Unique Approach (unique + approach)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Victoria's Unique Approach to Road Safety: A History of Government Regulation,

AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF POLITICS AND HISTORY, Issue 2 2009
Glenn Jessop
The Australian state of Victoria has a record of proactive and determined legislative action addressing road safety. Its processes and deliberations concerning the introduction of road safety laws serve as a noteworthy case study of political rationality and public policy development. Victoria has taken a unique and pioneering approach to traffic regulation. Using the seatbelt and handheld phone laws as examples, this article examines the political dynamics involved in, and the forms of political reasoning underpinning, the road safety policy decisions taken by Victorian governments. I argue that the different approaches taken by governments are partly due to the interaction of the political imperatives of state institutions imposing regulations for the public good and the protection of individual liberties. [source]


Mock as screen and optic

CRITICAL QUARTERLY, Issue 3 2004
Simon Jarvis
As its unique approach to the question of generational differences, this essay takes the relationship looks at poetry and modernity; that is, what happens when a style [such as the mock heroic, or the poetically inflated] starts to feel its age, yet doesn't die; and how its readers cope with its resurrections. Moving nimbly from Nigel Slater to Alexander Pope and back, the essay abandons the usual and reduced conception of 'mock' - that it describes trivial happenings but in an elevated language - and instead looks for a better conception, suggesting instead that mock is ubiquitous, both in literature and the everyday, as a broad and all-pervasive style of thinking and feeling. [source]


On-line sample preconcentration with chemical derivatization of bacterial biomarkers by capillary electrophoresis: A dual strategy for integrating sample pretreatment with chemical analysis

ELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 21 2005
Adam S. Ptolemy
Abstract Simple, selective yet sensitive methods to quantify low-abundance bacterial biomarkers derived from complex samples are required in clinical, biological, and environmental applications. In this report, a new strategy to integrate sample pretreatment with chemical analysis is investigated using on-line preconcentration with chemical derivatization by CE and UV detection. Single-step enantioselective analysis of muramic acid (MA) and diaminopimelic acid (DAP) was achieved by CE via sample enrichment by dynamic pH junction with ortho -phthalaldehyde/N -acetyl- L -cysteine labeling directly in-capillary. The optimized method resulted in up to a 100-fold enhancement in concentration sensitivity compared to conventional off-line derivatization procedures. The method was also applied toward the detection of micromolar levels of MA and DAP excreted in the extracellular medium of Escherichia coli bacterial cell cultures. On-line preconcentration with chemical derivatization by CE represents a unique approach for conducting rapid, sensitive, and high-throughput analyses of other classes of amino acid and amino sugar metabolites with reduced sample handling, where the capillary functions simultaneously as a concentrator, microreactor, and chiral selector. [source]


A strategy for correlative microscopy of large skin samples: towards a holistic view of axillary skin complexity

EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2008
Katrin Wilke
Abstract:, Knowledge about the structural elements of skin and its appendices is an essential prerequisite for understanding their complex functions and interactions. The hence necessary morphological description across several orders of scale not only requires the investigation at the light microscopic level but also ultrastructural investigation, ideally on the identical sample. For a correlative and multimodal observation one unique preparation protocol is mandatory. As a compromise between sample sizes of >500 ,m in diameter on the one hand and optimal preservation of antigenicity and morphology on the other, we developed a new preparation protocol that allows (i) 3D reconstruction of the resin-embedded sample by confocal light microscopy prior to (ii) direct immunolocalization of target proteins within selected sample planes by light and fluorescence microscopy or transmission electron microscopy. Alternatively, (iii) serial cryosections of the frozen sample can be taken for characterizing the sample in toto. With this unique approach we were able to fully demonstrate the structural complexity of axillary skin samples, increasing the structural resolution from 3D reconstruction of the whole gland up to ultrastructural investigations at the subcellular level. We could demonstrate that axillary sweat glands are not separately distributed, as has been assumed to date; instead, they seem to be intricately twisted into one another. This promotes the concept of a complex axillary sweat gland organ instead of single sweat gland entities. [source]


Dendrimer-Functionalized Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Specific Targeting and Imaging of Cancer Cells,

ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 16 2007
H. Wang
Abstract We demonstrated a unique approach that combines a layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly method with dendrimer chemistry to functionalize Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) for specific targeting and imaging of cancer cells. In this approach, positively charged Fe3O4 NPs (8.4,nm in diameter) synthesized by controlled co-precipitation of FeII and FeIII ions were modified with a bilayer composed of polystyrene sulfonate sodium salt and folic acid (FA)- and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FI)-functionalized poly(amidoamine) dendrimers of generation 5 (G5.NH2 -FI-FA) through electrostatic LbL assembly, followed by an acetylation reaction to neutralize the remaining surface amine groups of G5 dendrimers. Combined flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and magnetic resonance imaging studies show that Fe3O4/PSS/G5.NHAc-FI-FA NPs can specifically target cancer cells overexpressing FA receptors. The present approach to functionalizing Fe3O4 NPs opens a new avenue to fabricating various NPs for numerous biological sensing and therapeutic applications. [source]


Multivariate Bayesian regression applied to the problem of network security

JOURNAL OF FORECASTING, Issue 8 2002
Kostas Triantafyllopoulos
Abstract An Erratum has been published for this article in Journal of Forecasting 23(6): 461 (2004). This paper examines the problem of intrusion in computer systems that causes major breaches or allows unauthorized information manipulation. A new intrusion-detection system using Bayesian multivariate regression is proposed to predict such unauthorized invasions before they occur and to take further action. We develop and use a multivariate dynamic linear model based on a unique approach leaving the unknown observational variance matrix distribution unspecified. The result is simultaneous forecasting free of the Wishart limitations that is proved faster and more reliable. Our proposed system uses software agent technology. The distributed software agent environment places an agent in each of the computer system workstations. The agent environment creates a user profile for each user. Every user has his or her profile monitored by the agent system and according to our statistical model prediction is possible. Implementation aspects are discussed using real data and an assessment of the model is provided. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Analysis of coating structures and interfaces in solid oral dosage forms by three dimensional terahertz pulsed imaging

JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, Issue 2 2007
J. Axel Zeitler
Abstract Three dimensional terahertz pulsed imaging (TPI) was evaluated as a novel tool for the nondestructive characterization of different solid oral dosage forms. The time-domain reflection signal of coherent pulsed light in the far infrared was used to investigate film-coated tablets, sugar-coated tablets, multilayered controlled release tablets, and soft gelatin capsules. It is possible to determine the spatial and statistical distribution of coating thickness in single and multiple coated products using 3D TPI. The measurements are nondestructive even for layers buried underneath other coating structures. The internal structure of coating materials can be analyzed. As the terahertz signal penetrates up to 3 mm into the dosage form interfaces between layers in multilayered tablets can be investigated. In soft gelatin capsules it is possible to measure the thickness of the gelatin layer and to characterize the seal between the gelatin layers for quality control. TPI is a unique approach for the nondestructive characterization and quality control of solid dosage forms. The measurements are fast and fully automated with the potential for much wider application of the technique in the process analytical technology scheme. ©2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 96:330,340, 2007 [source]


Amphiphilic Block Copolymers Bearing Ortho Ester Side-Chains: pH-Dependent Hydrolysis and Self-Assembly in Water

MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE, Issue 2 2010
Rupei Tang
Abstract A new type of pH-responsive block copolymer nanoparticle has been synthesized and characterized. The amphiphilic diblock copolymer, PEG- b -PMYM, contains acid-labile ortho ester side-chains in the hydrophobic block and can self-assemble into micelle-like nanoparticles in water at neutral pH. Hydrolysis of the ortho ester side-chains follows a distinct exocyclic mechanism and shows pH-dependent kinetics, which triggers changes in nanoparticle size and morphology. The nanoparticles have been found to be non-toxic to cells in vitro. The ability to tune the size and morphology of biocompatible block copolymer nanoparticles by controlling the pH-sensitive side-chain hydrolysis represents a unique approach that may be exploited to improve the efficacy of nanometer-scale drug delivery. [source]


Direct analysis of the extracellular proteome from two strains of Helicobacter pylori

PROTEINS: STRUCTURE, FUNCTION AND BIOINFORMATICS, Issue 13 2007
Todd G. Smith
Abstract Helicobacter pylori extracellular proteins are of interest because of possible roles in pathogenesis, host recognition, and vaccine development. We utilized a unique approach by growing two strains (including one nonsequenced strain) in a defined serum-free medium and directly analyzing the proteins present in the culture supernatants by LC-MS/MS. Over 125 proteins were identified in the extracellular proteomes of two H. pylori strains. Forty-five of these proteins were enriched in the extracellular fraction when compared to soluble cell-associated protein samples. Our analysis confirmed and expanded on the previously reported H. pylori extracellular proteome. Extracellular proteins of interest identified here included cag pathogenicity island protein Cag24 (CagD); proteases HP0657 and HP1012; a polysaccharide deacetylase, HP0310, possibly involved in the hydrolysis of acetyl groups from host N -acetylglucosamine residues or from residues on the cell surface; and HP0953, an uncharacterized protein that appears to be restricted to Helicobacter species that colonize the gastric mucosa. In addition, our analysis found eight previously unidentified outer membrane proteins and two lipoproteins that could be important cell surface proteins. [source]


A FAITH-BASED MENTAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT FOR SLUM DWELLERS IN BRAZIL

ANNALS OF ANTHROPOLOGICAL PRACTICE, Issue 1 2010
Sidney M. Greenfield
This article describes a mental health and development program being carried out under the direction of a Comboni Missionary who is an ordained Roman Catholic priest from Italy and a medical doctor presently completing a Ph.D. in psychiatry in Brazil. It is based on a theoretical framework that integrates the cultural and religious backgrounds of migrants coming into the slums of Brazilian cities with a form of group therapy based on the assumptions of Liberation Theology and the teachings of Paulo Freire that was developed by Prof. Adalberto Barreto, a practicing Brazilian trained M.D.,psychiatrist with European Ph.D.s in psychiatry and anthropology. This unusual combination of anthropological insight combined with a unique approach to group psychotherapy, rooted in a humanistic approach to religion, has resulted in an extremely effective development program that is beginning to be applied in slum areas in other parts of Brazil and elsewhere. [source]


Sequence-Based Identification of Specific Drug Target Regions in the Thymidylate Synthase Enzyme Family

CHEMMEDCHEM, Issue 3 2008
Stefania Ferrari Dr.
Thymidylate synthases from pathogenic organisms: Sequence analysis and knowledge-based grouping have provided a step forward in the identification of potential drug target regions in thymidylate synthases. This provides a unique approach toward blocking the growth of pathogenic organisms. [source]


A Theory of Physical Activity Maintenance

APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 4 2008
Claudio R. Nigg
Regular physical activity is related to numerous psychological and physical benefits. Physical activity interventions have had varying degrees of success with adoption; however, maintenance over the long term is even more difficult to achieve, as the majority of individuals who start a physical activity program drop out or relapse. Although the physical activity maintenance literature is scant, there is evidence that the predictors of adoption are different from those of maintenance. Thus, it follows that physical activity adoption and maintenance require unique approaches. The explanatory power of such predictors, however, is limited by the absence of a cogent theoretical framework. Therefore, this paper presents the Physical Activity Maintenance (PAM) theory, which incorporates individual psychosocial variables (goal-setting, motivation, and self-efficacy), and contextual variables of the environment and life stress (triggers of relapse). Goal-setting is framed as satisfaction, attainment, and commitment; motivation as self-motivation and expectations; and self-efficacy as both barrier and relapse. The contextual variables may facilitate or impede physical activity maintenance directly and indirectly via the individual psychosocial variables. The PAM is presented to stimulate research on physical activity maintenance and advance our understanding of how and why people do and do not maintain physical activity long term. Une activité physique régulière procure de nombreux bénéfices psychologiques et physiques. Les investigations portant sur l'activité physique ont plus ou moins réussi pour ce qui est de la décision, mais l'étude du maintien à long terme est encore plus difficile à réaliser puisque la majorité des individus qui commencent un programme d'activité physique renoncent ou reprennent leur conduite antérieure. Quoique la littérature sur le maintien de l'activité physique soit parcellaire, il existe des indices selon lesquels les prédicteurs de la décision sont différents de ceux du maintien. Il s'ensuit que la décision d'avoir une activité physique et son maintien dans le temps doivent être abordés de la même façon. Le pouvoir explicatif de tels prédicteurs est cependant limité par l'absence d'un cadre théorique pertinent. En conséquence, cet article présente la théorie du Maintien d'une Activité Physique (PAM) qui intègre des variables psychosociologiques individuelles (fixation d'un objectif, motivation et auto-efficience), et des variables relevant de l'environnement et du stress (déclencheurs d'abandon). La fixation d'un objectif est déclinée en termes de satisfaction, de réalisation et d'implication; la motivation en termes d'auto-motivation et d'expectations; et l'auto-efficience en termes d'obstacle et de rechute. Les variables contextuelles peuvent faciliter ou entraver le maintien d'une activité physique directement ou indirectement par l'intermédiaire des variables psychosociologiques individuelles. Le PAM est présenté dans le but de stimuler la recherche sur le maintien d'une activité physique et de nous aider comprendre pourquoi et comment les gens maintiennent ou non à long terme une activité physique. [source]