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Analysis Data (analysis + data)
Kinds of Analysis Data Selected Abstracts"Moderate" Environmental Amenities and Economic Change: The Nonmetropolitan Northern Forest of the Northeast U.S., 1970-2000GROWTH AND CHANGE, Issue 1 2004Kristopher D. White ABSTRACT Population, employment, and income changes in a region comprised of eighteen nonmetropolitan counties of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York are described using Bureau of Economic Analysis data covering 1970 to 2000. Changes at the county level are examined as net differences using pooled cross-section time series analysis. The specific focus of the empirical analysis is the effect that environmental amenities have in population and economic change. Empirical results indicate that a county's relative endowment of environmental amenities has positive economic change effects, but only when the county is relatively accessible as well. Further, the environmental amenity effects vary in their temporal consistency, even when accessibility is taken into account. In general, however, the reported results support the proposition that even relatively moderate environmental amenities can hold positive effects for economic change. [source] Effects of urbanization on the land sea breeze circulation over the Pearl River Delta region in winterINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLIMATOLOGY, Issue 7 2010Xi Lu Abstract In this study, the fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University-National Center for Atmospheric Research Model (MM5) was used to investigate the effects of urbanization on land,sea breezes (LSBs) in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region, which is a rapidly developing area located in southern China. LSBs in the 2003/2004 winter were simulated utilizing an approach in which the NCEP Final Analysis data averaged in the 2003/2004 winter is used as initial and lateral boundary conditions for the model. The simulated surface winds are shown to be capable of reproducing the basic features and diurnal variation of the LSBs. Sensitivity experiments with changes in land uses were performed with this model. Results of these experiments show that urbanization in the PRD region can have significant effects on the patterns of the LSBs and circulation in the region. In particular, it has been shown that the urbanization of Shenzhen (a major city located in the eastern coast of the PRD and neighbouring to the north of Hong Kong) may significantly enhance the sea breeze to the west of Hong Kong in the early afternoon. This may enhance the low-level convergence in Hong Kong and may worsen the air pollution problem there. On the other hand, the effects of urbanization in the western coast of the PRD region are relatively local and LSBs on the eastern PRD are generally not affected. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society [source] Human capital and per capita product: A comparison of US states,PAPERS IN REGIONAL SCIENCE, Issue 4 2000Saurav Dev Bhatta Human capital; US states; gross regional product; growth accounting Abstract. This article analyzes the extent to which human capital differences can explain the differences in gross state product (GSP) per capita levels between the richer and poorer states of the US. It uses 1990 Census and Bureau of Economic Analysis data on educational attainment, wage levels of different segments of the labor force, and GSP to compare New York , our representative rich state , with the poorest third of the states. The findings indicate that human capital differences explain at least 49% of the observed difference in GSP per capita between New York and each of the poor states. [source] Soil moisture,temperature relationships: results from two field experimentsHYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES, Issue 15 2003Venkat Lakshmi Abstract This paper analyses data from two field experiments in Chickasha, Oklahoma, and Tifton, Georgia, carried out in July 1999 and June 2000 respectively. The observations on soil moisture at two depths, viz. 0,2·5 and 0,5·0 cm, surface temperature, and temperatures at 1, 5 and 10 cm depths are analysed. The relationship between the soil moisture and the temperature variability in time is examined as a function of vegetation type and location. Results from these experiments show that, during drydown, surface temperature shows an increase that corresponds to a decrease in the soil moisture. Linear models for prediction of soil moisture (at both depths) using surface temperature observations are examined. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Survival rates, causes of failure and productivity of Skylark Alauda arvensis nests on lowland farmlandIBIS, Issue 4 2002P. F. Donald This paper analyses data from 995 Skylark Alauda arvensis nests found on lowland farms in southern England from 1996 to 1998. The majority of recorded nest failures were caused by predation except in agricultural grass, where trampling and agricultural operations were equally important. Nest survival rates varied between crop types, nests in cereals being around twice as likely to succeed as nests in grass or set-aside. In cereals, nest survival rates increased with increasing distance from the nearest tramline and declined over the course of the breeding season. Predator control also had a significant independent effect on nest survival rates. On one farm where many other factors were held constant, a highly significant increase in nest survival rates from 12.3% to 40.7% coincided with the introduction of intensive predator control, which also appeared to bring forward mean laying dates. Most environmental factors explaining significant variation in nest survival rates did so only at the chick stage. The mean number of chicks produced per nesting attempt was 1.26 in cereals, 0.78 in set-aside and 0.63 in grass, the differences being due primarily to variation in nest survival rates. Low densities of Skylark territories in cereal crops are not therefore the consequence of low breeding success at the scale of the individual nest and probably reflect limitations on the number of attempts made in a season. Measures taken to improve the attractiveness of cereal crops as a nesting habitat for Skylarks, and beneficial changes in grassland management, are likely to increase overall productivity. [source] Prosecuting ,Gross' Medical Negligence: Manslaughter, Discretion, and the Crown Prosecution ServiceJOURNAL OF LAW AND SOCIETY, Issue 3 2006Oliver Quick This article examines prosecutions of health care professionals for gross negligence manslaughter following fatal errors committed in the course of their work. Unease has long surrounded the use of ,gross negligence' as a form of criminal liability, and particularly as it applies to health care professions operating in high-risk settings. The recent dramatic rise of such prosecutions calls for a closer understanding of the processes by which important prosecutorial decisions are made. In particular, this calls for an investigation into the exercise of discretion by prosecutors in interpreting the loosely defined and contested concept of gross negligence. This article analyses data obtained from a statistical analysis of ,medical manslaughter' cases and also from interviews with crown prosecutors. Discussion of the main findings leads to the conclusion that the offence of gross negligence manslaughter is incapable of any objective and fair measurement and ought to be abolished. [source] Modern distribution of saltmarsh testate amoebae: regional variability of zonation and response to environmental variablesJOURNAL OF QUATERNARY SCIENCE, Issue 5-6 2002Dan J. Charman Abstract Sea-level reconstruction from biological indicators in saltmarsh sediments requires an understanding of the modern ecology of the organisms concerned. Previous work suggested that testate amoebae are a potential new group of organisms to use for sea-level reconstruction, especially combined with diatoms and foraminifera. This paper analyses data from three saltmarshes on the Taf estuary, South Wales, the River Erme, Devon, and at Brancaster, Norfolk (UK) to (i) test for the presence and zonation of testate amoebae in relation to elevation; (ii) examine the similarity of zonation patterns between marshes; and (iii) explore the relationship between assemblage composition and a wider range of environmental variables. In addition we provide an update on the identification of testate amoebae on saltmarshes. Our results confirm that at all sites the primary environmental gradient is tidal inundation. Major changes in taxa along the tidal gradient are similar except for the lowest elevations, where different taxa become dominant at different sites. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) shows that assemblage composition is also strongly related to other variables, independent of the tidal position. Salinity, particle size and organic matter content are particularly important, and there is a statistically significant geographical effect on assemblages. Relationships between sea-level and assemblage composition are often stronger for individual sites, suggesting that local data sets should be used for quantitative sea-level reconstructions. However, the combined data set would provide more robust estimates of past sea-level change from fossil data. Other environmental variables explain as much of the variability in species assemblages as tidal parameters and should be considered more often in sea-level reconstructions based on microfossil indicators. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Tertiary Performance, Field of Study and Graduate Starting SalariesTHE AUSTRALIAN ECONOMIC REVIEW, Issue 1 2008Grace Chia This paper analyses data from the University of Western Australia (UWA) Graduate Destination Survey linked to information from the University's Student Records System to explore the determinants of graduates' starting salaries over the years 2002 to 2004. While the details examined also include age, gender, language spoken at home, country of birth, disability status and high school attended, most emphasis is placed on the impact on starting salaries of students' academic performance and their field of study. The analyses show that the main determinant of graduates' starting salaries is the weighted average mark they achieve at university. The salary differentials associated with higher marks in the Australian labour market appear greater than those reported in similar studies of the US and the UK labour markets. Science graduates are shown to have relatively low starting salaries, casting a shadow over recent suggestions that the supply of this group be increased through lower fee regimes. [source] Should the Pre-Notification of Mergers Be Compulsory in Australia?THE AUSTRALIAN ECONOMIC REVIEW, Issue 4 2004Chander Shekhar Australia is unusual among the world's antitrust jurisdictions in not making the pre-notification of mergers compulsory. However, if the parties are concerned that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is likely to object to the merger, there are strong incentives for them to notify the ACCC as the regulator has developed a strong reputation for imposing heavy costs on parties that fail to notify such mergers. The result is a system of quasi-compulsory notification that creates the strongest incentives for parties to notify the ACCC of those proposals to which it is most likely to object. This study analyses data extracted from the ACCC's merger database and the empirical results are consistent with this characterisation. Mergers reported voluntarily by the parties are found to experience longer delays to completion, and are more likely to be challenged by the ACCC, when compared with a sample of all other mergers assessed by the regulator. The results suggest that non-compulsory notification allows the parties themselves to pre-sort the proposed merger vis-à-vis its interest to the ACCC. [source] The pathophysiology of peri-operative myocardial infarctionANAESTHESIA, Issue 7 2010B. M. Biccard Summary It is generally believed that plaque rupture and myocardial oxygen supply-demand imbalance contribute approximately equally to the burden of peri-operative myocardial infarction. This review critically analyses data of post-mortem, pre-operative coronary angiography, troponin surveillance, other pre-operative non-invasive investigations, and peri-operative haemodynamic predictors of myocardial ischaemia and/or myocardial infarction. The current evidence suggests that myocardial oxygen supply-demand imbalance predominates in the early postoperative period. It is likely that flow stagnation and thrombus formation is an important pathway in the development of a peri-operative myocardial infarction, in addition to the more commonly recognised role of peri-operative tachycardia. Research and therapeutic interventions should be focused on the prediction and therapy of flow stagnation and thrombus formation. Plaque rupture appears to be a more random event, distributed over the entire peri-operative admission. [source] The novel ruthenium,, -linolenic complex [Ru2(aGLA)4Cl] inhibits C6 rat glioma cell proliferation and induces changes in mitochondrial membrane potential, increased reactive oxygen species generation and apoptosis in vitroCELL BIOCHEMISTRY AND FUNCTION, Issue 1 2010Geise Ribeiro Abstract The present study reports the synthesis of a novel compound with the formula [Ru2(aGLA)4Cl] according to elemental analyses data, referred to as Ru2GLA. The electronic spectra of Ru2GLA is typical of a mixed valent diruthenium(II,III) carboxylate. Ru2GLA was synthesized with the aim of combining and possibly improving the anti-tumour properties of the two active components ruthenium and , -linolenic acid (GLA). The properties of Ru2GLA were tested in C6 rat glioma cells by analysing cell number, viability, lipid droplet formation, apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species. Ru2GLA inhibited cell proliferation in a time and concentration dependent manner. Nile Red staining suggested that Ru2GLA enters the cells and ICP-AES elemental analysis found an increase in ruthenium from <0.02 to 425,mg/Kg in treated cells. The sub-G1 apoptotic cell population was increased by Ru2GLA (22,±,5.2%) when analysed by FACS and this was confirmed by Hoechst staining of nuclei. Mitochondrial membrane potential was decreased in the presence of Ru2GLA (44,±,2.3%). In contrast, the cells which maintained a high mitochondrial membrane potential had an increase (18,±,1.5%) in reactive oxygen species generation. Both decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and increased reactive oxygen species generation may be involved in triggering apoptosis in Ru2GLA exposed cells. The EC50 for Ru2GLA decreased with increasing time of exposure from 285,µM at 24,h, 211,µM at 48,h to 81,µM at 72,h. In conclusion, Ru2GLA is a novel drug with antiproliferative properties in C6 glioma cells and is a potential candidate for novel therapies in gliomas. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Knowledge and use of evidence-based nutrition: a survey of paediatric dietitiansJOURNAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION & DIETETICS, Issue 5 2003D. E. Thomas Abstract Objective To survey paediatric dietitians' knowledge and use of evidence-based nutrition (EBN). Design Cross-sectional survey using reply-paid questionnaires. Subjects Paediatric dietitians in Australian teaching hospitals. Main outcome measures Age, sex, appointment, clinical practice, research activities; attitudes to, training in and use of EBN; and perceived barriers to use of EBN. Statistical analysis Data were analysed using descriptive statistics (SPSS). Results Fifty-nine (86%) of 69 questionnaires were returned. Most (97%) dietitians were women working full-time (63%), mean age 37 years (±9 SD). Most (75%) dietitians encountered knowledge gaps less than five times per week and most (87%) questions related to therapy. The majority (95%) performed their own literature searches, less than five times per month. All had access to ,1 electronic literature databases including Medline (n = 58, 98%), Cochrane Library (n = 44, 75%) and CINAHL (n = 35, 59%). Information sources used most often were Medline and consultation with colleagues. Reported barriers to using EBN were lack of time (n = 53, 90%) or lack of skills for critical appraisal of published articles (n = 51, 86%) or literature searching (n = 48, 81%). While 53 (90%) believed in an evidence-based approach, 43 (73%) either did not practise EBN or rated themselves as beginners. Conclusion Most dietitians favoured evidence-based practice, but reported lack of time, skills or rapid access to electronic databases as barriers to its practice. [source] Identification of monozygous twins and microsatellite mutation rate in pigs from QTL linkage analysis dataJOURNAL OF ANIMAL BREEDING AND GENETICS, Issue 5 2001L. Grapes In previous work, microsatellite markers have primarily been tools for genome studies. However, the use of marker data can be extended beyond its original intent to maximize the amount of information obtained. There have been few studies to determine the occurrence of monozygous (MZ) twins in pigs. The advent of DNA marker technology, and microsatellites in particular, allows MZ twins to be identified based on their genotype data. To determine if MZ twin births occur in pigs, genotypes for F2 individuals, n=525, from 65 Berkshire × Yorkshire families were examined. One pair of female twins was found to have matching genotype data (95% CI: 0,2.94 twins). This is a unique result since there have been no published reports to date of twin pigs that survived until birth. Additionally, three dinucleotide microsatellite mutations were found after screening 134 565 meioses of 125 loci spanning the entire genome and the X chromosome. The average mutation rate for the population, n=570, was 2.23 × 10,5 (95% CI: 6.17 × 10,6,6.51 × 10,5). A mutation rate similar to this was published earlier for dinucleotide repeat microsatellite mutations in swine. Identification de jumeaux monozygotes et taux de mutation des microsatellites à partir de données d, analyse de liaison avec des caractères quantitatifs Jusqu'à présent, les marqueurs microsatelittes ont été principalement utilisés comme outils pour étudier le génome. Cependant, l'utilisation des données de marquage peut être étendue au delà de ce but initial et permet d'obtenir d'autres types d'informations. Au cours des dernières années, il n'y a eu que peu d'études visant à determiner l'existence de jumeaux monozygotes (MZ) chez le porc. L'avènement des techniques de marquage de l'ADN, et plus particulièrement des microsatelittes, permet l'identification de jumeaux MZ sur la base de leur génotype aux marqueurs. Afin de déterminer s'il existe des jumeaux MZ chez le porc, nous avons examiné les génotypes d'individus F2 (n=525) issus de 65 familles Berkshire × Yorkshire. La recherche d'individus ayant un genotype identique a permis d'identifer un couple de jumeaux femelles (95% CI: 0,2.94). Il s'agit d'un résultat unique car jusqu'à ce jour, il n'y avait aucun cas publié de jumeaux ayant survécus après la naissance chez le porc. Par ailleurs, après analyse de 134 565 méioses pour 125 loci répartis sur l'ensemble du génome et sur le chromosome X, 3 mutations ont été trouvées au niveau de microsatelittes dinucleotidiques. Le taux moyen de mutation dans la population (n=570) a été estiméà 2.23 × 10,5 (95% IC: 6.17 × 10,6à 6.51 × 10,5). Un taux de mutation similaire à celui-ci a été publié précédemment pour des marqueurs microsatelittes dinucleotidiques chez le porc. [source] Comparison between two PCR-based bacterial identification methods through artificial neural network data analysisJOURNAL OF CLINICAL LABORATORY ANALYSIS, Issue 1 2008Jie Wen Abstract The 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) and 16S-23S rRNA spacer region genes are commonly used as taxonomic and phylogenetic tools. In this study, two pairs of fluorescent-labeled primers for 16S rRNA genes and one pair of primers for 16S-23S rRNA spacer region genes were selected to amplify target sequences of 317 isolates from positive blood cultures. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products of both were then subjected to restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis by capillary electrophoresis after incomplete digestion by Hae III. For products of 16S rRNA genes, single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis was also performed directly. When the data were processed by artificial neural network (ANN), the accuracy of prediction based on 16S-23S rRNA spacer region gene RFLP data was much higher than that of prediction based on 16S rRNA gene SSCP analysis data(98.0% vs. 79.6%). This study proved that the utilization of ANN as a pattern recognition method was a valuable strategy to simplify bacterial identification when relatively complex data were encountered. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 22:14,20, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Rheological and Thermal Properties of Polylactide/Silicate Nanocomposites FilmsJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 2 2010Jasim Ahmed ABSTRACT:, Polylactide (DL)/polyethylene glycol/silicate nanocomposite blended biodegradable films have been prepared by solvent casting method. Rheological and thermal properties were investigated for both neat amorphous polylactide (PLA-DL form) and blend of montmorillonite (clay) and poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG). Melt rheology of the PLA individually and blends (PLA/clay; PLA/PEG; PLA/PEG/clay) were performed by small amplitude oscillation shear (SAOS) measurement. Individually, PLA showed an improvement in the viscoelastic properties in the temperature range from 180 to 190 °C. Incorporation of nanoclay (3% to 9% wt) was attributed by significant improvements in the elastic modulus (G,) of PLA/clay blend due to intercalation at higher temperature. Both dynamic modulii of PLA/PEG blend were significantly reduced with addition of 10% PEG. Rheometric measurement could not be conducted while PLA/PEG blends containing 25% PEG. A blend of PLA/PEG/clay (68/23/9) showed liquid-like properties with excellent flexibility. Thermal analysis of different clay loading films indicated that the glass transition temperatures (Tg) remained unaffected irrespective of clay concentration due to immobilization of polymer chain in the clay nanocomposite. PEG incorporation reduced the,Tg of the blend (PLA/PEG and PLA/PEG/clay) significantly. Both rheological and thermal analysis data supported plasticization and flexibility of the blended films. It is also interesting to study competition between PLA and PEG for the intercalation into the interlayer spacing of the clay. This study indicates that PLA/montmorillonite blend could serve as effective nano-composite for packaging and other applications. [source] The effect of advice to walk 2000 extra steps daily on food intakeJOURNAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION & DIETETICS, Issue 4 2006A.-A. Koulouri Abstract Background, It is currently unclear how physical activity and diet interact within the ranges of activity seen in the general population. This study aimed to establish whether a small, acute, increase in physical activity would lead to compensatory change in energy intake and nutrient balance, and to provide power analysis data for future research in this field. Method, Twelve participants were studied over 7 days of habitual activity and 2 weeks after instruction to increase physical activity by 2000 steps per day. Physical activity was assessed using a diary, the ,activPAL' activity monitor and a pedometer. Dietary analyses from prospective food diaries were compared between the first and third weeks. Results, Participants increased step-counts (+2600 steps per day, P = 0.008) and estimated energy expenditure (+300,1000 kJ day,1, P = 0.002) but did not significantly change their energy intake, dietary composition or number of meals per day. From reverse power analysis 38 participants would be needed to exclude a change in energy intake of 400 kJ day,1 with 90% power at P < 0.05; 400 kJ day,1 would compensate for a 2000 steps per day increase in physical activity. Conclusion, These results did not demonstrate any compensatory increase in food consumption when physical activity was increased by walking an average of 2600 additional steps per day. Power analysis indicates that a larger study (n = 38) will be necessary to exclude such an effect with confidence. [source] Chronic Ethanol Feeding Alters Hepatocyte Memory Which is not Altered by Acute FeedingALCOHOLISM, Issue 4 2009F. Bardag-Gorce Background:, Gene expression changes in the liver after acute binge drinking may differ from the changes seen in chronic ethanol feeding in the rat. The changes in gene expression after chronic ethanol feeding may sensitize the liver to alcohol-induced liver damage, which is not seen after acute binge drinking. Methods:, To test this hypothesis, gene microarray analysis was performed on the livers of rats (n = 3) fed an acute binge dose of ethanol (6 g/kg body wt) and killed at 3 and 12 hours after ethanol by gavage. The gene microarrays were compared with those made on the liver of rats from a previous study, in which the rats were fed ethanol by intragastric tube for 1 month (36% of calories derived from ethanol). Results:, Microarray analysis data varied between the acute and chronic models in several important respects. Growth factors increased mainly in the chronic alcohol fed rat. Changes in enzymes involved in oxidative stress were noted only with chronic ethanol feeding. Gene expression of fat metabolism was increased only with chronic ethanol feeding. Most importantly, epigenetic related enzymes and acetylation and methylation of histones changed only after chronic ethanol feeding. Conclusions:, The results support the concept that chronic ethanol ingestion induces altered gene expression as a result of changes in epigenetic mechanisms, where acetylation and methylation of histones were altered. [source] Thermo-Raman spectroscopy of synthetic nesquehonite , implication for the geosequestration of greenhouse gasesJOURNAL OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY, Issue 9 2008Matthew C. Hales Abstract Pure nesquehonite (MgCO3·3H2O)/Mg(HCO3)(OH)·2H2O was synthesised and characterised by a combination of thermo-Raman spectroscopy and thermogravimetry with evolved gas analysis. Thermo-Raman spectroscopy shows an intense band at 1098 cm,1, which shifts to 1105 cm,1 at 450 °C, assigned to the ,1CO32, symmetric stretching mode. Two bands at 1419 and 1509 cm,1 assigned to the ,3 antisymmetric stretching mode shift to 1434 and 1504 cm,1 at 175 °C. Two new peaks at 1385 and 1405 cm,1 observed at temperatures higher than 175 °C are assigned to the antisymmetric stretching modes of the (HCO3), units. Throughout all the thermo-Raman spectra, a band at 3550 cm,1 is attributed to the stretching vibration of OH units. Raman bands at 3124, 3295 and 3423 cm,1 are assigned to water stretching vibrations. The intensity of these bands is lost by 175 °C. The Raman spectra were in harmony with the thermal analysis data. This research has defined the thermal stability of one of the hydrous carbonates, namely nesquehonite. Thermo-Raman spectroscopy enables the thermal stability of the mineral nesquehonite to be defined, and, further, the changes in the formula of nesquehonite with temperature change can be defined. Indeed, Raman spectroscopy enables the formula of nesquehonite to be better defined as Mg(OH)(HCO3)·2H2O. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Broad-spectrum antiviral effect of Agrimonia pilosa extract on influenza virusesMICROBIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 1 2010Woo-Jin Shin ABSTRACT Influenza virus continues to emerge and re-emerge, posing new threats for humans. Here we tested various Korean medicinal plant extracts for potential antiviral activity against influenza viruses. Among them, an extract of Agrimonia pilosa was shown to be highly effective against all three subtypes of human influenza viruses including H1N1 and H3N2 influenza A subtypes and influenza B virus. The EC50 value against influenza A virus, as tested by the plaque reduction assay on MDCK cells, was 14,23 ,g/ml. The extract also exhibited a virucidal effect at a concentration of 160,570 ng/ml against influenza A and B viruses when the viruses were treated with the extract prior to plaque assay. In addition, when tested in embryonated chicken eggs the extract exhibited a strong inhibitory effect in ovo on the H9N2 avian influenza virus at a concentration of 280 ng/ml. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis data showed that the extract, to some degree, suppressed viral RNA synthesis in MDCK cells. HI and inhibition of neuraminidase were observed only at high concentrations of the extract. And yet, the extract's antiviral activity required direct contact between it and the virus, suggesting that its antiviral action is mediated by the viral membrane, but does not involve the two major surface antigens, HA and NA, of the virus. The broad-spectrum antiviral activity of Agrimonia pilosa extract on various subtypes of influenza viruses merits further investigation as it may provide a means of managing avian influenza infections in poultry farms and potential avian-human transmission. [source] A novel group of multi-GAP-domain proteinsMOLECULAR REPRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT, Issue 10 2008Yibing Ruan Abstract The Rho GTPase-activating proteins (RhoGAPs) play an essential role in regulating various cellular processes. Rat tGAP1 is the first reported protein that has multiple GAP domains. It is exclusively expressed in male germ cells. However, tGAP1 does not possess GAP activities in vitro. No tGAP1 homology has been identified in other species. In this study, we searched the genomic databases and identified many genes whose protein products possess 2,4 GAP domains in rat, mouse and dog. These genes all showed sequence similarity to tGAP1. The rat tGAP gene loci all locate on chromosome 2 and are all expressed in testes in RT-PCR analysis. The mouse tGAP gene loci also clustered on chromosome 3 but RT-PCR analysis showed most are pseudogene loci. Multiple sequence alignment showed that many conserved residues of the "arginine finger" motif within the GAP domains of predicted tGAP proteins have mutated, suggesting that tGAP proteins do not possess GAP activity. We also elucidated the evolutionary relations among the rat tGAP genes. Based on the phylogenetic analysis data, we proposed that tGAP genes and Arhgap20 genes have a common ancestor. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 1578,1589 © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Metabolic alkalosis with hypoelectrolytemia in infants with cystic fibrosisPEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2002Stojka Fustik Abstract Background: Infants with cystic fibrosis (CF) can develop episodes of hyponatremic hypochloremic dehydration with metabolic alkalosis when they sweat excessively, which is not caused by sweating in normal infants. We investigated the incidence of the metabolic alkalosis with hypoelectrolytemia in CF infants, the possible risk factors for its occurrence and the importance of the manifestation in the diagnosis of CF. Methods: In order to evaluate the incidence and the risk factors for the development of this sweat-related metabolic disorder in CF, we reviewed the records of all children diagnosed as having CF before the age of 12 months in a 10-year period. Data analysis included medical history data, clinical features, biochemical parameters (blood pH, serum bicarbonate, sodium, chloride and potassium levels), sweat chloride test values, as well as genetic analysis data. Results: The prevalence of metabolic alkalosis in association with low serum electrolyte concentrations (hyponatremia, hypochloremia, and hypokalemia) in infant CF population in our region was 16.5%. We found no season predilection in its occurrence. Early infant age, breast-feeding, delayed CF diagnosis, heat exhaustion and the presence of severe CF transmembrane conductance regulator mutations are predisposed factors for the development of metabolic alkalosis with hypoelectrolytemia. Conclusions: The results from our study suggest that metabolic alkalosis with hypoelectrolytemia is a relatively common manifestation of CF in infancy. The possibility of CF should be seriously considered in any infant with this metabolic disorder. [source] Preparation, characterization, and thermal properties of hydrophilic copolymers: p -chlorophenylmaleimides with hydroxylethyl methacrylate and ,-methyl itaconatePOLYMER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 9 2007Guadalupe del C Pizarro Abstract This work describes the synthesis, characterization, and thermal behavior of copolymers of p -chlorophenylmaleimide (Cl-PhMI) with ,-methyl itaconate (,-MHI) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA). Copolymerization was carried out with a radical initiator by varying the feed mole fraction of Cl-PhMI from 0.25 to 0.75. The copolymer composition was determined from the N/C ratio based on elemental analysis data and with 1H NMR spectroscopy for poly(Cl-PhMI- co -HEMA) using a proton signal attributed to the CH3 of HEMA (, = 0.7,1.4 ppm) and the area of aromatic ring protons (, = 7.2,7.8 ppm), where the proton/area relationship confirmed the copolymer compositions calculated by elemental analysis. The monomer reactivity ratios r1 and r2 were determined using the Kelen,Tüdös method. These values demonstrated that copolymerization produced random copolymers with an alternation tendency. The molecular weight and polydispersity were also determined. The thermal behavior can be correlated with the copolymer composition. An increase of the thermal decomposition temperature occurred when the content of Cl-PhMI increased. The glass transition temperature and thermal stability of poly(,-MHI) or poly(HEMA) increased with an increasing amount of Cl-PhMI in the polymer backbone. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Preparation and properties of new thermally stable poly(ether imide amide)sPOLYMER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 8 2004Shahram Mehdipour-Ataei Abstract 2,6-Bis(4-aminophenoxy)pyridine was prepared via reaction of 4-aminophenol with 2,6-dichloropyridine in the presence of potassium carbonate. Reaction of the diamine with two mol of trimellitic anhydride afforded a diacid with preformed imide structures. Poly(ether imide amide)s were prepared by polycondensation reactions of the diacid with different diamines in the presence of triphenyl phosphite. All the monomers and polymers were fully characterized and the physical properties of the polymers including solution viscosity, thermal stability, thermal behavior and solubility were studied. Thermal analysis data showed the polymers to have high thermal stability. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Glass bead grafting with poly(carboxylic acid) polymers and maleic anhydride copolymersPOLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES, Issue 2 2008H. Zengin Abstract Glass beads were etched with acids and bases to increase the surface porosity and the number of silanol groups that could be used for grafting materials to the surfaces. The pretreated glass beads were functionalized using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS) coupling agent and then further chemically modified by reacting the carboxyl groups of carboxylic acid polymers with the amino groups of the pregrafted APS. Several carboxylic acid polymers and poly(maleic anhydride) copolymers, such as poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), poly(methacrylic acid) (PMA), poly(styrene-alt-maleic anhydride) (PSMA), and poly(ethylene-alt-maleic anhydride) (PEMA) were grafted onto the bead surface. The chemical modifications were investigated and characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, particle size analysis, and tensiometry for contact angle and porosity changes. The amount of APS and the different polymer grafted on the surface was determined from thermal gravimetric analysis and elemental analysis data. Spectroscopic studies and elemental analysis data showed that carboxylic acid polymers and maleic anhydride copolymers were chemically attached to the glass bead surface. The improved surface properties of surface modified glass beads were determined by measuring water and hexane penetration rates and contact angle. Contact angles increased and porosity decreased as the molecular weights of the polymer increased. The contact angles increased with the hydrophobicity of the attached polymer. The surface morphology was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and showed an increase in roughness for etched glass beads. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Novel mutation and prenatal sonographic findings of glutaric aciduria (type I) in two Taiwanese familiesPRENATAL DIAGNOSIS, Issue 8 2002S. K. Lin Abstract Glutaric aciduria type I (GA I) is an autosomal recessively inherited inborn error with a defect of the enzyme glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase (GCDH), which has never been diagnosed prenatally in Taiwanese patients. We present the prenatal sonographic findings and mutational analysis data of three children in two Taiwanese families. One patient from each family was diagnosed postnatally due to macrocephaly and neurological deterioration at 4,months and 10,months, respectively. The third child, sister of the first patient, was diagnosed prenatally at 11,weeks' gestation through chorionic villus sampling (CVS). Molecular analysis revealed that the fetus and child in Family 1 were homozygous for a common mutation, IVS10 -2A>C, which has not been reported in the Caucasian population. The patient in Family 2 was a compound heterozygote for IVS10 -2A>C and a novel mutation 749T>C (L238P). After genetic counseling, the couple decided to continue the second pregnancy. However, dilatation of quadrigeminal cistern (QC) and suspicious macrocephaly were noted at 30,weeks. Progressive dilatation of the QC associated with macrocephaly, fronto-temporal atrophy and wide space of perisylvian fissure were found in the follow-up scans. The affected girl was delivered at 37,weeks' gestation by cesarean section. Postnatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies confirmed the prenatal sonographic findings. With prenatal sonographic findings and mutational analysis presented in the present cases, the feasibility of prenatal diagnosis of GA I in high-risk pregnancy can not be overlooked. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] CUSTOMER CARE AND THE PUBLIC SERVICE ETHOSPUBLIC ADMINISTRATION, Issue 4 2006CATHERINE E. NEEDHAM The Labour governments that have been in power in the UK since 1997 have reconceptualized the public service ethos. In an apparent departure from their Conservative predecessors, Labour ministers have argued that the distinctive culture of public service can enhance rather than impede service quality and deliver high levels of customer care. This article utilizes interviews and content analysis data to explore the ethical dimension of public service, the significance of the language of customer in relation to ethos, and the implications for service delivery of a customer care focus. Case study findings show that a customer orientation is endorsed by politicians and bureaucrats in both central and local government, although there is a lack of clarity about the service manifestations of such a shift in emphasis. Respondents voiced concerns about the viability of customer care in the public sector as well as the sidelining of the political role of citizen. [source] Fascia Augmentation of the Vocal Fold: Graft Yield in the Canine and Preliminary Clinical Experience,THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 5 2001Sanford G. Duke MD Abstract Introduction Glottal insufficiency resulting from vocal fold bowing, hypomobility, or scar is frequently treated by injection augmentation. Injection augmentation with fat, collagen, gel foam, polytef, and recently, fascia lata has been previously reported. Variable graft yield and poor host-tissue tolerance have motivated the continued search for an ideal graft substance. Study Design A prospective trial of autologous fascia augmentation of the vocal cord in the human and in an animal model. Methods Autologous fascia injection augmentation (AFIA) was evaluated in 8 canines and 40 patients at our institution between 1998 and 2000. The animal study compared graft yield from AFIA with autologous fat yield. The outcome measure was graft yield calculated from histological examination of larynges 12 weeks after injection augmentation. Clinical trial outcome measures included symptom surveys, acoustical voice analyses, and subjective voice assessments. Mean follow-up was 9 months. Results In the canine larynx, the mean graft yield for AFIA was 33% (range, 5%,84%) compared with autologous lipoinjection (47%; range, 7%,96%;P = .57). Subjective improvement in vocal quality was reported by 95% of patients (38 of 40) after AFIA. Preoperative and postoperative voice analysis data were obtained from 26 patients. Subjective voice rating demonstrated a significant improvement after AFIA (P <.0001). Acoustical parameters of jitter, shimmer, noise-to-harmonic ratio, phonatory range, and degree unvoiced improved significantly (P <.05) in all patients after fascia augmentation. Conclusions Based on the animal study, we concluded that graft yields are excellent but variable for AFIA. The result is similar in variability and overall yield to autologous lipoinjection. Subjective and objective analyses of voice outcomes after AFIA are universally improved. Fascia appears to be an excellent alternative to lipoinjection in properly selected cases of glottic insufficiency. [source] Synthesis, characterization and biological properties of sulfonamide-derived compounds and their transition metal complexesAPPLIED ORGANOMETALLIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 8 2009Zahid H. Chohan Abstract Sulfonamide-derived compounds and their first row d-transition metal chelates [cobalt(II), copper(II), nickel(II) and zinc(II)] have been synthesized and characterized. The nature of bonding and structure of all the synthesized compounds have been proposed from magnetic susceptibility and conductivity measurements, IR, 1H and 13C NMR, electron spectra, mass spectrometry and CHN analysis data. The structure of ligand, 4-{[(E)-(5-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl) methylidene] amino}- N -(4,6-dimethyl pyrimidin-2-yl) benzene sulfonamide has also been determined by X-ray diffraction method. An octahedral geometry has been suggested for all the complexes. The ligands and metal complexes have been screened for their in vitro antibacterial, antifungal and cytotoxic activity. The results of these studies revealed that all compounds showed moderate to significant antibacterial activity against one or more bacterial strains and good antifungal activity against various fungal strains. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Bayesian Nonparametric Nonproportional Hazards Survival ModelingBIOMETRICS, Issue 3 2009Maria De Iorio Summary We develop a dependent Dirichlet process model for survival analysis data. A major feature of the proposed approach is that there is no necessity for resulting survival curve estimates to satisfy the ubiquitous proportional hazards assumption. An illustration based on a cancer clinical trial is given, where survival probabilities for times early in the study are estimated to be lower for those on a high-dose treatment regimen than for those on the low dose treatment, while the reverse is true for later times, possibly due to the toxic effect of the high dose for those who are not as healthy at the beginning of the study. [source] Electronic and Vibrational Properties of Fluorenone in the Channels of Zeolite LCHEMISTRY - A EUROPEAN JOURNAL, Issue 10 2004André Devaux Dr. Abstract Fluorenone (C13H8O) was inserted into the channels of zeolite L by using gas-phase adsorption. The size, structure, and stability of fluorenone are well suited for studying host,guest interactions. The Fourier transform IR, Raman, luminescence, and excitation spectra, in addition to thermal analysis data, of fluorenone in solution and fluorenone/zeolite L are reported. Normal coordinate analysis of fluorenone was performed, based on which IR and Raman bands were assigned, and an experimental force field was determined. The vibrational spectra can be used for nondestructive quantitative analysis by comparing a characteristic dye band with a zeolite band that has been chosen as the internal standard. Molecular orbital calculations were performed to gain a better understanding of the electronic structure of the system and to support the interpretation of the electronic absorption and luminescence spectra. Fluorenone shows unusual luminescence behavior in that it emits from two states. The relative intensity of these two bands depends strongly on the environment and changes unexpectedly in response to temperature. In fluorenone/zeolite L, the intensity of the 300 nm band (lifetime 9 ,s) increases with decreasing temperature, while the opposite is true for the 400 nm band (lifetime 115 ,s). A model of the host,guest interaction is derived from the experimental results and calculations: the dye molecule sits close to the channel walls with the carbonyl group pointing to an Al3+ site of the zeolite framework. A secondary interaction was observed between the fluorenone's aromatic ring and the zeolite's charge-compensating cations. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||