bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nuclear pore complex antigens delineate nuclear envelope dynamics in vegetative and conjugating Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Copeland Connie S. , Snyder Michael
Published: May 2005

In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the nucleus undergoes dramatic shape changes during mitosis and mating. We have studied nuclear envelope dynamics during the processes of mitosis and conjugation using nuclear pore complexes as a marker for the nuclear envelope in wild‐type cells and several cell‐division‐cycle (cdc) mutants.

Three monoclonal antibodies are described that recognize nuclear pore complex‐related antigens in S. cerevisiae. One of these antibodies, RL1, has been extensively characterized by Gerace and colleagues and recognizes nuclear pore complexes in mammalian and amphibian cells. By indirect immunofluorescence of yeast cells, all three antibodies yield a discontinuous nuclear rim stain. All three react with multiple nuclear‐enriched proteins in immunoblots, including the nucleoporin protein encoded by the NSP1 gene.

When the antibodies were used in immunofluorescence experiments on mating cells, the nuclear pore complex staining pattern proved to be a sensitive indicator of nuclear fusion. Nuclei with closely apposed spindle pole bodies and unfused nuclear envelopes could be readily distinguished. Marked shape changes were observed in nuclei during fusion and segregation of the diploid nucleus into the zygotic bud.

In cdc14 and cdc15 mutants that arrest late in mitosis, the elongated nuclear envelope extension that stretches between daughter nuclei during telophase was preserved. In cytokinesis‐defective mutants (cdc3, cdc10, cdc11 and cdc12), the elongated nuclear envelope was usually resolved into two daughter nuclei in the absence of cytokinesis. These results indicate that nuclear envelope division is mechanistically distinguishable from chromosome segregation, nucleolar segregation and cytokinesis.
Sequence of a 4·8 kb fragment of Saccharomyces cerevisiae chromosome II including three essential open reading frames
Authors: Baur Axel , Schaaff‐Gerstenschläger Ine , Boles Eckhard , Miosga Thomas , Rose Matthias , Zimmermann Friedrich K.
Published: May 2005

The nucleotide sequence of a fragment of 4867 base pairs of Saccharomyces cerevisiae chromosome II has been determined. The sequence contains three complete open reading frames. In addition to the already known gene RPB5, coding for a subunit shared by all three DNA directed RNA polymerases, two new open reading frames could be identified. YBR12.03 codes for a protein of 183 amino acids with homology to one of the proteins of the Bacillus subtilis riboflavin biosynthesis operon (RibG). Deletion mutants of YBR12.03 can germinate but stop growing after five to seven cell divisions on YPD. Supplementation with high concentrations of riboflavin does promote growth. YBR12.05 codes for a protein of 386 amino acids with homology to STI1, a stress‐inducible protein of S. cerevisiae. Deletion mutants of YBR12.05 are not viable.
YMC1, a yeast gene encoding a new putative mitochondrial carrier protein
Authors: Graf Roney , Baum Bobby , Braus Gerhard H.
Published: May 2005

We have cloned and sequenced a Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene coding for a protein with significant similarities to the mitochondrial carrier family. The gene we termed YMC1 (yeast mitochondrial carrier) is located on chromosome XVI, closely downstream of ARO7 encoding chorismate mutase.
Targeting of heterologous membrane proteins into proliferated internal membranes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Wittenkindt Nicola E. , Würgler Friedrich E. , Sengstag Christian
Published: May 2005

Overproduction of chimeric proteins containing the HMG2/1 peptide, which comprises the seven transmembrane domains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA reductase isozymes 1 and 2, has previously been observed to induce the proliferation of internal endoplasmic reticulum‐like membranes. In order to exploit this amplified membrane surface area for the accommodation of heterologous microsomal proteins, we fused sequences coding for human cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1) to sequence encoding the HMG2/1 peptide and expressed the hybrid genes in yeast. The heterologous hybrid proteins were targeted into strongly proliferated membranes, as shown by electron microscopic and immunofluorescent analysis. Fusion proteins comprising the whole CYP1A1 polypeptide (HMG2/1‐CYP1A1) exhibited 7‐ethoxyresorufin‐O‐deethylase activity, whereas fusion proteins lacking the N‐terminal 56 amino acids of CYP1A1 (HMG2/1‐ΔCYP1A1) were inactive and appeared to be unable to incorporate protoheme. Similar amounts of heterologous protein were detected in cells expressing HMG2/1‐CYP1A1, HMG2/1‐ΔCYP1A1 and CYP1A1, respectively. Replacement of the N‐terminal membrane anchor domain of human NADPH‐cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase by the HMG2/1 peptide also resulted in a functional fusion enzyme, which was able to interact with HMG2/1‐CYP1A1 and the yeast endogenous P450 enzyme lanosterol‐14α‐demethylase.
Scp160p, a new yeast protein associated with the nuclear membrane and the endoplasmic reticulum, is necessary for maintenance of exact ploidy
Authors: Wintersberger Ulrike , Kühne Christian , Karwan Anneliese
Published: May 2005

We have cloned a new gene, SCP160, from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the deduced amino acid sequence of which does not exhibit overall similarity to any known yeast protein. A weak resemblance between the C‐terminal part of the Scp160 protein and regulatory subunits of cAMP‐dependent protein kinases from eukaryotes as well as the pstB protein of Escherichia coli was observed. The SCP160 gene resides on the left arm of chromosome X and codes for a polypeptide of molecular weight around 160 kDa. By immunofluorescence microscopy the Scp160 protein appears to be localized to the nuclear envelope and to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). However, no signal sequence or membrane‐spanning region exists, suggesting that the Scp160 protein is attached to the cytoplasmic surface of the ER–nuclear envelope membranes. Disruption of the SCP160 gene is not lethal but results in cells of decreased viability, abnormal morphology and increased DNA content. This phenotype is not reversible by transformation with a plasmid carrying the wild‐type gene. Crosses of SCP160 deletion mutant strains among each other or with unrelated strains lead to irregular segregation of genetic markers. Taken together the data suggest that the Scp160 protein is required during cell division for faithful partitioning of the ER–nuclear envelope membranes which in S. cerevisiae enclose the duplicated chromosomes.
Assignment of Phosphorus NMR Parameters to Absolute Configurations in Chiral Phosphorus Sulfide Cage Compounds, using Ab Initio Methods
Authors: Tattershall Bruce W.
Published: May 2005

The closo cage molecules α‐ and β‐P4S3(μ‐NCH(Me)Ph) were modelled at the RHF/3‐21G* and MPW1PW91/DZVP levels. For each, the conformational space corresponding to rotation about the C–N bond was explored, and relative average electronic energies were calculated. The β‐isomer was more stable than the α‐isomer by 10.7 kJ mol−1, according to the DFT calculations, in contrast to the unsubstituted model compounds α‐ and β‐P4S3(μ‐NH), where the α‐isomer was more stable. GIAO calculations of phosphorus isotropic NMR shieldings, in the rotamers, led to relative average chemical shifts in the diastereomers. Comparison with experimental chemical shift differences gave an assignment to absolute configuration for α‐P4S3(μ‐NCH(Me)Ph), which agreed with the assignment obtained by comparing calculated relative diastereomer stability with observations. For β‐P4S3(μ‐NCH(Me)Ph), the GIAO calculations allowed relative assignment of observed chemical shifts to the nitrogen bridgehead phosphorus atoms.
Strukturen der Alkalimetallsalze aromatischer, heterocyclischer Amide: Synthese und Struktur von Kronenether‐Addukten der Alkalimetall‐Carbazolide
Authors: Esbak Hoda , Behrens Ulrich
Published: May 2005

Structures of Alkali Metal Salts of Aromatic, Heterocyclic Amides: Synthesis und Structure of Crown Ether Adducts of the Alkali Metal Carbazolides

The synthesis of six alkali metal carbazolide crown ether complexes is reported: Potassium‐carbazolide(18‐crown‐6) (1), rubidium‐carbazolide(18‐crown‐6) (2), rubidium‐carbazolide(15‐crown‐5) (3), cesium‐carbazolide(18‐crown‐6) (4), cesium‐carbazolide‐bis(15‐crown‐5) (5), and cesium‐carbazolide‐bis(benzo‐15‐crown‐5) (6). The complexes 1 to 6 were synthesized from the alkali metal carbazolide (obtained in solution by metalation of carbazole with KH or Rb‐ and Cs‐hexamethyldisilazide) and the corresponding crown ether. The structures of 1, 3, 4, and 5 could be determined by X‐ray diffraction. Complex 1 is mononuclear, the carbazolide anion shows an η1(N)‐coordination to the metal cation. The complexes 3 and 4 are dinuclear with a central metal2N2‐ring. Compound 5 has a salt‐like structure with a sandwich‐like [Cs(15‐crown‐5)2]+ cation and an uncoordinated carbazolide anion.
Reversible Lithium Intercalation into the Three‐Dimensional Cluster Network Structure of Ta6Cl15
Authors: Kuhn Alois , Dill Simone , Meyer H.‐Jürgen
Published: May 2005

A crystalline powder of Ta6Cl15 was synthesized through solid state reaction of Ta powder, and TaCl5 at 700 °C. The structure contains [Ta6Cl12]3+ clusters which are three‐dimensionally interconnected by Cl bridges, leaving cavities which are shown to be suitable for lithium insertion. Reversible lithium intercalation into Ta6Cl15 involves 1 mol of lithium per formula unit under equilibrium conditions, when cells are discharged between 3 and 1.8 V, leading to the upper composition LiTa6Cl15. Although capacity values within this reversible voltage range are small (ca. 25 Ah·kg−1), the cycle life of such Li/Ta6Cl15 cells is excellent, and the initial capacity value is maintained over 1500 cycles. On the other hand, a maximum of 15 moles of lithium can be reacted with one mole Ta6Cl15 when lithium cells were deep‐discharged. This process is likely due to the complete and irreversible reduction of the parent by lithium.
Chirale 1,3,2‐Oxazaborolidine aus chiralen 2,3‐Dihydro‐1H‐1,3,2‐diazaborolen und Diphenylketen
Authors: Weber L. , Rausch A. , Stammler H.‐G. , Neumann B.
Published: May 2005

Chiral 1,3,2‐Oxazaborolidines from the Reaction of Chiral 2,3‐Dihydro‐1H‐1,3,2‐diazaboroles and Diphenylketene

Reaction of equimolar amounts of diphenylketene with 1,3‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2‐isobutyl‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐1,3,2‐diazaborole ${\rm{\it t}Bu\overline{NCH=CHN({\it t}Bu)B}-{\it i}Bu}$ (1) regioselectively afforded 1,3,2‐oxazaborolidine ${\rm{\it t}Bu\overline{N-CH(CH=N{\it t}Bu)C(=CPh_{2})OB}-{\it i}Bu}$ (2). The employment of a series of chiral diazaboroles ${\rm{\it (S,S)}-Me(Cy)CH-\overline{NCH=CH-N\{CH(Cy)Me\}B}X}$ (3a: X = nBu; b: iBu; c: CH2SiMe3; d: NHtBu) led to the formation of the diastereoisomeric oxazaborolidines ${\rm Me(Cy)CH\overline{N-CH\{CH=NCH(Cy)Me\}C(=CPh_{2})OB}X}$ (4a–d) with diastereomeric excesses de, which increase with the steric demand of X from de = 55 % (X = nBu) to de ≥ 95 % (X = NHtBu). Under comparable conditions the treatment of the enantiomerically pure diazaborole ${\rm{\it (S)}-{\it t}Bu\overline{N CH=CHN({\it t}Bu)B}-NHCH(Ph)Me}$ (6) with the ketene yielded oxazaborolidine ${\rm{\it t}Bu\overline{N CH(CH=N{\it t}Bu)C(=CPh_{2})OB}NHCH(Ph)Me}$ (7) with a de‐value of only 52 %. The new compounds, with exception of 2 and 4d, are thermolabile solids, which were characterized mainly by spectroscopy (1H‐, 11B{1H}‐, 13C{1H}‐NMR, MS). The X‐ray structure analysis of 2 revealed a slightly puckered five‐membered heterocycle with a long B–O bond.
A Novel Mixed‐Ligand Manganese(II) Complex Containing a V‐shape Water Trimer: Synthesis, Structure and Magnetic Properties of {[Mn(azpy)2(dca)(H2O)2](ClO4)(azpy)(H2O)2}n
Authors: Zhu Li‐Na , Ou‐Yang Yan , Liu Zhan‐Quan , Liao Dai‐Zheng , Jiang Zong‐Hui , Yan Shi‐Ping , Cheng Peng
Published: May 2005

A novel mixed‐ligand complex {[Mn(azpy)2(dca)(H2O)2](ClO4)(azpy)(H2O)2}n (1) has been synthesized and characterized by single crystal X‐ray analysis, elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy and variable temperature magnetic measurement. The 4,4′‐azopyridine and dicyanamide ligands are abbreviated as azpy and dca, respectively. The crystal structure of 1 revealed that the 1D covalent bonding chains constructed by μ1,5‐dca bridging the MnII ions are linked together via O–H···N and O–H···O hydrogen bonds and π‐π stacking interactions into a 3D supramolecular structure. V‐shape (bent) water trimers were also found in the structure. The water clusters play an important role in the formation of the 3D supramolecular structure. The determination of the variable temperature magnetic susceptibilities (2–300 K) shows the existence of a very weak antiferromagnetic interaction with a J value of −0.16 cm−1.
TAS‐Indolid und TAS‐Carbazolid: Strukturen von [TAS]+[IndHInd]− und [TAS]+[Carb]−·½CarbH
Authors: Müller Marco , Lork Enno , Mews Rüdiger
Published: May 2005

TAS Indolide and TAS Carbazolide: Structures of [TAS]+[IndHInd]− and [TAS]+[Carb]−·½CarbH

From the reaction of TAS‐fluoride [(Me2N)3S]+[Me3SiF2]− with trimethylsilyl‐indole and trimethylsilyl‐carbazole TAS‐indolide and TAS‐carbazolide are formed. During crystallisation partially protonation to indole and carbazole occurs, resulting in the formation of [TAS]+[IndHInd]− (3a) and [TAS]+[Carb]−·½CarbH (5a) according to X‐ray analysis.
Synthese und Charakterisierung der 1,2‐Diphosphanyldisilane [Me4Si2(PH2)2] und [Me4Si2(PHMe)2] sowie deren Reaktionen mit n‐Butyllithium
Authors: von Hänisch Carsten , Matern Eberhard
Published: May 2005

Synthesis and Characterization of the 1,2‐Diphosphanyldisilanes [Me4Si2(PH2)2] and [Me4Si2(PHMe)2] as well as their Reactions with n‐Butyllithium

The 1,2‐diphosphanyldisilanes [Me4Si2(PH2)2] (1) and [Me4Si2(PHMe)2] (2) as well as the cyclic silaphosphane [(Me4Si2)2(PMe)2] (3) can be obtained from the reactions of [Me4Si2Cl2] with [LiAl(PH2)4] and [LiAl(PHMe)4], respectively. These compounds were characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and in case of compound 3 by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The reactions of 1 and 2 with nBuLi yield the Si/P/Li cage compounds [(Me4Si2)2P2Li2(thf)5] (4) und [Me4Si2(PMe)2Li2(tmeda)2] (5). Central structural motif of 4 is a six‐membered P2Si4 ring in boat conformation. The phosphorus atoms of this ring are bridged by one of the Li+ ions. However, compound 5 contains a four‐membered P2Li2 ring whose phosphorus atoms are additionally connected by a Si2Me4 unit.
Über das Donor‐Verhalten von Bis(pyrazolyl)‐Schwefel‐Derivaten
Authors: Schröter Markus , Lork Enno , Mews Rüdiger
Published: May 2005

The Donor Properties of Bis(pyrazolyl)‐Sulfur Derivatives

From the reactions of bis(pyrazolyl)sulfane S(pz)2 (1) with the fluoro Lewis acids BF3 and AsF5 in liquid SO2 the 1:2‐adducts S(pz·BF3)2 (2) and S(pz·AsF5)2 (3) are obtained. 1 reacts with [Co(SO2)4(FAsF5)2] to give the doubly bridged FAsF4F dimeric complex [Co{S(pz)2}(FAsF5)(SO2)(μ‐FAsF4F)]2 (5). From F2S(pz)2 and [Ni(SO2)6](AsF6)2, the fluorocubane [Ni4F4{S(pz)2}4(μ‐FAsF4F)2](AsF6)2·4SO2 (8) is isolated. The X‐ray structures of the compounds 2, 3, 5 and 8 are reported.
The intestinal phase hormone
Authors: Orloff Marshall J. , Hyde Paul V. B. , Kosta Louis D. , Guillemin Roger C. L. , Bell Richard H.
Published: May 2005

The existence of a stimulatory intestinal phase of gastric acid secretion has been suspected, but largely ignored, for many years. Recently, however, it has become clear that the intestinal phase plays an important role in acid production during digestion. The intestinal phase is of additional interest in relation to the profound gastric acid hypersecretion associated with portacaval shunt (PCS). Substantial evidence indicates that PCS‐related gastric hypersecretion is due to unmasking of the intestinal phase by hepatic bypass of a humoral stimulant in portal blood that is normally degraded to a considerable extent by the liver. Studies in our laboratory during the past 12 years have provided strong physiologic evidence for humoral mediation of both the intestinal phase of gastric secretion and of PCS‐related hypersecretion by a hormone that arises in the small intestine, particularly in the jejunum. Furthermore, our studies have demonstrated that this intestinal phase hormone (IPH) exists in humans as well as in dogs, rats, and pigs. Additionally, drecent work by a number of investigators, as well as by our group, has provided convincing evidence that IPH is different from any of the known gastric stimulatory hormones.

With these physiologic observations as a background, we have used a classical method for extracting acidic peptides to prepare a hog intestinal mucosa extract (HIME) that has all of the known physiologic properties of an IPH. Specifically, HIME contains a potent stimulant of gastric acid secretion that acts according to a linear dose‐response relationship; that is not gastrin in any of its immunoassayable forms; that significantly augments the maximal acid secretory responses to pentagastrin, gastrin, CCK, and histamine; and that is substantially degraded by the liver, in contrast to gastrin and CCK. Efforts at isolating the gastric stimulatory substance in HIME suggest that it is a peptide of low molecular weight. Work directed at isolating IPH in pure form and identifying it is in progress.
Hormonal control of gastrointestinal motility
Authors: Thomas Paul A. , Akwari Onye E. , Kelly Keith A.
Published: May 2005

The objective of these studies was to assess the role of gastrointestinal hormones in controlling gastrointestinal motility. In the proximal stomach, cholecystokinin (CCK), gastrin, and secretin inhibit contractions, thereby decreasing intragastric pressure and slowing gastric emptying of liquids. Gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), glucagon, and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) may also slow gastric emptying, since they also inhibit proximal gastric contractions, but this was not tested. In contrast, motilin augments proximal gastric contractions and speeds gastric emptying of liquids. The contractions of the distal stomach are stimulated by gastrin, CCK, and motilin and inhibited by secretin, gastric inhibitory polypeptide, and VIP. The modulation of distal gastric contractions by these hormones may influence gastric trituration and emptying of solids, but this is unknown. Pyloric contractions are enhanced by CCK and secretin, an effect blocked by gastrin. Such enhancement ought to decrease duodenal‐gastric reflux, but again, this is untested. In the small bowel, CCK, gastrin, motilin, VIP, and glucagon stimulate contractions, while secretin inhibits contractions. CCK and motilin speed small bowel transit, but VIP and glucagon slow transit. The cyclical bursts of gastroduodenal contractions that occur during fasting are associated with increased concentrations of motilin in the plasma, whereas the contractions characteristic of the fed state are copied by exogenous administration of gastrin and CCK. Of all these actions, only those of CCK on the proximal stomach, and gastrin on the distal stomach, have been shown to be physiologic so far.
Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) as a mediator of the watery diarrhea syndrome
Authors: Said Sami I.
Published: May 2005

Evidence that VIP is the principal humoral mediator of the watery diarrhea syndrome includes: (a) actions of VIP in experimental animals parallel the clinical manifestations of the syndrome; (b) infusions of VIP induce watery diarrhea in intestinal loops of dogs and a picture resembling the clinical syndrome in pigs, at circulating levels of the peptide similar to those observed in human disease; (c) most patients with the watery diarrhea syndrome and underlying tumors have elevated plasma levels of VIP; (d) in those patients in whom pre‐ and postoperative measurements were made, plasma VIP levels fell to the normal range with removal of the tumor and relief of the diarrhea; and (e) extracts of such tumors are rich in VIP‐immunoreactivity and VIP‐like biologic activity. A few patients with the syndrome have been reported to have normal plasma VIP levels, and it is possible that other humoral agents (such as pancreatic polypeptide, prostaglandins) may contribute to the production of the diarrhea.
Prostaglandins and serotonin: Nonpeptide diarrheogenic hormones
Authors: Jaffe Bernard M.
Published: May 2005

Prostaglandins and serotonin are vasoactive compounds with profound effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Both cause inhibition of gastric acid secretion (although serotonin stimulates gastric pepsin secretion), stimulation of intestinal motility, and conversion of small intestinal mucosa from absorption to secretion of water and electrolytes. Their effects on pancreatic and biliary function are still not clear.

Although prostaglandins appear to elicit their effects primarily by a paracrine mode of action, and serotonin is primarily a neurotransmitter (neurocrine), it is clear that even under normal conditions both can function as humoral agents. For example, we have shown that serotonin plays a physiologic role as a humoral inhibitor of gastric acid secretion. However, the effects of these agents become more pronounced in patients with humorally mediated diarrheogenic syndromes. Serotonin (and related indoles, particularly 5‐hydroxytryptophan) has been firmly implicated as a cause of diarrhea in patients with carcinoid syndrome; our recent studies suggest that the diagnosis can be more effectively made by measuring circulating immunoreactive serotonin concentrations than urinary excretion of 5‐HIAA; that some circulating serotonin escapes hepatic inactivation and, thus, large intestinal tumors can cause carcinoid syndrome in the absence of hepatic metastases; and that large amounts of serotonin are produced by some noncarcinoid diarrheogenic tumors, including medullary carcinomas of the thyroid and tumors associated with the WDHA syndrome. A large number of tumors of probable neural crest origin, including medullary thyroid carcinoma, carcinoids, and tumors associated with the WDHA syndrome, secrete large amounts of prostaglandins, particularly PGE2. The clinical response of at least some of the patients harboring these tumors to inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis (particularly indomethacin) suggests that prostaglandins play a role in the etiology of these diarrheogenic syndromes.
Cimetidine treatment of acute and chronic zollinger‐ellison syndrome
Authors: Bonfils Serge , Mignon Michel , Gratton Jacques
Published: May 2005

Thirteen patients with Zollinger‐Ellison syndrome (ZES) were treated with cimetidine. This population could be divided into chronic forms, mostly presenting as a common duodenal ulcer, and acute forms resulting in critical problems requiring intensive medical care. Among the 7 patients with chronic ZES, cimetidine treatment was unsuccessful in 2; satisfactory clinical control was obtained in 3 others, but gastrinoma excision was the final treatment; cimetidine treatment has been prolonged for more than 15 months in the last 2 patients. If, in this condition, acute pharmacologic secretory inhibition were constantly obtained, therapeutic efficiency criteria are not sensitive enough to establish certainty in the patient's long‐term follow‐up. Total gastrectomy is still a valuable alternative if excision of the gastrinoma is not possible. Of the 6 patients with acute ZES, 4 were treated by pirenzepin (0.5 mg/kg intramuscularly 3 times a day) adjunctive to cimetidine infusion (2.4 mg/day), which resulted in increased antisecretory activity. However, total gastrectomy was the final outcome in every patient, with 1 immediate postoperative death.

In conclusion, cimetidine in ZES treatment, although capable of inducing ulcer healing, diarrhea disappearance, and dramatic secretory inhibition, is still challenged by surgery, which allows either complete cure of the gastrinoma or definitive suppression of the secretory virulence.
Effect of vagotomy on gastrointestinal hormones
Authors: Becker H. D. , Börger H. W. , Schafmayer A.
Published: May 2005

Different types of vagotomy have been widely used in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. A close relationship between the vagus nerve and the release or action of gastrointestinal hormones is necessary for the optimal activation of the gastrointestinal tract. The serum concentrations of the antral hormone gastrin are elevated after all types of vagotomy. The postvagotomy hypergastrinemia is due to the change in pH in the antral lumen or the gastric motility changes, both of which may lead to a proliferation of G cells. The reduction in pancreatic secretion after vagotomy is not due to changes in intestinal hormone release, but may be caused by the interruption of a postulated enteropancreatic reflex. Postprandial GIP release and serum insulin levels are not affected by vagotomy, but basal GIP levels are increased after vagotomy. Postprandial pancreatic polypeptide release is nearly abolished by vagotomy, but seems to normalize in the later postoperative course. These findings may be important for the interpretation of pathophysiologic changes after vagotomy.
Heterotransplantation of human gastric carcinomas into nude mice
Authors: Nakatani Katsunori , Takahashi Seiichi , Shiratori Tsuneo , Konishi Yoichi
Published: May 2005

A total of 33 specimens of human gastric carcinoma were used for transplantation into nude mice. Initial tumor “take” was accomplished in 15 of the 33 tumors, and the transportability rate was 45.5%. Transplantability correlated with histologic type, but not with clinical stage or Borrmann's classification. The transplantability rate of differentiated carcinomas, such as well‐differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma, moderately differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma, and papillary adenocarcinoma was greater than that of poorly differentiated tumors, such as poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma and mucinous adenocarcinoma. The growth patterns of transplanted tumors were divided into 3 types: rapid, slow, and persistent. There were no specific relationships between growth pattern and histologic type. All histologic types, except signet ring cell carcinoma, could be transplanted serially. Tumor growth became rapid after serial transfer. However, the original histology of these tumors was unchanged. No invasion or metastases were encountered.

Intraperitoneal injection of a tumor cell suspension, prepared from subcutaneous transplants of a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of Borrmann type III, grew in an ascites form, with invasion and metastasis. Ascitic fluid accumulated within 3–6 weeks after injection. Subsequently, intravenous injection of ascites fluid produced metastases in nude mice. The histology of the subcutaneous tumor was similar to that of the original tumor from the patient.
Prevention of Surgical Site Infection After Open Prosthetic Inguinal Hernia Repair: Efficacy of Parenteral Versus Oral Prophylaxis with Amoxicillin‐Clavulanic Acid in a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Kuzu Mehmet A. , Hazinedaroğlu Selçuk , Dolalan Şükrü , Özkan Namık , Yalçın Samet , Erkek A. Bülent , Mahmoudi Hatem , Tüzüner Acar , Elhan Atilla H. , Kuterdem Ercümet
Published: May 2005

The aim of this prospective study was to compare the efficacy of oral versus parenteral prophylactic amoxicillin–clavulanic acid for preventing surgical site infection after open prosthetic mesh repair of inguinal hernia. A total of 480 inguinal‐hernia patients were randomly assigned to two groups. Group I (n = 240) received 1.313 g oral amoxicillin–clavulanic acid 2 hours before operation, and group II (n = 240) received 1.2 g of the same drug combination intravenously approximately 30 minutes before surgery. Patients were examined four times during 1 year of follow‐up (at 7–10 days, 4–6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postoperation), and data related to surgical site infections were collected. Seventy‐two patients were excluded due to confounding factors during and after the operation. There were no statistically significant differences between group I (final n = 208) and group II (final n = 200) with respect to age, sex distribution, body mass index, American Anesthesiology Association grade, frequencies of different hernia types, duration of surgery, and the experience levels of the principal surgeon in the operations. One of the 208 (0.5%) patients in group I and 3 of the 200 (1.5%) patients in group II developed superficial surgical site infections (p > 0.05). None of the infections required mesh removal. There were no deep surgical site infections in either group, and there was one case of hernia recurrence in each group. For patients undergoing open prosthetic repair of inguinal hernia, oral amoxicillin–clavulanic acid is safe, significantly less costly, and equally effective in preventing surgical site infection as the same dose given parenterally.
An Item Response Model for Nominal Data Based on the Rising Selection Ratios Criterion
Authors: Revuelta Javier
Published: May 2005

Complete response vectors of all answer options in multiple-choice items can be used to estimate ability. The rising selection ratios criterion is necessary for scoring individuals because it implies that estimated ability always increases when the correct alternative is selected. This paper introduces the generalized DLT model, which assumes rising selection ratios and uses three parameters to describe each incorrect alternative. It is shown that the nominal categories and the Thissen and Steinberg model do not meet the criterion. A simulation study on goodness of recovery and an example with real data are also included.
Optimal Least-Squares Unidimensional Scaling: Improved Branch-and-Bound Procedures and Comparison to Dynamic Programming
Authors: Brusco Michael J. , Stahl Stephanie
Published: May 2005

There are two well-known methods for obtaining a guaranteed globally optimal solution to the problem of least-squares unidimensional scaling of a symmetric dissimilarity matrix: (a) dynamic programming, and (b) branch-and-bound. Dynamic programming is generally more efficient than branch-and-bound, but the former is limited to matrices with approximately 26 or fewer objects because of computer memory limitations. We present some new branch-and-bound procedures that improve computational efficiency, and enable guaranteed globally optimal solutions to be obtained for matrices with up to 35 objects. Experimental tests were conducted to compare the relative performances of the new procedures, a previously published branch-and-bound algorithm, and a dynamic programming solution strategy. These experiments, which included both synthetic and empirical dissimilarity matrices, yielded the following findings: (a) the new branch-and-bound procedures were often drastically more efficient than the previously published branch-and-bound algorithm, (b) when computationally feasible, the dynamic programming approach was more efficient than each of the branch-and-bound procedures, and (c) the new branch-and-bound procedures require minimal computer memory and can provide optimal solutions for matrices that are too large for dynamic programming implementation.
The Ca2+‐sensitizer levosimendan improves oxidative damage, BNP and pro‐inflammatory cytokine levels in patients with advanced decompensated heart failure in comparison to dobutamine
Authors: Avgeropoulou Catherine , Andreadou Ioanna , Markantonis‐Kyroudis Sophia , Demopoulou Maritina , Missovoulos Platon , Androulakis Aris , Kallikazaros Ioannis
Published: May 2005

Aim

To investigate the effect of a new inotropic drug, levosimendan compared with dobutamine on levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in patients with severe decompensated heart failure.

Methods and results

Twenty‐nine consecutive patients (22 males and 7 females), mean age 70.5±9.9 years, with decompensated heart failure on standard medical therapy, were randomised to receive either a 24 h infusion of levosimendan (n=15) or dobutamine (n=14). Blood samples were drawn at baseline, 48 h and 5 days post infusion. Levosimendan produced a significant reduction in BNP compared to baseline, at both 48 h (744.1±100 vs 1136.3±93.7 pg/ml, p=0.04) and 5 days (446±119.3 vs 1136.3±93.7 pg/ml, p=0.03), while IL‐6 values decreased after 5 days (4.8±1.3 vs 8.6±1.5 pg/ml, p=0.01). MDA levels were significantly lower 5 days after levosimendan compared to baseline (2.3±0.2 vs 3±0.3 μM, p=0.01). TNF‐α levels did not differ between the groups. The comparison of percentage alteration compared to baseline showed that BNP (–44.5±7.6% vs 4.8±18.7%, p=0.025), MDA (–21.8±5.1% vs 14.9±8.5%, p=0.001) and IL‐6 (–38.8±12.5% vs 70.2±24%, p=0.001) levels were significantly lower in the levosimendan group 5 days after treatment compared to the dobutamine group.

Conclusions

Treatment with levosimendan in advanced decompensated heart failure exerts a beneficial hemodynamic, anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effect. These findings may give an insight into the favourable impact on mortality that levosimendan appears to have in published multicenter trials.
Rapacious individualism and political competition in Ukraine, 1992—2004
Authors: Way Lucan A.
Published: May 2005

This article examines one reason for the failure of full-scale authoritarianism in Ukraine, 1992e2004. The monopolization of political control in Ukraine was partially thwarted by the disorganization of Ukraine’s ex-nomenklatura elite that dominated the country after the Cold War. Elite Ukrainian politics in the 1990s can best be understood as an example of ‘‘rapacious individualism.’’ This term was used by Martin Shefter to describe pre-machine New York city politics in the 19th century, dominated by a non-ideological and unstructured competition for power and rents. Rapacious individualism in Ukraine had a contradictory impact. It hindered full-scale democratization but also undermined efforts to consolidate authoritarianism. At one level, widespread corruption allowed the executive to concentrate political power because he controlled key patronage resources. At the same time, weak organization reduced the costs of open confrontation with the executive while corruption distributed resources to a broad range of future opposition leaders. The result was competitive authoritarian rule.
MARCEL PAGNOL'S THE BAKER'S WIFE, A CINEMATIC CHARIVARI IN POPULAR FRONT FRANCE
Authors: BOWLES BRETT
Published: May 2005

Taking an anthropological approach, this article interprets Pagnol's critically acknowledged classic as a reinvention of a carnivalesque ritual practised in France from the late middle ages through the late 1930s, when ethnographers observed its last vestiges. By linking La Femme du boulanger (The baker's wife, 1938) to contemporaneous debates over gender, national decadence, and the definition of French cultural identity, I argue that the film recycles the charivari's long-standing function as a tool of popular protest against social and political practices regarded as detrimental to the welfare of the nation. In the context of the Popular Front, Pagnol's charivari ridiculed divisive partisan politics pitting Left against Right, symbolically purged class conflict from the social body, and created a new form of folklore that served as a focal point for the communitarian ritual of movie-going among the urban working and middle classes. In so doing, the film promoted the ongoing shift in public support away from the Popular Front in favour of a conservative ‘National Union’ government under Prime Minister Edouard Daladier, who in 1938–9 assumed the role of France's newest political patriarch.
ECONOMIC CONDITIONS AND THE LIMITS TO MOBILIZATION IN THE FRENCH EMPIRE, 1936–1939
Authors: THOMAS MARTIN
Published: May 2005

By 1939 expectations in France of a major colonial contribution to the impending war effort were high. The idea of le salut par l'empire, literally ‘salvation by the empire’, even gained some currency among ministers, officials, and the wider public. This article examines the nature of the economic and military demands imposed on France's major overseas territories in the immediate pre-war years, focusing on the two pre-eminent colonial groupings of the empire: French North Africa and the Indochina federation. It suggests that colonial economies and working populations were poorly placed to meet French expectations of them. The colonies were severely affected by the economic depression of the early 1930s and slower to recover than metropolitan France. Structural economic difficulties imposed limits on the mobilization of colonial resources, a problem made appreciably worse by the earlier disagreements among ministers, colonial officials, and business leaders over the merits of colonial industrialization. The reversal of planned social and constitutional reforms after 1936 added to the political volatility and social divisions of colonial societies as war drew near.
What is an institution?
Authors: SEARLE JOHN R.
Published: May 2005

When I was an undergraduate in Oxford, we were taught economics almost as though it were a natural science. The subject matter of economics might be different from physics, but only in the way that the subject matter of chemistry or biology is different from physics. The actual results were presented to us as if they were scientific theories. So, when we learned that savings equals investment, it was taught in the same tone of voice as one teaches that force equals mass times acceleration. And we learned that rational entrepreneurs sell where marginal cost equals marginal revenue in the way that we once learned that bodies attract in a way that is directly proportional to the product of their mass and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. At no point was it ever suggested that the reality described by economic theory was dependent on human beliefs and other attitudes in a way that was totally unlike the reality described by physics or chemistry.
Market and state: the perspective of constitutional political economy
Authors: VANBERG VIKTOR J.
Published: May 2005

The paper approaches the ‘market versus state’ issue from the perspective of constitutional political economy, a research program that has been advanced as a principal alternative to traditional welfare economics and its perspective on the relation between market and state. Constitutional political economy looks at market and state as different kinds of social arenas in which people may realize mutual gains from voluntary exchange and cooperation. The working properties of these arenas depend on their respective constitutions, i.e. the rules of the game that define the constraints under which individuals are allowed, in either arena, to pursue their interests. It is argued that ‘improving’ markets means to adopt and to maintain an economic constitution that enhances consumer sovereignty, and that ‘improvement’ in the political arena means to adopt and to maintain constitutional rules that enhance citizen sovereignty.
Endogenizing fractionalization
Authors: LEESON PETER T.
Published: May 2005

In this paper I identify fractionalization as a consequence rather than solely a cause of poor institutions. I investigate how heterogeneous agents in precolonial Africa relied on social distance-reducing signals to make trade with one another possible. I then show how colonial institutions created noise in these signals, inhibiting widespread cooperation. By stifling trade between diverse agents, colonial institutions contributed to Africa's poor economic growth.
Why only some industries unionize: insights from reciprocity theory
Authors: FLYNN SEAN
Published: May 2005

This paper argues that the degree to which a given industry's labor contracts are complete or incomplete is the major factor determining whether its workforce will be unionized. For instance, assembly line industries feature complete labor contracts because of the nature of the production technology: Either a worker keeps up with the line, or he does not. In such a situation, there is no chance for a reciprocal gift exchange under which firms offer high wages in exchange for high effort levels. The result is low wages that make workers prone to unionization. By contrast, jobs that feature incomplete contracts (lawyers, computer programmers, economists) already have reciprocity and gift exchange in place. Such benefits guarantee to workers that their better interests will be looked after by a management that wishes to maintain a positive and productive labor–management interaction.
An Alternative Substantive Factor Structure of the Emotional Autonomy Scale
Authors: Beyers Wim , Goossens Luc , Van Calster Ben , Duriez Bart
Published: May 2005

Abstract. This study reexamined the factor structure of the Emotional Autonomy Scale (EAS; Steinberg & Silverberg, 1986 ) by means of confirmatory factor analysis on a large adolescent sample (N = 5065) from the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium. By looking for homogeneous subsets of items within the EAS, the meaning of the measure was clarified. None of the factor structures of the EAS suggested in the literature was supported, because of lack of fit and/or lack of construct validity. Instead, a model with seven first-order factors (Deidealization, Nondependency, Nonimitation, Privacy, Perceived ignorance, Distrust, and Perceived alienation) and two second-order factors (Separation and Detachment) was retained that proved invariant and equal across gender and grade. These findings call for continuing work on the conceptual foundations of the EAS and have important implications for the ongoing debate on the developmental outcomes of emotional autonomy (the detachment debate).
Is Distributional Appraisal More Effective than the Traditional Performance Appraisal Method?
Authors: Fox Shaul , Bizman Aharon , Garti Anat
Published: May 2005

Abstract. This study compared the distributional appraisal method (DAM) with the traditional appraisal method (TAM) on seven criteria reflecting appraisal effectiveness: Four interrater agreement measures, calculated by Cronbach's formulas, and three measures of differentiation: Ratee and dimension differentiation, and leniency. The study took place in a software company, where 45 participants, working in teams, rated all their team members on eight dimensions, both by DAM and TAM. DAM mean scores exhibited stronger agreement than TAM scores on two Cronbach's interrater agreement measures - stereotype accuracy and differential accuracy. High inverse correlations were found between measures of agreement and differentiation. The study demonstrates that DAM and TAM differ in their effectiveness and that criteria for rating effectiveness may be inversely related.
Assessing Social Skills in Health Professional Services
Authors: Gil Francisco , Sanz Jesús , Paz García-Vera María , León José M. , Medina Silvia , Alcover Carlos M.
Published: May 2005

Abstract. The quality of health services depends on the contribution of all the professionals involved in the system, including certain groups, usually forgotten and underrated, such as the health-transport technicians (HTT). With the aim of improving this group's performance, an intervention program, focusing on the development of the workers' technical and social skills, was designed in a collective of enterprises. Information about the first stage of this program, consisting of the assessment of these workers' social skills, is offered in this study. A specific questionnaire was developed: The Health-Transport Technicians Social Skills Questionnaire (HTT-SSQ), made up of three scales (assertive, passive, and aggressive behavior). It was administered to a large sample (N = 530) from the above-mentioned association. The psychometric properties of the questionnaire were analyzed, with quite satisfactory indexes of internal consistency and factor validity, and the group's deficiencies (excess or deficit) were evaluated.
Examining the Factor Structure of the MLQ
Authors: Heinitz Kathrin , Liepmann Detlev , Felfe Jörg
Published: May 2005

Abstract. Over the last decade, the research dealing with transformational leadership put the emphasis on a more differentiated model of leadership. The Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) assesses nine leadership facets. The instrument, though, is often criticized as the five transformational facets cannot be empirically distinguished and Contingent Reward - a transactional aspect - shows high correlations with the transformational scales. This study investigates the underlying factor structure of the MLQ 5X Short. Based on the fact that the proposed structure does not show a good model fit, a parallel analysis was conducted in order to determine the number of factors to retain. Results suggest that three factors should be extracted. Subsequently, a three-factor solution is extracted from a second sample, and tested on a third. The examination of the augmentation effect shows that, although nearly two thirds of the items were omitted, only 14% of variance explained in the MLQ Success criterion is lost.
The Use of Projective Drawings to Assess Alexithymia
Authors: Roivainen Eka , Ruuska Piritta
Published: May 2005

Abstract. Background: The goal of this study was to investigate whether the results of assessments of alexithymia based on a self-report questionnaire, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS), correlates with those based on drawing content in the Wartegg Drawing Completion Test (WZT). It was hypothesized that high alexithymia scores in the TAS are negatively correlated to the number of human drawings in the WZT. Method: Subjects were 83 patients of the Oulu Deaconess Institute, Oulu, Finland. Results: The TAS mean score for subjects with no human drawings was 56.0 compared to 45.4 for those with one or more human drawings (p < .001). Conclusions: The results can be considered encouraging concerning the overall usefulness and validity of the WZT. It is concluded that efforts to develop a psychometrically valid and reliable method of interpreting the WZT should be continued.
Justice Sensitivity
Authors: Schmitt Manfred , Gollwitzer Mario , Maes Jürgen , Arbach Dima
Published: May 2005

Abstract. Scales for justice sensitivity from three perspectives (victim, observer, perpetrator) were developed. A latent state-trait analysis revealed high reliabilities (≈ .95). Trait consistencies (≈ .61) were twice as large as occasion specificities (≈ .33). The correlation between observer and perpetrator sensitivity was much higher than the correlation between either one and victim sensitivity. Self-related concerns (Machiavellianism, paranoia, suspiciousness, vengeance, jealousy, interpersonal trust) correlated more highly with victim sensitivity than with observer and perpetrator sensitivity. Other-related concerns (role taking, empathy, social responsibility) correlated more highly with observer and perpetrator sensitivity than with victim sensitivity. Low correlations between justice sensitivity and a just world belief system were found. Few correlations between justice sensitivity and broad personality traits were significant. Victim sensitivity correlated with neuroticism (≈ .30). Perpetrator sensitivity correlated with agreeableness (≈ .20). Observer and perpetrator sensitivity reflected high moral standards. Victim sensitivity was a mixture of self-protective motives and moral concerns.