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LB
Kinds of LB Terms modified by LB Selected AbstractsCONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR PATHOGEN-REDUCING TECHNOLOGIES IN BEEF,JOURNAL OF FOOD SAFETY, Issue 2 2001KRISTA FINGERHUT ABSTRACT Two surveys were conducted by mail to evaluate consumers' preferences for beef treated by the steam and hot-water pasteurization technologies, in a comparison with beef treated by irradiation and nontechnology treated "regular" beef. More than 64% of the respondents reported that they preferred ground beef treated by irradiation to that treated by the two pathogen-reducing technologies. More than 87% of the respondents stated that they preferred ground beef treated by the two technologies to nontechnology treated beef. Sixty percent of the respondents reported that they were willing to pay for beef treated by the two pathogen-reducing technologies with an averaged willingness-to-pay of 0.36/lb over nontechnology treated beef. Compared with their counterparts; women, those having a better self-reported health status, and those with children at home (, 18 years of age) were more likely to report a preference for beef treated by the two heat-related pasteurization technologies. The income level of the respondents was negatively associated with their preference for beef treated by the two heat-related pasteurization technologies. The strong consumer preference coupled with willingness-to-pay for beef treated by the two pathogen-reducing technologies, suggest that consumers are willing to bear the cost of using these technologies if beef packers would invest in such technologies as a means of improving the quality of their products. [source] Assessment of residency and movement of the endangered bullhead (Cottus gobio) in two Flemish riversECOLOGY OF FRESHWATER FISH, Issue 4 2004G. Knaepkens Abstract,,, Residency and movement of bullheads (Cottus gobio) were assessed by mark-recapture from November 2001 to June 2002 in two Flemish rivers [Steenputbeek (SPB), Laarse Beek (LB)]. Although the majority of the recaptured bullheads (SPB: 66%; LB: 55%) was found in their initial tagging site before the spawning season, some fish had covered distances between 10,100 m (mean: 17 ± 2 m) and 10,70 m (mean: 18 ± 7 m), respectively. During the spawning season, the proportion of fish that moved (SPB: 58%; LB: 75%) and the distances travelled (SPB: between 10 and 90 m, mean 26 ± 3 m; LB: between 30 and 260 m, mean 133 ± 3 m) were significantly larger. In addition, analysis of individual movement behaviour of multiple recaptured bullheads showed that some fish were either always resident or mobile, while others switched between both behaviours. In general, our results suggest that not all bullheads exhibit sedentary behaviour but that the populations under study consist of both stationary and mobile individuals. Resumen 1. Desde Noviembre del año 2001 hasta Junio del 2002, evaluamos la residencia y los movimientos de Cottus gobio a través de técnicas de marcado-recaptura en dos ríos flamencos: Steenputbeek (SPB) y Laarse Beek (LB). Aunque antes de la estación reproductiva, la mayoría de los individuos re-capturados (66% en SPB y 55% en LB) fueron encontrados en las mismas localidades de marcado, algunos peces habían cubierto distancias entre 10 y 100 metros (media = 17.2 ± 2 m) y entre 10 y 70 m (media = 18.0 ± 7 m) en SPB y LB, respectivamente. Durante la estación reproductiva, tanto la proporción de individuos que se movieron (58% en SPB y 75% en LB), como las distancias recorridas fueron significativamente mayores: en SPB, entre 10 y 90 m, media = 26.0 ± 3 m y en LB entre 30 y 260 m, media = 133.0 ± 3 m. 2. Análisis del comportamiento entre múltiples individuos mostró que algunos individuos fueron o residentes o móviles mientras que otros individuos cambiaron entre ambos comportamientos. En general, nuestros resultados sugieren que no todos los individuos muestran comportamiento sedentario sino que la población incluye individuos estacionarios y móviles. [source] Sugarcane proteomics: Establishment of a protein extraction method for 2-DE in stalk tissues and initiation of sugarcane proteome reference mapELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 12 2010Ramesh Sundar Amalraj Abstract Sugarcane is an important commercial crop cultivated for its stalks and sugar is a prized commodity essential in human nutrition. Proteomics of sugarcane is in its infancy, especially when dealing with the stalk tissues, where there is no study to date. A systematic proteome analysis of stalk tissue yet remains to be investigated in sugarcane, wherein the stalk tissue is well known for its rigidity, fibrous nature, and the presence of oxidative enzymes, phenolic compounds and extreme levels of carbohydrates, thus making the protein extraction complicated. Here, we evaluated five different protein extraction methods in sugarcane stalk tissues. These methods are as follows: direct extraction using lysis buffer (LB), TCA/acetone precipitation followed by solubilization in LB, LB containing thiourea (LBT), and LBT containing tris, and phenol extraction. Both quantitative and qualitative protein analyses were performed for each method. 2-DE analysis of extracted total proteins revealed distinct differences in protein patterns among the methods, which might be due to their physicochemical limitations. Based on the 2-D gel protein profiles, TCA/acetone precipitation-LBT and phenol extraction methods showed good results. The phenol method showed a shift in pI values of proteins on 2-D gel, which was mostly overcome by the use of 2-D cleanup kit after protein extraction. Among all the methods tested, 2-D cleanup-phenol method was found to be the most suitable for producing high number of good-quality spots and reproducibility. In total, 30 and 12 protein spots commonly present in LB, LBT and phenol methods, and LBT method were selected and subjected to eLD -IT-TOF-MS/MS and nESI-LC-MS/MS analyses, respectively, and a reference map has been established for sugarcane stalk tissue proteome. A total of 36 nonredundant proteins were identified. This is a very first basic study on sugarcane stalk proteome analysis and will promote the unexplored areas of sugarcane proteome research. [source] Spontaneous periictal leaving behavior: A potential lateralizing sign in mesial temporal lobe epilepsyEPILEPSIA, Issue 6 2009Liri Jin Summary Purpose:, Seizure-related spontaneous leaving behavior (LB) is an uncommonly reported phenomenon. The aim of this study was to determine its frequency, clinical significance, and especially its lateralizing value. Methods:, We analyzed retrospectively the spontaneous periictal LB occurring in complex partial seizures (CPS) of 138 patients with medically refractory mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) with excellent postoperative seizure outcome and pathologic finding of hippocampal sclerosis. The relation of LB occurring in different phases of CPS to the side of resection was investigated. Results:, The overall frequency of periictal LB was 8.3% of 517 CPS and 25.2% of 123 patients. Among the 12 patients with ictal LB, 9 patients had epileptogenic focus ipsilateral to language dominant side, whereas the remaining 3 had seizure onset in the nondominant side. Conversely, 8 of 11 patients with postictal LB had foci in the nondominant side, and only three patients' seizures originated in the dominant side. Therefore, it was more likely for patients with left MTLE to show ictal LB and for those with right foci to display postictal LB (p = 0.03). Conclusions:, LB may represent a potential lateralizing sign. When LB occurs ictally, it may indicate seizure onset in the dominant temporal lobe, and LB occurring postictally indicates nondominant side seizure onset in patients with MTLE. [source] Effect of local analgesia on movement of the equine backEQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 1 2006K. ROETHLISBERGER HOLM Summary Reasons for performing study: Diagnostic infiltration of local anaesthetic solution is commonly used in cases of equine back pain. Evaluation is subjective and it is not known how local analgesia of the back affects horses without clinical signs of back pain. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of infiltration of local anaesthetics on the movement of the back in horses without clinical signs of back pain, and to evaluate the usefulness of kinematic studies as an objective and quantitative tool in evaluating local analgesia in clinical practice. Methods: The kinematics of the back in 10 clinically sound horses were measured on 2 occasions at walk and trot before and after injections with mepivacaine and sodium chloride around the interspinous spaces between T16 and L2. The kinematics were compared between the 2 occasions before injections and before and after each injection. Results: The range of motion (ROM) for dorsoventral flexion-extension (FE) of the back was increased significantly in all measured segments other than T10 at walk, as was lateral bending (LB) at T10, L3 and L5 after injection of mepivacaine. For lateral excursion (LE), total movement increased at all measured segments. At trot the only affected segment was L3, where the injection with mepivacaine decreased the ROM for FE. After injection of sodium chloride the ROM for FE increased at T13 and T17 at walk. Lateral bending and LE were not affected at walk. At trot, LB increased at L3 and L5. Conclusions and potential relevance: Diagnostic infiltration of local anaesthetic solution affects the function of the back in clinically sound horses, which must be considered when interpreting the use of this clinical aid in assessing clinical cases of back dysfunction. Kinematics can qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate the effect of local analgesia of the back. [source] Synthesis, Characterization and OFET Properties of Amphiphilic Mixed (Phthalocyaninato)(porphyrinato)europium(III) ComplexesEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 7 2009Pan Ma Abstract Amphiphilic mixed (phthalocyaninato)(porphyrinato)europium(III) triple-decker complexes Eu2[Pc(15C5)4]2[T(C10H21)4P] (1) and Eu2[Pc(15C5)4]2[TPOPP] (2) [H2Pc(15C5)4 = 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24-tetrakis(15-crown-5)phthalocyanine; H2T(C10H21)4P = meso -5,10,15,20-tetra- n -decylporphyrin, H2TPOPP = meso -5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-pentyloxyphenyl)porphyrin] were designed and synthesized by the raise-by-one-story method. These novel sandwich triple-decker complexes were characterized by a wide range of spectroscopic methods, and they were also electrochemically studied. Highly ordered films were fabricated by the Langmuir,Blodgett (LB) technique into organic field-effect transistors (OFETs). The devices display good OFET performance with a carrier mobility in the range 0.03,0.78 cm2,V,1,s,1. As expected, the devices show a low threshold voltage range from ,1.19 to ,4.34 V. The mobility of compound 1 reaches 0.78 cm2,V,1,s,1, which is the highest value so far achieved for LB film-based OFETs, as a result of the narrow energy gap (1.04 eV) of this compound.(© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009) [source] Fluorescence-controlled Er:YAG laser for caries removal in permanent teeth: a randomized clinical trialEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORAL SCIENCES, Issue 2 2008Henrik Dommisch The aim of this randomized clinical study was to compare the efficacy of a fluorescence-controlled erbium-loaded yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser with conventional bur treatment for caries therapy in adults. Twenty-six patients with 102 carious lesions were treated using either the Er:YAG laser, at threshold levels of 7, 8, 9, and 10 [U], or rotary burs. Both techniques were applied to each lesion at separate locations. After treatment, dentine samples were obtained using a carbide bur. The viable counts of Streptococcus mutans (SM) and lactobacilli (LB) [expressed as colony-forming units (log10 CFUs)], treatment time, pain, vibration, and sound intensity were determined. The median numbers of CFUs for SM and LB were not statistically different between laser and bur treatment at threshold levels 7 and 8 [U]. At threshold levels 9 and 10 [U], the median number of CFUs for LB [1.11 (range: 0.00,2.04)] were significantly higher following laser treatment than following bur treatment [0.30 (range: 0.00,0.60)]. The results indicate that treatment with a fluorescence-controlled Er:YAG laser at threshold levels of 7 and 8 removed caries to a level similar to that achieved using conventional bur treatment, with clinically irrelevant amounts of remaining bacteria. Although more time consuming, laser treatment provided higher patient comfort than bur treatment. [source] Spent media from cultures of environmental isolates of Escherichia coli can suppress the deficiency of biofilm formation under anoxic conditions of laboratory E. coli strainsFEMS MICROBIOLOGY ECOLOGY, Issue 3 2006Tecilli Cabellos-Avelar Abstract The prevailing lifestyle of bacteria is sessile and they attach to surfaces in structures known as biofilms. In Escherichia coli, as in many other bacteria, biofilms are formed at the air-liquid interface, suggesting that oxygen has a critical role in the biofilm formation process. It has been reported that anaerobically growing E. coli laboratory strains are unable to form biofilms even after 96 h of incubation on Luria Bertani (LB) medium. After analyzing 22 000 transposon-induced and 26 000 chemically-induced mutants we failed to isolate an E. coli laboratory strain with the ability to form biofilm under anaerobic growth conditions. Notably, seven strains from a collection of E. coli isolated from different hosts and the environment had the ability to form biofilm in the absence of oxygen. Interestingly, spent medium from cultures of one strain, Souza298, can promote biofilm formation of E. coli laboratory strains growing under anaerobic conditions. Our results led us to propose that laboratory E. coli strains do not release (or synthesize) a molecule needed for biofilm formation under anoxic conditions but that they bear all the required machinery needed for this process. [source] Tetrathiafulvalene-, 1,5-Dioxynaphthalene-, and Cyclobis(paraquat- p -phenylene)-based [2]Rotaxanes with Cyclohexyl and Alkyl Chains as Spacers: Synthesis, Langmuir,Blodgett Films, and Electrical Bistability,ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 5 2007X. Guo Abstract The synthesis and characterization of two new (TTF-DNP-CBPQT4+) [2]rotaxanes 1 and 2 is reported, based on tetrathiafulvalene (TTF), 1,5-dioxynaphthalene (DNP), and cyclobis(paraquat- p -phenylene) (CBPQT4+) with cyclohexyl and alkyl chains as the spacers. Multilayer Langmuir,Blodgett (LB) films of [2]rotaxanes 1 and 2 are prepared. Conducting atomic force microscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy, and two-terminal junction device studies indicate that the LB films of [2]rotaxanes 1 and 2 show electrical bistability behavior. By comparing with the TTF-DNP-CBPQT4+ [2]rotaxanes reported by Stoddart et,al. previously, the present results imply that proper modification of the chemical structures of the TTF unit and the spacer have negligible effect on the electrical bistability behavior of these TTF-DNP-CBPQT4+ [2]rotaxanes. These findings will allow for the design and preparation of new multifunctional TTF-DNP-CBPQT4+ [2]rotaxanes in the future. [source] Using human rights-based approaches to conceptualise lesbian and bisexual women's health inequalitiesHEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY, Issue 4 2010Julie Fish PhD, Social Sciences Abstract This article makes a contribution to current debates in human rights-based approaches to lesbian and bisexual (LB) women's health. With reference to concepts embodied in the Yogyakarta Principles, it is proposed that the right to health includes access to health information, participation, equity, equality and non-discrimination. Specifically, the article examines how LB women's health can be considered as a health inequality and discusses international developments to reduce disparities. Drawing on qualitative data collected in an online survey, the article reports on sexual minority women's experiences of health-care. Participants were recruited via a purposive sampling strategy; questionnaires were completed by 6490 respondents of whom 5909 met the study criteria of residence in the UK, sexual orientation and completing the survey once. Analysis revealed four broad themes: heteronormativity in health-care; improving attitudes among healthcare professionals; equality in access; raising awareness and informed communities. The accounts highlight the centrality of human rights principles: fairness, respect, equality, dignity and autonomy. The implications for healthcare policy and practice are discussed including ways to empower staff and service users with knowledge and skills and ensuring non-discrimination in health service delivery. [source] Knowledge-Based Approach towards Hydrolytic Degradation of Polymer-Based BiomaterialsADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 32-33 2009Dieter Hofmann Abstract The concept of hydrolytically degradable biomaterials was developed to enable the design of temporary implants that substitute or fulfill a certain function as long as required to support (wound) healing processes or to control the release of drugs. Examples are surgical implants, e.g., sutures, or implantable drug depots for treatment of cancer. In both cases degradability can help to avoid a second surgical procedure for explanation. Although degradable surgical sutures are established in the clinical practice for more than 30 years, still more than 40% of surgical sutures applied in clinics today are nondegradable.1 A major limitation of the established degradable suture materials is the fact that their degradation behavior cannot reliably be predicted by applying existing experimental methodologies. Similar concerns also apply to other degradable implants. Therefore, a knowledge-based approach is clearly needed to overcome the described problems and to enable the tailored design of biodegradable polymer materials. In this Progress Report we describe two methods (as examples for tools for this fundamental approach): molecular modeling combining atomistic bulk interface models with quantum chemical studies and experimental investigations of macromolecule degradation in monolayers on Langmuir,Blodgett (LB) troughs. Finally, an outlook on related future research strategies is provided. [source] Soft Langmuir,Blodgett Technique for Hard NanomaterialsADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 29 2009Somobrata Acharya Abstract Materials and their assemblies of dimensions down to a few nanometers have attracted considerable scientific interest in physical, chemical, and biological sciences because of unique properties not available in their bulk counterparts. The Langmuir,Blodgett (LB) technique allows rigid nanomaterials to be aligned in particular structures through a flexible assembly process at liquid interfaces. In this review, we summarize the development of assembly of hard nanomaterials using soft LB techniques. An initial summary of the basic features of nanomaterials will include dimension-related effects, synthesis, characterization, and analysis, and will be followed by examples of LB assemblies of nanomaterials described according to their morphology: nanoparticles, nanorods, nanowires, nanotubes, and nanosheets. Some of the nanomaterials have been fabricated in orientation-controlled morphologies, and have been incorporated into prototype devices for gas sensing and photocurrent transport. In the final part of this review, the challenges remaining for LB techniques of hard nanomaterials will be overviewed, and will include a comparison with the widely-used LB technique involving soft materials. [source] Neuropathological correlates to clinically defined dementia with Lewy bodiesINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 7 2001E. Londos Abstract Objectives To analyse the neuropathological changes behind clinically defined dementia with Lewy bodies (clinDLB) compared with clinically diagnosed Alzheimer's disease (clinAD). Methods The prevalence of neuropathological findings in 48 clinDLB and 45 clinAD cases was compared. Sixteen clinDLB and 10 clinAD cases were reassessed with ,-synuclein staining for Lewy bodies (LB). Results Alzheimer pathology was found in 81% of the clinDLB and 93% of the clinAD cases. The clinDLB group had a higher prevalence of frontal white matter pathology, mostly of ischemic type, and a more severe degeneration of the substantia nigra compared with the clinAD group. In hematoxylin,eosin staining, LBs were identified in seven (15%) of the clinDLB and in four (9%) of the clinAD group. In ,-synuclein staining, 38% of the clinDLB and 40% of the clinAD cases exhibited LBs. The cases without LBs, in the clinDLB group, had AD pathology in combination with frontal white matter disease. Vascular pathology of significant degree was prevalent in more than 40% of all the cases with verified LBs regardless of clinical diagnosis. Conclusion Consecutive dementia cases, fulfilling the clinical consensus criteria for DLB, may exhibit combinations of neuropathological changes which in themselves can explain the clinical picture of DLB even when LBs are absent. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Salivary bacteria and oral health status in children with disabilities fed through gastrostomyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, Issue 3 2010ARIELA HIDAS International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2010; 20: 179,185 Objectives., This study examined caries level, amount of calculus, and oral microbial environment in gastrostomy tube (GT)-fed children compared with healthy children and children with disabilities orally fed (PO). Study design., The study group consisted of 12 GT-fed children and the two control groups consisted of 16 children with disabilities orally fed and 17 healthy children. DMF-T/dmf-t index, calculus index, Mutans Streptococci (MS), Lactobacilli (LB) levels and salivary buffer capacity were examined. Results., DMF-T/dmf-t index was significantly lower in the tube-fed group. Calculus index was highest in the tube-fed group. MS and LB levels were the lowest in the tube-fed children. Correlation was found between MS and DMF-T/dmf-t. Conclusions., Tube-fed children demonstrated significantly higher calculus levels and less caries, MS, and LB levels then healthy children or children with disabilities eating PO. [source] Time-steppers and ,coarse' control of distributed microscopic processesINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ROBUST AND NONLINEAR CONTROL, Issue 2 2004Antonios Armaou Abstract We present an equation-free multiscale computational framework for the design of ,coarse' controllers for complex spatially distributed processes described by microscopic/mesoscopic evolution rules. We illustrate this framework by designing discrete-time, coarse linear controllers for a Lattice,Boltzmann (LB) scheme modelling a reaction,diffusion process (a kinetic-theory based realization of the FitzHugh,Nagumo equation dynamics in one spatial dimension). Short ,bursts' of appropriately initialized simulation of the LB model are used to extract the stationary states (stable and unstable) and to estimate the information required to design the coarse controller (e.g. the action of the coarse slow Jacobian of the process). Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Glycosyltransferase Microarray Displayed on the Glycolipid LB MembraneADVANCED SYNTHESIS & CATALYSIS (PREVIOUSLY: JOURNAL FUER PRAKTISCHE CHEMIE), Issue 6-7 2003Noriko Nagahori Abstract ,(1,4),Galactosyltransferase expressed as a fusion protein with maltose binding protein (MBP-GalT) was displayed specifically on a Langmuir,Blodgett (LB) membrane prepared by photopolymerization of maltotriose-carrying glycolipid (1) with 1,2-bis(10,12-tricosadiynoyl)- sn -glycero-3-phosphocholine (2). The catalytic activity of MBP-GalT on the LB film was directly monitored by the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) method using a GlcNAc-carrying water-soluble polymer (3) as an acceptor substrate. Highly sensitive sigmoidal-type signals were obtained upon the addition of the acceptor substrate in the presence of the donor substrate, UDP-galactose (UDP-Gal), while the binding of 3 was not detected in the absence of UDP-Gal. The intensities of the signals were dependent on the amount of immobilized MBP-GalT on the LB film, which was estimated from the images obtained by atomic force microscope (AFM). [source] Elastofibromatous change of the oral mucosa: case report and literature reviewJOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY, Issue 10 2010Cassiano Francisco Weege Nonaka Elastofibroma is an uncommon fibrous pseudotumor that usually occurs in the subscapular region of middle-aged and older adults. Since its seminal description, cases of elastofibroma or elastofibroma-like proliferations have been identified at several anatomic locations, including the foot, hand, thigh, olecranon, gastrointestinal tract, trachea, dorsal spine and eye. Involvement of the oral cavity is rare, with only four cases reported to date. Herein, we report a case of elastofibromatous change in the soft palate of a 55-year-old man and review the literature regarding pathogenesis, clinicopathologic features, differential diagnosis and management. Nonaka CFW, Rêgo DM, Miguel MCC, de Souza LB, Pinto LP. Elastofibromatous change of the oral mucosa: case report and literature review. [source] Multicenter randomized controlled trial of heat-killed Lactobacillus acidophilus LB in patients with chronic diarrheaJOURNAL OF DIGESTIVE DISEASES, Issue 4 2002Shu Dong XIAO OBJECTIVE: Chronic diarrhea is a common bowel disorder, and disturbance of intestinal microorganisms may play a role in its pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical efficacy of lyophilized heat-killed Lactobacillus acidophilus LB compared with living lactobacilli in the treatment of chronic diarrhea. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-seven patients with chronic diarrhea were randomly allocated to receive either a 4-week course of two capsules of Lacteol Fort twice a day as the Lacteol group (69 patients completed the course) or a 4-week course of five chewable tablets of Lacidophilin three times a day as the Lacidophilin group (64 patients completed the course). The frequency of stools was recorded quantitatively and the semiquantitative parameters such as stool consistency, abdominal pain, distension and feeling of incomplete evacuation were evaluated. RESULTS: At the second and fourth week of the treatment, the mean bowel frequency was significantly lower in the Lacteol group than in the Lacidophilin group (1.88 ± 1.24 vs 2.64 ± 1.12, 1.39 ± 0.92 vs 2.19 ± 1.05, respectively; P < 0.05). At the end of the treatment, the clinical symptoms were markedly improved in the Lacteol group. CONCLUSIONS: Lactobacillus acidophilus LB is more effective than living lactobacilli in the treatment of chronic diarrhea. [source] Temporal patterns of growth in larval cohorts of the Japanese sardine Sardinops melanostictus in a coastal nursery areaJOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY, Issue 6 2008G. Plaza Growth patterns of larval sardine Sardinops melanostictus were studied in a coastal nursery area, in southern Japan for four monthly hatch cohorts of larvae (November, December, January and February) for the 2003,2004 and 2004,2005 seasons. Laird,Gompertz models were fitted to each cohort using both total length (LT)-at-age at capture and mean LT -at-age data derived from backcalculations. In both approaches, the absolute daily growth rates (GR) and absolute daily growth rates at the inflection point (GXO) were estimated. In parallel, individual growth rates (GI) were derived from backcalculated LT (LB). Growth showed the following general common patterns irrespective of hatch month, season and methods: (1) significant Laird,Gompertz fits, (2) asymptotic growth, (3) a decrease in GR after the inflexion point, except for February for the 2003,2004 season that showed an apparent constant growth pattern, (4) six in eight cohorts showed GXO ranging from 0·8 to 1·2 mm day,1 and (5) a decreasing tendency of GI from 1·75 to 0·24 mm day,1, from first feeding through the first month of larval life. The contrasting pattern between the 2003,2004 and the 2004,2005 seasons were: (1) allometric v. logarithmic (ln) LT and otolith radius relationships, (2) low GXOv. high GXO, (3) high GRv. low GR when growth turned asymptotic, (4) low GXOv. high GXO when monthly hatch cohorts were combined and (5) LB and GI not differing among monthly hatch cohorts. The differences in growth patterns and growth rates between seasons seemed to be linked to the influx of warmer and oligotrophic waters of the Kuroshio Current that triggered an increase of 3° C in the coastal area for the 2003,2004 seasons. In the overall context, however, the high GXO, within cohorts and seasons reported in the current study, suggests that either sea surface temperature (SST) or food availability, or both are in the optimal range of preferences for S. melanostictus larvae. Consequently, nearshore coastal areas seem to be playing an important role as a nursery area for the larval stage of this species. [source] Commentary on: Gill JR, Goldfeder LB, Hirsch CS.JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES, Issue 2 2007Use of Therapeutic Complication as a Manner of Death. No abstract is available for this article. [source] 15 Phylogeny of the chlorophyta: inferences from 18S and 26S rDNAJOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY, Issue 2003M. A. Buchheim Recent studies of the Chlorophyceae using 18S and 26S rDNA data in meta-analysis have demonstrated the power of combining these two sets of rDNA data. Furthermore, the 26S rDNA data complement the more conserved 18S gene for many chlorophycean lineages. Consequently, this data approach was pursued in an expanded taxon-sampling scheme for the Chlorophyta, with special reference to the classes Chlorophyceae and Trebouxiophyceae. Results of these new phylogenetic analyses identify Microspora sp. (UTEX LB 472) and Radiofilum transversale (UTEX LB 1252) as sister taxa which, in turn, form a basal clade in the Cylindrocapsa alliance (Treubaria, Trochiscia, Elakatothrix). The relative position of the "Cylindrocapsa" clade within the Chlorophyceae remains uncertain. The enhanced taxon-sampling has not resolved the relative positions of the Oedogoniales, Chaetophorales or Chaetopeltidales. Furthermore, the Sphaeropleaceae are supported as members of the Sphaeropleales in only some analyses, raising concerns about the status of the order. Although based on a limited set of taxa (currently <10), a combined data approach reveals support for a monophyletic Trebouxiophyceae that includes the distinctive organisms, Geminella and Eremosphaera. The goal of a well-resolved phylogeny for the Chlorophyta remains just that, a goal. Achieving that goal obviously will require additional taxon sampling in the Prasinophyceae and Ulvophyceae, as well as, the Trebouxiophyceae. Moreover, it is clear that other genes (e.g., cp-atpB, cp-rbcL, cp-16S, mt-nad5) will be needed to help address problems of resolution based on the rDNA data alone. Supported by NSF DEB 9726588 and DEB 0129030. [source] Preparation, characterization, and electrical properties of dual-emissive Langmuir-Blodgett films of some europium-substituted polyoxometalates and a platinum polyyne polymerJOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 4 2010Li Liu Abstract A new series of organometallic/inorganic composite Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films consisting of a rigid-rod polyplatinyne polymer coordinated with 2,7-bis(buta-1,3-diynyl)-9,9-dihexylfluorene (denoted as PtP) as the ,-conjugated organometallic molecule, an europium-substituted polyoxometalate (POM; POM = Na9EuW10O36, K13[Eu(SiW11O39)2] and K5[Eu(SiW11O39)(H2O)2]) as the inorganic component, and an amphiphilic behenic acid (BA) as the auxiliary film-forming agent were prepared. Structural and photophysical characterization of these LB films were achieved by ,,A isotherms, absorption and photoluminescence spectra, atomic force microscopy imaging, scanning tunneling microscopy, and low-angle X-ray diffraction. Our experimental results indicate that stable, well-defined, and well-organized Langmuir and LB films are formed in pure water and POM subphases, and the presence of Eu-based POM in the subphase causes an area expansion. It is proposed that a lamellar layered structure exists for the PtP/BA/POM LB film in which the POM and PtP molecules can lay down with the interfacial planes. Luminescence spectra of the prepared hybrid LB films show that near-white emission spectra can be obtained due to the dual-emissive nature of the mixed PtP/POM blends. These Pt-polyyne-based LB films displayed interesting electric conductivity behavior. Among them, PtP/BA/POM 13-layer films showed a good electrical response, with the tunneling current up to ±100 nA when the voltage was monitored between ,1 and 7 V. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 879,888, 2010 [source] EFFECT OF COLD STORAGE ON CULTURE VIABILITY AND SOME RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF FERMENTED MILK PREPARED WITH YOGURT AND PROBIOTIC BACTERIAJOURNAL OF TEXTURE STUDIES, Issue 1 2008MARIA REGINA DAMIN ABSTRACT We examined the effect of storage time on culture viability and some rheological properties (yield stress, storage modulus, loss modulus, linear viscoelastic region, structural recuperation and firmness) of fermented milk made with Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus, Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA) and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis in coculture with Streptococcus thermophilus (ST). Acidification profiles and factors that affect viability (postfermentation acidification, acidity and dissolved oxygen) were also studied during 35 days at 4C. Fermented milk prepared with a coculture of ST and Bifidobacterium lactis gave the most constant rheological behavior and the best cell viability during cold storage; it was superior to ST plus LA for probiotic fermented milk production. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Probiotic cultures should grow quickly in milk, provide adequate sensory and rheological properties to the product, and remain viable during storage. Commercially, it is very common to use yogurt starter culture (i.e. Streptococcus thermophilus[ST] and Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus) in combination with the probiotic bacteria in order to reduce fermentation time. However, LB tends to post acidify fermented milk, which reduces the viability of the probiotic bacteria; thus, it is recommended to use starter cultures devoid of this species. We found that the technological properties and the viability of the probiotic bacterium Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis BL O4 in coculture with ST make it suitable for probiotic fermented milk production; it produces rheological characteristics similar to those of yogurt. [source] Factors that affect the diagnostic accuracy of liver fibrosis measurement by Fibroscan in patients with chronic hepatitis BALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 3 2010S. U. Kim Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32: 498,505 Summary Background, Interquartile range/median value (IQR/M) of liver stiffness measurement (LSM) is a factor in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) leading to over estimation of fibrosis by Fibroscan. Aim, To investigate factors that affect the accuracy of LSM in chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Methods, One hundred and ninety-nine patients were enrolled. Only procedures yielding ,10 valid measurements were considered reliable. Liver fibrosis was evaluated using the Batts and Ludwig system. Liver biopsy (LB) specimens <15 mm were considered ineligible. Results, The mean age (142 men and 57 women) was 40.1 years. A significant discordance (discordance of at least two stages between LB and LSM) was identified in 38 (19.1%) and 47 (23.6%) patients respectively, according to Marcellin et al. and Chan et al.'s cutoff values. In multivariate analyses, BMI and fibrosis stage (F0,2 vs. F3,4) were identified as independent predictors for significant discordance (P = 0.040; hazard ratio [HR], 1.126; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.005,1.261 and P = 0.036; HR, 0.450; 95% CI, 0.213,0.949 respectively) with Marcellin et al.'s cutoffs, whereas fibrosis stage was the only independent predictor (P = 0.004; HR, 0.300; 95% CI, 0.131,0.685) with Chan's cutoffs. Conclusions, Success rate and IQR/M were not predictive factors of the accuracy for diagnosing liver fibrosis by Fibroscan in CHB. Fibrosis stage (F0-2) was the only factor to predict significant discordance between LB and LSM. [source] Anti- Helicobacter pylori activity of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus strains: preliminary reportLETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 5 2009L. Boyanova Abstract Aims:, To evaluate the activities of six Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus (LB) strains against 30 Helicobacter pylori strains by agar-well diffusion method. Methods and Results:, LB cultures [4 × 108,4 × 109 CFU ml,1) either were prepared in milk at their native pH, 3·8,5·0, or were adjusted to pH 6·4,7·7. At low and neutralized pH, LB strains inhibited the growth by 40,86·7% and 16·7,66·7% of H. pylori strains, respectively. LB activity was strain-dependent. At low and neutralized pH, one and five H. pylori strains, respectively, were not inhibited by any LB strain. LB2 and LB3, taken together, were active against most metronidazole and clarithromycin resistant strains. Conclusions:, All LB strains inhibited a number of H. pylori strains, including also antibiotic resistant strains. LB activity was strain-dependent and better at low pH. At low pH values, the most active LB strains were LB1, LB2 and LB3, inhibiting 86·7% of H. pylori strains, while at neutralized pH values, the most active LB strains were LB2 and LB3, inhibiting 53·3 and 66·7% of H. pylori strains, respectively. Significance and Impact of the Study:, LB could be utilized in the treatment or prophylaxis of H. pylori infection and warrants clinical investigations. [source] Percutaneous liver biopsy in clinical practiceLIVER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 9 2007Bandar Al Knawy Abstract Percutaneous liver biopsy (PLB) is the standard procedure for obtaining hepatic tissue for histopathological examination, and remains an essential tool in the diagnosis and management of parenchymal liver diseases. The use of liver biopsy (LB) is increasing with the advent of liver transplantation and the progress being made in antiviral therapeutic agents. While blind percutaneous needle biopsy is the traditional technique, the use of ultrasound (US) guidance has increased considerably. Literatures were reviewed to assess the existing clinical practice of PLB with an emphasis on the technique, the operator, types of biopsy needles, quality of LB specimens and the risk of complications. The best available evidence indicates that the use of ultrasound-guided biopsy (UGB) is superior to blind needle biopsy (BNB). The odds ratios of the controlled studies showed that BNB carried a higher risk for major complications, postbiopsy pain and biopsy failure. Therefore, percutaneous LB under US control is superior to BNB and it is recommended that UGB be considered the standard of care for this important and widely used invasive procedure in the field of clinical hepatology. [source] Effect of Fullerene on Photocurrent Performance of 6- O -Porphyrin-2,3-di- O -stearoylcellulose Langmuir-Blodgett FilmsMACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS, Issue 12 2008Keita Sakakibara Abstract Thin films consisting of 6- O -porphyrin-2,3-di- O -stearoylcellulose (H2PCS) and fullerene (C60) were fabricated for anodic photocurrent generation systems by the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique. The , -complexation between the porphyrin moiety and C60 in the LB films was investigated by means of the surface pressure (,)-area (A) isotherms, UV-vis, and fluorescence spectroscopy. The photocurrent density generated from the H2PCS,C60 LB monolayer films exhibited an increase with increasing the C60 proportion and reached a maximum at a mixing ratio of 1:2, yielding a quantum yield of 12.5% and an IPCE (incident photon-to-current efficiency) of 0.50% at a bias potential of +100 mV vs. SCE. Furthermore, the LB five-layer films could give rise to the IPCE value of 1.5% at +100 mV without significant decline of the quantum yields, which was due to the function of C60 as an electron carrier to improve the interlayer electron transfer through each layer. These results have demonstrated a promising method for preparing the donor,acceptor systems using cellulose as a scaffold in the LB films. [source] A search for binarity using Far-Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer observations of DAO white dwarfsMONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY, Issue 3 2005S. A. Good ABSTRACT We report on a search for evidence of binarity in Far-Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) observations of DAO white dwarfs. Spectra recorded by FUSE are built up from a number of separate exposures. Observation of changes in the position of photospheric heavy element absorption lines between exposures, with respect to the stationary interstellar medium lines, would reveal radial velocity changes , evidence of the presence of a binary system. This technique is successful in picking out all the white dwarfs already known to be binaries, which comprise five out of the sample of 16, but significant radial velocity shifts were found for only one additional star, Ton 320. This object is also known to have an infrared excess. DAOs can be separated broadly into low- or normal-mass objects. Low-mass white dwarfs can be formed as a result of binary evolution, but it has been suggested that the lower mass DAOs evolve as single stars from the extended horizontal branch, and we find no evidence of binarity for eight out of the 12 white dwarfs with relatively low mass. The existence of higher mass DAOs can also be explained if they are within binary systems, but of the four higher mass stars in the sample studied, PG 1210+533 and LB 2 do not exhibit significant radial velocity shifts, although there were only two exposures for the former object, and the latter has an infrared excess. [source] Effect of alkalinization and/or hyaluronidase adjuvancy on a local anesthetic mixture for sub-Tenon's ophthalmic blockACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 5 2002M. M. Moharib Background and objectives: pH adjustment and/or addition of hyaluronidase to local anesthetic drugs decrease the time to onset and prolong the duration of regional anesthetic techniques for ocular surgery. The objective of this study was to investigate whether these factors are effective also in sub-Tenon's block. Methods: Sixty patients were randomly assigned to four groups in a double blind, prospective fashion, and received 5.125 ml mixtures as follows: 2.5 ml lignocaine 2%, 2.5 ml bupivacaine 0.5% and 0.125 ml isotonic saline (group LB); 2.5 ml lignocaine 2%, 2.5 ml bupivacaine 0.5%, 15 IU hyaluronidase/ml and 0.125 ml isotonic saline (group LBH); 2.5 ml lignocaine 2%, 2.5 ml bupivacaine 0.5% and 0.125 ml sodium bicarbonate 8.4% (group LBpH); and 2.5 ml lignocaine 2%, 2.5 ml bupivacaine 0.5%, 15 IU hyaluronidase/ml and 0.125 ml sodium bicarbonate 8.4% (group LBHpH). This measurement was based on one quadrant sub-Tenon's block. Akinesia was assessed every 30 s. Results: No statistically significant differences were found between the groups regarding mean times to onset and to complete akinesia. Group LBH displayed a significantly lower frequency of patients experiencing pain and a lower need for rescue medication during surgery than the other groups. Conclusion: pH adjustment and/or addition of hyaluronidase to a mixture of lignocaine and bupivacaine did not shorten the time to onset of akinesia following sub-Tenon's technique. However, the addition of hyaluronidase was associated with a lower fraction of patients experiencing pain during surgery. [source] Immunohistochemical study of the expression of cytokines and nitric oxide synthases in brains of patients with dementia with Lewy bodiesNEUROPATHOLOGY, Issue 1 2003Omi Katsuse Regional expression of cytokines (IL-1,, TNF-,), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and neuronal NOS (nNOS) was immunohistochemically investigated in the brains of patients with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), compared with those of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and non-demented elderly persons. It has been reported that inflammatory responses by cytokines and oxygen free radicals such as nitric oxide (NO) are associated with damaged neurons, degenerative neurites or amyloid deposits in AD brains. In the present study, overexpression of IL-1,, TNF-, and iNOS was demonstrated in the amygdala, hippocampus, entorhinal and insular cortices of DLB brains, which are pathologically the most vulnerable regions in DLB brains as well as AD brains. In addition, some Lewy body (LB)-bearing neurons were involved by the processes of IL-1,- and TNF-,-positive microglia, and most extracellular LB were associated with the processes of TNF-,- and iNOS-positive astroglia. Glial involvement was also found around neuritic plaques and extracellular neurofibrillary tangles. In contrast, the expression of nNOS was reduced in the amygdala of DLB brains showing severe Lewy pathology. These findings suggest that cytokines and NO are significantly implicated in neuronal damage and death including LB formation in DLB brains. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||