bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human Cloning: Legal Aspects
Authors: Pynes Christopher A 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Human cloning debates fall into two broad categories: reproductive and therapeutic. Both varieties of human cloning have important legal aspects from ownership of genetic material, stem cell research, the dignity and respect for human life, reproductive rights of individuals, among other things, to the rights of potentially cloned individuals. Two basic facts complicate the legal issues with cloning: the biological technology needed to achieve human cloning can be found in most good labs, and writing and enforcing laws on either kind of human cloning is difficult to achieve. And even though there is a general consensus about the need to ban reproductive cloning in the world community, the views concerning therapeutic cloning are varied and have complicated the legal matters internationally and in individual nations. It is certain that regulations will continue to change at a rate slower than the biological technology.

Key concepts:

Reproductive cloning is cloning where the live birth of another individual is intended, and has been consistently opposed by all government and most individuals.

Therapeutic cloning is cloning for purposes other than the live birth of an individual, and has seen support by some governments and many individuals.

UNESCO or the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization which functions as a mechanism that attempts to gain universal agreements on emerging ethical issues related to science and education.

The UK has a clear prohibition on reproductive human cloning, but works to keep laws current with and relevant to technological advances.

The EU supports funding for embryonic stem cell research, but has banned human cloning.

The USA has a complex mix of state and federal regulations and interlocutors often conflate the cloning issues with the abortion debate, which gives rise to strong objections to both types of cloning and to stem cell research.
Predictive Genetic Testing: The Huntington Disease Model
Authors: Tibben Aad , Bijlsma Emilia 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Predictive or presymptomatic genetic testing enables individuals at risk for a hereditary late‐onset disease to learn about their genetic status before symptoms have appeared. The predictive testing protocol for Huntington disease (HD) safeguards the interests of test candidates and has served as a model for other diseases. Most people seen for genetic counselling regarding HD are the asymptomatic children of an affected parent. Predictive testing provides the opportunity to get relief from the anguish of being at risk, to have prenatal tests or preimplantation genetic testing, to have children free from the disorder and to make informed plans for the future regarding marriage, education, professional career and finances. The common experience has been that tested individuals found relief from their prior psychological distress and that they benefited psychologically from testing. Having children proved to be an additional stress factor for partners.

Key concepts:

Predictive testing provides the opportunity to get relief from uncertainty and prepare better for the future.

Preimplantation genetic testing enables couples to have a pregnancy without the burden of termination after an unfavourable prenatal test result.

At 55 years of age and being not symptomatic, there is still a 25% empirical chance of being a carrier of the Huntington's gene.

The Huntington disease CAG repeat length accounts for roughly 50–77% of the variation in the age of onset.

Predictive testing requires informed consent by the individual at risk and the provision of psychological support.

Predictive testing for adult‐onset disorders without treatment options should not be offered to children and adolescents.

Exclusion testing is an important option for an individual at 25% risk because the genetic status of his at‐risk parent does not need to be revealed.

Counselling test candidates at 25% risk to get Huntington disease requires a family system approach.

The predictive test candidate's beliefs about causation and emotional, social and cultural issues may affect the perception of the information that is given in genetic counselling.
Public Understanding of Genetics: The Deficit Model
Authors: Marks Nicola J 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Genetics is relevant to many aspects of our lives. According to the deficit model of public understanding, any misgivings people have about genetics and its applications stem from a lack of understanding of basic scientific principles. Consequently, education in genetics should lead to improved literacy and therefore support for this area. However, a number of studies show that education campaigns do not automatically lead to increased public support. Instead, it has been argued that understanding is a complex and dynamic process whereby people make sense of information in many different ways, which depend on prior knowledge and on their social and cultural locations. Therefore, members of the public should not be seen as
deficient
in understanding. Rather, it is argued that they have sophisticated understandings which should be acknowledged, and processes of
engagement
between science and public are put forward.

Key concepts:

According to the deficit model, lack of public understanding of genetics leads to an inability to fully participate in social life and potentially lack of support for new technologies. This can be remedied by education.

According to critical approaches to public understanding, ‘understanding’ is a complex process that involves social and cultural factors; the focus is on ‘knowledges in context’.

Public engagement, where people with different kinds of knowledge and opinions are consulted instead of merely educated, may help improve science–society relations.
Plant Virus Movement and the Impact ofRNASilencing
Authors: Heinlein Manfred 
Published: December 2009

AbstractPlant virus‐encoded movement proteins support the spread of viral genomes through plasmodesmata and thus represent keys to the molecular mechanisms underlying macromolecular trafficking and intercellular communication. AlthoughTobacco mosaic virusemploys a movement mechanism involving the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)/actin network and microtubules, other viruses interact with membranes of the secretory or endocytic pathways. In addition to replication and targeting of plasmodesmata, efficient virus movement depends on the ability of the virus to interact with theribonucleic acid(RNA) silencing machinery. Viruses generally encode proteins that suppress silencing and, thus, enhance replication and systemic movement. However, new findings suggest that viruses may also be able to subvert the host silencing machinery to manipulate gene expression in cells to be invaded. Thus, successful virus movement relies on orchestrated interactions of virus‐encoded proteins with the cellular transport and RNA silencing immune systems of the plant.Key conceptsViruses and other macromolecules are transported through plasmodesmata.Virus movement requires virus‐encoded proteins and interacting host factors.Viruses use different strategies of movement.Viruses interfere with RNA silencing in complex ways.
Drug Discovery in Apoptosis
Authors: O'Brien Tom , Dixit Vishva M 
Published: December 2009

AbstractRegulation of cell death (apoptosis) is a crucial process that has to be precisely modulated during normal cell growth, and inappropriate regulation of this process has been implicated in a large number of ailments ranging from cancer to neurodegenerative diseases. Given that apoptosis can be either induced (e.g. following tissue injury or ischaemia) or attenuated (e.g. in cancer), there are a large number of potential intervention strategies that can be taken. To date, there are no approved therapeutics whose primary mode of action involves modulation of a critical component of the apoptotic pathway. However, there is an increasing number of therapeutics that are actively being tested in clinical trials, some of which are likely to become approved therapeutics.Key ConceptsCaspases are implicated as potential therapeutic targets in a large number of clinically relevant indications.Small molecule caspase inhibitors can be identified, but developing these into therapeutic drugs has proven to be very challenging.There are many liabilities associated with caspase inhibitors, such as the warhead (reversible or irreversible), the apparent near absolute requirement for a P1 aspartic acid and selectivity.So far, only one of the four caspase inhibitors that have entered clinical trials is still being actively developed, the remaining three have been discontinued for a variety of reasons.Novel approaches to drug discovery can be taken; for example, utilizing a novel allosteric site that many caspases appear to contain.There are a number of additional targets in the apoptotic pathway that are therapeutically relevant.
Molecular Genetics of Spermatogenic Disturbances
Authors: Krausz Csilla 
Published: December 2009

AbstractA large proportion of male infertility is predicted to be related to genetic factors. These factors may act directly at the testicular level or through the endocrine regulation of the testis. A number of new causative mutations have been identified in hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism allowing a genetic diagnosis in approximately 30–40% of cases. However, search for causative mutations in Y‐chromosome, autosomal and X‐linked genes with predicted spermatogenic function have been substantially unsuccessful with some rare exceptions. Up to now, only Y‐chromosome rearrangements such as AZoospermia Factor (AZF) deletions and gr/gr deletion have been confirmed as molecular genetic causes of primitive testicular failure.Key concepts:Spermatogenic failure can be caused by genetic factors acting at the pre‐testicular or directly at the testicular level.Mutation in genes involved in the hormonal regulation of the testis (pre‐testicular level) is associated with hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism.Genetic factors involved in primitive testicular failure can be divided in chromosomal abnormalities and monogenic mutations.Microdeletions in specific regions of the long arm of the Y‐chromosome (AZFregions) represent the most frequent molecular genetic cause of primitive testicular failure. The diagnosis ofAZFdeletions is clinically relevant since it provides the aethiology of infertility, has a prognostic value for testicular sperm retrieval and the deletion will be obligatory transmitted to the male offspring. gr/gr deletion of theAZFcregion is the only significant risk factor for impaired sperm production identified to date.Search for X‐linked and autosomal gene mutations/polymorphisms has been largely unsuccessful.Given the polygenic nature of male infertility a major advancement will likely be achieved from future studies based on whole genome analyses in large study populations.
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Authors: Prasad Sashank , Galetta Steven L 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is characterized by paroxysmal excruciating unilateral facial pain. Knowledge of the proper diagnosis and management of trigeminal neuralgia is essential to successfully treat these patients. There are several clinical features that are typical of TN, but there may be red flags that should suggest alternative diagnoses. There is convincing evidence that TN develops from focal demyelination at the trigeminal root entry zone with subsequent ephaptic transmission (crosstalk) between axons. Vascular compression of the nerve root causes the demyelination in most patients. Medical management of this condition, with anticonvulsants and other drugs, aims to dampen the abnormal electrical signals and thereby ameliorate the symptoms. Refractory cases may require surgical intervention, such as microvascular decompression of the trigeminal root. Gamma knife therapy is emerging as an alternative treatment for patients with medically refractive TN, particularly the elderly patient with co‐morbid conditions.

Key concepts:

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) may be an extremely disabling illness, characterized by a severe, electric, lancinating pain on one side of the face.

Most cases of TN are due to demyelination of trigeminal nerve sensory fibres within the proximal nerve root, caused by compression by an overlying blood vessel.

TN can also occur in disease of central demyelination (such as multiple sclerosis).

Patients with new‐onset trigeminal neuralgia should typically undergo an MRI to exclude a tumour, demyelination, stroke or other lesion. MR angiography may help identify vessels compressing the trigeminal nerve.

Most patients with TH will require daily prophylactic treatment, most commonly with an antiepileptic drug (such as carbamazepine, gabapentin or oxcarbamazepine).

Microvascular decompression is a very effective surgical procedure for the treatment of TN. Other procedures include radiofrequency thermocoagulation, retrogasserian glycerol injection and trigeminal ganglion balloon compression.

Stereotactic gamma knife radiosurgery is emerging as an effective alternative, particularly for elderly patients or those with co‐morbid conditions.
Constituent Particle Break‐Up During Hot Rolling of AA 5182
Authors: Moulin Nicolas , Parra‐Denis Estelle , Jeulin Dominique , Ducottet Christophe , Bigot Annabelle , Boller Elodie , Maire Eric , Barat Cécile , Klöcker Helmut 
Published: December 2009

AbstractAluminum sheet is currently used for body panels on a number of mass‐produced vehicles, in particular for closure panels. AA5xxxalloys always contain coarse inter‐metallic particles (Alx(Fe,Mn)ySi, Mg2Si) after casting. In the present work inter‐metallic particle break‐up during hot reversible rolling of AA5182 alloy sheets has been analyzed. The sizes and shapes of inter‐metallic particles in as‐cast and industrially hot rolled AA5182 alloys sheets were characterized by 3D X‐ray tomography observations. The relation between particle break‐up and particle morphology was then analyzed statistically and by a micromechanical finite element (FE)‐based model. The essential outcomes of the statistical approach may be summarized as follows. The inter‐metallic particle population may be described by five morphological parameters. Secondly the comparison of the particle morphology in as cast and industrially rolled sheets leads to the definition of five classes. The evolution of each particle class as function of the rolling strain is provided. The statistical analysis showswhichparticles break‐up. The stresses and strains in inter‐metallic particles, embedded in an elasto‐viscoplastic aluminum matrix submitted to plane strain compression, were analyzed by an FE model. A new failure criterion was proposed. The essential outcomes of the mechanical approach are as follows: a precise description of stress concentration mechanisms in nonconvex particles, a close description of the parameters controlling particle break‐up, and finally a simplified classification of the failure behavior.
Binuclear Ru(III) Schiff base complexes: synthesis, spectral characterization, oxidation, CC coupling reactions and antibacterial activities
Authors: Manimaran Arumugam , Jayabalakrishnan Chinnasamy 
Published: December 2009

AbstractNew hexa‐coordinated binuclear Ru(III) Schiff base complexes of the type {[(B)2X2Ru]2L} (where B = PPh3 or AsPh3; X = Cl or Br; L = binucleating N2O2 Schiff bases) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, magnetic susceptibility measurement, FT‐IR, UV–vis, 13C{1H}‐NMR, ESR at 300 and 77 K, cyclic voltammetric technique, powder X‐ray diffraction pattern and SEM. The new complexes were used as catalysts in phenyl–phenyl coupling reaction and the oxidation of alcohols to their corresponding carbonyl compounds using molecular oxygen atmosphere at room temperature. Further, the new Schiff base ligands and their Ru(III) complexes were also screened for their antibacterial activity against K. pneumoniae, Shigella sp., M. luteus, E. coli and S. typhi. From this study, it was found that the activity of the ruthenium(III) Schiff base complexes almost reaches the effectiveness of the conventional bacteriocide standards. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cyclodextrin inclusion complexes as novel MOCVD precursors for potential cobalt oxide deposition
Authors: Papadopoulos N. D. , Karayianni H.S. , Tsakiridis P.E. , Perraki M. , Hristoforou E. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe potential use of the inclusion complexes of β‐cyclodextrins with metal halides as novel precursors in MOCVD applications was examined in terms of microstructure, thermal stability and chemical modifications during heating. The investigation was especially focused on the inclusion complex of β‐cyclodextrin with cobalt iodide for cobalt oxide thin film deposition. The general composition assigned to the dextrin's inclusion complex was: (β‐CD)2•CoI7•11H2O. It was found that the inclusion complex of β‐cyclodextrin with CoI2 may prove a promising alternative to traditional metalorganic or organometallic Co‐precursors for precise CVD applications. The sublimation temperature must be preferably in the range 70–125 °C, and the decomposition temperature (substrate temperature) in the range of 350–400 °C. Three distinct regions can be recognized by heating: transformation of tightly bound water molecules into easily movable ones, sublimation of iodine ions and Co atoms oscillation and thermal decomposition of the glycositic ring into volatile by‐products. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, characterization and biological studies of oxovanadium(IV) complexes with triazole‐derived Schiff bases
Authors: Chohan Zahid H. , Sumrra Sajjad H. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractA series of triazole‐derived Schiff bases (L1–L5) and their oxovanadium(IV) complexes have been synthesized. The chemical structures of Schiff bases were characterized by their analytical (CHN analysis) and spectral (IR, 1H and 13C NMR and mass spectrometry) data, and oxovanadium(IV) complexes were elucidated by their physical (magnetic susceptibility and conductivity), analytical (CHN analysis), conductance measurements and electronic spectral data. The molar conductivity data indicate the oxovanadium(IV) complexes to be non‐electrolyte. The Schiff bases act as bidentate and coordinate with the oxovanadium(IV)‐forming stoichiometry of a complex as [M (L‐H)2] where M = VO and L = L1–L5 in a square‐pyramidal geometry. The agar well diffusion method was used for in vitro antibacterial screening against E. coli, S. flexenari, P. aeruginosa, S. typhi, S. aureus and B. subtilis and for antifungal activity against T. longifucus, C. albican, A. flavus, M. canis, F. solani and C. glaberata. The biological activity data show the oxovanadium(IV) complexes to be more antibacterial and antifungal than the parent Schiff bases against one or more bacterial and fungal strains. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel methodologies for the synthesis of functionalized lipophilic carboranes
Authors: Jonnalagadda Subash C. , Verga Steven R. , Patel Parth D. , Reddy A. V. , Srinivas T. , Scott Patricia M. , Mereddy Venkatram R. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractNovel synthetic protocols for the synthesis of lipophilic carboranes were developed utilizing two CC bond forming reactions, namely Baylis–Hillman and enynedioate cycloaddition reactions. Some of these carboranes were converted into further functionalized carboranes via nucleophilic allylic isomerization. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Separation and isomerization of xylenes using zeolite membranes: a short overview
Authors: Daramola M. O. , Burger A. J. , Pera‐Titus M. , Giroir‐Fendler A. , Miachon S. , Dalmon J.‐A. , Lorenzen L. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractDuring the last 30 years, there has been a great evolution in p‐xylene production technology, with many equipment improvements being instituted in the industry. Typically, these improvements bring economic as well as processing advantages to the producers. Such developments are vital, as the capital costs for process equipment to separate xylene isomers, especially into highly purified p‐xylene, still remain very high. In view of this, research efforts have recently focused on the development of zeolite membranes for the separation and production of p‐xylene, the precursor for the production of terephthalic acid, for which the current p‐xylene world demand stands at about 86% of the production. Over a list of about 200 references, this review reports on the present state‐of‐the‐art in p‐xylene separation from lesser used isomers (o‐ and m‐xylene) by means of MFI‐type zeolite membranes, and on the most recent achievements in o/m‐xylene isomerization to p‐xylene using extractor‐type catalytic membrane reactors. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Medium development for enhanced production of alkaline protease from a newly isolated Bacillus pseudofirmus SVB1
Authors: Sen S. , Venkata Dasu V. , Mandal B. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe most significantly influencing medium components viz., casein, MgSO4, CaCl2, and NH4NO3 were selected to maximize the production of alkaline protease (specific activity) from a newly isolated Bacillus pseudofirmus SVB1 using Plackett–Burman experimental design. Central composite design was used to determine the optimal levels of these screened medium components. The optimal levels of casein, MgSO4, CaCl2, and NH4NO3 were found to be 7.636, 0.811, 0.086, and 0.576 g/l, respectively. An overall 4.89‐fold increase in alkaline protease production (specific activity) was achieved in the optimized medium. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Constitutive relations for the extrusion of siloxane gum and silicone rubber
Authors: Crawford B. , Doherty A. P. , Spedding P. L. , Herron W. , Proctor M. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractSilicones are widely used in many industries and in many forms, and extrusion is the most common fabrication method used to produce a range of products. However, the material properties and the extrusion process are not well understood and a generalised model including prediction of material properties and process simulations is not available. It is envisioned that computational fluid dynamic (CFD) modelling will be applicable to providing a better description of the extrusion process. Constitutive relations required for a CFD model were developed from viscosity data for silicone gum and rubber compounds. For the generalised Newtonian fluid (GNF) relations, the Yasuda model gave good prediction of the shear viscosity for all materials. Only the non‐linear differential models were capable of describing the viscoelastic behaviour. The Phan Thien–Tanner (PTT) model correctly modelled the viscosity and dynamic moduli for silicone gum, but for the rubber compounds only the viscosities could be adequately predicted. Underprediction was in evidence at low shear rates. The irreversible Papanastasiou–Scriven–Macosko (PSM) form of the Kaye–Bernstein–Kearsley–Zapas (KBKZ) was the most successful of the integral viscoelastic models. Good prediction of shear viscosity and dynamic moduli was achieved for all silicone materials. The first normal stress and extensional behaviour were predicted at high to medium shear rates. The constitutive equations presented here will enable a detailed CFD modelling study to be undertaken of the extrusion process, and this will be presented in a subsequent paper. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.