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Lamp
Kinds of Lamp Terms modified by Lamp Selected AbstractsComplementary expression and heterophilic interactions between igLON family members neurotrimin and LAMPDEVELOPMENTAL NEUROBIOLOGY, Issue 3 2002Orlando D. Gil Abstract Neurotrimin (Ntm) and the limbic system-associated membrane protein (LAMP) are members of the IgLON (LAMP, OBCAM, Ntm) family of glycorylphosphatidylinositol anchored neural cell adhesion molecules. We previously reported that LAMP and Ntm promote adhesion and neurite outgrowth via a homophilic mechanism, suggesting that these proteins promote the formation of specific neuronal circuits by homophilic interactions. In this report, we have further characterized the expression and binding specificity of Ntm. Using a newly generated monoclonal antibody to Ntm, we demonstrated that this protein is largely expressed in a complementary pattern to that of LAMP in the nervous system, with co-expression at a few sites. Ntm is expressed at high levels in sensory-motor cortex and, of particular note, is transiently expressed in neurons of cortical barrel fields and corresponding thalamic "barreloids." Binding of a recombinant, soluble form of Ntm to CHO cells expressing either Ntm or LAMP demonstrates that Ntm and LAMP interact both homophilically and heterophilically. In contrast to conventional growth-promoting activity of Ig superfamily members, LAMP strongly inhibits the outgrowth of Ntm-expressing dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in a heterophilic manner. These anatomical and functional data support the concept that homophilic and heterophilic interactions between IgLON family members are likely to play a role in the specification of neuronal projections via growth promoting and inhibiting effects, respectively. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 51: 190,204, 2002 [source] Loop-mediated isothermal amplification targeting the apxIVA gene for detection of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniaeFEMS MICROBIOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 1 2009Wang Yang Abstract Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a novel nucleic acid amplification method performed under isothermal conditions with high specificity and efficiency. We developed a diagnostic method based on LAMP for detection of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae. Using six specific primers targeting the apxIVA gene, the LAMP assay rapidly amplified the target gene within 30 min, requiring only a laboratory water bath for the reaction to occur. The resulting amplificon was visualized by adding SYBR Green I to the mixture. The results obtained from testing 15 A. pleuropneumoniae reference strains and other seven bacterial species strains showed that the LAMP was as specific as and 10 times more sensitive than nested PCR. Sixty-five tonsil samples were collected from 65 healthy pigs. All the samples were negative for A. pleuropneumoniae by immunomagnetic separation-based (IMS) bacterial isolation, nested PCR and LAMP, respectively. Meanwhile, 115 tonsil samples were also collected from 115 pigs with apparent respiratory problems. Twenty-two were positive by IMS bacterial isolation. All the samples that were positive by IMS bacterial isolation were also positive by nested PCR and LAMP. The LAMP assay demonstrated exceptionally higher sensitivity than nested PCR by picking up 14 additional positive cases (,2 test, P<0.0001); we concluded that LAMP was a highly sensitive and reliable method for detection of A. pleuropneumoniae infection. [source] Comparative genomics-guided loop-mediated isothermal amplification for characterization of Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicolaJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 3 2009X. Li Abstract Aims:, To design and evaluate a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) protocol by combining comparative genomics and bioinformatics for characterization of Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola (PSP), the causal agent of halo blight disease of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Methods and Results:, Genomic sequences of Pseudomonas syringae pathovars, P. fluorescens and P. aeruginosa were analysed using multiple sequence alignment. A pathovar-specific region encoding pathogenicity-related secondary metabolites in the PSP genome was targeted for developing a LAMP assay. The final assay targeted a polyketide synthase gene, and readily differentiated PSP strains from other Pseudomonas syringae pathovars and other Pseudomonas species, as well as other plant pathogenic bacteria, e.g. species of Pectobacterium, Erwinia and Pantoea. Conclusion:, A LAMP assay has been developed for rapid and specific characterization and identification of PSP from other pathovars of P. syringae and other plant-associated bacteria. Significance and Impact of the Study:, This paper describes an approach combining a bioinformatic data mining strategy and comparative genomics with the LAMP technology for characterization and identification of a plant pathogenic bacterium. The LAMP assay could serve as a rapid protocol for microbial identification and detection with significant applications in agriculture and environmental sciences. [source] Development and evaluation of a one-step loop-mediated isothermal amplification for detection of spring viraemia of carp virusJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 4 2008Z. Liu Abstract Aim:, Spring viraemia of carp virus (SVCV) is the causative agent of SVC disease. The main aim of our study was to develop a one-step reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay for rapid, sensitive and effective detection of SVCV. Methods and Results:, A set of four specific primers, two outer and two inner primers were designed based on the SVCV M gene for RT-LAMP assay. The sensitivity and specificity of RT-LAMP were determined and clinical test was performed under optimized amplification conditions (64°C, 60 min). The results showed that the assay has a high specificity and the detection limit was 80 copies using 10-fold series dilutions of SVCV RNA, 10 times more sensitive than nest reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. In the detection of 472 fish samples, this assay showed excellent agreement with the standard virus isolation method (, = 0·807). Conclusions:, A sensitive and specific RT-LAMP assay was successfully developed to monitor and detect SVCV. Significance and Impact of the Study:, This work provides a robust method for evaluating the risk of SVCV. Given the advantages of LAMP in the detection of SVCV, this method can be applied to diagnose other viruses, which pose serious threats to the aquaculture industry. [source] A sensitive loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method for detection of Renibacterium salmoninarum, causative agent of bacterial kidney disease in salmonidsJOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES, Issue 6 2009S K Gahlawat Abstract Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a novel technique for nucleic acid amplification with high specificity, sensitivity and rapidity and does not require expensive equipment or reagents. In the present study, we developed and evaluated a LAMP method for the rapid detection of Renibacterium salmoninarum causing the bacterial kidney disease in salmonids. This method was more sensitive than quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Using DNA template extracted from cultured R. salmoninarum, the LAMP method gave an amplification signal from template diluted to 10,8 while the limit of detection of qPCR was10,7. The LAMP method was also highly specific and did not amplify DNA purified from five other Gram-positive and -negative bacterial fish pathogens. The method also worked well using extracts of macrophages infected with R. salmoninarum and kidney material from rainbow trout, which were positive for R. salmoninarum by qPCR and crude R. salmoninarum culture. There was some evidence for inhibitors of the LAMP reaction in the kidney samples, which was overcome by diluting the sample. [source] Detection of spring viraemia of carp virus (SVCV) by loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) in koi carp, Cyprinus carpio LJOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES, Issue 4 2008R B Shivappa Abstract Spring viraemia of carp virus (SVCV) is a rhabdovirus associated with systemic illness and mortality in cyprinids. Several diagnostic tests are available for detection of SVCV. However, most of these tests are time consuming and are not well adapted for field-based diagnostics. In this study, a diagnostic tool for SVCV detection based on reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) has been developed. Based on the nucleotide sequence of the glycoprotein (G) gene of SVCV North Carolina (NC) isolate, four sets (each set containing two outer and two inner) of primers were designed. Temperature and time conditions were optimized to 65 °C and 60 min, respectively, for LAMP and RT-LAMP using one primer set. In vitro specificity was evaluated using four different strains of fish rhabdoviruses and RT-LAMP was found to be specific to SVCV. Serial dilutions of SVCV NC isolate was used to evaluate the in vitro sensitivity of RT-LAMP. Sensitivity of the assays was similar to RT-PCR and detected SVCV even at the lowest dilution of 101 TCID50 mL,1. The ability of RT-LAMP to detect SVCV from infected carp was also tested and the assay detected SVCV from all infected fish. The isothermal temperature requirements, high specificity and sensitivity, and short incubation time of the RT-LAMP assay make it an excellent choice as a field diagnostic test for SVCV. [source] Detection of koi herpesvirus in common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., by loop-mediated isothermal amplificationJOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES, Issue 10 2004I Gunimaladevi Abstract Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a novel method that amplifies DNA with high specificity and rapidity under isothermal conditions. In this study, using the LAMP method, a protocol for koi herpes virus (KHV) detection in common carp was designed. A set of four primers, two inner and two outer, were designed based on the sequence of the thymidine kinase (tk) gene of KHV. Time and temperature conditions for detection of KHV were optimized for 60 min at 65 °C. The detection limit using LAMP was found to be similar to that by polymerase chain reaction. In this study, we have developed a highly sensitive and rapid diagnostic procedure for detection of KHV infection in common carp. [source] Promotion of neuronal cell adhesion by members of the IgLON family occurs in the absence of either support or modification of neurite outgrowthJOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 6 2002Christine J. McNamee Abstract The IgLONs are a family of glycosyl phosphatidyl inositol-linked cell adhesion molecules which are thought to modify neurite outgrowth and may play a role in cell,cell recognition. The family consists of LAMP, OBCAM, neurotrimin/CEPU-1 and neurotractin/kilon. In this paper we report the effect of recombinant LAMP, CEPU-1 and OBCAM, and transfected cell lines expressing these molecules, on the adhesion and outgrowth of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and sympathetic neurones. CHO cells transfected with cDNA for CEPU-1 adhered to a recombinant CEPU-1-Fc substrate. However, DRG or sympathetic neurones only adhered to CEPU-1-Fc when presented on protein A. Although DRG and sympathetic neurones express IgLONs on their surface, both types of neurones exhibited differential adhesion to CEPU-1-Fc, LAMP-Fc and OBCAM-Fc. Neither DRG nor sympathetic neurones extended neurites on a protein A/IgLON-Fc substrate and overexpression of CEPU-1-GFP in DRG neurones also failed to stimulate neurite outgrowth on an IgLON-Fc substrate. DRG neurones adhered to and extended neurites equally on transfected and non-transfected cell lines and the recombinant proteins did not modulate the outgrowth of neurones on laminin. In contrast to previous reports we suggest that IgLONs may not have a primary role in axon guidance but may be more important for cell,cell adhesion and recognition. [source] New component of the limbic system: Marginal division of the neostriatum that links the limbic system to the basal nucleus of MeynertJOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH, Issue 5 2003Si Yun Shu Abstract The limbic system refers to a group of connected neural regions that are associated with motivation, learning, and memory. The marginal division (MrD) is a zone located at the caudal border of the neostriatum in mammalian brains that has been shown to be involved in learning and memory. In a previous study, c-fos expression showed functional connections between the MrD, basal nucleus of Meynert (NBM) and limbic system (Shu et al., 1988a, 1999). In the present study, to explore the relationship between these regions, the expression of limbic system-associated membrane protein (LAMP) was investigated using molecular and immunohistochemical methods. Synaptic and functional connections between the MrD and the NBM were studied also using tract tracing, electron microscopic and behavioral methods. LAMP is thought to be a marker of the limbic system and expression of LAMP protein and mRNA was observed in both the MrD and the limbic system. From such results, it is concluded that the MrD is a new component of the limbic system. Fibers from the MrD were observed projecting and synapsing on cholinergic neurons of the NBM. As reduction of learning and memory was induced by lesioning the projection from the MrD to the NBM, it would seem that the MrD modulates the learning and memory function of the NBM. In conclusion, the results of these studies suggest that the MrD is a new component of the limbic system, and there are functional and structural connections between the MrD, NBM and limbic system. The MrD seems to act as a link between the limbic system and the NBM, and plays a role in learning and memory. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Rapid, sensitive and simple detection method for koi herpesvirus using loop-mediated isothermal amplificationMICROBIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 7 2009Manabu Yoshino ABSTRACT New methods were developed for the detection of koi herpesvirus (KHV, CyHV-3) by LAMP, which were compared with the PCR for specificity and sensitivity. We designed two primer sets targeting a specific sequence within the 9/5 PCR amplicon (9/5 LAMP) and the upper region of the SphI-5 PCR amplicon (SphI-5 LAMP), including a sequence highly conserved among the strains. The amplification was monitored in real-time based on the increase in turbidity, with magnesium pyrophosphate as the by-product. The reactions were carried out under isothermal conditions at 65°C for 60 min. The detection limit of both LAMP was six copies, equal to the modified SphI-5 PCR. No cross-reactivity with other fish pathogenic viruses and bacteria was observed. SphI-5 LAMP was found to have a quicker response in terms of the reaction velocity than 9/5 LAMP. Therefore, we consider SphI-5 LAMP to be superior for routine use. Additionally, LAMP was found applicable to crude extract from gills and other organs. LAMP methods are superior in terms of sensitivity, specificity, rapidity and simplicity, and are potentially a valuable diagnostic tool for KHV infections. [source] Multiple genotyping in bovine pre-implantation embryos with whole genome amplificationANIMAL SCIENCE JOURNAL, Issue 5 2008Hiroki HIRAYAMA ABSTRACT This study examined genetic diagnosis using whole genome amplification (WGA) in bovine embryos. The first experiment was conducted to compare the WGA efficiency of primer extension preamplification-PCR (PEP-PCR) and multiple displacement amplification (MDA), and to optimize the DNA extraction method. The sensitivity of SRY -specific PCR from MDA products increased when DNA of fibroblasts was extracted by a NaOH treatment instead of the conventional method (heat treatment). The detectability of SRY from PEP-PCR products was lower than that in MDA regardless of the DNA extraction method (proteinase K or NaOH treatment). Sexing and genotyping were performed using MDA products from embryo biopsy. The accuracy of PCR-based and LAMP-based sexing was 100% regardless of the amounts of biopsy. Genotyping of CL16, BND3, SCD and F11 in MDA products from 10 to 20% of trophectoderm was successful 97, 97, 95 and 95% of the time, respectively, but reduced biopsy amount (<10% of trophectoderm) decreased the accuracies (33,83%). Microsatellite markers were analyzed using MDA products from 10 to 20% of trophectoderm. In eight out of 16 microsatellites, genotypes were not contradictory among the dam, sire and embryos. In the other eight microsatellites, the inconsistency rates were 17,83%. These results indicate that MDA is useful for multiple genetic diagnoses in bovine embryos. [source] Success of Ultrasound-guided Peripheral Intravenous Access with Skin MarkingACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 8 2008Jessica R. Resnick MD Abstract Objectives:, The most effective technique for ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous access (USGPIVA) is unknown. In the traditional short-axis technique (locate, align, puncture [LAP]), the target vessel is aligned in short axis with the center of the transducer. The needle is then directed toward the target under real-time ultrasound (US) guidance. Locate, align, mark, puncture (LAMP) requires the extra step of marking the skin at two points over the path of the vein and proceeding with direct visualization as in LAP. The difference in success between these two techniques was compared among variably experienced emergency physician and emergency nurse operators. Methods:, Subjects in an urban academic emergency department (ED) were randomized to obtain intravenous (IV) access using either LAP or LAMP after two failed blind attempts. Primary outcomes were success of the procedure and time to complete the procedure in variably experienced operators. Results:, A total of 101 patients were enrolled. There was no difference in success between LAP and LAMP, even among the least experienced operators. Of successful attempts, LAMP took longer than LAP (median 4 minutes, interquartile range [IQR] 4,10.5 vs. median 2.9 minutes, IQR 1.6,7; p = 0.004). Only the most experienced operators were associated with higher levels of success (first attempt odds ratio [OR] 6.64; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2 to 22). Overall success with up to two attempts was 73%. Complications included a 2.8% arterial puncture rate and 12% infiltration rate. Conclusions:, LAMP did not improve success of USGPIVA in variably experienced operators. Experience was associated with higher rates of success for USGPIVA. [source] IgLON cell adhesion molecules regulate synaptogenesis in hippocampal neuronsCELL BIOCHEMISTRY AND FUNCTION, Issue 7 2009Takashi Hashimoto Abstract IgLON cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily comprise of LAMP, neurotrimin (Ntm), OBCAM, and Kilon. In the present study, we performed the single and double transfection of IgLON gene constructs into hippocampal neurons in vitro and evaluated synaptic number. The quantitative analysis showed that the single over-expression of LAMP or OBCAM increased synaptic number, while the over-expression of Kilon reduced synaptic number and Ntm had no effects. The double over-expression of Kilon-Ntm, Kilon-OBCAM, LAMP-Ntm, and Ntm-OBCAM decreased synaptic number and that of Kilon-LAMP and LAMP-OBCAM had no effect. These results suggest that IgLON CAMs participate in regulating synapse formation in hippocampal neurons. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Differential expression of LAMPs and ubiquitin in human thymusAPMIS, Issue 4 2009VICTORIA S. SARAFIAN Lysosome-associated membrane proteins 1 and 2 (LAMP-1 and LAMP-2) are implicated in a variety of normal and pathological processes. LAMP-2 is proposed to participate in chaperone-mediated autophagy. Autophagy regulates T-lymphocyte homeostasis by promoting both survival and proliferation. The biological importance of this process in the thymic gland and especially the involvement of LAMPs are far from being elucidated. The aim of the study was to examine the parallel expression of LAMPs and ubiquitin, a key molecule in autophagy, in normal human thymic glands and thymomas. The immunohistochemical expression of both markers was compared with that of cyclin D1 , an important regulator of cell cycle progression. Novel evidence for differential expression of LAMPs and ubiquitin is presented. Most Hassal's corpuscules in thymoma were negative for LAMPs, but positive in normal thymus. Both lymphocytes and epithelial cells in pathological thymus showed higher intensity for LAMP-2 compared with LAMP-1. In thymoma, ubiquitin was more intensively positive in these cell types compared with the normal thymus, suggesting activated autophagy in the course of this pathological state. A deregulation in cyclin D1 expression in thymoma is also reported. The functional importance of these molecules in autoghagy accompanying normal and pathological processes in the thymic gland is reviewed. [source] LAMPs and ABH histo-blood group antigens in granulation tissue,APMIS, Issue 6 2007VICTORIA S. SARAFIAN Endothelial cells are major participants in angiogenic processes accompanying wound repair. The functions of ABH histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) and lysosome-associated membrane proteins LAMP-1 and LAMP-2 in endothelial cells of granulation tissue are currently unkown. Here we hypothesize that HBGAs and LAMPs enrich the phenotypic characteristics of endothelial cells and might be implicated in the plasticity of granulation tissue. Immunohistochemistry revealed permanent expression of HBGAs in the cytoplasm of endothelial cells of all sprouting capillaries regardless of the organ examined. A modulation in both the localization and the intensity of the signal for LAMPs was observed. Interestingly, LAMP-1 showed a more intensive staining compared to LAMP-2. LAMP-1 was found in the cytoplasm, as well as on plasma membranes of endothelial cells. We present the first comparative immunohistochemical study of the expression of HBGA and LAMPs in endothelial cells of granulation tissue. Novel evidence for modulating LAMP reactivity is reported. Our results suggest that both glycoconjugates might contribute to the process of neoangiogenesis and tissue remodeling in wound healing. [source] Cover Picture: Electrophoresis 16'2010ELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 17 2010Article first published online: 7 SEP 2010 Issue no. 17 is a regular issue comprising 18 manuscripts distributed over 5 separate parts. Part I has 7 research articles on some aspects of proteins and cell separations. Part II has 3 research articles on nucleic acid research including cloning/amplification, gene regulation and STR analysis. Part III offers ways of measuring diffusion and binding constants in two separate articles. Concentration and detection approaches are treated in 4 research articles making up Part IV. The last two articles in this issue (Part V) are on CEC and EKC describing a mixed mode monolithic stationary phase and a cyclodextrin-modified MEEKC. Featured articles include: Lamp-based wavelength-resolved fluorescence detection for protein capillary electrophoresis: Set-up and detector performance ((doi: 10.1002/elps.201000246)) Electromigration diffusivity spectrometry: A way for simultaneous determination of diffusion coefficients from mixed samples ((doi: 10.1002/elps.201000252)) Sample stacking capillary electrophoretic microdevice for highly sensitive mini Y short tandem repeat genotyping ((doi: 10.1002/elps.201000270)) [source] High-Intensity Discharge Lamp with Mo,SiO2 Functionally Graded MaterialJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Issue 3 2006Ayumu Umemoto We show the invention of the new type of hermetically sealed high-intensity discharge lamps, made of Mo,SiO2 functionally graded material (FGM) as an electrode and a sealing component. In the case of high-intensity discharge lamps with Mo,SiO2 FGM (FGM lamp), the thermal expansion coefficient between Mo and SiO2 is functionally graded so that it tolerates a large number of heating cycles, with no cooling system required. Furthermore, lamps survive without breakage. The W electrode is totally separated from the lamp envelope by the FGM, so that no leakage of the luminous elements or gases takes place, when a large gas pressure exists inside a lamp. [source] ChemInform Abstract: Tandem Oxidation/Rearrangement of ,-Ketoesters to Tartronic Esters with Molecular Oxygen Catalyzed by Calcium Iodide under Visible Light Irradiation with Fluorescent Lamp.CHEMINFORM, Issue 36 2010Naohiko Kanai Abstract The reaction tolerates aliphatic, aromatic and heteroaromatic ketoesters and can be easily scaled up. [source] 4142: The Sanger Mouse Genetics Programme: high throughput characterisation of knockout miceACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010AK GERDIN Purpose The Sanger Mouse Genetics Programme (MGP) aims to make a significant impact on our understanding of the function of genes and their role in disease by generating, characterising and archiving in the order of 200 lines of knockout mice per year, including 40 lines as part of the EUMODIC consortium. The phenotyping screens employed include a wide range of assays relevant to key disease areas including diabetes, obesity, hearing and vision disorders, immune disorders, pain and motor function. The data generated by the primary screen will help to further the understanding of the interplay of genes and disease and will provide an insight into the various underlying biological pathways. All phenotyping data and biological resources generated by the programme are openly available to the scientific community. Methods Eye morphology is routinely assessed using the Slit Lamp and Ophthalmoscope and images are collected when abnormalities are identified. Expression profiling via the lacZ reporter gene is performed for each mutant line in adults and at E14.5. Results To date, the eye screen has been performed on over 180 mutant lines. Here we report examples of novel eye-related abnormalities identified by the eye morphology, embryonic lethality and/or expression screens performed by the Sanger MGP. We will present how to identify a potentially interesting mouse mutant on our database and discuss the impact our knock-out mouse models might have on your research. [source] ChemInform Abstract: Aerobic Oxidation under Visible Light Irradiation of a Fluorescent Lamp with a Combination of Carbon Tetrabromide and Triphenyl Phosphine.CHEMINFORM, Issue 15 2008Taichi Sugai Abstract ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a "Full Text" option. The original article is trackable via the "References" option. [source] Letter: Infrared Lamps for Faster Suction Blister InductionDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 8 2006CHANDRASHEKAR LAXMISHA MD No abstract is available for this article. [source] A direct circuit experiment system in non-immersive virtual environments for education and entertainmentCOMPUTER APPLICATIONS IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION, Issue 2 2005Quang-Cherng Hsu Abstract This article proposes to contribute to the goal of "The Popular Science Teaching Research Project" as well as to enhance the programming abilities of mechanical engineering students. Topics being included as example are in physical science, which include battery, lamp, and electric circuit. These materials are designed, based on virtual-reality technology that is suitable for students as early as fourth-grade students of primary school. It will help the students become familiar with new computer technology and provide an opportunity to study while playing virtual reality computer games. The benefits of the developed application software system of virtual reality are virtualization of teaching equipment, cost reduction of teaching materials, unlimited teaching style, and optimization of learning procedures. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 13: 146,152, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com); DOI 10.1002/cae.20044 [source] Preservation of sight in diabetes: developing a national risk reduction programmeDIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 9 2000L. Garvican SUMMARY Background Early treatment for diabetic retinopathy is effective at saving sight, but dependent on pre-symptomatic detection. Although 60% of people with diabetes have their eyes examined annually, few UK health authorities have systematic programmes that meet the British Diabetic Association's standards for sensitivity (> 80%) and specificity (> 95%). Screening is generally performed by general practitioners and optometrists, with some camera-based schemes, operated by dedicated staff. The National Screening Committee commissioned a group to develop a model and cost estimates for a comprehensive national risk-reduction programme. Ophthalmoscopy Evidence indicates that direct ophthalmoscopy using a hand-held ophthalmoscope does not give adequate specificity and sensitivity, and should be abandoned as a systematic screening technique. Indirect ophthalmoscopy using a slit lamp is sensitive and specific enough to be viable, and widespread availability in high street optometrists is an advantage, but the method requires considerable skill. Photographic schemes The principal advantage of camera-based screening is the capturing of an image, for patient education, review of disease progression, and quality assurance. Digital cameras are becoming cheaper, and are now the preferred option. The image is satisfactory for screening and may be transmitted electronically. With appropriate training and equipment, different professional groups might participate in programme delivery, based on local decisions. Cost issues Considerable resources are already invested in ad hoc screening, with inevitable high referral rates incurring heavy outpatient costs. Treatment for advanced disease is expensive, but less likely to be effective. The costs of a new systematic screening and treatment programme appear similar to current expenditure, as a result of savings in treatment of late-presenting advanced retinopathy. Conclusion A systematic national programme based on digital photography is proposed. [source] Photoelectrocatalytic Oxidation of NADH with Electropolymerized Toluidine Blue OELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 2-3 2007Yusuf Dilgin Abstract A poly(Toluidine Blue O) (poly-TBO) modified electrode was successfully prepared by repeated sweeping the applied potential from ,0.6 to +0.8,V (vs. SCE) on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) in borate buffer solution at pH,9.1,containing 0.1,M NaNO3 and 0.4,mM Toluidine Blue O (TBO). The poly-TBO modified GCE shows electrocatalytic activity toward NADH oxidation in phosphate buffer solution at pH,7.0, with an overpotential of ca. 350,mV lower than that at the bare electrode. The photoelectrocatalytic oxidation of NADH at this electrode was also successfully investigated by using cyclic voltammetry and amperometry at constant potential. When the modified electrode surface was irradiated with a 250,W halogen lamp, a photoelectrocatalytic effect was observed for NADH oxidation and the current was increased about 2.2 times. The applied potential was selected at +100,mV for amperometric and photoamperometric detection of NADH. A linear calibration graph for NADH was obtained in the range between 1.0×10,5 and 1.0×10,3 M and between 5.0×10,6 and 1.0×10,3 M for amperometric and photoamperometric studies, respectively. The effect of some interfering compounds, such as ascorbic acid and dopamine on the electrocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic oxidation of NADH was tested. [source] Computer input system based on gaze vector estimation with iris center detection from face images acquired with a Web camera allowing user movementELECTRONICS & COMMUNICATIONS IN JAPAN, Issue 5 2009Kohei Arai Abstract A system which allows computer input without a keyboard is proposed. The system utilizes a display-mounted Web camera for acquisition of the user's face and also a display-mounted lamp for illumination of the user. It is found that the proposed system allows almost perfect computer input (90%) if the distance between the user and display is within 30 cm and if the keyboard image is displayed on a 19-inch computer display (8-cm key distance) with 40-W fluorescent light as normal illumination from both sides of the display. The proposed system thus requires one retry of key entry in ten times. The proposed system allows user movement, because a moving picture of the user's face is acquired in real time. The relation of the allowable user movement to the success rate, and the relation of the signal-to-noise ratio and the contrast of the acquired image of the user to the success rate are determined. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 92(5): 31,40, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10015 [source] Fast quantitative determination of diuretic drugs in tablets and human urine by microchip electrophoresis with native fluorescence detectionELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 16 2007Kamal Tolba Abstract Microchip electrophoresis (MCE) with native fluorescence detection has been applied for the fast quantitative analysis of pharmaceutical formulations. For this purpose, methods for fast separation and sensitive detection of the unlabeled diuretic drugs, amiloride, triamterene, bendroflumethiazide (BFMTZ), and bumetanide were developed. An epifluorescence setup was used enabling the coupling of different lasers into a commercial fluorescence microscope. The detection sensitivity of different excitation light sources was compared utilizing either a HeCd laser (,exc,=,325,nm), a frequency quadrupled Nd:YAG laser (,exc,=,266,nm), or a mercury lamp (,exc,=,330,380,nm). At optimal conditions using the HeCd laser, the drugs were separated within 15,s with LODs less than 1,,g/mL for the four compounds. A linear relationship between concentration and peak area was obtained in the concentration range of 0.05,20,,g/mL with a mean correlation coefficient of around 0.996 for all analytes. The method was successfully applied to the analysis of the respective drugs in commercial formulations and in human urine without interference from other constituents. These data show that MCE has a great potential for reliable drug analysis. [source] Photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes in the presence of titanium dioxide under UV and solar light: Effect of operational parametersENVIRONMENTAL PROGRESS & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY, Issue 3 2005Feryal Akbal The photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue and methyl orange have been studied in the presence of titanium dioxide powder illuminated with a 300-W UV lamp. The effect of hydrogen peroxide on the degradation process was also determined. It was found that the color removal efficiency was affected by the concentration of dye, amount of TiO2 added, and the pH of the solution. The degradation of dyes obeys first-order kinetics, with the apparent first-order rate constant increasing with decreasing dye concentration. The rate constants were evaluated as a function of the concentration of dye, amount of TiO2, and pH. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2005 [source] Toxicity reduction of metal pyrithiones by near ultraviolet irradiationENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY, Issue 4 2006Hideo Okamura Abstract Zinc pyrithione (ZnPT) or copper pyrithione (CuPT) have been effectively used as ship-antifouling agents, as an alternative to organotin compounds. Because of their instability in light and a lack of suitable analytical procedures, there is little data on their residue levels in environmental matrices. It is possible to investigate the fate of such compounds by toxicity alteration with certain treatments. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the degradation of pyrithiones through toxicity reduction by near ultraviolet (UV-A) irradiation. Metal pyrithiones dissolved in acetonitrile were irradiated with a UV-A lamp for 0, 0.5, 1, and 2 h, and were subjected to UV spectral measurement and toxicity evaluation using both sea urchin and freshwater rotifer bioassays. For the bioassays, photolyzed samples were dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide after evaporation of the acetonitrile. The changes in UV spectra of photolyzed ZnPT or CuPT showed a time-dependent degradation, and the UV spectra at 2 h irradiation suggested substantial decomposition. Toxicities of ZnPT and CuPT were 12 and 5 ,g/L as 24 h LC50 to the survival of rotifers and 10,6 ng/L and 2.3 ng/L as 27 h EC50 to normal pluteus formation, respectively. By evaporation of the acetonitrile, the EC50 of ZnPT was 2.2 ng/L, which was the same as that of CuPT. The EC50s of ZnPT or CuPT for both species increased with longer irradiation times. Photolyzed ZnPT or CuPT demonstrated substantial degradation in the UV spectra, but possessed marked toxicity, which is probably due to toxic degradation products. One reason why photolyzed CuPT was toxic to rotifers was explained by the high toxicity of copper ions formed by UV-A irradiation. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 21: 305,309, 2006. [source] Metabolism of uniconazole-P in water-sediment systems under illuminationENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 2 2006Rika Kodaka Abstract Aerobic soil metabolism of uniconazole-P ([S]- E -1-[4-chlorophenyl]-4,4-dimethyl-2-[1,2,4-triazole-1-yl]-penten-3-ol) and the effect of illumination on metabolic profiles were studied in the water,sediment system when spiked to water. Uniconazole-P was gradually partitioned to the sediment with an aquatic half-life of 6.9 d in darkness with formation of bound residues. Illumination of the system from a xenon lamp (>290 nm) greatly accelerated the degradation of uniconazole-P via photoinduced isomerization between E- and Z-isomers with a subsequent intramolecular cyclization, and its aquatic half-life was greatly reduced to 0.6 d. Kinetic analysis based on compartment models suggested the possible contribution of photodegradation at the water-sediment interface, leading to more formation of the cyclized derivative in the sediment. [source] Photodegradation of common environmental pharmaceuticals and estrogens in river waterENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 6 2005Angela Yu-Chen Lin Abstract Photodegradation rates of five pharmaceuticals (gemfibrozil, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, naproxen, and propranolol) and of four estrogens (estriol, estrone [E1], 17,-estradiol [E2], and 17,-ethinylestradiol [EE2]), which are common contaminants in the aquatic environment, were measured in both purified and river water at environmentally relevant concentrations (1,2 ,g/L) and different oxygen concentrations. Solutions were irradiated with a xenon arc lamp (765 W/m2; 290 nm < , < 700 nm) and analyzed using a high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method with electrospray ionization for pharmaceuticals and atmospheric pressure photoionization for estrogens. In river water, half-lives were 4.1 h for ketoprofen, 1.1 min for propranolol, 1.4 h for naproxen, 2 to 3 h for estrogens, and 15 h for gemfibrozil and ibuprofen. In air-saturated purified water, rates generally were slower except for that of ketoprofen, which reacted with a half-life of 2.5 min. Naproxen, propranolol, and E1 reacted with half-lives of 1.9, 4.4, and 4.7 h, respectively. The EE2, estriol, E2, gemfibrozil, and ibuprofen reacted with half-lives of 28.4, 38.2, 41.7, 91.4, and 205 h, respectively. The presence of oxygen doubled the direct photolysis rates of naproxen and propranolol. In nonautoclaved river water, 80% of E2 rapidly biotransformed to E1 within less than 20 min, whereas all other compounds remained stable over 22 h. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||