bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Morally Dubious Passages of the Hebrew Bible: An Examination of Some Proposed Solutions
Authors: Davies Eryl W.
Published: September 2005

This article offers a critique of some of the strategies deployed by biblical scholars, past and present, who have attempted to come to terms with the ethically problematic passages of the Hebrew Bible. Among the strategies examined are: the evolutionary approach; the cultural relativists’ approach; the canon-within-a-canon approach; the holistic approach; the paradigmatic approach; and the reader-response approach. It is argued that the reader-response approach provides the most satisfactory strategy for dealing with the unsavoury aspects of Scripture and that biblical scholars must be prepared to engage in an ethical critique of the Hebrew Bible. In order to provide some focus for the discussion, each strategy is examined in relation to one of the most notorious parts of Scripture, namely, the account of Israel’s conquest of Canaan as recorded in Josh. 6-11.
Covenant in the Old and New Testaments: Some Current Research (1994-2004)
Authors: Hahn Scott
Published: September 2005

The amount of biblical scholarship on covenant over the past decade is not great; however, significant work on the definition and taxonomy of covenant has helped to overcome certain reductionistic tendencies of older scholarship, which has contributed, in turn, to a better grasp of the canonical function of the term in the Old and New Testaments. In Old Testament scholarship, the idea that covenant simply means ‘obligation’ and is essentially one-sided (Kutsch, Perlitt) has been largely abandoned in favor of the view that covenants establish kinship bonds (relations and obligations) between covenanting parties (Cross, Hugenberger). There is also broad recognition that the richness of the concept cannot be exhausted merely by analyses of occurrences of berith or certain related phrases. In New Testament scholarship, some small strides have been made in assessing the significance of covenant in the Gospels; whereas discussion of covenant in Paul has been dominated by the ‘New Perspective’ debate over ‘covenantal nomism’. Finally, some light has been shed on the meaning and significance of diatheke in two highly controverted texts (Gal. 3.15-16; Heb. 9.16-17).
The Bosnian Police and Police Integrity
Authors: Ivković Sanja Kutnjak , Shelley Tara O’Connor
Published: September 2005

The international community has invested considerable resources in reforming the police in post-Dayton Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). This paper develops a typology of integrity problems in the BiH and measures the level of integrity among the police in the Sarajevo canton. The typology consists of six forms of police misconduct; it suggests the presence of serious and pervasive integrity problems. In 2003, 451 police officers evaluated nine scenarios describing police corruption and one describing the use of excessive force. Police officers’ evaluations of the seriousness of the police misconduct illustrated by these scenarios were directly related to their opinions about appropriate discipline. The results also indicate that the code of silence provides stronger protection for the acceptance of gratuities and use of excessive force than for opportunistic thefts and shakedowns.
Crime and Justice in Germany
Authors: Oberwittler Dietrich , Höfer Sven
Published: September 2005

The article reports trends in crime and criminal justice and reviews publications in key areas of criminology in Germany. Criminal statistics show divergent trends in recent years, with rising drug and violent offences and stable or falling property offences. Statistics on sanction practices show a long-term trend towards informal and community sanctions despite some increase in prison sentences in recent years. German reunification and a subsequent increase in immigration have put some strain on the criminal justice system. On the whole, however, neither penal practice nor popular attitudes as measured by periodic surveys support the notion of a ‘punitive turn’ in Germany. Stability and a certain inertia prevail in German crime policies. Criminology has not grown into an independent academic discipline but is an interdisciplinary research field to which law, psychology, sociology and other disciplines contribute. There is still a noticeable rift in German criminology between ‘mainstream’ and ‘critical’ approaches, contributing to a rather incoherent research landscape. Recent research has particularly focused on youth crime and violence, especially xenophobic violence, on ethnic minorities, and on organized crime. The review concludes with proposals for strengthening criminological research in Germany.
The Novelty of ‘Cybercrime’
Authors: Yar Majid
Published: September 2005

Recent discussions of ‘cybercrime’ focus upon the apparent novelty or otherwise of the phenomenon. Some authors claim that such crime is not qualitatively different from ‘terrestrial crime’, and can be analysed and explained using established theories of crime causation. One such approach, oft cited, is the ‘routine activity theory’ developed by Marcus Felson and others. This article explores the extent to which the theory’s concepts and aetiological schema can be transposed to crimes committed in a ‘virtual’ environment. Substantively, the examination concludes that, although some of the theory’s core concepts can indeed be applied to cybercrime, there remain important differences between ‘virtual’ and ‘terrestrial’ worlds that limit the theory’s usefulness. These differences, it is claimed, give qualified support to the suggestion that ‘cybercrime’ does indeed represent the emergence of a new and distinctive form of crime.
Platelet Toll-like receptor expression modulates lipopolysaccharide-induced thrombocytopenia and tumor necrosis factor-α production in vivo
Authors: Aslam Rukhsana , Speck Edwin R. , Kim Michael , Crow Andrew R. , Bang K. W. Annie , Nestel Frederick P. , Ni Heyu , Lazarus Alan H. , Freedman John , Semple John W.
Published: September 2005

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a critical role in stimulating innate immunity by recognizing pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) on invading microorganisms. Platelets also play a role in innate immunity, and we studied whether they express TLR. Results show that human and murine platelets variably expressed TLR2, TLR4, and TLR9 by flow cytometry and Western blotting. TLR4 expression was confirmed by demonstrating murine platelet binding to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Thrombin activation of the platelets significantly enhanced the expression of TLR9, suggesting that at least some TLRs may derive from intracellular compartments. When LPS was administered to LPS-sensitive C3H/HeN and LPS-resistant C3H/HeJ mice, functional TLR4 expression in vivo was shown to be responsible for LPS-induced thrombocytopenia. However, when the C3H/HeN mice were first rendered thrombocytopenic by an antiplatelet antibody and then administered LPS, a significant reduction occurred in their ability to produce TNF-α. The decreased cytokine production in the thrombocytopenic mice was restored with platelet transfusion. These results suggest that platelets express various TLRs and that the functional significance of one of these, TLR4, appears to be a role in the modulation of LPS-induced thrombocytopenia and TNF-α production. This work implicates platelets as important mediators of innate immune responses against invading microorganisms.
Minor population of CD55-CD59- blood cells predicts response to immunosuppressive therapy and prognosis in patients with aplastic anemia
Authors: Sugimori Chiharu , Chuhjo Tatsuya , Feng Xingmin , Yamazaki Hirohito , Takami Akiyoshi , Teramura Masanao , Mizoguchi Hideaki , Omine Mitsuhiro , Nakao Shinji
Published: September 2005

We investigated the clinical significance of a minor population of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH)-type blood cells in patients with acquired aplastic anemia (AA). We quantified CD55-CD59- granulocytes and red blood cells (RBCs) in peripheral blood from 122 patients with recently diagnosed AA and correlated numbers of PNH-type cells and responses to immunosuppressive therapy (IST). Flow cytometry detected 0.005% to 23.1% of GPI-AP- cells in 68% of patients with AA. Sixty-eight of 83 (91%) patients with an increased proportion of PNH-type cells (PNH+) responded to antithymocyte globulin (ATG) + cyclosporin (CsA) therapy, whereas 18 of 39 (48%) without such an increase (PNH-) responded. Failure-free survival rates were significantly higher (64%) among patients with PNH+ than patients with PNH- (12%) at 5 years, although overall survival rates were comparable between the groups. Numbers of PNH-type and normal-type cells increased in parallel among most patients with PNH+ who responded to IST, suggesting that these cells are equally sensitive to immune attack. These results indicate that a minor population of PNH-type cells represents a reliable marker of a positive IST response and a favorable prognosis among patients with AA. Furthermore, immune attack against hematopoietic stem cells that allows PNH clonal expansion might occur only at the onset of AA.
The Concentration of Krypton in the Atmosphere—Its Revision after Half a Century—
Authors: Aoki Nobuyuki , Makide Yoshihiro
Published: September 2005

During our attempt of the precise determination of trace gases in the atmosphere by using atmospheric krypton (Kr) as an internal standard, we noticed that the atmospheric Kr concentration of 1.14 ± 0.01 ppmv which had been quoted through half a century was different from the observation. The Kr concentration we obtained with three step concentration followed by GC/MS measurement was 1.099 ± 0.009 ppmv, about 4% lower than the currently used value.
Membrane Fluidity of Egg Yolk Phosphatidylcholine/Detergent Mixed Aggregates Studied by Spin Label Method
Authors: Viriyaroj Amornrat , Kashiwagi Hiroshi , Ueno Masaharu
Published: September 2005

Anisotropic electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra of 5-doxylstearic acid and small membrane fluidity of hydrocarbon chains of egg yolk phosphatidylcholine (EggPC)/sodium taurocholate mixed micelles suggested considerably ordered arrangement of the hydrocarbon chains, while isotropic ESR spectra and relatively large fluidity of EggPC/octylglucoside mixed micelles indicated rather disordered arrangement of hydrocarbon chains of EggPC.
Preparation and Characterization of Organic–Inorganic Layered Nanohybrid, Hydroxyl Double Salts (HDSs)—Isomer Separation via Preferential Intercalation into Layered Framework
Authors: Tan Boon Hooi , Tagaya Hideyuki
Published: September 2005

A novel attempt in exploring the isomer separation capability of Hydroxyl Double Salts (HDSs), layered nanohybrids is conducted via competitive intercalation. Typical Zn HDS and new formulated Ni/Zn type HDSs demonstrated unique but reverse intercalation preference towards an equal mole isomeric mixture solution of 1-naphthoate and 2-naphthoate anions solution. The research successfully exemplified the feasibility of controlling the intercalation chemistry of HDSs by formulating their metal composition.
Synthesis of Dimethyl-substituted BDH-TTP Derivative DMDH-TTP as a Diastereomeric Mixture, and the Formation of Metallic Salts Involving Only meso-DMDH-TTP
Authors: Yamada Jun-ichi , Song Hua , Akutsu Hiroki , Nakatsuji Shin’ichi , Kikuchi Koichi
Published: September 2005

The synthesis of DMDH-TTP [2-(4,5-dimethyl-1,3-dithiolan-2-ylidene)-5-(1,3-dithiolan-2-ylidene)-1,3,4,6-tetrathiapentalene] as a mixture of meso- and trans-forms has been accomplished, electrocrystallization of which with n-Bu4NX (X = AsF6 and BF4) provides single crystals of the metallic AsF6 and BF4 salts incorporating only meso-DMDH-TTP as donor components.
Intercalation of Tris(2,2′-bipyridine)ruthenium(II) into a Layered Perovskite Derived from Aurivillius Phase Bi2SrTa2O9
Authors: Tong Zhiwei , Takagi Shinsuke , Shimada Tetsuya , Tachibana Hiroshi , Inoue Haruo
Published: September 2005

Intercalation of tris(2,2′-bipyridine)ruthenium(II), Ru(bpy)32+, into a layered perovskite derived from Aurivillius phase Bi2SrTa2O9 was successfully achieved by a guest ion-exchange method using n-C6H13NH3+–SrTa2O7 hybrid compound as an intermediate. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the structure of the perovskite-like slabs in Bi2SrTa2O9 was retained after the intercalation reactions. Ru(bpy)32+ shows pronounced spectral red shifts in both its absorption and emission spectra (relative to those in water) when it is incorporated into the perovskite-like slabs.
High-yield Synthesis of Nickel Flowers from Nickel Hydroxide Precursor
Authors: Ni Xiaomin , Zhao Qingbiao , Cheng Jing , Zheng Huagui , Li Beibei , Zhang Dongen
Published: September 2005

High-yield synthesis of a new type of flowerlike nickel nanostructure was reported. The method involved the growth of β-Ni(OH)2 flowers from the alkali solution of Ni(dmg)2 (nickel dimethylglyoximate), followed by reduction in hydrogen atmosphere at 450 °C for 1 h. Compared with that of bulk nickel, thus-prepared nickel flowers showed a much enhanced coercivity.
Highly Luminescent CdTe Nanocrystal–Polymer Composites Based on Ionic Liquid
Authors: Nakashima Takuya , Sakakibara Toshihiro , Kawai Tsuyoshi
Published: September 2005

Water-soluble CdTe nanocrystals passivated with thiocholine bromide are efficiently incorporated into an acrylate-functionalized ionic liquid with the enhancement of photoluminescence, which gives an optically clear and highly luminescent polymer composite by polymerization of the ionic liquid.
3D Nanoarchitecture from Ultrathin Titania Film via Surface Sol–Gel Process and Photolithography
Authors: Fujikawa Shigenori , Kunitake Toyoki
Published: September 2005

We demonstrated the fabrication of 3D nano-architectures composed of ultrathin TiO2-gel (titania) layers. Titania films with a thickness of a few tens nanometers are prepared on lithographically-fabricated line and hole patterns by the surface sol–gel process. Oxygen plasma treatment is employed to remove the template moiety, and gives positive replicas of the template structures.
Synthesis of 1H-Inden-1-ol Derivatives via Rhodium-catalyzed Annulation of o-Acylphenylboronic Acids with Alkynes
Authors: Matsuda Takanori , Makino Masaomi , Murakami Masahiro
Published: September 2005

A rhodium-catalyzed annulation reaction of o-formylphenylboronic acid with alkynes occurred regioselectively at room temperature to give substituted 1H-inden-1-ol derivatives. o-Acetylphenylboronic acid also underwent the annulation reaction at 80 °C to afford 1-methyl-1H-inden-1-ols.
Intramolecular Excited Energy Transfer from Phenanthroline Fluorophore to Pr(III) in a Metal Complex
Authors: Hasegawa Miki , Ishii Ayumi , Yamazaki Tomoko , Kishi Shinobu , Yamazaki Iwao
Published: September 2005

From the measurement of the picosecond time-resolved luminescence spectra of a Pr(III) complex with phenanthroline in the solid state, an intramolecular energy-transfer mechanism from the ligand to the center metal has been discussed. The rate constant of the energy transfer can be estimated as 3.3 × 109 s−1, and it is necessary the excited triplet state of the ligand and a singlet of the metal ion to pass the energy transfer.
A Simple Route to Form Straw-like Carbon Microbundles
Authors: Xiao Yong , Liu Yingliang , Mi Yuanzhu , Yuan Dingsheng , Zhang Jingxian , Cheng Liqiang
Published: September 2005

Novel straw-like carbon microbundles (CMBS) were obtained by simple solvothermal route at 500 °C for 48 h. In this process, magnesium acetate and polyethylene glycol may play an important role in determining the straw-like morphology. The products were characterized with X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Raman spectroscopy. Those CMBS have diameter in the range of 0.8–1 μm and lengths up to tens of micrometers. This provides a simple preparation method and technology of carbonaceous materials with different morphology and size.
A Highly Active Ir/WO3 Catalyst for the Selective Reduction of NO by CO in the Presence of O2 or O2 + SO2
Authors: Shimokawabe Masahide , Niitsu Mihiro , Inomata Hironori , Iwasa Nobuhiro , Arai Masahiko
Published: September 2005

Ir/WO3 catalyst is highly active for the reduction of NO by CO even in the presence of either O2 or O2 + SO2. However, the activity of Ir/WO3 is fairly lowered by the presence of SO2 alone. It is believed that the active sites lose their activity by the adsorption of SO2 but O2 promotes the desorption of SO2 from these sites as suggested by TPD, thus the negative effect of SO2 being suppressed by the coexistence of O2.
Fabrication of Single-crystalline MoO3 Nanobelts by Using Carbons
Authors: Ogihara Hitoshi , Takenaka Sakae , Yamanaka Ichiro , Tanabe Eishi , Genseki Akira , Otsuka Kiyoshi
Published: September 2005

Single-crystalline MoO3 nanobelts were formed by calcination of physical mixtures of carbon nanofibers and H3(PMo12O40) under air at 873 K. In contrast, single-crystalline MoO3 with long wire structure were formed by calcination of physical mixtures of carbon nanofibers and H4[Si(Mo3O10)4].
K2PtCl4/AgOTf as a Highly Active Catalyst for Hydroarylation of Propiolic Acids with Arenes
Authors: Oyamada Juzo , Kitamura Tsugio
Published: September 2005

A new and efficient K2PtCl4/AgOTf catalyst for the hydroarylation of propiolic acid was found. The hydroarylation of propiolic acids gave predominantly (Z)-cinnamic acid derivatives in high yields. The K2PtCl4/AgOTf catalyst showed a high activity to less reactive benzene.
Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA)/Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
Authors: Lequin Rudolf M
Published: September 2005

This brief note addresses the historical background of the invention of the enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). These assays were developed independently and simultaneously by the research group of Peter Perlmann and Eva Engvall at Stockholm University in Sweden and by the research group of Anton Schuurs and Bauke van Weemen in The Netherlands. Today, fully automated instruments in medical laboratories around the world use the immunoassay principle with an enzyme as the reporter label for routine measurements of innumerable analytes in patient samples. The impact of EIA/ELISA is reflected in the overwhelmingly large number of times it has appeared as a keyword in the literature since the 1970s. Clinicians and their patients, medical laboratories, in vitro diagnostics manufacturers, and worldwide healthcare systems owe much to these four inventors.
Determinants of Customer Benefits in Business-to-Business Markets: A Cross-Cultural Comparison
Authors: Homburg Christian , Kuester Sabine , Beutin Nikolas , Menon Ajay
Published: September 2005

The authors examine the concept of customer benefits in business-to-business markets in an international context. They distinguish between core and add-on benefits, and they discuss product quality, service quality, flexibility, trust, joint action, and commitment of the supplier as determinants of these customer benefits. They base their analysis on 981 respondents in two countries. The results suggest the importance of understanding the determinants in providing customer benefits. Furthermore, the authors observe significant cultural differences with respect to the impact of different determinants on perceived customer benefits. Following a discussion of the results, the authors present managerial implications, research limitations, and directions for further research.
Executive Insights: Relationship Formation in International Joint Ventures: Insights from Australian–Malaysian International Joint Ventures
Authors: Styles Chris , Hersch Lisa
Published: September 2005

Many international joint ventures are unsuccessful, and managers partly blame the “softer” issues related to partner relationships. The authors study these relational (behavioral) aspects of the formation process using seven international joint ventures involving Australian and Malaysian firms. During the five stages of formation (i.e., need determination, partner search, partner selection, negotiations, and operations), four dimensions of trust (i.e., personal, competence, contractual, and goodwill) and three dimensions of commitment (i.e., intentions based, contractual, and affective) play prominent roles. Managers need to focus on these dimensions during the five stages of formation to improve chances of success.
A Cross-Team Framework of International Knowledge Acquisition on New Product Development Capabilities and New Product Market Performance
Authors: Murray Janet Y. , Chao Mike C.H.
Published: September 2005

Rapid new product developments (NPDs) have drastically changed the competitive landscape in the global economy. Because the time-to-market dimension of product introduction has become a crucial determinant of multinational corporations’ (MNCs’) competitive advantage, the ability of MNCs to exploit their knowledge globally across subsidiaries using cross-teams has become an important source of competitive advantage. Recognizing the crucial role of MNCs’ knowledge management in NPD, the authors develop a conceptual framework to investigate the antecedents and outcomes of international knowledge acquisition at the cross-team level. The framework suggests that though it is important to acquire necessary knowledge resources for NPD, managers must nurture an NPD project team's realized absorptive capacity to transform the acquired knowledge resources into NPD capabilities, which in turn affect new product market performance.
Bringing Export Performance Metrics into Annual Reports: The APEV Scale and the PERFEX Scorecard
Authors: Lages Luis Filipe , Lages Carmen , Lages Cristiana Raquel
Published: September 2005

Annual company reports rarely distinguish between domestic and export market performance and even more rarely provide information about annual indicators of a specific export venture's performance. In this study, the authors develop and test a new measure for assessing the annual performance of an export venture (the APEV scale). The new measure comprises five dimensions: (1) annual export venture financial performance, (2) annual export venture strategic performance, (3) annual export venture achievement, (4) contribution of the export venture to annual exporting operations, and (5) satisfaction with annual export venture overall performance. The authors use the APEV scale to generate a scorecard of performance in exporting (the PERFEX scorecard) to assess export performance at the corporate level while comparatively evaluating all export ventures of the firm. Both the scale and the scorecard could help disclose export venture performance and could be useful instruments for annual planning, management, monitoring, and improvement of exporting programs.
Solubility of amorphous Th(IV) hydroxide – application of LIBD to determine the solubility product and EXAFS for aqueous speciation
Authors: Neck Volker , Müller R. , Bouby M. , Altmaier M. , Rothe J. , Denecke Melissa A. , Kim Jae-Il
Published: September 2005

The solubility of amorphous Th(IV) hydroxide at pH 3.0–13.5 and the aqueous speciation at pH < 4 are investigated in 0.5 M NaCl and 25 °C. The laser-induced breakdown detection (LIBD) is used to monitor the initial formation of thorium hydroxide colloids during the coulometric titration of 1.2×10−2−1.0×10−5M thorium solutions in the pH range of 2.7–4.5. The accurate solubility limit determined by this method is comparable with data measured from undersaturation with an X-ray amorphous solid precipitated at higher pH and dried at room temperature. Based on hydrolysis constants selected from the literature, the solubility product of Th(OH)4(am) in 0.5 M NaCl is calculated to be log K′sp= −44.48 ± 0.24 and log K°sp= −47.8 ± 0.3 (converted toI=0 with the SIT coefficients of the NEA-TDB).

In other solubility studies with amorphous Th(IV) hydroxide or hydrous oxide, considerably higher thorium concentrations are measured at pH 3.5–5. Therefore, solutions of comparable H+and thorium concentrations are prepared by careful coulometric titration and examined by ultrafiltration, LIBD and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy. These measurements demonstrate the presence of a large amount of small Th(IV) colloids. The ThL3edge EXAFS spectra of these colloidal suspensions are similar to that of the amorphous solid.
The reduction of U(VI) on corroded iron under anoxic conditions
Authors: Cui Daqing , Spahiu Kastriot
Published: September 2005

The corrosion of iron and the interaction between corroded iron and U(VI) in anoxic conditions were investigated. The anoxic conditions were obtained by flushing an 99.97% Ar-0.03% CO2 gas mixture through the test vessel, in which an oxygen trap and six reaction bottles containing synthetic groundwater (10 mM NaCl and 2 mM HCO3
−.) were placed. The dark-green coloured corrosion product, formed on iron surface after three months corrosion in synthetic groundwater solutions, was identified by powder X-ray diffraction to be carbonate green rust, Fe4
IIFe2
III(OH)12CO3. The iron foil that reacted in a solution (10 ppm U(VI), 10 mM NaCl and 2 mM HCO3
−) for three months was analysed by SEM-EDS. The result shows that: (i) an uneven layer of carbonate green rust (1-5 µm thick) formed on the metallic iron; (ii) a thin (0.3 µm) uranium-rich layer deposited on top of the carbonate green rust layer; and (iii) some UO2 crystals (3-5 µm sized) on the thin uranium layer. The experimental results proved that the U(VI) removal capacity of metal iron is not hindered by formation of a layer of carbonate green rust on the iron. Tests with cast iron and pure iron indicate that they have similar U(VI) removal capacities. At the end of experiment, U concentrations in solution approached the solubility of UO2(s), 10−8 M. The stability of the carbonate green rust at the experimental conditions, pH, Eh, [Fe2+] and [HCO3
−], is discussed.
New selenium solution speciation method by ion chromatography + gamma counting and its application to FeS2-controlled reducing conditions
Authors: Bruggeman C. , Vancluysen J. , Maes A.
Published: September 2005

Selenium is a redox sensitive element. In reducing conditions its solubility is controlled by the formation of metallic Se and in the presence of Fe2+ also by the precipitation of FeSe or FeSe2. However very few data concerning this species in geochemical reducing environments is found in literature, particularly due to insufficient measuring methods.

The assessment to what extent 79Se is a critical radionuclide for the geological disposal of High-Level Radioactive Waste, depends on its actual speciation in storage conditions. Therefore a new method based on ion chromatography of radiolabelled 75Se solutions followed by gamma-ray counting was developed to accurately measure selenium species with different degrees of oxidation (selenate (SeO4
2−) and selenite (SeO3
2−)) in solution.

This method was then tested in laboratory conditions which mimic the reducing environment in Boom Clay. Different amounts of ground pyrite (< 125 µm) were contacted with Synthetic Boom Clay Water (essentially 10−2 M NaHCO3) and spiked with different amounts of 75SeO3
2− and SeO4
2−. The batches were allowed to equilibrate over different time periods (up to two months) before analysing. The experiments were carried out in an oxygen-depleted glove box (99.6% N2, 0.4% CO2).

The kinetics of the redox reactions in the pyrite systems prevented the complete reduction of selenite (SeO3
2−) and especially selenate (SeO4
2−) on a limited time scale, probably due to the limited redox capacity of the studied systems.
Complexation studies of Eu(III) with polyacrylic acid either free in solution or adsorbed onto alumina
Authors: Montavon G. , Markai S. , Grambow Bernd
Published: September 2005

The complexation of Eu(III) with Polyacrylic acid (PAA) and alumina-bound polyacrylic acid (PAA-Al2O3) was studied at pH 5 in 0.1 M NaClO4. The experiments were carried out for two polyelectrolytes at 5000 Da and 50000 Da. The quantitative description of the interaction of Eu and PAA showed the formation of a 1:1 Eu:PAA complex and the existence of similar binding modes ("sites") of Eu with both polymers. Interaction studies of Eu(III) with alumina-bound PAA particles were carried out in conditions where their overall surface charge were equal to 0. The description of the data indicated the existence of a similar site in binary and ternary systems for high Eu loading. For low Eu loading, the existence of a new site on PAA-Al2O3particles resulting from the PAA-Al2O3interaction was suggested.
Evaluation of candidate markers for the peritubular myoid cell lineage in the developing mouse testis
Authors: Jeanes Angela , Wilhelm Dagmar , Wilson Megan J , Bowles Josephine , McClive Peter J , Sinclair Andrew H , Koopman Peter
Published: September 2005

Despite the importance of peritubular myoid (PM) cells in the histogenesis of the fetal testis, understanding the origin and function of these cells has been hampered by the lack of suitable markers. The current study was aimed at identifying molecular markers for PM cells during the early stages of testis development in the mouse embryo. Expression of candidate marker genes was tested by sectionin situhybridisation, in some instances followed by immunofluorescent detection of protein products.Collagen type-I,inhibinβA,caldesmon 1andtropomyosin 1were found to be expressed by early-stage PM cells. These markers were also expressed in subsets of interstitial cells, most likely reflecting their common embryological provenance from migrating mesonephric cells. Although not strictly specific for PM cells, these markers are likely to be useful in studying the biology of early PM cells in the fetal testis.
Endocrine disruption of uterine insulin-like growth factor expression in the pregnant gilt
Authors: Ashworth M D , Ross J W , Stein D R , Allen D T , Spicer L J , Geisert R D
Published: September 2005

Early exposure of pregnant gilts to oestrogen, prior to the normal period of porcine conceptus oestrogen secretion, disrupts the uterine environment resulting in complete embryonic mortality during the period of placental attachment to the uterine surface. The current study evaluates the uterine insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system following endocrine disruption of early pregnancy in gilts through exposure to exogenous oestrogen on Days 9 and 10 of gestation. Endometrial IGF gene and protein expression, IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) gene expression, and uterine lumenal content of IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) were evaluated in control and oestrogen-treated gilts on Days 10, 12, 13, 15 and 17 of gestation. Oestrogen treatment altered endometrial IGF-I and IGF-IR gene expression on Days 12 and 13 of gestation. Uterine content of IGF-I and IGF-II in control gilts was greatest on Days 10, 12, and 13 followed by a four- to sixfold decrease on Day 15 of gestation. Oestrogen treatment caused a premature proteolysis of IGFBPs within the pregnant pig uterus on Day 10 of gestation, and an earlier decline in uterine lumenal IGF-I content. Results demonstrate that early exposure of pregnant gilts to oestrogen causes premature loss of uterine IGFs during the period of conceptus elongation. Timing for the release of uterine IGFs during early porcine conceptus development may play an important function in the ability of the conceptus to attach and survive during the establishment of pregnancy.
Dissection of Arp2/3 Complex Actin Nucleation Mechanism and Distinct Roles for Its Nucleation-Promoting Factors in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: D'Agostino Jessica L , Goode Bruce L
Published: September 2005

Actin nucleation by the Arp2/3 complex is under tight control, remaining inactive until stimulation by nucleation-promoting factors (NPFs). Although multiple NPFs are expressed in most cell types, little is known about how they are coordinated and whether they perform similar or distinct functions. We examined genetic relationships among the four S. cerevisiae NPFs. Combining las17Δ with pan1-101 or myo3Δmyo5Δ was lethal at all temperatures, whereas combining pan1-101 with myo3Δmyo5Δ showed no genetic interaction and abp1Δ partially suppressed las17Δ. These data suggest that NPFs have distinct and overlapping functions in vivo. We also tested genetic interactions between each NPF mutant and seven different temperature-sensitive arp2 alleles and purified mutant Arp2/3 complexes to compare their activities. Two arp2 alleles with mutations at the barbed end were severely impaired in nucleation, providing the first experimental evidence that Arp2 nucleates actin at its barbed end in vitro and in vivo. Another arp2 allele caused partially unregulated (“leaky”) nucleation in the absence of NPFs. Combining this mutant with a partially unregulated allele in a different subunit of Arp2/3 complex was lethal, suggesting that cells cannot tolerate high levels of unregulated activity. Genetic interactions between arp2 alleles and NPF mutants point to Abp1 having an antagonistic role with respect to other NPFs, possibly serving to attenuate their stronger activities. In support of this model, Abp1 binds strongly to Arp2/3 complex, yet has notably weak nucleation-promoting activity and inhibits Las17 activity on Arp2/3 complex in a dose-responsive manner.
Disparate Mesenchyme-Lineage Tendencies in Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Human Bone Marrow and Umbilical Cord Blood
Authors: Chang Yu-Jen , Shih Daniel Tzu-bi , Tseng Ching-Ping , Hsieh Tzu-Bou , Lee Don-Ching , Hwang Shiaw-Min
Published: September 2005

Bone marrow and umbilical cord blood are reported to be the main sources of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which have been proposed for many clinical applications. This study evaluated and quantitated the differentiation potential of bone marrow–derived MSCs (bmMSCs) and cord blood–derived MSCs (cbMSCs) by in vitro induction. Results indicated that cbMSCs had a significantly stronger osteogenic potential but lower capacity for adipogenic differentiation than bmMSCs. Leptin, an important regulator of mesenchymal differentiation, has a significantly stronger effect of promoting osteogenesis and inhibiting adipogenesis in bmMSCs than in cbMSCs. Moreover, Cbfa1 mRNA expression in bmMSCs and cbMSCs was affected to different degrees by leptin during osteogenesis. In contrast, leptin reduced PPARγ2 mRNA expression to the same level during adipogenesis in both types of MSCs. These results demonstrate the disparate capacities of MSCs from bone marrow and cord blood and suggest that they be used differently in experimental and therapeutic studies. In addition, the disparate differentiation tendencies of MSCs from different sources should be considered in further applications.
Hypercalcaemia of malignancy and basic research on mechanisms responsible for osteolytic and osteoblastic metastasis to bone
Authors: Clines G A , Guise T A
Published: September 2005

Calcium homeostasis is a tightly regulated process involving the co-ordinated efforts of the skeleton, kidney, parathyroid glands and intestine. Neoplasms can alter this homeostasis indirectly through the production of endocrine factors resulting in humoral hypercalcaemia of malignancy. Relatively common with breast and lung cancer, this paraneoplastic condition is most often due to tumour production of parathyroid hormone-related protein and ensuing increased osteoclastic bone resorption. Although control of hypercalcaemia is generally successful, the development of this complication is associated with a poor prognosis. The metastasis of tumour cells to bone represents another skeletal complication of malignancy. As explained in the ‘seed and soil’ hypothesis, bone represents a fertile ground for cancer cells to flourish. The molecular mechanisms of this mutually beneficial relationship between bone and cancer cells are beginning to be understood. In the case of osteolytic bone disease, tumour-produced parathyroid hormone-related protein stimulates osteoclasts that in turn secrete tumour-activating transforming growth factor-β that further stimulates local cancer cells. This ‘vicious cycle’ of bone metastases represents reciprocal bone/cancer cellular signals that likely modulate osteoblastic bone metastatic lesions as well. The development of targeted therapies to either block initial cancer cell chemotaxis, invasion and adhesion or to break the ‘vicious cycle’ is dependent on a more complete understanding of bone metastases. Although bisphosphonates delay progression of skeletal metastases, it is clear that more effective therapies are needed. Cancer-associated bone morbidity remains a major public health problem, and to improve therapy and prevention it is important to understand the pathophysiology of the effects of cancer on bone. This review will detail scientific advances regarding this area.
The local hormonal environment and related biomarkers in the normal breast
Authors: Khan S A , Bhandare D , Chatterton R T
Published: September 2005

Recent developments in breast epithelial sampling techniques (nipple fluid aspiration, ductal lavage, and random fine needle aspiration) provide new opportunities for the acquisition of hormonal and cellular biomarker data in asymptomatic women, and thereby the possibility of developing a unified vision of how the hormonal environment of the breast may interact with the cellular expression of proteins, and with other evolving candidate markers of breast cancer risk. The purpose of this review is to integrate available information regarding cellular and breast fluid biomarkers of hormone action on the breast, to identify candidate biomarkers for studies of breast cancer risk and prevention. These include the estrogen receptors α andβ, markers of proliferative and apoptotic response, and protein markers of estrogen action in breast cells and nipple fluid. Studies of breast hormone levels in nipple aspiration fluid (NAF) show that estrone sulphate is present in large quantities in the normal breast, while the differences in serum ovarian steroids that are seen in pre- and postmenopausal women are blunted in NAF. The variability of several estradiol precursors in NAF over time is relatively small, a useful attribute of potential biomarkers of breast cancer risk, particularly if they are reversible with intervention in Phase 2 prevention trials. These studies are already providing new insights into the hormonal etiology of breast cancer, and should lead to the identification of robust, reversible biomarkers for use in breast cancer prevention studies.
Mammary developmental fate and breast cancer risk
Authors: Medina Daniel
Published: September 2005

The ovarian hormones, estrogen and progesterone, play a pivotal role in normal and neoplastic development of the mammary gland. These hormones have a paradoxical role as long duration of estrogen and progesterone are associated with increased breast cancer risk, while short duration of pregnancy level doses are associated with a reduced breast cancer risk. The protective effects of estrogen and progesterone, as well as pregnancy, have been extensively studied in animal models. Recent studies have demonstrated that these hormones induce alterations in gene expression in the mammary epithelial cells which persist for a long time after the hormones are withdrawn from the host. It is postulated that hormones induce a switch in mammary developmental fate which decreases the risk of breast cancer over the lifetime of the host. Some of the possible cellular pathways persistently altered by short term hormone exposure are a decrease in growth factors and an increase in apoptosis. The expression of these genes, in turn, may be affected by alterations in genes regulating chromatin remodeling. The relative contributions of host-mediated factors and mammary cell intrinsic factors remain to be determined. The current studies have moved this research area from the biological to the molecular realm and offer the potential for directing prevention efforts at specific molecular targets.
Antiestrogen-resistant human breast cancer cells require activated Protein Kinase B/Akt for growth
Authors: Frogne T , Jepsen J S , Larsen S S , Fog C K , Brockdorff B L , Lykkesfeldt A E
Published: September 2005

Development of acquired resistance to antiestrogens is a major clinical problem in endocrine treatment of breast cancer patients. The IGF system plays a profound role in many cancer types, including breast cancer. Thus, overexpression and/or constitutive activation of the IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) or different components of the IGF-IR signaling pathway have been reported to render breast cancer cells less estrogen dependent and capable of sustaining cell proliferation in the presence of antiestrogens. In this study, growth of the antiestrogen-sensitive human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 was inhibited by treatment with IGF-IR-neutralizing antibodies. In contrast, IGF-IR-neutralizing antibodies had no effect on growth of two different antiestrogen-resistant MCF-7 sublines. A panel of antiestrogen-resistant cell lines was investigated for expression of IGF-IR and either undetectable or severely reduced IGF-IR levels were observed. No increase in insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) or total PKB/Akt (Akt) was detected in the resistant cell lines. However, a significant increase in phosphorylated Akt (pAkt) was found in four of six antiestrogen-resistant cell lines. Overexpression of pAkt was associated with increased Akt kinase activity in both a tamoxifen- and an ICI 182,780-resistant cell line. Inhibition of Akt phosphorylation by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K) inhibitor wortmannin or the Akt inhibitor SH-6 (structurally modified phosphatidyl inositol ether liquid analog PIA 6) resulted in a more pronounced growth inhibitory effect on the antiestrogen-resistant cells compared with the parental cells, suggesting that signaling via Akt is required for antiestrogen-resistant cell growth in at least a subset of our antiestrogen-resistant cell lines. PTEN expression and activity was not decreased in cell lines overexpressing pAkt. Our data demonstrate that Akt is a target for treatment of antiestrogen-resistant breast cancer cell lines and we suggest that antiestrogen-resistant breast cancer patients may benefit from treatment targeted to inhibit Akt signaling.
Adrenal incidentalomas — a continuing management dilemma
Authors: Nawar R , Aron D
Published: September 2005

Adrenal incidentalomas (AI), adrenal tumors detected through an imaging procedure done for reasons unrelated to adrenal dysfunction, is becoming a common clinical problem with the more frequent utilization of different imaging techniques. Most such tumors are benign and hormonally inactive. A variety of diagnostic strategies have been developed to distinguish the latter; however, they are still controversial. Even after a commissioned systematic review of the literature and a state of the science conference sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, the optimal strategy for hormonal screening of a patient with AI is unknown, but we anticipate further refinements and major advances in the field. Surgery is the ultimate solution for the diagnostic-therapeutic dilemma of AI. Careful planning is required, and the learning curve which influences clinical decision making is especially relevant to immediate outcomes. The benefit of making a diagnosis of a clinically significant AI must be considered in the context of the patient’s overall condition and preferences.
Molecular analysis of the androgen receptor gene in testicular cancer
Authors: Garolla A , Ferlin A , Vinanzi C , Roverato A , Sotti G , Artibani W , Foresta C
Published: September 2005

Testicular cancer (TC) is the most common solid tumour in white males aged 20–34 years, and its incidence has doubled over the past 40 years. Some risk factors for TC have been proposed, such as cryptorchidism, infertility and testicular dysgenesis. However, the causes of TC remain still largely unknown. Recently a genetic basis for TC has been proposed, but specific genetic alterations have not been identified. The risk of TC is markedly increased in subjects with androgen insensitivity and some authors have suggested that mutations in the androgen receptor (AR) gene or disorders of CAG and GGC repeats could be related to TC. However, definitive data have not been produced. In this study, we analysed the AR gene for mutations and CAG and GGC triplets in exon 1 in 123 patients affected by TC. In three patients (2.3%) we found a mutation in the AR gene, two of which represent a novel mutation. Evaluation of CAG and GGC repeat numbers showed no difference with respect to controls when these variables were analysed separately. However, when joint distributions of CAG and GGC were considered, we found that the combination CAG=20/GGC=17 was significantly more frequent in TC patients (8.1%) with respect to controls (1.7%, P<0.05). Furthermore, we observed that in TC subjects, differently from controls, the joint analysis of CAG and GGC showed a statistically significant dependence among these variable repeats. In conclusion, our data show for the first time a high prevalence of AR gene mutations in patients affected by TC and suggest that some CAG/GGC combinations might be more frequently associated with an increased risk of TC.
BRCA1 in hormonal carcinogenesis: basic and clinical research
Authors: Rosen E M , Fan S , Isaacs C
Published: September 2005

The breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility gene-1 (BRCA1) located on chromosome 17q21 encodes a tumor suppressor gene that functions, in part, as a caretaker gene in preserving chromosomal stability. The observation that most BRCA1 mutant breast cancers are hormone receptor negative has led some to question whether hormonal factors contribute to the etiology of BRCA1-mutant breast cancers. Nevertheless, the caretaker function of BRCA1 is a generic one and does not explain why BRCA1 mutations confer a specific risk for tumor types that are hormone-responsive or that hormonal factors contribute to the etiology, including those of the breast, uterus, cervix, and prostate. An accumulating body of research indicates that in addition to its well-established roles in regulation of the DNA damage response, the BRCA1 protein interacts with steroid hormone receptors (estrogen receptor (ER-α) and androgen receptor (AR)) and regulates their activity, inhibiting ER-α activity and stimulating AR activity. The ability of BRCA1 to regulate steroid hormone action is consistent with clinical-epidemiological research suggesting that: (i) hormonal factors contribute to breast cancer risk in BRCA1 mutation carriers; and (ii) the spectrum of risk-modifying effects of hormonal factors in BRCA1 carriers is not identical to that observed in the general population. These data suggest a model for BRCA1 carcinogenesis in which genomic instability leads to the initiation of cancerous cell clones, while loss of normal restraint on hormonal stimulation of mammary epithelial cell proliferation allows amplification of these pre-existing clones. Further research will be required to substantiate this hypothesis.