bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Orestes and Pylades in Byzantine historiography: Two examples
Authors: Korac Dusan , Radic Radivoj
Published: January 2008

This article analyzes two instances where Byzantine historians Anna Komnene and Nikephoros Gregoras used a syntagm about intimate and dedicated friendship between two ancient Greek mythological heroes, Orestes and Pylades. In The Alexiad it is a story about the brotherly relations between Alexios and Isaac Komnenoi, and in the Roman Histories Nikephoros Gregoras compares them to two contemporary rulers, two very close allies - the Byzantine emperor John Kantakouzenos and the Seljuk emir Umur. In both instances Byzantine writers very skillfully employed the metaphor about the friendship of Orestes and Pylades.
A generation gap or political enmity?: Emperor Manuel Komnenos, Byzantine intellectuals and the struggle for domination in twelfth century Byzantium
Authors: Stankovic Vlada
Published: January 2008

The paper analyses the political tendencies of the first half of the long reign of Emperor Manuel Komnenos, and his relationship with the members of the educated elite. It is argued that Manuel Komnenos made a conscious effort to free himself from the influence of the prominent intellectuals with whom he could not establish satisfying cooperation or from whom he was unable to command sufficient political obedience, since there was a significant generational difference between them, which also led to a political differentiation between the men of the old regime, and Manuel, and his surroundings.
Skulptura u grckom maniru na franackom Mediteranu - ikona Majke Bozije sa Detetom u manastiru Pohoda Marijinog u Trevizu
Authors: Pace Valentino
Published: January 2008

(italijanski) Il Monastero della Visitazione di Treviso conserva un?icona che vi e giunta da Venezia nel XVII secolo. Non si hanno informazioni sulla sua originaria provenienza o sul suo committente. Datata, da analisi al carboonio 14, effettuate durante il restauro, a un?eta assai alta, tra il 664 e l?886 essa e stata pubblicata di recente come opera bizantina di eta macedone venendo anche identificata con la Vergine 'Ikokyra' di Costantinopoli: In questo articolo si ritiene invece che l?icona sia un tipico prodotto della cultura 'franca' di area mediterranea: All?imitazione di normativi modelli bizantini si congiungono infatti espressioni formali originate in occidente e confrontabili con opere, fra le quali la pala di Santa Chiara ad Assisi tardoduecentesca, simile per l?impostazione spaziale della figura 'iconica' stretta fra le colonnette. Altri confronti di dettaglio confermano la plausibilita di una data duecentesca, comunque non ateriore al 1200 circa. Il suo luogo d?origine puo essere stato un centro mediterraneo di dominio 'franco' o veneziano, non potendosi tuttavia nemmeno escludere del tutto una sua esecuzione a Venezia stessa.
Ikona bogorodice "Aksion Estin" iz Protata i njene kopije
Authors: Tsigaridas Evthymios
Published: January 2008

(francuski) L?auteur s?occupe de la fameuse icone de l??glise du Protaton a Karyes 'Axion Estin'. Il pr?sente la tradition de l?icone, qui remonte au Xe si?cle, et il examine son type iconographique et sa datation. Il pr?sente aussi les copies de l icone, conserv?es pour la plus part aux monast?res du Mont Athos (XVIe - XIX si?cles) et les appellations des icones, not?es a ses copies (Eleousa, Axion Estin, Protaitissa).
Comments on the bilateral icon from Mytilini
Authors: Acheimastou-Potamianou Myrtali
Published: January 2008

The representations on the well-known bilateral icon from Mytilini, Christ Pantokrator on the front and St John the Theologian on the back, were detached in 1960. from the damaged wood and are now two separate icons. The icon of Christ has been dated to the middle or third quarter of the 14th century or to 1370-1380, and that of the Theologian to the late 14th-early 15th century or the second quarter of the 15th century. The conclusion is reached that the two representations are contemporary, date from the third quarter of the 14th century, and are the work of the same painter. This view is based on shared technical and stylistic features and the interconnection of meaning between the figures depicted, which accounts for the difference of character in the way in which the two figures - the divine figure of Christ and the earthly figure of the saint - are rendered.
Vladarski kult - znak srpske drzavnosti - prema poznatim i nepoznatim materijalima Samokovske eparhije
Authors: Dzurova Aksinija
Published: January 2008

(bugarski) Obozestvjavaneto na legitimnija kral ili car sled sm''rtta mu e specificna emblema za sr''bskata d''rzavnost, v otlicie naprimer, ot pocti lipsvastata podobna tradicija v B''lgarija i ne taka razvita v''v Vizantija. V nastojastata publikacija se prosledjava razprostranenieto na kulta sled XV vek v Jugozapadna B''lgarija i po-specialno v Samokovskata eparhija, na bazata na poznat i nedostat''cno izvesten material, sv''rzan s kulta na sv. Simeon i sv. Sava, na sv. Kral (Stefan II Uros Milutin) i na sv. Stefan (III Uros) Decanski.
Starac dana kao osoben ikonografski motiv zografa Onufrija u Kosturu
Authors: Sisioy Iōannēs
Published: January 2008

(grcki) ? kallitecnik? d?mioyrgia toy z?graphoy Onoyphrioy st?n perioc? t?s Kastorias employtizetai epipleon me mia nea sk?n?, sto nao t?n Agi?n Apostol?n Kastorias, ? opoia sygchron?s fernei sto prosk?nio to pneymatiko ypobaqro t?n anthr?p?n poy synelaban t?n idea t?s sygkekrimen?s apeikonis?s. H ergasia prospathei n? anadeixei t?n ideologik? bas? pan? st?n opoia st?ricth?ke ? eikonographia t?s parastas?s me ton Palaio t?n ?mer?n ?s kentriko pros?po, ta symbola t?n eyaggelist?n kai toys dyo prof?tes. Me t?n bo?theia orismen?n keimen?n pater?n t?s ekkl?sias kai idiaitera toy Maximoy Omolog?t? ginetai prospatheia ex?g?s?s toy symbolismoy t?s parastas?s. Tonizetai telos kai o rolos t?s ploysias kallitecnik?s kl?ronomias t?s Kastorias, poy synebale kathoristika st?n anaptyx ne?n eikonographik?n themat?n.
Wall paintings from the late 15th century in the Monastery church of St. Paraskeve - Brajcino
Authors: Popovska-Korobar Viktorija
Published: January 2008

The Monastery of St. Paraskevy is located above the village Brajcino, on the east shore of Lake Prespa in the Republic of Macedonia. In accordance with the incomplete donor?s inscription this one aisle church with a pitched roof was built and decorated at the same time. Reparations came around 1800, when rebuilding was done on the longitudinal walls and the narthex (without fresco decoration). The fresco paintings from the 15th century are preserved on the west facade, and on the east and west wall of the naos. The decorative program in the interior was common for the small type monastery churches without narthex. From the old edifice, on the corner of the outside southwest wall visible are remains of figures, a monk and a man in laymen?s attire facing eastward. The iconographic program of the west facade is interesting for the scenes which encompass the patrons niche: a reduced Last Judgment (Royal Deesis, Hell and Paradise, where the monk Pahomios above the gate is depicted in prayer) and the equestrian figures of St. George and St. Mena. A parallel for the rare iconography of St. Mena with the tamed beasts is found in an unpublished icon, which most probably was painted in the last quarter of the 15th century, and is kept presently on the iconostasis of the church of Panagia tou Apostolaki in Kastoria. In accordance with all the considered characteristics by means of comparative analysis, we assume that the anonymous master could be an individual who belonged to the painting workshops which are credited for painting the church of St. Nicholas of the nun Eupraxia in Kastoria. We suppose the painter worked in Brajcino soon after the year 1486 and before 1493, when the decoration of the church in Kremikovci was completed, in which he most likely took part as a member of another large workshop. Regarding the question about the origins of the style of the 'master from the 1480?s', the paper articulates an opinion that they should be traced not only in the long painting traditions of Kastoria and Ohrid, but also in the collaboration of the masters and the spread of their works in these two important centers of the Ohrid Archbishopric.
The royal doors from the Church of St. Nicholas in the village Prisovjani
Authors: Cvetkovski Saso
Published: January 2008

In this paper for the first time the Royal Doors from the church of St Nicholas at Prisovjani are published. According to style, the selected woodcarving motifs, and the iconography of the Annunciation these doors belong to the group of Royal Doors that are linked to Ohrid and its existing artistic workshops from the mid 16th century. Namely, the Royal Doors from the church of St. Clement in Ohrid (now housed in the National Museum in Ohrid), from the church of St. George in the Vlach district of the city, from an unidentified church in Ohrid or its surrounding (now kept in the National Museum in Belgrade) from St. Panteleimon in Nerezi, and the those from the church of St. Nicholas at Korenica. The Royal Doors from Prisovjani bear two key features from the above mentioned works, the carving and the painting. The carving is distinct by the concept of the tablets, and the motifs: the interlacing ornament, known as 'Solomon's seal', the running meander, and the ornament resembling a maggoty effect. The style of the icon painting, and the manner in which the depiction of Archangel Michael and the Holy Virgin were achieved had led previous scholars to believe that these works were accomplished under the influence of the Cretan painting of this period. The Royal Doors from Prisovjani are dated to the mid 16th century, the period of the Ohrid Archbishop Prochor, a period of great prosperity in all arts moreover since the archbishop himself was one of the great patrons.
Novi podaci za graditeljsku istoriju katolikona svetogorskog manastira Pantokratora
Authors: Chatzēantōnioy Phaidōn
Published: January 2008

(grcki) T?n periodo 2003-2006 ektelest?kan oi programmatismenes apo to KEDAK ergasies apokatastas?s toy katholikoy t?s Mon?s Pantokratoros, oi opoies perielambanan t?n antikatastas? t?n molybdin?n phyll?n kalyy?s t?n steg?n kath?s kai t?n ex?terik?n epichrismat?n toy sygkrot?matos. Kata t? diarkeia t?n ergasi?n proekyyan ne?tera stoicheia schetika me t?n oikodomik? istoria toy katholikoy. Sygkekrimena entopist?ke ? steg? t?s anatolik?s keraias toy kyri?s naoy, proion epektas?s pros anatolas toy Ieroy B?matos kata to pr?to miso toy 17oy ai?na, en? phan?ke oti o s?merinos kentrikos troylos toy naoy den einai o archikos, alla apotelei meros t?s megal?s anakainis?s poy egine sto sygkrot?ma sta mesa toy 19oy ai?na. Se o,ti aphora t?n lit?, katest? saphes oti ? s?merin? t?s morph? proekyye apo ton diplasiasmo toy embadoy enos archikoy stenoy narth?ka, en? oi steges sto dytiko tm?ma toy sygkrot?matos apekt?san t?n s?merin? toys diatax? otan egine mia kath? yyos prosth?k? ston ex?narth?ka. Idiaitero endiapheron paroysiazei to gegonos oti op?s proekyye apo t?n parat?r?s? t?s toichopoiias sto kat?tero tm?ma toy boreioy choroy toy katholikoy kai t?s anatolik?s kai t?s boreias toichopoiias toy parekkl?sioy t?s Koim?se?s t?s Theotokoy, kai meta apo sygkris? me t?n toichopoiia toy notioy choroy kai toy ypoloipoy kyri?s naoy, exagetai to symperasma oti to tm?ma ayto mallon an?kei se palaiotero oikodom?ma, to opoio ens?mat?th?ke sto katholiko, ypothes? poy enischyetai apo ton entopismo st? notia pleyra t?s lit?s, st? thes? toy katedaphismenoy parekkl?sioy t?n Tri?n Ierarch?n, enos toichoy palaioteroy apo to katholiko. Akom?, entopist?kan ne?tera stoicheia poy aphoroyn st?n anadiamorph?s?, kata t?n anakainis? toy 19oy ai?na, toy isogeioy st?n boreiodytik? g?nia toy sygkrot?matos kai schetizontai me t?n metaphora toy taphoy t?n kt?tor?n st? s?merin? toy thes? kai t?n prosth?k? toy ex?narth?ka, ? opoia stath?ke ? aitia gia t?n diaphoropoi?s? t?s archik?s prosbas?s pros to k?d?nostasio.
Investigation of Clinical Effects of High- and Low-Resistance Training for Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Jan Mei-Hwa , Lin Jiu-Jeng , Liau Jiann-Jong , Lin Yeong-Fwu , Lin Da-Hon
Published: January 2008

Background and Purpose

Muscle strength training is important for people with knee osteoarthritis (OA). High-resistance exercise has been demonstrated to be more beneficial than low-resistance exercise for young subjects. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of high- and low-resistance strength training in elderly subjects with knee OA.

Subjects and Methods

One hundred two subjects were randomly assigned to groups that received 8 weeks of high-resistance exercise (HR group), 8 weeks of low-resistance exercise (LR group), or no exercise (control group). Pain, function, walking time, and muscle torque were examined before and after intervention.

Results

Significant improvement for all measures was observed in both exercise groups. There was no significant difference in any measures between HR and LR groups. However, based on effect size between exercise and control groups, the HR group improved more than the LR group.

Discussion and Conclusion

Both high- and low-resistance strength training significantly improved clinical effects in this study. The effects of high-resistance strength training appear to be larger than those of low-resistance strength training for people with mild to moderate knee OA, although the differences between the HR and LR groups were not statistically significant.
The Voice of the People? Musicians as Political Actors
Authors: Hague Seth , Street John , Savigny Heather
Published: January 2008

This article explores the ways in which popular musicians, in particular Bob Geldof, have come to assume a central role in the campaign to alter economic and political relationships between the developed and developing worlds. It focuses on the example of Live 8, but traces this back through Make Poverty History, Jubilee 2000, and Live Aid; and it makes contrasts with another example of music’s use for political ends: Rock Against Racism. What we are concerned to show is how Geldof’s role was constituted both by the political and aesthetic ideology that he evolved and by the processes that legitimated him as a representative of, and expert on, the cause he espoused. We set this analysis against the background of the specific literature on music’s role in social movements; the general literature on post-democracy; and the rise of celebrity politics. While these literatures, we argue, provide a general framework for understanding the role of musicians in politics, they are vague on the detailed cultural politics of the processes involved.
Enjoying Neoliberalism
Authors: Dean Jodi
Published: January 2008

This article draws from Slavoj Žižek’s approach to ideology to theorize neoliberalism as an ideological formation. I focus on neoliberalism’s fantasy of free trade and on its displacement of symbolic identities by imaginary ones. The fantasy of free trade organizes enjoyment through the promise that everyone will win, uses losses to reconfirm the necessity of strengthening the system so that everyone will win, and perpetually displaces the thieves of enjoyment throughout the system as warnings, exceptions, and contingencies. In addition to relying on the fantasy of free trade, neoliberal ideology also functions through the production of imaginary rather than symbolic identities. These identities serve not as means of internalized discipline but of external control. Thus I argue that a key difference between Keynesianism (the economic theory and practice of the welfare state) and neoliberalism is the production of subject positions available for redeployment. The disciplined worker and consumer-citizen of the social welfare state are reformatted under neoliberal ideology as the shopaholic and incorrigible criminal.
Can functional classification of tropical trees predict population dynamics after disturbance?
Authors: Delcamp M. , Gourlet‐Fleury S. , Flores O. , Gamier E.
Published: January 2008

Question: How far can we simplify the fioristic complexity of a tropical rainforest into functional groups in order to predict tree population dynamics after logging‐induced disturbance?

Location: Paracou experimental site, French Guiana.

Methods: We used data from over 15 years in control and disturbed plots from a silvicultural trial started in 1984. We selected 53 common tree species assigned to five functional groups based on potential size and light requirement. For each species, we quantified: the fate, i.e. variation in population size, and dynamic processes, i.e. mortality, recruitment and growth, driving this fate. We investigated the links between dynamic processes, fate and functional groups.

Results: Disturbance stimulated growth and recruitment for most species, but had a heterogeneous impact on mortality. Species fate in disturbed plots depended on recruitment and was more favourable than in control plots. The functional classification was more predictive for most separate dynamic processes than for species fate: after disturbance, significant differences were found between all functional groups for growth. Pioneer+heliophilous species showed significantly higher recruitment rates. Mortality of shade‐tolerant species slightly increased and of mid‐tolerant and heliophilous species decreased.

Conclusions: A combination of three species classifications separately built from the growth, recruitment and mortality processes is more informative than a global classification combining the processes. Identifying the pioneer+heliophilous species on the basis of their growth rate is crucial to predict species fate after disturbance. We showed that potential growth rate could be used as a reliable indicator to identify this group.
Polymer nanocomposites containing carbon nanotubes and miscible polymer blends based on poly[ethylene‐co‐(acrylic acid)]
Authors: Antolín‐Cerón V. H. , Gómez‐Salazar S. , Soto V. , Ávalos‐Borja M. , Nuño‐Donlucas S. M.
Published: January 2008

Four binary polymer blends containing poly [ethylene‐co‐(acrylic acid)] (PEAA) as one component, and poly(4‐vinyl phenol‐co‐2‐hydroxy ethyl methacrylate) (P4VPh‐co‐2HEMA) or poly(2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline) (PEOx) or poly(vinyl acetate‐co‐vinyl alcohol) (PVAc‐co‐VA) or poly (vinylpyrrolidone‐co‐vinyl acetate) (PVP‐co‐VAc) as the other component were prepared and used as a matrix of a series of composite materials. These binary mixtures were either partially or completely miscible within the composition range studied and were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were prepared by a thermal treatment of polyester synthesized through the chemical reaction between ethylene glycol and citric acid over an alumina boat. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) was used to characterize the synthesized CNTs. Films of composite materials containing CNTs were obtained after evaporation of the solvent used to prepare solutions of the four types of binary polymer blends. Young's moduli of the composites were obtained by thermomechanical analysis at room temperature. Only one glass transition temperature was detected for several compositions on both binary blends and the composite material matrices. Evidence of hydrogen bond formation was recorded for both miscible blends and composite materials. The degree of crystallinity and Young's moduli of the CNT‐polymer composites increased compared to the single polymer blends. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008
Linear viscoelastic properties and crystallization behavior of multi‐walled carbon nanotube/polypropylene composites
Authors: Wu Defeng , Sun Yurong , Wu Liang , Zhang Ming
Published: January 2008

Multi‐walled carbon nanotube/polypropylene composites (PPCNs) were prepared by melt compounding. The linear viscoelastic properties, nonisothermal crystallization behavior, and kinetics of PPCNs were, respectively, investigated by the parallel plate rheometer, differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), X‐ray diffractometer (XRD), and polarized optical microscope (POM). PPCNs show the typical nonterminal viscoelastic response because of the percolation of nanotubes. The rheological percolation threshold of about 2 wt % is determined using Cole‐Cole method. Small addition of nanotube can highly promote crystallization of PP matrix because of the heterogeneous nucleating effect. With increasing nanotube loadings, however, the crystallization rate decreases gradually because the mobility of PP chain is restrained by the presence of nanotube, especially at high loading levels. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008
A Frailty Mixture Cure Model with Application to Hospital Readmission Cata
Authors: Yu Binbing
Published: January 2008

Mixture cure models have been utilized to analyze survival data with possible cure. This paper considers the inclusion of frailty into the mixture cure model to model recurrent event data with a cure fraction. An attractive feature of the proposed model is the allowance for heterogeneity in risk among those individuals experiencing the event of interest in addition to the incorporation of a cured component. Maximum likelihood estimates can be obtained using the Expectation Maximization algorithm and standard errors are calculated from the Bootstrap method. The model is applied to hospital readmission data among colorectal cancer patients. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Comparative Analyses of N‐Acylated Homoserine Lactones Reveal Unique Structural Features that Dictate Their Ability to Activate or Inhibit Quorum Sensing
Authors: Geske Grant D. , O'Neill Jennifer C. , Miller David M. , Wezeman Rachel J. , Mattmann Margrith E. , Lin Qi , Blackwell Helen E.
Published: January 2008

Bacterial quorum sensing is mediated by low molecular‐weight signals and plays a critical role in both the pathogenesis of infectious disease and beneficial symbioses. There is significant interest in the development of synthetic ligands that can intercept bacterial quorum sensing signals and modulate these outcomes. Here, we report the design and comparative analysis of the effects of ∼90 synthetic N‐acylated homoserine lactones (AHLs) on quorum sensing in three Gram negative bacterial species and a critical examination of the structural features of these ligands that dictate agonistic and antagonistic activity, and selectivity for different R protein targets. These studies have revealed the most comprehensive set of structure–activity relationships to date that direct AHL‐mediated quorum sensing and a new set of chemical probes with which to study this complex signaling process. Furthermore, this work provides a foundation on which to design next‐generation quorum sensing modulators with improved activities and selectivities.
Diagnostic value of integrin α3, β4, and β5 gene expression levels for the clinical outcome of tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kurokawa Akira , Nagata Masaki , Kitamura Nobutaka , Noman Arhab A. , Ohnishi Makoto , Ohyama Tokio , Kobayashi Takanori , Shingaki Susumu , Takagi Ritsuo
Published: January 2008

BACKGROUND.

The objective of the current study was to identify biomarkers that reflect the clinical course of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue (TSCC).

METHODS.

TSCC tissue samples from 66 patients were subjected to gene expression analysis by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Eleven integrin family genes and 14 genes used for normalization, including housekeeping genes and genes that encode desmosomal, cytoskeletal, and extracellular matrix molecules, were considered. Multivariate statistical analysis was performed on 154 expression ratios of integrin genes with clinical parameters.

RESULTS.

In principal‐component analysis, the first principal component was related to the outcome of death, and the second principal component mainly reflected the tendency for cervical lymph node (LN) metastasis. The former axis consisted of the variance of the integrin β4 gene (ITGB4) and ITGB5 expression levels, and the latter axis agreed with the expression level of the integrin α3 gene (ITGA3). Multivariate logistic regression analysis with cervical LN metastasis as the response variable concordantly identified ITGA3/junction plakoglobin gene (JUP) expression (P = .02) and ITGB5/paxillin gene (PXN) expression (P = .04) as significant factors. Only ITGB4/JUP expression was identified as a significant factor in terms of the outcome of death (P < .00049) by a Cox proportional hazards model. The group with high ITGB4/JUP levels exhibited a significantly high death rate on a Kaplan‐Meier curve (P < .0001; Wilcoxon and log‐rank tests).

CONCLUSIONS.

The expression levels of ITGA3, ITGB4, and ITGB5 with functional normalization by desmosomal or cytoskeletal molecule genes were selected as candidate biomarkers for cervical LN metastasis or for the outcome of death in TSCC. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Dose‐intensive chemotherapy with growth factor or autologous bone marrow/stem cell transplant support in first‐line treatment of advanced or metastatic adult soft tissue sarcoma
Authors: Verma Shailendra , Younus Jawaid , Stys‐Norman Denise , Haynes Adam E. , Blackstein Martin
Published: January 2008

A systematic review was performed to determine whether first‐line dose‐intensive chemotherapy supported by growth factor or autologous bone marrow/stem cell transplantation improves response rate, time‐to‐disease progression, or survival compared with standard‐dose chemotherapy in patients with inoperable, locally advanced, or metastatic soft tissue sarcoma. The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. Three randomized trials (2 phase 3, 1 phase 2), 12 phase 2, and 5 phase 1 dose‐escalation trials were located. One randomized trial (N = 314) did not detect significant differences in response rate (P = .65) or survival (log‐rank P = .98) between high‐dose doxorubicin plus ifosfamide with granulocyte macrophage colony‐stimulating factor and doxorubicin plus ifosfamide at standard doses. Progression‐free survival, however, was significantly longer in the high‐dose arm (log‐rank P = .03). Higher rates of thrombocytopenia, infection, grade 3 of 4 asthenia, and stomatitis were observed with high‐dose compared with standard‐dose chemotherapy. Preliminary results from a second randomized trial (N = 162) indicated no benefit with respect to tumor response for an intensified mesna, doxorubicin (Adriamycin), ifosfamide, and dacarbazine regimen with granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor support compared with standard doxorubicin, ifosfamide, and dacarbazine. Grade 4 thrombocytopenia was significantly higher with the high‐dose regimen. Four phase 2 trials of high‐dose regimens observed tumor response rates greater than 50%. Phase 1 trials reported dose‐limiting toxicity for dose‐intensive chemotherapy regimens. On the basis of the available evidence, high‐dose chemotherapy with growth factor or autologous bone marrow/stem cell transplantation should not be used in the routine treatment of patients with inoperable, locally advanced, or metastatic soft tissue sarcoma. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
The emergence of ectomesenchyme
Authors: Blentic Aida , Tandon Panna , Payton Sarah , Walshe Jennifer , Carney Tom , Kelsh Robert N. , Mason Ivor , Graham Anthony
Published: January 2008

In the head, neural crest cells generate ectomesenchymal derivatives: cartilage, bone, and connective tissue. Indeed, these cells generate much of the cranial skeleton. There have, however, been few studies of how this lineage is established. Here, we show that neural crest cells stop expressing early neural crest markers upon entering the pharyngeal arches and switch to become ectomesenchymal. By contrast, those neural crest cells that do not enter the arches persist in their expression of early neural crest markers. We further show that fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling is involved in directing neural crest cells to become ectomesenchymal. If neural crest cells are rendered insensitive to FGFs, they persist in their expression of early neural crest markers, even after entering the pharyngeal arches. However, our results further suggest that, although FGF signaling is required for the realization of the ectomesenchymal lineages, other cues from the pharyngeal epithelia are also likely to be involved. Developmental Dynamics 237:592–601, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cellular and molecular determinants targeting the Caenorhabditis elegans PHR protein RPM‐1 to perisynaptic regions
Authors: Abrams Benjamin , Grill Brock , Huang Xun , Jin Yishi
Published: January 2008

Caenorhabditis elegans RPM‐1 is a member of a conserved protein family, the PHR proteins, that includes human Pam, mouse Phr1, zebrafish Esrom, and Drosophila Highwire. PHR proteins play important roles in the development of the nervous system. In particular, mutations in rpm‐1 cause a disruption of synaptic architecture, affecting the distribution of synaptic vesicles and the number of presynaptic densities. Using antibodies against RPM‐1, we determined the localization of the endogenous RPM‐1 protein in wild‐type and in several mutants that affect synaptic development. Our analyses show that, in mature neurons, RPM‐1 resides in a distinct region that is close to, but does not overlap with, the synaptic exo‐ and endocytosis domains. The localization of RPM‐1 occurs independently of several proteins that function in the transport or assembly of synapse components, and its abundance is partially dependent on its binding partner the F‐box protein FSN‐1. RPM‐1 has been shown to target the MAPKKK DLK‐1 for degradation. We show that activated DLK‐1 may be preferentially targeted for degradation. Furthermore, using transgene analysis, we identified a critical role of the conserved PHR domain of RPM‐1 in its subcellular localization. Developmental Dynamics 237:630–639, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Temporal and spatial localization of three germline‐specific proteins in medaka
Authors: Aoki Yumiko , Nagao Issei , Saito Daisuke , Ebe Youko , Kinjo Masataka , Tanaka Minoru
Published: January 2008

We show that germline‐specific proteins, olvas (vasa), nanos, and tdrd1 (tudor), alter their localization in the cytoplasm during germline development in the medaka (Oryzias latipes). By immunohistochemical analysis, these three germline‐specific proteins were detectable on granule‐like structures in the cytoplasm of migrating primordial germ cells. In the germ cells of the gonadal primordia, these granules formed a hollow area lacking these three protein components. During the sexual differentiation of the female gonads, the granules were found to be reduced in size in the germ cells undergoing cystic division and they showed a perinuclear localization in the oocytes. However, the germ cells in the male gonads retained their hollow granules during this early sex differentiation stage. We further demonstrate the differential localization of olvas, nanos, and tdrd1 on these granules during medaka germline development. Developmental Dynamics 237:800–807, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Large‐Scale Synthesis of Water Dispersible Ceria Nanocrystals by a Simple Sol–Gel Process and Their Use as a Chemical Mechanical Planarization Slurry
Authors: Yu Taekyung , Park Yong Il , Kang Min‐Cheol , Joo Jin , Park Jin Kyung , Won Ho Youn , Kim Jae Jeong , Hyeon Taeghwan
Published: January 2008

Ceria nanocrystals with a cube shape were synthesized from the hydrolytic sol–gel reaction of cerium salt in the presence of oleylamine. The overall synthetic process is very simple and readily applicable to the large‐scale synthesis of tens of grams of product in a single reaction in air. These ceria nanocrystals are readily dispersible in aqueous media without the addition of any extra dispersing agent. The aqueous dispersion of the ceria nanocrystals was successfully used as a chemical mechanical polishing slurry, and it exhibited high removal selectivity between silicon oxide and silicon nitride at pH 7.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Versatility of Laser Pyrolysis Applied to the Synthesis of TiO2 Nanoparticles – Application to UV Attenuation
Authors: Pignon Bruno , Maskrot Hicham , Guyot Ferreol Véronique , Leconte Yann , Coste Servane , Gervais Monique , Pouget Thierry , Reynaud Cécile , Tranchant Jean‐François , Herlin‐Boime Nathalie
Published: January 2008

TiO2 nanoparticles show interesting catalytic and optical properties and are therefore highly demanded for several applications. In this paper, we show that pure and N‐doped TiO2 powders with an average diameter as low as 8 nm can be synthesized by laser pyrolysis, with the use of an aerosol of TTIP (titanium tetraisopropoxide) as the main precursor sensitized by C2H4. We demonstrate the possibility to control the anatase/rutile phase ratio over a large range, which was not achieved before, by tuning the experimental parameters. N‐doped particles have also been produced for the first time by this method by using a one‐step process through addition of NH3. First results illustrating the consequences in terms of UV absorption properties are also presented and correlated with the structural evolution and the presence of a doping element.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Solid‐State Organic/Inorganic Hybrid Solar Cells Based on Poly(octylthiophene) and Dye‐Sensitized Nanobrookite and Nanoanatase TiO2 Electrodes
Authors: Lancelle‐Beltran Emmanuelle , Prené Philippe , Boscher Christophe , Belleville Philippe , Buvat Pierrick , Lambert Sébastien , Guillet François , Marcel Corinne , Sanchez Clément
Published: January 2008

The performance of solid‐state hybrid dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSC), based on polythiophene polymers as hole‐transporting materials, have been compared by varying TiO2 mesoporous n‐semiconductor film microstruture parameters such as the crystalline phase (brookite and anatase), initial crystallite size and sintering temperature conditions. For both crystalline phases a rise in the TiO2 mesoporous film curing temperature from 450 °C to 600 °C produces a twofold increase in the energy conversion efficiency leading to a significant current density improvement. When using the same solar‐cell preparation process and a 500‐nm‐thick photoactive layer, the cells made up of brookite and anatase mesoporous materials give a reproducible solar energy conversion efficiency that reaches 0.48 % and 0.74 %, respectively (at standard AM 1.5).(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Antimony Amide Oxide and Antimony Chloride Oxide Wrapped in an Organoaluminum Framework
Authors: Singh Sanjay , Nembenna Sharanappa , Jancik Vojtech , Roesky Herbert W.
Published: January 2008

Syntheses of trimetallic aluminum and antimony compounds containing an Al2O2SbN and an Al2O2SbCl core in [LAl(Me)(μ‐O)]2Sb(NMe2) and [LAl(Me)(μ‐O)]2SbCl, respectively, are reported. The former compound represents an example of an amide oxide of antimony and the latter is an example of a chloride oxide of antimony incorporated in an organoaluminum framework which in turn is supported by a sterically encumbered β‐diketiminate ligand L {L = HC[C(Me)N‐2,6‐iPr2C6H3]2}. The solid‐state structure of [LAl(Me)(μ‐O)]2Sb(NMe2) was elucidated by the aid of single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction technique which shows the molecule to crystallize in the triclinic space group P$\bar {1}$. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
The influence of self‐efficacy on the effects of framed health messages
Authors: Riet Jonathan van 't , Ruiter Robert A.C. , Werrij Marieke Q. , de Vries Hein
Published: January 2008

Health promoting messages can be framed in terms of the gains that are associated with healthy behaviour, or the losses that are associated with unhealthy behaviour. In this study, we examined the influence of self‐efficacy to quit smoking on the effects of gain framed and loss framed anti‐smoking messages in a randomized controlled trial among 539 adult smokers. Participants with a high self‐efficacy to quit smoking reported higher levels of motivation to quit smoking after receiving a loss framed message than after receiving a gain framed message or no message. For these participants receiving a gain framed message did not result in a higher motivation to quit smoking than receiving no message. For participants with a low self‐efficacy to quit smoking there were no differences in motivation to quit smoking between the gain framed message condition, loss framed message condition and control condition. Our results suggest that self‐efficacy can moderate the effects of message framing on persuasion. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Forecasting market impact costs and identifying expensive trades
Authors: Bikker Jacob A. , Spierdijk Laura , Hoevenaars Roy P. M. M. , Van der Sluis Pieter Jelle
Published: January 2008

Often, a relatively small group of trades causes the major part of the trading costs on an investment portfolio. Consequently, reducing the trading costs of comparatively few expensive trades would already result in substantial savings on total trading costs. Since trading costs depend to some extent on steering variables, investors can try to lower trading costs by carefully controlling these factors. As a first step in this direction, this paper focuses on the identification of expensive trades before actual trading takes place. However, forecasting market impact costs appears notoriously difficult and traditional methods fail. Therefore, we propose two alternative methods to form expectations about future trading costs. Applied to the equity trades of the world's second largest pension fund, both methods succeed in filtering out a considerable number of trades with high trading costs and substantially outperform no‐skill prediction methods. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anti‐tumor activity of an anti‐endoglin monoclonal antibody is enhanced in immunocompetent mice
Authors: Tsujie Masanori , Tsujie Tomoko , Toi Hirofumi , Uneda Shima , Shiozaki Ken , Tsai Hilda , Seon Ben K.
Published: January 2008

In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms by which anti‐endoglin (EDG; CD105) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) suppress angiogenesis and tumor growth. Antihuman EDG mAb SN6j specifically bound to murine endothelial cells and was internalized into the cells in vitro. SN6j effectively suppressed angiogenesis in mice in the Matrigel plug assay. We found that SN6j is more effective for tumor suppression in immunocompetent mice than in SCID mice. We hypothesized that T cell immunity is important for effective antitumor efficacy of SN6j in vivo. To test this hypothesis, we investigated effects of CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) and depletion of CD4+ T cells and/or CD8+ T cells on antitumor efficacy of SN6j in mice. Systemic (i.v.) administration of a relatively small dose (0.6 μg/g body weight/dose) of SN6j suppressed growth of established s.c. tumors of colon‐26 in BALB/c mice and improved survival of the tumor‐bearing mice. Addition of CpG ODN to SN6j synergistically enhanced antitumor efficacy of SN6j. In contrast, such enhancing effects of CpG ODN were not detected in SCID mice. Antitumor efficacy of SN6j in BALB/c mice was abrogated when CD4+ T cells and/or CD8+ T cells were depleted; effect of CD8+ T cell depletion was stronger. Interestingly, CD4‐depletion decreased tumor growth while CD8‐depletion enhanced tumor growth in the absence of SN6j. SN6j induced apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells in a dose‐dependent manner which indicates an additional mechanism of antiangiogenesis by SN6j. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Induction of protective and therapeutic antitumor immunity by a DNA vaccine with a glioma antigen, SOX6
Authors: Ueda Ryo , Kinoshita Eiko , Ito Rena , Kawase Takeshi , Kawakami Yutaka , Toda Masahiro
Published: January 2008

We previously reported identifying SOX6 as a glioma antigen by serological screening using a testis cDNA library. Its preferential expression and frequent IgG responses in glioma patients indicate that SOX6 may be a useful target for immunotherapy. To examine whether cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte (CTL) responses specific for SOX6 to destroy glioma can be generated in vivo, we treated glioma‐bearing mice by vaccination with a plasmid DNA encoding murine full‐length SOX6 protein. Following SOX6‐DNA vaccination, CTLs specific for SOX6‐expressing glioma cells were induced, while normal autologous‐cells that had restrictedly expressed SOX6 during embryogenesis were not destroyed. Furthermore, DNA vaccination with SOX6 exerted protective and therapeutic antitumor responses in the glioma‐bearing mice. This antitumor activity was abrogated by the depletion of CD4 positive T cells and/or CD8 positive T cells. These results suggest that the SOX6 protein has multiple CTL and helper epitopes to induce antitumor activity and the effectiveness of SOX6‐DNA vaccine for the prevention and treatment of glioma. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mitochondrial D310 mutations in colorectal adenomas: An early but not causative genetic event during colorectal carcinogenesis
Authors: Legras Antoine , Lièvre Astrid , Bonaiti‐Pellié Catherine , Cottet Vanessa , Pariente Alexandre , Nalet Bernard , Lafon Jacques , Faivre Jean , Bonithon‐Kopp Claire , Goasguen Nicolas , Penna Christophe , Olschwang Sylviane , Laurent‐Puig Pierre
Published: January 2008

Somatic mutations of the D310 sequence of the mitochondrial DNA are reported in human cancers, including colorectal cancers (CRC). The presence of these mutations at early or late steps of colorectal carcinogenesis is unknown. Their prevalence increased significantly with the number of cytosines in the D310 sequence of the matched normal tissue (D310 polymorphism), suggesting that this polymorphism could be a risk factor for CRC. The aim of this study was (i) to investigate the prevalence of D310 mutations in 64 colorectal adenomas and 36 liver metastases from 15 CRC patients, (ii) to assess the relation between D310 polymorphism and the risk of colorectal adenoma in a case‐control study including 613 cases with colorectal adenoma and 572 polyp‐free (PF) controls. D310 mutations were found in colorectal adenomas and liver metastases from CRC patients in 27 and 33%, respectively and so are an early genetic event in colorectal carcinogenesis. The frequency of the mutations increased significantly with the number of cytosines in the matched normal tissue D310 sequence (p < 0.001) but the distribution of D310 polymorphisms was not significantly different between adenoma cases (large (>9 mm) and small (<5 mm) adenomas) and PF controls (C4‐C7TC6: 47, 52 and 49%; C8TC6: 44, 39 and 41%; C9‐C10TC6: 9, 9 and 10%, respectively; p > 0.05), suggesting that germline D310 polymorphism is not a risk factor for colorectal adenomas. Considering their high frequency in colorectal adenomas, mitochondrial D310 mutations could represent a biomarker for early detection of CRC although their causative role in colorectal carcinogenesis remains uncertain. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
CCL17 and CCL22 chemokines within tumor microenvironment are related to accumulation of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in gastric cancer
Authors: Mizukami Yoshiki , Kono Koji , Kawaguchi Yoshihiko , Akaike Hidenori , Kamimura Kazuyasu , Sugai Hidemitsu , Fujii Hideki
Published: January 2008

It has been reported that an increased population of regulatory T cells (Tregs) is one of the reasons for impaired anti‐tumor immunity. Recently, Foxp3 has been reported as a reliable marker of Tregs. The authors investigated the frequency of Foxp3+ Tregs within CD4+ cells in TILs, regional lymph nodes and PBLs of gastric cancer patients (n = 45). Furthermore, to elucidate the mechanisms behind Treg accumulation within tumors, they evaluated the relationship between CCL17 or CCL22 expression and the frequency of Foxp3+ Tregs in gastric cancer. CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs as a percentage of CD4+ cells were counted by flow cytometry and evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Moreover, an in vitro migration assay using Tregs derived from gastric cancers was performed in the presence of CCL17 or CCL22. As a result, the frequency of Foxp3+ Tregs in TILs was significantly higher than that in normal gastric mucosa (12.4% ± 7.5% vs. 4.1% ± 5.3%, p < 0.01). Importantly, the increase in Tregs in TILs occurred to the same extent in early and advanced disease. Furthermore, the frequency of CCL17+ or CCL22+ cells among CD14+ cells within tumors was significantly higher than that of normal gastric mucosa, and there was a significant correlation between the frequency of CCL17+ or CCL22+ cells and Foxp3+ Tregs in TILs. In addition, the in vitro migration assay indicated that Tregs were significantly induced to migrate by CCL17 or CCL22. In conclusion, CCL17 and CCL22 within the tumor are related to the increased population of Foxp3+ Tregs, with such an observation occurring in early gastric cancer. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Antitumor effector functions of T cells are dependent on in vivo priming and restricted T‐cell receptor expression
Authors: Lüking Carolin , Kronenberger Konrad , Frankenberger Bernhard , Nößner Elfriede , Röcken Martin , Mocikat Ralph
Published: January 2008

Tumor‐specific T cells are crucial for immunologic control of malignant disease. T cells can be induced in vivo by vaccination or adoptively transferred after activation ex vivo. We investigated the requirements for generating T cells with optimal antitumor effector functions in a murine lymphoma model. Using adoptive transfer, we show that in vivo efficacy of T cells cannot be predicted by tumor reactivity in vitro. A restricted T‐cell receptor β chain repertoire of T‐cell populations stimulated ex vivo against tumor cells was necessary but not sufficient for tumor protectivity. Tumor elimination furthermore required vaccination of donor mice, hence in vivo priming. The in vivo priming step may allow tumor‐specific T cells to accumulate in vitro more rapidly and to survive for longer periods after withdrawal of the antigenic stimulus and adoptive transfer. A possible survival benefit of in vivo induced T cells may be ascribed to the responsiveness to homeostatic cytokines and to unique cytokine milieus encountered in vivo. Most importantly, monoclonal T cells cannot inhibit tumor growth. A prerequisite of tumor rejection was the expression of at least 2 T‐cell receptor β chains by transferred T‐cell populations. This finding has implications for designing adoptive transfer strategies for the clinic. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Designing antibodies for the inhibition of gastrin activity in tumoral cell lines
Authors: Barderas Rodrigo , Shochat Susana , Timmerman Peter , Hollestelle Martine J. , Martínez‐Torrecuadrada Jorge L. , Höppener Jo W.M. , Altschuh Danièle , Meloen Rob , Casal José Ignacio
Published: January 2008

Gastrin and its derivatives are becoming important targets for immunotherapy of pancreatic, gastric and colorectal tumors. This study was conducted to design antibodies able to block gastrin binding to the gastrin/cholecystokinin‐2 (CCK‐2) receptor in order to delay tumor growth. The authors have used different gastrin molecules, combined with the diphtheria toxoid, to generate and select human single chain variable fragments (scFvs) as well as mouse monoclonal antibodies and scFvs against different regions of gastrin. There was a remarkable conservation in the antibody repertoire against gastrin, independently of the approach and the species. The germlines most frequently used in gastrin antibody formation were identified. Three different epitopes were identified in the gastrin molecule. The resulting mouse monoclonal antibodies and scFvs were analyzed for gastrin neutralization using Colo 320 WT cells, which overexpress the CCK‐2 receptor. The gastrin neutralizing activity assay showed that N‐terminal specific mouse monoclonal antibodies were more efficient to inhibit proliferation of Colo 320 WT cells than the anti‐C terminal antibodies. Moreover, the human antigastrin scFvs obtained in this study inhibited significantly the proliferation of Colo 320 tumoral cells. These findings should contribute to a more rational design of antibody‐based antigastrin therapies in cancer, including passive administration of human antibodies with blocking activity. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.