bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IMMIGRATION, ECONOMIC RESTRUCTURING, AND LABOR RUPTURES: FROM THE AMALGAMATED TO CHANGE TO WIN
Authors: Cornfield Dan
Published: June 2006

The 2005 and 1936 “labor ruptures” from the House of Labor occurred under parallel conditions that expressed and reaffirmed the model of universalistic industrial unionism in the U.S. This essay extracts from these parallels a sociological analysis of the recurring configuration of organizational, social, demographic, and economic conditions that have generated the fractious rebirthing of universalistic industrial unionism in the modern U.S. labor movement. The origins of the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America, Congress of Industrial Organizations, and Change to Win illustrate this rebirthing. The recurring configuration of rebirthing conditions includes high rates of immigration, seismic restructuring of the national economy, the creation of a vulnerable and marginalized segment of the national labor force, heightened identity politics, sharpening income inequality, and a bureaucratized and stalled labor movement struggling to revitalize itself. Under these conditions, both labor ruptures expressed universalistic industrial unionism as a strategy for organizing the most marginalized groups of workers.
Associated 21-cm H i absorption towards the radio galaxy 3C 452 (J2245+3941)
Authors: Gupta Neeraj , Saikia D. J.
Published: June 2006

We report the detection of 21-cm H i absorption towards the core of the Fanaroff-Riley II radio galaxy 3C 452 (J2245+3941). The absorption profile is well resolved into three components; the strongest and narrowest component being coincident with the velocity corresponding to [O iii] emission lines while the other two components are blueshifted with respect to it by ∼30 and ∼115 km s-1. If the systemic velocity of the host galaxy is determined from low-ionization lines, which are redshifted with respect to the [O iii] doublet by about ∼200 km s-1, then both the [O iii] emission and the 21-cm absorption lines are associated with outflowing material. The neutral hydrogen column density is estimated to be N (H i) = 6.39 × 1020 (Ts/100) (fc/1.0)-1cm-2, where Ts and fc are the spin temperature and partial coverage of the background source, respectively. If the 21-cm absorber is also responsible for the nuclear extinction at infrared wavelengths and X-ray absorption, then for a spin temperature of ∼8000 K the absorber occults only ∼10 per cent of the radio core.
An Empirical Investigation of Impact Moderation in Test Construction
Authors: Stocking Martha L. , Lawrence Ida , Feigenbaum Miriam , Jirele Thomas , Lewis Charles , Van Essen Thomas
Published: June 2006

This investigation constructed four different kinds of test sections using three methods of test assembly that incorporate the goals of simultaneous moderation of three kinds of impact‐gender impact, African‐American impact, and Hispanic‐ American impact. The test sections were administered undetectably to random samples from the appropriate population. The results were evaluated by comparison of the characteristics of moderated sections with those of parallel operational sections. Almost all methods of test assembly produced either moderation of impact in the appropriate direction or no change in impact. Taking impact into account in test assembly tended to lower reliability slightly, raise concurrent validity slightly, and maintain the construct measured by the parallel operational section. It also reduced the relative efficiency for test takers in the middle score range while increasing efficiency for those with more extreme scores.
The Relationship Between Item Parameters and Item Fit
Authors: Dodeen Hamzeh
Published: June 2006

The effect of item parameters (discrimination, difficulty, and level of guessing) on the item‐fit statistic was investigated using simulated dichotomous data. Nine tests were simulated using 1,000 persons, 50 items, three levels of item discrimination, three levels of item difficulty, and three levels of guessing. The item fit was estimated using two fit statistics: the likelihood ratio statistic (X2B), and the standardized residuals (SRs). All the item parameters were simulated to be normally distributed. Results showed that the levels of item discrimination and guessing affected the item‐fit values. As the level of item discrimination or guessing increased, item‐fit values increased and more items misfit the model. The level of item difficulty did not affect the item‐fit statistic.
Wrongful trading and the liability of company directors: a theoretical perspective
Authors: Keay Andrew
Published: June 2006

When a company enters insolvent liquidation, the liquidator might take proceedings, under s 214 of the Insolvency Act 1986, against one or more of the company's directors on the basis that the director(s) engaged in wrongful trading. If found liable, a director might be ordered by a court to contribute to the assets of the company. This article examines whether subjecting directors to liability for wrongful trading is theoretically justifiable. After briefly explaining the origin, aims, rationale and operation of s 214, the article then rehearses and evaluates the arguments propounded by several scholars against any justification for a provision in the mould of s 214. Next the article investigates some of the reasons given for supporting the provision. Following this some consideration is given to whether it is possible to opt out of s 214, and, if not, whether this should be permitted. It is concluded, inter alia, that while s 214 is not representative of good regulation, some form of prohibition against wrongful trading can be justified on theoretical grounds.
PERSPECTIVES FOR MONTE CARLO SIMULATIONS ON THE CNN UNIVERSAL MACHINE
Authors: ERCSEY-RAVASZ M. , ROSKA T. , NÉDA Z.
Published: June 2006

Possibilities for performing stochastic simulations on the analog and fully parallelized Cellular Neural Network UniversalMachine (CNN-UM) are investigated. By using a chaotic cellular automaton perturbed with the natural noise of the CNN-UM chip, a realistic binary random number generator is built. As a specific example for Monte Carlo type simulations, we use this random number generator and a CNN template to study the classical site-percolation problem on the ACE16K chip. The study reveals that the analog and parallel architecture of the CNN-UM is very appropriate for stochastic simulations on lattice models. The natural trend for increasing the number of cells and local memories on the CNN-UM chip will definitely favor in the near future the CNN-UM architecture for such problems.
Postnatal food restriction in the rat as a model for a low nephron endowment
Authors: Schreuder Michiel F. , Nyengaard Jens R. , Remmers Floor , van Wijk Joanna AE , Delemarre-van de Waal Henriette A.
Published: June 2006

A low nephron endowment may be associated with hypertension. Nephrogenesis is the process that leads to the formation of nephrons until week 36 of gestation in humans and may be inhibited by many factors like intrauterine growth restriction and premature birth. To study the consequences of a low glomerular number, animal models have been developed. We describe a model of postnatal food restriction in the rat in which litter size is increased to 20 pups, which leads to growth restriction. In the rat, active nephrogenesis continues until postnatal day 8, which coincides with the growth restriction in our model. Design-based stereological methods were used to estimate glomerular number and volume. Our results show an ∼25% lower glomerular number in rats after postnatal food restriction (30,800 glomeruli/kidney) compared with control rats (39,600 glomeruli/kidney, P < 0.001). Mean glomerular volume was increased by 35% in the growth-restricted rats ( P = 0.006). There was a significant negative correlation between glomerular volume and glomerular number ( r = −0.76, P < 0.001). We conclude that postnatal food restriction in the rat leads to a low nephron endowment with compensatory enlargement. It is therefore a suitable model to study the effect of intrauterine growth restriction or prematurity on kidney development and the consequences of a reduced glomerular number in later life.
Increased DNA fragmentation and altered apoptotic protein levels in skeletal muscle of spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Quadrilatero Joe , Rush James W. E.
Published: June 2006

Apoptosis is a highly conserved process that plays an important role in controlling tissue development, homeostasis, and architecture. Dysregulation of apoptosis is a hallmark of numerous human pathologies including hypertension. In the present work we studied the effect of hypertension on apoptosis and the expression of several apoptotic signaling and/or regulatory proteins in four functionally and metabolically distinct muscles. Specifically, we examined these markers in soleus, red gastrocnemius, white gastrocnemius, and left ventricle (LV) of 20-wk-old normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Compared with WKY rats SHR had a significantly greater heart weight, LV weight, and mean arterial pressure. In general, SHR skeletal muscle had increased Bax protein, procaspase-3 protein, caspase-3 activity, cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase protein, and DNA fragmentation as well as decreased Bcl-2 protein and a lower Bcl-2-to-Bax ratio. Subcellular distribution studies demonstrated increased levels of apoptosis-inducing factor protein in cytosolic or nuclear extracts as well as elevated nuclear Bax protein in SHR skeletal muscle. Moreover, heat shock protein 70 in red gastrocnemius and soleus was significantly correlated to several apoptotic factors. With the exception of lower heat shock protein 90 levels in SHR no additional differences in any apoptotic markers were observed in LV between groups. Collectively, this report provides the first evidence that apoptotic signaling is altered in skeletal muscle of hypertensive animals, an effect that may be mediated by both caspase-dependent and -independent mechanisms. This proapoptotic state may provide some understanding for the morphological and functional abnormalities observed in skeletal muscle of hypertensive animals.
Ambulation in simulated fractional gravity using lower body positive pressure: cardiovascular safety and gait analyses
Authors: Cutuk Adnan , Groppo Eli R. , Quigley Edward J. , White Klane W. , Pedowitz Robert A. , Hargens Alan R.
Published: June 2006

The purpose of this study is to assess cardiovascular responses to lower body positive pressure (LBPP) and to examine the effects of LBPP unloading on gait mechanics during treadmill ambulation. We hypothesized that LBPP allows comfortable unloading of the body with minimal impact on the cardiovascular system and gait parameters. Fifteen healthy male and female subjects (22–55 yr) volunteered for the study. Nine underwent noninvasive cardiovascular studies while standing and ambulating upright in LBPP, and six completed a gait analysis protocol. During stance, heart rate decreased significantly from 83 ± 3 beats/min in ambient pressure to 73 ± 3 beats/min at 50 mmHg LBPP ( P < 0.05). During ambulation in LBPP at 3 mph (1.34 m/s), heart rate decreased significantly from 99 ± 4 beats/min in ambient pressure to 84 ± 2 beats/min at 50 mmHg LBPP ( P < 0.009). Blood pressure, brain oxygenation, blood flow velocity through the middle cerebral artery, and head skin microvascular blood flow did not change significantly with LBPP. As allowed by LBPP, ambulating at 60 and 20% body weight decreased ground reaction force ( P < 0.05), whereas knee and ankle sagittal ranges of motion remained unaffected. In conclusion, ambulating in LBPP has no adverse impact on the systemic and head cardiovascular parameters while producing significant unweighting and minimal alterations in gait kinematics. Therefore, ambulating within LBPP is potentially a new and safe rehabilitation tool for patients to reduce loads on lower body musculoskeletal structures while preserving gait mechanics.
Macrophage Elastase (Matrix Metalloproteinase-12) Suppresses Growth of Lung Metastases
Authors: Houghton A. McGarry , Grisolano Jay L. , Baumann Mary L. , Kobayashi Dale K. , Hautamaki R. Dean , Nehring Leslie C. , Cornelius Lynn A. , Shapiro Steven D.
Published: June 2006

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) have been implicated in virtually all aspects of tumor progression. However, the recent failure of clinical trials employing synthetic MMP inhibitors in cancer chemotherapy has led us to hypothesize that some MMPs may actually serve the host in its defense against tumor progression. Here we show that mice deficient in macrophage elastase (MMP-12) develop significantly more gross Lewis lung carcinoma pulmonary metastases than their wild-type counterparts both in spontaneous and experimental metastasis models. The numbers of micrometastases between the two groups are equivalent; thus, it seems that MMP-12 affects lung tumor growth, and not metastasis formation, per se. MMP-12 is solely macrophage derived in this model, being expressed by tumor-associated macrophages and not by tumor or stromal cells. The presence of MMP-12 is associated with decreased tumor-associated microvessel density in vivo and generates an angiostatic>angiogenic tumor microenvironment that retards lung tumor growth independent of the production of angiostatin. These data define a role for MMP-12 in suppressing the growth of lung metastases and suggest that inhibitors designed to specifically target tumor-promoting MMPs may yet prove effective as cancer therapeutics. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(12): 6149-55)
Activation of Sterile20-Like Kinase 1 in Proteasome Inhibitor Bortezomib–Induced Apoptosis in Oncogenic K-ras-Transformed Cells
Authors: Teraishi Fuminori , Guo Wei , Zhang Lidong , Dong Fengqing , Davis John J. , Sasazuki Takehiko , Shirasawa Senji , Liu Jinsong , Fang Bingliang
Published: June 2006

Bortezomib (PS-341), a specific proteasome inhibitor, exhibits antitumor activity against a wide range of malignancies. However, the molecular mechanisms by which bortezomib causes apoptosis selectively in cancer cells still remain unclear. Ras signaling is involved in multiple cellular processes, including cell cycle progression, differentiation, and apoptosis, and can either promote or inhibit apoptosis depending on the type of apoptotic stimuli and the cell model. Here, we investigated the role of K-ras signaling in bortezomib-induced apoptosis. We found that K-ras-transformed cells were more susceptible to bortezomib-induced apoptosis than were nontransformed cells and that bortezomib-induced apoptosis was mainly caspase dependent in K-ras-transformed cells. We also found that mammalian sterile20-like kinase 1 (MST1) was activated by bortezomib in K-ras-transformed cells and K-ras-mutated cancer cells. Treatment of K-ras-transformed cells with bortezomib resulted in translocation of MST1 from cytoplasm into the nucleus and an increase of phosphorylated histone H2B and histone H2AX. Moreover, pretreatment with leptomycin B, an inhibitor of the nuclear export signal receptor, dramatically enhanced bortezomib-mediated MST1 activation, phosphorylation of histones H2B and H2AX, and apoptosis induction in K-ras-transformed cells. Knockdown of MST1 expression by small interfering RNA diminished bortezomib-induced apoptosis or caspase-3 activation. Our data suggested that bortezomib may be useful for treatment of K-ras-mutated cancer cells, and MST1 is one of the mediators for bortezomib-induced apoptosis in K-ras-transformed cells. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(12): 6072-9)
Does Integrin-Mediated Cell Death Confer Tissue Tropism in Metastasis?
Authors: Lahti Jill M. , Teitz Tal , Stupack Dwayne G.
Published: June 2006

To develop metastatic capability, tumor cells must evolve the capacity to survive in novel microenvironments. Recently, we showed that metastasis of neuroblastoma cells is enhanced by loss of caspase-8, an event that occurs frequently in this malignancy. In poorly metastatic cells, unligated integrins were found to trigger activation of caspase-8, providing a selective pressure to promote its attenuation and thereby increased survival in foreign adhesive environments. Our findings suggest one mechanism by which the organotropism of metastastic cancer cells can arise. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(12): 5981-4)
Bcr Interacts with Components of the Endosomal Sorting Complex Required for Transport-I and Is Required for Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Turnover
Authors: Olabisi Oyenike O. , Mahon Gwendolyn M. , Kostenko Elena V. , Liu Zhuoming , Ozer Harvey L. , Whitehead Ian P.
Published: June 2006

Virtually all patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) express an aberrant protein (p210 Bcr-Abl) that contains NH2-terminal sequences from Bcr fused to COOH-terminal sequences from Abl. In a yeast two-hybrid screen, we have identified TSG101 as a binding partner for Bcr. Because TSG101 is a subunit of the mammalian endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT), which regulates protein sorting during endosomal trafficking, this association suggests that Bcr may have a related cellular function. The docking site for TSG101 has been mapped to the COOH terminus of Bcr, indicating that this interaction may be disrupted in CML. Overexpression studies with full-length TSG101 and Bcr reveal that this interaction can be recapitulated in mammalian cells. The association can also be observed between natively expressed proteins in a panel of hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic cell lines, where a second subunit of the ESCRT complex, vacuolar sorting protein 28 (Vps28), was also found to interact with Bcr. Both Bcr and TSG101 exhibit a punctate cytoplasmic distribution and seem to colocalize in HeLa cells, which would be consistent with an in vivo association. Bacterially purified Bcr and TSG101 also bind, suggesting that the interaction is direct and is not dependent on ubiquitination. Disruption of the endosomal pathway with an ATPase-defective Vps4 mutant results in the cellular redistribution of Bcr, and suppression of Bcr in HeLa cells by small interfering RNA impairs epidermal growth factor receptor turnover. Taken together, these observations suggest that Bcr is a component of the mammalian ESCRT complexes and plays an important role in cellular trafficking of growth factor receptors. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(12): 6250-7)
Antibodies to fibroblasts in idiopathic and scleroderma-associated pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Tamby M. C. , Humbert M. , Guilpain P. , Servettaz A. , Dupin N. , Christner J. J. , Simonneau G. , Fermanian J. , Weill B. , Guillevin L. , Mouthon L.
Published: June 2006

The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of anti-fibroblast antibodies in patients with idiopathic or scleroderma-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and healthy controls.

PAH was documented by right-heart catheterisation (mean pulmonary artery pressure at rest >25 mmHg). Serum immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgM reactivities of patients with idiopathic PAH (n = 35), scleroderma-associated PAH (n = 10), diffuse (n = 10) or limited cutaneous (n = 10) scleroderma without PAH and age- and sex-matched healthy individuals (n = 65) were analysed by cell-based ELISA and immunoblotting on normal human fibroblasts.

As assessed by ELISA, 14 out of 35 (40%) patients with idiopathic PAH and three out of 10 (30%) patients with scleroderma-associated PAH expressed anti-fibroblast IgG antibodies. IgG from all individuals bound to one major 40-kDa protein band. IgG from patients with idiopathic PAH bound to two 25- and 60-kDa bands with a higher intensity than IgG from other individuals.

In conclusion, immunoglobulin G anti-fibroblast antibodies are present in the serum of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Immunoglobulin G from patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension or scleroderma-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension express distinct reactivity profiles with fibroblasts antigens, suggesting distinct target antigens.
Complementary therapy use by patients and parents of children with asthma and the implications for NHS care: a qualitative study
Authors: Shaw Alison , Thompson Elizabeth A , Sharp Debbie
Published: June 2006

Background

Patients are increasingly using complementary therapies, often for chronic conditions. Asthma is the most common chronic condition in the UK. Previous research indicates that some asthma patients experience gaps in their NHS care. However, little attention has been given to how and why patients and parents of children with asthma use complementary therapies and the implications for NHS care.

Methods

Qualitative study, comprising 50 semi-structured interviews with a purposeful sample of 22 adults and 28 children with asthma (plus a parent), recruited from a range of NHS and non-NHS settings in Bristol, England. Data analysis was thematic, drawing on the principles of constant comparison.

Results

A range of complementary therapies were being used for asthma, most commonly Buteyko breathing and homeopathy. Most use took place outside of the NHS, comprising either self-treatment or consultation with private complementary therapists. Complementary therapies were usually used alongside not instead of conventional asthma treatment. A spectrum of complementary therapy users emerged, including "committed", "pragmatic" and "last resort" users. Motivating factors for complementary therapy use included concerns about conventional NHS care ("push factors") and attractive aspects of complementary therapies ("pull factors"). While participants were often uncertain whether therapies had directly helped their asthma, breathing techniques such as the Buteyko Method were most notably reported to enhance symptom control and enable reduction in medication. Across the range of therapies, the process of seeking and using complementary therapies seemed to help patients in two broad ways: it empowered them to take greater personal control over their condition rather than feel dependant on medication, and enabled exploration of a broader range of possible causes of their asthma than commonly discussed within NHS settings.

Conclusion

Complementary therapy use reflects patients' and parents' underlying desire for greater self-care and need of opportunities to address some of their concerns regarding NHS asthma care. Self-management of chronic conditions is increasingly promoted within the NHS but with little attention to complementary therapy use as one strategy being used by patients and parents. With their desire for self-help, complementary therapy users are in many ways adopting the healthcare personas that current policies aim to encourage.
Crystal Engineering of Multidimensional Copper(I) and Silver(I) Coordination Supermolecules and Polymers with Functions
Authors: Munakata Megumu , Wu Liang Ping , Kuroda-Sowa Takayoshi
Published: June 2006

Considerable progress has been made in recent years in controlling the assembly and orientations of individual molecules to create specific aggregates. It is the aim of this review to give an account of the latest developments in our groups with regard to construction of functional crystal metal complex supermolecules from self-assembly of copper(I) and silver(I) coordination compounds by intermolecular interactions as well as coordination bonds. Several approaches to such self-organization process have been highlighted. Spontaneous organization of hydrogen bonding and host–guest interactions in 3-cyano-6-methyl-2(1H)-pyridinone system result in the formation of three-dimensional channel structures and multi-fold interpenetrated diamondoid architectures by modification of hydrogen-bonding mode and distances. Control of effective aromatic stackings between polymeric chains assembles simple phenazine and benzothiadiazole building blocks into well-organized, multidimensional honeycomb and graphite structures. Manipulation of strong interchain S···S contacts in sulfur-rich tetrathiafulvalene derivative system creates a unique bookshelf type frameworks. Employment of multi-coordination sites of the ligands in pyrazine, dithienylethene and dithiaparacyclophane systems generates a number of novel infinite-sheet and -chain metal polymers with the potential to serve as functional supramolecular devices.
Living Polymerizations of Polar and Nonpolar Monomers by the Catalysis of Organo Rare Earth Metal Complexes
Authors: Yasuda Hajime , Ihara Eiji
Published: June 2006

This review article deals with the rare earth metal initiated polymerization of polar and nonpolar monomers in living fashion (“living” means very active without termination and chain transfer reaction) to give monodisperse high molecular weight polymers at high conversion. A typical example is seen in the polymerization of methyl methacrylate with [SmH(C5Me5)2]2 or [LnMe(C5Me5)2(THF)] (Ln = Sm, Y, and Lu), giving high molecular weight syndiotactic polymers (Mn > 500000, syndiotacticity > 95%) quantitatively at low temperature (−95 °C). The initiation mechanism was discussed on the basis of X-ray analysis of the 1 : 2 adduct (molar ratio) of [SmH(C5Me5)2]2 with MMA. Living polymerizations of alkyl acrylates (methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, and butyl acrylate) were also possible by the catalysis of [LnMe(C5Me5)2(THF)] (Ln = Sm, Y); i.e. poly(methyl acrylate) Mn = 48 × 103, Mw/Mn = 1.04, poly(ethyl acrylate) Mn = 55 × 103, Mw/Mn = 1.04, and poly(butyl acrylate) Mn = 70 × 103, Mw/Mn = 1.05. By taking advantages of the living polymerization ability, we attempted ABA triblock copolymerization of MMA/butyl acrylate/MMA to obtain rubber-like elastic polymers. Lanthanum alkoxide(III) has good catalytic activity for the polymerization of alkyl isocyanates (Mn > 106, Mw/Mn = 2.08). Monodisperse polymerizations of lactones, lactide, and various oxiranes were also achieved by polymerization with rare earth metal complexes. C1 symmetric bulky organolanthanide(III) complexes such as {SiMe2[2(3),4-(SiMe)2C5H2]2LnCH(SiMe3)2} (Ln = La, Sm, and Y) show high activity for linear polymerization of ethylene. Organolanthanide(II) complexes such as racemic {SiMe2[2-SiMe3-4-tBu-C5H2]2Sm(THF)} as well as C1 symmetric {SiMe2[2(3),4-(SiMe3)2C5H2]2Sm(THF)} were also found to have high activity for the polymerization of ethylene. Thus, polyethylene of Mn > 106 (Mw/Mn = 1.6) was first obtained by using {SiMe2[2(3),4-(SiMe3)2C5H2]2Sm(THF)}. 1,4-Cis conjugated diene polymerization of 1,3-butadiene and isoprene became available by the efficient catalytic activity of NdCl(C5H5)2/AlR3 or Nd(octanoate)3/AlR3. The Ln(naphthenate)3/AliBu3 system allows selective polymerization of acetylene in cis-fashion. Utilyzing the fact that rare earth metal initiated living polymerization proceeds for both polar and nonpolar monomers, researchers have attempted to block copolymerization of ethylene with MMA or lactones yielding polyethylene derivatives having high chemical reactivity.
The Palladium-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling Reaction of Organosilicon Compounds with Allylic Carbonates or Diene Monoxides
Authors: Matsuhashi Hayao , Asai Satoshi , Hirabayashi Kazunori , Hatanaka Yasuo , Mori Atsunori , Hiyama Tamejiro
Published: June 2006

The cross-coupling reaction of allylic carbonates with organosilanes was found to proceed without fluoride ion activation under mild conditions by using a coordinatively unsaturated palladium complex as a catalyst. The reaction was assumed to proceed through an allylpalladium alkoxide derived from the allylic carbonate substrate and a palladium(0) species, the alkoxo ligand activating the organosilicon reagent. Likewise, diene monoxides also underwent cross-coupling with alkenyl- and arylfluorosilanes in moderate to high yields.
Molecular Association of Water-Soluble Calixarenes with Several Stilbene Dyes and Its Application to the Facile Determination of Cationic Surfactant Concentrations
Authors: Nishida Masashi , Ishii Daido , Yoshida Isao , Shinkai Seiji
Published: June 2006

The molecular association of water-soluble p-sulfonatocalix[n]arenes (1n; n = 4, 6, and 8) with several stilbene dyes (D) has been studied by spectrophotometric and 1H NMR methods. It was found that 1n reacts in 1 : 1 stoichiometry with, D such as 4-[(4-dimethylamino)styryl]-1-methylpyridinium (St–4Me), 2-[(4-dimethylamino)styryl]-1-methylpyridinium (St–2Me) and 2-[(4-dimethylamino)styryl]-1-ethylpyridinium (St–2Et) iodides to form their complexes (1nD). The apparent association constants for 18-complexes are larger by about ten times than those of 14- and 16-complexes. Examinations of the CPK molecular models and the spectrophotometric studies suggested that 14 complexes D mainly with its 1-methyl- or 1-ethylpyridinium group, whereas 16 complexes D either with its pyridinium ring or with its protonated dimethylamino group in a similar probability, and in 18-complexes the molecule is wholly incorporated into the cavity of 18. The absorbance of D, which was decreased by association with 1n, was regenerated by the addition of other colorless cationic surfactants (A) such as cetylethyldimethylammonium ion. Studies on the substitution reaction of 1nD with A indicated that a 1 : 1 complex (1nA) is formed by releasing a free dye molecule (D). This was applied to a convenient determination of the cationic surfactant concentration in water.
Ring Expansion of Isopropenylcyclopropanes to Dihydromethyloxepins
Authors: Yamaguchi Seiji , Arisawa Akiko , Katoh Naoko , Hatanaka Keiko , Yokoyama Hajime , Hirai Yoshiro
Published: June 2006

The stereochemistry was studied concerning the ring expansion of some 2-isopropenylcyclopropane-1-carbonyl compounds to 2,5-dihydro-3-methyloxepin derivatives. The LAH reduction of dimethyl 2-isopropenylcyclopropane-1,1-dicarboxylate (1aa) gave the corresponding diol, and a subsequent Swern oxidation gave a seven-membered 4,7-dihydro-6-methyloxepin-3-carbaldehyde. A DIBAL reduction of 1aa gave two isomeric hydroxymethyl carboxylic esters, and a subsequent Swern oxidation of methyl 1-hydroxymethyl-t-2-isopropenylcyclopropane-r-1-carboxylate caused a ring expansion to give methyl 4,7-dihydro-6-methyloxepin-3-carboxylate; however, a similar Swern oxidation of methyl 1-hydroxymethyl-c-2-isopropenyl-cyclopropane-r-1-carboxylate caused no ring expansion to give methyl 1-formyl-c-2-isopropenylcyclopropane-r-1-carboxylate.
Magnetic-Field-Induced Deactivation of Polypyrrole Films in Repeated Redox Cycles
Authors: Mogi Iwao , Watanabe Kazuo
Published: June 2006

Magnetic field effects on the durability of anion-doped polypyrrole (PPy/anion) films were studied by measuring successive cyclic voltammograms in a cryocooler-cooled superconducting magnet. The deactivation, which means positive shifts of the anodic peak potential, was observed in PPy/ClO4− and PPy/Cl− films under the magnetic fields of 2 and 5 T. This magnetic-field-induced deactivation has a novel aspect that is an accumulative effect of the magnetic fields. On the other hand, the degradation of PPy/p-toluenesulfonate films, which means a current decrease in the voltammograms, was not affected by the magnetic field of 5 T.
Characterization of an End Product in a Copper(II)-Mediated Nonenzymatic Reaction of Vitamin B6 with Amino Acid: X-Ray Crystal Structure of a Dimer of Cu(II)·[Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate–Pyridoxamine 5-Phosphate Schiff Base]·7H2O
Authors: Ishida Toshimasa , In Yasuko , Hayashi Chiuru , Manabe Reijiro , Wakahara Akio
Published: June 2006

A copper(II) complex of the Schiff base condensation of pyridoxal 5-phosphate (PLP) with pyridoxamine 5-phosphate (PMP) was precipitated as an end product during a nonenzymatic copper(II)-mediated transamination reaction of L-amino acid (alanine, leucine, lysine, glutamic acid, or glutamine) via Schiff base formation with PLP at pH = 2.5. The complex was determined by an X-ray crystal structure analysis to consist of a dimer of Cu(II)·[PLP–PMP Schiff base]·7H2O, where a covalent bond is formed between the carbon atoms of neighboring Schiff base –C=N– fragments. The crystal consists of a racemate of the (R,R)- and (S,S)-configuration at the covalently bonded carbon atoms. By this bond formation and the phosphate O–Cu(II) coordination between neighboring dimers, complexes exist as a polymerized form in the crystal. The copper(II) ion forms a thermally stable square-pyramidal five-coordination with an azomethine nitrogen, two pyridine oxygens, a water oxygen, and a phosphate oxygen. Possible in vitro copper(II)-mediated formation of the complex from PLP and L-amino acid is considered.
β–α Photoisomerization of Cobaloxime Complexes in the Solid State. 6. Asymmetric Induction Due to Chiral Crystal Environment
Authors: Koura Tsuneo , Ohashi Yuji
Published: June 2006

The crystal structure of (S)-s-butylamine(2-cyanoethyl)cobaloxime was determined by X-ray analysis; the crystal is monoclinic, and the space group is C2, Z = 4 with a = 15.656(2), b = 11.699(2), c = 11.553(1) Å, β = 96.979(9)° and V = 2100.5(5) Å3. The structure was refined by a full-matrix least-squares method to the final R value of 0.052 for 1678 observed reflections. The 2-cyanoethyl group takes a perpendicular conformation to the cobaloxime plane and has disordered conformations (A, B, and C) around the Co–C bond. The occupancy factors of A, B, and C are 0.48, 0.34, and 0.18, respectively. The crystalline sample was irradiated with a xenon lamp. The (R)-1-cyanoethyl group is preferentially produced from the (S)-s-butylamine complex. The conversion rates, which were determined by HPLC analysis using the chiral stationary phase, were obtained to be 1.17 × 10−5 and 0.59 × 10−5 s−1 for the (R)- and (S)-1-cyanoethyl groups, respectively. The diastereomeric excess is 27%. Such asymmetric induction is well explained by the shape of the reaction cavity for the 2-cyanoethyl group, and is also in good agreement with a packing-energy calculation by molecular mechanics.
Solvent Effects on 59Co Chemical Shifts for Tripositive Cobalt(III) Complex Ions
Authors: Mizuno Yuri , Yokote Aya , Iida Masayasu
Published: June 2006

Interactions of tripositive cobalt(III) complex ions, such as Δ(lel3)-[Co(chxn)3]3+ (chxn = (R,R)-1,2-cyclohexanediamine), [Co(oct-en)(2,3,2-tet)]3+ (oct-en = N-octylethylenediamine, 2,3,2-tet = 3,7-diazanonane-1,9-diamine), [Co(sep)3]3+ (sep = sepulchrate = 1,3,6,8,10,13,16,19-octaazabicyclo[6.6.6]eicosane), and [Co(tn)3]3+ (tn = trimethylenediamine), in various solvents were studied using 59Co chemical shifts together with the electronic absorption spectra. The results are discussed in comparison with those of [Co(en)3]3+, whose 59Co chemical shift in various solvents had been previously reported to be fairly proportional to the donor numbers. There was a trend that the 59Co chemical shift changes greatly if the acidic NH-hydrogen atoms of the ligands are favorable to form hydrogen bonding with the solvents. The magnitudes of the chemical-shift changes for [Co(tn)3]3+ were significantly smaller than those for the en and chxn complexes. This difference can be attributed to the more conformationally labile structure of the tn complex in solution.
Electronic Absorption Spectra of Some 1,4-Benzoquinone Diazides. A Molecular-Orbital Treatment
Authors: Abu-Eittah Rafie , Abdou Mohamed , Hamed Maher , El Nady Yahya
Published: June 2006

The electronic absorption spectra of some 1,4-benzoquinone diazides were investigated in different solvents. The results indicate that the studied molecules pertain to the quinonoid structure. A common feature of the observed spectra is the overlap of the spectral bands. A Gaussian analysis was used to resolve the overlapping bands, and the minimum residue method was used to obtain the best fit between the analyzed and observed spectra. The observed spectra were assigned to π–π* transitions, and none of the n–π* transitions were observed. Molecular-orbital calculations with geometry optimization were performed using the ab initio method and different basis sets through the GAMESS package, whereas excited-state calculations were performed using the SCF-AM1-CI procedure through the MOPAC 5 package. For a comparison, MO-calculations were performed on 1,4-benzoquinone.
Racemization and Deracemization of Poly(quinoxaline-2,3-diyl)s
Authors: Ito Yoshihiko , Kojima Yutaka , Murakami Masahiro , Suginome Michinori
Published: June 2006

Racemization of optically active oligo- and poly(quinoxaline-2,3-diyl) derivatives with a single screw-sense, prepared by the polymerization of 3,6-diaryl-1,2-diisocyanobenzenes catalyzed by methylpalladium(II) initiator, was investigated. Pentameric and hexameric oligomers with a living palladium terminus were reluctant to undergo racemization in solution at room temperature. However, the (oligoquinoxalinyl)bis(phosphine)palladium(II) complexes underwent a phosphine exchange reaction in the presence of an excess of phosphine ligand with partial racemization at room temperature. Oligomers without palladium terminus, prepared by a treatment of the corresponding palladium derivatives with methylmagnesium bromide, underwent racemization more rapidly, the rate of which depended upon the bulkiness of the substituents at the 5,8-positions of the quinoxaline rings and oligomerization degree, i.e., the number of the quinoxaline units in the oligomer chain. Starting from the racemic polymers with a living palladium terminus, substantial deracemization of the helical poly(quinoxaline-2,3-diyl) was induced by means of optically active 2,3-O-isopropylidenedioxy-1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)butane ligand, which coordinated to the palladium terminus.
Selective N-Alkylation of Imidazole with Alcohols over Calcined Layered Double Hydroxides
Authors: Santhanalakshmi Jayadevan , Raja Thirumalaiswamy
Published: June 2006

Vapor-phase N-alkylation syntheses of imidazole were carried out with MeOH and EtOH over a series of calcined MgII–AlIII layered double hydroxides (LDHs) selectively produced in high yields of N-methyl (70%) and N-ethyl (63%) imidazoles only on the 3 : 1 atomic ratio of MgII–AlIII calcined LDH. Attempts on C-alkylation and dialkylation reactions over the same catalysts proved to be unsuccessful.
Preparation of Transparent Silica-Surfactant Nanocomposite Films with Controlled Microstructures
Authors: Ogawa Makoto , Igarashi Takanori , Kuroda Kazuyuki
Published: June 2006

Novel silica-alkyltrimethylammonium (with the alkyl groups of decyl, dodecyl, tetradecyl, hexadecyl, and octadecyl) bromide nanocomposite films were synthesized by coating the precursor solutions containing prehydrolyzed tetramethoxysilane and alkyltrimethylammonium bromide. The composites are thought to be composed of aggregates of alkyltrimethylammonium bromides and thin silica layers. The d values of the products varied depending on the relative ratios of tetramethoxysilane and surfactants, suggesting that the microstructures of the products can be controlled by simply changing the compositions. Since the present composites are obtained as transparent films, they have potential applicability as a new class of functional materials, especially for photofunctional purposes.
Inorganic–Organic Layered Materials Derived via the Hydrolysis and Polycondensation of Trialkoxy(alkyl)silanes
Authors: Shimojima Atsushi , Sugahara Yoshiyuki , Kuroda Kazuyuki
Published: June 2006

Triethoxy(alkyl)silanes containing 12—18 carbon atoms in the alkyl groups were hydrolyzed and polycondensed to form ordered structured materials. The XRD pattern of each condensed product showed sharp diffraction peaks with higher orders. The basal spacings approximately corresponded to twice the extended molecular length of the alkyl groups, and increased linearly as a function of the alkyl chain length. The SEM images of the products exhibited a platy morphology, and the 29Si CP/MAS NMR spectra revealed the formation of siloxane bonds with various silicon sites from T1 to T3 environments. All of these results indicated the formation of highly-organized inorganic–organic layered materials.
Dicer-2 and R2D2 coordinately bind siRNA to promote assembly of the siRISC complexes
Authors: Liu Xiang , Jiang Feng , Kalidas Savitha , Smith Dean , Liu Qinghua
Published: June 2006

In Drosophila melanogaster, the Dicer-2/R2D2 complex initiates RNA interference (RNAi) by processing long double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) into small interfering RNA (siRNA). Recent biochemical studies suggest that the Dcr-2/R2D2 complex also facilitates incorporation of siRNA into the RNA-induced silencing complex (siRISC). Here we present genetic evidence that R2D2 and Dcr-2 are both required for loading siRNA onto the siRISC complex. Consistent with this, only the Dcr-2/R2D2 complex, but neither Dcr-2 nor R2D2 alone, can efficiently interact with duplex siRNA. Furthermore, both dsRNA-binding domains of R2D2 are critical for binding to siRNA and promoting assembly of the siRISC complexes.
Function and role of laughter in Malaysian women's and men's talk
Authors: David Maya Khemlani , Mohd Jan Jariah , Yip Cheng Karen Kow , Soon Chye David Yoong
Published: June 2006

Academically speaking, for many years humour has been studied in the spheres of philosophy, linguistics, sociology, psychology, anthropology and even the neurosciences. In its role, humour allows the speaker to represent a parallel reality, which often induces positive feedback such as laughter, smiles and grins from his/her fellow listeners. This gender study of humour, analyses the roles and functions as well as the similarities and differences of humour found in the recorded discourses of Malaysian males and females. Whilst males and females tend to share similar topics (such as sex), the data shows that both genders approach them in different ways. That is to say, males tend to be more direct as opposed to females.
Some peculiarities of Malaysian Iyer English
Authors: Vijaya Sankar Lokasundari
Published: June 2006

This paper discusses some peculiarities of Malaysian English as spoken by Malaysian Iyers. Previous research showed that Malaysian Iyers, a minority group of Tamils living in Malaysia, had shifted from their mother tongue of Tamil to English mainly, though Tamil was used functionally
(Sankar 2004). The study was conducted on 15 Malaysian Iyers who were audio taped in natural situations to study the linguistic patterns that emerged from their use of English. Approximately 120 minutes of audio taped data was analyzed by examining code switches made from English to Tamil. These switches were examined to find out if English grammar was applied to these switches. The findings showed that the respondents' use of the English language included Tamil words that were grammaticized into the English language through devices such as the inclusion of English suffixes such as the plural ‘s’, ‘-fy, ‘-en’ or the prefixes such as ‘un-’ and ‘de-’. Tamil verbs were also found to be conjugated to the past tense through the use of ‘-ed’ or the present continuous of ‘-ing’. These words appear to have become part of their English repertoire.
The historical Context of John Philoponus' De Opificio Mundi in the Culture of Byzantine-Coptic Egypt
Authors: MacCoull Leslie S.B
Published: June 2006

I. Introduction

John Philoponus (ca. 490–575) was the first and probably only universal mind of the culture of Christian Egypt. Since the publication eighteen years ago of a collection of studies entitled Philoponus and the Rejection of Aristotelian Science, this sixth-century Alexandrian philosopher, theologian and polymath has become the focus of increased scholarly interest. As a documentary papyrologist working on the sixth-century Egyptian lawyer-poet Dioscorus of Aphrodito, I had even earlier come to speculate about a possible connection between that writer and Philoponus. However, despite the growth of scholarship on the society of late antique Egypt, studies on Philoponus have until recently continued to be carried on largely within the closed universe of late antique classical philosophy, with little attention paid to the actual social world within which Philoponus lived and worked, and concentrating on only one aspect of his output, the philosophical commentaries, to the comparative neglect of his theological works and his identity as a non-Chalcedonian thinker at the time of the early growth of Egypt's separate church. What I should like to do is try and understand Philoponus better within his social background of sixth-century Egypt, the world of the Greek and Coptic documentary papyri. In his great work, the De Opificio Mundi or “Explanations of Moses' Cosmogony” (CPG 7265), Philoponus produced a Miaphysite commentary on Genesis, the goal of which was to demonstrate to the people of his own place and time that only this correct understanding of Christ, the Miaphysite one, would provide a key to understanding the created universe through correctly reconciling the data of classical science with those of Christian revelation.
Using china clay waste in sprayed concrete
Authors: Henderson N. , Asbridge T.
Published: June 2006

The extraction of china clay produces large quantities of waste material including coarse sand, waste rock, overburden and micaceous residue. The current annual rate of waste generation in the UK is approximately 20 Mt. In the UK china clay extraction is concentrated in the south-west of England and the total volume of stockpiled waste in this relatively small area is estimated at 500 Mt. Current utilisation for this waste assecondary aggregate is restricted to a limited number of uses in local markets, which are now saturated. In order to increase usage levels and reduce the landfill burden, new and alternative uses for this waste material are required. This paper describes a study undertaken to evaluate the potential of using waste china clay sand as an aggregate for dry-mix sprayed concrete applications, primarily as a concrete repair material. In addition, the project explored the possible enhancement of some of the properties by using mica and metakaolin, which are also by-products of china clay production. The evaluation was undertaken by characterising the physical properties of the waste sand, developing a variety of concrete mix designs and conducting site trials to assess performance. The programme also examined the effect of additions (silica fume and metakaolin), admixtures (accelerators and superplasticisers) and polypropylene fibres. The project was able to identify the best mix design as a result of the trials and grade the mixes in terms of performance for spraying ability, compressive strength and durability. The results of the study show that the use of china clay sand aggregate for dry-mix sprayed concrete is effective and the natural sand grading of this aggregate is suited very well to this application. Also, the use of metakaolin as an addition to a sprayed concrete mix provides enhanced durability characteristics to the mix at the same time as improving its spraying performance.
Silica, Amorphous
Authors: Waddell Walter H.
Published: June 2006

Amorphous silica, a three‐dimensional, inorganic polymeric silicon dioxide, SiO2, does not have a crystalline structure as defined by the absence of definitive lines in X‐ray diffraction measurements. Amorphous silica can be naturally occurring or synthetic, and either anhydrous or surface‐hydrated with silanol groups. Synthetic amorphous silica can be divided into microamorphous silica and vitreous silica (glass) made by fusing quartz at temperatures greater than ∼ 1700°C. A discussion of microamorphous silica is presented, including colloidal silica, ie, sol or stable dispersion of discrete particles; silicas gelled or precipitated from solution; and pyrogenic and fused silica. Amorphous silica is characterized by chemical composition, physical properties, and characteristics of its particles, with exact analytical procedures depending on the type and application. Various methods to prepare and characterize each type of amorphous silica, commercial applications including principal global manufacturers, and health and safety issues are discussed.