bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Allelic methylation bias of the RARB2 tumor suppressor gene promoter in cancer
Authors: Pappas Jane J. , Toulouse André , Hébert Josée , Fetni Raouf , Bradley W. E. C.
Published: July 2008

Retinoic acid receptor B2 (RARB2) is frequently inactivated in cancer. Methylation in the 5′‐untranslated region and first exon is known to play a role; however, few studies have analyzed the detailed methylation pattern of the promoter region. We show that hypo‐ and hypermethylated alleles coexist in 5/11 cell lines in which RARB2 is inactivated. We present evidence supporting the mitotic transmission of these divergent methylation patterns and find a correlation between methylation divergence and heterozygosity at the 3p24 loci, suggesting an allelic methylation bias in these lines. Using a newly devised strategy based on allelic identification via methylation‐sensitive restriction enzyme digestion combined with the use of a single nucleotide polymorphism, rs755661, we demonstrate that such a bias exists in three cancer cell specimens heterozygous at rs755661 and therefore amenable to this study. This previously unreported phenomenon of allelic methylation bias suggests that a promoter methylation‐independent mechanism may be responsible for inactivation at the hypomethylated allele and this inactivation is reminiscent of an aberrant form of de novo imprinting. Approaches to interpreting methylation data should incorporate the notion of allelic methylation bias. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rationalising the ‘irrational’: a think aloud study of discrete choice experiment responses
Authors: Ryan Mandy , Watson Verity , Entwistle Vikki
Published: July 2008

Stated preference methods assume respondents' preferences are consistent with utility theory, but many empirical studies report evidence of preferences that violate utility theory. This evidence is often derived from quantitative tests that occur naturally within, or are added to, stated preference tasks. In this study, we use qualitative methods to explore three axioms of utility theory: completeness, monotonicity, and continuity. We take a novel approach, adopting a ‘think aloud’ technique to identify violations of the axioms of utility theory and to consider how well the quantitative tests incorporated within a discrete choice experiment are able to detect these. Results indicate that quantitative tests classify respondents as being ‘irrational’ when qualitative statements would indicate they are ‘rational’. In particular, ‘non‐monotonic’ responses can often be explained by respondents inferring additional information beyond what is presented in the task, and individuals who appear to adopt non‐compensatory decision‐making strategies do so because they rate particular attributes very highly (they are not attempting to simplify the task). The results also provide evidence of ‘cost‐based responses’: respondents assumed tests with higher costs would be of higher quality. The value of including in‐depth qualitative validation techniques in the development of stated preference tasks is shown. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two New 2‐Phenylethyl Alcohol Derivatives and One New Lignan Derivative from the Root of Ilex pubescens
Authors: Zhou Yu‐Bo , Wang Jin‐Hui , Li Xiang‐Mei , Chun Fu Xiao , Yan Zhen , Cong Yue , Li Xian
Published: July 2008

The phytochemical investigation of the methanolic extract of the root of Ilex pubescens Hook. et Arn. furnished six compounds including three new compounds, ilexin A (1), ilexin B (2), and ilexin C (3), besides vanillic acid, vanillin, and caffeic acid. Compounds 1 and 2 were identified as 2‐phenylethyl alcohol derivatives, while compound 3 is a lignan derivative. The structures of these compounds have been elucidated by the combination of the analysis of NMR and MS data, CD spectra, and chemical evidences.
Phenylpropanoid Esters of Rhamnose from Buddleja asiatica
Authors: Liu Ya‐Ping , Cai Xiang‐Hai , Li Wei‐Qi , Luo Xiao‐Dong
Published: July 2008

Four new phenylpropanoid esters of rhamnose, asiatisides A–D, along with the known compounds, buergeriside C1 (5), p‐methoxycinnamic acid, ferulic acid, and O‐methylferulic acid were obtained from the aerial parts of Buddleja asiatica Lour by chromatographic methods. The new compounds were elucidated as 3‐O‐acetyl‐4‐O‐(p‐methoxycinnamoyl)‐α‐L‐rhamnopyranose (1), 3‐O‐acetyl‐4‐O‐feruloyl‐α‐L‐rhamnopyranose (2), 2‐O‐acetyl‐4‐O‐(O‐methylferuloyl)‐α‐L‐rhamnopyranose (3), 2‐O‐acetyl‐4‐O‐(p‐methoxycinnamoyl)‐α‐L‐rhamnopyranose (4) by spectral data (1D‐, 2D‐NMR, and MS), respectively.
Five New Flavonol Glycosides from the Fresh Flowers of Camellia reticulata
Authors: Teng Xi‐Feng , Yang Jia‐Yue , Yang Chong‐Ren , Zhang Ying‐Jun
Published: July 2008

Thirty‐one phenolic constituents, including 13 flavonol glycosides, 3 dihydroflavonols, 5 flavan‐3‐ols, 4 hydrolyzable tannins, and 6 phenylpropanoids, were isolated from the fresh flowers of Camellia reticulata for the first time. Five of them are new flavonol glycosides. Their structures were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analyses.
Treatment of pediatric brain tumors
Authors: Karajannis Matthias , Allen Jeffrey C. , Newcomb Elizabeth W.
Published: July 2008

Over the past decades considerable advances have been made in neurosurgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy resulting in improved survival and cure rates for children with brain tumors. Here we review four of the most common subtypes of pediatric brain tumors, low‐grade and high‐grade astrocytomas, medulloblastomas and ependymomas, highlighting their molecular features regarding their tumor biology, and promising potential therapeutic targets that may hold promise for finding new “molecular targeted” drugs. Importantly, appropriate clinical trial design will play a critical role in the evaluation of new and novel treatment approaches for pediatric brain tumors. J. Cell. Physiol. 217: 584–589, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Contrast‐enhanced sonography of a hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing spontaneous necrosis
Authors: Giannetti Andrea , Corsetti Marco , Quaranta Sergio , Franci Luca
Published: July 2008

Spontaneous necrosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is rare. We report the case of a 72‐year‐old woman with an HCC nodule that underwent necrosis after sonographically guided needle biopsy. Baseline sonographic examination revealed only a nonspecific change in the echogenicity of the lesion. Subsequent necrosis was suggested on contrast‐enhanced sonographic examination and was confirmed on spiral CT. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2008
The role of prolactin in the regulation of brood care in the cooperatively breeding fish Neolamprologus pulcher
Authors: Bender Nicole , Taborsky Michael , Power Deborah M.
Published: July 2008

The hormone prolactin (PRL) is important for the regulation of parental care in many species of mammals, birds and fish, and for alloparental care (care directed at nondescendant young) in some mammals and birds. Its significance in alloparental brood care of cooperatively breeding fish has not yet been assessed. Here, we test the role of PRL in brood care behavior of the cooperatively breeding cichlid Neolamprologus pulcher. The expression of PRL mRNA was determined in the pituitary glands of breeders of both sexes, helpers that showed brood care behavior and nonbreeding fish as controls. In addition, PRL levels were experimentally manipulated in male breeders and helpers by intraperitoneal injections of ovine PRL, and the behavior of these test fish was recorded toward standardized clutches. Adult females had higher levels of PRL mRNA than adult males, which was true both for breeders and nonbreeders. Contrary to expectation, there was no positive correlation between PRL and brood care behavior in any category of test fish, and the experimental application of PRL did not change brood care propensity. Interestingly, brood‐caring adult females had significantly lower levels of PRL mRNA than adult female nonbreeders, whereas there was no difference between helpers and similar‐sized nonbreeding group members. PRL mRNA levels increased with body mass in juveniles, but decreased with body mass in adults. In conclusion, we found no evidence that elevated levels of PRL are directly involved in the regulation of brood care behavior in this species. J. Exp. Zool. 309A:515–524, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A pleasure working together? The effects of dissimilarity in team member conscientiousness on team temporal processes and individual satisfaction
Authors: Gevers Josette M. P. , A. G. Peeters Miranda
Published: July 2008

In this study of 43 student project teams, we tested a multi‐level mediation model of the relationship between dissimilarity in conscientiousness, team temporal processes, and team member satisfaction. We distinguished between individual‐level dissimilarity in conscientiousness (i.e., the distance between an individual member and his or her team mates), and team‐level dissimilarity in conscientiousness (i.e., the overall dissimilarity within the team). Individual‐level dissimilarity in conscientiousness had a direct negative effect on team members' satisfaction with the team, but did not affect their satisfaction with the team's performance. Team‐level dissimilarity in conscientiousness indirectly affected both types of satisfaction negatively as it impeded early agreement about the temporal aspects of task execution, which, in turn, hindered coordinated action in later stages of team task execution. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure and Properties of Urea‐Crosslinked Star Poly[(ethylene oxide)‐ran‐(propylene oxide)] Hydrogels
Authors: Dalton Paul D. , Hostert Carolin , Albrecht Krystyna , Moeller Martin , Groll Juergen
Published: July 2008

Isocyanate‐terminated six armed star shaped macromers with a statistical copolymer backbone consisting of 80% EO and 20% PO have previously demonstrated excellent protein and cell repellence as nano‐layered surfaces. In this study, various macromers are mixed with water and provide a spectrum of materials that range from particles to uniform hydrogels. Due to hydrophobic end groups, 3kDa molecular weight macromers result in micro and nano‐particles, while 18 kDa macromers completely dissolve and consequently uniform, transparent, high water content hydrogels are formed. Oriented channels may be induced into these hydrogels through the controlled freezing of water in the preformed hydrogel.

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Chiroptical Switching Based on Photoinduced Proton Transfer between Homopolymers Bearing Side‐Chain Spiropyran and Azopyridine Moieties
Authors: Angiolini Luigi , Benelli Tiziana , Giorgini Loris , Raymo Françisco M.
Published: July 2008

A novel optically‐active polymeric methacrylate, bearing the (S)‐3‐hydroxy pyrrolidinyl group linked through the nitrogen atom to an azopyridine chromophore, was synthesized and investigated in combination with a polymeric methacrylate incorporating the photoisomerizable spiropyran chromophore in the side‐chain. In the presence of acid, this system can be operated in solution to modulate the protonation of the azopyridine moieties by photoisomerizing the spiropyran component. In addition to UV‐vis spectroscopy, the proton transfer process occurring between the macromolecular components can be also followed by CD spectroscopy, thus behaving as a chiroptical switch.

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A Novel ABC Triblock Copolymer with Very Low Surface Energy: Poly(dimethylsiloxane)‐block‐Poly(methyl methacrylate)‐block‐Poly(2,2,3,3,4,4,4‐heptafluorobutyl methacrylate)
Authors: Luo Zhenghong , He Tengyun , Yu Haijiang , Dai Lizong
Published: July 2008

Poly(dimethylsiloxane)‐block‐poly(methyl methacrylate)‐block‐poly(2,2,3,3,4,4,4‐heptafluorobutyl methacrylate) was successfully synthesized via ATRP. The chemical composition and structure of the copolymer was characterized by NMR and FT‐IR spectroscopy and molecular weight measurement. Gel permeation chromatography was used to study the molecular weight distribution of the triblock copolymer. The surface properties of the resulting copolymer were investigated. The effects of fluorine content and bulk structure on surface energy were investigated by static water contact angle measurements. Surface composition was studied by XPS.

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Patterns of physical activity and material culture on Gotland, Sweden, during the Middle Neolithic
Authors: Molnar P.
Published: July 2008

Linking MSM (Musculoskeletal Stress Markers) to specific activities is difficult. This problem is explored by combining and comparing patterns of MSM and material culture. Sex‐ and age‐related patterns for MSM and grave goods distributions are analysed and compared from five Pitted Ware (c. 3400–2300 BC) sites on Gotland, Sweden. Possible links between MSM patterns, burial objects, faunal remains and subsistence are explored for a better understanding of some of the irregularities surrounding the Pitted Ware culture hunter‐gatherer complex on Gotland. Fifty‐two muscle and ligament attachments on seven skeletal elements were scored on adult skeletal remains (n = 126) from the five Middle Neolithic Pitted Ware sites at Ajvide, Västerbjers, Visby, Ire and Fridtorp. Noteworthy differences were observed in MSM mean scores between the sexes as well as significantly increased scores with increased age. Distributions for ten selected grave goods categories were also examined for the adult individuals as well as for 50 subadult individuals. The grave goods frequencies showed the opposite pattern from that of MSM: young individuals had higher frequencies of the selected grave goods than the old, and females generally more than males. Burial find distributions also differ at the five sites, as well as faunal refuse proportions, while isotopic data indicate homogeneous subsistence all over the island. Circumstances surrounding the faunal remains in graves and surrounding cultural layers indicate site‐specific utilisation, but also ritual handling of animals. An image of common identity on the island and membership of the local community is visible in the material culture. In addition, individual differences are apparent through MSM patterns and grave goods, but not in direct correlation to activities implied by the artefacts in the grave. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Candida albicans biofilm formation is associated with increased anti‐oxidative capacities
Authors: Seneviratne C. Jayampath , Wang Yu , Jin Lijian , Abiko Yoshi , Samaranayake Lakshman P.
Published: July 2008

Candida albicans is a common, opportunistic, human fungal pathogen that causes a variety of mucosal and systemic afflictions. It exists in nature both in the biofilm or the sessile phase, as well as in the free‐floating or the planktonic phase. Candida biofilms, in particular, display unique characteristics that confer survival advantages over their planktonic counterparts, such as their recalcitrance to common antifungals. The mechanisms underlying Candida biofilm formation and their attributes are poorly understood. In this study, we used a 2‐DE‐based approach to characterize the protein markers that are differentially expressed in Candida biofilms in comparison to their planktonic counterparts. Using tandem mass spectrometric analysis, we have identified a significant number of proteins including alkyl hydroperoxide reductase, thioredoxin peroxidase, and thioredoxin involved in oxidative stress defenses that are upregulated in the biofilm phase. These proteomic findings were further confirmed by real‐time PCR and lucigenin‐based chemiluminescence assays. In addition, we demonstrate that a drug target for the new antifungal agent echinocandin, is abundantly expressed and significantly upregulated in Candida biofilms. Taken together, these data imply that the biofilm mode, Candida, compared with their planktonic counterparts, exhibits traits that can sustain oxidative stress (anti‐oxidants), and thereby exert resistance to commonly used antifungals.
Design and synthesis of ICT‐based fluorescent probe for high‐sensitivity protein detection and application to rapid protein staining for SDS‐PAGE
Authors: Suzuki Yoshio , Yokoyama Kenji
Published: July 2008

A novel fluorescent molecular probe possessing styryl, sulfonyl, and cyanopyranyl moieties that was termed compound 1 was designed and synthesized to detect proteins through noncovalent bonding. Compound 1 did not produce fluorescence emission in the absence of proteins. However, its fluorescence spectrum showed a dramatic increase in the fluorescence intensity and strong orange emission after the addition of BSA. These changes were caused by intramolecular charge transfer (ICT). The fluorescence intensities of compound 1 were plotted as a function of the protein concentrations. A good linear relationship was observed up to a protein concentration of 325 μg/mL, and the detection limit was 70 ng/mL under the given assay conditions; this detection limit was higher than that of previously reported compounds. To demonstrate the application of compound 1, proteins in an SDS‐PAGE gel were stained with compound 1 and were successfully imaged with a higher sensitivity and shorter staining operation time as compared to those of the silver staining method and SYPRO Ruby staining method. Thus, easy and high‐sensitivity protein detection can be performed with the fluorescent probe, and this probe is ideally suited to proteomic applications.
Synthesis and characterization of novel polybenzimidazoles bearing pendant phenoxyamine groups
Authors: Kulkarni Mahesh , Potrekar Ravindra , Kulkarni R. A. , Vernekar S. P.
Published: July 2008

A novel aromatic diacid, 3, 5‐dicarboxyl‐4′‐amino diphenyl ether, containing pendant phenoxy amine group was synthesized. Homo‐ and co‐polybenzimidazoles containing different content of pendant phenoxyamine groups were synthesized by condensation of 3,3′‐diaminobenzidine with this acid and a mixture of this acid and isophthalic acid in different ratio in polyphosphoric acid. Copolybenzimidazoles with structural variations were also synthesized based on this acid and pyridine dicarboxylic acid, terephthalic acid, adipic acid, or sebacic acid. The polymers have good solubility in polar aprotic solvents and strong acids and they form tough flexible films by solution casting. The polymers were characterized by different instrumental techniques (FTIR, TGA, DSC, XRD, etc.) and for solvent solubility, mechanical properties, inherent viscosity, and proton conductivity. The inherent viscosities of the polymers vary in the range of 0.62–1.52 dL/g. They have high thermal stability up to 475–506 °C (IDT) in nitrogen, high glass transition temperatures (Tg) ranging from 313 to 435 °C and good tensile strength ranging from 58 to 125 MPa. Proton conductivity of homo polymer is 3.72 × 10−3S/cm at 25 °C and 2.45 × 10−2S/cm at 200 °C © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 5776–5793, 2008
A strategy for synthesis of ion‐bonded amphiphilic miktoarm star copolymers via supramolecular macro‐RAFT agent
Authors: Lu Dairen , Wang Yun , Wu Tianyuan , Tao Kang , An Lijia , Bai Ruke
Published: July 2008

Amphiphilic supramolecular miktoarm star copolymers linked by ionic bonds with controlled molecular weight and low polydispersity have been successfully synthesized via reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization using an ion‐bonded macromolecular RAFT agent (macro‐RAFT agent). Firstly, a new tetrafunctional initiator, dimethyl 4,6‐bis(bromomethyl)‐isophthalate, was synthesized and used as an initiator for atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of styrene to form polystyrene (PSt) containing two ester groups at the middle of polymer chain. Then, the ester groups were converted into tertiary amino groups and the ion‐bonded supramolecular macro‐RAFT agent was obtained through the interaction between the tertiary amino group and 2‐dodecylsulfanylthiocarbonylsulfanyl‐2‐methyl propionic acid (DMP). Finally, ion‐bonded amphiphilic miktoarm star copolymer, (PSt)2‐poly(N‐isopropyl‐acrylamide)2, was prepared by RAFT polymerization of N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) in the presence of the supramolecular macro‐RAFT agent. The polymerization kinetics was investigated and the molecular weight and the architecture of the resulting star polymers were characterized by means of 1H‐NMR, FTIR, and GPC techniques. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 5805–5815, 2008
Amphiphilic gradient copolymers containing fluorinated 2‐phenyl‐2‐oxazolines: Microwave‐assisted one‐pot synthesis and self‐assembly in water
Authors: Lobert Matthias , Hoogenboom Richard , Fustin Charles‐André , Gohy Jean‐François , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: July 2008

Here, we present the one‐step synthesis of 2‐(m‐difluorophenyl)‐2‐oxazoline and its use as a monomer for microwave‐assisted statistical cationic ring‐opening copolymerizations (CROP). Well‐defined amphiphilic gradient copolymers, as evidenced by the polymerization kinetics, were prepared using 2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline as comonomer and methyl tosylate as initiator in nitromethane at 140 °C. The resulting gradient copolymers (DP = 60 and 100) were characterized by means of size exclusion chromatography and 1H NMR spectroscopy. In the second part, we focus on a detailed study of the self‐assembly of the copolymers in aqueous solution using atomic force microscopy and dynamic light scattering. Both methods revealed the self‐assembly of the gradient copolymers into spherical micelles. To quantify the influence of the fluorine atoms and the monomer distribution on the self‐assembly, a comparative study with gradient copolymers of 2‐phenyl‐2‐oxazoline and 2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline was performed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 5859–5868, 2008
Methacrylic acid and methyl methacrylate oligomers adsorbed to porous isotactic poly(methyl methacrylate) ultrathin films and mechanistic studies of living template polymerization
Authors: Ajiro Hiroharu , Kamei Daisuke , Akashi Mitsuru
Published: July 2008

Methacrylic acid (MAA), methyl methacrylate (MMA), methacrylamide, and oligomers of MAA and MMA were selected as a model of active radical species in living template polymerization using stereocomplex formation. The adsorption behaviors of the aforementioned model compounds were examined toward porous isotactic‐(it‐) poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) ultrathin films on a quartz crystal microbalance, which was prepared by the extracting of syndiotactic‐(st‐) poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) from it‐PMMA/st‐PMAA stereocomplexes. The apparent predominant adsorption of oligomers to monomers was observed in both PMAA and PMMA oligomers, suggesting that the mechanism of template polymerization follows the pick up mechanism. Although vinyl monomers were not incorporated into the porous it‐PMMA ultrathin film, both PMMA and PMAA oligomers were adsorbed at the initial stages. However, adsorbed amounts were limited to about 5 and 15% at 0.1 mol L−1, respectively, which are much smaller values than corresponding st‐polymers. The results imply that radical coupling reaction is prevented during template polymerization to support the resulting living polymerization. ATR‐IR spectral patterns of oligomer complexes and it‐PMMA slightly changed in both cases, suggesting complex formation. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 5879–5886, 2008
Migration in a family way
Authors: Cooke Thomas J.
Published: July 2008

This review traces the evolution of family migration research from one that was very narrowly focused on the trailing wife effect, to a transdisciplinary research topic which has the potential to greatly improve our understanding of family dynamics, life course events, family well‐being, gender differences in employment and earnings, and most importantly, migration research. The emerging scholarship surrounding family migration suggests that, firstly, family migration is extremely complicated and moves well beyond any conceptualisation that is brought to bear on individual migration, and secondly, a great deal of what has been traditionally thought of as individual migration should be more appropriately conceived of as family migration. The implication, of course, is that internal migration research should embrace the family as a central component of migration, or rather that family migration should move front and centre in discussions regarding migration in general. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of pre‐treatment with carbon monoxide and film properties on the quality of vacuum packaging of beef chops
Authors: Aspé Estrella , Roeckel Marlene , Martí M. Cristina , Jiménez Romel
Published: July 2008

Beef chops (longissimus dorsi) were pre‐treated with 5% carbon monoxide (CO) − 95% N2 for 24 h, vacuum packed in thermo‐contractile bags and stored at 0 ± 2°C. Shelf life, as determined by the viable aerobic bacterial load, was 11 weeks. Vacuum‐packed chops with heat‐contractile film produced a smaller drip loss, had a more intense red colour and higher colour stability under storage than chops with non‐heat‐contractile film. Chops pre‐treated with CO were redder during all the storage period than controls without CO. The pre‐treatment did not affect pH, water‐holding capacity, drip loss or rancidity of the meat stored in vacuum. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of routing protocols for the solar‐powered autonomous underwater vehicle (SAUV) platform
Authors: Bartoš Radim , Chappell Steven G. , Komerska Rick J. , Haag Matthew M. , Mupparapu Sai S. , Agu Emmanuel , Katz Ian
Published: July 2008

The solar‐powered autonomous underwater vehicle (SAUV) platform has been developed over the past several years as a means to achieve long‐endurance cooperative missions, and the design of mobile routing protocols has become one of the main areas of focus during this process. This paper reports on the lessons learned from the design, simulation‐based evaluation, and field testing of two protocols. Two areas for possible improvements are proposed and evaluated using simulations. Finally, we present suggestions drawn from field experience for improving the design, simulation, and evaluation of protocols for use in a harsh underwater environment. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phenotypic spectrum of fucosidosis in Tunisia
Authors: Turkia H. Ben , Tebib N. , Azzouz H. , Abdelmoula M. S. , Bouguila J. , Sanhaji H. , Miladi N. , Maire I. , Caillaud C. , Kaabachi N. , Ben Dridi M. F.
Published: July 2008

Fucosidosis (OMIM 230000) is a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal disorder due to deficient α‐l‐fucosidase activity(EC 3.2.1.51), leading to the accumulation of fucose‐containing glycolipids and glycoproteins in various tissues. This study contained the largest ever Tunisian survey of fucosidosis patients, diagnosed during the period 1987–2007. The clinical pictures and outcomes of these patients are compared with literature data. Ten patients (8 boys and 2 girls) from six unrelated families were diagnosed at a mean age of 29 ± 10.3 months. Six of the patients were diagnosed as having the more severe phenotype. The other four cases presented the low progressive phenotype. This distinction was determined by the presence or absence of angiokeratoma and age of death. For all of the patients in our survey, early motor development was more severely delayed than described in the literature. Six patients presented psychomotor decline during the second year of life. Clinical features consist of variable mental retardation (all patients), progressive spastic quadriplegia (6/10 cases), coarse facies (9/10 cases), growth retardation (7/9 cases), visceromegaly (3 cases), angiokeratoma corporis diffusum (4 cases), recurrent bronchopneumonias (all cases), seizures (4 cases) and variable degrees of dysostosis multiplex (all cases). Portal cavernoma, never described in the literature, was observed in one patient. The outcomes were severe in this survey, probably owing to restricted health care; death occurred in 6 of the 10 patients before age 10 years, following recurrent pulmonary infections and neurological deterioration. No intrafamilial variability was noted in the multiplex families. The clinical presentation and outcomes of some of these patients were consistent with the continuous clinical spectrum of severity in fucosidosis attested by most clinical studies.
Psychiatric Advance Directives
Authors: Vuckovich Paula K.
Published: July 2008

Psychiatric advance directives (PADs) have been legally defined in 12 states and implemented in all but 9. PADs may prevent unwanted treatment and identify preferred treatment. They may also allow mentally ill persons to exercise autonomous control over care even during periods of illness-induced incompetence. PADs can be beneficial for intermittently psychotic patients who have a trusted health care provider and a surrogate decision maker. Because of the growing interest in the use of PADs, nurses should be informed about the intended purposes, benefits, and drawbacks of them.
Global existence for degenerate quadratic reaction–diffusion systems
Authors: Texier-Picard R. , Pierre M.
Published: July 2008

We consider a class of degenerate reaction–diffusion systems with quadratic nonlinearity and diffusion only in the vertical direction. Such systems can appear in the modeling of photochemical generation and atmospheric dispersion of pollutants. The diffusion coefficients are different for all equations. We study global existence of solutions.

Nous considérons une classe de systèmes dégénérés de réaction–diffusion avec une non-linéarité quadratique et avec diffusion uniquement dans la direction verticale. De tels systèmes peuvent apparaître dans la modélisation de la synthèse de polluants par réactions photochimiques et de leur dispersion atmosphérique. Les coefficients de diffusion sont différents pour chaque équation. Nous étudions l'existence globale de solutions.
Ouabain inhibits p38 activation in thymocytes
Authors: Rodrigues‐Mascarenhas Sandra , Bloise Flavia Fonseca , Moscat Jorge , Rumjanek Vivian M.
Published: July 2008

The MAPK p38 is phosphorylated by multiple stimuli and regulates a number of transcription factors. It is reported that activation of p38 leading to the regulation of NFAT may result from an alternative MKK‐independent mechanism. This alternative pathway involves the protein Dlgh1 as an essential scaffold that assembles a module for the activation of p38. Ouabain, a specific inhibitor of the Na+/K+‐ATPase, is capable of inducing the activation of various signal transduction cascades. In the present work, P‐p38 levels of ConA‐activated thymocytes treated with ouabain (1, 10 and 100 nM) were measured as also the effect of ouabain on NFATc1 expression. p38 phosphorylation and NFATc1 levels were analyzed by flow cytometry. The results indicated that ouabain inhibited both ConA‐dependent increase in P‐p38 and NFATc1 levels, which suggests an effect of ouabain on the p38 alternative pathway.
Interaction of p14ARF with Brca1 in cancer cell lines and primary breast cancer
Authors: He Lizhi , Fan Catherine , Ning Xiaoming , Feng Xinchang , Liu Yun , Chen Biao , Tang Damu
Published: July 2008

We report an association between p14ARF and Brca1 in which both proteins co‐immunoprecipitate (co‐IP) in DU145 cells. The N‐terminal 64 residues of p14ARF encoded by exon 1β are sufficient for this association. Inside the cell, ectopic p14ARF co‐localizes with ectopic and endogenous Brca1 in A375 cells. Endogenous p14ARF co‐localizes with endogenous Brca1 in DU145 cells but not in H1299 cells. Since p14ARF interacts with B23 in the nucleolus, Brca1 co‐localizes with B23 in DU145 but not in H1299 cells. While ectopic ARF potently inhibited DU145 cell proliferation, it had no effect on the proliferation of H1299 cells, suggesting that the interaction between ARF and Brca1 contributes to ARF‐mediated tumor suppression. Consistent with this notion, ectopic p14ARF modulates endogenous Brca1 expression in MCF7 breast cancer cells and p14ARF co‐localizes with Brca1 in normal breast epithelial cells. This co‐localization is enhanced in primary breast cancer. Taken together, the results show that p14ARF associates with Brca1, which may play a major role in tumor suppression.
Ghrelin attenuates plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 production induced by tumor necrosis factor‐α in HepG2 cells via NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Ding Liying , Liu Guoliang , Guo Wenshi , Zhao Hong , Zong Zhihong
Published: July 2008

Plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI‐1), produced partly from liver is a risk factor for macrovascular and microvascular complications of diabetes. Ghrelin, a recently described orexigenic peptide hormone, attenuates PAI‐1 induced by TNF‐α in the human hepatoma cell line (HepG2). Exposure to TNF‐α (1 ng/ml) for 24 h caused a significant increase in PAI‐1 mRNA expression and protein secretion, as evaluated by RT‐PCR and ELISA, but pretreatment with ghrelin (1–100 ng/ml) inhibited both basal and TNF‐α‐induced PAI‐1 release in a dose and time‐dependent manner in HepG2. PDTC, selective NF‐κB inhibitor, had no additive inhibitory effects with ghrelin. The results indicate that ghrelin inhibits both basal and TNF‐α‐induced PAI‐1 production via NF‐κB pathway in HepG2 cells, and suggest that the peptide plays a therapeutic role in atherosclerosis, especially in obese patients with insulin resistance, in whom ghrelin levels were reduced.
Intraoperative mapping of anal and perineal anatomy using an electrostimulator
Authors: Aslan Erdogan
Published: July 2008

Objective

To present a new technique to identify perineal and anal sphincter anatomy using an electrostimulator in order to facilitate anatomical repair.

Methods

A neglected perineal tear was repaired using the technique described.

Results

The patient's St Mark's incontinence score improved from 22 out of 24 to 6 out of 24.

Conclusions

This technique may be practical and useful for intraoperative mapping of distorted perineal and anal anatomy to assist surgical repair.
Impact of cytogenetic and genomic aberrations of the kallikrein locus in ovarian cancer
Authors: Bayani Jane , Paliouras Miltiadis , Planque Chris , Shan Shannon J.C. , Graham Cassandra , Squire Jeremy A. , Diamandis Eleftherios P.
Published: July 2008

The tissue kallikrein (KLK) genes are a new source for biomarkers in ovarian cancer. However, there has been no systematic analysis of copy number and structural rearrangements related to their protein expression. Chromosomal rearrangements and copy number changes of the KLK region were studied by FISH with protein levels measured by ELISA. Ovarian cancer and cell lines revealed the KLK region was subject to copy number imbalances or involved in unbalanced translocations and were associated with increased protein expression of KLKs 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11. In this initial study, we introduce the potential for long‐range chromosomal effects and copy number as a mechanism for the previously reported aberrant expression of many KLK genes in ovarian cancers.
Prelude to the Separation of Powers
Authors: Barber N.W.
Published: July 2008

THIS article examines the doctrine of separation of powers, and attempts to defend the validity of a diversity of different conceptions of the doctrine. It also links separation of powers to efficiency, arguing that at the core of every manifestation of the doctrine is the efficient allocation of function to form. The structure of the courts and legislature are examined, and it is argued that that a link can be drawn between these institutions and the legislative and judicial task. The relationship between political theory and constitutional theory is also discussed.
The Termination of Bare Licences
Authors: Hill Jonathan
Published: July 2008

IN principle, the law relating to the termination of bare (or gratuitous) licences should be relatively simple. Bare licences do not enjoy statutory protection and a bare licence cannot impose contractual obligations on the licensor. There are, however, four elements which complicate the law. First, through the operation of the doctrine of proprietary estoppel, the licensor may be estopped from revoking a bare licence. Second, a licence which has been acted upon is not revocable. Third, on revocation of a bare licence, the licensee must be given a reasonable “period of grace” or “packing-up period”. Fourth, it is sometimes said that a bare licence may be revoked only “on reasonable notice.” These four elements overlap (in part) and, in the case law and academic literature, there is some degree of confusion. The difficulties which exist can be resolved by more rigorous analysis.
PRIORITY AS PATHOLOGY: THE PARI PASSU MYTH
Authors: Mokal Rizwaan Jameel
Published: July 2008

This paper argues that the pari passu principle of insolvency law does not fulfil any of the functions often attributed to it. It does not constitute an accurate description of how the assets of insolvent companies are in fact distributed. It has no role to play in ensuring an orderly winding up of such companies. Nor does it underlie, explain, or justify distinctive features of the formal insolvency regime, notably, its collectivity. The case-law said to support the pari passu principle serves actually to undermine its importance. And the principle has nothing to do with fairness in liquidation. The substantive argument in the paper concludes by examining the actual role of the principle. The arguments made here have important implications for almost every debate about insolvency law, from the status of secured and preferential creditors to the appropriate role of corporate “rescue” procedures.
NO COMMON LAW ACTION FOR UNFAIR DISMISSAL
Authors: Sims V.K.
Published: July 2008

In view of the restrictions inherent in the law on unfair dismissal, in relation to both the parameters of making a claim and the maximum amount of damages, it is not surprising that in Johnson v. Unisys Ltd. [2001] 2 W.L.R. 1076 the House of Lords was confronted with an attempt to circumvent the statutory system. Mr. Johnson was summarily dismissed in circumstances which were held to amount to an unfair dismissal, and received the maximum amount of damages. Unfortunately for Mr. Johnson, who had been diagnosed with a stress-related illness before, he suffered a mental breakdown, and has since been unable to find employment. He claimed that the manner of his dismissal amounted to a breach of the implied duty of mutual trust and confidence; this argument was rejected by the judge at first instance, the Court of Appeal ([1999] I.C.R. 809) and, on different grounds, the House of Lords.
CHOICE OF LAW-NOTICE OF ASSIGNMENT
Authors: Rogerson Pippa
Published: July 2008

IT is not often that those of us who toil in one of the remotest vineyards of legal academe are rewarded. Choice of law questions over intangible property rarely seem to trouble the courts, though there are many issues of considerable intellectual interest which also raise hugely important practical implications. Maybe the area is just too difficult or perhaps all concerned are crossing their fingers that the harsh winds of a judgment will not rock the vine and bruise their fine crop (illustrated by angst following Macmillan Inc. v. Bishopsgate Investment Trust plc (No. 3) [1996] 1 W.L.R. 387). Questions such as the way in which notice must be given to an insurer when the benefit of the policy is assigned must be an everyday practicality. The consequences of giving notice improperly ought to keep some people awake at night. When so much business is done cross-border it seems astounding that the choice of law rule is almost untouched by judicial pronouncement since Le Feuvre v. Sullivan (1855) 10 Moo. P.C. 1; 14 Eng. Rep. 389, Lee v. Abdy (1886) 17 Q.B.D. 309 and the like over one hundred years ago. Raiffeisen Zentralbank Osterreich AG v. Five Star General Trading LLC [2000] 1 All E.R. (Comm) 897 raised precisely this issue. Is the notice to be given in the manner required by: (i) the lex fori; (ii) the law of the contract of assignment of the benefit of the insurance; (iii) the lex situs of the policy; or (iv) the law of the contract of insurance? Is this question proprietary or contractual?
RESOLVING THE UNRESOLVABLE: THE CASE OF THE CONJOINED TWINS
Authors: Bainham Andrew
Published: July 2008

IN Re A (Children) (Conjoined Twins: Surgical Separation) [2000] 4 All E.R. 961 the Court of Appeal faced the impossible dilemma of having to decide whether to authorise a complex operation to separate Jodie and Mary, ischiopagus conjoined twins (joined at the pelvis). The condition of the babies was extremely rare, it being estimated that only about once in 100,000 births will monozygotic twins fail to separate completely. Even then, ischiopagus twins account for only about six per cent. of the total instances of conjoined twins. Another very rare peculiarity of the case was the certainty that the operation, if sanctioned, would quickly and inevitably bring about the death of the weaker twin, Mary. This was because the twins shared a common aorta. Mary’s own heart and lungs were severely deficient and incapable of oxygenating and pumping blood through her body. Her life was thus sustained only by the common artery and separation would necessarily involve clamping and severing this. It was equally clear that the effect of failing to attempt the separation would be the inevitable death of both twins within three to six months. The cause of death would be heart failure since Jodie’s heart would sooner or later fail. The parents, devout Roman Catholics, opposed the operation, believing that in God’s eyes the twins were equal and that one could not morally be sacrificed to save the other. The hospital took a different view. It believed that a successful operation could be performed which could give the stronger twin, Jodie, a reasonable prospect of a worthwhile life.
AN UNLUCKY ESCAPE
Authors: Hopkins C.A.
Published: July 2008

Carlo Vellino, who had numerous convictions for burglary, theft and other offences, received frequent visits in his second-floor flat from the police. To their knowledge, he often sought to evade arrest by leaving through a window, normally lowering himself to the ground from a balcony. In September 1994 three police officers arrested him in the flat for failure to appear in court. In circumstances of which there was conflicting evidence, the two officers who were holding Vellino let go of him, and he leaped out of the window, fracturing his skull when he hit the ground. He claimed damages for the resulting brain damage and tetraplegia, alleging that the Chief Constable was vicariously liable for the officers’ negligence. The Court of Appeal (Schiemann L.J. and Sir Murray Stuart-Smith, Sedley L.J. dissenting) upheld Elias J.’s decision to dismiss the claim, on the grounds that: (i) the police owed an arrested person no duty to take care that he was not injured in a foreseeable attempt to escape from lawful custody; (ii) the claimant was the author of his own misfortune; and (iii) as a matter of policy he should not be allowed to base a claim on his own criminal act of escaping from lawful custody (ex turpi causa non oritur actio): Vellino v. Chief Constable of the Greater Manchester Police [2001] EWCA Civ 1249, [2002] 1 W.L.R. 218.
Structuring Local Identity: Nation, Province and County in Shanxi During the 1990s
Authors: Goodman David S.G.
Published: July 2008

One of the more interesting aspects of politics in the People's Republic of China during the 1990s was the attempt by many provincial leaders to create a specifically provincial discourse of development that entailed the reformulation of provincial identity. Both inside and outside the People's Republic of China, provincialism has often been held to challenge the unity of the Chinese state. However, an examination of the provincial discourse of development in Shanxi during the 1990s suggests that provincial and indeed more local identity politics are more complex and finely nuanced than might at first seem to be the case. Shanxi's new provincial identity was neither exclusive nor opposed to other identities, but one of a series of multiple and overlapping identities, structured within a hierarchy of place and identity that reached down to and interacted with the more local levels of county and village, as well as up to the national level. At the same time it is clear that the appeal to localism has started to influence the ways in which provincial leaders participate in national politics. Moreover, there is some indication that the emphasis on localism may have resulted in the county and the town or city becoming more significant locales for identity formation than the province, though the consequences of this for provincial and local politics remain unclear.
Regionalism versus Ethnicnationalism in the People's Republic of China
Authors: Kaup Katherine Palmer
Published: July 2008

Although a number of scholars have examined differences among members of a single nationality in different localities within the People's Republic of China, none emphasizes the impact which formal territorial administrative divisions have on ethnic identity and consequently on state–ethnic interaction. China's largest minority nationality, the Zhuang, is divided by the Guangxi–Yunnan provincial boundary. The Zhuang on either side of the boundary have been governed by different provincial institutions. This territorial division has encouraged both a pronounced difference in ethnic identity and in official discourse on the Zhuang, and has encouraged regionalist sentiment over pan-Zhuang ethnicnationalism. This essay explores the origin and consequence of two major differences between Zhuang self-expression on either side of the provincial boundary and concludes that the central government has played regional and ethnic politics in Zhuang areas off against one another in a manner that limits both, while purportedly promoting each.
The China Democracy Party and the Politics of Protest in the 1980s–1990s
Authors: Wright Teresa
Published: July 2008

Does the appearance of the China Democracy Party signal a new level and type of political activism in China? This article explores the answer, through interviews with party members, primary documents and secondary sources. It finds that despite a number of continuities with protest actions of the 1980s – including an emphasis on legal, non-violent protest methods and a tendency toward intra-movement factionalism – the CDP displays some novel characteristics. The age, education, occupational status and prior protest experience of top CDP leaders suggest increased interaction among previously distinct social groups and decreased intellectual dependence on the state. Further, the communication methods of the CDP demonstrate the impact of newly available technologies such as the internet and e-mail. Will this new party ultimately succeed? Some point to Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party as a model, yet important differences outweigh the similarities. Nevertheless, although China's ruling elites have succeeded in stifling overt CDP actions and display little interest in greater political reform, in the long run, the new features of political dissent exhibited by the CDP may foreshadow more potent challenges to single-party rule.
Beef in China: Agribusiness Opportunities and Challenges. By John W. Longworth, Colin G. Brown and Scott A. Waldron. [St. Lucia, Queensland: University of Queensland Press, 2001. xix+412 pp. ISBN 0-7022-3231-9.]
Authors: Banks Tony , Rae Allan
Published: July 2008

The Chinese beef industry has grown phenomenally over the last two decades, with output increasing nearly 20-fold and China now being ranked as the third largest beef producer in the world after the United States and Brazil. The authors of Beef in China note that this Chinese ‘beef revolution’ has been scarcely documented in the literature, including Chinese language materials, and set about this task.