Showing papers by "Autonomous University of Barcelona published in 1999"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors extend the theory of cosmological perturbations to the case when the "matter" Lagrangian is an arbitrary function of the scalar field and its first derivatives.
1,200 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Investigation of aberrant promoter hypermethylation of cancer-related genes in serum may be useful for cancer diagnosis or the detection of recurrence in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.
Abstract: Recent evidence suggests that tumor cells may release DNA into the circulation, which is enriched in the serum and plasma, allowing detection of ras and p53 mutations and microsatellite alterations in the serum DNA of cancer patients. We examined whether aberrant DNA methylation might also be found in the serum of patients with non-small cell lung cancer. We tested 22 patients with non-small cell lung cancer using methylation-specific PCR, searching for promoter hypermethylation of the tumor suppressor gene p16, the putative metastasis suppressor gene death-associated protein kinase, the detoxification gene glutathione S-transferase P1, and the DNA repair gene O6-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase. Aberrant methylation of at least one of these genes was detected in 15 of 22 (68%) NSCLC tumors but not in any paired normal lung tissue. In these primary tumors with methylation, 11 of 15 (73%) samples also had abnormal methylated DNA in the matched serum samples. Moreover, none of the sera from patients with tumors not demonstrating methylation was positive. Abnormal promoter methylation in serum DNA was found in all tumor stages. Although these results need to be confirmed in larger studies and in other tumor types, detection of aberrant promoter hypermethylation of cancer-related genes in serum may be useful for cancer diagnosis or the detection of recurrence.
954 citations
TL;DR: A new, to the knowledge, technique for encoding amplitude information onto a phase-only filter with a single liquid-crystal spatial light modulator, effectively allowing for amplitude modulation of either the first-order or the zero-order diffracted light.
Abstract: We report a new, to our knowledge, technique for encoding amplitude information onto a phase-only filter with a single liquid-crystal spatial light modulator. In our approach we spatially modulate the phase that is encoded onto the filter and, consequently, spatially modify the diffraction efficiency of the filter. Light that is not diffracted into the first order is sent into the zero order, effectively allowing for amplitude modulation of either the first-order or the zero-order diffracted light. This technique has several applications in both optical pattern recognition and image processing, including amplitude modulation and inverse filters. Experimental results are included for the new technique.
452 citations
TL;DR: The results of this study showed that high stocking density produced a chronic stress situation and there was both haemoconcentration and a decrease in alternative complement pathway, an important component of the immune system of fish.
Abstract: High stocking density has been shown to produce a wide variety of effects on cultured fish populations, such as alterations in behavior and poor feed utilization, resulting in mortality and poor growth. High stocking density has also been reported to produce chronic stress and mobilization of energy sources in fish. There are few studies focusing on the effect of high stocking density on one of the most important marine fish species for Mediterranean aquaculture, gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). Consequently, this study investigates the effect of high stocking density on juveniles of this species, focusing on effects of stocking density on growth, biochemical composition, immune status and hematology.
425 citations
TL;DR: It is indicated that long-term treatment with AdoMet may improve survival or delay liver transplantation in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis, especially in those with less advanced liver disease.
422 citations
TL;DR: Under the relatively moist conditions occurring during summer 1996, higher root allocation was associated with the use of nitrogen from more nitrogen saturated microsites, and higher seedling survival was positively correlated with root allocation and seed size.
Abstract: 1. We hypothesized that in Mediterranean plant communities seedling survival of different species during the drought period would be related to their ability to use below-ground resources, particularly water and nitrogen.
2. For 5 years we studied under field conditions the summer seedling survival of 11 dominant species of a Spanish Mediterranean shrubland. We related seedling survival of the different species to their seed size and root allocation estimated as the slope of the function root biomass vs log shoot biomass. We used δ13C for the estimation of water-use efficiency and δ15N and nitrogen concentration to determine the sources of nitrogen utilized. We correlated these variables with root allocation.
3. Seedling survival of the different species was positively correlated with root allocation and seed size. Root allocation was also positively correlated with seed size. δ15N and nitrogen concentration were also positively correlated with root allocation, but δ13C was not.
4. Under the relatively moist conditions occurring during summer 1996, higher root allocation was associated with the use of nitrogen from more nitrogen saturated microsites.
383 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the fabrication of pH-sensitive ISFET devices in an unmodified two-metal commercial CMOS technology (1.0 m from Atmel-ES2) is reported.
Abstract: The fabrication of pH-sensitive ISFET devices in an unmodified two-metal commercial CMOS technology (1.0 m from Atmel-ES2) is reported. The ISFET devices have a gate structure compatible with the CMOS process, with an electrically floating electrode consisting on polysilicon plus the two metals. The passivation oxynitride layer acts as the pH-sensitive material in contact with the liquid solution. The devices have shown good operating characteristics, with a 47 mV/pH response. The use of a commercial CMOS process allows the straightforward integration of signal-processing circuitry. An ISFET amplifier circuit has been integrated with the ISFET sensors.
380 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The cardiovascular and neuroendocrine effects and pharmacokinetics of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "ecstasy") were assessed in a double-blind, randomized, crossover, and controlled clinical trial.
Abstract: The cardiovascular and neuroendocrine effects and pharmacokinetics of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, “ecstasy”) were assessed in a double-blind, randomized, crossover, and controlled (placebo and amphetamine) clinical trial. Eight men with experience in the recreational use of MDMA participated in four 10-h experimental sessions with a 1-week washout period. Single oral doses of 125 mg and 75 mg of MDMA, 40 mg of amphetamine, and placebo were given. Both MDMA doses significantly increased blood pressure (increases of 40 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure), heart rate (increases of 30 beats/min), and pupillary diameter (mydriasis) as compared with placebo. Oral temperature did not show significant changes in any drug-active condition. Plasma cortisol levels showed a statistically significant increase after MDMA administration. Prolactin levels only increased after high dose of MDMA. C max values for 125-mg and 75-mg MDMA doses were 236.4 and 130.9 ng/ml, and T max was observed at 2.4 and 1.8 h, respectively. Elimination half-life was 8.6 h and 7.7 h for high and low MDMA doses, respectively. Amphetamine half-life was 15 h. Between 8 and 9% of the doses of MDMA appeared in plasma in the form of 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine. The important cardiovascular effects observed after MDMA administration in laboratory conditions at rest (increases of 40 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure and 30 beats/min in pulse rate) could be relevant in terms of toxicity in real-life conditions (e.g., crowded places and physical activity).
338 citations
TL;DR: The evolution of resistance to quinolones inEscherichia coli from 1992 to 1997 in Barcelona, Spain was studied to find out whether the high prevalence of QREC in the stools of healthy humans in the authors' area could be linked to thehigh prevalence of resistant isolates in poultry and pork.
Abstract: We studied the evolution of resistance to quinolones in Escherichia coli from 1992 to 1997 in Barcelona, Spain. An increasing proportion of quinolone-resistant E. coli (QREC) infections was observed. QREC strains were more common in patients with nosocomial infections but also increased in patients with community-acquired infections (9% in 1992 to 17% in 1996). Seventy (12%) of 572 episodes of E. coli bacteremia were due to QREC. Factors significantly associated with QREC bacteremia were the presence of underlying disease, recent exposure to antibiotics, and bacteremia of unknown origin. In the multivariate analysis, only prior exposure to antimicrobial agents (P < 0.001; odds ratio [OR] = 2), specifically, to quinolones (P < 0.001; OR = 14), and the presence of a urinary catheter (P < 0.001; OR = 2) were significantly associated with QREC bacteremia. Among 16 QREC isolates from cultures of blood of community origin selected at random, 13 different pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns were recognized, showing the genetic diversity of these isolates and in turn indicating the independent emergence of QREC in the community. The prevalence of QREC in the feces of healthy people was unexpectedly high (24% in adults and 26% in children). A survey of the prevalence of QREC of avian and porcine origin revealed a very high proportion of QREC in animal feces (up to 90% of chickens harbored QREC). The high prevalence of QREC in the stools of healthy humans in our area could be linked to the high prevalence of resistant isolates in poultry and pork.
337 citations
TL;DR: The improvement in locoregional control of head and neck carcinomas over the last decades does not appear to modify the final survival of these patients, mainly due to the appearance of distant metastases and second neoplasms.
Abstract: Background
The improvement in locoregional control of head and neck carcinomas over the last decades does not appear to modify the final survival of these patients, mainly due to the appearance of distant metastases and second neoplasms. We ran a study to evaluate the incidence of second neoplasms and their characteristics in patients with head and neck carcinoma treated in our hospital.
Methods
A retrospective study was undertaken to analyze the appearance of second neoplasm, its characteristics, and repercussion on the survival in 1845 patients with carcinoma of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx diagnosed and treated in our department between 1984 and 1995.
Results
A group of 302 patients (16%) developed a second neoplasm. The incidence of second neoplasms was 4% per year and was constant during the follow-up period. Second neoplasms were mainly carcinomas located in head and neck (40%), lungs (31%), or esophagus (9%). Twenty percent of second neoplasms were tumors located outside the aerodigestive tract. The appearance of a second neoplasm significantly worsened the survival.
Conclusions
Four percent per year of patients with carcinoma of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx develop a second neoplasm, most frequently a carcinoma of the aerodigestive tract. This leads to a significant worsening of survival. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 21:204–210, 1999.
317 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that trastuzumab is well tolerated and clinically active in patients with HER2-overexpressing metastatic breast cancers who have received extensive prior therapy and the regression of human cancer through the targeting of putative growth factor receptors such as HER2 warrants further evaluation.
TL;DR: Bioresorbable collagen nerve guides filled with either magnetically aligned type I collagen gel or control collagen gel were implanted into 4- or 6-mm surgical gaps created in the sciatic nerve of mice and explanted 30 and 60 days postoperation for histological and immunohistochemical evaluation.
TL;DR: Women with advanced heart failure appear to have better survival than men, and subgroup analysis suggests this finding is strongest among patients with a nonischemic etiology of heart failure.
Abstract: Background —Previous natural history studies in broad populations of heart failure patients have associated female gender with improved survival, particularly in patients with a nonischemic etiology of ventricular dysfunction. This study investigates whether a similar survival advantage for women would be evident among patients with advanced heart failure. Methods and Results —The study analysis is based on the Flolan International Randomized Survival Trial (FIRST) study which enrolled 471 patients (359 men and 112 women) who had evidence of end-stage heart failure with marked symptoms (60% NYHA class IV) and severe left ventricular dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction 18±4.9%). A Cox proportional-hazards model, adjusted for age, gender, 6-minute walk, dobutamine use at randomization, mean pulmonary artery blood pressure, and treatment assignment, showed a significant association between female gender and better survival (relative risk of death for men versus women was 2.18, 95% CI 1.39 to 3.41; P P =0.275), among patients with a nonischemic etiology of heart failure, the relative risk of death for men versus women was 3.08 (95% CI 1.56 to 6.09, P =0.001), whereas among those with ischemic heart disease, the relative risk of death for men versus women was 1.64 (95% CI 0.87 to 3.09, P =0.127). Conclusions —Women with advanced heart failure appear to have better survival than men. Subgroup analysis suggests this finding is strongest among patients with a nonischemic etiology of heart failure.
TL;DR: A nomenclature that uses the widely accepted vertebrate ADH class system as its basis and will accommodate newly discovered members of the vertebrates ADH family, and will facilitate functional and evolutionary studies.
TL;DR: Gastric wall tension, but not intragastric volume, determines perception of gastric distention, at least below nociception.
TL;DR: Replacing 1 (T2) or 2 (T3) wk FO with vegetable oil clearly resulted in the improved sensory quality of meat, and levels of monounsaturated FA (MUFA) increased in direct relation to the larger amounts of oleic acid in the diet.
TL;DR: Subcutaneous adipocyte apoptosis occurs in lipoatrophic areas of patients with HIV-1 protease inhibitor-associated lipodystrophy, and was more pronounced in patients with higher increases in CD4 and CD8 counts, and in those with a greater decay in plasma viral load.
Abstract: Background: Inhibitors of HIV-1 protease produce a rapid decrease in plasma HIV-1 RNA, with concomitant immune reconstitution. However, severe metabolic side effects together with a previously unseen form of lipodystrophy have been associated with long-term use of protease-inhibitor therapy. The pathogenic mechanisms underlying HIV-1 protease inhibitor-associated lipodystrophy are still largely unknown. Methods: Fourteen HIV-infected patients with HIV-1 protease inhibitor-associated lipodystrophy had a biopsy of subcutaneous fat performed in the antero-lateral aspect of the right leg. The samples were submitted for standard pathologic study together with a careful search for adipocyte apoptosis. Apoptosis was assessed by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP-digoxigenin nick end labelling (TUNEL) method, using the ApopTag kit (Oncor, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA). The procedure was performed between three and five times for each sample. Appropriate positive and negative controls were used. Controls which were subcutaneous fat biopsies from patients with untreated melanoma were also examined for the presence of apoptosis. Results: Fourteen HIV-infected patients with a mean exposure to HIV-1 protease inhibitors of 12.6 ± 3.7 months (range: 6-21 months), developed the characteristic features of HIV-1 protease inhibitor-associated lipodystrophy. All but one patient had an abnormal waist : hip ratio, and they all exhibited an abnormal serum lipid profile. Pathologically, subcutaneous fat atrophy was a constant feature, along with focal lipogranuloma formation and vascular proliferation. One of the eleven assessable biopsy samples was negative for the presence of apoptosis, six showed focally positive apoptotic cells, and the remaining four biopsies demonstrated moderate positivity. Apoptotic changes were also detected in endothelial cells. Apoptotic changes were more pronounced in patients with higher increases in CD4 and CD8 counts, and in those with a greater decay in plasma viral load. Conclusions: Subcutaneous adipocyte apoptosis occurs in lipoatrophic areas of patients with HIV-1 protease inhibitor-associated lipodystrophy.
TL;DR: Differences in locomotor activity, exploratory, and self-grooming behavior were actually greater between the inbred strains than between the outbred lines, and differences in defecation were not so pronounced.
TL;DR: In this paper, the progress made in extended irreversible thermodynamics during the ten years that have elapsed since the publication of the first review on the same subject is reviewed and compared with other non-equilibrium thermodynamic theories.
Abstract: We review the progress made in extended irreversible thermodynamics during the ten years that have elapsed since the publication of our first review on the same subject (Rep. Frog. Phys. 1988 51 1105-72). During this decade much effort has been devoted to achieving a better understanding of the fundamentals and a broadening of the domain of applications. The macroscopic formulation of extended irreversible thermodynamics is reviewed and compared with other non-equilibrium thermodynamic theories. The foundations of EIT are discussed on the bases of information theory, kinetic theory, stochastic phenomena and computer simulations. Several significant applications are presented, some of them of considerable practical interest (non-classical heat transport, polymer solutions, non-Fickian diffusion, microelectronic devices, dielectric relaxation), and some others of special theoretical appeal (superfluids, nuclear collisions, cosmology). We also outline some basic problems which are not yet completely solved, such as the definitions of entropy and temperature out of equilibrium, the selection of the relevant variables, and the status to be reserved to the H-theorem and its relation to the second law. In writing this review, we had four objectives in mind: to show (i) that extended irreversible thermodynamics stands at the frontiers of modern thermodynamics; (ii) that it opens the way to new and useful applications; (iii) that much progress has been achieved during the last decade, and (iv) that the subject is far from being exhausted.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors showed that the erroneous behavior of the density functionals for exchange may lead to wrong predictions for ground-state structures of systems with a three-electron bond.
Abstract: Correlated calculations show the proton-transferred OH−H3O+ isomer to be the ground-state structure of the (H2O)2+ dimer ion, with the C2h hemibond structure being ca. 8 kcal/mol less stable. Modern density functionals however favor the hemibond structure, overestimating the strength of the three-electron bond by ca. 17 kcal/mol. The wrong prediction of the relative stability of the two isomers is attributed to overestimation by the exchange functionals of the self-interaction part of the exchange energy in the hemibond ion due to its delocalized electron hole. It is cautioned that this erroneous behavior of the density functionals for exchange, if unrecognized, may lead to wrong predictions for ground-state structures of systems with a three-electron bond.
TL;DR: Cognitive dysfunction in PP and TP multiple sclerosis has a complex and multifactorial aetiology, which is not adequately explained by pathology as demonstrated on conventional MRI.
Abstract: The relative rarity of primary progressive (PP) and transitional progressive (TP) multiple sclerosis has meant that little documentation of cognitive function in such patients is currently available. The aim of this study was to investigate the cognitive skills of patients with PP and TP multiple sclerosis relative to matched healthy controls, and to examine the relationship of this impairment to MRI parameters. Sixty-three patients (43 PP, 20 TP) were individually matched with healthy controls, who undertook the same cognitive tasks as the patient group. The neuropsychological assessment comprised Rao's brief repeatable battery, a reasoning test, and a measure of depression. Patients also underwent T1- and T2-weighted brain MRI. These patients were taken from a larger cohort (158 PP, 33 TP) in whom it had been demonstrated that the re were no significant differences between the mean scores of the PP and TP groups on any of the cognitive variables. The 63 patients were therefore taken as one group for comparison with the healthy controls. These patients performed significantly worse than the controls in tests of verbal memory, attention, verbal fluency and spatial reasoning. An impairment index was constructed and applied to the patient data. This correlated modestly with T2-lesion load ( r = 0.45, P = 0.01), T1-hypointensity load ( r = 0.45, P = 0.01) and cerebral volume ( r = –0.35, P = 0.01). Thus, PP and TP multiple sclerosis patients demonstrate significant cognitive dysfunction when compared with matched healthy controls. The relationship between this impairment and MRI parameters is moderate, suggesting that cognitive dysfunction in PP and TP multiple sclerosis has a complex and multifactorial aetiology, which is not adequately explained by pathology as demonstrated on conventional MRI.
TL;DR: The results indicate that, in preconditioning, the protective effect of adenosine could be a result of an increase in extracellularAdenosine, which in turn would induce the activation ofadenosine A2 receptors, which would protect against the injury associated with hepatic ischemia‐reperfusion.
TL;DR: The present survey reports that pain is a substantial problem in the Catalonian population and generally reflects the characteristics of data previously reported in Anglo-saxon and Scandinavian countries.
Abstract: Epidemiological studies help to establish the health status in a country and allow a better allocation of economic resources. This survey estimated pain prevalence in Catalonia (Spain), analysed its relationship with demographic variables and evaluated pain-associated disabilities. The study was carried out in 1964 adults via phone interviews asking about any pain complaint they experienced in the last 6 months, regardless of its intensity and duration. Overall pain prevalence was 78.6%, significantly lower in men, with a trend to decrease with age. Back (50.9%), head (42%) and legs (36.8%) were the most affected locations. Less educated people reported, in general, higher prevalences. Pain described to be most annoying was related to musculoskeletal disease (26.2%) and migraines (16.5%). Pain was either very severe or unbearable in 33% of the sample, with women and older people reporting higher intensities. Personal and social activities were affected in 25.4% of cases and in 10.4% they became virtually impossible. Both the limitation of activity and the need for bed rest, which occurred in 19.6% of those who suffered pain, were more common amongst unemployed people, whereas 10.2% of workers had to take days off work due to pain, and 3.3% were fully incapacitated by it. In conclusion, the prevalence of pain was clearly higher among women, with an inverse relationship to age. Back pain and headaches were most prevalent and pain was rated as very severe to unbearable in one third of the patients. Pain-associated disabilities were a frequent finding. The present survey reports that pain is a substantial problem in the Catalonian population and generally reflects the characteristics of data previously reported in Anglo-saxon and Scandinavian countries.
TL;DR: Impaired lung function occurring in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is associated with subcellular changes in their diaphragm, namely a shortening in the length of sarcomeres and an increase in the concentration of mitochondria, probably contributing to a better functional muscle behaviour.
Abstract: Pulmonary hyperinflation impairs the function of the diaphragm in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, it has been recently demonstrated that the muscle can counterbalance this deleterious effect, remodelling its structure (i.e. changing the proportion of different types of fibres). The aim of this study was to investigate whether the functional impairment present in COPD patients can be associated with structural subcellular changes of the diaphragm. Twenty individuals (60+/-9 yrs, 11 COPD patients and 9 subjects with normal spirometry) undergoing thoracotomy were included. Nutritional status and respiratory function were evaluated prior to surgery. Then, small samples of the costal diaphragm were obtained and processed for electron microscopy analysis. COPD patients showed a mean forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) of 60+/-9% predicted, a higher concentration of mitochondria (n(mit)) in their diaphragm than controls (0.62+/-0.16 versus 0.46+/-0.16 mitochondrial transections (mt) x microm(-2), p 37%) disclosed not only a higher n(mit) (0.63+/-0.17 versus 0.43+/-0.07 mt x microm(-2), p<0.05) but shorter sarcomeres (L(sar)) than subjects without this functional abnormality (2.08+/-0.16 to 2.27+/-0.15 microm, p<0.05). Glycogen stores were similar in COPD and controls. The severity of airways obstruction (i.e. FEV1) was associated with n(mit) (r=-0.555, p=0.01), while the amount of air trapping (i.e. RV/TLC) was found to correlate with both n(mit) (r=0.631, p=0.005) and L(sar) (r=-0.526, p<0.05). Finally, maximal inspiratory pressure (PI,max) inversely correlated with n(mit) (r=-0.547, p=0.01). In conclusion, impairment in lung function occurring in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is associated with subcellular changes in their diaphragm, namely a shortening in the length of sarcomeres and an increase in the concentration of mitochondria. These changes form a part of muscle remodelling, probably contributing to a better functional muscle behaviour.
TL;DR: The breakpoints of the cosmopolitan inversion 2j of D. buzzatii were cloned and sequenced and it appears that the two pairs of target site duplications generated upon insertion were exchanged during the inversion event, and that the inversions arose by ectopic recombination between two copies of the transposon that were in opposite orientations.
Abstract: Although polymorphic inversions in Drosophila are very common, the origin of these chromosomal rearrangements is unclear. The breakpoints of the cosmopolitan inversion 2j of D. buzzatii were cloned and sequenced. Both breakpoints contain large insertions corresponding to a transposable element. It appears that the two pairs of target site duplications generated upon insertion were exchanged during the inversion event, and that the inversion arose by ectopic recombination between two copies of the transposon that were in opposite orientations. This is apparently the mechanism by which transposable elements generate natural inversions in Drosophila.
TL;DR: Serum DHEAS, androstenedione and insulin concentrations were determined together with fasting glycemia in matched populations of asymptomatic, non-obese, post-menarcheal girls to test the hypothesis that prenatal growth reduction is followed by exaggerated adrenarche.
Abstract: Serum dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEAS) is a classic marker for adrenarche and, subsequently, for the individual hormonal milieu. We have tested the hypothesis that prenatal growth reduction is followed by exaggerated adrenarche. Serum DHEAS, androstenedione and insulin concentrations were determined together with fasting glycemia in matched populations of asymptomatic, non-obese, post-menarcheal girls (mean age 14 yr) who were born either with a strictly appropriate weight for gestational age (AGA) or small for gestational age (SGA). When compared to AGA girls, the SGA girls had identical glucose levels, higher values for insulin and androstenedione (p<0.01), and a two-fold rise of DHEAS concentrations (p<0.0001). In conclusion, girls with prenatal growth reduction were found to be prone to develop, besides hyperinsulinism, a variant of exaggerated adrenarche. It remains to be verified whether the exaggerated adrenarche in adolescence is followed by adrenal hyperandrogenism throughout adulthood and senescence.
TL;DR: Some of the age-related changes found, particularly lipofuscin, polyglucosan bodies, and β-amyloid protein deposition, may play a role in the pathogenesis of the canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome.
Abstract: Although many age-related changes have been described in the nervous system of different species, few authors have specifically studied the topic. Knowledge of such changes is essential to veterinary pathologists, who must distinguish the lesions of specific pathologic processes from those arising as a result of normal aging. The brains of 20 old dogs, ranging in age from 8 to 18 years, were compared with those of 10 young dogs using routine staining techniques (hematoxilin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff), special staining techniques (periodic acid-methenamine silver stain), and immunohistochemical techniques to detect glial fibrillary acid protein, neurofilaments, ubiquitin, and -amyloid. Changes affected meninges and choroid plexuses, meningeal and parenchymal vessels, neurons, and glial cells. Of special interest was the presence of polyglucosan bodies, cerebrovascular amyloid deposition, senile plaques, and ubiquitinated bodies. Some of the age-related changes found, particularly lipofuscin, polyglucosan bodies, and -amyloid protein depo- sition, may play a role in the pathogenesis of the canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome. The dog could be used as a natural animal model for the study of normal aging and human neurodegenerative diseases.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors consider the linkage between productivity change and profit change and develop an analytical framework in which profit change between one period and the next is decomposed into three sources: (i) a productivity change effect (which includes a technical change effect and an operating efficiency effect), (ii) an activity effect (including a product mix effect, a resource mix effect and a scale effect), and (iii) a price effect).
Abstract: In this study we consider the linkage between productivity change and profit change. We develop an analytical framework in which profit change between one period and the next is decomposed into three sources: (i) a productivity change effect (which includes a technical change effect and an operating efficiency effect), (ii) an activity effect (which includes a product mix effect, a resource mix effect, and a scale effect), and (iii) a price effect. We then show how to quantify the contribution of each effect, using only observed prices and quantities of products and resources in the two periods. We illustrate our analytical decomposition of profit change with an empirical application to Spanish banking during the period 1987-1994.
TL;DR: The authors analyzed differences in the beliefs or metacognitive knowledge held about writing relates to differences in differences in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) writing skills, and revealed the clear relationship that exists between the MK of the writers and the strategies they deployed.
TL;DR: In this article, a comparative study of the metal−glycine bonding for the biologically relevant Cu+ and Cu2+ pair is presented, where the structure and vibrational frequencies for several coordination modes of Cu+ to glycine have been determined using the hybrid three-parameter B3LYP density functional approach.
Abstract: A comparative study of the metal−glycine bonding for the biologically relevant Cu+ and Cu2+ pair is presented The structure and vibrational frequencies for several coordination modes of Cu+ and Cu2+ to glycine have been determined using the hybrid three-parameter B3LYP density functional approach Single-point calculations have also been carried out at the modified coupled pair functional (MCPF) and single- and double- (triple) excitation coupled cluster (CCSD(T)) levels of theory and using larger basis sets Calculations have shown that the metal−glycine bonding and the energy ordering of the different conformers are very different in Cu+-glycine than in Cu2+-glycine Whereas for Cu+-glycine, the ground state structure is found to have a bidentated η2-N,O coordination in which Cu+ interacts with the nitrogen of the amino group and the carbonyl oxygen, the ground state structure of Cu2+-glycine is the η2-O,O (CO2-) one, derived from the interaction of the metal cation with the CO2- terminus of the zwitte