bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in the Treatment of Postoperative Organ/Space Sternal Surgical Site Infections
Authors: Barili Fabio , Polvani Gianluca , Topkara Veli K. , Dainese Luca , Cheema Faisal H. , Roberto Maurizio , Naliato Moreno , Parolari Alessandro , Alamanni Francesco , Biglioli Paolo
Published: June 2007

Background

A prospective trial was designed to evaluate the effect of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy on organ/space sternal surgical site infections (SSIs) following cardiac surgery that requires sternotomy.

Methods

A total of 32 patients who developed postoperative organ/space sternal SSI were enrolled in this study from 1999 through 2005. All patients were offered HBO therapy. Group 1 included the patients who accepted and were able to undergo HBO therapy (n = 14); group 2 included patients who refused HBO therapy or had contraindications to it (n = 18).

Results

The two groups were well matched at baseline with comparable preoperative clinical characteristics and operative factors. Staphylococcus was the most common pathogen for both groups. The duration of infection was similar in groups 1 and 2 (31.8 7.6 vs. 29.3 5.7 days, respectively, p = 0.357). The infection relapse rate was significantly lower in group 1 (0% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.024). Moreover, the duration of intravenous antibiotic use (47.8 ± 7.4 vs. 67.6 ± 25.1 days, p = 0.036) and total hospital stay (52.6 ± 9.1 vs. 73.6 ± 24.5 days, p = 0.026) were both significantly shorter in group 1.

Conclusion

Hyperbaric oxygen is a valuable addition to the armamentarium available to physicians for treating postoperative organ/space sternal SSI.
Pyrrolidine Dithiocarbamate Reduces Lung Injury Caused by Mesenteric Ischemia/Reperfusion in a Rat Model
Authors: Kabay Burhan , Teke Zafer , Aytekin Faruk Onder , Yenisey Cigdem , Bir Ferda , Sacar Mustafa , Erdem Ergun , Ozden Akin
Published: June 2007

Background

Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) is a low‐molecular thiol antioxidant and potent inhibitor of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) activation. It has been shown to attenuate local harmful effects of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in many organs. In this study, we aimed to study the effect of PDTC on lung reperfusion injury induced by superior mesenteric occlusion.

Methods

Male Wistar‐albino rats randomized into three groups: (1) sham‐operated control group (n = 12), laparotomy without I/R injury; (2) intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) group (n = 12), 60 min of ischemia by superior mesenteric occlusion followed by 2 h of reperfusion; and (3) I/R+PDTC‐treated group (n = 12), 100 mg/kg injection of PDTC intravenously, 30 min after the commencement of reperfusion. Evans blue dye was injected to half of rats in all groups before the induction of I/R. We assessed the degree of pulmonary tissue injury biochemically by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and nitric oxide (NO) levels, and histopathologically by establishing pulmonary neutrophil sequestration and acute lung injury scoring. Pulmonary edema was evaluated by Evans blue dye extravasation, as well as lung tissue wet/dry weight ratios.

Results

Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate treatment significantly reduced the MDA and NO levels, and increased the GSH levels in the lung parenchyma, biochemically (p < 0.05), and atteneuated the pulmonary parenchymal damage, histopathologically (p < 0.05). However, pulmonary neutrophil sequestration was not affected by postischemic treatment with PDTC (p > 0.05). Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate administration also significantly alleviated the formation of pulmonary edema, as evidenced by the decreased Evans blue dye extravasation and organ wet/dry weight ratios (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study showed that postischemic treatment with PDTC significantly attenuated the lung reperfusion injury. Further clinical studies are needed for better understanding of the specific mechanisms of PDTC protection against I/R‐related organ injury and to clarify whether PDTC may be a useful therapeutic agent during particular operations where remote organ I/R injury occurs.
Perioperative Vasopressors Are Associated with an Increased Risk of Gastrointestinal Anastomotic Leakage
Authors: Zakrison Tanya , Nascimento Bartolomeu A. , Tremblay Lorraine N. , Kiss Alex , Rizoli Sandro B.
Published: June 2007

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of vasopressors on gastrointestinal (GI) anastomotic leaks. Vasopressors are commonly used in surgical patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and their effects on GI anastomotic integrity are unknown.

Patients and Methods

Surgical patients admitted to the ICU in our tertiary university hospital following the creation of a GI anastomosis were studied by a retrospective chart analysis for anastomotic leaks and complications

Results

A total of 223 patients with 259 GI anastomoses, mostly for cancer, were admitted to the ICU immediately after surgery. Twenty‐two patients developed anastomotic leaks (9.9%). The two groups (leak versus no‐leak) had similar demographics, surgery type and indication, type of anastomosis, co‐morbidities, cancer, steroid use, blood transfusion, drains, and epidural catheters. Vasopressor use was associated with increased anastomotic leakage (p = 0.02, OR 3.25). Multiple vasopressors and prolonged exposure caused even higher leaking rates. This effect was independent of the medical status and operative morbidity (APACHE II, POSSUM). Blood pressure preceding vasopressor use was similar in both groups. Vasopressors might have been occasionally used to treat hypovolemia. Patients with leaks had higher reoperation rates (41% versus 1%, p < 0.0001) and mortality (21% versus 4%, p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Vasopressors appear to increase anastomotic leaks threefold, independent of clinical/surgical status or hypotension. Evidence‐based guidelines are warranted for the optimal use of vasopressors in postoperative patients admitted to the ICU.
Postoperative Liver Dysfunction and Future Remnant Liver: Where Is the Limit?
Authors: Ferrero Alessandro , Viganò Luca , Polastri Roberto , Muratore Andrea , Eminefendic Haris , Regge Daniele , Capussotti Lorenzo
Published: June 2007

Background

The future remnant liver (FRL) limit for safe major hepatectomy with low risk of postoperative liver failure has not yet been well defined.

Methods

Between April 2000 and September 2004, every patient scheduled for major hepatectomy in our institution underwent CT‐volumetry of FRL. Patients with FRL <25% underwent portal vein embolization (PVE). Exclusion criteria were PVE, associated vascular resection and liver cirrhosis. The FRL was correlated with short‐term results in patients with normal liver (group A) and those with impaired liver function secondary to neoadjuvant chemotherapy or cholestasis (bilirubin >2 mg/100 ml) (group B). Liver dysfunction was defined as both PT <50% and serum bilirubin level >5 mg/100 ml for three or more consecutive days.

Results

A total of 119 patients were analyzed, 72 in group A and 47 in group B. The FRL value was the only significant risk factor for postoperative liver dysfunction in the univariate and multivariate analysis (p = 0.009). The FRL did not correlate with postoperative mortality and morbidity. Bilirubin and prothrombin time (PT) on days 3 and 7 were significantly correlated to FRL in both groups. In group A, patients with postoperative liver dysfunction had a FRL<30% (3 versus 0; p = 0.005). According to receiving operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, a FRL value of 26.5% predicted postoperative liver dysfunction with 66.7% sensitivity, 97.1% specificity, 50% positive predictive value (PPV), and 98.5% negative predictive value (NPV). In group B, patients with postoperative liver dysfunction had a FRL <35% (4 versus 0; p = 0.027). According to ROC curve analysis, a FRL value of 31.05% predicted postoperative liver dysfunction with 75% sensitivity, 79.1% specificity, 25% PPV, and 97.1% NPV.

Conclusions

Hepatectomy can be considered safe when FRL is >26.5% in patients with healthy liver and >31% in patients with impaired liver function.
Incorporation of Arachidonic and Stearic Acids Bound to L‐FABP into Nuclear and Endonuclear Lipids from Rat Liver Cells
Authors: Maté Sabina M. , Layerenza Juan P. , Ves‐Losada Ana
Published: June 2007

The incorporation of exogenous fatty acids bound to L‐FABP into nuclei was studied. Rat liver cell nuclei and nuclear matrices (membrane depleted nuclei) were incubated in vitro with [1‐14C]18:0 and 20:4n‐6 either free or bound to L‐FABP, ATP and CoA. FA esterification in whole nuclei and endonuclear lipids was ATP‐CoA‐dependent, and with specificity regarding fatty acid type and lipid class. 18:0 and 20:4n‐6, free or L‐FABP bound, showed the same incorporation and esterification pattern in lipids of whole nuclei. Only 20:4n‐6 L‐FABP bound was less incorporated into TAG with respect to free 20:4n‐6. In the nuclear matrix, 18:0 free or L‐FABP bound was esterified with a higher specific activity (SA) into: PtdEtn > PtdIns, PtdSer > PtdCho. 20:4n‐6 free or L‐FABP bound was esterified into: PtdIns > PtdEtn > PtdCho. 20:4n‐6:L‐FABP was esterified in endonuclear total‐PL and PtdIns with a greater SA with respect to free 20:4n‐6 and with a minor one as FFA. To summarize, trafficking of FA to nuclei includes esterification of 18:0 and 20:4n‐6 either free or L‐FABP‐bound, into nuclear and endonuclear lipids by an ATP‐CoA‐dependent pathway. Endonuclear fatty acid esterification was more active than that in whole nuclei, and independent of the nuclear membrane. Esterification patterns of fatty acids L‐FABP‐bound or free into whole nuclear lipids were the same whereas in the nuclear matrix, L‐FABP could play an important role in the mobilization of 20:4n‐6 into specific sites of utilization such as the PtdIns pools.
Effects of Cigarette Smoke on Cell Viability, Linoleic Acid Metabolism and Cholesterol Synthesis, in THP−1 Cells
Authors: Ghezzi Silvia , Risé Patrizia , Ceruti Stefania , Galli Claudio
Published: June 2007

Cigarette smoke (CS) contains thousands of substances, mainly free radicals that have as a target the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Long chain PUFA are produced through elongation and desaturation reactions from their precursors; the desaturation reactions are catalyzed by different enzymes: the conversion of 18:2n−6 (linoleic acid, LA) to 18:3n−6 by Δ6 desaturase, while that of 20:3n−6 to 20:4n−6 by Δ5 desaturase. The aim of this work is to evaluate the effect of serum exposed to cigarette smoke (SE‐FBS) on (1) cell viability and proliferation, (2) [1‐14C] LA conversion and desaturase activities in THP−1 cells, a monocytic cell line. In THP−1, CS inhibits cell proliferation dose‐dependently, by producing a modification in the cell cycle with a reduced number of cells in synthesis and mitosis phases at higher concentrations. CS also decreases [1‐14C] LA conversion to its derivatives in a concentration‐dependent manner, inhibiting the activities of Δ6 and mainly Δ5 desaturase. In addition, CS does not modify the incorporation of LA into various lipid classes but it reduces cholesterol synthesis from radiolabelled acetate, and increases free fatty acid, TG and CE levels. In conclusion, CS affects lipid metabolism, inhibiting LA conversion and desaturase activities. CS also shifts the “de novo” lipid synthesis from free cholesterol to TG and CE, where LA is preferentially esterified.
Effects of ethoxylate structure on surfactant properties of ethoxylated fatty methyl esters
Authors: Hama I. , Sakaki M. , Sasamoto H.
Published: June 2007

In the presence of a surface‐modified Al‐Mg composite oxide catalyst, ethoxylated fatty methyl esters with different hydrophobic group structures and different chain‐lengths of polyoxyethylene were synthesized from fatty methyl esters by direct ethoxylation. Each ethoxylated fatty methyl ester obtained showed a narrow ethylene oxide (EO) adduct distribution. Foaming, ability to lower surface tension, ability to lower interfacial tension, wettability, and dye solubilization were measured. Ethoxylated methyl laurate with about 60 to 70% EO content was found to be the most suitable as a base surfactant for household detergents
Methyl ester ethoxylates
Authors: Cox Michael F. , Weerasooriya Upali
Published: June 2007

Conventional ethoxylation of fatty methyl esters, or other fatty‐fatty esters or diesters, produces poor yields of the desired ethoxylated ester. A proprietary ethoxylation catalyst, currently in use to produce “peaked” or “narrow‐range” alcohol ethoxylates, has been found to successfully insert ethylene oxide into the ester linkage of fatty esters. The mechanism for this insertion likely involves an ethoxylation‐transesterification step in the ethoxylation process. Physical, performance, and environmental/human safety properties were evaluated. Results, in general, show that methyl ester ethoxylates behave similarly to alcohol ethoxylates with the exception of having a lower foam profile and being less irritating.
Chemo‐enzymatic synthesis of amino acid‐based surfactants
Authors: Valivety Rao , Jauregi Paula , Gill Iqbal , Vulfson Evgeny
Published: June 2007

The application of lipases to the synthesis of amino acid‐based surfactants was investigated. Low yields (2–9%) were obtained in the acylation of free amino acids, such as l‐serine and l‐lysine, as well as their ethyl esters and amides with fatty acids, owing in part to low miscibility of the reactants. When the N‐carbobenzyloxy (Cbz)‐l‐amino acids were used in an effort to improve miscibility of the amino acid derivatives with the acyl donor, a dramatic improvement was observed for N‐Cbz‐l‐serine (92% yield) but not for Nα‐Cbz‐ or Nζ‐Cbz‐l‐lysine (7 and 2% yield, respectively). As an alternative, and efficient synthesis of Nζ‐acyl‐l‐lysines was developed, based on the regiospecific chemical acylation of copper(II) lysinate. In pursuit of a general route to amino acid‐fatty acid surfactants, the utility of a polyol linker was investigated. Thus, the glycerol ester of Nα′Nζ‐di‐Cbz‐l‐lysine was prepared and evaluated as a substrate for acylation. As expected, this and other glycer‐1‐yl esters of N‐protected amino acids were excellent substrates for lipase‐catalyzed acylation. Their reaction with myristic acid in the presence of Novozyme resulted in the regioselective acylation of the primary hydroxyl group of the glycerol moiety to afford the corresponding 1‐O‐(N‐Cbz‐l‐aminoacyl)‐3‐O‐myris‐toylglycerols with conversions of 50–90%. These were readily deprotected to give a range of 1‐O‐(aminoacyl)‐3‐O‐myristoyl‐glycerols with overall yields of 27–71%.
Surfactant modification of lipases for lipid interesterification and hydrolysis reactions
Authors: Mogi Ken‐ichi , Nakajima Mitsutoshi , Mukataka Sukekuni
Published: June 2007

Commercial grade lipases from Rhizopus japonicus, R. delemar, and Rhizomucor miehei were modified by surfactant (sorbitan monostearate), and their protein recovery and interesterification, and hydrolysis activities were investigated. By repeating the lipase modification processes three times, total protein recoveries of 17–35% could be obtained. The original lipases had no interesterification activities at all; however, all modified lipases in the first process had significant interesterification activities. In the hydrolysis reactions, all modified lipases obtained from the first process showed about three times higher specific activities than the original lipases. The modified lipases obtained from the second and third processes had lower specific interesterification and hydrolysis activities than the lipases from the first one. These results suggest that the surfactant modification process is effective not only for interesterification but also lipase purification.
Enzymatic enrichment of conjugated linoleic acid isomers and incorporation into triglycerides
Authors: McNeill Gerald P. , Rawlins Chris , Peilow Anne C.
Published: June 2007

A method was developed for the enrichment of either the cis9,trans11 or the trans10,cis12 isomer of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) from a synthetic CLA mixture consisting predominantly of these isomers in equal amounts. Lipases were screened for their ability to selectively esterify one isomer at a significantly greater rate than the other isomer. An immobilized lipase from Rhizomucor miehei was nonselective, but a lipase from Geotrichum candidum esterified the cis9,trans11 isomer more rapidly than the trans10,cis12 isomer. This selectivity was exploited at the kilogram scale to prepare an ester fraction with a content of 91% cis9,trans11 CLA and an unreacted free fatty acid fraction consisting of 82% trans10,cis12 CLA, based on total CLA content. The components of the reaction mixture were separated by molecular distillation. Each enriched fraction was then incorporated into palm oil triglycerides by interesterification with the non‐selective lipase from R. miehei. Two triglyceride fats resulted, which were enriched in either cis9,trans11 CLA (26.5% cis9,trans11 and 1.7% trans10,cis12) or trans10,cis12 CLA (3.5% cis9,trans11 and 22.9% trans10,cis12).
Challenges in capturing oxygenase activity in vitro
Authors: Vilker Vincent L. , Reipa Vytas , Mayhew Martin , Holden Marcia J.
Published: June 2007

Biocatalysis using oxygenase or desaturase enzymes has the potential to add value to native fats and oils by adding oxygen, hydroxyl groups, or double bonds to create regio‐ and/or stereospecific products. These enzymes are a subset of the large class of oxidoreductase enzymes (from EC subgroups 1.13 and 1.14) involved with biological oxidation and reduction. In vitro biocatalytic processing using these enzymes is hampered by the high cost of the stoichiometric cofactors. This article reviews recent progress in developing in vitro redox enzyme biocatalysis for commercial‐scale syntheses. Coenzyme recycling and electrochemical redox cycling as methods for cofactor regeneration are described and commercial applications indicated. Direct charge transfer without use of mediators is described as the cleanest way of introducing the reducing power into the catalytic cycle. Our electrochemically driven cytochrome P450cam bioreactor is discussed as an example of direct charge transfer to a redox protein. Site‐directed mutagenesis in the active site of the P450cam monooxygenase greatly improved performance for the conversion of the nonnative substrate, styrene to styrene oxide. This epoxidation reaction was also shown to give a single product (styrene oxide) in the bioelectrochemical reactor when the diatomic oxygen co‐substrate was managed properly.
High yields of ascorbyl palmitate by thermostable lipase‐mediated esterification
Authors: Bradoo S. , Saxena R. K. , Gupta R.
Published: June 2007

High yields of ascorbyl palmitate (6‐O‐palmitoyl‐l‐ascorbic acid) were obtained by lipase‐mediated esterification using Bacillus stearothermophilus SB 1 lipase. The final yield was greatly influenced by the initial water content of the system, quantity of enzyme, and molar ratio of palmitic acid to l‐ascorbic acid. Reaction rates increased directly with temperature from 40 to 100°C. Maximum conversion (97%) was achieved after 30 min at 100°C (solvent‐free), 1 h at 80°C (solvent‐free), and 2 h at 60°C (solvent/hexane). The synthesis was scaled up to 1‐l volume with 95% conversion using 50 mmoles of ascorbic acid and 250 mmoles of palmitic acid in hexane. Similar yields of ester were obtained in five repetitive cycles using 5 g enzyme immobilized on Accurel. The present B. stearothermophilus SB 1 lipase was a more efficient catalyst for the synthesis of ascorbyl palmitate than other commercial lipases.
Characterization of partially purified extracellular lipase fractions from Pseudomonas fragi CRDA 037
Authors: Wahab Aliaa Abdul , Kermasha Selim , Bisakowski Barbara , Morin André
Published: June 2007

The purification of extracellular lipases from the culture medium of Pseudomonas fragi CRDA 037 was obtained by ammonium sulfate precipitation, followed by ion‐exchange chromatography and then by size exclusion chromatography, and re‐size exclusion chromatography, which resulted in two enzymatic fractions, FIVa′ and FIVb′. The fractions FIVa′ and FIVb′ had specific activities of 105.5 and 121.6 U/mg, respectively, with purification folds of 169.3 and 195.2, respectively, using triacetin as a substrate. The two purified fractions showed optimal activities at pH 9.5 and 10.0, respectively, at 80°C. Three bands were found in fraction FIVa′ and two bands in fraction FIVb′ by native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; these results indicated that homogeneity of the purified fractions was not achieved. The enzyme efficiency values, calculated as the ratio of Vmax to Km value for fractions FIVa′ and FIVb′, were 72.16 × 10−2 and 38.15 × 10−2, respectively. The lipase activity of fraction FIVa′ was more specific for the hydrolysis of fatty acid esters with fatty acid chain lengths of C12 to C18, whereas that of fraction FIVb′ showed a relatively broader range of specificity. The lipase activity of fraction FIVa′ showed higher specificity toward triacetin, tristearin, and tripalmitin as the substrate, whereas that of fraction FIVb′ exhibited higher affinity toward triacetin, trimyristin, and triolein. The effect of selected salts and detergents on the lipase activity of the purified fractions was also investigated. The lipase activity of the purified lipase fractions was completely inhibited by 10 mM of FeCl2, FeCl3, and Ellman’s reagent. However, 10 mM of CaCl2 and EDTA activated the two purified lipase fractions by 20 to 50%.
Composition and crystallization of milk fat fractions
Authors: van Aken G. A. , ten Grotenhuis E. , van Langevelde A. J. , Schenk H.
Published: June 2007

Milk fat was fractionated by solvent (acetone) fractionation and dry fractionation. Based on their fatty acid and acyl‐carbon profiles, the fractions could be divided into three main groups: high‐melting triglycerides (HMT), middle‐melting triglycerides (MMT), and low‐melting triglycerides (LMT). HMT fractions were enriched in long‐chain fatty acids, and reduced in short‐chain fatty acids and unsaturated fatty acids. The MMT fractions were enriched in long‐chain fatty acids, and reduced in unsaturated fatty acids. The LMT fractions were reduced in long‐chain fatty acids, and enriched in short‐chain fatty acids and unsaturated fatty acids. Crystallization of these fractions was studied by differential scanning calorimetry and X‐ray diffraction techniques. In this study, the stable crystal form appeared to be the β′‐form for all fractions. At sufficiently low temperature (different for each fraction), the β′‐form is preceded by crystallization in the metastable α‐form. An important difference between the fractions is the rate of crystallization in the β′‐form, which proceeds at a much lower rate for the lower‐melting fat fractions than for the higher‐melting fat fractions. This may be due to the much lower affinity for crystallization of the lower‐melting fractions, due to the less favorable molecular geometry for packing in the β′‐crystal lattice.
Crystal and molecular structure of an enantiomeric gossypol‐acetic acid clathrate
Authors: Dowd Michael K. , Thomas Leonard M. , Calhoun Millard C.
Published: June 2007

Single crystals of gossypol with three molecules of acetic acid (gossypol triacetic acid) were grown from solutions of gossypol acetic acid and acetone. The crystals were unstable in air but could be stabilized for X‐ray diffraction analysis by coating the crystal surfaces with a thin layer of mineral oil. The gossypol triacetic acid complex (C30H30O8·3C2H4O2) forms an orthorhombic crystal system with P212121 (Z=4) symmetry. Unit cell dimensions were a=9.0208(7) Å, b=17.4884(10) Å, and c=24.358(2), Å yielding a volume of 3842.7(5) Å3 and a density of 1.2077(2) g/cm3. As with all previously reported crystals of gossypol, the gossypol molecules were of the aldehyde tautomer, and the two planar naphthalene rings were approximately perpendicular. Acetic acid molecules were found to lie in channels within the gossypol matrix. Individual crystals contained only one gossypol enantiomer, but both enantiomers crystallized from solution. Although the crystal habit could not be used to distinguish between the gossypol enantiomers, a fragment of the crystal could be derivatized and analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography for this purpose. The ability to grow large, nonracemic crystals leads to a simple procedure for separating small quantities of the individual gossypol enantiomers.
Isolation and characterization of nudC from mouse macrophages, a gene implicated in the inflammatory response through the regulation of PAF‐AH(I) activity
Authors: Riera José , Rodríguez René , Carcedo María Teresa , Campa Víctor M. , Ramos Sofía , Lazo Pedro S.
Published: June 2007

We report the characterization of a cDNA induced in mouse macrophages that encodes a 332‐amino acid protein with extensive sequence identity with members of the mammalian nudC‐like genes. The interaction between mNUDC and the regulatory β subunit of platelet activating factor acetylhydrolase I (PAF‐AH(I)) shown in this article indicates a new function of NUDC. Thus, we show that NUDC increases the catalytic activity of PAF‐AH(I) and that this regulatory activity is located in the carboxyl terminal half of the protein which is highly conserved. This suggests a novel function for mammalian nudC‐like genes as anti‐inflammatory proteins.
Identification and characterization of RED120: A conserved PWI domain protein with links to splicing and 3′‐end formation
Authors: Fortes Puri , Longman Dasa , McCracken Susan , Ip Joanna Y. , Poot Raymond , Mattaj Iain W. , Cáceres Javier F. , Blencowe Benjamin J.
Published: June 2007

Precursor (pre)‐mRNA splicing can impact the efficiency of coupled steps in gene expression. SRm160 (SR‐related nuclear matrix protein of 160 kDa), is a splicing coactivator that also functions as a 3′‐end cleavage‐stimulatory factor. Here, we have identified an evolutionary‐conserved SRm160‐interacting protein, referred to as hRED120 (for human Arg/Glu/Asp‐rich protein of 120 kDa). hRED120 contains a conventional RNA recognition motif and, like SRm160, a PWI nucleic acid binding domain, suggesting that it has the potential to bridge different RNP complexes. Also, similar to SRm160, hRED120 associates with snRNP components, and remains associated with mRNA after splicing. Simultaneous suppression in Caenorhabditis elegans of the ortholog of hRED120 with the orthologs of splicing and 3′‐end processing factors results in aberrant growth or developmental defects. These results suggest that RED120 may function to couple splicing with mRNA 3′‐end formation.
GSK‐3β mediates in the progesterone inhibition of estrogen induced cyclin D2 nuclear localization and cell proliferation in cyclin D1−/− mouse uterine epithelium
Authors: Wang Yuxiang , Feng Hui , Bi Cheng , Zhu Liyin , Pollard Jeffrey W. , Chen Bo
Published: June 2007

We report that glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)‐3β is phosphorylated at ser9 and inactivated in uterine epithelial cells from E2‐treated cyclin D1 null mutant mice. Simultaneous administration of P4 together with E2 blocked this effect. Pharmacological inhibition of GSK‐3β activity in mice treated with P4E2 reversed the nuclear exclusion of cyclin D2 in the uterine epithelial cells and this caused phosphorylation of Rb protein and progression of cells towards S‐phase. Our results indicate that GSK‐3β is a major target of E2 and P4 in regulation of cyclin D2 localization in the mouse uterine epithelium.
Migration trends in Central Eurasia: Politics versus economics
Authors: Korobkov Andrei V.
Published: June 2007

The post-Soviet ethnic migration wave was quickly followed by the contraction of population territorial mobility. The growing role of socioeconomic factors in defining the character and intensity of migration flows, including the expansion of temporary, labor and undocumented migration, has been especially pronounced.

These changes indicate the evolving relationship between migration and conflicts developing in Central Eurasia. Initially as an indicator of ethnic tensions and discrimination of minorities, migration is becoming a mechanism of market transition, providing for the economic survival of population under crisis conditions. With the depletion of the number of ethnic Russian migrants, the influx of ethnic aliens, moving primarily from Central Asia and the Transcaucasus to Russia, is increasing in importance.

The present paper discusses the impact of new migration flows on the economies, welfare mechanisms, financial systems, labor markets, and societies of Central Eurasia. Special attention is given to the governmental response to migration phenomenon—from labor migration criminalization to attempts to stimulate the flow of specific migrant groups.
Reasoning About Institutional Change: Winners, Losers and Support for Electoral Reforms
Authors: BOWLER SHAUN , DONOVAN TODD
Published: June 2007

This study assesses how the mass public reasons about political institutions by examining the effects of winning and losing on support for several electoral reform proposals. The national sample survey identified majorities supporting proposals for major changes in America's electoral institutions, and that suggested electoral losses may have a modest effect in reducing losers' satisfaction with how democracy works. Random assignment experiments that tested hypotheses derived from theories of risk perception were conducted. It was found that people who saw themselves as winners and losers in the electoral arena reasoned differently when proposals for change were framed in terms of loss. Losers may be just slightly more supportive than winners of some electoral reforms; however, they appeared less sensitive than winners to framing effects that presented reform proposals in terms of the risks of loss. Winners may support the same reform proposals but their support for change decreased more when the proposals were framed as a potential loss. Winners are thus risk aversive when evaluating electoral reform proposals, while losers may even be risk seeking. Although this survey found support for major reforms, the patterns of reasoning that were identified in the mass public suggest a basis for the stability of electoral institutions.
Torture and Liberal Democracy: Response to Levey
Authors: LUKES STEVEN
Published: June 2007

I am really grateful to Geoffrey Brahm Levey for his critical comments, which push me to try to make clear, first, why I claim that torture is not susceptible of democratic accountability in liberal democracies; secondly, where I believe the residue of deep insight in the Durkheimian argument lies; and thirdly, why I think we cannot rightly speak, or even whisper, of torture as a lesser evil.

Torture and democratic accountability. Levey argues that torture can be rendered collectively accountable and that it is not different from other cases of political dirty hands on the democratic front. It could be subject to judicial oversight, for example, by ‘torture warrants’ in the manner of Dershowitz, or by the government or relevant minister being held accountable after the fact. He adds that states do not conceal torture because it is ‘inherently anti-democratic or unpopular’; on the contrary, today it appears ‘only too popular and open to democratic endorsement’.

But I do not mean to equate democracy and popularity. Democracy is not simply majority rule; majorities can tyrannize over minorities and individuals, who need protection on democratic grounds. ‘Democracy’ names an ideal and we could either, like Schumpeter, revise the ideal in a ‘realistic’ direction or, like Dahl, while retaining the ideal as background, characterize real political systems as approximations to it, using other terms, such as ‘polyarchy’. Either way, one of the things which makes a modern state more rather than less democratic is the extent to which it incorporates institutional arrangements and mechanisms that secure a range of basic rights, protecting all, especially the most vulnerable, from arbitrary abuses of power.
Eine Untersuchung zur Spezifität kognitiver Leistungen depressiver Kinder und Jugendlicher im HAWIK-III
Authors: Kirsch Veronica , Pritzel Monika , Goldbeck Lutz
Published: June 2007

Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Auffälligkeiten im Leistungsverhalten gehören zu den zentralen Symptomen depressiver Kinder und Jugendlicher. Im HAWIK-III konnte eine spezifische, differentialdiagnostisch nutzbare Abbildung solcher Defizite noch nicht durchgängig nachgewiesen werden. Fragestellung: Lassen sich spezifische kognitive Defizite bei depressiven Kindern nachweisen? Methode: Das Leistungsprofil von 33 monopolar depressiven Kindern und Jugendlichen ohne Komorbidität (9-16 J., 22 w) wird mit einer Kontrollgruppe hyperkinetischer Patienten (n = 33; 7-15 J., 10 w) hinsichtlich störungsspezifischer Abweichungen von der Normstichprobe untersucht. Ergebnisse: Die depressiven Patienten weisen weder im Vergleich zur Normstichprobe noch zur Kontrollgruppe die erwarteten Defizite auf. Einzig im Allgemeinwissen (t(33) = -2.43, p = .021; d = -0.41) und Rechnerischen Denken (t(33) = -1.51, p = .141; d = -0.25) treten begrenzt Einbußen zu Tage. Schlussfolgerung: Die Leistungsdefizite der depressiven Patienten in schulähnlichen Aufgaben werden in Zusammenhang mit misserfolgsorientiertem und gehemmtem Verhalten verstanden. Der Stellenwert psychometrischer Leistungsdiagnostik in der klinischen Diagnostik von Depressionen wird diskutiert.
Observations related to tetrahydrofuran and methane hydrates for laboratory studies of hydrate‐bearing sediments
Authors: Lee J. Y. , Yun T. S. , Santamarina J. C. , Ruppel C.
Published: June 2007

The interaction among water molecules, guest gas molecules, salts, and mineral particles determines the nucleation and growth behavior of gas hydrates in natural sediments. Hydrate of tetrahydrofuran (THF) has long been used for laboratory studies of gas hydrate‐bearing sediments to provide close control on hydrate concentrations and to overcome the long formation history of methane hydrate from aqueous phase methane in sediments. Yet differences in the polarizability of THF (polar molecule) compared to methane (nonpolar molecule) raise questions about the suitability of THF as a proxy for methane in the study of hydrate‐bearing sediments. From existing data and simple macroscale experiments, we show that despite its polar nature, THF's large molecular size results in low permittivity, prevents it from dissolving precipitated salts, and hinders the solvation of ions on dry mineral surfaces. In addition, the interfacial tension between water and THF hydrate is similar to that between water and methane hydrate. The processes that researchers choose for forming hydrate in sediments in laboratory settings (e.g., from gas, liquid, or ice) and the pore‐scale distribution of the hydrate that is produced by each of these processes likely have a more pronounced effect on the measured macroscale properties of hydrate‐bearing sediments than do differences between THF and methane hydrates themselves.
Lightning activity analyses with respect to the SPCZ location
Authors: Ortéga P. , Guignes T.
Published: June 2007

The South Pacific Convergence Zone (SPCZ) stretches over the West Pacific warm pool Southeastward to French Polynesia. The Island Climate Update monthly publishes the mean location deduced from the total rainfall. On the other hand, the World Wide Lightning Location Network monthly provides data from which the lightning activity distribution in the 0°–30° South latitude and 150°–240° West longitude area can be drawn. Scanning this rectangle from West to East allows the spots of maximum lightning activity to be located versus the longitude. Fitting the location of these maxima with a polynomial function leads to a curve comparable with the monthly mean position of the SPCZ, showing that this band of cloudiness is one of the main sources of lightning in this whole area.
Optimization of TCR transgenic T cells for in vivo tracking of immune responses
Authors: Stock Angus T , Mueller Scott N , Kleinert Lauren M , Heath William R , Carbone Francis R , Jones Claerwen M
Published: June 2007

T‐cell receptor (TCR) transgenic mice have proven useful for the study of various immune parameters. Despite this, it has been suggested that transferred T cells respond differently to their endogenous counterparts at least in terms of conversion to antigen‐experienced populations bearing memory cell markers. Here, we have compared the response of TCR transgenic T cells to endogenous populations within the context of infection with herpes simplex virus. We found that adoptive transfer at numbers approaching those of the endogenous virus‐specific subset results in a response with similar kinetics, magnitude and memory subset conversion. This suggests that this form of optimized T‐cell transfer remains a useful means of tracking antiviral immune responses.
Interleukin‐1α regulates antimicrobial peptide expression in human keratinocytes
Authors: Bando Mika , Hiroshima Yuka , Kataoka Masatoshi , Shinohara Yasuo , Herzberg Mark C , Ross Karen F , Nagata Toshihiko , Kido Jun‐ichi
Published: June 2007

Human epidermis and epithelium serve as physiologic barriers to protect against noxious and infectious agents. Contributing to the defense against infection, epithelial cells express antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). The expression of AMPs in keratinocytes is generally regulated directly by bacteria and indirectly by proinflammatory cytokines. Bacteria may also regulate AMP expression by inducing keratinocyte expression of the autonomous proinflammatory cytokine, interleukin‐1α (IL‐1α). To test the hypothesis that AMP expression may be regulated by cell autonomous cytokines, we investigated the effect of IL‐1α on the expression of AMPs in human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) by microarray, northern blot, reverse transcriptase (RT)–PCR and western blot analyses. IL‐1α increased expression of mRNA in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner specific for lipocalin 2, S100A8, S100A9 and secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) more than twofold relative to nonstimulated cells (control), and slightly upregulated S100A7 and β‐defensin‐2. Furthermore, the expression of lipocalin 2, S100A7, S100A8, S100A9 and SLPI proteins were upregulated by IL‐1α. On the other hand, HaCaT cells expressed mRNA specific for other AMPs, including cystatin 3, adrenomedullin, RNase‐7 and mucin 5, which were unaffected by IL‐1α treatment. These results suggest that the autonomous keratinocyte cytokine, IL‐1α, selectively upregulates the expression of AMPs which may modulate innate epithelial cell immunity in skin and mucosa.
A posteriori regularity of the three-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations from numerical computations
Authors: Chernyshenko Sergei I. , Constantin Peter , Robinson James C. , Titi Edriss S.
Published: June 2007

In this paper we consider the role that numerical computations—in particular Galerkin approximations—can play in problems modeled by the three-dimensional (3D) Navier–Stokes equations, for which no rigorous proof of the existence of unique solutions is currently available. We prove a robustness theorem for strong solutions, from which we derive an a posteriori check that can be applied to a numerical solution to guarantee the existence of a strong solution of the corresponding exact problem. We then consider Galerkin approximations, and show that if a strong solution exists the Galerkin approximations will converge to it; thus if one is prepared to assume that the Navier–Stokes equations are regular one can justify this particular numerical method rigorously. Combining these two results we show that if a strong solution of the exact problem exists then this can be verified numerically using an algorithm that can be guaranteed to terminate in a finite time. We thus introduce the possibility of rigorous computations of the solutions of the 3D Navier–Stokes equations (despite the lack of rigorous existence and uniqueness results), and demonstrate that numerical investigation can be used to rule out the occurrence of possible singularities in particular examples.
Spectroscopic study of carbonaceous dust particles grown in benzene plasma
Authors: Lee Szetsen , Chen Hsiu-Feng , Chin Chien-Ju
Published: June 2007

Carbonaceous dust particles have been synthesized from benzene using an rf glow discharge. Scanning electron microscope inspection revealed that the plasma-synthesized dust particles can be classified into two types. Shell-structured dust particles showed a wide size distribution from 3 to40 μm. The other type, with different degrees of aggregation, appeared to be dense and spherical with a very distinctive yellow color and size distribution from 100 nm to 2 μm. Analyses using micro-Raman and Fourier transform infrared microscopy indicated that the main components of the dust particles are polyphenyls and hydrogenated amorphous carbon (HAC). The luminescence background in Raman spectra and the infrared C–H stretching vibrational features observed around 3.4 μm for the dust particles are attributed to HAC. The formation mechanisms and spectroscopic characterization of carbonaceous dust particles are discussed.
Current-less anodization of intrinsic silicon powder grains: Formation of fluorescent Si nanoparticles
Authors: Nielsen D. , Abuhassan L. , Alchihabi M. , Al-Muhanna A. , Host Jon , Nayfeh M. H.
Published: June 2007

We examine current-less anodization of Si powder grains which are dispersed in a liquid. The grains are prepared red luminescent using a platinum catalyst from a chloroplatinic acid precursor. We also use the procedure to form dispersions of fluorescent Si nanoparticles in the size range of 3–6 nm across by subsequent sonication of the grains. The results are discussed in terms of the calculated thickness of the depletion layer in the grains due to a light metal doping and compared with recent results for the anodization of wirelike geometry.
Electronic angular momentum polarizations of photofragments: A case study of ICN photodissociation from a perpendicular transition
Authors: Chen Kuo-mei
Published: June 2007

A quantum treatment on ICN photodissociation from an initial perpendicular transition (Ω′=±1←Ω″=0) to the asymptote CN(∣Σ+,J′M′N′12⟩)+I(P3∕22) is presented. Density matrices of both photofragments are derived and explicit expressions of the state multipoles in terms of the angular momentum coupling coefficients and the rotation-bending factors have been obtained. To perceive the physical origin of electronic angular momentum polarizations of the iodine photofragments, a correlation scheme which considers the magnetic dipolar and the electrostatic dipole-quadrupole interactions between I and CN cofragments is proposed. For ICN precursors in the vibrational ground state or in the equally populated l-type split levels, the alignment parameters of the iodine photofragments in the molecular frame can be calculated according to this long-range interaction model. For the perpendicular transition ∣Π11⟩←∣Σ0+1⟩, its alignment parameters of I(P3∕22) from the incoherent and coherent transitions to the ∣Ω′=1⟩ and ∣Ω′=−1⟩ components are ρ̃02(Π11)=0.756 and ρ̃22(Π11)=−0.656, respectively. For the perpendicular transition to ∣Π13⟩, ρ̃02(Π13)=−0.878 and ρ̃22(Π13)=0.328 are from the incoherent transition, whereas ρ̃02(Π13)=0.122 and ρ̃22(Π13)=0.328 are from the coherent transition. To analyze the photoion images of iodine photofragments, angular distributions of I+ from the 2+1 resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization detection scheme are derived.
Low-frequency vibrations specific for conformers of 1-aminoindan studied by UV-UV hole-burning spectroscopy
Authors: Isozaki Tasuku , Iga Hiroshi , Suzuki Tadashi , Ichimura Teijiro
Published: June 2007

The UV-UV hole-burning spectra of the jet-cooled 1-aminoindan were measured for the first time. Complicated spectral features observed in the laser-induced fluorescence excitation spectrum due to two conformers, R and B, were firmly separated. On the basis of fluorescence measurements and B3LYP/cc-pVTZ calculations, low-frequency ring twisting and ring puckering modes were assigned. These modes are coupled in the S1 state due to the Duschinsky rotation. The Duschinsky matrix was calculated from the normal modes predicted by quantum chemical calculations. The coupling between the twisting and puckering modes for conformer B is stronger than that for conformer R. The twisting mode was observed at 0+99cm−1 in the S1 state for conformer B, while not for conformer R. The Franck-Condon activity of the twisting mode substantially differs between the two conformers. The transition to the twisting level for conformer B would be allowed by the Duschinsky rotation. The fluorescence lifetime of conformer vibronic levels was also measured and differed for each conformer.
Calculations of the ground states of BeH and BeH+ without the Born-Oppenheimer approximation
Authors: Bubin Sergiy , Adamowicz Ludwik
Published: June 2007

Non-Born-Oppenheimer variational calculations employing explicitly correlated Gaussian basis functions have been performed for the ground states of the beryllium monohydride molecule (BeH) and its ion (BeH+), as well as for the beryllium atom (Be) and its ion (Be+). An approach based on the analytical energy gradient calculated with respect to the Gaussian exponential parameters was employed. The calculated energies were used to determine the ionization potential of BeH and the dissociation energies of BeH and BeH+. Also, the generated wave functions were used to compute various expectation values, such as the average interparticle distances and the nucleus-nucleus correlation functions.
Silicon nanocrystal formation in annealed silicon-rich silicon oxide films prepared by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Daldosso N. , Das G. , Larcheri S. , Mariotto G. , Dalba G. , Pavesi L. , Irrera A. , Priolo F. , Iacona F. , Rocca F.
Published: June 2007

Silicon-rich silicon oxide films deposited by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition with different total Si contents (from 39to46at.%) have been annealed at increasing temperature (up to 1250°C) in order to study the Si nanocrystal (Si-nc) nucleation as well as the structural changes induced in the amorphous embedding matrix. The comparison between x-ray absorption measurements in total electron yield mode, Raman spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectra allowed us to gain insight about the Si nanocrystal formation, while the chemical composition and the nature of chemical bonds into the oxidized matrix was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. A comprehensive picture of the nucleation process has been obtained, demonstrating the active role played by the hydrogen and nitrogen atoms in the formation of Si-nc and in the thermally induced evolution of the deposited films.
Cantilever spring constant calibration using laser Doppler vibrometry
Authors: Ohler Benjamin
Published: June 2007

Uncertainty in cantilever spring constants is a critical issue in atomic force microscopy (AFM) force measurements. Though numerous methods exist for calibrating cantilever spring constants, the accuracy of these methods can be limited by both the physical models themselves as well as uncertainties in their experimental implementation. Here we report the results from two of the most common calibration methods, the thermal tune method and the Sader method. These were implemented on a standard AFM system as well as using laser Doppler vibrometry (LDV). Using LDV eliminates some uncertainties associated with optical lever detection on an AFM. It also offers considerably higher signal to noise deflection measurements. We find that AFM and LDV result in similar uncertainty in the calibrated spring constants, about 5%, using either the thermal tune or Sader methods provided that certain limitations of the methods and instrumentation are observed.