bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Judicial Treatment of Noneconomic Compensatory Damages in the 19th Century
Authors: Allen Ronald J. , Brunet Alexia
Published: June 2007

Do high verdicts for tort cases containing noneconomic damages have historical precedent? We present the results of our empirical inquiry into the treatment of noneconomic compensatory damages by the courts from 1800–1900. Using 1,175 tort cases from this era, we show that, notwithstanding constant reiteration of jury discretion over damages, courts tightly controlled awards. In fact, no case prior to 1900 permitted a noneconomic compensatory damages award exceeding $450,000 in current dollars. Logistic regression results reveal that an increase in total monetary damages is positively and significantly related to the probability of reversal when noneconomic damages were claimed, and that comparability review decreases the probability of reversal.
What Explains Dissent on the High Court of Australia? An Empirical Assessment Using a Cointegration and Error Correction Approach
Authors: Narayan Paresh Kumar , Smyth Russell
Published: June 2007

This article examines the factors influencing the annual dissent rate on the High Court of Australia from its first full year of operation in 1904 up to 2001 within a cointegration and error correction framework. We hypothesize that institutional factors, socioeconomic complexity, and leadership style explain variations in the dissent rate on the High Court of Australia over time. The institutional factors that we consider are the Court's caseload, whether it had discretion to select the cases it hears, and whether it was a final court of appeal. To measure socioeconomic complexity we use the divorce rate, urbanization rate, and real GDP per capita. Our main finding is that in the long run and short run, caseload and real income are the main factors influencing dissent. We find that a 1 percent increase in caseload and real income reduce the dissent rate on the High Court of Australia by 0.3 percent and 0.6 percent, respectively, holding other factors constant.
The Business of State Supreme Courts, Revisited
Authors: Kritzer Herbert M. , Brace Paul , Hall Melinda Gann , Boyea Brent T.
Published: June 2007

In this research note we employ data from the State Supreme Court Data Project to update Kagan et al.'s study of the docket composition of state supreme courts. Our analysis shows that many of the patterns of change described by Kagan et al. continued through the 20th century: debt and real property continued to decline and criminal continued to increase. However, other patterns of change either reversed or halted. Specifically, neither torts nor family cases have continued to increase; torts have stabilized and family cases, rather than increasing, have declined. The most surprising shift is the sharp increase in “other contract,” which had no particular pattern in the earlier data, but that represented 5 percent or less of the courts' business; in the 1990s, “other contracts” had grown to a level approaching that of public law, and exceeding real property and family and estate cases.
Xenophilia or Xenophobia in U.S. Courts? Before and After 9/11
Authors: Clermont Kevin M. , Eisenberg Theodore
Published: June 2007

This article revisits the controversy regarding how foreigners fare in U.S. courts. The available data, if taken in a sufficiently big sample from numerous case categories and a range of years, indicate that foreigners have fared better in the federal courts than their domestic counterparts have fared. Thus, the data offer no support for the existence of xenophobic bias in U.S. courts. Nor do they establish xenophilia, of course. What the data do show is that case selection drives the outcomes for foreigners. Foreigners' aversion to U.S. forums can elevate the foreigners' success rates, when measured as a percentage of judgments rendered. Yet that aversion waxes and wanes over the years, having generally declined in the last 20 years but with an uptick subsequent to 9/11. Accordingly, that aversion has caused the foreigners' “advantage” to follow the same track.
Familial haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in patients who are heterozygous for the A91V perforin variation is often associated with other genetic defects
Authors: Zhang K. , Johnson J. A. , Biroschak J. , Villanueva J. , Lee S. Molleran , Bleesing J. J. , Risma K. A. , Wenstrup R. J. , Filipovich A. H.
Published: June 2007

The heterozygous A91V mutation in PRF1 is identified more frequently in patients with familial haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHLH) than in healthy individuals in North America. Additional mutation(s) in either Munc13‐4 or PRF1 were found in 10 of 24 patients with FHLH who are heterozygous for A91V. A91V‐PRF1 by itself is not disease causing.
Application of the particle gel agglutination system as a new check gel assay for PCR products
Authors: Schönemann C. , Abou‐Chaker K. , Bombard S. , Meyer O. , Salama A.
Published: June 2007

In this study, we describe a simple and rapid agglutination test for the detection of PCR products prior to the application of specific hybridization by sequence‐specific oligonucleotide typing. This test is based on the particle gel agglutination immunoassay, incorporating biotinylated primers and streptavidin particles. Visually detectable agglutination was only observed in samples which contained the specific amplification products. The results obtained by the new test were in accordance with those obtained by standard gel electrophoresis in all cases that have been tested to date.
Lack of association between three promoter polymorphisms of PTGDR gene and asthma in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Li J. , Liu Q. , Wang P. , Li H. , Wei C. , Guo C. , Gong Y.
Published: June 2007

The PTGDR gene has been suggested to be an asthma susceptibility gene in previous genome‐wide linkage studies as well as in functional studies in a mouse model of asthma. Recently, promoter polymorphisms of the PTGDR gene have been reported to be associated with asthma in American and European populations. In order to determine the association of PTGDR promoter polymorphisms and asthma susceptibility in a Chinese Han population, three promoter single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) –549T/C, –441C/T, and –197T/C were genotyped in 336 patients with asthma and 264 healthy controls. Asthma was diagnosed according to the American Thoracic Society (ATS) criteria. SNPs –549T/C and –441C/T were genotyped by Tetra‐primer Amplification Refractory Mutation System PCR method and –197T/C by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Unlike the results observed in American and European populations, none of the three SNPs nor any haplotypes in the PTGDR promoter region were found to be associated with asthma susceptibility in this Chinese Han population (all P‐value > 0.05). The frequencies for both high‐transcriptional‐efficiency haplotype (CCC) and low‐transcriptional‐efficiency haplotype (TCT) were lower than 1% in patients and controls, significantly different from those observed in American and European populations. These results suggest that the three PTGDR gene promoter polymorphisms studied are not important risk factors for asthma susceptibility in the Chinese Han population.
GENETIC, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND MATURITY EFFECTS ON PECAN KERNEL LIPID, FATTY ACID, TOCOPHEROL, AND PROTEIN COMPOSITION
Authors: RUDOLPH C. J. , ODELL G. V. , HINRICHS H. A. , HOPFER D. A. , KAYS S. J.
Published: June 2007

Concentrations of kernel oil, fatty acids, protein, and tocopherols were analyzed in 70 cultivars and selections to assess genetic, environmental, and maturity effects on composition. The most abundant fatty acids in pecan kernels were oleic > linoleic > palmitic > stearic > linolenic, and their concentrations varied with genotype, maturity, and year of production. The concentration of oil and protein in individual lines ranged from 60 to 76% and 7 to 17%, respectively. The lipid composition of 8 individual cultivars varied substantially due to production year, with the degree of variation being cultivar dependent. An inverse linear relationship was found between the concentration of oleic and linoleic acids. During maturation, there was a general decline in linoleic acid with a commensurate increase in oleic, yielding a progressively more mono‐unsaturated oil.
CHEMICAL CHANGES IN PECAN OILS DURING OXIDATION
Authors: RUDOLPH C. J. , ODELL G. V. , HINRICHS H. A. , THOMSON H. J. , KAYS S. J.
Published: June 2007

Chemical changes that occur during oxidation of pecan oils were investigated. During oxidation, the tocopherol concentration of the oils decreased and the oils discolored, changing from yellow to reddish and eventually becoming colorless. Changes in color were followed by a rapid increase in rancidity products and a corresponding decrease in linoleic acid concentration. Introduction of exogenous β‐carotene into decolorized pecan oil increased oxidative stability. Addition of the autioxidant tocopherol to the oil increased oxidative stability by a significant amount over that of β‐carotene. Keeping time of pecan oils could be increased by 50% with the addition of 800 μg‐tocopherol gm‐1 oil. Linoleic acid concentration appears to be the primary endogenous factor in the degradation of pecan oils after harvest. Endogenous tocopherol concentrations in pecan kernels were low and not closely related to the potential keeping time of the oil.

The results suggest that the oxidative stability of pecan kernels may be proportional to the percent linoleic acid in the oil. Percent oleic and linoleic acid, tocopherol content, and keeping time were determined for 70 cultivars and unnamed selections of pecans.
SHELF‐LIFE OF FRESH‐LIKE READY‐TO‐USE DICED SQUASH
Authors: ROURA SARA INÉS , MOREIRA MARÍA DEL ROSARIO , VALLE CARLOS ENRIQUE DEL
Published: June 2007

The shelf‐life of fresh‐like ready‐to‐use diced squash during storage for 16 days at 10–12C and 95% of relative humidity was investigated. The ascorbic acid (AA) content, moisture, soluble solid content, titratable acidity, pH, weight loss and microbiological counts were determined. At the end of storage, a 1.5% weight loss was observed. Water content did not show significant changes during storage. The soluble solids content and the Brix/titratable acidity ratios increased during storage, following a linear correlation. The evolution of AA content followed a 2° polynomial correlation, with a maximum between 7–9 days of storage and a final value of 17 mg AA/100 g of fresh weight. The total microbial count increased continuously throughout storage but showed an acceptable level until day 10.
EFFECT OF BREADING PARTICLE SIZE ON COATING ADHESION IN BREADED, FRIED CHICKEN BREASTS
Authors: MASKAT MOHAMAD YUSOF , KERR WILLIAM LLOYD
Published: June 2007

The effect of particle size on coating adhesion was measured for battered chicken breasts. Bread crumbs were separated into small (≤ 250 μm), medium (250 μm‐850 μm), and large (> 850 μm) particles. Chicken breasts were battered, breaded, and deep‐fat fried for 240 s at 160C. Fried products were analyzed for coating adhesion, moisture content, and yield parameters. Coating adhesion was highest in coatings formed from small particle size breading, and lowest in those made from large particle size breading. Chicken breasts coated using small particle size breading had higher moisture in the surface region of the meat as well as in the coating. SEM of the coatings showed greater merging between the breading and the batter with decreasing breading particle size. No significant differences were observed in coating pickup, cooking loss, or yield between samples coated with different particle size breading.
EFFECTS OF PRESTORAGE DRY AND HUMID HOT AIR TREATMENTS ON THE QUALITY, TRIGLYCERIDES AND TOCOPHEROL CONTENTS IN ‘HASS’ AVOCADO FRUIT
Authors: ORNELAS P. J. DE JESUS , YAHIA ELHADI M.
Published: June 2007

‘Hass’ avocado fruit were heated with dry (50% RH) or moist (95% RH) forced air at 38Cfor 6 h and then stored at 5C and 85% RHfor up to 8 weeks. Fruit were evaluated weekly for quality and for the content of three triglycerides and three tocopherols. Heated fruit had higher weight loss. The nonheated fruit and those heated with dry air displayed the best external quality. Fruit heated with dry air exhibited the best internal quality and the lowest chilling injury incidence. The respiration rate was more intense in fruit heated with moist air. Fruit firmness immediately after harvest was 51N, but decreased to less than 20 N at the end of the storage period in the three treatments. The analysis of triglycerides and tocopherols showed that the 1,2‐Dilinoleil‐3‐Oleil‐Glycerol and α‐tocopherol were the most abundant compounds. Therefore, postharvest treatment with dry forced hot air before storage or transport reduces the incidence of chilling injury, and decreases quality deterioration in ‘Hass’ avocado fruit.
AROMA COMPOUNDS OF MALTED ACHA (DIGITARIA EXILIS, STAPF)
Authors: LASEKAN O.O. , FEIJAO‐TEIXEIRA J.P.
Published: June 2007

The flavor extract components of malted ‘acha’ (Digitaria exilis), which have not been studied prior to this report, were determined by gas chromatography with a mass selective detector. Volatile compounds were identified with a NBS 43 K.1 mass spectra library by Probability Based on Matching (PBM). A total of 14 peaks were detected and identified in the malted sample.

The volatiles included, four aldehydes, one aromatic compound, an ester, a terpene, one aliphatic alcohol, five heterocyclic compounds of six membered rings. Quantitatively, heterocyclic compounds were the most abundant class of compounds identified. Six compounds, ethylacetate, 1‐hydroxy‐2‐propanone, hexanal, pyrazine, 2, 5‐dimethylpyrazine and 2, 3‐dimethylpyrazine were identified as potential contributors to the flavor of malted acha. There was not a significant difference between the aroma quality of acha and crystal malt.
Insecticidal control of the mealybug Phenacoccus gossypiphilous (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), a new pest of cotton in Pakistan
Authors: SAEED Shafqat , AHMAD Munir , AHMAD Mushtaq , KWON Yong Jung
Published: June 2007

The mealybug Phenacoccus gossypiphilous (Stanley) played havoc with the cotton crop in Pakistan during 2005. To control this pest, insecticides of different groups were evaluated in both the laboratory and in field conditions. In the laboratory, bifenthrin, profenofos and chlorpyrifos proved to be the best insecticides for mealybug control, based on their susceptibility with the leaf dip method for their LC50. In field conditions, the recommended application rates of methomyl, profenofos and chlorpyrifos provided the best control: the lethal time studies proved their efficiency for better and timely control of this sporadic pest. The present study has shown that the insecticides tested, in particular profenofos, chlorpyrifos, methomyl and bifenthrin, provide satisfactory control of the cotton mealybug. The control of the insect pest complex throughout the cotton crop predominantly depends on wise and justified use of these chemicals, and necessitates development of an integrated pest management strategy.
Effects of photoperiod and hibernation duration on the lifespan of Bombus terrestris
Authors: AMIN Md. Ruhul , SUH Sang Jae , KWON Yong Jung
Published: June 2007

In this study the effects of photoperiod and hibernation duration on the lifespan of Bombus terrestris queens were examined. Hibernation durations of 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0 months were studied, as were photoperiods of 0 h light : 24 h dark (LD 0:24), LD 8:16, LD 16:8 and LD 24:0. The queens that hibernated for 2.5 months and were exposed to 1 week of LD 8:16 had the highest survival rate (89.3%); the lowest survival rate was found in queens that hibernated for 4.0 months and were reared at LD 24:0. Photoperiod and hibernation duration had significant effects on egg predation by founding queens, competition between queens and workers, and emergence of sexual queens. Hibernation durations of 2.5 and 3.0 months and a photoperiod of LD 8:16 resulted in a significantly longer lifespan of B. terrestris.
Seasonal prevalence of the Culex pipiens group (Diptera: Culicidae) larvae occurring in a puddle in the basement of an apartment building
Authors: SOHN Seok Rak
Published: June 2007

The seasonal prevalence of the Culex pipiens group larvae occurring in a puddle in the basement of an apartment building was investigated from June 1993 to May 1994 (Period I), and from June 1994 to May 1995 (Period II). Totals of 25 237 individuals in Period I and 4989 individuals in Period II were collected: they were all C. pipiens group larvae, most of which were C. pipiens molestus. In Period I, the larvae occurred at a relatively low density in the hot months July and August; density began to increase from the cooler late September, peaked in late November, and was maintained at a high level until the third week of December. In Period II, in which mean air temperature was 5°C higher as of July and August than in Period I, larvae sharply decreased in number by one‐fifth of the total volume in Period I, and showed a peak density in the third week of July, and the peak continued until mid‐December. In Period I, the low temperature was favorable for oviposition activity of C. pipiens molestus, and accounts for the higher density of larvae in Period I than in Period II. C. pipiens molestus mostly stopped laying eggs between early December and late January. Larvae were not collected in March and April 1994 and in April 1995. However, considering that adult mosquitoes had been collected throughout the two periods except in March 1994, adults of C. pipiens molestus are thought to appear throughout the year.
Redescription of Ectopioglossa taiwana (Sonan) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Eumeneinae) based on materials from Korea and Taiwan
Authors: KIM Jeong‐Kyu
Published: June 2007

Ectopioglossa taiwana (Sonan) is redescribed based on the specimens from Taiwan and Korea, including newly discovered males. This genus is newly recorded in Korea.
Effect of host age on life cycle and morphological characteristics ofGlyptapanteles liparidis(Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a parasitoid ofAcronicta rumicis(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: CHO Youngho , KWON Ohseok , NAM Sang‐Ho
Published: June 2007

The life cycle ofGlyptapanteles liparidiswas 23.75 ± 1.26, 21.95 ± 2.44 and 20.83 ± 0.78 days when fed on the first, second and third instar larvae ofAcronicta rumicis, respectively. Although insufficient numbers hindered statistical analysis, the life cycle ofG. liparidisappeared to be shortest, 19 days, when fed on fourth instar larvae. The life cycle ofG. liparidistends to shorten as the larvae ofA. rumicisfed upon are more advanced. The body length, forewing length and head capsule width of femaleG. liparidisfed on first instar larvae ofA. rumiciswere greater than those of males, while the antennae of males were longer than those of females. When fed on second instar larvae, there was no difference in body length and head capsule width between males and females, but the male antennae were longer than the female, and the female forewings were longer than the male. When fed on third instar larvae, there was no significant difference in head capsule width between the sexes, but female body length and forewing length were greater than the male, and the male antennae were longer than the female. On the whole, females were bigger than males in terms of body length and forewing length, while antennae of the males were longer than those of the females. There was no difference in head capsule width between males and females. Body length, antenna length, forewing length and head capsule width of male and femaleG. liparidiswere relatively larger when fed on first instar larvae ofA. rumicisthan when fed on second and third instar larvae.
Immature stages of Tanysphyrus (Tanysphyroides) major Roelofs (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Erirhininae) from Korea
Authors: PARK Jinyoung , KIM Yong‐Heon , LEE Jong Eun , KWON Ohseok
Published: June 2007

Detailed morphological descriptions and illustrations of immature stages of Tanysphyrus (Tanysphyroides) major Roelofs are presented for the first time in Korea.
Two Ochthephilus Mulsant and Rey species new to Korea (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Oxytelinae)
Authors: LEE Seung‐Il , AHN Kee‐Jeong
Published: June 2007

The genus Ochthephilus Mulsant and Rey and two species –O. antennatus (Watanabe and Shibata) and O. vulgaris (Watanabe and Shibata) – are identified for the first time in Korea. A key, illustrations of the habitus, and line drawings of diagnostic characters are presented.
Taxonomy of the genus Lispe Latreille (Diptera: Muscidae) in Korea
Authors: SUH Sang Jae , KWON Yong Jung , JO Tae‐Ho
Published: June 2007

In this paper, a total of four species of the genus Lispe are treated. Of these, L. assimilis Wiedemann and L. litorea Fallén are reported for the first time in Korea. A key to the Korean species, their domestic localities, and some illustrations are given.
First record of a thyatirine species, Achlya kuramana (Matsumura) (Lepidoptera: Drepanidae; Thyatirinae), from Korea
Authors: CHOI Sei‐Woong
Published: June 2007

A thyatirine genus Achlya Billberg is first reported from Korea. Achlya kuramana (Matsumura) is distributed in the southwestern part of the Korean peninsula. A description of diagnostic characters and photographs of the adult and genitalia are provided.
Characteristics of three cases of hepatocellular carcinoma showing enhanced technetium‐99m‐diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid‐galactosyl human serum albumin accumulation by single photon emission computed tomography analysis
Authors: Suzuki Akihiko , Togashi Hitoshi , Haga Hiroaki , Saito Koji , Saito Takafumi , Takahashi Kazuei , Sugai Yukio , Kawata Sumio
Published: June 2007

Background:  The asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGP‐R) is abundantly expressed on the sinusoidal surfaces of hepatocytes. However, the majority of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) lack ASGP‐R on their cell surface membranes. We describe three cases of HCC showing increased expression of ASGP‐R in comparison with the surrounding liver tissue.

Methods:  We performed technetium‐99m‐diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid‐galactosyl human serum albumin (99mTc‐GSA) single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) analysis on patients with HCC. Three cases of HCC showing enhanced accumulation of 99mTc‐GSA were included in the present study. Histopathological and radiological examinations of the HCC were conducted. The three affected patients were all female and over 60 years old.

Results:  Computed tomography (CT) angiography or dynamic CT showed hypo‐enhancement of the tumors during the hepatic arterial to portal phases. Patient 1 received percutaneous ethanol injection therapy and died 5 years later because of chronic renal failure. Patient 2 underwent surgeryand is currently healthy 5 years after the operation. Patient 3 underwent percutaneous ethanol injection therapy and died 4 years later because of a newly occurred HCC to another part of the liver. Histopathological examination showed well‐differentiated HCC in all three cases. Immunohistochemical examination showed that the expression of ASGP‐R was higher in the HCC than in the non‐tumorous liver tissue.

Conclusion:  We have named the HCC of this type ASGP‐Roma. ASGP‐Roma is well‐differentiated HCC, shows CT findings that are atypical of HCC, and is diagnosed by 99mTc‐GSA SPECT analysis. We propose that ASGP‐Roma be placed in a special category among well‐differentiated HCC.
Effect of Concomitantly Administered Rifampin on the Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Atazanavir Administered Twice Daily
Authors: Acosta Edward P. , Kendall Michelle A. , Gerber John G. , Alston-Smith Beverly , Koletar Susan L. , Zolopa Andrew R. , Agarwala Sangeeta , Child Michael , Bertz Richard , Hosey Lara , Haas David W.
Published: June 2007

The potent induction of hepatic cytochrome P450 3A isoforms by rifampin complicates therapy for coinfection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. We performed an open-label, single-arm study to assess the safety and pharmacokinetic interactions of the HIV protease inhibitor atazanavir coadministered with rifampin. Ten healthy HIV-negative subjects completed pharmacokinetic sampling at steady state while receiving 300 mg atazanavir every 12 h without rifampin (period 1), 300 mg atazanavir every 12 h with 600 mg rifampin every 24 h (period 2), and 400 mg atazanavir every 12 h with 600 mg rifampin every 24 h (period 3). During period 1, the mean concentration of drug in serum at 12 h (
C
12 h
) was 811 ng/ml (range, 363 to 2,484 ng/ml) for atazanavir, similar to historic seronegative data for once-daily treatment with 300 mg atazanavir boosted with 100 mg ritonavir. During periods 2 and 3, the mean
C
12 h
values for atazanavir were 44 ng/ml (range, <25 to187 ng/ml) and 113 ng/ml (range, 39 to 260 ng/ml), respectively, well below historic seronegative data for once-daily treatment with 400 mg atazanavir without ritonavir. Although safe and generally well tolerated, 300 mg or 400 mg atazanavir administered every 12 h did not maintain adequate plasma exposure when coadministered with rifampin.
Expression and Characterization of an Iron-Regulated Hemin-Binding Protein, HbpA, fromLeptospira interrogansSerovar Lai
Authors: Asuthkar Swapna , Velineni Sridhar , Stadlmann Johannes , Altmann Friedrich , Sritharan Manjula
Published: June 2007

In an earlier study, based on the ferric enterobactin receptor FepA ofEscherichia coli, we identified and modeled a TonB-dependent outer membrane receptor protein (LB191) from the genome ofLeptospira interrogansserovar Lai. Based on in silico analysis, we hypothesized that this protein was an iron-dependent hemin-binding protein. In this study, we provide experimental evidence to prove that this protein, termed HbpA (hemin-bindingprotein A), is indeed an iron-regulated hemin-binding protein. We cloned and expressed the full-length 81-kDa recombinant rHbpA protein and a truncated 55-kDa protein fromL. interrogansserovar Lai, both of which bind hemin-agarose. Assay of hemin-associated peroxidase activity and spectrofluorimetric analysis provided confirmatory evidence of hemin binding by HbpA. Immunofluorescence studies by confocal microscopy and the microscopic agglutination test demonstrated the surface localization and the iron-regulated expression of HbpA inL. interrogans. Southern blot analysis confirmed our earlier observation that thehbpAgene was present only in some of the pathogenic serovars and was absent inLeptospira biflexa. Hemin-agarose affinity studies showed another hemin-binding protein with a molecular mass of approximately 44 kDa, whose expression was independent of iron levels. This protein was seen in several serovars, including nonpathogenicL. biflexa. Sequence analysis and immunoreactivity with specific antibodies showed this protein to be LipL41.
Screening for trans-acting factors and other factors involved in the activating or silencing of the γ-globin gene during human ontogeny
Authors: Ma Yan-Ni , Zhang Xin , Zhang Jun-Wu , Zhang Xin-Hua , Wang Rong-Xin
Published: June 2007

Researchers hope to increase γ-globin expression by controlling potential trans-acting factors that specifically activate the γ-globin gene in fetuses or silence this gene in adults to potentially treat sickle cell disease and β-thalassemias. To characterize genes encoding such factors, we analyzed the differential expression of mRNAs in erythroid induction cultures of CD34+ cells derived from normal adult bone marrow, umbilical cord blood, and bone marrow from a patient with heterocellular hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin. Using differential-display – reverse-transcription PCR analysis, we identified a number of genes with differential expression in the above-mentioned cells. The differential expression of some genes was also confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR. Our data provide important clues for identifying and validating trans-activators that activate the γ-globin gene in fetuses, and trans-acting factors involved in silencing the γ-globin gene in adults.
Suppression ofDPYDexpression in RKO Cells via DNA methylation in the regulatory region of theDPYDpromoter: a potentially important epigenetic mechanism regulatingDPYDexpression
Authors: Zhang Xue , Soong Richie , Wang Kangsheng , Li Lin , Davie James R. , Guarcello Vincenzo , Diasio Robert B.
Published: June 2007

Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) is one of the factors that determine the efficacy and toxicity of 5-fluorouracil. Variations in DPD activity may result from alterations at the transcriptional level of the DPYD gene. Heterogeneity in DPYD expression has been reported, but the molecular mechanisms responsible for this remain unclear. We investigated methylation of the DPYD promoter as a mechanism for transcriptional regulation of DPYD in the RKO colorectal cancer cell line. We demonstrate that the active transcription machinery for DPYD is present in RKO cells, but promoter binding of Sp1, a transactivator of DPYD, was inhibited, which on subsequent examination was shown to be associated with dense promoter methylation. Treatment with 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine alone or the combination of 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine and trichostatin A induced demethylation of the promoter and markedly increased the DPYD mRNA level in RKO cells but not in unmethylated WiDr cells. Furthermore, in vitro methylation of the DPYD promoter decreased promoter activity. These data suggest an important role for methylation in DPYD suppression. The transcriptional suppression of DPYD by methylation may be responsible for the increased 5-fluorouracil sensitivity observed in some patients. This may also provide insight into the mechanism underlying the downregulation of DPYD in some colorectal cancers.
The artificial 4-zinc-finger protein Bagly binds human utrophin promoter A at the endogenous chromosomal site and activates transcription
Authors: Onori Annalisa , Desantis Agata , Buontempo Serena , Di Certo Maria Grazia , Fanciulli Maurizio , Salvatori Luisa , Passananti Claudio , Corbi Nicoletta
Published: June 2007

Our aim is to upregulate the expression of the dystrophin-related gene utrophin in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, in this way complementing the lack of dystrophin function. To achieve utrophin upregulation, we designed and engineered synthetic zinc-inger based transcription factors. We have previously shown that the artificial 3-zinc-finger protein Jazz, fused with the appropriate effector domain, is able to drive the transcription of a test gene from utrophin promoter A. Here we report a novel artificial 4-zinc-finger protein, Bagly, which binds with optimized affinity–specificity to a 12 bp DNA target sequence that is internal to human utrophin promoter A. Bagly was generated adding to Jazz protein an extra-fourth zinc finger, derived from transcription factor YY1. Importantly, the Bagly DNA target sequence is statistically present in the human genome only 210 times, about 60 fewer times than the 9 bp Jazz DNA target sequence. Thanks to its additional zinc-finger domain, Bagly protein shows enhanced transcriptional activity. Moreover, we demonstrated Bagly's effective access and binding to active chromatin in the chromosomal context and its ability to upregulate endogenous utrophin.
A modern view of phenylalanine ammonia lyase
Authors: MacDonald M. Jason , D’Cunha Godwin B.
Published: June 2007

Phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL; E.C.4.3.1.5), which catalyses the biotransformation of l-phenylalanine to trans-cinnamic acid and ammonia, was first described in 1961 by Koukol and Conn. Since its discovery, much knowledge has been gathered with reference to the enzyme’s catabolic role in microorganisms and its importance in the phenyl propanoid pathway of plants. The 3-dimensional structure of the enzyme has been characterized using X-ray crystallography. This has led to a greater understanding of the mechanism of PAL-catalyzed reactions, including the discovery of a recently described cofactor, 3,5-dihydro-5-methyldiene-4H-imidazol-4-one. In the past 3 decades, PAL has gained considerable significance in several clinical, industrial, and biotechnological applications. The reversal of the normal physiological reaction can be effectively employed in the production of optically pure l-phenylalanine, which is a precursor of the noncalorific sweetener aspartame (l-phenylalanyl-l-aspartyl methyl ester). The enzyme’s natural ability to break down l-phenylalanine makes PAL a reliable treatment for the genetic condition phenylketonuria. In this mini-review, we discuss prominent details relating to the physiological role of PAL, the mechanism of catalysis, methods of determination and purification, enzyme kinetics, and enzyme activity in nonaqueous media. Two topics of current study on PAL, molecular biology and crystal structure, are also discussed.
Differential expression of calcium-related genes in gastric cancer cells transfected with cellular prion protein
Authors: Liang Jie , Luo Guanhong , Ning Xiaoxuan , Shi Yongquan , Zhai Huihong , Sun Shiren , Jin Haifeng , Liu Zhenxiong , Zhang Faming , Lu Yuanyuan , Zhao Yunping , Chen Xiong , Zhang Hongbo , Guo Xuegang , Wu Kaichun , Fan Daiming
Published: June 2007

The prion protein (PrPC) has a primary role in the pathogenesis of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, which causes prion disorders partially due to Ca2+ dysregulation. In our previous work, we found that overexpressed PrPC in gastric cancer was involved in apoptosis, cell proliferation, and metastasis of gastric cancer. To better understand how PrPC acts in gastric cancer, a human microarray was performed to select differentially regulated genes that correlate with the biological function of PrPC. The microarray data were analyzed and revealed 3798 genes whose expression increased at least 2-fold in gastric cancer cells transfected with PrPC. These genes encode proteins involved in several aspects of cell biology, among which, we specially detected molecules related to calcium, especially the S100 calcium-binding proteins, and found that PrPC upregulates S100A1, S100A6, S100B, and S100P but downregulates CacyBP in gastric cancer cells. We also found that intracellular Ca2+ levels in cells transfected with PrPC increased, whereas these levels decreased in knockdowns of these cells. Taken together, PrPC might increase intracellular Ca2+, partially through calcium-binding proteins, or PrPC might upregulate the expression of S100 proteins, partially through stimulating the intracellular calcium level in gastric cancer. Though the underlying mechanisms need further exploration, this study provides a new insight into the role of PrPC in gastric cancer and enriches our knowledge of prion protein.
Introduction of PIXE analysis system in NIRS
Authors: Imaseki Hitoshi , Yukawa Masae
Published: June 2007

In March 1999, electrostatic accelerator, Tandetron (Model 4117MC, High Voltage Engineering Europe Co.) was installed in the Electrostatic Accelerator Building for PIXE (Particle Induced X-ray Emission) analysis. The accelerating voltage is 0.4 to 1.7MV, and the maximum beam current is 5μA at 3.4MeV. This system has three beam ports for different types of PIXE analysis: normal, micro-beam and in-air. The first beam port is used for normal PIXE. Since two types of X-ray detecting device, Si ( Li ) and CdZnTe detectors, are available here, elements from Na ( Z =11) to U ( Z =92) are detectable. Fifteen samples can semi automatically be measured at one time using a proton beam of optical beam size from 0.5 to 2.0 mm at 100 nA beam current. A quadrupole triplet magnet (Model OM2000, Oxford Micro beams, Ltd.) attached to the second beam port produces a proton micro-beam of square shape less than 1μ m ×1μ m . Micro-beam scanning PIXE analysis is carried out with this beam at 50pA current and scanning area up to 2.0mm square. The in-air PIXE analysis is performed using the third beam port. The operation of this machine has been scheduled to start from April 2000 and is controlled by Division of Technology and Safety. Some results preliminarily obtained are also shorn.
DEVELOPMENT OF IN-AIR MICRO-PIXE ANALYSIS AND DATA SHARING SYSTEMS IN JAERI TAKASAKI
Authors: SAKAI TAKURO , KAMIYA TOMIHIRO , OIKAWA MASAKAZU , SATO TAKAHIRO , TANAKA AKIRA , ISHII KEIZO
Published: June 2007

An external scanning ion microbeam system has been developed for in-air micro-PIXE analysis at JAERI Takasaki. The analysis system is widely used for various researches in recent years. The system consists of the external scanning ion microbeam system, a multi-parameter data acquisition system, a file transfer protocol (FTP) server and analysis software. The software of the system provides a graphical user interface for interaction between users and an experimental setup. The server is connected to the Internet and allows remote users to access the experimental data.
PIXE measurement system at the Wakasa Wan Energy Research Center
Authors: YASUDA K. , ITO Y. , ISHIGAMI R. , TAKAGI K. , HATASHITA M. , HATORI S.
Published: June 2007

At the Wakasa Wan Energy Research Center, construction of an ion beam accelerator system has almost completed. Two beam lines for PIXE measurements are equipped; one is for the measurement with a micro beam in vacuum, and the other is for the measurement in air. Details of these beam lines together with a data handling system are discussed.
SPECTRUM ANALYSIS TAKING ACCOUNT OF THE TAIL, ESCAPE FUNCTIONS AND SUB-LINES (SAPIX version 4)
Authors: SERA K. , FUTATSUGAWA S.
Published: June 2007

A new x-ray-spectrum-analysis program, which is capable of fitting with response functions including a tail function, an escape peak and sub-lines, has been developed. In this code, the tail function is expressed by combination of two or three Gaussian functions. A tail function, an escape and sub- or satellite-lines are regarded as functions belonging to the main peak and are included in it. A small shift of peak position depending on measuring conditions can be easily corrected in the program. As a result of fitting to practical spectra with the response function thus prepared, it becomes possible to draw a smooth background over a wide x-ray-energy range and to analyze a whole spectrum simultaneously. Thus, accuracy and reproducibility of a spectrum analysis are much improved. By means of this code, correct values of peak yield of Co - K α, which overlaps with the tail of Fe - K β and is quite difficult to be accurately separated by fitting with Gaussians, have been obtained. Furthermore, accuracy of peak separation of a small peak, which overlaps with the escape peak belonging to a huge peak, has been improved. Accuracy of quantitative analysis for high-Z elements by means of Kβ yields has also been improved by using the response function including sub-lines, and it became possible to accurately separate small Kα lines from Kβ lines of the other elements.
PIXE ANALYSIS OF ASHES GENERATED IN THE INCINERATOR FOR RADIOACTIVE WASTE
Authors: FUTATSUGAWA S. , HATAKEYAMA S. , SAITOU Y. , MATSUSHITA M. , KOBAYASHI S. , SERA K.
Published: June 2007

Ashes generated in the incinerator for radioactive waste at the Kaya Memorial Takizawa Laboratory was analyzed using the PIXE system established at the Nishina Memorial Cyclotron Center. An easy method of sample preparation of ash powder for the PIXE is described. Many elements in the ash sample were detected. The PIXE used in this study is shown to be a very valuable method for analyzing the ash.
SCALAR–TENSOR BLACK HOLES COUPLED TO EULER–HEISENBERG NONLINEAR ELECTRODYNAMICS
Authors: STEFANOV IVAN ZH. , YAZADJIEV STOYTCHO S. , TODOROV MICHAIL D.
Published: June 2007

The no-scalar-hair conjecture rules out the existence of asymptotically flat black holes with a scalar dressing for a large class of theories. No-scalar-hair theorems have been proved for the cases of neutral black holes and for charged black holes in the Maxwell electrodynamics. These theorems, however, do not apply in the case of nonlinear electrodynamics. In the present work numerical solutions describing charged black holes coupled to Euler–Heisenberg type nonlinear electrodynamics in scalar–tensor theories of gravity with massless scalar field are found. In comparison to the corresponding solution in General Relativity the presented solution has a simpler causal structure the reason for which is the presence of the scalar field. The present class of black holes has a single, nondegenerate horizon, i.e. its causal structure resembles that of the Schwarzschild black hole.
NUCLEAR SYMMETRY ENERGY EFFECTS ON NEUTRON STARS PROPERTIES
Authors: PSONIS V. P. , MOUSTAKIDIS CH. C. , MASSEN S. E.
Published: June 2007

We construct a class of nuclear equations of state based on a schematic potential model, that originates from the work of Prakash et al.,1 which reproduce the results of most microscopic calculations. The equations of state are used as input for solving the Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkov equations for the corresponding neutron stars. The potential part contribution of the symmetry energy to the total energy is parametrized in a generalized form both for low and high values of the baryon density. Special attention is devoted to the construction of the symmetry energy in order to reproduce the results of most microscopic calculations of dense nuclear matter. The obtained nuclear equations of state are applied for the systematic study of the global properties of a neutron star (masses, radii and composition). The calculated masses and radii of the neutron stars are plotted as a function of the potential part parameters of the symmetry energy. A linear relation between these parameters, the radius and the maximum mass of the neutron star is obtained. In addition, a linear relation between the radius and the derivative of the symmetry energy near the saturation density is found. We also address the problem of the existence of correlation between the pressure near the saturation density and the radius.
INDUCED CHERN–SIMONS ACTION ON NONCOMMUTATIVE TORUS
Authors: VASSILEVICH D. V.
Published: June 2007

We compute a Chern–Simons term induced by the fermions on noncommutative torus interacting with two U(1) gauge fields. For rational noncommutativity θ∝P/Q we find a new mixed term in the action which involves only those fields which are (2π)/Q periodic, like the fields in a crystal with Q2nodes.
STRONG INTERACTION DYNAMICS FROM SPONTANEOUS SYMMETRY BREAKING OF SCALE INVARIANCE
Authors: GUENDELMAN E. I.
Published: June 2007

Using the mechanism of spontaneous symmetry breaking of scale invariance obtained from the dynamics of maximal rank field strengths, it is possible to spontaneously generate confining behavior. Introducing a dilaton field, the study of nontrivial confining and de-confining transitions appears possible. This is manifest in two ways at least: One can consider bags which contain an unconfined phase in the internal region and a confined phase outside and also one obtains a simple model for deconfinement at high temperature from the finite temperature dynamics of the dilaton field.
Diametrically Contractive Multivalued Mappings
Authors: Dhompongsa S , Yingtaweesittikul H
Published: June 2007

Diametrically contractive mappings on a complete metric space are introduced by V. I. Istratescu. We extend and generalize this idea to multivalued mappings. An easy example shows that our fixed point theorem is more applicable than a former one obtained by H. K. Xu. A convergence theorem of Picard iteratives is also provided for multivalued mappings on hyperconvex spaces, thereby extending a Proinov's result.
Cross-Layer Path Configuration for Energy-Efficient Communication over Wireless Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Yang Hong-Chuan , Wu Kui , Lu Wu-Sheng
Published: June 2007

We study the energy-efficient configuration of multihop paths with automatic repeat request (ARQ) mechanism in wireless ad hoc networks. We adopt a cross-layer design approach and take both the quality of each radio hop and the battery capacity of each transmitting node into consideration. Under certain constraints on the maximum tolerable transmission delay and the required packet delivery ratio, we solve optimization problems to jointly schedule the transmitting power of each transmitting node and the retransmission limit over each hop. Numerical results demonstrate that the path configuration methods can either significantly reduce the average energy consumption per packet delivery or considerably extend the average lifetime of the multihop route.
Effects of Thiazolidinediones on Differentiation, Proliferation, and Apoptosis
Authors: Chou Fu-Sheng , Wang Pei-Shan , Kulp Samuel , Pinzone Joseph J.
Published: June 2007

Thiazolidinediones induce adipocyte differentiation and thereby limit proliferative potential; hence, early investigations focused on their ability to modulate cellular proliferation and apoptosis. Several lines of evidence indicate significant thiazolidinedione-mediated antitumor activity. An emerging view is that some antitumor effects are totally or partially peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) dependent, whereas others are PPARγ independent. The aim of this review is to examine the current evidence about the molecular mechanisms by which thiazolidinediones augment cellular differentiation, inhibit cellular proliferation, and induce apoptosis. We first address the role of thiazolidinediones and/or PPARγ on Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway as it affects cellular differentiation and then discuss other pathways that are also involved in differentiation as well as proliferation and apoptosis. (Mol Cancer Res 2007;5(6):523–30)
Coculture with Prostate Cancer Cells Alters Endoglin Expression and Attenuates Transforming Growth Factor-β Signaling in Reactive Bone Marrow Stromal Cells
Authors: O'Connor John C. , Farach-Carson Mary C. , Schneider Charles J. , Carson Daniel D.
Published: June 2007

A dynamic interplay between prostate cancer cells and reactive bone stroma modulates growth of metastases within bone. We used microarray analysis to screen for changes in gene expression in bone marrow stromal cells cocultured with prostate cancer cells and found reduced expression of endoglin, a transmembrane glycoprotein that functions as an auxiliary coreceptor for members of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family of cytokines. The downstream TGF-β/bone morphogenetic protein signaling pathway including Smad1 and Smad2/3 also was attenuated, as was Smad-dependent gene transcription. Smad1/5/8-dependent inhibitor of DNA binding 1 expression and Smad2/3-dependent plasminogen activator inhibitor I expression both were decreased and were accompanied by decreased cell proliferation. Small interfering RNA–mediated knockdown of endoglin in HS-5 cells verified that the effects on signaling were a direct result of the attenuation of endoglin. These data illustrate that endoglin acts as a positive regulator of both activin receptor–like kinase 1–induced Smad1/5/8 activation and activin receptor–like kinase 5–induced Smad2/3 activation in bone marrow stromal cells. In addition, the data illustrate that one early event of metastasis upon the arrival of prostate cancer cells into the bone stroma is attenuated endoglin expression in the stromal cells, which subsequently alters Smad signaling and cell proliferation. We hypothesize that coculture of bone marrow stromal cells with prostate cancer cells alters TGF-β signaling in the stromal cells, ultimately facilitating growth of the cancer cells in the bone compartment. Collectively, these studies suggest that prostate cancer cells modulate TGF-β responsiveness of bone marrow stroma as one means of facilitating their own growth in bone. (Mol Cancer Res 2007;5(6):585–603)