bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Impact of the UNCRC on the Italian Legal System
Authors: Long Joëlle 
Published: January 2009

AbstractAlthough the direct effect of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) on the legal system have been limited, the UNCRC is for Italy one of the most important multilateral conventions: the legislator approves almost any act on children's rights, stating that the new legal instrument is necessary in order fully to implement the UNCRC; the courts use the Convention to justify judicial interpretations which cannot be given on the sole ground of domestic law and sometimes even to substantiate interpretations against the letter of domestic law. The analysis of the conflicts between the UNCRC and Italian law identified both by the Committee on the Rights of the Child and by Italian scholars shows the ways of implementing this international instrument in Italy are not likely to change in the future: the effects on the sources of Italian law will therefore probably remain the only path through which the Convention actually contributes to the improvement of children's protection in Italy.
Evaluation of micro-wind turbine aerodynamics, wind speed sampling interval and its spatial variation
Authors: Makkawi A. , Celik AN , Muneer T. 
Published: January 2009

Large wind turbines are usually installed in areas where wind speed distributions have been observed long enough to make sure of their high efficiency. However, micro-wind turbines are mostly used in areas where wind conditions are not necessarily favourable for efficient power production. Therefore, micro-wind turbines require specific designs to work effectively in low and turbulent wind resource areas. However, because this is not the case, more experimental results are being published in recent years that report under-achieving micro-wind turbines. In the present article, a similar under-achievement is reported. The experience gained from the wind energy project undertaken at Napier University is reported, as well as the analysis of the wind speed data collected at the facility and at Edinburgh Airport, some 16 km away from it. Practical applications: A micro-wind energy system can be one of the most promising technological solutions for producing electricity in residential applications for remote consumers as well as in urban areas provided that the problems reported in the literature are successfully tackled. The currently reported research project identifies such problems associated with micro-wind turbines, stemming from their use in urban areas on roofs of buildings. Thus, this will contribute both to the understanding of micro-wind turbines and to their possible improvements in the coming years.
Acceptable noise levels for construction site offices
Authors: Mui KW , Wong LT , Wong YW 
Published: January 2009

This study examined acceptable noise level of a construction site office in Hong Kong by analysing responses obtained from interviews of 77 occupants. The equivalent continuous noise level Leq measured in the office was chosen as an indicator and correlated with the occupant acceptance recorded on a visual analogue assessment scale and a dichotomous assessment scale. With the use of a logistic regression model, this acceptance was found to be significantly influenced by the working experience and age of occupants, which were in turn highly correlated. Satisfactory noise levels within the office have been evaluated by comparing acceptance responses given by the occupants at different Leq. The proposed criterion of aural comfort was further identified by the survey samples and a conclusion was drawn: an indoor environment with an equivalent continuous noise level Leq of 65 dBA would be deemed acceptable for a construction site office. Practical applications: This study reported the occupant acceptable noise level in construction site offices was more adaptable to a noisy environment than a general office because the occupant acceptance would be significantly influenced by the outdoor noise level, working experience and occupant age. The construction site office with an equivalent continuous noise level of 65 dBA would be recommended as a design criterion for construction site offices as it can balance the cost of acoustical treatment and the satisfaction of occupants.
Environmental assessment of residential buildings with an emphasis on water conservation
Authors: Ilha MSO , Oliveira LH , Gonçalves OM 
Published: January 2009

The construction, operation and demolition of buildings represent one of the most damaging human activities in the global environment nowadays and water use and conservation is one of the most representative environmental loads to be considered. Brazil, unlike some other countries, has not yet implemented its own body building environmental assessment. The development of an environmental assessment system requires the identification of the most important topics to be considered in each theme for each country or region, due to local environmental agenda. This article presents a summary of the main topics concerning water conservation considered in some international environmental building assessment systems and presents a proposal of topics to take into account in a Brazilian assessment system. Practical application: The civil construction industry is not only one of the biggest sectors in the economy but is also one of the greatest polluters. Along with standardisation, it is also necessary to establish measures to attract significantly higher levels in different topics related to sustainable construction. New mechanisms that allow users to recognise the difference between buildings with different sustainable performance levels need to be developed. This article will be used as a base for the development of a Brazilian system of assessment and rating for building environmental performance and sustainability in terms of water use and conservation.
Thermal comfort of an air-conditioned office through different windows-door opening arrangements
Authors: Daghigh R. , Adam NM , Sopian K. , Sahari BB 
Published: January 2009

This paper investigates the thermal comfort level of an office room through various windows-door opening arrangements in hot and humid climate. To determine the windows-door opening performance, 14 opening configurations have been considered and the combination of opening arrangements was carried out in an air-conditioned office at UPM, Malaysia. After conducting objective measurement for each condition, Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied (PPD) were calculated. The concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) were also monitored. Subjective survey involved questions on the thermal environmental perception and indoor air quality for office occupants for this study. Objective data analysis showed that in most of conditions office had thermal conditions falling within the comfort zone of ASHRAE standard 55, and in all of conditions neutral temperatures are higher than ASHRAE standard requirements. Subjective results revealed that staff has higher thermal comfort level as compared to what PMV has predicted. Practical application: It is believed that the results in this paper will contribute to knowledge that international standards are not applicable in hot and humid climate. Fanger equations would give the results for European conditions, people in hot- humid climate have some cultural preferences that are different from the Europeans hence modifying these equations and standards for this climate are necessary. In terms of the use of climatic control to modify the indoor environment it is found that when the occupants have the freedom to modify the environment, and make necessary adjustment, they always use windows-door opening arrangements to compensate for the less comfortable thermal condition and increase air movement.
Selected Background Findings and Interpretation of Common Lesions in the Female Reproductive System in Macaques
Authors: Cline J. Mark , Wood Charles E. , Vidal Justin D. , Tarara Ross P. , Buse Eberhard , Weinbauer Gerhard F. , de Rijk Eveline P. C. T. , van Esch Eric 
Published: January 2009

The authors describe a selection of normal findings and common naturally occurring lesions in the reproductive system of female macaques, including changes in the ovaries, uterus, cervix, vagina, and mammary glands. Normal features of immature ovaries, uteri, and mammary glands are described. Common non-neoplastic lesions in the ovaries include cortical mineralization, polyovular follicles, cysts, ovarian surface epithelial hyperplasia, and ectopic ovarian tissue. Ovarian neoplasms include granulosa cell tumors, teratomas, and ovarian surface epithelial tumors. Common non-neoplastic uterine findings include loss of features of normal cyclicity, abnormal bleeding, adenomyosis, endometriosis, epithelial plaques, and pregnancy-associated vascular remodeling. Hyperplastic and neoplastic lesions of the uterus include endometrial polyps, leiomyomas, and rarely endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial adenocarcinoma. Vaginitis is common. Cervical lesions include endocervical squamous metaplasia, polyps, and papillomavirus-associated lesions. Lesions in the mammary gland are most often proliferative and range from ductal hyperplasia to invasive carcinoma. Challenges to interpretation include the normal or pathologic absence of menstrual cyclicity and the potential misinterpretation of sporadic lesions, such as epithelial plaques or papillomavirus-associated lesions. Interpretation of normal and pathologic findings is best accomplished with knowledge of the life stage, reproductive history, and hormonal status of the animal.Competing Interests: This article was sponsored by Covance Inc. and Schering-Plough. Gerhard F. Weinbauer and Eberhard Buse are employed by Covance Inc. Eveline P. C. T. de Rijk and Eric Van Esch are employed by Schering-Plough. No other competing interests were declared.
The Macaque Ovary, with Special Reference to the Cynomolgus Macaque (Macaca fascicularis)
Authors: Buse Eberhard , Zöller Martina , Van Esch Eric 
Published: January 2009

Concerning functional and morphological aspects, the ovary of the cynomolgus macaque is representative for the conditions in higher primates like humans and is therefore of major relevance in toxicological research. Against this background, a comprehensive overview about the cynomolgus macaque ovary is given from its embryonic appearance, throughout the adolescent and adult development until old age. The overview includes morphologic characteristics, a description of the different cell types, comparisons between the expression of selected receptors, and some details on hormonal effects if considered necessary for understanding the unit of ovarian morphology and function. The close correlation of hormones and morphological characteristics of the ovary and of the other reproductive organs is emphasized by several schematic drawings and images. Special emphasis is also laid on the comparison to the human organism indicating the similarity of both species and hence underlining the importance of the cynomolgus macaque as a model in toxicological research. Competing Interests: This article was sponsored by Covance Inc. and Schering-Plough. Martina Zöller and Eberhard Buse are employed by Covance Inc. Eric Van Esch is employed by Schering-Plough. No other competing interests were declared.
Physiology and Endocrinology of the Ovarian Cycle in Macaques
Authors: Weinbauer Gerhard F. , Niehoff Marc , Niehaus Michael , Srivastav Shiela , Fuchs Antje , Van Esch Eric , Cline J. Mark 
Published: January 2009

Macaques provide excellent models for preclinical testing and safety assessment of female reproductive toxicants. Currently, cynomolgus monkeys are the predominant species for (reproductive) toxicity testing. Marmosets and rhesus monkeys are being used occasionally. The authors provide a brief review on physiology and endocrinology of the cynomolgus monkey ovarian cycle, practical guidance on assessment and monitoring of ovarian cyclicity, and new data on effects of social housing on ovarian cyclicity in toxicological studies. In macaques, cycle monitoring is achieved using daily vaginal smears for menstruation combined with cycle-timed frequent sampling for steroid and peptide hormone analysis. Owing to requirements of frequent and timed blood sampling, it is not recommended to incorporate these special evaluations into a general toxicity study design. Marmosets lack external signs of ovarian cyclicity, and cycle monitoring is done by regular determinations of progesterone. Cynomolgus and marmoset monkeys do not exhibit seasonal variations in ovarian activity, whereas such annual rhythm is pronounced in rhesus monkeys. Studies on pair- and group-housed cynomolgus monkeys revealed transient alterations in the duration and endocrinology of the ovarian cycle followed by return to normal cyclicity after approximately six months. This effect is avoided if the animals had contact with each other prior to mingling. These experiments also demonstrated that synchronization of ovarian cycles did not occur. Competing Interests: This article was sponsored by Covance Inc. and Schering-Plough. Gerhard F. Weinbauer, Marc Niehofg, Michael Niehaus, Shiela Srivasav, and Antje Fuchs are employed by Covance Inc. Eric Van Esch is employed by Schering-Plough. No other competing interests were declared.
EPIC-DB: a proteomics database for studying Apicomplexan organisms
Authors: Madrid-Aliste Carlos J , Dybas Joseph M , Angeletti Ruth Hogue , Weiss Louis M , Kim Kami , Simon Istvan , Fiser Andras 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background
High throughput proteomics experiments are useful for analyzing the protein expression of an organism, identifying the correct gene structure of a genome, or locating possible post-translational modifications within proteins. High throughput methods necessitate publicly accessible and easily queried databases for efficiently and logically storing, displaying, and analyzing the large volume of data.

Description
EPICDB is a publicly accessible, queryable, relational database that organizes and displays experimental, high throughput proteomics data for Toxoplasma gondii and Cryptosporidium parvum. Along with detailed information on mass spectrometry experiments, the database also provides antibody experimental results and analysis of functional annotations, comparative genomics, and aligned expressed sequence tag (EST) and genomic open reading frame (ORF) sequences. The database contains all available alternative gene datasets for each organism, which comprises a complete theoretical proteome for the respective organism, and all data is referenced to these sequences. The database is structured around clusters of protein sequences, which allows for the evaluation of redundancy, protein prediction discrepancies, and possible splice variants. The database can be expanded to include genomes of other organisms for which proteome-wide experimental data are available.

Conclusion
EPICDB is a comprehensive database of genome-wide T. gondii and C. parvum proteomics data and incorporates many features that allow for the analysis of the entire proteomes and/or annotation of specific protein sequences. EPICDB is complementary to other -genomics- databases of these organisms by offering complete mass spectrometry analysis on a comprehensive set of all available protein sequences.
A novel Ecotin-Ubiquitin-Tag (ECUT) for efficient, soluble peptide production in the periplasm of Escherichia coli
Authors: Paal Michael , Heel Thomas , Schneider Rainer , Auer Bernhard 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background
Many protocols for recombinant production of peptides and proteins include secretion into the periplasmic space of Escherichia coli, as they may not properly fold in the cytoplasm. If a signal peptide is not sufficient for translocation, a larger secretion moiety can instead be fused to the gene of interest. However, due to the covalent linkage of the proteins, a protease recognition site needs to be introduced in between, altering the N-terminus of the product. In the current study, we combined the ubiquitin fusion technology, which allows production of authentic peptides and proteins, with secretion by the perpiplasmic protease inhibitor ecotin.

Results
Different fusion constructs, composed of ecotin, mouse ubiquitin b and a model peptide, were expressed in E. coli BL21(DE3). The fusion proteins were translocated into the periplasmic space and the ecotin signal peptide was cleaved off. Under the control of the lacUV5 promoter at 24°C we obtained 18 mg periplasmic recombinant protein per gram dry cell weight. However, vigorous expression with the T7 promoter caused outer membrane permeabilization and leakage of the fusion protein into the culture medium. Target peptides were released from hybrid proteins by the deubiquitinating enzyme ubiquitin c-terminal hydrolase-L3 in vitro. MALDI TOF-TOF mass spectroscopy confirmed accurate cleavage.

Conclusion
This newly described method represents a useful technique for the production of authentic soluble peptides in the periplasm of E. coli. In addition, larger proteins might also be produced with the current system by the use of ubiquitin specific proteases, which can cleave off larger C-terminal extensions.
Isotretinoin and psychopathology: a review
Authors: Kontaxakis Vassilis P , Skourides Demetris , Ferentinos Panayotis , Havaki-Kontaxaki Beata J , Papadimitriou George N 
Published: January 2009

AbstractIsotretinoin, a synthetic oral retinoid that is used against severe nodulocystic acne, has been associated with various psychiatric side effects such as depression, suicidality and psychotic symptoms. A great number of reports on its effects have been published since its introduction into the market. However, a causal relationship has not been established and the link between isotretinoin use and psychiatric events remains controversial. The present paper reviews the available evidence regarding the association of isotretinoin and psychiatric side effects. All published material reporting psychiatric side effects following isotretinoin treatment, including case reports, case series, reports from adverse drug event reporting systems, prospective surveys and retrospective case-control studies, are presented. In addition, the neurobiology of the retinoids and possible biological mechanisms that may lead to psychopathology are described.
A Drosophila systems model of pentylenetetrazole induced locomotor plasticity responsive to antiepileptic drugs
Authors: Mohammad Farhan , Singh Priyanka , Sharma Abhay 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBackgroundRodent kindling induced by PTZ is a widely used model of epileptogenesis and AED testing. Overlapping pathophysiological mechanisms may underlie epileptogenesis and other neuropsychiatric conditions. Besides epilepsy, AEDs are widely used in treating various neuropsychiatric disorders. Mechanisms of AEDs' long term action in these disorders are poorly understood. We describe here aDrosophilasystems model of PTZ induced locomotor plasticity that is responsive to AEDs.ResultsWe empirically determined a regime in which seven days of PTZ treatment and seven days of subsequent PTZ discontinuation respectively cause a decrease and an increase in climbing speed ofDrosophilaadults. Concomitant treatment with NaVP and LEV, not ETH, GBP and VGB, suppressed the development of locomotor deficit at the end of chronic PTZ phase. Concomitant LEV also ameliorated locomotor alteration that develops after PTZ withdrawal. Time series of microarray expression profiles of heads of flies treated with PTZ for 12 hrs (beginning phase), two days (latent phase) and seven days (behaviorally expressive phase) showed only down-, not up-, regulation of genes; expression of 23, 2439 and 265 genes were downregulated, in that order. GO biological process enrichment analysis showed downregulation of transcription, neuron morphogenesis during differentiation, synaptic transmission, regulation of neurotransmitter levels, neurogenesis, axonogenesis, protein modification, axon guidance, actin filament organization etc. in the latent phase and of glutamate metabolism, cell communication etc. in the expressive phase. Proteomic interactome based analysis provided further directionality to these events. Pathway overrepresentation analysis showed enrichment of Wnt signaling and other associated pathways in genes downregulated by PTZ. Mining of available transcriptomic and proteomic data pertaining to established rodent models of epilepsy and human epileptic patients showed overrepresentation of epilepsy associated genes in our PTZ regulated set.ConclusionSystems biology ultimately aims at delineating and comprehending the functioning of complex biological systems in such details that predictive models of human diseases could be developed. Due to immense complexity of higher organisms, systems biology approaches are however currently focused on simpler organisms. Amenable to modeling, our model offers a unique opportunity to further dissect epileptogenesis-like plasticity and to unravel mechanisms of long-term action of AEDs relevant in neuropsychiatric disorders.
GMC Tests of Competence: the assessment of poorly performing doctors
Authors: Etheridge Lucinda , Sturrock Alison , Conlon Liam , Dacre Jane 
Published: January 2009

Objective This article aims to provide an overview of the current procedures in place by the General Medical Council to assess the fitness to practise of poorly performing doctors. Method It outlines the legal background, the structure and the rationale behind the type of assessments used. Results Specialty specific Tests of Competence and a workplace-based assessment are carried out by a specially trained and appointed team of assessors. All assessments are designed to the highest standards by expert teams, including trained stakeholders. Conclusions Assessments are continually being updated and validated to ensure high standards in this high stakes process.
Publication Metrics and Record of Pharmacy Practice Chairs
Authors: Thompson Dennis F , Callen Erin C , Nahata Milap C 
Published: January 2009

Background: Scholarship is an essential component of academic pharmacy. Department chairs are considered role models and mentors to junior faculty, but their publication record has not been documented. Objective: To quantify publication patterns of pharmacy practice chairs in general and, specifically, at health sciences center (HSC)-based versus non–HSC-based and public versus private colleges of pharmacy. Methods: Pharmacy practice chairs were identified using the 2006–2007 roster of faculty from the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. Of the 89 colleges of pharmacy in the roster, 11 listed no pharmacy practice chair and 5 listed more than one. Data were collected on the remaining 73 schools by searching each chair's name on PubMed and Web of Science (WoS). Data on total publications, publications per year, total citations, citations per article, h-index, and m quotient were collected. Results: A total of 2394 papers published by 73 pharmacy practice chairs were found in a search of PubMed. The mean number of total publications per chair was 33 (95% CI 21 to 44). The mean number of publications per year was 1.4 using PubMed and 1.6 using WoS. Mean h-index was 8.0 (95% CI 6.3 to 9.6). Mean number of total citations was 410 (95% CI 252 to 568). Thirty-three percent (n = 24) had less than 10 lifetime publications and 18% had more than 50 lifetime publications, HSC-based chairs averaged 51.3 papers while non–HSC-based chairs averaged 19.1 (p < 0.01). Similar data were found for total citations (HSC = 673 vs non-HSC = 216; p < 0.001). Public school chairs had an average of 41.5 articles cited on PubMed, versus 15 for private school chairs (p<0.01). Public school chairs had an average h-index of 9.7 versus 4.4 for private school chairs (p < 0.001), and an average of 9.2 citations per article compared with 5.2 for private school chairs (p < 0.001). Conclusions: These data provide a normative pattern of publication metrics and record for pharmacy practice chairs and demonstrate marked variability in scholarly productivity.