A case for an international consortium on system-of-systems engineering

A system-of-systems (SoS) conceptualization is essential in resolving issues involving heterogeneous independently operable systems to achieve a unique purpose. Successful operation as an SoS requires communication among appropriate individuals and groups across enterprises through an effective protocol. This paper presents a position on the creation of a consortium of concerned system engineers and scientists worldwide to examine the problems and solutions strategies associated with SoS. The consortium could lead efforts in clarifying ambiguities and in seeking remedies to numerous open questions with respect to SoS analysis, SoS engineering (SoSE), as well as differences between systems engineering (SE) and SoSE. The mission of this consortium is envisioned to: 1) act as a neutral party; 2) provide a forum to put forth Calls to Action; and 3) establish a community of interest to recommend a set of solutions. <br /

Serological assessment of gastric mucosal atrophy in gastric cancer

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Non-invasive tools for gastric cancer screening and diagnosis are lacking. Serological testing with the detection of pepsinogen 1 (PG1), pepsinogen 2 (PG2) and gastrin 17 (G17) offers the possibility to detect preneoplastic gastric mucosal conditions. Aim of this study was to assess the performance of these serological tests in the presence of gastric neoplasia.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Histological and serological samples of 118 patients with gastric cancer have been assessed for tumor specific characteristics (Laurén type, localisation), degree of mucosal abnormalities (intestinal metaplasia, atrophy) and serological parameters (PG1, PG2, PG1/2-ratio, G17, <it>H. pylori </it>IgG, CagA status). Association of the general factors to the different serological values have been statistically analyzed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Patients with intestinal type gastric cancer had lower PG1 levels and a lower PG1/2-ratio compared to those with diffuse type cancer (<it>p </it>= 0.003). The serum levels of PG2 itself and G17 were not significantly altered. <it>H. pylori </it>infection in general had no influence on the levels of PG1, PG2 and G17 in the serum of gastric cancer patients. There was a trend towards lower PG1 levels in case of positive CagA-status (<it>p </it>= 0.058). The degree of both intestinal metaplasia and atrophy correlated inversely with serum levels for PG1 and the PG1/2-ratio (p < 0.01). Laurén-specific analysis revealed that this is only true for intestinal type tumors. Univariate ANOVA revealed atrophy and CagA-status as the only independent factors for low PG1 and a low PG1/2-ratio.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Glandular atrophy and a positive CagA status are determinant factors for decreased pepsinogen 1 levels in the serum of patients with gastric cancer. The serological assessment of gastric atrophy by analysis of serum pepsinogen is only adequate for patients with intestinal type cancer.</p

A Rapid Method for Detecting Normal or Modified Plant and Algal Carbonic Anhydrase Activity Using Saccharomyces cerevisiae

In recent years, researchers have attempted to improve photosynthesis by introducing components from cyanobacterial and algal CO2-concentrating mechanisms (CCMs) into terrestrial C3 plants. For these attempts to succeed, we need to understand the CCM components in more detail, especially carbonic anhydrase (CA) and bicarbonate (HCO3&minus;) transporters. Heterologous complementation systems capable of detecting carbonic anhydrase activity (i.e., catalysis of the pH-dependent interconversion between CO2 and HCO3&minus;) or active HCO3&minus; transport can be of great value in the process of introducing CCM components into terrestrial C3 plants. In this study, we generated a Saccharomyces cerevisiae CA knock-out (&Delta;NCE103 or &Delta;CA) that has a high-CO2-dependent phenotype (5% (v/v) CO2 in air). CAs produce HCO3&minus; for anaplerotic pathways in S. cerevisiae; therefore, the unavailability of HCO3&minus; for neutral lipid biosynthesis is a limitation for the growth of &Delta;CA in ambient levels of CO2 (0.04% (v/v) CO2 in air). &nbsp;&Delta;CA can be complemented for growth at ambient levels of CO2 by expressing a CA from human red blood cells. &Delta;CA was also successfully complemented for growth at ambient levels of CO2 through the expression of CAs from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Arabidopsis thaliana. The &Delta;CA strain is also useful for investigating the activity of modified CAs, allowing for quick screening of modified CAs before putting them into the plants. CA activity in the complemented &Delta;CA strains can be probed using the Wilbur&ndash;Anderson assay and by isotope exchange membrane-inlet mass spectrometry (MIMS). Other potential uses for this new &Delta;CA-based screening system are also discussed

A Rapid Method for Detecting Normal or Modified Plant and Algal Carbonic Anhydrase Activity Using

In recent years, researchers have attempted to improve photosynthesis by introducing components from cyanobacterial and algal CO-concentrating mechanisms (CCMs) into terrestrial C plants. For these attempts to succeed, we need to understand the CCM components in more detail, especially carbonic anhydrase (CA) and bicarbonate (HCO) transporters. Heterologous complementation systems capable of detecting carbonic anhydrase activity (i.e., catalysis of the pH-dependent interconversion between CO and HCO) or active HCO transport can be of great value in the process of introducing CCM components into terrestrial C plants. In this study, we generated a CA knock-out ( or that has a high-CO-dependent phenotype (5% (/) CO in air). CAs produce HCO for anaplerotic pathways in ; therefore, the unavailability of HCO for neutral lipid biosynthesis is a limitation for the growth of in ambient levels of CO (0.04% (/) CO in air). can be complemented for growth at ambient levels of CO by expressing a CA from human red blood cells. was also successfully complemented for growth at ambient levels of CO through the expression of CAs from and . The strain is also useful for investigating the activity of modified CAs, allowing for quick screening of modified CAs before putting them into the plants. CA activity in the complemented strains can be probed using the Wilbur-Anderson assay and by isotope exchange membrane-inlet mass spectrometry (MIMS). Other potential uses for this new based screening system are also discussed

Coronary flow velocity reserve does not correlate with TIMI frame count in patients undergoing non-emergency percutaneous coronary intervention

© 2004 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc.Objectives The purpose of this research was to compare the Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) frame count (CTFC) with coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Background The relationship between CTFC and CFVR has not been adequately assessed in patients with coronary artery disease. Methods We studied 62 patients who underwent successful non-emergent PCI. All patients had Doppler evaluation of CFVR, CTFC, and quantitative coronary angiography. In an additional 17 patients, a frame count reserve was calculated as baseline CTFC/CTFC at peak hyperemia, induced by intracoronary adenosine after PCI. Results The CTFC decreased from 27 ± 13 to 18 ± 8, and CFVR increased from 1.5 ± 0.4 to 2.6 ± 0.7 (both p < 0.0001). The pre-PCI CTFC and the CFVR were closely related to minimal lumen diameter (p < 0.0001). After PCI, there was no correlation between CFVR and CTFC. In addition, no relationship was observed between CFVR and the frame count reserve. Conclusions There was no significant correlation between CFVR and CTFC in patients undergoing coronary intervention. The relative utility of these measures in predicting outcomes in this setting requires further evaluation, but CTFC (or frame count reserve) does not appear to be an adequate surrogate measure of Doppler-derived CFVR.Sanjay K. Chugh, Jennifer Koppel, Mark Scott, Lana Shewchuk, David Goodhart, Raoul Bonan, Jean-Claude Tardif, Stephen G. Worthley, Carlo DiMario, Michael J. Curtis, Ian T. Meredith, Todd J. Andersonhttp://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/505766/description#descriptio

Expert consensus document from the European Society of Cardiology on catheter-based renal denervation

Current evidence from the available clinical trials strongly support the notion that catheter-based radiofrequency ablation of renal nerves reduces blood pressure and improves blood pressure control in patients with drug-treated resistant hypertension, with data now extending out to 36 months. Accordingly, renal denervation can be considered as a therapeutic option in patients with resistant hypertension, whose blood pressure cannot be controlled by a combination of lifestyle modification and pharmacological therapy according to current guidelines. The fact that renal denervation also reduces whole-bodysympathetic nerve activity suggests that this therapy may also be beneficial in other clinical states characterized by sympathetic nervous system activation-this may ultimately lead to new indications. © The Author 2013