bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How to Make a Zaydi Iman
Authors: Haider Najam
Published: March 2024

This article examines the Zaydi doctrine of the imamate through an analysis of historical depictions of the 169/786 revolt of Ḥusayn b. ʿAlī at Fakhkh by three different authors: Aḥmad b. Sahl al-Rāzī (d. late third/ninth century), al-Nāṭiq Yaḥyā b. al-Ḥusayn (d. 424/1033), and ʿAlī b. Bilāl al-Āmulī (d. fifth/eleventh century). The classical model of the Zaydi imamate holds that a descendant of ʿAlī b. Abī Ṭālib (through either Ḥasan or Ḥusayn) with the proper qualities becomes Imam by summoning supporters (daʿwa), administering the oath of allegiance (bayʿa), and rising up in rebellion (khurūj) against a tyrant. This article investigates the relative importance of these components in historical accounts composed after the establishment of Zaydi political power in Yemen and the Caspian region. It argues that the emergence of dynastic rule may have lessened the importance of rebellion while elevating a candidate’s exemplary personal qualities and political skill. This change is potentially embedded in narrative differences between the three sources.
How Changes in Textual Culture Shaped Tang Dynasty Discussions of Ethnocultural Identity and Difference
Authors: Bender Lucas Rambo
Published: March 2024

The Tang has often been considered the historical high point of Chinese “cosmopolitanism.” Recent scholarship, however, has been divided on the questions of just how tolerant the era actually was of ethnocultural difference and of whether it represented a turning point in Chinese history toward increasing xenophobia or, on the contrary, toward a less exclusive conception of Chinese identity. This essay suggests that surviving evidence is susceptible to contradictory interpretations on account of its preservation in textual genres characterized by complex motivations that, moreover, changed dramatically over the course of the dynasty. We should not, therefore, uncritically accept statements concerning ethnocultural identity and difference in preserved texts as representative of the thoughts or feelings of even the literati class. A better understanding of the evolution of Chinese attitudes on these questions, instead, will require attention to the ways Tang ideas about texts shaped the attitudes literati felt worthy of expression in them, and how they did so differently in different periods.
Review of Animal Sacrifice and the Origins of Islam
Authors: Goudarzi Mohsen
Published: March 2024

Animal Sacrifice and the Origins of Islam. By Brannon Wheeler. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2022. Pp. x + 471. $120 (cloth); $96 (ebook).
Review of Signs – Sounds – Semantics: Nature and Transformation of Writing Systems in the Ancient Near East
Authors: Daniels Peter T.
Published: March 2024

Signs – Sounds – Semantics: Nature and Transformation of Writing Systems in the Ancient Near East. Edited by Gösta Gabriel, Karenleigh Overmann, and Annick Payne. Wiener Offene Orientalistik, vol. 13. Münster: Ugarit-Verlag, 2021. Pp. vi + 230, illus. €97.
Pubertal Development in Girls with Beta Thalassaemia and Assessment of the Adequacy of Chelation Therapy: A Quasi-experimental Study
Authors: Modak Rupali , Pal Amitava , Das Shuvendu , Biswas Dilip Kumar
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Beta thalassaemia is the most prevalent hereditary autosomal disorder, significantly impacting endocrine function during pubertal development. The pathology is rooted in the excessive deposition of iron in vital organs. If left untreated, this condition leads to serious morbidity and mortality. Hypogonadism stands as the most common endocrine complication. Aim: To observe pubertal development in girls with thalassaemia and evaluate the adequacy of chelation therapy in such patients by measuring levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinising Hormone (LH), oestrogen, and serum ferritin. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted at the Thalassaemia Clinic at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Burdwan Medical College, Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal, India involving 300 diagnosed Beta Thalassaemia Major (BTM) (case) patients aged 13 to 17 years over a period of one and a half years (January 2020 to June 2021). The girls in the study groups were sequentially enrolled from the Outpatient Department of the Thalassaemia Clinic after meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria. Demographic data, anthropometric measurements, and Sexual Maturity Rating (SMR) were recorded. Hormonal assays of serum FSH, LH, oestrogen, and serum ferritin levels were conducted. Thalassaemic girls with serum ferritin levels exceeding 500 ng/mL received chelation therapy. Serum ferritin levels were measured at two-month intervals for up to six months, with reassessment of serum FSH, LH, oestrogen, and ferritin levels at the end of the six-month period. Statistical analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.0, Microsoft excel spreadsheet, and Epi Info 7. Results: A total of 190 (63.3%) of the thalassaemic girls were aged 13 to 15 years, with a mean Body Mass Index (BMI) of 22.5000±2.6100 kg/m2 , and 74 of them (38.94%) experienced menarche in this age group. Out of 300 cases, 269 thalassaemic girls (89.6%) received chelation therapy, and 89 cases (33.09%) reached menarche after chelation therapy. A significant (p<0.0001) increase in mean LH and FSH levels was observed after chelation therapy. The mean ferritin level decreased from 3168.85 ng/mL to 2227.24 ng/mL following chelation therapy. Conclusion: Pubertal development failure is common in beta thalassaemic girls. Intervention in the form of adequate chelation therapy in girls with high serum ferritin levels yielded favourable outcomes, as evident from serum gonadotropin and oestrogen levels.
The Gamut of Renal Lesions on Autopsy: A Two-year Cross-sectional Study from North Eastern Odisha, India
Authors: Gouda Kalyani Prava , Das Upasana , Mahapatra Rashmi Rekha , Panda Pragyan Lisha , Mohanty Lity
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Kidney diseases have shown a rising upward trend in the last few decades due to the increase in incidence of associated chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension. However the frequency and spectrum of renal pathology in autopsy specimens is not well documented or overlooked by physicians as well as pathologists. Aim: To analyse the spectrum of various types of renal pathologies, based on the histopathological analysis of renal tissue where autopsies were performed routinely with no history of renal diseases. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out over a period of two years from June 2021 to June 2023 in the Department of Pathology of SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, Odisha, India, and consisted of 84 cases of well-preserved renal autopsies. The autopsy samples were routinely processed and stained by Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and then reported. Special stain of Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) was done. Gross and microscopic findings were studied. The study was compared with other relevant studies. The data was analysed using Microsoft Excel 2019. Results: A total of 84 cases were included in the study. The male:female ratio was 1.27:1. The age group with the highest number of cases (35 cases) was 21-40 years. Among the 84 cases the commonest pathology was seen in tubules (40 cases, 47.62%) and glomeruli (7 cases, 8.33%), followed by vascular pathologies (5 cases, 5.95%) and interstitial lesions (4 cases, 4.76%). Renal cell carcinoma was incidentally detected in two cases and Wilms tumour in one case. Five cases had normal histology. Conclusion: The study illuminates the various renal lesions on autopsy and showed tubular lesions were more common than glomerular lesions in renal autopsy. Renal lesions are more common in males. The focus should be to develop more effective diagnostic methods for renal lesions so that intervention can be fast and sharp resulting in less mortality.
Immediate Effect of Dry Cupping along side Breathing Exercises on Chest Wall Mobility in a Patient with COPD: A Case Report
Authors: Jobanputtra Yukti , Yadav Vaishnavi
Published: March 2024

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is one of the most prevalent respiratory disorders, caused by the obstruction of the respiratory pathway. It is a progressive disease that worsens with time, but it is treatable. Physiotherapists are widely acknowledged to have a significant role in the care of patients suffering from respiratory disease. They employ a number of tactics targeted at reducing the labour of breathing, enhancing ventilation, promoting function, and providing dyspnoea alleviation. Chest physical therapy may include postural corrections to promote ventilation, secretory retention control, breathing and whole-body exercises to increase strength and function, and the use of adjuncts to improve lung function. Cupping therapy is one of the ancient healing methods. It is used on the skin by creating a negative pressure inside the cup through various devices. Many studies have shown that cupping therapy has promising preventive and therapeutic effects in a variety of pathological conditions, such as high fever due to upper respiratory tract infection, pulmonary dysfunctions in asthmatic children, type 2 diabetes mellitus, autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, myocardial infarction, and cardiac arrhythmias, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Here, the authors reported a case of a 74-year-old male patient demonstrating the positive effect of cupping therapy, particularly dry dynamic cupping, along with physical exercise to improve chest expansion or thoracic expansion and improve well-being in a patient suffering from COPD.
Foetomaternal Outcomes in Pregnant Women with Corrected vs Non corrected Heart Disease: A Cross-sectional Analysis at a Tertiary Care Institute of Eastern India
Authors: Debbarma Kaberi , Bandyopadhyay Sambhunath , Roychoudhury Bidisha , Mondal Saroj , Singh Nita , Roy Rajib
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Cardiac disease in pregnancy remains a major concern, particularly in developing countries like India. Pregnancy in women with heart disease increases the risk of maternal and foetal complications. Approximately 1% to 4% of pregnant women have concomitant cardiac disease. Aim: To examine the foetomaternal outcomes of pregnant women in the corrected vs. non corrected heart disease groups. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at IPGME&R, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, from February 2020 to July 2021. A total of 50 pregnant women were included in the present study, with 25 in the corrected heart disease group and 25 in the non corrected heart disease group. Foetomaternal outcomes, including intrapartum complications, maternal intensive care unit admission, mode of delivery, and foetal complications, were observed. Comparative analyses were conducted using the Student’s t-test and Chi-square test. The p-values <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Data from the present study showed that out of a total of 50 pregnant women with heart disease, the majority (60%) were young (≤25 years). Approximately 48% of women were in their second pregnancy. The most common cardiac lesion in the corrected group was closure of Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) in 8 (16%) cases, while in the non corrected group, the most common was mitral regurgitation in 11 (22%) cases. In the corrected heart disease group, 15 (30%) had a caesarean section and 10 (20%) delivered vaginally, whereas in the non corrected group, 17 (34%) had a caesarean section and 8 (16%) delivered vaginally. Adverse cardiac events occurred in 2 (4%) of the corrected group, whereas 11 (22%) were observed in the non corrected group (p-value=0.0088, significant). Preterm birth and low birth weight babies were more common in the non corrected heart disease group (p-value=0.0449, significant). Conclusion: The study concludes that most women with cardiac disease are young. Compared to the Corrected Group of Heart Disease (CGHD), the non corrected group of pregnant women are more likely to experience severe cardiac complications and require admission to the intensive care unit. The foetomaternal outcome is better in the corrected group. Successful management of pregnant women with heart disease requires a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach to optimise foetomaternal outcomes.
Agriculture 4.0: Smart Revolution of the Future Farming Sector
Authors: Kokale Sonali , Deepsikha  , Nath Paritosh , Rathod Satyam , Singh Arvind Kumar
Published: March 2024

According to research, some agricultural professionals are worried about the use of some smart technologies.  Some studies claim that agricultural cultures may be “Rescripted” in unfavorable ways, and there is precedence to imply that the general public is apprehensive about radical new agricultural technology.We elaborate on these interventions by suggesting that the fourth agricultural revolution should include essential features of responsible innovation, such as anticipation, inclusiveness, reflexivity, and responsiveness. The paper examines the stages of the industrial and agricultural revolutions in recent years, as well as their future possibilities. Although industry is growing, the agricultural sector has certain hurdles in adapting to Agriculture 4.0. The presented study may provide an overview of how technology advancements impact various industries and agriculture sector.
Effect of Ethanol Extract of Avocado Pulp (Persia americana mill) on Sperm Qualityand Histological Changes in Caffeine Induced Testicular Injury in Wistarrats
Authors: Nkwocha John N. , Ezim Ogechukwu E.
Published: March 2024

This study evaluated the effect of ethanol extract of Persea americana pulp on caffeine induced testicular damage on male wistar rats. Fifty-four (54) mature male rats were used, they were divided into six (6) groups of nine (9) rats. Group 1 was not induced with caffeine, Group two(2) to group six(6) were induced with 200mg/kg caffeine for two weeks. Three rats were sacrificed from each group after two weeks of induction. Semen and  testes collected for total sperm count, sperm motility, sperm morphology, sperm vitality and histopathology. The rats were treated as follows for another four weeks, Group 1: no induction, no treatment. Group 2: induced withcaffeine without treatment. Group 3; 100mg/kg extract. Group 4:300mg/kg extract. Group 5:500mg/kg extract, Group 6:0.107mg/kg proviron. Three rats from each group were sacrificed two weeks after treatment and four weeks after treatment. semen and testes were collected for sperm parameters and histopathology respectively. Different doses of Persea americanapulp was able to improve the sperm quality in rats induced with caffeine in a dose and time dependent manner. Histopathological examination of the testes treated with extract showed recovery from damages caused by caffeine in dose dependent manner. Ethanol extract of Persea americanapulphas a dose ameliorating effect on caffeine induced testicular damage on male rats.
Effect of Nutrient Management on Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp]
Authors: Sindha P.M. , Patel H.H. , Patel J.N. , Bambhaniya S.M. , Vaishnav M.D.
Published: March 2024

A field experiment was carried out at Research Farm, College of Agriculture, Bharuch, NAU, (Gujarat) during kharif 2022 to study the effect of nutrient management on growth, yield and economics of cowpea. The experiment was laid out in RBD with factorial concept with three replications. The result revealed that significantly higher plant height, number of nodules/plant, number of branches/plant, dry matter accumulation, number of pods/plant, number of seeds/pod, length of pod, seed and stover yield and quality were recorded with the soil application of 20-40-00 N-P-S kg/ha. It also gave the higher net return and B:C ratio. Significantly higher plant height, number of nodules/plant, number of branches/plant, dry matter accumulation, number of pods/plant, number of seeds/pod, length of pod, seed and stover yield, quality, net return as well as B:C ratio with a foliar application of 1% enriched banana pseudostem sap (Novel) at branching and flowering stage.
Predictive Behaviour from Finite Element Analysis on PVC-Ducted Reinforced Concrete Column
Authors: Kwarteng Felix , Kankam Charles K. , Banahene Jack O. , Boateng George Oti , Mansal Edward Ceasar
Published: March 2024

This research investigated the behaviour of square reinforced concrete columns with embedded PVC pipes, aiming to comprehensively analyze their performance. The study addressed the lack of significant research on the contributions and effects of embedded PVC pipes on structural performance compared to hollow columns. The objectives of the study sought to evaluate the contributions and effects of embedded PVC pipes on the structural performance of columns under loading conditions, determine how the presence of PVC pipes influenced the columns' ability to deform and dissipate energy, and identify the optimal size of PVC pipes to enhance column performance while maintaining stability and safety. Numerical analysis using ABAQUS CEA 2020 software was employed to simulate the behavior of reinforced concrete columns with embedded PVC pipes. The computational model used the same cross-sections with varying diameters of PVC pipes (50mm, 75mm and 100mm). The analysis focused on assessing load-bearing capacities, deformation characteristics, and energy dissipation patterns under axial vertical displacement loading scenario. Findings indicated that PVC-embedded columns exhibit, on average, approximately 0.5% higher load-bearing capacities than Perforated columns. With a composite average of 0.00543 for plastic strains (LE) in PVC-Embedded columns compared to 0.00673 in Perforated columns, a composite average of 5.87E-03 for Equivalent Plastic Strains (PEEQ) in PVC-Embedded columns compared to 7.41E-03 in Perforated columns, and a composite average of 0.0091 for Magnetic Potential Energy (PEMag) in PVC-Embedded columns compared to 0.012 in Perforated columns, collectively suggested that PVC pipes positively impact controlled deformation and energy dissipation. The observed trend is particularly evident in specific instances, with PVC-Embedded-50mm exhibiting a marginal load-bearing increase of approximately 0.2%, PVC-Embedded-75mm indicating an improvement of about 0.5%, and PVC-Embedded-100mm manifesting a load-bearing capacity increase of roughly 0.7%. Overall, these findings highlight that smaller sizes of embedded PVC pipes result in better load-bearing performance. The study recommended meticulous attention to material composition and structural design during PVC-embedded column implementation, careful selection of PVC pipe sizes based on structural requirements and project specifications, further research on dynamic loading conditions to comprehensively understand column behavior, and implementation of stringent quality control measures during manufacturing and construction processes.
Recombinational Cloning
Authors: Park Jaehong , LaBaer Joshua
Published: May 2006

The study of protein en masse, or functional proteomics, depends on the availability of full‐length cDNAs in appropriate expression‐ready plasmid vectors for protein expression and functional analysis. Recombinational cloning is a universal cloning technique based on site‐specific recombination that is independent of the insert DNA sequence to be cloned, which differentiates this method from the classical restriction enzyme‐based cloning methods. Recombinational cloning enables rapid and efficient parallel transfer of DNA inserts into multiple expression systems. This unit summarizes strategies for generating expression‐ready clones using two of the most popular recombinational cloning technologies, now commercially available from Invitrogen (Gateway) and BD Clontech (Creator).
Solution Radioimmunoassay of Proteins and Peptides
Authors: Smith John A.
Published: May 2006

This unit describes a solution‐phase radioimmunoassay (RIA) using the double antibody/PEG method. A solution RIA determines the amount of a specific protein (or peptide) in a sample by comparison to a standard curve of the same protein (or peptide). The amount of protein (or peptide) in the sample is determined based on its ability to compete with a radiolabeled tracer for binding to a specific antibody. A secondary antibody and PEG are used to precipitate the primary antibody‐protein complexes. The amount of radioactivity in the complex is inversely proportional to the amount of protein in the sample. Under ideal conditions, an RIA is capable of measuring picograms of a protein (or peptide), but only if the tracer is labeled at a high specific activity. To this end, this unit also presents protocols for radioiodination of proteins and peptides using lactoperoxidase or the Bolton‐Hunter reagent.
Heavy metal inflow into the floodplains at the mouth of the river Weiße Elster (Central Germany)
Authors: Zerling Lutz , Hanisch Christiane , Junge Frank W.
Published: May 2006

From 1998 to 2002 investigations were carried out to estimate both the quantity and quality (heavy metal contents) of suspended matter loads discharged into a floodplain area measuring approx. 5 km2 of the Central German river Weiße Elster, a tributary of the river Saale in the Elbe river basin. Flood sediments, suspended particulate matter, and floodplain soils were investigated especially for the main pollutants Cd, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cr, and Hg. Supplementary gamma spectroscopy examinations were performed to help to identify the age of deposits in order to estimate sedimentation rates for last decades. The recent flood sediments are contaminated by up to 33 times the geogenic background (Cd). Up to 55% of the total annual SPM load of the river Weiße Elster is relocated into the investigated retention area in the flood‐stricken year 2002. The sedimentation rates for the last 50 years vary between 0.5 mm/a and 1 mm/a in far away and rarely flooded parts and between 1 mm/a and 2 mm/a in the frequently flooded parts of the inflow of the retention area.
Early Alkali Metal (Li, Na, K) and Tris(dimethylamino)sulfonium (TAS) Salts of [1,2,5]Thiadiazolo[3,4‐c][1,2,5]thiadiazolidyl Radical Anion: Rational Syntheses, Structures and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Ikorskii Vladimir N. , Irtegova Irina G. , Lork Enno , Makarov Alexander Yu. , Mews Ruediger , Ovcharenko Victor I. , Zibarev Andrey V.
Published: May 2006

Salts of the [1,2,5]thiadiazolo[3,4‐c][1,2,5]thiadiazolidyl radical anion (1) and the early alkali metals, [Li(12‐crown‐4)2][1] (3), [Na(15‐crown‐5)][1] (4), and [K(18‐crown‐6)][1] (5) as well as the salt [(Me2N)3S][1] (6) can be prepared by reduction of [1,2,5]thiadiazolo[3,4‐c][1,2,5]thiadiazole (2) with PhS– anion followed by XRD and ESR characterization. These salts are thermally stable and soluble in MeCN. Low‐temperature crystallization of salt 5 from MeCN or storage of 5 under MeCN for a few days at ambient temperature gives the solvate 5·MeCN (7). The radical anion 1 acts as bridging ligand in salts 4 and 5 and as chelating ligand in salt 7. In salt 3, the radical anion 1 is not coordinated to the cation and can be considered as “naked” anion. In salt 6, one of the two crystallographically independent 1 acts as bridging ligand, whilst the other is not coordinated to the cation. Magnetic susceptibility data obtained for salts 4 and 5 in the temperature range of 2–300 K revealed antiferromagnetic exchange interactions between paramagnetic centers: 4, J = –3.42, αJ = –1.12 cm–1; 5, J = –1.22 cm–1. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
An Investigation into the Suitability of Bismuth as an Alternative to Gold‐Amalgam as a Working Electrode for the In Situ Determination of Chemical Redox Species in the Natural Environment
Authors: Waite Tim J. , Kraiya Charoenkwan , Trouwborst Robert E. , Ma Shufen , Luther George W.
Published: May 2006

The suitability of the bismuth film working electrode was investigated as an alternative to the gold‐amalgam electrode used in solid state microelectrodes for in situ voltammetric analysis of redox chemistry in the natural environment (e.g., lakes, oceans, sedimentary pore waters). Chemical redox species measurable with the Au‐amalgam include O2, H2S, S$ {_{{x}}^{2-}}$, S2O$\rm{ {_{3}^{2-}}}$, Fe2+, Fe3+, Mn2+, I−. Bismuth was electrochemically deposited to form a solid film analogous to the Au‐amalgam on a polished gold disk electrode. The useable potential window of the Bi‐film was found to be narrower than that of the Au‐amalgam, precluding the detection of dissolved O2, I− and S2O$\rm{ {_{3}^{2-}}}$, whose redox potentials fall outside the Bi‐film's range. The Bi‐film was able to detect free H2S/HS− and total sulfide (AVS), but not Fe2+ or Mn2+. The Bi‐film was less sensitive to low levels of total sulfide (<10 μM) than the Au‐amalgam; however, the Bi‐film was able to accurately quantify very high concentrations of sulfide (at least 15 mM), with a linear response up to an order of magnitude higher than that of the Au‐amalgam. Thus the Bi‐film appears to have limited application as an alternative to the Au‐amalgam microelectrode for in situ analysis of redox species in natural waters.
Overview on advances in capillary electrophoresis‐mass spectrometry of carbohydrates: A tabulated review
Authors: Campa Cristiana , Coslovi Anna , Flamigni Anna , Rossi Marco
Published: May 2006

The increasing interest for carbohydrates as holder of essential bioinformations has boosted their full characterization through analytical techniques. The intent of this review is to summarize the recent trends regarding on‐line and off‐line CE‐MS coupling for carbohydrate analysis. A statistical survey on the articles that use derivatizing agents as well as on the analyzer and type of instrument coupling (i.e. on‐ or off‐line) is depicted. From a general overview it can be concluded that, whereas derivatization might be useful for the detection of neutral carbohydrates improving separation selectivity with volatile buffers and increasing sensitivity of the MS detection, relatively few works with derivatized carbohydrates were found; this was noticed in particular for glycosides and saccharides carrying ionizable groups, which are normally analyzed without any chemical modification. The most applied coupling is the on‐line sheath‐liquid interface; for on‐line applications, ESI is the sole source used, whilst the most common analyzer is the IT. MSn is often exploited, as fragmentation increases the achieved structural information. CE‐MS turned out to be mainly used for the analysis of carbohydrates in drug development (i.e. study of oligosaccharides from pathogens, carbohydrate‐based drugs and drug metabolites), in nutrition and for characterization of glycans from glycoproteins. The reader will find elucidating tables regarding these recent CE‐MS applications, including the main information on the analysis conditions. Comments are meant to help the immediate focus on the usefulness of the analytical technique and predict the difficulties found during analysis and, in case, their overcoming.
A comparative study on intra‐articular versus systemic gene electrotransfer in experimental arthritis
Authors: Khoury M. , Bigey P. , Louis‐Plence P. , Noel D. , Rhinn H. , Scherman D. , Jorgensen C. , Apparailly F.
Published: May 2006

Background

Electric pulse mediated gene transfer has been applied successfully in vivo for increasing naked DNA administration in various tissues. To achieve non‐viral gene transfer into arthritic joint tissue, we investigated the use of electrotransfer (ET). Because anti‐inflammatory cytokine strategies have proven efficient in experimental models of arthritis, we compared the therapeutic efficiency of local versus systemic delivery of the interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) using in vivo ET.

Methods

A plasmid vector expressing IL‐10 was transferred into DBA/1 mouse knee joints by ET with 12 pulses of variable duration and voltage. The kinetics of transgene expression were analyzed by specific enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in sera and knees. Optimal conditions were then used to deliver increasing amounts of IL‐10 plasmid intra‐articularly (i.a.) in the collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model. The therapeutic efficiency was compared with the potency of intra‐muscular (i.m.) ET.

Results

Following i.a. ET, local IL‐10 secretion peaked on day 7 and dropped 2 weeks after. A second ET produced the same kinetics without enhancing gene transfer efficiency, while transgene was still detected in injected muscles 4 weeks after ET. Only the i.m. ET of 25 µg of IL‐10 significantly inhibited all the clinical and biological features of arthritis. The i.a. ET only showed mild improvement of arthritis when 100 µg of IL‐10 plasmid were electrotransfered weekly from day 18 following arthritis induction.

Conclusions

The present results suggest that gene transfer into arthritic joints by ET is an effective means to deliver anti‐inflammatory cytokines. However, short duration of transgene expression impedes a significant effect for the treatment of arthritis, making i.m. ET more potent than i.a. ET for clinical benefit in CIA. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Die Innovation – Kleben – Aktuelles aus der “Arbeitsgruppe Kleben” des Fachverbandes Konstruktiver Glasbau – FKG
Authors: Hagl Anneliese
Published: May 2006

Wesentliche Motivation zur Gründung der Arbeitsgruppe war, daß sich Silikonverklebungen – im Bauwesen seit langem bekannt – in den vergangenen Jahren einen großen Einsatzbereich auf dem Gebiet der Fassadenverglasung erobert haben. Vorrangiges Einsatzgebiet war lange Zeit fast ausschließlich die Abdichtung von Wetterfugen und der Randverbund von Isolierglaseinheiten.

Aufgrund seiner Eigenschaften bietet der Werkstoff Silikon das Potential, über die Dichtwirkung hinaus tragende Funktionen bei Fassadenkonstruktionen zu übernehmen. Eine Europäische Richtlinie (ETAG002) regelt derzeit die konstruktiven Randbedingungen von Silikonen für linienförmige Verklebungen. Trotzdem ist das Wissen bezüglich der tatsächlichen mechanischen Eigenschaften von Silikon noch begrenzt, so daß beim Einsatz von Verklebungen mit beliebiger Fugengeometrie in großem Maß auf Versuche zurückgegriffen werden muß. Wirkliche Werkstoffkennwerte und ‐gesetzmäßigkeiten, die ein ingenieurmäßiges Dimensionieren (Berechnen mit FEM) allgemeiner Fugengeometrien ermöglichen, sind zudem unbekannt. Der nach ETAG durchzuführende Zugversuch ist außerdem zur direkten Bestimmung der Festigkeitswerte von Silikon nur bedingt geeignet, da Randeffekte zur Spannungskonzentration in den Probekörpern führen und so Rückschlüsse auf das Festigkeitsverhalten des eigentlichen Werkstoffs nur eingeschränkt möglich sind.

Das in der Arbeitsgruppe erarbeitete Versuchsprogramm dient dazu, durch das Zusammenspiel von Experiment (Werkstoffversuche) und Theorie (Nachrechnung mit FEM) theoretische Modelle für den Werkstoff Silikon zu entwickeln. Wesentliche Zielsetzung ist das Schaffen von Bemessungsdaten für komplexere Verklebungsgeometrien im Bereich des Structural Glazing.

Durch das erlangte Wissen wird es künftig möglich sein:

– Verklebungsgeometrien frei zu gestalten

– sie hinsichtlich eines möglichst günstigen Versagensmechanismus zu optimieren

– einfache Formeln und Kennwerte für den Entwurf beliebiger Verklebungen heranzuziehen

– umfangreiche Versuche bei jeder einzelnen Anwendung einzuschränken bzw. zu vermeiden.

Als Erweiterung des bisherigen Arbeitsprogramms ist vorgesehen, in Kürze auch Verklebungen mit Duromeren (z. B. Acrylate, Epoxidharze) zu untersuchen. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
S‐Adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase deficiency in a 26‐year‐old man
Authors: Buist N. R. M. , Glenn B. , Vugrek O. , Wagner C. , Stabler S. , Allen R. H. , Pogribny I. , Schulze A. , Zeisel S. H. , Barić I. , Mudd S. H.
Published: May 2006

This paper reports the third proven human case of deficient S‐adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy) hydrolase activity. The patient is similar to the only two previously reported cases with this disorder in having severe myopathy, developmental delay, elevated serum creatine kinase (CK) concentrations, and hypermethioninaemia. Although he has been followed from infancy, the basic enzyme deficiency was established only at age 26 years. The diagnosis was based on markedly elevated plasma concentrations of both AdoHcy and S‐adenosylmethionine, some 20% of the mean control activity of AdoHcy hydrolase activity in haemolysates of his red‐blood cells, and two missense mutations in his gene encoding AdoHcy hydrolase. He had low values of erythrocyte phosphatidylcholine and plasma free choline and marginally elevated excretion of guanidinoacetate, suggesting that the elevated AdoHcy may have been inhibiting methylation of phosphatidylethanolamine and guanidinoacetate. His leukocyte DNA was globally more methylated than the DNA's of his parents or the mean extent of methylation measured in age‐matched control subjects.
ON CONTINUOUS AND ADJOINT MORPHISMS BETWEEN NON-COMMUTATIVE PRIME SPECTRA
Authors: Letzter Edward S.
Published: May 2006

We study topological properties of the correspondence of prime spectra associated with a non-commutative ring homomorphism $R\rightarrow S$. Our main result provides criteria for the adjointness of certain functors between the categories of Zariski closed subsets of $\spec R$ and $\spec S$; these functors arise naturally from restriction and extension of scalars. When $R$ and $S$ are left Noetherian, adjointness occurs only for centralizing and ‘nearly centralizing’ homomorphisms.
POSITIVE SOLUTIONS TO A NON-RADIAL SUPERCRITICAL KLEIN–GORDON-TYPE EQUATION
Authors: Lorca Sebastián , Montenegro Marcelo
Published: May 2006

We find positive solutions to a nonlinear equation of Klein–Gordon type. Our analysis is carried out by truncating the related functional and estimating mountain pass solutions by Moser’s iterative scheme.
A MULTIPLICITY THEOREM FOR A PERTURBED SECOND-ORDER NON-AUTONOMOUS SYSTEM
Authors: Faraci Francesca , Iannizzotto Antonio
Published: May 2006

In this paper we establish a multiplicity result for a second-order non-autonomous system. Using a variational principle of Ricceri we prove that if the set of global minima of a certain function has at least $k$ connected components, then our problem has at least $k$ periodic solutions. Moreover, the existence of one more solution is investigated through a mountain-pass-like argument.
The Relationship of Interrogative Suggestibility to Memory and Attention
Authors: Howard R.C. , Chaiwutikornwanich A.
Published: May 2006

This study combined an individual differences approach to interrogative suggestibility (IS) with ERP recordings to examine two alternative hypotheses regarding the source of individual differences in IS: (1) differences in attention to task-relevant vis-à-vis task-irrelevant stimuli, and (2) differences in one or more memory processes, indexed by ERP old/new effects. Sixty-five female participants underwent an ERP recording during the 50 min interval between immediate and delayed recall of a short story. ERPs elicited by pictures that either related to the story (“old”), or did not relate to the story (“new”), were recorded using a three-stimulus visual oddball paradigm. ERP old/new effects were examined at selected scalp regions of interest at three post-stimulus intervals: early (250-350 ms), middle (350-700 ms), and late (700-1100 ms). In addition, attention-related ERP components (N1, P2, N2, and P3) evoked by story-relevant pictures, story-irrelevant pictures, and irrelevant distractors were measured from midline electrodes. Late (700-1100 ms) frontal ERP old/new differences reflected individual differences in IS, while early (250-350 ms) and middle latency (350-700 ms) ERP old/new differences distinguished good from poor performers in memory and oddball tasks, respectively. Differences in IS were not reflected in ERP indices of attention. Results supported an account of IS as reflecting individual differences in postretrieval memory processes.
“Same Same” But Different?
Authors: Hallberg Ulrika E. , Schaufeli Wilmar B.
Published: May 2006

The present study investigates whether work engagement (measured by the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale; UWES) could be empirically separated from job involvement and organizational commitment. In addition, psychometric properties of the Swedish UWES were investigated. Discriminant validity of the UWES was tested through inspection of latent intercorrelations between the constructs, confirmatory factor analyses, and patterns of correlations with other constructs (health complaints, job and personal factors, and turnover intention) in a sample of Information Communication Technology consultants (N = 186). Conclusion: Work engagement, job involvement, and organizational commitment are empirically distinct constructs and, thus, reflect different aspects of work attachment. The internal consistency of the Swedish UWES was satisfactory, but the dimensionality was somewhat unclear.
The family 21 carbohydrate-binding module of glucoamylase from Rhizopus oryzae consists of two sites playing distinct roles in ligand binding
Authors: Chou Wei-I , Pai Tun-Wen , Liu Shi-Hwei , Hsiung Bor-Kai , Chang Margaret D.-T.
Published: May 2006

The starch-hydrolysing enzyme GA (glucoamylase) from Rhizopus oryzae is a commonly used glycoside hydrolase in industry. It consists of a C-terminal catalytic domain and an N-terminal starch-binding domain, which belong to the CBM21 (carbohydrate-binding module, family 21). In the present study, a molecular model of CBM21 from R. oryzae GA (RoGACBM21) was constructed according to PSSC (progressive secondary structure correlation), modified structure-based sequence alignment, and site-directed mutagenesis was used to identify and characterize potential ligand-binding sites. Our model suggests that RoGACBM21 contains two ligand-binding sites, with Tyr32 and Tyr67 grouped into site I, and Trp47, Tyr83 and Tyr93 grouped into site II. The involvement of these aromatic residues has been validated using chemical modification, UV difference spectroscopy studies, and both qualitative and quantitative binding assays on a series of RoGACBM21 mutants. Our results further reveal that binding sites I and II play distinct roles in ligand binding, the former not only is involved in binding insoluble starch, but also facilitates the binding of RoGACBM21 to long-chain soluble polysaccharides, whereas the latter serves as the major binding site mediating the binding of both soluble polysaccharide and insoluble ligands. In the present study we have for the first time demonstrated that the key ligand-binding residues of RoGACBM21 can be identified and characterized by a combination of novel bioinformatics methodologies in the absence of resolved three-dimensional structural information.
The Battles in Miami: The Fall of the FTAA/ALCA and the Promise of Transnational Movements
Authors: Wainwright Joel , Ortiz Rafael
Published: May 2006

In November 2003 thousands of demonstrators staged protests in the streets of Miami while trade ministers from across the hemisphere met for the Eighth Ministerial of the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA). Accounts of these events tend to rehearse a common narrative about mass urban protests that frame such demonstrations as a conflict between proglobalization governments and antiglobalization activists. This narrative focuses on the physicality of the protests without considering their performative qualities, assumes that state practices and dissent are distinct, mutually exclusive realms of action, and takes ‘globalization’ to be a scale-fixed process. We call this narrative into question by pursuing two lines of inquiry. First, we analyze the spatial and discursive practices of three different groups of protesters so as to identify crucial affinities and distinctions in their positions and strategies. Second, we challenge the view that capitalist states are simply ‘proglobalization’ by considering resistance to the US delegation by South American delegations within the FTAA ministerial. From our reading of these events we draw lessons regarding the political and strategic effects of mass urban demonstrations.
Leaf processing in a woodland stream*
Authors: PETERSEN ROBERT C. , CUMMINS KENNETH W.
Published: May 2006

Detritus processing by a small woodland stream is analysed by following the loss of weight of 10 g, single species accumulations of riparian leaves. The daily loss rates are expressed as exponential coefficients after the data are fitted by least squares. Comparisons are made between two sites on a small hardwater trout stream during two seasons. Leaf processing rates form a continuum from a low of 0.5%/day to a high of 2.0%/day. Differences between species of leaf are observed, but significant differences between fall and winter processing and between the two sites are not.

The response of the invertebrate community to differences in leaf species is investigated using controlled, artificial streams where significant differences in the effect of the invertebrates are related to the ability ofthe leaf to be processed. Evidence suggests that differential invertebrate colonization of leaf packs is a function of microbial colonization and conditioning. The data are used to develop a general scheme of leaf pack processing.
The role of the littoral zone in the functioning of a shallow tropical lake ecosystem
Authors: HOWARD‐WILLIAMS C. , LENTON G. M.
Published: May 2006

Lake Chilwa (Malawi) is a shallow tropical lake surrounded by an extensive zone of littoral swamp mainly composed ofTypha domingensis. The data produced show that the physical and chemical conditions are different and more varied in the littoral region when compared with the open lake. Primary production in the littoral is confined almost entirely toTypha domingensis, which also acts as a nutrient pump by absorbing nutrients from the soils and eventually releasing them into the lake waters. Long term and short term exchanges in organic and inorganic materials between the littoral swamps and the open lake are described. These, as well as available evidence on the distribution, reproductive habits and diet of certain faunal groups, indicate that the littoral region of Lake Chilwa has an important regulating influence on the functioning of the whole lake.
Some effects of agricultural development and fluctuations in water level on the phytoplankton productivity and zooplankton of a New Zealand reservoir
Authors: MITCHELL S. F.
Published: May 2006

In Lake Mahinerangi, a New Zealand hydro‐electric supply reservoir, phytoplankton productivity increased from an annual average of 76 mg earbon m−2 day^−1 in 1964–66 to 210 mg carbon m−2 day−1 in 1968–70. It is likely that the increase was due partly to water levels being higher in 1968–70. Results of multiple regression analyses on the annual productivity curves for 1964–66 had suggested that water level, with temperature, was a major factor influencing the productivity at near‐optimal light intensity. In the interval between the two studies the first agricultural land‐development, amounting to 3% of the drainage basin, was carried out, and there is evidence that this development also contributed to the increase in phytoplankton productivity. Streams which drain the developed land were richer in phosphate and nitrate than the unmodified ones. Phosphate concentrations in the lake increased, but other chemical changes were slight. There were no major changes in the species composition of the phyto‐plankton. None of the three dominant species of zooplankton increased, but there were substantial increases in two less abundant taxa, Daphnia carinata King and Cyclopoida. The relative increase in Daphnia is consistent with the hypothesis that large zooplankton enjoy a competitive advantage over smaller species. Similar changes are noted from elsewhere.
Release of dissolved organic matter by photosynthesizing algae in Lake Kinneret, Israel*
Authors: BERMAN THOMAS
Published: May 2006

The incorporation of inorganic carbon in particulate and dissolved organic matter by natural populations of photosynthesizing algae has been studied in Lake Kinneret, Israel, from August 1972 to December 1973. The release of dissolved organic material was directly related to the rates of particulate productivity. However, the percentage of extracellular release (PER) of dissolved organic compounds showed an inverse relationship with chlorophyll a concentrations. Mean PER values (for the trophogenic layer) over the experimental period were 3·7%, and were lowest during the exponential growth phase of the annual dinoflagellate bloom (mean PER = 1·9%). Highest PER were measured in deep, light‐limited samples (mean = 31·7%; s.d.· 21·9%). In a dense metalimnic layer of photosynthetic sulphur bacteria (Chlorobium phaeobacterioides), PER was not as extremely high as has been reported for a similar layer in Lake Wadolek, Poland. Although the amounts of dissolved organic matter released by phytoplankton in Lake Kinneret were low, they may have significance as growth modulators and as substrates for heterotrophic organism.
Temperature studies on a river system in north‐east England
Authors: BOON P. J. , SHIRES S. W.
Published: May 2006

A comprehensive temperature survey of the River North Tyne and its major tributaries is described. The maximum summer temperature of the main river increased downstream, and then remained more or less constant in the middle and lower reaches, whereas the minimum continued to rise throughout the length of the river. This general pattern was unaltered by flow rate, except in regions of almost stationary water. Mean water temperatures were low in winter, rose to a peak in July, and then fell during the remainder of the year. Throughout the year, three significantly different mean daily temperature ranges were demonstrated. The rate of change of temperature also varied seasonally, being greatest during July. A study of the major tributaries revealed certain differences, and these are discussed, particularly in relation to the importance of width and shading on water temperature. In conclusion, suggestions have been made concerning the possible influence of Kielder Water on downstream river temperatures.
Development of the mud habitat during the filling of two new lakes
Authors: McLACHLAN A. J. , McLACHLAN S. M.
Published: May 2006

An attempt is made to illustrate some of the principles of early development of muds in two contrasting lake basins which were devoid of vegetation cover before filling. Essentially the changes involve the dispersion and redistribution of particles in the newly flooded lake bottom. Field and laboratory observations are presented to demonstrate the interaction that exists between water chemistry, wave erosion and the burrowing activity of mud‐dwelling insect larvae, and the effect of these factors on particle size sorting in the substrate. These characteristic changes in the mud during filling are compared with post‐filling stage developments in which the role of extraneous material, including organic matter, may predominate.
Some effects of enclosure on the zooplankton in a small lake
Authors: SMYLY W. J. P.
Published: May 2006

Observations on the effect of enclosure on zooplankton by introducing two experimental tubes, each holding some 18 000 m3 of water, into a small lake, showed that a limnetic community could be maintained within tubes of this capacity throughout a period of 22 months. Two species, the copepod Diaptomus gracilis and the cladoceran Daphnia hyalina were dominant both in the open lake and in each tube, but Diaptomus gracilis was relatively more abundant in the tubes than in the lake, whereas Daphnia hyalina, especially in spring and autumn, was more abundant in the lake than in the tubes. Several scarce species became relatively more abundant in the tubes than in the lake. These changes are more probably associated with reduced predation, especially by larvae of Chaoborus, than with artificially induced changes in the phytoplankton, changes only poorly correlated with changes in the zooplankton.