Inferior Counterparts Research Articles

A Method for Authentication of Meat by PCR Amplification of Species-specific Markers of Mitochondrial Origin

Background: Adulteration of meat with their cheaper or inferior counterparts has become a common practice in the meat industry which threatens the feelings as well as the health of the people. Meat adulteration has issues relating to social, religious, economic, and public health. Therefore, it is important to develop simple and reliable techniques for the authentication of species of meat. Mitochondrial markers have been widely used in species identification and authentication as PCR of species-specific markers of mitochondrial origin is relatively rapid, accurate, sensitive and cost-effective as compared to other PCR based assays. The present study was carried out for authentication of raw and cooked meat from different species using PCR amplification of species-specific Cytb and D-loop markers of mitochondrial origin.Methods: In this study, detection of different raw meat viz. beef, carabeef, mutton, chevon, chicken, duck meat and dog meat as well as meat samples subjected to different processing temperatures was done using PCR of species-specific mitochondrial Cytb and D-loop markers. Samples of beef, carabeef, mutton, chevon, chicken, duck meat and dog meat were collected randomly from different locations of the North-Eastern region of India. The meat samples were subjected to heat treatment in hot water (80oC) to have 75oC core temperature. They were also cooked in steam to have the core temperature of 95oC. The samples were also subjected to autoclaving at a temperature of 121oC and 15 lb pressure. Result: The markers used in this study successfully amplified unique fragments for beef, carabeef, mutton, chevon, chicken, duck meat and dog meat. The sizes of the amplified products were 126 bp for beef, 226 bp for carabeef, 254 bp for mutton, 453 bp for chevon, 256 bp for chicken, 292 bp for duck meat and 100 bp for dog meat. The results were consistent in the meat samples which were subjected to different cooking temperatures ranging from 75-121oC. Consequently, these markers were validated for cross-amplification by checking them with other meat samples and no amplifications were observed in non-target species. The results suggested that all the markers were highly specific for the target species. The simplicity, sensitivity and stability of the assay indicated that this method could be very useful for meat authentication and thereby to detect adulteration.

Sweet and Lowdown: Woody Allen's Cinema of Regret

Sweet and Lowdown: Woody Allen's Cinema of Regret

Distribution and Rates of Visual Field Loss across Different Disease Stages in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

To identify patterns and rates of visual field (VF) loss in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) across different levels of severity. Retrospective, observational case series. Visual fields of 278 eyes of 139 patients with POAG (9 years of follow-up with ∼17 visits) from the Rotterdam Eye Hospital in The Netherlands were analyzed to identify patterns and rates of VF loss. Rate of VF decline for the entire VF, each region, and test point. Hemifield asymmetric rate if VF decline for each region and test point. Total deviation (TD) values were extracted from the Humphrey VF Analyzer (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA). Eyes were stratified into 3 glaucoma stages by means of the mean deviation (MD): better than-6 decibels (dB), worse than-6 dB and better than-12 dB, and worse than-12 dB. Each hemifield was divided into 5 regions according to the Glaucoma Hemifield Test (GHT): central, paracentral, nasal, and peripheral arcuates 1 and 2. Point-wise and region-wise asymmetric patterns of VF loss and rate of VF loss were identified by comparing the values in the superior hemifield and the inferior hemifield at each severity level using a generalized estimating equation. The mean age of the patients was 60.2±10.3 years (mean ± standard deviation [SD]). The rate of MD loss, for all eyes taken together, was-0.11 dB/year. In the cross-sectional analysis, in eyes in the early and moderate stages, central and peripheral arcuate 2 regions in the superior hemifield were worse than their inferior counterpart, whereas in the advanced stage all GHT regions in the superior hemifield were significantly worse than the corresponding regions in the inferior hemifield (P ≤ 0.05). In the longitudinal analysis, there was no significant difference in the rate of VF loss between the GHT regions in the superior and inferior hemifields. Our findings suggest that in POAG, VF damage is worse in the superior hemifield than in the inferior hemifield.

Vertical Macular Asymmetry Measures Derived From SD-OCT for Detection of Early Glaucoma

PurposeTo test the hypothesis that vertical asymmetry in macular ganglion cell/inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness can improve detection of early glaucoma.MethodsSixty-nine normal eyes and 101 glaucoma eyes had macular imaging with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT; 200 × 200 cube). The resulting GCIPL thickness matrix was grouped into a 20 × 20 superpixel array and superior superpixels were compared to their inferior counterparts. A global asymmetry index (AI) was defined as the grand mean of the asymmetry ratios. To measure local asymmetry, the corresponding thickness measurements of three rows above and below the horizontal raphe were compared individually and in combinations. Global and local AIs were compared to the best-performing GCIPL thickness parameters with area under the receiver operating curves (AUC) and sensitivity/specificities.ResultsAge or axial length did not influence AIs in normal subjects (P ≥ 0.08). Global and local AIs were significantly higher in the glaucoma group compared to normal eyes. Minimum (AUC = 0.962, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.936–0.989) and inferotemporal thickness (AUC = 0.944, 95% CI: 0.910–0.977; P = 0.122) performed best for detection of early glaucoma. The AUC for global AI was 0.851 (95% CI: 0.792–0.909) compared to 0.916 (95% CI: 0.874–0.958) for the best local AI. Combining minimum or inferotemporal GCIPL thickness and the best local AI led to higher partial AUCs (0.088 and 0.085, 90% specificity, P = 0.120 and 0.130, respectively) than GCIPL thickness measures.ConclusionsMacular vertical thickness asymmetry measures did not perform better than sectoral or minimum GCIPL thickness for detection of early glaucoma. Combining local asymmetry parameters with the best sectoral GCIPL thickness measures enhanced this task.

Predicting Sell-Side Analysts' Relative Earnings Forecast Accuracy When It Matters Most

We introduce a novel framework to predict the relative accuracy of sell-side analysts’ annual earnings forecasts out-of-sample. Prior studies only evaluate forecasts shortly before the corresponding earnings release. In contrast, our study is the first to provide long-term predictions which are of particular value for both investors and academics. Overall, we show that analysts classified as superior outperform their inferior counterparts by 8.4 percent, on average. The prediction performance is even more pronounced for longer-term forecasts and for firms with high dispersion of analysts’ forecasts, that is, when the identification of superior forecasts matters most. Moreover, we challenge the conclusion of existing literature that characteristics reflecting an analyst’s skill set are not helpful to obtain better predictions. In particular, when evaluating forecasts which draw on similar information sets, we find that a model based on analyst characteristics outperforms a model focusing simply on the forecast horizon, for example.

Alterations in corneal epithelial thickness in patients with congenital myogenic eyelid ptosis.

To evaluate whether the corneal epithelial thickness (CET) maps obtained by optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the congenital myogenic eyelid ptosis differ from controls. CET maps of 13 patients with congenital myogenic eyelid ptosis (m/f=9/4; mean age 20.5±7.5) and randomly selected one eye of 13 controls (m/f=7/6; mean age 21.5±6.5) were investigated. Three pachymetry scans of each eye were performed by OCT (RTVue-XR, Optovue Inc., USA), and the scan with the highest signal strength index was selected for the analysis. In ptosis group: Minimum corneal epithelial thickness was thinner (p=0.029), standard deviation of thickness was higher (p=0.039), the negative of min-max values were higher (p=0.007). This difference was originating from the significant thinness of the superior sectors (S, SN, ST) of the corneal epithelium than the inferior counterparts (I, IT, IN) (p=0.001, p=0.017, p=0.002), respectively. There was no difference regarding total corneal thickness measurements. The mechanic effects of ptotic eyelid to the ocular surface may reshape the corneal epithelium, which can be objectively detected by OCT.

Genetic Analysis of Chromosomal Loci Affecting the Content of Insoluble Glutenin in Common Wheat

In common wheat, insoluble glutenin (IG) is an important fraction of flour glutenin macropolymers, and insoluble glutenin content (IGC) is positively associated with key end-use quality parameters. Here, we present a genetic analysis of the chromosomal loci affecting IGC with the data collected from 90 common wheat varieties cultivated in four environments. Statistical analysis showed that IGC was controlled mainly genetically and influenced by the environment. Among the major genetic components known to affect end-use quality, 1BL/1RS translocation had a significantly negative effect on IGC across all four environments. As to the different alleles of Glu-A1, -B1 and -D1 loci, Glu-A1a, Glu-B1b and Glu-D1d exhibited relatively strong positive effects on IGC in all environments. To identify new loci affecting IGC, association mapping with 1355 DArT markers was conducted. A total of 133 markers were found associated with IGC in two or more environments (P < 0.05), ten of which consistently affected IGC in all four environments. The phenotypic variance explained by the ten markers varied from 4.66% to 8.03%, and their elite alleles performed significantly better than the inferior counterparts in enhancing IGC. Among the ten markers, wPt-3743 and wPt-733835 reflected the action of Glu-D1, and wPt-664972 probably indicated the effect of Glu-A1. The other seven markers, forming three clusters on 2AL, 3BL or 7BL chromosome arms, represented newly identified genetic determinants of IGC. Our work provided novel insights into the genetic control of IGC, which may facilitate wheat end-use quality improvement through molecular breeding in the future.

Sagittal geometry of the middle and lower cervical endplates

Construct subsidence is a relatively common complication following anterior cervical fusion. Its occurrence has been revealed to be closely related to endplate-implant contact interface. But current literature focusing on the anatomy of cervical endplate is very scarce. The purpose of this morphometric study was to analyse the sagittal geometry, especially the concavity and slope, of vertebral endplates from C3 to C7 by employing data from CT scans. Reformatted CT scans of 97 individuals were analyzed and endplate concavity depth, endplate concavity apex location, as well as endplate slope were measured in midsagittal plane. Those specific parameters were compared among different age and gender groups. Meanwhile, comparison between superior and inferior endplate of each vertebra was also performed. Age and gender did not influence endplate concavity depth, endplate concavity apex location, or endplate slope significantly (P > 0.05). Endplate concavity depths of superior endplates (range 0.9-1.2 mm) were significantly smaller than those of inferior endplates (range 2.1-2.7 mm). Endplate concavity apex was always located in the posterior half of the endplate, with the superior one ranged from 56 to 67% and the inferior one 52 to 57%. Average endplate slopes of superior endplates were between 4.5° and 9.0°, and average inferior endplate slopes ranged from 4.5° to 7.5°. Among all measured segments, C5 had the largest endplate slope values, while C7 the least. Superior endplate is more flat than its inferior counterpart in middle and lower cervical spine, and the concavity apex is always located in the posterior half of the endplate. Endplate slope is correlated with cervical curvature, greater slope implying more significant lordosis. These sagittal endplate geometrical parameters should be taken into consideration when investigating implant subsidence following anterior cervical fusion.

Monet's Vulnerable Masculinity in Frédéric Bazille's The Improvised Field Hospital

In 1865, the early Impressionist painter Frédéric Bazille went to meet his close friend Claude Monet in Chailly-en-Bière, small village just on the outskirts of the forest of Fontainebleau. When Monet injured his leg shortly after Bazille arrived, Bazille painted The Improvised Field Hospital (Musée d'Orsay, Paris, France), which displayed his friend convalescing in bed at their inn, depicting rare moment of vulnerability on the part of the shrewd and manipulative Monet. The relationship between these young artists has often formed the cornerstone for narratives about the origins of impressionism as an artistic style, but scholars have failed to analyze the homosocial power dynamic between the two artists as defined by reports of their interactions in their own letters, the letters and memoirs of their friends, and in the painted portraits of their social circle that provided practice in modern portraiture for the young and mostly impoverished artists. With this personal history in mind, I posit that Bazille used the The Improvised Field Hospital as part of his own project to construct and reify his masculine social position on his canvases through his choices in subject matter and composition. At least temporarily, this painting allowed Bazille to turn the tables and present the pugnacious Monet as his vulnerable, inferior counterpart.

Luke’s Use of Mark as παράφρασις: Its Effects on Characterization in the ‘Healing of Blind Bartimaeus’ Pericope (Mark 10.46-52/Luke 18.35-43)

‘The Healing of Blind Bartimaeus’, as Mk 10.46-52 is often called, has been taken over and restated with various changes in Lk. 18.35-43. This article views Luke’s modification of the account in terms of πάράφράσις (‘paraphrase’), a progymnasmatic exercise in which the writer changed the form of expression while keeping the thoughts. It is argued that Luke’s πάράφράσις of Mark’s account enhances characterization of three characters— Jesus, the λάός (‘people’) and the ‘blind man’—by creating a favorable portrait of each of them over against some respective inferior counterpart.

¡Viva México! World’s Fair Exhibits and Souvenirs: The Shaping of Collective Consciousness

orld's fairs emerged in the nineteenth century intended as showcases for Western civilization. Collections of commodities were put on display to mimic previous cultural achievements and monuments that distinguished civilized nations from their supposed economically inferior counterparts. By the twentieth century, these expositions refl ected the global competition for natural resources and the subsequent geographic expansion of the West. The 1933 Chicago exposition, aptly titled the of Progress, followed suit, presenting a blueprint for national economic growth and technological development amidst mounting global political and economic tensions. This case study of exhibits at the 1933 Century of Progress world's fair examines how U.S. concessionaires and Mexican government offi cials used the expo as an opportunity to defi ne symbols of Mexican national identity following the armed phase of the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920). This visual syllabary crafted a revisionist narrative that rooted national technologi- cal and cultural advancement in the country's pre-Columbian heritage. These displays in conjunction with the production of souvenirs allowed audiences to sharpen offi cial narratives that challenged negative stereotypes associated with fi nancial and political consequences of the revolutionary violence. The fi rst section of this essay briefl y examines the political and social context in which the theme of the Century of Progress emerged. The fair served international interests in promoting U.S. entrepreneurial ventures while legitimizing the revolutionary government. Part two focuses upon the use of material culture to represent national identity. Mexican offi cials se- lected regional symbols to represent the nation in an effort to homogenize and unify an ideologically and culturally fragmented country. The United States capitalized upon this symbolism and presented an idealized visualiza- tion of Mexico's path to civilization. The analysis examines how American concessionaires used ethnographic representations of the Mexican people as fair exhibits. Arguably these served a didactic purpose: intending audi- ences to reconsider the violent, unruly, and pauper stereotypes promoted by presses in the early years of the revolution. 1 Instead these ethnographic

Patterns of visual field defects in chronic angle-closure glaucoma with different disease severity

Purpose To evaluate the patterns of visual field defects in patients with chronic angle-closure glaucoma (CACG) with varying extent of optic nerve damage. Design Prospective, consecutive, observational case series. Participants One hundred forty-six Asian patients with well-controlled CACG. Methods Visual field tests were performed using program 24-2 of the Humphrey Field Analyzer (Humphrey Instruments, San Leandro, CA) with the Swedish interactive thresholding algorithm standard. One hundred ten eligible visual fields were scored with the system adopted by the Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study and were categorized into 4 groups accordingly: mild, moderate, severe, and end-stage. Each hemifield was divided into the nasal, paracentral, and arcuate areas, and field loss that involved respective areas was defined as nasal step, paracentral scotoma, and arcuate scotoma. Main outcome measures The distribution of field defect patterns in each group was evaluated. The mean deviation (MD) was compared among the 3 areas within one hemifield and between each pair of corresponding areas across the median raphe. Results The nasal area was the most commonly damaged area in the mild group, being noted in 52% of eyes in the superior hemifield and 58% of eyes in the inferior hemifield. In the moderate group, field loss involving both the nasal and arcuate areas dominated the superior hemifield, whereas field loss involving all three areas dominated the inferior hemifield. The MD of the nasal area was the worst among the three areas in each hemifield of the mild and moderate groups, as well as in the inferior hemifield of the severe group (all P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the MD of each area between the superior hemifield and their inferior counterparts. However, the superior hemifield as a whole showed a better MD than the inferior hemifield ( P=0.034) in the mild group. Conclusions Visual field loss that involved the nasal area was the most common pattern in the early stage of CACG. The MD of the nasal area was worse than those of the arcuate and the paracentral areas within the same hemifield in the mild, moderate, and severe groups of CACG patients.

Towards a Social History of Art: Defining "Mozarabic"

AbstractMedieval Spanish art posed a particular problem for art historians due to the difficulty in reconciling strcmg formal differences between perceived Classicism on the one hand and foreign "Mozarabic" elements on the other. The connotations of such formal designations reveal much about larger perceptions of historical development at the beginning of this century. The term "Mozarabic" in early essays by Meyer Schapiro among others attained its definition solely in opposition to other earlier and later styles. It was understood in a pejorative light as the inferior counterpart to other formal idioms such as the Romanesque.