bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new hybrid electrospray Fourier transform mass spectrometer: design and performance characteristics
Authors: O'Connor Peter B. , Pittman Jason L. , Thomson Bruce A. , Budnik Bogdan A. , Cournoyer Jason C. , Jebanathirajah Judith , Lin Cheng , Moyer Susanne , Zhao Cheng
Published: December 2005

A new hybrid electrospray quadrupole Fourier transform mass spectrometry (FTMS) instrument design is shown and characterized. This instrument involves coupling an electrospray source and mass‐resolving quadrupole, ion accumulation, and collision cell linear ion trap system developed by MDS Sciex with a home‐built ion guide and ion cyclotron resonance (ICR) cell. The iterative progression of this design is shown. The final design involves a set of hexapole ion guides to transfer the ions from the accumulation/collision trap through the magnetic field gradient and into the cell. These hexapole ion guides are separated by a thin gate valve and two conduction limits to maintain the required <10−9 mbar vacuum for FTICR. Low‐attomole detection limits for a pure peptide are shown, 220 000 resolving power in broadband mode and 820 000 resolving power in narrow‐band mode are demonstrated, and mass accuracy in the <2 ppm range is routinely available provided the signal is abundant, cleanly resolved, and internally calibrated. This instrument design provides high experimental flexibility, allowing Q2 CAD, SORI‐CAD, IRMPD, and ECD experiments with selected ion accumulation as well as experiments such as nozzle skimmer dissociation. Initial top‐down mass spectrometry experiments on a protein is shown using ECD. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry assay for the quantification of lisinopril in human plasma
Authors: Huang Jinchang , Xu Yu , Liu Fei , Gao Shu , Guo Qingxiang
Published: December 2005

A simple and sensitive liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method employing electrospray ionization, to quantify lisinopril in human plasma using pseudoephedrine hydrochloride as the internal standard (IS), has been developed and validated. A mixture of methanol and 0.1% formic acid in water (50:50, v/v) was used as the isocratic mobile phase. A simple liquid‐liquid extraction procedure was used as sample preparation method. The method validation demonstrated the specificity, lower limit of quantification, accuracy, and precision of measurements. Selected reaction monitoring was specific for lisinopril and pseudoephedrine hydrochloride; no endogenous materials from blank plasma interfered with the analysis of lisinopril or the IS. The assay was linear over the concentration range 0.78–100 ng/mL. The correlation coefficients for the calibration curves ranged from 0.9984–0.9998. The intra‐ and inter‐day precision, determined for quality control samples, were less than 4.18%. The method was employed in a pharmacokinetic study after oral administration of 10 mg lisinopril to 20 healthy volunteers. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular determinants for interaction of SHEP1 with Cas localize to a highly solvent‐protected region in the complex
Authors: Derunes Céline , Burgess Rosemary , Iraheta Emilio , Kellerer Robert , Becherer Kathleen , Gessner Chris R. , Li Sheng , Hewitt Krissi , Vuori Kristiina , Pasquale Elena B. , Woods Virgil L. , Ely Kathryn R.
Published: December 2005

Protein–protein interactions between SHEP and Cas proteins influence cellular signaling through tyrosine kinases, as well as integrin‐mediated signaling, and may be linked to antiestrogen resistance. Data from past studies suggests that association between SHEP and Cas proteins is critical for these cellular effects. In this study, the interacting domains of each protein were co‐expressed in bacteria and a soluble stable complex was purified. Deuterium exchange mass spectrometry was used to define regions that are buried when SHEP1 is in complex with Cas. The results reveal four segments in SHEP1 that are highly protected, including a region (residues 619–640) that contains a key residue, tyrosine 635, required for association with Cas. This region is predominately hydrophilic, yet remains protected from solvent in the complex.
MONOTONICITY AND CONVEXITY OF SOME FUNCTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH DENUMERABLE MARKOV CHAINS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS TO QUEUING SYSTEMS
Authors: Yu Hai-Bo , He Qi-Ming , Zhang Hanqin
Published: December 2005

Motivated by various applications in queuing theory, this article is devoted to the monotonicity and convexity of some functions associated with discrete-time or continuous-time denumerable Markov chains. For the discrete-time case, conditions for the monotonicity and convexity of the functions are obtained by using the properties of stochastic dominance and monotone matrix. For the continuous-time case, by using the uniformization technique, similar results are obtained. As an application, the results are applied to analyze the monotonicity and convexity of functions associated with the queue length of some queuing systems.
CONDITIONAL POISSON DISTRIBUTIONS
Authors: Zhou M. , Yang D. , Wang Y. , Nadarajah S.
Published: December 2005

Compared to the known univariate distributions for continuous data,
there are relatively few available for discrete data. In this article, we
derive a collection of 16 flexible discrete distributions by means of
conditional Poisson processes. The calculations involve the use of several
special functions and their properties.
APPLICATION OF MARKOV CHAIN MODELS FOR SHORT-TERM GENERATION ASSETS VALUATION
Authors: Yu Wang , Sheblé Gerald B. , Matos Manuel António
Published: December 2005

This paper valuates generation assets within deregulated electricity markets. A new framework for modeling electricity markets with a Markov chain model is proposed. The Markov chain model captures the fundamental economic forces underlying the electricity markets such as demand on electricity and supplied online generation capacity. Based on this new model, a real option analysis is adopted to valuate generation assets. The Markov chain model is combined with a binomial tree to approximate the stochastic movement of prices on both electric energy and ancillary services, which are driven by the market forces. A detailed example is presented. This method is shown to provide optimal operation policies and market values of generation assets. This method also provides means to analyze the impacts of demand growth patterns, competition strategies of competitors, and other key economic forces.
Portals: Where We Are and the Road Ahead
Authors: Drane Simon
Published: December 2005

This article aims to give an overview of the current position of the legal portal market (primarily law firms) and to offer some predictions for the road ahead. The key areas covered will include:

[bull ] What are portals? Some basic definitions

[bull ] Why might you need a portal?

[bull ] What can you do with a portal?

[bull ] Where we are at present with portals: technologies and usage

[bull ] Key considerations for portal projects

[bull ] Future predictions for legal portals
BIALL Annual Conference 2005 – Report to Council
Authors: Shaw Thomas
Published: December 2005

I arrived on Thursday, the day before the start of the conference, which gave me plenty of time to settle in and then meet up with my designated mentor, Jon Beaumont. He had attended the conference for the first time last year, and gave it a glowing report. It was good to start things off by sharing experiences and anecdotes of legal information work over a couple of pints.
Developing Practical Legal Research Skills on the Legal Practice Course
Authors: Hannibal Martin , Pope Alison
Published: December 2005

Martin Hannibal and Alison Pope of from Staffordshire University have written this article to explain why Practical Legal Research (PLR) skills are necessary for a trainee solicitor and how the Law Society's learning objectives for PLR are achieved and assessed on the Staffordshire Legal Practice Course (LPC). The article should be read in conjunction with the article by Eileen Fry which also appears in this issue.
SLS/BIALL Academic Law Library Survey 2003/2004
Authors: Clinch Peter
Published: December 2005

This is the latest report analysing the results of the Society of Legal Scholars and BIALL Academic Law Library Survey.
Finiteness of steady state plumes
Authors: Liedl Rudolf , Valocchi Albert J. , Dietrich Peter , Grathwohl Peter
Published: December 2005

The finite maximum length of a steady state contaminant plume is determined by developing and employing a new analytical solution which overcomes two drawbacks associated with existing approaches. First, we account for a sharp front caused by the complete consumption of the pollutant (“electron donor”) and some electron acceptor in an instantaneous binary reaction occurring at the front. This approach is not based on purely conservative or first‐order degradation models which lead to theoretically infinite plumes and, in addition, depend on a concentration threshold. Second, a vertical aquifer cross section with finite thickness is selected as a model in order to better represent the supply of electron acceptors mostly entering the aquifer from the top. This type of setting allows investigation of the impact of aquifer thickness on plume length. An implicit representation of the donor‐acceptor front in a finite vertical domain previously required numerical solutions of the underlying advection‐dispersion‐reaction equation; we provide for the first time an analytical solution of this two‐dimensional transport problem. The length of the plume is found to be given by the point of intersection of the donor‐acceptor front and the aquifer bottom. Furthermore, a rather simple and highly accurate approximation is derived to compute the steady state plume length. A comprehensive sensitivity analysis reveals that results are most strongly influenced by aquifer thickness, followed by vertical transverse dispersivity and, to a somewhat lesser extent, by chemical reaction parameters. Longitudinal dispersivity has practically no effect on plume length, and furthermore, there is zero impact of linear velocity. With regard to groundwater risk assessment at the field scale it is also important to note that the present approach is meant to provide an upper bound on the actual plume length. Further research activities may be directed to refine the transport model by considering, for instance, degradation inside the plume and the limited vertical extent of the contaminant source.
Water, salt, and energy balances of the Dead Sea
Authors: Lensky N. G. , Dvorkin Y. , Lyakhovsky V. , Gertman I. , Gavrieli I.
Published: December 2005

The Dead Sea is a hypersaline terminal lake experiencing a water level drop of about 1 m/yr over the last decade. The existing estimations for the water balance of the lake are widely variable, reflecting the unknown subsurface water inflow, the rate of evaporation, and the rate of salt accumulation at the lake bottom. To estimate these we calculate the energy and mass balances for the Dead Sea utilizing measured meteorological and hydrographical data from 1996 to 2001, taking into account the impact of lowered surface water activity on the evaporation rate. Salt precipitation during this period was about 0.1 m/yr. The average annual inflow is 265–325 × 106 m3/yr, corresponding to an evaporation rate of 1.1–1.2 m/yr. Higher inflows, suggested in previous studies, call for increased evaporation rate and are therefore not in line with the energy balance.
Decomposition Analysis: An Extended Theoretical Foundation and its Application to the Study of Regional Income Growth in Denmark
Authors: Jensen-Butler Chris , Madsen Bjarne
Published: December 2005

The paper presents an extended interregional social accounting matrix (SAM) framework, derived from a Danish interregional computable general equilibrium (CGE) model, as the basis for a decomposition of regional income growth in Denmark in the period 1980–98. The decomposition analysis indicates that there is some evidence for a reversal in the trend of location of economic activity in Denmark in the 1990s and provides evidence on the causes of this trend reversal.
Disaggregate Journey-to-Work Data: Implications for Excess Commuting and Jobs–Housing Balance
Authors: O'Kelly Morton E , Lee Wook
Published: December 2005

Much of the analysis to date on the topic of excess commuting and jobs–housing balance deals with total commuting flow, undifferentiated with respect to worker and job characteristics. In this paper we explicitly address the disaggregation issue in terms of job and worker heterogeneity and show how to incorporate such details into the analysis of excess commuting. The objectives of this paper are (1) to develop a trip-distribution model disaggregating journey-to-work data according to type of occupation in order to estimate actual commutes; (2) to develop a disaggregated version of a linear program to measure theoretical minimum and maximum commutes; and, (3) to verify variations in excess commuting and jobs–housing balance according to type of occupation. Results of actual trip-length distributions for each occupation vary from 3.72 to 5 miles for Boise, Idaho, and from 4.27 to 7.78 miles for Wichita, Kansas. Minimum commutes vary from 0.95 to 3.58 miles and from 1.5 to 3.79 miles for Boise and Wichita, respectively. These results imply nonuniform levels of excess commuting and jobs/workers ratios. The proposed models are expected to have a wide range of uses in measurement and assessment of empirical patterns of commuting. The scope of the disaggregation can be extended to other targets, such as different types of industry, household structure, income level, ethnic background, education level, transportation mode, and gender. Further dimensions of disaggregation can address spatial interactions of different socioeconomic groups in urban areas, and, more generally, contribute to exploring urban sprawl according to job characteristics and industries.
Territorial Integrity and the War on Terror
Authors: Elden Stuart
Published: December 2005

This paper examines the use of the term ‘territorial integrity’, a term with two interlinked and usually compatible meanings. The first is that states should not seek to promote border changes or secessionist movements within other states, or attempt to seize territory by force. The second meaning is the standard idea that within its own borders, within its territory, a state is sovereign. The second of these two meanings has come under increased pressure in recent years, in part in relation to international intervention for ‘humanitarian’ reasons, and even more so since September 11 2001. And yet the other meaning is being stressed even more explicitly, often at the same time and in the same places that the second meaning is being challenged. This paper considers various historical and contemporary examples, and suggests that the two meanings of territorial integrity are increasingly in tension.
Structure of the streptococcal cell wall C5a peptidase
Authors: Brown C. Kent , Gu Zu-Yi , Matsuka Yury V. , Purushothaman Sai S. , Winter Laurie A. , Cleary P. Patrick , Olmsted Stephen B. , Ohlendorf Douglas H. , Earhart Cathleen A.
Published: December 2005

The structure of a cell surface enzyme from a Gram-positive pathogen has been determined to 2-Å resolution. Gram-positive pathogens have a thick cell wall to which proteins and carbohydrate are covalently attached. Streptococcal C5a peptidase (SCP), is a highly specific protease and adhesin/invasin. Structural analysis of a 949-residue fragment of the [D130A,S512A] mutant of SCP from group BStreptococcus(S. agalactiae, SCPB) revealed SCPB is composed of five distinct domains. The N-terminal subtilisin-like protease domain has a 134-residue protease-associated domain inserted into a loop between two β-strands. This domain also contains one of two Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) sequences found in SCPB. At the C terminus are three fibronectin type III (Fn) domains. The second RGD sequence is located between Fn1 and Fn2. Our analysis suggests that SCP binding to integrins by the RGD motifs may stabilize conformational changes required for substrate binding.
Two independent spiral structures control cell shape inCaulobacter
Authors: Dye Natalie A. , Pincus Zachary , Theriot Julie A. , Shapiro Lucy , Gitai Zemer
Published: December 2005

The actin homolog MreB contributes to bacterial cell shape. Here, we explore the role of the coexpressed MreC protein inCaulobacterand show that it forms a periplasmic spiral that is out of phase with the cytoplasmic MreB spiral. BothmreBandmreCare essential, and depletion of either protein results in a similar cell shape defect. MreB forms dynamic spirals in MreC-depleted cells, and MreC localizes helically in the presence of the MreB-inhibitor A22, indicating that each protein can form a spiral independently of the other. We show that the peptidoglycan transpeptidase Pbp2 also forms a helical pattern that partially colocalizes with MreC but not MreB. Perturbing either MreB (with A22) or MreC (with depletion) causes GFP-Pbp2 to mislocalize to the division plane, indicating that each is necessary but not sufficient to generate a helical Pbp2 pattern. We show that it is the division process that draws Pbp2 to midcell in the absence of MreB's regulation, because cells depleted of the tubulin homolog FtsZ maintain a helical Pbp2 localization in the presence of A22. By developing and employing a previously uncharacterized computational method for quantitating shape variance, we find that a FtsZ depletion can also partially rescue the A22-induced shape deformation. We conclude that MreB and MreC form spatially distinct and independently localized spirals and propose that MreB inhibits division plane localization of Pbp2, whereas MreC promotes lengthwise localization of Pbp2; together these two mechanism ensure a helical localization of Pbp2 and, thereby, the maintenance of proper cell morphology inCaulobacter.
The planarian
Schmidtea mediterranea
as a model for epigenetic germ cell specification: Analysis of ESTs from the hermaphroditic strain
Authors: Zayas Ricardo M. , Hernández Alvaro , Habermann Bianca , Wang Yuying , Stary Joel M. , Newmark Phillip A.
Published: December 2005

Freshwater planarians have prodigious regenerative abilities that enable them to form complete organisms from tiny body fragments. This plasticity is also exhibited by the planarian germ cell lineage. Unlike many model organisms in which germ cells are specified by localized determinants, planarian germ cells appear to be specified epigenetically, arising postembryonically from stem cells. The planarian
Schmidtea mediterranea
is well suited for investigating the mechanisms underlying epigenetic germ cell specification. Two strains of
S. mediterranea
exist: a hermaphroditic strain that reproduces sexually and an asexual strain that reproduces by means of transverse fission. To date, expressed sequence tags (ESTs) have been generated only from the asexual strain. To develop molecular reagents for studying epigenetic germ cell specification, we have sequenced 27,161 ESTs from two developmental stages of the hermaphroditic strain of
S. mediterranea
; this collection of ESTs represents ≈10,000 unique transcripts.
blast
analysis of the assembled ESTs showed that 66% share similarity to sequences in public databases. We annotated the assembled ESTs using Gene Ontology terms as well as conserved protein domains and organized them in a relational database. To validate experimentally the Gene Ontology annotations, we used whole-mount
in situ
hybridization to examine the expression patterns of transcripts assigned to the biological process “reproduction.” Of the 53 genes in this category, 87% were expressed in the reproductive organs. In addition to its utility for studying germ cell development, this EST collection will be an important resource for annotating the planarian genome and studying this animal's amazing regenerative abilities.
The Phantom Menace: Omitted Variable Bias in Econometric Research
Authors: Clarke Kevin A.
Published: December 2005

Quantitative political science is awash in control variables. The justification for these bloated specifications is usually the fear of omitted variable bias. A key underlying assumption is that the danger posed by omitted variable bias can be ameliorated by the inclusion of relevant control variables. Unfortunately, as this article demonstrates, there is nothing in the mathematics of regression analysis that supports this conclusion. The inclusion of additional control variables may increase or decrease the bias, and we cannot know for sure which is the case in any particular situation. A brief discussion of alternative strategies for achieving experimental control follows the main result.
NEW ENTRANTS ON THE ESTONIAN LABOUR MARKET: A COMPARISON WITH THE EU COUNTRIES
Authors: Saar Ellu
Published: December 2005

The aim of this paper is to present a descriptive overview of patterns and labour market outcomes characterising the labour market entry in Estonia compared to the EU countries. The assumption that labour market institutions and educational systems have an impact on the labour market entry process makes up the starting point for the formulation of the hypotheses. The hypotheses have been formulated on the basis of the comparison between the educational systems as well as labour market institutions in Estonia and in the EU countries. The paper draws upon data from the Estonian Labour Force Survey (ELFS) 2002 and from the 1997 ELFS’ macro level data about the EU countries. The paper will present evidence concerning differences in labour market outcomes between new entrants and experienced workers. Based on macro level data, the analysis will attempt to empirically identify distinct country clusters.
Reduced Apaf-1 levels in cardiomyocytes engage strict regulation of apoptosis by endogenous XIAP
Authors: Potts Malia B. , Vaughn Allyson E. , McDonough Holly , Patterson Cam , Deshmukh Mohanish
Published: December 2005

Overexpression studies have identified X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) as a potent inhibitor of caspases. However, the exact function of endogenous XIAP in regulating mammalian apoptosis is less clear. Endogenous XIAP strictly regulates cytochrome c–dependent caspase activation in sympathetic neurons but not in many mitotic cells. We report that postmitotic cardiomyocytes, unlike fibroblasts, are remarkably resistant to cytosolic microinjection of cytochrome c. The cardiomyocyte resistance to cytochrome c is mediated by endogenous XIAP, as XIAP-deficient cardiomyocytes die rapidly with cytosolic cytochrome c alone. Importantly, we found that cardiomyocytes, like neurons, have markedly reduced Apaf-1 levels and that this decrease in Apaf-1 is directly linked to the tight regulation of caspase activation by XIAP. These data identify an important function of XIAP in cardiomyocytes and point to a striking similarity in the regulation of apoptosis in postmitotic cells.
Serial passage of the parasite
Crithidia bombi
within a colony of its host,
Bombus terrestris
, reduces success in unrelated hosts
Authors: Yourth Christopher P , Schmid-Hempel Paul
Published: December 2005

In the wild,
Bombus
spp. bees may contract infections of the trypanosome parasite
Crithidia bombi
from their nestmates or from others while foraging on contaminated flowers. We expected that as
C. bombi
is transmitted repeatedly among related workers within a colony, the parasite population would become more successful in this relatively homogeneous host population and less successful in individuals from unrelated colonies of the same or different species. To test our prediction, we serially passaged cocktails of
C. bombi
strains through workers from the same colony, taking the intensity of infection in related versus unrelated workers as a measure of parasite success at each step in the serial transfer. Using a repeated measures ANOVA, we found the ability of
C. bombi
to exploit
Bombus
spp. hosts did not increase within a colony, but did decrease for infections in workers from unrelated colonies. This reduction in success is most likely due to a gradual loss of appropriate
C. bombi
strains from the infecting the population as the cocktail is ‘filtered’ during the serial passage within a given colony, without a corresponding increase in overall intensity of the surviving strains.
Comprehensive analysis of transcriptional promoter structure and function in 1% of the human genome
Authors: Cooper Sara J. , Trinklein Nathan D. , Anton Elizabeth D. , Nguyen Loan , Myers Richard M.
Published: December 2005

Transcriptional promoters comprise one of many classes of eukaryotic transcriptional regulatory elements. Identification and characterization of these elements are vital to understanding the complex network of human gene regulation. Using full-length cDNA sequences to identify transcription start sites (TSS), we predicted more than 900 putative human transcriptional promoters in the ENCODE regions, representing a comprehensive sampling of promoters in 1% of the genome. We identified 387 fragments that function as promoters in at least one of 16 cell lines by measuring promoter activity in high-throughput transient transfection reporter assays. These positive functional results demonstrate widespread use of alternative promoters. We show a strong correlation between promoter activity and the corresponding endogenous RNA transcript levels, providing the first experimental quantitative estimate of promoter contribution to gene regulation. Finally, we identified functional regions within a randomly selected subset of 45 promoters using deletion analyses. These experiments showed that, on average, the sequence -300 to -50 bp of the TSS positively contributes to core promoter activity. Interestingly, putative negative elements were identified -1000 to -500 bp upstream of the TSS for 55% of genes tested. These data provide the largest and most comprehensive view of promoter function in the human genome.
Survival benefit of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma larger than 10 cm in diameter
Authors: HUANG Y.‐H. , WU J.‐C. , CHEN S.‐C. , CHEN C.‐H. , CHIANG J.‐H. , HUO T.‐I. , LEE P.‐C. , CHANG F.‐Y. , LEE S.‐D.
Published: December 2005

Background

The safety and survival benefit of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for patients with huge hepatocellular carcinoma is uncertain.

Aim

To evaluate the role of embolization in unresectable hepatocellular carcinomas larger than 10 cm.

Methods

Twenty‐six consecutive patients who had an unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma larger than 10 cm and refused aggressive treatment, were enrolled as the control group. Another 31 patients matching with the control cases and undergoing embolization for huge unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma served as the embolization group. Survival between the two groups was compared.

Results

Two patients (7%) died from embolization‐related complications. Patients in embolization group had longer survival than those in control group (median survival: 9.13 vs. 2.1 months). The 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year survival rates in embolization group were 42%, 13% and 7% respectively. The 1‐ and 3‐year survival rates for patients in control group were 8% and 0% respectively. In multivariate analysis, embolization and prothrombin ratio ≤1.2 were two independent factors associated with a better survival.

Conclusions

Embolization‐related mortality is low for huge hepatocellular carcinoma, and the technique provides survival benefit in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinomas larger than 10 cm in diameter.
Switch therapy with ciprofloxacin vs. intravenous ceftazidime in the treatment of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in patients with cirrhosis: similar efficacy at lower cost
Authors: ANGELI P. , GUARDA S. , FASOLATO S. , MIOLA E. , CRAIGHERO R. , DEL PICCOLO F. , ANTONA C. , BROLLO L. , FRANCHIN M. , CILLO U. , MERKEL C. , GATTA A.
Published: December 2005

Background

Intravenous administration of a third‐generation cephalosporin is optimal antibiotic treatment for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

Aims

To compare an intravenous–oral step‐down schedule with ciprofloxacin (switch therapy) to intravenous ceftazidime in the treatment of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and to evaluate the impact of terlipressin and albumin in the treatment of type 1 hepatorenal syndrome on mortality.

Methods

A total of 116 cirrhotic patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, were randomly given switch therapy with ciprofloxacin (61 patients) or intravenous ceftazidime (55 patients). All patients who developed type 1 hepatorenal syndrome were treated with terlipressin (2–12 mg/day) and albumin (20–40 g/day).

Results

Resolution of infection was achieved in 46/55 patients treated with ceftazidime (84%) and in 49/61 patients treated with ciprofloxacin (80%,P = N.S.). An intravenous–oral step‐down schedule was possible in 50/61 patients (82%) who received ciprofloxacin; 45/61 patients (74%) were discharged before the end of antibiotic treatment and completed it at home. The mean saving per patient due to the reduction of hospital stay in the ciprofloxacin group was 1150 €. Type 1 hepatorenal syndrome was treated successfully in 12/19 patients (63%). As a consequence, the in‐hospital mortality rate due to infection was 10%.

Conclusions

Switch therapy with cephalosporin is more cost‐effective than intravenous ceftazidime in the treatment of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhotic patients who are not on prophylaxis with quinolones.
Perforated peptic ulcer: use of pre‐admission oral glucocorticoids and 30‐day mortality
Authors: CHRISTENSEN S. , RIIS A. , NØRGAARD M. , THOMSEN R. W. , TØNNESEN E. M. , LARSSON A. , SØRENSEN H. T.
Published: December 2005

Background

Despite evidence that use of glucocorticoids increases the risk of complicated peptic ulcer disease, limited data exist on how use of oral glucocorticoids affects outcome for patients with peptic ulcer perforation.

Aim

To examine 30‐day mortality from peptic ulcer perforation among pre‐admission oral glucocorticoid users compared with non‐users.

Methods

We identified 2061 patients with a first‐time hospital discharge diagnosis of perforated peptic ulcer, using population‐based discharge registries in three Danish counties. Data on use of glucocorticoids and other ulcer‐related drugs, previous hospitalizations for uncomplicated peptic ulcer disease, and comorbidity were obtained from discharge registries and prescription databases. Follow‐up data on mortality were provided by the Danish Civil Registry System.

Results

A total of 228 patients (11.1%) were exposed to glucocorticoids within 60 days of admission. Overall 30‐day mortality rate was 25.2%, the corresponding rate among current glucocorticoid users was 39.4%. Compared with ‘never users’, the adjusted mortality ratio among current users of oral glucocorticoids alone was 2.1 (95% CI: 1.5–3.1). Among current users of oral glucocorticoids in combination with other ulcer‐related drugs the mortality ratio was 1.5 (95% CI: 1.1–2.1).

Conclusion

Pre‐admission use of oral glucocorticoids is associated with up to a twofold increase in 30‐day mortality among patients hospitalized with perforated peptic ulcer.
The effect of single‐dose naproxen on eicosanoid formation in human gastroduodenal mucosa
Authors: TREIBER G. , WEX T. , LINK A. , VIETH M. , LAUFER S. , MALFERTHEINER P.
Published: December 2005

Background

In animal studies, aspirin and non‐aspirin non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs contribute to gastroduodenal damage via cyclo‐oxygenase inhibition and consecutive leucotriene formation (COX‐LOX eicosanoid shunt).

Aim and methods

TenHelicobacter pylori‐negative healthy volunteers received a single dose of 500 mg naproxen to address two questions: (i) is there a crosstalk between eicosanoids before medication in the human gastroduodenal mucosa and (ii) can we demonstrate a COX‐LOX shunt following single‐dose naproxen?

Results

Significant correlations in the stomach mucosa before medication were obtained between leucotriene B4 (LTB4) and thromboxane B2(TxB2;r = −0.38,P = 0.05), as well as LTB4 and prostaglandin E2(PGE2;r = 0.71,P < 0.0001). In serum, a >90% inhibition of TxB2and PGE2occurred within 30 min of naproxen administration. In gastric mucosa, a significant decrease of TxB2occurred already at 15 min and preferably in the antrum. For LTB4 there was a non‐significant trend towards a transient increase. Mucosal PGE2was unchanged in all regions; transcript levels of both cyclo‐oxygenases/5‐lipoxygenase were unaffected (except for a trend of increasing cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 in the corpus).

Conclusions

Baseline correlations between LTB4‐TxB2and LTB4‐PGE2reflect a crosstalk between these eicosanoids. A COX‐LOX shunt; however, cannot be demonstrated following single‐dose naproxen in a low‐risk population.
Cell cycle‐dependent expression regulation by the proteasome pathway and characterization of the nuclear targeting signal of a Leishmania major Kin‐13 kinesin
Authors: Dubessay Pascal , Blaineau Christine , Bastien Patrick , Tasse Lena , Van Dijk Juliette , Crobu Lucien , Pagès Michel
Published: December 2005

The LmjF01.0030 gene of Leishmania major Friedlin, annotated as ‘MCAK‐like’, was confirmed as a kinesin with an internally located motor domain and termed LmjKIN13‐1. Both the native form of the protein and a green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐fused recombinant version were shown to be exclusively intranuclear, and, more specifically, to localize to the spindle and spindle poles. Cell cycle‐dependent regulation of the protein levels was demonstrated using synchronized Leishmania cells: LmjKIN13‐1 was highly abundant in the G2+M phase and present at very low levels after mitosis. Altogether, these features suggest that this protein participates in mitosis. The construction of systematic deletion mutants allowed the localization of the primary sequence regions responsible for nuclear targeting on the one hand, and for cell cycle‐dependent variations on the other hand. A 42‐amino‐acid region of the carboxy(C)‐terminal domain mediates nuclear import and could be defined as an atypical nuclear localization signal. Protein level regulation during the cell cycle was shown to also depend upon the C‐terminal domain, where apparently redundant degradation signals are present. Putative degradation signals appear to be present on both sides and inside the nuclear localization signal. Further experiments strongly suggest a role for the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway in this cell cycle‐dependent regulation. These data underline the importance of post‐translational regulation of protein abundance in this ancestral eukaryote where transcriptional regulation seems to be rare or near absent.
Initial screening transferrin saturation values, serum ferritin concentrations, andHFEgenotypes in Native Americans and whites in the Hemochromatosis and Iron Overload Screening Study
Authors: Barton JC , Acton RT , Lovato L , Speechley MR , McLaren CE , Harris EL , Reboussin DM , Adams PC , Dawkins FW , Gordeuk VR , Walker AP ,   for the Hemochromatosis and Iron Overload Screening Study Research Investigators
Published: December 2005

We compared initial screening transferrin saturation (TfSat) and serum ferritin (SF) phenotypes andHFEC282Y and H63D genotypes of 645 Native American and 43,453 white Hemochromatosis and Iron Overload Screening Study participants who did not report a previous diagnosis of hemochromatosis or iron overload. Elevated measurements were defined as TfSat >50% in men and >45% in women and SF >300 ng/ml in men and >200 ng/ml in women. Mean TfSat was 31% in Native American men and 32% in white men (p = 0.0337) and 25% in Native American women and 27% in white women (p < 0.0001). Mean SF was 153 µg/l in Native American and 151 µg/l in white men (p = 0.8256); mean SF was 55 µg/l in Native American women and 63 µg/l in white women (p = 0.0015). The C282Y allele frequency was 0.0340 in Native Americans and 0.0683 in whites (p < 0.0001). The H63D allele frequency was 0.1150 in Native Americans and 0.1532 in whites (p = 0.0001). We conclude that the screening TfSat and SF phenotypes of Native Americans are similar to those of whites. The allele frequencies ofHFEC282Y and H63D are significantly lower in Native Americans than in whites.
HENRI LABROUSTE AND THE LURE OF THE REAL: ROMANTICISM, RATIONALISM AND THE BIBLIOTHEQUE SAINTE‐GENEVIEVE
Authors: BRESSANI MARTIN , GRIGNON MARC
Published: December 2005

The article examines Henri Labrouste's Bibliothèque Sainte‐Geneviève in Paris (1839–52), in terms usually reserved to describe romantic literature. Using Victor Hugo's Notre‐Dame de Paris as a guiding example, the authors argue that Labrouste's appeal to the real and the rational – as opposed to the ‘eternal truths’ of academic conventions – is a rhetorical strategy developed to prise open a broader range of fictional possibilities for architecture. Through an analysis of the experience of the building as a whole that takes into account the key elements of its spaces, design and decoration, the Sainte‐Geneviève library is shown to partake in a vision of knowledge comparable to that proposed in Notre‐Dame de Paris, using alchemy as a paradigmatic model of the romantic search for truth.
Cost‐effectiveness of prophylactic magnesium sulphate for 9996 women with pre‐eclampsia from 33 countries: economic evaluation of the Magpie Trial
Authors: Simon Judit , Gray Alastair , Duley Lelia ,   Magpie Trial Collaborative Group
Published: December 2005

Objective To assess the cost‐effectiveness of using magnesium sulphate for pre‐eclampsia to prevent eclampsia.

Design Multinational trial‐based economic evaluation.

Setting Thirty‐three countries participating in the Magnesium Sulphate for Prevention of Eclampsia (Magpie) Trial.

Population Women (9996) with pre‐eclampsia from the Magpie Trial.

Methods Outcome and hospital resource use data were available for the trial period from the Magpie Trial. Country‐specific unit costs (U.S. dollar, year 2001) were obtained subsequently from participating hospitals by questionnaire. Cost‐effectiveness was estimated for three categories of countries grouped by gross national income (GNI) into high, middle and low GNI countries using a regression model. Uncertainty was explored in sensitivity analyses.

Main outcome measures Eclampsia, hospital care costs and the incremental cost per case of eclampsia prevented.

Results The number of women with pre‐eclampsia who needed to receive magnesium sulphate to prevent one case of eclampsia was 324 [95% confidence interval (CI) 122, ∞] in high, 184 (95% CI 91, 6798) in middle and 43 (95% CI 30, 68) in low GNI countries. The additional hospital care cost per woman receiving magnesium sulphate was $65, $13 and $11, respectively. The incremental cost of preventing one case of eclampsia was $21,202 in high, $2473 in middle and $456 in low GNI countries. Reserving treatment for severe pre‐eclampsia would lower these estimates to $12,942, $1179 and $263.

Conclusions Magnesium sulphate for pre‐eclampsia costs less and prevents more eclampsia in low GNI than in high GNI countries. Cost‐effectiveness substantially improves if it is used only for severe pre‐eclampsia, or the purchase price is reduced in low GNI countries.
Structuring subjectivities? Using Q methodology in human geography
Authors: Eden Sally , Donaldson Andrew , Walker Gordon
Published: December 2005

This paper presents a critical and reflexive account of using Q methodology in human geography. Q methodology has a long pedigree in psychological, political and sociological research, but is only recently beginning to be used by human geographers. We discuss, in particular, the parts of the process(es) of Q methodology that are often glossed over in the literature, through reflecting on our learning in using Q within a project examining the use and production of environmental science by NGOs. We conclude that Q may be a useful supplement to existing methods in human geography, as long as it is used creatively and reflexively and with full awareness of its interpretative dimensions.
The future of family farming in Israel: the second generation in the Moshav
Authors: SOFER MICHAEL
Published: December 2005

The Moshav, a family farm‐based settlement, has been a prime example of the major changes in the rural space in Israel. The aim of this paper is to present and understand these changes by studying the economic characteristics of second‐generation – that is relatively younger – households in the Moshav. This group has shown a higher tendency to either adopt a livelihood strategy of pluriactivity, or to disassociate itself from agriculture in favour of non‐agricultural income‐generating activities, both inside and outside the settlement. Both trends have emerged in response to the increasing difficulty of deriving income from agriculture. The paper identifies the major patterns of economic activity and income sources among this group and assesses future attitudes towards operating the farm, choosing pluriactivity as a livelihood strategy, and remaining on the farm in the future.
From born to made: technology, biology and space
Authors: Thrift Nigel
Published: December 2005

This paper is concerned with forging new links between geography and biology and technology by delivering a set of shocks to the meaning of accepted categories like ‘nature’ and ‘technology’. To achieve these dual aims, the paper will double click on the icon ‘intelligence’. ‘Intelligence’ prioritizes theactive shaping of environments. It thereby allows space for the spaces of the world to themselves become a part of intelligibility and intellect as elements of distributed cognitionand, as will become clear, pre‐cognition. The paper argues that such a conception of sentience can provide a series of new perspectives, as well as a pressing ethical challenge.
Multiple periodontal abscesses after systemic antibiotic therapy
Authors: Topoll H. H. , Lange D. E. , Müller R. F.
Published: December 2005

Abstract Multiple periodontal abscesses were reported in medically compromised patients. We examined patients with a non‐contributory medical history referred for the treatment of numerous periodontal abscesses. All patients had taken oral broad spectrum antibiotics 1 to 3 weeks prior to the outburst of the abscesses (8 patients: penicillin, 2 patients: tetracycline). The patients suffered from advanced periodontal disease, 82% of the examined sites showed probing depths > 3 mm, 56% attachment loss > 3 mm. Subgingival plaque samples were analysed from 2 different abscess sites. Bacteroides gingivalis (19/20), Fusobacterium nucleatum (13/20) and Streptococcus intermedius (13/20) were the most prevalent anaerobic microbiota. Strains resistant to the prescribed antibiotic were found in 55% (11/20) of the subgingival plaque samples. It was concluded that in patients with advanced periodontal disease, systemic antibiotic therapy without subgingival debridement may change the composition of the subgingival micro‐biota, thus favouring the outburst of multiple periodontal abscesses.
Detection of high‐risk groups and individuals for periodontal diseases: laboratory markers based on the microbiological analysis of subgingival plaque
Authors: Maiden M. F. J. , Carman R. J. , Curtis M. A. , Gillett I. R. , Griffiths G. S. , Sterne J. A. C. , Wilton J. M. A. , Johnson N. W.
Published: December 2005

Abstract Periodontal microbiology is reviewed with regard to the potential of certain characteristics to serve as markers of high risk groups or individuals for periodontal diseases. The generally accepted associations between particular organisms and the various periodontal diseases are discussed. The usefulness of various clinical study designs is reviewed. The ecology of the subgingival plaque microflora is discussed and a number of suggestions for future research are made. We have concluded that there is no monospecific aetiology to any of the various periodontal conditions. Nevertheless, we give particular attention to the role of the black‐pigmented bacteroides based upon our belief that they, and Bacteroides gingivalis in particular, are fundamental to our understanding of the biology of periodontal diseases in humans and other animals. Consequently, the contribution of its various virulence factors and their potential as markers of disease susceptibility and activity is addressed.
Studies on root enamel (I). Some historical notes on cervical enamel projections
Authors: Moskow Bernard S. , Canut Pedro Martinez
Published: December 2005

Abstract This is the first in a series of papers dealing with root enamel. An historical study of cervical enamel projections revealed that they were described as early as the 1st half of the 19th century, while numerous more detailed studies employing microscopy were published in the 1920s. The possible association of cervical enamel extensions and furcation involvements, which had been credited to Masters and Hoskins, was found to be clearly stated by Watson and Woods.
Scores of plaque, bleeding, suppuration and probing depth to predict probing attachment loss 5 years of observation following nonsurgical periodontal therapy
Authors: Badersten Anita , Nilvéus Rolf , Egelberg Jan
Published: December 2005

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to determine the diagnostic value of clinical scores of supragingival plaque, bleeding, suppuration and probing depth to predict probing attachment loss in patients on maintenance following nonsurgical periodontal therapy. Non‐molar teeth in 39 subjects were monitored and the above scores were repeatedly obtained throughout 5 years of observation following initial treatment. Probing attachment loss between 0–60 months was determined by a combination of linear regression analysis and end‐point analysis. The results revealed that all the investigated scores were associated with probing attachment loss. This association was demonstrated by improved diagnostic predictability along with increased frequency or magnitude of the various scores. Also, the diagnostic predictability improved with increase in length of time for recording of the scores. The diagnostic predictability of either accumulated plaque scores and accumulated bleeding scores reached a maximum of about 30%. Residual probing depth ≥7 mm reached a predictability of around 50% and increase in probing depth ≥ 1.0 mm reached about 80% after 60 months. Thus, of the clinical scores investigated, increase in probing depth was found to be most valuable in predicting probing attachment loss.
Effect of cigarette smoking on the transition dynamics in experimental gingivitis
Authors: Danielsen Bo , Manji Firoze , Nagelkerke Nico , Fejerskov Ole , Baelum Vibeke
Published: December 2005

Abstract This paper reports the findings of an experimental gingivitis study conducted in smokers and non‐smokers. 33 volunteers were examined and underwent prophylaxis during a period of 4 weeks. 28 subjects who showed a plaque index less than 0.20 on all prophylaxis occasions were permitted to continue in the study. Subjects then had their gingival status recorded, had their teeth polished and were requested to abstain from all oral hygiene measures for the following 21 days. After 5 days, 10 days and 21 days, plaque and gingival status were recorded using the criteria of the plaque index and gingival index. After the examination on day 21, the teeth were polished and oral hygiene was re‐instituted. Following 2 weeks of supervised oral hygiene, recordings of plaque and gingival status were performed. At the initial examination, there was no difference between the clinical assessment of plaque and gingival status in smokers and non‐smokers. Similar amounts of plaque accumulated in the 2 groups during the period of no oral hygiene, but smokers exhibited less gingival inflammation assessed clinically than non‐smokers. This difference occurred as a result of an apparently lowered incidence rate and a markedly higher recovery rate in smokers compared to non‐smokers. These findings may indicate that smokers for reasons yet unknown have a reduced capacity to mount and maintain an effective defence reaction to a given plaque challenge.