bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Active Bowman–Birk inhibitors survive gastrointestinal digestion at the terminal ileum of pigs fed chickpea‐based diets
Authors: Clemente Alfonso , Jimenez Elisabeth , Marin‐Manzano M Carmen , Rubio Luis A
Published: November 2007

BACKGROUND: Protease inhibitors of the Bowman–Birk family have been demonstrated to be naturally occurring chemopreventive agents in a wide range of in vitro and in vivo models. In vitro and in vivo experiments have reported that Bowman–Birk inhibitors (BBIs) may exert colorectal chemopreventive effects. To exert such effects, these proteins have to survive, at least to some extent, the digestive process within the gastrointestinal tract.

RESULTS: In order to determine the survival rates of functional BBI proteins in vivo, five castrated male pigs (100 ± 2 kg body weight) fitted with T‐shaped cannulas at the terminal ileum were fed a chickpea‐based diet. Pigs fed hydrolysed casein as the only protein source were used as an experimental control diet. The survival rates of BBI proteins from chickpea‐based diets at the terminal ileum, expressed in terms of trypsin (TIA) and chymotrypsin inhibitory activity (CIA), were 7.3 and 4.4%, respectively. The presence of BBI proteins in ileal samples from pigs fed chickpea‐based diet was confirmed by SDS‐PAGE and peptide mass fingerprinting.

CONCLUSION: It is concluded that significant amounts of active BBI proteins reach the large intestine of the pig. Further pharmacological studies are necessary in order to determine the potential of dietary BBI proteins as colorectal chemopreventive agents in humans. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Mineral contents of some aromatic plants, their growth soils and infusions
Authors: Zengin Mehmet , Özcan Mehmet Musa , Çetin Ümmühan , Gezgin Sait
Published: November 2007

BACKGROUND: In this study, 18 kinds of medicinal plants were collected together with their soils from different regions of Turkey and their macro‐ and micro‐element and heavy metal contents were determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP‐AES). In soils, pH, electrical conductivity, carbonate (lime), organic matter, texture, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn and B were analysed. In plants and extracts, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, B, Na, Al, Li, Pb, Ni, Cd, Co and Cr contents were determined. Also, correlations between soil and plant and between plant and extract were established.

RESULTS: Element concentrations ranged between 0.11 and 5160 µg g−1 in soil samples, between 0.14 and 54400 µg g−1 in plant samples and between 0.039 and 22033 µg g−1 in extract samples. While sage was rich in Fe (981.3 µg g−1), basil was abundant in P (9.8 mg g−1), K (54.4 mg g−1), Ca (22.6 mg g−1), Mg (3.1 mg g−1) and Zn (46.05 µg g−1) and mint was rich in Li (23.50 µg g−1). Moreover, while high levels of P (4100.9 µg g−1), K (22033 µg g−1) and Mg (529.15 µg g−1) were found in basil extract, Ca (5979.3 µg g−1) was present at high concentration in marjoram leaf extract. Also, Fe (4.25 µg g−1) and Zn (17.51 µg g−1) were detected at high levels in lime flower and mint extracts respectively.

CONCLUSION: It was concluded that aromatic plants are important sources of nutrients and essential elements. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Structure and properties of electromagnetic metamaterials
Authors: Wood B.
Published: November 2007

Metamaterials are artificial materials structured on a subwavelength scale to provide electromagnetic properties beyond those available in nature. Progress in this young field has been startlingly swift. The last year alone has seen the realization of the first optical negative‐index metamaterials and the constructon of two very striking metamaterial‐based devices: an invisibility cloak and a far‐field lens capable of subwavelength imaging. Here, I review these developments and the key concepts that made them possible.
A note on the Poisson structures of the space of probability measures
Authors: Shishido Yuichi
Published: November 2007

The space of probability measures on a Riemannian manifold is endowed with the Fisher information metric. In [4] T. Friedrich showed that this space admits also Poisson structures {, }. In this note, we give directly another proof for the structure {, } being Poisson. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Existence and multiplicity of solutions to a perturbed Neumann problem
Authors: Anello Giovanni
Published: November 2007

In this paper we establish an existence theorem of strong solutions to a perturbed Neumann problem of the type

equation image

In particular, our solutions take their values in a fixed real interval. This latter fact allows us to state a multiplicity result assuming on f an oscillating behavior. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Determining the temperature from incomplete boundary data
Authors: Johansson B. Tomas
Published: November 2007

An iterative procedure for determining temperature fields from Cauchy data given on a part of the boundary is presented. At each iteration step, a series of mixed well‐posed boundary value problems are solved for the heat operator and its adjoint. A convergence proof of this method in a weighted L2‐space is included, as well as a stopping criteria for the case of noisy data. Moreover, a solvability result in a weighted Sobolev space for a parabolic initial boundary value problem of second order with mixed boundary conditions is presented. Regularity of the solution is proved. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Unique marine taphonomy in human skeletal material recovered from the medieval warship Mary Rose
Authors: Bell L. S. , Elkerton A.
Published: November 2007

The effect of skeletal exposure in a marine environment is an area of taphonomy that has been little investigated at the microscopic level. Understanding the peri‐mortem and subsequent post mortem history of deposition and/or redeposition is extremely important for event reconstruction and to identify deliberate or accidental redeposition. The material used for this study comes primarily from the Mary Rose shipwreck (a marine mass fatality dated AD 1545), and forensic material recovered from marine, lacustrine and terrestrial contexts is retrospectively referenced. Work presented here outlines a definitive type of marine exposure seen in temperate shallow off‐shore and intertidal marine contexts, and illustrates how it may be differentially identified from terrestrial deposition and exposure. Furthermore, the effects of rapid deposition on skeletal remains have been documented, and results indicate that marine organism fouling activity can be fully inhibited by rapid deposition of sediment. The responsible organism itself remains unidentified, but produces tunnels which are peripheral in their distribution and maintain fixed dimensions and morphology and are here associated with marine exposure. This type of microstructural change is unique and is not found in terrestrial or freshwater contexts. The study demonstrates a taphonomic microstructural change to bone and teeth which may be identified microscopically and interpreted as evidence of marine exposure. Secondarily, the history of depositional exposure between the two main Tudor layers has provided a new level of detail concerning exposure and site formation processes. The earliest Tudor layer formed rapidly over a period of months and contained no evidence of microstructural tunnelling, whereas microstructural tunnelling was seen exclusively in the second Tudor layer, formed over a period of decades, a period during which the ship's hull collapsed and a more open marine environment dominated. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regulation of bone morphogenetic protein signalling in human pulmonary vascular development
Authors: Southwood M , Jeffery TK , Yang X , Upton PD , Hall SM , Atkinson C , Haworth SG , Stewart S , Reynolds PN , Long L , Trembath RC , Morrell NW
Published: November 2007

The bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) type II receptor (BMPR‐II) is predominantly expressed on the vascular endothelium in the adult lung. Although mutations in BMPR‐II are known to underlie many cases of familial pulmonary arterial hypertension (FPAH), little is known regarding the expression of BMPs and their signalling pathways during normal lung development or the impact of BMPR‐II mutations on endothelial cell function. We determined the cellular localization and expression levels of BMP4, BMP receptors, and activation of downstream signalling via phospho‐Smad1 in a developmental series of human embryonic and fetal lungs by immunohistochemistry. The expression of BMP4 and BMP receptors was temporally and spatially regulated during lung development. BMPR‐II expression correlated with phosphorylation of tissue Smad1 and was highest during the late pseudoglandular and early canalicular stage of lung development, when vasculogenesis is intense. Phospho‐Smad1 expression was associated with markers of proliferation in endothelial cells. In vitro studies confirmed that BMPs 2 and 4 induced phosphorylation of Smad1/5 and pulmonary artery endothelial cell (PAEC) migration and proliferation. Adenoviral transfection of PAECs with mutant kinase‐deficient BMPR‐II, or siRNA knockdown of BMPR‐II, inhibited Smad signalling and the proliferative response to BMP4. Our findings support a critical role for BMPs in lung vasculogenesis. Dysfunctional BMP signalling in PAECs during development may lead to abnormal pulmonary vascular development and contribute to the pathogenesis of FPAH. Copyright © 2007 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tonsillar crypt epithelium of palmoplantar pustulosis secretes interleukin‐6 to support B‐cell development via p63/p73 transcription factors
Authors: Koshiba S , Ichimiya S , Nagashima T , Tonooka A , Kubo T , Kikuchi T , Himi T , Sato N
Published: November 2007

Palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) is an autoimmune disease characterized by psoriasis‐like erythematous lesions on palms and/or soles due to an abnormal humoral immune response. Tonsillectomy is effectively employed for the treatment of PPP; however, how tonsils are involved in the aetiology of PPP remains unclear. Here we analysed surgically resected palatine tonsils from 36 cases of PPP as well as usual recurrent tonsillitis (RT) as a control. Histological examination revealed that a unique lesion, with lymphoid follicles surrounded by reticular crypt epithelial cells, was more frequently observed in tonsils of patients with PPP than in those with RT (p < 0.0001; PPP vs RT). Interestingly, crypt epithelial cells in primary cultures derived from PPP tonsils showed marked production of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). Moreover, these epithelial cells from PPP tonsils expressed p53‐related transcription factors in their nuclei that were found to contribute to the up‐regulation of IL‐6 gene expression. These findings suggest that, at least in part, the specialized lymphoepithelial symbiosis of PPP tonsils, under the control of p53‐related factors, may be relevant to the generation of the impaired micro‐environment underlying the aberrant production of autoantibodies. Copyright © 2007 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expression signatures in lung cancer reveal a profile for EGFR‐mutant tumours and identify selective PIK3CA overexpression by gene amplification
Authors: Angulo B , Suarez‐Gauthier A , Lopez‐Rios F , Medina PP , Conde E , Tang M , Soler G , Lopez‐Encuentra A , Cigudosa JC , Sanchez‐Cespedes M
Published: November 2007

The development of targeted therapies creates a need to discriminate tumours accurately by their histological and genetic characteristics. Here, we aim to identify gene expression profiles and single markers that recapitulate the pathological and genetic background of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We performed cDNA microarray analysis on a series of 69 NSCLCs, with known mutation status for important genes, and six normal lung tissues. Unsupervised cluster analysis segregated normal lungs from lung tumours and lung tumours according to their histopathology and the presence of EGFR mutations. Several transcripts were highly overexpressed (by ∼20 times) in squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) relative to adenocarcinomas (ACs) and confirmed by immunohistochemistry in an independent cohort of 75 lung tumours. Expression of 13 genes constituted the most prominent hallmarks of EGFR‐mutant tumours, including increased levels of proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) and down‐regulation of X‐box binding protein 1 (XBP1). No genes were differentially expressed, with a fold change ≥ 4 or ≤0.25 and a significance level of 5% false‐discovery rate, in tumours carrying mutations of TP53 or KRAS. In addition, we organized gene expression data by the position of each gene in the chromosome and observed a cluster of highly expressed genes in chromosome 3q, including PIK3CA, that was characteristic of SCCs. FISH analysis demonstrated a strong statistically significant association between increased levels of PIK3CA expression in these tumours and gene amplification (p < 0.0001; t‐test). In conclusion, histopathological phenotypes and, likely, the presence of EGFR mutations confer lung tumours with a marked pattern of gene expression. Moreover, our cDNA microarray analysis identified increased PIK3CA expression due to gene amplification in lung squamous cell carcinomas: this may represent a marker of sensitivity to therapy with PI3K inhibitors. Copyright © 2007 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of herbal drugs during early pregnancy in relation to maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcome
Authors: Holst Lone , Nordeng Hedvig , Haavik Svein
Published: November 2007

Purpose

To study characteristics of women using herbal drugs and the possible impact of use in early pregnancy on pregnancy outcome.

Methods

Data on the use of herbal drugs during pregnancy were obtained from the Swedish Medical Birth Register during the period 1st July 1995 to end of 2004. Women who reported use of herbal drugs were compared to all women giving birth during the period. Outcome variables were prematurity, birth weight, Apgar score, number of infants in delivery and congenital malformations.

Results

Among the 860 215 women in the register, 787 (0.9%) reported use of herbal drugs during early pregnancy. The most frequently used herbal drugs were Floradix® (iron‐rich herbs), ginseng and valerian. Use of such drugs was independently associated with high maternal age, normal weight and 14–15 years of education. Risk factors for valerian differed from those for other herbal drugs, for example with respect to maternal smoking and country of birth. Concomitant drug use was common and the most frequently used drugs were multivitamins, folic acid, cardiovascular drugs (mainly antihypertensive drugs), non‐steroid anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), analgesics and psycholeptics. None of the infant characteristics studied were influenced significantly by the mother's use of the examined herbal drugs during early pregnancy.

Conclusions

The most commonly reported herbal drugs used during pregnancy were Floradix® (iron‐rich herbs), ginseng and valerian. No signs of unfavourable effect on pregnancy outcome were seen. The number of exposures, however, was low and therefore effects on rare outcomes (e.g. specific malformations) cannot be excluded. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organic optoelectronic device fabrication using standard UV photolithography
Authors: Lamprecht B. , Kraker E. , Weirum G. , Ditlbacher H. , Jakopic G. , Leising G. , Krenn J. R.
Published: November 2007

The fabrication of organic optoelectronic devices requires patterning techniques that are compatible with organic semiconductor materials. Photolithography represents, by far, the dominant patterning approach for inorganic electronics and optoelectronics. High speed, parallel patterning capability, high resolution, and the availability of standard equipment make this technology also very attractive for applications in the field of organic semiconductor technology. In the present paper we present a successful implementation of photolithography to fabricate organic diodes. This process provides the basis for a future high‐resolution monolithic integration of organic optoelectronic and photonic devices into one photonic circuit. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Observation of ferromagnetic ordering in Mn‐doped 8‐hydroxy‐quinoline aluminum
Authors: Baik Jeong Min , Lee Jong‐Lam , Shon Yoon , Kang Tae Won
Published: November 2007

The ferromagnetic property of Mn‐doped 8‐hydroxy‐quinoline aluminum (Alq3), synthesized by thermal co‐evaporation of pure Mn metals and Alq3 powders, was investigated. The weak ferromagnetic property was observed in 5%‐doped Alq3, with saturation magnetization of around 0.05μB/Mn. The doped Mn chemically interacted with O atoms, producing a new gap state at 0.34 eV above the highest occupied molecular orbital and reducing the effective electron concentration. This led to the decrease of the electron affinity and increase of the optical bandgap, resulting in the reduction of the hole‐injection barrier in comparison with the electron‐injection barrier to the Alq3 layer. From these, the origin of the observed ferromagnetism is suggested. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Transport and egress of herpes simplex virus in neurons
Authors: Diefenbach Russell J. , Miranda‐Saksena Monica , Douglas Mark W. , Cunningham Anthony L.
Published: November 2007

The mechanisms of axonal transport of the alphaherpesviruses, HSV and pseudorabies virus (PrV), in neuronal axons are of fundamental interest, particularly in comparison with other viruses, and offer potential sites for antiviral intervention or development of gene therapy vectors. These herpesviruses are transported rapidly along microtubules (MTs) in the retrograde direction from the axon terminus to the dorsal root ganglion and then anterogradely in the opposite direction. Retrograde transport follows fusion and deenvelopment of the viral capsid at the axonal membrane followed by loss of most of the tegument proteins and then binding of the capsid via one or more viral proteins (VPs) to the retrograde molecular motor dynein. The HSV capsid protein pUL35 has been shown to bind to the dynein light chain Tctex1 but is likely to be accompanied by additional dynein binding of an inner tegument protein. The mechanism of anterograde transport is much more controversial with different processes being claimed for PrV and HSV: separate transport of HSV capsid/tegument and glycoproteins versus PrV transport as an enveloped virion. The controversy has not been resolved despite application, in several laboratories, of confocal microscopy (CFM), real‐time fluorescence with viruses dual labelled on capsid and glycoprotein, electron microscopy in situ and immuno‐electron microscopy. Different processes for each virus seem counterintuitive although they are the most divergent in the alphaherpesvirus subfamily. Current hypotheses suggest that unenveloped HSV capsids complete assembly in the axonal growth cones and varicosities, whereas with PrV unenveloped capsids are only found travelling in a retrograde direction. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developing a systemic textual analysis methodology based on the human activity system modelling language of soft systems methodology (SSM)
Authors: Hindle Giles A.
Published: November 2007

The paper introduces a textual analysis methodology which utilizes a systemic concept and a modified version of the systems modelling language from soft systems methodology (SSM). For ease of reference, the methodology is referred to as the systemic textual analysis methodology (STAM). Following trends in hermeneutics and linguistics, STAM balances objective and subjective aspects of the process of textual analysis by using the notion of a ‘recoverable’ textual analysis. STAM can be used in a wide range of Management Science and qualitative research projects, but is presented in this paper in a form suitable for the analysis of texts which constitute formal descriptions of processes or methodologies. Such analysis supports critical evaluation of texts in terms of characteristics such as content, descriptive quality, logical structure, overall coherence and completeness. The basic tenet of STAM is that textual data can be represented as a set of activities, and therefore conceptualized as an activity system. STAM opetationalizes this approach in the form of a six‐step process. The paper includes a simplistic exemplification of STAM where it is used to analyze a short piece of text. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Systemic proteasomal inhibitor exposure enhances dopamine turnover and decreases dopamine levels but does not affect MPTP‐induced striatal dopamine depletion in mice
Authors: Hirst Sarah J. , Ferger Boris
Published: November 2007

The validation of an in vivo proteasomal inhibitor (PSI) model to translate ubiquitin‐proteasomal‐system dysfunction involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) into a commonly accepted animal model is ongoing. Here we first report the effects of systemic administration of the proteasomal inhibitor Z‐lle‐Glu(OtBu)‐Ala‐Leu‐CHO (3 mg/kg, s.c., six times over 2 weeks) alone to extend the rat model to mice. Second we investigate the consequences of PSI pretreatment 42 weeks before an acute treatment with the neurotoxin 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) in C57bl/6 mice. HPLC postmortem neurochemistry showed a significant increase in dopamine turnover and decrease of striatal dopamine levels, only 14 weeks after PSI treatment, but no enhancement of dopamine turnover or differences in striatal dopamine levels when comparing MPTP with MPTP plus PSI treatment. Behavioral analysis (rotarod, open field activity) did not indicate that PSI affects this type of motor behavior. Systemic PSI administration in mice appears not to be a valid animal model under the experimental conditions used. Potential solutions are discussed. Synapse 62:85–90, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Normalization of GABAA receptor specific binding in the substantia nigra reticulata and the prevention of L‐dopa‐induced dyskinesias in MPTP parkinsonian monkeys
Authors: Samadi Pershia , Morissette Marc , Calon Fréderic , Tahar Abdallah Hadj , Dridi Mehdi , Belanger Nancy , Meltzer Leonard T. , Bédard Paul J. , Di Paolo Thérèse
Published: November 2007

L‐Dopa therapy in Parkinson's disease (PD) is counfounded by the development of involuntary movements such as L‐Dopa‐induced dyskinesias (LIDs). In this study GABAA receptor autoradiography was assessed using [3H]flunitrazepam binding to the benzodiazepine site of the GABAA receptor and [35S]t‐butylbicyclophosphorothionate (TBPS) binding to the chloride channel of GABAA receptors in the substantia nigra reticulata (SNr) and subthalamic nucleus (STN). L‐Dopa‐treated parkinsonian monkeys experiencing LIDs were compared to animals in which LIDs was prevented by adjunct treatments with CI‐1041, a selective antagonist of the NR1A/2B subtype of NMDA receptor, or low doses of the dopamine D2 receptor agonist, cabergoline. Our results demonstrated a decrease of GABAA receptor specific binding in the posterior part of the SNr in dyskinetic monkeys compared to nondyskinetic animals, while no modulation has been observed in the STN. These results provide evidence for the first time that pharmacological treatments preventing LIDs in nonhuman primate model of PD are associated with normalization of GABAA receptor‐mediated signalling in the SNr. Synapse 62:101–109, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Persistent cognitive and dopamine transporter deficits in abstinent methamphetamine users
Authors: McCann Una D. , Kuwabara Hiroto , Kumar Anil , Palermo Michael , Abbey Rubyna , Brasic James , Ye Weiguo , Alexander Mohab , Dannals Robert F. , Wong Dean F. , Ricaurte George A.
Published: November 2007

Background: Studies in abstinent methamphetamine (METH) users have demonstrated reductions in brain dopamine transporter (DAT) binding potential (BP), as well as cognitive and motor deficits, but it is not yet clear whether cognitive deficits and brain DAT reductions fully reverse with sustained abstinence, or whether behavioral deficits in METH users are related to dopamine (DA) deficits. This study was conducted to further investigate potential persistent psychomotor deficits secondary to METH abuse, and their relationship to brain DAT availability, as measured using quantitative PET methods with [11C]WIN 35428. Methods: Twenty‐two abstinent METH users and 17 healthy non‐METH using controls underwent psychometric testing to test the hypothesis that METH users would demonstrate selective deficits in neuropsychiatric domains known to involve DA neurons (e.g., working memory, executive function, motor function). A subset of subjects also underwent PET scanning with [11C]WIN 35428. Results: METH users were found to have modest deficits in short‐term memory, executive function, and manual dexterity. Exploratory correlational analyses revealed that deficits in memory, but not those in executive or motor function, were associated with decreases in striatal DAT BP. Conclusions: These results suggest a possible relationship between DAT BP and memory deficits in abstinent METH users, and lend support to the notion that METH produces lasting effects on central DA neurons in humans. As METH can also produce toxic effects on serotonin (5‐HT) neurons, further study is needed to address the potential role of brain 5‐HT depletion in cognitive deficits in abstinent METH users. Synapse 62:91–100, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enabling systems thinking to accelerate the development of senior systems engineers
Authors: Davidz Heidi L. , Nightingale Deborah J.
Published: November 2007

As systems become more complex, the roles involved in developing and managing such systems also become more complex. Thus, there is increasing interest in educating and training engineering professionals to think more systemically. In particular, there is an increasing need to accelerate the development of senior systems engineers. As new educational degree programs in systems rapidly emerge and as companies scurry to establish systems training programs to meet this need, fundamental questions still remain about how systems thinking develops in engineers. Increased understanding of the mechanisms that develop systems thinking will enable effective and efficient development of senior systems professionals. After reviewing related literature, an exploratory and inductive study was designed to gather data on enablers, barriers, and precursors to systems thinking development in engineers. In a field study conducted primarily in the United States aerospace sector, 205 interviews were conducted in 10 host companies. Senior systems engineers were studied to better understand how they developed systems thinking, and information was collected on company procedures for developing systems engineers. Using interview and survey data, comparisons were made of two control groups and senior systems engineers. Proven stellar systems thinkers were also interviewed. To summarize the results, even though systems thinking definitions diverge, there is consensus on primary mechanisms that enable or obstruct systems thinking development in engineers. In order to reconcile the divergent definitions observed, a systems thinking framework and definition are given. The data show that the primary mechanisms that enable systems thinking development include experiential learning, specific individual characteristics, and a supporting environment. This document defines the research space on this topic and suggests applications for the results. Better understanding of systems thinking development provides a foundation for educational interventions and employee development in systems thinking for engineering professionals across industry, government, and academia. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng
Fresh Whole Blood Transfusions in Coalition Military, Foreign National, and Enemy Combatant Patients during Operation Iraqi Freedom at a U.S. Combat Support Hospital
Authors: Spinella Philip C. , Perkins Jeremy G. , Grathwohl Kurt W. , Repine Thomas , Beekley Alec C. , Sebesta James , Jenkins Donald , Azarow Kenneth , Holcomb John B. ,   the 31st CSH Research Working Group
Published: November 2007

Background

United States military doctrine permits the use of fresh whole blood (FWB), donated by U.S. military personnel on site, for casualties with life‐threatening injuries at combat support hospitals. U.S. Military Medical Department policy dictates that all patients treated at military facilities during combat (coalition military personnel, foreign nationals, and enemy combatants) are to be treated equally. The objectives of this study were to describe admission vital signs and laboratory values and injury location for patients transfused with FWB, and to determine if FWB was employed equally among all patient personnel categories at a combat support hospital.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study evaluated admission vital signs and laboratory values, injury location, and personnel category for all patients receiving FWB at a U.S. Army combat support hospital in Baghdad, Iraq, between January and December 2004.

Results

Eighty‐seven patients received 545 units of FWB. Upon admission, the average (±S.D.) heart rate was 144 bpm (±25); systolic blood pressure, 106 mmHg (±33); base deficit, 9 (±6.5); hemoglobin, 9.0 g/dl (±2.6); platelet concentration, 81.9 × 103/mm3 (±81); international normalized ratio (INR), 2.0 (±1.1); and temperature 95.7°F (±2.6). The percentages of intensive care patients who received FWB by personnel category were as follows: coalition soldiers, 51/592 (8.6%); foreign nationals, 25/347 (7.2%); and enemy combatants, 11/128 (8.5% (p = 0.38). The amount of FWB transfused by personnel category was as follows: coalition soldier, 4 units (1–35); foreign national, 4 units (1–36); and enemy combatant, 4 units (1–11) (p = 0.9).

Conclusions

Fresh whole blood was used for anemic, acidemic, hypothermic, coagulopathic patients with life‐threatening traumatic injuries in hemorrhagic shock, and it was transfused in equal percentages and amounts for coalition soldiers, foreign nationals, and enemy combatants.
Day‐Surgery Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Factors Influencing Same‐Day Discharge
Authors: Psaila J. , Agrawal S. , Fountain U. , Whitfield T. , Murgatroyd B. , Dunsire M. F. , Gonzalez J. G. , Patel A. G.
Published: November 2007

Background

Day‐surgery laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) should be the procedure of choice in patients with symptomatic gallstone disease. This article assesses feasibility, patient outcome and predictive factors for successful day‐case laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Method

A retrospective analysis of our prospective database of 176 patients following laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a day‐surgery unit was performed. A telephone interview was conducted within 24 h after discharge and again after 3 weeks.

Results

Of the 176 cases included in this study, 74% had biliary colic, cholecystitis (16%), pancreatitis (8%), and jaundice (2%). In addition to LC, nine patients (5.1%) underwent laparoscopic bile duct exploration and ten (5.7%) had an additional procedure performed. Eighty‐six percent of the patients were discharged the same day. Multivariate analysis identified risk factors affecting same‐day discharge, including age greater than 50 years and intraoperative complications. Bile duct exploration reduced the odds of discharge but did not reach significance. Postoperative telephone interviews identified high patient satisfaction with 86% of respondents recommending LC as a day‐surgery procedure.

Conclusion

Day‐surgery LC is a safe procedure with an acceptable rate of patient discharge. However, intraoperative complications or age over 50 years adversely affected the same‐day discharge rate and as such should be taken into consideration when planning day‐case laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Clinical Benefits of Minimally Invasive Techniques in Thyroid Surgery
Authors: Perigli Giuliano , Cortesini Camillo , Qirici Etleva , Boni Daniele , Cianchi Fabio
Published: November 2007

Background

Recently there has been a strong impetus to develop minimally invasive techniques in endocrine neck surgery. This study was designed to investigate the potential benefits of two minimally invasive thyroidectomy procedures, namely video‐assisted and open minimal‐incision thyroidectomy (VAT and MIT, respectively) when compared with conventional thyroidectomy.

Methods

Between May 2000 and June 2006, a prospective, nonrandomized study was performed on 957 consecutive patients undergoing thyroid surgery. Fifty‐six (5.8%) patients underwent VAT, 214 (22.4%) underwent MIT, and 687 (71.8%) underwent a conventional procedure.

Results

Patients were selected for VAT when total thyroid volume was ≤30 ml and for MIT when total thyroid volume was >30 but ≤80 ml as determined by ultrasonography. The length of the central neck skin incision was 1.5–2 cm for VAT, 2.5–3.5 cm for MIT, and 6–10 cm for the conventional operation. The incidence of definitive hypoparathyroidism or recurrent laryngeal palsy after VAT or MIT was comparable with that occurring after conventional treatment. Patients having VAT or MIT experienced significantly less postoperative pain than patients undergoing conventional treatment. Less pain was also registered in the VAT patient cohort when compared with the MIT cohort. Patients having VAT or MIT were more satisfied with the cosmetic result than patients who underwent conventional treatment, but no significant differences in patient satisfaction were found between the VAT and MIT groups.

Conclusions

When compared with conventional treatment, VAT and MIT provided significant benefit in terms of cosmetic results and postoperative pain. Nevertheless, the main limiting factor for minimally invasive thyroid surgery still remains the size of the thyroid.
Bayesian Hierarchical Classes Analysis
Authors: Leenen Iwin , Van Mechelen Iven , Gelman Andrew , De Knop Stijn
Published: November 2007

Hierarchical classes models are models for N-way N-mode data that represent the association among the N modes and simultaneously yield, for each mode, a hierarchical classification of its elements. In this paper we present a stochastic extension of the hierarchical classes model for two-way two-mode binary data. In line with the original model, the new probabilistic extension still represents both the association among the two modes and the hierarchical classifications. A fully Bayesian method for fitting the new model is presented and evaluated in a simulation study. Furthermore, we propose tools for model selection and model checking based on Bayes factors and posterior predictive checks. We illustrate the advantages of the new approach with applications in the domain of the psychology of choice and psychiatric diagnosis.
Effects of aging and dietary restriction on ubiquitination, sumoylation, and the proteasome in the spleen
Authors: Zhang Le , Li Feng , Dimayuga Edgardo , Craddock Jeffrey , Keller Jeffrey N.
Published: November 2007

In the present study, we demonstrate for the first time that aging increases the levels of ubiquitinated protein in the spleen, and that dietary restriction (DR) significantly reduces these age‐related increases in ubiquitinated protein. Sumoylated protein, proteasome subunits, and a protein essential for proteasome biogenesis (POMP1) were also increased with age in the spleen but were not significantly affected by DR. Chymotrypsin‐like proteasome activity was elevated in the aged spleen, and was not significantly altered by DR. Together, these data demonstrate for the first time the multiple effects of aging and DR on ubiquitination, sumoylation, and the proteasome in the spleen.
Creation of intercellular bonds by anchoring protein ligands to membranes using the diphtheria toxin T domain
Authors: Perier Aurélie , Gourier Christine , Pichard Sylvain , Husson Julien , Lajeunesse Evelyne , Babon Aurélie , Menez André , Gillet Daniel
Published: November 2007

We describe the creation of cell adhesion mediated by cell surface engineering. The Flt3‐ligand was fused to a membrane anchor made of the diphtheria toxin translocation domain. The fusion protein was attached to the surface of a cell by an acid pulse. Contact with another cell expressing the receptor Flt3 lead to its activation. This activity involved direct cell–cell contact. A mean force of 20 nN was needed to separate functionalized cells after 5 min of contact. Overall, we showed that it is possible to promote specific cell–cell adhesion by attaching protein ligands at the surface of cells.
Hypo‐phosphorylation leads to nuclear retention of NF‐κB p65 due to impaired IκBα gene synthesis
Authors: Hochrainer Karin , Racchumi Gianfranco , Anrather Josef
Published: November 2007

Subcellular localization guided by IκBα is crucial for regulation of nuclear factor‐κB function. Here, we show that p65 Rel homology domain phosphorylation mutants are transported into the nucleus after IκBα degradation, but as a consequence of lower IκBα levels their relocation to the cytosol is blocked. We demonstrate that phosphorylation of residues S205, S276, and S281 of p65 is not required for interaction between p65 and IκBα, but is pivotal for regulating cellular IκBα levels by positively affecting gene synthesis. Our findings indicate that reduction of phosphorylation leads to nuclear retention of p65, which might be partly responsible for altered transcriptional behavior of p65 serine mutants.
Mutations in DIIS5 and the DIIS4–S5 linker ofDrosophila melanogastersodium channel define binding domains for pyrethroids and DDT
Authors: Usherwood P.N.R. , Davies T.G.E. , Mellor I.R. , O'Reilly A.O. , Peng F. , Vais H. , Khambay B.P.S. , Field L.M. , Williamson M.S.
Published: November 2007

Mutations in the DIIS4–S5 linker and DIIS5 have identified hotspots of pyrethroid and DDT interaction with the Drosophilaparasodium channel. Wild‐type and mutant channels were expressed inXenopusoocytes and subjected to voltage‐clamp analysis. Substitutions L914I, M918T, L925I, T929I and C933A decreased deltamethrin potency, M918T, L925I and T929I decreased permethrin potency and T929I, L925I and I936V decreased fenfluthrin potency. DDT potency was unaffected by M918T, but abolished by T929I and reduced by L925I, L932F and I936V, suggesting that DIIS5 contains at least part of the DDT binding domain. The data support a computer model of pyrethroid and DDT binding.
Extracellular nitric oxide signaling in the hamster biological clock
Authors: Plano Santiago A. , Agostino Patricia V. , Golombek Diego A.
Published: November 2007

Nocturnal light pulses induce phase shifts in circadian rhythms and activate cFos expression in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN). We have studied the role of nitric oxide (NO) in the intercellular communication within the dorsal and ventral portions of the SCN in Syrian hamsters. Administration of the NO scavenger 2‐phenyl‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethylimidazoline‐1‐oxyl‐3‐oxide blocked photic phase advances in a dose‐dependent manner and inhibited light‐induced cFos‐ir, without affecting light‐induced circadian phase delays. These results suggest that NO may act as an intercellular messenger in the SCN, mediating light‐induced phase advances.
Identification and characterization of follistatin as a novel angiogenin‐binding protein
Authors: Gao Xiangwei , Hu Huajun , Zhu Junqiao , Xu Zhengping
Published: November 2007

Angiogenin enhances tumorigenesis. However, the mechanisms of angiogenin‐induced angiogenesis and cancer cell proliferation remain elusive. In this study, follistatin was identified as a binding partner of angiogenin by a yeast two‐hybrid screen and confirmed by a pull‐down experiment. The interaction of fluorescently tagged angiogenin and follistatin was monitored in real time by a laser confocal microscope and shown to localize at the sub‐nuclear region of HeLa cells. Additional yeast two‐hybrid analysis revealed that domains 2 and 3 of follistatin were the minimal structure requirement for angiogenin binding. These findings provide new clues for further studies on the mechanisms of angiogenin‐induced angiogenesis or cancer cell growth.
Carbohydrate intake and incidence of type 2 diabetes in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Potsdam Study
Authors: Schulze Matthias B. , Schulz Mandy , Heidemann Christin , Schienkiewitz Anja , Hoffmann Kurt , Boeing Heiner
Published: November 2007

It remains unclear what long-term effects of substituting carbohydrates at the expense of protein or fat may have with regard to diabetes risk. Our objective was to evaluate carbohydrate intake in predicting type 2 diabetes using substitution models for fat and protein. We conducted a prospective cohort study of 9702 men and 15 365 women aged 35–65 years and free of diabetes at baseline (1994–8) who were followed for incident type 2 diabetes until 2005. Dietary intake of macronutrients was estimated with a validated FFQ. We estimated the relative risk (RR) using Cox proportional hazards analysis. During 176 117 person-years of follow-up we observed 844 incident cases of physician-confirmed type 2 diabetes. After adjustment for age, BMI, waist circumference, potential lifestyle and dietary confounders, substituting 5 % of energy intake from total, saturated, or monounsaturated fat with carbohydrates was not associated with diabetes risk. In contrast, substituting carbohydrates for protein or PUFA was inversely related to diabetes risk (RR for 5 % energy substitution of protein 0·77 (95 % CI 0·64, 0·91); RR for PUFA 0·83 (95 % CI 0·70, 0·98)). These associations appeared to be similar for men and women, but gained statistical significance only among men for protein (RR 0·78 (95 % CI 0·61, 0·99)). Restricted cubic spline regression did not indicate non-linearity of these associations (P for non-linearity in full cohort was 0·353 and 0·349). In conclusion, a higher carbohydrate intake at the expense of protein and PUFA might be associated with decreased diabetes risk.
THOMAS HOBY'S ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF CASTIGLIONE'S BOOK OF THE COURTIER
Authors: PARTRIDGE MARY
Published: November 2007

The first English translation of Castiglione's Il cortegiano was produced by Thomas Hoby, and published in 1561. Hoby began work on the text during Edward VI's reign, when Italian culture was admired for its progressiveness by the Protestant elite. He translated Book iii as a self-contained commission for Elizabeth Parr, marchioness of Northampton. The book in question had particular relevance for the marchioness at that stage of her career. Having ‘Englished’ it, Hoby did not initially intend to translate the rest of Il cortegiano. He knew that someone else was already engaged upon the project. The identity of this alternative translator has hitherto remained unknown. However, a strong case can be made in support of the candidature of William Thomas. Hoby only embarked upon a full translation after Thomas's execution for treason in 1554. By 1556, he had completed his task, and produced a dedication addressed to Henry Hastings. His choice of dedicatee is generally attributed to a sense of political and spiritual affinity; Hastings moved in the same intellectual circles, and shared the same Protestant background, as Hoby. However, the young man who would later be known as the ‘Puritan earl’ conformed to the prescribed religion of the Marian regime. More significantly, he was the nephew of Cardinal Pole. Hoby and several of his evangelical friends were seeking rapprochement with the Catholic government in 1556. Hoby hoped his translation would commend him to Pole, thus effecting his political rehabilitation. However, the authorities were suspicious of Hoby – and of the stationer to whom he entrusted his book. Doubts were also raised about the Catholic orthodoxy of Castiglione's dialogues. Consequently, Hoby's translation was not published until after the Elizabethan accession.
STRATEGY AND MOTIVATION IN THE GUNPOWDER PLOT
Authors: NICHOLLS MARK
Published: November 2007

This article seeks to develop our understanding of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot by asking a number of elementary questions. Were the plotters terrorists in any meaningful sense? Were they religious fanatics, as the Jacobean state understandably chose to portray them after the event? Was their plan built on a misguided fantasy of widespread support for a Catholic insurrection, or does the Plot perhaps have a practical coherence that lies obscured by the drama of the projected strike against Westminster? How does evidence for coherent planning square with the strong desire for revenge, running through so much of the surviving testimony? Through answers to these questions, we begin to see the Gunpowder plotters as men engaged in a calculated and demonstrably pragmatic attempt to engineer a change in regime. Their planning was robust, and to the point, while the emotional power of revenge was channelled creatively by the ringleaders. The article concludes that the odds against success were long, but not impossible.
‘TALMUDICAL COMMONWEALTHSMEN’ AND THE RISE OF REPUBLICAN EXCLUSIVISM
Authors: NELSON ERIC
Published: November 2007

This article makes the case that modern ideological republicanism has its roots, not in Athens or Rome, but in Jerusalem. It begins from the observation that republican political theory underwent a dramatic transformation in the middle of the seventeenth century. Before 1650, republicanism had always been a ‘relative’ position: those who argued in favour of republican government did so because they believed that republics were better than monarchies for various reasons. None of them had any interest in arguing that monarchy was an illegitimate constitutional form. In the second half of the seventeenth century, however, we see for the first time the appearance of what we might call republican ‘exclusivism’, the claim that republics are the only legitimate regimes. This article argues that the ‘exclusivist’ turn was prompted by the Christian encounter with a tradition of rabbinic commentary on two chapters of the Hebrew Bible (Deut. 17 and 1 Sam. 8), according to which the Israelite request for a mortal king was regarded as an instance of the sin of idolatry. It further demonstrates that the English pamphleteers at the centre of this story – John Milton, James Harrington, and Algernon Sidney – were themselves deeply conscious of the degree to which their views had been shaped by the writings of the ‘Talmudical commonwealthsmen’.
BRITISH PERCEPTIONS OF FLORENCE IN THE LONG EIGHTEENTH CENTURY
Authors: SWEET ROSEMARY
Published: November 2007

Studies of the Grand Tour conventionally focus upon the art and antiquities of Italy rather than the urban environment in which the tourists found themselves, and they generally stop short in the 1790s. This article examines the perceptions and representations of Florence amongst British visitors over the course of the long eighteenth century up to c. 1820 in order to establish continuity between the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. It considers why it was that British travellers appeared to be particularly attracted to Florence: initially they responded to congenial and pleasant surroundings, the availability of home comforts, and a sparkling social life. In the later eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries Florence acquired new meanings for the British, who began to identify and admire a civilization which had been based upon mercantile wealth and liberty: the foundations for the Victorian celebration of Florence were laid. But the experience of Florence as a city had also changed: it was no longer simply the showcase of the Medici dukes. As a consequence the buildings, monuments, and paintings of the republican period, as well as the history which they embodied, came into focus for the first time.