bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Joint Measurements on Qubits and Cloning of Observables
Authors: Ferraro Alessandro , Paris Matteo G. A.
Published: June 2007

Cloning of observables, unlike standard cloning of states, aims at copying the information encoded in the statistics of a class of observables rather then on quantum states themselves. In such a process the emphasis is on the quantum operation (evolution plus measurement) necessary to retrieve the original information. We analyze, for qubit systems, the cloning of a class generated by two noncommuting observables, elucidating the relationship between such a process and joint measurements. This helps in establishing an optimality criterion for cloning of observables. We see that, even if the cloning machine is designed to act on the whole class generated by two noncommuting observables, the same optimal performances of a joint measurement can be attained. Finally, the connection with state dependent cloning is enlightened.
Biocatalytic synthesis of some chiral drug intermediates by oxidoreductases
Authors: Patel Ramesh N. , Hanson Ronald L. , Banerjee Amit , Szarka Laszlo J.
Published: June 2007

Chiral intermediates were prepared by biocatalytic processes with oxidoreductases for the chemical synthesis of some pharmaceutical drug candidates. These include: (i) the microbial reduction of 1‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐4‐[4‐(5‐fluoro‐2‐pyrimidinyl)‐1‐piperazinyl]‐1‐butanone (1) to R‐(+)‐1‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐4‐[4‐(5‐fluoro‐2‐pyrimidinyl)‐1‐piperazinyl]‐1‐butanol (2) [R‐(+)‐BMY 14802], an antipsychotic agent; (ii) the reduction of N‐4‐(1‐oxo‐2‐chloroacetyl ethyl) phenyl methane sulfonamide (3) to the corresponding chiral alcohol (4), an intermediate for d‐(+)‐N‐4‐{1‐hydroxy‐2‐[(‐methylethyl)amino]ethyl}phenyl methanesulfonamide [d‐(+) sotalol], a β‐blocker with class III antiarrhythmic properties; (iii) biotransformation of Nɛ‐carbobenzoxy (CBZ)‐l‐lysine (7) to Nɛ‐CBZ‐l‐oxylysine (5), an intermediate needed for synthesis of (S)‐1‐[6‐amino‐2‐{[hydroxy(4‐phenylbutyl)phosphinyl]oxy}1‐oxohexyl]‐l‐proline (ceronapril), a new angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (6) and (iv) enzymatic synthesis of l‐β‐hydroxyvaline (9) from α‐keto‐β‐hydroxyisovalerate (16). l‐β‐Hydroxyvaline (9) is a key chiral intermediate needed for the synthesis of S‐(Z)‐{[1‐(2‐amino‐4‐thiazolyl)‐2‐{[2,2‐dimethyl‐4‐oxo‐1‐(sulfooxy)‐3‐azetidinyl] amino}‐2‐oxoethylidene]amino}oxyacetic acid (tigemonam) (10), an orally active monobactam.
Chemoenzymatic approaches to SCH 56592, a new azole antifungal
Authors: Morgan Brian , Stockwell Brent R. , Dodds David R. , Andrews David R. , Sudhakar Anantha R. , Nielsen Christopher M. , Mergelsberg Ingrid , Zumbach Arne
Published: June 2007

Chemoenzymatic approaches to the synthesis of two key chiral‐precursors of a new azole antifungal agent, SCH 56592, are described. In particular, the enzymatic diastereoselective acylation of 2‐benzyloxy‐3‐pentanol (7) was developed to produce (2S;3R)‐7 in >97% diastereomeric excess (de) from otherwise unusable mixtures of (2S,3R)/(2S,3S)‐7 (40–80% de). The selectivity and reactivity of commercially available Candida rugosa and Mucor miehei lipases are compared for the acylation of 7 and the hydrolysis of the corresponding butyrate 16a. Of the 17 C. rugosa enzyme preparations that were examined for acylation of 7, two purified enzyme preparations showed no reactivity, five enzymes showed high diastereoselectivity with preference for the (2S,3R)‐isomer, and seven showed a slight preference for the (2S,3S)‐isomer.
Changes in hydrolysis specificities of lipase from Rhizomucor miehei to polyunsaturated fatty acyl ethyl esters in different aggregation states
Authors: Kosugi Yoshitsugu , Chang Qing‐long , Kanazawa Kenji , Nakanishi Hiroshi
Published: June 2007

Hydrolysis specificities of lipase from Rhizomucor miehei were compared for various fatty acyl ethyl esters. Activity yields of immobilized lipases, measured with 1 mM substrate, were more than 100%. Differences in hydrolysis rate and affinity for the substrates between lipase preparations were also typically higher during hydrolysis of substrates at 100 mM than at 1 mM, indicating better mass transfer effects for 1‐mM substrates. The native lipase showed higher affinity for polyunsaturated fatty acid substrates at 1 mM than at 100 mM. Hydrolysis rates for 1‐mM substrates were observed with immobilized lipases, fixed on anion exchange resin with glutaraldehyde and on cation exchange carrier with carbodiimide, and suggested some modification of the basic amino acid related to the lid of R. miehei lipase. Activation with these bifunctional reagents was not observed for 100‐mM substrates, indicating that interfacial activation always occurred because of aggregation of 100‐mM substrates. These results show that lipase from R. miehei recognizes molecular aggregation of lipids, and that various changes occur in the hydrolysis specificities for fatty acids.
The preparation of concentrates of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid by lipase‐catalyzed transesterification of fish oil with ethanol
Authors: Haraldsson Gudmundur G. , Kristinsson Björn , Sigurdardottir Ragnheidur , Gudmundsson Gudmundur G. , Breivik Harald
Published: June 2007

The objective of this study was to investigate the use of lipases as catalysts for producing concentrates of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from fish oil as an alternative to conventional chemical procedures. Transesterification of fish oil with ethanol was conducted under anhydrous solvent‐free conditions with a stoichiometric amount of ethanol. Among the 17 lipases tested, the results showed that Pseudomonas lipases had the highest activity toward the saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids in the fish oil, much lower activity toward EPA and DHA and, at the same time, good tolerance toward the anhydrous alcoholic conditions. With 10 wt% of lipase, based on weight of the fish oil triacylglycerol substrate (15% EPA and 9% DHA initial content), a 50% conversion into ethyl esters was obtained in 24 h at 20°C, in which time the bulk of the saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids reacted, leaving the long‐chain n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids unreacted in the residual mixture as mono‐, di‐, and triacylglycerols. This mixture comprised approximately 50% EPA+DHA. Total recovery of DHA and EPA was high, over 80% for DHA and more than 90% for EPA. The observed fatty acid selectivity, favoring DHA as a substrate, was most unusual because most lipases favor EPA.
Purification of docosahexaenoic acid from tuna oil by a two‐step enzymatic method: Hydrolysis and selective esterification
Authors: Shimada Yuji , Maruyama Kazuaki , Sugihara Akio , Moriyama Shigeru , Tominaga Yoshio
Published: June 2007

Purification of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was attempted by a two‐step enzymatic method that consisted of hydrolysis of tuna oil and selective esterification of the resulting free fatty acids (FFA). When more than 60% of tuna oil was hydrolyzed with Pseudomonas sp. lipase (Lipase‐AK), the DHA content in the FFA fraction coincided with its content in the original tuna oil. This lipase showed stronger activity on the DHA ester than on the eicosapentaenoic acid ester and was suitable for preparation of FFA rich in DHA. When a mixture of 2.5 g tuna oil, 2.5 g water, and 500 units (U) of Lipase‐AK per 1 g of the reaction mixture was stirred at 40°C for 48 h, 83% of DHA in tuna oil was recovered in the FFA fraction at 79% hydrolysis. These fatty acids were named tuna‐FFA‐Ps. Selective esterification was then conducted at 30°C for 20 h by stirring a mixture of 4.0 g of tuna‐FFA‐Ps/lauryl alcohol (1:2, mol/mol), 1.0 g water, and 1,000 U of Rhizopus delemar lipase. As a result, the DHA content in the unesterified FFA fraction could be raised from 24 to 72 wt% in an 83% yield. To elevate the DHA content further, the FFA were extracted from the reaction mixture with n‐hexane and esterified again under the same conditions. The DHA content was raised to 91 wt% in 88% yield by the repeated esterification. Because selective esterification of fatty acids with lauryl alcohol proceeded most efficiently in a mixture that contained 20% water, simultaneous reactions during the esterification were analyzed qualitatively. The fatty acid lauryl esters (L‐FA) generated by the esterification were not hydrolyzed. In addition, L‐FA were acidolyzed with linoleic acid, but not with DHA. These results suggest that lauryl DHA was generated only by esterification.
Kinetics of transesterification of soybean oil
Authors: Noureddini H. , Zhu D.
Published: June 2007

Transesterification of soybean oil with methanol was investigated. Three stepwise and reversible reactions are believed to occur. The effect of variations in mixing intensity (Reynolds number=3,100 to 12,400) and temperature (30 to 70°C) on the rate of reaction were studied while the molar ratio of alcohol to triglycerol (6:1) and the concentration of catalyst (0.20 wt% based on soybean oil) were held constant. The variations in mixing intensity appear to effect the reaction parallel to the variations in temperature. A reaction mechanism consisting of an initial mass transfer‐controlled region followed by a kinetically controlled region is proposed. The experimental data for the latter region appear to be a good fit into a second‐order kinetic mechanism. The reaction rate constants and the activation energies were determined for all the forward and reverse reactions.
The Case of the Treasures of L'Ange Gardien: An Overview
Authors: Pelletier Benoît
Published: June 2007

1 Abstract

It is clearly defined, in Quebec civil law, that ‘sacred things are excluded from being objects of commerce’. However, we might ask the following question: In order to determine how an object gets or loses its sacred character, do we have to refer to the internal rules of the various religious societies or instead, to the rules of civil law? It is that precise but difficult question, on which Quebec civil law does not say a word, that is raised principally by the case of the treasures of l'Ange-Gardien.
Law and Identity: Negotiating Meaning in the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act
Authors: Fred Morris A.
Published: June 2007

The enactment of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) in 1990 represented the culmination of a long process of negotiation and ultimate compromise between representatives of Native American tribes and American museums. This paper focuses on the initial implementation stage of NAGPRA. That stage reveals that interaction between the two sides has entailed (and continues to entail) negotiations not only concerning the disposition of specific Native American cultural objects but also equally important concerning the professional identities of Native Americans and museum professionals, respectively. Viewed in this way, NAGPRA's post-enactment process is seen to illustrate the various functions of law (both symbolic and concrete) in maintaining the social and ideological dialectic of American society.
Late‐phase, protein synthesis‐dependent long‐term potentiation in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurones with destabilized microtubule networks
Authors: Vickers C A , Wyllie D J A
Published: June 2007

Background and purpose:

Protein synthesis‐dependent late‐long term potentiation (L‐LTP) is an enduring form of synaptic plasticity that has been shown to rely on, at least partly, protein synthesis at synaptic and/or dendritic sites. Evidence suggests that somatic transcription of new mRNAs may provide a significant contribution to the availability of mRNAs at synaptic sites where they are made available for dendritic translation. Transport of mRNAs from somatic to dendritic sites might be expected to involve movement along a microtubule network. In this study we examined whether it was possible to maintain L‐LTP in hippocampal slices with destabilized microtubule networks.

Experimental approach:

Extracellular field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) were recorded from rat hippocampal slices and following a period of baseline recording, stimuli were given that induced LTP. LTP was monitored for 5 h in both control slices and slices treated with vincristine to depolymerize tubulin.

Key results:

L‐LTP was induced and maintained in vincristine‐treated slices. Four hours after tetanic stimulation fEPSPs were 196±19% of baseline values. The magnitude of potentiation was similar to that seen in untreated slices (175±15%). L‐LTP in vincristine‐treated slices was, however, not maintained in the presence of the protein synthesis inhibitor, rapamycin. Immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy of vincristine‐treated slices verified that the microtubule network had been destabilized.

Conclusions and Implications:

Communication between somatic and synaptic sites through protein and/or mRNA trafficking via an intact microtubule network is not required for protein synthesis dependent L‐LTP.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 151, 1071–1077; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707314
Phase and amplitude noise spectra in spin-transfer nano-oscillators
Authors: Mizushima K. , Kudo K. , Sato R.
Published: June 2007

Analytical expressions of the phase and the amplitude noise spectra under the thermal fluctuation fields (i=x, y, z) are derived for a simplified model of spin-transfer oscillators within a small amplitude approximation. The line broadening caused by the transverse fluctuations hxT and hyT is calculated by using the linear phase-noise theories developed for electronic oscillators and that caused by the longitudinal fluctuation hzT is treated as a random walk problem well known in the theory of magnetic resonance. It is found that the linewidth caused by hxT and hyT is proportional to (αT∕MV)(1∕A2), where T is the temperature, α, M, and V are the Gilbert damping parameter, the saturation magnetization, and the volume of the free layer, respectively, and A is the amplitude of oscillation. On the other hand, the width caused by hzT is independent of the amplitude and is simply proportional to αT∕MV.
Monte Carlo simulation of electrolytes in the constant voltage ensemble
Authors: Kiyohara Kenji , Asaka Kinji
Published: June 2007

The authors studied the structural, electrostatic, and electromechanical properties of the terlamellar structure composed of the anode, the cathode, and the electrolyte layer separating them. They used the Monte Carlo simulation technique in the constant voltage ensemble, where the electrical potential difference between the anode and the cathode is introduced as an external field. For ions, they used the primitive models of different sizes and valences in order to investigate how they affect the physical properties when an electrical field is applied between the electrodes. For electrodes, they used impermeable and permeable models, which mimic planar and porous electrodes, respectively. The asymmetry between the anions and the cations in size or valence was found to be responsible for the asymmetry in the concentration profile, the potential drop, and the stress distribution, in comparing the anode and the cathode sides. The charging/discharging process in the planar and porous electrodes is discussed at molecular level.
Flexural and torsional vibration modes in low temperature thin-film silicon paddle microresonators
Authors: Adrega T. , Chu V. , Conde J. P.
Published: June 2007

Electrostatically actuated paddle microresonators based on hydrogenated amorphous silicon were fabricated on glass substrates. The use of amorphous silicon as the structural material of a microelectromechanical device allows processing temperatures below 110°C, offering the possibility of using large-area, low cost, and even flexible substrates. The microdevice geometry allows the excitation of flexural and torsional oscillations. Oscillation modes are distinguishable through the dependence of their resonance frequency on the length of the resonator’s paddle. Here the authors show resonance frequencies in the megahertz range and quality factors around 103. Parametric amplification was also observed with resonance peaks having quality factors reaching 104.
α4β1 integrin and erythropoietin mediate temporally distinct steps in erythropoiesis: integrins in red cell development
Authors: Eshghi Shawdee , Vogelezang Mariette G. , Hynes Richard O. , Griffith Linda G. , Lodish Harvey F.
Published: June 2007

Erythropoietin (Epo) is essential for the terminal proliferation and differentiation of erythroid progenitor cells. Fibronectin is an important part of the erythroid niche, but its precise role in erythropoiesis is unknown. By culturing fetal liver erythroid progenitors, we show that fibronectin and Epo regulate erythroid proliferation in temporally distinct steps: an early Epo-dependent phase is followed by a fibronectin-dependent phase. In each phase, Epo and fibronectin promote expansion by preventing apoptosis partly through bcl-xL. We show that α4, α5, and β1 are the principal integrins expressed on erythroid progenitors; their down-regulation during erythropoiesis parallels the loss of cell adhesion to fibronectin. Culturing erythroid progenitors on recombinant fibronectin fragments revealed that only substrates that engage α4β1-integrin support normal proliferation. Collectively, these data suggest a two-phase model for growth factor and extracellular matrix regulation of erythropoiesis, with an early Epo-dependent, integrin-independent phase followed by an Epo-independent, α4β1-integrin–dependent phase.
The immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) bleeding score: assessment of bleeding in patients with ITP
Authors: Page Lemke K. , Psaila Bethan , Provan Drew , Michael Hamilton J. , Jenkins Julian M. , Elish Andrew S. , Lesser Martin L. , Bussel James B.
Published: June 2007

A method for objective quantification of bleeding symptoms in immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) has not been established. The ITP Bleeding Scale (IBLS) is a novel bleeding assessment system comprising 11 site‐specific grades. Implementation of the IBLS on 100 patient visits revealed that although platelet count and large platelet count correlated well with bleeding symptoms overall, this relationship disappeared in marked thrombocytopenia. The IBLS is a useful clinical tool for monitoring bleeding and may be used to aid the development of laboratory parameters that correlate with underlying bleeding propensity in thrombocytopenia.
Impact of the Y‐containing cell line on histological differentiation patterns in dysgenetic gonads
Authors: Cools Martine , Boter Marjan , Van Gurp Ruud , Stoop Hans , Poddighe Pino , Lau Yun‐Fai Chris , Drop Stenvert L. S. , Wolffenbuttel Katja P. , Looijenga Leendert H. J.
Published: June 2007

Objective  Gonadal karyotyping is considered a tool for increasing our knowledge of disturbed gonadal development in patients with gonadal dysgenesis and for estimating more accurately the risk for gonadoblastoma formation. The objective was to gain insight into the role of Y chromosome distribution in the histological heterogeneity of gonads of patients with gonadal dysgenesis.

Design  Investigation of the possible relationship between peripheral blood karyotype, gonadal karyotype, morphological differentiation patterns of dysgenetic gonads and tumour formation.

Patients  In total 22 gonadal samples from 19 patients with gonadal dysgenesis (45,X/46,XY and variants n = 14; 46,XY: n = 3; 46,XX: n = 2) were examined.

Measurements  Morphological examination and immunohistochemical staining for testis specific protein, Y encoded (TSPY) and fluorescent and nonfluorescent in situ hybridization directly on gonadal tissue.

Results  No correlation was observed between peripheral blood karyotype and gonadal karyotype or between gonadal karyotype and the corresponding differentiation pattern. A Y‐containing cell line in Sertoli cells was encountered no more frequently than were other cell types.

Conclusions  The distribution of the Y‐containing cell line in peripheral blood is not a suitable indicator for predicting the histological differentiation pattern found in the gonads of patients with gonadal dysgenesis. The analysis of Y‐containing cell lines in the gonads of such patients could be informative with regard to the specific characteristics of gonadal development in humans as compared to chimeric mouse models. Moreover, it is essential to understand the mechanisms underlying disturbed gonadogenesis in these patients. As the gonadal karyotype is not related to the encountered gonadal differentiation pattern, it does not allow prediction of the risk for gonadoblastoma formation.
The Leu544Ile polymorphism of the growth hormone receptor gene affects the serum cholesterol levels during GH treatment in children with GH deficiency
Authors: Ihara K. , Inuo M. , Kuromaru R. , Miyako K. , Kohno H. , Kinukawa N. , Hara T.
Published: June 2007

Objective  The cellular effects of growth hormone (GH) are mediated by the interaction between GH and the GH receptor (GHR). We investigated the association between polymorphisms in GHR and changes in height standard deviation scores (SDS), and lipid metabolism during GH treatment for GH‐deficient children.

Design  A 1‐year study on growth rate and lipid metabolism under GH treatment.

Patients  Eighty‐three children (61 boys and 22 girls) with GH deficiency were treated with GH for 1 year after diagnosis.

Intervention  The patients were treated with recombinant human GH (0·19 mg/kg/week) for at least 1 year after diagnosis. The growth rates and biochemical parameters for lipid metabolism were measured both before and during treatment. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the GHR gene, Cys440Phe, Pro495Thr, Leu544Ile and Pro579Thr, and exon 3 deletion polymorphisms were genotyped by direct sequencing and multiplex PCR.

Results  We found no significant association between GHR polymorphisms and changes in height SDS during GH treatment. The total cholesterol levels of the GH‐deficient boys with Ile/Ile at codon 544 showed significantly higher cholesterol levels before GH treatment and then maintained high levels during the GH treatment, compared to those with other genotypes. No other polymorphisms seemed to have any apparent effects on lipid metabolism.

Conclusion  The Leu544Ile polymorphism of the GHR gene is associated with cholesterol levels in boys with GH deficiency.
Elevated levels of growth‐related hormones in autism and autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Mills James L. , Hediger Mary L. , Molloy Cynthia A. , Chrousos George P. , Manning‐Courtney Patricia , Yu Kai F. , Brasington Mark , England Lucinda J.
Published: June 2007

Objective  Children with autism are known to have larger head circumferences; whether they are above average in height and weight is less clear. Moreover, little is known about growth‐related hormone levels in children with autism. We investigated whether children with autism were taller and heavier, and whether they had higher levels of growth‐related hormones than control children did.

Design  A case‐control study design was employed.

Patients  Boys with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or autism (n = 71) and age‐matched control boys (n = 59) were evaluated at Cincinnati Children's Hospital.

Measurements  Height, weight and head circumference were measured. Blood samples were assayed for IGF‐1 and 2, IGFBP‐3, growth hormone binding protein (GHBP) and for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA sulphate (DHEAS).

Results  Subjects with autism/ASD had significantly (P = 0·03) greater head circumferences (mean z‐score 1·24, SD 1·35) than controls (mean z‐score 0·78, SD 0·93). Subjects with autism also had significantly (P = 0·01) greater weights (mean z‐score 0·91, SD 1·13) than controls (mean z‐score 0·41, SD 1·11). Height did not differ significantly between groups (P = 0·65); subjects with autism/ASD had significantly (P = 0·003) higher body mass indices (BMI) (mean z‐score 0·85, SD 1·19) than controls (mean z‐score 0·24, SD 1·17). Levels of IGF‐1, IGF‐2, IGFBP‐3 and GHBP in the group with autism/ASD were all significantly higher (all P ≤ 0·0001) than in controls.

Conclusions  Children with autism/ASD had significantly higher levels of many growth‐related hormones: IGF‐1, IGF‐2, IGFBP‐3 and GHBP. These findings could help explain the significantly larger head circumferences and higher weights and BMIs seen in these subjects. Future studies should examine the potential role of growth‐related hormones in the pathophysiology of autism.
Free triiodothyronine and thyroid stimulating hormone are directly associated with waist circumference, independently of insulin resistance, metabolic parameters and blood pressure in overweight and obese women
Authors: De Pergola G. , Ciampolillo A. , Paolotti S. , Trerotoli P. , Giorgino R.
Published: June 2007

Objective  To examine whether obesity, body fat distribution and insulin resistance have an independent effect on serum TSH and free thyroid hormones (FT3 and FT4) in a cohort of euthyroid women, represented by overweight and obese patients.

Design and patients  A total of 201 women, aged 18–68 years, with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25·0 kg/m2 and TSH levels < 4·0 mU/l were investigated.

Measurements  Fasting TSH, FT3, FT4, insulin, glucose, and serum lipid concentrations, and the level of insulin resistance, estimated by the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR). Waist circumference was measured as an indirect parameter of central fat accumulation.

Results  FT3 was directly associated with BMI (P < 0·01) and waist circumference (P < 0·01), and negatively correlated with age (P < 0·001). FT4 was negatively associated with HOMA‐IR (P < 0·05) and fasting insulin levels (P < 0·05). TSH was positively correlated with waist circumference (P < 0·05) and negatively associated with age (P < 0·05). When multiple regression analysis was performed with FT3 as the dependent variable, and waist circumference, HOMA‐IR, blood pressure levels and serum lipid concentrations as independent variables, FT3 maintained an independent association only with waist circumference (positive, P < 0·05) and age (negative, P < 0·001). When multiple regression analysis was performed with TSH as the dependent variable, and the above parameters as independent variables, TSH maintained an independent association only with waist circumference (positive, P < 0·05) and age (negative, P < 0·05). By contrast, when multiple regression analysis was performed with FT4 as the dependent variable, FT4 did not maintain an independent association with any of the independent parameters.

Conclusions  Progressive central fat accumulation is associated with an increase in both FT3 and TSH serum levels, independently of insulin sensitivity, metabolic parameters and blood pressure. These results suggest that (1) progressive central fat accumulation is associated with a parallel increase in FT3 levels, possibly as an adaptive thermogenic phenomenon, and (2) the control of TSH secretion by free thyroid hormones is possibly impaired in obesity.
Emergency department equipment for obese patients: perceptions of adequacy
Authors: Singh Navneet , Arthur Heather M. , Worster Andrew , Iacobellis Gianluca , Sharma Arya M.
Published: June 2007

Title. Emergency department equipment for obese patients: perceptions of adequacy

Aim.  This study reports an investigation to assess patients’ and nurses’ perceptions of equipment adequacy for obese patients presenting at an emergency department and to assess nurses’ knowledge of equipment weight limits in the emergency department.

Background.  The increasing weight of populations in many societies is a challenge to healthcare providers and facilities. Emergency department equipment, specifically, may be inadequate for patient care.

Methods.  Two questionnaires were developed. One was administered to 134 emergency department patients with suspected cardiac ischaemia; the other was administered to their respective nurses. Patient and nurse equipment adequacy scores were computed. Patients’ self‐reported height and weight were used to calculate body mass index. Waist circumference was measured. The data were collected in Canada in 2005.

Findings.  Patient equipment adequacy scores correlated inversely with both body mass index (r = −0·55, 95% CI = −0·70 to −0·41, P < 0·01) and waist circumference (r = −0·62, 95% CI = −0·75 to −0·48, P < 0·01). Nurse equipment adequacy scores were also inversely related to patient body mass index (r = −0·34, 95% CI = −0·50 to −0·18, P < 0·01) and waist circumference (r = −0·40, 95% CI = −0·56 to −0·24, P < 0·01). There was a weak correlation between nurse and patient equipment adequacy scores (r = 0·27, 95% CI = −0·44 to −0·10, P < 0·01). Small minorities of nurses reported accurate knowledge of weight limits for beds, commodes and toilets.

Conclusion.  Specialized equipment and staff education are needed for adequate management of obese patients in the emergency department.
Diaries as research data in a study on family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease: methodological issues
Authors: Välimäki Tarja , Vehviläinen‐Julkunen Katri , Pietilä Anna‐Maija
Published: June 2007

Aim.  This paper is a discussion of the use of unstructured diaries and their benefits and limitations as primary research data in a study of family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease.

Background.  Caregivers’ diaries have rarely been used to study family caregivers’ subjective knowledge of life with a family member with Alzheimer's disease.

Method.  Family caregivers wrote unstructured diaries for 2 weeks during the period 2002–2004, starting within 6 months after the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease in a family member. The family caregivers (n = 83) were voluntary participants in an ongoing intervention study (patients n = 241 and caregivers n = 241). The diaries were analysed using content analysis.

Findings.  The diary data were categorized into the following four different types: meagre, reporting, descriptive and reflective. They described the family caregivers’ experiential world and the changes taking place in it. Family caregivers found diary‐writing a therapeutic and pleasant experience. The use of written diaries involves some limitations concerning high dependency on writers, and data solely in written form. An effort to confirm the quality of data should be made by personal contacts.

Conclusion.  Diaries can be used as a primary method of data collection in nursing research, as they produce subjective knowledge of the experiences, emotions and meanings associated with caregiving. Their use can result in a high level of motivation, and ability to reflect on life promotes successful writing.
Evaluation of informed consent: a pilot study
Authors: Länsimies‐Antikainen Helena , Pietilä Anna‐Maija , Laitinen Tomi , Schwab Ursula , Rauramaa Rainer , Länsimies Esko
Published: June 2007

Title. Evaluation of informed consent: a pilot study

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to describe and analyse the use of informed consent in clinical research, from the point of view of voluntary adult research participants, in order to develop and test an interview schedule for the evaluation of informed consent.

Background.  Informed consent is one of the central ethical research principles in healthcare research, but empirical research on this topic is still scarce. To evaluate and develop the ethical quality of scientific research, there is a need to explore the meaning and implications of informed consent for research participants.

Method.  The data were collected in 2004 by interviews using an interview schedule created for this study by the first author and discussed in a multidisciplinary group. The response rate was 81%. The sample consisted of 32 patients with a metabolic syndrome who were participants in a project evaluating the effects of betaine on cardiovascular risk factors.

Findings.  Participants stated that the key elements of informed consent are information, understanding and decision‐making, and that competence is an essential factor in the reception and understanding of information and making an independent decision about participation. Our interview schedule was found to be useful in the investigation of informed consent.

Conclusion.  This study strengthened the perception that more extensive research about research participants is needed.
STAMP: components of observable behaviour that indicate potential for patient violence in emergency departments
Authors: Luck Lauretta , Jackson Debra , Usher Kim
Published: June 2007

Aim.  This paper is the report of a study to explicate the components of observable behaviour that indicate a potential for violence in patients, their family and friends when presenting at an emergency department.

Background.  Violence towards nurses is a contemporary, multifaceted problem for the healthcare workforce globally. International literature identifies emergency departments as having high levels of violence.

Method.  A mixed method case study design was adopted, and data were collected by means of 290 hours of participant observation, 16 semi‐structured interviews and 13 informal field interviews over a 5‐month period in 2005. Thematic analysis of textual data was undertaken using NVivo2. Frequency counts were developed from the numerical data.

Findings.  Five distinctive elements of observable behaviour indicating potential for violence in patients, their families and friends were identified. These elements can be conceptualized as a potential nursing violence assessment framework and described through the acronym STAMP: Staring and eye contact, Tone and volume of voice, Anxiety, Mumbling and Pacing.

Conclusion.  Staring and eye contact, Tone and volume of voice, Anxiety, Mumbling and Pacing provides a useful, practical nursing violence assessment framework to assist nurses to quickly identify patients, families and friends who have a potential for violence.
The meaning of empowerment for nursing students: a critical incident study
Authors: Bradbury‐Jones Caroline , Sambrook Sally , Irvine Fiona
Published: June 2007

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to explore the meaning of empowerment for nursing students in relation to their clinical practice experiences.

Background.  Empowerment and power are well‐researched areas of nursing practice, particularly in relation to Registered Nurses. Furthermore, several studies have considered the experiences of nursing students in terms of nursing culture and socialization. However, few researchers have focused specifically on nursing student empowerment.

Method.  The critical incident technique was used and anonymous data were collected between November 2005 and January 2006. One hundred and nine written critical incidents were provided by 66 nursing students relating to empowering and disempowering experiences in clinical practice. The data were content analysed.

Findings.  Nursing students experience both empowerment and disempowerment in clinical placements, centring on three issues: learning in practice, team membership and power. Continuity of placement, the presence of a mentor and time underpinned empowering experiences whereas their absence had a disempowering effect.

Conclusion.  The consequences of nursing student empowerment are high self‐esteem, motivation for learning and positive regard for placement. Supportive mentors play a pivotal role in the empowerment of nursing students and it is essential for the nursing profession that they are supported to undertake their mentorship role.
More Than Socially Embedded: The Distinctive Character of ‘Communal Tenure’ Regimes in South Africa and its Implications for Land Policy
Authors: COUSINS BEN
Published: June 2007

This article analyzes debates over tenure reform policy in post‐apartheid South Africa, with a particular focus on the controversial Communal Land Rights Act of 2004. Land tenure systems in the ‘communal areas’ of South Africa are described as dynamic and evolving regimes within which a number of important commonalities and continuities over time are observable. Key underlying principles of pre‐colonial land relations are identified, which informed the adaptation and modification of tenure regimes in the colonial era and under policies of segregation and apartheid, and continue to do so today. Exploring the policy implications of this analysis, the article suggests that alternative approaches to that embodied in the Communal Land Rights Act are required. The most appropriate approach is to make socially legitimate occupation and use rights, as they are currently held and practised, the point of departure for both their recognition in law and for the design of institutional frameworks for administering land.
Factories, Forests, Fields and Family: Gender and Neoliberalism in Extractive Reserves
Authors: HECHT SUSANNA B.
Published: June 2007

This paper explores the theoretical debates on extraction and development in Amazonia, and the emergence of extractive reserves (ERs) as a tropical development alternative. It reviews the role of women in Amazonian rural economies and then analyzes the (often invisible) tasks of women within the reserves through an analysis of the gender division of labour in the collecting and processing of non‐timber forest products and agriculture. It then considers how lack of attention to rural women's labour obligations played out in a development project, Projeto Castanha, that began as an urban factory, but was later recast as a neoliberal decentralized processing and outsourcing programme. The project failed to appreciate the demands on, and the opportunity costs, of women's time and thus had very limited success as women withdrew their labour. The paper argues that there may be many more options for supporting extractive economies (and the women who work in them) in more peri‐urban and village projects even though extractive reserves are valuable ecologically and socially in the regional economy.
How Labourers Fare in Fresh Fruit Export Industries: Lemon Production in Northern Argentina
Authors: ORTIZ SUTTI , APARICIO SUSANA
Published: June 2007

Horticultural export industries have been acclaimed as promoting employment and growth. Critics, however, contend that most of the jobs created are low wage jobs. This article examines whether field labourers fared better than previously in a well positioned, producer‐driven, innovative horticultural export industry. Our findings indicate that workers initially fared badly and we identify the strategies used to cap wages. Real wages and seasonal incomes increased significantly from 2002, but only after producers were pressured by government and the union regained political power. Contrary to expectation, escalating consumer demands for high‐quality healthy fruit and responsible agronomic practices contributed to producers’ response to the union's demands. We argue that the monitoring technologies and practices required by buyers allowed large producers to gain greater information about the role of field labourers in the production process and the transaction costs associated with unreliable, poorly trained occasional harvesters. Nevertheless, even after real wages rose, only few harvesting families managed to escape poverty at the height of the season.
Psychosomatic tendency for suicide among the elderly in Mie Prefecture, Japan
Authors: INOUE Ken , TANII Hisashi , FUKUNAGA Tatsushige , ABE Shuntaro , NISHIMURA Fusae , KIMURA Yukiko , KAIYA Hisanobu , NATA Masayuki , OKAZAKI Yuji
Published: June 2007

Background:  The aim of the present study is to show the causative factors of suicide among the elderly (over 65) in Mie Prefecture, Japan, and to discuss the prevention of the suicidal influences in elderly patients.

Methods:  We investigated all inquest records during the 14‐year period 1989–2002 in cooperation with the First Department of Criminal Investigation of Mie Prefectural Police Headquarters. From all cases classified as suicides, we extracted data on age, sex and background, and we focused on suicide in the elderly group.

Results:  During the test period, there were 5048 suicides (3276 male and 1772 female suicides) of which 1513 (691 male and 822 female) were in the elderly group. The rate of suicide in the elderly group was approximately 30% of the total in all age groups. The rate of female suicides in the elderly group was approximately 46.3%. The major causative factors of suicide among the elderly were ‘suffering from physical illness’, and ‘psychiatric disorders’. ‘Physical diseases’ were not negligible backgrounds in middle and elderly groups. Among physical diseases, the number of malignant neoplasm was clearly less than the other diseases. Notably, ‘cardiovascular disease’ and ‘orthopedic disorders’ were most frequent causative factors of suicide other than malignant neoplasm.

Conclusion:  It is consequently concluded that improvements in the system of home nursing and health care should be involved in the suicidal prevention of the elderly who ‘suffer from physical illness’. The patients who ‘suffer from physical illness’ should be given physical and mental support. In order to prevent suicide, not only psychiatrists but also general practitioners as well as medical staff and general public should be provided with education regarding depression among ‘psychiatric disorders’.
Molecular characterization of a blood‐induced serine carboxypeptidase from the ixodid tick Haemaphysalis longicornis
Authors: Motobu Maki , Tsuji Naotoshi , Miyoshi Takeharu , Huang Xiaohong , Islam M. K. , Alim M. A. , Fujisaki Kozo
Published: June 2007

Ticks feed exclusively on blood to obtain their nutrients, but the gene products that mediate digestion processes in ticks remain unknown. We report the molecular characterization and possible function of a serine carboxypeptidase (HlSCP1) identified in the midgut of the hard tick Haemaphysalis longicornis. HlSCP1 consists of 473 amino acids with a peptidase S10 family domain and shows structural similarity with serine carboxypeptidases reported from other arthropods, yeasts, plants and mammals. Endogenous HlSCP1 is strongly expressed in the midgut and is supposed to localize at lysosomal vacuoles and on the surface of epithelial cells. Endogenous HlSCP1, identified as a 53 kDa protein with pI value of 7.5, was detected in the membrane/organelle fraction isolated from the midgut, and its expression was upregulated during the course of blood‐feeding. Enzymatic functional assays revealed that a recombinant HlSCP1 (rHlSCP1) expressed in yeast efficiently hydrolyzed the synthetic substrates specific for cathepsin A and thiol protease over a broad range of pH and temperature values. Furthermore, rHlSCP1 was shown to cleave hemoglobin, a major component of the blood‐meal. Our results suggest that HlSCP1 may play a vital role in the digestion of the host's blood‐meal.
Substrate and inhibitor specificity of Mycobacterium avium dihydrofolate reductase
Authors: Böck Ronnie A. , Soulages Jose L. , Barrow William W.
Published: June 2007

Dihydrofolate reductase (EC 1.5.1.3) is a key enzyme in the folate biosynthetic pathway. Information regarding key residues in the dihydrofolate‐binding site of Mycobacterium avium dihydrofolate reductase is lacking. On the basis of previous information, Asp31 and Leu32 were selected as residues that are potentially important in interactions with dihydrofolate and antifolates (e.g. trimethoprim), respectively. Asp31 and Leu32 were modified by site‐directed mutagenesis, giving the mutants D31A, D31E, D31Q, D31N and D31L, and L32A, L32F and L32D. Mutated proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3)pLysS and purified using His‐Bind resin; functionality was assessed in comparison with the recombinant wild type by a standard enzyme assay, and growth complementation and kinetic parameters were evaluated. All Asp31 substitutions affected enzyme function; D31E, D31Q and D31N reduced activity by 80–90%, and D31A and D31L by > 90%. All D31 mutants had modified kinetics, ranging from three‐fold (D31N) to 283‐fold (D31L) increases in Km for dihydrofolate, and 12‐fold (D31N) to 223 077‐fold (D31L) decreases in kcat/Km. Of the Leu32 substitutions, only L32D caused reduced enzyme activity (67%) and kinetic differences from the wild type (seven‐fold increase in Km; 21‐fold decrease in kcat/Km). Only minor variations in the Km for NADPH were observed for all substitutions. Whereas the L32F mutant retained similar trimethoprim affinity as the wild type, the L32A mutation resulted in a 12‐fold decrease in affinity and the L32D mutation resulted in a seven‐fold increase in affinity for trimethoprim. These findings support the hypotheses that Asp31 plays a functional role in binding of the substrate and Leu32 plays a functional role in binding of trimethoprim.
Ovarian preservation with gonadotropin‐releasing hormone analog during chemotherapy
Authors: GILANI Mitra Modares , HASANZADEH Malihe , GHAEMMAGHAMI Fatemeh , RAMAZANZADEH Fatemeh
Published: June 2007

Objective:  After the improved long‐term survival in young women with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, the preservation of their future fertility has been the focus of recent interest. We studied whether gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs could prevent the early onset of ovarian insufficiency post‐chemotherapy and protect fertility.

Methods:  The patients were divided into two groups. Group A consisted of post‐menarche patients aged 12–45 years (n = 15), who received chemotherapy but no GnRH analog protection. Group B consisted of post‐menarche patients aged 12–45 years (n = 15), who received chemotherapy with GnRH analog. The gonadotropin values in the two groups were checked. Both groups received a multi‐agent chemotherapy regimen (bleomycin, etoposide, cisplation, Taxol, carboplatin), (Taxol, cisplatinum) and (vincristin, actinomycin, cyclophosphamide) In group B, the GnRH analog was diphereline (3/75 mg). It was administered each month before and during treatment with chemotherapy. The first dose was administered 7 days before starting chemotherapy.

Result:  In group A, five patients (33%) had amenorrhea and premature ovarian failure. The laboratory values in these five patients showed increased gonadotropin. In group B, the most of patient resumed menstruation after 2–4 months. All these patients had a normal titer of gonadotropin.

Conclusion:  The GnRH analog co‐treatment should be considered in every woman of reproductive age receiving chemotherapy.
Hepatocellular carcinoma in Filipinos
Authors: WONG Linda L , TSAI Naoky
Published: June 2007

Background:  Filipinos are a rapidly growing ethnic group, yet US data sometimes categorize them as Asians and other times as Pacific Islanders. Little has been reported on hepatocellular cancer (HCC) specifically in this group.

Methods:  Using a prospectively collected database (349 patients with HCC), 53 Filipino patients were identified and characterized.

Results:  The mean age was 60 years and the male : female ratio was 46:7. Risk factors included hepatitis‐B (75%), hepatitis‐C (19%), alcohol (45%), smoking (66%). Most (85%) presented with symptoms, including 7.5% with a rupture. Stage distribution was: I−1 patient, II−22 patients, III−5 patients, IV−25 patients. Treatments included resection, 10; transplant, one; radiofrequency ablation,three; chemoembolization, 13; other, four. Twenty‐two did not receive treatment due to advanced disease or refusal. The percentage surviving for 1 and 5 years was 34.1% and 5.0%, respectively.

Conclusions:  HCC in Filipinos is primarily a hepatitis‐B‐related male disease. Filipinos frequently presented with the disease at an advanced stage and over 40% received no treatment. Efforts are in progress for educating Filipinos and physicians better on screening, surveillance and treatment of hepatitis‐B and HCC.