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Kinds of Free Terms modified by Free Selected AbstractsOPEN OCCUPATIONS , WHY WORK SHOULD BE FREEECONOMIC AFFAIRS, Issue 1 2009Jason Potts The benefits of openness are widely apparent everywhere except, seemingly, in occupations. Yet the case against occupational licensing still remains strong. Consideration of dynamic costs strengthens the case further. [source] REPRODUCTIVE BURDEN, LOCOMOTOR PERFORMANCE, AND THE COST OF REPRODUCTION IN FREE RANGING LIZARDSEVOLUTION, Issue 4 2000Donald B. Miles Abstract. A reduction in the locomotor capacity of gravid females is considered to be a cost of reproduction if it leads to an increased risk of mortality. In this study, we measured the change in endurance between gravid and postgravid female side-blotched lizards (Uta stansburiana) as a test of the cost of reproduction. We also altered reproductive investment in some females by direct ovarian manipulation (yolkectomy), which decreased reproductive burden by 30%. Regardless of experimental treatment, all females had lower endurance when gravid. Endurance was 28% lower in gravid females from the yolkectomy treatment and 31% lower in the unmanipulated females relative to postoviposition females. The experimental reduction in clutch mass resulted in a 21% increase in endurance of gravid yolkectomy females relative to control females. Postovipositional endurance was significantly higher in the yolkectomized females than unmanipulated females, which suggests that the cost of reproduction carries over to postoviposition performance. Unmanipulated females exhibited a significant negative association between endurance and size-specific burden. Endurance was not correlated with clutch size or size-specific burden in the yolkectomy females. Survivorship to the second clutch was higher in the yolkectomy females. The results from a logistic regression showed the probability of survival to the second clutch was significantly and positively associated with endurance after controlling for the effects of treatment. Our analyses demonstrated that the decrement in performance associated with current reproductive investment represents a cost of reproduction expressed as diminished locomotor performance and lowered survivorship to the next clutch. [source] TOCOTRIENOL OFFERS BETTER PROTECTION THAN TOCOPHEROL FROM FREE RADICAL-INDUCED DAMAGE OF RAT BONECLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 9 2005NS Ahmad SUMMARY 1.,Free radicals generated by ferric nitrilotriacetate (FeNTA) can activate osteoclastic activity and this is associated with elevation of the bone resorbing cytokines interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6. In the present study, we investigated the effects of 2 mg/kg FeNTA (2 mg iron/kg) on the levels of serum IL-1 and IL-6 with or without supplementation with a palm oil tocotrienol mixture or ,-tocopherol acetate in Wistar rats. 2.,The FeNTA was found to elevate levels of IL-1 and IL-6. Only the palm oil tocotrienol mixture at doses of 60 and 100 mg/kg was able to prevent FeNTA-induced increases in IL-1 (P < 0.01). Both the palm oil tocotrienol mixture and ,-tocopherol acetate, at doses of 30, 60 and 100 mg/kg, were able to reduce FeNTA-induced increases in IL-6 (P < 0.05). Therefore, the palm oil tocotrienol mixture was better than pure ,-tocopherol acetate in protecting bone against FeNTA (free radical)-induced elevation of bone-resorbing cytokines. 3.,Supplementation with the palm oil tocotrienol mixture or ,-tocopherol acetate at 100 mg/kg restored the reduction in serum osteocalcin levels due to ageing, as seen in the saline (control) group (P < 0.05). All doses of the palm oil tocotrienol mixture decreased urine deoxypyridinoline cross-link (DPD) significantly compared with the control group, whereas a trend for decreased urine DPD was only seen for doses of 60 mg/kg onwards of ,-tocopherol acetate (P < 0.05). 4.,Bone histomorphometric analyses have shown that FeNTA injections significantly lowered mean osteoblast number (P < 0.001) and the bone formation rate (P < 0.001), but raised osteoclast number (P < 0.05) and the ratio of eroded surface/bone surface (P < 0.001) compared with the saline (control) group. Supplementation with 100 mg/kg palm oil tocotrienol mixture was able to prevent all these FeNTA-induced changes, but a similar dose of ,-tocopherol acetate was found to be effective only for mean osteoclast number. Injections of FeNTA were also shown to reduce trabecular bone volume (P < 0.001) and trabecular thickness (P < 0.05), whereas only supplementation with 100 mg/kg palm oil tocotrienol mixture was able to prevent these FeNTA-induced changes. [source] Hydrodynamic and Kinetic Modelling of Dust Free and Dusty Radio-Frequency DischargesCONTRIBUTIONS TO PLASMA PHYSICS, Issue 5-6 2004W. J. Goedheer Abstract In this paper hydrodynamic and kinetic approaches to model low pressure capacitively coupled radio-frequency discharges are discussed. In particular approaches and results for power modulated discharges in a mixture of silane and hydrogen and for discharges containing a considerable amount of dust particles will be presented. (© 2004 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] CODE IS SPEECH: Legal Tinkering, Expertise, and Protest among Free and Open Source Software DevelopersCULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY, Issue 3 2009GABRIELLA COLEMAN ABSTRACT In this essay, I examine the channels through which Free and Open Source Software (F/OSS) developers reconfigure central tenets of the liberal tradition,and the meanings of both freedom and speech,to defend against efforts to constrain their productive autonomy. I demonstrate how F/OSS developers contest and specify the meaning of liberal freedom,especially free speech,through the development of legal tools and discourses within the context of the F/OSS project. I highlight how developers concurrently tinker with technology and the law using similar skills, which transform and consolidate ethical precepts among developers. I contrast this legal pedagogy with more extraordinary legal battles over intellectual property, speech, and software. I concentrate on the arrests of two programmers, Jon Johansen and Dmitry Sklyarov, and on the protests they provoked, which unfolded between 1999 and 2003. These events are analytically significant because they dramatized and thus made visible tacit social processes. They publicized the challenge that F/OSS represents to the dominant regime of intellectual property (and clarified the democratic stakes involved) and also stabilized a rival liberal legal regime intimately connecting source code to speech. [source] Enculturated chimpanzees imitate rationallyDEVELOPMENTAL SCIENCE, Issue 4 2007David Buttelmann Human infants imitate others' actions ,rationally': they copy a demonstrator's action when that action is freely chosen, but less when it is forced by some constraint (Gergely, Bekkering & Király, 2002). We investigated whether enculturated chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) also imitate rationally. Using Gergely and colleagues' (2002) basic procedure, a human demonstrator operated each of six apparatuses using an unusual body part (he pressed it with his forehead or foot, or sat on it). In the Hands Free condition he used this unusual means even though his hands were free, suggesting a free choice. In the Hands Occupied condition he used the unusual means only because his hands were occupied, suggesting a constrained or forced choice. Like human infants, chimpanzees imitated the modeled action more often in the Hands Free than in the Hands Occupied condition. Enculturated chimpanzees thus have some understanding of the rationality of others' intentional actions, and use this understanding when imitating others. [source] Libertarian Free Will and CNC ManipulationDIALECTICA, Issue 3 2001Ishtiyaque Haji An agent who is the victim of covert and nonconstraining control (CNC) is unaware of being controlled and controllers get their way by manipulating the victims so that they willingly do what the controllers desire. Our primary objective is to argue that if cases of CNC manipulation undermine compatibilist accounts of the sort of control required for moral responsibility, they also undermine various agent-causal and non-agent-causal libertarian accounts as well. [source] A buffered impact damper for multi-degree-of-freedom structural controlEARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING AND STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS, Issue 13 2008Kuinian Li Abstract The results of an experimental investigation into the use of a buffered impact damper for controlling the dynamic response of an MDOF (multi-degree-of-freedom) structure are presented in this paper. Free and forced vibration tests of a three-DOF test structure equipped with a buffered impact damper are performed to evaluate the resulting damping effect and impact characteristics. The effect of damper parameters, such as clearance, and excitation type on the performance of the impact damper is also investigated. The performance of the buffered impact damper is compared with that of an equivalent conventional rigid impact damper. It is found that the buffered impact damper not only significantly reduces the peak contact force and the associated accelerations and noise generated by collisions but can also substantially enhance the damping effect over a wide range of frequencies, encompassing the natural frequencies of the test structure. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Voltammetric Determination of Free and Total Sulfur Dioxide in BeerELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 5-6 2003J. Almeida Abstract A voltammetric method for the determination of free and total sulfur dioxide in beer is described. First, volatile aldehydes (mainly acetaldehyde) are purged with nitrogen from a beer sample diluted in alkaline medium, collected in an appropriate electrolyte trapping solution and determined, after derivatization with hydrazine, by voltammetry using a hanging mercury drop electrode. Then, the remaining beer solution is strongly acidified and (total) sulfur dioxide is purged with nitrogen, collected in an appropriate electrolyte trapping solution and determined by voltammetry. The free sulfur dioxide concentration is calculated by difference between (total) sulfur dioxide and acetaldehyde concentrations. The proposed method has a relative standard deviation of about 2.1% and 4.4%, respectively for (total) sulfur dioxide and free sulfur dioxide concentrations normally found in beer, and results are in good agreement with those obtained by the p -rosaniline reference method. [source] EuIII -Doping of Lamellar Bilayer and Amorphous Mono-Amide Cross-Linked Alkyl/Siloxane HybridsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 18 2010Silvia C. Nunes Abstract Two structurally different but chemically similar families of alkyl/siloxane mono-amidosil hosts, represented by m-A(x) [where x = 14 or 8 represents the number of CH2 groups of the pendant alkyl chains directly bonded to the carbonyl group of the amide cross-link] have been doped with a wide range of concentrations of Eu(CF3SO3)3. Mono-amidosils m-A(x)nEu(CF3SO3)3 with n,,,10 (where n is the molar ratio of carbonyl groups per Eu3+ ion) have been analyzed. The m-A(8)nEu(CF3SO3)3 mono-amidosils are transparent and amorphous films, in which the alkyl chains adopt gauche conformations. In contrast, the m-A(14)nEu(CF3SO3)3 mono-amidosils are solid powders; here the lamellar bilayer hierarchical structure of m-A(14) coexists with a new lamellar phase in which the Eu3+ ions are bonded to carbonyl oxygen atoms of the amide groups. At n = 10 the hydrogen-bonded associations formed are highly ordered and considerably stronger than those found in the less concentrated hybrids and in the nondoped matrices. "Free" and weakly coordinated triflate ions occur in all the mono-amidosil samples. The hybrids are white light emitters (maximum quantum yield: 0.08,±,0.01), presenting a broad emission band in the blue/purplish-blue spectral region (ascribed to the hybrid host) superimposed on the 5D0,7F0,4 Eu3+ intra-4f6 transitions. Two Eu3+ local coordination sites (named A and B) have been discerned in both systems. Site A is attributed to weakly coordinated Eu3+/CF3SO3, ion pairs, whereas site B involves Eu3+ coordination to the oxygen atoms of the C=O groups, of the CF3SO3, ions and of the water molecules. For site B, the long-range order of the hybrid host induces distinct features in the energy of the 5D0,7F0,4 transitions, the 5D0 lifetime and the degree of covalency of the Eu3+,first-ligand bonds. [source] Oxime Carbonates: Novel Reagents for the Introduction of Fmoc and Alloc Protecting Groups, Free of Side ReactionsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 17 2010Sherine N. Khattab Abstract Fmoc and Alloc protecting groups represent a consistent alternative to classical Boc protection in peptide chemistry. The former was established in the last decades as the ,-amino protecting group of choice, whereas the latter allows a fully orthogonal protection strategy with Fmoc and Boc. Usually, the introduction of the Fmoc and Alloc moieties takes place through their halogenoformates, azides, or activated carbonates. This rather simple reaction is accompanied by several side reactions, specially the formation of Fmoc/Alloc dipeptides and even tripeptides. The present work describes new promising Fmoc/Alloc-oxime reagents, which are easy to prepare, stable, and highly reactive crystalline materials that afford almost contaminant-free Fmoc/Alloc-amino acids in high yields by following a conventional procedure. Amongst the Fmoc-oxime derivatives, the N -hydroxypicolinimidoyl cyanide derivative (N -{[(9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy]carbonyloxy}picolinimidoyl cyanide) gave the best results for the preparation of Fmoc-Gly-OH, which is the most predisposed to give side reactions. The same Alloc-oxime analogue afforded the preparation of Alloc-Gly-OH in good yield, purity, and extremely low dipeptide formation, as analyzed by reverse-phase HPLC and NMR spectroscopy. [source] Free space quantum key distribution: Towards a real life applicationFORTSCHRITTE DER PHYSIK/PROGRESS OF PHYSICS, Issue 8-10 2006H. Weier Abstract Quantum key distribution (QKD) [1] is the first method of quantum information science that will find its way into our everyday life. It employs fundamental laws of quantum physics to ensure provably secure symmetric key generation between two parties. The key can then be used to encrypt and decrypt sensitive data with unconditional security. Here, we report on a free space QKD implementation using strongly attenuated laser pulses over a distance of 480 m. It is designed to work continuously without human interaction. Until now, it produces quantum keys unattended at night for more than 12 hours with a sifted key rate of more than 50 kbit/s and a quantum bit error rate between 3% and 5%. [source] Free floating in the cosmopolis?GLOBAL NETWORKS, Issue 4 2010Exploring the identity-belonging of transnational knowledge workers Abstract In this article I explore what I call the ,identity-belonging' of transnational knowledge workers, a diverse group of serially migrating career professionals who have spent extended periods of time in at least three countries, usually following career opportunities. Unlike most recent writing on transnationalism, which focuses on enduring connections of migrants with their ,home' countries/places, here I explore a transnationalism that may transcend the national, and generally the territorial, principle, with repercussions for identity-belonging. In this context, how transnational knowledge workers position themselves towards belonging to a nation and towards the idea of cosmopolitanism is of particular interest. From data collected through in-depth interviews in Australia and Indonesia, I conclude that their globally recognized profession forms the central axis of their identity-belonging, alongside a weak identification with their nation of origin. The feeling of belonging to and identifying with particular locales and local communities was articulated flexibly and instrumentally in association with professional and wider social networks, while no primordial territorial attachments could be identified. [source] High Purity GaAs Nanowires Free of Planar Defects: Growth and Characterization,ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 23 2008Hannah J. Joyce Abstract We investigate how to tailor the structural, crystallographic and optical properties of GaAs nanowires. Nanowires were grown by Au nanoparticle-catalyzed metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. A high arsine flow rate, that is, a high ratio of group V to group III precursors, imparts significant advantages. It dramatically reduces planar crystallographic defects and reduces intrinsic carbon dopant incorporation. Increasing V/III ratio further, however, instigates nanowire kinking and increases nanowire tapering. By choosing an intermediate V/III ratio we achieve uniform, vertically aligned GaAs nanowires, free of planar crystallographic defects, with excellent optical properties and high purity. These findings will greatly assist the development of future GaAs nanowire-based electronic and optoelectronic devices, and are expected to be more broadly relevant to the rational synthesis of other III,V nanowires. [source] Prevention of wound complications following salvage laryngectomy using free vascularized tissueHEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 5 2007FRCS(C), Kevin Fung MD Abstract Background. Total laryngectomy following radiation therapy or concurrent chemoradiation therapy is associated with unacceptably high complication rates because of wound healing difficulties. With an ever increasing reliance on organ preservation protocols as primary treatment for advanced laryngeal cancer, the surgeon must develop techniques to minimize postoperative complications in salvage laryngectomy surgery. We have developed an approach using free tissue transfer in an effort to improve tissue vascularity, reinforce the pharyngeal suture line, and minimize complications in this difficult patient population. The purpose of this study was to outline our technique and determine the effectiveness of this new approach. Methods. We conducted a retrospective review of a prospective cohort and compared it with a historical group (surgical patients of Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG)-91-11 trial). Eligibility criteria for this study included patients undergoing salvage total laryngectomy following failed attempts at organ preservation with either high-dose radiotherapy or concurrent chemo/radiation therapy regimen. Patients were excluded if the surgical defect required a skin paddle for pharyngeal closure. The prospective cohort consisted of 14 consecutive patients (10 males, 4 females; mean age, 58 years) who underwent free tissue reinforcement of the pharyngeal suture line following total laryngectomy. The historical comparison group consisted of 27 patients in the concomitant chemoradiotherapy arm of the RTOG-91-11 trial who met the same eligibility criteria (26 males, 1 female; mean age, 57 years) but did not undergo free tissue transfer or other form of suture line reinforcement. Minimum follow-up in both groups was 12 months. Results. The overall pharyngocutaneous fistula rate was similar between groups,4/14 (29%) in the flap group, compared with 8/27 (30%) in the RTOG-91-11 group. There were no major wound complications in the flap group, compared with 4 (4/27, 14.8%) in the RTOG-91-11 group. There were no major fistulas in the flap group, compared with 3/27 (11.1%) in the RTOG-91-11 group. The rate of pharyngeal stricture requiring dilation was 6/14 (42%) in the flap group, compared with 7/27 (25.9%) in the RTOG-91-11 group. In our patients, the rate of tracheoesophageal speech was 14/14 (100%), and complete oral intake was achieved in 13/14 (93%) patients. Voice-Related Quality of Life Measure (V-RQOL) and Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck Cancer Patients (PSS-HN) scores suggest that speech and swallowing functions are reasonable following free flap reinforcement. Conclusions. Free vascularized tissue reinforcement of primary pharyngeal closure in salvage laryngectomy following failed organ preservation is effective in preventing major wound complications but did not reduce the overall fistula rate. Fistulas that developed following this technique were relatively small, did not result in exposed major vessels, and were effectively treated with outpatient wound care rather than readmission to the hospital or return to operating room. Speech and swallowing results following this technique were comparable to those following total laryngectomy alone. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 2007 [source] Biochemical changes in cut vs. intact lamb's lettuce (Valerianella olitoria) leaves during storageINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 5 2009Antonio Ferrante Summary Consumers are oriented towards fresh-cut vegetables that provide phytonutrients useful for preventing stress-related diseases. The aim of this work was to evaluate the cut operations on the quality changes of lamb's lettuce (Valerianella olitoria L.) cv. Trofy during storage at 4 °C for 8 days. Results showed that chlorophyll and carotenoids reduction was observed after 8 days of storage. In both treatments, total carotenoids after 8 days decreased from 20 to 16 mg g,1 FW. Free and total phenols increased with storage in both treatments. Total phenols were 23% higher in control (32 ,mol g,1 FW) compared to cut leaves (25 ,mol g,1 FW) after 8 days of storage. Anthocyanins increased after 8 days and reached 30 mg 100 g,1 FW without significant difference between treatments. Ascorbic acid (AsA) and dehydroascorbic (DHA) acid increased in cut leaves compared to control. After 1 day AsA concentration was 3 300 nmol g,1 FW in cut leaves, while in control leaves was 1 500 nmol g,1 FW. Analogously AsA + DHA was higher in cut leaves, 4 100 nmol g,1 FW, while in control leaves the mean was 3 000 nmol g,1 FW. After 5 days of storage the values of AsA returned to initial values, while AsA + DHA were lower. [source] One-Pot Thioetherification of Aryl Halides Using Thiourea and Alkyl Bromides Catalyzed by Copper(I) Iodide Free from Foul-Smelling Thiols in Wet Polyethylene Glycol (PEG 200)ADVANCED SYNTHESIS & CATALYSIS (PREVIOUSLY: JOURNAL FUER PRAKTISCHE CHEMIE), Issue 1 2010Habib Firouzabadi Abstract In this article, we have developed a new protocol for the thioarylation of structurally diverse alkyl bromides such as benzyl, cinnamyl, n -octyl, cyclohexyl, cyclopentyl, and tert -butyl bromides with aryl iodides, bromides and an activated chloride using thiourea catalyzed by copper(I) iodide in wet polyethylene glycol (PEG 200) as an eco-friendly medium in the presence of potassium carbonate at 80 and 100,°C under an inert atmosphere. The process is free from foul-smelling thiols which makes this method more practical for the thioetherification of aryl halides. Another important feature of this method is the variety of alkyl bromides which are commercially available for the in situ generation of thiolate ions with respect to the existing protocols in which the less commercially available thiols are directly used for the preparation of arylthio ethers. [source] Conventional Tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium-Copper(I) Iodide-Catalyzed Sonogashira Coupling of Free and BOC- Protected Propargylic Amines "On Water"ADVANCED SYNTHESIS & CATALYSIS (PREVIOUSLY: JOURNAL FUER PRAKTISCHE CHEMIE), Issue 11-12 2009Bartomeu Soberats Abstract Alkynylation of aryl iodides with propargylic amines has been achieved by means of a Sonogashira coupling using "on water" methods. The use of less than 0.2,mol% of tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium [Pd(PPh3)4] and 1.5,mol% copper(I) iodide [CuI] in the presence of diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA) allows the coupling to proceed at 95,°C yielding moderate to good yields of mono-, bis-, and tris-aminoalkynylbenzene derivatives. [source] Change in the ratio of free-to-total prostate-specific antigen during progression of advanced prostate cancerINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 3 2000MASASHI TANAKA Abstract Background: The ratio of free-to-total prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is different in benign prostatic hyperplasia and in the early stage of prostate cancer. The present study was undertaken to examine the ratio of free-to-total PSA in the advanced stage of this cancer and its subsequent change during course of the disease. Methods: Free and total PSA were measured in sera collected from the following patients with benign and cancerous prostatic diseases: 47 cases of benign prostatic hypertrophy, nine in T1C with less than 10 ng/mL of total PSA, 11 in stage C, 16 in D2, 22 in remission under endocrine therapy, and 12 in relapse. In addition, PSA was measured sequentially in four other patients who were also in relapse. Results: The ratio of free-to-total PSA was similar in early and advanced stages of untreated prostate cancer and was lower than that in benign prostatic hyperplasia. The ratio increased to the level of benign prostatic hyperplasia during remission from stages C and D2 under endocrine therapy. There was no correlation with the intervals from the start of the therapy to examination. Following relapse, the ratio came down gradually to the level obtained in untreated prostate cancer. Conclusion: The ratio of free-to-total PSA was similar in all stages of untreated prostate cancer. Response and relapse to endocrine therapy were associated with increase and decrease in ratio, respectively. [source] Free and Cheap Riding in Strict, Conservative ChurchesJOURNAL FOR THE SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF RELIGION, Issue 2 2005DANIEL V. A. OLSON Iannaccone (1994) uses rational choice theory to argue that strict rules (e.g., no smoking or drinking) raise average commitment levels in conservative churches because strictness discourages free riding. Tests of this assertion have been hampered, in part, by uncertainties concerning how free riding should be measured. We introduce a new, indirect measure of free (and cheap) riding, the level of positive skewness of a congregation's money contributions,that is, the extent to which a few members give much more than the mean amount while the majority gives much less. Using a study of giving in five denominations, we find that strict, conservative congregations have both higher mean giving and less skewness in the pattern of their giving. The higher mean-contribution levels at strict, conservative congregations are not simply due to each member giving more or a few members giving a lot more. Instead, as Iannaccone's model predicts, some combination of strict rules and/or conservative theology appears to systematically limit the proportion of free- and cheap-riding members giving far less than the mean and thus increase the proportion giving at or above the mean. [source] Lost in the Supermarket: Comments on Beaman, Religious Pluralism, and What it Means to be FreeJOURNAL FOR THE SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF RELIGION, Issue 3 2003Anthony Gill First page of article [source] Estimates of environmental effects and genetic parameters for body measurements and weight in Brahman cattle raised in MexicoJOURNAL OF ANIMAL BREEDING AND GENETICS, Issue 4 2002C. D. U. Magnabosco Summary A Derivative Free Restricted Maximum Likelihood (DFREML) algorithm was used with single trait and two traits animal models to estimate the variance and covariance components and thus, heritabilities and phenotypic, genetic and environmental correlations among nine different body measurements and weights of Brahman cattle raised in Mexico. The following measurements were considered: hip width, pin width, hip-pin width, anterior height, posterior height, body length, thorax perimeter, scrotal circumference and weight. The analysis was based on a total of 1018 animals, born between 1992 and 1995, from 17 herds in the Mexican States of Chiapas, San Luis Potosi, Tabasco, Tamaulipas and Veracruz. The model included the following fixed effects: herd, year-season of birth, sex, age of the animal and feed management. The only random effect was the direct additive genetic contribution of each animal. All fixed effects in the model were significant for all traits (p < 0.05). Estimated heritabilities for the traits were: hip width 0.57, pin width 0.32, hip-pin width 0.41, anterior height 0.56, posterior height 0.54, body length 0.32, thorax perimeter 0.49, scrotal circumference 0.02 and weight 0.66. The magnitude of the heritabilities was medium to high, with the exception of scrotal circumference. The genetic correlations among all body measurements were consistently positive and high, ranging from 0.64 to 1.00. Although other measures showed higher genetic correlations with weight, thorax perimeter combines a high value (0.70) with ease and repeatability, making it a useful field measurement to estimate body weight when scales are not available. Resumen Estimados de efectos ambientales y parámetros genéticos para medidas corporales y peso vivo en ganado brahman criado en méjico Fue usado un algoritmo de Máxima Verosimilitud Restricta Libre de Derivadas (DFREML) con modelos animales para una y dos características para estimar componentes de (co)varianzas, heredabilidades y correlaciones fenotípicas, genéticas y ambientales entre nueve diferentes medidas corporales y peso vivo de ganado Brahman criado en México. Fueron considerados los siguientes rasgos: ancho anterior de la grupa, ancho posterior de la grupa, largo de la grupa, altura a la cruz, altura a la grupa, largo del cuerpo, perímetro toráxico, perímetro escrotal y peso vivo. Se usaron datos de 1018 animales, nacidos entre 1992 y 1995, procedentes de 17 rebaños de los Estados mejicanos de Chiapas, San Luis Potosí, Tabasco, Tamaulipas y Veracruz. El modelo matemático incluyó los siguientes efectos fijos: rebaño, año-época de nacimiento, sexo, clase de edad del animal y manejo alimentar. Se consideró el efecto aditivo directo de cada animal como el único efecto aleatorio. Todos los efectos fijos del modelo fueron significativos para todas las características (P < 0.05). Las heredabilidades estimadas fueron: ancho anterior de la grupa 0.57, ancho posterior de la grupa 0.32, largo de la grupa 0.41, altura a la cruz 0.56, altura a la grupa 0.54, largo del cuerpo 0.32, perímetro toráxico 0.49, perímetro escrotal 0.02 y peso vivo 0.66. Las magnitudes de las heredabilidades fueron de medias a altas, con excepción del perímetro escrotal. Las correlaciones genéticas entre todas las medidas corporales fueron consistentemente positivas y altas, variando de 0.64 a 1.00. Aunque otras medidas corporales mostraron altas correlaciones genéticas con el peso vivo, el perímetro toráxico combina un alto valor de esa correlación (0.70) con facilidad de medición y alta repetibilidad, haciendo de esta una medida útil, para estimar el peso vivo, en condiciones de campo donde no se dispone de balanza. [source] Cryoballoon Approach for Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: Free from Complications?JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 8 2010YOUNG-HOON KIM M.D. No abstract is available for this article. [source] Effect of xylanase on ozone bleaching kinetics and properties of Eucalyptus kraft pulpJOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY, Issue 10 2003M Blanca Roncero Abstract Environmental pressure has led the pulp and paper industry to develop new technologies in order to reduce or suppress the presence of various pollutants in effluents from bleaching plants. One of the choices for this purpose is enzyme-based biotechnology. This study deals with the effect of using a xylanase-based enzymatic pretreatment, in a TCF (Totally Chlorine Free) sequence, on the properties of the resulting paper pulps. The hexenuronic acid content in the pulp and the physical properties of the paper were also studied. The performance of the xylanase was analysed through kinetic studies on ozone bleaching. The enzymatic pretreatment results in easier bleaching and delignification of the pulp, causing a bleach-boosting effect. The decreased consumption of reagent is related to a decreased content of hexenuronic groups. The physical properties of the treated pulp are similar to those of untreated pulps. Cellulose degradation, delignification and chromophores' removal show first-order kinetics. Enzyme pretreatment leads to differences between the kinetic constants of cellulose degradation and chromophores' removal, due to an increased accessibility to bleaching agents. The xylanase treatment leads to a lower floor kappa number (IK,) during the ozone stage. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Mass-dependent reproductive strategies in wild bighorn ewes: a quantitative genetic approachJOURNAL OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY, Issue 4 2000RÉale In the Ram Mountain bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) population, ewes differing by more than 30% in body mass weaned lambs with an average mass difference of only 3%. Variability in adult body mass was partly due to additive genetic effects, but inheritance of weaning mass was weak. Maternal effects could obscure genetic effects in the phenotypic expression of weaning mass, particularly if they reflected strategies of maternal expenditure that varied according to ewe mass. We performed a quantitative genetic analysis to assess genetic and environmental influences on ewe mass and on maternal expenditure. We used the mean daughters/mother regression method and Derivative Free Restricted Maximum Likelihood models to estimate heritability (h2) of ewe mass and indices of maternal expenditure. We found additive genetic effects on phenotypic variation in maternal mass, in lamb mass at weaning (absolute maternal expenditure) and in weaning mass relative to maternal mass at weaning (relative maternal expenditure). Heritability suggests that maternal expenditure has the potential to evolve. The genetic correlation of ewe mass and absolute maternal expenditure was weak, while ewe mass and relative maternal expenditure were strongly negatively correlated. These results suggest additive genetic effects on mass-dependent reproductive strategies in bighorn ewes. Mass-dependent reproductive strategies could affect lamb survival and phenotypic variation in adult mass. As population density increased and reproduction became costlier, small females reduced maternal expenditure more than large females. Constraints on reproductive strategy imposed by variations in resource availability are therefore likely to differ according to ewe mass. A general trend for a decrease in maternal expenditure relative to maternal size in mammals suggests that size-dependent negative maternal effects may be common. [source] DISTRIBUTION AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF POLYPHENOLS IN RIPE AND UNRIPE TREE PEPPER (CAPSICUM PUBESCENS)JOURNAL OF FOOD BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 4 2007G. OBOH ABSTRACT Capsicum pubescens, commonly known as tree pepper with its distinctive thick-fleshed pungent fruit (ripe and unripe), is used as a vegetable condiment or made into a sauce. The present study sought to determine the distribution of polyphenols and antioxidant activity in its thick flesh and seeds. Free, bound and total phenol content of each extract was subsequently determined, while reducing power, Fe (II)-chelating ability, OH radical-scavenging ability and ability of the extracts to inhibit lipid peroxidation in basal and Fe (II)-induced lipid peroxidation in brain was used for antioxidant capacity. Unripe pepper had higher total phenol content than ripe pepper; however, there was no significant difference ( P > 0.05) in the total phenol content of flesh for both peppers (unripe [110 mg/100g], ripe [95 mg/100 g]) and the seed (unripe [110.0 mg/100 g ], ripe [90 mg/100 g]). Nevertheless, the free polyphenols in flesh and seed of the peppers were significantly higher ( P < 0.05) than the bound polyphenols. All the extracts inhibited lipid peroxidation in a dose-dependent manner, although free polyphenols from the flesh of ripe pepper caused the highest inhibition in malondialdehyde production in rat's brain. Free and bound polyphenols from the flesh of unripe pepper had the highest Fe (II)-chelating and OH radical-scavenging ability. While the free polyphenols from the flesh of ripe pepper had the highest reducing power, this may have accounted for its ability to reduce Fe (II)-induced lipid peroxidation. Therefore, by removing the seed from pepper, a 50% loss in the total phenol content would result, which will substantially reduce antioxidant activity. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Because many degenerative human diseases have been recognized as being a consequence of free radical damage, there have been many studies undertaken on how to delay or prevent the onset of these diseases. The most likely and practical way to fight against degenerative diseases is to improve body antioxidant status, which could be achieved by higher consumption of vegetables and fruits. Foods from plant origin usually contain natural antioxidants that can scavenge free radical. The inclusion of either ripe or unripe pepper in a diet is a common practice in Africa and some other parts of the world; our recent findings on the antioxidant properties of Capsicum pubescens clearly indicate that its inclusion in the diet will contribute greatly in the prevention of neuro-degenerative diseases associated with oxidative stress, by inhibiting lipid peroxidation. Moreover, removing the seeds of this pepper during food processing will reduce the total phenol content by 50%, and consequently reduce the antioxidant activity. [source] The influence of malolactic fermentation and Oenococcus oeni strain on glycosidic aroma precursors and related volatile compounds of red wineJOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 14 2006Maurizio Ugliano Abstract Free and glycosidically bound volatile compounds of red wine were measured after malolactic fermentation (MLF) with four different commercial starter cultures of Oenococcus oeni. MLF resulted in a significant decrease in the concentration of total glycosides, expressed as phenol-free glycosyl glucose. Gas chromatographic analyses of wine enzyme hydrolysates showed that the extent of hydrolysis of glycosides during MLF was dependent on both bacterial strain and chemical structure of the substrate. The highest decrease was observed for glycosidic precursors of primary terpene alcohols. Glycoside-related aroma compounds such as linalool, farnesol, and ,-damascenone were increased after MLF with all the bacterial strains tested. Two of the strains were also able to release significant amounts of vinylphenols during MLF. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Pharmacokinetics of Dietary 13C-labeled Icosapentaenoic Acid in Japanese Flounder Paralichthys olivaceusJOURNAL OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY, Issue 2 2002Akio Tago The objectives of this study were to investigate: 1) the pharmacokinetics of dietary icosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in the plasma using 13C-labeled EPA ([13C]EPA); 2) the bioavailability of [13C]EPA with different chemical forms; and 3) an effective plasma EPA level for normal growth of the Japanese flounder Parachthys olivaceus. [13C]EPA was biosynthesized using the Chlorella Nannochloropsis oculate, and 1-myristoyl 2-[13C]icosapentaenoyl phasphatidyl-choline ([13C]EPA-PC) and [13C]EPA ethyl ester ([13C]EPA-EE) were chemically synthesized from [13C]EPA. Free [13C]EPA ([13C]EPA-FREE) dissolved in 0.5% tragacanth gum-polye-thyleneglycol (3:1, V/V) was administered to the Japanese flounder at dosages of 2.8, 5.6, and 16.8 mg/kg by a single oral administration. [13C]EPA-PC (44.8 mg/kg) and [13C]EPA-EE (18.3 mg/kg), equimolar to 3.0 mg [13C]EPA-FREE (16.8 mg/kg), were administered to the fish in a similar manner. In [13C]EPA-FREE dosed fish, the kinetics of the mean plasma [13C]EPA were linear with respect to dose. [13C]EPA-FREE and [13C]EPA-PC were more efecient in maintaining high plasma EPA levels than [13C]EPA-EE in the Japanese flounder. [13C]EPA was distributed in plasma, blood cell, eyeball containing the orbital fat, liver, stomach, intestine, skin, brain, heart and muscle in three [13C]EPA derivatives studies. The effective plasma EPA level for normal growth of the Japanese flounder is estimated to be 307 to 937 ,g/mL for EPA-FREE administration, and from 286 to 815 ,g/mL 6.3 to 38 mg/mL for the EPA-PC administration. [source] Direct anticoagulant activity of protein S-C4b binding protein complex in Heerlen heterozygotes and normals,JOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 10 2004M. J. Heeb Summary.,Background:,Plasma protein S normally circulates free (40%) or complexed with C4b-binding protein (PS-C4BP); only free protein S is a cofactor for activated protein C during factor (F) Va inactivation. Protein S-Heerlen lacks a carbohydrate group, leading to low plasma free protein S levels, but normal levels of PS-C4BP. Objectives:,Because protein S-Heerlen is not associated with thrombosis, we investigated whether PS-C4BP is directly anticoagulant in plasma and whether PS-Heerlen-C4BP has enhanced direct anticoagulant activity. Methods:,An assay for protein S direct activity was applied to Heerlen-heterozygous plasmas. Free and complexed protein S were repeatedly isolated from normal and Heerlen-heterozygous plasmas and tested for direct anticoagulant activity in prothrombinase assays and in plasma. Results:,Heerlen-heterozygous plasmas were deficient in free and total protein S antigen but had normal to high protein S direct anticoagulant activity. Purified Heerlen-heterozygous PS-C4BP was 7-fold more potent than normal PS-C4BP in inhibiting full prothrombinase activity, and 22-fold more potent in inhibiting prothrombin activation in the absence of FVa; it also specifically prolonged plasma clotting times 14-fold more than normal PS-C4BP. Heerlen-heterozygous PS-C4BP did not compete for limiting phospholipids any better than normal PS-C4BP. However, ligand blots and surface plasmon resonance studies showed that Heerlen-heterozygous PS-C4BP bound more avidly to FXa than did normal PS-C4BP (apparent Kd = 4.3 nm vs. 82 nm). Conclusions:,Plasma-derived PS-C4BP has direct anticoagulant activity in plasma and in purified systems. Enhanced direct activity of PS-Heerlen-C4BP may compensate for low free protein S levels and low cofactor activity in individuals with protein S-Heerlen. [source] Effect of ethnicity and gender on performance in undergraduate medical examinationsMEDICAL EDUCATION, Issue 11 2005Inam Haq Objective, To assess the effect of ethnicity and gender on medical student examination performance. Design, Cohort study of Year 3 medical students in 2002 and 2003. Setting, Royal Free and University College Medical School, Imperial College School of Medicine. Subjects, A total of 1216 Year 3 medical students, of whom 528 were male and 688 female, and 737 were white European and 479 Asian. Outcome measure, Performance in summative written and objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) in July 2002 and 2003. Results, White females performed best in all OSCEs and in 3 out of 4 written examinations. Mean scores for each OSCE and 2 out of 4 written examinations were higher for white students than for Asian students. The overall size of the effect is relatively small, being around 1,2%. Conclusion, Students of Asian origin, of both genders, educated in the UK, using English as their first language, continue to perform less well in OSCEs and written assessments than their white European peers. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||