bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zur Causa Der Stipulation
Authors: Wacke Andreas
Published: April 2008

Die Texte zur causa stipulationis sind - wie wir sahen - im wesentlichen zuverlässig. Maßgebliche Divergenzen zwischen dem klassischen und dem justini anischen causa-Begriff sind nicht festzustellen. Unter der causa ist mit der herrschenden Lehre der rechtliche Grund des Versprechens zu verstehen. Fehlt er, so wird die auf das Versprechen gestützte Klage mit der exceptio doli entkräftet (oben III); auch kann der Promittent mit der condictio incerti auf Befreiung (oben VII) sowie nach der Erfüllung mit der condictio (indebiti) auf Rückleistung klagen110). Die henschende Auffassung der causa als Schuld- oder Verpflichtungsgrund schließt ihre Deutung als Versprechenszweck nicht aus (oben II 2). Denn der engere Begriff des Versprechenszwecks, den die Quellen oft mit dem quod actum est wiedergeben (oben II 3, vgl. 4), setzt einen rechtlich anerkannten Verpflichtungsgrund voraus. Ein notfalls auch selbständig existenzfähiges "Rechtsgrundverhältnis" ist hierfür jedoch nicht erforderlich (oben II 1). Die Dreiteilung des causa-Mangels in deren anfängliches Fehlen (stipulatio sine causa), deren Nichteintritt (causa, quae non est secuta) und späteren Wegfall (causa, quae finita est) ist klassisch (oben III 2). Das sine causa promittere umfaßt über den in den Quellen nicht belegten, praktisch offenbar sehr seltenen Dissens über die causa hinaus zahlreiche weitere Fälle (oben III 3 mit A. 38). Ein Fall der causa, quae non est secuta, ist namentlich das nicht valutierte Stipulationsdarlehn, weil das mutuum als Realkontrakt eine Übereignung des Geldes erfordert (oben III 1). Das Mitgiftversprechen - gleich welcher Form - enthält die kraft Zivilrechts erhebliche stillschweigende Bedingung des Zustandekommens einer gültigen Ehe. Auf die ausdrückliche Erwähnung der causa dotis kommt es insoweit nicht an. Doch sollte die tacita condicio mit dem causa-Problem möglichst nicht vermengt werden (oben V). Auch beim Schenkungsversprechen läßt sich eine Differenzierung zwischen "abstrakter" und "titulierter" Stipulation in Bezug auf die Wirkung der Schenkungsverbote nicht feststellen. Insbesondere galt die in vat. 310 erwähnte exceptio in factum vermutlich nicht der Entkräftung abstrakter Schenkungsversprechen, sondern eher der Verhinderung eines in fraudem legis Cinciae agere im Falle einer verschleierten (durch vorgeschobene Entgeltlichkeit eines förmlichen Geschäfts getarnten) Schenkung (oben VI). Es ist an der Zeit, die Diskussion damit abzubrechen. Der Gegensatz der Meinungen dürfte deutlich geworden sein. Welche Ansicht der historischen Wahrheit näher kommt, muß die Zukunft zeigen. Wolfs großes Verdienst ist es, ein zentrales Thema aufgegriffen und seine vielschichtigen Probleme in zahlreichen Punkten entscheidend gefördert zu haben. Seine Argumente sind stets so gewichtig, daß sich ihre weitere Erörterung lohnen wird. Dank gebührt ihm daher, daß er sein langerwartetes Werk jetzt der Allgemeinheit zugänglich gemacht hat.
Aantekeningen Over De Jurisprudentia Frisica
Authors: Gerbenzon P.
Published: April 2008

The English summary will be published at the end of part II (to appear in the next issue of this journal).
Liability of the Carrier in Courtesy Carriage and Gratuitous Carriage
Authors: El-Latif Zakaria Moseilhy Abd
Published: April 2008

In fact, this new trend in judicial thinking does not mean that the liability of the unpaid carrier is being based on fault in the custodianship of inanimate objects; its import and aim is to alleviate the burden of proof falling upon the non-paying passenger by seeking evidence of the fault of the carrier merely from the circumstances of the case. Proof of such circumstances must be provided: proof that the accident was caused by faulty driving, i.e., loss of command of the vehicle; or that the accident cannot be explained by other than the carrier's losing command of the vehicle while driving it.
Infinite Degrees of Speed Marin Mersenne and the Debate Over Galileo's Law of Free Fall
Authors: Palmerino Carla Rita
Published: April 2008

This article analyzes the evolution of Mersenne's views concerning the validity of Galileo's theory of acceleration. After publishing, in 1634, a treatise designed to present empirical evidence in favor of Galileo's odd-number law, Mersenne developed over the years the feeling that only the elaboration of a physical proof could provide sufficient confirmation of its validity. In the present article, I try to show that at the center of Mersenne's worries stood Galileo's assumption that a falling body had to pass in its acceleration through infinite degrees of speed. His extensive discussions with, or his reading of, Descartes, Gassendi, Baliani, Fabri, Cazre, Deschamps, Le Tenneur, Huygens, and Torricelli led Mersenne to believe that the hypothesis of a passage through infinite degrees of speed was incompatible with any mechanistic explanation of free fall.
Authorship in the Popular "Problemata Aristotelis"
Authors: Blair Ann
Published: April 2008

This article examines the complex fortuna of the "Problemata Aristotelis" which circulated widely in early modern Europe in a textual tradition independent of the better-known ancient problems attributed to Aristotle. A study of the editions of this text (designated "Omnes homines") and its various add-ons, spanning four languages (Latin, German, French and English) and four centuries (late 15th-19th centuries), brings to light the otherwise obscure editorial practices that fueled its remarkable success. The authority of the text rests at first on its presentation of a collective wisdom, then on bolder claims for the authenticity of its alleged Aristotelian authorship.
Kirchlicher Konservativismus und Angst: Eine empirische Untersuchung
Authors: Gösslbauer Jakob P. , Edlinger Volker
Published: April 2008

A Study of Ecclesiastical Conservativism and Anxiety

A German translated form of the “IPAT Anxiety Scale Questionnaire” by Cattell & Scheier and a specially developed ecclesiastical conservativism questionary were given to a sample of 330 adult, catholic, urban Ss. Several item analyses and reliability computations showed the usefulness of the scales. Analyses of correlations and variances yielded the following main results: There are statistical significant functional interrelations between ecclesiastical conservativism and the variables age, educational level, professional type, and church attendance. The same holds for anxiety level and the variables professional type and church attendance. Ecclesiastical conservativism and anxiety level indices have been found to be negatively interrelated. Especially this last result is being discussed on the backgrounds of submission to authorities, individual freedom, responsibility, and anxiety.
Pharmaceutical and pharmacological importance of peptide transporters
Authors: Brandsch Matthias , Knütter Ilka , Bosse-Doenecke Eva
Published: April 2008

Peptide transport is currently a prominent topic in membrane research. The transport proteins involved are under intense investigation because of their physiological importance in protein absorption and also because peptide transporters are possible vehicles for drug delivery. Moreover, in many tissues peptide carriers transduce peptidic signals across membranes that are relevant in information processing. The focus of this review is on the pharmaceutical relevance of the human peptide transporters PEPT1 and PEPT2. In addition to their physiological substrates, both carriers transport many β-lactam antibiotics, valaciclovir and other drugs and prodrugs because of their sterical resemblance to di- and tripeptides. The primary structure, tissue distribution and substrate specificity of PEPT1 and PEPT2 have been well characterized. However, there is a dearth of knowledge on the substrate binding sites and the three-dimensional structure of these proteins. Until this pivotal information becomes available by X-ray crystallography, the development of new drug substrates relies on classical transport studies combined with molecular modelling. In more than thirty years of research, data on the interaction of well over 700 di- and tripeptides, amino acid and peptide derivatives, drugs and prodrugs with peptide transporters have been gathered. The aim of this review is to put the reports on peptide transporter-mediated drug uptake into perspective. We also review the current knowledge on pharmacogenomics and clinical relevance of human peptide transporters. Finally, the reader's attention is drawn to other known or proposed human peptide-transporting proteins.
Clinical Application of Computer-Aided Diagnostic System for Harmonious Introduction of Complementary Dialysis Therapy
Authors: Mamun Abdullah Al , Hamada Hiroyuki , Karino Tomokazu , Namoto Shinji , Yamashita Akihiro C , Ishizaki Makoto , Okamoto Masahiro
Published: April 2008

In chronic peritoneal dialysis (PD) therapy, peritoneal permeability is gradually enhanced over the duration of the therapeutic course, leading to a grave decline in the therapeutic efficiency. In recent years, a novel therapy (CD therapy), which integrates PD therapy with hemodialysis therapy, is being applied to end-stage PD patients to complement the decline of therapeutic efficiency caused by the grave degeneration of the peritoneal tissue. To realize a harmonious introduction of the CD therapy, this study developed a useful index (KAu/c), which evaluates both therapeutic efficiency and degeneration of peritoneal tissue. Using a mathematical model andKAu/c, we were able to validate the therapeutic efficiency in the PD patients, and, in one case, propose a better prescription for the patient by employing the CD therapy. The clinical implementation of this methodology is indispensable with regard to expanding the therapeutic monitoring system for renal replacement therapy.
The “Iranian ART Revolution”
Authors: Abbasi-Shavazi Mohammad Jalal , Inhorn Marcia C. , Razeghi-Nasrabad Hajiieh Bibi , Toloo Ghasem
Published: April 2008

Infertility is a social onus for women in Iran, who are expected to produce children early within marriage. With its estimated 1.5 million infertile couples, Iran is the only Muslim country in which assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) using donor gametes and embryos have been legitimized by religious authorities and passed into law. This has placed Iran, a Shia-dominant country, in a unique position vis-à-vis the Sunni Islamic world, where all forms of gamete donation are strictly prohibited. In this article, we first examine the “Iranian ART revolution” that has allowed donor technologies to be admitted as a form of assisted reproduction. Then we examine the response of Iranian women to their infertility and the profound social pressures they face. We argue that the experience of infertility and its treatment are mediated by women’s socioeconomic position within Iranian society. Many women lack economic access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) technologies and fear the moral consequences of gamete donation. Thus, the benefits of the Iranian ART revolution are mixed: although many Iranian women have been able to overcome their infertility through ARTs, not all women’s lives are improved by these technologies.

The Iranian civil law emphasizes that family is a warm and placid institute founded upon the authority of the husband and the father. Motherhood and doing housework are the woman’s responsibility, and outside work is the man’s; and the man is the breadwinner. Such policies reinforce the traditional patriarchal relations within the family. (Sarokhani and Raf’atjah 2004)
Analysis of the gastrin‐releasing peptide receptor gene in Italian patients with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Seidita G. , Mirisola M. , D'Anna R.P. , Gallo A. , Jensen R.T. , Mantey S.A. , Gonzalez N. , Falco M. , Zingale M. , Elia M. , Cucina L. , Chiavetta V. , Romano V. , Cali F.
Published: April 2008

The gastrin‐releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) was implicated for the first time in the pathogenesis of Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) by Ishikawa‐Brush et al. [Ishikawa‐Brush et al. (1997): Hum Mol Genet 6: 1241–1250]. Since this original observation, only one association study [Marui et al. (2004): Brain Dev 26: 5–7] has further investigated, though unsuccessfully, the involvement of the GRPR gene in ASD. With the aim of contributing further information to this topic we have sequenced the entire coding region and the intron/exon junctions of the GRPR gene in 149 Italian autistic patients. The results of this study led to the identification of four novel point mutations, two of which, that is, C6S and L181F, involve amino acid changes identified in two patients with ASD and Rett syndrome, respectively. Both the leucine at position 181 and the cysteine at position 6 are strongly conserved in vertebrates. C6S and L181F mutant proteins were expressed in COS‐7 and BALB/3T3 cells, but they did not affect either GRP's binding affinity or its potency for stimulating phospholipase C‐mediated production of inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate. In summary, our results do not provide support for a major role of the GRPR gene in ASD in the population of patients we have studied. However, there is a potential role of C6S and L181F mutations on GRPR function, and possibly in the pathogenesis of the autistic disorders in the two patients. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) birth patterns and human presence in zoological settings
Authors: Wagner Katherine E. , Ross Stephen R.
Published: April 2008

In response to work demonstrating a negative correlation between human staff activity and parturition in laboratory‐managed primates, this study examined the distribution of 231 captive chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) births that occurred in accredited American zoological institutions by the day of the week on which the birth was discovered. We hypothesized that if chimpanzee parturition patterns displayed sensitivity to human presence, then fewer births per day would be reported during the weekend period, when the visitor density was high, as compared with the lower density working week. Analyses indicated that chimpanzee births were randomly distributed throughout the week. In the context of the questionable sensitivity of primate parturition to external influence, results suggest that variations in human presence do not affect the fine‐level timing of birth in chimpanzees managed in a zoological setting. Am. J. Primatol. 70:703–706, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Heparin‐coated poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate/albumin) hydrogel networks:In vitrohemocompatibility evaluation for vascular biomaterials
Authors: Bayramoğlu Gülay , Yılmaz Meltem , Batislam Ertan , Arıca M. Yakup
Published: April 2008

Human serum albumin (AL) containing poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA; in tube form with an inner diameter of 6 mm) was synthesized for blood‐contacting hydrogel networks via UV‐initiated photopolymerization at 25°C. Tensile and breaking tests of pHEMA and pHEMA–AL‐1–4 hydrogel networks were studied at their equilibrium water content. The mechanical strength of the hydrogel networks was found to be lowered by an increase in the ratio of AL in the polymer networks. To increase the blood compatibility and prevent thrombus formation, the surface of the pHEMA and pHEMA–AL‐3 hydrogel compositions were coated with heparin (HEP). Contact‐angle studies showed that the polarities (%) of the pHEMA–AL‐3 and pHEMA–AL‐3–HEP hydrogel networks were significantly increased in comparison with that of pure pHEMA. The fibrinogen adsorption and platelet adhesion were also reduced after the incorporation of AL and HEP into/onto hydrogel networks in comparison with the pure pHEMA control. Blood compatibility tests of the prepared hydrogel networks, which were intended to be used as blood‐contacting materials, were examined with various parameters, such as the hemolytic activity, prothrombin time, activated thromboplastin time, and loss of blood cells in blood. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Electrical properties of poly(phenylene sulfide)/multiwalled carbon nanotube composites prepared by simple mixing and compression
Authors: Yang Jinghui , Xu Tao , Lu Ai , Zhang Qin , Fu Qiang
Published: April 2008

Poly(phenylene sulfide) (PPS)/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) conductive composites were prepared through the simple mixing of PPS granules with MWNT powder and subsequent compression. The electrical properties as a function of MWNT loading clearly showed a low percolation threshold of about 0.22 vol % and a high critical exponent value of 3.55 for composites prepared by this method. A comparison study with composites prepared via melt mixing was also carried out, where a random dispersion of MWNTs was achieved. There existed a striplike morphology of MWNTs in the PPS matrix and MWNTs were selectively located in strips caused by compression. The effects of temperature and pressure on the conductivity of the PPS/MWNT composites as prepared via simple mixing and compression are discussed. In addition, the conductivity also showed a dependence on the flow direction of the compression, with higher conductivity in the direction parallel to the flow direction than in the direction perpendicular to the flow direction. So the relationship of the processing and morphological properties was investigated in detail. The possible conductive mechanisms of conventional melt blending and preparation via sample mixing and compression are also discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Preparation and characterization of films based on crosslinked blends of gum acacia, polyvinylalcohol, and polyvinylpyrrolidone‐iodine complex
Authors: Ahmad Syed Ishraque , Hasan Nazim , Zainul Abid C. K. V. , Mazumdar Nasreen
Published: April 2008

In an attempt to develop iodine‐release systems based on polymeric blend for biomedical applications, our research group prepared blends of gum acacia (GA), polyvinylalcohol (PVA), and polyvinylpyrrolidone‐iodine (PVP‐I) complex. The blends of GA/PVA and GA/PVA/PVP‐I prepared from the aqueous solutions of the polymers were crosslinked with glutaraldehyde to increase the water resistance of the films and to improve their thermal and mechanical properties. The crosslinked GA/PVA and GA/PVA/PVP‐I blend films were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, DSC, and TGA. The swelling behavior of the prepared blends was investigated and crosslinked GA/PVA blend films were found to be pH sensitive. The properties of PVP‐I containing blends differed from those prepared without it probably due to the formation of an intermolecular interaction between PVP‐I and the hydroxy‐polymers. The results indicated that after crosslinking the blends showed improvement in water resistance, thermal, and mechanical properties. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Lack of effect of butylparaben and methylparaben on the reproductive system in male rats
Authors: Hoberman Alan M. , Schreur David K. , Leazer Tyra , Daston George P. , Carthew Philip , Re Thomas , Loretz Linda , Mann Peter
Published: April 2008

BACKGROUND: Parabens are widely used preservatives in cosmetics and pharmaceutical products, and approved as food additives. Parabens have been considered safe for these uses for many years. Recently, adverse effects on male reproductive parameters in rats have been reported when parabens were given orally for 8 weeks starting at three weeks of age. Our studies used two representative parabens, methyl‐ and butylparaben, to try to replicate these studies and thereby evaluate potential reproductive effects in male Wistar rats. METHODS: Diets containing 0, 100, 1000 or 10,000 ppm of either butyl‐ or methylparaben were fed to male rats for eight weeks. Rats were 22 days of age at the start of exposure. Parameters evaluated included organ weights, histopathology of reproductive tissues, sperm production, motility, morphology and reproductive hormone levels (butylparaben only). RESULTS: None of the parameters evaluated for either paraben showed compound‐ or dosage‐dependent adverse effects. Metabolism experiments of butylparaben indicate that it is rapidly metabolized by non‐specific esterases to p‐hydroxybenzoic acid and butanol, neither of which is estrogenic. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to methyl‐ or butylparaben in the diet for eight weeks did not affect any male reproductive organs or parameters at exposures as high as 10,000 ppm, corresponding to a mean daily dose of 1,141.1±58.9 or 1,087.6±67.8 mg/kg/day for methyl‐ and butylparaben, respectively. The rapid metabolism of parabens by esterases probably explains why these weakly estrogenic substances elicit no in vivo effects when administered by relevant exposure routes (i.e., topical and oral). Birth Defects Research (Part B) 2008. 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Arabidopsis class VIII myosin ATM2 is involved in endocytosis
Authors: Sattarzadeh Amirali , Franzen Rainer , Schmelzer Elmon
Published: April 2008

Members of the class XI of the myosin superfamily comprising higher plant, actin‐based molecular motors have been shown to be involved in peroxisome and Golgi vesicle trafficking comparable to yeast and animal class V myosins. The tasks of the second class of myosins of higher plants, class VIII, are unclear. In this study the class VIII myosin ATM2 from the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana was selected for the examination of cargo specificity in vivo. Fluorescent protein‐fusion plasmid constructs with fragments of the ATM2 cDNA were generated and used for Agrobacterium tumefaciens‐based transient transformation of Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. The resulting subcellular localization patterns were recorded by live imaging with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) in epidermal leaf cells. Expression of a nearly full‐length construct displayed labeling of filaments and vesicles, a head + neck fragment led to decoration of filaments only. However, expression of fluorescent protein‐tagged C‐terminal tail domain constructs labeled vesicular structures of different appearance. Most importantly, coexpression of different RFP/YFP‐ATM2 tail fusion proteins showed colocalization and, hence, binding to the same type of vesicular target. Further coexpression experiments of RFP/YFP‐ATM2 tail fusion proteins with the endosomal marker FYVE and the endosomal tracer FM4‐64 demonstrated colocalization with endosomes. Colocalization was also detected by expression of the CFP‐tagged membrane receptor BRI1 as marker, which is constantly recycled via endosomes. Occasionally the ATM2 tail targeted to sites at the plasma membrane closely resembling the pattern obtained upon expression of the YFP‐ATM1 C‐terminal tail. ATM1 is known for its localization at the plasma membrane at sites of plasmodesmata. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neuronal assemblies of the Drosophila mushroom body
Authors: Tanaka Nobuaki K. , Tanimoto Hiromu , Ito Kei
Published: April 2008

The mushroom body (MB) of the insect brain has important roles in odor learning and memory and in diverse other brain functions. To elucidate the anatomical basis underlying its function, we studied how the MB of Drosophila is organized by its intrinsic and extrinsic neurons. We screened for the GAL4 enhancer‐trap strains that label specific subsets of these neurons and identified seven subtypes of Kenyon cells and three other intrinsic neuron types. Laminar organization of the Kenyon cell axons divides the pedunculus into at least five concentric strata. The α′, β′, α, and β lobes are each divided into three strata, whereas the γ lobe appears more homogeneous. The outermost stratum of the α/β lobes is specifically connected with a small, protruded subregion of the calyx, the accessory calyx, which does not receive direct olfactory input. As for the MB extrinsic neurons (MBENs), we found three types of antennal lobe projection neurons, among which two are novel. In addition, we resolved 17 other types of MBENs that arborize in the calyx, lobes, and pedunculus. Lobe‐associated MBENs arborize in only specific areas of the lobes, being restricted along their longitudinal axes, forming two to five segmented zones in each lobe. The laminar arrangement of the Kenyon cell axons and segmented organization of the MBENs together divide the lobes into smaller synaptic units, possibly facilitating characteristic interaction between intrinsic and extrinsic neurons in each unit for different functional activities along the longitudinal lobe axes and between lobes. Structural differences between lobes are also discussed. J. Comp. Neurol. 508:711–755, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Performance analysis of wireless multihop diversity systems
Authors: Michalopoulos Diomidis S. , Tsiftsis Theodoros A.
Published: April 2008

We study the performance of multihop diversity systems with non‐regenerative relays over independent and non‐identical Rayleigh fading channels. The analysis is based on the evaluation of the instantaneous end‐to‐end signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), depending on the type of the relay and the diversity scheme used. A closed‐form expression is derived for the average end‐to‐end SNR, when fixed‐gain relays and a maximal ratio combiner are used; also, an analytical expression formula for the average symbol‐error rate (ASER) for the above case is presented. The results show that, as expected, multihop diversity systems outperform conventional telecommunication systems in terms of ASER when the same amount of energy is assumed to be consumed in both cases. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A high‐performance polycarbonate electrophoresis microchip with integrated three‐electrode system for end‐channel amperometric detection
Authors: Wang Yurong , Chen Hengwu , He Qiaohong , Soper Steven A.
Published: April 2008

A fully integrated polycarbonate (PC) microchip for CE with end‐channel electrochemical detection operated in an amperometric mode (CE‐ED) has been developed. The on‐chip integrated three‐electrode system consisted of a gold working electrode, an Ag/AgCl reference electrode and a platinum counter electrode, which was fabricated by photo‐directed electroless plating combined with electroplating. The working electrode was positioned against the separation channel exit to reduce post‐channel band broadening. The electrophoresis high‐voltage (HV) interference with the amperometric detection was assessed with respect to detection noise and potential shifts at various working‐to‐reference electrode spacing. It was observed that the electrophoresis HV interference caused by positioning the working electrode against the channel exit could be diminished by using an on‐chip integrated reference electrode that was positioned in close proximity (100 μm) to the working electrode. The CE‐ED microchip was demonstrated for the separation of model analytes, including dopamine (DA) and catechol (CA). Detection limits of 132 and 164 nM were achieved for DA and CA, respectively, and a theoretical plate number of 2.5×104/m was obtained for DA. Relative standard deviations in peak heights observed for five runs of a standard solution containing the two analytes (0.1 mM for each) were 1.2 and 3.1% for DA and CA, respectively. The chip could be continuously used for more than 8 h without significant deterioration in analytical performance.
Microfluidic chip of fast DNA hybridization using denaturing and motion of nucleic acids
Authors: Chung Yung‐Chiang , Lin Yu‐Cheng , Chueh Chuang‐Di , Ye Chuan‐You , Lai Li‐Wei , Zhao Qiaole
Published: April 2008

This study presents the effect of fluidic temperatures and velocities on improving DNA hybridization. The efficiency of hybridization could be improved by introducing elevated temperature in the hot region and velocity in the cold region. Compared with the conventional methods, this hybridization microchip was able to increase the hybridization signal 4.6‐fold within 30 min. The 1.4‐kb single‐stranded target DNA was tested. The increasing tendency of the fluorescence intensity was apparent when the temperature was higher than 82°C, and the fluorescence intensity reached an asymptotic value at T >90°C. A mathematical model was proposed to relate the fluorescence intensity of DNA hybridization with the hot‐region temperature and the cold‐region velocity. Based on these results, the new hybridization chip with the processes of temperature and velocity differences will improve efficiency of DNA detection. The microchip combined with hot‐region temperature and cold‐region bulk flow velocity effects could provide additional efficiency in DNA hybridization.
Accurate quantitation of salivary and pancreatic amylase activities in human plasma by microchip electrophoretic separation of the substrates and hydrolysates coupled with immunoinhibition
Authors: Maeda Eiki , Kataoka Masatoshi , Yatsushiro Shouki , Kajimoto Kazuaki , Hino Mami , Kaji Noritada , Tokeshi Manabu , Bando Mika , Kido Jun‐ichi , Ishikawa Mitsuru , Shinohara Yasuo , Baba Yoshinobu
Published: April 2008

A high‐performance determination system for α‐amylase isoenzyme activities in human plasma involving microchip electrophoresis with a plastic chip was developed. The combination of microchip electrophoresis for substrate and hydrolysate separation and an immunoinhibition method for the differentiation of isoenzyme activities using antihuman salivary amylase (S‐AMY) mAb allowed the highly selective determination of amylase isoenzyme (S‐AMY and pancreatic amylase (P‐AMY)) activities even in a complex matrix such as a crude plasma sample. We used 8‐aminopyrene‐1,3,6‐trisulfonic acid (APTS)‐labeled maltohexaose (G6) as a substrate. Amylase in a human plasma sample hydrolyzed APTS‐G6 into APTS‐maltotriose (G3) and G3, which was measured as the fluorescence intensity of APTS‐G3 on microchip electrophoresis. A double logarithm plot revealed a linear relationship between amylase activity and fluorescence intensity in the range of 5–500 U/L of amylase activity (r2 = 0.9995, p<0.01), and the LOD was 4.38 U/L. Amylase activities in 13 subjects determined by the present method were compared with the results obtained by conventional methods with nitrophenylated oligosaccharides as substrates, respectively. Good correlations were observed for each method on simple linear regression analysis (both p<0.01). The reproducibilities of within‐days for total amylase and P‐AMY were 2.98–6.27 and 3.83–6.39%, respectively, and these between‐days were 2.88–5.66 and 3.64–5.63%, respectively. This system enables us to determine amylase isoenzyme activities in human plasma with high sensitivity and accuracy, and thus will be applicable to clinical diagnosis.
Alternating current electrokinetic separation and detection of DNA nanoparticles in high‐conductance solutions
Authors: Krishnan Rajaram , Sullivan Benjamin D. , Mifflin Robert L. , Esener Sadik C. , Heller Michael J.
Published: April 2008

In biomedical research and diagnostics, it is a significant challenge to directly isolate and identify rare cells and potential biomarkers in blood, plasma and other clinical samples. Additionally, the advent of bionanotechnology is leading to numerous drug delivery approaches that involve encapsulation of drugs and imaging agents within nanoparticles, which now will also have to be identified and separated from blood and plasma. Alternating current (AC) electrokinetic techniques such as dielectrophoresis (DEP) offer a particularly attractive mechanism for the separation of cells and nanoparticles. Unfortunately, present DEP techniques require the dilution of blood/plasma, thus making the technology less suitable for clinical sample preparation. Using array devices with microelectrodes over‐coated with porous hydrogel layers, AC electric field conditions have been found which allow the separation of DNA nanoparticles to be achieved under high‐conductance (ionic strength) conditions. At AC frequencies in the 3000 Hz to 10 000 Hz range and 10 volts peak‐to‐peak, the separation of 10‐µm polystyrene particles into low field regions, and 60‐nm DNA‐derivatized nanoparticles and 200‐nm nanoparticles into high‐field regions was carried out in 149 mM 1×PBS buffer (1.68 S/m). These results may allow AC electrokinetic systems to be developed that can be used with clinically relevant samples under physiological conditions.
Italy's renewable water resources as estimated on the basis of the monthly water balance
Authors: Salvati Luca , Petitta Marco , Ceccarelli Tomaso , Perini Luigi , Di Battista Federica , Scarascia Maria Elisa Venezian
Published: April 2008

The International Programme for Technology and Research in Irrigation and Drainage (IPTRID) and the Italian National Committee of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ITAL–ICID) decided it would be worth extending a previous paper on Italy's available water resources to a detailed study on the partitioning of precipitation between evaporation, groundwater storage (saturated and unsaturated zone) and runoff with the aim of estimating the potentially renewable water resources of the country. The information is gained through a water balance model approach, using monthly climate data from the time series 1971–2000 estimated over 544 grid points of the whole of the Italian territory, made available by the CRA–Central Office for Crop Ecology (CRA–UCEA). The goal of this study was to evaluate the fraction of precipitation that does not return to the atmosphere through the evaporation process or remains in soil storage and that includes both surface and subsurface runoff including effective infiltration. The results obtained by using a GIS system may provide useful information on the evolution of the hydroclimatic conditions in Italy and a picture of the runoff amounts in terms of time and space. This information can be used for national planning purposes and for activating strategies to protect and conserve water resources, especially with regard to irrigation management. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of monomers eluted from dental resin restoratives on osteoblast‐like cells
Authors: Imazato Satoshi , Horikawa Daisuke , Nishida Mariko , Ebisu Shigeyuki
Published: April 2008

Resin‐modified glass‐ionomer (RMGIC) has been demonstrated to exhibit inhibition on the growth and differentiation of osteoblasts on its surface. In this study, the hypothesis that the different levels of inhibitory effects on osteoblasts of resin restoratives depend on elution of unpolymerized monomers was examined. Release of monomers from cured specimens of Bis‐GMA/TEGDMA‐composites, MMA‐resin cements, or HEMA‐containing RMGIC was determined and osteoblast‐like MC3T3‐E1 cells were cultured in the presence of 100–10 μg/mL of TEGDMA, 10–1 μg/mL of MMA, or 400–50 μg/mL of HEMA according to the release concentrations. Cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, the expression of osteoblastic markers, and mineralized tissue formation were evaluated. TEGDMA and MMA at the concentrations tested did not affect the growth of MC3T3‐E1 and exhibited little harmful effects on their differentiation and mineralization. On the contrary, HEMA inhibited proliferation, ALP activities, the expression of osteocalcin, and mineralized tissue formation at 200 μg/mL or more. These results indicate that HEMA at the concentrations similar to that observed in elution tests affected osteoblastic proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization, suggesting that elution of unreacted HEMA could be the main component of the adverse effects of RMGIC on osteoblast‐like cells and influences of resin restoratives on the osteoblasts are possibly dependant on release characteristics of unpolymerized monomers. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Apoptosis in arsenic trioxide‐treated Calu‐6 lung cells is correlated with the depletion of GSH levels rather than the changes of ROS levels
Authors: Han Yong Hwan , Kim Suhn Hee , Kim Sung Zoo , Park Woo Hyun
Published: April 2008

Arsenic trioxide (ATO) can regulate many biological functions such as apoptosis and differentiation in various cells. We investigated an involvement of ROS such as H2O2 and O, and GSH in ATO‐treated Calu‐6 cell death. The levels of intracellular H2O2 were decreased in ATO‐treated Calu‐6 cells at 72 h. However, the levels of O were significantly increased. ATO reduced the intracellular GSH content. Many of the cells having depleted GSH contents were dead, as evidenced by the propidium iodine staining. The activity of CuZn‐SOD was strongly down‐regulated by ATO at 72 h while the activity of Mn‐SOD was weakly up‐regulated. The activity of catalase was decreased by ATO. ROS scavengers, Tiron and Trimetazidine did not reduce levels of apoptosis and intracellular O in ATO‐treated Calu‐6 cells. Tempol showing a decrease in intracellular O levels reduced the loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm). Treatment with NAC showing the recovery of GSH depletion and the decreased effect on O levels in ATO‐treated cells significantly inhibited apoptosis. In addition, BSO significantly increased the depletion of GSH content and apoptosis in ATO‐treated cells. Treatment with SOD and catalase significantly reduced the levels of O levels in ATO‐treated cells, but did not inhibit apoptosis along with non‐effect on the recovery of GSH depletion. Taken together, our results suggest that ATO induces apoptosis in Calu‐6 cells via the depletion of the intracellular GSH contents rather than the changes of ROS levels. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 862–878, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization and functional studies of a FYVE domain‐containing phosphatase in C. elegans
Authors: Ma Junfeng , Zeng Fenghua , Ho Wanting Tina , Teng Lirong , Li Qingshan , Fu Xueqi , Zhao Zhizhuang Joe
Published: April 2008

The myotubularin (MTM) enzymes are phosphatidylinositol 3‐phosphate (PI3P) and phosphatidylinositol 3,5‐bisphosphate phosphatases. Mutation of MTM1, the founder member of this family, is responsible for X‐linked myotubular myopathy in humans. Here, we have isolated and characterized a Caenorhabditis elegans homology of the enzymes designated ceMTM3. ceMTM3 preferably dephosphorylates PI3P and contains a FYVE lipid‐binding domain at its C‐terminus which binds PI3P. Immunoblotting analyses revealed that the enzyme is expressed during the early development and adulthood of the animal. Immunofluorescent staining revealed predominant expression of the enzyme in eggs and muscles. Knockdown of the enzyme by using feeding‐based RNA interference resulted in an increased level of PI3P and caused severe impairment of body movement of the worms at their post‐reproductive ages and significantly shortened their lifespan. This study thus reveals an important role of the MTM phosphatases in maintaining muscle function, which may have clinical implications in prevention and treatment of sarcopenia. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 1843–1852, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Coactivators and nuclear receptor transactivation
Authors: Wolf Irene M. , Heitzer Marjet D. , Grubisha Melanie , DeFranco Donald B.
Published: April 2008

A variety of coregulator proteins serve as partners for nuclear receptors orchestrating the molecular events required for receptor‐dependent transcriptional regulation. Some coregulators directly interact with nuclear receptors and provide a platform for recruitment of other factors that provide distinct biochemical activities that influence transcriptional efficiency. Coregulators can influence chromatin structure and activity via direct modification of histone proteins or by facilitating ATP‐dependent chromatin remodeling. They also have the capacity to impact multiple steps in the transcription process including initiation, elongation, and mRNA splicing. Genetic analysis in humans and animal models are revealing the important cell and tissue‐type specific actions of nuclear receptor coregulators as well and their role in human physiology and disease. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 1580–1586, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ice caps existed throughout the Lateglacial Interstadial in northern Scotland
Authors: Bradwell Tom , Fabel Derek , Stoker Martyn , Mathers Hannah , McHargue Lanny , Howe John
Published: April 2008

We constrain, in detail, fluctuations of two former ice caps in NW Scotland with multibeam seabed surveys, geomorphological mapping and cosmogenic 10Be isotope analyses. We map a continuous sequence of 40 recessional moraines stretching from ∼10 km offshore to the Wester Ross mountains. Surface‐exposure ages from boulders on moraine ridges in Assynt and the Summer Isles region show that substantial, dynamic, ice caps existed in NW Scotland between 13 and 14 ka BP. We interpret this as strong evidence that large active glaciers probably survived throughout the Lateglacial Interstadial, and that during the Older Dryas period (ca. 14 ka BP) ice caps in NW Scotland were thicker and considerably more extensive than in the subsequent Younger Dryas Stadial. By inference, we suggest that Lateglacial ice‐cap oscillations in Scotland reflect the complex interplay between changing temperature and precipitation regimes during this climatically unstable period (ca. 15–11 ka BP). © Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) copyright 2008. Reproduced with the permission of NERC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anti‐sickling potential of Aloe vera extract
Authors: Ejele Agunna Everest , Njoku Pascal Chukwuemeka
Published: April 2008

The effect of Aloe vera extract on the gelling time of human HbSS erythrocytes was investigated. The results showed that A. vera extract increased the gelling time of HbSS blood and inhibited sickling in vitro. In addition, a linear relationship was found between extract concentration and gelling time, suggesting that A. vera extract may have great potential in the management of sickle cell disease. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Spin–orbit coupling in low‐dimensional gold
Authors: Hüger E. , Zelený M. , Káňa T. , Šob M.
Published: April 2008

We present experimental and theoretical evidence of the role played by the spin–orbit coupling in the electronic structure of a pseudomorphic Au monolayer on Nb(001) substrate. The bands found with the help of the angle‐resolved ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (ARUPS) are compared with those obtained from ab initio self‐consistent calculations by the VASP and WIEN2k codes. The slab calculations are performed including geometric relaxation and using both the generalized‐gradient (GGA) and local‐density (LDA) approximations for the exchange–correlation energy. The dispersions and energy positions of the calculated bands agree with the experimentally determined band structure only if the LDA is used and the spin–orbit coupling is included. Therefore, both the structure relaxation and spin–orbit coupling are essential in understanding the electronic structure of the Au/Nb(001) system.

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(© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Flavor and oxidative stability of soybean, sunflower and low erucic acid rapeseed oils
Authors: Warner K. , Frankel E. N. , Mounts T. L.
Published: April 2008

Three samples each of soybean, sunflower and low erucic acid rapeseed (LEAR) oils were evaluated for flavor and oxidative stability. The commercially refined and bleached oils were deodorized under identical conditions. No significant differences were noted in initial flavor quality. After storage at 25°C or 60°C in the dark, soybean oils—with or without citric acid—were more stable than either sunflower or LEAR oils. However, in the presence of citric acid, soybean oils were significantly less stable to light exposure than either LEAR or sunflower oils. In contrast, in the absence of citric acid, soybean oils were significantly more light stable than LEAR oils. In either the presence or absence of citric acid, sunflower oil was significantly more stable to light than soybean oil. Analyses by static headspace gas chromatography showed no significant differences in formation of total volatile compounds between soybean and LEAR oils. However, both oils developed significantly less total volatiles than the sunflower oils. Each oil type varied in flavor and oxidative stability depending on the oxidation method (light vs dark storage, absence vs presence of citric acid, 100°C vs 60°C).
HPLC determination of long chain saturated fatty acids in tall oil rosin
Authors: Fatica Michael G.
Published: April 2008

A method was developed for the analysis of long chain saturated fatty acids or their esters from tall oil or tall oil rosin. The method is specific for 18 through 28 even carbon number acids with a detection limit for each at 0.05% based on rosin. Ultraviolet detection is achieved through phenacyl derivatization. Omission of the saponification step allows selective determination of the free fatty acids.
Relationships between cotton leaf‐derived volatiles and growth ofAspergillus flavus
Authors: Zeringue H. J. , McCormick S. P.
Published: April 2008

Microbial‐free compressed air was passed continuously for 2‐ and 7‐day test periods through enclosed systems containing wounded or nonwounded leaves of glanded or glandless cotton; the resultant emitted volatiles were bubbled through liquid cultures ofA. flavus. After two days incubation, volatiles from wounded glanded and wounded glandless cotton leaves retarded the growth ofA. flavus. After seven days incubation, fungal growth was stimulated in cultures which received volatiles from wounded or nonwounded glanded cotton leaves, but not from either type of glandless cotton leaves. Volatile profiles of the leaves were obtained by GC/MS examinations of the leaves at 2‐ and 7‐day time periods. Purified compounds of selected identified volatiles were assayed withA. flavus to determine which volatiles might be responsible for the bioactivity described.
Congenital disorders of glycosylation—a challenging group of IEMs
Authors: Vodopiutz J. , Bodamer O. A.
Published: April 2008

Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) are a rapidly growing group of inherited errors of metabolism (IEMs) due to an impairment of one or several glycosylation pathways. During recent years over 30 CDG subtypes have been identified at a molecular and biochemical level. The clinical manifestations in CDG are heterogeneous and may be highly variable within the same subtype and even among affected siblings. Novel insights into the extremely complex glycosylation pathways have necessitated several reclassifications of the group of CDG. Today CDG comprise not only the formerly known multisystem glycosylation defects but also some tissue‐specific glycosylation defects, implicating a different diagnostic work‐up depending on the underlying glycosylation defect. In 2007 the expanding group of CDG is an enormous challenge to all specialists working in the field of IEMs. This review gives a brief overview about the expanded group of CDG and summarizes the main implications for clinicians.
Differentiation of SRB states for hyperbolic flows
Authors: RUELLE DAVID
Published: April 2008

Let the ${\cal C}^3$ vector field ${\cal X}+aX$ on M define a flow (fat) with an Axiom A attractor Λa depending continuously on a∈(−ϵ,ϵ). Let ρa be the SRB measure on Λa for (fat). If $A\in {\cal C}^2(M)$, then $a\mapsto \rho _a(A)$ is ${\cal C}^1$ on (−ϵ,ϵ) and dρa(A)/da is the limit when ω→0 with Im ω>0 of
An analogue of Bauer’s theorem for closed orbits of skew products
Authors: PARRY WILLIAM , POLLICOTT MARK
Published: April 2008

In this article we prove an analogue of Bauer’s theorem from algebraic number theory in the context of hyperbolic systems.
Thermodynamical formalism for robust classes of potentials and non-uniformly hyperbolic maps
Authors: OLIVEIRA KRERLEY , VIANA MARCELO
Published: April 2008

We develop a Ruelle–Perron–Fröbenius transfer operator approach to the ergodic theory of a large class of non-uniformly expanding transformations on compact manifolds. For Hölder continuous potentials not too far from constant, we prove that the transfer operator has a positive eigenfunction, which is piecewise Hölder continuous, and use this fact to show that there is exactly one equilibrium state. Moreover, the equilibrium state is a non-lacunary Gibbs measure, a non-uniform version of the classical notion of Gibbs measure that we introduce here.