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Selected AbstractsCompositional effects accompanying near equilibrium vapour growth of solid solution crystals of the types IV-VI and II-VICRYSTAL RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 7 2010A. Szczerbakow Abstract Near equilibrium evaporation-condensation in a sealed ampoule leads to almost full compositional reproduction of a solid solution if it consists of components having comparable vapour pressures; this can be qualitatively interpreted by domination of entropy increase. Nevertheless, even vestigial separation requires closer characteristics, since it may prove crucial , particularly for properties of semiconducting solid solutions. Maximum component separation allowed by a small temperature difference is described here in terms of thermodynamics and kinetics of solid-vapour and vapour-solid phase transitions. Theoretical models of the determining effects having different character are shortly described, and their applicability areas are determined. Experimental data collected for crystal growth of numerous semiconducting solid solutions of the II-VI and IV-VI type support the conclusion drawn from the models that the near equilibrium crystal growth from the vapour in a closed system ensures the highest degree of compositional uniformity. (© 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Single-tooth implant treatment in the anterior region of the maxilla for treatment of tooth loss after trauma: a retrospective clinical and interview studyDENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2003Lars Andersson Abstract,,, The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of single-tooth implant treatment in patients where teeth have been lost as a result of trauma. Also, the patients' and professionals' opinions regarding the final outcome of treatment were assessed. Thirty-four patients with 42 lost teeth were evaluated by clinical and radiographic examinations and interviews 2,5 years after treatment. A professional who had not taken part in the treatment evaluated the implant crowns. Central maxillary incisors were the most frequently lost and replaced teeth after trauma (75%) followed by lateral incisors (21%). In patients with incomplete growth, implant treatment was generally postponed until completion of growth. Lack of space was treated by presurgical orthodontics (7%) or by selecting an implant with a reduced diameter (5%). Deficiency of bone was seen in 17% and was treated by bone grafting or local augmentation prior to implant surgery. Patients who had lost two or more teeth after trauma were all subjected to bone grafting. Preservation of roots in the alveolar process seemed to maintain the bone volume enabling better conditions for later implant placement. Forty-one implants (97.6%) were integrated successfully. Complications were few and of minor importance (9.5% before and 12% after cementation of crowns) and could all be managed. No or minimal bone loss was seen. In general, the patients felt that they received good care and that they were well informed about their treatment. Some patients reported that the local anesthesia procedure was not pain-free, but 71% of the patients experienced the treatment as pain-free. For each of the variables (color, shape, height, and size of the crowns), the highest degree of satisfaction was noted in 93,98% of the patients and 91,95% of the single evaluating professional. Given that the patients have finished growth and a careful treatment planning and timing are performed, the functional and esthetical outcome of single-tooth implant treatment today is excellent and can be recommended for replacing tooth losses after trauma in the anterior region of the maxilla. [source] Conformational properties of bacterial DnaK and yeast mitochondrial Hsp70FEBS JOURNAL, Issue 12 2005-helical subdomain, Role of the divergent C-terminal Among the eukaryotic members of the Hsp70 family, mitochondrial Hsp70 shows the highest degree of sequence identity with bacterial DnaK. Although they share a functional mechanism and homologous co-chaperones, they are highly specific and cannot be exchanged between Escherichia coli and yeast mitochondria. To provide a structural basis for this finding, we characterized both proteins, as well as two DnaK/mtHsp70 chimeras constructed by domain swapping, using biochemical and biophysical methods. Here, we show that DnaK and mtHsp70 display different conformational and biochemical properties. Replacing different regions of the DnaK peptide-binding domain with those of mtHsp70 results in chimeric proteins that: (a) are not able to support growth of an E. coli DnaK deletion strain at stress temperatures (e.g. 42 °C); (b) show increased accessibility and decreased thermal stability of the peptide-binding pocket; and (c) have reduced activation by bacterial, but not mitochondrial co-chaperones, as compared with DnaK. Importantly, swapping the C-terminal ,-helical subdomain promotes a conformational change in the chimeras to an mtHsp70-like conformation. Thus, interaction with bacterial co-chaperones correlates well with the conformation that natural and chimeric Hsp70s adopt in solution. Our results support the hypothesis that a specific protein structure might regulate the interaction of Hsp70s with particular components of the cellular machinery, such as Tim44, so that they perform specific functions. [source] Vertical distribution and behaviour of shrimp Pandalus borealis larval stages in thermally stratified water columns: laboratory experiment and field observationsFISHERIES OCEANOGRAPHY, Issue 5 2006PATRICK OUELLET Abstract By combining field data and laboratory observations of larvae in a simulated thermal gradient, we described the ontogenetic changes in vertical distribution and behaviour of early stages of shrimp Pandalus borealis in thermally stratified water columns. Both in the laboratory and at stations in the north-western Gulf of St Lawrence, the first two larval stages appear to actively select and maintain a position in the upper layer of warmer temperatures, within the thermocline and above the cold (<1°C) intermediate layer. Stage III larvae were distributed deeper in the water column and in colder waters than the previous two stages. Stage IV and V larvae showed the highest degree of swimming activity in the laboratory and a much wider range (from surface to ,200 m) in vertical distribution in the field. The shift to deeper waters and settlement to the bottom habitat appears to happen after the fifth moult, at stage VI. We propose that the pattern of vertical distribution in the field reflects the adjustment of the different developmental stages to the distribution of preferred prey. The description of the ontogenetic change in the vertical distributions and movements of early stages of P. borealis should be valuable information for future attempts to model larval transport and dispersion, and for detecting settlement/recruitment areas using 3D ocean circulation models. The identification of the thermal habitat of the different larval stages and the timing for settlement at the bottom also provides important information for the development of temperature-dependent growth models up to the first juvenile stages. [source] Modelling small-business credit scoring by using logistic regression, neural networks and decision treesINTELLIGENT SYSTEMS IN ACCOUNTING, FINANCE & MANAGEMENT, Issue 3 2005Mirta Bensic Previous research on credit scoring that used statistical and intelligent methods was mostly focused on commercial and consumer lending. The main purpose of this paper is to extract important features for credit scoring in small-business lending on a dataset with specific transitional economic conditions using a relatively small dataset. To do this, we compare the accuracy of the best models extracted by different methodologies, such as logistic regression, neural networks (NNs), and CART decision trees. Four different NN algorithms are tested, including backpropagation, radial basis function network, probabilistic and learning vector quantization, by using the forward nonlinear variable selection strategy. Although the test of differences in proportion and McNemar's test do not show a statistically significant difference in the models tested, the probabilistic NN model produces the highest hit rate and the lowest type I error. According to the measures of association, the best NN model also shows the highest degree of association with the data, and it yields the lowest total relative cost of misclassification for all scenarios examined. The best model extracts a set of important features for small-business credit scoring for the observed sample, emphasizing credit programme characteristics, as well as entrepreneur's personal and business characteristics as the most important ones. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Crystal structure of cobalt-substituted calcium hydroxyapatite nanopowders prepared by hydrothermal processingJOURNAL OF APPLIED CRYSTALLOGRAPHY, Issue 2 2010Ljiljana Veselinovi A series of cobalt-exchanged hydroxyapatite (CoHAp) powders with different Ca/Co ratios and nominal unit-cell contents Ca10,xCox(PO4)6(OH)2, x = 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0, were synthesized by hydrothermal treatment of a precipitate at 473,K for 8,h. Based on ICP (inductively coupled plasma) emission spectroscopy analysis, it was established that the maximum amount of cobalt incorporation saturated at ,12,at.% under these conditions. The effects of cobalt content on the CoHAp powders were investigated using ICP emission spectroscopy, particle size analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) analyses as well as X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) including Rietveld analysis. According to XRPD, all the materials are single-phase HAp and CoHAp of low crystallinity. Rietveld analysis shows that Co enrichment causes the c cell parameter to decrease at a faster rate than the a cell parameter. A microstructural analysis showed anisotropic X-ray line broadening due to crystallite size reduction. In CoHAp there is significant crystal elongation in [001], and the average size decreases with increasing cobalt content. The crystallite morphology transforms from rod-like for the pure HAp to lamellae at the highest degree of Co substitution. The results of Rietveld refinement (symmetry, size and morphology of the crystallites) were confirmed by TEM and HRTEM analysis. [source] Synthesis of a new photoreactive gelatin with BTDA and HEMA derivativesJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 1 2008Fan-Chun Ding Abstract A novel bio-affinitive, photocuring, and membrane-forming gelatin derivative was synthesized in this study. This process was based on the amide formation between carboxylic acid and the amine in methanol,water media using dicyclohexyl-carbodiimide (DCC) as a condenser. Gelatin and glycine were the sources of amine in the model reaction. Since there were two anhydride groups in each 3,3,,4,4,-benzophenone tetra-carboxylic dianhydride (BTDA) molecule, two 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) molecules were used to induce the ring-opening reaction of BTDA and release two carboxylic acid groups. The resulting photoreactive gelatin was called GE-BTHE, of which the photoreactive component was the ketone groups of BTDA and HEMA that played the role of double bond supplier. This photoreactive gelatin could be converted from the transparent liquid phase into swollen membrane by a 6-min irradiation of high pressure mercury lamp. The most efficient irradiation was at 267 nm and the highest degree of swelling of the cured GE-BTHE membrane could reach 5.9. The elongation from the dried gel remained 5,10%, i.e., relatively elastic. The properties of this gelatin derivative were investigated using amide formation analysis, calculation of the gel content and the swelling ratio, and monitoring of the photocuring process. The GE-BTHE synthesized in this study should be very potential in applications such as protective wound dressings and hemostatic absorbents for minimally invasive surgery. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008 [source] Rapid Analysis of Glucose, Fructose, Sucrose, and Maltose in Honeys from Different Geographic Regions using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Multivariate AnalysisJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 2 2010Jun Wang ABSTRACT:, Quantitative analysis of glucose, fructose, sucrose, and maltose in different geographic origin honey samples in the world using the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and chemometrics such as partial least squares (PLS) and principal component regression was studied. The calibration series consisted of 45 standard mixtures, which were made up of glucose, fructose, sucrose, and maltose. There were distinct peak variations of all sugar mixtures in the spectral "fingerprint" region between 1500 and 800 cm,1. The calibration model was successfully validated using 7 synthetic blend sets of sugars. The PLS 2nd-derivative model showed the highest degree of prediction accuracy with a highest,R2 value of 0.999. Along with the canonical variate analysis, the calibration model further validated by high-performance liquid chromatography measurements for commercial honey samples demonstrates that FTIR can qualitatively and quantitatively determine the presence of glucose, fructose, sucrose, and maltose in multiple regional honey samples. [source] Molecular characterization of VP4, VP6, VP7, NSP4, and NSP5/6 genes identifies an unusual G3P[10] human rotavirus strainJOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue 1 2009Pattara Khamrin Abstract An unusual strain of human rotavirus G3P[10] (CMH079/05) was detected in a stool sample of a 2-year-old child admitted to the hospital with severe diarrhea in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Analysis of the VP7 gene sequence revealed highest identities with unusual human rotavirus G3 strain CMH222 at 98.7% on the nucleotide and 99.6% on the amino acid levels. Phylogenetic analysis of the VP7 sequence confirmed that the CMH079/05 strain formed a cluster with G3 rotavirus reference strains and showed the closest lineage with the CMH222 strain. Analysis of partial VP4 gene of CMH079/05 revealed highest degree of sequence identities with P[10] rotavirus prototype strain 69M at nucleotide and amino acid levels of 92.9% and 94.6%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of the VP4 sequence revealed that CMH079/05 and 69M clustered closely together in a monophyletic branch separated from other rotavirus genotypes. To our knowledge, this is a novel G,P combination of G3 and P[10] genotypes. In addition, analyses of VP6, NSP4, and NSP5/6 genes revealed these uncommon genetic characteristics: (i) the VP6 gene differed from the four other known subgroups; (ii) the NSP4 gene was identified as NSP4 genetic group C, an uncommon group in humans; and (iii) the NSP5/6 gene was most closely related with T152, a G12P[9] rotavirus previously isolated in Thailand. The finding of uncommon G3P[10] rotavirus in this pediatric patient provided additional evidence of the genetic diversity of human group A rotaviruses in Chiang Mai, Thailand. J. Med. Virol. 81:176,182, 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Characterization of Gonadotrophin-Releasing Hormone Precursor cDNA in the Old World Mole-Rat Cryptomys Hottentotus Pretoriae: High Degree of Identity with the New World Guinea Pig SequenceJOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 5 2005T. Kalamatianos Abstract Regulation of pituitary gonadotrophins by the decapeptide gonadotrophin-releasing hormone 1 (GnRH1) is crucial for the development and maintenance of reproductive functions. A common amino acid sequence for this decapeptide, designated as ,mammalian' GnRH, has been identified in all mammals thus far investigated with the exception of the guinea pig, in which there are two amino acid substitutions. Among hystricognath rodents, the members of the family Bathyergidae regulate reproduction in response to diverse cues. Thus, highveld mole-rats (Cryptomys hottentotus pretoriae) are social bathyergids in which breeding is restricted to a particular season in the dominant female, but continuously suppressed in subordinate colony members. Elucidation of reproductive control in these animals will be facilitated by characterization of their GnRH1 gene. A partial sequence of GnRH1 precursor cDNA was isolated and characterized. Comparative analysis revealed the highest degree of identity (86%) to guinea pig GnRH1 precursor mRNA. Nevertheless, the deduced amino acid sequence of the mole-rat decapeptide is identical to the ,mammalian' sequence rather than that of guinea pigs. Successful detection of GnRH1-synthesizing neurones using either a guinea pig GnRH1 riboprobe or an antibody against the ,mammalian' decapeptide is consistent with the guinea pig-like sequence for the precursor and the classic ,mammalian' form for the decapeptide. The high degree of identity in the GnRH1 precursor sequence between this Old World mole-rat and the New World guinea pig is consistent with the theory that caviomorphs and phiomorphs originated from a common ancestral line in the Palaeocene to mid Eocene, some 63,45 million years ago. [source] IMPACT OF FREEZING TEMPERATURE ON QUALITY OF FARMED ATLANTIC COD (GADUS MORHUA L.)JOURNAL OF TEXTURE STUDIES, Issue 4 2007TURID MŘRKŘRE ABSTRACT This study evaluates the impact of freezing temperature (,10,,25,,40,,55 or,70C) on thaw exudates, liquid leakage during freeze-chilling, appearance, gaping and mechanical properties of farmed Atlantic cod fillets. Freezing temperature significantly influenced each of the characteristics studied. High temperatures (,10 and,25C) gave increased thaw exudates, and freezing at,10C gave the highest liquid leakage during freeze-chilling. Fillets frozen at,10C had the lowest gaping and the whitest appearance. The results indicated the highest degree of toughening upon freezing at,10 or,55C, whereas the degree of toughening appeared to be similar and lower for fillets frozen at,25,,40 or,70C. The impact of freezing temperatures on the quality of farmed cod therefore appeared to be complex, but no overall beneficial effects were found by decreasing the freezing temperature below,40C. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS For the fish processing industry, it is important to define optimal freezing and frozen storage regimes that are cost efficient and at the same time preserve the fresh fillet quality. Farmed cod differ from their wild counterparts by having lower water content, lower muscle pH and thicker fillets. Hence, industrial guidelines for wild cod may not be transferable to farmed cod. This study showed no beneficial effects by decreasing the freezing temperature below ,40C. Freezing and frozen storage are usually separated commercially. Results from the present study give valuable contribution to future studies aiming at defining optimal combination of freezing and frozen storage temperatures for farmed Atlantic cod. [source] Structure and composition of vegetation along an elevational gradient in Puerto RicoJOURNAL OF VEGETATION SCIENCE, Issue 5 2006W.A. Gould Liogier & Martorrell (1999) Abstract Question: What are the composition, conservation status, and structural and environmental characteristics of eight mature tropical forest plant communities that occur along an elevational gradient. Location: Northeastern Puerto Rico. Methods: We quantified the species composition, diversity, conservation status, and ecological attributes of eight mature tropical forest plant communities in replicated plots located to sample representative components of important forest types occurring along an elevational gradient. A suite of environmental and vegetation characteristics were sampled at each plot and summarized to characterize communities and analyse trends along the elevational gradient. Results: The set of communities included 374 species; 92% were native, 14% endemic, and 4% critical elements (locally endangered) to the island. All communities, occurring within a wide range of patch sizes and degree of conservation protection, showed a high percentage of native species (> 89% per plot). The lowland moist forest communities, occurring within a matrix of urbanization, agriculture, and disturbance, had the highest degree of invasion by exotics. Community descriptions were nested within a variety of hierarchies to facilitate extrapolation of community characteristics to larger ecosystem units. Basal area, above-ground biomass, canopy heights, and mean species richness peaked at mid elevations. Conclusions: It is significant that all of these forest communities continue to be dominated by native species while existing in a matrix of human and natural disturbance, species invasion, and forest regeneration from widespread agriculture. The lowland moist and dry forest types represent a minority of the protected forested areas in Puerto Rico, serve as unique genetic reservoirs, and should be protected. [source] Study on Superabsorbent Composite, 14MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS & ENGINEERING, Issue 12 2006Preparation of Poly(acrylic acid)/Organo-attapulgite Composite Hydrogels, Swelling Behaviors in Aqueous Electrolyte Solution Abstract Summary: Organo-attapulgite (organo-APT) was prepared by modifying APT using four quaternary ammonium salts with various lengths of the alkyl group, including (octyl)trimethylammonium bromide (OTMABr) and (stearyl)trimethylammonium chloride (STMACl), etc. A series of composite hydrogels, poly(acrylic acid)/organo-APT, from acrylic acid (AA), and organo-APT was prepared by aqueous polymerization, using N,N, -methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as a crosslinker and ammonium persulfate (APS) as an initiator. The organification and organification degree of APT as well as the corresponding composites were characterized by FTIR, TGA, and XRD. The effects of the length of the alkyl group for different quaternary ammonium salts, organification degree of APT, and organo-APT content on water absorbency and swelling behaviors in various electrolyte solutions were investigated in this study. Equilibrium water absorbency strongly depends on chain length of the alkyl group of quaternary ammonium salts, organification degree of APT as well as organo-APT content. Longer alkyl group, higher organification degree, and proper organo-APT content are of benefit for the improvement of equilibrium water absorbency. Equilibrium water absorbency in distilled water for PAA/APT was enhanced from 350.1 to 562.1 g,·,g,1 after 10 wt.-% organo-APT, modified with STMACl for the highest degree, was introduced. The kind of cation is the key factor influencing equilibrium water absorbency of these composite hydrogels in electrolyte solutions. Organification of APT could enhance responsiveness of the corresponding composite hydrogel to electrolyte solutions. Schematic structure of PAA/organo-APT composite in a dry state (left) and in a swollen state (right). [source] Population structure of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.): a range-wide perspective from microsatellite DNA variationMOLECULAR ECOLOGY, Issue 4 2001T. L. King Abstract Atlantic salmon (n = 1682) from 27 anadromous river populations and two nonanadromous strains ranging from south-central Maine, USA to northern Spain were genotyped at 12 microsatellite DNA loci. This suite of moderate to highly polymorphic loci revealed 266 alleles (5,37/locus) range-wide. Statistically significant allelic and genotypic heterogeneity was observed across loci between all but one pairwise comparison. Significant isolation by distance was found within and between North American and European populations, indicating reduced gene flow at all geographical scales examined. North American Atlantic salmon populations had fewer alleles, fewer unique alleles (though at a higher frequency) and a shallower phylogenetic structure than European Atlantic salmon populations. We believe these characteristics result from the differing glacial histories of the two continents, as the North American range of Atlantic salmon was glaciated more recently and more uniformly than the European range. Genotypic assignment tests based on maximum-likelihood provided 100% correct classification to continent of origin and averaged nearly 83% correct classification to province of origin across continents. This multilocus method, which may be enhanced with additional polymorphic loci, provides fishery managers the highest degree of correct assignment to management unit of any technique currently available. [source] Premotor Parkinson's disease: Clinical features and detection strategies,MOVEMENT DISORDERS, Issue S2 2009Randolph Stephenson MD Abstract In many areas of medicine, the focus has shifted from treating existing disease to screening and prevention. The technology to screen for Parkinson's disease (PD) already exists. The current challenge is to define the appropriate use of predictive testing for PD. Imaging technologies currently offer the highest degree of accuracy for identifying premotor PD, but they are expensive as screening tools. Efficiency is greatly enhanced by combining imaging with a prescreening test, such as olfactory testing. This two-step process has the potential to greatly reduce costs while retaining diagnostic accuracy. Ultimately, the role of preclinical detection of PD will be determined by the ability of emerging therapies to influence clinical outcomes. As such, implementation of large-scale screening strategies awaits the arrival of clearly safe and effective therapies that address the underlying pathogenesis of PD. Current research to evaluate efficient screening methods and to understand the clinical and physiological features of "premotor" PD will lay the foundation for the screening and prevention strategies of the future. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society [source] Systematic literature review of treatment interventions for upper extremity hemiparesis following strokeOCCUPATIONAL THERAPY INTERNATIONAL, Issue 1 2007Marjorie L. Urton Abstract The primary purpose of this review article is to critically analyse the literature from 1999 to 2005 regarding effective interventions for upper extremity hemiparesis following stroke. The researchers narrowed the scope of the review based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, which yielded 11 pertinent studies congruent with the selection criteria. Studies were categorized using Sackett's levels of evidence, level I being the highest degree of certainty and level V the lowest. Grades of recommendations were then developed, grade A being highly recommended, grade B discretionary and grade C not endorsed. Two studies were endorsed as level I , grade A, six were level II , grade B, and three were level III , grade C. Clinical recommendations inferred from the present evaluation are as follows: ,,Electrical stimulation can be used to improve upper limb outcomes in patients with moderate to severe upper limb dysfunction and is feasible for home-based interventions. ,,Therapy that utilizes goal-directed reaching behaviours promotes more typical reaching patterns than non-goal-directed interventions. ,,Reach-to-grasp movements show greater improvement when compensatory trunk movements are reduced. ,,As an addition to regular exercise therapy time, Arm BASIS training may enhance selective movements of the upper extremity (i.e. reaching). ,,When performed in conjunction with active neuromuscular stimulation, random and blocked practice may improve pre-motor, motor and total reaction times of the upper extremity. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. [source] Rat lens aldose reductase inhibitory constituents of Nelumbo nucifera stamensPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 10 2006Soon Sung Lim Abstract Aldose reductase, the principal enzyme of the polyol pathway, has been shown to play an important role in the complications associated with diabetes. A methanol extract of the stamens of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. was shown to exert an inhibitory effect on rat lens aldose reductase (RLAR), and thus was fractionated using several organic solvents, including dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and n -butanol. The ethyl acetate-soluble fraction, which manifested potent RLAR-inhibitory properties, was then purified further via repeated measures of silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography. Thirteen flavonoids: kaempferol (1) and seven of its glycosides (2,9), myricetin 3,,5,-dimethylether 3- O - , - d -glucopyranoside (10), quercetin 3- O - , - d -glucopyranoside (11) and two isorhamnetin glycosides (12, 13) were isolated from N. nucifera, as well as four non-flavonoid compounds: adenine (14), myo -inositol (15), arbutin (16) and , -sitosterol glucopyranoside (17). These compounds were all assessed with regard to their RLAR-inhibitory properties. Among the isolated flavonoids, those harboring 3- O - , - l -rhamnopyranosyl-(1,6)- , - d -glucopyranoside groups in their C rings, including kaempferol 3- O - , - l -rhamnopyranosyl-(1,6)- , - d -glucopyranoside (5) and isorhamnetin 3- O - , - l -rhamnopyranosyl-(1,6)- , - d -glucopyranoside (13), were determined to exhibit the highest degree of rat lens aldose reductase inhibitory activity in vitro, evidencing IC50 values (concentration required for a 50% inhibition of enzyme activity) of 5.6 and 9.0 µm, respectively. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Gene expression in chorionic villous samples at 11 weeks' gestation from women destined to develop preeclampsiaPRENATAL DIAGNOSIS, Issue 10 2008Antonio Farina Abstract Objective To evaluate the direct alterations in mRNA expression among chorionic villous samples from 11 weeks' pregnant women who would develop preeclampsia (PE) later in the pregnancy. Method Case-control study encompassing five women destined to develop PE [cases matched 1:5 for gestational age (GA) with 25 controls]. We quantified mRNA expression on tissue samples from chorionic villous sampling (CVS) of normal and PE patients. We then assessed mRNA expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA), VEGFA receptor 1 (Flt-1), endoglin (Eng), placental growth factor (PlGF), transforming growth factor-,1 (TGF-,1), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Data were analyzed by nonparametric rank analysis. Results For all the mRNA species considered in this study, all the mean observed ranks in the PE group were significantly altered compared to the rank expectation among controls. mRNA for Eng and TGF-,1 were the markers with the highest degree of aberration in PE, in respect to controls. The results are consistent with those already reported for the corresponding circulating proteins. mRNA for HO-1 and SOD were instead associated with the lowest aberration. Conclusion It is assumed that the pathogenesis of PE is associated with pathophysiological alterations to trophoblasts in early gestation. Our study has directly proved that gene expressions relating to angiogenesis or oxidative stress are altered in the first trimester trophoblasts that go on to develop PE later. These results would put the basis for a possible screening method for PE by using residual CVS. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Cell-free mRNA concentrations of CRH, PLAC1, and selectin-P are increased in the plasma of pregnant women with preeclampsiaPRENATAL DIAGNOSIS, Issue 8 2007Yuditiya Purwosunu Abstract Objective To compare mRNA concentrations of corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH), placenta specific-1 (PLAC1), and selectin-P in preeclamptic and normal pregnancies. Methods Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 43 pregnant women with preeclampsia and 41 control subjects. Plasma was harvested from samples and RNA extracted. Plasma RNA was analyzed using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Median concentrations of CRH, PLAC1, and selectin-P mRNA in plasma were compared, to assess possible differences in distribution. Data were also stratified and compared according to clinical severity of preeclampsia. Finally, CRH, PLAC1, and selectin-P were plotted against quantitative distributions of blood pressure and proteinuria. Results All markers were differently distributed between cases and controls. Median values in subgroups correlated with severity of preeclampsia. All markers correlated with both. Selectin-P was identified as the marker with the highest degree of correlation. No correlation was found between any markers in the control group and proteinuria or blood pressure. Conclusion CRH, PLAC1, and selectin-P are distributed differently in preeclampsia cases compared to controls and correlate with signs of preeclampsia. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Daily assessment of coping in patients with gastrointestinal cancerPSYCHO-ONCOLOGY, Issue 1 2002Elisabet Wasteson Ninety-five patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer participated in a study concerning stressful events, coping and emotional well-being. Participants were either potentially cured (n=62) after radical surgery or non-cured (n=33). For a period of 1 week, close to being informed about their diagnosis, they performed daily recordings of stressful events, the distress occasioned by these events and their perception of control over them, coping, worry and happiness/sadness. Anxiety and depression were assessed by a single retrospective assessment at the end of the week (Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale). The most commonly recorded stressful events were ,Somatic aspects' and ,Everyday concerns'. ,Somatic aspects', ,Social aspects' and ,Other consequences of the disease' were rated as most bothersome. Patients perceived that they had the highest degree of control over ,Returning home after hospital stay', whereas ,Contact with the medical services' was assigned low control. The most commonly used coping strategies were ,Acceptance' and ,Relaxation', and the least used was ,Religion'. Significant positive correlations between the occurrence of stressful events and the use of coping strategies were demonstrated between ,Somatic Aspects' and ,Acceptance'/,Direct Action', and between ,Social Aspects' and ,Seeking Social Support'. Daily assessment of stress-coping relationships represents a promising approach to the understanding of adaptation among cancer patients. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Fiscal Federalism in AustraliaPUBLIC ADMINISTRATION, Issue 1 2004Iain McLean Australia displays high vertical fiscal imbalance (VFI) for historical and constitutional reasons. It also attempts to achieve the highest degree of horizontal fiscal equalization (HFE) to be found in any democratic federation. The Commonwealth Grants Commission (CGC), a non-partisan body at arm's length from politicians, oversees the regime. A recent report claims that equity, efficiency and transparency would all improve if the regime were abolished. Such a change is politically unachievable, but it raises interesting issues in public finance and public administration, which carry over to other federations and union states. An economically efficient system would: minimize perverse incentives, especially incentives to seek rent; encourage states to grow; discourage suboptimal location decisions; minimize transaction costs. An equitable system would maximize equity between relevantly similar individuals. Aspects of the Australian system that should be copied include the non-partisan agency and the target of HFE between component parts of the country. Aspects that should be discussed and perhaps copied include the very extensive equalization, including the feature of equalizing away the effects of grants for special purposes. Aspects that should probably not be copied include the cumbersome formulae and some of the perverse methods of calculating for ,needs'. All abbreviations and acronyms are spelt out in the Appendix on page 37. [source] Settlement and Survival of the Oyster Crassostrea virginica on Created Oyster Reef Habitats in Chesapeake BayRESTORATION ECOLOGY, Issue 2 2007Janet A. Nestlerode Abstract Efforts to restore the Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) reef habitats in Chesapeake Bay typically begin with the placement of hard substrata to form three-dimensional mounds on the seabed to serve as a base for oyster recruitment and growth. A shortage of oyster shell for creating large-scale reefs has led to widespread use of other materials such as Surf clamshell (Spisula solidissima), as a substitute for oyster shell. Oyster recruitment, survival, and growth were monitored on intertidal reefs constructed from oyster and Surf clamshell near Fisherman's Island, Virginia, U.S.A. and on a subtidal Surf clamshell reef in York River, Virginia, U.S.A. At the intertidal reefs, oyster larvae settlement occurred at similar levels on both substrate types throughout the monitoring period but higher levels of post-settlement mortality occurred on clamshell reefs. The oyster shell reef supported greater oyster growth and survival and offered the highest degree of structural complexity. On the subtidal clamshell reef, the quality of the substrate varied with reef elevation. Large shell fragments and intact valves were scattered around the reef base, whereas small, tightly packed shell fragments paved the crest and flank of the reef mound. Oysters were more abundant and larger at the base of this reef and less abundant and smaller on the reef crest. The availability of interstitial space and appropriate settlement surfaces is hypothesized to account for the observed differences in oyster abundance across the reef systems. Patterns observed emphasize the importance of appropriate substrate selection for restoration activities to enhance natural recovery where an underlying habitat structure is destroyed. [source] Changes in biological anthropology: Results of the 1998 American Association of Physical Anthropology Membership SurveyAMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY, Issue 2 2002Trudy R. Turner Abstract In response to the results of the 1996 survey of the membership of the American Association of Physical Anthropology (AAPA), the Executive Committee of the Association sponsored a follow-up survey designed to assess gender and specialty differences in training, employment, academic status, mentoring, and research support. A total of 993 questionnaires was analyzed, representing approximately 62% of the 1998 membership of the Association. There has been a marked shift in the number of males and females in the discipline from the 1960s to the 1990s. While 51.2% of all respondents are female and 48.8% are male, 70% of the students are female. Chi-square tests indicate significant differences between males and females by highest degree, age, status, obtaining a tenure-track position, receiving tenure, and taking nontenure-track employment before receiving a tenure-track position. In recent years, there has been an increasing number of females in the ranks of assistant and associate professors; however, this is not true for the rank of professor. There are also significant differences between males and females by specialty within the discipline: researchers in primatology, human biological variation, skeletal biology, and paleopathology are primarily female, while researchers in human and primate evolution are increasingly female. Am J Phys Anthropol 118:111,116, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Basic forms of supramolecular self-assembly organized by parallel and antiparallel hydrogen bonds in the racemic crystal structures of six disubstituted and trisubstituted cyclopentane derivativesACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION B, Issue 4 2001Alajos Kálmán A selection of stereoisomeric 2-hydroxy-1-cyclopentanecarboxamides, a 4- tert -butyl derivative and three tert -butyl derivatives of the respective carboxylic acid were subjected to X-ray crystallography. The optically active molecules (I),(VI) form racemic crystals. Each racemic structure is basically determined by two intermolecular hydrogen bonds of O,H,O=C,XH and O=C,X,H,OH types (X = O, NH). The partially similar patterns of close packing observed reflect five basic forms of supramolecular self-assembly. In the racemic crystals of chiral molecules, there are homo- and heterochiral chains of molecules formed by the principal (O,H,O=C) hydrogen bonds. These chains assemble either in a parallel or antiparallel mode. The parallel homochiral chains (hop) observed in structure (II), (1R*,2R*)-2-hydroxy-1-cyclopentanecarboxamide, demand the polar space group Pca21, while the parallel heterochiral chains (hep) are organized in antiparallel layers with space group P21/n in structure (VI), (1R*,2S*,5R*-5- tert -butyl-2-hydroxy-1-cyclopentanecarboxylic acid). Heterochiral chains in an antiparallel array (hea) are found in (I), (1R*,2S*)-2-hydroxy-1-cyclopentanecarboxamide, and (V) [(1R*,2S*4S*)-4- tert -butyl-2-hydroxy-1-cyclopentanecarboxylic acid, space group P21/c]. Structures (IV), (1R*,2S*,4R*)-4- tert -butyl-2-hydroxy-1-cyclopentanecarboxylic acid, and (III), (1R*,2R*,4S*)-4- tert -butyl-2-hydroxy-1-cyclopentanecarboxamide, reveal that homochiral chains in an antiparallel array (hoa; cross-linked by heterochiral dimers held together by the second hydrogen bonds) can be formed by either translation (space group P) or a screw axis (space group P21/c). These alternatives are denoted hoa1 and hoa2. Similarly, within each pattern (hea, hep and hop) two slightly different alternatives can be expected. The partial similarities in the identified five patterns of hydrogen bonding are described by graph-set notations. Structures (I), (IV) and (V) can be characterized by a common supramolecular synthon, while the highest degree of similarity is shown by the isostructurality of (I) and (V). [source] The relevance of preserving temporary ponds during drought: hydrological and vegetation changes over a 16-year period in the Dońana National Park (south-west Spain)AQUATIC CONSERVATION: MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS, Issue 3 2008Laura Serrano Abstract 1.Although the Dońana National Park is given the highest degree of environmental protection in Spain, it is likely that groundwater discharge to several ponds within the Biological Reserve has been damaged by abstraction to a tourist resort located less than 1 km away. 2.Hydrological changes were monitored over 16 years (1 October 1989 to 30 September 2005) by recording the shallow water table of six temporary ponds at 1,8-week intervals, and the duration of pond wet phase (or hydroperiod) during each hydrological cycle. 3.The average rainfall for the study period was 563.2 mm, and included 6 wet, 5 moderate, and 5 dry years in a seemingly random sequence. The average rainy season extended from October until the end of March, while the dry season occupied the rest of the year. 4.The water table generally oscillated following this alternation of rainy and dry seasons, but this fluctuation was minimal during dry years, and even failed to occur at some ponds. 5.Since 1998/99, the average hydroperiod has shortened by 3 months at Charco del Toro pond, and by almost 2 months at Brezo pond, while the rest of the ponds exhibited a reduction of less than 1 month. 6.Vegetation changed in the ponds between May 1990 and 2005. Total plant cover increased (range of increase: 16,65%), and species richness decreased in all ponds (range of species loss: 4,18). 7.The reduction in the hydroperiod probably enhanced the growth of a few woody plants to the detriment of flooding-dependent species as the cover of Pinus pinea increased nearly fourfold at Brezo pond, while that of Scirpus lacustris was halved at Charco del Toro pond. 8.The pumping area for the nearby tourist resort should be relocated, and a specific management strategy should be developed in order to prevent further damage to the ponds. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Dispersal abilities and spatial patterns in fragmented landscapesBIOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY, Issue 4 2010CONCEPCIÓN L. ALADOS Recent theoretical studies suggest that the distribution of species in space has important implications for the conservation of communities in fragmented landscapes. Facilitation and dispersal are the primary mechanisms responsible for the formation of spatial patterns. Furthermore, disruptions in the formation of patterns arise after degradation, which can serve as an early indicator of stress in plant communities. Spatial dispersal ability and pattern formation were evaluated in 53 linear transects of 500 m in length within 14 fragments of natural vegetation within a matrix of abandoned crop fields in Cabo de Gata National Park, Almería, Spain. Fragments were classified into three size classes (< 300, 300,900, and > 900 ha). Fragment connectivity was quantified using the distances between fragments. Spatial dispersal ability was quantified for the 187 species recorded in the study. Species with restricted dispersal had the highest degree of long-range spatial autocorrelation and, species that disperse by biotic vectors (e.g. vertebrates), the lowest. In addition, species most susceptible to fragmentation are vertebrate-dispersed shrubs, which declined in abundance and was associated with loss of spatial organization in the smallest fragments. It is postulated that the positive feedback between abundance of recruitment and vertebrate visits influences the colonization and persistence of vertebrate-dispersed shrubs, explaining its abundance in large fragments. Indeed, fragments lower than a certain threshold reduced spatial organization not only in shrubs with biotic dispersal, but also in species with abiotic dispersal (mainly wind) and with restricted dispersal. Fragments lower than a certain threshold may be vulnerable to a cascade of species loss because of reduced recruitment, establishment and patch biomass as a result of natural senescence, finally breaking up facilitative plant interactions. © 2010 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2010, 100, 935,947. [source] Heterogeneity in uveal melanoma assessed by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA)ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2009J DOPIERALA Purpose To study intratumour heterogeneity in primary uveal melanoma (UM) by MLPA in microdissected formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues. Methods DNA was extracted from 2-9 areas microdissected from 32 FFPE UMs. Thirty-one loci on chromosomes 1p, 3, 6 and 8 were tested for copy number changes using the SALSA MLPA P027.B1 assay (MRC Holland). MLPA data were displayed as dosage quotients (DQs), which were classified to 5 ranges (0.35-0.64 deleted; 0.65-0.84 equivocal deletion; 0.85-1.14 normal; 1.15-1.35 equivocal amplification; >1.35 amplified). The tumour was considered heterogeneous at a locus, if a) the difference in DQs of any two areas was higher than 0.2 (value determined by ROC analysis), and b) the DQs of the areas belonged to different ranges. Results Genetic abnormalities were detected in all 32 UMs. Monosomy 3, the most significant metastasis predictor, and gain of 8q genes MYC or DDEF1 were detected in at least 1 microdissected area of 22 (69%) and 28 (87%) of the tumours, respectively. The comparison of MLPA data obtained from different areas of UMs showed heterogeneity in 1-24 loci across chromosomes 1p, 3, 6 and 8 in 26 (81%) tumours. Interestingly, trisomy 3 was observed in 3 (9%) UMs and these tumours showed the highest degree of heterogeneity (>23 heterogeneous loci). Intratumour heterogeneity of 3p12.2 (ROBO1) and 6p21.2 (CDKN1A) were most common and present in more than 35% of the tumours. Conclusion Heterogeneity of chromosomal abnormalities of 1p, 3, 6 and 8 is present in many UM. Taking one random tumour sample for prognostic testing, therefore, may not be representative of the whole tumour. [source] Oligonucleotide N3,,P5, Phosphoramidates and Thio -Phoshoramidates as Potential Therapeutic AgentsCHEMISTRY & BIODIVERSITY, Issue 3 2010Sergei Abstract Nucleic acids analogues, i.e., oligonucleotide N3,,P5, phosphoramidates and N3,,P5, thio -phosphoramidates, containing 3,-amino-3,-deoxy nucleosides with various 2,-substituents were synthesized and extensively studied. These compounds resist nuclease hydrolysis and form stable duplexes with complementary native phosphodiester DNA and, particularly, RNA strands. An increase in duplexes' melting temperature, ,Tm, relative to their phosphodiester counterparts, reaches 2.2,4.0° per modified nucleoside. 2,-OH- (RNA-like), 2,- O -Me-, and 2,- ribo -F-nucleoside substitutions result in the highest degree of duplex stabilization. Moreover, under close to physiological salt and pH conditions, the 2,-deoxy- and 2,-fluoro-phosphoramidate compounds form extremely stable triple-stranded complexes with either single- or double-stranded phosphodiester DNA oligonucleotides. Melting temperature, Tm, of these triplexes exceeds Tm values for the isosequential phosphodiester counterparts by up to 35°. 2,-Deoxy-N3,,P5, phosphoramidates adopt RNA-like C3,- endo or N -type nucleoside sugar-ring conformations and hence can be used as stable RNA mimetics. Duplexes formed by 2,-deoxy phosphoramidates with complementary RNA strands are not substrates for RNase H-mediated cleavage in vitro. Oligonucleotide phosphoramidates and especially thio -phosphoramidates conjugated with lipid groups are cell-permeable and demonstrate high biological target specific activity in vitro. In vivo, these compounds show good bioavailability and efficient biodistribution to all major organs, while exerting acceptable toxicity at therapeutically relevant doses. Short oligonucleotide N3,,P5, thio -phosphoramidate conjugated to 5,-palmitoyl group, designated as GRN163L (Imetelstat), was recently introduced as a potent human telomerase inhibitor. GRN163L is not an antisense agent; it is a direct competitive inhibitor of human telomerase, which directly binds to the active site of the enzyme and thus inhibits its activity. This compound is currently in multiple Phase-I and Phase-I/II clinical trials as potential broad-spectrum anticancer agent. [source] Melt processing effects on the structure and mechanical properties of PA-6/clay nanocompositesPOLYMER ENGINEERING & SCIENCE, Issue 8 2006Nitin K. Borse Polyamide-6 nanocomposites were prepared using two organoclays, Cloisite 30B and Cloisite 15A, and Cloisite Na+, which is unmodified sodium montmorillonite (Na-MMT) clay. Nanocomposites were prepared using two twin-screw extrusion systems: System B employing conventional mixing and residence time conditions, while System A was modified to achieve longer residence time and higher mixing efficiency. The work considers the effects of mixing conditions, residence time, and interactions between the polymer and clay surface on the structure and mechanical properties of polyamide-6 (PA-6)/clay nanocomposites. Furthermore, a comparison was made between experimental data and the predictions of composite models usually employed to predict mechanical properties of nanocomposites. The melt processing of Cloisite 30B in System A produced the highest degrees of exfoliation and the largest enhancement of mechanical properties. The aspect ratios of the filler particles in the nanocomposites were estimated from TEM micrographs and from composite models. Yield stress data were employed to calculate the values of parameter B in Pukanszky's equation, which incorporates the effects of the interfacial interaction, interfacial strength, and specific surface area of the filler particles. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 46:1094,1103, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||