bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Torah and Magic: The Torah Scroll and Its Appurtenances as Magical Objects in Traditional Jewish Culture
Authors: Sabar Shalom 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThis essay deals with a little noticed aspect of the Torah scroll in Jewish life and practice—namely, the usage of the scroll and its accessories in the context of sympathetic magic. The Torah is undoubtedly the holiest text in the Jewish tradition, and early on rabbinical authorities set a code that determined the fitting rules of conduct towards the scroll upon which it is written. In the course of time, the Torah scroll and the appurtenances associated with it emerged as the most sacred tangible objects in Jewish tradition and folk culture. Select Torah scrolls in various communities, especially in the lands of Islam, were elevated to a special position and were considered as possessing extraordinary protective powers. Aside from miraculous stories told about such scrolls, the popular beliefs in the power of the Torah scroll in general are best reflected in the ornamental appurtenances which enhanced the physical appearance of the sacred object. Thus, costly ceremonial objects such as the tik (Torah case) or rimonim (Torah finials) were decorated in several communities with magical designs and carefully selected texts, which reflect ideas of Jewish magic in general and are reminiscent of Hebrew amulets in particular.
Towards a Contemporary View of Islamic Criminal Procedures: A Focus on the Testimony of Witnesses
Authors: Badawy Tarek 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThis paper challenges the traditional conception of Islamic criminal law and provides alternatives to the rules of criminal procedures that are both compatible with modern life and the sprit of Shari'ah. The first part of the article provides a brief explanation of the four main sources of Islamic law. The second part focuses on the different classifications of crimes in Islamic law and explains Shari'ah's classical rules of evidence. It gives answers to some complicated legal questions by examining the law's underlying rationales. For example, the author challenges the conservative view that calls for the imposition of the death penalty onto apostates and clarifies that such punishment has no foundation in Shari'ah. He also explains why, from an evidentiary standpoint, the crime of rape should be qualified as haraba as opposed to zina, which both entails a harsher penalty for the perpetrator and more lenient evidentiary requirements from prosecutors. Finally, the author contests the traditional stream of Islamic thinking by arguing that in criminal matters, the testimony of female witnesses should be equal to that of males and that in hudūd crimes, scientific evidence should be given the same status as the testimony of eye witnesses.
Estimates of the Water Vapor Climate Feedback during El Niño–Southern Oscillation
Authors: Dessler A. E. , Wong S. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
The strength of the water vapor feedback has been estimated by analyzing the changes in tropospheric specific humidity during El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycles. This analysis is done in climate models driven by observed sea surface temperatures [Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project (AMIP) runs], preindustrial runs of fully coupled climate models, and in two reanalysis products, the 40-yr European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Re-Analysis (ERA-40) and the NASA Modern Era Retrospective-Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA). The water vapor feedback during ENSO-driven climate variations in the AMIP models ranges from 1.9 to 3.7 W m−2 K−1, in the control runs it ranges from 1.4 to 3.9 W m−2 K−1, and in the ERA-40 and MERRA it is 3.7 and 4.7 W m−2 K−1, respectively. Taken as a group, these values are higher than previous estimates of the water vapor feedback in response to century-long global warming. Also examined is the reason for the large spread in the ENSO-driven water vapor feedback among the models and between the models and the reanalyses. The models and the reanalyses show a consistent relationship between the variations in the tropical surface temperature over an ENSO cycle and the radiative response to the associated changes in specific humidity. However, the feedback is defined as the ratio of the radiative response to the change in the global average temperature. Differences in extratropical temperatures will, therefore, lead to different inferred feedbacks, and this is the root cause of spread in feedbacks observed here. This is also the likely reason that the feedback inferred from ENSO is larger than for long-term global warming.
Social Service Organizations in the Era of Evidence-Based Practice
Authors: Maynard Brandy R. 
Published: August 2009

• Summary: Evidence-based practice (EBP) has been gaining acceptance and momentum in the social services professions. As evidence related to specific programs and interventions mount, social service practitioners and organizations around the world have increasingly begun to implement evidence-based programs as a strategy for creating better outcomes for children, families, and adults. Unfortunately, the science of evaluating efficacious and effective programs and interventions has far outpaced the science of implementing them. A gap exists between what we know works and being able to utilize what works in practice. This article will examine the challenges facing social service organizations in implementing evidence-based programs and explore an organizational theory to address those challenges. • Findings: The implementation of EBPs has proven to be a complex and challenging process, with organizational factors coming to the forefront as important in bridging the gap between science and service. The complexity of translating what we know from research into practice requires an organizing theory to help guide implementation efforts in the context of an organization. • Applications : This article proposes the use of a theoretical framework, the learning organization, by social service organizations. By transforming social service organizations into learning organizations, social service organizations will be able to more effectively meet the challenges of implementing evidence-based programs and function as a bridge, rather than a barrier, between science and service.
Mesenchymal stromal cells cross-present soluble exogenous antigens as part of their antigen-presenting cell properties
Authors: François Moïra , Romieu-Mourez Raphaëlle , Stock-Martineau Sophie , Boivin Marie-Noëlle , Bramson Jonathan L. , Galipeau Jacques 
Published: August 2009

AbstractRecent studies involving bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) demonstrated that interferon (IFN)–γ stimulation induces major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II–mediated antigen presentation in MSCs both in vitro and in vivo. Concordantly, we investigated the ability of MSCs to present extracellular antigen through their MHC class I molecules, a process known as cross-presentation. Using an in vitro antigen presentation assay, we demonstrated that murine MSCs can cross-present soluble ovalbumin (OVA) to naive CD8+ T cells from OT-I mice. Cross-presentation by MSC was proteasome dependent and partly dependent on transporter associated with antigen-processing molecules. Pretreatment of MSC with IFN-γ increased cross-presentation by up-regulating antigen processing and presentation. However, although the transcription of the transporter associated with antigen processing-1 molecules and the immunoproteasome subunit LMP2 induced by IFN-γ was inhibited by transforming growth factor-β, the overall cross-presentation capacity of MSCs remained unchanged after transforming growth factor-β treatment. These observations were validated in vivo by performing an immune reconstitution assay in β2-microglobulin−/− mice and show that OVA cross-presentation by MSCs induces the proliferation of naive OVA-specific CD8+ T cells. In conclusion, we demonstrate that MSCs can cross-present exogenous antigen and induce an effective CD8+ T-cell immune response, a property that could be exploited as a therapeutic cell-based immune biopharmaceutic for the treatment of cancer or infectious diseases.
Generating rate equations for complex enzyme systems by a computer-assisted systematic method
Authors: Qi Feng , Dash Ranjan K , Han Yu , Beard Daniel A 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

Background
While the theory of enzyme kinetics is fundamental to analyzing and simulating biochemical systems, the derivation of rate equations for complex mechanisms for enzyme-catalyzed reactions is cumbersome and error prone. Therefore, a number of algorithms and related computer programs have been developed to assist in such derivations. Yet although a number of algorithms, programs, and software packages are reported in the literature, one or more significant limitation is associated with each of these tools. Furthermore, none is freely available for download and use by the community.

Results
We have implemented an algorithm based on the schematic method of King and Altman (KA) that employs the topological theory of linear graphs for systematic generation of valid reaction patterns in a GUI-based stand-alone computer program called KAPattern. The underlying algorithm allows for the assumption steady-state, rapid equilibrium-binding, and/or irreversibility for individual steps in catalytic mechanisms. The program can automatically generate MathML and MATLAB output files that users can easily incorporate into simulation programs.

Conclusion
A computer program, called KAPattern, for generating rate equations for complex enzyme system is a freely available and can be accessed at http://www.biocoda.org.
Comparative genomic analyses of Streptococcus mutans provide insights into chromosomal shuffling and species-specific content
Authors: Maruyama Fumito , Kobata Mitsuhiko , Kurokawa Ken , Nishida Keishin , Sakurai Atsuo , Nakano Kazuhiko , Nomura Ryota , Kawabata Shigetada , Ooshima Takashi , Nakai Kenta , Hattori Masahira , Hamada Shigeyuki , Nakagawa Ichiro 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

Background

Streptococcus mutans is the major pathogen of dental caries, and it occasionally causes infective endocarditis. While the pathogenicity of this species is distinct from other human pathogenic streptococci, the species-specific evolution of the genus Streptococcus and its genomic diversity are poorly understood.

Results
We have sequenced the complete genome of S. mutans serotype c strain NN2025, and compared it with the genome of UA159. The NN2025 genome is composed of 2,013,587 bp, and the two strains show highly conserved core-genome. However, comparison of the two S. mutans strains showed a large genomic inversion across the replication axis producing an X-shaped symmetrical DNA dot plot. This phenomenon was also observed between other streptococcal species, indicating that streptococcal genetic rearrangements across the replication axis play an important role in Streptococcus genetic shuffling. We further confirmed the genomic diversity among 95 clinical isolates using long-PCR analysis. Genomic diversity in S. mutans appears to occur frequently between insertion sequence (IS) elements and transposons, and these diversity regions consist of restriction/modification systems, antimicrobial peptide synthesis systems, and transporters. S. mutans may preferentially reject the phage infection by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs). In particular, the CRISPR-2 region, which is highly divergent between strains, in NN2025 has long repeated spacer sequences corresponding to the streptococcal phage genome.

Conclusion
These observations suggest that S. mutans strains evolve through chromosomal shuffling and that phage infection is not needed for gene acquisition. In contrast, S. pyogenes tolerates phage infection for acquisition of virulence determinants for niche adaptation.
Alterations of BCCIP, a BRCA2 interacting protein, in astrocytomas
Authors: Liu Jingmei , Lu Huimei , Ohgaki Hiroko , Merlo Adrian , Shen Zhiyuan 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

Background
Loss of heterozygosity of chromosome 10q26 has been shown to be associated with the aggressiveness of astrocytic tumors (or astrocytomas), but the responsible gene(s) residing in this region has not been fully identified. The BCCIP gene is located at chromosome 10q26. It encodes a BRCA2 and CDKN1A (p21) interacting protein. Previous studies have shown that down-regulation of BCCIP impairs recombinational DNA repair, G1/S cell cycle checkpoint, p53 trans-activation activity, cytokinesis, and chromosome stability, suggesting a potential role of BCCIP in cancer etiology. In this study, we investigated whether BCCIP is altered in astrocytomas.

Methods
Genomic DNA from 45 cases of grade IV astrocytic tumor (glioblastoma) tissues and 12 cases of normal tissues were analyzed by quantitative PCR. The BCCIP protein expression in 96 cases of grade II–IV astrocytic tumors was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). IHC staining of glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP), a marker for astrocytic cells, was used to identify cells of the astrocytic lineage.

Results
We found that BCCIP protein is expressed in normal cells with positive staining of GFAP. However, BCCIP protein expression was not detectable in ~45% of all astrocytic tumors, and in > 60% in the grade IV glioblastoma. About 45% glioblastoma have significant (p < 0.01) reduction of BCCIP gene copy number when compared to normal DNA. Furthermore, the frequency of lacking BCCIP expression is associated with the aggressiveness of astrocytic tumors.

Conclusion
Our data implicate a role of BCCIP in astrocytic tumorigenesis, and lack of BCCIP may be used as a marker for astrocytomas.
Inhibition of HIV-1 entry by extracts derived from traditional Chinese medicinal herbal plants
Authors: Park In-Woo , Han Changri , Song Xiaoping , Green Linden A , Wang Ting , Liu Ying , Cen Changchun , Song Xinming , Yang Biao , Chen Guangying , He Johnny J 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

Background
Highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) is the current HIV/AIDS treatment modality. Despite the fact that HAART is very effective in suppressing HIV-1 replication and reducing the mortality of HIV/AIDS patients, it has become increasingly clear that HAART does not offer an ultimate cure to HIV/AIDS. The high cost of the HAART regimen has impeded its delivery to over 90% of the HIV/AIDS population in the world. This reality has urgently called for the need to develop inexpensive alternative anti-HIV/AIDS therapy. This need has further manifested by recent clinical trial failures in anti-HIV-1 vaccines and microbicides. In the current study, we characterized a panel of extracts of traditional Chinese medicinal herbal plants for their activities against HIV-1 replication.

Methods
Crude and fractionated extracts were prepared from various parts of nine traditional Chinese medicinal herbal plants in Hainan Island, China. These extracts were first screened for their anti-HIV activity and cytotoxicity in human CD4+ Jurkat cells. Then, a single-round pseudotyped HIV-luciferase reporter virus system (HIV-Luc) was used to identify potential anti-HIV mechanisms of these extracts.

Results
Two extracts, one from Euphorbiaceae, Trigonostema xyphophylloides (TXE) and one from Dipterocarpaceae, Vatica astrotricha (VAD) inhibited HIV-1 replication and syncytia formation in CD4+ Jurkat cells, and had little adverse effects on host cell proliferation and survival. TXE and VAD did not show any direct inhibitory effects on the HIV-1 RT enzymatic activity. Treatment of these two extracts during the infection significantly blocked infection of the reporter virus. However, pre-treatment of the reporter virus with the extracts and treatment of the extracts post-infection had little effects on the infectivity or gene expression of the reporter virus.

Conclusion
These results demonstrate that TXE and VAD inhibit HIV-1 replication likely by blocking HIV-1 interaction with target cells, i.e., the interaction between gp120 and CD4/CCR5 or gp120 and CD4/CXCR4 and point to the potential of developing these two extracts to be HIV-1 entry inhibitors.
Comparisons of optically monitored small-scale stirred tank vessels to optically controlled disposable bag bioreactors
Authors: Hanson Michael A , Brorson Kurt A , Moreira Antonio R , Rao Govind 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackgroundUpstream bioprocesses are extremely complex since living organisms are used to generate active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Cells in culture behave uniquely in response to their environment, thus culture conditions must be precisely defined and controlled in order for productivity and product quality to be reproducible. Thus, development culturing platforms are needed where many experiments can be carried out at once and pertinent scale-up information can be obtained.ResultsHere we have tested a High Throughput Bioreactor (HTBR) as a scale-down model for a lab-scale wave-type bioreactor (CultiBag). Mass transfer was characterized in both systems and scaling based on volumetric oxygen mass transfer coefficient (kLa) was sufficient to give similar DO trends. HTBR and CultiBag cell growth and mAb production were highly comparable in the first experiment where DO and pH were allowed to vary freely. In the second experiment, growth and mAb production rates were lower in the HTBR as compared to the CultiBag, where pH was controlled. The differences in magnitude were not considered significant for biological systems.ConclusionSimilar oxygen delivery rates were achieved in both systems, leading to comparable culture performance (growth and mAb production) across scales and mode of mixing. HTBR model was most fitting when neither system was pH-controlled, providing an information-rich alternative to typically non-monitored mL-scale platforms.
Delaying the onset of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis with the microtubule-stabilizing compounds, paclitaxel and Peloruside A
Authors: Crume Kevin P , O’Sullivan David , Miller John H , Northcote Peter T , La Flamme Anne C 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
Microtubule-stabilizing drugs able to delay the onset of CNS disease in an MS mouse model depends on altering both the lymphoid and myeloid cell compartments.
The hallmark of autoimmunity is the activation and proliferation of autoreactive lymphocytes. Therefore, one potential strategy to treat autoimmunity is to target the proliferating autoreactive lymphocytes with antimitotic drugs. Paclitaxel and peloruside are two microtubule-stabilizing drugs that halt cell proliferation by stabilizing microtubules in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. C57BL/6 mice treated for 5 consecutive days with paclitaxel or peloruside had a reduced incidence and significantly delayed development of EAE, a mouse model of MS. Although paclitaxel and peloruside were effective at inhibiting T cell proliferation in vitro, paclitaxel was shown to be ineffective at preventing the proliferation of autoreactive T cells in vivo during the 5-day treatment period. However, after the 5-day treatment, the ability of splenocytes or LN cells to proliferate in vitro was reduced significantly, suggesting that drug treatment targeted late but not early proliferative events in the animal. Moreover, in paclitaxel-treated, MOG-immunized mice, there was a complete inhibition of the recruitment of myeloid cells (especially macrophages) to the peripheral lymphoid organs. These results indicate that microtubule-stabilizing drugs are effective at reducing disease but require a prolonged exposure to paclitaxel in vivo to alter proliferation in the myeloid and lymphoid cell compartments.
Mesograzers in Posidonia oceanica meadows: an update of data on gastropod-epiphyte-seagrass interactions
Authors: Gacia Esperança , Costalago David , Prado Patricia , Piorno Diana , Tomas Fiona 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
Information on dietary habits of mesograzers in Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows is scarce and restricted to a few species. Here we provide data on the most likely food sources for eight gastropod species inferred from stable isotope data. We observed very similar isotopic signals for all species regardless of trophic guild category, indicating similar consumption behaviour with a main diet contribution from epiphytes. We also review the state of knowledge on gastropod-epiphyte-seagrass interactions, with particular emphasis on the scarcity of studies derived from Mediterranean systems. Laboratory experiments showed that under moderately nutrient-enriched conditions, two species of gastropods (Bittium reticulatum and Jujubinus striatus) were controlling epiphyte biomass at high grazer densities, with no consequences for seagrass performance. Finally, the results of a long-term in situ fertilisation experiment showed that the δ15N signal for seagrass, epiphytes and gastropods reflects experimentally induced eutrophication, thus cascading up nutrient effects throughout the food web.
The crystal structure and refined formula of mountainite, KNa2Ca2[Si8O19(OH)] · 6 H2O
Authors: Zubkova Natalia V. , Pekov Igor V. , Pushcharovsky Dmitry Yu. , Chukanov Nikita V. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractMountainite was described as a new mineral in 1957 with formula (Ca,Na2,K2)16Si32O80· 24 H2O; its crystal structure was not solved up to now. We studied the structure of mountainite from the Yubileinaya pegmatite, Lovozero alkaline complex, Kola Peninsula, Russia. Mountainite is monoclinic,P2/c,a= 13.704(2),b= 6.5760(10),c= 13.751(2) Å,β= 105.752(10)°,V= 1192.7(3) Å3,Z= 2,Dcalc= 2.28 g/cm3. The crystal structure was solved by direct methods and refined toR(F) = 0.0639 for 1186 unique reflections withI> 3σ(I). Rietveld refinement on powder data completely confirmed the model obtained using a single crystal. Mountainite is a phyllosilicate, representative of a new structure type. The most specific feature of the mountainite structure is aTOTblock formed by two SiO-layers [Si8O18(O,OH)2] (T-layers) and zig-zag columns of edge-sharing CaO5(H2O) octahedra sandwiched between them (O-layer). K cations occupy 10-fold polyhedra and are located between the columns of Ca-centered octahedra. The interlayer space between the neighboringTOTblocks is filled by Na cations and H2O molecules. The crystal-chemical formula is: KNa2Ca2{Si8O18[O(OH)]} · 6 H2O, the simplified formula is: KNa2Ca2Si8O19(OH) · 6 H2O.