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Highest Ratio (highest + ratio)
Selected AbstractsPrison Theology: A Theology of Liberation, Hope and JusticeDIALOG, Issue 3 2008Sadie Pounder Abstract:, In our nation today, the number of prisons and prisoners continue to grow at rates that are out-of-control. One in 100 of our citizens is in jail or prison, the highest ratio in the world. Unlike the poor, homeless, critically ill, and elderly, those in prison are separated from us to the degree they are unseen. Unseen also, is the oppressiveness of the criminal justice system that oversees more than 6.5 million people either in confinement or on probation or parole. Liberation theology, which advocates and works toward freeing people from oppression, includes feminist, black, womanist and Latino/Hispanic movements. This article proposes prison theology as part of the liberation theology family and identifies a prison theology based on liberation, hope and justice. It encourages a prison theology movement led by the church to liberate those under the oppressiveness of the criminal justice system, especially those confined and to energize a passion for justice and compassion for the oppressed throughout the criminal justice system. [source] 1H- and 31P-MR spectroscopy of primary and recurrent human brain tumors in vitro: malignancy-characteristic profiles of water soluble and lipophilic spectral componentsNMR IN BIOMEDICINE, Issue 5 2001Fritz-Georg Lehnhardt Abstract In vitro NMR spectrocopy was performed on specimen of human brain tumors. From all patients, tissue samples of primary tumors and their first recurrences were examined. 31P- and 1H-spectra were recorded from samples of meningioma, astrocytoma and glioblastoma. A double extraction procedure of the tissue samples permitted acquisition of information from the membrane fraction and from the cytosolic fraction. 31P-spectra were used to analyze the lipophilic fraction (phospholipids of the membrane) of the tissue extracts, while the 1H-spectra reflected information on the metabolic alterations of the hydrophilic, cytosolic fraction of the tissue. The tumor types showed distinctive spectral patterns in both the 31P- and the 1H-spectra. Based on the total detectable 31P signal, the level of phosphatidylcholine was about 34% lower in primary astrocytomas than in primary glioblastomas (p,=,0.0003), whereas the level of sphingomyelin was about 45% lower in primary gioblastomas than in primary astrocytomas (p,=,0.0061). A similar tendency of these phospholipids was observed when comparing primary and recurrent astrocytoma samples from the same individuals [+15% (p,=,0.0103) and ,23% (p,=,0.0314) change, respectively]. 1H-spectra of gliomas were characterized by an increase of the ratios of alanine, glycine and choline over creatine as a function of the degree of malignancy. In agreement with findings in the 31P-spectra, the 1H-spectra of recurrent astrocytomas showed metabolic profiles of increased malignancy in comparison to their primary occurrence. Since gliomas tend to increase in malignancy upon recurrence, this may reflect evolving tumor metabolism. 1H-spectra of meningiomas showed the highest ratio of alanine over creatine accompanied by a near absence of myo-inositol. Phospholipid profiles of meningiomas showed higher fractional contents of phosphatidylcholine along with lower phosphatidylserine compared to astrocytomas, while higher phosphatidylethanolamine and sphingomyelin fractional contents distinguished meningiomas from glioblastomas. The extraction method being used in this study combined with high-resolution 1H- and 31P-MRS provides a wide range of biochemical information, which enables differentiation not only between tumor types but also between primary and recurrent gliomas, reflecting an evolving tumor metabolism. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Strategic group membership and nonprofit organization performanceNONPROFIT MANAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP, Issue 1 2009Dan Marlin This study analyzed the resource characteristics of a sample of university foundations and identified five distinct strategic groups. We found significant performance differences among them. Specifically, the group that focused most heavily on fundraising activities had the highest financial performance. Also performing well was the group with the highest ratio of contributions to total revenues combined with the highest level of slack. The research and managerial implications of this study's findings are discussed. [source] Defense mechanisms against grazing: a study of trypsin inhibitor responses to simulated grazing in the sedge Carex bigelowiiOIKOS, Issue 9 2007Åsa Lindgren Trypsin inhibitors have been suggested to constitute an inducible defense in the sedge Carex bigelowii, and some former studies suggest that this might be a cause for the cyclic population dynamics in many alpine and arctic small mammals, for example lemmings (Lemmus lemmus). We investigated this further by using a method of simulated grazing (clipping) at different intensities, in three different habitats with varying resource availability, with different harvest times (hours after clipping), and two different stages of ramets (reproductive/vegetative) in a study from the Swedish mountain range. Our results do not indicate that C. bigelowii has an inducible defense constituted by an increase in trypsin inhibitor activity (TIA), but rather that the amount of soluble plant proteins (SPP) is lowered in wounded plants. The responses were somewhat different in the three habitats, with ramets growing in the marsh showing the highest ratio of TIA to SPP, due to low amounts of SPP. We did not find any significant effects of harvest time, or of the stage of the ramet that could support the hypothesis of an inducible defense. To conclude, we could not find any evidence for an inducible defense consisting of trypsin inhibitors in Carex bigelowii ramets, but we did find variations in the amount of SPP that may have nutritional consequences for herbivores. [source] Effects of salt stress on purslane (Portulaca oleracea) nutritionANNALS OF APPLIED BIOLOGY, Issue 1 2009M. Teixeira Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the influence of saline stress on the chemical composition of purslane (Portulaca oleracea), in particular the mineral composition. Four salinity levels were investigated using irrigation solutions with electrical conductivity values of 0.8, 6.8, 12.8 and 24.2 dS m,1 and two planting dates (May and July) were tested. Samples of full-grown leaf and stems of purslane were harvested after 7 and 15 days of the saline treatment exposure. Chemical analysis (dry matter basis) of leaves showed significant differences among the different saline treatments for all the characteristics measured. Salinity levels, planting date and harvest time significantly influenced (P < 0.05) the levels of crude protein, total lipids, ash and carbohydrate content. Salinity treatments did not significantly (P > 0.05) affect the water content of purslane leaves. The crude protein content of purslane leaves decreased with increasing salinity levels and time of exposure to treatment. However, carbohydrates and mineral residue content increased. An unusual phenomenon was noted for intermediate salinity levels, whereby an increase in total lipid content was measured in leaves of plants exposed to salinity treatments of 6.8 and 12.8 dS m,1. The highest mineral residue content was seen in leaves of purslane exposed to the highest salinity treatment. The mineral composition was also affected by salinity levels, Na and Cl uptake, and accumulation increased with increasing salinity in irrigation solution; Mg concentration was not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by salinity levels, although a slight increase was seen, and Ca, K and Zn levels significantly (P < 0.05) decreased. Ca and Zn preferentially accumulated in the leaves, while K and Na values were higher in the stems. A significant increase (P < 0.05) in relative ratio of Na/K, Mg/K, Na/Ca and Mg/Ca was observed with increasing salinity levels. A decrease in the yield of purslane was only observed for the most severe saline treatment, where the highest ratio of Mg/Ca was seen. This study reveals that purslane is relatively tolerant to conditions of moderate salinity, thus improving its potential to become a key vegetable crop for animal and human consumption. [source] Digestive enzyme spectra in crustacean decapods (Paleomonidae, Portunidae and Penaeidae) feeding in the natural habitatAQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Issue 3 2009Maria Santos Reis Bonorino Figueiredo Abstract This work describes the profile of five proteases and four carbohydrases from the crustacean decapods Macrobrachium australiense (Holthuis), Scylla serrata (Forskal), Portunus pelagicus (Linnaeus), Penaeus esculentus, Penaeus plebejus (Hess) and Metapenaeus bennettae (Racck & Dall), feeding in the natural habitat, in order to provide an indication of their digestive capabilities. The results raised the following points. First, species from each family showed a particular suite of digestive enzymes. Second, the activity of cellulase from M. australiensis and S. serrata, using AZCL-HE cellulose as the substrate, was around 90% higher than that observed with AZO-CM cellulose. However, for P. pelagicus and P. esculentus, the enzyme activity was better with AZO-CM cellulose. Third, M. australiense displayed the highest ratio of amylase to protease activity. In contrast, Portunidae species, P. pelagicus and S. serrata showed the lowest ratios. Fourth, comparison of the laminarinase activity of M. bennettae and P. esculentus in October (Spring) and December (early Summer) showed a significant decrease in December. Finally, the wide distribution of digestive enzymes in these crustaceans may reflect different feeding habits and habitats. [source] Adsorption properties of microwave synthesized inorgano,organo montmorilloniteASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING, Issue 2 2010Miray Emreol Abstract The aim of this study is to determine the adsorption properties of microwave synthesized inorgano,organo montmorillonites. Microwave irradiation is preferred because of its low time and energy consumption properties, forming an advantage in industrial applications. In addition to the intercalation of Keggin and hexadecyltrimethylammonium (HDTMA+) cations, the aging process of pillaring solution was also carried out through the microwave irradiation. Both inorgano clays, namely the parents, and their inorgano,organo derivatives, were prepared by using the same amounts of aluminum by keeping the OH,/Al3+ and Al3+/clay ratios constant. The HDTMA+/clay ratio was changed in inorgano-organo clays (IOCs) during the preparation. The effects of these parameters on the surface properties and adsorption behaviors of the samples were investigated by conducting X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and simultaneous thermal analyses (STA), as well as batch adsorption experiments, in which phenol was used as a model pollutant. The results of XRD analyses reveal that the intercalation is successfully achieved. The existence of the Keggin and HDTMA+ cations was observed in FTIR spectra of the samples. Through the STA, it was determined that the existence of organic layer increases the dehydroxylation temperature and the thermal behavior of inorgano-organo montmorillonites strongly depends on the structure of the parent clay. An increase in the adsorption efficiencies with increasing HDTMA+/clay ratio was observed, except with the highest ratio. The behavior of this sample was explained by the formation of the second HDTMA+ layer leading to the hydrophilic surface formation. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Survey of small-scale flame spread test results of modern fabricsFIRE AND MATERIALS, Issue 6 2007Marcelo M. Hirschler Abstract The flammability of apparel worn on a person has one of the highest ratios of fire fatalities per fire, and there are few statutory requirements. A series of evaluations was conducted on the flammability of 50 fabrics (both cellulosic and thermoplastic) using the (now withdrawn) NFPA 701 small-scale test. The fabrics covered a broad range of areal densities (weights) and many were not intended for apparel. A series of conclusions were reached. In particular, it is apparent that the following primary correlation exists between fabric weight and flammability: the heavier the fabric the better it behaves in a fire. Secondarily, however, the type of fabric also strongly affects this conclusion. This paper presents the results of the testing and offers an analysis. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Micropropagation of self-rooting juvenile clones by secondary somatic embryogenesis in Hevea brasiliensisPLANT BREEDING, Issue 2 2010Y. W. Hua With 2 figures and 5 tables Abstract Micropropagation of self-rooting juvenile clones in Hevea brasiliensis was established for two clones CATAS 7-33-97 and CATAS 88-13 through the following three steps: induction of primary embryos, embryo multiplication by secondary somatic embryogenesis in three successive cycles from a single culture of primary embryo and plant regeneration. The embryo multiplication coefficients of the two clones increased in the first cycle and reached the maximum in the second and the third cycle at the same rate. Significant effects of origins of embryo fragments and calcium on secondary embryogenesis were detected, the highest ratios of the regenerated embryos to primary embryos appeared, when embryo fragments close to the base of embryos were used and incubated in Murashige and Skoog (MS)-based callogenesis medium with 6.0 mm CaCl2 for CATAS 88-13 and 9.0 mm CaCl2 for CATAS 7-33-97. The highest rates of plant conversion were produced on MS-based plant regeneration medium with 4.5 and 9.0 ,m 2,4-D for CATAS 7-33-97 (85.0%) and 13.5 ,m for CATAS 88-13 (75.0%), being higher than other reports (60%). Finally, the application of this system was discussed. [source] | ||||||||||