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Selected AbstractsResource management in open Linda systemsCONCURRENCY AND COMPUTATION: PRACTICE & EXPERIENCE, Issue 13 2003Ronaldo Menezes Abstract Coordination systems, in particular Linda, have established themselves as important tools for the development of applications to open systems such as the Internet. This paper shows how to tackle a forgotten, but crucial problem in open coordination systems: memory management. As with any system which intends to be of wide use and because memory is a finite resource, coordination systems must address the problems of memory exhaustion. This paper first explores the orthogonality between coordination and computation in order to make it clear that the problem of memory exhaustion in coordination systems cannot be solved using garbage collection schemes implemented at the computation language,a garbage collection scheme must exist in the coordination environment as well. Following the explanation on orthogonality, the paper will focus on describing a garbage collection scheme for the Linda family of coordination systems. It is expected that the solution in Linda can be adapted to other coordination systems as long as they are based on tuple space communication. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The Bookmark Standard-Setting Method: A Literature ReviewEDUCATIONAL MEASUREMENT: ISSUES AND PRACTICE, Issue 1 2006Ana Karantonis The Bookmark method for setting standards on educational tests is currently one of the most popular standard-setting methods. However, research to support the method is scarce. In this report, we review the published and unpublished literature on this method as well as some seminal work in the area of evaluating standard-setting studies. Our review highlights both strengths and limitations of the method. Strengths include its wide acceptance and panelist confidence in the method. Limitations include a potential bias to produce lower-than-intended standards and problems in selecting the most appropriate response probability value for ordering the items presented to panelists. It is clear that more research on this method is needed to support its wide use. Several areas for future research to better understand the validity of the Bookmark method for setting standards on educational tests are presented. [source] Functionalized 3,3,,5,5,-Tetraaryl-1,1,-Biphenyls: Novel Platforms for Molecular ReceptorsHELVETICA CHIMICA ACTA, Issue 3 2003Roger Welti This paper describes the development of novel aromatic platforms for supramolecular construction. By the Suzuki cross-coupling protocol, a variety of functionalized m- terphenyl derivatives were prepared (Schemes,1,4). Macrolactamization of bis(ammonium salt) (S,S)- 6 with bis(acyl halide) 7 afforded the macrocyclic receptor (S,S)- 2 (Scheme,1), which was shown by 1H-NMR titration studies to form ,nesting' complexes of moderate stability (Ka between 130 and 290,M,1, 300,K) with octyl glucosides 13,15 (Fig.,2) in the noncompetitive solvent CDCl3. Suzuki cross-coupling starting from 3,3,,5,5,-tetrabromo-1,1,-biphenyl provided access to a novel series of extended aromatic platforms (Scheme,5) for cleft-type (Fig.,1) and macrotricyclic receptors such as (S,S,S,S)- 1. Although mass-spectral evidence for the formation of (S,S,S,S)- 1 by macrolactamization between the two functionalized 3,3,,5,5,-tetraaryl-1,1,-biphenyl derivatives (S,S)- 33 and 36 was obtained, the 1H- and 13C-NMR spectra of purified material remained rather inconclusive with respect to both purity and constitution. The versatile access to the novel, differentially functionalized 3,3,,5,5,-tetrabromo-1,1,-biphenyl platforms should ensure their wide use in future supramolecular construction. [source] The Australian corporate rescue regime: bold experiment or sensible policy?INTERNATIONAL INSOLVENCY REVIEW, Issue 2 2001Colin Anderson This paper takes its title from a paper given by the Honourable Justice Robert Austin, of the Supreme Court of New South Wales, to a conference on Key developments in Corporate Law and Equity in March 2001. In that speech he described Australia's corporate rescue regime as a "bold experiment". This paper suggests that this is not a justified description and further that it is unlikely to end in the foreseeable future. The paper consists of a broad outline of how the system operates in Australia. It provides some commentary on the more significant features of the operation of Part 5.3A of the Corporations Law and considers suggestions that have been made in respect of reform of the legislation. The paper goes on to consider how the regime has been used since its introduction showing it is now the most widely used form of insolvency administration. The paper then examines briefly some of the attempts at evaluation of the regime. It concludes by suggesting that at this stage there is inadequate information to be conclusive as to the procedure's success or otherwise in fulfilling its aims of providing better returns to creditors. It is argued first, that the wide use of the procedure suggests that it is unlikely to be fundamentally altered in the near future. A further conclusion is that there is some soundness in the approach that the legislation takes in having less court control and a greater role played by the insolvency practitioner. [source] Theoretical calculations of transition probabilities and oscillator strengths for Ti III and Ti IVINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF QUANTUM CHEMISTRY, Issue 2 2009Tian-Yi Zhang Abstract Due to the complicated electronic configuration of atoms and ions of the transition metal elements, the studies for properties such as transition probabilities and oscillator strengths for these atoms and ions are not systematic. Because of the existence in a variety of stellar objects and wide use in the field of astrophysics, titanium has long been of interest for many researchers. In this article within the Weakest Bound Electron Potential Model (WBEPM) theory, comprehensive set of calculations for transition probabilities and oscillator strengths for Ti III and Ti IV are performed. Many of our results had no previous experimental or theoretical values, so these predictive results could be of some value to the workers in this field. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009 [source] Wear particle analysis of highly crosslinked polyethylene isolated from a failed total hip arthroplastyJOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH, Issue 2 2008Yukihide Minoda Abstract Polyethylene wear particles are one of the most important factors affecting the results of total hip arthroplasty (THA). To reduce wear generation and to achieve better long-term results of THA, highly crosslinked polyethylene (HXPE) has recently been introduced and come into wide use. Thus far, however, there have been no reports on in vivo analysis of HXPE wear particles. We isolated HXPE wear particles from periprosthetic tissue of a failed THA and analyzed using scanning electron microscope. The number of particles was 5.33 × 107 g,1. Particle size (equivalent circle diameter) was 0.66 ± 0.40 ,m (mean ± standard error). Aspect ratio and roundness were 1.37 ± 0.26 and 1.44 ± 0.67, respectively. All the particles were round shaped, and "fibrils" or "shreds" were not detected. Thus far, this was the first report on in vivo wear particle analysis of HXPE. HXPE generated less, smaller, and rounder particles, compared with the corresponding reported values for particles generated from conventional polyethylene. These characteristics might affect macrophage response, osteolysis, and long-term results of THA with HXPE. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008 [source] Perspective: Reconsidering the Effects of Antiresorptive Therapies in Reducing Osteoporotic FractureJOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 12 2001C. H. Chesnut III Abstract Concepts of what constitutes osteoporosis have evolved from the single criterion of low bone mass to a more inclusive consideration of bone strength, based on both quantity and quality. The evidence driving this shift is drawn from many sources. For example, recent studies of bone geometry have shown what engineers have always known: material properties and structural strength are inseparable. Genetic factors also argue against a one-dimensional (1D) view of osteoporosis. Large-scale family studies present a strong case for genetic influences on bone mass and predisposition to fracture. The contribution of aging to fracture risk has long been known, but we are only now beginning to understand what happens to bone remodeling and microstructure in an aging skeleton. The recognition that osteoporosis is far more complex than previously thought suggests that factors in addition to bone mineral density (BMD) may be useful for evaluating bone fragility and therapeutic effectiveness. Although assessment of BMD is noninvasive and widely available, the degree of increase in BMD alone fails to account for the broader effectiveness of antiresorptive agents in reducing the risk of fractures related to osteoporosis. Indeed, the very multiplicity of factors that determine fracture risk implies that response to therapy may be equally complex. Studies of response to antiresorptive agents and the cellular processes they induce are at best preliminary at this time. Although new technologies have been applied to studying bone microarchitecture, their invasive nature limits wide use. New methods are needed to provide insight into the causes and effects of bone fragility. The definition of osteoporosis, meanwhile, must still be considered a work in progress. [source] Landmarks in the understanding and treatment of reflux diseaseJOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 2009John Dent Abstract The last 50 years have seen a transformation in the understanding and treatment of reflux disease. The development and wide use of flexible endoscopy and progressively more sophisticated approaches to measurement of pathophysiological factors have been major drivers of advances. The recognition and progressive elucidation of the mechanical events that comprise the transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation and how they lead to reflux provide a novel and firm foundation for tailoring therapies that act directly to reduce occurrence of reflux episodes, either surgically or pharmacologically. Novel GABAB agonist drugs have been shown to inhibit transient relaxations and are currently being evaluated in clinical trials on patients with reflux disease. Better understanding has extended to recognition of the extraordinarily high prevalence of reflux disease and of the ability of proton pump inhibitor drugs to deliver major benefits to a high proportion of patients with reflux disease. The life of the Gastroenterological Society of Australia has spanned the period of these major advances. A large number of the members of the Society and their associates have contributed substantially to these advances. [source] Heterogeneity in antifungal susceptibility of clones of Candida albicans isolated on single and sequential visits from a HIV-infected southern Chinese cohortJOURNAL OF ORAL PATHOLOGY & MEDICINE, Issue 6 2001Y. H. Samaranayake Abstract: The increased frequency and severity of candidal infections in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals has prompted the wide use of antifungals, such as amphotericin B, ketoconazole, and fluconazole, resulting in the emergence of drug-resistant strains of Candida albicans. To study this phenomenon in an ethnic Chinese cohort, we isolated multiple colonies of Candida from the oral cavities of 16 HIV-infected patients on single and subsequent sequential visits over a period of 12 months. Ten of the 16 patients had sporadic episodes of oropharyngeal candidiasis (Group A), while the remainder were asymptomatic with respect to this condition (Group B). Oral rinses were collected and immediately processed in the laboratory for the isolation of C. albicans in a standard manner. A total of 433 C. albicans isolates were tested for their susceptibility to amphotericin B, ketoconazole and fluconazole by an agar diffusion method using the commercially available E-test. All tested isolates demonstrated variable susceptibility to amphotericin B, ketoconazole and fluconazole. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the isolates for amphotericin B, ketoconazole and fluconazole ranged from <0.002,1.5 ,g/ml, <0.002,4.0 ,g/ml and <0.016,32 ,g/ml, respectively. Sequential isolates of a few patients demonstrated variable susceptibility to all the antifungals, and no discernible MIC pattern emerged either in group A or B over time. Interestingly, significant variation in antifungal susceptibility was also noted in isolates obtained from the same patient on a single visit. Sequential yeast isolates in 9 of 16 patients (56%) demonstrated significant differences in MIC within and between visits for both amphotericin B and ketoconazole, while a lower percentage , 44% (7/16) , exhibited this trait for fluconazole. Our study demonstrates the diversity in antifungal susceptibility in either commensal or "infective" oral strains of C. albicans in HIV disease, and shows the need for vigilance for the emergence of resistant strains, and for frequent antifungal susceptibility studies. [source] Supporting the analysis of clones in software systemsJOURNAL OF SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE AND EVOLUTION: RESEARCH AND PRACTICE, Issue 2 2006Cory J. Kapser Abstract Code duplication is a well-documented problem in industrial software systems. There has been considerable research into techniques for detecting duplication in software, and there are several effective tools to perform this task. However, there have been few detailed qualitative studies into how cloning actually manifests itself within software systems. This is primarily due to the large result sets that many clone-detection tools return; these result sets are very difficult to manage without complementary tool support that can scale to the size of the problem, and this kind of support does not currently exist. In this paper we present an in-depth case study of cloning in a large software system that is in wide use, the Apache Web server; we provide insights into cloning as it exists in this system, and we demonstrate techniques to manage and make effective use of the large result sets of clone-detection tools. In our case study, we found several interesting types of cloning occurrences, such as ,cloning hotspots', where a single subsystem comprising only 17% of the system code contained 38.8% of the clones. We also found several examples of cloning behavior that were beneficial to the development of the system, in particular cloning as a way to add experimental functionality. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] A Simple Model of Severance Pay Determination: The Case of Individual Dismissals in SpainLABOUR, Issue 2 2000Miguel Á. Malo In this article we model the determinants of severance pay for individual dismissals in Spain, following an idea proposed by Jimeno and Toharia (Economistas 55: 243,255, 1993). We point out the importance of severance pay settled before judgment, since the legal framework creates a bargaining space to determine the amount paid by firms in cases of individual dismissal. The model is a simple pre-trial bargaining game between the firm and the worker. It predicts a higher settled severance pay for dismissals on economic grounds than on disciplinary ones, which could explain the perceptions held about the wide use of disciplinary dismissals in Spain. In addition, this approach could be useful in designing labour market reforms aimed at changing dismissal costs, because it allows us to determine the key variables affecting settled severance pay. Our simple model predicts that the key variables for Spain are the severance pay for unfair dismissal and the probability of unfair dismissal. [source] SPIDER: A decade of measuring ultrashort pulsesLASER PHYSICS LETTERS, Issue 4 2008M.E. Anderson Abstract It was ten years ago in Rochester, New York that the first SPIDER was built. This simple acronym belies the subtleties of its inner workings; Spectral Phase Interferometry for Direct Electric-field Reconstruction (the "f" in field conveniently missed the cut) is a device that measures ultrashort pulses, utilizing spectral shearing interferometry and directly recovering the spectral phase. The very first SPIDER apparatus occupied nearly half an optical table, used a scanning monochromator, and had no computerized inversion routine. In the intervening decade, SPIDER has grown up. It has found a strong foothold in ultrafast laboratories throughout the world. Multiple groups have found useful new applications with this vital measurement tool, while others have contributed to the improvement of SPIDER itself, reaching to ever shorter pulses, new wavelength regimes, and making devices more sensitive, robust, smaller and faster. It also adapts to a field of research that changes rapidly. It was first designed to track and quantify the remaining spectral phase in a pulse to perfect its compression. In ten years, with the advent of pulse shapers, the real benefits of field diagnostics are becoming apparent. We have shifted away from the race towards the shortest IR pulse to a wide use of complex shaped pulses in almost every spectral range from far IR to XUV. But the quest of the shortest pulse is not over and new compression techniques utilize really broad spectra that are highly structured. All these applications provide new challenges for characterization techniques. (© 2008 by Astro Ltd., Published exclusively by WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA) [source] Evaluation of the PCR method for identification of Bifidobacterium speciesLETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2008S.Y. Youn Abstract Aims:,Bifidobacterium species are known for their beneficial effects on health and their wide use as probiotics. Although various polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods for the identification of Bifidobacterium species have been published, the reliability of these methods remains open to question. Methods and Results:, In this study, we evaluated 37 previously reported PCR primer sets designed to amplify 16S rDNA, 23S rDNA, intergenic spacer regions, or repetitive DNA sequences of various Bifidobacterium species. Conclusions:, Ten of 37 experimental primer sets showed specificity for B. adolescentis, B. angulatum, B. pseudocatenulatum, B. breve, B. bifidum, B. longum, B. longum biovar infantis and B. dentium. Significance and Impact of the Study:, The results suggest that published Bifidobacterium primer sets should be re-evaluated for both reproducibility and specificity for the identification of Bifidobacterium species using PCR. Improvement of existing PCR methods will be needed to facilitate identification of other Bifidobacterium strains, such as B. animalis, B. catenulatum, B. thermophilum and B. subtile. [source] A conceptual framework for developing teaching cases: a review and synthesis of the literature across disciplinesMEDICAL EDUCATION, Issue 9 2006Sara Kim Context, Case-based teaching is regarded as a superior instructional method compared with lectures in promoting a learner's critical thinking skills. While much is known about the role a discussion facilitator plays in case-based teaching, the debate on the influence of the format and structure of cases on learning is controversial. Objectives, We sought to identify strategies for constructing cases based on studies from multiple disciplines, which report the development and use of cases in teaching and learning. The purpose was to offer the medical and other educational communities a conceptual framework that can be examined in future research. Results, Based on a review of 100 studies, we synthesised 17 strategies around 5 core attributes of cases: relevant (level of learner, goals and objectives, setting of case narrative); realistic (authenticity, distractors, gradual disclosure of content); engaging (rich content, multiple perspectives, branching of content); challenging (difficulty, unusual cases, case structure, multiple cases), and instructional (build upon prior knowledge, assessment, feedback, and teaching aids). Discussion, Despite the wide use of cases in disparate disciplines, there has been no overarching study that synthesises strategies of case development or tests these strategies in research settings. The framework we developed can serve as a menu of case development options that educators and researchers can pilot and evaluate in their local settings. [source] Nanoanalysis by a high-resolution energy filtering transmission electron microscopeMICROSCOPY RESEARCH AND TECHNIQUE, Issue 3 2004Masanori Mitome Abstract An energy-filtering transmission electron microscope with 300 kV acceleration voltage was developed and the spatial resolution of elemental distribution images was improved. Observing oxygen monolayers in Al11O3N9, it was shown that the actual resolution attained is up to 0.5 nm. Surface plasmon loss images of silver particles were taken with a resolution of better than 0.4 nm. Furthermore, the sensitivity is sufficiently high to distinguish indium content differences of 2.5 atomic percent in InxAl1-xAs. This performance is good enough to analyze elemental distribution with atomic-level resolution. Furthermore, since analysis with the energy-filtering microscope is easy and practical, nanoanalysis may come into wide use not only in academic fields but also in industry. Microsc. Res. Tech. 63:140,148, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Confirming the Theoretical Structure of the Japanese Version of the McGill Pain Questionnaire in Chronic PainPAIN MEDICINE, Issue 1 2001Mamoru Hasegawa MD Objective., Based upon a tripartite theoretical model of pain, the Pain Rating Index of the McGill Pain Questionnaire continues to be one of the most frequently used instruments to measure clinical pain. However, differences in languages and cultural backgrounds have hindered its wide use and standardization in Japan. Although a number of exploratory factor analytic studies have failed to consistently support the theoretical structure of the instrument, a few previous confirmatory factor analytic studies did statistically support the a priori model. The purpose of this study was to test the theoretical structure of a Japanese version of the McGill Pain Questionnaire, which followed a format similar to the original questionnaire, through a confirmatory factor analysis. Design.,This study used confirmatory factor analysis on prospectively collected data from consecutive outpatients with chronic pain at a university hospital to test the hypothesis regarding the theoretical structure of the Japanese McGill Pain Questionnaire. Results and Conclusion.,The first 16 Pain Rating Index subclass scores were subjected to confirmatory factor analysis procedures that yielded a well-fitting final model that explained 91% of the covariance in the observed data. The results approximately supported the hypothesis that the sensory, affective, and evaluative subscales of the Pain Rating Index are representative of the multidimensionality of the pain experience with minimal overlap but could not disregard relatively high intercorrelations among those subscales similar to the original McGill Pain Questionnaire. It is suggested that the theoretical structure of the McGill Pain Questionnaire is approximately kept in the Japanese McGill Pain Questionnaire used in this study. Therefore, the translation-based Japanese McGill Pain Questionnaire used in this study adequately permits comparison of studies from English-speaking and non-English-speaking populations, thus facilitating the first step toward international research exchange and communications. [source] Modelling the distribution of palsas in Finnish Lapland with logistic regression and GISPERMAFROST AND PERIGLACIAL PROCESSES, Issue 1 2002Miska Luoto Abstract The location of palsas (peat mounds with a perennially frozen core) was mapped in an area of 3370 km2 in Finnish Lapland by interpreting aerial digital photographs. Using environmental variables derived from digital land cover data and an elevation model, the distribution of palsas was modelled using geographic information system (GIS) techniques and multiple logistic regression. The relative roles of eight environmental variables potentially affecting the distribution of the palsas were studied in a spatial grid system with 3370 grid squares of 1.0 km2, of which 172 were found to contain palsas. The altitudes of the palsas varied from 180 m to 390 m. In the logistic regression model the probability of the presence of a palsa in a 1.0 km2 square increased with 1) the area of mire, 2) the proportion of flat topography, 3) water cover and 4) elevation of the lowest point in the 1.0 km2 analysis square. The palsa distribution model was validated by fitting it to an independent test area of 300 squares bordering on the main study area: the overall classification rate was 97.67%. The application of GIS data and techniques with logistic regression modelling has potential for wide use in studies on distribution patterns in periglacial processes and landforms. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The use of prescription medicines and self-medication among children,a population-based study in Finland,PHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY, Issue 10 2010Sanna Ylinen Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and concomitant use of prescription medicines and self-medication, including over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins, and complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) among Finnish children aged under 12 years. Methods We carried out a nationwide postal survey of the use of medicines by a representative sample (n,=,6000) of Finnish children aged under 12 years in spring 2007. A response rate of 67% (n,=,4032) was achieved. The current use of prescription medicines and the use of OTC medicines, vitamins, and CAMs in the preceding 2 days were the main outcome measures. Results In total, 17% of children had used prescription medicines and 50% some self-medication. The corresponding figures for OTC medicines, vitamins, and CAMs use were 17, 37, and 11%, respectively. Drugs for obstructive airway diseases were the most common prescription medicines, whereas analgesics and antipyretics, including non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory-medicines (NSAID), were the most common OTC medicines reported. Vitamin D was the most common vitamin, while fish oils and fatty acids were the most common CAMs used. Ten percent of the children had used prescription medicines and self-medication concomitantly. Conclusions Most of the children's medication consists of self-medication, and especially of vitamin use. However, also a considerable proportion had used prescription medicines, and a minority prescription medicines and self-medication concomitantly. In three of the cases, a combination of prescription and OTC medicine with a potential risk for interactions were found. Physicians should be aware of this wide use of self-medication when prescribing medicines. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Emergency department visits attributed to selected analgesics, United States, 2004,2005,PHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY, Issue 3 2009Mary Willy PhD Abstract Purpose To estimate the rate of emergency department (ED) visits attributed to selected analgesic-containing medications. Methods We used a nationally representative public health surveillance system to provide estimates of adverse events identified in EDs, and a national telephone survey to provide estimates of selected analgesic-containing medication usage in the US population, 2004,2005. Analysis was restricted to products containing acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. Types of adverse events and outcomes were compared. Estimated numbers and rates of ED visits were calculated by analgesic groupings and patient age groups. Results The estimated overall rate of ED visits attributed to analgesic-containing medications was 1.6 visits /100,000 users per week. The very old and very young had the highest rates; there were minimal differences in rates by patient gender. Acetaminophen was the attributed drug with the most estimated ED visits and generally had the highest rates of ED visits. The highest estimated rate for a specific product group was among subjects 18,64 years of age taking narcotic-acetaminophen products (8.9 ED visits /100,000 users per week). Overall, 12% of patients presenting to EDs with analgesic-attributed events were hospitalized. Conclusions Rates of ED visits due to analgesics vary depending on the age of the patient and the product; most do not result in hospitalization. Although the rate of emergency visits is relatively low, because of the wide use of the analgesics, public health impact is considerable. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Heterosis performance of yield and fibre quality in F1 and F2 hybrids in upland cottonPLANT BREEDING, Issue 3 2004Y. T. Wu Abstract Because of the difficulty of producing F1 hybrid seeds by hand emasculation and pollination, wide use of heterosis in cotton production has been limited in China. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of F2 hybrids for yield and fibre quality. A half diallel involving eight parents and their F1 and F2 hybrids was grown in replicated studies at Linqing and Nanjing in 1999 and Nanjing in 2000. Yield and fibre quality was determined for all 64 entries. Fibre quality was also determined for parents and F1s, but only for Zhongmiansuo 28 (ZMS28), Xiangzamian 2 (XZM2) and Wanmian 13 (WM13) F2s. These three F2 hybrids are extensively planted in China and provide experimental controls with which to compare the performance of new hybrids. Average yield heterosis for F1s and F2s was 15.9 and 9.2%, respectively. Inbreeding depression for yield varied but some F2s greatly out-yielded the best variety. Average F1 heterosis was 6.7, 6.2 and 2.9%, respectively for number of bolls per unit area, boll weight, and lint percentage. The average F2 heterosis for the same traits was 4.4, 3.3 and 1.6%, respectively. F1 heterosis for fibre traits was low. In general, parental average was a good indicator of the yield and fibre quality of F1 hybrids. These encouraging results suggest there is sufficient heterosis for yield to use F2s in China. [source] New antistatic charge and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness from conductive epoxy resin/plasticized carbon black compositesPOLYMER COMPOSITES, Issue 2 2008Nadia Abdel Aal Recently, there is an increasing interest in electromagnetic interference shielding due to the rapid increase in electromagnetic pollution and the wide use of commercial and military products. Conducting polymer composites were prepared in the presence of epoxy resin and plasticized carbon black (CB). The structural characteristics of the composites were examined by means of scanning electron microscopy, cross linking density, and interparticle distance among conductive particles. The mechanical properties such as Young's modulus, elongation at break, and hardness of the composites were investigated as a function of CB content. The results indicated that CB could improve the composite microstructure. The higher mechanical behavior than green epoxy can be attributed to the interaction between CB particles and epoxy resin. The conductivity, mobility carriers, and number of charges of the composites at room temperature were found to be dependent on CB content. The applicability of the composites to antistatic charge dissipation was examined. Dependence of the microwave properties of the epoxy/CB composites on the volume fraction of CB particles and frequency were studied. Moreover the permittivity as a function of frequency of the composites was studied. The electromagnetic wave shielding of epoxy/CB composites is dominant by both reflection and absorption. Composites can find applications in antistatic charge dissipation and in suppression of electromagnetic interference and stealth technology. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers [source] How Much Ecology Do We Need to Know to Restore Mediterranean Ecosystems?RESTORATION ECOLOGY, Issue 3 2007Fernando Valladares Abstract Despite important advances in ecological knowledge of Mediterranean-type ecosystems, advances in restoration ecology have not seen a parallel increase in these systems. Although some concepts such as positive plant,plant interaction (facilitation) have received attention in the restoration ecology community, others such as phenotypic plasticity have not. Some concepts (e.g., environmental heterogeneity) are mature enough for a wide use in restoration, whereas available knowledge on others (e.g., facilitation, plasticity) is less conclusive. However, the scientific knowledge is in general enough to significantly improve the guidelines for restoration of Mediterranean ecosystems. Our review suggests that (1) the extent of facilitation in dry ecosystems is partially understood, with supporting, but somewhat contradictory empirical evidence for its potential use in restoration; (2) the influence of habitat heterogeneity on plant performance and plasticity is only beginning to be understood, with a strong bias toward patterns of structural heterogeneity and negligible information on functional heterogeneity; and (3) sound evaluations of phenotypic plasticity might be useful to increase the success of restoration practices in patchy Mediterranean environments. Future global change scenarios involving temperature rise, reduced precipitation, increased frequency of extreme climatic events, and important land use changes and fragmentation must be particularly considered when restoring Mediterranean ecosystems. Further research on how to incorporate results on facilitation, environmental heterogeneity, and plasticity within a global change framework is clearly needed. [source] Evaluation of software for introducing protein structureBIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY EDUCATION, Issue 5 2010Visualization, simulation Abstract Communicating an understanding of the forces and factors that determine a protein's structure is an important goal of many biology and biochemistry courses at a variety of levels. Many educators use computer software that allows visualization of these complex molecules for this purpose. Although visualization is in wide use and has been associated with student learning, it is quite challenging to develop visualizations that allow students to interactively observe the effects of altered amino acid sequence on protein structure. A software simulation, the protein investigator (PI), has been developed to specifically facilitate this type of exploration. When using the PI, students enter or edit an amino acid sequence; the software then simulates its folding in two dimensions using the major forces involved in protein structure. This study explores freshman undergraduate students' use of visualization and simulation when learning about protein structure. It also evaluates some of the learning outcomes from these two approaches. Our results show that simulation leads to similar learning outcomes as visualization. Because simulation allows a more interactive exploration, a combination of the two approaches may be an effective approach to introducing the basic principles of protein structure. [source] Glioblastoma chemotherapy adjunct via potent serotonin receptor-7 inhibition using currently marketed high-affinity antipsychotic medicinesBRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 3 2010RE Kast Glioblastoma treatment as now constituted offers increased survival measured in months over untreated patients. Because glioblastomas are active in synthesizing a bewildering variety of growth factors, a systematic approach to inhibiting these is being undertaken as treatment adjunct. The serotonin 7 receptor is commonly overexpressed in glioblastoma. Research documentation showing agonists at serotonin receptor 7 cause increased extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 activation, increased interleukin-6 synthesis, increased signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 activation, increased resistance to apoptosis and other growth enhancing changes in glioblastoma is reviewed in this paper. Because three drugs in wide use to treat thought disorders , paliperidone, pimozide and risperidone , are also potent and well-tolerated inhibitors at serotonin receptor 7, these drugs should be studied for growth factor deprivation in an adjunctive role in glioblastoma treatment. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||