bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Confessional Framework of Rule of Law Development: How to Offer Salvation to Willing Legal Subjects
Authors: Beard Jennifer 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThis article examines the theological underpinnings to rule of law development programmes. The article reveals the metaphysics of First World development practices in the Third World in order to suggest that international lawyers ought to consider carefully their approach to development practices. The article focuses in particular on rule of law development programmes and what has become known as the 'will to reform' dilemma amongst lawyers attempting to encourage changes in the legal cultures of programme recipients. The article examines how rule of law reforms constitute legal subjectivity at both the national and individual level and demonstrates how development, as a Western concept, enables these reforms to call the legal subject into being in the same way that the Word of God has been used to call Christian subjectivity into being with a promise.
Does the Influence of Oblate-Like Distortions in Larger Raindrops Make a Difference in Collection and Evaporation Parameterizations?
Authors: Straka Jerry M. , Gilmore Matthew S. 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
This note documents the results of more exact parameterizations for continuous-collection growth and evaporation against simpler traditional ones. Although the main focus is on improving research models, the research results also apply to high-resolution forecast models because the use of lookup tables can make the proposed evaporation, terminal velocity, and collection parameterizations as fast as or faster than proposed ones. It is shown that the older method of ignoring oblate-like distortions of shapes in raindrops, truncated at a maximum diameter of 8 mm, gives a solution like that including oblate-like distortions but only because of two large errors that nearly cancel. The biggest differences from the solutions using oblate-like distortions in shape arise from parameterizations that incorporate more exact approximations (e.g., sweep-out diameter) that are not combined with appropriately more exact approximations for other variables dependent on diameter (e.g., terminal velocity).
Generation of activation-specific human anti-αMβ2 single-chain antibodies as potential diagnostic tools and therapeutic agents
Authors: Eisenhardt Steffen U. , Schwarz Meike , Schallner Nils , Soosairajah Juliana , Bassler Nicole , Huang Dexing , Bode Christoph , Peter Karlheinz 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe leukocyte integrin Mac-1 (αMβ2) plays a pivotal role in inflammation and host defense. Upon leukocyte activation, Mac-1 undergoes a conformational change exposing interaction sites for multiple ligands. We aimed to generate single-chain antibodies (scFv's) directed against activation-specific Mac-1 ligand-binding sites. Using human scFv phage libraries, we developed subtractive strategies with depletion of phages binding to nonactivated Mac-1 and selection of phages binding to activated Mac-1, using monocytes as well as CHO cells transfected with native or mutated, activated Mac-1. Three scFv clones demonstrated exclusive binding to activated Mac-1. Mac-1 binding of the ligands fibrinogen, heparin, and ICAM-1, but not C3bi, was inhibited. Using alanine substitutions, the paratope was identified within the heavy chain HCDR3s of the scFv's. The epitope was localized to Lys245-Arg261 of the αM I-domain. In a pilot study with septicemic patients, we provide initial support for the use of these scFv's as markers of monocyte activation and as potential diagnostic tools. Potential therapeutic use was tested in adhesion assays under static and flow conditions demonstrating the selective blockade of activated monocytes only. Furthermore, scFv HCDR3–derived peptides retain selectivity for the activated integrin, providing a unique template for the potential development of inhibitors that are specific for the activated Mac-1.
Cell-free production of scFv fusion proteins: an efficient approach for personalized lymphoma vaccines
Authors: Kanter Gregory , Yang Junhao , Voloshin Alexei , Levy Shoshana , Swartz James R. , Levy Ronald 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe unique immunoglobulin (Ig) idiotype on the surface of each B-cell lymphoma represents an ideal tumor-specific antigen for use as a therapeutic vaccine. We have used an Escherichia coli—based, cell-free protein-expression system to produce a vaccine within hours of cloning the Ig genes from a B-cell tumor. We demonstrated that a fusion protein consisting of an idiotypic single chain Fv antibody fragment (scFv) linked to a cytokine (GM-CSF) or to an immunostimulatory peptide was an effective lymphoma vaccine. These vaccines elicited humoral immune responses against the native Ig protein displayed on the surface of a tumor and protected mice against tumor challenge with efficacy equal to that of the conventional Ig produced in a mammalian cell and chemically coupled to keyhole limpet hemocyanin. The cell-free E coli system offers a platform for rapidly generating individualized vaccines, thereby allowing much more efficient application in the clinic.
High precision multi-genome scale reannotation of enzyme function by EFICAz
Authors: Arakaki Adrian K , Tian Weidong , Skolnick Jeffrey 
Published: December 2006

Abstract

Background
The functional annotation of most genes in newly sequenced genomes is inferred from similarity to previously characterized sequences, an annotation strategy that often leads to erroneous assignments. We have performed a reannotation of 245 genomes using an updated version of EFICAz, a highly precise method for enzyme function prediction.

Results
Based on our three-field EC number predictions, we have obtained lower-bound estimates for the average enzyme content in Archaea (29%), Bacteria (30%) and Eukarya (18%). Most annotations added in KEGG from 2005 to 2006 agree with EFICAz predictions made in 2005. The coverage of EFICAz predictions is significantly higher than that of KEGG, especially for eukaryotes. Thousands of our novel predictions correspond to hypothetical proteins. We have identified a subset of 64 hypothetical proteins with low sequence identity to EFICAz training enzymes, whose biochemical functions have been recently characterized and find that in 96% (84%) of the cases we correctly identified their three-field (four-field) EC numbers. For two of the 64 hypothetical proteins: PA1167 from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an alginate lyase (EC 4.2.2.3) and Rv1700 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv, an ADP-ribose diphosphatase (EC 3.6.1.13), we have detected annotation lag of more than two years in databases. Two examples are presented where EFICAz predictions act as hypothesis generators for understanding the functional roles of hypothetical proteins: FLJ11151, a human protein overexpressed in cancer that EFICAz identifies as an endopolyphosphatase (EC 3.6.1.10), and MW0119, a protein of Staphylococcus aureus strain MW2 that we propose as candidate virulence factor based on its EFICAz predicted activity, sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase (EC 3.1.4.12).

Conclusion
Our results suggest that we have generated enzyme function annotations of high precision and recall. These predictions can be mined and correlated with other information sources to generate biologically significant hypotheses and can be useful for comparative genome analysis and automated metabolic pathway reconstruction.
Dealing with missing data in a multi-question depression scale: a comparison of imputation methods
Authors: Shrive Fiona M , Stuart Heather , Quan Hude , Ghali William A 
Published: December 2006

Abstract

Background
Missing data present a challenge to many research projects. The problem is often pronounced in studies utilizing self-report scales, and literature addressing different strategies for dealing with missing data in such circumstances is scarce. The objective of this study was to compare six different imputation techniques for dealing with missing data in the Zung Self-reported Depression scale (SDS).

Methods
1580 participants from a surgical outcomes study completed the SDS. The SDS is a 20 question scale that respondents complete by circling a value of 1 to 4 for each question. The sum of the responses is calculated and respondents are classified as exhibiting depressive symptoms when their total score is over 40. Missing values were simulated by randomly selecting questions whose values were then deleted (a missing completely at random simulation). Additionally, a missing at random and missing not at random simulation were completed. Six imputation methods were then considered; 1) multiple imputation, 2) single regression, 3) individual mean, 4) overall mean, 5) participant's preceding response, and 6) random selection of a value from 1 to 4. For each method, the imputed mean SDS score and standard deviation were compared to the population statistics. The Spearman correlation coefficient, percent misclassified and the Kappa statistic were also calculated.

Results
When 10% of values are missing, all the imputation methods except random selection produce Kappa statistics greater than 0.80 indicating 'near perfect' agreement. MI produces the most valid imputed values with a high Kappa statistic (0.89), although both single regression and individual mean imputation also produced favorable results. As the percent of missing information increased to 30%, or when unbalanced missing data were introduced, MI maintained a high Kappa statistic. The individual mean and single regression method produced Kappas in the 'substantial agreement' range (0.76 and 0.74 respectively).

Conclusion
Multiple imputation is the most accurate method for dealing with missing data in most of the missind data scenarios we assessed for the SDS. Imputing the individual's mean is also an appropriate and simple method for dealing with missing data that may be more interpretable to the majority of medical readers. Researchers should consider conducting methodological assessments such as this one when confronted with missing data. The optimal method should balance validity, ease of interpretability for readers, and analysis expertise of the research team.
Serum Retinol-Binding Protein 4 Is Reduced after Weight Loss in Morbidly Obese Subjects
Authors: Haider Dominik G. , Schindler Karin , Prager Gerhard , Bohdjalian Arthur , Luger Anton , Wolzt Michael , Ludvik Bernhard 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
Context: Administration of retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP-4) impairs insulin sensitivity in animals, and elevated serum concentrations have been associated with insulin resistance in humans.
Objective: We have studied whether weight loss influences RBP-4.
Patients and Methods: Fasting serum concentrations of RBP-4 were measured before and 6 months after gastric banding surgery in 33 morbidly obese patients aged 40 ± 11 yr with a body mass index (BMI) of 46 ± 5 kg/m2. Fourteen healthy subjects aged 29 ± 5 yr with a BMI less than 25 kg/m2 served as controls. To characterize the association of weight loss with central and peripheral appetite regulation, the signaling protein agouti-related protein (AGRP), the orexigenic hormone ghrelin, and its recently identified antagonist obestatin were determined.
Results: At baseline, RBP-4 levels were markedly higher in obese than in lean subjects (2.7 ± 0.5 vs. 0.9 ± 0.5 μg/ml; P &lt; 0.001). In contrast, AGRP and obestatin were lower in obese subjects compared with lean controls (all P &lt; 0.001). Six months after gastric banding, BMI was reduced to 40 ± 5 kg/m2, RBP-4 was reduced to 2.0 ± 0.7 μg/ml, AGRP increased from 1.8 ± 1.1 to 3.4 ± 1.1 ng/ml, ghrelin increased from 93 ± 58 to 131 ± 70 pg/ml, and obestatin increased from 131 ± 52 to 173 ± 35 pg/ml (all P &lt; 0.05). Individual changes of RBP-4 were associated with changes of BMI (r = 0.72), the homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance-index (r = 0.53), and total cholesterol (r = 0.42, for all P &lt; 0.05).
Conclusion: Reductions in circulating RBP-4 may contribute to improved insulin resistance in morbidly obese subjects after weight loss. This is accompanied by favorable changes in appetite-regulating hormones, which might support the sustained weight loss after obesity surgery.
Predisposition for de Novo Gene Aberrations in the Offspring of Mothers with a Duplicated CYP21A2 Gene
Authors: Baumgartner-Parzer S. M. , Fischer G. , Vierhapper H. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractContext: Although CYP21A2 de novo mutations are assumed to account for 1 to 2% of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) alleles and CYP21 genotyping has been done worldwide, there are only a few well-documented cases of CYP21A2 de novo mutations. The majority of these are deletions resulting from unequal crossings over owing to misalignment of homologous chromosomes during meiosis. Whereas so far, only heterozygous deletions of the CYP21A1P pseudogene were seen as premutations for de novo aberrations, the present report addresses such a predisposing role for parental duplicated CYP21A2 genes.Subjects and Methods: As part of routine diagnostic procedures, CYP21 genotyping has been performed in two unrelated female CAH index patients and in their clinically asymptomatic parents and siblings.Results: Both patients have inherited the paternal Intron2splice mutation and have harbored a de novo gene aberration (large deletion and I271N/exon 4) on their maternal haplotype. Surprisingly, both mothers were carriers of rare duplicated CYP21A2 haplotypes carrying CAH alleles, which were not detected in the daughters. Among 133 CAH alleles that were detected in patients and that could be traced to the respective family members by genotyping, these two de novo aberrations (representing 1.5% of 133 traced CAH alleles) were the only ones identified.Conclusion: Because both de novo CYP21A2 gene aberrations so far identified in our laboratory occurred in the gametes of mothers carrying rare duplicated CYP21A2 haplotypes, we hypothesize that duplicated CYP21A2 genes could predispose for de novo mutations in the offspring, which is of relevance for prenatal CYP21 genotyping and genetic counseling.
Bond Length Contraction in Zinc-Triad Complexes Ligated by Hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate: [M(Cl){HB(3,5-iPr2pz)3}] (M = ZnII, CdII, and HgII)
Authors: Fujisawa Kiyoshi , Matsunaga Yuki , Ibi Naoko , Amir Nagina , Miyashita Yoshitaro , Okamoto Ken-ichi 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
Bond length contraction in zinc-triad chloro complexes, which were characterized by X-ray crystallography and metal–halogen stretching frequency, is reported.
Facile Three-Component Synthesis of Substituted Quinolines Catalyzed by Iridium(III) Complex
Authors: Nakajima Takayuki , Inada Takashi , Igarashi Takeyuki , Sekioka Tadashi , Shimizu Isao 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
A convenient and efficient synthesis of substituted quinolines via a simple one-pot reaction of an aniline, an aromatic aldehyde, and an enolizable aliphatic aldehyde in the presence of the iridium catalyst [IrCl2H(cod)]2 under oxygen as an oxidant was developed. The reaction proceeds with Mannich-type imine formation followed by nucleophilic addition to give β-amino aldehydes. Dehydrative cyclization takes place to give dihydroquinoline, which is then dehydrogenated by aerobic oxidation to give 2-aryl-3-alkylquinolines. Dialkylquinolines were obtained by the reaction with anilines and aliphatic aldehydes in good yields.
Preparation of Seven-Membered Carbocycles Using Ring-Closing Metathesis Reaction and Application to Syntheses of Tormesol and Cyathane Skeleton
Authors: Nakashima Katsuyuki , Fujisaki Norihiro , Inoue Kosuke , Minami Atsushi , Nagaya Chisako , Sono Masakazu , Tori Motoo 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
Various precursors were synthesized and were reacted with the Grubbs reagent as well as the second generation Grubbs reagent to cyclize them into seven-membered carbocycles with di- or tri-substituted double bonds. These reactions were used to synthesize (−)-tormesol, which is an enantiomer of sphenolobane-type diterpene that was isolated from Halimium viscosum, and a basic skeleton of cyathane-type diterpene.
Aromatic C–H Borylation Catalyzed by Hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate Complexes of Rhodium and Iridium
Authors: Murata Miki , Odajima Hiroki , Watanabe Shinji , Masuda Yuzuru 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
Dehydrogenative coupling of 4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolane (pinacolborane) with arenes occurred in good yield in the presence of a catalytic amount of [Rh(TpMe2)(cod)] (TpMe2 = hydrotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate, cod = 1,5-cyclooctadiene), [Ir(Tp)(cod)] (Tp = hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate), and related (pyrazolyl)borate complexes. The catalytic activity was strongly affected by substituents on the pyrazolyl rings.
Controlled Particle Size and Size Distribution of Co–Al Layered Double Hydroxide via the Hydrothermal Urea Method in Aqueous Alcohols
Authors: Kayano Mihoko , Ogawa Makoto 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
Hexagonal platy particles of CoII and AlIII layered double hydroxide were precipitated from homogeneous solutions via urea hydrolysis under hydrothermal conditions. The particle sizes and size distribution were successfully controlled by adding alcohols to the starting mixture.
The Influence of Acid Treatment on the Composition of Bentonite
Authors: Vuković Zorica , Milutonović Aleksandra , Rožić Ljiljana , Rosić Aleksandra , Nedić Zoran , Jovanović Dušan 
Published: December 2006

AbstractBentonite from the ‘Bogovina’ coal mine in Serbia, was characterized. The influence of acid treatment on its composition, as well as mathematical descriptions of this influence are reported. The purpose of this work was to correlate the concentration of the acid used for the treatment with the resulting bentonite composition. X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy and quantitative chemical analysis were employed to define the changes caused by acid treatment.The contents of all the cations, except Si, decreased exponentially with increasing concentration of the HCl used for the treatment of the bentonite. This approach was tested on previously published data and was shown to be valid.The basal reflections of smectite decreased gradually and eventually disappeared after intense treatment, while the other reflections remained in the XRD patterns of all the samples, but decreased slightly with increasing acid strength. In addition, the amount of X-ray amorphous matter formed increased rapidly with increasing acid concentration up to 4.5 M. With further increase in the acid strength, the amount of X-ray amorphous matter remained virtually constant.
Ti-Pillared Clays: Synthesis and General Characterization
Authors: Romero Amaya , Dorado Fernando , Asencio Isaac , García Prado Belen , Valverde José Luis 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThis review is concerned with the synthesis and physical-chemical characteristics of a specific type of modified clay material: Ti-PILCs. The two general synthetic procedures and the main problems associated with the scale-up synthesis of these pillared materials are discussed in detail. The general characteristics of Ti-PILCs in terms of basal spacing, pillar homogeneity, surface area, microporosity, mesoporosity, pore size and distribution, thermal resistance and acidity are discussed in depth. Likewise, the most important synthesis parameters that have a clear and marked influence on the final characteristics of the materials are summarized.
Insulin resistance and enhanced protein glycation in men with prehypertension
Authors: Sathiyapriya Viswanathan , Nandeesha Hanumanthappa , Bobby Zachariah , Pavithran Purushothaman , Selvaraj Nambiar , Rattina Dasse Nadaradjan 
Published: December 2006

AbstractClin Chem Lab Med 2006;44:1457–61.
Recent advances in physiological calcium homeostasis / Neuere Forschungsergebnisse zur physiologischen Kalziumhomöostase
Authors: Ramasamy Indra 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
A constant extracellular Ca2+ concentration is required for numerous physiological functions at tissue and cellular levels. This suggests that minor changes in Ca2+ will be corrected by appropriate homeostatic systems. The system regulating Ca2+ homeostasis involves several organs and hormones. The former are mainly the kidneys, skeleton, intestine and the parathyroid glands. The latter comprise, amongst others, the parathyroid hormone, vitamin D and calcitonin. Progress has recently been made in the identification and characterisation of Ca2+ transport proteins CaT1 and ECaC and this has provided new insights into the molecular mechanisms of Ca2+ transport in cells. The G-protein coupled calcium-sensing receptor, responsible for the exquisite ability of the parathyroid gland to respond to small changes in serum Ca2+ concentration was discovered about a decade ago. Research has focussed on the molecular mechanisms determining the serum levels of 1,25(OH)2D3, and on the transcriptional activity of the vitamin D receptor. The aim of recent work has been to elucidate the mechanisms and the intracellular signalling pathways by which parathyroid hormone, vitamin D and calcitonin affect Ca2+ homeostasis. This article summarises recent advances in the understanding and the molecular basis of physiological Ca2+ homeostasis.
Telescopic Crowns as Attachments for Implant Supported Restorations: A Case Series
Authors: Hoffmann Oliver , Beaumont Christian , Tatakis Dimitris N. , Zafiropoulos Gregory-George 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
The use of dental implants to support mandibular or maxillary overdentures is a widely used treatment modality. Advantages are an increase in retention, an increase in chewing ability, and easy access for oral hygiene procedures. While telescopic and conical crowns have been used for decades to connect natural teeth to overdentures, not many cases have been reported in the literature of telescopic crowns placed on implants to support overdentures. This article describes 7 patients with overdentures supported by telescopic crowns who received 65 implants (ITI Straumann). The cases presented in this report have been in function for up to 4.5 years. During that time no adverse events were reported. The use of telescopic crowns as attachments for implant-supported overdentures may be a viable treatment option.
Long-term Clinical Evaluation of Tapered Multi-threaded Implants: Results and Influences of Potential Risk Factors
Authors: Ormianer Zeev , Palti Ady 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
This prospective study evaluated the long-term performance of tapered screw implants placed in patients with a variety of potentially compromising clinical variables. Sixty patients were treated with 218 implants; each case included one or more potential risk factors associated with increased rates of implant failure, peri-implant bone loss or clinical complications in the dental literature: short implants (23%), comorbid conditions (25%), maxillary implants (61%), immediate loading (88.5%), placement into extraction sockets (91%), and partial edentulism (97%). The implants were restored with a variety of prostheses. Marginal bone changes were calculated utilizing periapical radiographs taken at placement and at all subsequent appointments utilizing a standardized paralleling device and a 1-mm measurement grid. Mean clinical follow-up was 67.5 (range: 1–94) months for implants and 60 (range: 15–74) months for prostheses. Four implants failed to integrate and were immediately replaced by wide-diameter implants. Eight prostheses sustained porcelain fracture (n = 7) or cement failure (n = 1) and were replaced. No peri-implant marginal bone loss was observed for 98% of the implants; the remaining 2% exhibited 1 mm of bone loss. Cumulative survival rates were 98.2% for implants and 96.3% for prostheses after 5 years of clinical loading. Concerns that tapered implant designs may be more prone to crestal bone loss than cylinder designs are unsupported by the results of this study. Tapered implants maintained integration and marginal bone levels despite the presence of one or more potentially compromising variables.