bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Amphipathic and Membrane‐Destabilizing Properties of the Cationic Acrylate Polymer Eudragit® E100
Authors: Alasino Roxana V. , Ausar Salvador F. , Bianco Ismael D. , Castagna Leonardo F. , Contigiani Marta , Beltramo Dante M. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractSummary:The cationic acrylate polymer Eudragit® E100 (E100) produces a biphasic effect on the stability of casein micelles disrupting their internal structure (S. F. Ausar et al.,J. Agric. Food Chem.2003,51, 4417). These results suggested that this polymer could have some amphipathic character. Therefore, in this study the polymer was characterized with respect to its interaction with different amphipathic systems (bile‐acid micelles, lipoproteins and liposomes), cell membranes (red blood cells) and virus membranes (Herpes simplex type 2 virus). As with caseins, a biphasic effect was observed with bile acids with a precipitation phase at low polymer/bile acid ratio and a solubilization phase when the polymer concentration was increased. Upon interaction with human plasma, an important reduction in cholesterol and triglycerides was observed upon remotion of E100 by a rise in pH to 8.5 and centrifugation. In agreement with this finding, an important reduction in plasma lipoproteins was observed upon its treatment with E100 and further remotion by pH rise and centrifugation. However, the amount of the major protein components of human plasma and the activity of several enzymes and antibodies were not affected by their treatment with E100. The membrane‐destabilizing properties of E100 were confirmed by its lytic activity on liposomes and red blood cells and by an important antiviral effect of E100 on Herpes simplex virus type 2. Altogether, these results show that, despite its water solubility and cationic character, E100 displays a significative amphipathic and membrane‐destabilizing character with potential biotechnological applications.Native‐PAGE of human plasma lipoproteins after treatment with E100.magnified imageNative‐PAGE of human plasma lipoproteins after treatment with E100.
Permeation and Separation Characteristics of a Mixture of Benzene/Cyclohexane through Cellulose Alkyl Ester Membranes during Pervaporation
Authors: Uragami Tadashi , Tsukamoto Kenji , Miyata Takashi 
Published: March 2005

AbstractSummary: Cellulose alkyl esters such as ethyl, butyryl, pentyl, and heptyl cellulose with different numbers of carbon in the alkyl ester group were synthesized for the separation of a mixture of benzene/cyclohexane (Bz/Chx = 5/95 w/w) with a low concentration of benzene. All of cellulose alkyl ester membranes showed high benzene/cyclohexane selectivity for a Bz/Chx mixture in pervaporation. With increasing carbon number in the ester groups, the permeation rate increased but the benzene/cyclohexane selectivity decreased. The increase in the permeation rate could be attributed to an increase in the swelling of the membrane due to the feed mixture, and the decrease in the benzene/cyclohexane selectivity was dependent on both the decrease in the solubility selectivity and the diffusion selectivity. These pervaporation characteristics are discussed from the viewpoints of chemical and physical structure of the cellulose alkyl ester membranes such as the degree of swelling, the contact angle, and the density of the cellulose ester membranes, and the solution composition absorbed into their membranes.Effects of the carbon number of alkyl group in the cellulose alkyl ester membranes on the benzene concentration in the permeate (•) and the permeation rate (○) for the mixture of benzene/cyclohexane during pervaporation.magnified imageEffects of the carbon number of alkyl group in the cellulose alkyl ester membranes on the benzene concentration in the permeate (•) and the permeation rate (○) for the mixture of benzene/cyclohexane during pervaporation.
Micro‐Structured Electrode Arrays: Characterization of High Frequency Discharges at Atmospheric Pressure
Authors: Baars‐Hibbe Lutz , Sichler Philipp , Schrader Christian , Gericke Karl‐Heinz , Büttgenbach Stephanus 
Published: March 2005

AbstractSummary: Micro‐structured electrode (MSE) arrays allow large area uniform glow discharges to be generated over a wide pressure range up to atmospheric pressure. Electrode widths, thicknesses and distances in the μm‐range are realized by means of modern micro machining and galvanic techniques. These electrode dimensions are small enough to generate sufficiently high electric field strengths to ignite gas discharges by applying only moderate radio frequency (RF, 13.56 MHz) voltages (80 V to 390 V in Ne, He, Ar, N2 and air). The non‐thermal plasma system can be characterized by a special probe measuring the electric parameters. MSE driven plasmas demonstrate different behavior from conventional RF or DC discharge plasmas. Due to the very small electrode gap width, d, the behavior of the charged particles in the RF field of our system could be described with the DC Townsend breakdown theory. Partially, dependent on the pressure range and type of gas, the breakdown mechanism was dominated by field electron emission or by a high frequency regime. The voltage‐current characteristic and electron density of the MSE plasma in He at atmospheric pressure were characteristic for a glow discharge. Using MSE arrays as plasma sources, several applications have been developed and successfully tested including atmospheric pressure plasma chemistry (decomposition of waste gases like CF4 and NO) and the sterilization of food packaging materials at atmospheric pressure.Voltage‐current characteristic of a 100 kPa He RF glow discharge generated with an MSE array (d = 70 μm).magnified imageVoltage‐current characteristic of a 100 kPa He RF glow discharge generated with an MSE array (d = 70 μm).
Binding of a highly potent protease‐activated receptor‐2 (PAR2) activating peptide, [3H]2‐furoyl‐LIGRL‐NH2, to human PAR2
Authors: Kanke Toru , Ishiwata Hiroyuki , Kabeya Mototsugu , Saka Masako , Doi Takeshi , Hattori Yukio , Kawabata Atsufumi , Plevin Robin 
Published: March 2005

To determine the binding characteristics of a highly potent agonist for protease‐activated receptor‐2 (PAR2), 2‐furoyl‐Leu‐Ile‐Gly‐Arg‐Leu‐amide (2‐furoyl‐LIGRL‐NH2), whole‐cell binding assays were performed utilising a radioactive ligand, [3H]2‐furoyl‐LIGRL‐NH2.
Specific binding of [3H]2‐furoyl‐LIGRL‐NH2 was observed in NCTC2544 cells, dependent upon PAR2 expression, and competitively displaced by the addition of unlabeled PAR2 agonists. Scatchard analysis of specific saturation binding suggested a single binding site, with Kd of 122±26.1 nM and a corresponding Bmax of 180±6 f mol in 3.0 × 105 cells.
The relative binding affinities of a series of modified PAR2 agonist peptides obtained from competition studies paralleled their relative EC50 values for Ca2+ mobilisation assays, indicating improved binding affinities by substitution with 2‐furoyl at the N‐terminus serine.
Pretreatment of cells with trypsin reduced specific binding of [3H]2‐furoyl‐LIGRL‐NH2, demonstrating direct competition between the synthetic agonist peptide and the proteolytically revealed tethered ligand for the binding site of the receptor.
In HCT‐15 cells endogenously expressing PAR2, the binding of [3H]2‐furoyl‐LIGRL‐NH2 was displaced by addition of unlabeled ligands, Ser‐Leu‐Ile‐Gly‐Lys‐Val (SLIGKV‐OH) or 2‐furoyl‐LIGRL‐NH2. The relative binding affinity of 2‐furoyl‐LIGRL‐NH2 to SLIGKV‐OH was comparable to its relative EC50 value for Ca2+ mobilisation assays.
The binding assay was successfully performed in monolayers of PAR2 expressing NCTC2544 and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), in 96‐ and 24‐well plate formats, respectively.
These studies indicate that [3H]2‐furoyl‐LIGRL‐NH2 binds to human PAR2 at its ligand‐binding site. The use of this radioligand will be valuable for characterising chemicals that interact to PAR2.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 145, 255–263. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706189
Endothelin‐1 enhances oxidative stress, cell proliferation and reduces apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells: role of ETB receptor, NADPH oxidase and caveolin‐1
Authors: Dong Feng , Zhang Xiaochun , Wold Loren E , Ren Qun , Zhang Zhaojie , Ren Jun 
Published: March 2005

Endothelin‐1 (ET‐1), an endothelium‐derived vasoactive peptide, participates in the regulation of endothelial function through mechanisms that are not fully elucidated. This study examined the impact of ET‐1 on oxidative stress, apoptosis and cell proliferation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). HUVECs were challenged for 24 h with ET‐1 (10 pM–10 nM) in the absence or presence of the ETB receptor antagonist BQ788 (1 μM) or the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin (1 μM). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected using chloromethyl‐2′,7′‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate. Apoptosis was evaluated with 4′,6′‐diamidino‐2′‐phenylindoladihydrochloride staining and by the caspase‐3 assay. Cell proliferation was measured by a colorimetric assay. Expression of NADPH oxidase, Akt, pAkt, Bcl‐2, Bax, IκB, caveolin‐1 and eNOS was evaluated by Western blot analysis.
ET‐1 significantly enhanced ROS generation and cell proliferation following 24‐h incubation, both of which were prevented by BQ788 or apocynin, consistent with the ability of ET‐1 to directly upregulate NADPH oxidase. ET‐1 itself did not affect apoptosis but attenuated homocysteine‐induced apoptosis through an ETB receptor‐mediated mechanism. Western blot analysis indicated that ET‐1 alleviated homocysteine (Hcy)‐induced apoptosis, likely acting by antagonizing the Hcy‐induced decreases in Akt, pAkt, pAkt‐to‐Akt, Bcl‐2‐to‐Bax ratios and increases in Bax and caveolin‐1 expression. Furthermore, ET‐1 downregulated expression of caveolin‐1 and eNOS, which was attenuated by BQ788 or apocynin.
In summary, our results suggest that ET‐1 affects oxidative stress, proliferation and apoptosis possibly through ETB, NADPH oxidase, Akt, Bax and caveolin‐1‐mediated mechanisms.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 145, 323–333. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706193
Two distinct pathways account for EDHF‐dependent dilatation in the gracilis artery of dyslipidaemic hApoB+/+ mice
Authors: Krummen Stéphane , Falck John R , Thorin Eric 
Published: March 2005

A universal endothelium‐derived hyperpolarising factor (EDHF – non‐NO/non‐PGI2) has not been identified. EDHF, however, is essential for the physiological control of resistance artery tone. The impact of dyslipidaemia (DL), a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, on the nature and the efficacy of EDHF has not been evaluated yet.
Pressurised (80 mmHg) gracilis arterial segments isolated from mice expressing the human apoB‐100 and C57Bl/6 wild‐type (WT) mice were used. EDHF‐dependent dilatations to acetylcholine (ACh) were measured in the presence of L‐NNA (100 μM, NOS inhibitor) and indomethacin (10 μM, COX inhibitor).
Maximal EDHF‐induced dilatations were increased in DL when compared to WT (95±2 versus 86±4% in WT; P<0.05). Combination of apamin and charybdotoxin strongly reduced (P<0.05) ACh‐induced dilatation in WT (22±4%) and DL (25±5%).
Combined addition of barium (Ba2+) and ouabain abolished EDHF‐induced dilatations in WT arteries (13±3%; P<0.05). In vessels isolated from DL mice, however, only the addition of 14,15‐EEZE (a 14,15‐EET antagonist) to Ba2+ and ouabain prevented EDHF‐induced dilatations (5±3% compared to 54±11% in the presence of combined Ba2+ and ouabain; P<0.05).
Our data suggest that EDHF‐mediated dilatation depends on the opening of endothelial SKCa and IKCa channels. This is associated with the opening of Kir channels and activation of the Na+/K+‐ATPase pump on smooth muscle cells leading to dilatation. In arteries from DL mice, a cytochrome P450 metabolite likely to be 14,15‐EET equally contributes to the dilatory action of ACh. The early increased efficacy of EDHF in arteries isolated from DL mice may originate from the duplication of the EDHF pathways.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 145, 264–270. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706194
Italy as a negotiator in the EU equal opportunities policy process
Authors: Donà Alessia 
Published: March 2005

SummaryThe creation of both a Ministry and a Department for equal opportunities has been Italy's main institutional response to EU pressures in the field of equal opportunities policy. Nevertheless, the impact of Italian negotiators in the EU depends not only on the institutional resources available to them, but also on the political credibility acquired by presenting well-defined and clear preferences during the bargaining process in the Council. This article considers how the Italian position was presented, and how successful it was, in two recently approved Directives, one decided by qualified majority vote, the other on a basis of unanimity. The aim of the analysis is to assess Italy's capacity to influence EU social affairs. Information was gathered by conducting qualitative interviews with the main political actors involved in the decision-making process at the national and European levels.
Green currents for holomorphic automorphisms of compact Kähler manifolds
Authors: Dinh Tien-Cuong , Sibony Nessim 
Published: March 2005

Letffbe a holomorphic automorphism of a compact Kähler manifold(X,ω)(X,\omega )of dimensionk≥2k\geq 2. We study the convex cones of positive closed(p,p)(p,p)-currentsTpT_p, which satisfy a functional relation\[f∗Tp=λTp, λ>1,f^* T_p=\lambda T_p,\ \ \lambda >1,\]and some regularity condition (PB, PC). Under appropriate assumptions on dynamical degrees we introduce closed finite dimensional cones, not reduced to zero, of such currents. In particular, when the topological entropyh(f)\mathrm {h}(f)offfis positive, then for somem≥1m\geq 1, there is a positive closed(m,m)(m,m)-currentTmT_mwhich satisfies the relation\[f∗Tm=exp⁡(h(f))Tm.f^* T_m=\exp (\mathrm {h}(f)) T_m.\]Moreover, every quasi-p.s.h. function is integrable with respect to the trace measure ofTmT_m. When the dynamical degrees offfare all distinct, we construct an invariant measureμ\muas an intersection of closed currents. We show that this measure is mixing and gives no mass to pluripolar sets and to sets of small Hausdorff dimension.
Mordell’s exponential sum estimate revisited
Authors: Bourgain J. 
Published: March 2005

The aim of this paper is to extend recent work of S. Konyagin and the author on Gauss sum estimates for large degree to the case of ‘sparse’ polynomials. In this context we do obtain a nearly optimal result, improving on the works of Mordell and of Cochrane and Pinner. The result is optimal in terms of providing some power gain under conditions on the exponents in the polynomial that are best possible if we allow arbitrary coefficients. As in earlier work referred to above, our main combinatorial tool is a sum-product theorem. Here we need a version for product spaces

F

p

×

F

p

\mathbb {F}_{p}\times \mathbb {F}_{p}

for which the formulation is obviously not as simple as in the

F

p

\mathbb {F}_{p}

-case. Again, the method applies more generally to provide nontrivial bounds on (possibly incomplete) exponential sums involving exponential functions. At the end of the paper, some applications of these are given to issues of uniform distribution for power generators in cryptography.
On Grief and Gratitude
Authors: Solomon Robert C. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractIs grief a “negative” emotion? Is it an emotion at all? We often tend to conflate what causes an emotion (in this case, a serious loss) with the value of the emotion itself. I argue that grief plays an unappreciated positive role in our experience. I also suggest that we too often tend to think of emotions as distinctive feelings and not as processes, but grief is a clear case of an emotional process (that includes several other emotions). I similarly suggest that gratitude is an unappreciated emotion in ethics. But, on a cosmic level, there is some question who the grateful person (especially a grateful humanist) is grateful to.
Reasons for Love
Authors: Solomon Robert C. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractDo we love for reasons? Most romantics would insist not. In fact, we love despite good reasons not to love. I argue that love necessarily involves reasons (though not necessarily conscious or articulate reasons). I discuss the problem of loving someone for his or her looks and what I call Plato's Problem, loving only the properties of a person. I end by discussing some dubious and perverse reasons for love.
God, the Devil, and Darwin
Authors: Shanks Niall , Dawkins Richard 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThis book introduces the intelligent design theory, which preserves the core of creation science while doing away with much of the biblical literalism and explicit references to God. It discusses the theory, where it came from, and how it is presented to the public. It argues that the theory represents a serious threat to the educational, scientific, and philosophical values of the Enlightenment that have shaped modern science and modern democratic institutions.
Darwin and the Illusion of Intelligent Design
Authors: Shanks Niall 
Published: March 2005

AbstractDarwin’s response to apparent design in nature, in the form of the adaptation of organisms to their environments, is examined. It is explained how his theory of evolution by natural selection is able to account for organic structures and processes in terms of unguided, natural causes rather than the intelligent, supernatural ones to which Paley appealed. Darwin’s attitude to religion is discussed, and his concern that the manifest suffering in nature is inconsistent with the existence of an omnipotent, benevolent God is observed. It is argued that modern advances in our understanding of genetics and developmental biology reinforce the explanatory power of Darwin’s theory.
Thermodynamics and the Origins of Order
Authors: Shanks Niall 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThe creationist claim that evolution is inconsistent with the Second Law of Thermodynamics, which states that entropy in the universe increases, is discussed and refuted: local reductions in entropy can be offset against increases in entropy elsewhere, so that the net increase in entropy required by the Law is consistent with local decreases in entropy. It is explained how recent developments in nonequilibrium thermodynamics have shown how physical systems can organize themselves into highly ordered states under the influence of natural laws alone.
Science and the Supernatural
Authors: Shanks Niall 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThe creationist criticism of modern science that it rules out supernatural causation a priori and prejudicially, owing to a misplaced commitment to metaphysical naturalism, is discussed. It is argued that supernatural causation is not taken seriously at present because it is completely lacking in evidential support, and not because its very possibility has been dismissed prior to experiment, data, and interpretation. As a case study, a controlled, randomized, double-blind investigation by Harris et al. into the efficacy of intercessionary prayer on coronary patients, putative empirical evidence of supernatural causation, is examined and shown to be, at very best, inconclusive.
The Biochemical Case for Intelligent Design
Authors: Shanks Niall 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThe subject of this chapter is irreducible biochemical complexity, which, according to Michael Behe amongst others, is not susceptible to explanation in evolutionary terms, because the removal of any one of the complex system’s component parts would cause it to cease to function; it must, therefore, be attributed to intelligent supernatural design. The Belousov-Zhabotinski reaction, in which a certain series of chemicals perform a repeating cycle of reactions in each other’s presence, is adduced as an example of chemical self-organization’s giving rise to an irreducibly complex system. It is shown how unthinking evolutionary processes can produce irreducible biochemical complexity by means of redundant complexity, which acts in concert with existing functional systems to produce structures that ultimately exhibit irreducible complexity; natural selection either eliminates the redundant complexity or retains it for further evolutionary elaboration.
Conclusion
Authors: Shanks Niall 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThe social, political, and legal implications of creation science and its belief in a transcendent supernatural creator are analyzed. It is suggested that creation science is not in fact a genuine attempt to advance scientific knowledge but rather a vehicle for propagating a conservative, Christian social agenda. The moral implications for the doctrine of intelligent design in such areas as abortion, human cloning, and stem cell research are drawn out and argued to be highly deleterious to the advance of medical science and scientific research generally.
Coming to Terms
Authors: DeCaroli Robert 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThis introductory chapter presents an overview of the ways in which the iconographic evidence, provided by the sculptural imagery found on early Buddhist monasteries, contradicts the traditional histories of early Buddhism that rely almost exclusively on textual sources. These discrepancies are largely due to the work of European authors writing during the colonial period and, as such, functioned to support the colonial agenda. However, long after the end of Imperialism these ideas still remain entrenched in our understanding of Buddhism's early history. As a first step, this chapter undertakes a thorough analysis of the diverse terminology associated with various categories of spirit‐deities in order to work out an appropriate vocabulary for use in the rest of the book.
Making Believers
Authors: DeCaroli Robert 
Published: March 2005

AbstractAfter an analysis of the historical periods dealt with in the book and their connections to various relevant textual and artistic forms of evidence, this chapter presents one of the central arguments. Specifically, I claim that Buddhism's interaction with popular religion played a pivotal role in the new faith's expansion and acceptance. By acting as intermediaries between the public and the often capricious whims of local demigods, the Buddhists established a social role for themselves that helped to ensure their continued public support. As evidence of this shift, I have cited or referenced numerous tales and legends featuring encounters between monks and spirit‐deities. And, while these tales are often too fantastic to be used as literal historical sources, the physical evidence provided in the next chapter reveals that they are one part of a larger historical process by which the Buddhists came to associate their beliefs with these pre‐existent deities.
Ghost Stories
Authors: DeCaroli Robert 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThis chapter examines the relationship between local deities and the ancestral dead. There are a vast number of tales in the early Buddhist literature that detail situations in which a dangerous demigod or ghost confronts the Buddha, a monk, or a nun. With few exceptions, these tales conclude when the supernatural being realizes that it is unable to sway or harm its intended victim and, after a brief sermon, the creature ends up being converted to Buddhism as a new guardian of the faith. These tales demonstrate the Buddhist efficacy in helping the dead and relate to the development of the monks’ role as funerary experts. This growing association between the Buddhist community and the dead receives additional support from an analysis of the thousands of votive stupas (relic mounds) that have been dedicated by lay devotees to the memory of deceased relatives and are found at the majority of early Buddhist sites.