bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural and kinetic analysis of proton shuttle residues in the active site of human carbonic anhydrase III
Authors: Elder Ileana , Fisher Zoë , Laipis Philip J. , Tu Chingkuang , McKenna Robert , Silverman David N.
Published: April 2007

We report the X‐ray crystal structures and rate constants for proton transfer in site‐specific mutants of human carbonic anhydrase III (HCA III) that place a histidine residue in the active‐site cavity: K64H, R67H, and K64H‐R67N HCA III. Prior evidence from the exchange of 18O between CO2 and water measured by mass spectrometry shows each mutant to have enhanced proton transfer in catalysis compared with wild‐type HCA III. However, His64 in K64H and K64H‐R67N HCA III have at most a capacity for proton transfer that is only 13% that of His64 in HCA II. This reduced rate in mutants of HCA III is associated with a constrained side‐chain conformation of His64, which is oriented outward, away from the active‐site zinc in the crystal structures. This conformation appears stabilized by a prominent π stacking interaction of the imidazole ring of His64 with the indole ring of Trp5 in mutants of HCA III. This single orientation of His64 in K64H HCA III predominates also in a double mutant K64H‐R67N HCA III, indicating that the positive charge of Arg67 does not influence the observed conformation of His64 in the crystal structure. Hence, the structures and catalytic activity of these mutants of HCA III containing His64 account only in small part for the lower activity of this isozyme compared with HCA II. His67 in R67H HCA III was also shown to be a proton shuttle residue, having a capacity for proton transfer that was approximately four times that of His64 in K64H HCA III. This is most likely due to its proximity and orientation inward towards the zinc‐bound solvent. These results emphasize the significance of side chain orientation and range of available conformational states as characteristics of an efficient proton shuttle in carbonic anhydrase. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structural prediction of the β‐domain of metallothionein‐3 by molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Ni Feng‐Yun , Cai Bin , Ding Zhi‐Chun , Zheng Fei , Zhang Ming‐Jie , Wu Hou‐Ming , Sun Hong‐Zhe , Huang Zhong‐Xian
Published: April 2007

The β‐domain of metallothionein‐3 (MT3) has been reported to be crucial to the neuron growth inhibitory bioactivity. Little detailed three‐dimensional structural information is available to present a reliable basis for elucidation on structure–property–function relationships of this unique protein by experimental techniques. So, molecular dynamics simulation is adopted to study the structure of β‐domain of MT3. In this article, a 3D structural model of β‐domain of MT3 was generated. The molecular simulations provide detailed protein structural information of MT3. As compared with MT2, we found a characteristic conformation formed in the fragment (residue 1–13) at the N‐terminus of MT3 owing to the constraint induced by 5TCPCP9, in which Pro7 and Pro9 residues are on the same side of the protein, both facing outward and the two 5‐member rings of prolines are arranged almost in parallel, while Thr5 is on the opposite side. Thr5 in MT3 is also found to make the first four residues relatively far from the fragment (residue 23–26) as compared with MT2. The simulated structure of β‐domain of MT3 is looser than that of MT2. The higher energy of MT3 than that of MT2 calculated supports these conclusions. Simulation on the four isomer arising from the cis‐ or trans‐configuration of 6CPCP9 show that the trans‐/trans‐isomer is energetic favorable. The partially unfolding structure of β‐domain of MT3 is also simulated and the results show the influence of 6CPCP9 sequence on the correct folding of this domain. The correlations between the bioactivity of MT3 and the simulated structure as well as the folding of β‐domain of MT3 are discussed based on our simulation and previous results. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
GISAXS study of carbon nanotubes grown by CVD
Authors: Mane Mane J. , Cojocaru C. S. , Barbier A. , Deville J.‐P. , Jean B. , Metzger T. H. , Thiodjio Sendja B. , Le Normand F.
Published: April 2007

We report a quantitative Grazing Incidence Small Angle X‐ray Scattering (GISAXS) study of a dense film of mutually oriented carbon nanotubes (CNTs) grown by a catalytically‐activated DC HF CCVD process after dispersion of metallic catalytic (Co) islands on SiO2/Si(100) substrates. The GISAXS pattern analysis is expanded to non‐correlated surface science systems and is based on CNTs density, characteristic lengths, atomic Co dispersion throughout the CNTs and roughnesses of uncorrelated particles. The results are closely compared to SEM and TEM observations. The GISAXS patterns, even dominated by envelope features of disordered objects, provide significant complementary quantitative data about CNTs films. The results underline that cobalt continuously fills the nanotube in the course of the growth and that the CNTs experience a large tendency toward mutual alignment. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Robot‐assisted minimally invasive lung brachytherapy
Authors: Trejos A. L. , Lin A. W. , Pytel M. P. , Patel R. V. , Malthaner R. A.
Published: April 2007

Background

This paper presents a novel alternative for the treatment of lung cancer. The method consists of accessing the lung through small incisions in a minimally invasive manner in order to insert radioactive seeds directly into the lung using a robotic surgical system.

Methods

An experimental test‐bed to evaluate the feasibility of this approach has been developed. It consists of two surgical robotic systems, a device specifically designed to robotically implant radioactive seeds, needle tracking software, ultrasound imaging, electromagnetic tracking, and a surgical box that mimics a patient's thorax. A detailed comparison has been performed between currently available access options and robot‐assisted minimally invasive access.

Results

The results show insignificant differences in accuracy between the methods, with the exception of a significant improvement when electromagnetic (EM) guidance was added to the non‐robotic techniques. The navigation system reduced the number of attempts for all seed delivery methods. Significant reductions in time were achieved in the minimally invasive procedures by the addition of EM guidance.

Conclusions

The performance achieved when using robotic systems and image guidance for minimally‐invasive brachytherapy is clinically comparable to that acieved in an open surgery procedure, while reducing the invasiveness of the procedure, improving ergonomic conditions for the clinician and reducing radiation exposure. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The accuracy of computer‐assisted surgical planning in soft tissue prediction following orthognathic surgery
Authors: Pektas Z. Ö. , Kircelli B. H. , Cilasun Ü. , Uckan S.
Published: April 2007

Background

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the accuracy of a computer‐assisted imaging system in predicting the soft tissue response following orthognathic surgery.

Methods

The study sample consisted of 11 adult patients with a mean age of 23.5 years. The preoperative and postoperative lateral cephalograms were obtained after orthodontic preparation and immediately before surgery and at least 1 year after surgery. The computer‐generated soft tissue image and the actual surgical outcome were compared to evaluate the accuracy of the imaging system.

Results

In the sagittal plane, the tip of nose was the most accurate site and the largest difference was shown in the upper lip. The lower lip was noted to be the least accurate and the subnasale the most accurate region in the vertical plane. Predictions were found to be more accurate for the sagittal plane when compared with those for the vertical plane.

Conclusions

Computer‐assisted visual treatment objectives was proved to be satisfactory in predicting the soft tissue outcome following orthognathic surgery. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experiences with an application of industrial robotics for accurate patient positioning in proton radiotherapy
Authors: Allgower C. E. , Schreuder A. N. , Farr J. B. , Mascia A. E.
Published: April 2007

Background

Protons beams deliver targeted radiation doses with greater precision than is possible with electrons or megavoltage X‐ray photons, but to retain this advantage, patient positioning systems at proton clinics must meet tighter accuracy requirements. For this and other reasons, robots were incorporated into the treatment room systems at MPRI.

Methods

The Midwest Proton Radiotherapy Institute (MPRI) is the first radiotherapy facility in the United States to use commercial robots with six degrees of freedom for patient positioning, rather than a traditional bed with four degrees of freedom.

Results

This paper outlines the ways in which robots are used at MPRI and attempts to distil insights from the experience of treating over 200 radiotherapy patients with a robotic system from February 2004 to late 2006.

Conclusions

The system has performed well, and with great reliability, but there is room for future improvement, especially in ease of use and in reducing the time to get patients into position. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ToF‐SIMS depth profiling of a complex polymeric coating employing a C60 sputter source
Authors: Hinder Steven J. , Lowe Chris , Watts John F.
Published: April 2007

A complex poly(vinylidene difluoride) (PVdF)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)‐based coil coating formulation has been investigated using time‐of‐flight SIMS (ToF‐SIMS). Employing a Bi3+ analysis source and a Buckminsterfullerene (C60) sputter source, depth profiles were obtained through the polymeric materials in the outer few nanometres of the PVdF topcoat. These investigations demonstrate that the PVdF coating's air/coating interface is composed principally of the flow agent included in the formulation. Elemental depth profiles obtained in the negative ion mode demonstrate variations in the carbon, oxygen and fluorine concentrations within the coating with respect to depth. All three elemental depth profiles suggest that the PVdF coating bulk possesses a constant material composition. The oxygen depth profile reveals the presence of a very thin oxygen‐rich sub‐surface layer in the PVdF coating, observed within the first second of the sputter/etch profile. Retrospectively, extracted mass spectra (from the elemental depth profile raw data set) of the PVdF coating sub‐surface and bulk layers indicates this oxygen‐rich sub‐surface layer results from segregation of the acrylic co‐polymers in the formulation towards the PVdF coating air/coating interface. Molecular depth profiles obtained in both the positive and negative secondary ion modes provide supporting evidence to that of the elemental depth profiles. The molecular depth profiles confirm the presence of a sub‐surface layer rich in the acrylic co‐polymers indicating segregation of the co‐polymers towards the PVdF topcoats air‐coating surface. The molecular depth profiles also confirm that the PVdF component of the topcoat is distributed throughout the coating but is present at a lower concentration at the air‐coating interface and in the sub‐surface regions of the coating, than in the coating bulk. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of micelles on the biocidal efficiency in a diesel–water interface
Authors: Muthukumar N. , Maruthamuthu S. , Ilangovan A. , Palaniswamy N.
Published: April 2007

Biodegradation occurs in the diesel/water interface in petroleum product pipelines. The microbial contamination can result in inhibitor/fuel degradation, leading to unacceptable levels of turbidity, filter plugging, storage tank corrosion and stored product souring. Therefore, selection of the biocide/inhibitor plays an important role in the transportation of petroleum products through pipelines. Three biocides (cationic and nonionic) were employed to study the biodegradation in a diesel‐water interface. The biocidal efficiency against degradation of diesel was examined by employing Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) techniques. Bronopol (2‐bromo‐2‐nitro‐propane‐1, 3‐diol) was found to have higher bactericidal efficiency than N‐cetyl‐N,N, N‐trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) and cetyl pyridinum bromide (CPB). But the cationic biocides (CTAB and CPB) showed good biocidal efficiency at the interface. The data are explained in terms of a model that postulates the formation of a ‘micelle’ at the diesel‐water interface. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crystallization of binary carboxylic acids characterized with streaming potential measurement
Authors: Wang Jian , Xu Xing‐You , Lu Lu‐De , Yang Xu‐Jie , Ma Wei‐Xing , Cui Xiang‐Ning
Published: April 2007

The streaming potential of supersaturated solution of binary carboxylic acids, which have even carbon atoms, was determined to characterize crystallization under different temperatures. The value of the streaming potential was related to the type and solubility of the acids and the starting temperature of crystallization, and was easily influenced by the pressure difference of the liquid or the rate of temperature decline. When the temperature was declined to the point where a crystal nucleus appeared, the streaming potential reached the minimum. Thereafter, as the temperature was sequentially lowered, some minicrystals grew, and the streaming potential presented an ascendant tendency. The higher the starting temperature of the acids saturated solution, the higher is the temperature corresponding to the streaming potential minimum. The less the carbon atoms in the acids and the greater the solubility of the acids are, the higher is the temperature of the streaming potential minimum. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Controlled Growth and Characterization of Two‐Dimensional Single‐Walled Carbon‐Nanotube Networks for Electrical Applications
Authors: Edgeworth Jonathan P. , Wilson Neil R. , Macpherson Julie V.
Published: April 2007

We demonstrate the reproducible fabrication of single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) networks, via catalyzed chemical vapor deposition (cCVD). Fe nanoparticles are employed as the catalyst, with methane as the carbon‐containing gas. cCVD growth under these conditions results in the formation of multiply interconnected, random, two‐dimensional networks of SWNTs. Investigation of the effect of parameters such as methane flow rate and temperature on the growth process enables control over the density of the network, which controls the network conductivity. Low‐density networks demonstrate p‐type semiconductor behavior, whilst high‐density networks exhibit semimetallic behavior. In both cases conductance is demonstrated over macroscopic length scales, up to millimeters, much longer than the individual SWNTs, despite the surface coverage being <1 %. The networks can be defined in regions of a surface by photolithography before or after growth. Controlled growth of SWNT networks thus enables the application of SWNTs as macroscale conductors with controllable, predictable, and reproducible characteristics.
Changes in fetal motility as a result of congenital disorders: an overview
Authors: de Vries J. I. P. , Fong B. F.
Published: April 2007

After 35 years of real‐time two‐dimensional sonography, can we now identify changes in fetal motility indicative of malfunction of the central nervous system in high‐risk pregnancies? A literature search on motor assessment procedures (movements specified for body part (SMP), quantity, quality and behavioral state), and motor milestones obtained per fetus (with various congenital disorders) yielded 48 articles describing motility of 104 fetuses. In 67%, SMPs (especially isolated arm or leg movements, breathing and general movements) were assessed. Quantitative aspects were examined in 76%, qualitative aspects in 62% and behavioral states in two fetuses. Abnormal motility can be divided into two main subcategories: hypo‐ and hyperkinetic, demonstrating decreased variation in qualitative performance (reduced or increased, respectively, amplitude, speed and number of participating body parts, abnormal quantity (reduced or increased, respectively) and reduced differentiation into SMPs. Posture was affected in 40/60 hypokinetic and 4/44 hyperkinetic moving fetuses. The majority of the disorders resulted in an adverse outcome. Fourteen percent survived with a handicap, depending on the underlying disorder. The 16 disorders with hypokinetic motility had mainly an autosomal recessive etiology with no possibility of invasive prenatal diagnosis or conclusive sonographic structural anomalies, in contrast to the 17 disorders with hyperkinetic motility. Within the limitations of the studies, a deeper understanding of affected milestones in motor development can be obtained. Broadening motor assessment procedures from quantitative only to include qualitative aspects, differentiation of SMPs and behavioral states and emphasizing onset and continuity of motility before and after birth will enhance the reliability and predictive value of motility as a parameter in the assessment of fetal condition. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of the enteric microflora of captive whooping cranes (Grus americana) and sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis)
Authors: Hoar Bryanne M. , Whiteside Douglas P. , Ward Linda , Douglas Inglis G. , Morck Douglas W.
Published: April 2007

The enteric flora of captive whooping cranes (Grus americana) and sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis) has not been well described, despite its potential importance in the understanding of both the normal condition of the intestinal physiology of these animals and the altered colonization within disease states in these birds. Nineteen whooping cranes and 23 sandhill cranes housed currently at the Calgary Zoo or its affiliated Devonian Wildlife Conservation Centre (DWCC) in Calgary, Alberta were sampled from October 2004–February 2005 by collecting aerobic and anaerobic cloacal swabs from each bird. There were seven major groupings of bacteria isolated from both species of crane. Gram‐positive cocci, coliforms, and gram‐negative bacilli were the most prevalent types of bacteria isolated for both crane species, with Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, and Streptococcus Group D, not Enterococcus the bacterial species isolated most commonly. There was a significant difference in the average number of isolates per individual between the two crane species but no differences between age or gender categories within crane species. Campylobacter sp. were isolated from five whooping cranes. The potential zoonotic pathogen Campylobacter jejuni was isolated from one whooping crane and C. upsaliensis was isolated from a second. Three other isolates were unspeciated members of the Campylobacter genus and likely belong to a species undescribed previously. The evaluation of the enteric cloacal flora of whooping cranes and sandhill cranes illustrates that differences exist between these two closely related crane species, and highlights the potential implications these differences may have for current practices involving captive wildlife. Zoo Biol 0:1–13, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Extended Resection for Thyroid Disease has Less Operative Morbidity than Limited Resection
Authors: Seiler Christian A. , Vorburger Stephan A. , Bürgi Ulrich , Candinas Daniel , Schmid Stefan W.
Published: April 2007

Background

Theodor Kocher, surgeon and Nobel laureate, has influenced thyroid surgery all over the world: his treatment for multinodular goiter—subtotal thyroidectomy—has been the “Gold Standard” for more than a century. However, based on a new understanding of molecular growth mechanisms in goitrogenesis, we set out to evaluate if a more extended resection yields better results.

Methods

Four thousand three hundred and ninety‐four thyroid gland operations with 5,785 “nerves at risk” were prospectively analyzed between 1972 and 2002. From 1972 to 1990, the limited Kocher resections were performed, and from 1991 to 2002 a more radical resection involving at least a hemithyroidectomy was performed.

Results

The incidence of postoperative nerve palsy was 3.6%; in the first study period and 0.9%; in the second (P < 0.001, Fisher’s exact). Postoperative hypoparathyroidism decreased from 3.2%; in the first period to 0.64%; in the second (P < 0.01). The rate of reoperation for recurrent disease was 11.1%; from 1972 to 1990 and 8.5%; from 1991 to 2002 (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Extended resection for multinodular goiter not only significantly reduced morbidity, but also decreased the incidence of operations for recurrent disease. Our findings in a large cohort corroborate the suggestions that Kocher’s approach should be replaced by a more radical resection, which actually was his original intention more than 130 years ago.
Management of Solid‐pseudopapillary Neoplasms of the Pancreas: a Comparison with Standard Pancreatic Neoplasms
Authors: de Castro S. M. M. , Singhal D. , Aronson D. C. , Busch O. R. C. , van Gulik T. M. , Obertop H. , Gouma D. J.
Published: April 2007

Background

Solid‐pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPNs) of the pancreas are increasingly diagnosed, but the exact surgical management in terms of extent of the resection is not well defined.

Materials and Methods

Patients operated on in our hospital between January 1993 and March 2005 formed the study groups.

Results

From 659 consecutive resections for pancreatic neoplasms, 12 female patients (1.8%) with a median age of 21 years who underwent resection for (SPN) are compared with the remaining 647 pancreatic resection patients. Jaundice (SPN 0 versus PR 73%, p < 0.001) and weight loss (SPN 0 versus PR 49%, p = 0.001) occurred significantly less often. Neoplasms were distributed equally among the pancreatic head (SPN 5 out of 12 patients versus PR 88%, p < 0.001) and corpus/tail (SPN 6 out of 12 patients versus PR 8%, p < 0.001). The operative time was significantly shorter (SPN 233 min versus PR 280 min, p = 0.012), and there were significantly fewer complications (SPN 1 of 12 patients versus PR 48%, p = 0.007). The mortality was not different (SPN 0 versus PR 1.6%, p = 1.000), and the hospital stay was significantly shorter (SPN 9 days versus PR 15 days, p = 0.012). The median size of the neoplasms was significantly larger (SPN 6.9 cm versus PR 2.5 cm). The median number of lymph nodes harvested was significantly fewer (SPN 1 versus PR 6, p = 0.001), and lymph node metastases occurred significantly less often (SPN 0 versus PR 64%, p < 0.001). The 5‐year survival of SPN patients was 100% and is significantly better compared with survival of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (12%, p < 0.001) and ampulla of Vater adenocarcinoma (22%, p = 0.005).

Conclusions

Patients with solid‐pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas present differently and the course of the disease is more benign. These patients can be adequately managed by pylorus‐preserving pancreatoduodenectomy or spleen‐preserving distal pancreatectomy with excellent early and long‐term results.
Telomerase Activity in Tumor and Remnant Liver as Predictor of Recurrence and Survival in Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Resection
Authors: Shan Yan‐Shen , Hsieh Yu‐Hsiang , Lin Pin‐Wen
Published: April 2007

Background and Aim

Results after curative liver resection in hepatocellular carcinoma are unsatisfactory with regard to high postoperative intrahepatic recurrence and liver failure. This study evaluates telomerase activity in liver with and without tumor as a predictor of recurrence and survival.

Materials and Methods

Liver tissue with and without tumor from 53 hepatocellular carcinoma patients receiving curative resection during the period of 1998–2000 was used for detecting telomerase activity by PCR‐ELISA. Clinicopathological data were compared to identify predictors of recurrence and survival.

Results

Telomerase activity was detected in 98% of liver tissue with tumor and 70% liver tissue without. Telomerase activity in cancerous liver correlated significantly with HCV infection (P = 0.012) and cirrhotic change in liver parenchyma (P = 0.006). Telomerase activity in non‐cancerous liver correlated with high serum AFP level (P = 0.002). The telomerase activity of liver tissue with and without tumor is significant higher in patients with recurrence than in those without recurrence, 413.7 ± 100.5 versus 110.8 ± 32.7, P = 0.006, and 34.7 ± 14.2 versus 4.2 ± 1.4, P = 0.039. Recurrence could be predicted by abnormally high tumor telomerase activity (P = 0.026) or by advanced TNM stage (P = 0.001). TNM stage or high serum ALT level could predict multinodular intrahepatic recurrence (P = 0.028 and P = 0.030). High serum AFP combined with high telomerase activity in liver without tumor had a significant ability to predict poor survival (OR: 11.19, CI: 1.95–64.12, P = 0.007).

Conclusion

Tumor telomerase is an independent predictor of recurrence. Simultaneous high remnant liver telomerase and high serum AFP is a strong negative predictor of survival.
An Evidence‐based Approach to Familial Nonmedullary Thyroid Cancer: Screening, Clinical Management, and Follow‐up
Authors: Sippel Rebecca S. , Caron Nadine R. , Clark Orlo H.
Published: April 2007

Approximately 5% of nonmedullary thyroid cancers are of familial origin. When two or more family members are diagnosed with nonmedullary thyroid cancer in the absence of other known associated syndromes it is termed familial nonmedullary thyroid cancer (FNMTC). The genetic inheritance of FNMTC remains unknown, but it is believed to be an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance with incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity. FNMTC has been shown to be more aggressive and to have a worse prognosis than sporadic nonmedullary thyroid cancer. For example, studies have demonstrated that individuals with FNMTC have an increased risk of multifocal disease, local invasion, and lymph node metastases. These aggressive features appear to contribute to the higher recurrence rate and decreased disease‐free survival seen in FNMTC patients compared to those with sporadic differentiated thyroid cancer. This article is an overview of the literature available in the English language discussing FNMTC. Critical questions regarding the screening, management, and follow‐up of these patients are addressed with answers proposed based on the available literature. The quality of the evidence is ranked according to Sackett’s criteria. Overall, the literature quality is somewhat limited, based on the low prevalence of FNMTC, the difficulty in identifying familial cases, the variable study designs, and limited long‐term follow‐up. Conclusions: To date, the optimal clinical approach is yet to be established, but improved awareness and screening will permit earlier detection, more timely intervention, and hopefully improved outcomes for patients and their families.
A New Hormonal Therapy for Estrogen Receptor–Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Hardin Chelsea , Pommier Rodney , Calhoun Kristine , Muller Patrick , Jackson Terisa , Pommier SuEllen
Published: April 2007

Background

We postulate that the androgen dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) may represent an innovative hormonal treatment for estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR) receptor–negative, but androgen receptor (AR)–positive breast cancers by inhibiting breast cancer cell growth through AR stimulation.

Methods

Three ER,PR–negative breast cancer cell lines (HCC 1137, 1954, and 38), were treated with DHEAS. DHEAS‐induced growth was measured by a methylthiotetrazole (MTT) proliferation assay and apoptosis by TUNEL fluorescence. Androgen receptor gene expression levels were determined using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (q‐RT‐PCR).

Results

HCC cell lines 1954 and 1937 were positive for AR expression; HCC 38 was weakly positive. MTT analysis showed DHEAS‐induced decreases in cell proliferation of 47% in HCC 1937, 27% in HCC 1954, and 0.4% in HCC 38. Ten days of culturing HCC 1954 cells after the removal of DHEAS resulted in a 3.5‐fold increase in growth. Continuous treatment for the same duration induced a 2.8‐fold decrease in growth. Parallel experiments showed no significant changes in HCC 38 cultures. TUNEL assays showed DHEAS‐induced apoptosis fold increases of 2.8 in HCC 1937, 1.9 in HCC 1954, and no significant difference in HCC 38 cultures. Q‐RT‐PCR of HCC 1954 cells showed a 6‐fold DHEAS‐induced decrease in AR gene expression at 4 h. Co‐treatment with Casodex nullified this effect.

Conclusions

DHEAS inhibited growth of ER,PR–negative, AR–positive breast cancer cells. DHEAS was cytotoxic to these breast cancer cells via the apoptosis pathway. DHEAS may be an effective treatment for a population previously excluded from hormone therapy.
Can economic liberalization and improved governance alter the defense–growth trade‐off?
Authors: Looney Robert , McNab Robert M.
Published: April 2007

Because of the presumed guns vs. butter trade‐off, defense expenditures in developing countries are coming under increased scrutiny from the international lending agencies as well as key donors. As a result, defense expenditure cuts have often taken place despite rising security concerns. Empirically we find that developing countries may have more options than previously believed in their quest for adequate security and sustained economic growth. Specifically the main finding of the study is that key combinations of reforms and governance measures are likely to exist and are capable of neutralizing many of the adverse economic effects often associated with defense expenditures. The key is to coordinate economic liberalization and governance reforms in the civilian sector with the requirements for improved security in the defense sector.
Severity of financing constraints and firms' investments
Authors: Kasahara Tetsuya
Published: April 2007

According to standard investment theory, the current investments of more financially constrained firms should be smaller than those of less constrained firms with similar investment opportunities. In this paper, I develop a dynamic investment model in which the project value and the severity of financing constraints can vary over time. My results contradict standard theory. To preempt further financing risk in the future, severely constrained firms may engage in more active investment behavior even if they face relatively high additional financing costs at the time. My numerical example demonstrates that a relatively low probability of future risk is sufficient to cause such preemptive behavior.
Foundations in Nursing and Health Care: Study Skills in Health Care
Authors: Davidson‐Wilson Latanya
Published: April 2007

Foundations in Nursing and Health Care: Study Skills in Health Care, Jayne Taylor, 2003, 132 pages £12 softcover
Nietzsche's Human, All Too Human and the Problem of Culture
Authors: Franco Paul
Published: April 2007

Human, All Too Human has received less critical attention than many of Nietzsche's other works, and yet it constitutes a crucial turning point in Nietzsche's overall philosophical development. This essay argues that the problem of culture that had preoccupied Nietzsche in his earlier works continues to animate his thinking in Human, All Too Human, but his position on this problem changes fundamentally. Instead of attributing the fragmentation of modern culture to the uncontrolled growth of science and looking to art and myth to restore cultural unity, Nietzsche now explores the possibility of grounding culture on scientific knowledge. This new concept of culture requires a critique of the Wagnerian romantic-artistic cultural project, which Nietzsche reveals rests on erroneous religious, moral, and ultimately metaphysical assumptions. The radical critique of these latter assumptions forms a bridge to Nietzsche's mature philosophy.
Oakeshott's Politics for Gentlemen
Authors: Wulf Steven J.
Published: April 2007

Michael Oakeshott's concerns about political developments in twentieth-century Europe seem to shape his philosophical writings. Yet Oakeshott persistently portrays himself as a philosopher who has little practical interest in politics. This essay argues that Oakeshott's genteel conception of the good life leads him to develop a political doctrine for practical reasons while disclaiming any practical motives. His diagnosis of collectivist politics in the 1930s reluctantly solicits a philosophical defense of a pluralist political order that is hospitable to his ethical ideal. His writings concerning the self, society, and state develop such a defense. Yet for Oakeshott, political engagement is incompatible with gentility because it conflates worldliness with spirituality. Oakeshott, therefore, disavows the practical aspirations that shape his work.
Introduction: Globalization and the Latin-American Workplace
Authors: Stillerman Joel , Winn Peter
Published: April 2007

This special issue of International Labor and Working-Class History focuses on how the phenomenon known as globalization has transformed work in Latin America in recent decades. The term “globalization” became widely used in history and the social sciences beginning in the 1990s, and globalization has become a popular buzzword in the media in recent years, an accepted (if controversial) part of the frame of our era. The roots of this historical process, however, go back several centuries, as does the impact of globalization on workers and work.
Lousy Jobs, Invisible Unions: The Mexican Retail Sector in the Age of Globalization
Authors: Tilly Chris , Galván José Luis Álvarez
Published: April 2007

Globalization and modernization transformed the Mexican retail sector over the last two decades. One result is that Wal-Mart has become Mexico's dominant retailer. Another is the poor quality of jobs in the Mexican retail sector. Drawing on a variety of data sources, we review changes and current patterns in the characteristics and quality of retail jobs in Mexico. Retail jobs are worse than the Mexican average. Union coverage is widespread but offers little benefit to workers. Unlike the case in the United States, Wal-Mart offers unionized jobs very similar in quality to those of other retailers; indeed, in general we find little difference between the jobs of global and domestic Mexican retailers. Globalization and modernization have left Mexican retail workers with lousy jobs and invisible unions.
Working for McDonald's, France: Resistance to the Americanization of Work
Authors: Debouzy Marianne
Published: April 2007

Since 9/11 an enormous amount of literature and media coverage has been devoted to anti-Americanism in France. Yet the American model seems to be overwhelmingly present in French life and culture. There is a fascination for it among all classes, from disadvantaged suburban youths who try to imitate African Americans, follow American clothing fashions, and have Power Rangers as heroes, to political elites who never tire of recommending to us the American model (pension funds, the two-party system, education, etc.) and propose adapting it to the French setting. Nothing illustrates this paradox better than the controversial and popular institution of McDonald's in France, which is loved and hated to the point of occasionally provoking a national crisis as well as a number of social conflicts in recent years. After retracing briefly the expansion of McDonald's in France, I will examine the opposition it has aroused, making a distinction between political opposition and opposition in the workplace, which takes the form of a struggle against working conditions, the conception of Mcwork and McManagement. I will look at the people who carry on this struggle and what it all means in terms of resistance to “Americanization.”
Rabbinic Polysemy and Pluralism Revisited: Between Praxis and Thematization
Authors: Fraade Steven D.
Published: April 2007

One of the most celebrated aspects of rabbinic literature is its adducing of multiple interpretations of scriptural verses and its valorizing of multiple legal opinions as expressed in debate among the rabbinic sages. This celebration has come from several quarters, with each finding in the purported rabbinic polysemy and pluralism support for agendas that could not possibly have been those of the ancient rabbis. For example, in the 1980s, some literary critics and philosophers found support in rabbinic midrash for their theories of indeterminacy of textual meaning in literature and language in general. Likewise, moving from the linguistic to the social domain, those seeking more harmonious relations among modern Judaism's competing denominations have found a pluralistic model to emulate in ancient Judaism, following the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, when sectarian rivalry is thought to have been replaced by the “big tent” inclusiveness, marked by respectful debate among multiple opinions, of the rabbis at Yavneh.
“The Lord Brought Us Forth From Egypt”: On the Absence of Moses in the Passover Haggadah
Authors: Henshke David
Published: April 2007

The omission of Moses' name from the entire Haggadah is both well known and puzzling. Why has the main character of the Exodus drama vanished without a trace? Moreover, the mere omission of Israel's supreme prophet does not suffice for the redactor of the Haggadah. At the end of the “fugitive Aramean” exegesis, which is central to the Haggadah as a whole, Moses' involvement in the Exodus is expressly denied. The Haggadah comments on Deuteronomy 26:8:
“The Lord brought us forth from Egypt”—not by an angel, not by a seraph, nor by an agent, but the Holy One, blessed be He, Himself.
Not only did no heavenly angel or seraph take part in the Exodus; not even a flesh-and-blood agent was involved. And “agent” in this context can mean only Moses.
Performing the Material Self: Mordecai Kaplan and the Art of Journal Writing
Authors: Koltun-Fromm Ken
Published: April 2007

Mordecai Kaplan's journals from 1913 to 1934 offer a window into the mind of a tormented and lonely Jewish thinker. As a pioneering theologian, sociologist, and teacher of American Judaism in the twentieth century, Kaplan (1881–1983) stood as a towering figure at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City, where he worked for a good deal of his very long life. Yet even with the publication of his groundbreaking work Judaism as a Civilization (1934) and his popular following, he felt marginalized and embattled throughout his life. To help manage and defend those professional conflicts, Kaplan turned to his journal to record his personal struggles and anxieties. These diary entries offer important clues to the ways he discovered and created an American Jewish identity through the art of journal writing.
Thought Going to School with Life? Fackenheim's Last Philosophical Testament
Authors: Pollock Benjamin
Published: April 2007

Emil Fackenheim's philosophical response to the Holocaust is permeated by the worry that Auschwitz marks a rupture so severe that it compels any attempt to philosophize in its wake either to ignore the magnitude of this rupture or to lose itself in radical nihilism. “Perhaps no thought can exist in the same space as the Holocaust,” Fackenheim writes in To Mend the World. “Perhaps all thought, to assure its own survival, must be elsewhere.”
Messiah, American Style: Mordecai Manuel Noah and the American Refuge
Authors: Weingrad Michael
Published: April 2007

For more than a century, his story has regularly exercised historical and literary imaginations alike. How could it be otherwise? Diplomat, playwright, journalist, politician, and visionary, Mordecai Manuel Noah (1785–1851) was an extraordinary individual. In the course of his life, he wrote and produced successful plays, fought a duel, established himself as a popular newspaper columnist, rescued enslaved American sailors during his tenure as U.S. consul in Tunis, published an important book on his travels in Europe and North Africa, influenced presidential elections through his editorship of major newspapers, and served as judge and port surveyor of New York City. He was easily the most prominent and influential Jew in the United States during the first half of the nineteenth century. Moreover, he has been described as the first public figure “to demand continuous recognition as both a devoted American and as a devoted Jew.”
The Origins of Secularism in Turkey
Authors: Bottoni Rossella
Published: April 2007

This paper aims to offer some remarks on the relationship between Ottoman reforms and Atatürk's revolutionary laws – a relationship that is generally minimised or misperceived. The first part focuses upon the Ottoman system of relations between state and religious denominations. It challenges the theory of the theocratic character of the Ottoman Empire, which constitutes one of the traditional arguments strengthening the case against the importance of the Ottoman secularising reforms. The second part of the paper deals with the Ottoman reforms concerning dress, education and administration of justice. It stresses the secular character of such measures, and maintains that there is no historically grounding to the view that the secularisation of institutions is always accompanied by the secularisation of society. The third part takes into account the two elements that most distinguish Mustafa Kemal's reforms from the Ottoman ones: that is, the ideological nature of the principle of secularism, and the method of preparation and implementation of the revolutionary laws.
Practical Implications of the Enactment of the Racial and Religious Hatred Act 2006
Authors: Jeremy Anthony
Published: April 2007

Legislators have normally exercised one of two options when enacting hate crime legislation. They either provide for punishment of ordinary criminal acts to be enhanced when the offence has been committed by reason of prejudice or hatred towards the victim, or they pass an Act which establishes an entirely new substantive offence. The United Kingdom Parliament adopted the first approach under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, initially with regard to racially aggravated crimes and later in respect of religiously aggravated offences. In passing the Race and Religious Hatred Acts 2006, Parliament has taken the second approach and created a new substantive law. This paper considers the specific requirements that will need to be satisfied in order to establish the offence and some issues that arise in relation to proof of intention, relevance of motive and the nature of the language required to constitute hatred, in the light of the concession to freedom of speech contained in the statute.
Portrayal of Religion: The Media and the Arts
Authors: Laws John
Published: April 2007

NORMAN DOE Peeters, Leuven, 2004, vi+316 pp (€45.00) ISBN: 978-90-429-14988
Public Life and the Place of the Church: Reflections to Honour the Bishop of Oxford
Authors: Goodman Michael
Published: April 2007

MICHAEL BRIERLEY Ashgate Publishing Ltd, Aldershot, 2006, xv+236 pp (Hardback £50.00) ISBN:
978-0-7546-5300-4; (Paperback £15.99) ISBN 978-0-7546-5301-1
Quasi-steady Stokes flow of multiphase fluids with shear-dependent viscosity
Authors: EBMEYER CARSTEN , URBANO JOSÉ MIGUEL
Published: April 2007

The quasi-steady power-law Stokes flow of a mixture of incompressible fluids with shear-dependent viscosity is studied. The fluids are immiscible and have constant densities. Existence results are presented for both the no-slip and the no-stick boundary value conditions. Use is made of Schauder's fixed-point theorem, compactness arguments, and DiPerna–Lions renormalized solutions.
Interannual variability of the upper ocean carbon cycle in the northeast Atlantic Ocean
Authors: González‐Dávila Melchor , Santana‐Casiano J. Magdalena , González‐Dávila Enrique F.
Published: April 2007

Surface waters in the subtropical gyres have persistently absorbed anthropogenic CO2 at a rate such that their inorganic carbon concentrations have shown a clear upward trend. We report a 10‐year time series of upper‐ocean inorganic carbon observations from the northeastern subtropical Atlantic at ESTOC which indicates significant variability in the inorganic carbon fluxes produced by variations in the Winter mixed‐layer depths, induced by sea surface temperature anomalies. This variability reflects fluctuations relating to the NAO for both sites of the sub‐tropical gyre, with the Eastern part showing a closer correlation with a 3‐year NAO delay. The response to interannual variations in the meteorological forcing to the extra‐tropical carbon cycle can be predicted to clarify effects on future climate change.
Titan's young surface: Initial impact crater survey by Cassini RADAR and model comparison
Authors: Lorenz R. D. , Wood C. A. , Lunine J. I. , Wall S. D. , Lopes R. M. , Mitchell K. L. , Paganelli F. , Anderson Y. Z. , Wye L. , Tsai C. , Zebker H. , Stofan E. R.
Published: April 2007

Cassini's Radar instrument has mapped over 10% of Titan's surface through the T18 flyby in August 2006 and has detected remarkably few impact craters. Three impact craters have been conclusively identified and named, and a handful of unconfirmed candidate impact structures are documented. These results indicate that the overall crater density is a factor of ∼5 higher than Earth, and has a size‐distribution slope very similar to Earth's indicating rapid obliteration of smaller structures by erosion and burial. The paucity of small craters was expected from atmospheric shielding considerations, but the rarity of medium (20–100 km diameter) craters – some 30–300 times less abundant than on nearby Saturnian satellites – implies rapid resurfacing. Erosion and burial appear to be the dominant means of crater obliteration, with viscous relaxation playing a lesser role. Models of the 20–100 km impact crater production rate suggest an overall crater retention age of 100 Myr–1 Gyr, the same as the corresponding age for the Earth.
Spatial and temporal stress drop variations in small earthquakes near Parkfield, California
Authors: Allmann Bettina P. , Shearer Peter M.
Published: April 2007

We estimate source parameters from spectra of 42367 earthquakes between 1984 and 2005 that occurred in the Parkfield segment of the San Andreas Fault in central California. We use a method that isolates the source term of the displacement spectra based on a convolutional model and correct the observed P wave source spectra with a spatially varying empirical Green's function (EGF). Our Brune‐type stress drop estimates vary from 0.1 to over 100 MPa with a median value of 6.75 MPa, which is nearly constant with moment, implying self‐similarity over the ML = 0.5 to 3.0 range of our data. The corner frequency decreases for earthquakes at shallower depths, consistent with slower rupture velocities and reduced shear wave velocities in local velocity models. The estimated median stress drops show significant lateral variations: we find lower stress drops in the Middle Mountain asperity and along the creeping fault section, and higher stress drops in the hypocentral region of the 2004 M6.0 Parkfield earthquake. The main shock did not alter the overall pattern of high and low stress drop regions. However, a statistical test reveals areas with significant changes in computed stress drops after the main shock, which we compare to estimated absolute shear stress changes from a main shock slip model. By calculating Δt* from the spectral EGF ratio, we also identify areas with increased attenuation after the main shock, and we are able to distinguish source effects and near‐source attenuation effects in the spectral analysis. These results are confirmed independently from spectral ratios of repeating microearthquake clusters.