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Selected AbstractsAntenatal renal pelvic measurements: what do they mean?BJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 4 2001J.E.S. Scott Objective To analyse data on cases with urological abnormalities recorded over a 15-year period (1984,98) by the Northern Region Congenital Abnormality Survey (NorCAS), with special reference to fetal renal pelvic measurements. Materials and methods Data on all urological cases recorded in the NorCAS database and in notification documents forwarded from hospitals in the Northern Region were extracted and incorporated in a separate unattributable database for analysis. Specific fields for filing recorded fetal renal pelvic measurements with their corresponding gestational ages were inserted; it was ensured as far as possible that these measurements were made in the anteroposterior plane. Results The total number of cases analysed was 2737; a measurement of the fetal renal pelvis was recorded in 813, and more than once in 468, giving 1301 measurement episodes with the corresponding gestational ages, pregnancy and postnatal outcome. The male/female (M/F) ratio was significantly higher in those cases which had a fetal renal pelvic measurement recorded than in those which had not. This was because there was a 12/1 M/F ratio in measured cases of vesico-ureteric reflux (VUR). Few cases of VUR had a fetal renal pelvic measurement recorded. The difference in the fetal renal pelvic measurements between those cases which were normal postnatally and those which had a structural abnormality, an obstructive lesion or VUR became significant at 7 mm and at 18 weeks of gestational age. Over the whole period the proportion of cases in which micturating cysto-urethrography was technically possible and might have contributed to the diagnosis was 28.5%; the highest was 44.1% in 1998. Conclusions Antenatal renal dilatation occurs infrequently in the presence of VUR and when it does, the fetus will probably be male. Antenatal ultrasonography is unlikely to contribute to detecting VUR in females, the gender in whom early diagnosis is particularly desirable. Other means of suspecting VUR antenatally, e.g. the family history or genetic coding, may be more valuable. A measurement of the fetal renal pelvis of ,7 mm at a gestational age of 18 weeks should prompt subsequent careful ultrasonography during the pregnancy and early postnatal investigation of the urinary tract. The diagnosis of VUR should not be excluded because the fetal renal pelvis is only minimally dilated if the fetus is female. [source] Capillary electrophoresis of affinity complexes between subviral 80S particles of human rhinovirus and monoclonal antibody 2G2ELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 13 2006Leopold Kremser Dr. Abstract Human rhinoviruses (HRVs), the main etiologic agents of the common cold, transform into subviral B- or 80S particles (they sediment at 80S upon sucrose density gradient centrifugation) during infection and, in,vitro, upon exposure to a temperature between 50 and 56°C. With respect to the native virion they lack the genomic RNA and the viral capsid protein VP4. 80S particles are unstable and easily disintegrate into their components, VP1, VP2, and VP3 in buffers containing SDS. However, this detergent was found to be a necessary constituent of the BGE for the analysis of these viruses and their complexes with receptors and antibodies by CE. We here demonstrate that dodecylpoly(ethyleneglycol ether) (D-PEG) a nonionic detergent, is suitable for analysis of subviral particles as it preserves their integrity, in contrast to SDS. Electrophoresis of the 80S particles in borate buffer (pH,8.3, 100,mM) containing 10,mM D-PEG resulted in a well-defined electrophoretic peak. The identity of the peak was confirmed, among other means, by complexation with mAb,2G2, which recognizes a structural epitope exclusively present on subviral particles but not on native virus. Upon incubation of the 80S particles with mAb,2G2 the peak disappeared, but a new peak, attributed to the antibody complex emerged. The separation system allowed following the time course of the transformation of intact HRV serotype,2 into 80S particles upon incubation at temperatures between 40 and 65°C. We also demonstrate that subviral particles derived from HRV2 labeled with the fluorescence dyes FITC or Cy3.5 were stable in the separation system containing D-PEG. Dye-modified particles were still recognized by mAb,2G2, suggesting that the exposed lysines that are derivatized by the reagent do not form part of the epitope of the antibody. [source] EFNS guidelines on neurostimulation therapy for neuropathic painEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 9 2007G. Cruccu Pharmacological relief of neuropathic pain is often insufficient. Electrical neurostimulation is efficacious in chronic neuropathic pain and other neurological diseases. European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS) launched a Task Force to evaluate the evidence for these techniques and to produce relevant recommendations. We searched the literature from 1968 to 2006, looking for neurostimulation in neuropathic pain conditions, and classified the trials according to the EFNS scheme of evidence for therapeutic interventions. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is efficacious in failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) type I (level B recommendation). High-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) may be better than placebo (level C) although worse than electro-acupuncture (level B). One kind of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has transient efficacy in central and peripheral neuropathic pains (level B). Motor cortex stimulation (MCS) is efficacious in central post-stroke and facial pain (level C). Deep brain stimulation (DBS) should only be performed in experienced centres. Evidence for implanted peripheral stimulations is inadequate. TENS and r-TMS are non-invasive and suitable as preliminary or add-on therapies. Further controlled trials are warranted for SCS in conditions other than failed back surgery syndrome and CRPS and for MCS and DBS in general. These chronically implanted techniques provide satisfactory pain relief in many patients, including those resistant to medication or other means. [source] A renaissance in studies of ancient lifeGEOLOGY TODAY, Issue 4 2010J. William Schopf In the Origin of Species, published a century-and-a-half ago, Darwin was mystified by the lack of a ,pre-Cambrian' fossil record, the existence of which he regarded as pivotal to his theory of evolution. For the next 100 years, this ,missing' fossil record,unknown and thought unknowable'stood out as arguably the single greatest blemish to Darwin's theory. Beginning in the 1950s, the answer to Darwin's problem began to be unearthed, a Precambrian record of flourishing communities of microscopic organisms now known to extend to 3500 million years ago. During recent years, studies of such ancient microbes have markedly increased, spurred by an influx of new workers and, especially, by the introduction of new analytical techniques, three of which are featured here: confocal laser scanning microscopy, and Raman-spectral and fluorescence-spectral imagery. Used together, these techniques provide evidence of the three-dimensional form, cellular anatomy, and molecular structure of rock-embedded microscopic fossils and of the minerals in which they are entombed that is unavailable by any other means. [source] Anterior cranial base reconstruction using free tissue transfer: Changing trends,HEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 2 2003Joseph Califano MD Abstract Introduction. A consecutive series of 135 patients undergoing resection for malignant tumors involving the anterior cranial base between 1976 and 1999 was reviewed. Patient and Methods. In the years from 1976,1991, free-tissue transfer was used in 5 of 76 or 6.6% of cases, whereas free-tissue reconstruction was used in 24 of 59 or 40% of cases in the years 1992,1999. Of those cases reconstructed with free-tissue transfer in 1976,1991, 60% (three of five) underwent a complex resection defined as involving dura, brain, or more than one major structure adjacent to skull base. Of those patients reconstructed with conventional (pericranial or pericranial/galeal) pedicled flaps in this time period, 35% (25 of 71) underwent a complex resection. From 1992,1999, 75% (18 of 24) of patients reconstructed with free-tissue transfer received a complex resection, whereas only 6% (2 of 35) of patients reconstructed by other means received a complex resection. Outcomes. For those patients reconstructed by free-tissue transfer, there were no instances of flap loss. Comparison of these two time periods was notable for a similar patient composition in terms of age, histologic findings, and extent of resection. Major complication rates for patients who are reconstructed with free-tissue transfer for anterior cranial base resections (31%) are similar compared with patients who have been reconstructed with conventional pedicled flaps (35%). This was noted despite an increased extent and complexity of resection in those patients who underwent free-tissue transfer reconstruction (72%) compared with those patients reconstructed by more conventional means (26%) p < .001. Conclusion. In our institution, the use of vascularized, free-tissue transfer has replaced pedicled flaps as the preferred modality for reconstructing complex anterior cranial base defects involving resection of dura, brain, or multiple major structures adjacent to local skull base, including the orbit, palate, and other structures. Complication rates for patients reconstructed with free-tissue transfer techniques is similar to those patients reconstructed by conventional techniques, despite an increase in complexity of resection in this group. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 24: 000,000, 2002 [source] Adherence to antiretroviral therapy: are we doing enough?INTERNAL MEDICINE JOURNAL, Issue 5-6 2003T. Read Abstract Adherence to antiretroviral therapy is a powerful predictor of response to therapy. For optimal antiretroviral therapy response, individuals need to take more than 95% of their prescribed medication. The most widely used method for measuring adherence is self-report of the number of missed doses and this should be done at every clinic visit. There are several well-recognized predictors of poor adherence, such as illicit drug use, depression, limited knowledge or ambivalence about starting treatment. Adherence can be improved by addressing these issues or through other means such as pill boxes or electronic reminders. (Intern Med J 2003; 33: 254,256) [source] Analysis of a clock-recovery technique for circuit emulation services over packet networksINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, Issue 1 2008James Aweya Abstract One important requirement of circuit emulation services (CES) over packet networks is clock synchronization and timing distribution among the nodes. CES depends on reliable and high-quality timing for operations. In the time division multiplexing (TDM) world, whether plesiochronous digital hierarchy (PDH), synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH) or synchronous optical network (SONET) based, timing and synchronization is inherent in the design of the network. However, when timing critical services such PDH and SDH/SONET are carried over packet network (e.g. IP, Ethernet, etc.), the timing element is lost and has to be carried across the packet network by other means. A well-known and widely implemented technique for clock recovery in CES is one that is based on packet inter-arrival time (sometimes called time difference of arrival) averaging. The technique is very simple to implement but provides good performance only when packet losses and packet delay variation (PDV) are very low and well controlled. This technique has been extensively analysed through simulations but has not been fully characterized analytically with correlated traffic in the literature. In this paper, we provide a full analytical examination of this well-known clock recovery technique. We analyse the effects of correlation of the delay variation in the traffic stream on the quality of the clock recovered by a receiver. We prove analytically that, for a general input process, high correlation of the delay variation produces a large variance of the recovered clock. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] A phase-space method for arbitrary bimolecular gas-phase reactions: Theoretical descriptionINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF QUANTUM CHEMISTRY, Issue 5 2001A. Gross Abstract A theoretical model for the calculation of rate constants for arbitrary bimolecular gas-phase reactions was developed. The method is based on the phase-space statistical method developed by Light and co-workers 1,6. In the present article this method is extended to arbitrary molecular systems. The new method requires knowledge of the molecular properties in the reaction and products channels of the chemical system. The properties are the vibrational frequencies, moments of inertia, and potential energy for the interacting species in their ground state equilibrium configuration. Furthermore, we have to calculate either the energy barrier or the long-range potential for the chemical system (if the reaction channel does not have an energy barrier). The usefulness of the method is that it can be applied to all bimolecular reactions, trimolecular reactions, and even reactions of higher orders. Therefore, it can be applied to cases where rate constants of complex chemical reactions are required, but reliable laboratory measurements or other means to estimate rate parameters are not yet possible. Even if spectroscopic data are not available for the reactants and products, it is possible to use electronic structure theory to calculate the required data. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2001 [source] Changes in Korean Corporate Governance: A Response to CrisisJOURNAL OF APPLIED CORPORATE FINANCE, Issue 1 2008E. Han Kim In the last months of 1997, the value of the Korean currency lost over half its value against the dollar, and the ruling party was swept from power in presidential elections. One of the fundamental causes of this national economic crisis was the widespread failure of Korean companies to earn their cost of capital, which contributed to massive shareholder losses and calls for corporate governance reform. Among the worst performers, and hence the main targets of governance reform, were family-controlled Korean business groups known as chaebol. Besides pursuing growth and size at the expense of value, such groups were notorious for expropriating minority shareholders through "tunneling" activities and other means. The reform measures introduced by the new administration were a mix of market-based solutions and government intervention. The government-engineered, large-scale swaps of business units among the largest chaebol,the so-called "big deals" that were designed to force each of the groups to identify and specialize in a core business,turned out to be failures, with serious unwanted side effects. At the same time, however, new laws and regulations designed to increase corporate transparency, oversight, and accountability have had clearly positive effects on Korean governance. Thanks to reductions in barriers to foreign ownership of Korean companies, such ownership had risen to about 37% at the end of 2006, up from just 13% ten years earlier. And in addition to the growing pressure for better governance from foreign investors, several newly formed Korean NGOs have pushed for increased transparency and accountability, particularly among the largest chaebol. The best governance practices in Korea today can be seen mainly in three kinds of corporations: (1) newly privatized companies; (2) large corporations run by professional management; and (3) banks with substantial equity ownership in the hands of foreign investors. The improvements in governance achieved by such companies,notably, fuller disclosure, better alignment of managerial incentives with shareholder value, and more effective oversight by boards,have enabled many of them to meet the global standard. And the governance policies and procedures of POSCO, the first Korean company to list on the New York Stock Exchange,as well as the recent recipient of a large equity investment by Warren Buffett,are held up as a model of best practice. At the other end of the Korean governance spectrum, however, there continue to be many large chaebol-affiliated or family-run companies that have resisted such reforms. And aided by the popular resistance to globalization, the lobbying efforts of such firms have succeeded not only in reducing the momentum of the Korean governance reform movement, but in reversing some of the previous gains. Most disturbing is the current push to allow American style anti-takeover devices, which, if successful, would weaken the disciplinary effect of the market for corporate control. [source] Sex pheromone for monitoring flight periods and population densities of the pine sawfly, Diprion jingyuanensis Xiao et Zhang (Hym., Diprionidae)JOURNAL OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 7 2005Z. Zhang Abstract:, The pine sawfly, Diprion jingyuanensis Xiao et Zhang, is a serious pest of Chinese pine (Pinus tabulaeformis Carr.) in the northern parts of China. The general biology of this recently described sawfly species is little known and in the present study we used a synthetic pheromone to monitor its flight period and to evaluate the possibility to use pheromone traps as a tool for estimating and predicting population densities. The attractant pheromone of D. jingyuanensis is (1S,2R,6R)-1,2,6-trimethyldodecyl propionate and in this study we used a four-isomer threo-mixture containing the active attractant. Both doses tested, 1 and 2 mg/trap, revealed the same seasonal flight pattern, the higher dosage demonstrating more clear flight peaks. The first flight peak of D. jingyuanensis occurred in mid-June during all 3 years, 1997,1999, and in 1997 and 1998 a second flight peak was also recorded in mid-July. The flight period was similar in time for populations located at higher (1400 m) and lower altitude (1100 m), from early June to late July or early August. Temperature was the main weather factor-affecting trap catches. Diurnal flight activity began at 9.00, peaked at 13.00 and lasted until 20.00. A series of tests with traps in different positions within stands and trees were conducted and the results demonstrated the importance of standardizing the trapping protocol in population monitoring studies. By using traps with 2 mg baits it is possible to detect sawfly occurrence at very low population densities, not detectable by other means. Strong positive correlations between trap catch and relative population density were found in 2000 and 2001, but not in 1998, when only few sites were monitored and the population was in a decreasing phase. The results are promising for future large-scale use of pheromone-based monitoring of D. jingyuanensis. [source] Selective Blockade of Voltage-Gated Potassium Channels Reduces Inflammatory Bone Resorption in Experimental Periodontal Disease,,JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 1 2004Paloma Valverde Abstract The effects of the potassium channel (Kv1.3) blocker kaliotoxin on T-cell-mediated periodontal bone resorption were examined in rats. Systemic administration of kaliotoxin abrogated the bone resorption in conjunction with decreased RANKL mRNA expression by T-cells in gingival tissue. This study suggests a plausible therapeutic approach for inflammatory bone resorption by targeting Kv1.3. Introduction: Kv1.3 is a critical potassium channel to counterbalance calcium influx at T-cell receptor activation. It is not known if Kv1.3 also regulates RANKL expression by antigen-activated T-cells, and consequently affects in vivo bone resorption mediated by activated T-cells. Materials and Methods:Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans 29-kDa outer membrane protein-specific Th1-clone cells were used to evaluate the expression of Kv1.3 (using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR] and Western blot analyses) and the effects of the potassium channel blocker kaliotoxin (0,100 nM) on T-cell activation parameters ([3H]thymidine incorporation assays and ELISA) and expression of RANKL and osteoprotegerin (OPG; flow cytometry, Western blot, and RT-PCR analyses). A rat periodontal disease model based on the adoptive transfer of activated 29-kDa outer membrane protein-specific Th1 clone cells was used to analyze the effects of kaliotoxin in T-cell-mediated alveolar bone resorption and RANKL and OPG mRNA expression by gingival T-cells. Stimulated 29-kDa outer membrane protein-specific Th1 clone cells were transferred intravenously on day 0 to all animals used in the study (n = 7 animals per group). Ten micrograms of kaliotoxin were injected subcutaneously twice per day on days 0, 1, 2, and 3, after adoptive transfer of the T-cells. The control group of rats was injected with saline as placebo on the same days as injections for the kaliotoxin-treated group. The MOCP-5 osteoclast precursor cell line was used in co-culture studies with fixed 29-kDa outer membrane protein-specific Th1-clone cells to measure T-cell-derived RANKL-mediated effects on osteoclastogenesis and resorption pit formation assays in vitro. Statistical significance was evaluated by Student's t -test. Results: Kaliotoxin decreased T-cell activation parameters of 29-kDa outer membrane protein-specific Th1 clone cells in vitro and in vivo. Most importantly, kaliotoxin administration resulted in an 84% decrease of the bone resorption induced in the saline-treated control group. T-cells recovered from the gingival tissue of kaliotoxin-treated rats displayed lower ratios of RANKL and OPG mRNA expression than those recovered from the control group. The ratio of RANKL and osteoprotegerin protein expression and induction of RANKL-dependent osteoclastogenesis by the activated T-cells were also markedly decreased after kaliotoxin treatments in vitro. Conclusion: The use of kaliotoxin or other means to block Kv1.3 may constitute a potential intervention therapy to prevent alveolar bone loss in periodontal disease. [source] Circadian Variation in Blood Pressure: Dipper or NondipperJOURNAL OF CLINICAL HYPERTENSION, Issue 2002Pierre Larochelle MD Awareness of an increased incidence of cardiovascular events shortly after awakening has heightened interest in the chronopathology of cardiovascular diseases. Blood pressure varies according to cycles characterized by a reduction during sleep and an increase on awakening. The surge in blood pressure coincides with the circadian nature of various endocrine and hematologic parameters that also have a putative role in triggering the onset of cardiovascular events. The nighttime decrease is absent or blunted in some hypertensive patients (termed "nondippers"), an effect associated with increased morbidity. Drugs can influence the effect of these circadian patterns. Research efforts are focused on clarifying an underlying pathophysiologic process that could be modified by pharmacologic or other means. Long-acting angiotensin II receptor blockers have an effect on blood pressure over 24 hours due to their long half-life, but could also limit the morning surge in blood pressure through an effect on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone and noradrenergic systems. [source] An integrative literature review of lifestyle interventions for the prevention of type II diabetes mellitusJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 17 2008Suzanne G Madden Aims and objectives., An integrative literature review was undertaken to determine what type II diabetes prevention programmes have been evaluated, what type of programme is the most effective and how adherent to lifestyle changes adults are after participating in a prevention programme. Background., Type II diabetes is important because the disease is affecting millions of people worldwide. Obesity and sedentary lifestyles are preventable risk factors for type II diabetes, leading many researchers from around the world to examine different programmes that are focussed on prevention of the disease. Design., Integrative literature review. Method., Search of electronic databases. Results., Diet, exercise, counselling and diet plus exercise were the types of prevention programmes, with the diet plus exercise being the most efficacious. Although many studies demonstrated excellent results initially, maintaining the effects of the lifestyle behaviour change proved to be difficult for participants, with only one study demonstrating the persistence of results after six years. Conclusion., Future research should focus on long-term maintenance programmes, rather than just short-term prevention programmes to determine the need for booster interventions or other means to ultimately decrease the incidence of type II diabetes. Relevance to clinical practice., As front-line healthcare providers working across a broad array of settings, nurses are particularly well-suited to play an integral part in future applications of diabetes prevention programmes. Lifestyle interventions are being delivered in a variety of settings and venues such as the workplace, the Internet and places of worship. In addition, at-risk populations also can be targeted, particularly overweight and obese persons, with at least one parent having type II diabetes or persons with gestational diabetes. [source] ADHESION TO LASER-PREPARED TOOTH STRUCTUREJOURNAL OF ESTHETIC AND RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY, Issue 6 2006MS Author, Thomas J. Hilton DMD The use of Er:YAG (erbium : yttrium aluminum garnet and Er,Cr:YAG (erbium, chromium : yttrium scandium gallium garnet) lasers for tooth preparation has received much attention in recent years. Several advantages have been attributed to these devices, including a reduced need for local anesthesia for tooth preparation, less vibration to the patient, and more conservative cavity preparation. Another purported advantage has been the contention that adhesion to tooth structure is enhanced compared with other means of cavity preparation, even to the point of eliminating the need for conditioning and/or etching prior to adhesive system application. As the use of bonded, esthetic restorations has increased, it is important to know if this purported bonding advantage is valid. This Critical Appraisal examines evidence in the peer-reviewed scientific literature that contradicts this contention, and discusses concerns regarding the use of lasers in cavity preparation. [source] Projective virtual reality as a basis for on-line control of complex systems-not only-over the internetJOURNAL OF FIELD ROBOTICS (FORMERLY JOURNAL OF ROBOTIC SYSTEMS), Issue 3 2005Eckhard Freund Already in 1994 the term Projective Virtual Reality was coined and a first implementation was used to control a complex multirobot system in Germany over the Internet from California. Building on this foundation, the general aim of the development of virtual reality technology for automation applications at the Institute of Robotics Research (IRF) today is to provide the framework for Projective Virtual Reality for a broad range of applications. The general idea of Projective Virtual Reality is to allow users to "project" actions carried out in the virtual world into the real world by means of robots or other means of automation. The framework is based on a task-oriented approach which builds on the "task deduction" capabilities of a newly developed virtual reality system and a task planning component. The advantage of this approach is that robots which work at great distances from the control station can be controlled as easily and intuitively as robots that work right next to the control station. Robot control technology now provides the user in the virtual world with a "prolonged arm" into the physical environment, thus paving the way for intuitive control of complex systems over the Internet,and in general for a new quality of user-friendly man-machine interfaces for automation applications. Lately, this work has been enhanced by a new structure that allows one to distribute the virtual reality application over multiple computers on a network. With this new feature, it is now possible for multiple users to share the same virtual room, although they may physically be thousands of miles apart. They only need an Internet connection to share this new experience. Lately, the network distribution techniques have been further developed to not just allow users to cooperate over networked PCs but also to be able to set up a panorama projection or a cave running of a networked cluster of PCs. This approach cuts down the costs for such a high-end visualization environment drastically and allows for a new range of applications. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] An Evaluation of Determination of Handedness Using Standard Osteological Measurements,JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES, Issue 4 2008Marie Elaine Danforth Ph.D. Abstract:, Numerous studies have assessed side dominance assuming arm bones on the side of handedness will be larger, but concerns over sample size or replicability of measurements usually emerged. Attempting to improve upon these limitations, this investigation analyzes patterns of side difference for standard length and transverse dimensions of the scapula, clavicle, humerus, ulna, and radius for 137 individuals of known handedness. The results showed that with few exceptions, the right side of the skeleton was consistently larger in most individuals regardless of side dominance. Combinations of other measurements previously suggested to be indicative of handedness as well as the use of discriminant analysis also failed to provide reliable estimators. These findings are likely related to the fact that activities of modern individuals are generally not sufficiently unilateral in their stresses to cause asymmetrical development in the arm bones. Therefore, it is recommended that other means be developed to assess side dominance. [source] A Strategic Story of Using Computer Technology: The EPA Project by HOKJOURNAL OF INTERIOR DESIGN, Issue 1 2000Joan McLain-Kark Ph.D. ABSTRACT Interior design researchers study computer technology in order to understand its impact on design processes and education. Yet, whether the use of the computer has made interior designers better at improving the life of users remains to be seen. The purpose of this research is to examine the use of technology in design through a narrative case, the EPA project by Hellmuth, Obata, and Kassabaum (HOK), to offer insights into how computers can be used to make a design compatible with user needs. Three indivdiuals involved with the EPA project were interviewed and audiotaped regarding the design and computer modeling of the labs. The transcripts were subsequently analyzed for dominant themes. The researcher developed a narrative using a structure established by the FIDER Research Council. The results indicate that repeated involvement of the scientists in the design process through evaluation via the walk-through animation and other means resulted in a positive evaluation. The case provides insights on how computer technology can be optimized to improve the design for end-users. Using the EPA story and present trends in computer technology as a foundation, the article presents a scenario to help designers consider ways for integrating the latest computer modeling technology into their practice. [source] Hexokinase II gene transfer protects against neurodegeneration in the rotenone and MPTP mouse models of Parkinson's disease,JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH, Issue 9 2010Juan Carlos Corona Abstract A typical feature of Parkinson's disease is the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, in which inhibition of mitochondrial complex I activity may play an important role. Rotenone or 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) inhibit the mitochondrial complex I and they cause the death of substantia nigra dopaminergic neurons, thereby providing acute murine models of Parkinson's disease. We have found that increasing mitochondrial hexokinase II activity can prevent cell death in neuronal cultures treated with rotenone. As a result, we have studied the effects of hexokinase II gene transfer in vivo using a herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) amplicon vector. The placHK2 amplicon vector was injected into substantia nigra of mice that were subsequently administered rotenone or MPTP. Overexpression of hexokinase II prevented both rotenone and MPTP-induced dopaminergic neuronal cell death, as well as reducing the associated motor defects. Our results provide the first proof-of-principle that hexokinase II protects against dopaminergic neurodegeneration in vivo, emphasizing the role of this enzyme in promoting neuronal survival. Thus, the increase of hexokinase II expression by gene transfer or other means represents a promising approach to treat Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative diseases. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Lack of evidence that bone marrow cells contribute to cholangiocyte repopulation during experimental cholestatic ductal hyperplasiaLIVER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 4 2006Yuki Moritoki Abstract: Background: Ductopenia is observed in end-stage human cholestatic diseases. The limited capability of cholangiocytes for proliferation is suggested to be the principal reason. Recently, bone marrow cells (BMCs) have been reported to behave as hepatic stem cells; however, their capability to differentiate into cholangiocytes in cholestasis remains unclear. Methods: Normal mice were lethally irradiated to suppress the proliferation of self-BMCs; thereafter, the BMCs from enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-transgenic mice were transferred to recipients. Chronic cholestasis was induced by 0.1%,-naphtylisothiocyanate (ANIT) feeding. The proliferation of cholangiocytes and oval cells was assessed morphologically and immunohistchemically (cytokeratin-7 (CK-7), A6). Proliferative activity (proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) protein expression), hepatic growth factor (HGF) receptor (c-Met), stem cell factor receptor (c-kit), Notch2 and Hes1 expression were also evaluated. Results: Marked cholangiocyte proliferation was observed in ANIT-fed mice. However, no EGFP/CK-7 double positive cells were identified in any of the liver specimens after BMCs transfer (Tx). In hepatic parenchyma, there were scattered EGFP-positive cells, although none of them were positive for CK-7. Conclusions: In spite of the significant ductular proliferations after ANIT feeding, no EGFP-positive cholangiocytes were confirmed by any other means in this chronic cholestasis model. Thus, different from hepatocytes, BMCs Tx seems not to contribute to the differentiation of cholangiocytes. Future studies are feasible to clarify the origin of proliferative cholangiocytes observed in this chronic cholestatic ductular hyperplasia model. [source] Conducting Polymer Enzyme Alloys: Electromaterials Exhibiting Direct Electron TransferMACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS, Issue 14 2010Brianna C. Thompson Abstract Glucose oxidase (GOx) is an important enzyme with great potential application for enzymatic sensing of glucose, in implantable biofuel cells for powering of medical devices in vivo and for large-scale biofuel cells for distributed energy generation. For these applications, immobilisation of GOx and direct transfer of electrons from the enzyme to an electrode material is required. This paper describes synthesis of conducting polymer (CP) structures in which GOx has been entrained such that direct electron transfer is possible between GOx and the CP. CP/enzyme composites prepared by other means show no evidence of such "wiring". These materials therefore show promise for mediator-less electronic connection of GOx into easily produced electrodes for biosensing or biofuel cell applications. [source] Probing protein structure by amino acid-specific covalent labeling and mass spectrometryMASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS, Issue 5 2009Vanessa Leah Mendoza Abstract For many years, amino acid-specific covalent labeling has been a valuable tool to study protein structure and protein interactions, especially for systems that are difficult to study by other means. These covalent labeling methods typically map protein structure and interactions by measuring the differential reactivity of amino acid side chains. The reactivity of amino acids in proteins generally depends on the accessibility of the side chain to the reagent, the inherent reactivity of the label and the reactivity of the amino acid side chain. Peptide mass mapping with ESI- or MALDI-MS and peptide sequencing with tandem MS are typically employed to identify modification sites to provide site-specific structural information. In this review, we describe the reagents that are most commonly used in these residue-specific modification reactions, details about the proper use of these covalent labeling reagents, and information about the specific biochemical problems that have been addressed with covalent labeling strategies. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 28:785,815, 2009 [source] Genome-wide analysis of the general stress response in Bacillus subtilisMOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 4 2001Chester W. Price Bacteria respond to diverse growth-limiting stresses by producing a large set of general stress proteins. In Bacillus subtilis and related Gram-positive pathogens, this response is governed by the ,B transcription factor. To establish the range of cellular functions associated with the general stress response, we compared the transcriptional profiles of wild and mutant strains under conditions that induce ,B activity. Macroarrays representing more than 3900 annotated reading frames of the B. subtilis genome were hybridized to 33P-labelled cDNA populations derived from (i) wild-type and sigB mutant strains that had been subjected to ethanol stress; and (ii) a strain in which ,B expression was controlled by an inducible promoter. On the basis of their significant ,B -dependent expression in three independent experiments, we identified 127 genes as prime candidates for members of the ,B regulon. Of these genes, 30 were known previously or inferred to be ,B dependent by other means. To assist in the analysis of the 97 new genes, we constructed hidden Markov models (HMM) that identified possible ,B recognition sequences preceding 21 of them. To test the HMM and to provide an independent validation of the hybridization experiments, we mapped the ,B -dependent messages for seven representative genes. For all seven, the 5, end of the message lay near typical ,B recognition sequences, and these had been predicted correctly by the HMM for five of the seven examples. Lastly, all 127 gene products were assigned to functional groups by considering their similarity to known proteins. Notably, products with a direct protective function were in the minority. Instead, the general stress response increased relative message levels for known or predicted regulatory proteins, for transporters controlling solute influx and efflux, including potential drug efflux pumps, and for products implicated in carbon metabolism, envelope function and macromolecular turnover. [source] Papain-like cysteine proteases: key players at molecular battlefields employed by both plants and their invadersMOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY, Issue 1 2008TAKAYUKI SHINDO ABSTRACT Papain-like cysteine proteases (PLCPs) play crucial roles in plant,pathogen/pest interactions. During these parasitic interactions, PLCPs act on non-self substrates, provoking the selection of counteracting inhibitors and other means to evade proteolysis. We review examples of PLCPs acting on molecular battlefields in the extracellular space, plant cytoplasm and herbivore gut. Examples are maize Mir1 (Maize inbred resistance 1), tomato Rcr3 (Required for Cladosporium resistance- 3), Pseudomonas AvrRpt2 and AurPphB, insect DvCAL1 (Diabrotica virgifera cathepsin L -like protease- 1) and nematode MiCpl1 (Meloidogyne incognita cathepsin L -like protease 1). The data suggest that PLCPs cleave specific proteins and that their translocation, activation and inhibition of PLCPs are tightly regulated. [source] Features as an Abstraction for Designer Convenience in the Design of ShipsNAVAL ENGINEERS JOURNAL, Issue 4 2001Joshua D. Summers ABSTRACT This paper reports on a research effort involving design of a class of ships , nuclear submarines. It focuses on the use of features as a means of design abstraction, and it is found that a principal motivation for the use of features in this design environment is the convenience of the early stage submarine designer. To support this argument, a review of feature research is presented. Experiments in the development of feature catalogs are described, and implementation through two generations of feature-based submarine CAD systems are discussed. The architecture of the feature-based submarine CAD systems includes the use of Microsoft Foundation Classes (MFC), the ACIS geometric modeler, and user interfaces which store/recall hierarchical submarine feature information easily. Strong connections to object-oriented programming and object-oriented databases are recognized. Conclusions are drawn regarding the use of features for ship designer convenience and regarding support provided by hierarchical, parameterized features for other means of design automation. [source] Ineffectiveness of Precordial Thump for Cardioversion of Malignant Ventricular TachyarrhythmiasPACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 2 2007OFFER AMIR M.D. Background:The Precordial Thump (PT) is commonly used for cardiopulmonary resuscitations both in and out of hospitals. However, the support for its efficiency relies mainly on sporadic cases. In this current prospective large study, we tested the effectiveness and safety of PT in a wide range of malignant ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Methods: The study included 80 patients who underwent electrophysiological study and/or implantation of a cardiodefibrillator device. During these procedures, once a malignant ventricular tachyarrhythmia was induced, PT was used as the first treatment option. If the PT failed, other means were used to discontinue the arrhythmia. Results: Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia occurred in 32 (40%) patients, ventricular fibrillation in 28 (35%) patients, and 20 (25%) patients had sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia. Except in one patient with monomorphic ventricular tachycardia, the PT was unsuccessful in terminating any of the other malignant tachyarrhythmias, and internal or external defibrillation was eventually required in all other 79 (99%) patients. The PT was not associated with any damage either to the sternal bone, ribs, or to the cardiodefibrillator device. Conclusions: PT is not effective in terminating malignant ventricular tachyarrhythmia and should be reserved to a situation in which a defibrillator is not available. [source] Recombinant factor VIIa (NovoSeven®) as a hemostatic agent after surgery for congenital heart diseasePEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 3 2005YARON RAZON MD Summary Background :,Postoperative bleeding and blood product requirements can be substantial in children undergoing open-heart surgery, and reexploration is required in 1% of cases. Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa, NovoSeven®, NovoNordisk, Denmark) is a hemostatic agent approved for the treatment of hemophilic patients with inhibitors to factor VIII or factor IX. It has also been used with success in other conditions. We present our experience with rFVIIa treatment for uncontrolled bleeding after open-heart surgery in five pediatric patients. Methods :,The study group consisted of five patients after open-heart surgery with excessive blood loss. The patients were treated with rFVIIa after failure of conventional treatment to control the bleeding. Blood loss, blood product consumption, and coagulation test results were recorded before and after rFVIIa administration. Results :,In all cases, blood loss decreased considerably after rFVIIa administration (mean 7.8 ml·kg,1·h,1), almost eliminating the need for additional blood products, and the prolonged prothrombin time normalized. In two patients with thrombocytopathy, rFVIIa helped to discriminate surgical bleeding from bleeding caused by a defect in hemostasis. No side effects of rFVIIa treatment were noted. Conclusions :,These cases support the impression that RFVIIa is efficient and safe in correcting hemostasis in children after cardiopulmonary bypass when other means fail. However, the data are still limited, and more extensive research is needed. [source] Stability of the cleistogamous trait during the flowering period of oilseed rapePLANT BREEDING, Issue 1 2010M. Leflon With 2 figures and 4 tables Abstract At the field scale, the co-existence of different farming production systems requires strategies to prevent gene flow between adjacent crops. Oilseed rape produces pollen dispersed by wind and insects and the risks of pollen mediated gene flow are significant for this crop. Cleistogamy, the trait of non-opening flowers, could be used to reduce pollen flow. Cleistogamous oilseed rape genotypes were obtained by INRA in France and were bred in order to improve the stability of this trait. In this paper, we examine the reliability of the cleistogamous trait for two inbred lines. The flower opening level was measured at different dates during the flowering period in six field experiments (three sites × 2 years). The results showed that some flowers were partially opened with rates varying from 0.5% to 33% principally depending on genotypes, trials (site and year) and recording dates. Given that other studies have shown that cleistogamy could reduce pollen dispersal, we consider that, even when partially unstable, cleistogamy could be beneficially used in combination with other means in a containment strategy. [source] Reconstruction from a single diffraction pattern of azimuthally projected electron density of molecules aligned parallel to a single axisACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION A, Issue 1 2010D. K. Saldin Diffraction from the individual molecules of a molecular beam, aligned parallel to a single axis by a strong electric field or other means, has been proposed as a means of structure determination of individual molecules. As in fiber diffraction, all the information extractable is contained in a diffraction pattern from incidence of the diffracting beam normal to the molecular alignment axis. The limited size of the object results in continuous diffraction patterns characterized by neither Bragg spots nor layer lines. Equations relating the scattered amplitudes to the molecular electron density may be conveniently formulated in terms of cylindrical harmonics. For simulated diffraction patterns from short C nanotubes aligned along their axes, iterative solution of the equation for the zeroth-order cylindrical harmonic and its inverse with appropriate constraints in real and reciprocal space enables the phasing of the measured amplitudes, and hence a reconstruction of the azimuthal projection of the molecule. [source] Zanzibar and its Chinese communitiesPOPULATION, SPACE AND PLACE (PREVIOUSLY:-INT JOURNAL OF POPULATION GEOGRAPHY), Issue 2 2007Elisabeth Hsu Abstract Zanzibar hosts three different groups of Chinese: the so-called huaqiao community with beginnings that can be traced to the 1930s; the government-sent teams of experts who since the revolution of 1964 have consolidated the links to the People's Republic of China (PRC); and a new wave of business people since the late 1990s, individual migrants who engage in various trades and generally are very mobile. Through ethnographic fieldwork in Zanzibar in 2001,2004, I explore the backgrounds of these communities and their social relations, as expressed through kinship ties, businesses, medical services, food exchanges and other means of interaction. With few exceptions, members of the three groups were not much interested in increasing relations between each other. They represent different economic positions and wealth, and different allegiances to the local community and to China. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Behavioral Outcomes for Substance-Exposed Adopted Children: Fourteen Years PostadoptionAMERICAN JOURNAL OF ORTHOPSYCHIATRY, Issue 1 2008LCSW, Thomas M. Crea Ph.D. From a life course perspective, studies of cumulative disadvantage often identify early risk factors as predictors of poor outcomes. This study examined the influence of prenatal substance exposure on children's externalizing behaviors at 14 years postadoption. Using Wave 4 data from the California Long-Range Adoption Study, the authors employed growth curve modeling to examine behavioral trajectories of 275 children as influenced by foster care status, age at adoption, and gender. Outcomes are measured using a shortened Behavioral Problem Index. Prenatal exposure predicted elevated behavior problems that increased normatively compared with nonexposed children, and were not found to trigger the negative behavior sequelae once feared. Foster children tended to fare better over the life course than those adopted through other means, except for children adopted at older ages. Adopted children's problem behaviors may be directly associated with the success of their placements. The authors discuss implications for practice and future research. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||