and Gram-Positive Pyrogens in RabbitsEXPERIMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 3 2002T. Cartmell We have investigated the febrile responses of New Zealand White rabbits to a Gram-negative pyrogen (bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Salmonella typhosa), commonly associated with systemic infection, and a Gram-positive pyrogen (Staphylococcus aureus), more frequently associated with superficial soft tissue infection, each administered via one of four different routes (intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous or intraperitoneal) at each of three different doses (LPS: 0.1, 1 and 10 ,g kg,1; S. aureus: 1.5 × 107, 1.5 × 108 and 1.5 × 109 cell walls kg,1). Intravenous administration of LPS evoked rapid, dose-dependent biphasic fever. Injection of LPS by the other routes also evoked dose-dependent fever. However, these fevers were monophasic, had increased latency of onset, and were of lower amplitude. It is important to note that a dose of approximately 10 and 100 times that of the standard intravenous dose was required to produce a similar peak rise in temperature when administered subcutaneously and intraperitoneally, respectively. Intravenous injection of the highest dose of S. aureus evoked dose-dependent biphasic fever, with short latency of onset, which was very similar to that induced by intravenous LPS. At lower doses, intravenous S. aureus induced monophasic fever. No fever occurred when the same doses of S. aureus were administered by any other route. We conclude that any of the four routes may be used for the study of LPS-induced fever, provided that the doses are adjusted. However, studies of S. aureus -induced fever, and detection of contamination with either pyrogen, requires intravenous injection. [source] Theoretical study of lipid biosynthesis in wild-type Escherichia coli and in a protoplast-type L-form using elementary flux mode analysisFEBS JOURNAL, Issue 4 2010Dimitar Kenanov In the present study, we investigated lipid biosynthesis in the bacterium Escherichia coli by mathematical modeling. In particular, we studied the interaction between the subsystems producing unsaturated and saturated fatty acids, phospholipids, lipid A, and cardiolipin. The present analysis was carried out both for the wild-type and for several in silico knockout mutants, using the concept of elementary flux modes. Our results confirm that, in the wild type, there are four main products: L1-phosphatidylethanolamine, lipid A, lipid A (cold-adapted), and cardiolipin. We found that each of these compounds is produced on several different routes, indicating a high redundancy of the system under study. By analysis of the elementary flux modes remaining after the knockout of genes of lipid biosynthesis, and comparison with publicly available data on single-gene knockouts in vivo, we were able to determine the metabolites essential for the survival of the cell. Furthermore, we analyzed a set of mutations that occur in a cell wall-free mutant of Escherichia coli W1655F+. We postulate that the mutant is not capable of producing both forms of lipid A, when the combination of mutations is considered to make a nonfunctional pathway. This is in contrast to gene essentiality data showing that lipid A synthesis is indispensable for the survival of the cell. The loss of the outer membrane in the cell wall-free mutant, however, shows that lipid A is dispensable as the main component of the outer surface structure in this particular E. coli strain. [source] Working Time, Gender and Family: An East-West European ComparisonGENDER, WORK & ORGANISATION, Issue 6 2005Ning Tang This article provides a comparison of three West European countries with five Central East European countries in respect of working time and the integration of work and family life. The countries are the Netherlands, Sweden and the UK in West Europe and Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and Slovenia in Central East Europe. As well as providing an East,West comparison, the article also takes into account the differing institutional and policy contexts in the selected countries and the different routes to flexibility. A further aim of the article is to extend our understanding of the culture and values which underpin the organization of family and work in each country. Whilst there is a clear East,West divide, all eight countries demonstrate diverse routes to flexibility and different mixes of social policies and gender cultures which have lead to considerable differences in the integration of work and family life. [source] Corticosterone shifts different forms of synaptic potentiation in opposite directionsHIPPOCAMPUS, Issue 6 2005Harm J. Krugers Abstract Calcium entering the cell via different routes, e.g.,N -methyl- D -aspartate (NMDA) receptors or voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCCs), plays a pivotal role in hippocampal synaptic potentiation. Since corticosteroid hormones have been reported to enhance calcium influx through VDCCs, one may predict that these hormones facilitate hippocampal synaptic efficacy. Surprisingly, though, stress and corticosteroids have so far been found to reduce synaptic potentiation. Here, we addressed this apparent paradox and examined synaptic potentiation in the CA1 area of hippocampal slices from mice with low basal corticosterone levels 1,4 h after a brief in vitro administration of corticosterone. Nifedipine and APV were used to isolate NMDA receptor-mediated and VDCC-mediated long-term potentiations (LTPs), respectively. We report that corticosterone facilitates synaptic potentiation that depends on activation of VDCCs while impairing synaptic plasticity that is mediated by NMDA receptor activation. The glucocorticoid-receptor (GR) antagonist RU 38486 blocked both the effects of corticosterone. These results indicate that the net effect of corticosteroid hormones on synaptic plasticity is determined by the balance between different types of potentiation, a balance that may be region specific and depends on the experimental conditions. We speculate that these opposite effects on synaptic efficacy are involved in the bidirectional modulation of cognitive performance by corticosteroid hormones. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Tuning the Amphiphilicity of Building Blocks: Controlled Self-Assembly and Disassembly for Functional Supramolecular Materials,ADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 28 2009Yapei Wang Abstract Amphiphilicity is one of the molecular bases for self-assembly. By tuning the amphiphilicity of building blocks, controllable self-assembly can be realized. This article reviews different routes for tuning amphiphilicity and discusses different possibilities for self-assembly and disassembly in a controlled manner. In general, this includes irreversible and reversible routes. The irreversible routes concern irreversible reactions taking place on the building blocks and changing their molecular amphiphilicity. The building blocks are then able to self-assemble to form different supramolecular structures, but cannot remain stable upon loss of amphiphilicity. Compared to the irreversible routes, the reversible routes are more attractive due to the good control over the assembly and disassembly of the supramolecular structure formed via tuning of the amphiphilicity. These routes involve reversible chemical reactions and supramolecular approaches, and different external stimuli can be used to trigger reversible changes of amphiphilicity, including light, redox, pH, and enzymes. It is anticipated that this line of research can lead to the fabrication of new functional supramolecular assemblies and materials. [source] Water-Based Method for Processing Aluminum Oxynitride (AlON)INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF APPLIED CERAMIC TECHNOLOGY, Issue 6 2008Lior Miller A water-based method for producing aluminum oxynitride (AlON) green bodies with a relatively high density is described. While alcohol is usually the medium for ball milling, this approach utilizes water to form a rigid network of aluminum hydroxide in Al2O3,AlN preforms. Al2O3,AlN preforms were prepared by four different routes based either on alcohol or water-based slips, and underwent identical sintering procedures. Samples prepared using the water-based method and pressure filtration reached a green density of 67%, compared with 52% and 47% for samples prepared from alcohol-based slips and formed using pressure filtration and dry pressing, respectively. [source] The anatomy of language: contributions from functional neuroimagingJOURNAL OF ANATOMY, Issue 3 2000CATHY J. PRICE This article illustrates how functional neuroimaging can be used to test the validity of neurological and cognitive models of language. Three models of language are described: the 19th Century neurological model which describes both the anatomy and cognitive components of auditory and visual word processing, and 2 20th Century cognitive models that are not constrained by anatomy but emphasise 2 different routes to reading that are not present in the neurological model. A series of functional imaging studies are then presented which show that, as predicted by the 19th Century neurologists, auditory and visual word repetition engage the left posterior superior temporal and posterior inferior frontal cortices. More specifically, the roles Wernicke and Broca assigned to these regions lie respectively in the posterior superior temporal sulcus and the anterior insula. In addition, a region in the left posterior inferior temporal cortex is activated for word retrieval, thereby providing a second route to reading, as predicted by the 20th Century cognitive models. This region and its function may have been missed by the 19th Century neurologists because selective damage is rare. The angular gyrus, previously linked to the visual word form system, is shown to be part of a distributed semantic system that can be accessed by objects and faces as well as speech. Other components of the semantic system include several regions in the inferior and middle temporal lobes. From these functional imaging results, a new anatomically constrained model of word processing is proposed which reconciles the anatomical ambitions of the 19th Century neurologists and the cognitive finesse of the 20th Century cognitive models. The review focuses on single word processing and does not attempt to discuss how words are combined to generate sentences or how several languages are learned and interchanged. Progress in unravelling these and other related issues will depend on the integration of behavioural, computational and neurophysiological approaches, including neuroimaging. [source] Helping the Less Fortunate: A Predictive Model of Collective ActionJOURNAL OF APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 8 2005Ann M. Beaton A model of factors that lead members of an advantaged group to perform collective action intended to help a disadvantaged out-group is tested. A distinction is made between easy and demanding collective activities. Two different routes are expected to lead to collective action. First, an indirect link is proposed between a common in-group identity and collective action. This link is believed to be mediated by perceived mobilization resources. Second, the link between relative deprivation on behalf of others (RDBO) and collective action will vary according to the type of behavior considered. While, RDBO is expected to be directly associated with easy collective behavior, the link between RDBO and demanding collective activities is mediated through perceived mobilization resources. In turn, perceived resources are linked to both forms of collective behaviors. The predicted model is tested among 273 undergraduate respondents. Findings point to the relevance of all factors considered and the pivotal role of perceived mobilization resources on collective action. [source] Itraconazole oral solution and intravenous formulations: a review of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamicsJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 3 2001L. Willems Itraconazole is a triazole antifungal agent with a broad spectrum of activity. It is well tolerated and highly efficacious, particularly because its main metabolite, hydroxy-itraconazole, also has considerable antifungal activity. Two new formulations of itraconazole, an oral solution and an intravenous formulation, have recently been developed, which combine lipophilic itraconazole with cyclodextrin. These formulations have improved the solubility of itraconazole, leading to enhanced absorption and bioavailability compared with the original capsule formulation, without having an impact on the tolerability profile of itraconazole. The oral solution and intravenous formulations of itraconazole produce consistent plasma concentrations and are ideal for the treatment of systemic fungal infections in a wide range of patient populations. The additional flexibility offered by the different routes of administration means that itraconazole treatment can be specifically tailored for use in all patients, including children and those requiring intensive care. [source] Protein purification using chromatography: selection of type, modelling and optimization of operating conditionsJOURNAL OF MOLECULAR RECOGNITION, Issue 2 2009J. A. Asenjo Abstract To achieve a high level of purity in the purification of recombinant proteins for therapeutic or analytical application, it is necessary to use several chromatographic steps. There is a range of techniques available including anion and cation exchange, which can be carried out at different pHs, hydrophobic interaction chromatography, gel filtration and affinity chromatography. In the case of a complex mixture of partially unknown proteins or a clarified cell extract, there are many different routes one can take in order to choose the minimum and most efficient number of purification steps to achieve a desired level of purity (e.g. 98%, 99.5% or 99.9%). This review shows how an initial 'proteomic' characterization of the complex mixture of target protein and protein contaminants can be used to select the most efficient chromatographic separation steps in order to achieve a specific level of purity with a minimum number of steps. The chosen methodology was implemented in a computer- based Expert System. Two algorithms were developed, the first algorithm was used to select the most efficient purification method to separate a protein from its contaminants based on the physicochemical properties of the protein product and the protein contaminants and the second algorithm was used to predict the number and concentration of contaminants after each separation as well as protein product purity. The application of the Expert System approach was experimentally tested and validated with a mixture of four proteins and the experimental validation was also carried out with a supernatant of Bacillus subtilis producing a recombinant , -1,3-glucanase. Once the type of chromatography is chosen, optimization of the operating conditions is essential. Chromatographic elution curves for a three-protein mixture (, -lactoalbumin, ovalbumin and , -lactoglobulin), carried out under different flow rates and ionic strength conditions, were simulated using two different mathematical models. These models were the Plate Model and the more fundamentally based Rate Model. Simulated elution curves were compared with experimental data not used for parameter identification. Deviation between experimental data and the simulated curves using the Plate Model was less than 0.0189 (absorbance units); a slightly higher deviation [0.0252 (absorbance units)] was obtained when the Rate Model was used. In order to optimize operating conditions, a cost function was built that included the effect of the different production stages, namely fermentation, purification and concentration. This cost function was also successfully used for the determination of the fraction of product to be collected (peak cutting) in chromatography. It can be used for protein products with different characteristics and qualities, such as purity and yield, by choosing the appropriate parameters. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Daily Rhythms in Glucose Metabolism: Suprachiasmatic Nucleus Output to Peripheral TissueJOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 3 2003S. E. La Fleur Abstract The body has developed several control mechanisms to maintain plasma glucose concentrations within strict boundaries. Within those physiological boundaries, a clear daily rhythm in plasma glucose concentrations is present; this rhythm depends on the biological clock, which is located in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), and is independent of the daily rhythm in food intake. Interestingly, there is also a daily rhythm in glucose uptake, which also depends on the SCN and follows the same pattern as the daily rhythm in plasma glucose concentrations; both rise before the onset of activity. Thus, the SCN prepares the individual for the upcoming activity period in two different ways: by increasing plasma glucose concentrations and by facilitating tissue glucose uptake. In addition to this anticipation of glucose metabolism to expected glucose demands, the SCN also influences, depending on the time of the day, the responses of pancreas and liver to abrupt glucose changes (such as a glucose rise after a meal or hypoglycaemia). This review presents the view that the SCN uses different routes to (i) maintain daily glucose balance and (ii) set the level of the endocrine response to abrupt blood glucose changes. [source] Interferon-, therapy: Evaluation of routes of administration and delivery systemsJOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, Issue 1 2002Husam M. Younes Abstract Although different routes and delivery systems have been used to deliver interferon-, (IFN-,) for the treatment of a variety of viral and neoplastic diseases, little has been reported regarding the most efficient and least toxic routes and drug delivery modes required to achieve these goals. To have a greater understanding of the best strategies to use to administer this cytokine in an efficient, stable, and safe manner, this review details aspects of IFN-, concerning its mechanism of action, physical properties, and pharmacokinetics. One important conclusion that is drawn from this analysis is that a consistent, local concentration of IFN-, is necessary to achieve an optimal therapeutic response. A critical discussion covering the advantages and limitations of the currently used methodologies to deliver IFN-, in such a fashion is presented. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmaceutical Association J Pharm Sci 91:2,17, 2002 [source] Effects of Dry Grinding on the Structural Changes of Kaolinite PowdersJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Issue 7 2000Pedro J. Sįnchez-Soto The present study examined the effects of dry grinding, using ball-milling, on the structure of reference well-crystallized (KGa-1) and poorly crystallized (KGa-2) kaolinite powders from Georgia. Grinding produced a strong structural alteration, mainly along the c axis, resulting in disorder and total degradation of the crystal structure of the kaolinite and the formation of an amorphous product. The surface area increased with grinding time, mainly in KGa-2 (maximum value 50.27 m2/g), a result associated with particle-size reduction. These particles became more agglomerated with grinding, and the surface area decreased after 30 min, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and particle-size-distribution analysis. There was a limit to particle-size reduction with grinding time. When grinding time was increased, the original endothermic differential thermal analysis (DTA) effects of dehydroxylation in both samples shifted to lower temperatures, decreased in intensity, then disappeared completely after 120 min of grinding. The temperature of the characteristic first exothermic effect shifted slightly to lower temperatures with grinding, although the DTA effects did not increase with grinding time in either kaolinite sample, at least up to 325 min. The amorphous, mechanically activated kaolinite converted into low-crystalline mullite nuclei at a lower temperature than did the unground samples, as deduced by thermal and X-ray observations. This effect was especially important for the KGa-2 sample. Grinding did not seem to influence the formation of silicon-aluminum spinel from kaolinite. The present results may explain why ground kaolinite samples prepared via different routes,e.g., with differences in grinding,behave differently during high-temperature transformations, as reported in the related literature. [source] Lactic Acid-Based Functionalized Polymers via Copolymerization and Chemical ModificationMACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE, Issue 3 2004Benjamin Saulnier Abstract Summary: Poly(lactic acid) polymers (PLA) are presently the most attractive compounds in the field of artificial degradable and biodegradable polymers. In order to enlarge the family, and thus the range of accessible properties, stereocopolymers and copolymers with various co-monomers have been synthesized. However, very few are functionalized, i.e. include functional groups attached to the main chains or as part of the side chains. In the search for degradable PLA-type polymers bearing functional groups to serve as intermediates for further chemical modifications, we are exploring two different routes. The first one is copolymerization with a protected hydroxyl-bearing lactide-type monomer, namely 3-(1,2,3,4-tetraoxobutyldiisopropylidene)dioxane-2,5-dione. The second route consists of the formation of a carbanionic site in the , -position to intrachain carbonyl functions by using lithium N,N -diisopropylamide followed by the coupling of electrophiles. Recent advances in this search are presented using several examples. In particular, it is shown that OH-functionalized PLA-type macromolecules can be made fluorescent by chemical coupling. It is also shown that substituents can be attached to PLA-type macromolecules in solution or to the surface of PLA-based devices selectively. Example of chemical modifications of hydroxyl-bearing PLA-type polymers derived from gluconic and glycolic acids (via gluconolactone) and lactic acid (via lactide). [source] APA national audit of pediatric opioid infusionsPEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 2 2010FFPMRCA, FRCPCH, NEIL S. MORTON MD Summary Introduction:, A prospective audit of neonates, infants, and children receiving opioid infusion techniques managed by pediatric acute pain teams from across the United Kingdom and Eire was undertaken over a period of 17 months. The aim was to determine the incidence, nature, and severity of serious clinical incidents (SCIs) associated with the techniques of continuous opioid infusion, patient-controlled analgesia, and nurse-controlled analgesia in patients aged 0,18. Methods:, The audit was funded by the Association of Paediatric Anaesthetists (APA) and performed by the acute pain services of 18 centers throughout the United Kingdom. Data were submitted weekly via a web-based return form designed by the Document Capture Company that documented data on all patients receiving opioid infusions and any SCIs. Eight categories of SCI were identified in advance, and the reported SCIs were graded in terms of severity (Grade 1 (death/permanent harm); Grade 2 (harm but full recovery and resulting in termination of the technique or needing significant intervention); Grade 3 (potential but no actual harm). Data were collected over a period of 17 months (25/06/07-25/11/08) and stored on a secure server for analysis. Results:, Forty-six SCIs were reported in 10 726 opioid infusion techniques. One Grade 1 incident (1 : 10 726) of cardiac arrest occurred and was associated with aspiration pneumonitis and the underlying neurological condition, neurocutaneous melanosis. Twenty-eight Grade 2 incidents (1 : 383) were reported of which half were respiratory depression. The seventeen Grade 3 incidents (1 : 631) were all drug errors because of programming or prescribing errors and were all reported by one center. Conclusions:, The overall incidence of 1 : 10 000 of serious harm with opioid infusion techniques in children is comparable to the risks with pediatric epidural infusions and central blocks identified by two recent UK national audits (1,2). Avoidable factors were identified including prescription and pump programming errors, use of concurrent sedatives or opioids by different routes and overgenerous dosing in infants. Early respiratory depression in patients with specific risk factors, such as young age, neurodevelopmental, respiratory, or cardiac comorbidities, who are receiving nurse-controlled analgesia or continuous opioid infusion suggests that closer monitoring for at least 2 h is needed for these cases. As a result of this audit, we can provide parents with better information on relative risks to help the process of informed consent. [source] Parental opinions regarding the route of administration of analgesic medication in childrenPEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 5 2000N. Seth FRCA Parents were asked about the acceptability of different routes of administration of analgesia for their children. Their opinions were also sought regarding the need for consent and of the sources and quality of information provided to them perioperatively. Questionnaires before and after surgery were administered to 150 consecutively recruited parents. The majority (58%) of parents considered the rectal route to be the most unpleasant way of giving medication, compared to 19% for intramuscular and 11% and 9% for intravenous and oral, respectively. Over 70% thought additional consent, either verbal or written, is not necessary for administering medication by any route. The best information was received verbally in the opinion of 90%. Contrary to expectations, the rectal route was the most unpopular of all in this study. Parents' limited knowledge and experience may be important determining factors. Despite their negative opinions, parents did not consider separate consent necessary for the rectal or any other route. [source] Nonadiabatic electron,phonon effects in low carrier density superconductorsPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (B) BASIC SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 1 2005E. Cappelluti Abstract Different families of unconventional superconductors present a low charge carrier density as a common trait, suggesting that the low charge density can be at the basis of a unifying picture for different superconductors. In the past years we have suggested that the electron,phonon interaction can be responsible for a high- Tc superconducting pairing in a nonadiabatic regime, where nonadiabatic effects are triggered on by the small electronic Fermi energy associated with the low charge density character. A coherent picture of such a framework requires however reconciling the low charge density and the small Fermi energy with a finite metallic character (sizable density of states and large Fermi surfaces). In this paper we investigate the peculiar conditions which are needed to be encountered in order to fulfill these requirements. We discuss the specific case of fullerenes, cuprates and MgB2 alloys by analyzing their specific structural and electronic properties The comparison between these materials and simple instructive models permits to underline the different routes to reconcile these characteristics in different compounds. In cuprates and fullerenes the interplay between small Fermi energies and large Fermi surface is strictly connected with strong electronic correlation effects. A comprehensive understanding of these issues can be useful to the future search for new nonadiabatic high- Tc materials. (© 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||