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Specific Methods (specific + methods)
Selected AbstractsFourier analysis methodology of trabecular orientation measurement in the human tibial epiphysisJOURNAL OF ANATOMY, Issue 2 2001M. HERRERA Methods to quantify trabecular orientation are crucial in order to assess the exact trajectory of trabeculae in anatomical and histological sections. Specific methods for evaluating trabecular orientation include the ,point counting' technique (Whitehouse, 1974), manual tracing of trabecular outlines on a digitising board (Whitehouse, 1980), textural analysis (Veenland et al. 1998), graphic representation of vectors (Shimizu et al. 1993; Kamibayashi et al. 1995) and both mathematical (Geraets, 1998) and fractal analysis (Millard et al. 1998). Optical and computer-assisted methods to detect trabecular orientation of bone using the Fourier transform were introduced by Oxnard (1982) later refined by Kuo & Carter (1991) (see also Oxnard, 1993, for a review), in the analysis of planar sections of vertebral bodies as well as in planar radiographs of cancellous bone in the distal radius (Wigderowitz et al. 1997). At present no studies have applied this technique to 2-D images or to the study of dried bones. We report a universal computer-automated technique for assessing the preferential orientation of the tibial subarticular trabeculae based on Fourier analysis, emphasis being placed on the search for improvements in accuracy over previous methods and applied to large stereoscopic (2-D) fields of anatomical sections of dried human tibiae. Previous studies on the trajectorial architecture of the tibial epiphysis (Takechi, 1977; Maquet, 1984) and research data about trabecular orientation (Kamibayashi et al. 1995) have not employed Fourier analysis. [source] Personality psychology as a truly behavioural scienceEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY, Issue 5 2009R. Michael Furr Abstract Personality psychology has been accused of neglecting behaviour,of devoting insufficient attention to what people actually do. The current paper addresses four important issues regarding the study of behaviour as separate from other important psychological responses,the definition of behaviour, the importance of studying behaviour, the strengths and weaknesses of core methods through which behaviour is studied and the degree to which behaviour actually has been studied in personality psychology over the past 15 years (along with information about the use of specific methods of studying behaviour). Analysis of publication trends indicates that behaviour is not studied to the degree it merits; furthermore, it indicates that, when behaviour is studied, it is usually studied at a very generalized level relying on relatively weak methods. The current paper is offered as a starting point for focused discussion of these important issues, potentially enhancing the field's standing as a truly behavioural science. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Improving communication between health and infant mental health professionals utilizing ongoing Collaborative Peer Supervision GroupsINFANT MENTAL HEALTH JOURNAL, Issue 3 2004Michael Thomasgard This article discusses the use of Collaborative Peer Supervision Groups (CPSG) to promote ongoing professional development for those who work with infants, toddlers, and their families. Our model's strength and clinical utility result from its three major components: (a) a relationship-based perspective that acknowledges the important role that feelings and emotions play across the life span, (b) a peer supervision model that helps to ensure that no individual or discipline is "the expert," and (c) a collaborative case-based continuing-education experience. Salient features of forming and maintaining a CPSG group are discussed including access to a Web site containing many key start-up and evaluation materials. Existing barriers to effective communication between disciplines are discussed as are specific methods to structure case data. Additional tools to help anchor a CPSG are considered as are methods of evaluation. Two case presentations are considered to illustrate group process. Lessons learned from such groups are highlighted. Our intent is to provide sufficient background material so that others with a similar interest will be comfortable starting and maintaining a CPSG group on their own. ©2004 Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health. [source] Method-Shifting in Aggressive Earnings Reporting: The Case of the US Software Industry's Response to New US RegulationJOURNAL OF BUSINESS FINANCE & ACCOUNTING, Issue 7-8 2010Ke Zhong Abstract:, Under rationality, firms should shift to alternative earnings management methods to achieve their earnings management goals whenever the alternatives provide greater benefit. New accounting regulation can alter the net benefit derivable from existing earnings management methods and thus may provide the impetus for method-shifting. This study investigates whether firms circumvent regulatory-imposed restrictions on their use of specific methods for accelerating earnings by shifting to alternative methods. Specifically, the study examines whether the US's adoption of a reporting standard that placed restrictions on the recognition of software revenue prompted US software-firm managers to method-shift to expense components for accelerated earnings reporting. A comparison of discretionary revenue and expense accruals and discretionary R&D expenses before and after the adoption of the standard confirmed a reduction of accelerated revenue recognition after the adoption and supported the hypothesized method-shift to expense components for accelerated earnings reporting. [source] Characteristics of monoclonal antibodies against Piscirickettsia salmonisJOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES, Issue 4 2001A Jamett A panel of 28 monoclonal antibodies against Piscirickettsia salmonis was produced using a purified fraction of the bacterium. To determine their specificity to the pathogen, the antibodies were assayed by ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence microscopy. Six monoclonal antibodies were selected based on their strong reaction against P. salmonis and absence of cross-reactivity with other common fish pathogens. Western blot analysis showed that the antibodies reacted to several antigens of P. salmonis. Immunofluorescence assays revealed that these antibodies reacted with the same specificity to different isolates of P. salmonis obtained from the south of Chile. This panel of monoclonal antibodies represents an important tool to develop simple, rapid, sensitive and highly specific methods for the detection of the pathogen and diagnosis of the disease. [source] DETECTION OF SALMONELLA TYPHIMURIUM IN OYSTERS BY PCR AND MOLECULAR HYBRIDIZATIONJOURNAL OF FOOD QUALITY, Issue 5 2006A.A. CORRÊA ABSTRACT Because shellfish (oysters, clams and mussels) are filter feeders, i.e., able to concentrate pathogens from the surrounding waters within their tissues, they have been widely associated with outbreaks illness. The incidence of salmonellosis caused by the consumption of raw or undercooked shellfish, is a primary concern of public health agencies. Then, in recent years, more rapid and specific methods based on the DNA sequence of salmonella genes have been developed to detect low levels of pathogens in environmental and food samples. In this study, we developed a sensitive method to detect low levels of Salmonella typhimurium in oyster tissues (0.1 cfu/g). This methodology consisted of dissection of the gastrointestinal oyster tract, pre-enrichment of the samples in nonselective medium, DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction followed by molecular hybridization using a digoxygenin-labeled amplicon-derived probe. These results can benefit the public health agencies and shellfish producers concerning microbiological and quality aspects of the commercial oyster production. [source] Solid-state glycation of ,-lactoglobulin by lactose and galactose: localization of the modified amino acids using mass spectrometric techniquesJOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY (INCORP BIOLOGICAL MASS SPECTROMETRY), Issue 1 2004François Fenaille Abstract The Maillard reaction is commonly encountered during food processing or storage, and also in human nutrition, hence there is a need for analytical methodologies to identify and characterize the modified proteins. This paper reports specific methods using mass spectrometric techniques to localize protein modifications induced by lactose and galactose on ,-lactoglobulin (,-Lg) under solid-state glycation conditions. The extent of glycation was first determined by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS). The specific identification of lactose-modified amino acid residues was realized using both NanoESI-MS, NanoESI-MS/MS (neutral loss scanning modes) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) (with and without guanidination of lysine residues) on unfractionated digests. The results indicated that, after 8.25 h of incubation, the lysine residues were the main targets of lactose-induced modification. In addition to the 15 lysine residues, Leu1 (NH2 terminal) and the Arg124 were also found to be modified, thus leading to a total of 17 different modified amino acid residues (versus 15 found by LC/ESI-MS measurement). In a second set of experiments, different strategies consisting of constant neutral loss and precursor ion scanning were compared to characterize galactose-induced modifications. Owing to the high level of ,-Lg glycation, the combined use of these different strategies appeared to be necessary for determining the galactose-modified sites after 8.25 h of incubation. Thus, among the 22 galactose adducts deduced from the LC/ESI-MS measurement, apart from the N-terminal and classical lysine residues, we also observed a few arginine residues (Arg40, Arg124 and Arg148) that were modified, and also dialkylations on specific lysine residues (Lys47, Lys75). Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Improving patient safety: an economic perspective on the role of nursesJOURNAL OF NURSING MANAGEMENT, Issue 2 2009REBECCA N. WARBURTON PhD Aims, This paper synthesises patient safety research and insights from economic theory to generate guidance for nurse managers. The paper describes the key roles nurses and nurse managers can play in improving patient safety, and explains how insights from health economics can help inform and enhance this role, helping nurse managers to set priorities for improvement and for future research. Background, Awareness of the need to improve patient safety is high, but insufficient attention has been paid to the cost-effectiveness of safety improvements, leading to difficulty in setting priorities. This paper suggests specific methods that nurses can and should use to prioritize and evaluate safety improvements. Evaluation, This is a review article, synthesising the results of research on patient safety. Key issues, Because of their close connection to patients, nurses (and nurse managers in particular) have key roles to play in improving patient safety. Improving patient safety will also benefit nurses and other practitioners directly, because caregivers suffer lasting distress from being involved in incidents that harm patients. Reducing harmful incidents should also reduce attrition and alleviate chronic staffing shortages. Insights from health economics can help nurse managers to set priorities for improvement and to more effectively evaluate the changes made. Conclusions, Evidence on the costs and effects of most safety improvements is still lacking. Nurses can and should take a leadership role in implementing changes and evaluating their costs and effects. Implications for nursing management, To lead improvements in patient safety, nurse managers need to learn to use the Plan-Do-Study-Act Improvement Cycle, and need to develop an awareness of and ability to measure the costs and effects of changes. These changes would allow nurse managers to better make the business case for patient safety. [source] Progress and challenges in freshwater conservation planningAQUATIC CONSERVATION: MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS, Issue 4 2009Jeanne L. Nel Abstract 1.Freshwater ecosystems and their associated biota are among the most endangered in the world. This, combined with escalating human pressure on water resources, demands that urgent measures be taken to conserve freshwater ecosystems and the services they provide. Systematic conservation planning provides a strategic and scientifically defensible framework for doing this. 2.Pioneered in the terrestrial realm, there has been some scepticism associated with the applicability of systematic approaches to freshwater conservation planning. Recent studies, however, indicate that it is possible to apply overarching systematic conservation planning goals to the freshwater realm although the specific methods for achieving these will differ, particularly in relation to the strong connectivity inherent to most freshwater systems. 3.Progress has been made in establishing surrogates that depict freshwater biodiversity and ecological integrity, developing complementarity-based algorithms that incorporate directional connectivity, and designing freshwater conservation area networks that take cognizance of both connectivity and implementation practicalities. 4.Key research priorities include increased impetus on planning for non-riverine freshwater systems; evaluating the effectiveness of freshwater biodiversity surrogates; establishing scientifically defensible conservation targets; developing complementarity-based algorithms that simultaneously consider connectivity issues for both lentic and lotic water bodies; developing integrated conservation plans across freshwater, terrestrial and marine realms; incorporating uncertainty and dynamic threats into freshwater conservation planning; collection and collation of scale-appropriate primary data; and building an evidence-base to support improved implementation of freshwater conservation plans. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Assessment of sampling approaches for a multi-taxa invertebrate survey in a South African savanna-mosaic ecosystemAUSTRAL ECOLOGY, Issue 4 2010S. J. LOVELL Abstract Invertebrate diversity is seldom included in conservation assessments, primarily because information is lacking. Broad surveys may be too costly, difficult or ineffective. Here we assess a ,shopping basket' approach, targeting 17 taxa using a range of methods. We sampled 43 one-hectare sites stratified within 560 km2 of heterogenous African savanna. We achieved up to 80% sampling completeness for epigaeic fauna, but generally much lower completeness (around 50%) for plant-dwelling and flying taxa. For the former we identified duplication of methods, and for the latter, addition of methods and increased temporal variation rather than effort would improve completeness. Within a taxon, sampling 75% of species present required, on average, about 784 individuals. When considering the local richness, 75% completeness required about 27 individuals per species, but these figures require validation in other areas. About 58 sites were required to achieve 75% sampling completeness, translating to about one site per 10 km2. The percentage of species sampled only in a particular month ranged between 4% and 46%, with greater temporal effects recorded for flying taxa than for epigaeic ones. The trend was similar for species unique to a particular year, with the most extreme case being 67% of the butterfly species sampled one year not previously recorded. We demonstrated and evaluated the feasibility of a simultaneous multi-taxon survey approach to produce data useful for conservation planning and monitoring. We strongly recommend a quantified approach for surveys and inventories, with details such as specific methods decided based on the biome sampled, and taxonomic expertise available for identification. [source] Absence of anti-BP180 antibodies in mothers of infants with bullous pemphigoidBRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2006C. Chiavérini Summary Background, It is not clear whether bullous pemphigoid (BP) of infancy is linked to maternal transmission of pathogenic autoantibodies. Objectives, To search for anti-BP180 antibodies in the sera of infants with BP and their mothers, using sensitive and specific methods. Methods, Four infants (< 6 months) with BP and their mothers were tested for anti-BP180 antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence, immunoblotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results, We found anti-BP180 antibodies in the sera of the four infants with all methods. These antibodies reacted with the extracellular domain NC16A. In the serum of their mothers we found 180 and 160 kDa proteins, each in one case, but indirect immunofluorescence and ELISA were negative, suggesting the absence of anti-BP180 autoantibodies reacting with the extracellular domain NC16A. Conclusions, BP of infants is not due to maternofetal transmission of pathogenic autoantibodies. Other hypotheses for the pathophysiology of BP are discussed. [source] Advanced Statistics: Missing Data in Clinical Research,Part 1: An Introduction and Conceptual FrameworkACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 7 2007Jason S. Haukoos MD Missing data are commonly encountered in clinical research. Unfortunately, they are often neglected or not properly handled during analytic procedures, and this may substantially bias the results of the study, reduce study power, and lead to invalid conclusions. In this two-part series, the authors will introduce key concepts regarding missing data in clinical research, provide a conceptual framework for how to approach missing data in this setting, describe typical mechanisms and patterns of censoring of data and their relationships to specific methods of handling incomplete data, and describe in detail several simple and more complex methods of handling such data. In part 1, the authors will describe relatively simple approaches to handling missing data, including complete-case analysis, available-case analysis, and several forms of single imputation, including mean imputation, regression imputation, hot and cold deck imputation, last observation carried forward, and worst case analysis. In part 2, the authors will describe in detail multiple imputation, a more sophisticated and valid method for handling missing data. [source] | ||||||||||||||||