bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Konkurrenzen zwischen Gesellschafts-, Insolvenz- und Gemeinschaftsrecht bei der Rückforderung rechtswidriger Beihilfen in der jüngsten Rechtsprechung des Bundesgerichtshofs
Authors: Cranshaw Friedrich L
Published: October 2008

I. Einführung

1. Vorbemerkung

Es ist mittlerweile fast ein Allgemeinplatz, wenn man betont, das europäische Recht überforme in denjenigen Teilen, in denen es Kompetenz beanspruchen kann, das nationale Recht der Mitgliedstaaten. Gemeint ist damit zum einen das Primärrecht der europäischen Verträge, wie es seine Ausprägung in der Rechtsprechung der Gemeinschaftsgerichte (EuGH, EuG) findet, die sich zur Rechtsauslegung in hohem Maße auch des Interpretationsinstruments des »effet utile« bedienen. Im Mittelpunkt der rechtsdogmatischen bzw. rechtspolitischen Diskussion steht dabei die Frage der Rechtssetzungskompetenz der Gemeinschaft. In der Rechtspraxis verdrängt das Gemeinschaftsrecht das mitgliedstaatliche Recht auf den von ihm jeweils in Anspruch genommenen Rechtsgebieten. Dieses Ergebnis folgt aus dem Anwendungsvorrang des europäischen Rechts nach der Rechtsprechung des EuGH sowie des Bundesverfassungsgerichts. Im Mittelpunkt der Diskussion in der Rechtsanwendung steht das Sekundärrecht der Gemeinschaft, gleichgültig ob von den Mitgliedstaaten umzusetzende Richtlinie oder unmittelbar in allen Mitgliedstaaten unmittelbar geltende Verordnung bzw. Entscheidung der europäischen Organe (Art. 249 EG-Vertrag). Verfassungsrechtlich ermöglicht Art. 23 Abs. 1 GG die Übertragung entsprechender Souveränitätsrechte. Die Durchschlagskraft des europäischen Rechts ist erheblich, damit kann sogar die Rechtskraft richterlicher Entscheidungen in den Mitgliedstaaten im Einzelfall durchbrochen werden bzw. der Mitgliedstaat muss fehlerhafte rechtskräftige Entscheidungen seiner Gerichte schadenersatzrechtlich »verantworten«, sofern sie aus dem Blick des europäischen Rechts unzutreffend entschieden haben; diese Thematik ist freilich auf Extremfälle beschränkt. Neben einigen in der Öffentlichkeit diskutierten Fragen wie Verbraucherschutz u. ä. hochpolitisch besetzte Themen ist das Recht der Staatsbeihilfen ein Rechtsgebiet mit ungewöhnlich weitreichenden Folgen für die Unternehmen, wiewohl diese überhaupt nicht Adressaten der primärrechtlichen Bestimmungen (Art. 87 ff. EG-Vertrag) sind, sondern allein der Mitgliedstaat.
Freigabe des Neuerwerbs in der Insolvenz selbständig tätiger Schuldner
Authors: Smid Stefan
Published: October 2008

I. Fragestellung

1. Verpflichtung der Masse aus selbständiger Tätigkeit des Schuldners als Dauerproblem

Setzt in dem über das Vermögen einer natürlichen Person eröffneten Insolvenzverfahren der Schuldner seine selbständige Tätigkeit fort oder nimmt er eine selbständige Tätigkeit auf, hat sich vor Inkrafttreten des Insolvenzverfahrens-Vereinfachungsgesetzes am 1. 7. 2007 die Frage gestellt, ob und inwieweit die Verbindlichkeiten, die bei bzw. durch diese selbständige Tätigkeit veranlasst werden, Masseverbindlichkeiten sind. Bekanntlich ist in diesem Zusammenhang stets auf den Wortlaut des § 55 Abs. 1 Nr. 1 InsO hingewiesen worden, wonach nicht allein die durch Handlungen des Insolvenzverwalters, sondern auch die in anderer Weise durch die Verwaltung, Verwertung und Verteilung der Insolvenzmasse begründet wordenen Verbindlichkeiten werden, ohne zu den Kosten des Insolvenzverfahrens zu gehören.
Gläubigerprivilegierung durch die Hintertür – § 28 e Abs. 1 Satz 2 SGB IV und seine angebliche Rückwirkung auf Altfälle
Authors: Koza Axel
Published: October 2008

I. Einleitung

Von den beteiligten Kreisen nahezu unbemerkt trat innerhalb kürzester Zeit zum 1. 1. 2008 § 28 e Abs. 1 Satz 2 SGB IV in Kraft. Die Vorschrift lautet:

»Die Zahlung des vom Beschäftigten zu tragenden Teils des Gesamtsozialversicherungsbeitrags gilt als aus dem Vermögen des Beschäftigten erbracht.«
Die Veräußerung notleidender Kreditforderungen durch öffentlich-rechtliche Kreditinstitute
Authors: Schulz Dietmar , Schröder Hubertus
Published: October 2008

I. Einleitung

Die Veräußerung notleidender Kreditforderungen (Non-performing Loans – NPL) ist auch für deutsche Kreditinstitute ein probates Mittel zur Risikosteuerung und Refinanzierung, besonders, wenn diese durch Immobilien gesichert sind. Aus Sicht der Kreditinstitute spricht eine Vielzahl von Gründen für den Verkauf von NPL: Liquiditätszufuhr, Bilanzentlastung, Reduzierung von Kreditrisiken, Verbesserung von Ratings, Senkung der Refinanzierungskosten – womit auch die Kreditkonditionen für nicht notleidende Kreditkunden ver-bessert werden – und aufsichtsrechtliche Faktoren wie Basel II sowie die Mindestanforderungen an das Kreditgeschäft (MAK).
Die Mietkaution in der Insolvenz des Vermieters
Authors: Gundlach Ulf , Frenzel Volkhard , Strandmann Uwe
Published: October 2008

I. Einleitung

Die Stellung einer Mietkaution ist im Vermietungsgeschäft allgemein üblich und soll dem Sicherungsinteresse des Vermieters gerecht werden. Der Vermieter ist es denn auch, der in der Regel auf die Leistung einer Mietkaution besteht. Häufig stellt der Mieter dementsprechend dem Vermieter einen Geldbetrag zur Verfügung, der in die Rechtsinhaberschaft des Vermieters gelangt, aber nur unter bestimmten Voraussetzungen vom Vermieter verwandt werden darf. Haftungsrechtlich ist es schon grundsätzlich problematisch, wenn das Eigentum bzw. die Forderungsinhaberschaft auf den Dritten wechselt. Denn damit wechselt grundsätzlich auch die Haftungszuweisung am Gegenstand, so dass der Gegenstand auch für die Schulden des Dritten haftet.
Zivilgerichtsbarkeit: BGH, Urteil vom 13. 12. 2007 – IX ZR 196/06, Verfahrenskosten bei Nichteröffnung des Insolvenzverfahrens (Anmerkung Thorsten Graeber)
Authors: Graeber Thorsten
Published: October 2008

Urteil vom 13. 12. 2007 – IX ZR 196/06

1.

Ist das Gesamtvollstreckungsverfahren (Insolvenzverfahren) nicht eröffnet worden, hat der Sequester (vorläufige Insolvenzverwalter) einen materiellrechtlichen Vergütungsanspruch gegen den Schuldner.

2.

Im Falle der Nichteröffnung betrifft die Entscheidung über »die Kosten des Verfahrens« nicht die Vergütung und Auslagen des Sequesters (vorläufigen Insolvenzverwalters). Selbst dann, wenn ein Gläubigerantrag auf Eröffnung eines Gesamtvollstreckungsverfahrens (Insolvenzverfahrens) aus in der Person des Antragstellers liegenden Gründen abgelehnt worden ist, können dem Antragsteller nicht durch besonderen Beschluss die durch das Sequestrationsverfahren (Eröffnungsverfahren) entstandenen Kosten auferlegt werden.
Who tells which story and why? Micro and macro contexts in narrative
Authors: de Fina Anna
Published: October 2008

This article focuses on the inter-relations between storytelling and micro and macro contexts. It explores how narrative activity is shaped by and shapes in unique ways the local context of interaction in a community of practice, an Italian American card-playing club, but also illustrates how the storytelling events that take place within this local community relate to wider social processes. The analysis centers on a number of topically linked narratives to argue that these texts have a variety of functions linked to the roles and relationships negotiated by individuals within the club and to the construction of a collective identity for the community. However, the narrative activities that occur within the club also articulate aspects of the wider social context. It is argued that, in the case analyzed here, local meaning-making activities connect with macro social processes through the negotiation, within the constraints of local practices, of the position and roles of the ethnic group in the wider social space. In this sense, narrative activity can be seen as one of the many symbolic practices (Bourdieu 2002 [1977]) in which social groups engage to carry out struggles for legitimation and recognition in order to accumulate symbolic capital and greater social power.
Synapsin IIa Controls the Reserve Pool of Glutamatergic Synaptic Vesicles
Authors: Gitler Daniel , Cheng Qing , Greengard Paul , Augustine George J.
Published: October 2008

Synapsins regulate synaptic transmission by controlling the reserve pool of synaptic vesicles. Each of the three mammalian synapsin genes is subject to alternative splicing, yielding several isoforms whose roles are unknown. To investigate the function of these isoforms, we examined the synaptic effects of introducing each isoform into glutamatergic cultured hippocampal neurons from synapsin triple knock-out mice. Remarkably, we found that synapsin IIa was the only isoform that could rescue the synaptic depression phenotype of the triple knock-out mice; other isoforms examined, including the well-studied synapsin Ia isoform, had no significant effect on the kinetics of synaptic depression. The slowing of synaptic depression by synapsin IIa was quantitatively paralleled by an increase in the density of reserve pool synaptic vesicles, as measured either by fluorescent tagging of the vesicle protein synaptobrevin-2 or by staining with the styryl dye FM4–64 [N-(3-triethylammoniumpropyl)-4-(6-(4-diethylamino)phenyl)-hexatrienyl)pyridinium dibromide]. Our results provide further support for the hypothesis that synapsins define the kinetics of synaptic depression at glutamatergic synapses by controlling the size of the vesicular reserve pool and identify synapsin IIa as the isoform primarily responsible for this task.
Modulation of SK Channel Trafficking by Beta Adrenoceptors Enhances Excitatory Synaptic Transmission and Plasticity in the Amygdala
Authors: Faber E. S. Louise , Delaney Andrew J. , Power John M. , Sedlak Petra L. , Crane James W. , Sah Pankaj
Published: October 2008

Emotionally arousing events are particularly well remembered. This effect is known to result from the release of stress hormones and activation of β adrenoceptors in the amygdala. However, the underlying cellular mechanisms are not understood. Small conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK) channels are present at glutamatergic synapses where they limit synaptic transmission and plasticity. Here, we show that β adrenoceptor activation regulates synaptic SK channels in lateral amygdala pyramidal neurons, through activation of protein kinase A. We show that SK channels are constitutively recycled from the postsynaptic membrane and that activation of β adrenoceptors removes SK channels from excitatory synapses. This results in enhanced synaptic transmission and plasticity. Our findings demonstrate a novel mechanism by which β adrenoceptors control synaptic transmission and plasticity, through regulation of SK channel trafficking, and suggest that modulation of synaptic SK channels may contribute to β adrenoceptor-mediated potentiation of emotional memories.
Aβ Oligomers Induce Neuronal Cell Cycle Events in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Varvel Nicholas H. , Bhaskar Kiran , Patil Anita R. , Pimplikar Sanjay W. , Herrup Karl , Lamb Bruce T.
Published: October 2008

Neurons subject to degeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD) exhibit evidence of re-entry into a mitotic cell cycle even before the development of substantial AD brain pathology. In efforts to identify the initiating factors underlying these cell cycle events (CCEs), we have characterized the appearance of the neuronal CCEs in the genomic-based R1.40 transgenic mouse model of AD. Notably, R1.40 mice exhibit neuronal CCEs in a reproducible temporal and spatial pattern that recapitulates the neuronal vulnerability seen in human AD. Neuronal CCEs first appear at 6 months in the frontal cortex layers II/III. This is 6–8 months before detectable amyloid β (Aβ) deposition, suggesting that specific amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing products are responsible for the induction of neuronal CCEs. Furthermore, a reduction in the levels of Aβ (achieved by shifting the genetic background from C57BL/6 to the DBA/2 mouse strain) dramatically delays the appearance of neuronal CCEs. More significantly, elimination of β-secretase activity blocks the appearance of CCEs, providing direct genetic evidence that the amyloidogenic processing of APP is required for the induction of CCEs. Finally,in vitropreparations of oligomeric, but not monomeric, Aβ induce DNA synthesis in dissociated cortical neurons, and this response is blocked by antioligomer specific antibodies. Together, our data suggest that low molecular weight aggregates of Aβ induce neuronal cell cycle re-entry in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease.
Parkin Deficiency Increases Vulnerability to Inflammation-Related Nigral Degeneration
Authors: Frank-Cannon Tamy C. , Tran Thi , Ruhn Kelly A. , Martinez Terina N. , Hong John , Marvin Marian , Hartley Meagan , Treviño Isaac , O'Brien Daniel E. , Casey Bradford , Goldberg Matthew S. , Tansey Malú G.
Published: October 2008

The loss of nigral dopaminergic (DA) neurons in idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) is believed to result from interactions between genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. Evidence that inflammatory processes modulate PD risk comes from prospective studies that suggest that higher plasma concentrations of a number of proinflammatory cytokines correlate with an increased risk of developing PD and chronic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug regimens reduce the incidence of PD. Although loss-of-function mutations in theparkingene cause early-onset familial PD, Parkin-deficient (parkin−/−) mice do not display nigrostriatal pathway degeneration, suggesting that a genetic factor is not sufficient, and an environmental trigger may be needed to cause nigral DA neuron loss. To test the hypothesis thatparkin−/− mice require an inflammatory stimulus to develop nigral DA neuron loss, low-dose lipopolysaccaride (LPS) was administered intraperitoneally for prolonged periods. Quantitative real-time PCR and immunofluorescence labeling of inflammatory markers indicated that this systemic LPS treatment regimen triggered persistent neuroinflammation in wild-type andparkin−/− mice. Although inflammatory and oxidative stress responses to the inflammation regimen did not differ significantly between the two genotypes, onlyparkin−/− mice displayed subtle fine-motor deficits and selective loss of DA neurons in substantia nigra. Therefore, our studies suggest that loss of Parkin function increases the vulnerability of nigral DA neurons to inflammation-related degeneration. This new model of nigral DA neuron loss may enable identification of early biomarkers of degeneration and aid in preclinical screening efforts to identify compounds that can halt or delay the progressive degeneration of the nigrostriatal pathway.
Maintenance of Axo-Oligodendroglial Paranodal Junctions Requires DCC and Netrin-1
Authors: Jarjour Andrew A. , Bull Sarah-Jane , Almasieh Mohammadali , Rajasekharan Sathyanath , Baker K. Adam , Mui Jeannie , Antel Jack P. , Di Polo Adriana , Kennedy Timothy E.
Published: October 2008

Paranodal axoglial junctions are essential for the segregation of myelinated axons into distinct domains and efficient conduction of action potentials. Here, we show that netrin-1 and deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC) are enriched at the paranode in CNS myelin. We then address whether netrin-1 signaling influences paranodal adhesion between oligodendrocytes and axons. In the absence of netrin-1 or DCC function, oligodendroglial paranodes initially develop and mature normally but later become disorganized. Lack of DCC or netrin-1 resulted in detachment of paranodal loops from the axonal surface and the disappearance of transverse bands. Furthermore, the domain organization of myelin is compromised in the absence of netrin-1 signaling: K+channels inappropriately invade the paranodal region, and the normally restricted paranodal distribution of Caspr expands longitudinally along the axon. Our findings identify an essential role for netrin-1 and DCC regulating the maintenance of axoglial junctions.
NaV1.7 Gain-of-Function Mutations as a Continuum: A1632E Displays Physiological Changes Associated with Erythromelalgia and Paroxysmal Extreme Pain Disorder Mutations and Produces Symptoms of Both Disorders
Authors: Estacion M. , Dib-Hajj S. D. , Benke P. J. , te Morsche Rene H. M. , Eastman E. M. , Macala L. J. , Drenth J. P. H. , Waxman S. G.
Published: October 2008

Gain-of-function mutations of NaV1.7 have been shown to produce two distinct disorders: NaV1.7 mutations that enhance activation produce inherited erythromelalgia (IEM), characterized by burning pain in the extremities; NaV1.7 mutations that impair inactivation produce a different, nonoverlapping syndrome, paroxysmal extreme pain disorder (PEPD), characterized by rectal, periocular, and perimandibular pain. Here we report a novel NaV1.7 mutation associated with a mixed clinical phenotype with characteristics of IEM and PEPD, with an alanine 1632 substitution by glutamate (A1632E) in domain IV S4–S5 linker. Patch-clamp analysis shows that A1632E produces changes in channel function seen in both IEM and PEPD mutations: A1632E hyperpolarizes (−7 mV) the voltage dependence of activation, slows deactivation, and enhances ramp responses, as observed in NaV1.7 mutations that produce IEM. A1632E depolarizes (+17mV) the voltage dependence of fast inactivation, slows fast inactivation, and prevents full inactivation, resulting in persistent inward currents similar to PEPD mutations. Using current clamp, we show that A1632E renders dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and trigeminal ganglion neurons hyperexcitable. These results demonstrate a NaV1.7 mutant with biophysical characteristics common to PEPD (impaired fast inactivation) and IEM (hyperpolarized activation, slow deactivation, and enhanced ramp currents) associated with a clinical phenotype with characteristics of both IEM and PEPD and show that this mutation renders DRG and trigeminal ganglion neurons hyperexcitable. These observations indicate that IEM and PEPD mutants are part of a physiological continuum that can produce a continuum of clinical phenotypes.
Neural-Activity-Dependent Release of S100B from Astrocytes Enhances Kainate-Induced Gamma OscillationsIn Vivo
Authors: Sakatani Seiichi , Seto-Ohshima Akiko , Shinohara Yoshiaki , Yamamoto Yasuhiko , Yamamoto Hiroshi , Itohara Shigeyoshi , Hirase Hajime
Published: October 2008

S100B is the principal calcium-binding protein of astrocytes and known to be secreted to extracellular space. Although secreted S100B has been reported to promote neurite extension and cell survival via its receptor [receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE)], effects of extracellular S100B on neural activity have been mostly unexplored. Here, we demonstrate that secreted S100B enhances kainate-induced gamma oscillations. Local infusion of S100B inS100B(−/−)mice enhanced hippocampal kainate-induced gamma oscillationsin vivo. In a complementary set of experiments, local application of anti-S100B antibody in wild-type mice attenuated the gamma oscillations. Both results indicate that the presence of extracellular S100B enhances the kainate-induced gamma oscillations. In acutely isolated hippocampal slices, kainate application increased S100B secretion in a neural-activity-dependent manner. Further pharmacological experiments revealed that S100B secretion was critically dependent on presynaptic release of neurotransmitter and activation of metabotropic glutamate receptor 3. Moreover, the kainate-induced gamma oscillations were attenuated by the genetic deletion or antibody blockade of RAGEin vivo. These results suggest RAGE activation by S100B enhances the gamma oscillations. Together, we propose a novel pathway of neuron–glia communications—astrocytic release of S100B modulates neural network activity through RAGE activation.
Sublimation: A Two-Step Phase Transition
Authors: Mosienko B. A.
Published: October 2008

It is shown that the existing notions of the triple point phase equilibrium and the sublimation process need revision. To understand these phenomena a different approach is proposed, substantiated with the principle of least time for phase transitions. It is deduced that sublimation is a two-step phase transition through an intermediate (liquid) state.The new approach is consistent with the modern viewpoint of the first-order phase transitions. Some experimental data support the proposed approach.
Water-Induced Programmable Synthesis of Water Pores
Authors: Perez-Hernandez Natalia , Roux Victoria , Febles Martin , Morales Ezequiel Q. , Perez Cirilo , Fort Diego , Martin Julio D.
Published: October 2008

A time-sequential approach to study the hydration thermodynamics of designed organic compacts should prove useful in other cases where cavities are occupied by multiple water molecules, i. e. natural cell water channels as aquaporins.
Intramolecular Hydrogen Bonding of 5-Acyl-3-methylrhodanines
Authors: Smith Lars Borch , Hansen Poul Erik
Published: October 2008

A series of 5-acyl-3-methylrhodanines have been synthesized. The structures of those are described using 1H and 13C NMR, deuterium isotope effects on 13C chemical shifts and DFT calculations. The compounds exist as exocyclic enols with intramolecular hydrogen bonds to the C = ONCH3 oxygen. No signs of enhanced mesoionic character were found.
New Insights into Light-Induced Deactivation of Active Rhodopsin by SVD and Global Analysis of Time-Resolved UV/Vis- and FTIR-Data
Authors: Elgeti Matthias , Ritter Eglof , Bartl Franz J.
Published: October 2008

Time-resolved Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and UV/Vis difference spectra of light induced deactivation of the photoreceptor rhodopsin were simultaneously recorded on the same sample. The data were analyzed by a special designed combination of singular value decomposition and Global analysis to verify our recently published model of receptor deactivation. This mathematical approach enables us to obtain the pure difference spectra of the conversions between the species involved. We found two different species, which could be identified as key intermediates of the model. The new data allow deeper insights into the structural changes that come along with the formation of the deactivated state. By means of this method we can now separate and assign even strongly overlapping and highly coupled bands of the infrared difference spectra.
Kinetic Size Effect During Dissolution of a Synthetic γ-Alumina
Authors: Roelofs Frank , Vogelsberger Wolfram , Buntkowsky Gerd
Published: October 2008

The dissolution process of a technical, nanodispersed γ-alumina in water was studied at 25 °C in the pH range 3.0 ≤ pH ≤ 11.5. Thereby, especial attention was paid to the influence of supersaturation on the dissolution behaviour observed. In conclusion, we were able to verify a size effect during the dissolution process, in the whole pH range investigated. In addition, we observed that changing supersaturation under identical conditions, leads to a shift of the maximum in the concentration profiles both, in absolute value and in time, when the maximum occurs. X-ray powder diffraction analysis and nitrogen adsorption measurements were used to identify the solid material collected during selected dissolution experiments. As a result, the formation of the aluminium phase -bayerite/gibbsite- could be excluded as a possible reason for the observed dissolution behaviour. The rate constants of the dissolution process were evaluated using the model of Gibbs free energy of cluster formation, which considers size effect among other factors. As a result, we were able to prove that the observed maxima in the concentration profiles were due to a kinetic size effect, caused by the size of the primary particles of the starting material, surface tension, and supersaturation in the system.
DFT Study of Proton Dynamics in the Potassium Hydrogen Maleate Crystal: the Infrared Versus the Inelastic Neutron Scattering Spectra
Authors: Vener Mikhail V. , Manaev Alexey V. , Hadzi Dusan , Tsirelson Vladimir G.
Published: October 2008

The structure, harmonic frequencies and infrared (IR) intensities of the fundamental transitions in potassium hydrogen maleate (KHM) crystal have been computed using the BLYP/6-31G** method with periodic boundary conditions. The inelastic neutron scattering (INS) intensities of the fundamental transitions were evaluated and compared with the experimental INS spectra of hydrogenated sample and isotopic analogues of the KHM crystal; the agreement is reasonable good. Spectroscopic manifestations of the proton dynamics in the strong intramolecular H-bond were clarified by comparison of the computed frequencies of the IR and INS-active fundamental transitions. Due to several reasons, the number of the bands and their relative intensity were found to differ between the INS and IR spectra of the KHM crystal. Reduced masses for the asymmetric O…H…O stretching vibrations of the hydrogen maleate ion appear to be larger 1 a.m.u. because of the strong coupling between the bridging proton motion and the various intramolecular vibrations.
Transition Path Sampling Study of the Reaction Catalyzed by Purine Nucleoside Phosphorylase
Authors: Saen-oon Suwipa , Schramm Vern L. , Schwartz Steven D.
Published: October 2008

The Transition Path Sampling (TPS) method is a powerful technique for studying rare events in complex systems, that allows description of reactive events in atomic detail without prior knowledge of reaction coordinates and transition states. We have applied TPS in combination with a hybrid Quantum Mechanical/Molecular Mechanical (QM/MM) method to study the enzyme human purine nucleoside phosphorylase (hPNP). This enzyme catalyzes the reversible phosphorolysis of 6-oxypurine (deoxy)nucleosides to generate the corresponding purine base and (deoxy)ribose 1-phosphate. Hundreds of reactive trajectories were generated. Analysis of this transition path ensembles provides insight into the detailed mechanistic dynamics of reaction in the enzyme. Our studies have indicated a reaction mechanism involving the cleavage of the N-ribosidic bond to form transition states with substantial ribooxacarbenium ion character, that is then followed by conformational changes in the enzyme and the ribosyl group leading to migration of the anomeric carbon of the ribosyl group toward phosphate to form the product ribose 1-phosphate. This latter process is crucial in PNP, because several strong H-bonds form between active site residues in order to capture and align the phosphate nucleophile. Calculations of the commitment probability along reactive paths demonstrated the presence of a broad energy barrier at the transition state. Analysis of these transition state structures showed that bond-breaking and bond-forming distances are not a good choice for the reaction coordinate, but that the pseudorotational phase of the ribose ring is also a significant variable.
A Full-Dimensional Quantum Dynamical Study of the Vibrational Ground State of H3O2
– and its Isotopomers
Authors: Yang Yonggang , Kühn Oliver
Published: October 2008

We investigated the effect of deuteration on the vibrational ground state of the hydrated hydroxide anion using a nine-dimensional quantum dynamical model for the case of J = 0. The propagation of the nuclear wave function has been performed with the multi-configuration time-dependent Hartree method which yielded zero-point energies for the normal and fully deuterated species in quantitative agreement with previous diffusion Monte Carlo calculations. According to the zero-point energy the isotopomers having the hydrogen atom in the bridging position are more stable by about 1 kJ/mol as compared to the deuterium case. This holds irrespective of the deuteration state of the two OH groups. We also report the secondary geometric isotope effect on the O–O distance upon replacing the H- by a D-bond. It amounts to a contraction by about 0.005 Å for the symmetric isotopomers and 0.009 Å in the asymmetric case.
Collective High Frequency Motions in Liquid Deuterium Fluoride
Authors: Demmel Franz , Heusel Gerhard , Waldner Isabella , Stride John , Bertagnolli Helmut
Published: October 2008

The collective motions in liquid deuterium fluoride (DF) have been investigated by neutron scattering motivated by a MD simulation, which predicted an optic-type mode at small momentum transfers. Spectra of the measured longitudinal current correlation function show two modes. The lower frequency one originates from acoustic-type movements. The intensity of the higher frequency excitation can be attributed to an out of phase motion of neighboring DF molecules, an optic-type mode. Both, the frequencies and the intensity distribution in momentum space agree well with the MD simulation. The widths of the experimental spectra exceed the widths from the MD simulation and indicate missing relaxation processes in the simulation.
Weak Hydrogen Bonds Make a Difference: Dimers of Jet-Cooled Halogenated Ethanols
Authors: Scharge Tina , Wassermann Tobias N. , Suhm Martin A.
Published: October 2008

Hydrogen-bonded clusters of fluorinated and chlorinated ethanols exhibit rich isomerism in terms of monomer conformation, secondary contacts between the OH and CH groups and the halogen atoms, hydrogen bond topology, chirality recognition and acceptor lone electron pair choice. By expanding the six alcohols involving one to three fluorine or chlorine atoms at the methyl group in a supersonic slit jet expansion and by probing their monomer, dimer and trimer IR spectra between 800 and 4000 cm−1, this isomerism is unravelled in substantial detail. Argon relaxation experiments and complementary cluster Raman spectroscopy provide further information on the individual dimer conformations and on trimer assignments. Energy sequences, helicity- and topology-dependent OH red-shifts, differences between fluorine and chlorine, the influence of dispersion-like interactions and halogen number trends are uncovered and compared to systematic quantum-chemical calculations up to MP2/6–311+G* level. The experimental data provide rigorous reference values for an accurate and balanced quantum-mechanical description of weak hydrogen bond interactions to halogens in the presence of a strong hydrogen bond between oxygen atoms.
Mobilizing the Base and Embarrassing the Opposition: Defense of Marriage Referenda and Cross-Cutting Electoral Cleavages
Authors: Camp Bayliss J.
Published: October 2008

Using the recent spate of so-called Defense of Marriage (DOMA) referenda as a point of analysis, the author argues that direct democracy presents the potential for intensifying the nature of interparty competition at the state level. Given a particular configuration of circumstances—namely where a salient electoral issue cross-cuts already existing party cleavages—ballot referenda can become tools by which political parties “poach” members of an opposing coalition. Using data at the county level, the author finds evidence that DOMA ballot referenda do not simply mobilize conservative Protestant voters; they also (potentially) reorient the partisan loyalties of two core Democratic constituencies: African Americans and Hispanics. However, as the electoral system is dynamic, the effectiveness of referenda as mechanisms of partisan competition changes with succeeding election cycles and may even lead to unintended effects. Notably, late-cycle DOMA elections (those occurring in 2005 and 2006) provide evidence both for increasingly effective mobilization within the gay and lesbian community and, more surprisingly, to increasing opposition to antigay marriage measures on the part of Mainline Protestant and Catholic voters. The author discusses the implications of these findings for our understanding of the gay marriage debate specifically and for the dynamics of the American party system more generally.
Utilizing Rights and Wrongs: Right-Wing, the “Right” Language, and Human Rights in the Gaza Disengagement
Authors: Shor Eran
Published: October 2008

This article examines the discourses of Israeli right-wing figures who opposed Israel's disengagement from the Gaza Strip in August 2005. Relying on a systematic analysis of prominent conservative Israeli outlets, the author demonstrates an attempt to reconcile two opposing discourses: a particularistic-Jewish morality discourse and a universal rhetoric of human rights. The author shows that the use of the latter is a relatively novel phenomenon, which was absent during the struggle against Israel's retreat from the Sinai Peninsula in April 1982. Drawing on these findings and on larger global tendencies, the author offers that during the last few decades, human rights rhetoric has become politically instrumental, maybe even unavoidable, for groups and individuals who traditionally have not used it.
Disclosure of the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease: caregivers' opinions in a Brazilian sample
Authors: Shimizu Marta Maria , Raicher I. , Takahashi Daniel Yasumasa , Caramelli Paulo , Nitrini Ricardo
Published: October 2008

BACKGROUND: Disclosure of the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains a contentious issue, and has been little studied in developing countries. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of socio-demographic factors and the experience of being a caregiver on opinion about disclosing AD diagnosis to the patient in a Brazilian sample. METHOD: Caregivers of 50 AD patients together with 50 control participants that did not have the experience of being a caregiver of AD patient were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: Most of the participants (73.0%) endorsed disclosure of the diagnosis, while caregivers were less prone to disclose (58.0%) than controls (88.0%; p=0.0007). Logistic regression confirmed that only the experience of being a caregiver was associated with a lesser tendency for disclosure endorsement. CONCLUSION: The majority of participants was in favor of disclosing the diagnosis, but caregivers were less willing to disclose the diagnosis to the AD patient.
Babies with brain damage who can not swallow: surgical management
Authors: Silva Sidney V. da , Schmidt Augusto F.S. , Mezzacappa Maria A. , Marba Sérgio T. , Bustorff-Silva Joaquim M. , Sbragia Lourenço
Published: October 2008

BACKGROUND: Neonates with severe neurological impairment are often unable to swallow, necessitating gastrostomy for feeding. Because of the risk of developing severe reflux, this procedure is often associated with fundoplication. OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and efficacy of gastrostomy and Nissen fundoplication in 22 neonates with swallowing difficulties due to serious neurological impairment. METHOD: All children underwent an initial period of nasogastric feeding and after informed consent underwent gastrostomy and Nissen fundoplication. RESULTS: There were no significant intraoperative complications. There were two cases of postoperative periostomy leakage. Of the 22 neonates 16 were alive four months after surgery. Six neonates died of complications due to underlying disease. CONCLUSION: We concluded that gastrostomy and Nissen fundoplication are safe procedures and help parents give a better care to these children.
Persistent developmental stuttering as a cortical-subcortical dysfunction: evidence from muscle activation
Authors: Andrade Claudia Regina Furquim de , Sassi Fernanda Chiarion , Juste Fabiola , Mendonça Lucia Iracema Zanotto de
Published: October 2008

BACKGROUND: One contemporary view of stuttering posits that speech disfluencies arise from anomalous speech motor control. PURPOSE: To verify the rest muscle tension and speech reaction time of fluent and stuttering adults. METHOD: 22 adults, divided in two groups: G1 - 11 fluent individuals; G2 - 11 stutterers. Electromyography recordings (inferior orbicularis oris) were collected in two different situations: during rest and in a reaction time activity. RESULTS: The groups were significantly different considering rest muscle tension (G2 higher recordings) and did not differ when considering speech reaction time and muscle activity during speech. There was a strong positive correlation between speech reaction time and speech muscle activity for G2 - the longer the speech reaction time, the higher the muscle activity during speech. CONCLUSION: In addition to perceptible episodes of speech disfluency, stutterers exhibit anomalies in speech motor output during fluent speech. Correlations with a possible cortical-subcortical disorder are discussed.
Pediatric multiple sclerosis: analysis of clinical and epidemiological aspects according to National MS Society Consensus 2007
Authors: Ferreira Maria Lúcia Brito , Machado Maria Íris Morais , Dantas Maria José Guedes , Moreira Álvaro José Porto , Souza Adélia Maria de Miranda Henriques
Published: October 2008

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of child/adolescence multiple sclerosis (MS). METHOD: According to a descriptive, cohort study, with comparison of groups, data of 31 cases of child/adolescent MS, diagnosed at State Reference Center for Demyelinating Diseases - Hospital da Restauração, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, from 1987 to July 2007, were analyzed. The variables were: sex, initial symptoms, time for diagnosis, time of disease onset (early childhood, later childhood and adolescence), time of follow-up, number of relapses, relapses index and disability. Using SPSS software, version 13.0, t Student and Mann-Whitney tests were performed, with significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: There were 3 (9.7%) cases of early childhood MS, 9 (29%), of late childhood MS, and 19 (61.3%), of adolescence MS. The general sex rate female: male was 1.8:1, varying according to age of onset. The predominant deficits were motor (12; 38.7%) and brainstem/cerebellum (7; 22.5%) especially on subsequent relapses of relapsing/remitting form. Time for diagnosis and average relapses index were higher in early childhood than in adolescence class (p=0.049 and p=0.028, respectively). Disability was higher for primary and secondary MS, as well as for early childhood. CONCLUSION: Early childhood MS presents proper and different characteristics from adults, consisting in a difficult diagnosis that demands aid of expert neurologist on MS.
Immune system markers of neuroinflammation in patients with clinical diagnose of neuromyelitis optica
Authors: Alves-Leon Soniza Vieira , Pimentel Maria Lucia Vellutini , Sant'Anna Gabrielle , Malfetano Fabíola Rachid , Estrada Cláudio Duque , Quirico- Santos Thereza
Published: October 2008

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an inflammatory, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system characterized by the association of a serious myelitis and unilateral or bilateral optic neuritis. The present study aimed to analyze the immunological parameters of NMO patients with diagnosis established based on Wingerchuck et al. (1999) criteria. Production of IgG and IgA antibodies to antigens of MBP, PLP 95-116, MOG 92-106, and the cytokines interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interferon-γ (INF-γ) were assessed by Elisa assay. The cohort was formed by 28 NMO patients and a matched healthy control group. NMO patients had significant high levels of IgG to MOG (p<0.0001), PLP (p=0.0002) and MBP (p<0.0001), and solely IgA to MBP (p<0.0001). INF-γ (p=0.61) levels were similar to healthy controls. Increased production of IL-4 (p=0.0084) indicates an important role for this cytokine in the activation of Th2 regulatory cells and of the IgA producers B lymphocyte indicating activation of humoral immunity.
Skull radiographs and computed tomography scans in children and adolescents with mild head trauma
Authors: Melo José Roberto Tude , Reis Rodolfo Casimiro , Lemos-Júnior Laudenor Pereira , Azevedo-Neto Assuero , Oliveira Dalton Willy Santos , Garcia Felipe René F. Cruz , Ribeiro Joelson Oliveira , Santos-Neto Muryllo de Brito , Oliveira-Filho Jamary
Published: October 2008

OBJECTIVE: To identify which pediatric patients with mild head trauma are candidates for skull radiographs or cranial computed tomography (CCT) scans. METHOD: Patients with mild head trauma aged from 0 to 19 years presenting to the Emergency Department of a trauma centre from Salvador City, Brazil, between May 2007 and May 2008. RESULTS: A total of 1888 mild head trauma patients were admitted; mean age was 7.4 (±5.5) years. A total of 1956 skull radiographs and 734 CCT scans were performed. About 44.4% patients with Glasgow coma score (GCS) 13 and 55.4% with GCS 14 had abnormal CCT scans. In patients with multiple traumas, 16% had abnormal findings on CCT scans. CONCLUSION: We strongly recommend routine CCT studies to patients with GCS of 13 and 14 or to multiple trauma victims, independently of score. Routine screening skull radiographs were not useful in the evaluation of mild head trauma patients in this study.
Aneurysmal bone cyst at C2: imaging evaluation after intralesional injection of calcitonin and methylprednisolone
Authors: Tonomura Elise T. , Ramos Paulo , Hemais Paulo Miguel , Marchiori Edson , Gasparetto Emerson L.
Published: October 2008

Objective: To demonstrate imaging findings during the follow-up of patients with aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) of C2 treated with intralesional injection of calcitonin and methylprednisolone. METHOD: Three patients with ABC of C2 were treated percutaneously with intralesional injection of calcitonin and methylprednisolone. All the patients were females, with ages varying from 6 to 13 years. All of them presented with cervical masses, but without neurological symptoms. RESULTS: Imaging follow-up with CT and plain films showed progressive ossification and reduction of the blood-filled cavities with volume reduction of all lesions. No recurrence was noted during the follow-up.  Conclusion: Intralesional injection of calcitonin and methylprednisolone is a safe treatment option for cervical ABC. The CT scan is especially valuable as a guide of injection site and for the follow-up of ossification of the treated ABCs.
Psychological evaluation and cope with trigeminal neuralgia and temporomandibular disorder
Authors: Castro Adriana Ronchetti de , Siqueira Silvia Regina Dowgan Tesseroli de , Perissinotti Dirce Maria Navas , Siqueira José Tadeu Tesseroli de
Published: October 2008

OBJECTIVE: To determine the psychological aspects of orofacial pain in trigeminal neuralgia (TN) and temporomandibular disorder (TMD), and associated factors of coping as limitations in daily activities and feelings about the treatment and about the pain. METHOD: 30 patients were evaluated (15 with TN and 15 with TMD) using a semi-directed interview and the Hospital Anxiety Depression (HAD) scale. RESULTS: TN patients knew more about their diagnosis (p<0.001). Most of the patients with TN considered their disease severe (87%), in opposite to TMD (p=0.004); both groups had a high level of limitations in daily activities, and the most helpful factors to overcome pain were the proposed treatment followed by religiosity (p<0.04). Means of HAD scores were 10.9 for anxiety (moderate) and 11.67 for depression (mild), and were not statistically different between TMD and NT (p=0.20). CONCLUSION: TN and TMD had similar scores of anxiety and depression, therefore patients consider TN more severe than TMD. Even with higher limitations, patients with TN cope better with their disease then patients with TMD.
Quantification of cerebrospinal fluid ferritin as a biomarker for CNS malignant infiltration
Authors: Almeida Sérgio Monteiro de , Cunha Dione Sosnitzki da , Yamada Edna , Doi Elvira Missako , Ono Margaret
Published: October 2008

Several markers have been studied for their ability to make the CNS infiltration diagnosis earlier and more precise; previous studies showed that CSF ferritin concentrations were higher in patients with malignant invasion of CNS. The objective was to determine the importance of CSF ferritin as a biomarker for the diagnosis of CNS neoplasic infiltration. This study is based on 93 CSF samples, divided into five groups: malignant cells present (n13); malignant cells not present (n26); inflammatory neurological diseases (n16); neurocysticercosis (n20); acute bacterial meningitis (n18). CSF ferritin values were determined by micro particle enzyme immunoassay. CSF ferritin level (mean±SD) in the group with neoplasic cells in the CSF was 42.8±49.7 ng /mL, higher than in the other groups (p<0.0001). We conclude that CSF ferritin with the cut off 20 ng/mL could be an adjuvant biomarker to the diagnosis of CNS malignant infiltration.
Peripheral facial palsy in the past: contributions from Avicenna, Nicolaus Friedreich and Charles Bell
Authors: Resende Luiz Antonio de Lima , Weber Silke
Published: October 2008

This study provides historical documents of peripheral facial palsy from Egypt, Greece and Rome, through the middle ages, and the renaissance, and into the last four centuries. We believe that the history of peripheral facial palsy parallels history of the human race itself. Emphasis is made on contributions by Avicenna and Nicolaus Friedreich. Controversies about the original clinical description by Charles Bell are also discussed.
Excessive daytime sleepiness of the Brazilian emperor Dom Pedro II probably due to sleep apnea syndrome
Authors: Reimão Rubens , Gomes Marleide da Mota , Maranhão-Filho Péricles
Published: October 2008

OBJECTIVE: To show that the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) was the probable cause of D. Pedro II's excessive daytime sleepiness. METHOD: Research of historical documents and bibliographical. RESULTS: The excessive daytime sleepiness of D. Pedro II (1825-1891) was well known and bitterly criticized behavior by oppositionist magazines; it was also recognized by his peers. He would fall asleep in public places such as the theater and while attending lectures. As a youth, he was of normal complexion, putting on weight (obesity) at middle years. CONCLUSION: The possibility of this diagnosis is particularly relevant in this case because it points to an organic cause for D. Pedro II daytime naps and excessive daytime sleepiness. It could be the result of OSAS and not "disinterest" as erroneously assumed at that time.
Methods to increase muscle tonus of upper airway to treat snoring: systematic review
Authors: Valbuza Juliana Spelta , Oliveira Márcio Moysés de , Conti Cristiane Fiquene , Prado Lucila Bizari F. , Carvalho Luciane Bizari Coin de , Prado Gilmar Fernandes do
Published: October 2008

BACKGROUND: Snoring is the noise caused by vibration during the in-breath; and which structure actually vibrates depends on many factors. OBJECTIVE: The treatment of snoring with methods to increase muscle tonus of upper airway has been controversial, and poorly reported, thus a review of evidence is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of these methods. METHOD: A review of randomized or quasi-randomized, double blind trials on snoring treatment that have employed any method to increase muscle tonus of upper airway like phonotherapy or physical therapy among others. Outcomes: decrease or completely stop of snoring, sleep quality, quality of life, and adverse events. RESULTS: Three eligible trials were potentially analyzed, but none of them could provide good scientific evidence favoring the intervention. The objective analyses of one study showed improvement of snoring, although the objective sub-analyses and subjective analyses showed controversial results. The adverse events were not reported. CONCLUSION: There is no enough evidence to support the recommendation of methods to increase muscle tonus of upper airways in treatment of snoring. Well designed randomized clinical trials are needed to asses the efficacy of such methods, and a standard and worldwide accepted method for snoring assessment would be useful for future researches.