bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new quadrilateral area coordinate method (QACM‐II) for developing quadrilateral finite element models
Authors: Chen Xiao‐Ming , Cen Song , Fu Xiang‐Rong , Long Yu‐Qiu
Published: August 2007

The quadrilateral area coordinate method proposed in 1999 (hereinafter referred to as QACM‐I) is a new and efficient tool for developing robust quadrilateral finite element models. However, such a coordinate system contains four components (L1, L2, L3, L4), which may make the element formulae and their construction procedure relatively complicated. In this paper, a new category of the quadrilateral area coordinate method (hereinafter referred to as QACM‐II), containing only two components Z1 and Z2, is systematically established. This new coordinate system (QACM‐II) not only has a simpler form but also retains the most important advantages of the previous system (QACM‐I). Hence, as an application, QACM‐II is used to formulate a new 4‐node membrane element with internal parameters. The whole process is similar to that of the famous Wilson's Q6 element. Numerical results show that the present element, denoted as QACII6, exhibits much better performance than that of Q6 in benchmark problems, especially for MacNeal's thin beam problem. This demonstrates that QACM‐II is a powerful tool for constructing high‐performance quadrilateral finite element models. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pathophysiology and treatment of arterial dissection and stroke
Authors: Khanna Kunal , Richard Bella
Published: August 2007

Arterial dissection is the commonest cause of stroke in younger people; however, the mechanisms involved and how it is treated remain controversial. In this article, the authors outline the possible pathophysiology of arterial dissection causing stroke, how it is currently diagnosed and treated and how further large trials are required to improve the prognosis of this condition. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Interface Ltd
Primhe: Primary Care Mental Health & Education
Authors: Banerjee Somnath , Brown Robert , Popli Gaurav
Published: August 2007

Psychotropic drug prescribing patterns among CAMHS clinicians and paediatricians

There has been an increase in the use of psychopharmacological agents by Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) clinicians and paediatricians in recent years. This audit of FP10 prescriptions issued by secondary care clinicians in child health looked at the prescribing patterns among CAMHS clinicians and paediatricians in a secondary care setting. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Interface Ltd
New technique of processing highly oriented poly(vinylidene fluoride) films exclusively in the β phase
Authors: Branciforti Marcia Cristina , Sencadas Vitor , Lanceros‐Mendez Senentxu , Gregorio Rinaldo
Published: August 2007

Oriented β‐phase films were obtained by utilizing two different techniques: conventional uniaxial drawing at 80 °C of predominantly α‐phase films, and by drawing almost exclusively β‐phase films obtained by crystallization at 60 °C from dimethylformamide (DMF) solution with subsequent pressing. Wide angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD) and pole figure plots showed that with the conventional drawing technique films oriented at a ratio (R) of 5 still contained about 20% of phase α, a crystallinity degree of 40% and β‐phase crystallographic c‐axis orientation factor of 0.655. Drawing at 90 °C and with R = 4 of originally β‐phase films results in exclusively β‐phase films with crystallinity degree of 45% and orientation factor of 0.885. Crystalline phase, crystallinity degree, and crystallographic c‐axis orientation factor of both phases were also determined for α‐phase oriented films obtained by drawing α‐phase films at 140 °C. For films drawn at 140 °C the α to β phase transition drops to about 22%. Reduction in crystallinity degree with increasing R is more pronounced at draw temperature of 140 °C compared with 80 °C. Moreover, for both phases the c‐axis orientation parallel to the draw direction is higher at draw temperature of 140 °C than at 80 °C. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 2793–2801, 2007
Synthesis and characterization of an epoxy based thermoset containing a fluorinated thermoplastic
Authors: Penoff M. E. , Papagni G. , Yañez M. J. , Montemartini P. E. , Oyanguren P. A.
Published: August 2007

A novel fluorinated thermoplastic (FT) was synthesized from diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA), and 3‐(trifluoromethyl)aniline. FT was found to be miscible with DGEBA as shown by the existence of a single glass transition temperature (Tg) within the whole composition range. On the basis of several experimental techniques, it was found that upon heating etherification reaction takes place between FT and DGEBA. A DGEBA‐aromatic diamine (4,4′‐methylenebis(3‐chloro 2,6‐diethylaniline) formulation was modified with the FT. The influence of FT on the epoxy‐amine kinetics was investigated. Both structural parameters, gelation, and vitrification, were found to be affected by etherification reaction between epoxy and hydroxyls groups belonging to FT. The presence of ether linkages induced system stoichiometry modification. In addition, the curing conditions influence on FT migration towards the surface was studied on samples prepared with 20 wt % of modifier. SEM–EDX analysis confirmed that modified systems exhibits notable fluorine enrichment within the uppermost 200 μm. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 2781–2792, 2007
Volume targeted ventilation (volume guarantee) in the weaning phase of premature newborn infants
Authors: Scopesi F. , Calevo M.G. , Rolfe P. , Arioni C. , Traggiai C. , Risso F.M. , Serra G.
Published: August 2007

Objective

Several options are currently available in neonatal mechanical ventilation: complete breathing synchronization (patient triggered ventilation, synchronized intermittent positive pressure ventilation—SIPPV); positive pressure flow‐cycled ventilation (pressure support ventilation, PSV); and volume targeted positive pressure ventilation (volume guarantee, VG). The software algorithm for the guarantee volume attempts to deliver a tidal volume (Vt) as close as possible to what has been selected by the clinician as the target volume. Main objectives of the present study were to compare patient–ventilator interactions and Vt variability in premature infants recovering from respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) who were weaned by various ventilator modes (SIMV/PSV + VG/SIPPV + VG and SIMV + VG).

Methods

This was a short‐term crossover trial in which each infant served as his/her own control. Ten premature infants born before the 32nd week of gestation in the recovery phase of RDS were enrolled in the study. All recruited infants started ventilation with SIPPV and in the weaning phase were switched to synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV). Baseline data were collected during an initial 20‐min period of monitoring with the infant receiving SIMV alone, then they were switched to SIPPV + VG for a 20‐min period and then switched back to SIMV for 15 min. Next, they were switched to PSV + VG for the study period and switched back to SIMV for a further 15 min. Finally, they were switched to SIMV + VG and, at the end of monitoring, they were again switched back to SIMV alone.

Results

Each mode combined with VG discharged comparable Vts, which were very close to the target volume. Among the VG‐combined modes, mean variability of Vt from preset Vt was significantly different. Variability from the target value was significantly lower in SIPPV and PSV modes than in SIMV (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.04 respectively). SIPPV + VG showed greater stability of Vt, fewer large breaths, lower respiratory rate, and allowed for lower peak inspiratory pressure than what was delivered by the ventilator during other modes. No significant changes in blood gases were observed after each of the study periods.

Conclusions

With regards to the weaning phase, among combined modes, both of the ones in which every breath is supported (SIPPV/PSV) are likely to be the most effective in the delivery of stable Vt using a low working pressure, thus, at least in the short term, likely more gentle for the neonatal lung. In summary, we can suggest that the VG option, when combined with traditional, patient triggered ventilation, adheres very closely to the proposed theoretical algorithm, achieving highly effective ventilation. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:864–870. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The increased cost of complications in children with status asthmaticus
Authors: Carroll Christopher L. , Zucker Aaron R.
Published: August 2007

Status asthmaticus is one of the most common causes of admission to a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). There is little published data, however, examining the complications associated with the treatment of status asthmaticus in children in the PICU. Our hypothesis was that children experiencing a complication would have an increased duration of hospitalization for status asthmaticus. We performed a retrospective review of the complication profile and hospital course of all children admitted to a PICU with status asthmaticus over a 9 years period. Twenty‐two (8%) of the 293 children admitted to the ICU with status asthmaticus experienced one or more complications during their treatment. The most common complications were aspiration pneumonia, ventilator‐associated pneumonia, pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax, and rhabdomyolysis. Intubated children were significantly more likely than non‐intubated children to experience a complication (RR 15.3; 95% CI 6.7–35). Fifteen (42%) of the 36 intubated children experienced a complication. Intubated children experiencing a complication had significantly longer duration of mechanical ventilation (163 ± 169 hr vs. 66 ± 65 hr, P = 0.03), ICU length of stay (237 ± 180 hr vs. 124 ± 86 hr, P = 0.02) and hospital charges ($117,184 ± 111,191 vs. $38,788 ± 27,784; P = 0.001) than intubated children not experiencing a complication. In this review, complications were associated with increased morbidity and duration of hospitalization in children with status asthmaticus, particularly in those intubated as part of their therapy. This suggests that intubation and mechanical ventilation itself may increase the risk of developing a complication in this population. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:914–919. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dornase alfa is well tolerated: Data from the Epidemiologic Registry of Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: McKenzie S.G. , Chowdhury S. , Strandvik B. , Hodson M.E.
Published: August 2007

After closure of the Epidemiologic Registry of Cystic Fibrosis (ERCF), a comprehensive safety analysis of dornase alfa was performed. A planned subanalysis focused on children under 5 years old. Reported serious adverse events (SAEs) were assigned a preferred term and ascribed to a specific organ system. Possible serious adverse reactions to dornase alfa (SADRs) were identified by reporting clinics. Twenty‐eight of 15,865 SAEs (0.18%), occurring in 26 of 6,829 patients ever treated with dornase alfa (0.38%), and no deaths were reported as possible SADRs: most were typical complications of cystic fibrosis (CF). There was no evidence of any unrecognized risk of treatment. During 24,586 patient‐years of follow‐up (FU) of ever‐treated patients, SAEs (mostly typical respiratory complications of CF) were more frequent on‐treatment (0.4999/patient‐year; 95% CI 0.4921–0.5076) than off‐treatment (0.3889; 0.3787–0.3992). This was likely caused by within‐patient prescription bias. During 655 patient‐years of FU in 328 ever‐treated patients under 5 years old, SAEs (mostly pulmonary exacerbations of CF) were slightly less frequent during treatment: 0.2911 (0.2367–0.3455) versus 0.3563 (0.3086–0.4040; ns). Results confirm the safety of dornase alfa in CF patients of all ages. Children under 5 years old tolerate dornase alfa at least as well as older patients. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:928–937. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dysplasia: A review
Authors: Bokodi Géza , Treszl András , Kovács Lajos , Tulassay Tivadar , Vásárhelyi Barna
Published: August 2007

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common perinatal complication of very low birth weight preterm infants with a significant risk of long‐term disability and morbidity. While clinical conditions such as prematurity and mechanical ventilation are its major risk factors, studies suggest that there is an individual susceptibility to BPD. This comprehensive review summarizes data collected about the implication of genetic polymorphisms in BPD and in its risk factors. Some studies have directly related the risk of BPD to genotype. Indeed, carrier states of genetic variants of cytokines (IFNγ T+874A), adhesion molecules (L‐selectin‐Pro213Ser), elements of renin‐angiotensin system (ACE‐I/D), antioxidant enzymes (GST‐P1 Val105Ile), and surfactant proteins (SPA1, SPB intron 4) has been identified as risk factors to BPD. Other studies investigated the role of genotype in BPD risk factors. Premature birth has been linked to carrier states of genetic variants with an impact on immune status (such as IL‐6 G−174C, MBL2 54G/A, VEGF G+405C, HSP72 A+1267G genes) and matrix metalloproteases. Fetal inflammatory response syndrome, a major determinant of BPD is also affected by genotype (including LTα A+250G). Disturbed intrauterine lung development and vascularization may also contribute to BPD; these processes may be impaired in the presence of some rare genetic mutations. Furthermore, there is also a genetic component in the susceptibility to other perinatal adaptational disturbances such as respiratory distress syndrome that are associated with an increased need for mechanical ventilation, and, hence, with lung damage. The genetic variants presented in this article may help to identify infants at risk for BPD. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:952–961. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reference equations for pulmonary function tests in preschool children: A review
Authors: Stanojevic Sanja , Wade Angie , Lum Sooky , Stocks Janet
Published: August 2007

Recent developments in pulmonary function tests (PFTs) in preschool children (2–5 years of age) have meant that objective assessments of respiratory function are now possible for this age group. However, the application and interpretation of these tests may be limited by the relative paucity of appropriate reference equations. This review summarizes available preschool reference equations, identifies the current gaps and limitations in the methodologies and statistics used and proposes future directions for improving reference data. A PubMed search which included the MeSH terms (preschool [2–5years]), (respiratory function test), and (reference value) yielded 214 publications which were screened to identify 34 publications presenting 36 reference equations for seven techniques. There were considerable differences with respect to population characteristics, recruitment strategies, equipment and methodologies and reported parameters both within and between each measurement technique. Despite an increasing number of reference equations for PFT for preschool children, the extent to which these can be generalized to other populations may be limited in some cases by inclusion of relatively few children less than 5 years of age, a lack of details regarding the sample populations and measurement techniques and/or inappropriate statistical analysis. A fresh approach based on large sample sizes, clearly documented population characteristics, equipment and protocols, and more rigorous modern statistical methods both for developing reference equations and interpreting results could enhance clinical application of these tests. This in turn would maximize the tremendous opportunities to detect early lung disease offered by the recent surge in developing suitable tests for preschool children. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:962–972. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The systemic effects of juvenoids on the red firebug Pyrrhocoris apterus and on the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum with data on life table response
Authors: Jedlička Pavel , Hrdý Ivan , Kuldová Jelena , Wimmer Zdeněk
Published: August 2007

BACKGROUND: A series of juvenoid alcohols and their glycosidic derivatives (juvenogens), synthesized at the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry in Prague, commercially used juvenoids and the natural derivatives of juvabione were evaluated for their systemic juvenilizing effect on the red firebug, Pyrrhocoris apterus L., and on the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris. A life table response experiment was designed, and demographic characteristics were computed for a cohort of A. pisum following chronic exposure to a range of concentrations of the selected trans‐isomer of carbamate juvenoid 8 applied via the broad bean (Vicia faba L.) root system.

RESULTS: Using the ratio of topical and per os activities, promising effects were found in two alkyl β‐D‐glucopyranosides (3 and 9) and the trans‐isomer of carbamate juvenoid 8 in tests on P. apterus. In A. pisum, the highest systemic activity was found in tests with the trans‐isomer of carbamate juvenoid 8. The longevity, the number of offspring per female and the number of offspring per reproducing female significantly decreased with concentrations of 0.05 mg mL−1 and higher. While the net reproductive rate R0 and the intrinsic rate of natural increase rm displayed similar trends, the generation time G varied slightly between 11.6 and 12.8 days.

CONCLUSION: Expected systemic activity of glycosidic juvenogens in P. apterus was not confirmed by exposure of the pea aphid on broad bean treated with aqueous solutions of the compounds. Nevertheless, the carbamate juvenoid alcohol 8 displayed a considerable juvenilizing effect on A. pisum in screening tests. Furthermore, this compound indicated a sublethal effect as the realized fecundity Ux decreased disproportionately to the age‐specific survival Lx with increased concentration. The population parameters are compared with the data in similar demographic studies and are discussed together with the possibilities of using the compounds of this structural type in practice. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Estimating complete prevalence of cancers diagnosed in childhood
Authors: Simonetti Arianna , Gigli Anna , Capocaccia Riccardo , Mariotto Angela
Published: August 2007

A method of estimating the complete prevalence of cancers diagnosed in childhood called CHILDPREV (CHILDhood PREValence), is presented. It is a semi‐parametric method based on cancer registry data and on the completeness index method. It allows estimating prevalence even when no observation is available (typically older patients alive at the
prevalence date may have been diagnosed with cancer before the introduction of the registry). The method was validated on Connecticut Tumor Registry data, which has 62 years of follow‐up and provides complete prevalence, and compared with the fully parametric PIAMOD method. Results of complete childhood prevalence estimates based on SEER‐9 cancer registries data for acute lymphocytic leukemia and all cancer sites combined are presented. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Embedding standard distributed object‐oriented middlewares in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Moya F. , Villa D. , Villanueva F. J. , Barba J. , Rincón F. , López J. C.
Published: August 2007

This paper provides an analysis of the design space available to middleware developers in the context of wireless sensor networks (WSN). We identify the weaknesses of current communication abstraction layers and propose alternative implementation techniques that preserve most of the useful features but minimize the implementation cost in resource constrained wireless sensor nodes. Our proposal includes a whole WSN development framework based on standard distributed objects and a set of specific services designed to support highly dynamic and scalable WSN applications. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Energy‐efficient geographic multicast routing for error‐prone wireless sensor networks
Authors: Sanchez Juan A. , Ruiz Pedro M.
Published: August 2007

Recent studies have shown that it is of paramount importance to take into account the error‐prone nature of wireless links when designing routing protocols for wireless sensor networks (WSNs). We propose a new protocol called localized energy‐efficient multicast algorithm (LEMA). By using a function to locally estimate the energy due to retransmissions, LEMA is able to deal with the inherent errors of WSN. This allows LEMA to find energy‐efficient paths to multiple destinations. Our simulation results show that LEMA is able to outperform even well‐known centralized heuristics such as minimum incremental power (MIP) and shortest path tree (SPT) based on energy, while still achieving a high packet delivery ratio (PDR). Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polarization and orientational effect in the x‐ray reflection and absorption spectra of sulfur in hexagonal CdS
Authors: Taracheva E. Yu. , Filatova E. O. , André J.‐M.
Published: August 2007

The reflection spectra of hexagonal CdS in the vicinity of the SK and SL2, 3 absorption edges were studied using polarized synchrotron radiation. The absorption spectra were calculated using the Kramers–Kronig relationship. It was established that both polarization dependence of the SL2, 3 absorption spectra and orientational dependence of the SK absorption spectra are caused by the transitions into the p symmetry states split by the crystal field and by the photoelectron scattering from the atoms disposed in distant coordination shells. Because of the low probability of the transition of the electrons from the S 2p level into the p symmetry final states of the conduction band, the polarization dependence of the SL2, 3 absorption spectra is weak. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental observation of frequency tunable x‐rays generated by interaction of nonrelativistic electrons with a silicon crystal
Authors: Baryshevsky V. G. , Batrakov K. G. , Feranchuk I. D. , Gurinovich A. , Grubich A. O. , Lobko A. S. , Rouba A. A. , Tarnopolsky B. A. , Safronov P. F. , Stolyarsky V. I. , Ulyanenkov A. P.
Published: August 2007

An experimental model of a tunable source of monochromatic x‐rays was developed using nonrelativistic electrons passing through a single crystal silicon target. Theoretical predictions for x‐ray output and characteristics were confirmed experimentally. The distinctive feature of the developed source is the possibility to tune x‐ray frequency at fixed electron beam energy. In the present report, properties and potentialities of the developed source are considered. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Liver Volumetry Plug and Play: Do It Yourself with ImageJ
Authors: Dello Simon A. W. G. , van Dam Ronald M. , Slangen Jules J. G. , van de Poll Marcel C. G. , Bemelmans Marc H. A. , Greve Jan Willem W. M. , Beets‐Tan Regina G. H. , Wigmore Stephen J. , Dejong Cornelis H. C.
Published: August 2007

Background

A small remnant liver volume is an important risk factor for posthepatectomy liver failure and can be predicted accurately by computed tomography (CT) volumetry using radiologic image analysis software. Unfortunately, this software is expensive and usually requires support by a radiologist. ImageJ is a freely downloadable image analysis software package developed by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and brings liver volumetry to the surgeon’s desktop. We aimed to assess the accuracy of ImageJ for hepatic CT volumetry.

Methods

ImageJ was downloaded from http://www.rsb.info.nih.gov/ij/. Preoperative CT scans of 15 patients who underwent liver resection for colorectal cancer liver metastases were retrospectively analyzed. Scans were opened in ImageJ; and the liver, all metastases, and the intended parenchymal transection line were manually outlined on each slice. The area of each selected region, metastasis, resection specimen, and remnant liver was multiplied by the slice thickness to calculate volume. Volumes of virtual liver resection specimens measured with ImageJ were compared with specimen weights and calculated volumes obtained during pathology examination after resection.

Results

There was an excellent correlation between the volumes calculated with ImageJ and the actual measured weights of the resection specimens (r² = 0.98, p < 0.0001). The weight/volume ratio amounted to 0.88 ± 0.04 (standard error) and was in agreement with our earlier findings using CT‐linked radiologic software.

Conclusion

ImageJ can be used for accurate hepatic CT volumetry on a personal computer. This application brings CT volumetry to the surgeon’s desktop at no expense and is particularly useful in cases of tertiary referred patients, who already have a proper CT scan on CD‐ROM from the referring institution. Most likely the discrepancy between volume and weight results from exsanguination of the liver after resection.
The Sealing Effect of a Fibrin Tissue Patch on the Esophageal Perforation Area in Primary Repair
Authors: Erdogan Abdullah , Gurses Gulsum , Keskin Hakan , Demircan Abid
Published: August 2007

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of the fibrin tissue patch and to analyze its use in patients with esophageal perforation.

Methods

We studied 28 patients who were diagnosed with esophageal perforation between January 1990 and January 2006 at Akdeniz University Hospital. Sixteen (57.14%) were male. The average age was 59 ± 9 years. We performed surgery and primary repair reinforcement even if the diagnosis of esophageal perforation was late.

Results

Twenty‐three (82.14%) perforations were the result of endoscopic instruments; spontaneous perforations occurred in three (10.71%) patients. Postoperative complication (Heller myotomy) caused perforation in one patient (3.57%) and blunt trauma in one patient (3.57%). Three (10.71%) patients had cervical perforation, and 25 (89.29%) patients had thoracic esophageal perforation. Twelve (42.86%) patients underwent emergency surgery (within the first 24 h). Ten (35.71%) patients underwent surgery within 48 h, and the remaining 6 (21.43%) underwent surgery after 48 h. Nine (32.14%) patients had primary repair, 7 (25%) had reinforcement of the primary repair with fibrin tissue patch, 7 (25%) had esophagectomy and gastric pull‐up, and 2 (7.14%) had drainage and placement of metallic stents. In four patients of the nine who had primary repair, fistula complication was detected, whereas in only one of the seven who had reinforcement of the primary repair with fibrin tissue patch was a fistula detected. Three patients (10.71%), two of whom had Boerhaave’s syndrome, died.

Conclusions

Surgical primary repair with fibrin tissue patch is the most successful treatment option in the management of esophageal perforation.
Specific Antibiotic Prophylaxis Based on Bile Cultures Is Required to Prevent Postoperative Infectious Complications in Pancreatoduodenectomy Patients Who Have Undergone Preoperative Biliary Drainage
Authors: Sudo Takeshi , Murakami Yoshiaki , Uemura Kenichiro , Hayashidani Yasuo , Hashimoto Yasushi , Ohge Hiroki , Sueda Taijiro
Published: August 2007

Background

Preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) is associated with bacterial contamination of bile, but the effects of PBD on morbidity after pancreatoduodenectomy remain controversial. The aim of this study was to characterize bile contamination to develop successful specific antibiotic prophylactic strategies for pancreatoduodenectomy.

Methods

Ninety‐one consecutive patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy for periampullary tumor were prospectively evaluated. Prophylactic antibiotics were selected based on preoperative bile cultures. Bile cultures and postoperative complications were compared in 46 patients who underwent PBD (drainage group) versus 45 patients who did not (nondrainage group).

Results

The incidence of positive bile cultures was higher in the drainage group (78%) than in the nondrainage group (36%) (P < 0.001). In the drainage group, positive bile cultures were frequently polymicrobial (61%) and demonstrated resistance to several antibiotics, including cefazolin (83%), cefmetazole (72%), and cefpirome (64%). Overall morbidity (30% and 22%) and infectious morbidity (13% and 11%) did not differ significantly between the drainage and nondrainage groups, respectively.

Conclusions

PBD had a notable influence on bile microbial contamination, including a higher rate of antibiotic resistance. Therefore, specific antibiotic prophylaxis based on bile culture is required for preventing infectious complications in pancreatoduodenectomy patients who undergo PBD.
Objective Follow‐up after Laparoscopic Repair of Large Type III Hiatal Hernia. Assessment of Safety and Durability
Authors: Zaninotto Giovanni , Portale Giuseppe , Costantini Mario , Fiamingo Pietro , Rampado Sabrina , Guirroli Emanuela , Nicoletti Loredana , Ancona Ermanno
Published: August 2007

Background

Symptomatic results of laparoscopic repair of large type III hiatal hernias, with/without prosthetic mesh, are often excellent; however, a high recurrence rate is detected when objective radiological/endoscopic follow‐up is performed. The use of mesh may reduce the incidence of postoperative hernia recurrence or wrap migration in the chest.

Methods

We retrospectively studied 54 patients (10 men, 44 women; median: age 64.5 years) with a diagnosis of large type III hiatal hernia (>1/3 stomach in the chest on x‐ray) who underwent laparoscopic repair at our department from January 1992 to June 2005. Complications, recurrences, and symptomatic and objective (radiological/endoscopic) long‐term outcome were evaluated.

Results

Nineteen patients had laparoscopic Nissen/Toupet fundoplication with simple suture; in 35 patients a double mesh was added. The median radiological/endoscopic follow‐up was 64 months (interquartile range (IQR): 6–104) for the non‐mesh group and 33 (IQR:12–61) for the mesh group (p = 0.26). Recurrences occurred in 11/54 (20%) patients: 8/19 (42.1%) without mesh and 3/35 (8.6%) with mesh (p = 0.01). The 3 recurrences in the mesh group all occurred ≤12 months postoperatively; 4/8 recurrences in the non‐mesh group occurred ≥5 years after operation. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, only mesh absence significantly predicted hernia recurrence or wrap migration.

Discussion

Laparoscopic repair of large type III hiatal hernias is safe and effective. Short‐term symptomatic results are excellent, but mid‐term objective radiological/endoscopic evaluation reveals a high recurrence rate. Possible reasons for failure of a laparoscopic hiatal repair are tension or poor muscle tissue characteristics in the hiatus. The use of a mesh, either by reducing tension or reinforcing muscle at the hiatus, might be associated with a lower recurrence rate. Longer‐term follow‐up will be needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn, however.
Geographic variation in walnut seed size correlates with hoarding behaviour of two rodent species
Authors: Tamura N. , Hayashi F.
Published: August 2007

Seeds of the Japanese walnut, Juglans ailanthifolia, are usually scatter‐hoarded by two rodent species, the Japanese squirrel Sciurus lis and the field mouse Apodemus speciosus, but only by the latter in several areas where S. lis is absent. We examined seed‐size‐mediated interactions of these three species across a wide geographic range. Field tracking of walnuts with miniature radio‐transmitters revealed that squirrels hoarded larger seeds more frequently and at greater distances than smaller seeds. In contrast, mice hoarded smaller seeds more frequently and transported them farther than larger seeds. These seed dispersers could affect the evolution of seed size because seeds hoarded at sites farther from source trees are known to survive better until germination and as seedlings. We expect that larger seeds may be advantageous in regeneration if the main seed dispersers are squirrels, whereas smaller seeds may be advantageous if mice are the dominant dispersers. These predictions were supported by the fact that seed size was smaller on islands inhabited only by mice and at the edge of the squirrel distribution, compared to areas where mice and squirrels are both common.
Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy exhibits defective vascularization and vessel formation
Authors: Roura Santiago , Planas Francesc , Prat‐Vidal Cristina , Leta Ruben , Soler‐Botija Carolina , Carreras Francesc , Llach Anna , Hove‐Madsen Leif , Lladó Guillem Pons , Farré Jordi , Cinca Juan , Bayes‐Genis Antoni
Published: August 2007

Background:

Ultrastructural findings of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM) include myocyte atrophy and myofilament loss, yet little is known about the vascular abnormalities present in IDCM.

Methods and results:

Patients with IDCM and controls underwent multi‐slice CT to examine length and diameter of epicardial vasculature. The levels of mobilizing cytokines and circulating EPCs were assessed by endothelial colony formation assay and flow cytometry. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to examine microvessel density and expression of HIF‐1α and β‐catenin.

Main epicardial coronary arteries were shorter and smaller, and microvascular density was reduced in the epicardium in IDCM. Epicardial vessel paucity was associated with increased numbers of HIF‐1α+ cells (46.8±13.1% vs. 19.4±9.4%, p=0.006) indicating local epicardial hypoxia and elevation of circulating VEGF‐A (394pg/mL vs. 22pg/mL, p=0.001). The number of mobilized progenitors CD133+/VEGF‐R2+ was 21‐fold higher in IDCM compared with controls (6.5±3.3% vs. 0.3±0.2%; p<0.001). Moreover, this defective vascularization was associated with reduced myocardial expression of vascular β‐catenin, an important angiogenic regulator.

Conclusions:

This study shows defective vascularization and impaired vasculogenesis (the de novo vascular organization of mobilized endothelial progenitors) and angiogenesis (by which new blood vessels are formed from pre‐existing mature endothelial cells) in human IDCM.
The crystal structure of Ebp1 reveals a methionine aminopeptidase fold as binding platform for multiple interactions
Authors: Kowalinski Eva , Bange Gert , Bradatsch Bettina , Hurt Ed , Wild Klemens , Sinning Irmgard
Published: August 2007

The ErbB‐3 receptor binding protein (Ebp1) is a member of the proliferation‐associated 2G4 (PA2G4) family implicated in regulation of cell growth and differentiation. Here, we report the crystal structure of the human Ebp1 at 1.6 Å resolution. The protein has the conserved pita bread fold of methionine aminopeptidases, but without the characteristic enzymatic activity. Moreover, Ebp1 is known to interact with a number of proteins and RNAs involved in either transcription regulation or translation control. The structure provides insights in how Ebp1 discriminates between its different interaction partners.
Real‐time bioluminescence imaging of a protein secretory pathway in living mammalian cells using Gaussia luciferase
Authors: Suzuki Takahiro , Usuda Shinsuke , Ichinose Hiroshi , Inouye Satoshi
Published: August 2007

Using photon counting and charge‐coupled device (CCD) cameras, we have applied the method of real‐time bioluminescence imaging to investigate protein trafficking in mammalian cells. In the living cells of Chinese hamster ovary and PC12D cells, exocytotic secretion of protein and protein targeting on the cell surface were visualized using the secreted Gaussia luciferase (GLase) as a reporter protein in a minute. After incubation of the cells with luciferin (coelenterazine) for 10 min, luciferin was imported into the cells and the vesicle transport network in the cells could be shown by luminescence images of GLase activity. Further, we demonstrate that GLase with a heterologous signal peptide sequence is targeted to the cell surface in neuronally differentiated PC12D cells and luminescence signals could be detected in a few seconds.
Enhanced stability of cis Pro‐Pro peptide bond in Pro‐Pro‐Phe sequence motif
Authors: Dasgupta Bhaskar , Chakrabarti Pinak , Basu Gautam
Published: August 2007

Identification of sequence motifs that favor cis peptide bonds in proteins is important for understanding and designing proteins containing turns mediated by cis peptide conformations. From 1H NMR solution studies on short peptides, we show that the Pro‐Pro peptide bond in Pro‐Pro‐Phe almost equally populates the cis and trans isomers, with the cis isomer stabilized by a CH⋯π interaction involving the terminal Pro and Phe. We also show that Phe is over‐represented at sequence positions immediately following cis Pro‐Pro motifs in known protein structures. Our results demonstrate that the Pro‐Pro cis conformer in Pro‐Pro‐Phe sequence motifs is as important as the trans conformer, both in short peptides as well as in natively folded proteins.
p40phox as an alternative organizer to p47phox in Nox2 activation: A new mechanism involving an interaction with p22phox
Authors: Tamura Minoru , Shiozaki Iichiro , Ono Shohei , Miyano Kei , Kunihiro Sachio , Sasaki Takayuki
Published: August 2007

p40phox activated phagocyte NADPH oxidase without p47phox in a cell‐free system consisting of p67phox, Rac and cytochrome b
558 relipidated with phosphatidylinositol 3‐phosphate. The activation reached to 70% of that by p47phox. Addition of p47phox slightly increased the activation, but not additively. p40phox improved the efficiency of p67phox in the activation. The C‐terminus‐truncated p67phox, p40phox(D289A), p40phox(R58A), or p40phox(W207R) showed an impaired activation. A peptide corresponding to the p22phox Pro‐rich region suppressed the activation, and far‐western blotting revealed its interaction with p40phox SH3 domain. Thus, p40phox can substitute for p47phox in the activation, interacting with p22phox and p67phox through their specific regions.
THOMAS HOBBES ON THE POLITICAL THEORIST'S VOCATION
Authors: COOPER JULIE E.
Published: August 2007

Thomas Hobbes's Leviathan offers the fiercest modern indictment against pride. Yet seventeenth-century polemicists and contemporary historians of political theory agree that arrogance is one of Hobbes's stylistic signatures. Does Hobbes, the author, fail to practise the modesty which he preaches to political subjects? Against critical consensus, I argue that Hobbes devises protocols of literary self-presentation consistent with his arguments for modesty. I make this argument by way of a close reading of Hobbes's Latin verse autobiography. Although the autobiography is usually cited as evidence of Hobbes's vanity, I read it as Hobbes's perverse profession of modesty. In the autobiography, Hobbes shuns the role of hero, casting himself as a ‘poor worm’ whose endeavours are motivated by fear. Acute consciousness of mortality, rather than lust for renown, moves Hobbes to philosophize. With this account of the affective springs of his own philosophy, Hobbes redefines the political theorist's vocation. Breaking with traditions that define political theory as a vehicle for heroic self-display, Hobbes defines political theory as a vocation for ordinary mortals.
WHO RULED IRELAND? THE IRISH ADMINISTRATION, 1879–1914
Authors: CAMPBELL FERGUS
Published: August 2007

In an influential monograph, The greening of Dublin Castle (1991), Lawrence McBride argued that the Irish administration was in a rapid state of transformation between 1892 and 1922. Broadly speaking, he argued that the Protestant and unionist senior administrators were gradually replaced by Catholic and nationalist civil servants during this period. However, a significant body of evidence suggests that McBride may have overstated the changes taking place in the Irish civil service. Using a prosopographical study of the senior civil servants in Ireland in 1891 and 1911, this article suggests that there was significantly less ‘greening’ than McBride claimed. The British state appears to have regarded Irish-born Catholics as potentially disloyal, and to have implemented a subtle system of ethnic discrimination at the upper levels of the Irish civil service. It is argued that the existence of this glass ceiling provided young educated Catholic professionals with a powerful motive for participation in the Irish revolution (1916–23).
BRITISH ATTITUDES TO THE FRENCH REVOLUTION
Authors: MACLEOD EMMA VINCENT
Published: August 2007

The study of British attitudes to the French Revolution continues to attract substantial scholarly attention. In recent years, this has resulted not only in the excavation of a substantial volume of new detail, but also in increasing attention being paid to the political experiences of members of the middling and lower orders during the revolutionary and Napoleonic decades. While historians have been interested in radicals and reformers from these social strata since the publication of E. P. Thompson's The making of the English working class in 1963, it is only more recently that their loyalist and less partisan counterparts have been examined by scholars to the same extent. This article begins by summarizing the recent publication of large collections of primary sources and of major biographies in this area. It then discusses recent historiographical advances and debates in the following areas: the British debate over the French Revolution; the political participation of members of the middle and working classes in patriotic and loyalist activities; the culture of popular politics; and the question of national identity.
THE HUMAN SCIENCES IN COLD WAR AMERICA
Authors: ISAAC JOEL
Published: August 2007

The last fifteen years have witnessed an explosion of interest in the history of the Cold War. Historical attention has focused not only on the diplomatic and military aspects of the conflict, but also, increasingly, on its cultural, intellectual, and technological dimensions. One of the fruits of this widening of scope in Cold War studies is a burgeoning literature on the development of the post-Second World War American human sciences. Studies of the Cold War career of the human sciences, however, have often been inflected by moralistic, and sometimes tendentious, claims about the relationship between the state and the academy. This article seeks to explain the chief characteristics of the historiography of the human sciences in Cold War America by describing its formation in the interstices of three distinct lines of inquiry: the history of science, the cultural turn in Cold War studies, and the history of the birth of the human science professions in the United States. It argues that historians of the post-war American human sciences have absorbed some features of these literatures, whilst neglecting others that offer more nuanced perspectives on the relationship between scientific research and its patrons during the Cold War era. Moreover, it suggests that the best prospects for the future maturation of the field lie in the recovery of ‘middle-range contextualizations’ that link post-war trends in the human sciences to interwar and turn-of-the-century developments, thereby making the Cold War context less all-encompassing than it has sometimes appeared.
Turbulent Priests: Clerical Misconduct Under the Clergy Discipline Measure 2003
Authors: Bursell Rupert
Published: August 2007

The Clergy Discipline Measure 2003 lays down the procedures for bringing complaints against the clergy. These procedures can only be commenced in relation to specified acts or omissions and the article explores the difficulties that arise in relation thereto. It not only considers the case when a complaint is one involving doctrine, ritual or ceremonial, but also the overlap between the laws ecclesiastical; neglect or inefficiency in the performance of the duties of a cleric's office; and conduct unbecoming to the office and work of a clerk in holy orders.
Die Physiologie der Wundheilung
Authors: Beckert  , Königsrainer  , Coerper
Published: August 2007

Die Physiologie der Wundheilung zeichnet sich durch ein komplexes Zusammenspiel verschiedenster zellulärer und humoraler Reaktionen aus. Obwohl die durch die Zerstörung des Mikrogefäßsystems entstehende relative Hypoxie im Wundzentrum als initialer Motor der Regeneration angesehen werden muss, ist in der Folge die Wiederherstellung einer ausreichenden Perfusion und Oxygenierung des Gewebes unabdingbare Voraussetzung für eine erfolgreiche Heilung, da wesentliche Teilschritte der Heilungskaskade wie zum Beispiel die enzymatische Kollagensynthese oder bakterielle Abwehr einer sauerstoffabhängigen Kinetik unterliegen. Vor diesem Hintergrund ergeben sich für die klinische Praxis zahlreiche Aspekte, um der Entwicklung von Wundinfektionen und Wundheilungsstörungen entgegenzuwirken. Durch eine additive perioperative Sauerstofftherapie kann der Sauerstoffpartialdruck im Gewebe erhöht werden. Schmerz, Kälte und Volumenmangel sind die wesentlichen Ursachen einer postoperativen Vasokonstriktion und konsekutiv verminderten Gewebeperfusion und Oxygenierung. Wichtig bleibt jedoch zu bedenken, dass all diese Parameter gleichzeitig korrigiert werden müssen. Ziel der peri- und postoperativen Therapie sollte also ein schmerzfreier, rehydrierter Patient mit normaler Körpertemperatur sein.
Prinzipien der Wundbehandlung
Authors: Bruhin  , Metzger
Published: August 2007

Neue Methoden und Techniken haben die Wundbehandlung in den letzten Jahren revolutioniert. Wir sind nun mit einem großen Sortiment neuer Wundauflagen, Behandlungssystemen und Techniken konfrontiert. Für die Behandlung von komplexen Wunden sind spezifische Fachkenntnisse nötig, da eine Vielzahl von verschiedenen erfolgsversprechenden modernen Methoden heute vorhanden sind, um ein optimales Wundmanagement zu ermöglichen. Designierte Wundspezialisten mit einem fundierten Basiswissen, großer praktischer Erfahrung und dem persönlichen Ehrgeiz, sich in diesem wichtigen Teilgebiet der Allgemeinchirurgie kontinuierlich weiterzubilden, sind ein «sine qua non», um auch bei hoch komplexen Wundproblemen gute Erfolge erzielen zu können. Dabei kommt heute dem interdisziplinären Team bei besonderen Fragestellungen wie zum Beispiel dem diabetischen Fuß, dem Ulcus cruris oder dem Laparostoma bei septischen Bäuchen eine immer größere Bedeutung zu. In der vorliegenden Übersicht werden die Grundprinzipien der modernen Wundbehandlung dargestellt. Das Ziel ist es, dem Praktiker eine gute Zusammenstellung über die moderne Wundbeurteilung und -versorgung vorzulegen mit Hinweisen auf komplexe Situationen, die zur Qualitätssteigerung mindestens vom «Wundspezialisten» mitbeurteilt und betreut werden sollten.
Die schwierige Wunde
Authors: Jannasch  , Tautenhahn  , Dalicho  , Lippert
Published: August 2007

Schwierige Wunden unterschiedlicher Genese stellen auf Grund ihrer Komplexität und eines oft langwierigen Verlaufes ärztliches und pflegerisches Können vor eine große Herausforderung. Im Gesundheitswesen fallen sie als Kostenfaktor ins Gewicht. Zu den schwierigen Wunden zählen insbesondere chronische Wunden, die den Großteil dieser Erkrankungen ausmachen und für die Betroffenen eine körperliche und oftmals psychosoziale Belastung darstellen. Großflächige und tiefreichende Wunden, Wunden in vorgeschädigtem Gewebe, Wundkomplikationen und -infektionen sowie Wunden bei Patienten mit schweren Begleiterkrankungen oder hohem Lebensalter sind auf Grund der oft schweren Verläufe gefürchtet. Die Kenntnis von typischen Symptomen und Besonderheiten des Krankheitsverlaufes ist von großer Bedeutung für eine frühzeitige Diagnose und Behandlung.