bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinction between esterases and lipases: A kinetic study with vinyl esters and TAG
Authors: Chahinian Henri , Nini Lylia , Boitard Elisabeth , Dubès Jean‐Paul , Comeau Louis‐Claude , Sarda Louis
Published: November 2006

The better to characterize enzymes hydrolyzing carboxyl ester bonds (carboxyl ester hydrolases), we have compared the kinetic behavior of various lipases and esterases against solutions and emulsions of vinyl esters and TAG. Shortchain vinyl esters are hydrolyzed at comparable rates by esterases and lipases and have higher limits of solubility in water than corresponding TAG. Therefore, they are suited to study the influence of the physical state of the substrate on carboxyl ester hydrolase activity within a large concentration range. Enzymes used in this study are TAG lipases from microorganisms, lipases from human and guinea pig pancreas, pig liver esterase, and acetylcholinesterase. This study also includes cutinase, a fungal enzyme that displays functional properties between esterases and lipases. Esterases display maximal activity against solutions of short‐chain vinyl esters (vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate, and vinyl butyrate) and TAG (triacetin, tripropionin, and tributyrin). Half‐maximal activity is reached at ester concentrations far below the solubility limit. The transition from solution to emulsion at substrate concentrations exceeding the solubility limit has no effect on esterase activity. Lipases are active on solutions of short‐chain vinyl esters and TAG but, in contrast to esterases, they all display maximal activity against emulsified substrates and half‐maximal activity is reached at substrate concentrations near the solubility limit of the esters. The kinetics of hydrolysis of soluble substrates by lipases are either hyperbolic or deviate from the Michaelis‐Menten model and show no or weak interfacial activation. The presence of molecular aggregates in solutions of short‐chain substrates, as evidenced by a spectral dye method, likely accounts for the activity of lipases against soluble esters. Unlike esterases, lipases hydrolyze emulsions of water‐insoluble medium‐ and long‐chain vinyl esters and IAG such as vinyl laurate, trioctanoin, and olive oil. In conclusion, comparisons of the kinetic behavior of carboxyl ester hydrolases against solutions and emulsions of vinyl esters and TAG allows the distinction between lipases and esterases. In this respect, it clearly appears that guinea pig pancreatic lipase and cutinase are unambiguously classified as lipases.
Dietary nucleotides do not alter erythrocyte long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in formula‐fed term infants
Authors: Gibson Robert A. , Hawkes Joanna S. , Makrides Maria
Published: November 2006

There have been conflicting reports regarding the effectiveness of dietary nucleotides (NT) to regulate tissue desaturases and hence stimulate accumulation of both n−6 and n−3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA). The aim of this study was to examine the effect of NT‐supplemented cow's milk‐based formula on erythrocyte phospholipid FA status in a large randomized controlled trial involving a well‐nourished infant population born at term. Formula‐fed infants were allocated to control formula with an innate level of NT at 10 mg/L (n=102), or formula fortified with NT at 34 mg/L (n=98). A parallel group of breastfed infants was included as a reference. Peripheral blood samples were collected by venipuncture at 7 mon of age and erythrocyte phospholipid FA determined by capillary GC. Erythrocyte LCPUFA levels did not differe between the NT‐supplemented and control formula groups and were reduced in both groups compared with breastfed infants. We conclude that there is no induction of LCPUFa accumulation in erythrocyte phospholipids of term, formula‐fed infants following 7 mon of NT supplementation.
Intake of conjugated eicosapentaenoic acid suppresses lipid accumulation in liver and epididymal adipose tissue in rats
Authors: Tsuzuki Tsuyoshi , Kawakami Yuki , Suzuki Yoshihiro , Abe Renpei , Nakagawa Kiyotaka , Miyazawa Teruo
Published: November 2006

It has been reported that consumption of CLA and EPA alters lipid metabolism. CLA contains conjugated double bonds, and EPA is an n−3 PUFA. Based on the possibility that a molecule with both of these structures might have interesting physiological effects, we prepared conjugated FA from EPA by alkaline isomerization and examined the effects of the conjugated EPA (CEPA) on lipid metabolism in rats. Rats were fed by oral gavage every day for 4 wk with 200 mg of FA including linoleic acid, EPA, CLA, or CEPA. Compared with other groups, rats fed CEPA showed a significant weight loss in epididymal adipose tissue and significant decreases in the levels of liver TAG and total cholesterol (TC), indicating reduced accumulation of lipid in the liver and adipose tissue. The plasma levels of TAG, TC, FFA, and tumor necrosis factor‐α in rats fed CEPA were reduced, as was the activity of the FA synthesis system in the liver, whereas the FA‐β‐oxidation system was activated by CEPA. These results suggest that intake of CEPA suppresses lipid accumulation in the liver and epididymal adipose tissue while increasing lipid catabolism in rats.
Perioperative Nursing Challenges for the Russian Émigré Nurse
Authors: Baj Pamela A.
Published: November 2006

Three San Francisco organizations participated in an integration program that focused on the design, implementation, and evaluation of a unique training project that prepared Russian émigré nurses for employment in the US health care industry. The Russian Nurse Project is a unique program that affiliates émigré nurses with specific language and cultural skills and focuses on the increasing Russian immigrant patient population. The project's implementation and diversity strategies, as they pertain to the perioperative areas of nursing practice in this country, are described. AORN J (June 1997) 1081‐1086.
The Impact of Routine Chest Radiography on ICU Management Decisions: An Observational Study
Authors: McConnell Edwina A.
Published: November 2006

The Impact of Routine Chest Radiography on ICU Management Decisions: An Observational Study, PE Marik, ML Janower, American Journal of Critical Care, Vol 6, March 1997, 95–98
Quality Management in Nursing and Health Care
Authors: Beckwith Helen
Published: November 2006

QUALITY MANAGEMENT IN NURSING AND HEALTH CARE, By June A. Schmele 1996, 613 pp $54.95 hardcover
Toward a reconstruction of ‘creativity’ in music education
Authors: Humphreys Jere T.
Published: November 2006

Creativity in human endeavours is being discussed and promoted in many fields and venues throughout the Western world. In this paper I discuss reasons for the current emphasis on creativity, especially in music education. I also describe some philosophical, psychological, cultural, and political/social/economic factors that have worked for and against the teaching of creativity in school music programmes, while recognising that technology also plays an important role.

No poet shall compose anything in contravention of the public standards of law and right, honour and good…

–Plato (Laws: VII: 28)
Ninth-grade pupils' significant experiences in aesthetic areas: the role of music and of different basic modes of confronting music
Authors: Finnäs Leif
Published: November 2006

Fifteen-sixteen years old Fenno–Swedish compulsory school pupils' written descriptions of ‘strong’ experiences were used for comparing (a) the frequency of experiences related to music and to other aesthetic areas (literature, drama etc.) and (b) the frequencies of music experiences related to different basic modes of confronting music: receptively (listening to live or technically reproduced music) or by productive activities (performing etc). In at least moderately urbanised regions, music was the art area most frequently evoking experiences. The ‘non-art’ area of nature was also important especially in some female and rural subgroups. Most music experiences related to listening, but a fifth involved performance activities. Among other things, attention was directed to the role of the school in preparing its pupils for music experiences, to the importance of productive activities, and to some problems regarding the efficiency of audiovisual media to evoke music experiences.
Editorial
Authors: COX GORDON , PITTS STEPHANIE
Published: November 2006

Several of the articles in this issue encourage us to re-think taken for granted attitudes and practice, to jolt us out of complacency. Take ‘creativity’ for example. The word tends to get bandied around as a catch-all, so that it loses touch with any specific meaning. Jere Humphreys, in his Point for Debate, ‘Toward a reconstruction of ‘creativity’ in music education’ takes the long view, and ranges from Socrates, Plato and Aristotle to postmodernist ideologies. The basic tension (dualism) he identifies as being between realist and idealist positions, which leads him to conclude that creativity needs to be understood as a social construct. But there are no quick-fixes: to comprehend its significance requires us to consider psychological, cultural, and political/social and economic factors. Likewise,words such as ‘tradition’, ‘authenticity’ and ‘context’ tend to have politically correct connotations in connection with world music. But Huib Schippers, in his paper maintains that almost all music is transmitted out of context, and that the formal education system is a major exercise in recontextualisation. Music educators have to come to terms with what he calls the ‘global flow’.
Natriuretic peptides levels are related to HDL-cholesterol with no influence on endothelium dependent vasodilatation
Authors: Lupattelli  , Marchesi  , Siepi  , Bagaglia  , Palumbo  , Roscini  , Schillaci  , Vaudo  , Sinzinger  , Mannarino
Published: November 2006

Background: The natriuretic peptides, Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP), C-type Natriuretic Peptide (CNP), are mediators of cardiovascular homeostasis.The impairment of arterial ability to vasodilate, also known as endothelial dysfunction, represents the first stage of atherosclerotic damage and may be assessed as brachial flow mediated vasodilation (FMV) in human. Generally an altered brachial FMV is documented in association to several cardiovascular risk factors as hypercholesterolemia. Aim of the study was to evaluate the behaviour of BNP and CNP in hyperlipemia and the potential relationship to FMV. Patients and methods: Forty-four hyperlipemic patients (LDL-cholesterol > 130 mg/dl and/or triglycerides > 150, age 35–60 y) of both genders and 20 normolipemic patients, matched for age and sex were investigated. Results: Patients had lower values of brachial FMV in comparison to controls (3.9 ± 3.5 vs 7.5 ± 0.5%, p < 0.005), no differences were observed in BNP (4.6 ± 4.6 vs 5.9 ± 3.4 ng/mL, p = n.s) and CNP (4.1 ± 5.8 vs 5.7 ± 3.3 ng/mL, p = n.s). Univariate analysis showed a positive correlation between BNP and HDL-cholesterol values (r = 0.36, p = 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, LDL-cholesterol (β = –0.57), HDL-cholesterol (β = 0.26) and brachial artery diameter (β = –0.33) were predictors of brachial FMV. The only predictive variable for CNP was HDL-cholesterol (β = 0.37). Conclusions: The present study suggested that natriuretic peptides, BNP and CNP, are not altered in patients affected by hypercholesterolemia. Nevertheless, the levels of HDL-cholesterol are strictly related to the values of CNP. This observation, in humans, adds another mechanism to the vascular control exerted by HDL.
Endovaskuläre Therapie eines Aneurysma der thorakoabdominellen Aorta bei einer spezifischen Aortitis
Authors: Moll  , Range  , Larena  , Franke  , Schindler
Published: November 2006

Wir berichten über die erfolgreiche endovaskuläre Therapie bei einer 63-jährige Patientin mit einem Aortenaneurysma der thorakoabdominellen Aorta, das unmittelbar cranial des Truncus coeliacus gelegen war. Ursache des inflammatorischen Aneurysmas war eine Spondylodiszitis auf Höhe des 12. Brustwirbels und des 1. Lendenwirbels. Da die Gefäßchirurgen eine operative Behandlung ablehnten, wurde gemeinsam von transfemoral eine endovaskuläre Therapie mit einem Stentgraft durchgeführt, um das Aneurysma bei regelrechter Durchgängigkeit der Viszeralarterien und der A. Adamkiewicz auszuschalten. Ein kultureller Nachweis des Erregers erfolgte nicht. Unter Antibiose und Cortisontherapie war das inflammatorische Aneurysma nach drei Monaten nicht mehr nachweisbar, die Spondylodiszitis weitgehend zurückgebildet.
A semiclassical theory for nonseparable rovibrational motions in curved space and its application to energy quantization of nonrigid molecules
Authors: Teramoto Hiroshi , Takatsuka Kazuo
Published: November 2006

The nonseparability of vibrational and rotational motions of a nonrigid molecule placed in the rotationally isotropic space induces several important effects on the dynamics of intramolecular energy flow and chemical reaction. However, most of these studies have been performed within the framework of classical mechanics. We present a semiclassical theory for the motions of such nonrigid molecules and apply to the energy quantization of three body atomic cluster. It is shown numerically that the semiclassical spectum given without the correct account of the rotational symmetry suffers from unnecessary broadening of the resultant spectral lines and moreover from spurious peaks.
High-efficiency white organic light-emitting devices using a blue iridium complex to sensitize a red fluorescent dye
Authors: Xie W. F. , Chew S. L. , Lee C. S. , Lee S. T. , Wang P. F. , Kwong H. L.
Published: November 2006

We report the fabrication of high-efficiency white organic light-emitting devices (WOLEDs) by using a blue phosphorescent dye iridium (III) tris(5-(2,4-difluoro-phenyl)-10,10-dimethyl- 4-aza-tricycloundeca-2,4,6-triene) (Ir(F2-mppy)3) to sensitize the red dye[2-methyl-6- [2-(2,3,6,7-tetrahydro-1H c5H-benzo[ij]quinolizin-9-yl)ethenyl]-4H-pyran-4-ylidene]propane-din- itrile (DCM2). Ir(F2-mppy)3 and DCM2 were codoped into the 4,4′-N,N′-dicarbazole-biphenyl (CBP) host. The WOLEDs with 8wt% Ir(F2-mppy)3 and 0.5wt% DCM2 showed white emission with a color rendering index of 70. The maximum luminance and maximum current efficiency of the device are, respectively, 16220cd∕m2 and 9.28cd∕A.
Effect of double-sided CaTiO3 buffer layers on the electrical properties of CaCu3Ti4O12 films on Pt∕Ti∕SiO2∕Si substrates
Authors: Fang Liang , Shen Mingrong , Li Zhenya
Published: November 2006

The CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) films with single- and double-sided CaTiO3 (CTO) buffer layers were grown on Pt∕Ti∕SiO2∕Si substrates by pulsed laser deposition at 650°C, which was lower than the normal deposition temperature of the CCTO films. The CTO layer was used as seeding layer to improve the crystallization of the CCTO films and could enhance the dielectric properties of the multilayered films. In addition, the multilayered films exhibited low frequency dielectric relaxation and reduced leakage current density, which could be ascribed to the improved interfacial characteristics between the CTO layer and the electrode. The conduction mechanisms of the single layered and multilayered films were also discussed briefly.
Direct observation of potential barriers in semiconducting barium titanate by electric force microscopy
Authors: Mancini M. W. , Filho P. I. Paulin
Published: November 2006

We report the direct observation of the temperature-dependent potential barriers in the insulating grain boundary regions responsible for the positive temperature coefficient of resistivity phenomena observed in polycrystalline (n-type) doped barium titanate. Electric force imaging using atomic force microscopy was carried on with application of in situ external voltage, and revealed the presence of electric barriers, even in the semiconductor regime, observed below the ferroelectric-paraelectric transition temperature. The dependence of the potential barriers with the applied voltage was investigated.
Magnetic properties of hydrogenated Li and Co doped ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: Jayakumar O. D. , Gopalakrishnan I. K. , Shashikala K. , Kulshreshtha S. K. , Sudakar C.
Published: November 2006

The effect of hydrogenation on the magnetic properties of Zn0.85Co0.05Li0.10O nanoparticles is presented. It was found that the sample hydrided at room temperature (RT) showed weak ferromagnetism, while that hydrided at 400°C showed robust ferromagnetism at room temperature. In both cases reheating the sample at 400°C in air converts it back into the paramagnetic state completely. The characterization of samples by x-ray and electron diffraction showed that room temperature ferromagnetism observed in the samples hydrogenated at RT is intrinsic in nature, whereas that observed in the samples hydrogenated at 400°C is partly due to the cobalt metal clusters.
Line optical tweezers instrument for measuring nanoscale interactions and kinetics
Authors: Biancaniello Paul L. , Crocker John C.
Published: November 2006

We describe an optical tweezers instrument for measuring short-ranged colloidal interactions, based on a combination of a continuous wave line optical tweezers, high speed video microscopy, and laser illumination. Our implementation can measure the separation of two nearly contacting microspheres to better than 4nm at rates in excess of 10kHz. A simple image analysis algorithm allows us to sensibly remove effects from diffraction blurring and microsphere image overlap for separations ranging from contact to at least 100nm. The result is a versatile instrument for measuring steric, chemical and single-molecular interactions and dynamics, with a force resolution significantly better than achievable with current atomic force microscopy. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the instrument with measurements of the pair interactions and dynamics of microspheres in the presence of transient molecular bridges of DNA or surfactant micelles.
Formation and optical characteristics of strain-relieved and densely stacked GaSb∕GaAs quantum dots
Authors: Tatebayashi J. , Khoshakhlagh A. , Huang S. H. , Dawson L. R. , Balakrishnan G. , Huffaker D. L.
Published: November 2006

The authors report the formation and optical characteristics of type-II, strain-relieved, and densely stacked GaSb∕GaAs quantum dots (QDs) using an interfacial misfit (IMF) growth mode. A moderate V/III ratio during the growth of GaSb QDs produces strain-relieved QDs facilitated by the IMF array without Sb segregation associated with defects and threading dislocations. In contrast, a low V/III ratio establishes conventional Stranski-Krastanov QDs. The strain-free nature of the IMF QDs allows densely packed, multistacked ensembles which retain very high crystalline quality demonstrated by x-ray diffraction, room-temperature photoluminescence, and electroluminescence. The possibility for dense stacking enabled by the strain-relieved growth mode may prove beneficial for QD sensors, emitters, and solar cells.
Electronegativity Equilibration and the Methylene Increment in Organic Thermochemistry
Authors: Smith DW
Published: November 2006

It is proposed that the magnitude of the ' methylene increment' ∆∆ fH°(CnH2n+1X, Cn+1H2n+3X) between the heats of formation of successive members of a homologous series can be rationalized by considering the variation of carbon-carbon bond enthalpies Eij. These are deemed to be related to the products qiqj of the fractional charges on adjacent carbon atoms by the relation: Eij=E°-aqiqj where E° and a are empirical constants, and the fractional charges are estimated by electronegativity equilibration. For the homologous series CnH2n+1X (X = H, Cl , Br, I, OH, OMe , NH2), a linear correlation is found between the mean increment [∆∆ fH °(CH3X, CnH2n+1)]/(n-1) and the mean charge product ∑qiqj/(n - 1). The empirically obtained value for E° is in close agreement with the experimental C-C bond enthalpy in diamond. For all series, the calculated methylene increment converges to a common value of 20.6 kJ mol-1. The treatment may provide an attractive alternative to existing methods for the estimation of the heats of formation of organic compounds, requiring fewer empirical parameters.
Brian N. Figgis
Authors: Kepert D
Published: November 2006

No Abstract Available.
Mixed Transition Metal/Lanthanide Complexes: Structural Characterization of Solids Containing Cage Amine Chromium(III) Cations and Tris(dipicolinato)lanthanide Anions
Authors: Harrowfield JM , Kim Y , Skelton BW , White AH
Published: November 2006

As the foundation to a survey of interactions between chromium(III) and lanthanide(III) ions within the same crystal lattice, a series of complexes of stoichiometry [Cr((NH2)2sar)]- [ Ln ( dipic )3].8H2O (sar = 3,6,10,13,16,19-hexaazabicyclo[6.6.6] icosane, Ln = La-Lu plus Y, dipic = pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate) has been synthesized and structurally characterized by room-temperature single-crystal X-ray studies. An isomorphous series is found for all Ln, being triclinic, Pī , a ≈ 18.1, b ≈ 13.3, c ≈ 11 Ǻ, α ≈ 111.5, β ≈ 96.2, γ ≈ 109.2°, Z = 2 formula units, full structure determinations being recorded for Ln = La (conventional R 0.048 on |F| for No 6494 independent 'observed' [I > 3σ(I)] reflections at convergence), Ce (R 0.036 for No 8980) and Lu (R 0.046 for No 6791). A less well defined protonated series, with a 2:3 Cr/ Ln ratio, has also been characterized specifically for Ln = La [orthorhombic, Pbca , a 26.223(8), b 53.17(3), c 18.329(9) Ǻ, Z = 8; R 0.092 for No 5104], the lutetium analogue having a similar cell.
Lamellarins Q and R: New Aromatic Metabolites From an Australian Marine Sponge, Dendrilla cactos
Authors: Urban S , Hobbs L , Hooper JNA , Capon RJ
Published: November 2006

A specimen of Dendrilla cactos collected off the coast of New South Wales, Australia, has yielded two new alkaloids, lamellarins Q (19) and R (20), the structures of which were secured by spectroscopic analysis and by chemical derivatization.
Genetic similarity, not male size, influences female mate choice in the agile antechinus (Antechinus agilis)
Authors: Parrott Marissa L. , Ward Simon J. , Temple-Smith Peter D.
Published: November 2006

Our research investigates the effects of genetic relatedness between mates and male size on female mate choice in the agile antechinus (Antechinus agilis). Females were provided with a simultaneous choice between one large and one small male, with a minimum 5 g (~20% of male weight) difference between males, in specially designed mate-choice enclosures. Genetic relatedness between males and females was determined using highly polymorphic, species-specific, microsatellite markers. Male size did not influence mate choice, with approximately equal numbers of large and small males chosen. Females chose males that were more genetically dissimilar to themselves significantly more times and showed significantly more sexual and non-exploratory behaviours near the genetically dissimilar males. The results show that, when free female mate choice is possible, female agile antechinus choose males on the basis of genetic relatedness, rather than male size.
Increase in multidrug transport activity is associated with oocyte maturation in sea stars*
Authors: Roepke Troy A. , Hamdoun Amro M. , Cherr Gary N.
Published: November 2006

In this study, we report on the presence of efflux transporter activity before oocyte maturation in sea stars and its upregulation after maturation. This activity is similar to the multidrug resistance (MDR) activity mediated by ATP binding cassette (ABC) efflux transporters. In sea star oocytes the efflux activity, as measured by exclusion of calcein‐am, increased two‐fold 3 h post‐maturation. Experiments using specific and non‐specific dyes and inhibitors demonstrated that the increase in transporter activity involves an ABCB protein, P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp), and an ABCC protein similar to the MDR‐associated protein (MRP)‐like transporters. Western blots using an antibody directed against mammalian P‐gp recognized a 45 kDa protein in sea star oocytes that increased in abundance during maturation. An antibody directed against sea urchin ABCC proteins (MRP) recognized three proteins in immature oocytes and two in mature oocytes. Experiments using inhibitors suggest that translation and microtubule function are both required for post‐maturation increases in transporter activity. Immunolabeling revealed translocation of stored ABCB proteins to the plasma cell membrane during maturation, and this translocation coincided with increased transport activity. These MDR transporters serve protective roles in oocytes and eggs, as demonstrated by sensitization of the oocytes to the maturation inhibitor, vinblastine, by MRP and PGP‐specific transporter inhibitors.
Improvement of stone comminution by slow delivery rate of shock waves in extracorporeal lithotripsy
Authors: KATO YUJI , YAMAGUCHI SATOSHI , HORI JUNICHI , OKUYAMA MITSUHIKO , KAKIZAKI HIDEHIRO
Published: November 2006

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of delivery rate of shockwaves (SW) on stone comminution and treatment outcomes in patients with renal and ureteral stones.

Methods: Patients with radio‐opaque stones in the upper urinary tract that were treated by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) were divided into two groups according to delivery rate (120 or 60 SW/min). The effective fragmentation after one ESWL session and treatment success at 3 months after ESWL was compared between the two groups.

Results: Of 134 patients (84 men and 50 women), 68 patients were treated at a fast rate and 66 were treated at a slow rate. Thirty and 38 patients in the fast rate group and 28 and 38 in the slow rate group had renal and ureteral stones, respectively. After one ESWL session, effective fragmentation was noted more often in the slow group (65.2%) than the fast group (47.1%) (P = 0.035), particularly for smaller stones (stone area <100 mm2) (P = 0.005) and renal stones (p = 0.005). However, there was no significant difference in treatment success at 3 months after ESWL between the two groups. In univariate logistic regression analysis, slow SW rate and smaller stones were significant factors for effective fragmentation after one ESWL session. In multivariate analysis, slow SW rate and smaller stones were also independent factors.

Conclusions: Slow SW rate contributed to better stone comminution than fast rate, particularly for small stones and renal stones. ESWL treatment at a slow SW rate is recommended to obtain efficient stone fragmentation.
THE DISTRIBUTION OF RESEARCH PERFORMANCE ACROSS AUSTRALIAN UNIVERSITIES, 1992–2003, AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR ‘BUILDING DIVERSITY’
Authors: VILLE SIMON , VALADKHANI ABBAS , O’BRIEN MARTIN
Published: November 2006

We contribute to the debate on research performance by comparing the distribution of research inputs and outputs across Australian universities during 1992–2003. We have calculated annual Gini coefficients for various performance measures and Lorenz curves for the final year of the study. Various findings are evident. Research‐input measures have remained relatively unevenly distributed across universities. Output measures were more evenly distributed and this exhibited a gradual and rather consistent convergence through time, supporting the view that the research output is being generated gradually more equally across Australia's universities. The exclusion of the ‘Group of Eight’ (Go8) universities results in a more even distribution of performance. However, in 2003 this group took the lion's share of research inputs but produced a smaller share of outputs. Our findings are relevant to current funding policy discussion.
Sustained activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase by nerve growth factor regulates c‐fos protein stabilization and transactivation in PC12 cells
Authors: Pellegrino Michael J. , Stork Philip J. S.
Published: November 2006

The duration of intracellular signaling is thought to be a critical component in effecting specific biological responses. This paradigm is demonstrated by growth factor activation of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) signaling cascade in the rat pheochromocytoma cell line (PC12 cells). In this model, sustained ERK activation induced by nerve growth factor (NGF) results in differentiation, whereas transient ERK activation induced by epidermal growth factor (EGF) results in proliferation in these cells. Recently, the immediate early gene product c‐fos has been proposed to be a sensor for ERK signaling duration in fibroblasts. In this study, we ask whether this is true for NGF and EGF stimulation of PC12 cells. We show that NGF, but not EGF, can regulate both c‐fos stability and activation in an ERK‐dependent manner in PC12 cells. This is achieved through ERK‐dependent phosphorylation of c‐fos. Interestingly, distinct sites regulate enhanced stability and transactivation of c‐fos. Phosphorylation of Thr325 and Thr331 are required for maximal NGF‐dependent transactivation of c‐fos. In addition, a consensus ERK binding site (DEF domain) is also required for c‐fos transactivation. However, stability is controlled by ERK‐dependent phosphorylation of Ser374, while phosphorylation of Ser362 can induce conformational changes in protein structure. We also provide evidence that sustained ERK activation is required for proper post‐translational regulation of c‐fos following NGF treatment of PC12 cells. Because these ERK‐dependent phosphorylations are required for proper c‐fos function, and occur sequentially, we propose that c‐fos is a sensor for ERK signaling duration in the neuronal‐like cell line PC12.
Housing Renovations and the Quantile Repeat‐Sales Price Index
Authors: McMillen Daniel P. , Thorsnes Paul
Published: November 2006

A median‐based quantile estimator suffers less bias from positive outliers, such as unobserved renovations, than a standard mean‐based estimator. Quantile repeat‐sales estimates for single‐family homes in the city of Chicago show nominal price appreciation of 68.9% between 1993 and 2002, substantially smaller than the standard approach's estimate of 77.8%. Omitting observations with building permits reduces the mean and median‐based estimates by 4.4 and 1.6 percentage points. The results imply that quality improvements account for much of the rapid rise in house prices, and that a median‐based quantile estimator produces a more accurate view of the price performance of a typical house.
Lymphomatoid papulosis with CD1a+ dendritic cell hyperplasia, mimicking Langerhans cell histiocytosis
Authors: Jokinen Chris H. , Wolgamot Gregory M. , Wood Brent L. , Olerud John , Argenyi Zsolt B.
Published: November 2006

Although CD1a+ dendritic cells (DC) in cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas (CTCL) have been well documented, the presence of large numbers of DC within lymphoid infiltrates can pose a diagnostic difficulty. We present a case of a 70‐year‐old man with a 3‐year history of recurrent red papules and plaques on the extremities and trunk that was referred to our institution, with the diagnosis of Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Skin biopsies showed a wedge‐shaped cellular infiltrate in the superficial and deep dermis consisting of two cell populations. Most prominent were clusters of epithelioid cells with grooved nuclei and abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm, which stained with antibodies to CD1a and S‐100. A second, less prominent population of atypical lymphocytes, some with enlarged, hyperchromatic and convoluted nuclei, were intermixed. The latter were positive for CD30, CD3 and CD5 and negative for CD20, CD34, CD68, ALK‐1 and TdT. T‐cell receptor gene rearrangement studies confirmed a clonal T‐cell population, which with the clinical history was consistent with the diagnosis of lymphomatoid papulosis. While previous studies have shown an increased density of dermal DC in CTCL, we believe that this represents the first report of an unusually florid DC proliferation mimicking Langerhans cell histiocytosis and masking a lymphoproliferative disorder.
Ratcheting Study of Pressurized Elbows Subjected to Reversed In-Plane Bending
Authors: Chen Xu , Gao Bingjun , Chen Gang
Published: November 2006

With a multi-axial test machine, ratcheting was studied experimentally for pressurized low carbon steel elbows under reversed bending. The maximum ratcheting strain occurred mainly in the hoop direction at flanks. Hoop ratcheting strain was found at intrados for individual specimen. No ratcheting strain was found at the extrados for all tests. Ratcheting strain rate grew with increase of the bending loading level at the same internal pressure or with an increase of internal pressure at the same bending load. Ratcheting simulation was performed by EPFEA with ANSYS in which Ohno-Wang and Chen-Jiao-Kim kinematic hardening rules were applied by user programing. By comparing with the experimental data, it is found that predicted results by the Chen-Jiao-Kim model simulates reasonably. Ratcheting boundary was determined by C-TDF method with the Chen-Jiao-Kim model.
Overview of the New B&PV Code Section XII Transport Tank Rules
Authors: Becht Charles
Published: November 2006

The first edition of Section XII, “Rules for Construction and Continued Service of Transport Tanks,” was issued with the 2004 edition of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. Transport tanks are pressure vessels used for the transportation of dangerous goods via highway, rail, air or water. This paper provides an overview of the requirements of section XII.
Writing and erasing efficiency analysis on optical-storage media using scanning surface potential microscopy
Authors: Chen Sy-Hann , Hou Sheng-Ping , Hsieh J. H. , Chen Hsing Kuang , Tsai Din Ping
Published: November 2006

The authors demonstrate a rapid and convenient method for the determination of writing and erasing laser powers in phase-change media based on scanning surface potential microscopy using a conductive tip. Commercially available digital versatile disks that are rewritable with initialization process are measured in experiments. The results of measurement show that when the disk is rotating at 3.5m∕s linear velocity, the adequate writing and erasing of laser power are 10–15 and 4–8mW, respectively. The critical laser power for crystallization conversion is 8mW. The method used for this research can be satisfyingly applied to the development of new phase-change recording materials.
Photon stimulated ion desorption from condensed thiophene photoexcited around the S1s-edge
Authors: Rocco M. L. M. , Sekiguchi T. , Baba Y.
Published: November 2006

Photon stimulated ion desorption and Auger decay spectra were measured for condensed thiophene around the S1s-edge. Three kinds of ions, H+, S+, and S2+, were observed as main desorbed species. Partial ion yields (PIY) have been determined for these three fragment ions as a function of the photon energy. It was found that the indirect x-ray induced electron stimulated desorption mechanism plays an important role in H+ ion desorption. For S+ ion desorption, on the other hand, a pronounced enhancement at ∼3eV away from the first core-to-valence resonance was observed in the PIY curve. On the basis of the results for the Auger decay spectra, the enhancement of S+ desorption at ∼3eV away from the first resonance is interpreted in terms of the effective screening of positive holes due to the existence of Rydberg electrons.
Technique to minimize couplant-effect in acoustic nonlinearity measurements
Authors: Sun Li , Kulkarni Salis S. , Achenbach Jan D. , Krishnaswamy Sridhar
Published: November 2006

A modified technique to measure acoustic nonlinearity in fatigued components is proposed in this paper. The advantage of the proposed technique is that it minimizes measurement errors due to the couplant between the transducers and the specimen. Measurements are performed on a fatigued steel 4340 specimen and the coefficients of variation of the nonlinearity parameter are calculated. It is shown that the coefficients of variation of the nonlinearity parameter obtained using the proposed technique are approximately half of that obtained using the conventional technique.
Detection of Protein-Protein Interactions in the Alkanesulfonate Monooxygenase System from
Escherichia coli
Authors: Abdurachim Kholis , Ellis Holly R.
Published: November 2006

The two-component alkanesulfonate monooxygenase system utilizes reduced flavin as a substrate to catalyze a unique desulfonation reaction during times of sulfur starvation. The importance of protein-protein interactions in the mechanism of flavin transfer was analyzed in these studies. The results from affinity chromatography and cross-linking experiments support the formation of a stable complex between the flavin mononucleotide (FMN) reductase (SsuE) and monooxygenase (SsuD). Interactions between the two proteins do not lead to overall conformational changes in protein structure, as indicated by the results from circular dichroism spectroscopy in the far-UV region. However, subtle changes in the flavin environment of FMN-bound SsuE that occur in the presence of SsuD were identified by circular dichroism spectroscopy in the visible region. These data are supported by the results from fluorescent spectroscopy experiments, where a dissociation constant of 0.0022 ± 0.0010 μM was obtained for the binding of SsuE to SsuD. Based on these studies, the stoichiometry for protein-protein interactions is proposed to involve a 1:1 monomeric association of SsuE with SsuD.
HLA Class I Binding Promiscuity of the CD8 T-Cell Epitopes of Human Papillomavirus Type 16 E6 Protein
Authors: Nakagawa Mayumi , Kim Kevin H. , Gillam Tiffany M. , Moscicki Anna-Barbara
Published: November 2006

One of the critical steps in the progression to cervical cancer appears to be the establishment of persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. We have demonstrated that the lack of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response to HPV type 16 (HPV 16) E6 protein was associated with persistence and that the potential presence of dominant CD8 T-cell epitopes was most frequently found (n= 4 of 23) in the E6 16-40 region by examining the pattern of CD8 T-cell epitopes within the E6 protein in women who had cleared their HPV 16 infections. The goal of this study was to define the minimal/optimal amino acid sequences and the HLA restricting molecules of these dominant CD8 T-cell epitopes as well as those of subdominant ones if present. Three dominant epitopes, E6 29-38 (TIHDIILECV; restricted by the HLA-A0201 molecule), E6 29-37 (TIHDIILEC; restricted by B48), and E6 31-38 (HDIILECV; restricted by B4002), and one subdominant epitope, E6 52-61 (FAFRDLCIVY; restricted by B35) were characterized. Taken together with a previously described dominant epitope, E6 52-61 (FAFRDLCIVY; restricted by B57), the CD8 T-cell epitopes demonstrated striking HLA class I binding promiscuity. All of these epitopes were endogenously processed, but the presence of only two of the five epitopes could have been predicted based on the known binding motifs. The HLA class I promiscuity which has been described for human immunodeficiency virus may be more common than previously recognized.
Variable Deficiencies in the Interferon Response Enhance Susceptibility to Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Oncolytic Actions in Glioblastoma Cells but Not in Normal Human Glial Cells
Authors: Wollmann Guido , Robek Michael D. , van den Pol Anthony N.
Published: November 2006

With little improvement in the poor prognosis for humans with high-grade glioma brain tumors, alternative therapeutic strategies are needed. As such, selective replication-competent oncolytic viruses may be useful as a potential treatment modality. Here we test the hypothesis that defects in the interferon (IFN) pathway could be exploited to enhance the selective oncolytic profile of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) in glioblastoma cells. Two green fluorescent protein-expressing VSV strains, recombinant VSV and the glioma-adapted recombinant VSV-rp30a, were used to study infection of a variety of human glioblastoma cell lines compared to a panel of control cells, including normal human astrocytes, oligodendrocyte precursor cells, and primary explant cultures from human brain tissue. Infection rate, cell viability, viral replication, and IFN-α/β-related gene expression were compared in the absence and presence of IFN-α or polyriboinosinic polyribocytidylic acid [poly(I:C)], a synthetic inducer of the IFN-α/β pathway. Both VSV strains caused rapid and total infection and death of all tumor cell lines tested. To a lesser degree, normal cells were also subject to VSV infection. In contrast, IFN-α or poly(I:C) completely attenuated the infection of all primary control brain cells, whereas most glioblastoma cell lines treated with IFN-α or poly(I:C) showed little or no sign of protection and were killed by VSV. Together, our results demonstrate that activation of the interferon pathway protects normal human brain cells from VSV infection while maintaining the vulnerability of human glioblastoma cells to viral destruction.
Fructosyltransferase and invertase genes evolved by gene duplication and rearrangements: rice, perennial ryegrass, and wheat gene families
Authors: Francki Michael G. , Walker Esther , Forster John W. , Spangenberg German , Appels Rudi
Published: November 2006

The invertase enzyme family is responsible for carbohydrate metabolism in rice, perennial ryegrass, and wheat. Fructan molecules accumulate in cell vacuoles of perennial ryegrass and wheat and are associated with abiotic stress tolerance. High levels of amino acid similarity between the fructosyltransferases responsible for fructan accumulation indicates that they may have evolved from invertase-like ancestral genes. In this study, we have applied comparative genomics to determine the mechanisms that lead to the evolution of fructosytransferase and invertase genes in rice, perennial ryegrass, and wheat. Duplications and rearrangements have been inferred to generate variant forms of the rice invertases since divergence from a common grass progenitor. The occurrence of multiple copies of fructosyltransferase genes indicated that duplication events continued during evolution of the wheat and perennial ryegrass lineages. Further gene rearrangements were evident in perennial ryegrass genes, albeit at a reduced level compared with the rice invertases. Gene orthologs were largely static after duplication during evolution of the wheat lineage. This study details evolutionary events that contribute to fructosyltransferase and invertase gene variation in grasses.
Some oxidation products of lycoctonine revisited
Authors: Abdelrahman Doaa , Benn Michael , Hellyer Ryan , Parvez Masood , Edwards Oliver E
Published: November 2006

The structure of a chromic acid oxidation product of the norditerpenoid alkaloid lycoctonine (1) was established as hydroxylycoctonal (3) by spectrometric analyses and X-ray crystallography of its reduction product, hydroxylycoctonine (5); the structure of lycoxonine, a chromic acid oxidation product of the lactam, lycoctonam (7), was similarly confirmed as N-ethyl-4,7,8-trihydroxy-1α,6β,14α,16β-tetramethoxy-19-oxoaconitane (8). Reduction of lycoxonine with lithium aluminium hydride gave the 1,14-di-O-methyl ether (12) of the bisnorditerpenoid alkaloid delbine (9).Key words: norditerpenoid, bisnorditerpenoid, alkaloids, lycoctonine, lycoctonam, hydroxylycoctonal, lycoxonine. 1,14-di-O-methyldelbine, semisynthesis.
β3-Adrenergic eNOS stimulation in left ventricular murine myocardium
Authors: Brixius Klara , Bloch Wilhelm , Ziskoven Christoph , Bölck Birgit , Napp Andreas , Pott Christian , Steinritz Dirk , Jiminez Maria , Addicks Klaus , Giacobino Jean-Paul , Schwinger Robert H.G.
Published: November 2006

This study investigates mechanisms underlying β3-adrenergic activation of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in myocardial tissue of wild-type (WT) and β3-adrenoceptor knockout (β3-KNO) mice, in the absence and presence of BRL 37344 (BRL), the preferential β3-adrenoceptor selective agonist. Nitric oxide (NO)-liberation was measured after the application of BRL (10 µmol/L), using fluorescence dye diaminofluorescein (DAF), in left ventricular cardiac preparations. Phosphorylation of eNOSSer1177, eNOSThr495, eNOSSer114, and eNOS translocation, and alterations of 8-isoprostaglandin F2α (a parameter for reactive oxygen radical generation), after application of BRL (10 µmol/L), were studied using immunohistochemical stainings in isolated, electrically stimulated (1 Hz) right atrial (RA) and left ventricular (LV) myocardium. An increased NO release after BRL application (10 µmol/L) was observed in the RA and LV myocardial tissue of WT mice, but not in β3-KNO mice. This NO liberation in WT mice was paralleled by an increased eNOSSer1177, but not eNOSThr495, phosphorylation. A cytosolic eNOS translocation was observed after the application of BRL (10 µmol/L) only in the RA myocardial tissue of WT mice. A BRL (10 µmol/L)-dependent increase in eNOSSer114 phosphorylation was observed only in the LV myocardial tissue of WT mice; this was paralleled by an increase in 8-isoprostaglandin F2α. In murine myocardium, 3 β3-adrenoceptor-dependent activation pathways for eNOS exist (i.e., a translocation and phosphorylation of eNOSSer1177 and eNOSSer114). These pathways are used in a regional-dependent manner. β3-adrenergic oxygen-derived free radical production might be important in situations of enhanced β3-adrenoceptor activation, as has been described in human heart failure.
Inhibition of polycystin-L channel by the Chinese herb Sparganum stoloniferum Buch.-Ham.
Authors: Li Fang , Dai Xiao-Qing , Li Qiang , Wu Yuliang , Chen Xing-Zhen
Published: November 2006

The Chinese herb Sparganum stoloniferum Buch.-Ham. (SBH) is frequently used to improve blood circulation and to rehabilitate vascular obstruction in traditional Chinese medicine. It was recently reported that SBH reduces the proliferation of renal epithelial cells stimulated by epidermal growth factor (EGF), and inhibits the phosphorylation of the EGF receptor. SBH has also been used as a trial drug to treat polycystic kidney disease (PKD) patients in China. The potential molecular actions of SBH on PKD remain unknown. Autosomal dominant PKD (ADPKD) is associated with mutations in polycystin-1 or polycystin-2 (PC2). PC2 and its homologue, polycystin-L (PCL), are nonselective cation channels permeable to potassium, sodium, and calcium. Here, we examine the effects of SBH on the human PCL channel expressed in Xenopus oocytes, using 2-microelectrode voltage-clamp electrophysiology and radiotracer uptake measurements. In PCL-expressing oocytes, with or without preincubation with SBH, the PCL channel was inhibited by SBH in a dose-dependent and reversible manner; a concentration of 2% SBH completely abolished the channel activation. The IC50 value for SBH was 0.48% ± 0.03%, with a 10-min preincubation period. SBH was also found to inhibit the PCL-mediated 45Ca tracer uptake in oocytes. Our study suggests that SBH contains 1 or more yet-to-be determined components that are inhibitors of PCL channel. The therapeutic potential of SBH for ADPKD and its chemical composition remain to be investigated.