Sequential Steps (sequential + step)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Extraction and characterisation of hemicelluloses from maize stem

PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS, Issue 5 2010
Xiao-Feng Sun
Abstract Introduction , Extraction and characterisation of hemicelluloses are very important for converting them into functional materials and chemicals. Objective , To develop a method for isolation of hemicelluloses from all cell walls. Methodology , Sequential steps using 90% dioxane, 80% acidic dioxane, 100% dimethyl sulphoxide and 8% NaOH were used for extraction of the hemicellulosic preparations (H1, H2, H3 and H4) from maize stem. Advanced NMR techniques were used for the analysis of native hemicelluloses. Results , Hemicelluloses with high yieldd were isolated from all cell walls, and contained arabinoxylan as the major polysaccharide. H3 was substituted by , - l -arabinofuranose, , - d -xylopyranose, and acetyl groups (degree of saturation = 0.12/0.09) at O -3/O -2 of xylan. H4 had a long continuous side chain of arabinose residues, and associated closely with non-cellulosic glucose. The hemicelluloses formed more linkages with guaiacyl lignins, and some p -coumaric acids built a bridge between hemicelluloses and lignin in maize stem. Conclusion , This modified method is successful for the isolation of hemicelluloses with high yields from all cell walls of maize stem. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Reducing redundancy in invasion ecology by integrating hypotheses into a single theoretical framework

DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS, Issue 1 2009
Jane A. Catford
ABSTRACT Aim, Invasion ecology includes many hypotheses. Empirical evidence suggests that most of these can explain the success of some invaders to some degree in some circumstances. If they all are correct, what does this tell us about invasion? We illustrate the major themes in invasion ecology, and provide an overarching framework that helps organize research and foster links among subfields of invasion ecology and ecology more generally. Location, Global. Methods, We review and synthesize 29 leading hypotheses in plant invasion ecology. Structured around propagule pressure (P), abiotic characteristics (A) and biotic characteristics (B), with the additional influence of humans (H) on P, A and B (hereon PAB), we show how these hypotheses fit into one paradigm. P is based on the size and frequency of introductions, A incorporates ecosystem invasibility based on physical conditions, and B includes the characteristics of invading species (invasiveness), the recipient community and their interactions. Having justified the PAB framework, we propose a way in which invasion research could progress. Results, By highlighting the common ground among hypotheses, we show that invasion ecology is encumbered by theoretical redundancy that can be removed through integration. Using both holistic and incremental approaches, we show how the PAB framework can guide research and quantify the relative importance of different invasion mechanisms. Main conclusions, If the prime aim is to identify the main cause of invasion success, we contend that a top-down approach that focuses on PAB maximizes research efficiency. This approach identifies the most influential factors first, and subsequently narrows the number of potential causal mechanisms. By viewing invasion as a multifaceted process that can be partitioned into major drivers and broken down into a series of sequential steps, invasion theory can be rigorously tested, understanding improved and effective weed management techniques identified. [source]


Solid State Electrochemical Oxidation Mechanisms Of Morin in Aqueous Media

ELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 9 2005
Patricia Janeiro
Abstract The mechanism of electrochemical oxidation of morin has been studied using cyclic, differential pulse and square-wave voltammetry techniques in aqueous electrolyte with solid, insoluble morin hydrate mechanically transferred to a glassy carbon electrode surface, over a wide pH range. The oxidation mechanism proceeds in sequential steps, related with the hydroxyl groups in the three aromatic rings and the oxidation is pH dependent over part of the pH range the oxidation potentials are shifted to lower values with increasing pH. Oxidation of the 2,,4,dihydroxy moiety at the B ring of morin occurs first, at very low positive potentials, and is a one electron one proton reversible reaction. The hydroxyl groups oxidized at more positive potentials were shown to undergo an irreversible oxidation reaction. [source]


Stereoselectivity in the Rhodium-Catalysed Reductions of Non-Conjugated Dienes

ADVANCED SYNTHESIS & CATALYSIS (PREVIOUSLY: JOURNAL FUER PRAKTISCHE CHEMIE), Issue 9 2009
Bao Nguyen
Abstract The stereochemical course of rhodium-catalysed addition of hydrogen and catecholborane to bicyclo[2.2.1]heptadiene, and of hydrogen to a range of cyclic dienes has been analysed. For hydroboration, the overall catalytic reaction possesses exo -selectivity, but the initial step is endo -selective. For hydrogenation (deuteration), the first step may occur with either exo- or endo- selectivity, depending on the structure of the diene. This enables a distinction to be made between pathways involving prior dissociation of the diene, and direct addition to the complexed diene without full dissociation. The relative ease of hydrogenation of the first and second double bonds varies markedly with reactant structure, and also depends on the choice of catalyst ligands. For dicyclopentadiene, hydrogenation of the cyclopentene double bond is accompanied by rapid alkene isomerisation, as revealed by deuterium addition. The asymmetric hydrogenation of acyclic skipped meso -dienes is reported, demonstrating control of relative rates of the two sequential steps, with ees of up to 53% after the first reduction. [source]


Application of a model of social information processing to nursing theory: how nurses respond to patients

JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 4 2008
Lisa Kennedy Sheldon
Abstract Title.,Application of a model of social information processing to nursing theory: how nurses respond to patients. Aim., This paper is a report of a study to assess the applicability of a theoretical model of social information processing in expanding a nursing theory addressing how nurses respond to patients. Background., Nursing communication affects patient outcomes such as anxiety, adherence to treatments and satisfaction with care. Orlando's theory of nursing process describes nurses' reactions to patients' behaviour as generating a perception, thought and feeling in the nurse and then action by the nurse. A model of social information processing describes the sequential steps in the cognitive processes used to respond to social cues and may be useful in describing the nursing process. Methods., Cognitive interviews were conducted in 2006 with a convenience sample of 5 nurses in the United States of America. The data were interpreted using the Crick and Dodge model of social information processing. Findings., Themes arising from cognitive interviews validated concepts of the nursing theory and the constructs of the model of social information processing. The interviews revealed that the support of peers was an additional construct involved in the development of communication skills, creation of a database and enhancement of self-efficacy. Conclusion., Models of social information processing enhance understanding of the process of how nurses respond to patients and further develop nursing theories further. In combination, the theories are useful in developing research into nurse,patient communication. Future research based on the expansion of nursing theory may identify effective and culturally appropriate nurse response patterns to specific patient interactions with implications for nursing care and patient outcomes. [source]


Preparation and characterization of PDLC films formed using a two-step procedure

ADVANCES IN POLYMER TECHNOLOGY, Issue 1 2007
Yu-Che Hsiao
Abstract A novel polymer-dispersed liquid crystal composite film was prepared using liquid crystal and dual resins, namely, UV-curable urethane diacrylate and thermo-curable epoxy, with a fixed LC content of 50 wt%. A combination treatment of UV irradiation and heat was performed in sequential steps. At first, the urethane diacrylate resin was cross-linked through UV irradiation and a pre-UV-cured film was formed. Then, the pre-UV-cured film was heat treated for curing the thermo-curable epoxy resin. As the thermal polymerization continued, LC droplets were formed and became embedded within the polymer matrix. PDLC films obtained from the polymer matrix with refractive indices in a range from 1.511 to 1.523 (1.517 ± 0.006) have optimal electro-optical properties. Films with a refractive index higher than 1.523 have high contrast ratio (CR), threshold voltage (Vth), and V90, whereas those with a low refractive index of 1.508 have low CR, Vth, and V90. In this study, we found that PDLC composite films with optimal compositions prepared by dual resins (UV/thermal) have good electro-optical properties. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 26:14,20, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20087 [source]


Developmental cross talking in the ectomycorrhizal symbiosis: signals and communication genes

NEW PHYTOLOGIST, Issue 1 2001
Francis Martin
Summary Development of ectomycorrhizas involves multiple genes that are implicated in a complex series of interdependent, sequential steps. Current research into ectomycorrhiza development and functioning is aimed at understanding this plant,microbe interaction in a framework of the developmental and physiological processes that underlie colonization and morphogenesis. After a brief introduction to the ectomycorrhizal symbiosis, the present article highlights recent work on the early signal exchange taking place between symbionts, and sketches the way functional genomics is altering our thinking about changes in gene expression during the early steps of the ectomycorrhiza development. [source]


Role of translational research advancing the understanding of the pathogenesis of light chain-mediated glomerulopathies

PATHOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, Issue 7 2007
Jiamin Teng
Glomerulopathic light chains engage in pathological interactions with mesangial cells resulting in alterations in glomerular homeostasis. The crucial pathological events are centered in the mesangium and, therefore, research dealing with pathogenesis of these disorders is focused on this glomerular compartment. Particular physicochemical characteristics of these light chains are responsible for their ability to alter mesangial milieu leading to glomerular damage. An in vitro model has been used to dissect the processes involved. This model has been instrumental in providing a solid platform from which to observe in a dynamic fashion how mesangial cells handle pathogenic light chains and the sequential steps that are involved in the progressive glomerular damage. Key steps amenable to possible modulation have been defined and should provide a solid platform to design and test therapeutic interventions. In the past significant difficulties have been encountered in the development of animal models of light chain-induced glomerular damage. However, in the last few years a new generation of animal models has emerged to address whether what has been documented in vitro retains significance in vivo. Preliminary observations appear to substantiate this. [source]


Thriving as Becoming Resolute in Narratives of Women Surviving Childhood Maltreatment

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF ORTHOPSYCHIATRY, Issue 3 2009
Joanne M. Hall PhD
The purpose of this feminist interpretive study was to portray the experience of women thriving after childhood maltreatment (CM) through personal narratives. An interdisciplinary team conducted multiple in-depth interviews of 44 women survivors of CM who identified themselves as successful and doing well. The interviews focused on "what worked" and "what did not" with the aim of exploring aftereffects of CM; strengths and strategies; interactions helpful in overcoming abuse; and related sociopolitical contexts. Narrative analyses revealed a distinct, dynamic process of becoming resolute characterized by six dimensions that were not sequential steps but characteristics, actions, and interactions. This study offers a new understanding of the experience of women gaining solid footing in their lives, the peace of knowing the abuse is over, and power to move in an upward trajectory. [source]


Quantification of Greenland halibut serum vitellogenin: a trip from the deep sea to the mass spectrometer

RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY, Issue 7 2009
Alejandro M. Cohen
This paper focuses on the sequential steps involved in developing a technique for quantifying Greenland halibut vitellogenin, a serum protein biomarker, using a comprehensive mass spectrometric approach. In the first phase of this study, in-gel trypsin digestions of serum proteins separated by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) were analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). A characteristic band around a molecular mass of 185,kDa, present in the mature female specimens, but absent in the male samples, was identified as vitellognin according to the peptide mass fingerprint obtained by MALDI-MS. Subsequently, MALDI and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) analyses were performed on the digest of the vitellogenin band for de novo sequencing. From these studies, a characteristic 'signature' peptide (sequence: FFGQEIAFANIDK) was selected from a list of candidate peptides as a surrogate analytical standard used for quantification purposes. Sample preparation for vitellogenin quantification consisted of a simple one-step overnight trypsin digestion. Samples were spiked with an isotopologue signature peptide standard and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled in-line to an electrospray quadrupole-hexapole-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer, operated in selective reaction monitoring mode. Transitions [(m/z 750.0,,,1020.4 and 750.0,,,1205.4) and (754.8,,,1028.6 and 754.8,,,1213.2)] were monitored for the signature peptide and the internal standard, respectively. Samples obtained from the field showed that vitellogenin levels were in accordance with fish maturity determined by macroscopic examination of the gonad, proving this technique suitable for measuring vitellogenin as a serum protein biomarker for reproductive maturity in female fish. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Molecular anatomy of a speckle

THE ANATOMICAL RECORD : ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE ANATOMY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY, Issue 7 2006
Lisa L. Hall
Abstract Direct localization of specific genes, RNAs, and proteins has allowed the dissection of individual nuclear speckles in relation to the molecular biology of gene expression. Nuclear speckles (aka SC35 domains) are essentially ubiquitous structures enriched for most pre-mRNA metabolic factors, yet their relationship to gene expression has been poorly understood. Analyses of specific genes and their spliced or mature mRNA strongly support that SC35 domains are hubs of activity, not stores of inert factors detached from gene expression. We propose that SC35 domains are hubs that spatially link expression of specific pre-mRNAs to rapid recycling of copious RNA metabolic complexes, thereby facilitating expression of many highly active genes. In addition to increasing the efficiency of each step, sequential steps in gene expression are structurally integrated at each SC35 domain, consistent with other evidence that the biochemical machineries for transcription, splicing, and mRNA export are coupled. Transcription and splicing are subcompartmentalized at the periphery, with largely spliced mRNA entering the domain prior to export. In addition, new findings presented here begin to illuminate the structural underpinnings of a speckle by defining specific perturbations of phosphorylation that promote disassembly or assembly of an SC35 domain in relation to other components. Results thus far are consistent with the SC35 spliceosome assembly factor as an integral structural component. Conditions that disperse SC35 also disperse poly(A) RNA, whereas the splicing factor ASF/SF2 can be dispersed under conditions in which SC35 or SRm300 remain as intact components of a core domain. Anat Rec Part A, 288A:664,675, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


A case of intersexuality in pigs associated with a de novo paracentric inversion 9 (p1.2; p2.2)

ANIMAL GENETICS, Issue 1 2002
A. Pinton
In several mammalian species, genetic defects can be responsible for the interruption of and/or the deviation from the sequential steps of normal gonadal differentiation, leading to a sex-reversal syndrome. In pigs, female-to-male sex-reversal conditions are particularly frequent, but their aetiologies remain unclear. Chromosomal abnormalities that co-occur with sex-reversal disorders can be useful in the identification of loci containing responsible or susceptibility genes. This report describes a female-to-male SRY -negative intersex pig with a de novo paracentric inversion of the short arm of one chromosome 9 (p1.2; p2.2). We have fine mapped the proximal chromosomal breakpoint of this rearrangement because it corresponded to a region potentially involved in the pig intersexuality. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) experiments carried out with Bacterial Artificial Chromosome (BAC) clones located within the critical region defined by genetic linkage analysis and ordered on the porcine RH map allowed us to locate the proximal breakpoint between markers SW2571 and SW539. Further investigations are currently in progress to find new markers inside this interval, in order to determine the BAC in which the break occurred. [source]