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Systematic Approach (systematic + approach)
Selected AbstractsMETAMODELS AND PHYLOGENETIC REPLICATION: A SYSTEMATIC APPROACH TO THE EVOLUTION OF DEVELOPMENTAL PATHWAYSEVOLUTION, Issue 11 2009Artyom Kopp Molecular genetic analysis of phenotypic variation has revealed many examples of evolutionary change in the developmental pathways that control plant and animal morphology. A major challenge is to integrate the information from diverse organisms and traits to understand the general patterns of developmental evolution. This integration can be facilitated by evolutionary metamodels,traits that have undergone multiple independent changes in different species and whose development is controlled by well-studied regulatory pathways. The metamodel approach provides the comparative equivalent of experimental replication, allowing us to test whether the evolution of each developmental pathway follows a consistent pattern, and whether different pathways are predisposed to different modes of evolution by their intrinsic organization. A review of several metamodels suggests that the structure of developmental pathways may bias the genetic basis of phenotypic evolution, and highlights phylogenetic replication as a value-added approach that produces deeper insights into the mechanisms of evolution than single-species analyses. [source] To Replace or Not to Replace: A Systematic Approach to Respond to Device AdvisoriesJOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 2 2009Ph.D., SILVIA G. PRIORI M.D. Aim: The decision of whether and when to replace a device in response to an "advisory" letter requires careful consideration, because device replacement carries related risks and is influenced by the clinical characteristics of the patient. Methods and Results: The risk/benefit of device replacement depends on four parameters: expected annual sudden cardiac death rate; residual device life; difference in failure rate between the device listed on the advisory letter and the replacement device; and the replacement procedure mortality risk. Using these four factors, we have developed an equation that provides the "number needed to replace" (NNR) to save one life. Per our model, patients implanted with a device with a failure rate approaching 1% and a probability of requiring device intervention ,25% per year,in particular, pacemaker-dependent patients,have an NNR <250. Pacemaker-dependent patients, with devices having three or more years longevity, but with device failure rates ,0.5%, have an NNR <100. Patients with arrhythmic risk ,2.5% per year and those with devices having failure rates <0.1% have a high NNR and stand more risk to be harmed than benefited from device replacement. Conclusions: Pacemaker-dependent patients and those with high arrhythmic risk (,25% annually) when having "advisory" devices with high failure rate (,1%) have an NNR <250 and, hence, could be considered for device replacement. Conversely, patients with arrhythmic risk ,2.5% per year and those with devices having failure rates ,0.1% have a high NNR or even risk of "harm" from device replacement. In all the intermediate cases, the NNR will quantify the benefit/risk ratio of replacement, thus helping physicians and patients decide on the preferred approach. The NNR methodology proposed here is also applicable to advisory notices issued to leads, but the high morbidity associated with lead replacement will generally rule out interventions to replace leads. [source] Systematic Approach for Dispersion of Silicon Nitride Powder in Organic Media: I, Surface Chemistry of the PowderJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Issue 4 2000Liwu Wang To develop novel dispersants for submicrometer-sized Si3N4 powder, the surface chemistry of a powder has been investigated using thermodesorption, carrier-gas heat extraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy, and zeta potential measurements. This study indicates that the powder surface is composed mainly of silanol groups and exhibits acidic behavior. Furthermore, the interaction affinity of various surface probe molecules with the powder surface has been studied using adsorption isotherms. The detailed description of the surface chemistry can be used as a guide for designing efficient dispersants, as will be presented in part II. [source] Systematic Approach for Dispersion of Silicon Nitride Powder in Organic Media: II, Dispersion of the PowderJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Issue 4 2000Liwu Wang A novel dispersant,O-(2-aminopropyl)-O,-(2-methoxyethyl)-polypropylene glycol (AMPG),was developed to disperse submicrometer-sized Si3N4 powder in nonaqueous media, based on the surface chemistry of the powder. The dispersing phenomena and mechanisms have been studied systematically, both in model systems (using atomic force microscopy and ellipsometry) and in powder systems (using rheological behavior and adsorption isotherms). The results from the model systems correlated well with those from wet powder systems. It is demonstrated that highly concentrated (with a solids volume fraction of >0.50) and colloidally stable nonaqueous Si3N4 suspensions can be realized using AMPG. [source] Bioethics: A Systematic Approach.THE HEYTHROP JOURNAL, Issue 3 2008By Bernard Gert, Charles M. Culver, K. Danner Clouser Bioethic: An Anthology. First page of article [source] A Systematic Approach for Scale-Down Model Development and Characterization of Commercial Cell Culture ProcessesBIOTECHNOLOGY PROGRESS, Issue 3 2006Feng Li The objective of process characterization is to demonstrate robustness of manufacturing processes by understanding the relationship between key operating parameters and final performance. Technical information from the characterization study is important for subsequent process validation, and this has become a regulatory expectation in recent years. Since performing the study at the manufacturing scale is not practically feasible, development of scale-down models that represent the performance of the commercial process is essential to achieve reliable process characterization. In this study, we describe a systematic approach to develop a bioreactor scale-down model and to characterize a cell culture process for recombinant protein production in CHO cells. First, a scale-down model using 2-L bioreactors was developed on the basis of the 2000-L commercial scale process. Profiles of cell growth, productivity, product quality, culture environments (pH, DO, pCO2), and level of metabolites (glucose, glutamine, lactate, ammonia) were compared between the two scales to qualify the scale-down model. The key operating parameters were then characterized in single-parameter ranging studies and an interaction study using this scale-down model. Appropriate operation ranges and acceptance criteria for certain key parameters were determined to ensure the success of process validation and the process performance consistency. The process worst-case condition was also identified through the interaction study. [source] Systematic approach to bearing current evaluation in variable speed drive systemsEUROPEAN TRANSACTIONS ON ELECTRICAL POWER, Issue 3 2005Annette Muetze Abstract A survey on published information concerning the phenomena of bearing currents in variable speed drive systems due to fast switching IGBT-inverters is presented. This is taken as a starting point for further systematic investigations on the influence of different system parameters on bearing currents. The first results of these investigations are presented. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Reconciling Financial Information at Varied Levels of Aggregation,CONTEMPORARY ACCOUNTING RESEARCH, Issue 2 2004ANIL ARYA Abstract Financial statements summarize a firm's fiscal position using only a limited number of accounts. Readers often interpret financial statements in conjunction with other information, some of which may be aggregated in a different way (or not at all). This paper exploits properties of the double-entry accounting system to provide a systematic approach to reconciling diverse financial data. The key is the ability to represent the double-entry system by network flows and, thereby, access well-recognized network optimization techniques. Two specific uses are investigated: the reconciliation of audit evidence with management-prepared financial statements, and the creation of transaction-level financial ratios. [source] The Impact of Technological Opportunities and Innovative Capabilities on Firms' Output InnovationCREATIVITY AND INNOVATION MANAGEMENT, Issue 3 2003María J. Oltra In this study, we analyse the effect that external sources of knowledge and absorptive capacity exert on a firm's output innovation. In addition, we examine the moderating influence of absorptive capacity on the effect that technological opportunities have on output innovation. Empirical research was carried out on a sample of 91 Spanish firms from the ceramic tile industry. Absorptive capacity is operationalized by ,systematic or continuous R&D' and output innovation by ,percentage of sales from new products'. Technological opportunities are divided into several industry and non-industry related variables. Our results show the positive effect that both the industry's technological opportunities and a systematic approach to R&D exert on output innovation. Moreover, firms with a systematic approach to R&D usually achieve higher innovation output than firms which do not follow this approach. The innovation results of this second group decrease as a result of embedded technology acquisition. [source] Exploring the possibility of risk assessment of Japanese sexual offenders using Static-99CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR AND MENTAL HEALTH, Issue 3 2006Junya Sudo Background,The number of sexual offences reported in Japan doubled between 1992 and 2002. This has prompted attention to assessment of risk of recidivism. Aims,To explore whether an actuarial assessment of risk widely used in the West can be meaningfully applied to Japanese men serving a prison sentence for sexual offences. Method,All sex offenders incarcerated in Kitakyushu Medical Prison in Fukuoka at any time in a period of one year (1 July 2002-30 June 2003) were identified. Demographic data, characteristics of offences and the Static-99 were rated from records. Results,Following a slightly modified application of coding rules, all items of the Static-99 were rateable. Nine offenders of 45 whose Static-99 score was over 6 were thus identified as high-risk offenders. The items distinguishing apparently high-risk men were history of institutionalization as a delinquent and mental retardation. Conclusions and implications for practice,The Static-99 may be a useful tool in assessing sex offenders in Japan. With apparently increasing recognition of sex crimes here, it seems timely to be developing a systematic approach to assessment. Further work is required to test its value in practice as a predictor of recidivism. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Four- and five-color flow cytometry analysis of leukocyte differentiation pathways in normal bone marrow: A reference document based on a systematic approach by the GTLLF and GEIL,,CYTOMETRY, Issue 1 2010Christine Arnoulet Abstract Background: The development of multiparameter flow cytometry (FCM) and increasingly sophisticated analysis software has considerably improved the exploration of hematological disorders. These tools have been widely applied in leukaemias, lymphomas, and myelodysplasias, yet with very heterogeneous approaches. Consequently, there is no extensive reference document reporting on the characteristics of normal human bone marrow (BM) in multiparameter FCM. Here, we report a reference analysis procedure using relevant antibody combinations in normal human BM. Methods: A first panel of 23 antibodies, constructed after literature review, was tested in four-color combinations (including CD45 in each) on 30 samples of BM. After evaluation of the data, a second set of 22 antibodies was further applied to another 35 BM samples. All list-modes from the 65 bone marrow samples were reviewed collectively. A systematised protocol for data analysis was established including biparametric representations and color codes for the three major lineages and undifferentiated cells. Results: This strategy has allowed to obtain a reference atlas of relevant patterns of differentiation antigens expression in normal human BM that is available within the European LeukemiaNet. This manuscript describes how this atlas was constructed. Conclusions: Both the strategy and atlas could prove very useful as a reference of normality, for the determination of leukemia-associated immunophenotypic patterns, analysis of myelodysplasia and, ultimately, investigation of minimal residual disease in the BM. © 2009 Clinical Cytometry Society [source] Targeted group antenatal prevention of postnatal depression: a reviewACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 4 2003M.-P. Austin Objective:, To review the efficacy of antenatal group interventions aimed at reducing postnatal depression (PND) in ,at risk' women. Method:, Medline, Psyclit, HEALTHSTAR, EMBASE, Cochrane library, UK National Research Register and CINHAL searches were performed from 1960 to December 2001 focussing on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Results:, As statistical synthesis of the studies was not feasible, a qualitative review is provided. All five studies reviewed suffer from substantial limitations including small numbers; unrealistic effect sizes; large attrition rates; lack of a systematic approach in identifying those ,at risk' and thus clinically heterogenous samples. Three of the studies used unvalidated interventions that were educational or supportive in approach. While one such study reported a benefit of intervention, the largest study using a structured intervention, reported no effect. A very small study using interpersonal therapy, was promising but needs replication with an adequate sample size. Conclusion:, There is currently little evidence from RCTs to support the implementation of antenatal group interventions to reduce PND in ,at risk' women. Further studies addressing the significant methodological limitations are recommended before concluding that antenatal targeted interventions have no place in maternity care. [source] Realising a resilient and sustainable built environment: towards a strategic agenda for the United KingdomDISASTERS, Issue 3 2007Lee Bosher Recent natural and human-induced emergencies have highlighted the vulnerability of the built environment. Although most emergency events are not entirely unexpected, and the effects can be mitigated, emergency managers in the United Kingdom have not played a sufficiently proactive role in the mitigation of such events. If a resilient and sustainable built environment is to be achieved, emergency management should be more proactive and receive greater input from the stakeholders responsible for the planning, design, construction and operation of the built environment. This paper highlights the need for emergency management to take a more systematic approach to hazard mitigation by integrating more with professions from the construction sector. In particular, design changes may have to be considered, critical infrastructures must be protected, planning policies should be reviewed, and resilient and sustainable agendas adopted by all stakeholders. [source] Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiography in Congenital Heart DiseaseECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 8 2002F.R.A.C.P., F.R.C.P.(C.)Article first published online: 24 JUL 200, Jeffrey F. Smallhorn M.B.B.S. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography has become an integral component of the repair of congenital heart defects. It currently has a direct impact on reducing morbidity and mortality in the pediatric cardiac population. To establish a successful program, it is important to follow guidelines for training as well as having a systematic approach to the evaluation of this patient population. This article addresses the specific indications in a patient population as practiced at the Hospital For Sick Children, Toronto. While there may be subtle differences between programs, the objectives are to provide excellent service to the pediatric cardiac patient in the operating room. [source] POLITICAL MONETARY CYCLES UNDER ALTERNATIVE INSTITUTIONS: THE INDEPENDENT TREASURY AND THE FEDERAL RESERVEECONOMICS & POLITICS, Issue 3 2005Jac C. Heckelman The theory of opportunistic political business cycles predicts incumbent politicians will alter their economic policies to spur short-run growth to attract additional votes for the upcoming election. There has not been much emphasis on the possibility of historical political business cycles prior to the Keynesian Revolution. No study has yet undertaken a systematic approach to testing for policy cycles during this period. Our study will bridge this gap by considering cycles in monetary policy for the periods of 1879,1914 until the start of Fed operations, and 1914,1932 until abandonment of the gold standard. To properly test for political cycles, it is necessary to develop reaction functions for the Treasury and compare against the reaction function later held by the Fed. This also reveals that creation of an independent monetary authority to be insulated from political pressures changed the manner in which policy was directed, aside from political issues. The evidence is not consistent, however, with monetary cycles closely tied to electoral concerns. [source] Anaphylaxis: Clinical concepts and research prioritiesEMERGENCY MEDICINE AUSTRALASIA, Issue 2 2006Simon GA Brown Abstract Anaphylaxis is a severe immediate-type hypersensitivity reaction characterized by life-threatening upper airway obstruction bronchospasm and hypotension. Although many episodes are easy to diagnose by the combination of characteristic skin features with other organ effects, this is not always the case and a workable clinical definition of anaphylaxis and useful biomarkers of the condition have been elusive. A recently proposed consensus definition is ready for prospective validation. The cornerstones of management are the supine position, adrenaline and volume resuscitation. An intramuscular dose of adrenaline is generally recommended to initiate treatment. If additional adrenaline is required, then a controlled intravenous infusion might be more efficacious and safer than intravenous bolus administration. Additional bronchodilator treatment with continuous salbutamol and corticosteroids are used for severe and/or refractory bronchospasm. Aggressive volume resuscitation, selective vasopressors, atropine (for bradycardia), inotropes that bypass the ,-adrenoreceptor and bedside echocardiographic assessment should be considered for hypotension that is refractory to treatment. Management guidelines continue to be opinion- and consensus-based, with retrospective studies accounting for the vast majority of clinical research papers on the topic. The clinical spectrum of anaphylaxis including major disease subgroups requires clarification, and validated scoring systems and outcome measures are needed to enable good-quality prospective observational studies and randomized controlled trials. A systematic approach with multicentre collaboration is required to improve our understanding and management of this disease. [source] A systematic approach to molecular quantitative determination of mixed chimaerism following allogeneic bone marrow transplantation: an analysis of its applicability in a group of patients with severe aplastic anaemiaEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2004Rocío Hassan Abstract:, Mixed chimaerism (MC) following allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (allo-BMT) is defined as the persistent cohabitation of haematopoietic cells from recipients and donors. Its kinetics, clinical implications and more efficient laboratory approaches for MC detection are the object of ongoing research in view of the possibility of developing useful markers. Here we describe a sequential analysis of chimaerism using variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by quantitative, fluorescent labelled, short tandem repeat (STR) PCR. A set of four, highly discriminative VNTR and four STR markers was used to assess chimaerism. Sensitivity and regression analysis indicated that this approach was reliable for routine application in a single BMT centre. We studied 12 patients with severe aplastic anaemia (SAA) who had received allo-BMT, and had been conditioned with cyclosphosphamide (Cy) with or without anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG). We found a 50% prevalence of MC in the whole group, with levels between 4% and 37% of recipient cells. A sustained stable MC pattern after BMT was characteristic of the Cy-only conditioned patients but was also recorded in one patient treated with the Cy + ATG regime who showed a sustained MC pattern over a period of 24 months post-BMT. In none of our patients, MC was associated with an increased risk of graft rejection in a median follow-up of 39.5 months. [source] Electromyographic evaluation of cervical dystonia for planning of botulinum toxin therapyEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 6 2000D. Dressler The success of botulinum toxin (BT) injections for treatment of cervical dystonia depends on precise identification of dystonic muscles and on quantification of their dystonic involvement. Conventionally, this is attempted by clinical examination analysing the dystonic head position. In this presentation, a more systematic approach is sought by using an electromyography (EMG)-based evaluation procedure. In 10 consecutive patients with cervical dystonia not previously exposed to BT clinical examination, analysing the dystonic head position was performed to classify patients into four groups with similar dystonic head positions. Additionally, a 2-channel concentric needle EMG was used to measure the amplitudes of dystonic and maximal voluntary activities in sternocleidomastoid (SCM), splenius capitis (SC) and trapezius/semispinalis capitis (T/SS) muscles bilaterally. The ratio between both amplitudes, the dystonia ratio, was used to quantify dystonic muscle involvement. In all patients dystonia ratios could be calculated. In patients with similar head positions, EMG evaluation revealed different qualitative and quantitative dystonic involvement patterns. In six patients, there were discrepancies in identification of dystonic muscles between clinical examination and EMG evaluation. EMG evaluation excluded dystonic involvement in five patients. All excluded muscles were SCM. In one of these patients, additional T/SS involvement was detected by EMG evaluation. In one patient, SC involvement was revealed by EMG evaluation. All dystonic muscle involvement detected by EMG evaluation represented genuine dystonic muscle coactivation rather than compensatory muscle activity. The EMG evaluation presented allows quantitative and qualitative identification of dystonic muscle involvement which cannot be achieved by clinical examination. Both pieces of information may be helpful for optimization of BT therapy. [source] Auxiliary subunit regulation of high-voltage activated calcium channels expressed in mammalian cellsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 1 2004Takahiro Yasuda Abstract The effects of auxiliary calcium channel subunits on the expression and functional properties of high-voltage activated (HVA) calcium channels have been studied extensively in the Xenopus oocyte expression system, but are less completely characterized in a mammalian cellular environment. Here, we provide the first systematic analysis of the effects of calcium channel , and ,2,, subunits on expression levels and biophysical properties of three different types (Cav1.2, Cav2.1 and Cav2.3) of HVA calcium channels expressed in tsA-201 cells. Our data show that Cav1.2 and Cav2.3 channels yield significant barium current in the absence of any auxiliary subunits. Although calcium channel , subunits were in principle capable of increasing whole cell conductance, this effect was dependent on the type of calcium channel ,1 subunit, and ,3 subunits altogether failed to enhance current amplitude irrespective of channel subtype. Moreover, the ,2,, subunit alone is capable of increasing current amplitude of each channel type examined, and at least for members of the Cav2 channel family, appears to act synergistically with , subunits. In general agreement with previous studies, channel activation and inactivation gating was regulated both by , and by ,2,, subunits. However, whereas pronounced regulation of inactivation characteristics was seen with the majority of the auxiliary subunits, effects on voltage dependence of activation were only small (< 5 mV). Overall, through a systematic approach, we have elucidated a previously underestimated role of the ,2,,1 subunit with regard to current enhancement and kinetics. Moreover, the effects of each auxiliary subunit on whole cell conductance and channel gating appear to be specifically tailored to subsets of calcium channel subtypes. [source] A systematic approach to nuclear microscopy of water trees for a large number of field-aged HV cable samplesEUROPEAN TRANSACTIONS ON ELECTRICAL POWER, Issue 1 2006M. Ahmed Abstract In order to perform micro-PIXE measurements on water trees in underground HV cables when a large number of cable samples are involved, a sequence of tests has been devised to minimize time and effort for sample preparation, water tree detection and analysis. These tests include electrical diagnostic tests to predict the possible presence of water trees, optical microscopy on cable insulation to detect water trees in the samples screened by the electrical tests, scanning electron microscopy for detailed surface topography of water trees, and nuclear microscopy for elemental composition and distribution maps of water trees. Correlations among the results of the four types of measurements are discussed to evaluate the usefulness of the methodology. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] A Closer Look Inside Nanotubes: Pore Structure Evaluation of Anodized Alumina Templated Carbon Nanotube Membranes Through Adsorption and Permeability StudiesADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 15 2010Georgios Pilatos Abstract Although hollow nanostructures, such as nanotubes, represent a major portion of nanoscaled materials with a tremendously large application range, a detailed evaluation of their internal characteristics still remains elusive. Transmission electron microscopy is the most common analytical technique to examine the internal configuration of these structures, yet it can only provide evidence of a minimal portion of the overall material, thus, it cannot be accurately generalized. In the present paper, in addition to electron microscopy and other spot-size analysis methods (X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, etc.), a combination of techniques including adsorption, permeability, and relative permeability are employed in order to provide important insights into various crucial details of the overall internal surface and hollow-space characteristics of carbon nanotube (CNT) arrays and membranes. The CNT arrays are fabricated using anodized alumina as a template in a flow-through chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactor. This is the first systematic approach for investigating the internal configuration of template-based CNT arrays in detail. Key findings are made for the customized optimization of the resulting nanotube membranes for a variety of applications, including separations, nanofluidics and nanoreactors, biological capturing and purification, and controlled drug delivery and release. [source] Combined overexpression of genes of the ergosterol biosynthetic pathway leads to accumulation of sterols in Saccharomyces cerevisiaeFEMS YEAST RESEARCH, Issue 1 2003Markus Veen GC, gas chromatography; TLC, thin layer chromatography Abstract Genes of the post-squalene ergosterol biosynthetic pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae have been overexpressed in a systematic approach with the aim to construct yeast strains that produce high amounts of sterols from a squalene-accumulating strain. This strain had previously been deregulated by overexpressing a truncated HMG-CoA reductase (tHMG1) in the main bottleneck of the early ergosterol pathway. The overexpression of the gene ERG1 (squalene epoxidase) induced a significant decrease of the direct substrate squalene, a high increase of lanosterol, and a small increase of later sterols. The overexpression of the ERG11 gene encoding the sterol-14,-demethylase resulted in a decrease of lanosterol and an increase of downstream sterols. When these two genes were simultaneously overexpressed, later sterols from zymosterol to ergosterol accumulated and the content of squalene was decreased about three-fold, indicating that these steps had limited the transformation of squalene into sterols. The total sterol content in this strain was three-fold higher than in a wild-type strain. [source] Should edentulous patients be constrained to removable complete dentures?GERODONTOLOGY, Issue 1 2010The use of dental implants to improve the quality of life for edentulous patients doi:10.1111/j.1741-2358.2009.00294.x Should edentulous patients be constrained to removable complete dentures? The use of dental implants to improve the quality of life for edentulous patients Background:, Nowadays, there is some speculation among dental educators that the need for complete dentures will significantly decrease in the future and that training in their provision should be removed from the dental curriculum. Objective:, To sensitise the reader to the functional shortcomings of complete denture therapy in the edentulous patient and present restorative options including implants to improve edentulous quality of life in these patients. Methods:, Information retrieval followed a systematic approach using PubMed. English articles published from 1964 to 2008, in which the masticatory performance of patients with implant-supported dentures was assessed by objective methods and compared with performance with conventional dentures, were included. Results:, National epidemiological survey data suggested that the adult population in need of one or two complete dentures will increase from 35.4 million adults in 2000 to 37.9 million adults in 2020. Clinical studies have showed that the ratings of general satisfaction were significantly better in the patients treated with implant overdentures post-delivery compared with the complete denture users. In addition, the implant group gave significantly higher ratings on comfort, stability and ability to chew. Furthermore, patients who received mandibular implant overdentures had significantly fewer oral health-related quality of life problems than did the conventional group. Conclusion:, Implant-supported dentures including either complete overdentures or a hybrid prosthesis significantly improve the quality of life for edentulous patients compared with conventional removable complete dentures. Therefore, the contemporary dental practitioner should consider other options as well as conventional removable complete dentures to restore edentulous patients. [source] Endodontic considerations in the elderlyGERODONTOLOGY, Issue 4 2004P. Finbarr Allen Tooth retention has increased significantly in older adults, and dentists are now challenged by the need to preserve critical teeth. There will be a need to consider endodontic therapy, and this paper describes how successful endodontics can be provided for elderly patients. Strategic treatment planning is essential, and preservation of key teeth will facilitate satisfactory oral function for elderly patients. These teeth may be important in achieving and maintaining an intact anterior dental arch, for removable partial denture retention or preservation of alveolar bone. In some cases, this can only be achieved if endodontic procedures are undertaken. When infection of a root canal is present, there is no reason why good quality endodontic therapy should not work in a healthy elderly patient. Elimination of infection can be challenging in narrow root canals, and a systematic approach for improving access into and negotiating these canals is outlined. [source] The aging face: A systematic approach by Calvin M. Johnson, Jr, Ramsey Alsarraf, W. B. Saunders, Philadelphia, 2002, 160 ppHEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 3 2005J. Randall Jordan MD FACS No abstract is available for this article. [source] Topology optimization of microfluidic mixersINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN FLUIDS, Issue 5 2009Casper Schousboe Andreasen Abstract This paper demonstrates the application of the topology optimization method as a general and systematic approach for microfluidic mixer design. The mixing process is modeled as convection dominated transport in low Reynolds number incompressible flow. The mixer performance is maximized by altering the layout of flow/non-flow regions subject to a constraint on the pressure drop between inlet and outlet. For a square cross-sectioned pipe the mixing is increased by 70% compared with a straight pipe at the cost of a 2.5 fold increase in pressure drop. Another example where only the bottom profile of the channel is a design domain results in intricate herring bone patterns that confirm findings from the literature. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] A new approach for using the pathological mirror elements in the ideal representation of active devicesINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CIRCUIT THEORY AND APPLICATIONS, Issue 2 2010Ramy A. Saad Abstract This paper is adopting a new approach to investigate the capabilities of pathological mirror elements in the ideal representation of active building-blocks and shows that the voltage mirror (VM) and current mirror (CM) are the basic pathological elements. The descriptions for the floating mirror elements in the nodal admittance matrix (NAM), using infinity-variables, are derived. The descriptions for nullator and norator using infinity-variables in the NAM are shown to represent special cases from the derived descriptions of the floating VM and the CM, respectively. Hence, new representations for the nullator and norator in terms of the floating VM and CM, respectively, are obtained. A systematic procedure for the derivation of pathological configurations to ideally represent various analog signal-processing properties featured by active building-blocks is presented. This systematic approach became plausible by virtue of the versatility offered by the NAM descriptions of floating mirror elements. Novel pathological configurations ideally describing most popular signal-processing properties that involve differential or multiple single-ended signals; like conversion between differential and single-ended voltages, differential voltage conveying, current differencing, differential current conveying, and inverting current replication; are derived systematically using this procedure. The resulting pathological configurations are shown to be constructed mainly using mirror elements and hence the capabilities of the mirrors as basic pathological elements are further demonstrated. Pathological representations for some active building-blocks, using the derived pathological sections, are presented as application examples. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Questioning the impact of the ,graduatization' of the managerial labour force upon the management of human resources in the Scottish hotel industryINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CONSUMER STUDIES, Issue 4 2000Arthur Ingram Abstract This paper outlines the findings of a questionnaire survey returned by 125 Scottish hotels from a sample of 500 small and middle-sized enterprises. We asked questions on the level of impact that hospitality graduates have had upon human resource management practices within individual units. The research reports that, although the cumulative graduatization of the managerial workforce appears to be under way, the main route to a permanent management post still remains one of practical work experience, rather than the attainment of a hospitality-related degree. Although manpower planning is widely used by line managers for managing the conditions of local/external labour markets and operatives' jobs, there is less evidence of a systematic approach to the management of graduate careers/skills or of the management of internal job structures and labour market processes in order to improve the quality of customer service. Our work suggests a need for smaller hotels to strike a fresh balance between traditional operationally driven approaches to people management and strategic human resource management frameworks. [source] Operational cost savings in dairy plant water usage,INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DAIRY TECHNOLOGY, Issue 2 2006P J WILLIAMS Public awareness and concern over food safety, together with intensified regulatory control over the impact of food processing operations on the environment, present new challenges to the industry. This paper outlines a systematic approach to water management that addresses both cost-reduction strategies and environmental performance improvement, which can enhance industry image while maintaining product and brand integrity. Many companies already operate a well-defined environmental management system (EMS), and some have already sought accreditation to ISO 14001. However, the implementation of, among others, the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Directive, the Water Directive and the Climate Change Levy (CCL) are raising new and important questions. [source] Analysis of the current methods used to size a wind/hydrogen/fuel cell-integrated system: A new perspectiveINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH, Issue 12 2010H. G. Geovanni Abstract As an alternative to the production and storage of intermittent renewable energy sources, it has been suggested that one can combine several renewable energy technologies in one system, known as integrated or hybrid system, that integrate wind technology with hydrogen production unit and fuel cells. This work assesses the various methods used in sizing such systems. Most of the published papers relate the use of simulation tools such as HOMER, HYBRID2 and TRNSYS, to simulate the operation of different configurations for a given application in order to select the best economic option. But, with these methods one may not accurately determine certain characteristics of the energy resources available on a particular site, the profiles of estimated consumption and the demand for hydrogen, among other factors, which will be the optimal parameters of each subsystem. For example, velocity design, power required for the wind turbine, power required for the fuel cell and electrolyzer and the storage capacity needed for the system. Moreover, usually one makes excessive use of bi-parametric Weibull distribution function to approximate the histogram of the observed wind to the theoretical, which is not appropriate when there are bimodal frequency distributions of wind, as is the case in several places in the world. A new perspective is addressed in this paper, based on general system theory, modeling and simulation with a systematic approach and the use of exergoeconomic analysis. There are some general ideas on the advantages offered in this method, which is meant for the implementation of wind/hydrogen/fuel cell-integrated systems and in-situ clean hydrogen production. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||