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Scientific Literature (scientific + literature)
Kinds of Scientific Literature Selected AbstractsWittgenstein's Books at the Bertrand Russell Archives and the Influence of Scientific Literature on Wittgenstein's Early PhilosophyPHILOSOPHICAL INVESTIGATIONS, Issue 1 2004Øystein HideArticle first published online: 23 JAN 200 First page of article [source] The abuse potential of the synthetic cannabinoid nabiloneADDICTION, Issue 3 2010Mark A. Ware ABSTRACT Aim Nabilone is a synthetic cannabinoid prescription drug approved in Canada since 1981 to treat chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. In recent years, off-label use of nabilone for chronic pain management has increased, and physicians have begun to express concerns about nabilone becoming a drug of abuse. This study evaluates the evidence for abuse of nabilone, which is currently ill-defined. Study design Scientific literature, popular press and internet databases were searched extensively for evidence of nabilone abuse. Focused interviews with medical professionals and law enforcement agencies across Canada were also conducted. Findings The scientific literature and popular press reviews found very little reference to nabilone abuse. Nabilone is perceived to produce more undesirable side effects, to have a longer onset of action and to be more expensive than smoked cannabis. The internet review revealed rare and isolated instances of recreational use of nabilone. The database review yielded little evidence of nabilone abuse, although nabilone seizures and thefts have occurred in Canada in the past few years, especially in Ontario. Most law enforcement officers reported no instances of nabilone abuse or diversion, and the drug has no known street value. Medical professionals reported that nabilone is not perceived to be a matter of concern with respect to its abuse potential. Conclusions Reports of nabilone abuse are extremely rare. However, follow-up of patients using nabilone for therapeutic purposes is prudent and should include assessment of tolerance and dependence. Prospective studies are also needed to definitively address the issue of nabilone abuse. [source] Alcohol dependence and depression: Advance practice nurse interventionsJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NURSE PRACTITIONERS, Issue 7 2006PMHNP (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner), Tracey L. Fowler RN Abstract Purpose: To identify alcohol dependence, depression, and their comorbidity as common health problems in the United States. To emphasize advance practice nurse (APN) interventions including screening, treatment, and outcome evaluations for individuals and their families suffering with alcohol dependence and depression. Data sources: Scientific literature on alcohol dependence, depression, and their comorbidity as well as general systems theory. Conclusions: APNs have the opportunity to successfully intervene with individuals and their family with alcohol dependence, depression, and their comorbidity. These complex health conditions need to be screened for, treated, and evaluated to ensure positive outcomes for the individual and their family system. Implications for practice: APNs are in an excellent position to intervene at every contact with the individual and family with alcohol dependence and depression. Interventions aimed at the individual and family system are detailed in order to assist the individual and family to optimal health. [source] DIAGNOSING ORDER PLANNING PERFORMANCE AT A NAVY MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR ORGANIZATION, USING LOGISTIC REGRESSIONPRODUCTION AND OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT, Issue 4 2003JORIS M. KEIZERS We present a tool to diagnose the behavior of planners in complex production processes and to establish improvement potential for the delivery performance by changing the planning behavior. Scientific literature on production control offers valuable knowledge, but the complexity of real-life processes makes it impossible to directly apply this knowledge in real-life. The presented tool identifies possible deficiencies in the current way of managing the business processes, by matching the scientific knowledge on order planning with data reflecting the real-life processes via logistic regression. A case study at a maintenance organization illustrates the diagnosis tool. [source] Shelter from the storm?CONSERVATION LETTERS, Issue 1 2010misuse of coastal vegetation bioshields for managing natural disasters Abstract Vegetated coastal ecosystems provide goods and services to billions of people. In the aftermath of a series of recent natural disasters, including the Indian Ocean Tsunami, Hurricane Katrina and Cyclone Nargis, coastal vegetation has been widely promoted for the purpose of reducing the impact of large storm surges and tsunami. In this paper, we review the use of coastal vegetation as a "bioshield" against these extreme events. Our objective is to alter bioshield policy and reduce the long-term negative consequences for biodiversity and human capital. We begin with an overview of the scientific literature, in particular focusing on studies published since the Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004 and discuss the science of wave attenuation by vegetation. We then explore case studies from the Indian subcontinent and evaluate the detrimental impacts bioshield plantations can have upon native ecosystems, drawing a distinction between coastal restoration and the introduction of exotic species in inappropriate locations. Finally, we place bioshield policies into a political context, and outline a new direction for coastal vegetation policy and research. [source] WHY ARE AMERICANS ADDICTED TO BASEBALL?CONTEMPORARY ECONOMIC POLICY, Issue 1 2008AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF FANDOM IN KOREA AND THE UNITED STATES Theories of rational addiction posit that certain habit-forming goods,characterized by an increasing marginal utility of consumption,generate predictable dynamic patterns of consumer behavior. It has been suggested that attendance at sporting events represents an example of such a good, as evidenced by the pricing strategies of commercial sports interests. In this essay, we provide new evidence in support of rational addiction for the case of Major League Baseball but fail to find such support in data from the Korean Professional Baseball League. We then review the scientific literature on sports fans from the perspective of human behavioral ecology and propose a theory of endogenous habit formation among sports fans that could explain our findings. (JEL C32, D83, D87, D91, L83) [source] Idiopathic Circumscripta Calcinosis Cutis of the KneeDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 12 2003FACS, Luigi Valdatta MD Background. Calcinosis cutis, a disease characterized by the presence of calcium deposits in the skin, is classified into four types according to etiology: dystrophic, metastatic, iatrogenic and idiopathic. The dystrophic form is the most common while the idiopathic one is the rarest, but specific incidence and frequency data are not available in scientific literature. Objective. Calcinosis cutis circumscripta is a very rare form of idiopathic calcinosis cutis arising in the second half of life. It typically involves the extremities and is associated with prior trauma and scleroderma. We dealt with a very rare form of calcinosis cutis circumscripta in a healthy patient, for whom surgical excision revealed to be an effective and successful treatment. Methods and materials. We present the case of a 46-year-old woman affected by idiopathic circumscripta calcinosis cutis of the left knee, successfully treated by surgical removal. Discussion. Medical and surgical treatment are options to cure calcinosis cutis. Medical therapy is not very effective. Surgical excision has shown to be beneficial, as it can provide a symptomatic relief. However, since calcinosis cutis limits are not always well defined a recurrence of the lesions may occur. [source] Gene therapy and enhancement for diabetes (and other diseases): the multiplicity of considerationsDIABETES/METABOLISM: RESEARCH AND REVIEWS, Issue 7 2010Marta Bertolaso Abstract Gene therapy has reached the forefront of studies and research over the last 30 years because of its potential for curing, treating, and preventing diseases associated with DNA mutations. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are two examples of very common polygenic and multifactorial diseases. The huge amount of scientific literature on this topic reflects a growing general interest in the possibilities of altering our genetic heritage and thus controlling the onset of diseases associated with mutations and relative risk factors. We have focussed on the new treatment opportunities and possibility of enhancing an individual's health, physical well-being, and even an individual's behaviour through technologies specially designed for therapeutic purposes, which have been presented in literature. This historical perspective shows how this type of research, however, was immediately subjected to an ethical evaluation, especially regarding the decoding of the human genome and the questions raised by the alteration of our genetic heritage through new biotechnologies. Moreover, understanding the limitations of gene therapy protocol experiments and the multifactorial nature of many diseases, which have a genetic base, also contributes to these considerations. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Stroke in patients with diabetes mellitusDIABETES/METABOLISM: RESEARCH AND REVIEWS, Issue 4 2004Boris N. Mankovsky Abstract The article's objective is to review the key advances in the scientific literature related to the association of stroke with diabetes mellitus and to summarize the current approaches to stroke prevention in diabetic patients. The key findings from the literature regarding stroke incidence in patients with diabetes, specific and nonspecific risk factors of stroke in the diabetic population, such as arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, diabetes duration, diabetic complications, insulin resistance/hyperinsulinemia, course and outcome of stroke in subjects with diabetes and/or hyperglycemia, and the peculiarities of type, site and size of stroke in diabetic patients are discussed. The results of recent clinical trials aimed at correcting hyperglycemia, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, to prevent stroke in people with diabetes, are reviewed. The medical database Medline along with original articles from peer-reviewed journals were used for analysis. There is convincing evidence suggesting that diabetes mellitus represents a strong independent risk factor of stroke. The contribution of hyperglycemia to increased stroke risk is not proven. Data suggest an association of the full cluster of the insulin resistance syndrome and stroke. Diabetes is a risk factor mainly for ischemic stroke, while its association with hemorrhagic stroke remains controversial. Hyperglycemia is common in stroke patients, but it is not known whether it independently influences the course and outcome of stroke or merely reflects stroke severity and location. Aggressive control of arterial hypertension and dyslipidemia allows to decrease the risk of stroke in diabetic patients substantially, while the importance of glucose control for stroke prevention remains unproven. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The cost-effectiveness of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion compared with multiple daily injections for the management of diabetesDIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 7 2003P. Scuffham Abstract Aims To estimate the cost effectiveness of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) compared with multiple daily injections (MDI) for patients using insulin pumps. Methods We constructed a Markov model to estimate the costs and outcomes for patients with insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM) treated with CSII using an insulin pump compared with MDI. Key parameters were obtained from the published scientific literature. The primary outcome was quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Monte Carlo simulations were undertaken for 10 000 hypothetical patients over 8 years of monthly cycles (the expected life of a pump). Results Over an 8-year period an average patient could expect to gain 0.48 [standard deviation (sd) 0.20] QALYs using CSII compared with MDI. The additional cost over 8 years for this gain was £5462 (sd£897). The incremental cost per QALY was £11 461 (sd£3656). CSII was most cost-effective in patients who had more than two severe hypoglycaemic events per year and who required admission to hospital at least once every year. Cases where CSII might be not economically viable are cases where diabetes is well controlled with few severe hypoglycaemic events. Results were most sensitive to the number of hypoglycaemic events per patient and the utility weights used to estimate QALYs. Conclusion CSII is a worthwhile investment when targeted to those who might benefit most. Diabet. Med. 20, 586,593 (2003) [source] Linking the concept of scale to studies of biological diversity: evolving approaches and toolsDIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS, Issue 3 2006Erik A. Beever ABSTRACT Although the concepts of scale and biological diversity independently have received rapidly increasing attention in the scientific literature since the 1980s, the rate at which the two concepts have been investigated jointly has grown much more slowly. We find that scale considerations have been incorporated explicitly into six broad areas of investigation related to biological diversity: (1) heterogeneity within and among ecosystems, (2) disturbance ecology, (3) conservation and restoration, (4) invasion biology, (5) importance of temporal scale for understanding processes, and (6) species responses to environmental heterogeneity. In addition to placing the papers of this Special Feature within the context of brief summaries of the expanding literature on these six topics, we provide an overview of tools useful for integrating scale considerations into studies of biological diversity. Such tools include hierarchical and structural-equation modelling, kriging, variable-width buffers, k -fold cross-validation, and cascading graph diagrams, among others. Finally, we address some of the major challenges and research frontiers that remain, and conclude with a look to the future. [source] Data analysis of environmental air pollutant monitoring systems in EuropeENVIRONMETRICS, Issue 6 2004Kristina Voigt Abstract Public access to information about the environment is being strengthened across Europe. The concept of public's right to information gives the basis for the access to environmental information. In this paper the quality of air pollutant monitoring systems in the 15 European member states is analyzed. For pragmatic reasons only the capitals are looked upon. Comprehensive data on environmental monitoring programs concerning air pollutants like ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitrogen oxide (NO), carbon dioxide (CO2) and carbon monoxide (CO), and sometimes suspended dust, benzene and other environmental chemicals are available on the free Internet. As different monitoring information systems exist in the European member states a comparison of these systems with their pros and cons is of great interest to the public. Environmental air pollutant monitoring systems in the capitals of the 15 EEC member countries (objects) are evaluated by applying 5 evaluation criteria for the differentiation of these systems. The scores run from 0,=,insufficient, 1,=,medium, to 2,=,excellent. Different data-analysis methods will be applied. As order theory is still not sufficiently presented in the scientific literature, a short overview about the so-called Hasse diagram technique and POSAC method is outlined. In several steps the data-matrix is analyzed coming to the conclusion that all methods (additionally PCA is used) identify one criterion as specifically important. Not unexpected, each method has its own advantage. The aim of this data-analysis is the evaluation of the publicly available air quality monitoring systems in Europe with their pros and cons. This might help the interested public to find and understand the information given on the Internet. Furthermore our evaluation approach might give some recommendations for an improvement of the air quality monitoring systems. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Space varying coefficient models for small area dataENVIRONMETRICS, Issue 5 2003Renato M. Assunção Abstract Many spatial regression problems using area data require more flexible forms than the usual linear predictor for modelling the dependence of responses on covariates. One direction for doing this is to allow the coefficients to vary as smooth functions of the area's geographical location. After presenting examples from the scientific literature where these spatially varying coefficients are justified, we briefly review some of the available alternatives for this kind of modelling. We concentrate on a Bayesian approach for generalized linear models proposed by the author which uses a Markov random field to model the coefficients' spatial dependency. We show that, for normally distributed data, Gibbs sampling can be used to sample from the posterior and we prove a result showing the equivalence between our model and other usual spatial regression models. We illustrate our approach with a number of rather complex applied problems, showing that the method is computationally feasible and provides useful insights in substantive problems. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The maestro don Gonzalo Rodríguez-LaforaEPILEPSIA, Issue 6 2008Anish S. Nanduri Summary Gonzalo Rodríguez-Lafora (1886,1971) was an influential Spanish neurologist, and has been called the last of Cajal's great Spanish disciples. Of course, he is best known now for describing (in 1911) the intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies in "Lafora disease." In total, he published ,200 papers covering a wide range of subjects in neurology, psychiatry, and neuropathology. He made seminal contributions not only to the clinical and scientific literature but also to the training of many noted disciples who paid him due homage as a true "maestro." Throughout his intellectual endeavors, Lafora manifested a singular purpose and intensity and a burning devotion to scientific honesty. [source] The long and winding road from the research laboratory to industrial applications of lactic acid bacteriaFEMS MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS, Issue 3 2005Martin Bastian Pedersen Abstract Research innovations are constantly occurring in universities, research institutions and industrial research laboratories. These are reported in the scientific literature and presented to the scientific community in various congresses and symposia as well as through direct contacts and collaborations. Conversion of these research results to industrially useful innovations is, however, considerably more complex than generally appreciated. The long and winding road from the research laboratory to industrial applications will be illustrated with two recent examples from Chr. Hansen A/S: the implementation in industrial scale of a new production technology based on respiration by Lactococcus lactis and the introduction to the market of L. lactis strains constructed using recombinant DNA technology. [source] Human survivability in motor vehicle firesFIRE AND MATERIALS, Issue 4 2008K. H. Digges Abstract Automobile fires are consistently among the largest causes of fire death in the United States (about 500 annually) and the U.S. motor vehicle industry and others have spent a significant amount of money in recent years studying this problem. The authors of this review have analyzed the auto industry reports, the scientific literature, and statistical data, and conclude that measures should be taken to improve survivability in automobile fires. The U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 302 (FMVSS 302) was introduced almost 40 years ago to measure the flammability of interior materials, but improvements in the crashworthiness of automobiles and their fuel tanks and the increased use of combustible materials have changed the motor vehicle fire scenario significantly. In particular, the primary threat has changed from ignition of a small quantity of combustible interior materials by a lit cigarette, in 1960, to ignition of a large quantity of combustible interior and exterior materials by an impact-induced fire, at present. The authors therefore suggest that FMVSS 302 is no longer relevant to automobile fire safety and recommend improved standards based on objective criteria for fire safety performance (fireworthiness) at the system/vehicle level as is routinely done for crashworthiness. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] On scientists' discomfort in fisheries advisory science: the example of simulation-based fisheries management-strategy evaluationsFISH AND FISHERIES, Issue 2 2010Sarah B M Kraak Abstract Scientists feel discomfort when they are asked to create certainty, where none exists, for use as an alibi in policy-making. Recently, the scientific literature has drawn attention to some pitfalls of simulation-based fisheries management-strategy evaluation (MSE). For example, while estimates concerning central tendencies of distributions of simulation outcomes are usually fairly robust because they are conditioned on ample data, estimates concerning the tails of distributions (such as the probability of falling below a critical biomass) are usually conditional on few data and thus often rely on assumptions that have no strong knowledge base. The clients of scientific advice, such as the European Commission, are embracing the mechanization of the evaluation of proposed Harvest Control Rules against the precautionary principle and management objectives. Where the fisheries management institutions aim for simple answers from the scientists, giving ,green/red light' to a proposed management strategy, the scientists are forced into a split position between satisfying the demands of their advisory role and living up to the standards of scientific rigour. We argue against the mechanization of scientific advice that aims to incorporate all relevant processes into one big model algorithm that, after construction, can be run without circumspection. We rather encourage that fisheries advice should be a dynamic process of expert judgement, incorporating separate parallel concurrent, lines of scientific evidence, from quantitative and qualitative modelling exercises and factual knowledge of the biology and the fishery dynamics. This process can be formalized to a certain degree and can easily accommodate stakeholder viewpoints. [source] Effectiveness monitoring of fish passage facilities: historical trends, geographic patterns and future directionsFISH AND FISHERIES, Issue 1 2010David W Roscoe Abstract Fishways and other passage facilities frequently prevent or delay the passage of fishes, highlighting the need for effectiveness monitoring. We reviewed the scientific literature from 1960 to 2008 reporting on effectiveness monitoring of fish passage facilities to assess what taxa and life-stages have been studied, the questions that are asked during evaluation, and how these varied over time or by geographic region. We identified 96 peer-reviewed articles of which 68% focused on passage by adult fishes. Salmoniformes was the most studied order (58% of studies). The focus of fishway evaluations did not change over the years, but varied significantly by geographic region. Studies from the tropics had a broader taxonomic scope than studies from temperate locations. Exogenous mechanisms of passage failure, such as environmental, structural and behavioural factors, were studied in 90% of studies from North America but only ,50% of studies from Europe, South America and Australia. Endogenous (i.e. physiological) mechanisms affecting passage success were not often assessed anywhere, though they were a powerful means of evaluating mechanisms of failure. Few studies monitored migration after fish had left a facility. To improve effectiveness monitoring of passage facilities, we suggest that both endogenous and exogenous mechanisms need to be studied in an integrated fashion to understand passage failure and to inform design or operational changes that could improve passage efficiency. In addition post-departure monitoring is required to more completely assess the fitness consequences of passage. [source] Quantitative analysis of the scientific literature on acetaminophen in medicine and biology: a 2003,2005 study,FUNDAMENTAL & CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 2 2009Claude Robert Abstract This study quantifies the utilization of acetaminophen in life sciences and clinical medicine using bibliometric indicators. A total of 1626 documents involving acetaminophen published by 74 countries during 2003,2005 in the Thompson-Scientific Life sciences and Clinical Medicine collections were identified and analyzed. The USA leads in the number of publications followed by the UK, and industrialized countries, including France, Japan and Germany; the presence of countries such as China, India and Turkey among the top 15 countries deserves to be noticed. The European Union stands as a comparable contributor to the USA, both in terms of number of publications and in terms of profile of papers distributed among subcategories of Life Sciences and Clinical Medicine disciplines. All documents were published in 539 different journals. The most prolific journals were related to pharmacology and/or pharmaceutics. All aspects of acetaminophen (chemistry, pharmacokinetics, metabolism, etc.) were studied with primary interest for therapeutic use (42%) and adverse effects (28%) comprising a large part of publications focusing on acetaminophen hepatotoxicity. This quantitative overview provides as to the interest of the scientific community in this analgesic and completes the various review documents that regularly appear in the scientific literature. [source] Annotated chromosome maps for renal disease,HUMAN MUTATION, Issue 3 2009Amy Jayne McKnight Abstract A combination of linkage analyses and association studies are currently employed to promote the identification of genetic factors contributing to inherited renal disease. We have standardized and merged complex genetic data from disparate sources, creating unique chromosomal maps to enhance genetic epidemiological investigations. This database and novel renal maps effectively summarize genomic regions of suggested linkage, association, or chromosomal abnormalities implicated in renal disease. Chromosomal regions associated with potential intermediate clinical phenotypes have been integrated, adding support for particular genomic intervals. More than 500 reports from medical databases, published scientific literature, and the World Wide Web were interrogated for relevant renal-related information. Chromosomal regions highlighted for prioritized investigation of renal complications include 3q13,26, 6q22,27, 10p11,15, 16p11,13, and 18q22. Combined genetic and physical maps are effective tools to organize genetic data for complex diseases. These renal chromosome maps provide insights into renal phenotype-genotype relationships and act as a template for future genetic investigations into complex renal diseases. New data from individual researchers and/or future publications can be readily incorporated to this resource via a user-friendly web-form accessed from the website: www.qub.ac.uk/neph-res/CORGI/index.php. Hum Mutat 0, 1,8, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] A psychoneuroimmunological review on cytokines involved in antidepressant treatment responseHUMAN PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY: CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL, Issue 3 2010Debbie G. A. Janssen Abstract Objectives The literature exploring the role that cytokine functioning plays in the pathogenesis and treatment of depressive illness is reviewed. The review focuses on the influence of antidepressants on cytokines, and on how treatment response might be affected by genetic variants of cytokines. Method The authors systematically reviewed the scientific literature on the subject over the last 20 years, searching PubMed, PsychInfo, and Cochrane databases. Results Antidepressants modulate cytokine functioning, and these mechanisms appear to directly influence treatment outcome in depression. Antidepressants appear to normalize serum levels of major inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1,, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF- ,), and interferon gamma (IFN- ,). Antidepressants are postulated to modulate cytokine functioning through their effects on intracellular cyclic adenosyl monophosphate (cAMP), serotonin metabolism, the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis or through a direct action on neurogenesis. Preliminary research shows that cytokine genotypes and functioning may be able to help predict antidepressant treatment response. Conclusions Current literature demonstrates an association between antidepressant action and cytokine functioning in major depression. Improved understanding of the specific pharmacologic and pharmacogenetic mechanisms is needed. Such knowledge may serve to enhance our understanding of depression, leading to promising new directions in the pathology, nosology, and treatment of depression. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Definitions of hypotension after spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section: literature search and application to parturientsACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 8 2010S. KlÖHR Background: Spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section may cause hypotension, jeopardizing the foetus and its mother. We aimed to identify the spectrum of definitions of hypotension used in the scientific literature. In a second part, we applied these definitions to a prospective cohort in order to evaluate the effect of different definitions on the incidence of hypotension. Methods: A systematic literature search in PubMed was performed from 1999 to 2009 with the search terms ,hypotension' and ,caesarean section'. Consecutive parturients undergoing caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia were included in a prospective study. Results: Sixty-three eligible publications (7120 patients) were retrieved, revealing 15 different definitions of hypotension. A decrease below 80% baseline and the combined definition of a blood pressure below 100 mmHg or a decrease below 80% baseline were the two most frequent definitions, found in 25.4% and 20.6% of the papers, respectively. When applying the spectrum of definitions to a prospective cohort, the incidences of hypotension varied between 7.4% and 74.1%. The incidence increased from 26.7% to 38.5% when using a value below 75% of baseline instead of below 70% of baseline. Conclusion: There is not one accepted definition of hypotension in the scientific literature. The incidence of hypotension varies depending on the chosen definition. Even minor changes of the definition cause major differences in the frequency of hypotension. This makes it difficult to compare studies on interventions to treat/prevent hypotension and probably hampers progress in this area of research. [source] Catholic and Non-Catholic Theologies of Liberation: Poverty, Self-Improvement, and Ethics Among Small-Scale Entrepreneurs in Guatemala CityJOURNAL FOR THE SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF RELIGION, Issue 1 2002Henri Gooren In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Catholic liberation theology seemed poised to become a mass movement in Latin America, whereas evangelical Protestantism did not seem likely to ever receive broad popular appeal. This paper will explore possible reasons why most of the poor in Latin America preferred to join non-Catholic churches, instead of the so-called Christian Base Communities (CEBs) or other grassroot groups connected with liberation theology. It does so by a review of scientific literature and by presenting empirical data from field research in Guatemala City. Using a neo-Weberian approach, I will argue that various non-Catholic churches foster elements of asceticism and self-improvement, which provide an important asset for the poor in Guatemala in their quest to better their lives both economically and spiritually. [source] Is local provenance important in habitat creation?JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY, Issue 6 2001David M. Wilkinson Summary 1Many habitat creation schemes specify that biological material of local provenance should be used in reintroductions. This has come to be the ,text book' approach. However, very little discussion of the theory underlying this idea has been published in the scientific literature. This paper aims to initiate this much-needed discussion. 2A major reason for the use of local provenance is the claimed importance of conserving locally adapted genotypes, which are assumed to show high fitness. Using both genetic arguments and a consideration of Quaternary environmental change I argue that this reason will seldom be important. 3I make tentative suggestions of when local provenance is likely to be important and when it can be given a low priority in habitat creation schemes. [source] Collation, assessment and analysis of literature in vitro data on hERG receptor blocking potency for subsequent modeling of drugs' cardiotoxic propertiesJOURNAL OF APPLIED TOXICOLOGY, Issue 3 2009Sebastian Polak Abstract The assessment of the torsadogenic potency of a new chemical entity is a crucial issue during lead optimization and the drug development process. It is required by the regulatory agencies during the registration process. In recent years, there has been a considerable interest in developing in silico models, which allow prediction of drug,hERG channel interaction at the early stage of a drug development process. The main mechanism underlying an acquired QT syndrome and a potentially fatal arrhythmia called torsades de pointes is the inhibition of potassium channel encoded by hERG (the human ether-a-go-go-related gene). The concentration producing half-maximal block of the hERG potassium current (IC50) is a surrogate marker for proarrhythmic properties of compounds and is considered a test for cardiac safety of drugs or drug candidates. The IC50 values, obtained from data collected during electrophysiological studies, are highly dependent on experimental conditions (i.e. model, temperature, voltage protocol). For the in silico models' quality and performance, the data quality and consistency is a crucial issue. Therefore the main objective of our work was to collect and assess the hERG IC50 data available in accessible scientific literature to provide a high-quality data set for further studies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Depressive Illness in Teens and Preteens and Effectiveness of the RADS-2 as a First-Stage Assessment.JOURNAL OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRIC NURSING, Issue 3 2009Part 1: Descriptive Paper PROBLEM:, Measurement of the characteristics and severity of depression in adolescence is an emerging science. During patient assessment, or if using first-stage screening measures in practice, nurses must be confident that these instruments demonstrate high levels of accuracy in capturing the specific features of depressive symptoms expressed in diverse individuals. METHODS:, A review of the scientific literature of depressive illness and its assessment in teens and preteens is presented. The Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale,Revised (RADS-2) measure is introduced and evaluated from a nursing practice standpoint. FINDINGS:, The RADS-2 is easy to use and demonstrates good reliability, validity, and construct features, providing evidence for nurses that the measure can be used with confidence in assessment of depressive symptoms in adolescents. CONCLUSIONS:, The RADS-2 is an effective first-stage assessment of depressive mood in teens and preteens. [source] Limits of the Appeal to Internet in Accessing Information and Training in the Exercise of Parenting Skills in QuebecJOURNAL OF COMPUTER-MEDIATED COMMUNICATION, Issue 2 2008François Larose In this article, we define the concept of digital gap as a multidimensional construct, and account for the contradictory relations stated in the scientific literature concerning the appeal to Internet by the more or less privileged strata of society. We explore the state of the digital gap and analyze diverse policies implemented by federal and provincial governments to support accessibility to digital resources in Quebec. After presenting results of a survey with parents concerning access to information and training in the exercise of parenting skills, we analyze these data in accordance with factors associated with the digital gap. We conclude by underlining the danger of compensation policies for the most vulnerable strata of society when government services are placed online. [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] Blending Incremental and Stratified Layering Techniques to Produce an Esthetic Posterior Composite Resin Restoration with a Predictable PrognosisJOURNAL OF ESTHETIC AND RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY, Issue 2 2001DAVID KLAFF BDS ABSTRACT Composite resin restorations play an ever-increasing role as routine restorations in everyday clinical practice. However, the long-term prognosis of these restorations is still widely debated and open to question. The restorative protocols are still evolving, whether for direct or indirect placement, and little evidence is available in the scientific literature as to the ideal choice of site, technique, and category for placement. This article discusses the problems encountered and suggests a clinical restorative protocol to optimize composite resin placement. [source] EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT MACERATION TIMES AND PECTOLYTIC ENZYME ADDITION ON THE ANTHOCYANIN COMPOSITION OF VITIS VINIFERA CV. KALECIK KARASI WINESJOURNAL OF FOOD PROCESSING AND PRESERVATION, Issue 3 2009HASIM KELEBEK ABSTRACT Kalecik karasi is an important red grape cultivar for winemaking in Turkey. The effect of three different maceration times (3, 6 and 12 days) and addition of pectolytic enzyme (2 and 4 g/hL) on the anthocyanin and chemical composition of Kalecik karasi wines were studied. High performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry coupled with diode array detection was used for analysis. Fourteen anthocyanin compounds were detected in wines. Major anthocyanins in all wines are malvidin-3-glucoside and its acylated esters. The results showed that increasing maceration time, especially with addition of enzymes, gives significant increases in anthocyanin contents. Moreover, the wines treated with enzymes had higher values in total phenolics, tannins, and color intensity than the control wines. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Anthocyanins are the most important polyphenols in red grapes and red wines with potential health benefits. Therefore, the first analysis of the anthocyanins contents of wine obtained from important turkish cv. Kalecik karasi using liquid-chromatography-mass spectrometry and the influence of different maceration times and addition of pectolytic enzyme on these important phenolic compounds are of interest for scientific literature, the wine industry as well as for the wine consumer. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||