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Moderate Reduction (moderate + reduction)
Selected AbstractsInhibition of NKG2D receptor function by antibody therapy attenuates transfer-induced colitis in SCID miceEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 5 2007Stine Kjellev Dr. Abstract A role for the activating NK-receptor NKG2D has been indicated in several autoimmune diseases in humans and in animal models of type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis, and treatment with monoclonal antibodies to NKG2D attenuated disease severity in these models. In an adoptive transfer-induced model of colitis, we found a significantly higher frequency of CD4+NKG2D+ cells in blood, mesenteric lymph nodes, colon, and spleen from colitic mice compared to BALB/c donor-mice. We, therefore, wanted to study the effect of anti-NKG2D antibody (CX5) treatment initiated either before onset of colitis, when the colitis was mild, or when severe colitis was established. CX5 treatment decreased the detectable levels of cell-surface NKG2D and prophylactic administration of CX5 attenuated the development of colitis significantly, whereas a more moderate reduction in the severity of disease was observed after CX5 administration to mildly colitic animals. CX5 did not attenuate severe colitis. We conclude that the frequency of CD4+NKG2D+ cells increase during development of experimental colitis. NKG2D may play a role in the early stages of colitis in this model, since early administration of CX5 attenuated disease severity. [source] Identification and functional characterization of an Src homology domain 3 domain-binding site on CblFEBS JOURNAL, Issue 23 2006Archana Sanjay§ Cbl is an adaptor protein and ubiquitin ligase that binds and is phosphorylated by the nonreceptor tyrosine kinase Src. We previously showed that the primary interaction between Src and Cbl is mediated by the Src homology domain 3 (SH3) of Src binding to proline-rich sequences of Cbl. The peptide Cbl RDLPPPPPPDRP(540,551), which corresponds to residues 540,551 of Cbl, inhibited the binding of a GST,Src SH3 fusion protein to Cbl, whereas RDLAPPAPPPDR(540,551) did not, suggesting that Src binds to this site on Cbl in a class I orientation. Mutating prolines 543,548 reduced Src binding to the Cbl 479,636 fragment significantly more than mutating the prolines in the PPVPPR(494,499) motif, which was previously reported to bind Src SH3. Mutating Cbl prolines 543,548 to alanines substantially reduced Src binding to Cbl, Src-induced phosphorylation of Cbl, and the inhibition of Src kinase activity by Cbl. Expressing the mutated Cbl in osteoclasts induced a moderate reduction in bone-resorbing activity and increased amounts of Src protein. In contrast, disabling the tyrosine kinase-binding domain of full-length Cbl by mutating glycine 306 to glutamic acid, and thereby preventing the previously described binding of the tyrosine kinase-binding domain to the Src phosphotyrosine 416, had no effect on Cbl phosphorylation, the inhibition of Src activity by full-length Cbl, or bone resorption. These data indicate that the Cbl RDLPPPP(540,546) sequence is a functionally important binding site for Src. [source] Two conserved structural components, A-rich bulge and P4 XJ6/7 base-triples, in activating the group I ribozymesGENES TO CELLS, Issue 12 2002Yoshiya Ikawa Background: The A-rich bulge of the group I intron ribozyme, a highly conserved structural element in its P5 peripheral region, plays a significant role in activating the ribozyme. The bulge has been known to interact with the P4 stem forming P4 XJ6/7 base-triples in the conserved core. The base-triples by themselves have also been identified as a distinctive element responsible for enhancing the activity of the ribozyme. Results: A weakly active variant of the Tetrahymena ribozyme lacking the P5 extension was dramatically activated by the addition of an A-rich bulge at the peripheral region, or by replacement of the original P4 XJ6/7 base-triples in the core structure with more stabilized isosteric ones. Biochemical analyses showed that the two methods of activation affect the ribozyme differently. Conclusions: The long-range interaction between the A-rich bulge and P4 or additionally stabilized P4 XJ6/7 base-triples can contribute dramatically to activation of the Tetrahymena ribozyme. Both improve the kcat value, which represents the rate of the limiting step of the ribozyme reaction when its binding site is saturated with GTP. However, the bulge or the modified base-triples gave a moderate reduction or considerable increase, respectively, to the Km(GTP) value. [source] The Water Crisis in the Gaza Strip: Prospects for ResolutionGROUND WATER, Issue 5 2005E. Weinthal Israel and the Palestinian Authority share the southern Mediterranean coastal aquifer. Long-term overexploitation in the Gaza Strip has resulted in a decreasing water table, accompanied by the degradation of its water quality. Due to high levels of salinity and nitrate and boron pollution, most of the ground water is inadequate for both domestic and agricultural consumption. The rapid rate of population growth in the Gaza Strip and dependence upon ground water as a single water source present a serious challenge for future political stability and economic development. Here, we integrate the results of geochemical studies and numerical modeling to postulate different management scenarios for joint management between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. The chemical and isotopic data show that most of the salinity phenomena in the Gaza Strip are derived from the natural flow of saline ground water from Israel toward the Gaza Strip. As a result, the southern coastal aquifer does not resemble a classic "upstream-downstream" dispute because Israel's pumping of the saline ground water reduces the salinization rates of ground water in the Gaza Strip. Simulation of different pumping scenarios using a monolayer, hydrodynamic, two-dimensional model (MARTHE) confirms the hypothesis that increasing pumping along the Gaza Strip border combined with a moderate reduction of pumping within the Gaza Strip would improve ground water quality within the Gaza Strip. We find that pumping the saline ground water for a source of reverse-osmosis desalination and then supplying the desalinated water to the Gaza Strip should be an essential component of a future joint management strategy between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. [source] Phosphoglycerate kinase 1 a promoting enzyme for peritoneal dissemination in gastric cancer,INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 6 2010Derek Zieker Abstract Peritoneal carcinomatosis is a frequent finding in gastric cancer associated with a poor prognosis. The features that enable gastric tumors to disseminate are poorly understood until now. Previously, we showed elevated mRNA levels of phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1), an adenosine triphosphate-generating enzyme in the glycolytic pathway, the chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), the corresponding chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) and ,-catenin in specimens from gastric cancer patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. In this study, the influence of PGK1 on CXCR4 and ,-catenin was assessed as well as the invasiveness of PGK1 overexpressing cancer cells. In this current study, we found that PGK1 regulates the expression of CXCR4 and ,-catenin at the mRNA and protein levels. On the other hand, CXCR4 regulates the expression of PGK1. Plasmid-mediated overexpression of PGK1 dramatically increased the invasiveness of gastric cancer cells. Interestingly, inhibition of CXCR4 in cells overexpressing PGK1 produced only a moderate reduction of invasiveness suggesting that, PGK1 itself has a critical role in tumor invasiveness. Immunohistochemistry in specimens from diffuse gastric cancer patients also revealed an overexpression of PGK1 in patients with development of peritoneal carcinomatosis. Therefore, PGK1 may be a crucial enzyme in peritoneal dissemination. Together these findings suggest that the enhanced expression of PGK1 and its signaling targets CXCR4 and ,-catenin in gastric cancer cells promote peritoneal carcinomatosis. Thus, PGK1 may serve as prognostic marker and/or be a potential therapeutic target to prevent dissemination of gastric carcinoma cells into the peritoneum. [source] Auditor's Engagement Risk and Audit Fees: The Role of Audit Firm AlumniJOURNAL OF BUSINESS FINANCE & ACCOUNTING, Issue 9-10 2007Ilias G. Basioudis Abstract:, This study explores the effect of the association of audit firm alumni with their alma mater on audit prices. The tests indicate that there is a moderate reduction of up to 21% in the level of audit fee when alumni (i.e., former employees) of the incumbent audit firm sit on the client board of directors which is consistent with the engagement risk theory. This suggests that there is an ,alumni effect' in the market for audit services. The findings hold only in the large company segment of the market. The results are robust to different model specifications and alternative samples. The sample comprises all executive and non-executive directors who run the UK quoted companies and are simultaneously ICAEW qualified chartered accountants. The study's implications for the accounting profession and the regulators are also discussed. [source] Morphology of phase-separated thermotropic layers based on UV cured acrylate resinsPOLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES, Issue 12 2009Katharina Resch Abstract In this paper, relationships between the scattering domain parameters (size and shape) and the light-shielding properties of thermotropic systems with fixed domains (TSFD) are established. Specific focus is given to the effect of additive type on the formation of scattering domain size. Various functional layers are prepared by a variation of thermotropic additives. Scattering domains are investigated applying high resolution Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) in a phase imaging mode. Thermotropic layers formulated with additive types exhibiting a short chain length display roughly spherical scattering particles with dimensions between 0.5 and 3,µm and a moderate reduction in hemispheric solar transmittance along with a significant increase in diffuse solar transmittance above the switching threshold. Additive types with long-chain molecules develop anisotropic scattering domains resembling distorted disks with a diameter up to 50,µm and a thickness between 100 and 400,nm. Disk-like scattering features yield enhanced light-shielding properties. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Impacts of climate change on lower Murray irrigation,AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL & RESOURCE ECONOMICS, Issue 3 2009Jeff Connor This article evaluates irrigated agriculture sector response and resultant economic impacts of climate change for a part of the Murray Darling Basin in Australia. A water balance model is used to predict reduced basin inflows for mild, moderate and severe climate change scenarios involving 1, 2 and 4°C warming, and predict 13, 38 and 63% reduced inflows. Impact on irrigated agricultural production and profitability are estimated with a mathematical programming model using a two-stage approach that simultaneously estimates short and long-run adjustments. The model accounts for a range of adaptive responses including: deficit irrigation, temporarily following of some areas, permanently reducing the irrigated area and changing the mix of crops. The results suggest that relatively low cost adaptation strategies are available for a moderate reduction in water availability and thus costs of such a reduction are likely to be relatively small. In more severe climate change scenarios greater costs are estimated. Adaptations predicted include a reduction in total area irrigated and investments in efficient irrigation. A shift away from perennial to annual crops is also predicted as the latter can be managed more profitably when water allocations in some years are very low. [source] Role of valproate across the ages.ACTA NEUROLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 2006Treatment of epilepsy in the elderly In June 2005, a team of experts participated in a workshop with the objective of reaching agreement on several important aspects of valproate in the treatment of elderly patients with epilepsy. Epilepsy in the elderly is relatively common and its incidence increases for each decade after age 60. The aetiology and manifestations of epilepsies in the elderly are complex because of comorbidity and other underlying risk factors. A consensus was reached that elderly patients who present with a seizure disorder should be referred rapidly to a specialist and that diagnosis should be improved by using a multidisciplinary team of cardiologists, neurologists and epilepsy experts (syncope, falls and seizure specialists). This is especially important to avoid mistreatment with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). There was consensus that the elderly are generally more susceptible to the adverse effects of AEDs than younger adults. For these reasons, in older persons AEDs should be started at low dosages, and titrated slowly according to clinical response. Some of the most troublesome side effects of AEDs in the elderly include sedation and cognitive side effects, as well as osteoporosis. Drug,drug interactions should be given special consideration. There was consensus that the pharmacokinetics of all AEDs are altered in the elderly, and that the most significant change common to all AEDs is a moderate reduction in renal and metabolic clearance. Predicting pharmacokinetic changes in the individual, however, can be very difficult because multiple factors contribute to a high inter-patient variability. There was agreement on the advantages and disadvantages of the use of valproate in the elderly, and consensus that valproate is a useful option in this population. There was no consensus, however, on whether valproate should be considered among the preferred first-line treatments in the elderly. [source] Function of macular area in retinopathy of prematurityACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2007AM SHAMSHINOVA Purpose: To assess the bioelectric activity of the retina at different stages of the retinopathy of prematurity (RP). Methods: 21 children with RoP (stage 1-4, 6-14 years old, born at 27-32 week of gestation with the birth weight of 730-1800g) were examined. In 4 of children the prophylactic laser coagulation of avascular retina was performed in the active phase. Visual acuity (VA) at the stage 1 of RoP amounted to 0,75; at the stage 2: 0,5; at the stage 3: 0,25 and at the stage 4: 0,02. Macular (MBN Moscow) and mf ERG( Roland Concult Germany) were examined. Results: There was no correlation between VA values and parameters of multifocal (mf) and macular (m) ERG. Patients with RP of stage1 showed a moderate reduction of b-wave magnitude of mERG at its normal latency. This correlated with mfERG data in central hexagons 15 degrees. The magnitude and latency of mERG were changed to a great extent in RP patients of stages 2-3. The waves N1 and P1 of mERG were also heavily decreased at normal latency. The patients with severe retinal abnormalities, like retinal detachment, have subnormal mERG-values with prolonged latency, and moderate decrease of retinal density in the central ring and considerable changes with eccentricity in mfERG. Conclusions: RP patients 1-4 stages showed considerable impairment of macular function independent of the ophthalmoscopic changes. Even occult or weak-manifested of the diseases in the macula might be accompanied with the moderate decrease of macular bioelectric activity, including the abrupt abnormalities of the electrogenesis and neuronal interactions in the macular area. Decline VA d'not always had relation with RP. The pathophysiologic rationale of the latter needs to be elucidated in the future studies. [source] R-wave Amplitude in Lead II of an Electrocardiograph Correlates with Central Hypovolemia in Human BeingsACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 10 2006John G. McManus MD Abstract Objectives Previous animal and human experiments have suggested that reduction in central blood volume either increases or decreases the amplitude of R waves in various electrocardiograph (ECG) leads depending on underlying pathophysiology. In this investigation, we used graded central hypovolemia in adult volunteer subjects to test the hypothesis that moderate reductions in central blood volume increases R-wave amplitude in lead II of an ECG. Methods A four-lead ECG tracing, heart rate (HR), estimated stroke volume (SV), systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure were measured during baseline supine rest and during progressive reductions of central blood volume to an estimated volume loss of >1,000 mL with application of lower-body negative pressure (LBNP) in 13 healthy human volunteer subjects. Results Lower-body negative pressure resulted in a significant progressive reduction in central blood volume, as indicated by a maximal decrease of 65% in SV and maximal elevation of 56% in HR from baseline to ,60 mm Hg LBNP. R-wave amplitude increased (p < 0.0001) linearly with progressive LBNP. The amalgamated correlation (R2) between average stroke volume and average R-wave amplitude at each LBNP stage was ,0.989. Conclusions These results support our hypothesis that reduction of central blood volume in human beings is associated with increased R-wave amplitude in lead II of an ECG. [source] Non-uniqueness with refraction inversion , the Mt Bulga shear zoneGEOPHYSICAL PROSPECTING, Issue 4 2010Derecke Palmer ABSTRACT The tau-p inversion algorithm is widely employed to generate starting models with many computer programs that implement refraction tomography. However, this algorithm can frequently fail to detect even major lateral variations in seismic velocities, such as a 50 m wide shear zone, which is the subject of this study. By contrast, the shear zone is successfully defined with the inversion algorithms of the generalized reciprocal method. The shear zone is confirmed with a 2D analysis of the head wave amplitudes, a spectral analysis of the refraction convolution section and with numerous closely spaced orthogonal seismic profiles recorded for a later 3D refraction investigation. Further improvements in resolution, which facilitate the recognition of additional zones with moderate reductions in seismic velocity, are achieved with a novel application of the Hilbert transform to the refractor velocity analysis algorithm. However, the improved resolution also requires the use of a lower average vertical seismic velocity, which accommodates a velocity reversal in the weathering. The lower seismic velocity is derived with the generalized reciprocal method, whereas most refraction tomography programs assume vertical velocity gradients as the default. Although all of the tomograms are consistent with the traveltime data, the resolution of each tomogram is comparable only with that of the starting model. Therefore, it is essential to employ inversion algorithms that can generate detailed starting models, where detailed lateral resolution is the objective. Non-uniqueness can often be readily resolved with head wave amplitudes, attribute processing of the refraction convolution section and additional seismic traverses, prior to the acquisition of any borehole data. It is concluded that, unless specific measures are taken to address non-uniqueness, the production of a single refraction tomogram that fits the traveltime data to sufficient accuracy does not necessarily demonstrate that the result is either correct, or even the most probable. [source] Meta-analysis of the effectiveness of psychological and pharmacological treatments for binge eating disorderINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EATING DISORDERS, Issue 3 2010Silja Vocks PhD Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to compute and compare mean effects of various treatments for binge eating disorder. Method: A total of 38 studies with 1973 participants fulfilled the defined inclusion criteria. Effect sizes, odds ratios, and simple rates were integrated in fixed and random (mixed) effects categorical models. Results: From randomized controlled trials, psychotherapy and structured self-help, both based on cognitive behavioral interventions, were found to have large effects on the reduction of binge eating. Regarding pharmacotherapy, mainly comprising antidepressants, randomized controlled trials revealed medium effects for the reduction of binge eating. Uncontrolled studies on weight-loss treatments demonstrated moderate reductions of binge eating. Combination treatments did not result in higher effects compared with single-treatment regimens. Except for weight-loss treatment, none of the interventions resulted in a considerable weight reduction. Discussion: Psychotherapy and structured self-help, both based on cognitive-behavioral interventions, should be recommended as the first-line treatments. © 2009 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2010 [source] Seasonal protection of F&V imports in the EU: impacts of the entry price systemAGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS, Issue 2 2010Jose-Maria Garcia-Alvarez-Coque Entry price; Fruits and vegetables; Partial equilibrium; Trade policy Abstract The measures of border protection applied by the European Union (EU) to imports of fruits and vegetables (FV) are complex and usually not well represented in trade models, not only because of the range of instruments still constraining trade, but also because of product differentiation and seasonality in these products. This article assesses the impact of eliminating entry price (EP) constraints applied to a group of FV products. The proposed model is of a partial equilibrium nature and takes seasonality into account. We have applied the model to imports of tomatoes, cucumbers, clementines, and table grapes. Trade impacts of eliminating EP are significant for particular origins, during specific seasons, most notably for Moroccan tomatoes. The volumes and prices of products originating in the EU experience moderate reductions. [source] Cystatin C as a marker of renal function immediately after liver transplantationLIVER TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 2 2006Gianni Biancofiore To verify whether cystatin C may be of some use as a renal function marker immediately after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), we compared serum cystatin C (SCyst), serum creatinine (Scr), and creatinine clearance (Ccr) levels with the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). On postoperative days 1, 3, 5, and 7, SCyst and Scr was measured in simultaneously drawn blood samples, whereas Ccr was calculated using a complete 24-hour urine collection. The GFR was determined on the same days by means of iohexol plasma clearance (I-GFR). The correlation between 1/SCyst and I-GFR was stronger than that of 1/Scr or Ccr (P< 0.01). In the case of moderate reductions in I-GFR (80-60 mL/minute/1.73 m), Scr remained within the normal range, whereas the increase in Scyst was beyond its upper limit; for I-GFR reductions to lower levels (59-40 mL/minute/1.73 m), Scr increased slightly, whereas Scyst was twice its upper normal limit. When we isolated all of the I-GFR values on days 3, 5, and 7 that were ,30% lower than that recorded on the first postoperative day, SCyst(P< 0.0001) and Scr (P< 0.01) levels were increased, whereas Ccr remained unchanged (P= 0.09). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area-under-the-curve analysis showed that the diagnostic accuracy of Scyst was better than that of Scr and Ccr. Scyst levels of 1.4, 1.7, and 2.2 mg/L respectively predicted I-GFR levels of 80, 60, and 40 mL/minute/1.73 m. In conclusion, cystatin C is a reliable marker of renal function during the immediate post-OLT period, especially when the goal is to identify moderate changes in GFR. Liver Transpl 12:285,291, 2006. © 2006 AASLD. [source] Can Comparative Advantage Explain the Growth of us Trade?,THE ECONOMIC JOURNAL, Issue 520 2007Alejandro Cuñat We present a dynamic comparative advantage model in which moderate reductions in import tariffs can generate sizable increases in trade volumes over time. A fall in tariffs has two effects. First, for given factor endowments, it raises the degree of specialisation, leading to a larger volume of trade in the short run. Second, it raises the factor price of each country's abundant factor, leading to diverging paths of relative factor endowments and a rising degree of specialisation. A simulation exercise shows that a fall in tariffs produces a disproportional increase in the trade share of output as in the data. [source] | |||||||||||||