Enzyme Linked Immunological Studies of Cholinesterases in Human Blood

This is a digitised version of a thesis that was deposited in the University Library. If you are the author and you have a query about this item please contact PEARL Admin ([email protected])Metadata merged with duplicate record (http://hdl.handle.net/10026.1/783) on 20.12.2016 by CS (TIS).A modified Ellman method using acetylthiocholine as substrata has been used to reliably measure erythrocyte AChE activity (CV=7%). Reliable immunological quantitation of this enzyme (CV=7%) was achieved using monoclonal antisera to AChE (AE-1 and AE-2) in a fluid phase homogeneous enzyme-linked antiglobulin test (ELAT). AChE activity and antigen levels were similar for both adult male and female samples. Cord samples at term measured 60% of the adult value and reached 100% within 5 months. An overall increase in AChE activity was observed as pregnancy progresses with patients 1 to 3 days post delivery showing significantly elevated levels of activity and antigen. Investigation of haematological disorders revealed cases of reduced levels of activity and antigen in a variety of conditions. An essay of plasma ChE activity using butyrylthiocholine as substrata has been developed using a microplate Ellman technique (CV=5%). An enzyme linked immunosorbent method (ELISA) using monoclonal antibodies MAb2-l and 2-4 (CV=5%) provided a sensitive and reliable means of quantitation together with the capability of handling a large number of samples. Normal Gaussian distribution curves were obtained for both activity and antigen levels for E1u E1u, E1uE1a and E1aE1a individuals. The approximate amount that each of the genes E1a , E1a and E1f contribute to the ChE activity and antigen levels is presented allowing the effective efficiency (EE) of the gene product to be calculated. Immunological measurements have aided in the segregation of the silent gene variants representing zero, very low, low and high levels of immunoreactive protein and the identification of a new gene, E1x. Family studies have confirmed the existence of this gene. Analysis of activity and immunological data suggest that the E1h and E1t gene could be identical. A significant decrease in ChE activity occurs during pregnancy with even lower levels presenting during the first 2 to 3 days post delivery. Immunological measurements indicate similar reductions in the amount of ChE protein during these periods.Torbay Hospita

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and the Entrepreneurial University

The purpose of this paper is to outline one way in which less research intensive universities can contribute to entrepreneurship by examining the achievements of a number of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) within the University of Gloucestershire. The paper adopts a qualitative case study approach and four case studies of KTPs at Beacons Business Interiors, Dowty Propellers, EnergistUK and Muddy Boots Software, all of which have operating bases within 40 miles of the University, are researched and analysed. The findings reveal that the four KTPs delivered a number of benefits for the companies, the university and the staff directly involved in these projects, and more generally that the KTPs successfully met their initial aims. The authors identify a number of challenges involved in looking to maximise the benefits of KTP activity within the University, and suggest how KTPs can actively foster the development of the entrepreneurial university. This paper is an accessible review of KTP initiatives within the University of Gloucestershire and as such it will interest academics and business practitioners, who are looking to develop university-industry partnerships. It also offers some reflections on how a programme of KTPs can advance entrepreneurial development and support Growth Hub initiatives

Delivering business benefits through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

This paper offers four small case studies that illustrate how Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) are helping small companies to adapt to changing environments and meet changing customer needs. The paper outlines the principal characteristics of KTPs and explores some of the key issues in the development of improved customer service

Corporate Social Responsibility and UK Retailers

This paper offers a preliminary examination of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitmentsand agendas being addressed and reported by the UK’s leading retailers. The paperbegins with a short discussion of the characteristics and origins of CSR and of the current structureof retailing in the UK. This is followed by an illustrative examination of the CSR issuespublicly reported by the UK’s top ten country of origin retailers and the paper draws its empiricalmaterial from the CSR reports posted on the World Wide Web by these retailers. The findingsreveal that the UK’s top ten retailers are addressing and reporting on four sets of CSRthemes namely those relating to the environment; the marketplace; the workplace and the community.The paper concludes with a discussion of a number of general issues relating to thesethemes. Copyright © www.iiste.or

A rural undergraduate campus in England:virtue from opportunity and necessity

The implementation of new curriculum at Keele University Medical School, UK has made heavy use of general practice as a locus for learning. This has necessitated a substantial expansion in the School's teaching network. The School's hinterland includes a large rural area with a number of excellent general practices and associated community hospitals that, to date, have been unable to teach undergraduates because of their inaccessibility. This article describes how the School and its partners articulated a vision to establish a rural campus with an associated rural accommodation hub, and the challenges involved in establishing and sustaining the campus

Corporate Social Responsibility and UK Retailers

This paper offers a preliminary examination of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitments and agendas being addressed and reported by the UK‟s leading retailers. The paper begins with a short discussion of the characteristics and origins of CSR and of the current structure of retailing in the UK. This is followed by an illustrative examination of the CSR issues publicly reported by the UK‟s top ten country of origin retailers and the paper draws its empirical material from the CSR reports posted on the World Wide Web by these retailers. The findings reveal that the UK‟s top ten retailers are addressing and reporting on four sets of CSR themes namely those relating to the environment; the marketplace; the workplace and the community. The paper concludes with a discussion of a number of general issues relating to these themes

The Sustainable Development Goals and Information and Communication Technologies

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Innovation in the Construction and Property Management Industries

Purpose – The purpose of this practice paper is to examine how the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) scheme has been employed to introduce change and deliver business benefit in the construction industry. Design/methodology/approach – The paper begins with an introduction to the KTP scheme and its context within the University of Gloucestershire which serves as an introduction to three case studies, each one covering a 21‐24 month time span. The cases draw their empirical material from the experience of managing the KTPs, interviews, meeting minutes, board papers and final reports. Findings – All three case studies have been successful in the introduction of new thinking or new ways of working in different areas of business. In one case study, a new marketing strategy was developed and implemented; in another, a new consultancy capability has been developed and embedded in the company; and in the third, new information systems were introduced to support corporate growth. Originality/value – The value of the case studies lies in their originality and the paper highlights the value of the KTP scheme as a catalyst for the introduction of new ideas and initiatives in three different sectors of the construction industry. The paper also illustrates how academics can work productively in a commercial environment with industry partner