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Simple Technique (simple + technique)
Selected AbstractsLateral Wedge Resection: A Simple Technique for Repairing Involutional Lower Eyelid EntropionDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 9 2010IGAL LEIBOVITCH MD BACKGROUND Lower lid involutional entropion is a common eyelid pathology affecting the elderly population. Most of the reported surgical techniques are mainly based on a lateral tarsal strip anchored to the orbital rim. OBJECTIVES To report the surgical outcome using a simple single-stitch lateral wedge technique to repair involutional lower entropion. METHODS This single-surgeon, retrospective, noncomparative cases series included all patients with involutional lower eyelid entropion who were operated on using the lateral wedge technique. RESULTS Fifty-eight eyelids of 52 patients (46 unilateral, 6 bilateral; 27 men, 25 women; age, mean 67±10; range 50,85) underwent surgical repair. Immediate resolution of entropion and associated ocular symptoms was achieved in 55 eyelids (94.9%). One case had postoperative ectropion that completely resolved spontaneously after 4 weeks, and one had wound dehiscence that healed completely without any intervention. Another patient had residual entropion that resolved after an additional surgical repair. No other cases of recurrence were noted during a mean follow-up period of 16 months (range 6,24 months). CONCLUSION This minimally invasive single-stitch lateral wedge technique is a simple and effective procedure for repairing involutional lower eyelid entropion and is associated with low recurrence and complication rates. Igal Leibovitch, MD, has indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters. [source] A Simple Technique of Distal Limb Perfusion During Prolonged Femoro-Femoral CannulationJOURNAL OF CARDIAC SURGERY, Issue 2 2006Navid Madershahian M.D. A serious complication of prolonged femoral cannulation remains the ischemic injury of the distal limb. Subjects: To minimize the incidence of ischemia in the cannulated leg, we have begun to provide antegrade femoral blood flow by placing a vascular introducer percutaneously distal to the arterial cannula into the superficial femoral artery and connecting it to the side port of the arterial line. Conclusion: This technique of distal limb perfusion was found to be safe and effective in preventing lower limb ischemia for patients with prolonged femoral cannulation for extracorporeal circulatory support. [source] A Simple Technique for Purifying Fungal Cultures Contaminated with Bacteria and MitesJOURNAL OF PHYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 9 2001S. S. Ko A simple technique was developed for purifying fungal cultures contaminated with bacteria and mites. It was based on the observation that the growth of bacteria and movement of mites were confined to the upper surface of the agar. A culture contaminated with bacteria and mites was transferred to a piece of clean paper with the upper surface facing down. Small thin pieces (approximately 3 mm × 3 mm × 0.5 mm) of agar were removed from the exposed surface and transferred to a V-8 agar plate. Colonies that developed from these agar pieces were free from bacteria and mites. [source] Finding stale-value errors in concurrent programsCONCURRENCY AND COMPUTATION: PRACTICE & EXPERIENCE, Issue 12 2004Michael Burrows Abstract Concurrent programs can suffer from many types of errors, not just the well-studied problems of deadlocks and simple race conditions on variables. This paper addresses a kind of race condition that arises from reading a variable whose value is possibly out of date. The paper introduces a simple technique for detecting such stale values, and reports on the encouraging experience with a compile-time checker that uses the technique. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Fabrication of Nanoporous Copper Film for Electrochemical Detection of GlucoseELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 21 2009Sirilak Sattayasamitsathit Abstract A nanoporous copper film was fabricated on a copper wire by electrodeposition of copper/zinc alloy and chemically etching of zinc. The surface morphology was investigated by SEM. When applied to detect glucose in an amperometric flow injection system the porous copper electrode provided 12 times higher sensitivity than solid copper. It could be continuously used up to 50 times (%RSD=5.7). Different preparations of the porous film provided reproducible responses (P<0.05). Detection of glucose in E. coli cultivation medium compared well with spectrophotometric technique (P<0.05). This simple technique can produce a nanoporous electrode with good performances and can easily be applied to other metals and analytes. [source] Picoliter-volume aqueous droplets in oil: Electrochemical detection and yeast cell electroporationELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 10 2006Chunxiong Luo Abstract An electrochemical detection method was introduced for aqueous droplet analysis in oil phase of microfluidic devices. This method is based on the electrochemical signal difference between aqueous and oil. Applying a low alternating current,(AC) voltage to a couple of Au microelectrodes, this method can offer size information and ion concentration range from 0.02,mmol/L to 1,mol/L of tens of picoliter to nanoliter aqueous droplets. Alternatively, applying a relative high AC voltage (18,Vpp) at a frequency of 1,kHz leads to electroporation of yeast cells encapsulated into picoliter droplets. We believe that this simple technique is useful for a number of aqueous droplet-based chemical and biological analyses as well as cell electroporation. [source] Cost-Affordable Technique Involving Equal Channel Angular Pressing for the Manufacturing of Ultrafine Grained Sheets of an Al,Li,Mg,Sc Alloy,ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 8 2010Rustam Kaibyshev A two-step process consisting of modified equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) and subsequent isothermal rolling (IR) was developed to produce thin sheets of aluminum alloys with ultra-fine grained (UFG) structure. Significant increase in the efficiency of ECAP was attained by using flat billets and a back pressure system. The incorporation of final IR into technologic route provides a reduced strain which is necessary to impose for the fabrication of thin sheets with UFG structure. In addition, it allows producing relatively "long billets." In order to demonstrate the feasibility of this technique an Al,5.1Mg,2.1Li,0.17Sc,0.08Zr (wt %) alloy was subjected to ECAP at 325,°C to a total strain of ,8 using processing route CX. The operation time of this processing did not exceed 15,min. Subsequent IR at the same temperature with a total reduction of 88% was applied to produce thin sheets with a 1.8,mm thickness and an average size of recrystallized grains of ,1.6,µm. These sheets exhibit extraordinary high superplastic ductilities. In addition, this material demonstrated almost isotropic mechanical behavior at room temperature. The maximum elongation-to-failure of ,2700% was attained at a temperature of 450,°C and an initial strain rate of 1.4,×,10,2 s,1. Thus it was demonstrated that the two-step processing consisting of ECAP with a back pressure followed by IR was a simple technique providing potential capability for the fabrication of superplastic sheets from an Al,Mg,Li,Sc alloy on a commercial scale. [source] REACH-driven developments in analysis and physicochemistry,FLAVOUR AND FRAGRANCE JOURNAL, Issue 3 2010A. Chaintreau Abstract The enforcement of the REACH regulation in the fragrance domain has created new challenges for the analytical and physical chemist. Many chemicals used as perfumery ingredients are hydrophobic, because low-polar compounds exhibit a higher substantivity (i.e. persistence after application) than do polar compounds. As a result, the usual protocols are often unsuitable and new methods must be developed. Biodegradation studies sometimes call for the quantification of traces of such hydrophobic analytes in complex media (e.g. waste water, aqueous surfactant solutions). Existing sample preparation techniques are either inefficient or time consuming. A new approach is proposed, based on single-use absorbants, which allows accurate quantification down to the 100 ppb range. This extremely simple technique allows good throughput analyses. Determining the environmental profile of a compound requires the determination of some physical constants. Among these, solubility in water can be obtained from theoretical models or experimentally, but the resulting values may greatly differ as a function of the model or the protocol. Several experimental approaches are critically discussed and compared with a reference technique. The air-to-water partition coefficients are determined by using an improved version of the previously developed static-and-trapped headspace technique. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Foreign body in the apical portion of a root canal in a tooth with an immature apex: a case reportINTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL, Issue 10 2008A. R. Prabhakar Abstract Aim, To describe the successful retrieval of a foreign object located in the apical portion of an immature root canal by simple orthograde techniques, avoiding the need for surgery or intentional reimplantation. Summary, A radio-opaque foreign object lodged in the apical portion of an immature root canal was discovered on radiographic examination of a patient with a complicated crown fracture. Attempts to retrieve it resulted in displacement into the periapical area. Eventually, the object was retrieved by a simple technique, followed by successful apexification, root canal filling and jacket crown placement. Key learning points ,,Foreign bodies in root canals should be carefully evaluated to determine their nature, position, size and the degree of difficulty that may be encountered during retrieval. ,,Patience, care and appropriate techniques may be helpful in retrieving foreign bodies and avoiding periapical surgery. ,,Complicated crown fractures should be managed promptly, and prolonged open drainage avoided in children if the risks of foreign body impaction are to be minimized. [source] An underwater photomosaic technique using Adobe PhotoshopÔINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NAUTICAL ARCHAEOLOGY, Issue 1 2002Colin J. M. Martin A simple technique for taking systematic runs of vertical underwater photographs is described. Computer-based procedures for rectifying, matching, and assembling the photographs into mosaics using Adobe PhotoshopÔ software are then explained. [source] The learning process of the hydrolocalization technique performed during ultrasound-guided regional anesthesiaACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 4 2010S. BLOC Background: Because poor echogenicity of the needle remains a safety issue, we decided to analyze the learning process of the hydrolocalization technique (Hloc) performed to continuously identify needle-tip anatomical position during many ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia procedures. Methods: Ten senior anesthesiologists naïve to the Hloc agreed to participate in the study. They were requested to perform 40 out-of-plane (OOP) approach ultrasound-guided axillary blocks (AB) each using the Hloc. The Hloc, which is a needle-tip localization principle, was performed by means of repetitive injections of a small amount of a local anesthetic solution (0.5,1 ml) under an ultrasound beam. Details of the learning process and skill acquisition of the Hloc were derived from the following parameters: the duration of block placement, a measure of the perceived difficulty of needle-tip visualization, a measure of block placement difficulty, and the amount of local anesthetics solution required for the technique. Results: Four hundred ABs were performed. The success rate of an ultrasound-guided AB was 98%. The Hloc was successful in all patients. Skill acquisition over time of the Hloc was associated with a significant reduction of both the duration and the perceived difficulty of ABs placement. Apprenticeship data revealed that 20 blocks were required to successfully place AB within 5 min in most cases using the Hloc. Conclusion: The Hloc performed during the OOP approach of ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia is a simple technique with a relatively short learning process feasible for efficient placement of ABs. [source] A novel simple technique for en face endothelial observations using water-soluble media ,,thinned-wall' preparationsJOURNAL OF ANATOMY, Issue 2 2008L. Jelev Abstract A new, easily applicable technique providing en face preparations for light microscopy observations of the rat aorta and human thin wall arteries is described here. The major steps of the technique include attachment of the fixed and flattened vessel with the endothelium face down on a glass slide, covered with a water-soluble adhesive medium; drying and softening the vessel wall with another water-soluble medium; removal of the adventitia and most of the media; detaching the layer by placing the glass slide in water; and final attachment of the layer with the endothelium upwards. On such ,thinned-wall' preparations, 40,50 µm in thickness, the stained endothelial cells are clearly visible. Because of the preparation thickness and the use of water-soluble media during the preparation, some subendothelial lipid accumulations, characteristic of the early stages of atherosclerosis process, are well preserved. [source] A simple technique to convert sitting-drop vapor diffusion into hanging-drop vapor diffusion by solidifying the reservoir solution with agaroseJOURNAL OF APPLIED CRYSTALLOGRAPHY, Issue 5 2009Tae Woong Whon A simple protocol to convert sitting-drop vapor-diffusion plating into a hanging-drop vapor-diffusion experiment in protein crystallization is reported. After making a sitting-drop plate, agarose solution was added to solidify the reservoir solution, and the plates were incubated upside down. Crystallization experiments with hen egg white lysozyme, thaumatin and glucose isomerase showed that the `upside-down sitting-drop' method could produce single crystals with all the benefits of the hanging-drop crystallization method. [source] Consistent treatment of inter- and intramolecular polarization in molecular mechanics calculationsJOURNAL OF COMPUTATIONAL CHEMISTRY, Issue 16 2002Pengyu Ren Abstract A protocol is described for the treatment of molecular polarization in force field calculations. The resulting model is consistent in that both inter- and intramolecular polarization are handled within a single scheme. An analytical formula for removing intramolecular polarization from a set of atomic multipoles for an arbitrary static structure or conformation is given. With the help of the intramolecular polarization, these permanent atomic multipoles can then be applied in modeling alternative conformations of a molecule. Equipped with this simple technique, one can derive transferable electrostatic parameters for peptides and proteins using flexible model compounds such as dipeptides. The proposed procedure is tested for its ability to describe the electrostatic potential around various configurations of the N -methylacetamide dimer. The effect of different intramolecular polarization schemes on the accuracy of a force field model of the electrostatic potential of alanine dipeptide is investigated. A group-based scheme for including direct intramolecular polarization is shown to be most successful in accounting for the conformational dependence of electrostatic potentials. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 23: 1497,1506, 2002 [source] Micromanipulation of single cells from tissue imprints is an alternative to laser-assisted microdissectionJOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY, Issue 7 2005Tilmann C. Brauns Different techniques have been developed to obtain single cells from solid tissue. Currently, the most frequently used technique is laser-assisted microdissection (LAM). However, LAM of tissues cannot exclude contamination of the targeted cells by underlying cell fragments. Moreover, this technique can only be performed if a laser microscope is available. Thus, we developed a method to obtain single cells of fresh solid tissue by the simple technique of tissue imprints. After immunostaining of the imprints, single cells were transferred to a reaction tube using a 27-gauge needle guided by a mechanical micromanipulator. Consequently, we used these cells in a single cell PCR. [source] Maximizing Esthetic Results in Posterior Restorations Using Composite OpaquersJOURNAL OF ESTHETIC AND RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY, Issue 4 2001WALTER R.L. DIAS DDS ABSTRACT After removal of caries or a faulty existing restoration in a posterior tooth, frequently the pulpal floor is a dark substrate. Composites are translucent by nature, and even the more opaque shades transmit nearly 60% of visible light, meaning that composites require a certain thickness to maintain their intended shade, especially if the underlying substrate is particularly dark. Depending on the intensity of the dark substrate, even relatively thick composite restorations may not be capable of disguising the discolored dentin underneath. The substrate absorbs a significant part of the light that would otherwise reflect toward the occlusal surface, and the restoration has a nonvital monochromatic grayish color. Opaquers and tints (color modifiers) may be extremely useful to overcome this situation. In this study, composite restorations were placed in extracted teeth to demonstrate that the final esthetic results rely upon the optical properties of the background as well as those of the composite material itself. Preparations with simulated dark pulpal floors were restored without the use of opaquers and tint modifiers. After tooth hydration, the final shade was recorded with photographs. The restoration was removed and a new restoration was placed, but this time with a technique involving opaquer and tints. This article compares and discusses the outcomes of these two procedures. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE This demonstration shows a simple technique that can help dentists obtain predictable esthetic results in their daily practice with posterior composite restorations. [source] MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS FOR CLASSIFICATION OF COMMERCIAL GRAPEFRUIT JUICE PRODUCTS BY VOLATILE CONSTITUTESJOURNAL OF FOOD QUALITY, Issue 3 2000JORGE A. PINO ABSTRACT Isolation of volatile constituents from fresh and processed grapefruit juice by a simple technique afforded up to 20 components in each juice type. Many of these constituents are known to contribute to grapefruit juice flavor. Multivariate analysis utilizing the concentration data of twelve constituents allowed classification of the juice samples according to processing conditions. The classification corresponded to expected flavor quality. [source] Application of a Depth Sensing Indentation Hardness Test to Evaluate the Mechanical Properties of Food MaterialsJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 5 2002N. ÖZkan ABSTRACT: A depth sensing indentation hardness test with an associated analysis is described as a convenient and simple technique for characterizing mechanical properties of food materials, such as hardness (H), elastic modulus (E), and an elasticity index (IE), which represents the ratio of elastic to total deformation. Storage modulus (G,) and loss tangent (tan§) of the selected model food material, a whey protein concentrate (WPC) gel, have also been determined using an oscillatory dynamic testing. Fractal dimension (D) and strain rate (or frequency) exponent (n) of the WPC gels were determined using both the indentation and dynamic test results. A good correlation between the results from the indentation and the dynamic tests was established. The effects of protein concentration, deformation rate, and chemical treatment on the mechanical properties of the WPC gels were clearly illustrated using the indentation test. [source] Development of a Simple and Low-Cost Enzymatic Methodology for Quantitative Analysis of Carbamates in Meat Samples of Forensic InterestJOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES, Issue 3 2010Bruno Duarte Sabino Ph.D. Abstract:, Foods contaminated with a granulated material similar to Temik (a commercial pesticide formulation containing the carbamate insecticide aldicarb) are often involved in accidental ingestion, suicides, and homicides in Brazil. We developed a simple technique to detect aldicarb. This technique is based on the inhibition of a stable preparation of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, and it is specially adapted for forensic purposes. It comprises an initial extraction step with the solvent methylene chloride followed by a colorimetric acetylcholinesterase assay. We propose that results of testing contaminated forensic samples be expressed in aldicarb equivalents because, even though all other carbamates are also potent enzyme inhibitors, aldicarb is the contaminant most frequently found in forensic samples. This method is rapid (several samples can be run in a period of 2 h) and low cost. This method also proved to be precise and accurate, detecting concentrations as low as 40 ,g/kg of aldicarb in meat samples. [source] Videoanoscopy: Useful technique in the evaluation of hemorrhoidsJOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 8pt2 2008Kareem Harish Abstract Background and Aim:, Rigid proctoscopy, the gold standard for detecting hemorrhoids, has become a neglected procedure in the era of flexible endoscopy. Evaluation of hemorrhoids is often done with the retroflexed fiberoptic colonoscope. The aim of this study was to evaluate the technique of videoanoscopy in comparison with retroflexion of colonoscope in the rectum to detect hemorrhoids and to correlate objective findings of hemorrhoids and their relation to bleeding. Methods:, In total, 544 patients were screened and 358 patients were evaluated by the technique of videoanoscopy and retroflexion of colonoscope in the rectum. The video images of both the procedures were independently analyzed by two observers for the presence or absence of hemorrhoids. The videoanoscopy images were also analyzed for number of columns of hemorrhoids, size and presence of red-color sign. Results:, Videoanoscopy detected hemorrhoids in a significantly higher number of subjects when compared with retroflexion of colonoscope in the rectum by both observers (P < 0.05). The average kappa value was 0.637 and 0.779 for retroflexed colonoscopy and videoanoscopy, respectively. Red-color sign was present in 80.5% of patients with bleeding compared with only 30.3% in the non-bleeding group. The majority (71%) of patients in the bleeding group had larger hemorrhoids. Red-color sign and size of hemorrhoidal columns correlated with bleeding (P < 0.05). Conclusion:, Videoanoscopy is a simple technique with increased sensitivity to detect hemorrhoids compared with intrarectal retroflexion of colonoscope and yields valuable objective information about the presence and condition of hemorrhoids. It should be performed as an extension of standard colonoscopy. [source] Rapid method for culturing embryonic neuron,glial cell coculturesJOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH, Issue 5 2003Åsa Fex Svenningsen Abstract A streamlined, simple technique for primary cell culture from E17 rat tissue is presented. In an attempt to standardize culturing methods for all neuronal cell types in the embryo, we evaluated a commercial medium without serum and used similar times for trypsinization and tested different surfaces for plating. In 1 day, using one method and a single medium, it is possible to produce robust E17 cultures of dorsal root ganglia (DRG), cerebellum, and enteric plexi. Allowing the endogenous glial cells to repopulate the cultures saves time compared with existing techniques, in which glial cells are added to cultures first treated with antimitotic agents. It also ensures that all the cells present in vivo will be present in the culture. Myelination commences after approximately 2 weeks in culture for dissociated DRG and 3,4 weeks in cerebellar cultures. In enteric cultures, glial wrapping of the enteric neurons is seen after 3 weeks (2 weeks in ascorbic acid), suggesting that basal lamina production is important even for glial ensheathment in the enteric nervous system. No overgrowth of fibroblasts or other nonneuronal cells was noted in any cultures, and myelination of the peripheral nervous system and central nervous system cultures was very robust. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Intrauterine treatment for an acardiac twin with alcohol injection into the umbilical arteryJOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH (ELECTRONIC), Issue 2 2002Theera Tongsong Abstract An acardiac twin is a unique complication of monochorionic twinning, in which a normal pump twin perfuses the acardiac twin. The mortality rate of the pump twin is greater than 50%. Herein we present the successful treatment of an acardiac twin with alcoholization as follows. An acardiac twin was diagnosed at 24 weeks gestation. Circulation interruption of the acardiac twin was successfully achieved by injection of absolute alcohol (5 mL) into the intra-abdominal umbilical artery. Serial ultrasound after the procedure revealed normal growth of the pump twin, whereas the acardiac twin was shrinking. Spontaneous premature delivery at 34 weeks gestation resulted in a normal surviving female baby weighing 2410 g and an acardiac female fetus weighing 300 g. This experience suggests that this simple technique may be an alternative treatment for an acardiac twin. [source] A Simple Technique for Purifying Fungal Cultures Contaminated with Bacteria and MitesJOURNAL OF PHYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 9 2001S. S. Ko A simple technique was developed for purifying fungal cultures contaminated with bacteria and mites. It was based on the observation that the growth of bacteria and movement of mites were confined to the upper surface of the agar. A culture contaminated with bacteria and mites was transferred to a piece of clean paper with the upper surface facing down. Small thin pieces (approximately 3 mm × 3 mm × 0.5 mm) of agar were removed from the exposed surface and transferred to a V-8 agar plate. Colonies that developed from these agar pieces were free from bacteria and mites. [source] Technique for visual demonstration of germinating arbuscular mycorrhizal spores and their multiplication in potsJOURNAL OF PLANT NUTRITION AND SOIL SCIENCE, Issue 5 2007Jitendra Panwar Abstract We describe a simple technique for the germination of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM),fungal spores and their multiplication in pots. Glomus fasciculatum, G. mosseae, and Gigaspora margarita were used. A single wheat seedling was tied to a glass slide, previously covered with filter paper with the help of thread. One single surface-sterilized AM-fungal spore was placed on the middle portion of the root of the wheat seedling using a sterilized syringe. The slide was placed vertically in a 100,mL glass beaker filled with 25,mL of root exudates,water (1:4, v/v) solution, which was collected by growing twenty wheat seedlings in a 150,mL beaker filled with 100,mL sterilized distilled water for 7 d. The slide was observed daily using a compound microscope to follow the time course of germination. In this technique, the spore is directly in contact with the host root, and a visualization of spore germination, hyphal development, and appressorium formation is possible without disrupting fungal growth or the establishment of the symbiosis. The method allows to document the germination events and to assess hyphal-elongation rates by photographing the same spore on consecutive days. The inoculated seedling was used to initiate single-spore multiplication in a sterilized (autoclave on 3 alternate days at 120°C for 120,min at 1.05,kg,cm,2 pressure) potted sandy soil (150,mL volume) into which the slide with the inoculated seedling was inserted carefully through a previously made slit. The wheat seedlings in all pots (4 treatments and 15 replications) became colonized by mycorrhiza, confirming that the establishment of the AM-fungal symbiosis is highly reproducible. Our technique permits the relatively undisturbed growth of the symbiotic partners, the visualization of germinating AM-fungal spores, and their multiplication in pots. This simple and low-cost method facilitates the production of pure lines of AM fungi from single spores, allowing for the study of intraspecific variation and potentiality for cytological, biochemical, physiological, and taxonomical studies. [source] CONSUMER EXPECTATIONS AND PERCEPTION OF CHOCOLATE MILK DESSERTS ENRICHED WITH ANTIOXIDANTSJOURNAL OF SENSORY STUDIES, Issue 2010GASTÓN ARES ABSTRACT A study was carried out to identify consumers' previous expectations of chocolate milk desserts enriched with antioxidants and to determine if these expectations affected product perception. Seventy-five consumers participated in the study and were asked to complete a word association task before the evaluation. Then, consumers tried six milk desserts with different polyphenolic concentration, scored their overall liking and willingness to purchase and provided up to four words to describe each of the samples. Cluster analysis performed on consumer-elicited terms in the word association task allowed the identification of three consumer segments with different expectations and motivations toward chocolate milk desserts enriched with antioxidants. These groups also differed in their evaluation of the desserts when tasting them, showing different overall liking, willingness to purchase and sensory description of the samples. This suggests that consumers' prior expectations and motivations significantly affected their response when tasting the desserts. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Word association was used to get an insight on consumer expectations of chocolate milk desserts enriched with antioxidants, proving to be a useful methodology. This approach could be a simple technique to understand consumer expectations before tasting a product, and to study how these expectations affect their response after tasting the product, particularly interesting when novel products are considered. Consumer segmentation based on their previous thoughts about a product could help to assure that a product meets consumer expectations appropriately, leading to a higher satisfaction. [source] Highly selective artificial gel antibodies for detection and quantification of biomarkers in clinical samples.JOURNAL OF SEPARATION SCIENCE, JSS, Issue 22 2008Abstract High selectivity of a biomarker is a basic requirement when it is used for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of a disease. The artificial gel antibodies, which we synthesise by a molecular imprinting method, have this property not only for proteins, but also for bioparticles, such as viruses and bacteria. However, diagnosis of a disease requires not only that the biomarker can be "fished out" from a body fluid with high selectivity, but also that its concentration in the sample can rapidly be determined and preferably by a simple technique. This paper deals primarily with the development of a spectrophotometric method, which is so simple and fast that it can be used with advantage in a Doctor's Office. The development of this method was not straight-forward. However, by modifications of the performance of these measurements we can now design standard curves in the form of a straight line, when we plot the true (not the recorded "apparent" absorption) against known protein concentrations. In an additional publication (see the following paper in this issue of JSS) we show an application of such a plot: determination of the concentration of albumin in serum and cerebrospinal fluid from patients with neurological disorders to investigate whether albumin is a biomarker for these diseases. [source] Isolated limb infusion: A reviewJOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY, Issue 2 2009Hidde M. Kroon MD Abstract Isolated limb perfusion is the preferred treatment option for locally advanced melanoma and sarcoma confined to a limb. This treatment results in high response rates with a satisfying duration of response in both tumours. A drawback of isolated limb perfusion, however, is the invasive and complex character of the procedure. Isolated limb infusion has been designed as a minimally invasive alternative to isolated limb perfusion. Treatment results of this simple technique, reported by various centres worldwide, show comparable response rates for melanoma and sarcoma. Therefore isolated limb infusion may replace isolated limb perfusion in the future as the preferred treatment option for these locally advanced limb tumours. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:169,177. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] FORECASTING DRY SEASON STREAMFLOW ON THE PEACE RIVER AT ARCADIA, FLORIDA, USA,JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN WATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATION, Issue 4 2006David M. Coley ABSTRACT: The Peace River at Arcadia, Florida, is a municipal water supply supplement for southwestern Florida. Consequently, probabilities of encountering low flows during the dry season are of critical importance. Since the association between Pacific Ocean sea surface temperatures (SSTs) and seasonal streamflow variability in the southeastern United States is well documented, it is reasonable to generate forecasts based on this information. Here, employing historic records of minimum, mean, and maximum flows during winter (JFM) and spring (AMJ), upper and lower terciles define "above normal,""normal," and "below normal" levels of each variable. A probability distribution model describes the likelihood of these seasonal variables conditioned upon Pacific SSTs from the previous summer (JAS). Model calibration is based upon 40 (of 50) years of record employing stratified random sampling to ensure equal representation from each decade. The model is validated against the remaining 10 samples and the process repeated 100 times. Each conditional probability distribution yields varying probabilities of observing flow variables within defined categories. Generally, a warm (cold) Pacific is associated with higher (lower) flows. To test model skill, the forecast is constrained to be the most probable category in each calibration year, with significance tested by chi-square frequency tables. For all variables, the tables indicate high levels of association between forecast and observed terciles and forecast skill, particularly during winter. During spring the pattern is less clear, possibly due to the variable starting date of the summer rainy season. This simple technique suggests that Pacific SSTs provide a good forecast of low flows. [source] Opposed bilateral transposition flap: a simple and effective way to close large defects, especially of the limbsJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 5 2008R Verdolini Abstract Background, Excision of large tumours, particularly of the limbs, can be challenging because of problems related to wound repair. This is especially true of the lower legs, where skin is often tight and difficult to mobilize. Closure by flap, which would represent the first choice for defects usually between 12,15 mm to 38,40 mm diameter, is at risk of developing complications, such as end-flap necrosis or dehiscence due to skin tension. For larger defects, usually more than 40 to 45 mm diameter, grafting still remains the only realistic option in the majority of cases, with all the various problems associated with this procedure, such as lengthy healing times and the risk of developing leg ulcers, above all in elderly patients with impaired blood circulation. Second intention healing implies extraordinarily long healing times with often unacceptable delays in normal ambulation and activity. Objective, To find an alternative to the usual repair techniques and to try to reduce the risk of complications. Conclusions, We developed a relatively simple but effective technique for the closure of large wounds resulting from the excision of tumours. Our technique consists of two longitudinal, parallel, transposition flaps obtained from two opposite sides of the wound, with major axes orientated in the cephalic-caudal direction. The two flaps are then rotated around two fulcra placed at two extremes of the wound by approximately 90°. This relatively simple technique has never caused any of the ordinarily associated problems in terms of necrosis or ulcer development. In addition, dehiscence of sutures never occurred, given the fact that suture tension is minimal. Quick healing has resulted in the majority of cases, avoiding all the problems associated with grafting or other traditional flap techniques. [source] Evaluation of recovery methods to detect faecal streptococci in polluted watersLETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 5 2001Massa Aims: This paper compares the faecal streptococci count on 25 samples of polluted waters obtained with three techniques: most probable number (MPN), membrane filtration (MF) and pour plate (PP) methods. Although the PP method is a simple technique, familiar to water bacteriologists, it is not recommended in the international methods. Methods and Results: For the MPN method, azide dextrose broth and ethyl violet azide broth were employed. For the MF technique, Millipore filters were placed onto azide maltose agar (KF agar), while for the PP method, 1 ml of a decimal water dilution was added to (Kennel Faecal) KF medium. Regression analysis and Friedman's ANOVA were performed to determine the relationship between faecal streptococci counts obtained with the three techniques. Statistical analysis of the results showed that the MPN, MF and PP techniques were equally valid with respect to faecal streptococci enumeration in polluted waters. Conclusions: Since the PP method was found to be as good as the other techniques, it may be preferred in polluted waters. It is more economical in terms of both time and materials than the MPN count, and it is as accurate as the MF count. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study indicates that the PP method, although not recommended internationally, is a reliable alternative to MF and MPN. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||