bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bezskuteczność pactum de non cedendo na gruncie ustawy o przeciwdziałaniu nadmiernym opóźnieniom w transakcjach handlowych jako instrument zwalczania nieuczciwych praktyk
Authors:   Okręgowa Izba Radców Prawnych w Koszalinie, Żebryk Krzysztof
Published: March 2024

W umowach zawieranych w obrocie handlowym dość powszechnie wprowadzane są zastrzeżenia umowne, które wyłączają lub ograniczają dopuszczalność przelewu wierzytelności, należnej wierzycielowi z tytułu transakcji handlowej, bez zgody dłużnika (pactum de non cedendo). Z uwagi na dysproporcje w sile kontraktowej, które stawiają słabszą stronę umowy w pozycji zależności ekonomicznej, tego typu klauzule mogą stanowić problem rzutujący na kondycję finansową mikro-, małych i średnich przedsiębiorców, a także na zachowanie przez nich płynności finansowej, a w szerszym kontekście utrzymanie konkurencyjności. Polski ustawodawca dostrzegł, że taka regulacja umowna może nosić znamiona nieuczciwej praktyki stosowanej w relacjach między przedsiębiorcami, jeżeli towarzyszy jej opóźnienie w zapłacie wynagrodzenia w stosunku do terminu płatności określonego w umowie. W związku z tym zdecydował o wprowadzeniu nieznanego dotąd mechanizmu przeciwdziałania nieuczciwym praktykom, polegającego na uznawaniu pactum de non cedendo w transakcjach handlowych między przedsiębiorcami dużymi a tymi z sektora MŚP po upływie umownych terminów płatności. Niniejszy artykuł porusza problem oceny czy nowa regulacja, dotycząca bezskuteczności pactum de non cedendo, stanowi właściwy instrument zwalczania nieuczciwych praktyk handlowych i czy ma on szanse stać się instrumentem skutecznym.
Publicznoprawna ochrona uczciwych terminów zapłaty w świetle doświadczeń i praktyki orzeczniczej Prezesa UOKiK na gruncie ustawy o przeciwdziałaniu nadmiernym opóźnieniom w transakcjach handlowych
Authors:   WKB Wierciński, Kwieciński, Baehr, Dziurkowska Aleksandra , Feliszewski Tomasz ,   WKB Wierciński, Kwieciński, Baehr
Published: March 2024

Celem artykułu jest analiza powodów, dla których ustawodawca zdecydował się na wprowadzenie administracyjnoprawnych narzędzi w walce z zatorami płatniczymi. W opracowaniu zaprezentowano również statystyki dotychczasowych postępowań prowadzonych przez Prezesa UOKiK w oparciu o ustawę zatorową. Ponadto omówiono tego typu postępowania z perspektywy objętych nimi przedsiębiorców oraz praktyczne problemy jakie muszą oni rozwiązywać, aby sprostać oczekiwaniom Prezesa UOKiK.
Malaria: biochemical, physiological, diagnostic, and therapeutic updates
Authors: El Saftawy Enas , Farag Mohamed F. , Gebreil Hossam H. , Abdelfatah Mohamed , Aboulhoda Basma Emad , Alghamdi Mansour , Albadawi Emad A. , Abd Elkhalek Marwa Ali
Published: March 2024

Background

Malaria has been appraised as a significant vector-borne parasitic disease with grave morbidity and high-rate mortality. Several challenges have been confronting the efficient diagnosis and treatment of malaria.

Method

Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, and the Egyptian Knowledge Bank (EKB) were all used to gather articles.

Results

Diverse biochemical and physiological indices can mirror complicated malaria e.g., hypoglycemia, dyslipidemia, elevated renal and hepatic functions in addition to the lower antioxidant capacity that does not only destroy the parasite but also induces endothelial damage. Multiple trials have been conducted to improve recent points of care in malaria involving biosensors, lap on-chip, and microdevices technology. Regarding recent therapeutic trials, chemical falcipain inhibitors and plant extracts with anti-plasmodial activities are presented. Moreover, antimalaria nano-medicine and the emergence of nanocarrier (either active or passive) in drug transportation are promising. The combination therapeutic trials e.g., amodiaquine + artemether + lumefantrine are presented to safely counterbalance the emerging drug resistance in addition to the Tafenoquine as a new anti-relapse therapy.

Conclusion

Recognizing the pathophysiology indices potentiate diagnosis of malaria. The new points of care can smartly manipulate the biochemical and hematological alterations for a more sensitive and specific diagnosis of malaria. Nano-medicine appeared promising. Chemical and plant extracts remain points of research.
Evaluation of Botanicals against Rice Case Worm Parapoynx stagnalis Zeller. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
Authors: Nilamudeen Malini , Karthikeyan K  , Raji P  , Arshad M V
Published: March 2024

Rice, Oryza sativa L. is the staple food of two thirds of world population. Several insect pests are reported to cause damage to rice crop. Rice case worm, unlike other lepidopteran rice pests, have an aquatic larval period and hence depends on dissolved oxygen in the water drop it carries in its case, made from rice leaf. Application of insecticide spray, does not give much control of this pest. No botanicals are yet reported as effective against this pest. In the present study, six botanicals were tested on rice case worm under laboratory and field conditions. Of the six plants, Anamirta cocculus gave promising results at five percent concentration followed by Glyricida sepium under both field and laboratory conditions.
Optimization of Oral Rehabilitation: Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Manufacture of Protocol-Type Provisional Prostheses with Immediate Loading for Maxillae
Authors: Nascimento Jaqueline Alves do , Lima Jozely Francisca Mello , Castro Daniel Sartorelli Marques de
Published: March 2024

The use of Large Language Model (LLM) technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) with Deep Learning and Machine Learning software, has become commonplace in surgical planning, enabling the capture, manipulation and digital planning of immediately loaded provisional prostheses for dental implants. Materials and Methods:  this literature review a search was made for scientific articles in virtual databases: PUBMED, ScIELO, Google Scholar, LILACS, BVS, ResearchGate. Articles that were not part of dentistry were excluded based on the theme of the Abstract. The 28 articles pertinent to dentistry and the theme of the abstract were included and fully analyzed. The following were aligned and distributed in the literature review: systematic reviews, literature reviews, clinical cases, laboratory studies, books, theses and dissertations. Conclusion: The improvement of Artificial Intelligence in dentistry is enabling better planning and practical-surgical-prosthetic execution with the creation and printing of provisional prostheses with immediate loading, better retention, occlusal stability, less repair and a pleasant biopsychosocial sensation, since it eliminates instability due to the mechanical displacement of overdentures.
Genetic Investigation in Garden Pea for Yield and Quality Characters
Authors: Latha G. K. , Kerure Prakash , Devaraju  , Kantharaj Y. , Srinivasa V. , Ramesh A. N.
Published: March 2024

An experiment was conducted to determine the magnitude of genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance as per cent over mean among twenty-two genotypes of garden pea using five quantitative and eight qualitative characters. The results of ANOVA showed significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters, indicating a wide spectrum of variability among the genotypes. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than the corresponding genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV). The high value of GCV and PCV was recorded for the weight of 10 green pods, the weight of seeds 10 green pods, Chlorophyll-A and Chlorophyll-B. All the characters showed a high magnitude of heritability in a broad sense (>60%), ranging from 86.68% (Pod yield per hectare) to 99.60% (Chlorophyll-A). Further, high heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean (>20%) was observed for all the characters except firmness, suggesting that these characters are genetically controlled by additive (heritable) gene action and can be utilized for garden pea improvement through selection. This study has five promising genotypes: ‘Arka Apoorva, ’‘Arka Sampoorna, ’‘Arka Tapas,’‘IIHR-570’ and ‘IIHR-684’ which have been identified for higher yield, which can be utilized for further crop improvement program.
A Co-infection Model for Monkeypox and HIV/AIDS: Sensitivity and Bifurcation Analyses
Authors: Marcus Ossaiugbo Ifeanyi , Augustine Atonuje , Jonathan Tsetimi
Published: March 2024

Monkeypox can make people very sick. The skin becomes infected with bacteria, thus causing severe skin damage. This can lead to corneal infection with loss of vision, pneumonia, difficulty swallowing, diarrhoea and vomiting leading to harsh malnutrition or dehydration, several organs inflammation or death. HIV-AIDS is a life-threatening and chronic condition. In HIV-infected individuals whose immune systems have been compromised, monkeypox mortality alone may be much higher. The co-infection of monkeypox and HIV/AIDS infections has been studied from a mathematical perspective by constructing a 13-compartment deterministic model. Basic mathematical analyses were performed on the co-infection model and the sub-models. The disease equilibrium points, the non-negativity of solutions, the basic reproduction numbers, the invariant region and the stability patterns. When the basic reproduction number is less than unity, the disease-free equilibrium points of each sub-model are globally asymptomatically stable. Certain calculations were done using the maple 18 programming language. The sensitivity analysis reveals that the parameters of the basic reproduction of the monkeypox sub-model with positive sensitivity indices are the probability of catching the monkeypox virus, the rate of effective contact, the compartment Im ’s coefficient of infection and the monkeypox vaccine’s waning rate, while the parameters of the basic reproduction of the HIV/AIDS sub-model with positive sensitivity indices are the probability of catching HIV virus, the rate effective contact, the compartment Ih ’s coefficient of infection and the compartment Ah ’s coefficient of infection. Via the centre manifold theorem, the bifurcation analysis reveals a forward bifurcation pattern for the monkeypox sub-model and the HIV/AIDS sub-model, and under a certain condition, a critical value of the monkeypox basic reproduction exists such that an effective management and possible elimination of the monkeypox infection would require that the monkeypox basic reproduction number should be kept below unity and above the critical value.
Basics of Orientation Measurements in Infrared and
R
aman Spectroscopy
Authors: Ikeda Richard , Chase Bruce , Everall Neil J.
Published: June 2007

The sections in this article are

Introduction

Polarized

IR

Spectroscopy

Experimental Determinations

Tilted Film Method

Thick Samples

Polarized
R
aman Spectroscopy

Experimental Determinations
Spectra–Structure Correlations: Polymer SpectraThis article is based in part on the previous version of the article by John M. Chalmers, Robert W. Hannah, and Dana W. Mayo.
Authors: Chalmers John M.
Published: June 2007

The sections in this article are

Introduction

Homopolymer Vibrational Spectra

Spectra of Addition Reaction Homopolymers

Spectra of Condensation Reaction Homopolymers

Nylons

Polyesters

Other Condensation Polymers

Thermoset, Cured, and Cross‐Linked Polymers

Homopolymer Vibrational Spectra – More Detailed Analysis

Copolymer Vibrational Spectra

Vibrational Spectra of Commercial “Polymers” and Polymer Products

Acknowledgments
Vibrational Spectroscopy of Polymer Composites
Authors: Cole Kenneth C.
Published: June 2007

The chapter reviews and illustrates with examples the many diverse applications of vibrational spectroscopy to the study of polymer composites, which are broadly defined as materials consisting of a polymeric (thermoplastic or thermoset) matrix reinforced with fibers (carbon, glass, polymer) or inorganic particles. After some discussion of the experimental difficulties that must be dealt with in obtaining spectra of these heterogeneous materials, the literature is reviewed under the following subject categories: quality control of polymer composites; studies of various reinforcement materials, their surface treatments, and their interaction with matrices (carbon fibers and particles, carbon nanotubes, glass, silica, silicates and nanosilicates, polymeric fibers, inorganic particulate fillers, fillers derived from plant sources); thermoplastic matrices (crystallinity, orientation); thermoset matrices (the study and monitoring of curing by mid‐infrared, near‐infrared, and Raman spectroscopies); environmental degradation. The chapter also covers the use of Raman spectroscopy to monitor strain in composite materials.
Vibrational Spectroscopy of Conducting Polymers: Fundamentals and Applications
Authors: Furukawa Yukio
Published: June 2007

This chapter describes vibrational spectra of conjugated conducting polymers such as polyacetylene, polythiophene, poly(
p
‐phenylenevinylene), and their derivatives. Molecular structures and vibrational porperties of pristine polymers have been elucidated. polarons, bipolarons, and solitons are charge carriers in the polymers. Charge carriers generated by chemical doping, light irradiation, and field effect have been characterized by infrared and Raman spectroscopy. Sub‐gap electronic transitions associated with the carriers have been described. It has been demonstrated that infrared and Raman spectroscopy are powerful tools for the studies of polymer structures and carriers in organic electronic devices such as light‐emitting diodes, solar cells, and field‐effect transistors.
Variable‐Temperature Rheo‐Optical Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy of PolymersThis article is based in part on the previous version of the article by A.K. Kalkar, H.W. Siesler, I. Zebka, F. Pfeifer, A. Ameri, S. Michel and U. Hoffmann.
Authors: Siesler H. W. , Hoffmann G. G. , Kolomiets O. , Pfeifer F. , Zahedi M.
Published: June 2007

This chapter describes the experimental principle and the basic theory of rheo‐optical Fourier Transform Infrared (FT‐IR) and Fourier Transform Near Infrared (FT‐NIR) spectroscopy for the characterization of transient microstructural changes during polymer deformation and stress relaxation. To demonstrate the high potential and the versatility of these techniques the data obtained with selected polymer systems are analyzed and discussed in some detail. In poly(dimethylsiloxane)/polycarbonate (PDMS/PC) block copolymers, for example, depending on the composition, the block length and the experimental temperature, different orientational, and recovery phenomena have been observed for the hard (PC) and soft (PDMS) segments. Furthermore, the strain‐induced crystallization of a poly(etherurethaneurea) elastomer system has been successfully monitored during cyclic elongation and recovery. The versatility of the method has also been demonstrated for the characterization of orientation and orientational relaxation in bimodal blends of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). Finally, orientation and crystallization changes occurring during poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) film production are discussed in detail.
Vibrational Spectroscopy in the Discovery Phase Component of Pharmaceutical Research
Authors: Pivonka Don E.
Published: June 2007

The sections in this article are

Introduction – The Role of Vibrational Spectroscopy in Drug Discovery

Vibrational Spectroscopy in Support of Synthesis

Direct Functional Group Analysis

Sampling for Routine Structural Analysis – Making the Technology Simple and Readily Available

Elevating the Throughput of
R
aman Analysis

In Situ Analysis of Reaction Mechanisms and Kinetics

GC
/
FT
‐
IR
Analysis of Synthetic Compounds/Mixtures

Vibrational Spectroscopy as a Tool for Understanding Compound/Drug Properties in the Discovery Process

Analysis of Hydrogen Bonding

Vibrational Analysis of Protein–Ligand Interactions

Isomer/Tautomer Analysis

Conclusion
Applications of Vibrational Spectroscopy to Combinatorial Chemistry
Authors: Pivonka Don E.
Published: June 2007

The sections in this article are

Introduction

Infrared Sampling of Solid‐Phase Synthesis

Qualitative Analysis

Batch Mode Quantitative Analysis

Analysis of Reaction Progression

Flow‐Cell Applications

The Demountable Flow Cell

Infrared Flow‐Cell Quantitation Methodologies

Analysis of Bead Properties

Solvent Fraction

Analysis of Reagent Diffusion

Reagent Partition

The
R
aman Spectroscopic Complement to Infrared Methodologies

Sampling

Selectivity

Spectral Subtraction

Excitation Laser Parameters

On‐Line Analysis of Reaction Progression

R
aman Quantification

Library Validation

Application of Vibrational Spectroscopic Methods for the Benchmark Profiling of Candidate Bead Substrates

Profile Components

Solvent Fraction

Negative
K
aiser Coupling Analysis

Profile Summary

Conclusion
Applications of Vibrational Optical Activity in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Authors: Nafie Laurence A. , Dukor Rina K.
Published: June 2007

The sections in this article are

Introduction

Definitions of Vibrational Optical Activity

Measurement and Calculation of Vibrational Optical Activity

Determination of Absolute Configuration

Real‐Time Monitoring of Reactions of Chiral Molecules

Vibrational Optical Activity of Proteins and Protein Therapeutics

Vibrational Circular Dichroism of Solids and Formulated Products

Conclusions and Future Applications
Infrared andRaman Spectroscopy for Process Development
Authors: Zhou George , Guenard Robert , Ge Zhihong
Published: June 2007

With the demands on improved pharmaceutical productivity and quality, as well as the regulatory encouragement on applying process analytical technology (PAT), PAT is becoming increasingly recognized and embraced by pharmaceutical companies in both research and manufacturing areas. In this article, benefits of popular PAT tools, FTIR and Raman, to process development and scale‐up of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) have been demonstrated. Applications of FTIR for in‐line monitoring and control of hazardous reactions, such as hydrogenation, Grignard reaction, and reaction involving potent species, are illustrated to achieve robust and safe processes. Meanwhile, in‐line measurement of a solute concentration by FTIR spectroscopy has made it possible to realize the feedback control of a crystallization process. In addition, for a better understanding and engineering of crystallization processes, Raman spectroscopy has shown as a valuable asset to characterize and quantify polymorphs in crystallization processes bothin situand at real‐time.
Raman Analysis of Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Bugay David E. , Henck Jan‐Olav , Longmire Michael L. , Thorley Fiona C.
Published: June 2007

Raman spectroscopy is an integral tool for the identification, qualitative characterization, and quantitative analysis of drugs at the drug substance and/or drug product level. Significant advances in Raman spectrometer hardware, software control and data processing techniques have lead to unique applications of the Raman spectroscopic technique within the pharmaceutical industry. This Chapter presents applications of Raman spectroscopy as applied to the analysis of pharmaceutical drug substances as well as drug products. At the drug substance level, applications include the chemical and physical characterization of the API, microanalysis, contaminant analysis, and surface characterization. An extensive discussion is also presented on quantitative pharmaceutical analysis by Raman spectroscopy at the drug substance and drug product level including univariate versus multivariate analysis and method validation.
Vibrational Spectroscopy of Solid‐State Forms – Introduction, Principles and Overview
Authors: Threlfall Terry L. , Chalmers John M.
Published: June 2007

Polymorphism of drug compounds is a critical issue within the pharmaceutical industry. Vibrational spectroscopy techniques play an important and ever increasing role in the identification, analysis and characterization of different forms, both crystalline and amorphous, of pharmaceutical drug substances. This chapter discusses the role, advantages, some applications, and limitations of mid‐, near‐ and far‐infrared, terahertz and Raman spectroscopy to the characterization, both qualitative and quantitative, of polymorphs, solvates and hydrates. It outlines the principles behind the effects polymorphism may have on a vibrational spectrum, and exemplifies the complementary requirement for applying a range of analytical techniques to each polymorphism study. For each vibrational spectroscopy technique discussed, consideration is given to sampling, and to qualitative, both macro‐ and micro‐, and quantitative applications.
Vibrational Spectroscopy of Solid‐State Forms – Applications and Examples
Authors: Igo David H. , Chen Pingyun
Published: June 2007

Vibrational spectroscopy has been used to study the polymorphism of pharmaceutical compounds for more than half of a century. The high sensitivity, short analysis time, and rich structural information available with these techniques make them well‐suited for high‐throughput screening. In this chapter, we will discuss a number of important applications of vibrational spectroscopy in drug development processes. The main focus will be on its use in high‐throughput crystal form screening, structural characterizations of solid‐state forms, and studies that establish the thermodynamic relationship between different crystal forms.
Application of Vibrational Spectroscopy for the Analysis of Rubber Composites
Authors: Bokobza Liliane
Published: June 2007

Various examples on filled elastomeric networks will illustrate the potential of vibrational spectroscopy for a better understanding of the reinforcement effect. The addition of an inorganic component to polymers usually leads to improvements in moduli. The increase in stiffness arises essentially from interfacial interactions between the organic and inorganic phases. These interactions, determined by the surface characteristics and the chemically active sites of the filler particles, play a major role in the mechanical response of the composite material. Vibrational spectroscopy has been used to gain interesting insights into the quality of the interface. The results of the spectroscopic investigation are nicely combined with the macroscopic information provided by the mechanical analysis.
Measurement of the Thermal and Solar Properties of Polymers by Vibrational Spectroscopy
Authors: Papini‐Arconada M. , Papini F.
Published: June 2007

This chapter presents the main thermal and solar properties of polymers and their measurement by vibrational spectroscopy. Polymers have been proven to have high potential for applications in solar energy conversion and are widely available low‐cost materials. After a brief survey to introduce the thermal and solar properties of materials, a few general methods of measurement of these properties will be examined that are especially appropriate for polymers. Several technical applications are presented such as the greenhouse effect in a heat‐transfer process, polymers as cover systems, corrugated and honeycomb structures, polymers as protective coatings, photocells, and conductive polymers.
Dynamic Infrared Linear Dichroism of Polymers†Much of this material was based on Chapter 21 in “Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry”, Second Edition, by P. R. Griffiths and J. A. de Haseth, Wiley Interscience, Hoboken (2007).
Authors: Griffiths Peter R. , Arbuckle‐Keil Georgia A.
Published: June 2007

The sections in this article are

The Study of Viscoelastic Properties of Polymers by Infrared Spectrometry

Dynamic Infrared Linear Dichroism Measured with a Monochromator

DIRLD

Spectroscopy with a Step‐Scan
F
ourier Transform Spectrometer

Magnitude and Phase Spectra and Two‐Dimensional Correlation Maps

Magnitude and Phase Spectra

Two‐Dimensional (2‐
D
) Correlation Maps

Some Recent Reports of
DIRLD

DIRLD
Spectroscopy with a

FT
‐
IR

Spectrometer and Digital Signal Processing

Appendix: The Photoelastic Modulator
Hybrid ZnO–Dye Hollow Spheres with New Optical Properties by a Self‐Assembly Process Based on Evans Blue Dye and Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide
Authors: Cong H.‐P. , Yu S.‐H.
Published: June 2007

A facile one‐step process for the fabrication of hybrid ZnO–dye hollow spheres with novel optical properties has been discovered. Addition of Evans blue (EB) dye to cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) results in the formation of CTAB‐EB micelles through an ionic self‐assembly process, and the resulting material acts as a soft template for the crystallization of ZnO upon addition of a zinc salt and ammonia under mild refluxing conditions. The formation mechanism of such hollow spheres has been investigated. These new hybrid ZnO–dye hollow spheres display distinct optical properties that differ from properties observed for the pure ZnO and dye components. This approach is a new and effective method for fabricating novel semiconductor–dye hybrids with unique electronic and optical properties and is expected to provide access to additional inorganic–organic materials with novel structures and unusual functionalities.
Isolated thrombocytopenia induced by thalidomide in a patient with multiple myeloma: Case report and review of literature
Authors: Prasad H. Keshava , Kaushal Varsha , Mehta Paulette
Published: June 2007

Thalidomide is being increasingly used in hematology and oncology. Its use is associated with neuropathy, sedation, edema, fatigue, constipation, and deep venous thrombosis. Cytopenias are unusual, but there are case reports. However, there are no reports of isolated thrombocytopenia. We describe here a case of prolonged isolated thrombocytopenia most likely caused by thalidomide. The patient's in platelet count decreased promptly after an increase in the dose and improved after discontinuation of the drug. The relevant literature is reviewed. Am. J. Hematol., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sickle liver disease—An unusual presentation in a compound heterozygote for HbS and a novel β‐thalassemia mutation
Authors: Cross Timothy J.S. , Berry Philip A. , Akbar Nuzhat , Wendon Julia , Thein S.L. , Harrison Phillip M.
Published: June 2007

A 38‐year‐old Ghanaian man presented with a 6‐month history of worsening pruritus, jaundice, and ascites. He was previously fit and well and rarely drank alcohol. Screening tests for chronic liver disease including viral, autoimmune, and other metabolic causes including iron overload were unremarkable. A liver biopsy performed at the referring hospital demonstrated intralobular cholestasis and cirrhosis. He was listed for liver transplantation but subsequently developed sepsis with multiple organ failure and died. The sickle solubility test was positive. Blood smear showed cells consistent with liver failure and no sickle cells. Hemoglobin electrophoresis revealed HbA2 2.8%, HbF 0.5%, and HbS greater than HbA (49.6% vs. 41.3%) in the absence of blood transfusion. Sequence analysis of the βIVS2‐844 C → A). A diagnosis of sickle hepatopathy causing decompensated cirrhosis was made. This case is unusual insomuch as this patient was asymptomatic for over 35 years and represents a novel presentation of sickle cell disease. Sickle cell disease should be considered in appropriate patients when unusual presentations of liver disease arise. Am. J. Hematol., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prospective phase II trial to evaluate the complications and kinetics of chimerism induction following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with fludarabine and busulfan
Authors: Saito Akiko M. , Kami Masahiro , Mori Shin‐Ichiro , Kanda Yoshinobu , Suzuki Ritsuro , Mineishi Shin , Takami Akiyoshi , Taniguchi Shuichi , Takemoto Yoshinobu , Hara Masamichi , Yamaguchi Masaki , Hino Masayuki , Yoshida Takashi , Kim Sung‐Won , Hori Akiko , Ohashi Yasuo , Takaue Yoichi
Published: June 2007

This prospective trial assessed the safety and efficacy of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from a HLA‐matched donor with a reduced‐intensity regimen (RIST) consisting of iv fludarabine 30 mg/m2 for 6 days and oral busulfan 4 mg/kg/day for 2 days in patients older than 50 years with hematological malignancies. Cyclosporine alone or cyclosporine with short‐term methotrexate was randomized for graft‐versus‐host disease prophylaxis. After 30 patients had been enrolled, an interim analysis was performed, and this report focuses on a precise evaluation of the toxicity profile and chimerism kinetics. Sustained engraftment in all patients, no severe regimen‐related toxicity (RRT) within 20 days, and no transplant‐related mortality through Day 100 were observed. T‐cell (CD3+) full‐donor (over 90%) chimerism was observed in 22 of the 30 patients, while the remaining eight had mixed‐donor chimerism over 77% on Day 90. Thereafter, five subsequently converted to full‐donor chimerism without donor lymphocyte infusion by day 120 (n = 4) or Day 180 (n = 1). Two showed persistent mixed chimerism without relapse through Day 180. Grade III–IV acute graft‐versus‐host disease and extensive chronic graft‐versus‐host disease occurred in 10% and 73%, respectively. With a median follow‐up of 1.5 years, overall survival and disease‐free survival at 1 year was 83% and 62%, respectively. Seven patients hematologically relapsed overall, and five of them had myelodysplastic syndrome with poor prognostic factors. In older patients, RIST with fludarabine and busulfan was associated with acceptable toxicities and a satisfactory antileukemia effect, regardless of the early chimerism status. Am. J. Hematol. 82:873–880, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Partial tandem duplication of GRIA3 in a male with mental retardation
Authors: Chiyonobu Tomohiro , Hayashi Shin , Kobayashi Kazuhiro , Morimoto Masafumi , Miyanomae Yuri , Nishimura Akira , Nishimoto Akemi , Ito Chiyomi , Imoto Issei , Sugimoto Tohru , Jia Zhengping , Inazawa Johji , Toda Tatsushi
Published: June 2007

The genetic factors underlying mental retardation (MR) are very heterogeneous. Recent studies have identified a number of genes involved in MR, several of which lie on the X‐chromosome, but the current understanding of the monogenic causes of MR is far from complete. Investigation of chromosomal rearrangements in patients with MR has proven particularly informative in the search for novel genes. Using array‐based comparative genomic hybridization analysis, we identified a small copy number gain at Xq25, which was undetectable by conventional G‐band analysis, in a boy with unexplained MR. Further characterization revealed a partial tandem duplication of GRIA3, an alteration also present on one allele in his mother. RT‐PCR analysis of lymphoblastoid cell RNA revealed remarkably reduced GRIA3 transcript levels in the patient. The mother, whose cognitive level is normal, also demonstrated remarkably reduced GRIA3 transcript levels in lymphoblastoid cells, and X‐chromosome inactivation (XCI) was completely skewed in her peripheral lymphocytes. It is possible that XCI in the brain is not completely skewed and that GRIA3 expression from the normal allele may account for the mother's normal cognitive function. Taken together with previous findings of GRIA3 disruptions in the patients with MR, our study strengthens the idea that GRIA3 is a candidate gene for X‐linked MR and that severely reduced GRIA3 expression results in MR. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Brief communication: The Thule migration: Rejecting population histories using computer simulation
Authors: Marchani E.E. , Rogers A.R. , O'Rourke D.H.
Published: June 2007

Locked within our genetic code are the histories of our genes and the genes of our ancestors. Deciphering a population's history from genetic data often involves lengthy investigations of many loci for many individuals. We test hypothetical population histories of the Thule expansion using a new coalescent simulation method that uses little more than mitochondrial haplogroup data. This new methodology rejects a severe bottleneck at expansion and reveals the range of probable population histories on which to focus future research. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
(3‐Aminopropyl)trifluorosilanes and their N‐substituted derivatives
Authors: Voronkov Mikhail G. , Chernov Nikolai F. , Albanov Aleksander I. , Trofimova Olga M. , Bolgova Yulya I. , Grebneva Ekaterina A.
Published: June 2007

N‐substituted (3‐aminopropyl)trifluorosilanes RR′NCH2CH2CH2SiF3 I–V were synthesized in order to investigate the effect of the substituents at the nitrogen atom on the N → Si intramolecular interaction. Compounds I–V were prepared by the reaction of KF with F3BN(CH2CH2CH2SiF3)RR′ or H(RR′NCH2CH2CH2SiF4). The structures of compounds were confirmed by 1H, 13C, 19F, 29Si NMR and IR spectroscopy. The spectral data suggest a pentacoordination at silicon in compounds I (R = R′ = H) and II (R = R′ = Me) resulting from a relatively strong N → Si intramolecular bonding. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HELCOM'S past, present and not‐so‐distant future — how has 30 years in operation changed one of the oldest regional sea conventions?
Authors: Ekebom Jan
Published: June 2007

No Abstracr
Modulation of the ecdysteroid‐induced cell death by juvenile hormone during pupal wing development of Lepidoptera
Authors: Lobbia Saori , Futahashi Ryo , Fujiwara Haruhiko
Published: June 2007

Females of the tussock moth Orgyia recens have only vestigial wings, whereas the males have normal wings. We previously found that ecdysteroid induces both apoptotic events and phagocytotic activation in sex‐specific and region‐specific manners. To investigate whether different responses to ecdysteroid are controlled at the receptor level, we cloned ecdysteroid receptor isoforms, EcR‐A and EcR‐B1, in O. recens. In both male and female wings, EcR‐A signal was detected in the distal region of the bordering lacuna (BL), whereas EcR‐B1 signal was detected in the proximal region of the BL. The similar expression patterns of both EcR isoforms suggested that molecules other than EcR should be involved in different ecdysteroid responses between male and female of O. recens. We next tested juvenile hormone (JH) effects on pupal wing morphogenesis in O. recens. Interestingly, both JH and 20E addition induced wing degeneration not only in females but also in males. In addition, higher concentration of JH pre‐treatment of the pupal wings of the silkworm, Bombyx mori, also caused wing degeneration under ecdysteroid treatment. These results indicate that JH modulates the ecdysteroid action to induce the cell death on pupal wings, generally in Lepidoptera. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 65:152–163, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preface: Papers from the 16th International Ecdysone Workshop
Authors: Smagghe Guy , Stanley David
Published: June 2007

We are pleased to introduce a two‐issue set of papers by contributors to the 16th International Ecdysone Workshop held last July in Ghent, Belgium with 128 participants from 18 countries. It would be very difficult to understate the biological significance of ecdysteroids in insect science, and the papers in this Special Issue help us appreciate the continued and rapid progress in this important area. This is also reflected in the fact that nearly 2000 papers were published on “ecdysteroids” in ISI indexed peer‐reviewed international journals over the last 6 years since 2000.

Ecdysteroids do not act on a one‐dimensional hormone‐effect axis. To the contrary, papers in this Special Issue report on ecdysteroid interactions with other signal moieties. Gruntenko et al. and Rauschenach et al. reveal important interactions between biogenic amines and ecdysteroid titers. Eizaguirre et al. bring in new information on interactions of JH and ecdysteroids, while Kamimura et al. write about the influence of ecdysteroids on JH esterase gene expression. Ecdysteroids influence cell death, however, this effect is modulated by JH, as seen in Lobbia et al. As this area develops, we are sure to see new entities—perhaps even eicosanoids—interacting with ecdysteroids.

The mechanisms of ecdysteroids and ecdysteroid biosynthesis continue to fascinate many insect scientists. Dedos et al. report on calcium signal cascades in prothoracic glands. Localization and movement of the ecdysteroid receptor complex draws the attention of Cronauer et al. and Betanska et al. This receptor also has potential biotech application with gene switch technology, as discussed by Tavva et al.

The significance of ecdysteroids in insect biology is highlighted by the number of parasitoids and plants that influence insect ecdysteroids. Rharrabe et al. outline the diversity of detoxification pathways for ingested ecdysteroids, and Bodin et al. report on host‐induced ecdysteroids in a parasitoid. Krishnan et al. report on the influence of ecdysteroids in oxidative stress damage.

Together, the papers in this Special Issue advance our appreciation of the biological significance of ecdysteroids in insect biology and they celebrate the insect scientists who are working on the frontiers of our knowledge in this substantial area. We hope this body of work helps scientists who want to participate in this exciting research.
Automatic multidocument summarization of research abstracts: Design and user evaluation
Authors: Ou Shiyan , Khoo Christopher S.G. , Goh Dion H.
Published: June 2007

The purpose of this study was to develop a method for automatic construction of multidocument summaries of sets of research abstracts that may be retrieved by a digital library or search engine in response to a user query. Sociology dissertation abstracts were selected as the sample domain in this study. A variable‐based framework was proposed for integrating and organizing research concepts and relationships as well as research methods and contextual relations extracted from different dissertation abstracts. Based on the framework, a new summarization method was developed, which parses the discourse structure of abstracts, extracts research concepts and relationships, integrates the information across different abstracts, and organizes and presents them in a Web‐based interface. The focus of this article is on the user evaluation that was performed to assess the overall quality and usefulness of the summaries. Two types of variable‐based summaries generated using the summarization method—with or without the use of a taxonomy—were compared against a sentence‐based summary that lists only the research‐objective sentences extracted from each abstract and another sentence‐based summary generated using the MEAD system that extracts important sentences. The evaluation results indicate that the majority of sociological researchers (70%) and general users (64%) preferred the variable‐based summaries generated with the use of the taxonomy.
Information: Objective or subjective/situational?
Authors: Hjørland Birger
Published: June 2007

This article contrasts Bates' understanding of information as an observer–independent phenomenon with an understanding of information as situational, put forward by, among others, Bateson, Yovits, Spang‐Hanssen, Brier, Buckland, Goguen, and Hjørland. The conflict between objective and subjective ways of understanding information corresponds to the conflict between an understanding of information as a thing or a substance versus an understanding of it as a sign. It is a fundamental distinction that involves a whole theory of knowledge, and it has roots back to different metaphors applied in Shannon's information theory. It is argued that a subject‐dependent/situation specific understanding of information is best suited to fulfill the needs in information science and that it is urgent for us to base Information Science (IS; or Library and Information Science, LIS) on this alternative theoretical frame.
How do Web users respond to non‐banner‐ads animation? The effects of task type and user experience
Authors: Hong Weiyin , Thong James Y.L. , Tam Kar Yan
Published: June 2007

Prior research on Web animation typically focuses on banner ads, where the findings suggest that users are capable of ignoring the animation when performing online tasks. Research on non‐banner‐ads animation (e.g., animation applied to the main content of an e‐commerce Web site), however, is relatively scarce with inconclusive results. We propose that the effects of non‐banner‐ads animation are moderated by task type and the Web user's experience with the animation. Drawing upon divided attention theories, especially the central capacity theory, this research investigates the effects of non‐banner‐ads animation on Web users' clicking behavior, task performance, and perceptions through an online shopping experiment. The results show that non‐banner‐ads animation does attract Web users' attention, with the animated item more likely to be clicked first and also more likely to be purchased when users are performing browsing tasks. Meanwhile, Web users' task performance and perceptions are negatively affected in the presence of animation. Moreover, the negative effects of animation on task performance are greater in browsing tasks than in searching tasks. Finally, experience can help Web users to reduce the distraction from animation and is more effective when users are engaged in searching tasks than when they are engaged in browsing tasks.
A tale of two hurricanes: Comparing Katrina and Rita through a knowledge management perspective
Authors: Chua Alton Y.K.
Published: June 2007

This study compares the preparation and response efforts to Katrina and Rita through a knowledge management (KM) perspective. To achieve this objective, a theoretical KM framework is developed to examine the KM processes that underpin disaster management activities. The framework is then used to identify different dimensions along which the two disasters can be compared. The data, totaling some 500 documents, were drawn from a wide variety of news, congressional, and Internet sources. The findings show that the nonchalance towards the disaster's imminence, grossly inadequate preparations, and the chaotic responses seen in Katrina stood in stark contrast to the colossal scale of precautionary measures and response operations primed for Rita. The article concludes by highlighting three KM implications for managing large‐scale natural disasters.
Study of Aconitine toxicity in rat embryos in vitro
Authors: Xiao Kai , Wang Li , Liu Yuqing , Peng Cheng , Yan Guangyan , Zhang Jianjun , Zhuo Yanqiang , Li Hongxia
Published: June 2007

BACKGROUND: Aconitum is widely used in traditional medicine for its anti‐inflammatory, analgesic, and cardiotonic properties. Knowledge is limited, however, on its effects on embryonic development. METHODS: Whole embryo culture was applied to explore the effects of aconitine on rat embryos during their critical period of organogenesis. All embryos isolated on gestational day 9.5 were exposed to 0, 1, 2.5, 5, and 10 µg/ml of aconitine with and without S9 mix, and scored for their growth and differentiation at the end of the 48‐hr culture period. RESULTS: The embryonic growth and development were adversely affected at the concentration of 2.5 µg/ml aconitine without S9 mix, represented as reduced crown‐rump length and head length, decreased number of somites, and lower morphologic score. When the concentration of aconitine was increased to 5 µg/ml, it induced severe dysmorphogenesis effects, including cardiac defect (undivided cardiac tube and inflated pericardial cavity), irregular somites, and brain malformation (e.g., narrow brain vesicles). In the presence of S9 mix, Aconitine toxicity to rat embryos was reduced to a certain extent. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that Aconitine had direct embryotoxic effects during the rat organogenetic period. NOAEL was about 1 µg/ml and metabolism in S9 mix could induce the attenuation of Aconitine toxicity. Until more is known about the effects of Aconitine in pregnant women, we suggest its use should be treated with caution. Birth Defects Res B, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Joining up children's services: safeguarding children in multi‐disciplinary teams
Authors: Frost Nick , Robinson Mark
Published: June 2007

In this article we reflect on the complexity and the contested nature of the roles of multi‐disciplinary teams working with children. This is an increasingly important issue in the current UK child welfare policy environment. The article uses the theories of Etienne Wenger to understand data gathered from five multi‐disciplinary teams working with children. We explore key issues relating to location; information sharing; models of understanding; and professional identities. We hope to demonstrate that the teams addressed tensions creatively through their engagement with diversity while at the same time developing common team values. We argue that effective strategies for making multi‐disciplinary teams work will combine inter‐agency issues with internal team‐specific aspects. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Young people's views of children's rights and advocacy services: a case for ‘caring’ advocacy?
Authors: Barnes Vivienne
Published: June 2007

This paper looks at some preliminary findings from research with young people in foster and residential care in the UK who have received advocacy services from a range of local authority and voluntary agencies. The study also includes the views of professionals, from both children's rights and social services. The initial findings highlight the importance to young people of their relationship with rights professionals. They speak about the value to them of care and respect, aspects not always seen as fundamental to rights work. Caring, in its various guises is seen by young people as a vital component of their relationship with children's rights workers. They also see this as important within advocacy work itself since caring about the outcome is often key. A pure individual rights focus with an emphasis on challenge and ‘being heard’ may not take account of the complexity of their situation and may pose difficult dilemmas for young people, especially in dealings with their carers.

This ‘caring’ advocacy is not the paternalistic approach of a professional who ‘knows what's best for you’ but is a model based on a strong awareness of ways that young people are excluded and oppressed. It is also about placing a positive value on their contribution as citizens and links to a view of society that gives importance to an ethic of inter‐relationship and care as well as an ethic of individual rights. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Dispersed in Organic Ligand Solutions by Using a Diffusion‐Ordered Spectroscopy‐Based Strategy
Authors: Van Lokeren Luk , Maheut Géraldine , Ribot François , Escax Virginie , Verbruggen Ingrid , Sanchez Clément , Martins José C. , Biesemans Monique , Willem Rudolph
Published: June 2007

Diffusion‐ordered NMR spectroscopy (DOSY NMR) is presented as a tool for the determination of the diffusion coefficients of organic ligands in suspensions of titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were prepared by a sol‐gel process by hydrolysis and condensation reactions of titanium tetra‐n‐butoxide in the presence of pentane‐2,4‐dione (acacH: acetylacetone), as well as para‐toluenesulfonic acid (pTsA) and n‐butanol (nBuOH). NMR spectroscopic studies were performed in various deuterated solvents, on both dispersed xerosols and diluted sols. The bipolar‐pulsed field gradient longitudinal eddy‐current delay (LED) pulse sequence was used for data acquisition. The data were processed by inverse Laplace transformation (ILT), by using a maximum entropy algorithm, to afford 2D DOSY spectra. Different diffusion regimes for organic ligands in the bound and unbound states were successfully discriminated, more particularly in [D3]acetonitrile, thus allowing assessment of their interactions with the nanoparticles.