text:
An apparatus for treatment of a failing heart by reducing the wall tension therein. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a tension member for drawing at least two walls of a heart chamber toward each other.
1. An apparatus for the treatment of a failing heart, comprising:
means for reducing the cross sectional area of the heart in at least one plane.
2. The apparatus of
3. The apparatus of
4. The apparatus in accordance with
5. The apparatus in accordance with
6. The apparatus in accordance with
7. An apparatus for reducing the tension in the wall of the heart chamber in at least one cross sectional plane, comprising:
a draw member having first and second ends; and
anchoring means disposed at each end of the draw member for engagement with the chamber wall.
8. An apparatus in accordance with
9. The apparatus in accordance with
10. The apparatus in accordance with
11. An apparatus for reducing the tension in the wall of a heart chamber in at least one cross sectional plane, comprising:
a compression member having an atraumatic surface for placement against the exterior of the heart.
12. The apparatus in accordance with
13. The apparatus in accordance with
14. The apparatus in accordance with
[0001] The present invention pertains to the field of apparatus for treatment of a failing heart. In particular, the apparatus of the present invention is directed toward reducing the wall stress in the failing heart.
[0002] The syndrome of heart failure is a common course for the progression of many forms of heart disease. Heart failure may be considered to be the condition in which an abnormality of cardiac function is responsible for the inability of the heart to pump blood at a rate commensurate with the requirements of the metabolizing tissues, or can do so only at an abnormally elevated filling pressure. There are many specific disease processes that can lead to heart failure with a resulting difference in pathophysiology of the failing heart, such as the dilatation of the left ventricular chamber. Etiologies that can lead to this form of failure include idiopathic cardiomyopathy, viral cardiomyopathy, and ischemic cardiomyopathy.
[0003] The process of ventricular dilatation is generally the result of chronic volume overload or specific damage to the myocardium. In a normal heart that is exposed to long term increased cardiac output requirements, for example, that of an athlete, there is an adaptive process of slight ventricular dilation and muscle myocyte hypertrophy. In this way, the heart fully compensates for the increased cardiac output requirements. With damage to the myocardium or chronic volume overload, however, there are increased requirements put on the contracting myocardium to such a level that this compensated state is never achieved and the heart continues to dilate.
[0004] The basic problem with a large dilated left ventricle is that there is a significant increase in wall tension and/or stress both during diastolic filling and during systolic contraction. In a normal heart, the adaptation of muscle hypertrophy (thickening) and ventricular dilatation maintain a fairly constant wall tension for systolic contraction. However, in a failing heart, the ongoing dilatation is greater than the hypertrophy and the result is a rising wall tension requirement for systolic contraction. This is felt to be an ongoing insult to the muscle myocyte resulting in further muscle damage. The increase in wall stress is also true for diastolic filling. Additionally, because of the lack of cardiac output, there is generally a rise in ventricular filling pressure from several physiologic mechanisms. Moreover, in diastole there is both a diameter increase and a pressure increase over normal, both contributing to higher wall stress levels. The increase in diastolic wall stress is felt to be the primary contributor to ongoing dilatation of the chamber.
[0005] Prior art treatments for heart failure fall into three generally categories. The first being pharmacological, for example, diuretics. The second being assist systems, for example, pumps. Finally, surgical treatments have been experimented with, which are described in more detail below.
[0006] With respect to pharmacological treatments, diuretics have been used to reduce the workload of the heart by reducing blood volume and preload. Clinically, preload is defined in several ways including left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP), or left ventricular end diastolic volume (LVEDV). Physiologically, the preferred definition is the length of stretch of the sarcomere at end diastole. Diuretics reduce extra cellular fluid which builds in congestive heart failure patients increasing preload conditions. Nitrates, arteriolar vasodilators, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors have been used to treat heart failure through the reduction of cardiac workload through the reduction of afterload. Afterload may be defined as the tension or stress required in the wall of the ventricle during ejection. Inotropes like digoxin are cardiac glycosides and function to increase cardiac output by increasing the force and speed of cardiac muscle contraction. These drug therapies offer some beneficial effects but do not stop the progression of the disease.
[0007] Assist devices include mechanical pumps and electrical stimulators. Mechanical pumps reduce the load on the heart by performing all or part of the pumping function normally done by the heart. Currently, mechanical pumps are used to sustain the patient while a donor heart for transplantation becomes available for the patient. Electrical stimulation such as biventricular pacing have been investigated for the treatment of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.
[0008] There are at least three surgical procedures for treatment of heart failure: 1) heart transplant; 2) dynamic cardiomyoplasty; and 3) the Batista partial left ventriculectomy. Heart transplantation has serious limitations including restricted availability of organs and adverse effects of immunosuppressive therapies required following heart transplantation. Cardiomyoplasty includes wrapping the heart with skeletal muscle and electrically stimulating the muscle to contract synchronously with the heart in order to help the pumping function of the heart. The Batista partial left ventriculectomy includes surgically remodeling the left ventricle by removing a segment of the muscular wall. This procedure reduces the diameter of the dilated heart, which in turn reduces the loading of the heart. However, this extremely invasive procedure reduces muscle mass of the heart.
[0009] The present invention pertains to a non-pharmacological, passive apparatus for the treatment of a failing heart. The device is configured to reduce the tension in the heart wall. It is believed to reverse, stop or slow the disease process of a failing heart as it reduces the energy consumption of the failing heart, decrease in isovolumetric contraction, increases sarcomere shortening during contraction and an increase in isotonic shortening in turn increases stroke volume. The device reduces wall tension during diastole (preload) and systole.
[0010] In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a tension member for drawing at least two walls of the heart chamber toward each other to reduce the radius or area of the heart chamber in at least one cross sectional plane. The tension member has anchoring member disposed at opposite ends for engagement with the heart or chamber wall.
[0011] In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a compression member for drawing at least two walls of a heart chamber toward each other. In one embodiment, the compression member includes a balloon. In another embodiment of the apparatus, a frame is provided for supporting the compression member.
[0012] Yet another embodiment of the invention includes a clamp having two ends biased toward one another for drawing at least two walls of a heart chamber toward each other. The clamp includes at least two ends having atraumatic anchoring member disposed thereon for engagement with the heart or chamber wall.
[0013]FIG. 1 is a transverse cross-section of the left and right ventricles of a human heart showing the placement of a splint in accordance with the present invention;
[0014]FIG. 2 is a transverse cross-section of the left and right ventricles of a human heart showing the placement of a balloon device in accordance with the present invention;
[0015]FIG. 3 is a transverse cross-section of the left and right ventricles of a human heart showing the placement of an external compression frame structure in accordance with the present invention;
[0016]FIG. 4 is a transverse cross-section of the left and right ventricles of a human heart showing a clamp in accordance with the present invention;
[0017]FIG. 5 is a transverse cross-section of the left and right ventricles of a human heart showing a three tension member version of the splint of FIG. 1;
[0018]FIG. 6 is a transverse cross-section of the left and right ventricles of a human heart showing a four tension member version of the splint shown in FIG. 1;
[0019]FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-section of the left ventricle and atrium, the left ventricle having scar tissue;
[0020]FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-section of the heart of FIG. 7 showing the splint of FIG. 1 drawing the scar tissue toward the opposite wall of the left ventricle;
[0021]FIG. 9 is a vertical cross-section of the left ventricle and atrium of a human heart showing a version of the splint of FIG. 1 having an elongate anchor bar;
[0022]FIG. 10 is a side view of an undeployed hinged anchor member;
[0023]FIG. 11 is a side view of a deployed hinged anchor member of FIG. 10;
[0024]FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an captured ball anchor member;
[0025]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a cross bar anchor member;
[0026]FIG. 14 is a idealized cylindrical model of a left ventricle of a human heart;
[0027]FIG. 15 is a splinted model of the left ventricle of FIG. 14;
[0028]FIG. 16 is a transverse cross-sectional view of FIG. 15 showing various modeling parameters;
[0029]FIG. 17 is a transverse cross-section of the splinted left ventricle of FIG. 15 showing a hypothetical force distribution; and
[0030]FIG. 18 is a second transverse cross-sectional view of the model left ventricle of FIG. 15 showing a hypothetical force distribution.
[0031] Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the several views, FIG. 1 shows a transverse cross-section of a left ventricle 10 and a right ventricle 12 of a human heart 14. Extending through the left ventricle is a splint 16 including a tension member 18 and oppositely disposed anchors 20. Splint 16 as shown in FIG. 1 has been positioned to draw opposite walls of left ventricle 10 toward each other to reduce the "radius" of the left ventricular cross-section or the cross-sectional area thereof to reduce left ventricular wall stresses. It should be understood that although the splint 16 and the alternative devices disclosed herein are described in relation to the left ventricle of a human heart, these devices could also be used to reduce the radius or cross-sectional area of the other chambers of a human heart in transverse or vertical directions, or at an angle between the transverse and vertical.
[0032]FIG. 2 discloses an alternate embodiment of the present invention, wherein a balloon 200 is deployed adjacent the left ventricle. The size and degree of inflation of the balloon can be varied to reduce the radius or cross-sectional area of left ventricle 10 of heart 14.
[0033]FIG. 3 shows yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention deployed with respect to left ventricle 10 of human heart 14. Here a compression frame structure 300 is engaged with heart 14 at atraumatic anchor pads 310. A compression member 312 having an atraumatic surface 314 presses against a wall of left ventricle 10 to reduce the radius or cross-sectional area thereof.
[0034]FIG. 4 is a transverse cross-sectional view of human heart 14 showing yet another embodiment of the present invention. In this case a clamp 400 having atraumatic anchor pads 410 biased toward each other is shown disposed on a wall of left ventricle 10. Here the radius or cross-sectional area of left ventricle 10 is reduced by clamping off the portion of the wall between pads 410. Pads 410 can be biased toward each other and/or can be held together by a locking device.
[0035] Each of the various embodiments of the present invention disclosed in FIGS. 1-4 can be made from materials which can remain implanted in the human body indefinitely. Such biocompatible materials are well-known to those skilled in the art of clinical medical devices.
[0036]FIG. 5 shows an alternate embodiment of the splint of FIG. 1 referred to in FIG. 5 by the numeral 116. The embodiment 116 shown in FIG. 5 includes three tension members 118 as opposed to a single tension member 18 as shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 shows yet another embodiment of the splint 216 having four tension members 218. It is anticipated that in some patients, the disease process of the failing heart may be so advanced that three, four or more tension members may be desirable to reduce the heart wall stresses more substantially than possible with a single tension member as shown in FIG. 1.
[0037]FIG. 7 is a partial vertical cross-section of human heart 14 showing left ventricle 10 and left atrium 22. As shown in FIG. 7, heart 14 includes a region of scar tissue 24 associated with an aneurysm or ischemia. As shown in FIG. 7, the scar tissue 24 increases the radius or cross-sectional area of left ventricle 10 in the region affected by the scar tissue. Such an increase in the radius or cross-sectional area of the left ventricle will result in greater wall stresses on the walls of the left ventricle.
[0038]FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the heart 14 as shown in FIG. 7, wherein a splint 16 has been placed to draw the scar tissue 24 toward an opposite wall of left ventricle 10. As a consequence of placing splint 16, the radius or cross-sectional area of the left ventricle affected by the scar tissue 24 is reduced. The reduction of this radius or cross-sectional area results in reduction in the wall stress in the left ventricular wall and thus improves heart pumping efficiency.
[0039]FIG. 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view of left ventricle 10 and left atrium 22 of heart 14 in which a splint 16 has been placed. As shown in FIG. 9, splint 16 includes an alternative anchor 26. The anchor 26 is preferably an elongate member having a length as shown in FIG. 9 substantially greater than its width (not shown). Anchor bar 26 might be used to reduce the radius or cross-sectional area of the left ventricle in an instance where there is generalized enlargement of left ventricle 10 such as in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. In such an instance, bar anchor 26 can distribute forces more widely than anchor 20.
[0040]FIGS. 10 and 11 are side views of a hinged anchor 28 which could be substituted for anchors 20 in undeployed and deployed positions respectively. Anchor 28 as shown in FIG. 10 includes two legs similar to bar anchor 26. Hinged anchor 28 could include additional legs and the length of those legs could be varied to distribute the force over the surface of the heart wall. In addition there could be webbing between each of the legs to give anchor 28 an umbrella-like appearance. Preferably the webbing would be disposed on the surface of the legs which would be in contact with the heart wall.
[0041]FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a capture ball anchor 30. Capture ball anchor 30 can be used in place of anchor 20. Capture ball anchor 30 includes a disk portion 32 to distribute the force of the anchor on the heart wall, and a recess 34 for receiving a ball 36 affixed to an end of tension member 18. Disk 32 and recess 34 include a side groove which allows tension member 38 to be passed from an outside edge of disk 32 into recess 34. Ball 36 can then be advanced into recess 34 by drawing tension member 18 through an opening 38 in recess 34 opposite disk 32.
[0042]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a cross bar anchor 40. The cross bar anchor 40 can be used in place of anchors 20. The anchor 40 preferably includes a disk or pad portion 42 having a cross bar 44 extending over an opening 46 in pad 42. Tension member 18 can be extended through opening 46 and tied to cross bar 42 as shown.
[0043] In use, the various embodiments of the present invention are placed in or adjacent the human heart to reduce the radius or cross-section area of at least one chamber of the heart. This is done to reduce wall stress or tension in the heart or chamber wall to slow, stop or reverse failure of the heart. In the case of the splint 16 shown in FIG. 1, a canula can be used to pierce both walls of the heart and one end of the splint can be advanced through the canula from one side of the heart to the opposite side where an anchor can be affixed or deployed. Likewise, an anchor is affixed or deployed at the opposite end of splint 16.
[0044]FIG. 14 is a view of a cylinder or idealized heart chamber 48 which is used to illustrate the reduction of wall stress in a heart chamber as a result of deployment of the splint in accordance with the present invention. The model used herein and the calculations related to this model are intended merely to illustrate the mechanism by which wall stress is reduced in the heart chamber. No effort is made herein to quantify the actual reduction which would be realized in any particular in vivo application.
[0045]FIG. 15 is a view of the idealized heart chamber 48 of FIG. 14 wherein the chamber has been splinted along its length L such that a "figure eight" cross-section has been formed along the length thereof. It should be noted that the perimeter of the circular transverse cross-section of the chamber in FIG. 14 is equal to the perimeter of the figure eight transverse cross-section of FIG. 15. For purposes of this model, opposite lobes of the figure in cross-section are assumed to be mirror images.
[0046]FIG. 16 shows various parameters of the FIG. 8 cross-section of the splinted idealized heart chamber of FIG. 15. Where l is the length of the splint between opposite walls of the chamber, R2 is the radius of each lobe, θ is the angle between the two radii of one lobe which extends to opposite ends of the portion of the splint within chamber 48 and h is the height of the triangle formed by the two radii and the portion of the splint within the chamber 48 (R1 is the radius of the cylinder of FIG. 14). These various parameters are related as follows:
[0047] h=R2 COS (θ/2)
[0048] l=2 R2 SIN (θ/2)
[0049] R2=R1π/(2π−θ)
[0050] From these relationships, the area of the figure eight cross-section can be calculated by:
A 2=2π(R 2)2 (1−θ/2π)+hl
[0051] Where chamber 48 is unsplinted as shown in FIG. 14 A1, the original cross-sectional area of the cylinder is equal to A2 where θ=180�, h=0 and l=2R2. Volume equals A2 times length L and circumferential wall tension equals pressure within the chamber times R2 times the length L of the chamber.
[0052] Thus, for example, with an original cylindrical radius of four centimeters and a pressure within the chamber of 140 mm of mercury, the wall tension T in the walls of the cylinder is 104.4 newtons. When a 3.84 cm splint is placed as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 such that l=3.84 cm, the wall tension T is 77.33 newtons.
[0053]FIGS. 17 and 18 show a hypothetical distribution of wall tension T and pressure P for the figure eight cross-section. As θ goes from 180� to 0�, tension Ts in the splint goes from 0 to a 2T load where the chamber walls carry a T load.
[0054] It will be understood that this disclosure, in many respects, is only illustrative. Changes may be made in details, particularly in matters of shape, size, material, and arrangement of parts without exceeding the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is as defined in the language of the appended claims.
Referenced by
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text:
A method of amino acid analysis by reacting an amino acid-containing sample with o-phthalaldehyde and an N-protective group-substituted cysteine such as N-acetyl-L-cysteine under an alkaline condition to yield a fluorescent compound and measuring the intensity of fluorescence or absorbance of the resulting compound. The method is sensitive for quantitative and qualitative analysis of a secondary amino acid such as proline when it is beforehand subjected to an oxidation.
1. A method of amino acid analysis which comprises (1) subjecting an amino acid-containing sample to liquid chromatography, thereby providing a separated amino acid phase, (2) treating the separated amino acid phase with an oxidizer to obtain an oxidized-amino acid phase, (3) treating said oxidized-amino acid phase with o-phthalaldehyde and N-acetyl-L-cysteine under an alkaline condition to yield a fluorescent compound, and (4) measuring intensity of fluorescence or absorbance of the fluorescent compound.
2. The method of claim 1 in which the amino acid-containing sample is one containing a primary amino acid.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the amino acid-containing sample is a secondary amino acid-containing sample wherein said secondary amino acid is selected from the group consisting of proline and N-lower alkyl-substituted glycine.
4. The method of claim 1 in which step (3) is conducted in an alkaline buffer having a pH of 9 to 12.
5. The method of claim 4 in which the alkaline buffer is a borate type, carbonate type or borate-carbonate type buffer.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of and an apparatus for amino acid analysis, and more particularly to an analysis method of qualitatively and quantitatively determining various amino acids with ease, the method being adapted to qualitatively and quantitatively determining even imino acids such as proline with high sensitivity.
2. Description of the Prior Art
An amino acid analysis is conducted by a method wherein o-phthalaldehyde (hereinafter referred to as "OPA") and mercaptoethanol are used. With this method, each amino acid separated off by a column is reacted with OPA and mercaptoethanol to form a fluorescent compound as shown below, and the intensity of fluorescence or absorbance of the compound is measured for qualitative or quantitative determination. ##STR1##
When the sample is a secondary amino acid of the imino acid type, such as proline, the sample is reacted with hypochlorous acid or like oxidizer and thereby converted to a primary amino acid, which is then subjected to the above reaction. However, the conventional method is low in analysis sensitivity for proline or like secondary amino acid of the imino acid type even when the acid is reacted after oxidation. The method has another problem in that the mercaptoethanol used releases a foul odor.
To overcome the above problems, we have already proposed a method which is adapted to achieve improved analysis sensitivity for imino acids such as proline by reacting the converted primary amino acid with OPA of increased concentration under optimized conditions in respect of reaction time and temperature (Published Unexamined Japanese Patent Application No. SHO 57-135355).
The present invention provides a method of amino acid analysis characterized by reacting an amino acid-containing sample with o-phthalaldehyde and an N-protected group-substituted cysteine under an alkaline condition to obtain a fluorescent compound and measuring the intensity of fluorescence or absorbance of the compound.
By the analysis method of the present invention, samples containing imino acids such as proline can be analyzed with high sensitivity (about ten times the sensitivity of the usual method using mercaptoethanol) without the necessity of increasing the concentration of OPA and also without entailing the problem of noxious odor.
When a D,L-mixture of α-amino acids having asymmetric carbon atoms is analyzed as the sample, fluorescent compounds which are diastereomers are formed, so that the compounds can be easily subjected to optical resolution, and the D-acid and the L-acid can be readily determined qualitatively or quantitatively based on the intensities or absorbances of the compounds.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of apparatus for practicing the amino acid analysis method of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a graph showing an example of amino acid analysis chart obtained by the method of the invention;
FIG. 3 is a graph showing an example of amino acid analysis chart obtained by the conventional method;
FIGS. 4 and 5 are other examples of amino acid optical resolution analysis charts obtained by the present method;
FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B are graphs showing the linearity of calibration curves obtained by the present method; and
FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are charts showing the results of amino acid analysis released from soy bean protein and a sample of amino acid mixture by the present method.
FIG. 9 is a graph showing a gradient profile of the mobile phase of Example 2.
FIG. 10 is a graph showing a gradient profile of the mobile phase and the column temperature of Example 5.
The amino acid containing-sample to be analyzed by the method of the invention means one containing at least one primary amino acid. When containing a secondary amino acid of the imino acid type, the sample is oxidized first with an oxidizer, e.g. hyprochlorous acid (usually in the form of a salt), by the usual method, and is then analyzed. Samples containing a secondary amino acid, such as sarcosine or like N-lower alkylsubstituted glycine, can also be analyzed similarly after oxidation. The oxidation treatment is conducted to convert the secondary amino acid to the primary.
The amino acids contained in the sample to be analyzed by the present method may be optically active acids or racemic modifications. When the sample is a D,L-mixture, especially racemic modification, the diastereomers resulting from reaction are subjected to optical resolution as will be described later, whereby the D-form and L-form can be separated for analysis.
The amino acids to be analyzed include, for example, glycine (Gly), alanine (Ala), Valine (Val), leucine (Leu), isoleucine (Ile), serine (Ser), threonine (Thr), cysteine (Cys), cystine (Cys-Cys), methionine (Met), aspartic acid (Asp), glutamic acid (Glu), arginine (Arg), lysine (Lys), histidine (His), asparagine (Asp-NH2), glutamine (Glu-NH2), phenylalanine (Phe), tyrosine (Tyr), tryptophan (Trp), proline (Pro), hydroxyproline (Hy-Pro), sarcosine etc. Such acids may be in the form of a mixture.
Examples of protective groups in N-protective group-substituted cysteines useful for the present invention are acetyl, trifluoroacetyl, ethoxycarbonyl, ter-butoxycarbonyl, benzyloxycarbonyl, p-nitrobenzyloxycarbonyl, p-nitrophenylsulfonyl, p-toluenesulfonyl and trityl. Among such cysteines, N-acetyl-D- or L-cysteine is preferred.
The N-protective group-substituted cysteines can be prepared by reacting cysteine with an N-protective reagent by a known method, for example, by reacting D- or L-cysteine with a compound, such as acetic anhydride, acetyl chloride, 2-ter-butoxycarbonyloxyimido-2-phenylacetonitrile, N-carboethoxyphthalimide, benzyloxycarbonyl chloride, S-ethyl-thiol-trifluoroacetate, p-nitrocarbobenzoxy chloride, o-nitrophenylsulfonyl chloride, phenyltrifluoroacetate, p-toluenesulfonyl chloride, trityl chloride or the like.
The N-protected-cysteines thus obtained themselves are chiral compounds, and it is usually suitable to use such compounds having high optical purity. Especially when the reaction product is to be subjected to optical resolution, it is preferable to use those having an optical purity of 100%. However, when the post-column method is to be resorted to as will be described later, D,L-mixtures are usable.
The amino acid-containing sample can be reacted with OPA and an N-protective group-substituted cysteine usually under the same conditions as when samples are reacted with OPA and mercaptoethanol by the conventional method, especially under alkaline conditions. For example, OPA and the N-protective group-substituted cysteine are mixed with a buffer having a pH of 9 to 12, preferably about 10 to about 11 to obtain a weakly alkaline reaction reagent, the reagent is mixed with the amino acid-containing sample, and the mixture is suitably heated, whereby the reaction can be carried out readily (usually within several tens of seconds). This reaction of the invention proceeds as represented by the following scheme wherein N-acetyl-L-cysteine is used. ##STR2##
Generally it is suitable to use a buffer of the borate type, carbonate type or borate-carbonate type as the buffer. Examples of such buffers are H3 BO3 /NaOH buffer, H3 BO3 /KOH buffer, Na2 CO3 /H3 BO3 /K2 SO4 buffer, Na2 CO3 /NaHCO3 buffer, etc., of which H3 BO3 /NaOH buffer and Na2 CO3 /H3 BO3 /K2 SO4 buffer are preferable.
For the above reaction, it is suitable to heat the mixture usually at a temperature of 20� to 70� C., preferably 55� to 65� C. Further it is suitable to use the N-protective group-substituted cysteine and o-phthalaldehyde in a mole ratio of 1:1-4.6, preferably 1:1-2.
The fluorescent compound resulting from the reaction of OPA and the N-protective group-substituted cysteine is easily detectable as it is, based on the intensity of fluorescence or absorbance thereof. It is generally desirable to detect the compound based on flurorescence which assures the detection with higher sensitivity. The optimum concentration of the compound for the detection is 0.5 pmol to 1 μmol. Various detectors which are known in the art are usable for detecting the compound.
When a sample containing a plurality of amino acids is to be analyzed, the sample is treated in accordance with the construction of the so-called amino acid analyzer. Thus, it is suitable to feed the sample to a liquid chromatographic column for the separation of amino acids, to successively subject the amino acids to the above reaction and to feed the resulting products to a detector. However, the sample may be subjected to the reaction first, then fed to the liquid chromatographic column for separation and thereafter to the detector. In other words, the amino acids may be converted to fluorescent compounds before separation (pre-column method) or after separation (post-column method).
From the above viewpoint, the present invention provides an amino acid analyzer comprising a buffer channel extending from a feeder for amino acid-containing samples and connected to a separating column, an eluate channel extending from the separating column and connected to a detector having means for measuring the intensity of fluorescence or absorbance, and a mixture reactor provided for the buffer channel (corresponding to the pre-column method) or the eluate channel (corresponding to the post-column method) for accommodating an alkaline buffer solution of o-phthalaldehyde and an N-protective group-substituted cysteine. The analyzer may further comprise a pre-reactor for hypochlorous acid disposed upstream from the mixture reactor.
On the other hand, when a sample containing D,L-amino acids is treated, two kinds of fluorescent compounds are obtained which are represented by the following formulae (I) and (II). ##STR3## These compounds are in a diastereomeric relationship and can be readily separated by usual liquid chromatography. When the sample has an optical purity of 100%, the reaction produces one of the diastereomers. In this case, there is no particular need for separation.
For the liquid chromatography, concurrent phase, reversed phase or ion-exhange chromatography, for example, can be resorted to. Stated more specifically, silica gel may be used as the static phase, and hexane as the mobile phase, or a cationic exchange resin is usable as the static phase, and a buffer as the mobile phase.
The diastereomers separated by a suitable liquid chromatographic procedure can be directly detected fluorophotometrically or absorptiometrically. The fluorophotometric procedure is usually desirable since the compounds can then be detected with higher sensitivity. Various detectors already known in the art are usable for this purpose.
The method described is usable also for the optical resolution of various amino-containing optical isomers other than amino acids.
The invention will be described in greater detail with reference to the following examples and accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of apparatus for practicing the amino acid analysis method of the present invention. The amino acid analyzer shown consists essentially of a buffer channel 1 extending from a feeder 2 for amino acid-containing samples and connected to an amino acid separating column 3, and an amino acid-containing eluate channel 4 extending from the column 3 and connected to a detector 5 equipped with a fluorophotometer. The eluate channel 4 is provided with a mixture reactor 7 for receiving o-phthalaldehyde and N-acetylcysteine and with a hypochlorite pre-reactor 6 disposed upstream from the the reactor 7. The mixture reactor 7 comprises an admixing channel 71 for supplying by a pump a borate buffer 72 having a pH of about 10 and containing o-phthalaldehyde and N-acetylcysteine, and a helical mixing tube. The reactor 7 is adapted to be maintained at a specified reaction temperature (usually 50� to 70� C.) by a heater.
The pre-reactor 6 comprises an injection channel 61 for supplying by a pump a borate buffer 62 containing sodium hypochlorite and having a pH of about 10, and a helical mixing tube and is similarly adapted to be maintained at a specified temperature. The drawing further shows a citric acid buffer 11 having a pH of 3.2 and a recorder 8. The illustrated apparatus is used for analyzing acidic amino acids only. For the analysis of various amino acids, a gradient apparatus is used which has a mobile phase varying stepwise or successively in pH and salt concentration as is the case with usual amino acid analyzers.
With the above apparatus, the buffer 11 is first supplied to the detector 5 through the channel 1, column 3 and channel 4. Subsequently an amino acid-containing sample is introduced from the feeder 2 into the channel 1 through a high-pressure six-way valve. The sample is then admitted into the column 3 and partitioned into component amino acids, which are led into the eluate channel 4. The separated amino acid phases are successivley fed to the pre-reactor 6, to which the hypochlorite is supplied. Consequently proline and like imino acid type secondary amino acids and other secondary amino acids are converted to primary amino acids in the pre-reactor 6. The separated phases are then led into the mixture reactor 7, to which o-phthalaldehyde and N-acetyl-cysteine are supplied. As a result, the primary amino acid components of these phases are converted to the corresponding condensed fluorescent heterocyclic derivatives according to the foregoing scheme, and the products are transferred to the detector 5, in which the intensities of fluorescence of the fluorescent compounds corresponding to the separated amino acids are measured. The recorder 8 records the measurements.
In this way, the sample containing amino acids including proline and like imino acids can be separated and analyzed with ease. The apparatus need not have the prereactor when not intended to analyze primary amino acids.
FIG. 2 shows the results of amino acid analysis conducted with use of the above apparatus under the following conditions.
Buffer 11: 0.2N Na+ sodium citrate buffer (pH 3.2)
Column flow rate: 0.4 ml/min.
Column: ISC-07/S1504 (product of Shimadzu Seisakusho Ltd.)
Mixing tube:
0.5 (diam.)�6 m for mixture reactor.
0.5 (diam.)�12 cm for pre-reactor.
Buffer 72: Solution of 0.08% of OPA and 1 g of N-acetyl-L-cysteine in 500 ml of buffer* (flow rate: 0.2 ml/min).
Buffer 62: Solution of 0.4 ml of sodium hypochlorite ((0.1% Sol.) from Wako Junyaku Ltd.) in 500 ml of buffer* (flow rate: 0.2 ml/min).
Fluorescence measurement:
Excitation wavelength 350 nm.
Flurorescence wavelength: 450 nm.
Reaction temperature at mixture reactor and pre-reactor: 60� C.
Reaction time (passage time) in mixture reactor: 60 sec.
FIG. 2 reveals peaks detected for various amino acids, especially high peaks for proline (Pro) and hydroxyproline (Hy-Pro).
The same amino acid analysis procedure as above was repeated except that the N-acetyl-L-cysteine in the buffer 72 was replaced by 2-mercaptoethanol, i.e. conventional reaction reagent. FIG. 3, showing the results, reveals satisfactory peaks except very low peaks for Pro and Hy-Pro, indicating that the sensitivity achieved is as low as up to 1/10 the sensitivity of the method of the invention.
An 80 mg quantity of OPA was dissolved in 1 ml of methanol, and 1 g of N-acetyl-L-cysteine was added to the solution. The mixture was added to 100 ml of boric acid buffer having a pH of 10.4 to prepare a reaction reagent. To 1 ml portion of the reagent was added 2 mg of amino acid sample (D,L-alanine or D,L-valine), the mixture was shaken for 5 minutes, and 10 microliters of the mixture was placed through a high-pressure six-way valve into the column of a high-pressure liquid chromatographic device having a fluorophotometer as a detector. The sample was chromatographed under the following conditions.
Column: ERC-ODS-1272 (6 mm (diam.)�200 mm).
Mobile phase: Sodium acetate (pH 6.0)/methanol (65:35).
Flow rate: 1.0 ml/min.
Excitation wavelength 350 nm.
Fluorescence wavelength 450 nm.
Column temperature: 50� C.
FIG. 4 shows the result achieved with use of D,L-alanine, and FIG. 5 the result obtained with D,L-valine.
Table 1 shows the retention time.
TABLE 1______________________________________Amino acid Retention time (min)______________________________________D-alanine 7.5L-alanine 8.1D-valine 19.6L-valine 24.4______________________________________
The results reveal that the method of the invention assures efficient optical resolution and high-sensitivity analyses.
An amino acid-containing sample was analyzed in the same manner as in Example 1 under the conditions of Table 2.
TABLE 2______________________________________Column: ISC-07/S1504Mobile phase: A. 0.2 N sodium citrate, pH 3.20(gradient) (7 w/w % in ethanol). B. 0.6 N sodium citrate, pH 10.0. C. 0.2 N sodium hydroxide (Gradient profile of the mobile phase is shown in FIG. 9)Flow rate: 0.3 ml/min.Column temp.: 55� C.Detection: RF-530, Ex 348 nm, Em 450 nm.Reaction reagent: A. 0.4 ml NaClO sol./1000 ml buffer.* B. 1.6 g OPA/15 ml ethanol, 4 ml 10% Brij-35 sol., 2 g N--AC--Cys, 980 ml buffer.Reagent flow rate: 0.2 ml/min each.Reaction tube: 20 cm length of former reaction tube and 2 mm length of latter reaction tube______________________________________ *pH buffer Na2 CO3 (0.348 M), H3 BO3 (0.216 M), K2 SO4 (0.108 M)
The fluorescence detector was set to the same excitation and fluorescence wavelengths as in Example 1. The N-acetylcysteine used was a commercial product of special grade manufactured by Wako Junyaku Co., Ltd., as purified by recrystallization from hot water.
FIGS. 6A and 6B show the relationship between the amount of each amino acid applied to the column and the area of the chromatogram. The amount of amino acid was varied from 100 picomoles to 25 nanomoles. The high-concentration range is shown in FIG. 6A, and the lower concentration range in FIG. 6B. A satisfactory linear relationship is established for all the amino acids over a wide range. However, cysteine is shown to have a bent calibration line in the high concentration range.
Table 3 below shows the results obtained by checking the present method for repeated producibility of amino acid analyses. Each amino acid was analyzed at 500 picomoles 9 times with the listed results. The results are given in terms of C.V. value in the right-end column. The C.V. value was up to 1% for most of the amino acids, or up to 1.7% for all the amino acids.
TABLE 3__________________________________________________________________________Reproducibility of Peak Area1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 M SD CV(%)__________________________________________________________________________Asp 1176 1184 1193 1216 1197 1190 1188 1202 1200 1194 10.9 0.9Thr 1705 1709 1706 1743 1728 1718 1722 1729 1729 1721 12.0 0.7Ser 1691 1710 1724 1740 1719 1715 1723 1737 1717 1720 13.7 0.8Glu 1209 1243 1232 1267 1250 1253 1236 1236 1225 1239 15.9 1.3Pro 2516 2575 2553 2596 2584 2563 2569 2567 2545 2563 22.0 0.9Gly 2494 2505 2484 2525 2538 2501 2530 2532 2498 2512 18.1 0.7Ala 1418 1433 1423 1425 1438 1430 1425 1418 1422 1426 6.4 0.4Cys 1114 1110 1106 1096 1093 1061 1071 1064 1092 1090 18.7 1.7Val 1654 1672 1651 1650 1650 1615 1635 1620 1659 1645 17.4 1.1Met 982 989 988 1011 997 986 997 1005 994 994 8.8 0.9lle 1567 1568 1564 1581 1564 1573 1558 1576 1565 1568 6.7 0.4Leu 1164 1154 1161 1164 1166 1173 1155 1163 1148 1161 7.0 0.6Tyr 764 779 766 777 769 763 779 766 775 771 6.2 0.8Phe 1434 1449 1448 1478 1461 1446 1463 1450 1474 1456 13.4 0.9His 1827 1809 1817 1807 1809 1806 1797 1806 1803 1809 8.1 0.4Lys 1554 1568 1545 1565 1577 1570 1575 1583 1570 1567 11.0 0.7Arg 1216 1206 1182 1232 1207 1202 1216 1200 1217 1209 13.2 1.1__________________________________________________________________________
FIG. 7 shows the results obtained by analyzing a mixture of 17 amino acids. Soy bean protein was hydrolized with hydrochloric acid in the usual manner to prepare a mixture of amino acids, which was analyzed. The concentration of the mixture was so adjusted that about 500 picomoles of each amino acid was contained therein. Methionine, amino acid of soy bean protein, is also detected.
A sample containing 38 amino acids in mixture was subjected to amino acid analysis in the same manner as in Example 1 under the conditions of Table 4.
TABLE 4______________________________________Column: Lithium-ion type ISC-07/S1504 (styrenedivinylbenzene copolymer sulfonate of the lithium salt type).Mobile phase: A. 0.15 N Li+, lithium citrate, pH 2.60(gradient) (7 w/w % in methoxyethanol). B. 0.3 N Li+, lithium citrate, pH 10.0. C. 0.2 N lithium citrate.Reagent flow rate: 0.4 ml/min.Column temp.: 40 to 58� C. (gradient).______________________________________ (Gradient profile of the mobile phase and the column temperature are show in FIG. 10. The other conditions are the same as those listed in TABLE 2.
FIG. 8 shows the results.
Symbols in FIG. 8 stand for the following compounds.
______________________________________P--Ser o-PhosphoserineTau TaurineP--Et-NH2 o-PhosphoethanolamineAsn Asparagineα-AAA α-Aminoadipic acidCit Citrullineα-AnBA α-Amino-n-butyric acidCysta Cystathionineβ-Ala β-Alanineβ-AiBA β-Amino-isobutyric acidγ-ABA γ-Aminobutyric acid3-Me-His 3-Methylhistidine1-Me-His 1-MethylhistidineCar CarnosineAns AnserineHyLys HydroxylysineOrn OrnithineEt-NH2 Ethanolamine______________________________________
Thus, hydroxyproline (Hy-Pro) and sarcosine (Sar, methylglycine) can be detected also with high sensitivity.
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|Days Inn Farmington Hills hotels are provided below. Search for cheap and discount Days Inn hotel prices in Farmington Hills, MI for your family, individual or group travels. We list the best Days Inn Farmington Hills hotels/properties so you can review the Farmington Hills Days Inn hotel list below to find the perfect place.
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Job vacancy for Graphic Designer at Planning Systems Services Limited September 2013
Our client, Planning Systems Services Limited, with its main office in Nairobi, Kenya is a well renowned architectural firm, which has an exceptional track record of competence in design and project implementation.
They are looking for highly motivated and self-driven candidate to fill these positions in their Nairobi office:
Graphic Designer – Re-advertised
The Graphic Designer will be required to produce designs that get their clients' messages across with high visual impact.
The incumbent will be required to work closely with other colleagues involved in projects.
Principal Accountabilities:
- Editing Floor Plans, Sections & Elevations for presentations.
- Layout design and placement
- Preparing brochures and marketing material
- Maintenance of Website and Online Marketing material
- Graphics for documents such as EOIs, Project reports.
Qualifications, Experience and Knowledge:
- Good design skills – clean/modern aesthetic
- Ability to draw/sketch with skills in art & design
- High level proficiency in CorelDraw
- High level proficiency in Photoshop
- Web design skills, familiarity with architectural drawings would be an added advantage.
Interested candidates are requested to forward their updated CVs to email@example.com by 16th September, 2013 stating their current and expected remuneration, day time telephone contacts and addresses of three referees.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.


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After a two-month hiatus, the UEFA Champions League returns this week with some mouth-watering Round-of-16 action, including a repeat of the 2006 final between Barcelona and Arsenal.
Three clubs go into the knockout phase boasting unbeaten records in this year's competition: Barcelona and Manchester United, who both have four wins and two draws to their name, and Real Madrid, who have won five of their six matches played thus far.
Their respective coaches will be mindful that they are now entering a very different stage of the tournament though, as illustrated in last year's knockout phase. The two then-unbeaten sides fell by the wayside prematurely last season, Chelsea in the Round of 16 and Bordeaux at the quarter-final stage.
It is also worth noting that this is the fourth time that all four of England's representatives have managed to successfully negotiate the group phase.
Finally, this year sees the Champions League maintain the change to the tournament schedule adopted last season, with only two matches being played per night. The remaining four first-leg games are scheduled for next week.
The fixtures
First week Round of 16 matches, first legs (all kick-offs 20.45 CET)
Tuesday 15 February (return legs on 9 March)
AC Milan - Tottenham
Valencia - Schalke
Wednesday 16 February (return legs on 8 March)
Arsenal - Barcelona
Roma - Shakhtar Donetsk
Match of the day
Arsenal-Barcelona, Emirates Stadium, London
When the draw paired up these two sides, currently entertaining their fans with some of the most attractive football in Europe, there was little doubt that the clash would be given top billing. Josep Guardiola's men require little in the way of introduction, and will once again look to their influential triumvirate of Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi to guide them into the next round. In five Champions League encounters, including the 2-1 defeat in the 2006 final, Arsenal have never got the better of the finely tuned Catalan machine, losing to them three times and drawing twice.
Last season, the Spaniards again put paid to the Gunners' hopes in the tournament, registering a resounding Messi-inspired 4-1 victory at home, after the teams had shared a 2-2 first-leg draw at Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal appear better equipped than in previous seasons though, and boast players at the very top of their game, such as the dominant Cesc Fabregas and the free-scoring Robin van Persie, who has notched 11 goals since the turn of the year.
In terms of statistics, the match is just as intriguing, as the London side have been defeated just once at home in 33 Champions League games (3-1 versus Manchester United), while Barcelona have also only lost on one occasion in their last 15 outings at this level, when they succumbed 3-1 to Inter Milan in the 2010 semi-final.
The other matches
AC Milan – Tottenham: Knocked out on three occasions by English clubs over their last six European campaigns, AC Milan will be looking to ensure that Tottenham do not make it four in seven. Rossoneri coach Massimiliano Allegri will have to make do without the services of the injured Andrea Pirlo, as well as Antonio Cassano and Mark van Bommel, both of whom are cup-tied.
In order to win the all-important midfield battle, he will put his faith in the experienced hands of Gennaro Gattuso and Clarence Seedorf, and in the burgeoning talent of Alexander Merkel. Aside from breaking up opposition attacks, they will also be charged with providing telling passes for Robinho and the on-song Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
AC Milan's backroom staff will be well aware of the threat posed by Tottenham, especially after having sized up their abilities at close hand during Spurs' memorable 4-3 defeat to city rivals Inter in November. The side from north London trailed 4-0 that night, but came storming back, and away goals will now be key to Tottenham's hopes of progressing. As befits the joint top scorers in the competition – they have found the net 18 times so far, equal with Arsenal – Harry Redknapp's men will approach the clash with aspirations of piercing a hole in the Italian defence and thereby setting up a winnable second leg.
However, if AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani's recent comments are anything to go by, defeat is simply not an option for his club: "For the last two years, we've been knocked out at this stage. It cannot happen a third time."
Valencia-Schalke: Despite having featured in UEFA's flagship club competition for five out of the last seven seasons, Valencia are not among the highly fancied candidates this time around. That will please coach Unai Emery, who would prefer his charges to continue flying under the radar. Emery's task is to mastermind a home victory over Schalke, no easy task against a team that has conceded just three goals in the tournament so far, a record only bettered by two other sides.
Another considerable obstacle awaiting Los Che comes in the form of Schalke striker and Spain legend Raul, who scored a remarkable total of twelve league goals at the Mestalla while wearing the colours of Real Madrid.
Roma-Shakhtar Donetsk: Lacking in competitive action since the end of November due to the Ukrainian winter break, Shakhtar Donetsk have been training in Spain ahead of their tie with Roma at the Stadio Olimpico. This may be the first time in their history that Shakhtar have advanced this far, but given the team's Brazilian flavour and the wily nature of Romanian coach Mircea Lucescu, who worked in Italy for eight years, it is highly unlikely that Giallorossi supremo Claudio Ranieri will approach the game lightly.
In order to engineer a way past the Ukrainian back line, the former Chelsea manager will rely on the goalscoring form of Marco Borriello, who has found the net in every one of Roma's Champions League home matches so far, and the increasingly influential France international Jeremy Menez. The Rome-based side are short of first-choice defenders through injury and suspension, however, and will need to be wary of being caught out on the counter-attack.
Player to watch
AC Milan's high-profile match against Tottenham should provide Alexandre Pato with an excellent opportunity to demonstrate to a wider audience that the partnership he has developed with fellow striker Ibrahimovic has the potential to last. Despite hitting nine goals in 15 Serie A games so far this season, Pato has yet to fully live up to fans' expectations since his arrival at the club in January of 2008. While he retains the all-important support of the coach, he will be acutely aware of the need to make an impression in his team's upcoming matches, bearing in mind the fierce competition for places up front.
The stat
100 – in percentage terms, the number of times that Arsenal, Chelsea, Lyon and Real Madrid have qualified from the group phase since the introduction of knockout matches at the Round-of-16 stage for the 2003/04 season. They are the only four clubs to have achieved such a feat.
What they said
"We finished top of our group ahead of Arsenal, achieving the goal we'd set ourselves. Anything after that is the stuff of dreams." Shakhtar Donetsk defender Razvan Rat
Have your say
Will Arsenal finally gain some revenge on Barcelona for previous European defeats?


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It's not often that the Blackhawks give up a handful or more goals to the Predators. Prior to tonight's 7-2 loss, Chicago last gave up 6 or more goals to Nashville on March 25, 2012.The Predators made it 2-0 in less than a minute when Matt Cullen and Nick Spaling both scored in the middle of the first period.After the second goal, Blackhawks goalie Nikolai Khabibulin was injured; Corey Crawford came in to play the rest of the game.Nashville would stretch their lead to 3-0 with a power play goal 9:02 into the second, and then make it 4-0 with less than two minutes left in the frame.Patrick Kane broke the shutout shortly after to get t...
The Flames look to extend their winning streak to a season high three games tonight when they host the Minnesota Wild to kick-off their last homestand of the season. The Wild come into Calgary struggling to hold onto a playoff spot, going 3-6-1 in their past ten games. The Wild currently sit 7th in the West with 47 points but are tied with the eight place Detroit Red Wings and sit just two points ahead of the ninth place Dallas Stars.
CHI @ MIN - Postgame Recap
The Minnesota Wild took to the ice on fire against the Chicago Blackhawks Wednesday night, scoring within 90 seconds of the puck drop. The relentless physical demand brought out the best of both teams, ending in a shootout and a Wild victory 3-2.
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|Home > Facts > Adult nutrition
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Adult nutrition
Nutrition describes the processes by which all of the food a person eats are taken in and the nutrients that the body needs are absorbed. Good nutrition can help prevent disease and promote health.
Vitamins and minerals are an important part of nutrition. Vitamins are organic substances present in food. They are required by the body in small amounts to regulate metabolism and to maintain normal growth and functioning. Minerals are vital because they are the building blocks that make up the muscles, tissues, and bones. They also are important to many life-supporting systems, such as hormones, transport of oxygen, and enzyme systems.
There are many nutrients the body absorbs from food and each of the food groups supplies at least one nutrient. For example, oat bran, which is a whole grain, can supply fiber and a mineral called magnesium. A good nutrition plan will ensure that a balance of food groups, and the nutrients supplied by each group, is eaten
(Illustration by GGS Information Services/Thomson Gale.).
As children, nutrition is important for normal growth and development. As adults, nutrition still promotes health and reduces risk of disease. Studies have shown that Americans have gained weight largely because they eat too much and because they choose to eat the wrong foods. Good nutrition can help prevent weight gain by focusing on consuming calories that are high in nutrients, not in sugars and fat. Nutrition also plays a role in preventing and controlling diseases. For example, poor nutrition can lead to high cholesterol, which causes coronary heart disease. Lowering salt in the diet can control high blood pressure. People with diabetes must follow special diets to control their blood glucose levels.
Examples of people with medical conditions and diseases show the effect that certain nutrients, or a lack of certain nutrients, can have on the human body. Some specific diseases linked to poor diet and physical inactivity are cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and certain types of cancer. Being overweight, and especially obese, also is linked to many health problems. Eating a poorly balanced diet that is low in nutrients but high in total calories can lead to weight gain.
Special diets or nutritional therapy may be used to complement other treatments subscribed by a physician to treat particular diseases and conditions. Examples include:
Sometimes, people who are ill need artificial nutrition to help them receive the proper nutrients. The nutrition may come in the form of special drinks that supplement their diets or even be provided through intravenous (IV) injections in a hospital or other facility.
Nutrition is important throughout adults' lives. As younger adults, good nutrition helps keep people strong as they need energy for active lives that may involve athletic pursuits and busy days filled with work and raising children. Pregnant women will need to pay particular attention to nutrition. In the middle years, proper nutrition helps prevent disease and weight gain that normally is associated with aging and lives that may become more sedentary. And as people reach their mature years, nutrition becomes critical, as many people in their later years fail to eat properly due to medical conditions and medications or social factors.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the United States Department of Health and Human Services revised the Dietary Guidelinesfor Americans in 2005. The guidelines are science-based and outline advice for choosing a nutritious diet and maintaining a healthy weight. The 2005 guidelines also address physical activity and food safety and make recommendations for special population groups.
Finally, calorie requirements and servings are based more on gender, age, and level of physical activity, while in 2000, the servings were more uniform for all adults. The USDA also revised the traditional food pyramid to make it customized for individuals.
Basic food groups
The following are the basic food groups included in the pyramid provided by the USDA:
FOOD GROUPS TO ENCOURAGE. The new guidelines encourage eating enough fruits and vegetables to stay within energy needs. Two cups of fruit and about 2 and one-half cups of vegetables per day are adequate for a person consuming 2,000 calories per day. Those eating more or less than 2,000 calories can adjust their fruits and vegetables up or down.
Adopting a balanced eating pattern
The Dietary Guidelines recommend adopting a balanced eating pattern. Using the USDA's pyramid can help customize a plan or adults can choose the DASH eating plan. DASH is a plan that was created to help prevent high blood pressure by minimizing salt in the diet, by providing a balance of nutrients, and by keeping weight down.
Recommendations for specific adult populations
Not every adult has the same nutritional needs. In addition to specific nutritional needs related to diseases or activity, the following recommendations apply to certain groups:
Getting adequate nutrients
The actual amount of any nutrient a person needs, as well as the amount each individual gets from his or her diet will vary. Many adults do not receive enough calcium from their diets, which can lead to osteoporosis later in life. Other nutrients of concern are potassium, fiber, magnesium, and vitamin E. Some population groups also need to get more vitamin B12, iron, folic acid, and vitamin D. These nutrients should come from food when possible, then from supplements if necessary.
Many adults ignore the role that fluids play in nutrition. It is important to moderate drinking of high-sugar beverages and fruit juices, as well as alcoholic beverages. Most people will get adequate hydration from normal thirst and drinking behavior, especially by consuming fluids with meals.
Nutrition for strength
Adults who are physically active and who strength train or pursue athletic activities will have different nutrition needs than typical adults of the same age. For example, they will require more fluids while exercising. In general, athletes and those who are very active also require more carbohydrates in their diets than typical Americans. Carbohydrates provide energy, but they should come from whole grains and fruits, not from refined sugars.
Vegetarian diets
Vegetarians can achieve recommended nutrient intakes by carefully choosing foods from the basic food groups. They will need to pay special attention to intake of protein, iron, and other vitamins, depending on the type of vegetarian program they follow. Choosing nuts, seeds, and legumes from the meat and beans group, as well as eggs if they desire, can provide enough nutrients at the proper serving level.
Processed and prepared foods
Americans are eating out more than ever and are buying foods in the grocery store that are prepackaged. It is more difficult to judge the nutrients and calories in many of these foods and in general, fresh foods are healthier than those that are packaged. Highly processed foods do not contain significant amounts of essential minerals. They often contain high amounts of fats and sugar, as well as artificial preservatives and other additives. Many restaurants, including fast food restaurants, are trying to offer healthier selections. The USDA offers tips for eating out to help people stay within their healthy pyramid servings and portions.
Calories and weight management
The new guidelines and pyramid focus back on the basics of calorie management. It's all about balancing energy, or the amount of calories eaten vs. the amount of calories used by the body. By managing portions, eating a balanced diet from the food groups and not using discretionary calories on high-sugar or high-fat foods, people can maintain a reasonable intake of calories. Regular physical activity can help use calories to provide better balance. Research has shown that subtracting just 100 calories a day from the diet can help manage weight, and eating 500 fewer calories a day can result in losing one pound per week in weight. But every individual is different and it is recommended to involve a physician or dietician in a weight loss plan.
Though supplementation of nutrients sometimes is necessary, physicians and dieticians recommend that nutrients come from food, not from vitamins and supplements. Excessive use of vitamins and mineral supplements can lead to serious health problems and it is best to involve a physician to ensure that supplements are being used at appropriate and safe levels. It also is best not to change a diet without the advice of a nutritional expert or health care professional. People who are chronically ill, and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding only should change their diets under professional supervision.
Parental concerns
The recommendations in the Dietary Guidelines are for Americans over two years of age.
Duyff, Roberta Larson. ADA Complete Food and Nutrition Guide. Chicago, IL: American Dietetic Association, 2006.
Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005.Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2005.
American Dietetic Association. 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000. Chicago, IL 60605. (800) 877-1600. <http://www.eatright.org>
U.S. Department of Agriculture. 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. 20250. (800) 687-2258. <http://www.cnpp.usda.gov>
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Guiding Principles of Montessori
Planes of Development
Dr. Maria Montessori observed that the child, from birth through adulthood, progress through four distinct and transforming phases of development. Each phase or 'plane' is specialized and provides contributing characteristics to aid the child's growth physically, mentally and socially. The Montessori prepared environment changes with these planes to assist the child in their growth and development and to provide fertile ground in which the child can flourish.
The first plane of development is between 0 and 6 years of life. The child during this phase has what Maria Montessori called an 'Absorbent Mind'. The child is at this time a sensory explorer and takes in everything that he is exposed to. He is constantly absorbing impressions about the world and he does this at first unconsciously. A great example of this absorbent mind lies in how a child learns to speak by absorbing language from his parents and from his surroundings.
Later, from about 3 to 6 the child's absorbent mind becomes a conscious learner. He starts to select activities based on his earlier experiences. Now his hand is his teacher and he learns by manipulating the objects he discovers in his environment. This is a time for further exploration and hand's on work. The child is working at his own self construction and is focused on his holistic development. All areas are forming, physical, social, intellectual, emotional and spiritual. The child of this age will experience many sensitive periods that enable his growth. A richly prepared environment stimulates and facilitates the amazing absorbent mind of this period of development.
The second plane of development is the childhood phase from 6 to 12 years of age. This is a period of social development for the child, before the child was most often interested in working alone or next to another child, now they become much more social and develop a 'herding instinct'. They seek out other's company and social interactions. They are very concerned with fairness and justice. They take part in the setting up of the rules of the classroom and take great pride in their fair application. They become increasingly aware of the needs and feelings of others. This is a time to develop compassion and respect for all of humanity.
They also have a desire to understand their world at a more abstract level; they want to know how, when, and why. Group research projects and cultural experiences facilitate this plane. Children at this age are capable of learning great amounts of cultural information. The child's imagination is also at a peak and this is the time for myths, fairytales and creative stories. The child is still involved in the most important creative process, the creation of self.
During the third plane of development, also known as adolescence, the child goes though great physical, mental and social transformations. This is a challenging time as the child seeks to understand his place as an individual contributing to society as a whole. It is a time of high ideals and wishing to help others. The child is ready to learn about economic independence and explore ways to be productive.
The fourth plane is the plane of maturity. Between 18 and 24 the child is now a young adult. He is seeking a niche in life, a way to contribute to the whole of humanity. The young adult is establishing who he is, how he experiences the world and how he can contribute to society.
Sensitive Periods
A Sensitive period is a limited time span in which a child demonstrates a strong attraction and ability to acquire a specific skill or to learn a particular aspect of his environment. The desire for the activity and the practice of the activity facilitates the child's physical, emotional, and mental development. The stage of attraction is short and the skill cannot be learned later with the ease and depth that is provided by these periods of sensitivity.
Most of the known sensitive periods occur during the first plane of development. This again is the period of the absorbent mind, a time of great learning and attraction to learning. They are as follows:
- Language - 0 to 5 years - Babies begin to absorb language even before they are born. They are attracted to the human voice and to watching the mouth of the speaker with great interest. They are taking in everything, even the pitch of the voice. Soon they understand that the words have meaning and even before their own vocal chords are developed enough to speak they begin to respond to language interaction with great enthusiasm. Babies need interaction with adults to facilitate their amazing drive to learn language. Between 2 and 3, they explode into speech. To give a child a rich vocabulary and an understanding of context and formation; provide them with a wealth of language experiences. Children do not learn language nearly as well from indirect experiences such as television as from interactive experiences with adults directly related to their environment. Between 3 1/2 and 4 they become aware of letters and soon begin the process of writing and reading the language that they have so amazingly acquired
- Sensory Development - 0 to 5 years - The child is a sensory explorer even within the mother's womb. The sound of the mother's breathing and heartbeat can be used after the child is born to calm the child. The child absorbs sensory impressions from the environment and internalizes them. The senses are refined through sensory experiences with the environment and the Sensorial materials assist the child to order and classify the sensory impressions they absorb. This actually creates pathways in the brain to facilitate later academic learning.
- Order - 6 months to 5 years - This sensitive period is strongest at about 2 years of age. The child is a sensory explorer and is comparing, sorting and making sense of the world. She needs external order to create internal order. She needs consistency and reference points so that she can create mental clarity and emotional security. Help her by putting a few toys on a low shelf and rotating them rather than many toys in a box, for example.
- Small Details - 2 to 4 1/2 years - The child of this age is fascinated and attracted to small objects and to the finest details. The Montessori materials and scientifically designed and manufactured to precise accuracy. This draws the child to the material and provides a satisfying experience for the child who is often distracted and even repeled by imperfection.
- Movement - 2 1/2 to 4 1/2 years - The child is refining their motor skills and the materials of Practical Life offer great opportunities to practice and increase their motor abilities and coordination. Other exercises provide even more refinement such as control of movement by carrying a bell or water while walking on a line. The child becomes capable and confident in her abilities.
- Manners - 3 to 6 years - Children are very interested in learning the proper way to socially interact. We offer them lessons in Grace and Courtesy to assist their development of social confidence.
During the second plane of development the child experiences sensitive periods for imagination and reasoning. They also have strong attraction to their peers and group identification becomes very important. Group research projects are a large part of the Montessori elementary curriculum
Montessori trained teachers are taught to carefully observe the child and to assist the child's development during these sensitive periods of learning acquisition. The children are grouped to best facilitate the 4 planes of Development and the Sensitive Periods as observed and documented by Maria Montessori. The classroom environment is specially prepared to facilitate the child's natural process of development, mentally, socially, emotionally and physically. One more requirement is suggested by Dr. Montessori:
Uninterrupted 3 Hour Work Period
One of the most amazing discoveries that Maria Montessori was able to observe during her studies of children was the 'Psychic Phenomenon of Attention'. She describes this in 'Spontaneous Activity in Education'
I happened to notice a little girl of about three years old deeply absorbed
in a set of solid insets, removing the wooden cylinders from their respective
holes and replacing them. The expression on the child's face was one of such
concentrated attention that it seemed to me an extraordinary manifestation;
up to this time none of the children had ever shown such fixity of interest in
an object; and my belief in the characteristic instability of attention in young
children, who flit incessantly from one thing to another, made me peculiarly
alive to the phenomenon.
I watched the child intently without disturbing her at first, and began
to count how many times she repeated the exercises; then, seeing that she was
continuing for a long time, I picked up the little armchair in which
she was seated, and placed chair and child upon the table; the little creature
hastily caught up her case of insets, laid it across the arms of her chair,
and gathering the cylinders into her lap, set to work again. Then I called
upon all the children to sing; they sang, but the little girl continued
undisturbed, repeating her exercise even after the short song had come to an
end. I counted forty-four repetitions; when at last she ceased, it was quite
independently of any surrounding stimuli which might have distracted her, and
she looked round with a satisfied air, almost as if awaking from a refreshing
This phenomenon gradually became common among the children.
And each time such a polarization of attention took place, the child began to be
completely transformed, to become calmer, more intelligent, and more expansive;
it showed extraordinary spiritual qualities, recalling the phenomena of a higher
When the phenomenon of the polarization of attention had taken place,
all that was disorderly and fluctuating in the consciousness of the child
seemed to be organizing itself into a spiritual creation, the surprising
characteristics of which are reproduced in every individual.
This repeated concentration of the child is the goal of every Montessori teacher. It produces a content, satisfied child that has attained a higher level of peaceful being, a state that is called 'Normalization'. This is the core of Montessori's work, this peaceful child that is constructing a peaceful man. She was nominated for 3 Nobel Peace Prizes for her work. 'Peace and education', the full and holistic development of a child that becomes a citizen of the world. Dr. Montessori charted the pattern of this development, which she called the 'curve of work' and discovered that during the class time, the child's work time, the child is in active pursuit of this process of self construction. She noted the choices that the child made followed a progressive pattern and that if this pattern was interrupted or cut short, the child would not reach the peaceful state of self completion and rest described above. Dr. Montessori recommends a full 3 hour work period in a prepared environment to provide the necessary framework and opportunity for this transformation to occur and indeed to become the normal state of the child. This is why our classroom sessions are structured to provide this much needed time that is crucial to the holistic development of the child.


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ATS Offers Free Online Heavy Equipment TrainingSunday, January 13th, 2008
You can now get free online training at Associated Training Services, the oldest and largest heavy equipment operator training school in the U.S. The online training and free and is of the same high quality as ATSs usual training methods. You can learn about all the same types of heavy equipment and learn all the same useful skills that will keep you employed throughout your career.
There is no obligation and no money required for you to participate in the online training program. The training is divided into three levels of training as outlined below:
- Level I
- Level II
- Level III
* Module I: Backhoes
* Module II: Wheel Loaders
* Module III: Dump Trucks
* Module I: Bulldozers
* Module II: Scrapers
* Module I: Excavators
* Module II: Motor Graders
You read the subject matter for each training module then take a 10 minute test. The test is multiple choice so you're sure you've seen the answer before. All you have to pass is 50% of the test. If you miss 50% of the questions asked then you'll be given the chance to review the subject matter again and retake the test. There is also no limit to how many times you can take the test.


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South Africa
Coming Soon
Costa Rica
Azore Islands
United States
Brazil & Amazon
Peru & Amazon
Chile & Patagonia
Agent Registration
Agent Login
Agent Benefits
Is Your Child Capable Of Traveling By Themselves?
Airline travel has certainly made the world a whole lot smaller. And in the age of disintegrating marriages, many parents will need to face the possibility that their child may need to travel between each parent by themselves. Would your child be able to cope with such a scenario? While a lot of airlines offer an unaccompanied minor program for those between the ages of five and twelve, what happens once your child becomes a teenager? Read on for a few thoughts you should consider before this situation arises for you.
The most important item you need to consider is whether your child is indeed comfortable with the idea of traveling by themselves. While some kids will view the whole journey with a sense of adventure, others will see it as a scary process that fills them with anxiety and dread. If your child falls into the later category, then you should not force them to undertake the trip until such time that they are 100% comfortable with the idea.
We instill a sense of stranger-danger into our children from a very young age. This can sometimes lead to a sense of confusion within the child as to when it is appropriate to ask for help, and who should be asked. Make sure that if your child is going to be traveling on their own, that they know exactly who they can ask for assistance if they have a question, and how to generally protect their own safety in certain situations and locations, such as public restrooms.
Your child needs to be able to buy themselves something to eat and drink while at the airport or on board the aircraft if the need arises. Ensure that they are taught how to handle money, locate what they need and process through the checkout system. Also ensure that they are given a wallet or purse to keep their money safe during the transit. Remind them of the dos and don'ts for flashing large amounts of cash around while in the public eye.
Take your child out to the airport prior to the first journey and teach them how to read the information boards. Let them see firsthand the different columns and what each piece of information means. Make sure they know what to do in the event a flight is delayed or cancelled. An inexpensive pre-paid cellphone for emergencies would be a good investment so that they are always able to contact you to ask questions if in doubt.
Give your child a list of telephone numbers to ring in the event of an emergency. Not only the basic 911 type of numbers, but also your home, cellphone and work telephone numbers as applicable, so that they are never unable to contact you in the event something goes wrong.
Once your teenager has undertaken their first trip, their confidence will grow and traveling will become easier each time they make a journey. By arming them completely with all the skills they need to venture out into the great wide world, you can be confident that they will arrive at their intended destination smoothly and easily each and every time.
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If you need Golf Lessons or Golf Course or even Golf Club in NSW, look no further. www.hotfrog.com.au showcases more than 48 Golf Lessons businesses across NSW. To find more related businesses and to filter by locality, use the left navigation menu.
Aussie Custom Golf - 13-Jan-2013
Blaingolf Golf Lessons Tuition - 09-May-2012
Nowra Golf Range and Putt Putt - 21-Feb-2011
Target Oriented Golf - 26-Jan-2010
Target Oriented Golf - 02-Feb-2010
Picton, NSW
Rebecca (Bec) Blain is a Trainee Golf Professional working out of Antill Park Country Golf Club in Picton NSW. Bec offers golf lessons using modern techniques, and takes a holistic approach Bec is able to improve every …
Golf CoachingGolf EquipmentGolf Training
Castlecove, NSW
…Eastern Valley Way near East Roseville Sydney. Castlecove golf course in the north shore of Sydney allows you to play a competitive 9 or 18 holes. Learn about our professional golf lessons or even tennis by contacting us
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Port Macquarie's only real grass practice golf driving range includes chip'n'putt green (9 holes), golf lessons with two accredited instructors and golf pro shop on course, plus target golf fun for the whole family
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Port Macquarie, NSW
Holed Out Golf is the Professional Shop located at Port Macquarie Golf Club, Port Macquarie. Wide range of products and professional golf lessons, conducted by PGA Members most days.
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North Manly, NSW
Warringah Golf Club is the northern beaches most popular golf course for social golfers. 9 or 18 holes your choice, on an easy walking course that challenges all golfers. Social tee times available 7 days a week.
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Tweed Heads, NSW
…offer the following services: Custom golf club fittings & re-shafting of drivers, golf club repairs, golf simulator with lessons, and private golf lessons and golf courses (by professional PGA Golfing Coach, Peter Barton).
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Gateshead, NSW
Aussie Custom Golf uses only the finest quality golf equipment from the worlds leading component manufacturers including Epon Forged, Miura Golf, Saqra Sports, ORKA Golf, Tom Wishon Golf Technology, Hathaway Golf and P…
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Shortland / Newcastle, NSW
Newcastle Golf Practice Centre is one of Australias most comprehensive golf practice facilities. We have a 280m driving range for full shot practise and also offer a chipping area, bunker, synthetic putting green, flood…
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St Leonards, NSW
Target Oriented Golf is a new golf coaching paradigm in every sense of the word. Over 100 golf psychology books and CD's are available to assist you with the mind game of golf and a 1000's of DVD's offering technical a…
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Moore Park, NSW
…and night Driving Range, Putting Green, Chipping Green, Outdoor Patio Bar, Bar, The Long Apron Restaurant, Golf Lessons, Pro Shop, Function rooms. For more information or enquiries about the services and facilities at…
Practice RangeCorporate Golf DaysPublic Golf CourseGolf Training
Thornleigh, NSW
Our golf driving ranges are undercover and fully weather protected. The lower level are fully automated and the landing area is synthetically turfed and fully contoured with raised target greens.
Golf Driving RangeGolf Driving Ranges
High quality golf instruction and expert golfing advice including golf mind game articles, golf beginner guides and video golf instruction. Golf lessons are conducted in Sydney Australia
golf instruction
Greystanes, NSW
Enjoy your function or corporate golf day overlooking the course's magnificent Tallow Woods and Forrest Red Gums while receiving the best of services from our club professional and experienced function coordinator …
Corporate Golfpro shopChampionship Golf
Narrabeen, NSW
The Northern Beaches Golf Centre has been recently voted in the "Top 20 driving ranges in Australia" * and has been the home of our golf academy since 1991 The Northern Beaches Golf Centre is the h…
Golf ClinicsGolf AcademyGolf Driving RangeDriving Range
Coffs Harbour, NSW
The Home of Golf in Coffs Harbour, The House of Golf has everything you need to improve your golf or just enjoy it more. The House of Golf Coffs Harbour is home to a great driving range for you to work on your game as…
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Bondi Junction, NSW
The House of Golf Bondi is committed to improving your golf and helping you enjoy it more. Experts in custom club fitting and golf technology, the team will ensure you are using the right product for you whether it be…
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Arncliffe, NSW
Local Sydney Golf Coaching with Dennise Hutton. Discover how to drop shots quickly and play the best golf of your life. Golf Coaching & excellence is our game
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Magenta, NSW
Magenta Shores Golf and Country Club is the only private golf course located on the NSW Central Coast. Play one of the newest and highly ranked courses in Australia. Magenta Shores Golf Course is rated the Best Resort C…
Driving RangePrivate GolfGolf Shops
Adamstown, NSW
Play golf at Merewether Golf Course, Newcastle. 18 hole links golf course catering for social, members and corporate golf and social golf days. Full facilities including puttin and driving range, bistro, bar and functio…
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North Turramurra, NSW
Elite Golf NSW has been developed by PGA Professional James Macdonald to help golfers of all levels achieve their goals Our goal is help you achieve your desired results on the golf course, whether it be break…
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Fern Bay, NSW
Jason Laws,2002 N.S.W PGA Teacher of the year, is recognised as one of the Top Golf Instructors in the country. Professional Tour players James Nitties and Brendan Smith, as well as some of the states Top Amateur player…
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Sydney, NSW
" Golf Instructions I GUARANTEE will have you hitting the ball further than you ever thought possible! And what's better, you'll cut your Handicap by 7-12 Strokes in Just Two weeks. " "This is the most powerful instr…
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West Ryde, NSW
Ryde-Parramatta Golf Club is a private group one Sydney golf course located in West Ryde. The course was re-designed in 2000 and offers a substantial challenge for all players. Members of other golf clubs are welcome …
Marks Point, NSW
Belmont Golf Club Bistro is run by Bruce & Leah Winter Located on the Pacific Highway, approximately two hours north of Sydney, Belmont Golf Club is situated between idyllic Lake Macquarie and the Pacific Ocea…
The Fairway Within is an inspired and inspiring guide that works — for golfers at all levels
Wollongong, NSW
Wollongong Golf Club - An 18 Hole Championship Golfing Layout on the Beautiful South Coast of Australia
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For the official golf news and golf results visit the PGA of Australia. PGA of Australia aims to promote the game of golf locally and internationally
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Tocumwal, NSW
With nearly 4,000 members there's always lots happening in and around the Tocumwal Golf Club
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Warringah Golf Club Sydney Australia – Golf Memberships – Functions – Corporate Golf Days – Golf Clubs – Public Golf
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Eden, NSW
With plenty of space, fresh air and freedom, Eden Gardens Country Club is one of the best kept golfing secrets in Australia. It lies halfway between Sydney and Melbourne and only three hours from Canberra
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North Bondi, NSW
Golf Clubs Sydney. Provides information about this Sydney Golf Club located in Bondi
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Little Bay, NSW
…the panoramic ocean views,
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Our qualified and professional coaches are…
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Somersby, NSW
Kooindah Waters is a fully intergrated Residential Golf & Spa Resort. Land for Sale NSW Central Coast
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Banora Point, NSW
We can help with that slice or hook and improve your short game
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Matadors, Spartans to Square off in Friday Night Action
This Week's Matador Women's Basketball Release
NORTHRIDGE, Calif. --- The Cal State Northridge women's basketball team (0-6) hosts the San Jose State Spartans (0-6) in a non-conference match-up at The Matadome Friday night. The Matadors recorded their first win in the all-time series against the Spartans last season, defeating San Jose State, 66-63, in San Jose on Nov. 17, 2006.
Senior Katie Holloway, the two-time defending Big West Sixth Woman of the Year, is Northridge's leading scorer, averaging 11.2 points in her five appearances this season. The Lake Stevens, Wash., native is also tied for the team lead in rebounding, having pulled down 38 boards this season, an average of 7.6 rebounds per game. Holloway also leads the Big West Conference in offensive rebounds with 18.
Junior Whitney Ligon, a transfer from Santa Ana Community College, is the Matadors' second-leading scorer, averaging 10.3 points-per-game. Ligon scored a season-high 20 off the bench for Northridge in its loss to Portland State and is averaging 15 ppg over her last four contests.
Another transfer, junior Tonicia Tademy, played all 80 minutes in the Matadors' Thanksgiving Weekend road trip at Portland State and Portland. Against the Pilots, Tademy scored a season-high 16 points, grabbed five rebounds and had four steals. For the season, Tademy is averaging 7.7 ppg and 5.8 rebounds-per-game, third-best on the team.
In their road trip to the City of Roses, the Matadors lost to Portland State, 91-64, and to the University of Portland, 86-65. Against Portland State, Tademy stuffed the stat sheet, finishing with six points, eight boards, six assists and three steals. Holloway was the team's second-leading scorer against the Vikings, finishing with 19 points on 7-of-15 shooting and added seven rebounds. In the game against the Pilots, Ligon and Holloway scored 14 and 10 points, respectively.
San Jose State enters Friday's game having lost Tuesday night to Sacramento State, 60-57, in Sacramento. Natalie White led the team with 18 points and also had seven rebounds and five assists. White is also the Spartans' leading scorer on the season, averaging 16.2 points-per-game and pulling down 6.8 boards per contest. Brittany Powell is San Jose State's other double-figure scorer, averaging 10.2 ppg and pulling down 5.7 rebounds a game.
Pam DeCosta is in her first season as head coach of the Spartans' program, joining San Jose State after four years as the head coach of Lynn University.
The game will be a homecoming of sorts for Matadors' assistant coach Abby Vaughan, who spent the 2006-07 season with the Spartans in the same capacity under former interim head coach Greg Lockridge.
After the completion of the game Friday night, the Matadors will sign autographs for their younger fans as part of autograph night festivities.
Following the game against the Spartans, Northridge will head back out on the road to face the Lady Grizzlies of the University of Montana. The Dec. 8 game will tip off from the Dalhberg Arena in Missoula, Mont., at 7:05 p.m. and can be heard on gomatadors.com with Sam Farber detailing all the action.


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Hydlide Creator Is Keen On Making A New Action RPG For Nintendo 3DSBy Spencer . October 1, 2014 . 12:10am
Hydlide is a one of Japan's classic action RPGs. Developed by T&E Software almost 30 years ago, this game came out around the same time as Falcom's Dragon Slayer and the NES version was released in the US by FCI.


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$149 97
Bubble Chart Pro is a powerful tool for visualizing and analyzing your business data to uncover the value hidden within data relationships. Bubble Chart Pro let's you interact with your project data so you can quickly spot the connections between projects in multiple dimensions such as value, cost, and risk. Options include a SMART project prioritizer and a fast project portfolio optimizer.
What's New
Version 5.2:
- Rotating 3D Bubble Charts are introduced:
- Allows you to plot 4 sets of data (X, Y, Z, and bubble size values) in a single chart
- Rotate the charts horizontally and vertically to view different perspectives
- Fully customizable 3D Bubble Chart display including grid colors and gradients
RequirementsOS X 10.6.3 or later
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