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Increasing Knowledge (increasing + knowledge)
Selected AbstractsPreparation and application of a novel environmentally friendly organic seed coating for riceJOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 13 2009Defang Zeng Abstract BACKGROUND: Traditional rice seed coating techniques involve the use of chemical pesticides, which can damage the seed in the process and cause possible physical and environmental damage. Increasing knowledge and concern about the traditional applications have brought new attention to the industry and the search for a novel coating agent that is effective, safe and environmentally friendly. A new type of organic rice seed coating agent was developed using liquid-based polymeric adhesives. By using chitosan as the main raw material, modified with sodium hydroxide and polymerised with plant growth regulators and other additives, the novel seed coating agent is a safer, cheaper and more environmentally friendly alternative. RESULTS: The novel seed coating agent significantly enhanced sprout growth over traditional agents. We found it has obvious biological advantages: it stimulates the seedling growth of rice, advances the growth of root, improves root activity and increases the crop yield in the germination test and field trial. Compared with the traditional rice seed coating agent, the crop yield of seeds coated by the novel seed coating agent was increased by 5%, and at 25% less cost. The fungal inhibition test of the novel seed coating agent and acute toxicity test on fish showed that it has an obvious fungal inhibitory effect and a higher safety index during usage and disposal. CONCLUSION: This result suggests that treating seeds with the novel seed coating agent has significant agricultural implications through the enhanced seed vigour as reflected in growth. It is efficient and effective, resulting in better seed and crop protection. The novel seed coating agent demonstrates unique characteristics with great economic and environmental benefits. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Solubility properties of human tooth mineral and pathogenesis of dental cariesORAL DISEASES, Issue 5 2004T Aoba Dental research over the last century has advanced our understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of caries lesions. Increasing knowledge of the dynamic demineralization/remineralization processes has led to the current consensus that bacteria-mediated tooth destruction can be arrested or even to some degree reversed by adopting fluoride and other preventive measures without using restorative materials. Our experimental approach provided new insight into the stoichiometries and solubility properties of human enamel and dentin mineral. The determination of the solubility product constant on the basis of the stoichiometric model (Ca)5·x(Mg)q(Na)u(HPO4)v(CO3)w(PO4)3·y(OH,F)1·z, verifies the difference in their solubility properties, supporting the phase transformation between tooth mineral and calcium phosphates in a wide range of fluid compositions as found in the oral environment. Further refinement of the stoichiometry and solubility parameters is essential to assess quantitatively the driving force for de- and remineralization of enamel and dentin in the oral fluid environment. Prediction of the effects of a combination of inhibitors and accelerator(s) on remineralization kinetics is also required. In order to develop devices efficient for optimizing remineralization in the lesion body, it is a critical question how, and to what extent, fluoride can compensate for the activity of any inhibitors in the mineralizing media. [source] Analysis of 154 cases of teeth with cracksDENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2006Byoung-Duck Roh Abstract,,, It is well known that cracked teeth occur most frequently in the mandibular molars with large or poor restorations, in those over 50 years of age. However, with increasing knowledge and experience with cracks of teeth, cracks appear to be found frequently in intact teeth without restorations. The aim of this study is to analyze the cases of tooth cracks in a dental hospital in a year, and to find out the characteristic features of cracks of teeth. For 1 year, each tooth that were identified as a cracked tooth was recorded and analyzed in terms of the classification of cavity and restorative material, the nature of opposing tooth, the location in the arch, the age and gender, and the clinical signs and symptoms, and treatment result. Cracked teeth were observed most frequently in the teeth with no restorations (60.4%) and with class I restorations (29.2%). The most prevalent age was in those over 40 years of age (31.2% in their 40s, 26.6% in their 50s) and the prevalence was similar in men (53.9%) and women (46.1%). Cracked teeth were found most frequently in the maxillary molars (33.8% in first molar, 23.4% in second molar) than in the mandibular molars (20.1% in first molar, 16.2% in second molar). 96.1% of the cracked teeth responded to the bite test, and 81.1% of the cracked teeth were observed in the mesiodistal direction. The prevalence of cracked tooth was highest in the intact teeth with no restoration, in maxillary molars, and in those over 40 years of age. When examining a intact maxillary posterior tooth that is sensitive to a bite and thermal change, crack in the mesiodistal direction need to be considered one of the causes. [source] From heparins to factor Xa inhibitors and beyondEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 2005S. Alban Abstract Despite some disadvantages, unfractionated heparin (UFH) and oral anticoagulants have been the only anticoagulants for prophylaxis and therapy of thromboembolic disorders for several decades. Based on the increasing knowledge of the structure and pharmacology of heparin, low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) have been developed in the 1980s. Compared to UFH, their advantages are mainly based on their reduced nonspecific binding to proteins and cells resulting in improved pharmacokinetics. In 1991, LMWH were declared as the most efficient prophylaxis in high-risk patients. Although the use of LMWH is increasing and they are today also applied for therapy and in other indications like acute coronary syndrome, they are considered not optimal concerning efficacy and safety. With the approval of fondaparinux for the prevention of venous thromboembolic disease in high-risk orthopedic patients, there might be a paradigm shift in the field of anticoagulants. Fondaparinux, a synthetic, chemically defined pentasaccharide, is the first selective inhibitor of factor Xa. By its highly specific binding to antithrombin, it selectively inhibits factor Xa and consequently prevents thrombin generation. In contrast to UFH and LMWH, it does not bind to any other cells and other proteins than antithrombin. This leads to a favourable linear pharmacokinetic profile, allowing once-daily subcutaneous application of a fixed dose without monitoring in thromboembolism prophylaxis. In addition to the evaluation of fondaparinux for further indications, chemical modifications of this pentasaccharide such as the long-acting idraparinux are currently under investigation. [source] Bacteria in the cold deep-sea benthic boundary layer and sediment,water interface of the NE AtlanticFEMS MICROBIOLOGY ECOLOGY, Issue 2 2000Carol Turley Abstract This is a short review of the current understanding of the role of microorganisms in the biogeochemistry in the deep-sea benthic boundary layer (BBL) and sediment,water interface (SWI) of the NE Atlantic, the gaps in our knowledge and some suggestions of future directions. The BBL is the layer of water, often tens of meters thick, adjacent to the sea bed and with homogenous properties of temperature and salinity, which sometimes contains resuspended detrital particles. The SWI is the bioreactive interface between the water column and the upper 1 cm of sediment and can include a large layer of detrital material composed of aggregates that have sedimented from the upper mixed layer of the ocean. This material is biologically transformed, over a wide range of time scales, eventually forming the sedimentary record. To understand the microbial ecology of deep-sea bacteria, we need to appreciate the food supply in the upper ocean, its packaging, passage and transformation during the delivery to the sea bed, the seasonality of variability of the supply and the environmental conditions under which the deep-sea bacteria grow. We also need to put into a microbial context recent geochemical findings of vast reservoirs of intrinsically labile organic material sorped onto sediments. These may well become desorped, and once again available to microorganisms, during resuspension events caused by deep ocean currents. As biotechnologists apply their tools in the deep oceans in search of unique bacteria, an increasing knowledge and understanding of the natural processes undertaken and environmental conditions experienced by deep-sea bacteria will facilitate this exploitation. [source] Riding the sulfur cycle , metabolism of sulfonates and sulfate esters in Gram-negative bacteriaFEMS MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS, Issue 2 2000Michael A. Kertesz Abstract Sulfonates and sulfate esters are widespread in nature, and make up over 95% of the sulfur content of most aerobic soils. Many microorganisms can use sulfonates and sulfate esters as a source of sulfur for growth, even when they are unable to metabolize the carbon skeleton of the compounds. In these organisms, expression of sulfatases and sulfonatases is repressed in the presence of sulfate, in a process mediated by the LysR-type regulator protein CysB, and the corresponding genes therefore constitute an extension of the cys regulon. Additional regulator proteins required for sulfonate desulfonation have been identified in Escherichia coli (the Cbl protein) and Pseudomonas putida (the AsfR protein). Desulfonation of aromatic and aliphatic sulfonates as sulfur sources by aerobic bacteria is oxygen-dependent, carried out by the ,-ketoglutarate-dependent taurine dioxygenase, or by one of several FMNH2 -dependent monooxygenases. Desulfurization of condensed thiophenes is also FMNH2 -dependent, both in the rhodococci and in two Gram-negative species. Bacterial utilization of aromatic sulfate esters is catalyzed by arylsulfatases, most of which are related to human lysosomal sulfatases and contain an active-site formylglycine group that is generated post-translationally. Sulfate-regulated alkylsulfatases, by contrast, are less well characterized. Our increasing knowledge of the sulfur-regulated metabolism of organosulfur compounds suggests applications in practical fields such as biodesulfurization, bioremediation, and optimization of crop sulfur nutrition. [source] A three-dimensional model describing stress-temperature induced solid phase transformations: solution algorithm and boundary value problemsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING, Issue 6 2004Ferdinando Auricchio Abstract An always increasing knowledge on material properties as well as a progressively more sophisticated production technology make shape memory alloys (SMA) extremely interesting for the industrial world. At the same time, SMA devices are typically characterized by complex multi-axial stress states as well as non-homogeneous and non-isothermal conditions both in space and time. This aspect suggests the finite element method as a useful tool to help and improve application design and realization. With this aim, we focus on a three-dimensional macroscopic thermo-mechanical model able to reproduce the most significant SMA features (Int. J. Numer. Methods Eng. 2002; 55: 1255,1264), proposing a simple modification of such a model. However, the suggested modification allows the development of a time-discrete solution algorithm, which is more effective and robust than the one previously discussed in the literature. We verify the computational tool ability to simulate realistic mechanical boundary value problems with prescribed temperature dependence, studying three SMA applications: a spring actuator, a self-expanding stent, a coupling device for vacuum tightness. The effectiveness of the model to solve thermo-mechanical coupled problems will be discussed in a forthcoming work. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] An exploratory study of the influences that compromise the sun protection of young adultsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CONSUMER STUDIES, Issue 6 2008Ngaia Calder Abstract This paper reports on an exploratory research project designed to gain a deeper understanding of the influences on ultraviolet radiation (UVR) behaviours among high-risk young adults to determine what compromises the adoption of protection measures for this group. A dual approach using focus groups and the Zaltman Metaphor Elicitation Technique was used to provide personal narratives related to UVR behaviour for tertiary education students. Results from both ,conversations' were content-analysed using an iterative ,bootstrapping' technique to identify key themes and issues. This exploratory research identified a number of key themes including effect on mood, influence of culture, the value of tans, unrealistic optimism, risk-orientation, and the role of experience. This group felt that they not been targeted effectively by public health campaigns and did not fully understand the dangers of high-risk UVR behaviours. Although a number of previous studies have investigated the relationship between knowledge and behaviour, and largely concluded that increases in knowledge do not lead to increases in adoption of protection practices, the preliminary findings of this study reveal that the knowledge and perceived self efficacy of protective practices is extremely high, what is lacking is the perceived threat and thus the motivations to adopt such behaviours. The conclusions drawn from this research indicate that there are a variety of important influencing factors that compromise UVR behaviours, in particular, the lack of perceived seriousness and severity towards long term consequences such as skin cancer. The recommendation to address the imbalance of ,perceived threat' and ,outcome expectations' is to focus on increasing knowledge of skin cancer, particularly susceptibility to skin cancer and the severity of the condition. [source] In vitro testing to assess the UVA protection performance of sun care productsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COSMETIC SCIENCE, Issue 1 2001Applied Cosmetics) Task Force, Members of the DGK (German Society for Scientific, Sun Protection'. Synopsis The UVA protection delivered by sunscreens is an issue of increasing importance due to the increasing knowledge about UVA-induced skin damage. In Europe there is no officially accepted method available to determine the degree of UVA protection. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to design a protocol combining the merits of an in vitro model, which are simple and reproducible, with aspects known to be relevant from in vivo studies. The principle is: an UV-transparent support to which the test product is applied, a (pre)irradiation and a transmission measurement. Transpore® tape (standard support for SPF determinations) was found to be incompatible with many preparations on prolonged contact times. Roughened quartz was adopted as a suitable alternative. Transmission measurements on this support are not reliable with a layer of 2 mg cm,2 (standard for SPF) due to detection limitations of spectrophotometers, hence a reduced layer of 0.75 mg cm,2 was adopted. Overall, it is very difficult to apply products in a reproducible thin layer on appropriate substrates. As a consequence, absolute parameters derived from the transmission profile show relatively large dispersion, whereas relative parameters, such as critical wavelength ,c[1] or UVA/UVB ratio are much less sensitive to unavoidable variations in layer thickness. An increase in deviations was observed when the samples were irradiated before measurement. It is crucial to control the output carefully (spectral distribution and even more importantly, irradiance and dose delivered) of the light source. By doing so and also taking into account the previous learning steps, a protocol was drafted and tested in a ringtest (four samples in six laboratories). The results are encouraging and show that if relative parameters (e.g. ,c, UVA/UVB ratio) are considered, the intra- as well as interlaboratory reproducibility is clearly better than can be obtained in vivo. In general, we describe a suitable method, which can be considered in any future official discussions about the methodology to determine UVA protection. Résumé La protection contre les UVA apportée par les écrans solaires est un sujet d'importance croissante en raison de la progression des connaissances concernant les dommages à la peau causés par les UVA. En Europe il n'existe pas de méthode disponible officiellement reconnue pour déterminer le degré de protection contre les UVA. Par conséquent, l'objectif de la présente étude est de concevoir un protocole associant les avantages d'un modèle in vitro, qui est simple et reproductible, avec des aspects connus comme appartenant aux études in vivo. Le principe est le suivant: un support transparent aux UV auquel le produit testé est appliqué, une (pré)irradiation et une mesure de transmission. Le ruban Transpore® (support standard pour la détermination des SPF) se révèle incompatible avec de nombreuses préparations lors de temps de contact prolongés. Le quartz rugueux est adopté comme alternative appropriée. Les mesures de transmission sur ce support ne sont pas fiables avec une couche de 2 mg/cm2 (norme pour les SPF) en raison des limites de détection des spectrophotomètres, et on adopte donc une couche réduite de 0,75 mg/cm2. Il est surtout très difficile d'appliquer des produits en une couche fine reproductible sur des substrats appropriés. En conséquence, les paramètres absolus tirés du profil de transmission montrent une assez grande dispersion, tandis que les paramètres relatifs, tels que la longueur d'onde critique ,c[l] ou le rapport UVA/UVB sont beaucoup moins sensibles aux variations inévitables de l'épaisseur de la couche. On observe une augmentation des écarts lorsque les échantillons sont irradiés avant la mesure. Il est crucial de contrôler soigneusement la sortie (distribution spectrale et encore plus important, irradiation et dose délivrée) de la source lumineuse. Dans ces conditions, et en tenant aussi compte des enseignements des étapes précédentes, un protocole a étéébauché et testé lors d'un essai tournant (quatre échantillons dans six laboratoires). Les résultats sont encourageants et montrent que si on considère les paramètres relatifs (par exemple ,c, rapport UVA/UVB), la reproductibilité intra et interlaboratoires est clairement meilleures que ce qu'on peut obtenir in vivo. D'une façon générale, nous décrivons une méthode appropriée, qui peut être considérée dans tout échange officiel futur concernant la méthodologie pour déterminer la protection contre les UVA. [source] Tumour immunology, vaccination and escape strategiesINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF IMMUNOGENETICS, Issue 3 2003A. García-Lora Summary Our increasing knowledge of the mechanisms by which tumour cells escape immune effector cells is helping to establish new approaches to therapeutic vaccination against tumour development. One of the escape mechanisms used by tumour cells is the generation of multiple variants with different HLA phenotypes. These MHC class I phenotypic alterations play a key role in the tumour,host scenario, as they are crucial molecules for antigen presentation to T cells and modulation of natural killer (NK) cell activity. This review presents evidence indicating that tumours develop sophisticated MHC phenotypes that allow them to escape immune surveillance. We evaluate the importance of these alterations in terms of the potential development of therapeutic approaches to immune vaccination. [source] Fabry Disease: Treatment and diagnosisIUBMB LIFE, Issue 11 2009Paula A. Rozenfeld Abstract Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal disorder that results from a deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme ,-galactosidase A leading to accumulation of glycolipids, mainly globotriaosylceramide in the cells from different tissues. Classical Fabry disease affects various organs. Clinical manifestations start at early age and include angiokeratoma, acroparesthesia, hypohydrosis, heat/exercise intolerance, gastrointestinal pain, diarrhea, and fever. The main complications of Fabry disease are more prominent after the age of 30 when kidney, heart, and/or cerebrovascular disorders appear. Most of the heterozygous females are symptomatic. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is the only specific treatment for Fabry disease. The beneficial effect of ERT on different organs/systems has been extensively evaluated. Quality of life of patients receiving ERT is improved. Enzyme replacement stabilizes or slows the decline in renal function and reduces left ventricular hypertrophy. Fabry disease may be underdiagnosed because of nonspecific and multiorgan symptoms. Different screening strategies have been carried out in different at-risk populations in order to detect undiagnosed Fabry patients. An increasing knowledge about Fabry disease within the medical community increases the chances of patients to receive a timely diagnosis and, consequently, to access the appropriate therapy. © 2009 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 61(11): 1043,1050, 2009 [source] Mapping space for water: screening for urban flash floodingJOURNAL OF FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT, Issue 1 2008B. Hankin Abstract This paper builds on the ,Flooding from Other Sources' project (HA4a), funded as part of Defra's Making Space for Water strategy. The HA4a study concluded that flood risk mapping is feasible for many of the sources of flooding that were investigated, which are not currently covered by the Environment Agency Flood Map, using existing flow modelling and GIS tools. However, there are some major constraints in terms of the need to undertake extensive data collection to allow the generation of useful flood maps that are not dominated by modelling uncertainties. The project anticipated that different levels of data collection and modelling might be needed for different purposes, given the hierarchical nature of UK flood risk assessment and management in the United Kingdom under PPS25 and the EC Floods Directive. This paper compares and contrasts three different approaches to urban flood modelling using topographic analysis, blanket extreme rainfall and semi-coupled sewer/overland routing. The UK summer floods 2007 have highlighted the pressing need for mapping the risk from urban flash flooding, and the Pitt Review has recommended that areas at high risk from surface waters should be urgently identified. This can be done now at some level of detail, and we can be guided as to what level, from our increasing knowledge of vulnerable populations, from records of historical flooding and by using some of the screening methods described herein. [source] Recent advances in skin ,barrier' researchJOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 6 2010Anthony V. Rawlings Abstract Objectives Our knowledge on the complexity of stratum corneum biology, chemistry and biophysics has grown over the last decade. This and the intricate control mechanisms in the stratum corneum that bring about its full and proper structural maturity will be reviewed. Key findings The importance of the total architecture of the stratum corneum in relation to desquamation and barrier function, the role of the corneodesmosomes and their degrading enzymes, new insights into the importance of natural moisturising factor and the emerging knowledge on the chemical antimicrobial barrier of the stratum corneum are discussed. Summary Despite our increasing knowledge of the complexity of stratum corneum, we are still far from understanding its intricate control mechanisms that bring about its maturity and desquamation. [source] Pathogenesis of medulloblastoma and current treatment outlookMEDICINAL RESEARCH REVIEWS, Issue 6 2007Jaroslaw Jozwiak Abstract Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant tumor of the cerebellum in children, with a tendency to metastasize via CSF pathway. Survival rate varies depending on several factors, but is rather favorable, with radiotherapy as the treatment of choice. Irradiation of the craniospinal axis results, however, in severe neuropsychological and psychosocial impairments pertaining to memory, attention, motor functioning, language, and visuospatial abilities. Precise mechanisms underlying the formation of medulloblastoma are still unclear, but implication of at least three signaling molecules is postulated: insulin-like growth factor-I, WNT, and Sonic hedgehog. Thanks to increasing knowledge on the cellular mechanisms contributing to tumor formation, it is possible to propose new therapies that could replace radiotherapy or allow decreasing irradiation doses. The current review presents recent developments in medulloblastoma pathophysiology research and proposed inhibitors that could constitute good candidates for further pharmacological research. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 27, No. 6, 869,890, 2007 [source] Hereditary Breast Cancer: Part I. Diagnosing Hereditary Breast Cancer SyndromesTHE BREAST JOURNAL, Issue 1 2008Henry T. Lynch MD Abstract:, Hereditary breast cancer (HBC) accounts for as much as 10% of the total BC burden. Most of these cases will be found to be due to a BRCA germline mutation. An estimated additional 15,20% of those affected with BC will have one or more first- and/or second-degree relatives with BC. Therefore, when these numbers are combined, familial BC risk accounts for approximately 20,25% of the total BC burden. However, because of the often limited information on family history in the etiologic assessment of BC, this may be an underestimate. Confounding factors include its phenotypic and genotypic heterogeneity, given the association of HBC with a plethora of differing cancer syndromes. Its most common occurrence is its association with ovarian cancer in the so-called hereditary breast-ovarian cancer syndrome due to BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. More rarely, it occurs in the Li-Fraumeni syndrome, caused by a p53 germline mutation, in which markedly early-onset BC is found in association with brain tumors, sarcomas, leukemia, lymphoma, malignant melanoma, and adrenal cortical carcinoma. Importantly, the age-adjusted incidence of BC in women in the United States fell sharply, by 6.7%, in 2003, when compared with the rate identified in 2002. We postulate that increasing knowledge about the genetics of BC may have partially contributed to the identification of high-risk patients who thereby may have benefited significantly from early diagnosis. [source] Transforming the Delivery of Rural Health Care in Georgia: State Partnership Strategy for Developing Rural Health NetworksTHE JOURNAL OF RURAL HEALTH, Issue 5 2003Karen J. Minyard PhD ABSTRACT: Since 1996, 19 networks covering 74 of the 127 rural counties in Georgia have emerged. This grassroots transformation of rural health care occurred through a series of partnerships launched by state government officials. These partnerships brought together national and state organizations to pool resources for investment in an evolving long-term strategy to develop rural health care networks. The strategy leveraged resources from partners, resulting in greater impact. Change was triggered and accelerated using an intensive, flexible technical assistance effort amplified by developmental grants to communities. These grants were made available for structural and organizational change in the community that would eventually lead to improved access and health status. Georgia's strategy for developing rural health networks consisted of 3 elements: a clear state vision and mission; investment partnerships; and proactive, flexible technical assistance. Retrospectively, it seems that the transformation occurred as a result of 5 phases of investment by state government and its partners. The first 2 phases involved data gathering as well as the provision of technical assistance to individual communities. The next 3 phases moved network development to a larger scale by working with multiple counties to create regional networks. The 5 phases represent increasing knowledge about and commitment to the vision of access to care and improved health status for rural populations. [source] Scaring the Monster Away: What Children Know About Managing Fears of Real and Imaginary CreaturesCHILD DEVELOPMENT, Issue 6 2009Liat Sayfan Children around 4, 5, and 7 years old (N = 48) listened to scenarios depicting a child alone or accompanied by another person (mother, father, friend) who encounters an entity that looks like a real or an imaginary fear-inducing creature. Participants predicted and explained each protagonist's fear intensity and suggested coping strategies. Results showed age-related increases in judgments that different people will experience different intensities of fear in the same situation. With age, children also demonstrated increasing knowledge that people's minds can both induce and reduce fear, especially in situations involving imaginary creatures. Suggestions of reality affirmation strategies (e.g., reminding oneself of what is real vs. not real) significantly increased with age, whereas positive pretense strategies (e.g., imagining it is a friendly ghost) significantly decreased. [source] | ||||||||||||||||