Anion Identification via Complexation with meso‐octamethylcalix(4)pyrrole and Detection Using Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry*

Abstract: The routine identification of controlled substances and adulterants during forensic chemistry analysis often involves the identification of counter ions or salt forms present in an exhibit. Here, the use of the compound meso‐octamethylcalix(4)pyrrole (C4P) during salt‐form identification analysis is presented. C4P is a commercially‐available, anion‐binding agent that can be reacted with a controlled substance or adulterant, resulting in the sequestration of anionic species, usually present as counter ions to the active ingredient. Formation of noncovalent complexes between the cyclic host C4P compound and anionic guests is investigated using electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry (ESI–MS). Complexes with chloride, bromide, iodide, nitrate, and acetate are readily observed and mass spectrometry analysis provides identification via molecular weight characterization. Chloride and bromide complexes are also characterized by the isotopic distribution of their molecular ions. Formation of host–guest complexes is not observed for sulfate and phosphate salts, presumably due to steric hindrance and energetically unfavorable conditions.     

Zwei verschiedene Begriffe "Vermietung" (ein gemeinschaftsrechtlicher und ein zivilrechtlicher) im UStG 1994?

Ungeachtet des Umstandes, dass der Text des UStG 1994 insoweit gleich lautende Tatbestandsmerkmale verwendet, ist der Begriff "Vermietung" nur im § 6 Abs 1 Z 16 und im § 10 Abs 1 Z 4 UStG 1994 im gemeinschaftsrechtlichen Sinn auszulegen, nicht auch – sondern im zivilrechtlichen Sinn – im § 2 Abs 3 UStG 1994 (iZm K?rperschaften ?ffentlichen Rechts).     

Automated consent through privacy agents: Legal requirements and technical architecture

The changes imposed by new information technologies, especially pervasive computing and the Internet, require a deep reflection on the fundamental values underlying privacy and the best way to achieve their protection. The explicit consent of the data subject, which is a cornerstone of most data protection regulations, is a typical example of requirement which is very difficult to put into practice in the new world of “pervasive computing” where many data communications necessarily occur without the users' notice. In this paper, we argue that an architecture based on “Privacy Agents” can make privacy rights protection more effective, provided however that this architecture meets a number of legal requirements to ensure the validity of consent delivered through such Privacy Agents. We first present a legal analysis of consent considering successively (1) its nature; (2) its essential features (qualities and defects) and (3) its formal requirements. Then we draw the lessons of this legal analysis for the design of a valid architecture based on Privacy Agents. To conclude, we suggest an implementation of this architecture proposed in a multidisciplinary project involving lawyers and computer scientists.     

The European Commission's Opinions under Article 6(4) of the Habitats Directive

The contribution examines the Opinions which the European Commissionhas issued so far under Article 6(4) of Directive 92/43 (HabitatsDirective). It examines Member States' reasoning for justifyingthe application of Article 6(4) of the Habitats Directive inthe light of the European Court of Justice rulings, and comesto the conclusion that probably not one of the cases submittedwould have been accepted by the Court.     

The Initial Changes of Fat Deposits During the Decomposition of Human and Pig Remains

Abstract:  The early stages of adipocere formation in both pig and human adipose tissue in aqueous environments have been investigated. The aims were to determine the short-term changes occurring to fat deposits during decomposition and to ascertain the suitability of pigs as models for human decomposition. Subcutaneous adipose tissue from both species after immersion in distilled water for up to six months was compared using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Changes associated with decomposition were observed, but no adipocere was formed during the initial month of decomposition for either tissue type. Early-stage adipocere formation in pig samples during later months was detected. The variable time courses for adipose tissue decomposition were attributed to differences in the distribution of total fatty acids between species. Variations in the amount of sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium were also detected between species. The study shows that differences in total fatty acid composition between species need to be considered when interpreting results from experimental decomposition studies using pigs as human body analogs.     

Global principles for sustainable biofuel production and trade

This article examines international attempts to regulate the production of and trade in biofuels by establishing criteria and indicators and certification schemes. It focuses on the norms underlying the criteria and the community constructed on the basis of them. The theoretical approach here rests on a discussion of these norms and on their constitutive role. This role creates a community and gives an institutional basis for the global public domain. Accordingly, different norms create the network on which environmental governance is based. It is assumed that commonly accepted criteria form a common norm. The article analyses eleven criteria and indicator systems and compares the criteria adopted. Eight were created for biofuels and bioenergy and three are used in forest certification. Comparison reveals that the criterion aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is used in Northern systems, whereas commonly accepted environmental criteria are biodiversity and minimization of pollution. The web of norms on which biofuel production and trade is based comprises environmental norms together with the general norm of sovereignty and the norms of the market economy.

中国控辩协商制度研究--刑事诉讼特别程序之探讨

逐步扩大简易程序和其他速决程序的适用范围,是近年来世界各国刑事诉讼法的发展趋势之一.随着我国当事人主义诉讼模式的初步确立,对抗性审判的程度得到了进一步增强,但刑事案件数量持续上升与司法资源有限之间的矛盾却日益突出,在此情形下,借鉴美国辩诉交易制度及西方其他国家的刑事诉讼特别程序,创设具有中国特色的控辩协商制度这种非审判式案件处理方式,就成为我们可供考虑的选择.     

Global Credit Markets,Political Violence,and Politically Sustainable Risk Premia

How do international financial conditions affect civil unrest? Existing studies examine the domestic economic roots of political violence but say little about the role of external financial conditions. We explore the interactions between international lending, government policy, and domestic unrest. In particular, we note that because of sovereign risk and defensive lending dynamics, credit ratings and interest rate premia are endogenous to expectations about civil violence. We test these claims using instrumental variables techniques and daily data on sovereign bond yield spreads, credit ratings, and episodes of civil violence in 59 developing countries from 1990 through 2004. After correcting for endogeneity, we find that exogenous increases in the price of foreign capital are robustly associated with increased odds of civil conflict. Primary commodity dependence, low economic growth, and poverty can also increase the odds of civil conflict by reducing access to foreign capital.     

Prevalence and impact of PCR artifacts from soil samples using the Applied Biosystems™ GlobalFiler™ PCR amplification kit: Interference of non-human artifacts in DNA profiles from a homicide investigation

Non-human artifacts have been observed in a range of forensic typing methods. This is primarily due to the condition and potential environmental contamination of many evidentiary samples. Here, a case example of non-human artifact peaks is presented to illustrate ways in which to recognize potential artifact peaks as well as mitigate their effect on interpretation.     

A reflection on the priorities of a data protection authority

Eric Howe, the first Data Protection Registrar, was setting up his Office about the same time as the first appearance in 1985 of this journal, whose distinguished editor Professor Saxby is now retiring. That is this author's excuse for looking back to the early years of United Kingdom data protection and reflecting on what a data protection authority is actually for. As this article hopes to make clear, using the early United Kingdom experience as an example, Data Protection Authorities are faced with an unclear role running the risk of creating false expectations among the general public. The author concludes that representations to government are often minimally effective and that with the limited resources available a DPA should give priority to encouraging compliance by data controllers and assisting individuals with a complaints resolution service.