bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recovery and Stability of RNA in Vaginal Swabs and Blood, Semen, and Saliva Stains
Authors: Setzer Mindy , Juusola Jane , Ballantyne Jack
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  RNA expression patterns, including the presence and relative abundance of particular mRNA species, provide cell and tissue specific information that could be used for body fluid identification. In this report, we address perceived concerns on the stability, and hence recoverability, of RNA in forensic samples. Stains were prepared from blood, saliva, semen, and vaginal secretions and exposed to a range of environmental conditions from 1 to 547 days. The persistence and stability of RNA within each type of body fluid stain were determined by quantitation of total RNA, and reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) using eight different mRNA transcripts from selected housekeeping and tissue‐specific genes. The results demonstrate that RNA can be recovered from biological stains in sufficient quantity and quality for mRNA analysis. On average, several hundred nanograms of total RNA was recovered from 50‐μL‐sized blood and saliva stains, 1 μg from a 50‐μL semen stain and nearly 70 μg from a whole vaginal swab. Messenger RNA is detectable in some samples stored at room temperature for at least 547 days. The environmental samples that were protected from direct rain impact exhibited housekeeping and tissue specific mRNA recoverability up to 7 days (saliva and semen), 30 days (blood), or 180 days (vaginal swab). Additionally, rain had a detrimental effect on the recoverability of blood (3 days), saliva (1 day), semen (7 days), and vaginal secretions (3 days) specific transcripts, with one of the mRNA species (the semen marker PRM2) not being detectable after 1 day.
Analytical Survey of Restorative Resins by SEM/EDS and XRF: Databases for Forensic Purposes*
Authors: Bush Mary A. , Miller Raymond G. , Norrlander Ann L. , Bush Peter J.
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  Frequently in forensic cases, unknown substances must be identified. Automated databases can ease the burden of comparison as materials may be compared against many known standards in a relatively short period of time. It has been shown that dental resins can be named according to brand or brand group even in conditions as harsh as cremation. Databases are already in use for many materials, but no such database exists for dental resins. Thus, two databases were generated. One utilized a laboratory‐based method, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), in conjunction with the Spectral Library Identification and Classification Explorer (SLICE) software. The other was based on portable X‐ray fluorescence (XRF). The ability to perform database comparison with portable instrumentation can thus be brought directly to the field. Both the SLICE and XRF databases were evaluated by testing unknown resins. EDS is a well‐established technique and the SLICE program was demonstrated to be a good tool for unknown resin identification. Portable XRF is a relatively new instrument in this regard and its databases have been constructed mostly for metal alloy comparison and environmental soil testing. However, by creation of a custom spectral library, it was possible to distinguish resin brand and bone and tooth from other substances.
Predicting General Well‐Being From Emotional Intelligence and Three Broad Personality Traits
Authors: Singh Malika , Woods Stephen A.
Published: February 2008

This paper examined the joint predictive effects of trait emotional intelligence (trait‐EI), Extraversion, Conscientiousness, and Neuroticism on 2 facets of general well‐being and job satisfaction. An employed community sample of 123 individuals from the Indian subcontinent participated in the study, and completed measures of the five‐factor model of personality, trait‐EI, job satisfaction, and general well‐being facets worn‐out and up‐tight. Trait‐EI was related but distinct from the 3 personality variables. Trait‐EI demonstrated the strongest correlation with job satisfaction, but predicted general well‐being no better than Neuroticism. In regression analyses, trait‐EI predicted between 6% and 9% additional variance in the well‐being criteria, beyond the 3 personality traits. It was concluded that trait‐EI may be useful in examining dispositional influences on psychological well‐being.
Perceptions of Children During a Police Interview: A Comparison of Alleged Victims and Suspects1
Authors: Redlich Allison D. , Ghetti Simona , Quas Jodi A.
Published: February 2008

The present study investigated jury‐eligible undergraduates’ perceptions of alleged child victims vs. child suspects. Participants read a transcript of a police officer questioning a child who was a victim or a suspect of a crime. The child's age (7, 11, or 14 years) and whether the child admitted involvement in the incident were systematically varied. Results indicated that, under certain conditions, individuals viewed suspects as less credible and less suggestible than victims of the same age. Also, those who viewed the police as fair were particularly likely to perceive that the child, regardless of victim or suspect status, was involved in the crime. Findings have implications for the treatment of child victims and defendants in the U.S. legal system.
Exploring Individual‐Level Factors Related to Employee Energy‐Conservation Behaviors at Work1
Authors: Scherbaum Charles A. , Popovich Paula M. , Finlinson Scott
Published: February 2008

The higher costs of energy have increased organizations' interest in searching for ways to reduce energy use. Typically, organizations have utilized structural or operational changes to decrease their energy use. Another approach involves the energy‐conservation behaviors of an organization's employees. Drawing on value‐belief‐norm theory (Stern, 2000b), we examined the individual‐level factors related to energy‐conservation behaviors at work among employees of a large state university. Using path analysis, we found that environmental personal norms predicted self‐reported energy‐conservation behaviors, as well as behavioral intentions. Environmental personal norms also mediated the relationship of environmental worldviews with self‐reported energy‐conservation behaviors, as well as behavioral intentions. Implications for theory and organizational energy‐conservation interventions are discussed.
Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection
Authors: Todd Cade W.
Published: February 2008

The relationship between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and cardiovascular disease is still under debate, but it appears that the risk of myocardial infarction in those with HIV infection who are receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is increased. There has been less focus, however, on the effect of HIV and HAART on left ventricular function. Evidence from the past 20 years in both Westernized and developing countries has indicated that subclinical left ventricular dysfunction in HIV‐infected individuals with and without well‐controlled HIV infection is prevalent and may represent emerging cardiac disease. The specific roles of HIV infection and HAART are unclear, but they may exert independent direct and indirect effects on the myocardium. These effects may include chronic inflammation, metabolic complications (ie, insulin resistance, lipotoxicity, dyslipidemia), and mitochondrial toxicity. The objective of this article is to review the evidence for HIV‐ and HAART‐related left ventricular dysfunction in persons infected with HIV.
Long‐term changes in rearing habitat and downstream movement by juvenile sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) in an interconnected Alaska lake system
Authors: Westley P. A. H. , Hilborn R. , Quinn T. P. , Ruggerone G. T. , Schindler D. E.
Published: February 2008

Abstract – In some populations the phenomenon of partial migration develops where some individuals stay in a given habitat rather than move with the migratory component. Depending on the selective pressures, the individuals that stay may be larger, smaller or similar in size to those that move. Freshwater movements of juvenile sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerkaWalbaum) fry vary among and within populations, and can be complex, especially in interconnected lake systems. We examined variation of movement patterns by a sockeye salmon population in an interconnected lake system during a period of rapid natural habitat change and found that fry migrating downstream were shorter, had lower body condition, and were more likely ill and moribund compared with fish remaining in the lake. However, otolith microstructure measurements indicated that emigrants did not grow significantly slower than residents prior to downstream movement. We show that patterns (i.e., demography of migrants, timing of movement) of downstream movement have changed since the 1970s, corresponding to changes in rearing habitat. Our findings parallel the results with other salmonid species and are generally consistent with the paradigm that density‐dependent interactions from declining habitat availability or quality result in the downstream movement of competitively inferior individuals, although the mechanisms governing downstream migration are unclear in this system.
Dynamitin Mutagenesis Reveals Protein–Protein Interactions Important for Dynactin Structure
Authors: Maier Kerstin C. , Godfrey Jamie E. , Echeverri Christophe J. , Cheong Frances K. Y. , Schroer Trina A.
Published: February 2008

Dynactin is a highly conserved, multiprotein complex that works in conjunction with microtubule‐based motors to power a variety of intracellular motile events. Dynamitin (p50) is a core element of dynactin structure. In the present study, we use targeted mutagenesis to evaluate how dynamitin’s different structural domains contribute to its ability to self‐associate, interact with dynactin and assemble into a complex with its close binding partner, p24. We show that these interactions involve three distinct structural elements: (i) a previously unidentified dimerization motif in the N‐terminal 100 amino acids, (ii) an α‐helical motif spanning aa 106–162 and (iii) the C‐terminal half of the molecule (aa 213–406), which is predicted to fold into an antiparallel α‐helix bundle. The N‐terminal half of dynamitin by itself is sufficient to disrupt dynactin, although very high concentrations are required. The ability of mutations in dynamitin’s interaction domains to disrupt dynactin in vitro was found to correlate with their inhibitory effects when expressed in cells. We determined that the dynactin subunit, p24, governs dynamitin oligomerization by binding dynamitin along its length. This suppresses aberrant multimerization and drives formation of a protein complex that is identical to the native dynactin shoulder.
Acetazolamide induces indomethacin and ischaemia‐sensitive pial arteriolar vasodilation in the piglet
Authors: Domoki Ferenc , Zimmermann Aliz , Tóth‐Szki Valéria , Busija David W. , Bari Ferenc
Published: February 2008

Aim: Acetazolamide (AZD) produces cerebral vasodilation. The underlying mechanism is unclear, but it is assumed to be largely due to CO2 retention and acidosis. We tested if cerebrovascular effects of AZD were similar to hypercapnia in the newborn pig.

Methods: We used the closed cranial window/intravital microscopy technique to determine pial arteriolar diameters simultaneously with laser‐Doppler flowmetry (LDF) to monitor cortical blood perfusion. Anaesthetized (Na‐thiopenthal +α‐chloralose), ventilated, 1‐day‐old instrumented piglets (n = 38) were divided into five experimental groups: time control (n = 11), indomethacin, ibuprofen, Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME) treatments (1, 30, 15 mg/kg, i.v., n = 6, 6, 4, respectively), and global ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R, 10 min induced by elevated intracranial pressure, n = 11). Responses to 5–10% inhaled CO2 were recorded before and after the treatments, and then in a similar manner to AZD (10–20 mg/kg, i.v.).

Results: Hypercapnia and AZD produced pial arteriolar vasodilation and increases in cortical perfusion. Consistent with previous data, hypercapnia‐induced changes were abolished by indomethacin, unaltered by ibuprofen and L‐NAME and were significantly attenuated after I/R. AZD‐induced vasodilation was also sensitive to indomethacin and I/R and was unaltered by ibuprofen or L‐NAME.

Conclusion: The mechanism of AZD‐induced vasodilation appears to be similar/identical to hypercapnia, and pial arteriolar diameter changes reflect changes in cortical perfusion.
Estimations of body surface area in newborns
Authors: Ahn Youngmee , Garruto Ralph M
Published: February 2008

Aim: To explore the suitability of existing formulas to estimate the body surface area (BSA) of newborns when direct measurement of surface estimation is not practical.

Methods: In 589 term‐newborns of normal weight and height, the five estimations (in cm2) were performed using four known BSA formulas by Boyd, Meban, Mosteller and Dubois, and the fifth arithmetic mean of these four formulas (BSA‐Mean).

Results: BSA‐Meban was most similar to the BSA‐Mean with a mathematically perfect correlation and the least dissimilarity using Euclidean distance (ED), followed by the Mosteller estimate. The estimations by both Boyd and Dubois showed about a 5% deviation above and below the BSA‐Mean, respectively, with a consistent dissimilarity using ED regardless of the same goodness of fit. The degree of deviation increased with the weight and decreased with height.

Conclusions: The formula by Meban is possibly the best BSA estimate for newborns among the existing formulas today, followed by the Mosteller formula. Due to either overestimation or underestimation, two formulas (Boyd and Dubois) are not recommended for surface estimation of newborns. A nomogram for surface estimation is needed for paediatric use especially with increasing preterm birth in modern society.
Antenatal umbilical Doppler abnormalities: an independent risk factor for early onset neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants
Authors: Kamoji VM , Dorling JS , Manktelow B , Draper ES , Field DJ
Published: February 2008

Background: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most common gastrointestinal (GI) emergency seen in neonatal units. Many factors have been considered as potentially important aetiologically, including gut ischaemia, sepsis and feeding. However, evidence remains equivocal.

Objective: This study investigated whether preterm babies born to mothers with abnormal antenatal umbilical Dopplers (absent or reversed end diastolic flow – AREDF), that is exposed to antenatal gut ischaemia, are at an identical risk of developing NEC early in life, compared to babies born to mothers with normal Dopplers.

Methods: All preterm (≤32 + 6 week gestation) babies with no congenital anomaly, born to mothers resident in the county of Leicestershire in United Kingdom in 2001 and 2002 were identified using the Trent Neonatal Survey (TNS). Clinical data including the presence and severity of any NEC were extracted from the notes.

Results: Two hundred forty‐three preterm babies who met the criteria were identified during the period. Babies in whom umbilical Dopplers were not available and babies that died in the first 48 h were excluded. Complete data was thus available for 206 of these babies.

A strong relation between AREDF and subsequent development of NEC was noted in these babies (OR: 5.88, 95% CI: 2.41 to 14.34, p < 0.0001). This association still held after adjustment for gestational age at birth (OR: 7.64, 95% CI: 2.96 to 19.70, p < 0.0001) and after adjustment for birthweight for gestational age z−score (OR: 6.72, 95% CI: 2.23 to 20.25, p = 0.0007).

Conclusions: This study, based on a neonatal cohort, indicates that AREDF is an important independent risk factor for the production of NEC.
Contemporary British‐Jewish Writing: From Apology to Attitude
Authors: Gilbert Ruth
Published: February 2008

This article surveys contemporary British‐Jewish writing. It looks at a variety of texts to argue that British‐Jewish writing is gaining a new visibility, momentum and confidence. In fiction, memoirs, criticism and journalism, writers are addressing increasingly challenging questions about what it means to be both British and Jewish in the twenty‐first century, and exploring the profound ambiguity about Jews that can be traced back throughout the history of Anglo‐Jewry.
Recent Scholarship on Walter Pater: ‘Antithetical Scholar of Understanding's End’
Authors: Hext Kate
Published: February 2008

This essay traces the principal currents in Walter Pater scholarship from the early 1990s to its present and future directions. It is organized into a discussion of three broad critical trends which, in this period, have redefined the field: queer studies, interdisciplinary studies and comparative literary relations. Through the discussion of these interlinking approaches I will argue that recent critical modes offer a rich new language with which to understand Pater, the ‘high priest of English aestheticism’. Each grappling in various ways with the problem of how to grasp, locate and define this ‘antithetical scholar of understandings end’, they address Pater's repressed homosexuality, his indefinable genre and critical location, amongst his other indeterminacies. This essay considers the contributions and balances of these perspectives, as it asks whether they really do come close to explicating this most inexplicable of writers.
Subacute Intoxication of a Deltamethrin‐Based Preparation (Butox® 5% EC) in Monosex Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus L.
Authors: El‐Sayed Yasser Said , Saad Talaat Talaat
Published: February 2008

Abstract:   The monosex Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus L., was exposed to subacute concentration (1.46 µg/l) of a pyrethroid insecticide, deltamethrin for 28 consecutive days. Behavioural, clinical, haematological, serum biochemical and histopathological consequences were assayed at a regular interval of 7 days. The abnormal behavioural responses and toxic symptoms were described. Exposure to deltamethrin not only significantly decreased lymphocyte and basophile percentages, total leucocytic and total erythrocytic counts, haemoglobin percentage and packed cell volume value, but also caused serious effects in the form of hypoproteinaemia, hypoalbuminaemia, hypercholesterolaemia, hyperglycaemia and significantly increased serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities. Moreover, the histopathological results indicated that the haemobiotic organs were affected by deltamethrin, primarily liver and gills. Our data suggest that subacute exposure to deltamethrin exerts a serious metabolic distress on the fish corresponding to the exposure period. In addition, the assayed parameters and histopathological findings can be as good biomarkers of pyrethroid ecosystem pollution.
Effect of Dopamine Receptor 1 on Apoptosis of Cultured Neonatal Rat Cardiomyocytes in Simulated Ischaemia/Reperfusion
Authors: Li Hong‐zhu , Han Li‐ping , Jiang Chun‐ming , Li Hong , Zhao Ya‐jun , Gao Jun , Lin Yan , Ma Shu‐xia , Tian Ye , Yang Bao‐feng , Xu Chang‐qing
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  Dopamine receptors exist in many tissues, including rat cardiac tissue. However, the physiological importance of dopamine receptors in the homeostatic regulation of cardiac function is unclear. In this study, a model of ischaemia/reperfusion was established by culturing primary neonatal rat cardiomyocytes in ischaemia‐mimetic solution for 2 hr, followed by incubation in normal culture medium for 24 hr. Lactate dehydrogenase activity, superoxide dismutase activity and malondialdehyde content were determined colorimetrically with a spectrophotometer. Apoptotic cell death was assayed by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP‐biotin nick end labelling staining and flow cytometry, and morphological alterations were observed with transmission electron microscopy. The intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) was measured by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Finally, the expression of dopamine receptor 1 (DR1), caspase‐3, ‐8 and ‐9, Fas, Fas ligand and Bcl‐2 and the release of cytochrome c were analysed by Western blot. The results showed that DR1 expression was increased markedly during ischaemia/reperfusion. Treatment with 10 µM SKF‐38393 (DR1 agonist) significantly increased lactate dehydrogenase activity, decreased superoxide dismutase activity and increased malondialdehyde content in the culture medium. The DR1 agonist promoted the release of cytochrome c, accumulation of [Ca2+]i, and apoptosis induced by ischaemia/reperfusion. Furthermore, SKF‐38393 up‐regulated the expression of caspase‐3, ‐8 and ‐9, Fas and Fas ligand, and down‐regulated Bcl‐2 expression. In contrast, 10 µM SCH‐23390 (DR1 antagonist) had no significant effects on the above indicators. In conclusion, DR1 activation is involved in the apoptosis of cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes in simulated ischaemia/reperfusion through the mitochondrial and death receptor pathways.
SUMMIT ON UNIFIED FAMILY COURTS: SERVING CHILDREN AND FAMILIES EFFICIENTLY, EFFECTIVELY, AND RESPONSIBLY
Authors: Mathis Karen J.
Published: February 2008

As president of the American Bar Association when the “Summit on Unified Family Courts” convened in May 2007, Karen J. Mathis welcomed summit attendees. Recounting the many reasons children wind up in court, Mathis observed that society is lucky if these problems even come before the courts. Too often, she said, the underlying problems of destructive behavior among youth are lost in the shuffle of too many lawyers, case workers, and judges. “Many times they’re ignored by the professionals among us who are not trained to be aware that the problems even exist,” she said. The solution to this fragmented approach is unified family courts, she concluded.
ROMANCING THE COURT
Authors: Spinak Jane M.
Published: February 2008

Problem‐solving courts, created at the end of the twentieth century, make court‐based solutions central to addressing significant societal problems, such as substance abuse and its impact on criminal activity and family functioning. Yet, lessons gleaned from over 100 years of family court history suggest that court‐based solutions to intractable social problems have rarely been effective. This article asks three questions of the problem‐solving court movement: What problem are we trying to solve? Is the court the best place to solve the problem? What are the consequences of giving authority to a court for solving the problem? Answering those questions through the lens of specific examples from family court—the original problem‐solving court—leads to the conclusion that neither the structural issues that courts face, such as overwhelming numbers of cases, nor the momentous societal issues that problem‐solving courts have recently begun to shoulder can be adequately addressed through court‐based solutions. The factors that allegedly distinguish new problem‐solving courts from earlier exemplars, especially the family court, are both less unique and less successful than they have been portrayed by problem‐solving court enthusiasts. These factors alone fail to justify the expansion of problem‐solving courts without further evidence of their effectiveness. Moreover, the potential dangers inherent in problem‐solving courts are not theoretical. By examining illustrative examples from the history of the family court, the dangers become clearly apparent.
JOURNEY FROM SUCCESS TO SIGNIFICANCE
Authors: Young Hon. David W.
Published: February 2008

One of the most important journeys that we can take as individuals is the journey from success to significance. Success is what we become and what we achieve when we value ourselves. Significance, however, is what we become and what we achieve when we value others. In this article, based on remarks by Judge David W. Young at the May 2007 “Summit on Unified Family Courts,” Judge Young invites us on a journey, first described by John Maxwell in The Journey from Success to Significance. Judge Young further explores what the journey from success to significance entails and reminds us that any success we have will leave the world with us while our significance will continue to live on in future generations through our service to children, families, and others.
A PRACTITIONER'S PERSPECTIVE ON UNIFIED FAMILY COURTS: CASE STUDIES
Authors: Kessler Randall M.
Published: February 2008

As a summary of simple examples demonstrating practical advantages of a family court, this article relates a few experiences from the perspective of a family law attorney who practices regularly in the Fulton County Family Division in Atlanta.
FAMILIES, COURTS, AND THE END OF LIFE: SCHIAVO AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR THE FAMILY JUSTICE SYSTEM
Authors: Moran Judith D.
Published: February 2008

The article discusses a proposed universal adoption of comprehensive family law subject matter jurisdiction, inclusive of end‐of‐life (EOL) cases, as articulated in the unified family court (UFC) concept. It posits, using the Schiavo matter to illustrate the difficulties inherent in EOL disputes, that contested EOL cases are unlike other civil court cases in that they involve intimate facts and emotionally laden family dynamics. As such, these cases pose a distinctive challenge for the courts. The article suggests that contested EOL cases should be heard in a UFC because UFCs include alternative dispute resolution (ADR) protocols to deescalate family strife with the goal of facilitating out‐of‐court settlements and that litigation is an imperfect solution for an EOL dispute. It is also noted that judges presiding in UFCs are more experienced in handling fractious family matters and thus they are more likely to avert protracted litigation if the matter is not settled via ADR.
THE CALM AFTER THE STORM: USING MEDIATION TO RESOLVE PARENTING DISPUTES IN THE WAKE OF NATURAL DISASTERS
Authors: Lombreglia Melissa
Published: February 2008

Hurricane Katrina not only tore apart communities along the Gulf Coast, it displaced hundreds of thousands of families throughout the country. Included in the massive numbers of displaced families were children from divorced, separated, or unmarried parents. As a result, many children have since relocated far away from one of their parents without court permission, causing an influx of parenting disputes among the unmarried parents. Litigation concerning parenting disputes that follow natural disasters is not only expensive, but is emotionally taxing on both parents and children and floods the already drained court system. This Note discusses alternative ways in which parenting disputes can be resolved following natural disasters. It explains how children are affected by relocating away from one of their parents and how those effects are comounded by natural disasters. Further, it explains how alternative dispute resolution methods help alleviate the effects of parenting disputes, specifically relocation disputes, on children. Finally, this Note proposes that all parents should be mandated to mediate any parenting disputes following natural disasters.
Synthesis and Characterization of Hydroxyapatite/Poly(Vinyl Alcohol Phosphate) Nanocomposite Biomaterials
Authors: Pramanik Nabakumar , Biswas Soumya Kanti , Pramanik Panchanan
Published: February 2008

A hydroxyapatite (HAp)/poly(vinyl alcohol phosphate) (PVAP) nanocomposite has been prepared by a chemical method by varying the HAp content by 10–60% (w/w). The bonding between HAp and PVAP has been investigated through Fourier transform infrared absorption spectra, X‐ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analyses. Transmission electron microscopy study shows a homogeneous dispersion of nanoparticles in the polymer matrix. Scanning electron microscopy study shows enhancement of the surface roughness of the composite with an increase in the nanoparticle content. The mechanical properties of the composites improve significantly with an increase in the HAp content. The HAp/PVAP nanocomposite prepared may have bone–implant applications.
Calcium Phosphate—DNA Nanocomposites: Morphological Studies and Their Bile Duct Infusion for Liver‐Directed Gene Therapy
Authors: Singh Ruchi , Saxena Amit , Mozumdar Subho
Published: February 2008

In this study, liver‐directed gene transfer in rats with calcium phosphate (CaP) nanoparticles and the effect of the route of administration and surgical manipulations on transfection efficiency is reported. Formulations of CaP nanoparticles entrapping plasmid DNA (pDNA) were prepared by the reverse micellar method using two different surfactants. Transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering were used to characterize the CaP–DNA nanocomposites. The morphological characteristics of the formulations showed a strong dependency on temperature. Gel electrophoresis experiments indicated that there was no degradation of the encapsulated pDNA, and in vitro cell transfection in HEK‐293 and primary hepatocytes from rats as well as in vivo intraductal delivery experiments suggested that CaP nanoparticles led to significant and prolonged transgene expression. Therefore, our methodology gives a stable and viable formulation for hepatic gene therapy. Low‐DNA dosage entrapped in CaP nanoparticles makes it an effective gene delivery system for clinical applications.
A Novel Process for the Manufacture of Ceramic Microelectrodes for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Perale Giuseppe , Giordano Carmen , Daniele Francesco , Masi Maurizio , Colombo Paolo , Gottardo Laura , Maccagnan Simone
Published: February 2008

A novel process, based on microextrusion of preceramic polymers, was developed for manufacturing ceramic microelectrodes, mainly for biomedical applications. A coextrusion approach was used to obtain filaments with inner conductive lines after proper doping. Chemical reticulation and high‐temperature pyrolysis were applied to convert the meltable preceramic, polymeric resins into SiOC ceramic materials. Different cross‐sectional geometries were produced. The flexural strength of filaments depended on the outer diameter size; doping produced filaments with an average conductivity of ∼0.4 1/Ω cm for a 50 wt% carbon black load. The results on L929 and MG63 cell line models indicated good biological performance of Si–O–C ceramics and confirmed citocompatibility.
Biodegradation and Cytocompatibility Studies of a Triphasic Ceramic‐Coated Porous Hydroxyapatite for Bone Substitute Applications
Authors: John Annie , Nair Manitha B. , Varma H. K. , Bernhardt Anne , Gelinsky Michael
Published: February 2008

Bone defects due to trauma or disease have led to the need for biomaterials as substitutes for tissue regeneration and repair. Herein, we introduce a porous triphasic ceramic‐coated hydroxyapatite scaffold (HASi) for such applications. Interestingly, in the degradation experiments with isotonic buffer, HASi showed a significant release of silica with the disappearance of the tricalcium phosphate phase. Furthermore, the material also exhibited cytocompatibility with cultured bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells of human origin. The material chemistry, together with the favorable cellular characteristics, indicates HASi as a promising candidate for critical‐size bony defects, which still remains a formidable clinical challenge in the orthopedic scenario.
Microwave Dielectric Properties and Low‐Temperature Sintering of (1−x)CeO2−xBaTi4O9 Ceramics
Authors: Anjana Prabhakaran Sreekumari , Sebastian Mailadil Thomas
Published: February 2008

(1−x)CeO2−xBaTi4O9 ceramics were prepared by the solid‐state ceramic route. The structure and microstructure of the ceramics were studied using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope. XRD patterns indicate that (1−x) CeO2−xBaTi4O9 ceramics were of a two‐phase composite consisting of fluorite CeO2 and BaTi4O9. The microwave dielectric properties such as relative permittivity (ɛr), quality factor (Qu×f ), and coefficient of temperature variation of resonant frequency (τf) of the ceramics have been measured in the frequency range 4–6 GHz by the resonance method. The 0.5CeO2–0.5BaTi4O9 samples sintered at 1260°C/2 h exhibit excellent microwave dielectric properties: ɛr=34.5, Qu×f=20,750 GHz (at 4.2 GHz) and τf=1.8 ppm/°C. The density, dielectric constant, and temperature coefficient of resonant frequency of mixtures predicted by the appropriate mixing relations agree well with the experimental values. The addition of B2O3 and CuO significantly lowered the sintering temperature of 0.5CeO2–0.5BaTi4O9 ceramic to 950°C. The 0.5CeO2–0.5BaTi4O9+12 wt% B2O3+1 wt% CuO sintered at 950°C for 4 h showed ɛr=20.6, Qu×f=17,000 GHz (at 5.7 GHz) and τf=+48 ppm/°C.
THE MIRACLE OF THE CELLS: AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF INTERVENTIONS TO INCREASE PAYMENT OF COURT‐ORDERED FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS*
Authors: WEISBURD DAVID , EINAT TOMER , KOWALSKI MATT
Published: February 2008

Research Summary:

In this article, we present findings from an experimental study of an innovative program in fine enforcement developed by the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) of New Jersey, termed Project MUSTER (MUST Earn Restitution). The project was initiated by the New Jersey AOC as a response to concerns among probation personnel that probationers sentenced to monetary penalties often failed to meet their financial obligations. The program sought to increase payment of court‐ordered financial obligations among probationers who are seriously delinquent in paying fines, penalties, and restitution, and was designed to “strengthen the effectiveness of restitution and fine sanctions by forcing those offenders who have the ability to make regular payments to do so.” Project MUSTER relied on a combination of intensive probation, threats of violation to court and incarceration, and community service. We find that probationers sentenced to Project MUSTER were significantly more likely to pay court‐ordered financial obligations than were those who experienced regular probation supervision. However, probationers sentenced to a second treatment group, in which the only intervention was violation of probation (one part of the MUSTER program), had similar outcomes to the MUSTER condition. These findings suggest that the main cause of fine payment was a deterrent threat of possible incarceration, which is often termed the “miracle of the cells.”

Policy Implications:

Our study shows that it is possible to gain greater compliance with court‐ordered financial obligations and that such compliance may be gained with a relatively simple and straightforward criminal justice intervention. Threats of violation of probation are an effective tool for gaining compliance with financial obligations. Given the growing interest in monetary penalties as an alternative to incarceration, these findings have particular policy importance.
ARE DEPORTABLE ALIENS A UNIQUE THREAT TO PUBLIC SAFETY? COMPARING THE RECIDIVISM OF DEPORTABLE AND NONDEPORTABLE ALIENS*
Authors: HICKMAN LAURA J. , SUTTORP MARIKA J.
Published: February 2008

Research Summary:

The study compared the recidivism of 517 deportable and 780 nondeportable aliens released from the Los Angeles County Jail over a 30‐day period in 2002. The results of our analyses revealed no difference in the rearrest rate of deportable and nondeportable aliens in terms of its occurrence, frequency, or timing.

Policy Implications:

The results lend no support to the ubiquitous assertion that deportable aliens are a unique threat to public safety. These findings undermine one common justification offered for the current crackdown on deport‐able aliens within the country. More research is needed to determine whether these results can be replicated generally and with subtypes of deportable aliens.
Antithrombin plasma levels decrease is associated with preeclampsia worsening
Authors: MARIETTA M. , SIMONI L. , PEDRAZZI P. , FACCHINI L. , D’AMICO R. , FACCHINETTI F.
Published: February 2008

Antithrombin plasma levels (AT) have been found decreased in women with preeclampsia (PE), but little is known about the trend of AT during the course of this disease. We prospectively investigated AT in consecutive women admitted to our hospital with a diagnosis of PE, to assess if AT fluctuations could be associated with the evolution of the disease. AT, platelet count and d‐dimer levels were determined every other day. In the 73 patients studied, AT, platelet count and fibrinogen progressively reduced during the observational period, reaching a nadir on the day of delivery, whereas d‐dimer progressively increased over time. Statistical analysis was restricted to the 39 women that had an AT measurement performed on each of days −1, 0 and +1, with respect to the day of delivery. These subjects showed a significant decrease in AT on the day of delivery compared to the day just before (77.8 ± 15.1%vs. 85.4 ± 14.2%, P = 0.027), followed by a recovery on the first day after delivery (87.6 ± 21.3% from 77.8 ± 15.1%, P = 0.005). Our study demonstrates that a significant drop in AT levels is associated with the clinical worsening of PE, regardless of its severity.
Molecular cytogenetic aberrations in 21 Chinese patients with plasma cell leukemia
Authors: XU W. , LI J.‐Y. , FAN L. , CHEN L.‐J. , QIU H.‐R. , QIU H.‐X. , LU H.
Published: February 2008

Plasma cell leukemia (PCL) is a rare malignant plasma cell disorder. Cytogenetic studies performed on plasma cell disorders are scarce and difficult because of the low proliferation rate of plasma cells (PCs). Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis is an attractive alternative for evaluation of chromosomal changes in PCL. To explore the molecular cytogenetic abnormalities in Chinese patients with PCL, interphase FISH studies with three probes for the regions containing 13q14.3 (D13S319), 14q32 (IGHC/IGHV) and 1q12(CEP1) were retrospectively performed in 21 PCL patients. FISH with LSI IGH/CCND1 and LSI IGH/FGFR3 probes were used to detect t(11;14)(q13;q32) and t(4;14)(p16;q32) in patients with 14q32 rearrangement. Among 21 PCL patients, molecular cytogenetic aberrations were found in 18 (81.8%) patients, four (19.0%) patients simultaneously had 13q14 deletion, illegitimate IgH translocation and 1q abnormality. 13q14 deletion was detected in 13 (61.9%) cases and illegitimate 14q32 rearrangement in 16 (76.2%) including six with t(11;14) and three with t(4;14). Chromosome 1 abnormality was found in seven (33.3%) patients, one with deletion of 1q, six with at least three copies amplifications of 1q12 (Amp1q12). 14q32 rearrangement and 13q14 deletion were found concurrently in 11 (52.4%) cases. It was showed that most PCL had chromosomal abnormalities, 14q32 rearrangement, 13q14 deletion and chromosome 1 abnormality are the frequent abnormalities, and over half of the 14q32 rearrangement were t(11;14) or t(4;14). t(4;14) and 13q14 deletion were correlated in PCL. FISH is a highly sensitive technique at detecting molecular cytogenetic aberrations in PCL and should be used in the routine evaluation of PCL.
Microbial reporters of metal bioavailability
Authors: Magrisso Sagi , Erel Yigal , Belkin Shimshon
Published: February 2008

When attempting to assess the extent and the implications of environmental pollution, it is often essential to quantify not only the total concentration of the studied contaminant but also its bioavailable fraction: higher bioavailability, often correlated with increased mobility, signifies enhanced risk but may also facilitate bioremediation. Genetically engineered microorganisms, tailored to respond by a quantifiable signal to the presence of the target chemical(s), may serve as powerful tools for bioavailability assessment. This review summarizes the current knowledge on such microbial bioreporters designed to assay metal bioavailability. Numerous bacterial metal‐sensor strains have been developed over the past 15 years, displaying very high detection sensitivities for a broad spectrum of environmentally significant metal targets. These constructs are based on the use of a relatively small number of gene promoters as the sensing elements, and an even smaller selection of molecular reporter systems; they comprise a potentially useful panel of tools for simple and cost‐effective determination of the bioavailability of heavy metals in the environment, and for the quantification of the non‐bioavailable fraction of the pollutant. In spite of their inherent advantages, however, these tools have not yet been put to actual use in the evaluation of metal bioavailability in a real environmental remediation scheme. For this to happen, acceptance by regulatory authorities is essential, as is a standardization of assay conditions.
Tracing explosives in soil with transcriptional regulators of Pseudomonas putida evolved for responding to nitrotoluenes
Authors: Garmendia Junkal , De Las Heras Aitor , Galvão Teca Calcagno , De Lorenzo Víctor
Published: February 2008

Although different biological approaches for detection of anti‐personnel mines and other unexploded ordnance (UXO) have been entertained, none of them has been rigorously documented thus far in the scientific literature. The industrial 2,4,6 trinitrotoluene (TNT) habitually employed in the manufacturing of mines is at all times tainted with a small but significant proportion of the more volatile 2,4 dinitrotoluene (2,4 DNT) and other nitroaromatic compounds. By using mutation‐prone PCR and DNA sequence shuffling we have evolved in vitro and selected in vivo variants of the effector recognition domain of the toluene‐responsive XylR regulator of the soil bacterium Pseudomonas putida that responds to mono‐, bi‐ and trinitro substituted toluenes. Re‐introduction of such variants in P. putida settled the transcriptional activity of the cognate promoters (Po and Pu) as a function of the presence of nitrotoluenes in the medium. When strains bearing transcriptional fusions to reporters with an optical output (luxAB, GFP) were spread on soil spotted with nitrotoluenes, the signal triggered by promoter activation allowed localization of the target compounds on the soil surface. Our data provide a proof of concept that non‐natural transcription factors evolved to respond to nitroaromatics can be engineered in soil bacteria and inoculated on a target site to pinpoint the presence of explosives. This approach thus opens new ways to tackle this gigantic humanitarian problem.
El desafío del cumplimiento: consecuencias para la seguridad social en la República Popular de China
Authors: Ramia Gaby , Davies Gloria , Nyland Chris
Published: February 2008

Extracto  El debate sobre el cumplimiento de la seguridad social en las sociedades en desarrollo ha estado centrado principalmente en cuestiones sistémicas de administración y operación. En este artículo se sostiene que el análisis del cumplimiento requiere marcos que obtengan también enseñanzas de las circunstancias políticas específicas de cada país y comparaciones de los distintos tipos de regímenes de protección social. Siguiendo este enfoque, se analiza también el cumplimiento de la seguridad social en el contexto chino, en el que cuatro factores resultan fundamentales para la mejora del cumplimiento: la sostenibilidad del crecimiento económico, la confianza en las normativas e instituciones sociales, los distintos valores sociales inherentes a los diferentes tipos de regímenes y la inercia institucional acumulada en la actual trayectoria política de China.
Diseño de un régimen de pensiones de seguridad social
Authors: Brown Robert L.
Published: February 2008

Extracto  En el presente artículo se analizan distintos modelos posibles de regímenes de pensiones de seguridad social. Se alude con frecuencia a los regímenes existentes en los Estados Unidos y, en particular, en el Canadá a fin de exponer los elementos que intervienen en el diseño de un «buen» sistema de pensiones de seguridad social. Por supuesto, uno de esos elementos es la definición de «bueno». En este artículo se utilizan criterios tales como la pobreza, la suficiencia de los ingresos de jubilación, el equilibrio a largo plazo entre prestaciones y cotizaciones, la igualdad de ingresos y la distribución de la riqueza. Se exponen muchas cuestiones que deben abordarse a la hora de establecer un sistema de pensiones de seguridad social en cualquier lugar del mundo. Esta información puede ser útil en los países donde se establecen nuevos regímenes (o incluso donde los regímenes están en continua transformación). Esperamos también que sea de utilidad para los futuros estudiantes de seguridad social en la medida en que pretende exponer algunos principios básicos para el diseño de un buen régimen de pensiones de seguridad social.
Oxidation of hemoglobin: mechanisms of control in vitro and in vivo
Authors: BUEHLER PAUL W. , ALAYASH ABDU I.
Published: February 2008

Hemoglobin (Hb) within red blood cells (RBC) is protected from oxidative processes by enzymatic and small molecule antioxidants as well as the RBC membrane that provides a physical barrier against oxidation. When Hb is introduced into the circulation as a result of hemolysis or following infusion of Hb‐based oxygen carriers (HBOCs; ‘blood substitutes’), the control of oxidative processes becomes dependent on plasma oxidative status. In vitro studies clearly demonstrate that Hb and HBOCs undergo oxidative modification at the site of heme iron and at multiple amino acid sites as a result of autoxidation, nitrosylation and peroxidation. Recent findings from in vitro studies provide a strong basis for understanding of potential toxicity in vivo. The antioxidative status of both plasma and tissue becomes an important factor in the control of Hb and HBOC oxidation and nitrosylation in the circulation. Several studies that performed ex vivo and in vivo have demonstrated a critical role for plasma antioxidants such as ascorbic acid and uric acid in maintaining Hb and HBOCs in functional non‐oxidized states. In the present review we discuss mechanisms of Hb and HBOC autoxidation, nitrosylation and peroxidation in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, we explore the role(s) of plasma antioxidants in maintaining functional HBOC status that may potentially be exploited as part of protective strategies against Hb and HBOC oxidative toxicity.
The hemoglobin‐nitric oxide axis: implications for transfusion therapeutics
Authors: LANCASTER JACK , HUTCHINGS ANNE , KERBY JEFFREY D , PATEL RAKESH P
Published: February 2008

Understanding mechanisms that regulate nitric oxide (•NO) function in the vascular compartment is critical in the context of transfusion‐based therapeutics. The role of hemoglobin (Hb), either cell‐free or encapsulated within the erythrocyte, has received much attention owing largely to the rapid rate of reactions between •NO and either oxy‐ or deoxyheme. In this review, we discuss the different mechanisms proposed by which •NO reactions with Hb are controlled under physiological conditions and which involve both preventing •NO‐scavenging by Hb and erythrocyte (and Hb)‐dependent stimulation of NO‐signaling. How these mechanisms may be utilized therapeutically in the design and application of Hb‐based oxygen carrier therapeutics is also discussed.