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Highest Levels (highest + level)
Selected AbstractsDeveloping a Multicultural Curriculum in a Predominantly White Teaching Context: Lessons From an African American Teacher in a Suburban English ClassroomCURRICULUM INQUIRY, Issue 4 2005H. RICHARD MILNER ABSTRACT The author sought to understand an African American English teacher's multicultural curriculum transformation and teaching in a suburban, mostly White, high school. Building on Banks's (1998) model of multicultural curriculum integration, the study focused on a context that might otherwise be ignored because there was not a large student-of-color representation in the school. The teacher in the study was operating at one of the highest levels of Banks's model, the transformational approach. Although the teacher shared characteristics with many of the Black teachers explored in the literature, there was one important difference: much of the research and theory about Black teachers and their instruction focus on Black teachers and their effectiveness in predominantly Black settings. The Black teacher in this study taught in a predominantly White teaching context. The study suggested that even teachers highly conscious of race, culture, gender, and ethnicity may find it difficult to reach the highest level of Banks's model: the social action approach. Implications of this study suggest that multicultural curricula can be well developed and received in a predominantly White setting as long as the curriculum is thoughtfully and carefully transformed. However, the study pointed out that the pervasive discourses and belief systems against multicultural education in a school can discourage highly effective curriculum transformers, and there is a great need to help critically minded teachers persevere in the face of such adversity. [source] Fractionated Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment Complications: A ReviewDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 3 2010ANDREI I. METELITSA MD BACKGROUND Fractional photothermolysis represents a new modality of laser skin resurfacing that was developed to provide a successful clinical response while minimizing postoperative recovery and limiting treatment complications. OBJECTIVES To review all of the reported complications that develop as a result of fractional ablative and nonablative laser skin resurfacing. METHODS A literature review was based on a MEDLINE search (1998,2009) for English-language articles related to laser treatment complications and fractional skin resurfacing. Articles presenting the highest level of evidence and the most recent reports were preferentially selected. RESULTS Complications with fractional laser skin resurfacing represent a full spectrum of severity and can be longlasting. In general, a greater likelihood of developing post-treatment complications is seen in sensitive cutaneous areas and in patients with intrinsically darker skin phototypes or predisposing medical risk factors. CONCLUSIONS Although the overall rate of complications associated with fractional laser skin resurfacing is much lower than with traditional ablative techniques, recent reports suggest that serious complications can develop. An appreciation of all of the complications associated with fractional laser skin resurfacing is important, especially given that many of them can be potentially prevented. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters. [source] Conservation and management of the Arctic charr: a forward viewECOLOGY OF FRESHWATER FISH, Issue 1 2007C. E. Adams Abstract , In this study, we synthesised the views of 34 participants in a workshop to consider the status and future conservation and management of the Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus L.). These are expressed as a series of resolutions deriving from a conference on Arctic charr conservation held in Perth, Scotland in June 2004. Agreed resolutions from the conference were as follows. (i) The unique diversity of Arctic charr should be recognised for the contribution it makes to biodiversity of northern aquatic communities. (ii) The recognition by the public, nongovernmental organisations and national governments of the importance of Arctic charr in northern ecosystems is an important step to the management and protection that should be pursued. (iii) The taxonomic status of highly variable charr populations requires to be reviewed. (iv) There should be a separate system, complementary to the taxonomic one, which systematically catalogues the biological diversity of S. alpinus. (v) The Arctic charr provides a unique natural resource to study the process of evolution and this requires the highest level of protection from anthropogenic effects. (vi) The status of conservation policy for Arctic charr needs to be urgently reviewed to take account of its unique position in the fauna. [source] A social network perspective on heroin and cocaine use among adults: evidence of bidirectional influencesADDICTION, Issue 7 2009Amy S. B. Bohnert ABSTRACT Aims While several studies have documented a relationship between initiation of drug use and social network drug use in youth, the direction of this association is not well understood, particularly among adults or for stages of drug involvement beyond initiation. The present study sought to examine two competing theories (social selection and social influence) in the longitudinal relationship between drug use (heroin and/or cocaine) and social network drug use among drug-experienced adults. Design Three waves of data came from a cohort of 1108 adults reporting a life-time history of heroin and/or cocaine use. Setting Low-income neighborhoods with high rates of drug use in Baltimore, Maryland. Participants Participants had weekly contact with drug users and were 18 years of age or older. Measurements Drug use data were self-report. Network drug use was assessed through a social network inventory. Close friends were individuals whom the participant reported seeing daily or rated as having the highest level of trust. Findings Structural equation modeling indicated significant bidirectional influences. The majority of change in network drug use over time was due to change in the composition of the network rather than change in friends' behavior. Drug use by close peers did not influence participant drug use beyond the total network. Conclusions There is evidence of both social selection and social influence processes in the association between drug use and network drug use among drug-experienced adults. [source] Development of emulsion from rhizobial fermented starch industry wastewater for application as Medicago sativa seed coatENGINEERING IN LIFE SCIENCES (ELECTRONIC), Issue 3 2010Rojan Pappy John Abstract Starch industry wastewater was efficiently employed for the production of Sinorhizobium meliloti and the concentrated culture was used for the development of a biofertilizer formulation. Tween-80 (0.02,g/L) acted as the best emulsifier for a Sinorhizobium,canola oil emulsion. The stability of the emulsion and survival of the organism was enhanced by supplementation of xanthan gum at pH 8. The refrigerated condition was most favorable for stability and survival of the microorganism. The survival of microorganism at 4±1°C was 2.78×1010 and 2.01×1010,CFU (colony forming unit)/mL on storage for 1 and 2 months, respectively. The values were higher than the prescribed cell count (×103,CFU/mL) for field application. At 40°C, the survival of bacteria reduced from 3×1010,CFU/mL to 8.1×109 and 8.8×106,CFU/mL in 1 and 2 months, respectively. Emulsion-coated seed was incubated at different temperatures and a cell count of 105,CFU/seed was observed after 2 months of storage at 4°C, which was equal to the highest level of the described requirement (103,105,CFU/seed). Emulsion supplemented with xanthan gum improved the shelf-life under optimized conditions (Sinorhizobium concentrate,,,canola oil (1:1) emulsion with 0.02,g/L Tween-80; storage at pH 8 and temperature 4±1°C) and this emulsion with the required cell count and prolonged viability was used for the pre-inoculation of seed or for in situ soil application. [source] Does mother really know best?ENTOMOLOGIA EXPERIMENTALIS ET APPLICATA, Issue 3 2005Oviposition preference reduces reproductive performance in the generalist parasitoid Aphidius ervi Abstract The reproductive success of female parasitoids is dependent on their ability to accurately assess the suitability of a host for larval development. For generalist parasitoids, which utilize a broad range of species and instars as hosts, a set of assessment criteria determines whether a host is accepted or rejected. The suitability of a host, however, can only be imperfectly assessed by the female parasitoid, which can result in the selection of lesser quality hosts for oviposition. In this study we explored the disparity between host quality and host preference using the generalist koinobiotic parasitoid Aphidius ervi Haliday (Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae) and the host Aulacorthum solani (Harris) (Homoptera: Aphididae), the foxglove aphid. The second instar hosts produced the highest level of reproductive success, while third and fourth instars resulted in a substantially reduced reproductive performance. When given a choice of host instars, parasitoids preferred the older hosts for oviposition disregarding their reduced suitability for larval development. Results are discussed in context of mechanisms involved in A. ervi host selection and biases in the criteria used to assess hosts that may arise when parasitoids transfer host species between generations. [source] Effect of 13 single and eight mixed host plant diets on survival, post-embryonic development and morphology of variegated grasshopper in laboratoryENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH, Issue 1 2010Sévilor KEKEUNOU Abstract Zonocerus variegatus (Orthoptera: Pyrgomorphidae) is known as an agricultural pest in West and Central Africa. In this study, the effects of 13 single and eight mixed host plant diets on the survival, post-embryonic development and morphology of Z. variegatus in the laboratory were investigated. In each cage, 20 one-day larvae were provided with these diets and their survival monitored every two days, from August 2000 to September 2002, until all individuals died. Results showed that the number of larval stages varied from six to eight according to the diet. Six larval stages were most frequent. Development to the adult stage (complete development) was only noted with 52% of diets. All the mixed host plant diets induced complete development of Z. variegatus except that of Cajanus cajan + Synedrella nodiflora + Chromolaena odorata. Complete development was observed with four single host plant diets: Lablab purpurea, C. cajan, Manihot esculenta and S. nodiflora. Compared to leguminous species and Asteraceae, M. esculenta (Euphorbiaceae) was the species that resulted in the highest level of survival and development of Z. variegatus. Chromolaena odorata and S. nodiflora (Asteraceae) induced late appearance of the different Z. variegatus nymphal instars and the appearance time was shorter on legumes. The supernumerary stage 7 has the same color as the larva in stages 1,6, but this larva was significantly larger than stage 6 and smaller than the adult stage. These results indicate that legumes for short fallows affected the survival and post-embryonic development of Z. variegatus in the laboratory. [source] Genetic variability in environmental isolates of Legionella pneumophila from Comunidad Valenciana (Spain)ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 6 2006Mireia Coscollá Summary Legionella pneumophila is associated to recurrent outbreaks in several Comunidad Valenciana (Spain) localities, especially in Alcoi, where social and climatic conditions seem to provide an excellent environment for bacterial growth. We have analysed the nucleotide sequences of three loci from 25 environmental isolates from Alcoi and nearby locations sampled over 3 years. The analysis of these isolates has revealed a substantial level of genetic variation, with consistent patterns of variability across loci, and comparable to that found in a large, European-wide sampling of clinical isolates. Among the tree loci studied, fliC showed the highest level of nucleotide diversity. The analysis of isolates sampled in different years revealed a clear differentiation, with samples from 2001 being significantly distinct from those obtained in 2002 and 2003. Furthermore, although linkage disequilibrium measures indicate a clonal nature for population structure in this sample, the presence of some recombination events cannot be ruled out. [source] Use of Caged Nucella Lapillus and Crassostrea Gigas to Monitor Tributyltin-Induced Bioeffects in Irish Coastal Waters,ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 8 2009Michelle Giltrap Abstract Caging studies have been previously reported to be useful for providing valuable information on biological effects of mollusks over short periods of time where resident species are absent. The degree of imposex in caged dog whelk (Nucella lapillus), was measured using the vas deferens sequence index (VSDI) and the Relative Penis Size Index (RPSI) and the extent of shell thickening in caged Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) was investigated at t = 0 and t = 18 weeks. Nucella lapillus, when provided with mussels as a food source at the control site at Omey Island on the west Irish coast, did not demonstrate imposex features, whereas those transplanted to port areas did. Dunmore East exhibited the highest level of imposex (3.25 VDSI and 2.37 RPSI). Shell thickening was evident in C. gigas transplanted to Dunmore East, with low effects evident at the control location, Omey Island, and Dublin Bay at t = 18 weeks. Dry weight whole-body concentrations of organotins were most elevated in all species held at Dunmore East compared with other locations. Greatest ,15N and ,13C enrichment was observed within the tissues of the predatory N. lapillus in all three test sites. Increased assimilation in the Dublin Bay oysters might have been influenced by the presence of more nutrients at this location. Surficial sediment organotin levels were most elevated in the Dunmore East <2-mm fraction (22,707 ,g tributyltin/kg dry weight), whereas low organotin levels were determined from Dublin and Omey Island sediments. The valuable application of cost-effective caging techniques to deliver integrated biological effects and chemical measurements in the absence of resident gastropod populations in potential organotin/tributyltin hotspot locations is discussed. [source] Influence of salinity on the bioaccumulation and photoinduced toxicity of fluoranthene to an estuarine shrimp and oligochaeteENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 12 2003John E. Weinstein Abstract The effect of salinity on the photoinduced toxicity of waterborne fluoranthene to larvae of the grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugto) and tubificid oligochaete worms (Monopylephorus rubrontveus) was studied in a laboratory system under simulated sunlight. In the grass shrimp toxicity tests, five concentrations of fluoranthene (0, 3.6, 7.3, 13.8, and 29.0 ,g/L) and four salinities (6.9, 14.5, 21.2, and 28.6,) were achieved. In the oligochaete toxicity tests, five concentrations of fluoranthene (0, 0.8, 1.4, 3.3, and 7.7 ,g/L) and four salinities (7.1, 13.3, 20.5, and 27.6,) were achieved. Salinity had no effect on either the photoinduced toxicity or the bioaccumulation of fluoranthene in the grass shrimp. However, the highest level of salinity decreased the median lethal time for the oligochaete. Bioaccumulation of fluoranthene was inversely related to salinity for the oligochaete. Additional experiments demonstrated an inverse relationship between salinity and short-term osmotic weight change in the oligochaete. Weight of the grass shrimp larvae was not affected by salinity. These findings show that salinity can influence the toxicity and bioaccumulation of fluoranthene in some estuarine organisms. The influence of salinity on these populations may be related to physiological responses associated with internal osmotic volume changes. Thus, salinity needs to be taken into account when assessing the risk of photoactivated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) to at least some estuarine species. [source] PM 7/98 (1): Specific requirements for laboratories preparing accreditation for a plant pest diagnostic activityEPPO BULLETIN, Issue 1 2010Article first published online: 9 MAR 2010 Specific scope This guideline includes specific quality management requirements for laboratories preparing for accreditation according to the ISO/IEC Standard 17025 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories (references to relevant parts of ISO/IEC Standard 17025 are included). It should be noted that in EPPO standards the verb ,should' carries the highest level of obligation. Specific approval and amendment First approved in 2009,09. [source] Effect of ozone on oral cells compared with established antimicrobialsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORAL SCIENCES, Issue 5 2006Karin C. Huth Ozone has been proposed as an alternative antiseptic agent in dentistry based on reports of its antimicrobial effects in both gaseous and aqueous forms. This study investigated whether gaseous ozone (4 × 106 µg m,3) and aqueous ozone (1.25,20 µg ml,1) exert any cytotoxic effects on human oral epithelial (BHY) cells and gingival fibroblast (HGF-1) cells compared with established antiseptics [chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) 2%, 0.2%; sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) 5.25%, 2.25%; hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) 3%], over a time of 1 min, and compared with the antibiotic, metronidazole, over 24 h. Cell counts, metabolic activity, Sp-1 binding, actin levels, and apoptosis were evaluated. Ozone gas was found to have toxic effects on both cell types. Essentially no cytotoxic signs were observed for aqueous ozone. CHX (2%, 0.2%) was highly toxic to BHY cells, and slightly (2%) and non-toxic (0.2%) to HGF-1 cells. NaOCl and H2O2 resulted in markedly reduced cell viability (BHY, HGF-1), whereas metronidazole displayed mild toxicity only to BHY cells. Taken together, aqueous ozone revealed the highest level of biocompatibility of the tested antiseptics. [source] Stereotypes as justifications for prior intergroup discrimination: Studies of Scottish national stereotypingEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 2 2001Adam Rutland Two studies provide support for the group-justification approach to stereotyping (Tajfel, 1981; Huici, 1984). This approach contends that stereotypes not only serve cognitive functions for individuals but also provide a means of justifying prior intergroup discrimination. Study 1 investigated whether the content of the Scottish ingroup stereotype changes due to the prior expression of intergroup discrimination. Scottish students were primed with either a ,differentiation' or a ,fairness' ingroup norm and completed two intergroup judgement tasks. Other Scottish students were primed only with a ,differentiation' ingroup norm, while a control group received no prime or judgement tasks. Only participants who experienced the ,differentiation' ingroup norm prime and the intergroup judgement tasks changed the content of their ingroup stereotype as an attempt to justify their discriminatory behaviour. Study 2 examined whether Scottish students would use both positive ingroup and negative outgroup stereotypes to rationalize intergroup discrimination. Students who experienced a ,differentiation' ingroup norm prime and intergroup judgement tasks showed the highest level of superior recall for positive ingroup and negative outgroup stereotype-consistent words compared to stereotype-neutral words. This finding suggests that the expression of intergroup discrimination activates the use of both positive ingroup and negative outgroup stereotypes. Together the findings of these two studies provide empirical support for the notion that stereotypes serve social as well as cognitive functions. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The Emerging Strategic Partnership between India and the EU: A Critical AppraisalEUROPEAN LAW JOURNAL, Issue 6 2007Saponti Baroowa In recent times however, amongst others, the changing external environment, the EU's emerging profile as a global actor and India's growing importance both regionally and globally warranted the need for greater political dialogue and cooperation between the two sides. What followed therefore was the formalisation at the highest level of the EU's political dialogue with India and its institutionalisation into a meaningful summit-level partnership leading to a strategic partnership. Areas of divergence and challenges remain but the opportunities that have surfaced are significant and deserving of attention. This article critically analyses the growing strategic partnership between India and the EU in the light of both these realities. [source] Preliminary evaluation of electroencephalographic entrainment using thalamocortical modellingEXPERT SYSTEMS, Issue 4 2009Dean Cvetkovic Abstract: The concept of linked oscillators in biological control systems has long been established. Frequency entrainment is a predominant explanation behind many biological rhythms. In this paper a preliminary examination of electroencephalographic entrainment is made to survey the possibility and methods of achieving signal entrainment at the highest level of neurological organization and function. A model of the thalamocortical system is employed to generate simulated electroencephalographic signals and is tested in various configurations in the search for entrainment under very simple conditions. Additionally, an analysis of the coupled Van der Pol model of the circadian rhythm controller is performed to identify the possibility of affecting that system with a drastically different coupling input signal. We were able to conclude that overall signal shape can have a significant impact on the entrainment characteristics of the system. Due to the nature of the underlying mathematical structure of the model, by examining the circadian rhythm controller, we found that it is unsuitable for entrainment to an incident entraining signal of much higher frequency. [source] Effect of cadmium on the relationship between replicative and repair DNA synthesis in synchronized CHO cellsFEBS JOURNAL, Issue 22 2000Gaspar Banfalvi Repair and replicative DNA synthesis were measured at different stages of the cell cycle in control and cadmium-treated Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells. Cells were synchronized by counterflow centrifugal elutriation. Elutriation resulted in five repair and four replication subphases. On Cd treatment, repair synthesis was elevated in certain subphases. Replicative subphases were suppressed by Cd treatment, with some of the peaks almost invisible. The number of spontaneous strand breaks measured by random oligonucleotide primed synthesis assay showed a cell-cycle-dependent fluctuation in control cells and was greatly increased after Cd treatment throughout the S phase. Elevated levels of the oxidative DNA damage product, 8-oxodeoxyguanosine, were observed after Cd treatment, with the highest level in early S phase, which gradually declined as damaged cells progressed through the cell cycle. [source] Characterization and functional analysis of the ,-1,3-glucanosyltransferase 3 of the human pathogenic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensisFEMS YEAST RESEARCH, Issue 1 2009Nadya Da Silva Castro Abstract The fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis causes paracoccidioidomycosis, a systemic granulomatous mycosis prevalent in Latin America. In an effort to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in fungus cell wall assembly and morphogenesis, ,-1,3-glucanosyltransferase 3 (PbGel3p) is presented here. PbGel3p presented functional similarity to the glucan-elongating/glycophospholipid-anchored surface/pH-regulated /essential for pseudohyphal development protein families, which are involved in fungal cell wall biosynthesis and morphogenesis. The full-length cDNA and gene were obtained. Southern blot and in silico analysis suggested that there is one copy of the gene in P. brasiliensis. The recombinant PbGel3p was overexpressed in Escherichia coli, and a polyclonal antibody was obtained. The PbGEL3 mRNA, as well as the protein, was detected at the highest level in the mycelium phase. The protein was immunolocalized at the surface in both the mycelium and the yeast phases. We addressed the potential role of PbGel3p in cell wall biosynthesis and morphogenesis by assessing its ability to rescue the phenotype of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae gas1, mutant. The results indicated that PbGel3p is a cell wall-associated protein that probably works as a ,-1,3-glucan elongase capable of mediating fungal cell wall integrity. [source] Phytase activity in Cryptococcus laurentii ABO 510FEMS YEAST RESEARCH, Issue 3 2007Jason Van Staden Abstract Ten Cryptococcus strains were screened for phytase activity, of which the Cryptococcus laurentii ABO 510 strain showed the highest level of activity. The cell wall-associated enzyme displayed temperature and pH optima of 62°C and 5.0, respectively. The enzyme was thermostable at 70°C, with a loss of 40% of its original activity after 3 h. The enzyme was active on a broad range of substrates, including ATP, d -glucose 6-phosphate, d -fructose 1,6-diphosphate and p -nitrophenyl phosphate (p -NPP), but its preferred substrate was phytic acid (Km of 21 ,M). The enzyme activity was completely inhibited by 0.5 mM inorganic phosphate or 5 mM phytic acid, and moderately inhibited in the presence of Hg2+, Zn2+, Cd2+ and Ca2+. These characteristics suggest that the Cry. laurentii ABO 510 phytase may be considered for application as an animal feed additive to assist in the hydrolysis of phytate complexes to improve the bioavailability of phosphorus in plant feedstuff. [source] Survival of stocked Atlantic salmon and coarse fish and an evaluation of costsFISHERIES MANAGEMENT & ECOLOGY, Issue 3-4 2004M. W. Aprahamian Abstract The stocking of fish represents a major activity in current fisheries management practice. To maximise benefit to the environment in general and to fisheries in particular, optimal stocking strategies need to be developed. Examples from two studies, one involving Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., and the other involving three coarse fish species, are used to illustrate how such strategies might be developed. Atlantic salmon fed fry (age 0+) were stocked into eight streams in the North West of England at densities ranging from 1 to 4 m,2 over a period of up to 3 years to evaluate survival to the end of the first and second growing periods. Survival to the end of the first growing period (mean duration 108 days) varied between 1.2 and 41.3% with a mean of 20.45% and CV of 0.53. Survival from the end of the first growing period to the end of the second growing period (mean duration 384 days) ranged from 19.9 to 34.1% with a mean of 26.3% and a CV of 0.21. Hatchery-reared roach, Rutilus rutilus (L.), chub, Leuciscus cephalus (L.) and dace, Leuciscus leuciscus (L.), were stocked into four rivers to determine the optimal age and season which would maximise survival over a 6-month post-stocking period. Post-stocking persistence within the stocked reaches was generally low; the highest level of persistence was estimated at only 33.8%. However, most of the estimates of persistence were considerably lower and (in practical terms) approached zero in several instances. The analysis indicated that river-specific factors are important in determining the success of stocking exercises. The survival estimates derived from these two studies were compared with other published estimates. [source] Volatile components of Thymus vulgaris L. from wild-growing and cultivated plants in JordanFLAVOUR AND FRAGRANCE JOURNAL, Issue 4 2007M. Hudaib Abstract The composition of the essential oil hydrodistilled from the aerial parts of Thymus vulgaris L. grown in Jordan has been determined by GC and GC,MS. Variations in oil composition and yield between cultivated and wild-growing plants collected from different localities, at different altitudes, have been also evaluated. Higher oil yields were observed in plants growing wild (3.7,5.6% of dried material) than in cultivated plants (1.1,2.0%), and those collected from the Mshaqar region, in the middle of Jordan and at the highest altitude, were the richest in oil (,5.4%). Generally, the oil was characterized by marked levels of phenolic monoterpenoids (mainly thymol and carvacrol) in the range 70.8,89.0%. High levels of the monoterpenoid hydrocarbons p -cymene (3.4,8.2%) and , -terpinene (1.6,7.7%) were also observed. Other major components were 1,8-cineole (up to 2.1%), , -thujone (up to 1.2%), camphor (up to 1.1%) and , -caryophyllene (0.2,2.8%). With the exception of plants growing wild in the Ramtha region, in the far north of Jordan, carvacrol was found as the principal phenol of all other oils (50.6,86.1%) and was dominant (>85%) in wild plant oils. The oil from Ramtha was characterized by the highest level of thymol (,63.8%) as the dominant phenol and was most abundant in p -cymene (8.2%), 1,8-cineole (2.1%) and , -terpinene (7.7%). In addition to assigning carvacrol or thymol chemotypes to the plant, the high content of active monoterpenoid phenols strongly suggests a potential use of Jordanian thyme oil in cough products and antimicrobial,herbal drug combinations. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] High-Performance Organic Photovoltaic Devices Using a New Amorphous Molecular Material with High Hole Drift Mobility, Tris[4-(5-phenylthiophen-2-yl)phenyl]amineADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 24 2009Hiroshi Kageyama Abstract A new amorphous molecular material, tris[4-(5-phenylthiophen-2-yl)phenyl]amine (TPTPA), is synthesized and characterized. TPTPA forms a stable amorphous glass with a glass-transition temperature of 83,°C when the melt sample is cooled. It also forms amorphous thin films by a thermal deposition technique. TPTPA exhibits a hole drift mobility of 1.0,×,10,2,cm2 V,1 s,1 at an electric field of 1.0,×,105,V cm,1 and at 293,K, as determined by the time-of-flight method, which is of the highest level among those of amorphous molecular materials. pn-Heterojunction organic photovoltaic devices (OPVs) using TPTPA as an electron donor and C60 or C70 as an electron acceptor exhibit high performance with fill factors of 0.66,0.71 and power conversion efficiencies of 1.7,2.2% under air-mass (AM) 1.5G illumination at an intensity of 100,mW cm,2, which are of the highest level ever reported for OPVs using amorphous molecular materials. [source] PLANT COLONIZATION IN CONDESA NIVATION HOLLOW, SIERRA DE GUADARRAMA (SPANISH CENTRAL SYSTEM)GEOGRAFISKA ANNALER SERIES A: PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Issue 3 2009JULIO MUÑOZ JIMÉNEZ ABSTRACT. The purpose of this study was to determine plant distribution at a nivation hollow located in a Mediterranean high mountain area and to analyse the effects of snow cover, wind exposure, proximity to moisture and the characteristics of the substrate on the vegetation. We analyse these factors and interpret concurrent effects due to recent climate change. The nivation hollow, called Ventisquero de la Condesa, is located at 2258 m a.s.l., 40°47,10,N and 3°58,35,W, in the Sierra de Guadarrama (Madrid, Spain). We established 579 small sample plots in the study area, and grouped them into 29 transects where snow duration, wind exposure, availability of meltwater, geomorphologic instability and surface rockiness were examined directly and indirectly. The types of plants and the number of individuals per species were registered for each plot to establish ecological affinities among the 28 distinguishable species. Six showed the highest level of chionophily while nine showed the lowest adaptation to snow cover duration. A statistical study incorporating other variables applied in the research revealed that wind exposure, moisture capture and the intensity of geomorphologic dynamics have a highly significant correlation with nivation, while surface rockiness is a virtually independent factor. Due to environmental changes caused by recent global warming, several plant species, especially adapted to survival in snow conditions, coexist in the hollow with saxicolous plants that have invaded the site from adjacent grass and shrublands. [source] The effect of genotype and culture medium on somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from mature embryos of fourteen apomictic cultivars of buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.)GRASS & FORAGE SCIENCE, Issue 1 2006E. L. Colomba Abstract Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) is an important apomictic grass used as forage for ruminant livestock. Biotechnological methods provide opportunities for producing new germplasm. Mature embryos of fourteen buffel grass apomictic cultivars (2n = 4x = 36) were used to induce embryogenic callus formation using a basal medium supplemented with 3% sucrose and with the testing of five concentrations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and four concentrations of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). The effects of cultivar and culture medium on callus induction and plant regeneration were evaluated. Significant differences were observed among the fourteen cultivars and the five concentrations of 2,4-D (P < 0·01). Values for embryogenic callus production varied from 0 to 86·7. Most cultivars showed the highest level of embryogenic callus production on the medium with the concentration of 3 mg L,1 2,4-D. The addition of different BAP concentrations in combination with 2,4-D in the medium inhibited embryogenic callus growth and did not permit plant regeneration. The data clearly demonstrated that the genotype and concentrations of 2,4-D had significant effects both on the frequency of embryonic callus formation from mature embryos and on the subsequent efficiency of plant regeneration of apomictic cultivars of buffel grass. Cultivars Biloela and Nunbank showed the greatest efficiency in in vitro culture response. [source] Adult Emergency Department Patients with Sickle Cell Pain Crisis: A Learning Collaborative Model to Improve Analgesic ManagementACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 4 2010Paula Tanabe PhD Abstract Objectives:, The objectives were to report the baseline (prior to quality improvement interventions) patient and visit characteristics and analgesic management practices for each site participating in an emergency department (ED) sickle cell learning collaborative. Methods:, A prospective, multisite longitudinal cohort study in the context of a learning-collaborative model was performed in three midwestern EDs. Each site formed a multidisciplinary team charged with improving analgesic management for patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Each team developed a nurse-initiated analgesic protocol for SCD patients (implemented after a baseline data collection period of 3.5 months at one site and 10 months at the other two sites). All sites prospectively enrolled adults with an acute pain crisis and SCD. All medical records for patients meeting study criteria were reviewed. Demographic, health services, and analgesic management data were abstracted, including ED visit frequency data, ED disposition, arrival and discharge pain score, and name and route of initial analgesic administered. Ten interviews per quarter per site were conducted with patients within 14 days of their ED discharge, and subjects were queried about the highest level of pain acceptable at discharge. The primary outcome variable was the time to initial analgesic administration. Variable data were described as means and standard deviations (SDs) or medians and interquartile ranges (IQR) for nonnormal data. Results:, A total of 155 patients met study criteria (median age = 32 years, IQR = 24,40 years) with a total of 701 ED visits. Eighty-six interviews were conducted. Most patients (71.6%) had between one and three visits to the ED during the study period. However, after removing Site 3 from the analysis because of the short data enrollment period (3.5 months), which influenced the mean number of visits for the entire cohort, 52% of patients had between one and three ED visits over 10 months, 21% had four to nine visits, and 27% had between 10 and 67 visits. Fifty-nine percent of patients were discharged home. The median time to initial analgesic for the cohort was 74 minutes (IQR = 48,135 minutes). Differences between choice of analgesic agent and route selected were evident between sites. For the cohort, 680 initial analgesic doses were given (morphine sulfate, 42%; hydromorphone, 46%; meperidine, 4%; morphine sulfate and ibuprofen or ketorolac, 7%) using the following routes: oral (2%), intravenous (67%), subcutaneous (3%), and intramuscular (28%). Patients reported a significantly lower targeted discharge pain score (mean ± SD = 4.19 ± 1.18) compared to the actual documented discharge pain score within 45 minutes of discharge (mean ± SD = 5.77 ± 2.45; mean difference = 1.58, 95% confidence interval = .723 to 2.44, n = 43). Conclusions:, While half of the patients had one to three ED visits during the study period, many patients had more frequent visits. Delays to receiving an initial analgesic were common, and post-ED interviews reveal that sickle cell pain patients are discharged from the ED with higher pain scores than what they perceive as desirable. ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:399,407 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine [source] Strategic Teaching: Student Learning through Working the ProcessINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ART & DESIGN EDUCATION, Issue 2 2010Nancy Spanbroek The designers of our future built environment must possess intellectual tools which will allow them to be disciplined, flexible and analytical thinkers, able to address and resolve new and complex problems. In response, an experimental and collaborative design studio was designed to inspire and build on students' knowledge and their creative thinking abilities through a series of explorative exercises and modelling. The learning experience of students undertaking this studio was enabled and guided by a collaboration of teachers experienced in both teaching and creative practice. A series of guest creative practitioners joined the studio's intensive 10-week hands-on workshop sessions within which students undertook set exercises. These creative research workshops then served to inform subsequent design development of the students' work through planning and documentation over a period of 4 weeks. Strategic teaching is central to the creative development process. The driving educational belief, as idea and practice, is that by bringing ideas to life in design, by working with full-scale three-dimensionality, students are able to cement their commitment to ,working the process', towards becoming excellent designers. This ambitious strategy enables students to work on the many different aspects of the design problem towards meeting their design outcome at the highest level of resolution and intent. Through a combination of pragmatic tasks , writing and developing design briefs , and visual tasks , evidence gathering and analysis of design through photographic, modelling and diagramming exercises , students were encouraged to think outside and beyond the ,normal' realm of design practice. [source] Rennin-like milk coagulant enzyme produced by a local isolate of MucorINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DAIRY TECHNOLOGY, Issue 4 2003Z A Tubesha Among 20 isolates of Mucor isolated from various environments in Jordan and found to produce a rennin-like acid protease, known as Mucor rennin-like enzyme (MRE), Mucor J20 was found to produce the highest level of MRE. The optimum incubation conditions for enzyme production in a fortified wheat bran mixture using solid-state fermentation were 3,4 days at 30°C. The highest MRE activity (185,200 rennin units or RU) was produced in a medium containing wheat bran and lentil straw (1 : 1 w/w) moistened with whey, and incubated in clay pots at 30°C for 4 days. A slightly lower activity value (178 RU) was found when using a mineral salt solution or distilled water instead of whey, or when using wheat bran alone with whey. At pH 4, the MRE retained its complete activity (100%) for 6 weeks at 5°C and 10°C, and for 3 and 2 weeks at 20°C and 30°C, respectively. After heating at 60°C for 10 min, the enzyme lost its activity at all pH levels used (pH 2,8). The crude extract of MRE was successfully applied in the manufacture of a cheese curd. [source] Effects of somatic cell counts on the physicochemical and rheological properties of yoghurt made from sheep's milkINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 4 2010Masoud Najaf Najafi Summary In the present work, yoghurts were made from sheep's milk with two different somatic cell count (SCC), at low (200 000 cells mL,1) and high (750 000 cells mL,1) levels. The characteristics of the final product were analysed for pH, acidity, protein, total solids, fat, syneresis, water holding capacity (WHC) and apparent viscosity. Samples were analysed on days 1, 7 and 14 after production of yoghurts. The SCC had no significant effect either on the acidity or pH of the yoghurt at 24 h (P > 0.05) but a significant effect (P < 0.05) was observed at 168 h. No effects of SCC were observed on total solids and fat content of the yoghurt after 24 and 168 h. High SCC (HSCC) yoghurt had higher protein content (P < 0.05). The yoghurt with the highest SCC had the highest level of syneresis. Viscosity of HSCC yoghurt was higher than that of the low SCC yoghurt on days 1, 7 and 14 of storage. The flow properties also showed that the low SCC yoghurt was softer than that from milk with high content in somatic cells. [source] Performance assessment under field conditions of a rapid immunological test for transgenic soybeansINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 4 2001John Fagan Summary Current market conditions and food regulations make it necessary for international and domestic participants in the agrifood industry to structure supply chains that control the content of genetically modified (GM) material in their products. Tests to detect and/or quantify GM components represent an important tool in maintaining such supply systems. This study assesses the field performance of kits that employ lateral flow immuno-technology to detect soybeans GM to be resistant to the herbicide glyphosate. Operators at 23 grain-handling facilities were paid to conduct analyses on a series of blinded samples containing defined proportions of conventional and transgenic soybeans. The observed rate of false positives was 6.7% in an experiment in which the highest level of GM material was 1% and 22.3% in a second experiment in which the highest level of GM material was 10%. This difference may be attributed to increased risk of cross-contamination with the higher level of transgenic material used in the second study. Samples containing 0.01% GM material were reported as genetically modified 6.70% of the time, while samples containing 0.1, 0.5 and 1% GM material were classified as genetically modified 29.5, 67.7 and 68.2% of the time, respectively. Thus, the frequencies of false negatives were 93.3, 70.5, 33.3 and 31.8% for samples containing 0.01, 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0% GM material. Samples containing 10% GM material were correctly reported as genetically modified in all cases. These results lead to the conclusion that the kit under study is useful in screening for lots of soybeans that contain high levels of GM material, but that, as a field tool, it is not effective in monitoring for GM material at the level of 1.0% or lower. Statistical and immunochemical analyses were carried out in order to assess the relative contributions of various factors to the error observed in these studies. These analyses indicated that limitations in operator performance, not defects in test kit materials, were the primary contributors, while sample size may play a secondary role. As both operator performance and sample size are independent of the specific characteristics of the test kit used in this study, it appears justifiable to generalize conclusions obtained here to other similar test systems. [source] A systematic review of intervention studies about anxiety in caregivers of people with dementiaINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 3 2007Claudia Cooper Abstract Background There is considerable literature on managing depression, burden and psychological morbidity in caregivers of people with dementia (CG). Anxiety has been a relatively neglected outcome measure but may require specific interventions. Objective To synthesise evidence regarding interventions that reduce anxiety in CGs. Methods Twenty-four studies met our inclusion criteria. We rated the methodology of studies, and awarded grades of recommendation (GR) for each type of intervention according to Centre for Evidence Based Medicine guidelines, from A (highest level of evidence) to D. Results Anxiety level was the primary outcome measure in only one study and no studies were predicated on a power calculation for anxiety level. There was little evidence of efficacy for any intervention. The only RCT to report significantly reduced anxiety involved a CBT and relaxation-based intervention specifically devised to treat anxiety, and there was preliminary evidence (no randomised controlled trials) that caregiver groups involving yoga and relaxation without CBT were effective. There was grade B evidence that behavioural management, exercise therapies and respite were ineffective. Limitations Many interventions were heterogeneous, so there is some overlap between groups. Lack of evidence of efficacy is not evidence of lack of efficacy. Conclusions CBT and other therapies developed primarily to target depression did not effectively treat anxiety. Good RCTs are needed to specifically target anxiety which might include relaxation techniques. Some of the interventions focussed on reducing contact with the care recipients but caregivers may want to cope with caring and preliminary evidence suggests strategies to help CGs manage caring demands may be more effective. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Treatment of fatigue in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review of the literatureINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NURSING PRACTICE, Issue 2 2008David Lee PhD Fatigue is common in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and symptoms of fatigue are often reported as the most debilitating symptoms of the disease. However, there are few reports of interventions for fatigue in MS. A systematic review of published literature examining pharmacological and psychosocial/psychological interventions for fatigue in MS was conducted. The search and review strategy undertaken used the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination guidelines. Papers were reviewed by two independent reviewers. Of 81 studies short-listed for inclusion, 15 studies were included, of which 10 were studies of pharmacological therapy and five were studies of psychosocial/psychological interventions. Of the pharmacological studies, two were rated as of moderate-to-high quality, three of moderate quality, two of moderate-to-low quality and three of low quality. Of the psychosocial/psychological studies, three were rated as of moderate quality and two of moderate-to-low quality. None of the studies reviewed reached the highest level of quality according to pre-agreed criteria. Regardless of level of quality, effectiveness of both pharmacological and psychosocial/psychological interventions was modest at best and often absent. Accordingly, there is little evidence-based advice that can be offered to people with MS to help manage their fatigue. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||