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Factors
Kinds of Factors Terms modified by Factors Selected AbstractsIS AGE A RISK FACTOR FOR WARFARIN-RELATED MAJOR BLEEDS IN ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH ATRIAL FIBRILLATION?JOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 7 2006Huai Yong Cheng MD No abstract is available for this article. [source] FLOW PROPERTIES AND TUBE FRICTION FACTOR OF MILK CREAM: INFLUENCE OF TEMPERATURE AND FAT CONTENTJOURNAL OF FOOD PROCESS ENGINEERING, Issue 5 2010RODRIGO DIAZ FLAUZINO ABSTRACT The rheological behavior of milk cream was studied for different fat contents (0.10 to 0.31) and for a wide temperature range (2 and 87C) using a rotational rheometer. Newtonian behavior was observed, except for fat content between 0.20 and 0.31 and temperature between 2 and 33C, where viscoplastic behavior was remarkable. The rheological parameters (Newtonian viscosity, plastic viscosity and yield stress) and density were well correlated to temperature and fat content. Tube friction factor during flow of cream was experimentally obtained at various flow rates, temperatures and tube diameters (86 , Re , 2.3 × 104, 38 , ReB , 8.8 × 103, 1.1 × 103 , He , 6.7 × 103). The proposed correlations for density and rheological parameters were applied for the prediction of friction factor for laminar and turbulent flow of cream using well-known equations for Newtonian and viscoplastic flow. The good agreement between experimental and predicted values confirms the reliability of the proposed correlations for describing the flow behavior of cream. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS This paper presents correlations for the calculation of density and rheological parameters (Newtonian viscosity, Bingham plastic viscosity and yield stress) of milk cream as functions of temperature (2,87C) and fat content (0.10,0.31). Because of the large temperature range, the proposed correlations are useful for process design and optimization in dairy processing. An example of practical application is presented in the text, where the correlations were applied for the prediction of friction factor for laminar and turbulent tube flow of cream using well-known equations for Newtonian and viscoplastic flow, which are summarized in the text. The comparison with experimental data obtained at various flow rates, temperatures and tube diameters showed a good agreement, which confirms the reliability of the proposed correlations. [source] A PHAGOTROPHICALLY DERIVABLE GROWTH FACTOR IN THE PLASTIDIC DINOFLAGELLATE GYRODINIUM RESPLENDENS (DINOPHYCEAE)JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY, Issue 6 2000Alf Skovgaard The marine dinoflagellate Gyrodinium resplendens Hulburt is a mixotroph. It possesses chloroplasts and is photosynthetic, and it also feeds phagotrophically on another dinoflagellate, Prorocentrum minimum (Pavillard) Schiller. The species could be cultivated only in food-replete cultures. When kept in cultures without food, cellular chl a content and photosynthetic activity of G. resplendens decreased and growth ceased after a few days. In food-replete cultures, G. resplendens could grow strictly heterotrophically in darkness, but growth rate was then three times lower than in food-replete cultures kept in light. It is suggested that the main importance of phagotrophy is to acquire a growth factor essential to photosynthetic growth. The addition of soil extract or amino acids to the growth medium induced enhanced photosynthetic growth of the species even without the presence of particulate food, but only for approximately 2 weeks. Long-term starvation of G. resplendens led to loss of the ability to feed, and therefore starved cells eventually reached a point of no return where neither photosynthesis nor phagotrophy could sustain further growth. Light microscopical observations on G. resplendens revealed new morphological and behavioral details of the species. [source] NERVE GROWTH FACTOR RESCUE OF CISPLATIN NEUROTOXICITY IS MEDIATED THROUGH THE HIGH AFFINITY RECEPTOR: STUDIES IN PC12 CELLS AND P75 NULL MOUSE DORSAL ROOT GANGLIAJOURNAL OF THE PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM, Issue 1 2002SJ Fischer Nerve growth factor (NGF) rescues dorsal root ganglion neurons and PC12 cells from cisplatin-induced cell death. Two model systems were used to demonstrate that rescue is mediated through the high affinity NGF receptor. In dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons isolated from p75(,/,) and control mice, 20 ng/ml NGF completely prevented cisplatin-induced death. In PC12 cells, we overexpressed receptor chimeras between the tumor necrosis factor and NGF receptors. We demonstrated that activation of the intracellular domain of Trk A is responsible for the NGF rescue effect. [source] TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR-,1 (TGF-,1) GENE EXPRESSION AND ACTIVATION IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF FIBROSIS IN PROTEINURIC RENAL DISEASE IN HUMANSNEPHROLOGY, Issue 1 2002Robyn Langham [source] ALBUMINURIA AS A CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTOR: CLUSTERING WITH CRP AND CLASSIC RISK FACTORS IN A REMOTE ABORIGINAL COMMUNITYNEPHROLOGY, Issue 1 2002McDonald Sp [source] INHIBITION OF TISSUE FACTOR EXPRESSED BY ISCHAEMIC CARDIOMYOCYTES REDUCES INFARCT SIZE AFTER MYOCARDIAL ISCHEMIA/REPERFUSION INJURYNEPHROLOGY, Issue 3 2000Erlich Jh [source] Yield assessment of integument-led seed growth following targeted repair of auxin response factor 2PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL, Issue 8 2008Rhiannon Hughes Summary It is becoming increasingly vital to improve the yield of seed crops to feed an expanding population and, more recently, for biofuel production. One strategy to increase the yield is to increase the seed size, provided that there is not a concomitant decrease in seed number. In a previous study, we described a mutant in the AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR 2 (ARF2) gene which produced extra cells in the seed coat and, subsequently, enlarged seeds. However, arf2 mutant plants also show severely reduced self-fertility caused, in part, by over-elongated sepals that prevent flower opening. As a low seed set increases individual seed size, a meaningful comparison of the yield in arf2 and wild-type plants could not be conducted. In this study, we show that targeted expression of wild-type ARF2 in the sepals and petals of arf2-9 mutant flowers restores flower opening and dramatically increases seed set. The restored plants retain both enlarged integuments and increased seed size, reinforcing previous evidence that arf2 mutations increase seed weight through their effect on integuments and not only via reduced fertility. We also show that the measurement of the harvest index in Arabidopsis is useful in assessing the impact of introduced traits on the yield. [source] The Arabidopsis gene SIGMA FACTOR-BINDING PROTEIN 1 plays a role in the salicylate- and jasmonate-mediated defence responsesPLANT CELL & ENVIRONMENT, Issue 5 2010Y.-D. XIE ABSTRACT The chloroplast-localized SIB1 protein was previously identified by its interaction with SIGMA FACTOR 1 (SIG1), a component of the RNA polymerase machinery responsible for transcription of plastid genes. The physiological function of SIB1 is little known. We found that expression of SIB1 is induced by infection with Pseudomonas syringae, suggesting its possible involvement in the defence response. The sib1 loss-of-function mutation compromises induction of some defence-related genes triggered by pathogen infection and the treatments with salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA), two key signalling molecules in the defence response. Conversely, constitutive over-expression of SIB1 causes the plants to hyper-activate defence-related genes following pathogen infection or the SA and JA treatments, leading to enhanced resistance to infection by P. syringae. SIB1 is a member of the large plant-specific VQ motif-containing protein family, and might act as a link to connect defence signalling with chloroplast function. [source] AN ANALYSIS OF MONETARY POLICY SHOCKS IN JAPAN: A FACTOR AUGMENTED VECTOR AUTOREGRESSIVE APPROACH,THE JAPANESE ECONOMIC REVIEW, Issue 4 2007MASAHIKO SHIBAMOTO This paper analyses monetary policy shocks in Japan using a factor augmented vector autoregressive approach. There are three main findings. First, the time lags with which the monetary policy shocks are transmitted vary between the various macroeconomic time series. These include several series that have not been included thus far in standard vector autoregressive analysis, including housing starts and employment indices. Second, a coherent picture of monetary policy effects on the economy is obtained. Third, it is found that monetary policy shocks have a stronger impact on real variables, such as employment and housing starts, than industrial production. [source] MEASURING INEQUALITY TRENDS IN COLONIAL AUSTRALIA USING FACTOR,PRICE RATIOS: THE IMPORTANCE OF BOUNDARIESAUSTRALIAN ECONOMIC HISTORY REVIEW, Issue 1 2007Martin P. Shanahan Australia; factor price; inequality; nineteenth century; globalisation Previous research on nineteenth century globalisation argues that during the second half of that century wage,rental ratios in labour scarce, land-abundant new world economies decreased. This suggests inequality rose in the new world. Australia has been cited as a conspicuous example of this trend. The paper re-examines this argument using disaggregated land and wage data for four Australian colonies. We reveal large regional differences in both factor,price levels and trends , something that has been overlooked when discussing Australian colonial inequality and we suggest that regional disparities in other nineteenth century economies are also likely to be important. [source] VARIATIONS OF THE INTERNAL PUDENDAL ARTERY AS A CONGENITAL CONTRIBUTING FACTOR TO AGE AT ONSET OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION IN JAPANESEBJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 2 2008No abstract is available for this article. [source] PODOCYTE INJURY IS SUPPRESSED BY 1,25-DIHYDROXYVITAMIN D3 VIA MODULATION OF TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR-,1/BONE MORPHOGENETIC PROTEIN-7 SIGNALLING IN PUROMYCIN AMINONUCLEOSIDE NEPHROPATHY RATSCLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 7 2009Hou-Qin Xiao SUMMARY 1Accumulating evidence suggests that vitamin D and its analogues are renoprotective. However, the precise mechanisms and the molecular targets by which active vitamin D exerts its beneficial effects remain obscure. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of active vitamin D on rats with puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN) nephropathy, a model that is characterized by predominant podocyte injury. 2The PAN nephropathy rats were created by a single intravenous injection of 100 mg/kg PAN. Changes in renal pathology and podocyte numbers were observed. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to examine mRNA expression of nephrin, transforming growth factor (TGF)-,1 and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-7. Protein expression of nephrin, TGF-,1, BMP-7 and p-Smad2/3 and p-Smad1/5/8 was examined by immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry and western blotting, respectively. Rats were treated with 1,25(OH)2D3 by gastric gavage at a dose of 2.5 µg/kg per day, starting 2 days before PAN injection and continuing throughout the experiment. 3A single injection of PAN induced massive proteinuria and elevated serum creatinine on Day 7, both of which were significantly suppressed by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3). Immunofluorescence and real-time PCR of the podocyte-associated protein nephrin revealed reduced and discontinuous staining and this change was reversed by 1,25(OH)2D3. In PAN nephropathy rats, TGF-,1 and p-Smad2/3 expression was upregulated, whereas that of BMP-7 and p-Smad1/5/8 was downregulated. Treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3 significantly restored BMP-7/Smad signalling while suppressing TGF-,1/Smad signalling. 4In conclusion, 1,25(OH)2D3 can ameliorate podocyte damage and proteinuria induced by PAN. The beneficial effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 on podocytes may be attributable, in part, to direct modulation of TGF-,1/BMP-7 signalling. [source] INHIBITION OF TOLL-LIKE RECEPTOR-4, NUCLEAR FACTOR-,B AND MITOGEN-ACTIVATED PROTEIN KINASE BY LIGNOCAINE MAY INVOLVE VOLTAGE-SENSITIVE SODIUM CHANNELSCLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 9 2008Ping-Ying Lee SUMMARY 1We have shown previously that lignocaine inhibits the upregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), a crucial factor that initiates the systemic inflammatory response during sepsis, possibly through voltage-sensitive sodium channels (VSSC). Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4), nuclear factor (NF)-,B and mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) participate in the upstream regulation of iNOS expression induced by endotoxin. In the present study, we investigated the effects of lignocaine in the regulation of the expression of these enzymes. The role of VSSC in the effects of lignocaine was also investigated. 2Confluent murine macrophages (RAW264.7 cells) were randomized to receive lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 100 ng/mL), LPS + lignocaine (50 µmol/L), LPS + tetrodotoxin (TTX; 1 µmol/L; a VSSC inhibitor), LPS + lignocaine + veratridine (Ver; 50 µmol/L; a VSSC activator) or LPS + TTX + Ver. After reacting with LPS for 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 min, cell cultures were harvested and enzyme expression was evaluated. 3We found that LPS significantly increased the concentrations of TLR-4, NF-,B and MAPKs, including extracellular regulated kinase (ERK), c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAPK, in activated macrophages. Lignocaine and TTX significantly attenuated the effects of LPS on TLR-4, NF-,B, ERK and p38 MAPK expression, but not on JNK. Veratridine mitigated the effects of lignocaine and TTX. 4These data demonstrate that lignocaine has significant inhibitory effects on the activation of TLR-4, NF-,B and MAPKs in activated macrophages. Moreover, these effects involve VSSC. [source] THE EPITHELIAL BRUSH BORDER Na+/H+ EXCHANGER NHE3 ASSOCIATES WITH THE ACTIN CYTOSKELETON BY BINDING TO EZRIN DIRECTLY AND VIA PDZ DOMAIN-CONTAINING Na+/H+ EXCHANGER REGULATORY FACTOR (NHERF) PROTEINSCLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 8 2008Boyoung Cha SUMMARY 1The Na+/H+ exchanger NHE3 associates with the actin cytoskeleton by binding ezrin both directly and indirectly. Both types of interaction are necessary for acute regulation of NHE3. Most acute regulation of NHE3 occurs by changes in trafficking via effects on exocytosis and/or endocytosis. However, NHE3 activity can also be regulated without changing the surface expression of NHE3 (change in turnover number). 2A positive amino acid cluster in the a-helical juxtamembrane region in the COOH-terminus of NHE3 (amino acids K516, R520 and R527) is necessary for binding to the protein 4.1, ezrin, radixin, moesin (FERM) domain III of ezrin. Direct binding of NHE3 to ezrin is necessary for many aspects of basal trafficking, including basal exocytosis, delivery from the synthetic pathway and movement of NHE3 in the brush border (BB), which probably contributes to endocytosis over a prolonged period of time. 3In addition, NHE3 binds indirectly to ezrin. The PDZ domain-containing proteins Na+/H+ exchanger regulatory factor (NHERF) 1 and NHERF2, as intermediates in linking NHE3 to ezrin, are necessary for many aspects of NHE3 regulation. The binding of NHERF,ezrin/radixin/moesin to NHE3 occurs in the cytosolic domain of NHE3 between amino acids 475 and 689. This NHERF binding is involved in the formation of the NHE3 complex and restricts NHE3 mobility in the BB. However, it is dynamic; for example, changing in some cases of signalling. Furthermore, NHERF binding is necessary for lysophosphatidic acid stimulation of NHE3 and inhibition of NHE3 by Ca2+, cAMP and cGMP. [source] IMPLICATIONS OF CROSS-TALK BETWEEN TUMOUR NECROSIS FACTOR AND INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR-1 SIGNALLING IN SKELETAL MUSCLECLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 7 2008Miranda D Grounds SUMMARY 1Inflammation, particularly the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor (TNF), increases necrosis of skeletal muscle. Depletion of inflammatory cells, such as neutrophils, cromolyn blockade of mast cell degranulation or pharmacological blockade of TNF reduces necrosis of dystrophic myofibres in the mdx mouse model of the lethal childhood disease Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). 2Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is a very important cytokine for maintenance of skeletal muscle mass and the transgenic overexpression of IGF-1 within muscle cells reduces necrosis of dystrophic myofibres in mdx mice. Thus, IGF-1 usually has the opposite effect to TNF. 3Activation of TNF signalling via the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) can inhibit IGF-1 signalling by phosphorylation and conformational changes in insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 downstream of the IGF-1 receptor. Such silencing of IGF-1 signalling in situations where inflammatory cytokines are elevated has many implications for skeletal muscle in vivo. 4The basis for these interactions between TNF and IGF-1 is discussed with specific reference to clinical consequences for myofibre necrosis in DMD and also for the wasting (atrophy) of skeletal muscles that occurs in very old people and in cachexia associated with inflammatory disorders. [source] PROTECTIVE ROLE OF A NOVEL ERYTHROCYTE-DERIVED DEPRESSING FACTOR ON BLOOD VESSELS OF RENOVASCULAR HYPERTENSIVE RATSCLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 5-6 2007Huan Pang SUMMARY 1We have isolated a novel human erythrocyte-derived depressing factor (EDDF) that has a significant antihypertensive effect in various rat models of hypertension. The aim of the present study was to examine the mechanisms of action of EDDF on vascular function in two-kidney, one-clip (2K1C) renovascular hypertensive rats. 2The EDDF was prepared from human erythrocytes. Experiments were performed in 18 male Wistar rats. The vascular ring perfusion assay and a two-photon laser scanning fluorescence microscope (TMP) were used to evaluate the vascular contractile response. The effects of EDDF on phenylephrine (PE)- and noradrenaline (NA)-induced vascular contraction were evaluated in 2K1C hypertensive rats. The proliferation and DNA synthesis in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) were determined using the [3H]-TdR (thymidine) incorporation and 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2 thiazoyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays. Flow cytometry, reverse transcription,polymerase chain reaction and western blots were used to measure cell cycle and apoptotic profiles, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-A expression and the activity of extracelluar signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-1/2, as well as the expression of cyclin D1 and cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4. 3At 10,5 g/mL, EDDF significantly decreased the PE- and NA-induced hypertensive vascular contraction. In addition, EDDF inhibited DNA synthesis in primary VSMC from 2K1C rats. The mRNA expression of PDGF-A in VSMC was twofold higher in 2K1C rats compared with control rats, whereas EDDF significantly inhibited the increment in PDGF-A mRNA expression. In addition, EDDF inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and decreased the expression of cyclin D1 and CDK4; p21 (Cip1) levels were increased after treatment with EDDF. 4In conclusion, EDDF inhibits VSMC proliferation in 2K1C rats through G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. The effects may be mediated, in part, by enhanced expression of p21 (Cip1) and the inhibition of ERK1/2 phosphorylation and the expression of cyclin D1/CDK4 and PDGF-A. [source] SLOW INOTROPIC RESPONSE OF INTACT LEFT VENTRICLE TO SUDDEN DILATION CRITICALLY DEPENDS ON A MYOCARDIAL DIALYSABLE FACTORCLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 5-6 2007Paulo JF Tucci SUMMARY 1Slow inotropic response following a sudden myocardium stretch seems to be an autocrine/paracrine mechanism the basis of which is not yet completely defined. 2We compared the canine left ventricle (LV) response to sudden dilation when the LV was supported by the arterial blood of a support dog with when it was supported by an oxygenator + haemodialyser system. 3A slow inotropic response (SIR) after dilation was seen in all six hearts supported by the donor dog, attaining 87 ± 6% of immediate increase, whereas a mere 10% SIR occurred in only one out of seven hearts maintained by the oxygenator + haemodialyser. 4These results indicate that SIR genesis involves one or more renewable components essential to the intracellular calcium gain elicited by stretch. [source] THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ,BEST RELATIVE FIT FACTOR' WHEN EVALUATING ELEMENTAL CONCENTRATION DATA OF POTTERY DEMONSTRATED WITH MYCENAEAN SHERDS FROM SINDA, CYPRUSARCHAEOMETRY, Issue 2 2007H. MOMMSEN Neutron activation analysis of pottery was established at Bonn in 1983 and has since become one of the primary archaeometry-based analytical techniques at the facility. A brief history of the laboratory and a discussion of the best relative fit procedure for pottery is provided. When comparing concentration data for pottery, a best relative fit should always be considered. This mathematical procedure generally results in ,sharper' concentration patterns and improves the separability of chemically not very different compositional groups. This is demonstrated for a set of 30 Late Cypriot (Myc. IIIC1) pottery samples from Sinda, Cyprus, which allow formation of a good reference pattern for this site. Applying factors in the range of 0.82,1.43, a number of samples from Egypt and Palestine can be assigned with high probability to a Cypriot origin. [source] THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A POLICE GANG UNIT: AN EXAMINATION OF ORGANIZATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS,CRIMINOLOGY, Issue 1 2001CHARLES M. KATZ Although researchers have begun to document the programs and activities performed by police gang units, little research has examined why police gang units are created and why they have responded to local gang problems in the way they have over the past 10 years. Using a multimethodological research design, the present study examines the factors that shaped a Midwestern police department's response to its community's gang problem. The results from the present study lend support for the institutional perspective. The data suggest that the gang unit was created as a consequence of pressures placed on the police department from various powerful elements within the community and that, once created, the unit's response was largely driven by its need to achieve and maintain organizational legitimacy. [source] RISK FACTORS FOR RECURRENT BILE DUCT STONES AFTER ENDOSCOPIC PAPILLARY BALLOON DILATION: LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP STUDYDIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY, Issue 2 2009Akira Ohashi Background:, Little is known about the long-term results of endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD) for bile duct stones. Methods:, Between 1995 and 2000, 204 patients with bile duct stones successfully underwent EPBD and stone removal. Complete stone clearance was confirmed using balloon cholangiography and intraductal ultrasonography (IDUS). Long-term outcomes of EPBD were investigated retrospectively in the year 2007, and risk factors for stone recurrence were multivariately analyzed. Results:, Long-term information was available in 182 cases (89.2%), with a mean overall follow-up duration of 9.3 years. Late biliary complications occurred in 22 patients (12.1%), stone recurrence in 13 (7.1%), cholangitis in 10 (5.5%), cholecystitis in four, and gallstone pancreatitis in one. In 11 of 13 patients (84.6%), stone recurrence developed within 3 years after EPBD. All recurrent stones were bilirubinate. Multivariate analysis identified three risk factors for stone recurrence: dilated bile duct (>15 mm), previous cholecystectomy, and no confirmation of clean duct using IDUS. Conclusion:, Approximately 7% of patients develop stone recurrence after EPBD; however, retreatment with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is effective. Careful follow up is necessary in patients with dilated bile duct or previous cholecystectomy. IDUS is useful for reducing stone recurrence after EPBD. [source] PHYLOGEOGRAPHY AND DEMOGRAPHY OF SYMPATRIC SISTER SURFPERCH SPECIES, EMBIOTOCA JACKSONI AND E. LATERALIS ALONG THE CALIFORNIA COAST: HISTORICAL VERSUS ECOLOGICAL FACTORSEVOLUTION, Issue 2 2005Glacomo Bernardi Abstract With 18 closely related endemic species that radiated in a diversity of ecological niches, the California surfperches (Embiotocidae) species flock is a good candidate for the study of sympatric speciation. Resource partitioninghas been suggested as an important driving force in the radiation of the surfperch family. Within the family, two congeneric sister species, Embiotoca jacksoni and E. lateralis, are known to compete strongly for a preferred singleood resource and may be used as a model of ecological interactions for the family. Along the California coast, the distribution of the two species differs. Embiotoca jacksoni has a continuous range, whereas E. lateralis shows a disjunction with a distribution gap in the Southern California Bight. Two hypotheses may explain this disjunct distribution. Ecological competition may have displaced E. lateralis in favor of E. jacksoni. Alternatively, a common vicariant event may have separated the species into northern and southern populations, followed by secondary contactin E. jacksoni but not in E. lateralis. The two hypotheses predict different phylogeographic and demographic signatures. Using a combined phylogeographic and coalescent approach based on mitochondrial control region data, we show that vicariance can only account for a portion of the observed divergences. Our results are compatible with a significant role played by ecological competition in the southern range of the species. [source] IDENTIFYING THE MODERATOR FACTORS OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE IN GREEK MUNICIPALITIESFINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY & MANAGEMENT, Issue 3 2008Sandra Cohen The use of financial ratios is a widespread method for assessing the financial performance of private sector companies. However, the application of an analogous exercise in the public sector is a less straightforward one. In the later case it is a multifaceted task that involves judgments about the interplay of complex social, organizational and financial factors. In this paper we use accrual end of the year financial statements data of Greek Municipalities for the period 2002,2004 to compute nine commonly used performance assessment financial ratios. We find corroborative evidence that factors, which are exogenous to the municipalities' control, such as their wealth and size, have statistically significant impact on ratio values. Thus, as financial ratios are significantly influenced by socio-economic factors like municipal wealth and size, cross sectional comparisons on the basis of these ratios should be made with caution and performed for municipalities that exhibit similarities in terms of size and wealth. [source] FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT IN ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUSJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 3 2006Mari Suzuki MD No abstract is available for this article. [source] EFFECT OF PHYSICAL FACTORS ON ACETIC ACID PRODUCTION IN BRETTANOMYCES STRAINSJOURNAL OF FOOD PROCESS ENGINEERING, Issue 2 2005C. CASTRO-MARTINEZ ABSTRACT Four species of Brettanomyces (intermedius, bruxellensis, custersianus, clausenii) were examined to ascertain their acetic acid production capacity. The results showed that B. bruxellensis was the strain with the best volumetric productivity ,and ,specific ,production ,rate ,(P = 0.065 gL,1 h,1; ,Vp = 0.43 gg,1h,1). The best kinetic parameters were reached (P = 0.133 gL,1 h,1; Yp/s = 0.23; Pmax = 11.64 gL,1) ,at ,an ,airflow ,of ,288 Lh,1,(0.6 vvm, ,OTR = 124 mgO2L,1,h,1), and substrate inhibition was not observed. The influence of temperature and agitation on acetic acid production by B. bruxellensis in a glucose medium was investigated at different levels, 26, 30, 34C and 250, 350, 450 rpm, respectively. Temperature and agitation were shown to be deci-sive factors (P < 0.05) in acetic acid production at 288 Lh,1(0.6 vvm, OTR = 124 mgO2L,1 h). The optimal conditions for a high volumetric productivity were 30C and 250 rpm, respectively. [source] EFFECTS of PULSED ELECTRIC FIELD ON QUALITY FACTORS and MASS TRANSFER DURING OSMOTIC DEHYDRATION of APPLESJOURNAL OF FOOD PROCESS ENGINEERING, Issue 1 2003KEHINDE A. TAIWO ABSTRACT High intensity electric field pulses using varying field strengths (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 kV/cm corresponding to 12, 48 and 192 J/kg, per pulse, respectively, with a pulse duration of 400,s) and pulse numbers (2 to 50) were applied to apple slices as a pretreatment to study their influence on mass transfer during osmotic dehydration (OD). Cell membrane permeabilzation increased with increasing field strength and higher pulse number. Higher water loss and solids gain were obtained at 1.0 kV/cm. Pretreated apples turned brown but sample brightness improved with OD time but L values decreased with increasing pulse number. Maximum deformative force and amount of strain experienced by dried samples were influenced by both the field strength and OD time. Vitamin C content of dried samples reduced at higher field strengths and longer immersion times. [source] BEYOND COMMON FACTORS: MULTILEVEL-PROCESS MODELS OF THERAPEUTIC CHANGE IN MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPYJOURNAL OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY, Issue 2 2004Thomas L. Sexton A number of scholars have proposed the common factors perspective as the future direction of marriage and family therapy (MFT). Although intuitively appealing, the case for the common factors perspective is not as clear-cut as proponents portray. In its current form, the common factors perspective overlooks the multilevel nature of practice, the diversity of clients and settings, and the complexity of therapeutic change. In contrast, comprehensive process-based change models are analternative to the limitations of common factors. In this article, we consider the limitations of the common factors perspective and propose the necessary and sufficient components and processes that might comprise comprehensive, multilevel, process-based therapeutic change models in MFT. [source] COMMON FACTORS ARE NOT ISLANDS,THEY WORK THROUGH MODELS: A RESPONSE TO SEXTON, RIDLEY, AND KLEINERJOURNAL OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY, Issue 2 2004Douglas H. Sprenkle In this article, we respond to Sexton, Ridley, and Kleiner (this issue) from three different perspectives. First, we discuss their criticisms as rooted in a portrait of common factors to whichwe do not subscribe. Second, we discuss points of agreement and partial agreement between our twoarticles. Finally, we discuss our areas of clear disagreement with their points of view. In these areas of disagreement we put forth the common factors approach as an empirically supported lens; wediscuss the influence of investigator allegiance on the specficity conclusion; and we challenge the idea that the common factors lens is simple. In conclusion, we illustrate how common factors work through a credible therapy model using functional family therapy as an example. [source] DO PHYSICAL FACTORS REGULATE PHYTOPLANKTON DISTRIBUTION PATTERNS IN LARGE, SHALLOW LAKES?JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY, Issue 2000H.J. Carrick Factors that regulate phytoplankton dynamics in shallow, productive lakes are poorly understood, due to their predisposition for frequent algal blooms and sediment resuspension events. In Lake Apopka, greatest phytoplankton biomass reflects wind-induced resuspension of algae (meroplankton) that exists on the aphotic lake bottom in a layer approximately 5 cm thick; this assemblage is dominated by diatoms (>60% of total biomass) that can occur in resting stages. Once exposed to moderate light, meroplankton are capable of growth and photosynthetic rates comparable with surface populations. In Lake Okeechobee, remote sensing was used to assess the basin-wide distribution of suspended particles. Satellite reflectance values agreed well with in situ particle densities at 20 in-lake stations (average r2; LANDSAT = 0.81, AVHRR = 0.53), and maps of algal blooms (r2 = 0.79, p , 0.01). The greatest chlorophyll concentrations occurred in the vicinity of tributary nutrient inputs at the lake's perimeter, while turbidity increased towards the center of the lake reflecting predominant water circulation patterns. These results underscore the importance of physical-biological interactions in lakes. [source] WIDTH OF STREAMS AND RIVERS IN RESPONSE TO VEGETATION, BANK MATERIAL, AND OTHER FACTORS,JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN WATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATION, Issue 5 2004Russell J. Anderson ABSTRACT: An extensive group of datasets was analyzed to examine factors affecting widths of streams and rivers. Results indicate that vegetative controls on channel size are scale dependent. In channels with watersheds greater than 10 to 100 km2, widths are narrower in channels with thick woody bank vegetation than in grass lined or nonforested banks. The converse is true in smaller streams apparently due to interactions between woody debris, shading, understory vegetation, rooting characteristics, and channel size. A tree based statistical method (regression tree) is introduced and tested as a tool for identifying thresholds of response and interpreting interactions between variables. The implications of scale dependent controls on channel width are discussed in the context of stable channel design methods and development of regional hydraulic geometry curves. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||