bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of HPTLC method for the analysis of taraxerol in Clitoria ternatea
Authors: Kumar Venkatesan , Mukherjee Kakali , Kumar Satheesh , Mal Mainak , Mukherjee Pulok K.
Published: November 2007

A new, simple, sensitive, selective and precise HPTLC method has been developed for the determination of taraxerol in Clitoria ternatea L. Determination of taraxerol was performed on TLC aluminium plates. Linear ascending development was carried out in twin trough glass chamber saturated with hexane and ethyl acetate (80:20 v/v). The plate was then dried and sprayed with anisaldehyde reagent. A Camag TLC scanner III was used for spectrodensitometric scanning and analysis at 420 nm. The system was found to give compact spots for taraxerol (Rf 0.53). The calibration plot was linear in the range of 100–1200 ng of taraxerol. The correlation coefficient of 0.9961 was indicative of good linear dependence of peak area on concentration. The concentration of taraxerol was found to be 12.4 mg/g w/w in the hydroalcoholic extract of C. ternatea root. To study the accuracy and precision of the method, recovery studies were performed. Recovery values from 99.65 to 99.74% showed excellent reliability and reproducibility of the method. The limits of detection and quantification were determined to be 31 and 105 ng/spot, respectively. The proposed HPTLC method for quantitative monitoring of taraxerol in C. ternatea can be used for routine quality testing of C. ternatea extract used in Ayurvedic formulations. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid identification of acylated flavonol tetraglycosides in oolong teas using HPLC‐MSn
Authors: Dou Jianpeng , Lee Viola S. Y. , Tzen Jason T. C. , Lee Maw‐Rong
Published: November 2007

A method was developed to separate and identify acylated flavonol tetraglycosides (AFTGs) by combining isocratic HPLC with electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry. Better separation was obtained for oolong tea infusion using a manually packed Sephadex LH‐20 mini‐column than with an ACCUBOND® ODS solid‐phase column. Seven unknown and one known AFTGs were found in oolong teas prepared by various semi‐fermentation processes and their structures were identified by mass spectrometry. According to the analyses of diverse oolong teas including Dongding Oolong, Tieguanyin, Wuyi Oolong, Fenghuang Oolong, Gaoshan Shibi, Laocong Shuixian and Baihao Oolong, AFTGs seemed to be universally present, and each oolong tea could be classified into one of three groups (Dongding Oolong, Tieguanyin and Wuyi Oolong) on the basis of its AFTGs profile. The results suggest that the developed method is rapid and sensitive for identifying natural compounds. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Profiling the phenolic compounds of Artemisia pectinata by HPLC‐PAD‐MSn
Authors: Ma Chao‐Mei , Hattori Masao , Chen Hu‐Biao , Cai Shao‐Qing , Daneshtalab Mohsen
Published: November 2007

An HPLC‐PAD‐MSn method was employed to profile the phenolic compounds of the aerial part of Artemisia pectinata (Neopallasia pectinata), a plant with no previous reports concerning its phenolic constituents. Three isomers of trans‐caffeoylquinic acid accompanied by cis‐5‐caffeoylquinic acid, six isomers of trans‐dicaffeoylquinic acid, two isomers of methyl trans‐dicaffeoylquinate (including one new isomer), a trans‐caffeoylferuloylquinic acid and three flavanoids were identified unambiguously by analysis of their UV and MSn spectra in comparison with standard compounds that were isolated from natural sources, or synthesised, or were surrogate standards (green coffee extract). Other compounds were identified by analysis of their UV and MSn data in comparison with those reported in the literature. MSn experiments also suggested the presence of groups of dicaffeoylquinic acid glycosides, caffeoylquinic acid diglycosides, caffeoylquinic acid glycosides and quinic acid diglycosides. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analytical investigation of styrax and benzoin balsams by HPLC‐ PAD‐fluorimetry and GC‐MS
Authors: Hovaneissian Michael , Archier Paul , Mathe Carole , Culioli Gérald , Vieillescazes Catherine
Published: November 2007

An HPLC and GC study has been conducted on the aromatic oleoresins styrax and benzoin produced by several American, Mediterranean and East‐Asian trees, and widely used in ancient civilisations for their therapeutic and odoriferous properties. Initial experiments were performed by HPLC‐PAD‐fluorimetry for the analysis of several aromatic components, and then completed by GC‐MS for the characterisation of both aromatic and triterpenic derivatives. In this work, it was crucial to isolate from fresh natural exudates, and to characterise by two‐dimensional NMR, some of the major constituents in order to extend the standard molecular pool prior to chromatographic identifications. This study reveals coniferyl benzoate as an excellent distinctive fluorescent biomarker of Siam benzoin substrate. It also confirms that fluorimetric‐coupled detection is a powerful analytical tool for the identification of compounds in Hamamelidaceae extracts that are almost undetectable by UV. GC‐MS was successfully applied to the determination of the botanical origin of Sumatra benzoin, and to the identification of lupeol [3β‐lup‐20(29)‐en‐3‐ol] for the first time in such balsam‐type materials. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Violent crimes and their relationship to personality disorders
Authors: Stone Michael H.
Published: November 2007

Persons committing murder and other forms of violent crime are likely to exhibit a personality disorder (PD) of one type or another. Essentially any personality disorder can be associated with violent crime, with the possible exception of avoidant PD. This includes those described in DSM as well as other disorders such as sadistic PD and psychopathy. The latter two, along with antisocial and paranoid PDs, are the most common personality accompaniments of violent crime. Narcissistic traits (if not narcissistic PD (NPD) itself) are almost universal in this domain, since violent offenders usually place their own desires and urges far above those of other persons. While admixtures of traits from several disorders are common among violent offenders, certain ones are likely to be the main disorder: antisocial PD, Psychopathy, Sadistic PD, Paranoid PD and NPD. Instrumental (as opposed to impulsive) spousal murders are strongly associated with NPD. Men committing serial sexual homicide usually show psychopathy and sadistic PD; half these men also show schizoid PD. Mass murderers usually show strong paranoid traits. With a focus on murder, clinical examples drawn from the crime literature and from the author's personal interviews reflect 14 varieties of personality disorder. Animal torture before adulthood is an important predictor of future violent (including sadistic) crime. Whereas many antisocial persons are eventually capable of rehabilitation, this is rarely the case with psychopathic or sadistic persons. Suggestions for future research are offered. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Factors contributing to evaluation of a good death from the bereaved family member's perspective
Authors: Miyashita Mitsunori , Morita Tatsuya , Sato Kazuki , Hirai Kei , Shima Yasuo , Uchitomi Yosuke
Published: November 2007

Background: Although it is important to achieve a good death in Japan, there have been no studies to explore factors associated with a good death. The aim of this study was to explore factors contributing to a good death from the bereaved family members' perspectives, including patient and family demographics and medical variables.

Methods: A cross‐sectional anonymous questionnaire survey for bereaved family members of cancer patients who had died in a regional cancer center and a medical chart review were conducted. We measured the results from the Good Death Inventory and family demographics. In addition, we extracted patient demographics, medical variables, and medical interventions in the last 48 h before death from a medical chart review.

Results: Of the 344 questionnaires sent to bereaved family members, 165 responses were analyzed (48%). We found, first, that death in the palliative care unit was more likely to be described as a good death compared with death on a general ward. Some significant characteristics were ‘environmental comfort,’ ‘physical and psychological comfort,’ ‘being respected as an individual,’ and ‘natural death.’ Second, we found that a patient's and family member's age and other demographic factors significantly correlated with an evaluation of a good death. In addition, life prolongation treatment and aggressive treatment such as chemotherapy in the last 2 weeks of life were barriers to attainment of a good death. Moreover, appropriate opioid medication contributed to a good death.

Conclusion: Withholding aggressive treatment and life‐prolonging treatment for dying patients and appropriate opioid use may be associated with achievement of a good death in Japan. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychiatric morbidity and its screening in Turkish women with breast cancer: a comparison between the HADS and SCID tests
Authors: Özalp Elvan , Soygür Haldun , Cankurtaran Eylem , Turhan Levent , Akbıyık Derya , Geyik Pınar
Published: November 2007

Objective: Adjustment disorders (ADs) and major depressive disorder (MDD) are often the most prevalent psychiatric disorders among cancer patients. This study's objective was to determine the overall performance of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) as a screening instrument in identifying cases of psychiatric morbidity such as ADs and MDD.

Methods: Two hundred and four consecutive patients completed a questionnaire including a demographic and clinical data form, HADS, and were examined with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV (SCID). The screening performance of HADS was investigated by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristics curves (AUC), rates of specificity, and sensitivity.

Results: For MDD; the AUC was 0.77 on the HADS total, the AUC was 0.79 on the HADS depression subscale, and was 0.72 on the anxiety subscale. For ADs; the results were 0.74, 0.74, and 0.70 respectively. Findings indicated that a HADS total cut‐off score of ⩾17 to be optimal in identifying cases of MDD. This cut‐off score offered a sensitivity of 0.70 and a specificity of 0.80. Findings suggested that a HADS total cut‐off score of 10 was the optimal combination of sensitivity (0.84) and specificity (0.55) for ADs. When compared with SCID, the percentage of cases identified by HADS was 28% for MDD and 22% for ADs.

Conclusions: Compared with SCID, HADS was found to have acceptable levels of sensitivity and specificity in detecting psychiatric morbidity especially for MDD and HADS can be recommended with reservations as a screening tool for breast cancer patients. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation and art therapy treatment of the burnout syndrome in oncology units
Authors: Italia Simona , Favara‐Scacco Cinzia , Di Cataldo Andrea , Russo Giovanna
Published: November 2007

We undertook a pilot study to evaluate and potentially reduce the level of burnout in the operators of two oncology centers. The study included 65 doctors and nurses of an adult (Group A) and a pediatric oncology unit (Group B). We used the Maslach Burnout Inventory to estimate the level of burnout obtained in three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, distancing (cognitive and emotional) and reduced personal achievement. Data showed a medium–high level of burnout in Group A and a medium–low level in Group B. In the second part of the study, Group B underwent a program of art therapy interventions with the aim of reducing the level of burnout. Comparing the responses from Group B participants before and after the intervention indicated a statistically significant decreased level of burnout. In conclusion, burnout syndrome exists among oncology unit personnel and can be effectively treated with art therapies. Attention devoted to this aspect is required in order to improve the workers' well‐being, thus enhancing attention and dedication to patients. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polymer‐Supported Copper(I) Catalysts for the Experimentally Simplified Azide–Alkyne Cycloaddition
Authors: Chan Timothy R. , Fokin Valery V.
Published: November 2007

Tris‐(benzyltriazolylmethyl)amine (TBTA), a widely used ligand for the copper‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition, has been immobilized on a TentaGel resin. Once loaded with copper(I), the resulting air‐stable complex acts as an efficient catalyst for the azide‐alkyne cycloaddition reaction and prevents contamination of products by copper salts. The immobilized TBTA ligand should find immediate use in the parallel synthesis of compounds for direct screening.
Rapid characterization of polyalcohols by silylation and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Adeuya Anthony , Price Neil
Published: November 2007

A matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF) mass spectrometry method for rapidly enumerating hydroxyl groups in analytes is described, and applied to some common polyalcohols (erythritol, mannitol and xylitol). Polyalcohols were derivatized with trimethylsilylimidazole (TMSI) either separately or as mixtures, and were analyzed, without chromatographic separation or purification. The mass spectra revealed consecutive peaks that are separated by 72 m/z units as a consequence of displacement of one hydroxyl hydrogen atom by one TMS group. The number of observed peaks was used to confirm the number of hydroxyl groups in each analyte. Published in 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
System of systems lead system integrators: Where Do they spend their time and what makes them more or less efficient?
Authors: Lane Jo Ann , Boehm Barry
Published: November 2007

As organizations strive to expand system capabilities through the development of system‐of‐systems (SoS) architectures, they want to know “how much effort” and “how long.” In order to answer these questions, it is important to first understand the types of activities performed in SoS architecture development and integration and how these vary across different SoS implementations. This paper provides preliminary results of research conducted to determine types of SoS Lead System Integrator (LSI) activities and how these differ from the more traditional system engineering activities described in EIA 632 (Processes for Engineering a System). It also looks at concepts in organizational theory, complex adaptive systems, and chaos theory and how these might be applied to SoS LSI activities to improve success rates and efficiency in the development of these “very large” complex systems. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng
Depression in adults with Fabry disease: A common and under‐diagnosed problem
Authors: Cole A. L. , Lee P. J. , Hughes D. A. , Deegan P. B. , Waldek S. , Lachmann R. H.
Published: November 2007

Background

Anderson–Fabry disease (AFD), an X‐linked lysosomal storage disorder, leads to multi‐organ dysfunction and premature mortality. Depression in adults with AFD has been reported, but no large study has been done. We have examined the adult Fabry population in the United Kingdom to describe the prevalence, associated factors and frequency of diagnosis of depression.

Methods

Postal questionnaires were sent from four adult clinics to 296 AFD patients. A response rate of 62% (n=184; 74 male, 110 female) formed the data set. Questionnaires collected demographic and Fabry‐specific information. Depression status was assessed using the Centre for Epidemiological Studies depression scale (CES‐D).

Results

Responders were aged between 18 and 76 years (mean 44). The prevalence of depression was 46%, of which 28% were consistent with ‘severe clinical depression’ Unlike the normal population, males with AFD report a higher prevalence of severe depression than females (36% males; 22% females). Interference of AFD symptoms with individuals‐lives (particularly acroparaesthesiae or anhidrosis) showed the largest odds of association with depression. Relationship and financial status proved strong predictors of depression: 88% of those with mild‐moderate depression and 72% with severe depression were undiagnosed.

Conclusion

Depression is common and under‐diagnosed in AFD. Proper assessment of and treatment for depression could improve the quality of life of these patients.
Molecular screening of Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome in pregnant women from the Czech Republic
Authors: Blahakova I. , Makaturova E. , Kotrbova L. , Soukupova M. , Lastuvkova J. , Kozak L.
Published: November 2007

Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder. SLOS is caused by the mutations in the gene for 3β‐hydroxysterol Δ7 reductase (DHCR7; EC 1.3.1.21), which maps to chromosome 11q12‐13. DHCR7 catalyses the final step in cholesterol biosynthesis—the reduction of 7‐dehydrocholesterol to cholesterol. Clinical severity ranges from mild dysmorphism to severe congenital malformation and intrauterine lethality. Pregnant women are offered a biochemical screening test for Down syndrome in the second trimester, where the suspicion for SLOS could be registered, when the unconjugated estriol (uE3) level appears low. A group of 456 fetuses with a high risk for SLOS were examined by DNA analysis. We confirmed SLOS in 5 fetuses and 11 fetuses were carriers. One novel mutation (p.G30A) was detected. The most frequently found mutations, c.964‐1> C and p.W151X, are also the most severe ones. At least one of these mutations was detected in each fetus with SLOS. This suggests that the biochemical screening of pregnant women probably uncovers mainly more severely affected fetuses. We confirmed SLOS also in two patients whose prenatal screening was negative. Both of them had nonsense mutation on one allele. It stands to reason that some modifying factors may play a role in the reduction of the uE3 level in the mother's serum.
Epileptische Enzephalopathie und Zahnschmelzdefekt (Kohlschütter-Tönz-Syndrom)
Authors: Schossig A. , Wolf N. , Koch M.J. , Bast T. , Hoffmann G.F. , Zschocke J. , Kohlschütter A.
Published: November 2007

Das Kohlschütter-Tönz-Syndrom ist eine seltene genetische Erkrankung, die mit neurologischen Symptomen – Epilepsie und schwere globale Entwicklungsstörung – sowie einer gestörten Zahnschmelzbildung einhergeht. Erstmals wurde 1974 eine Familie beschrieben, in der mehrere Jungen betroffen waren. Inzwischen sind auch Familien mit sowohl betroffenen Jungen als auch Mädchen bekannt. Dies macht eine autosomal-rezessive Vererbung des Syndroms wahrscheinlich, wobei eine genetische Heterogenität möglich bleibt. Verlauf und Ausprägung sind innerhalb der einzelnen Familien unterschiedlich. Ein verantwortlicher Gendefekt ist noch nicht bekannt, die Diagnose muss klinisch gestellt werden. Wir berichten über 3 neue Patienten im Vergleich zu bisher 21 mitgeteilten Fällen.
Painful traumatic peripheral partial nerve injury‐sensory dysfunction profiles comparing outcomes of bedside examination and quantitative sensory testing
Authors: Leffler Ann‐Sofie , Hansson Per
Published: November 2007

The primary aim of this retrospective study was to focusing on the relationship between individual outcomes of bedside examination (BE) and quantitative testing of somatosensory functions (QST) in 32 patients with painful traumatic partial nerve injury. In addition, the potential presence of common sensory dysfunction denominators has been probed. Patients with a history of traumatic partial nerve injury and ongoing pain were included if pain was confined to the entire or part of the innervation territory of the severed nerve and a bedside titration of the neuronanatomical borders confirmed sensory aberrations. An in‐depth BE and QST was then performed in the most painful area. Categorization of normal and pathological outcome for both BE and QST was based on time honoured clinical decision‐making using the healthy contralateral corresponding area as control. In patients with normal outcome or quantitative aberrations (i.e. hypo‐ or hyperesthesia) at BE and QST, the same individual outcome of touch sensation was reported by 48% of the patients, for cold in 54% and for warmth in 58%. The most common dysfunction found at both BE and QST was hypoesthesia, however with no common denominators in somatosensory dysfunction. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that not infrequently the individual outcome of BE and the corresponding QST measure differed, most frequently for touch sensibility. This finding is of outmost importance when QST outcomes are used to corroborate results from BE in the diagnostic situation.
The chlorophyllases AtCLH1 and AtCLH2 are not essential for senescence‐related chlorophyll breakdown in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Schenk Nicole , Schelbert Silvia , Kanwischer Marion , Goldschmidt Eliezer E. , Dörmann Peter , Hörtensteiner Stefan
Published: November 2007

One important reaction of chlorophyll (chl) breakdown during plant senescence is the removal of the lipophilic phytol moiety by chlorophyllase. AtCLH1 and AtCLH2 were considered to be required for this reaction in Arabidopsis thaliana. Here we present evidence against this assumption. Using green fluorescent protein fusions, neither AtCLH isoform localizes to chloroplasts, the predicted site of chlorophyll breakdown. Furthermore, clh1 and clh2 single and double knockout lines are still able to degrade chlorophyll during senescence. From our data we conclude that AtCLHs are not required for senescence‐related chlorophyll breakdown in vivo and propose that genuine chlorophyllase has not yet been molecularly identified.
The yeast acylglycerol acyltransferase LCA1 is a key component of Lands cycle for phosphatidylcholine turnover
Authors: Chen Qilin , Kazachkov Michael , Zheng Zhifu , Zou Jitao
Published: November 2007

Cellular phospholipids undergo deacylation and reacylation through a process known as Lands cycle. In this report, we provide evidence demonstrating that yeast YOR175c, herein designated as LCA1, encodes a key component of the Lands cycle, the acyl‐CoA: lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase (LPCAT). Deletion of LCA1 resulted in a drastic reduction in LPCAT activity, while over expression led to a several fold increase in enzyme activity. We further show that disruption of LCA1 caused an enhanced production of glycerophosphorylcholine, a product of phosphatidylcholine (PC) deacylation and that the lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase SLC1 was not involved in this process. Identification of LCA1 provides an essential molecular tool for further study of Lands cycle in PC turnover.
The influence of temperature on the development, hatching and survival ofNematodirus battuslarvae
Authors: van DIJK J. , MORGAN E. R.
Published: November 2007

AlthoughNematodirus battus(Nematoda: Trichostrongyloidea) is an economically important and highly pathogenic parasite of sheep in the temperate regions, very little is known about the population dynamics of its free-living stages and their relationship with ambient temperature. Here we describe the temperature-related vital rates and thresholds of egg development, hatching and larval survival for the first time.N. battuseggs were able to develop between 11·5 and 27°C, but development at the lower end of this range was more successful. Embryonated eggs did not hatch below 11°C or above 17°C. This is the first description of an upper threshold for hatching in trichostrongyloids. In contrast with most previous studies, although some eggs hatched only after being chilled, substantial proportions of eggs were also found to hatch without the need for chilling. These proportions were lower with increasing, within-hatching range, temperatures. Larval death rates significantly increased at temperatures towards and above the upper hatching threshold. The peculiar hatching behaviour ofN. battusmay therefore be explained in terms of optimization of larval survival. We argue that our findings confirm the likelihood of an arctic origin of the parasite. Probable changes and adaptations of parasite behaviour in the temperate regions, and the driving forces behind them, are discussed, as well as factors affecting persistence and geographical spread against a background of climate change.
Transgenesis of schistosomes: approaches employing mobile genetic elements
Authors: MANN V. H. , MORALES M. E. , KINES K. J. , BRINDLEY P. J.
Published: November 2007

Draft genome sequences forSchistosoma mansoniandSchistosoma japonicumare now available. However, the identity and importance of most schistosome genes have yet to be determined. Recently, progress has been made towards the genetic manipulation and transgenesis of schistosomes. Both loss-of-function and gain-of-function approaches appear to be feasible in schistosomes based on findings described in the past 5 years. This review focuses on reports of schistosome transgenesis, specifically those dealing with the transformation of schistosomes with exogenous mobile genetic elements and/or their endogenous relatives for the genetic manipulation of schistosomes. Transgenesis mediated by mobile genetic elements offers a potentially tractable route to introduce foreign genes to schistosomes, a means to determine the importance of schistosome genes, including those that could be targeted in novel interventions and the potential to undertake large-scale forward genetics by insertional mutagenesis.
Rates of development in male and female Wood Frogs and patterns of parasitism by lung nematodes
Authors: DARE O. K. , FORBES M. R.
Published: November 2007

Researchers are becoming interested in testing whether investment in growth and/or development trades off against investment in parasite defence. We tested this idea by examining relations between development of Wood Frogs (Rana sylvatica) and susceptibility to lung nematodes (Rhabdias ranae). Male and female frogs reared in outdoor mesocosms were the same length and mass at metamorphosis. However, males metamorphosed sooner than females. Lung nematodes were no more likely to penetrate male versus female metamorphs following controlled exposures, but males had higher intensities of adult female worms and the largest worms per host were, on average, of larger size in male metamorphs. Males that took longer to metamorphose carried higher numbers of worms in their lungs than males that metamorphosed early. In comparison, females that developed faster harboured more worms in their lungs than females that took longer to reach metamorphosis. Our results suggest that variation in susceptibility to lung nematodes is influenced by host sex and possibly also by sex-specific relations with developmental rate. Further, male hosts might prove to be a more important source of infective stages of worms than female hosts.
Evaluation of immune responses raised againstTc13 antigens ofTrypanosoma cruziin the outcome of murine experimental infection
Authors: GARCÍA G. A. , ARNAIZ M. R. , ESTEVA M. I. , LAUCELLA S. A. , GARAVAGLIA P. A. , IBARRA S. E. , RUIZ A. M.
Published: November 2007

We have previously reported that genetic immunization withTc13Tul antigen ofTrypanosoma cruzi, the aetiological agent of Chagas' disease, triggers harmful effects and non-protective immune responses. In order to confirm the role ofTc13 antigens duringT. cruziinfection, herein we studied the humoral and cellular immune responses to theTc13Tul molecule and its EPKSA C-terminal portion in BALB/cT. cruzi-infected mice or mice immunized with recombinantTc13Tul. Analysis of the antibody response showed that B-cell epitopes that stimulate a sustained IgM production along the infection and high levels of IgG in the acute phase are mainly located at theTc13 N- and C-terminal domains, respectively. DTH assays showed that T-cell epitopes are mainly at theTc13 N-terminal segment and that they do not elicit an efficient memory response. RecombinantTc13Tul did not induce IFN-γ secretion in either infected or immunized mice. However, a putative CD8+Tc13Tul-derived peptide was found to elicit IFN-γ production in chronically infected animals. Immunization with recombinantTc13Tul did not induce pathology in tissues and neither did it protect against the infection. Our results show that in the outcome ofT. cruziinfection theTc13 family protein mainly triggers non-protective immune responses.
Scholastic achievement at age 16 and risk of schizophrenia and other psychoses: a national cohort study
Authors: MacCabe J. H. , Lambe M. P. , Cnattingius S. , Torrång A. , Björk C. , Sham P. C. , David A. S , Murray R. M. , Hultman C. M.
Published: November 2007

Background

There is abundant evidence that schizophrenia is associated with cognitive deficits in childhood. However, previous studies investigating school performance have been inconclusive. Furthermore, there are several biological and social factors that could confound the association. We investigated whether school performance at age 16 is associated with risk of adult schizophrenia and other psychoses in a large national cohort, while controlling for multiple confounders.

Method

Using a national sample of 907 011 individuals born in Sweden between 1973 and 1983, we used Cox regression to assess whether scholastic achievement at age 15–16 predicted hospital admission for psychosis between ages 17 and 31, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

Poor school performance was associated with increased rates of schizophrenia [hazard ratio (HR) 3.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.8–5.3], schizo-affective disorder (HR 4.2, 95% CI 1.9–9.1) and other psychoses (HR 3.0, 95% CI 2.3–4.0). Receiving the lowest (E) grade was significantly associated with risk for schizophrenia and other psychoses in every school subject. There was no evidence of confounding by migrant status, low birthweight, hypoxia, parental education level or socio-economic group.

Conclusions

Poor school performance across all domains is strongly associated with risk for schizophrenia and other psychoses.
Depression and anxiety as predictors of heart rate variability after myocardial infarction
Authors: Martens E. J. , Nyklíček I. , Szabó B. M. , Kupper N.
Published: November 2007

Background

Reduced heart rate variability (HRV) is a prognostic factor for cardiac mortality. Both depression and anxiety have been associated with increased risk for mortality in cardiac patients. Low HRV may act as an intermediary in this association. The present study examined to what extent depression and anxiety differently predict 24-h HRV indices recorded post-myocardial infarction (MI).

Method

Ninety-three patients were recruited during hospitalization for MI and assessed on self-reported symptoms of depression and anxiety. Two months post-MI, patients were assessed on clinical diagnoses of lifetime depressive and anxiety disorder. Adequate 24-h ambulatory electrocardiography data were obtained from 82 patients on average 78 days post-MI.

Results

In unadjusted analyses, lifetime diagnoses of major depressive disorder was predictive of lower SDNN [standard deviation of all normal-to-normal (NN) intervals; β=−0.26, p=0.022] and SDANN (standard deviation of all 5-min mean NN intervals; β=0.25, p=0.023), and lifetime anxiety disorder of lower RMSSD (root mean square of successive differences; β=−0.23, p=0.039). Depression and anxiety symptoms did not significantly predict HRV. After adjustment for age, sex, cardiac history and multi-vessel disease, lifetime depressive disorder was no longer predictive of HRV. Lifetime anxiety disorder predicted reduced high-frequency spectral power (β=−0.22, p=0.039) and RMSSD (β=−0.25, p=0.019), even after additional adjustment of anxiety symptoms.

Conclusions

Clinical anxiety, but not depression, negatively influenced parasympathetic modulation of heart rate in post-MI patients. These findings elucidate the physiological mechanisms underlying anxiety as a risk factor for adverse outcomes, but also raise questions about the potential role of HRV as an intermediary between depression and post-MI prognosis.
From conduct disorder to severe mental illness: associations with aggressive behaviour, crime and victimization
Authors: Hodgins S. , Cree A. , Alderton J. , Mak T.
Published: November 2007

Background

Conduct disorder (CD) prior to age 15 has been associated with an increased risk of aggressive behaviour and crime among men with schizophrenia. The present study aimed to replicate and extend this finding in a clinical sample of severely mentally ill men and women.

Method

We examined a cohort of in-patients with severe mental illness in one mental health trust. A total of 205 men and women participated, average age 38.5 years. CD was diagnosed using a structured diagnostic tool. Alcohol and illicit drug use, aggressive behaviour and victimization were self-reported. Information on convictions was extracted from official criminal records. Analyses controlled for age and sex.

Results

CD prior to age 15 was associated with an increased risk of assault over the lifespan [odds ratio (OR) 3.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.87–8.44)], aggressive behaviour in the 6 months prior to interview (OR 2.66, 95% CI 1.24–5.68), and convictions for violent crimes (OR 3.19, 95% CI 1.46–6.97) after controlling for alcohol and illicit drug use. The number of CD symptoms present prior to age 15 significantly increased the risk of serious assaults over the lifespan, aggressive behaviour in the past 6 months, and violent crime after controlling for alcohol and illicit drug use.

Conclusions

Men and women with severe mental illness who have a history of CD by mid-adolescence are at increased risk for aggressive behaviour and violent crime. These patients are easily identifiable and may benefit from learning-based treatments aimed at reducing antisocial behaviour. Longitudinal, prospective investigations are needed to understand why CD is more common among people with than without schizophrenia.
Implementing logic spreadsheets in LESS
Authors: VALENTE ANDRE , VAN BRACKLE DAVID , CHALUPSKY HANS , EDWARDS GARY
Published: November 2007

Spreadsheets are a widespread tool for a variety of tasks, particularly in business settings. Spreadsheet users employ a form of programming that, although popular, is highly error-prone and has limited expressiveness. A promising approach to overcome these shortcomings is to augment spreadsheets with logic-based knowledge representation and reasoning (KR&R) functionality. In this paper, we present Logic Embedded in SpreadSheets (LESS), a system which integrates PowerLoom, a highly expressive logic-based KR&R system, with Microsoft (MS) Excel. The design of LESS provides different tiers of functionality that explore trade-offs between direct access to the underlying logic engine and user-friendly support for spreadsheets users. A prototype of LESS was implemented as an MS Excel add-in.
An introduction to logical spreadsheets
Authors: KASSOFF MICHAEL , VALENTE ANDRE
Published: November 2007

A logical spreadsheet is a spreadsheet in which the formula language is composed of logical expressions. Logical spreadsheets were invented shortly after traditional electronic spreadsheets were introduced, but since then logical spreadsheet research has been somewhat sparse. Recently, however, there has been a resurgence in the interest of logical spreadsheets in the research community. In this article, we summarize logical spreadsheet research up to this point.
Force, Mathematics, and Physics in Newton's Principia: A New Approach to Enduring Issues
Authors: Maglo Koffi
Published: November 2007

Argument

This paper investigates the conceptual treatment and mathematical modeling of force in Newton's Principia. It argues that, contrary to currently dominant views, Newton's concept of force is best understood as a physico-mathematical construct with theoretical underpinnings rather than a “mathematical construct” or an ontologically “neutral” concept. It uses various philosophical and historical frameworks to clarify interdisciplinary issues in the history of science and draws upon the distinction between axiomatic systems in mathematics and physics, as well as discovery patterns in science. It also dwells on Newton's “philosophy” of mathematics, described here in terms of mathematical naturalism. This philosophy considers mathematical quantities to be physically significant quantities whose motions are best mapped by geometry. It then shows that to understand the epistemic status of force in the Principia, it is important to scrutinize both Newton's mathematical justificatory strategies and his background assumptions about force – without constructing, however, an overarching metaphysical framework for his science. Finally, the paper studies scientific attempts to redefine or eliminate force from science during the period between Newton and Laplace. From a philosophical standpoint, the paper implicitly suggests that questions about the reality of force be distinguished from questions about the validity of force, and that both sets of questions be distinguished from questions about the utility of the concept of force in science.
The Social Architect and the Myopic Mason: The Spatial Politics of the Muséum d'Histoire naturelle in Nineteenth-Century Paris
Authors: Lee Paula Young
Published: November 2007

Argument

During the first half of the nineteenth century, the Muséum d'Histoire naturelle was both workplace and home to functionalist Georges Cuvier and morphologist Etienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, whose doctrinal differences became enmeshed with political dialogues regarding social reform. Surprisingly, the public not only viewed the arrangement of the collections in terms of the social platforms they were understood to be supporting, but critiqued the Muséum's buildings as expressions of their anatomical dispute. The Revolutions of 1830 and 1848 pushed these critiques forward, suggesting to some observers that true reform of the natural sciences would begin by reforming the Muséum's architectural program, thereby placing the goals of Comparative Anatomy in correct relationship to human progress.
“Of sea urchins, volcanoes, earthquakes … and engagement”: Marcello Carapezza, Alberto Monroy, and Italy's University System
Authors: Pagliaro Mario
Published: November 2007

Argument

In Italy, only 2 per cent of the population consider scientists and experts to be society's leading personalities (Censis 2006). Scientists are classified among the “weak social groups” and more precisely as those who have little influence either because they lack representation in the media (the faculty), or because they lack resources. (Young researchers face the lowest percentage of GDP invested in research among the G8 countries.) This article contributes to the current debate on science policies in Europe and addresses the question of why science has such a low reputation in Italy. How did this situation emerge and what methods should be taken to tackle it beyond merely increasing financial resources? An historical overview of how Marcello Carapezza and Alberto Monroy created leading research centers in geochemistry and developmental biology in Palermo offers insight into the opportunities and threats posed by Italy's academic system. This brief analysis of the Italian academic system should interest international readers who want their country to evolve from a closed, corporative, centralized system into a country that can compete at an international level to attract talented students and resources and achieve a higher scientific reputation.
Frontlash: Race and the Development of Punitive Crime Policy
Authors: Weaver Vesla M.
Published: November 2007

Civil rights cemented its place on the national agenda with the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, fair housing legislation, federal enforcement of school integration, and the outlawing of discriminatory voting mechanisms in the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Less recognized but no less important, the Second Reconstruction also witnessed one of the most punitive interventions in United States history. The death penalty was reinstated, felon disenfranchisement statutes from the First Reconstruction were revived, and the chain gang returned. State and federal governments revised their criminal codes, effectively abolishing parole, imposing mandatory minimum sentences, and allowing juveniles to be incarcerated in adult prisons. Meanwhile, the Law Enforcement Assistance Act of 1965 gave the federal government an altogether new role in crime control; several subsequent policies, beginning with the Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 and culminating with the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, ‘war on drugs,’ and extension of capital crimes, significantly altered the approach. These and other developments had an exceptional and long-lasting effect, with imprisonment increasing six-fold between 1973 and the turn of the century. Certain groups felt the burden of these changes most acutely. As of the last census, fully half of those imprisoned are black and one in three black men between ages 20 and 29 are currently under state supervision. Compared to its advanced industrial counterparts in western Europe, the United States imprisons at least five times more of its citizens per capita.
The role of roof rats (Rattus rattus) in the spread ofSalmonellaEnteritidis andS. Infantis contamination in layer farms in eastern Japan
Authors: LAPUZ R. , TANI H. , SASAI K. , SHIROTA K. , KATOH H. , BABA E.
Published: November 2007

The prevalence ofSalmonellain four layer farms in eastern Japan was investigated between 2004 and 2006 to determine the role of roof rats (Rattus rattus) in the epizootology ofSalmonella entericasubsp.entericaserovar Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis). PersistentS. Enteritidis andS. Infantis contamination of the environment and pooled egg samples were detected in three out of four layer farms. A total of 113 (13·3%) and 158 (18·6%) out of 851 rats examined were positive forS. Enteritidis andS. Infantis, respectively. By pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, only one indistinguishable pulsed-field pattern was yielded byS. Enteritidis strains from rats, eggs and environmental samples from each of the two contaminated layer farms. Although, a variety of pulsed-field patterns were generated byS. Enteritidis isolates from rats, eggs, and the environment of the other contaminated farms, there are, however, someS. Enteritidis strains that are closely related clones. These results suggest that roof rats are carriers ofS. Enteritidis andS. Infantis and that persistentS. Enteritidis andS. Infantis infections in a rat population may play an important role in the spread and maintenance of these pathogens inside the layer premises.
PREVENTION OF OBSTETRIC HAEMORRHAGE
Authors: SAID SOHA , GEARY MICHAEL
Published: November 2007

Obstetric haemorrhage has been recognised as a major cause of maternal death as long as physicians have studied and written about childbirth. Until the 20th century, however, little was possible in the way of effective treatment. Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is still a frequent cause of death in many parts of the world. Even in developing countries, it remains the 3rd biggest killer of women in childbirth, despite considerable advances in medical care in the last half-century. The modern management of PPH may include a team of anaesthetists, haematologists, vascular surgeons, gynaecologists and radiologists.1Clearly, this change represents an advance which has saved and will continue to save countless lives, not only in the developed world where such teamwork is routine, but also in developing nations that are desperately looking for ways to reduce maternal mortality as part of their efforts to comply with the United Nations Millennium Development Goals by the year 2015.2
LEARNING IN COBWEB EXPERIMENTS
Authors: HOMMES CARS , SONNEMANS JOEP , TUINSTRA JAN , VAN DE VELDEN HENK
Published: November 2007

Different theories of expectation formation and learning usually yield different outcomes for realized market prices in dynamic models. The purpose of this paper is to investigate expectation formation and learning in a controlled experimental environment. Subjects are asked to predict the next period's aggregate price in a dynamic commodity market model with feedback from individual expectations. Subjects have no information about underlying market equilibrium equations, but can learn by observing past price realizations and predictions. We conduct a stable, an unstable, and a strongly unstable treatment. In the stable treatment, rational expectations (RE) yield a good description of observed aggregate price fluctuations: prices remain close to the RE steady state. In the unstable treatments, prices exhibit large fluctuations around the RE steady state. Although the sample mean of realized prices is close to the RE steady state, the amplitude of the price fluctuations as measured by the variance is significantly larger than the amplitude under RE, implying persistent excess volatility. However, agents' forecasts are boundedly rational in the sense that fluctuations in aggregate prices are unpredictable and exhibit no forecastable structure that could easily be exploited.
Spatial and seasonal distributions of carbonaceous aerosols over China
Authors: Cao J. J. , Lee S. C. , Chow J. C. , Watson J. G. , Ho K. F. , Zhang R. J. , Jin Z. D. , Shen Z. X. , Chen G. C. , Kang Y. M. , Zou S. C. , Zhang L. Z. , Qi S. H. , Dai M. H. , Cheng Y. , Hu K.
Published: November 2007

Simultaneous measurements of atmospheric organic and elemental carbon (OC and EC) were taken during winter and summer seasons at 2003 in 14 cities in China. Daily PM2.5 samples were analyzed for OC and EC by the Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE) thermal/optical reflectance protocol. Average PM2.5 OC concentrations in the 14 cities were 38.1 μg m−3 and 13.8 μg m−3 for winter and summer periods, and the corresponding EC were 9.9 μg m−3 and 3.6 μg m−3, respectively. OC and EC concentrations had summer minima and winter maxima in all the cities. Carbonaceous matter (CM), the sum of organic matter (OM = 1.6 × OC) and EC, contributed 44.2% to PM2.5 in winter and 38.8% in summer. OC was correlated with EC (R2: 0.56–0.99) in winter, but correlation coefficients were lower in summer (R2: 0.003–0.90). Using OC/EC enrichment factors, the primary OC, secondary OC and EC accounted for 47.5%, 31.7% and 20.8%, respectively, of total carbon in Chinese urban environments. More than two thirds of China's urban carbon is derived from directly emitted particles. Average OC/EC ratios ranged from 2.0 to 4.7 among 14 cities during winter and from 2.1 to 5.9 during summer. OC/EC ratios in this study were consistent with a possible cooling effect of carbonaceous aerosols over China.
Response of Northern Hemisphere extratropical cyclone activity and associated precipitation to climate change, as represented by the Community Climate System Model
Authors: Finnis Joel , Holland Marika M. , Serreze Mark C. , Cassano John J.
Published: November 2007

The projected effects of rising CO2 levels on Northern Hemisphere extratropical cyclone activity and cyclone‐associated precipitation are examined for September–May, using output from version 3 of the Community Climate System Model (CCSM3). A cyclone identification algorithm was applied to a five member ensemble of CCSM3 20th and 21st century output, along with a method of isolating precipitation produced by each cyclone. Mean seasonal statistics describing cyclone activity and the character of associated precipitation were calculated over several study regions for 20 a periods. The dominant change in cyclone activity is a marked midlatitude decrease in frequency during autumn, winter, and spring. Few significant shifts in storm tracks or cyclone intensity were identified. Total daily precipitation from these events is found to increase into the 21st century, largely because of increases in available atmospheric moisture with rising temperatures. This thermodynamic increase in precipitation leads to large rises in total seasonal cyclone‐associated precipitation over high latitudes, while over midlatitudes the thermodynamic increase is offset by the dynamic effect associated with decreased cyclone frequency.