bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of shear stiffening in reducing hydrogenation in intermetallic compounds
Authors: Jacob I. , Bereznitsky M. , Yeheskel O. , Leisure R. G.
Published: November 2006

The authors report on a pronounced increase in the elastic shear modulus of a wide class of binary intermetallics upon pseudobinary substitution. They further claim that the aforementioned increase in the rigidity of these compounds is the mechanism underlying the well documented, sharp decline of hydrogen absorption in these compounds. They suggest that a clamping effect occurs in the bulk due to the high shear modulus, preventing the formation of dislocations and thus inhibits the hydrogenation. Identifying this mechanism suggests that, in order to reach good hydrogen absorbers, effort should be invested in designing compounds where shear stiffening does not occur.
Synthesis and Reactions of Azido Complexes of Ruthenium
Authors: Buys IE , Field LD , George AV , Hambley TW , Purches GR
Published: November 2006

Sodium azide reacts with RuH2 ( dmpe )2 (1a) ( dmpe = 1,2-bis( dimethylphosphino )ethane) in methanol solution to form RuH (N3)( dmpe )2 (2a), and reacts with RuCl2( depe )2 (3b) ( depe = 1,2-bis( diethylphosphino )ethane) to form the bis ( azide ) complex Ru (N3)2( depe )2 (4b). The crystal structures of Ru ( Cl )2( depe )2 (3b) and Ru (N3)2( depe )2 (4b) have been determined and indicate that the chloro groups in (3b) and the azido groups in (4b) are trans across the metal centre.
Isolation and Crystal Structure of Limonidilactone—a Labdane Diterpene From Vitex limonifolia
Authors: Aphaijitt S , Nimgirawath K , Suksamrarn A , Tooptakong U
Published: November 2006

The structure of a new labdane diterpene, limonidilactone , from the leaves of Vitex limonifolia Wall. ( Verbenaceae ) has been established by spectroscopic methods and a single-crystal X-ray structure determination. Crystals are orthorhombic, P212121, a 19.373(10), b 10.871(7), c 8.207(3) Ǻ, Z 4. Diffractometer data were refined by full-matrix least-squares techniques to a residual of 0.043 for 1436 independent 'observed' reflections.
Cyclopropa-Fusion to Seven-Membered Unsaturated Rings. The Synthesis of 4-Bromo-8,8-dimethylbicyclo[5.1.0]octa-1,4,6-trien-3-one, a Cyclopropa-Fused Tropone
Authors: Sims CG , Wege D
Published: November 2006

This paper addresses the problem of preparing novel species such as the cyclopropa -fused tropylium ion and cyclopropa -fused tropones and tropolones. Addition of dibromocarbene and dichlorocarbene to the adduct (21) derived from dimethyl 3,3-dimethylcyclopropene-1,2- dicarboxylate and buta-1,3-diene yields the anti-tricyclo [5.1.0.03,5] octyl derivatives (22) and (23) which after hydrolysis and halodecarboxylation were transformed into (1α,3β,5β,7α)- 1,4,4,7-tetrabromo-8,8-dimethyltricyclo[5.1.0.03,5]octane (26), (1α,3β,5β,7a)-1,7-dibromo-4,4- dichloro-8,8-dimethyltricyclo 1.0.03,5]octane (27) and (1α,3β,5β,7α)-4,4-dichloro-1,7-diiodo-8,8-dimethyltricyclo[5.1.0.03,5]octane (28). All of these halides were remarkably stable towards dehydrohalogenation, and this is attributed to the rigidity of the tricyclic ring system. The reaction of (1α,3β,5β,7α)-1,7-diiodo-8,8-dimethyltricyclo[5.1.0.03,5]octane (38) with potassium t- butoxide results in deiodination rather than dehydroiodination and gives a cyclopropene which was trapped with isobenzofuran as adducts (42) and (43). Addition of dibromocarbene to the adducts (48) and (49) derived from dimethyl and di -t-butyl 3,3-dimethylcyclopropene-1,2-dicarboxylate and 2-trimethylsilyloxybuta-1,3-diene followed by ring expansion gave the bicyclo [5.1.0] octyl derivatives (56) and (57). Acidic hydrolysis of the di -t-butyl ester (57) afforded diacid (59), which on iododecarboxylation gave 4-bromo- 1,7-diiodo-8,8-dimethylbicyclo[5.1.0]oct-4-en-3-one (60). Treatment of (60) with triethylamine afforded the title compound (62), the first example of a cyclopropa-fused tropone.
Evaluation of the Elbs Persulfate Oxidation Reaction for the Preparation of Aryloxyphenoxypropionate Herbicides
Authors: Watson KG , Serban A
Published: November 2006

A new, simple method for the preparation of several 4-( aryloxy )phenols (2a-d) and alkyl 2-(4-hydroxyphenoxy)propionates (3a,b) is described. These compounds are key precursors for the synthesis of important aryloxyphenoxypropionate herbicides (1a-d). The method uses the Elbs persulfate oxidation to convert phenol into 4-hydroxyphenyl sulfate (5). The free hydroxy group is then reacted with various aryl halides and alkyl 2-halopropionates. Mild hydrolysis of the sulfate group with boiling acetic acid then gives the products (2a-d) and (3a,b), generally in modest to good yield.
Preparation and Characterization of Porphyrin-Acridine Conjugates as Bifunctional Antitumor Agents
Authors: Karagianis G , Reiss JA
Published: November 2006

The porphyrin-acridine conjugates (22) and (23) were prepared by condensation of porphyrin (17) with the 9-aminoacridine derivative (6) or (15), respectively. The conjugate drugs were isolated by size-exclusion chromatography in yields of up to 35% and further purified by semipreparative h.p.l.c . to 98% purity. Characterization of the conjugates was effected by 1H n.m.r. and u.v./vis . spectroscopy, f.a.b. mass spectrometry and u.v./vis . diode array h.p.l.c. Attempts to condense acridine (6) or (15) to porphyrin (16), (18) or (19) resulted in the isolation of the porphyrin-acridine conjugates (20), (21), (24) and (25) in low yields (≤ 25%), but the products could not be obtained in a pure state. However, their presence was identified by several physical measurements.
Structural Study of Torquatone, an Acylphloroglucinol Derivative From Eucalyptus Species
Authors: Ghisalberti EL , Skelton BW , White AH
Published: November 2006

The solid-state structure of torquatone (1), an acylphloroglucinol derivative from the essential oils of a number of Eucalyptus species, has been determined by a single-crystal room-temperature X-ray study. Crystals of (1) are monoclinic, P21/c, a 10.470(8), b 20.53(1), c 7.696(6) Ǻ, β 95.91(7)۰, Z = 4; R was 0.054 for 1877 independent 'observed' [I > 3σ(I)] diffractometer reflections.
Preparation of Optically Active (S)-2-(Benzyloxy)propanal
Authors: Varelis P , Johnson BL
Published: November 2006

A convenient and large scale amenable preparation of optically active ethyl (S)-2-( benzyloxy )propionate (5) from ethyl (S)-lactate (4), and the conversion of the ester (5) by two alternative methods into (S)-2-( benzyloxy ) propanal (1) are described.
Isobromotopsentin: a New Bis(indole) Alkaloid From a Deep-Water Marine Sponge Spongosorites sp.
Authors: Murray LM , Lim TK , Hooper JNA , Capon RJ
Published: November 2006

Isobromotopsentin (16) is a new brominated bis(indole) alkaloid isolated from a deep-water marine sponge Spongosorites sp. collected off the southern Australian coast. The structure for (16) was determined by spectroscopic methods.
Invertebrate prey of the bark-foraging insectivore Phascogale tapoatafa: distribution of biomass amongst alternative foraging substrates within south-western Australian woodlands
Authors: Scarff F. R. , Bradley J. S.
Published: November 2006

The bark of trees is an important foraging substrate for a range of vertebrate insectivores. This study aimed to investigate the distribution of food resources available to the bark-foraging insectivore Phascogale tapoatafa, and to compare prey biomass on bark versus the litter layer. We conducted nocturnal sampling for arthropods on tree trunks and litter in a forest in south-western Australia. The bark fauna biomass was dominated by spiders, with cockroaches, beetles and ants also well represented. In contrast, the litter was dominated by orthopterans. Invertebrate biomass was much greater in the litter layer than on tree trunks. Prey items in bark were more plentiful in Melaleuca swamps than in the surrounding dry sclerophyll woodland. Within swamps, trees with the highest invertebrate densities had thin trunks or loose bark, whilst in woodland it was trees with thick bark. Water availability may increase the prey resource used by bark-foraging insectivores.
Does date of birth or a capacity for facultative placentotrophy influence offspring quality in a viviparous skink, Niveoscincus microlepidotus?
Authors: Atkins Natalia , Swain Roy , Jones Susan M.
Published: November 2006

Niveoscincus microlepidotus is a viviparous lizard that exhibits biennial reproduction: births in spring optimise offspring survival in this species’ alpine habitat. Over three annual activity seasons, we investigated the hypothesis that date of birth influences offspring characteristics. In the first year of our study, there was no effect of date of birth on any offspring characteristic measured. In the second year, later-born offspring grew significantly faster. In the third year, later-born offspring were significantly longer and heavier at birth. These varying results may be attributable to differences in basking opportunities for the gestating females due to annual variations in spring weather patterns. To test the hypothesis that both lecithotrophic (yolk) and placentotrophic nutrients support embryos during their extended gestation, we determined the degree of placentotrophy for this species. The mean dry neonate : dry egg ratio of 0.755 indicates that this species is predominantly lecithotrophic. Only in the first year of the study did the data suggest a potential for facultative placentotrophy in this species. We therefore suggest that in N. microlepidotus lecithotrophic nutrition is converted into embryonic fat bodies that support the embryo in utero over winter until spring parturition.
Symbolic dynamics for the modular surface and beyond
Authors: Katok Svetlana , Ugarcovici Ilie
Published: November 2006

In this expository article we describe the two main methods of representing geodesics on surfaces of constant negative curvature by symbolic sequences and their development. A geometric method stems from a 1898 work of J. Hadamard and was developed by M. Morse in the 1920s. It consists of recording the successive sides of a given fundamental region cut by the geodesic and may be applied to all finitely generated Fuchsian groups. Another method, of arithmetic nature, uses continued fraction expansions of the end points of the geodesic at infinity and is even older—it comes from the Gauss reduction theory. Introduced to dynamics by E. Artin in a 1924 paper, this method was used to exhibit dense geodesics on the modular surface. For 80 years these classical works have provided inspiration for mathematicians and a testing ground for new methods in dynamics, geometry and combinatorial group theory. We present some of the ideas, results (old and recent), and interpretations that illustrate the multiple facets of the subject.
NOM PROPRE, POÉSIE ET GÉNÉRICITÉ: BERTRAND, RIMBAUD, VERHAEREN
Authors: Bonenfant Luc
Published: November 2006

Cet article s'intéresse au fonctionnement générique du nom propre dans la poésie d'Aloysius Bertrand, Arthur Rimbaud et Émile Verhaeren. La première partie s'attache à la distinction éventuelle entre le fonctionnement narratif et le fonctionnement poétique du Nom propre à partir d'exemples fournis par la poésie en prose bertrandienne, poésie dont les états premiers ressortent des genres narratifs brefs. Suivant cela, la seconde partie de l'article envisage le fonctionnement du nom propre chez Rimbaud et Verhaeren, montrant bien que la poésie, pourtant un genre à faible densité onomastique, exacerbe la fonction sémantique du Nom plutôt que sa traditionnelle fonction narrative. Chez les trois poètes étudiés, la motivation sémantique du Nom ne se transforme pas en succession narrative, penchant plutôt vers cet espace absolu de ‘totalisation’ dont Jean Cohen a fait un critère de distinction poétique.
In vitro kinetics of factor VIII activity in patients with mild haemophilia A and a discrepancy between one‐stage and two‐stage factor VIII assay results
Authors: Rodgers Susan E. , Duncan Elizabeth M. , Barbulescu Denise M. , Quinn Diana M. , Lloyd John V.
Published: November 2006

In some mild haemophilia A patients (discrepant haemophilia), factor VIII coagulant activity (FVIII:C) levels, by one‐stage assay are more than double than those by two‐stage assay. This may be due to the longer incubation times (10–12 min) in the two‐stage assay. This study aimed to determine the time course of the activation phase of the two‐stage assay, using both classical coagulation and chromogenic detection methods. In both systems, for equivalent patients (equivalent FVIII:C levels by one‐stage and two‐stage assays, n = 6, all different mutations), similar FVIII:C results were obtained with short‐ or long‐incubation times. In contrast, plasma from discrepant patients (n = 8, five different mutations) showed higher FVIII:C at shorter incubation times than after longer incubation times. In the chromogenic assay, FVIII:C levels were higher after incubation for 2 min (23–56%, mean 41%) than after 10 min (19–41%, mean 29%). In the classical coagulation assay, FVIII:C levels were higher at shorter incubation times (21–64%, mean 37%) than with the longer incubation times usually used (13–29%, mean 23%). These time‐course experiments have verified that the longer incubation time used in the two‐stage assay is at least partly responsible for the lower FVIII:C measured by that assay in discrepant haemophilia.
Mathematical model for NF‐κB–driven proliferation of adult neural stem cells
Authors: Piotrowska M. J. , Widera D. , Kaltschmidt B. , An Der Heiden U. , Kaltschmidt C.
Published: November 2006

Abastract.  Neural stem cells (NSCs) are early precursors of neuronal and glial cells. NSCs are capable of generating identical progeny through virtually unlimited numbers of cell divisions (cell proliferation), producing daughter cells committed to differentiation. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) is an inducible, ubiquitous transcription factor also expressed in neurones, glia and neural stem cells. Recently, several pieces of evidence have been provided for a central role of NF‐κB in NSC proliferation control. Here, we propose a novel mathematical model for NF‐κB–driven proliferation of NSCs. We have been able to reconstruct the molecular pathway of activation and inactivation of NF‐κB and its influence on cell proliferation by a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. Then we use a combination of analytical and numerical techniques to study the model dynamics. The results obtained are illustrated by computer simulations and are, in general, in accordance with biological findings reported by several independent laboratories. The model is able to both explain and predict experimental data. Understanding of proliferation mechanisms in NSCs may provide a novel outlook in both potential use in therapeutic approaches, and basic research as well.
An open‐label study of darbepoetin alfa administered once monthly for the maintenance of haemoglobin concentrations in patients with chronic kidney disease not receiving dialysis
Authors: AGARWAL A. K. , SILVER M. R. , REED J. E. , DHINGRA R. K. , LIU W. , VARMA N. , STEHMAN‐BREEN C.
Published: November 2006

Objective.  To demonstrate the efficacy and safety of once‐monthly (QM) darbepoetin alfa administration in maintaining haemoglobin (Hb) 11.0–13.0 g dL−1 in subjects with chronic kidney disease (CKD) not receiving dialysis and previously treated with darbepoetin alfa every other week (Q2W).

Subjects.  This open‐label study enrolled subjects ≥18 years of age who had glomerular filtration rate ≥15 and ≤60 mL min−1/1.73 m2, had Hb 11.0–13.0 g dL−1, and were receiving Q2W darbepoetin alfa.

Design.  Subjects were switched to QM darbepoetin alfa therapy for 28 weeks; the QM dose was titrated to maintain Hb levels. Primary end‐point: proportion of subjects maintaining Hb ≥11.0 g dL−1 during the final 8 weeks of the study (evaluation phase). Secondary end‐points: Hb concentration during evaluation, darbepoetin alfa dose during the study, adverse events, laboratory parameters, and blood pressure.

Results.  The study enrolled 152 subjects (female 52%, white 64%). Mean Hb ≥11.0 g dL−1 during evaluation was achieved by 76% of the 150 subjects who received at least one dose of darbepoetin alfa [95% confidence interval (CI): 68%, 83%]. Mean (SD) Hb during evaluation was 11.71 (0.92) g dL−1. Eighty‐five per cent of 129 subjects who completed the study (95% CI: 78%, 91%) had Hb ≥11.0 g dL−1 during evaluation. The dose of darbepoetin alfa over the study period was median (95% CI) 124.4 μg (106.2, 140.0). Darbepoetin alpha administered QM was well tolerated in study subjects.

Conclusion.  Darbepoetin alpha administered QM maintained Hb in study subjects with CKD not receiving dialysis.
Cryptic speciation in two widespread subterranean amphipod genera reflects historical drainage patterns in an ancient landscape
Authors: FINSTON T. L. , JOHNSON M. S. , HUMPHREYS W. F. , EBERHARD S. M. , HALSE S. A.
Published: November 2006

The landscape of the Pilbara region of Western Australia has been relatively unchanged for 100 million years. The ancient river systems of this region might be expected to be sources of isolation and divergence for aquatic species. Hence, the occurrence of widespread groundwater taxa in this landscape offers the opportunity to examine associations between genetic diversity and drainage patterns. Pilbarus and Chydaekata are two widespread genera of subterranean amphipods endemic to the Pilbara, each occupying multiple tributaries. We used molecular data to examine the roles of drainage patterns in structuring genetic diversity. Gene flow within a tributary may be facilitated by the occasional occurrence of these amphipods in springs, which results in their downstream dispersal during episodic flooding. However, tributary boundaries may form hydrological barriers to gene flow, resulting in localised isolation of populations and divergence. Samples of both genera, collected throughout three river basins, were examined for sequence divergence in the cytochrome c oxidase I mitochondrial gene. There was no evidence of contemporary gene flow among populations of either genus, and each tributary contained highly divergent lineages, which were not associated with similar morphological differentiation. This suggests cryptic speciation has occurred, and similar phylogenetic signals in both taxa imply similar evolutionary histories. Surface populations may have been driven into subterranean refugia by the cessation of flow in the rivers, associated with Tertiary climate change, while morphological evolution may have been constrained by stabilising selection. The lack of congruence between molecular diversity and morphology raises important practical issues for conservation.
Characterization and distribution of Pogonomyrmex harvester ant lineages with genetic caste determination
Authors: SCHWANDER TANJA , CAHAN SARA HELMS , KELLER LAURENT
Published: November 2006

Genetic caste determination has been described in two populations of Pogonomyrmex harvester ants, each comprising a pair of interbreeding lineages. Queens mate with males of their own and of the alternate lineage and produce two types of diploid offspring, those fertilized by males of the queens’ lineage which develop into queens and those fertilized by males of the other lineage which develop into workers. Each of the lineages has been shown to be itself of hybrid origin between the species Pogonomyrmex barbatus and Pogonomyrmex rugosus, which both have typical, environmentally determined caste differentiation. In a large scale genetic survey across 35 sites in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas, we found that genetic caste determination associated with pairs of interbreeding lineages occurred frequently (in 26 out of the 35 sites). Overall, we identified eight lineages with genetic caste determination that always co‐occurred in the same complementary lineage pairs. Three of the four lineage pairs appear to have a common origin while their relationship with the fourth remains unclear. The level of genetic differentiation among these eight lineages was significantly higher than the differentiation between P. rugosus and P. barbatus, which questions the appropriate taxonomic status of these genetic lineages. In addition to being genetically isolated from one another, all lineages with genetic caste determination were genetically distinct from P. rugosus and P. barbatus, even when colonies of interbreeding lineages co‐occurred with colonies of either putative parent at the same site. Such nearly complete reproductive isolation between the lineages and the species with environmental caste determination might prevent the genetic caste determination system to be swept away by gene flow.
Emerging Diseases: A Global and Biological Perspective
Authors: Zessin K.‐H.
Published: November 2006

The ‘Livestock Revolution’ and globalization with enormous increases in free trade of animals and food products are not a choice but a reality (Thiermann, J. Vet. Med. Educ., 28, 2001, 56). Conditions of modern life, some of them related to or being the result of globalization, ensure that factors responsible for disease emergence are more prevalent than ever. Categorization of the factors is somewhat arbitrary but are representative of the underlying processes that cause emergence. Major responsible factors include ecological changes, such as changes due to agriculture or economic development or to anomalies in climates, human demographical changes and behaviour, travel and commerce, technology and industry, microbial adaptation and change, and the breakdown of public health measures (Morse, Emerg. Infect. Dis., 1, 1995, 7). Furtheron, concerning pathogens, their most striking feature emerging and re‐emerging is their diversity, ranging from viruses and prions, over bacteria and rickettsia, fungi, protozoa to helminths. As presently the epidemiological perspective does not permit reliable prediction and prevention of most damaging new pathogens, and as the evolutionary perspective only provides rough theoretical estimates for selective processes in pathogen populations, surveillance and monitoring remain the most important methods to recognize early that ‘something has happened’. In light of the complexity and diversity of likely new emerging diseases, such surveillance may be more broadly targeted and aimed more realistically at early recognition of disease syndromes rather than at identifying microbial diseases. The complex and rapid‐paced development of international trade, coupled with increasing societal demands for not only abundant and inexpensive food as well as for protection from diseases originating from animals, demands immediate attention from the veterinary community. The inter‐relationship at the minimum between animal production, animal diseases and human diseases demands that we consider our concepts, methods and structures. There exists a huge growth area for the veterinary profession; substantial need exists for trained individuals who understand the science of foreign diseases, who can facilitate emergency management operations against diseases (Brown, J. Vet. Med. Educ., 30, 2003, 112) and who can contribute to adjust and strategically develop animal production systems further.
Glomangioma in the Prepuce of a Dog
Authors: Galofaro V , Rapisarda G , Ferrara G , Iannelli N
Published: November 2006

Contents

A case of preputial glomangioma in an 8‐year‐old Springer Spaniel dog is reported. The dog presented a solitary nodular mass, approximately 3.5 × 5.2 cm in diameter, located on the lateral wall of the prepuce at the base of the penis. Histologically, the excised tumour mass consisted of proliferating round epithelioid cells arranged in a cordon‐like structure around small blood vessels. The neoplastic cells were positive for alpha smooth muscle actin and negative for cytokeratin, desmin, S‐100 protein and neurone‐specific enolase. Based on these pathologic features, the tumour was diagnosed as glomangioma, a neoplasm extremely rare in dogs. To our knowledge, this is the first report of preputial glomangioma in the dog.
Brain glucose metabolism and temperament in relation to severe somatization
Authors: HAKALA MIKA , VAHLBERG TERO , NIEMI PÄIVI M. , KARLSSON HASSE
Published: November 2006

Abstract  Little is known about the pathophysiology of somatization. The authors’ aim was to explore associated factors with somatoform disorders. The authors studied 10 female patients with a diagnosis of somatization disorder or undifferentiated somatoform disorder with no comorbid current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th edn) Axis I disorder and 12 healthy female volunteers. The predicting variables were temperament factors of the 240‐item Temperament and Character Inventory instrument and regional brain glucose metabolism. Low novelty‐seeking and high harm avoidance temperament traits and low caudate and low putamen glucose metabolism were statistically significantly associated with severe somatization (P < 0.05). In the present study, severe somatization associates with both altered brain glucose metabolism and temperament factors. No other studies on association of somatization with brain glucose metabolism and temperament have been published. The results are still considered exploratory due to the small number of subjects.
Sociopsychological factors relating to suicide prevention in a Japanese rural community: Coping behaviors and attitudes toward depression and suicidal ideation
Authors: SAKAMOTO SHINJI , TANAKA ERIKO , NEICHI KEIKO , SATO KYOKO , ONO YUTAKA
Published: November 2006

Abstract  In response to the rise in suicide in Japan since 1998, some suicide prevention measures in local communities have been put into action. However, in the previous suicide prevention measures, sociopsychological factors were not fully taken into consideration. In the present study, the authors surveyed sociopsychological factors relating to suicide and depression (i.e. people’s coping behavior and thoughts about depression and suicidal ideation, and their attitudes toward suicide and psychiatric treatment), and their differences in gender and generations. The present study was conducted in a rural area of Japan (Town A), where the suicide rate is much higher than the national average. The authors randomly selected 10% of the residents (i.e. 532 people) aged between 40 and 79 years on the basis of resident registration. Health promotion volunteers in Town A visited these 532 people individually, distributed questionnaires, and asked them to anonymously answer the questionnaire within 4 weeks. Data from 450 residents (193 men, 257 women) were analyzed in the present study. Although there were few gender differences, some significant differences were found between the younger (40–59 years) and older (60–79 years) residents. Generally, the younger were more pessimistic about their mental health than the elderly. It was also noteworthy that about 10% of the people thought that it was natural for them to have suicidal ideation, and about 18% reported that they had experienced suicidal ideation. Some suggestions were given to provide more effective suicide prevention measures.
Solitary, late metastatic recurrence of renal cell carcinoma: Two extraordinary cases
Authors: FEATHERSTONE JONATHAN M , BASS PAUL , CUMMING JOHN , SMART CHRISTOPHER J
Published: November 2006

Abstract  Late recurrence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has been well documented in the literature. We present two extraordinary cases of solitary, late metastatic recurrence of RCC. The first is a case of a solitary, adrenal metastasis excised 38 years after nephrectomy and the second is a case in which two solitary metastatic deposits were resected 14 and 26 years after excision of the primary tumor. In each of these patients the solitary metastases were initially believed to be primary tumors at other sites; however, on histological examination they were found to be metastatic RCC recurrences. In patients with a previous history of RCC presenting with apparently new solitary lesions, metastatic RCC must first be excluded.
Efficacy of primary hormonal therapy for patients with localized and locally advanced prostate cancer: A retrospective multicenter study
Authors: UENO SATORU , NAMIKI MIKIO , FUKAGAI TAKASHI , EHARA HIDETOSHI , USAMI MICHIYUKI , AKAZA HIDEYUKI
Published: November 2006

Aim: A retrospective review of patients with localized and locally advanced prostate cancer was performed to evaluate the efficacy of primary hormonal therapy and predict long‐term prognosis in these patients.

Methods: A total of 628 patients who were diagnosed with stage T1c to T3 prostate cancer were treated with primary hormonal therapy at participating institutions. The patients were classified based on pretreatment prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level, Gleason score, and time to nadir PSA level. Disease‐specific and progression‐free survival rates were investigated, and compared among the subgroups.

Results: The mean age of patients was 74.5 years, and median pretreatment PSA level was 14.0 ng/mL. A total of 399 patients (63.5%) were treated with combined androgen blockade (CAB), and 229 patients (36.5%) were treated with castration monotherapy. The disease‐specific survival rate of all 628 patients was 89.1% at 8 years. The group that showed a good response to primary hormonal therapy (Group G, pretreatment PSA level ≤20 ng/mL, Gleason score ≤7, and time to nadir PSA ≤6 months) accounted for approximately one‐third of the total number of T1c–T3 patients. Disease‐specific and progression‐free survival rates at 8 years in Group G were 98.9% and 82.0%, respectively. These rates increased to 100% and 87.3%, respectively, in patients receiving CAB treatment in Group G.

Conclusions: The results indicate the usefulness of primary hormonal therapy, especially CAB treatment, for patients showing a good response to hormonal therapy in long‐term control of localized and locally advanced prostate cancer.
Laparoscopic management of urachal remnants in adulthood
Authors: OKEGAWA TAKATSUGU , ODAGANE AKIHIRO , NUTAHARA KIKUO , HIGASHIHARA EIJI
Published: November 2006

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the outcome of laparoscopic excision of urachal remnants (LUR), and to compare the outcome with that of the traditional open excision of urachal remnants (OUR).

Methods: Between February 2001 and December 2005, six patients with a mean age of 23.8 years who had a symptomatic urachal sinus underwent radical LUR. Using 12 mm and 5 mm ports, the caudal stump of the urachus was ligated with an absorbable clip and divided. The peritoneal and preperitoneal tissue between the medial umbilical ligaments was dissected free of the transversalis fascia. Dissection was carried out along the preperitoneal plane toward the umbilicus. The cephalic side of the lesion was ligated at the umbilicus with an endo‐loop and divided. In addition, four patients who underwent a traditional OUR were included. Peri‐ and postoperative records were reviewed to assess morbidity, recovery, and outcome.

Results: The operative duration was not significantly shorter for the LUR group than the OUR group, but there was generally a reduction in blood loss (mean 16.5 vs 68.3 mL), an earlier resumption of eating (mean 1.3 vs 2.5 days), and a shorter hospital stay (mean 5.3 vs 10.5 days). There were no intraoperative complications in either the LUR or the OUR group. Mean follow up was 5 (range 4–12) months. There were no postoperative complications.

Conclusions: The results suggest that LUR can be safely and satisfactorily performed in adulthood.
Lower urinary tract dysfunction in type 1 familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy in Kumamoto, Japan
Authors: WADA YOSHIHIRO , ANDO YUKIO , KAI NOBUYUKI , TAKAHASHI WATARU , KIKUKAWA HIROAKI , NAKANISHI JURO , HONDA JIRO , JINNOUCHI YOSHITERU , UEDA SHOICHI
Published: November 2006

Objective: To evaluate lower urinary tract dysfunction of type 1 familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP) patients in Kumamoto, Japan.

Methods: Lower urinary tract symptoms were evaluated in FAP patients. Urodynamic studies were evaluated in FAP patients as compared to those in control subjects. The location and distribution of amyloid deposits were evaluated in the urinary bladder in an autopsy case.

Results: In lower urinary symptoms, 86%, 19% and 38% patients showed difficulty in urination, urinary frequency and urinary incontinence. In detrusor function during filling cystometry, 14% patients showed detrusor overactivity. Moreover, 43% patients showed low compliance bladder, 62% and 38% patients showed normal and reduced bladder sensation, respectively. First desire to void (FDV), strong desire to void (SDV) and post‐voided residual urine (PVR) were increased in FAP patients as compared to those in control subjects. In the urethral pressure profilometry, 71%, 10% and 19% patients showed incompetent, normal functional and overactive urethral closure mechanism, respectively. Maximum urethral pressure (MUP), maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP) and functional profile length (FPL) were decreased in FAP patients compared to those in control subjects.

Conclusion: Autonomic, somatic nerve systems and bladder detrusor musculature might be impaired in lower urinary tract of type 1 FAP patients in Kumamoto, Japan.
Serum amino acids as indicators of cerebrospinal neuronal activity in patients with micturition disorders
Authors: NISHIJIMA SAORI , SUGAYA KIMIO , FUKUDA TAKASHI , MIYAZATO MINORU , ASHIMINE SATOSHI , OGAWA YOSHIHIDE
Published: November 2006

Objective: Our previous study showed that the spinal glycine level in rats was changed by spinal injury or bladder outlet obstruction, and this change was reflected by serum glycine levels. Therefore, we measured the serum glutamate and glycine levels in healthy volunteers and patients with cerebrospinal damage or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) to confirm whether the change of serum amino acid levels was obtained from these patients as well as the animal experiment.

Methods: We measured the serum glutamate and glycine levels in 170 healthy controls, 57 patients with cerebrovascular disease (CVD), 68 patients with spinal cord injury (SCI), and 70 patients with BPH. Amino acid levels were compared between the controls and patients, according to gender, level of spinal injury and the type of bladder activity.

Results: In the healthy controls, glutamate levels were higher and glycine levels were lower in men than in women. On group comparison of each gender, there were no differences of glutamate levels. However, glycine levels were lower in male and female SCI patients and BPH patients than in controls. According to the level of spinal injury or the pattern of bladder activity and amino acid levels, there were no relationships among them.

Conclusions: Serum glutamate and glycine levels were not related to the spinal injury level or bladder activity. However, serum glycine levels changed in patients with SCI or BPH patients, so it may be possible to use it as an indicator of spinal glycinergic neuronal activity.
An embedded cohesive crack model for finite element analysis of mixed mode fracture of concrete*
Authors: SANCHO J. M. , PLANAS J. , GÁLVEZ J. C. , REYES E. , CENDÓN D. A.
Published: November 2006

An embedded cohesive crack model is proposed for the analysis of the mixed mode fracture of concrete in the framework of the Finite Element Method. Different models, based on the strong discontinuity approach, have been proposed in the last decade to simulate the fracture of concrete and other quasi‐brittle materials. This paper presents a simple embedded crack model based on the cohesive crack approach. The predominant local mode I crack growth of the cohesive materials is utilized and the cohesive softening curve (stress vs. crack opening) is implemented by means of a central force traction vector. The model only requires the elastic constants and the mode I softening curve. The need for a tracking algorithm is avoided using a consistent procedure for the selection of the separated nodes. Numerical simulations of well‐known experiments are presented to show the ability of the proposed model to simulate the mixed mode fracture of concrete.
MIXED OLIGOPOLY IN A SINGLE INTERNATIONAL MARKET*
Authors: DADPAY ALI , HEYWOOD JOHN S.
Published: November 2006

This paper departs from previous literature by considering a mixed oligopoly with two countries each with public and private firms competing in a single market. This differs from the traditional framework of examining a single domestic market in which foreign and domestic firms compete and is motivated, in part, by international airline markets but serves to characterise many markets. The resulting equilibrium emphasises that the strategic interaction of the two public firms usually serves to reduce welfare. Thus, the usual reason to imagine a public firm in a mixed oligopoly, to enhance welfare, is lost when such firms compete in the interest of their respective countries.
IS IT HARDER TO SOAR WITH EAGLES WHEN YOU WORK WITH TURKEYS?*
Authors: FOX KEVIN J. , MILBOURNE ROSS
Published: November 2006

Lucas (1988) modelled the productivity of workers as being a function not only of their own human capital but the human capital of the people with whom they work. Using individual data, this paper investigates whether there are such human‐capital externalities. In particular, we look at the research output of academic economists, and ask whether research‐output productivity is affected not just by individual human‐capital factors, and institutional and funding factors, but additionally by productivity of those in the same academic department. Our findings are also of relevance to the literature on peer‐group effects and the ‘Bell Curve’ debate.
Fighting for Life: South African HIV/AIDS Peer Educators as a New Industrial Relations Actor?
Authors: Dickinson David
Published: November 2006

This article examines HIV/AIDS peer educators in South African workplaces, drawing on research in five companies with large peer educator programmes. The research indicates that peer educators are primarily focused on reducing new HIV infections and ‘normalizing’ the epidemic by promoting change in the behaviour of individuals — a feature that is not accounted for by theories of workplace mobilization based on collective action. Similarly, their role is inadequately explained by theories on the emergence of new workplace actors based on the changing nature of work, shifting identity salience in society, and the nexus between workplace and communities as opportunities for union regeneration. After outlining the profile and activities of workplace HIV/AIDS peer educators, attention is paid to their motivations and methods of action, their relationship to management and unions, and the way in which they straddle workplace and community. The implications of this and the possible trajectory of workplace peer educators as a new industrial relations actor are discussed.
Reasoning about complex probabilistic concepts in childhood
Authors: FISK JOHN E. , BURY ANGELA S. , HOLDEN RACHEL
Published: November 2006

The competencies of children, particularly their understanding of the more complex probabilistic concepts, have not been thoroughly investigated. In the present study participants were required to choose the more likely of two events, a single event, and a joint event (conjunctive or disjunctive). It was predicted that the operation of the representativeness heuristic would result in erroneous judgements when children compared an unlikely component event with a likely‐unlikely conjunction (the conjunction fallacy) and when a likely component event was compared to a likely‐unlikely disjunction. The results supported the first prediction with both older children aged between 9 and 10 years and younger children aged between 4 and 5 committing the conjunction fallacy. However, the second prediction was not confirmed. It is proposed that the basis of representativeness judgements may differ between the conjunctive and disjunctive cases with absolute frequency information possibly playing a differential role.
Paediatric eczema and psychosocial morbidity: how does eczema interact with parents’ illness beliefs?
Authors: Walker C , Papadopoulos L , Hussein M
Published: November 2006

Background  Thus far there has been relatively little work on children's illness representations regarding eczema and how these relate to parental conceptualizations of their child's psychosocial health. This is important because the challenge of raising a child with a serious illness can affect many facets of a parent's everyday life and the behaviour of parents can be closely related to the health of the child.

Methods  Two hundred and thirty‐two children with eczema, asthma, eczema and asthma, and healthy controls between 7 and 12 years of age and their parents were recruited. Children were administered the Children's Illness Perception Questionnaire. Questionnaires completed by the parents were The Personality Inventory for Children and The Parental Stress Inventory.

Results  Parents of children with eczema did not judge their children to have poorer psychosocial health than controls, but parents of children with eczema could not be distinguished between in terms of whether their child was significantly affected by their eczema or not.

Conclusions  This work could have important implications for the quality of life of the child and for the parent–child relationship and these implications are considered.
A POST‐SCRIPT TO THE ENIGMATIC PROTONYMPHA (DEVONIAN; NEW YORK): IS IT AN ARM OF THE ECHINODERMS?
Authors: CONWAY MORRIS S. , GRAZHDANKIN D.
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  A unique specimen of the supposed arm of the Middle Devonian (Givetian) starfish Foliaster transversus Blake, 1994[Journal of Palaeontology, 68, 123–134] is shown to be closely comparable to the enigmatic organism Protonympha salicifolia, also of Devonian age, albeit slightly younger (Frasnian), and also from New York State. Similarities to starfish, or any other echinoderm, appear to be superficial. Differences from the type species of Protonympha are minor, but include the detailed structure of the transverse segments. For this reason a specific distinction is retained, and the taxon Protonympha transversa (Blake, 1994) now proposed. Enigmatic fossils such as Protonympha raised related questions of evolutionary affinity and the problems of pattern recognition. These questions may also touch on the interpretation of organic structures, such as might be returned from Mars (or further afield).
Overestimating Outcome Rates: Statistical Estimation When Reliability Is Suboptimal
Authors: Hayward Rodney A. , Heisler Michele , Adams John , Dudley R. Adams , Hofer Timothy P.
Published: November 2006

Objective. To demonstrate how failure to account for measurement error in an outcome (dependent) variable can lead to significant estimation errors and to illustrate ways to recognize and avoid these errors.

Data Sources. Medical literature and simulation models.

Study Design/Data Collection. Systematic review of the published and unpublished epidemiological literature on the rate of preventable hospital deaths and statistical simulation of potential estimation errors based on data from these studies.

Principal Findings. Most estimates of the rate of preventable deaths in U.S. hospitals rely upon classifying cases using one to three physician reviewers (implicit review). Because this method has low to moderate reliability, estimates based on statistical methods that do not account for error in the measurement of a “preventable death” can result in significant overestimation. For example, relying on a majority rule rating with three reviewers per case (reliability ∼0.45 for the average of three reviewers) can result in a 50–100 percent overestimation compared with an estimate based upon a reliably measured outcome (e.g., by using 50 reviewers per case). However, there are statistical methods that account for measurement error that can produce much more accurate estimates of outcome rates without requiring a large number of measurements per case.

Conclusion. The statistical principles discussed in this case study are critically important whenever one seeks to estimate the proportion of cases belonging to specific categories (such as estimating how many patients have inadequate blood pressure control or identifying high‐cost or low‐quality physicians). When the true outcome rate is low (<20 percent), using an outcome measure that has low‐to‐moderate reliability will generally result in substantially overestimating the proportion of the population having the outcome unless statistical methods that adjust for measurement error are used.
Analysis of sulphur‐containing indigoid dyes as leuco forms by NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Voss Gundula
Published: November 2006

The NMR spectra of different types of sulphur‐containing indigoid dyes as leuco forms (i.e. reduced forms or ‘vats’) in deuterium oxide are recorded and discussed. NMR spectroscopy provides an expeditious technique for identification, structure elucidation and purity control of these dyes. The regio‐selective exchange of halogen for deuterium or hydrogen in indigo derivatives was successfully adapted to thioindigos and [indole‐(2′)]‐[thionaphthene‐(2)]‐indigos. The reaction is useful as supplementary method for structure analysis and renders access to new selectively deuterated dyes. Care must be observed with the concentration of reducing agents and pH values in vat dyeing process in order to avoid further reduction of the leuco forms. The ‘overreduction’ of leuco forms of [acenaphthene‐(1′)]‐[thionaphthene‐(2)]‐indigos was followed by NMR spectroscopy and interpreted.
A REVISED CLASSIFICATION OF THE DICTYOTEAE (DICTYOTALES, PHAEOPHYCEAE) BASED ON rbcL AND 26S RIBOSOMAL DNA SEQUENCE ANALYSES1
Authors: De Clerck Olivier , Leliaert Frederik , Verbruggen Heroen , Lane Christopher E. , De Paula Joel Campos , Payo Dioli Ann , Coppejans Eric
Published: November 2006

Dictyota is a genus of tropical to warm temperate brown algae characterized by parenchymatous, flattened thalli that grow from a single, transversely oriented apical cell. Dictyota is currently distinguished from allied genera of the tribe Dictyoteae (Dilophus, Glossophora, Glossophorella, and Pachydictyon) by the structure of the cortical and medullary layers, as well as the relative abundance of surface proliferations. Even though the traditional classification of the Dictyoteae has repeatedly been criticized in the past, the absence of sound molecular data has so far discouraged any new taxonomic proposals apart from a merger of Dilophus with Dictyota, which has been accepted by only part of the phycological community. Phylogenetic analysis of rbcL gene, partial 26S rDNA sequence, and combined data sets, including four of five generitypes, demonstrates that the traditional classification does not accurately reflect the evolutionary history of the group. None of the genera are resolved as a monophyletic clade. Hence, a merger of Glossophora, Glossophorella, and Pachydictyon in Dictyota is proposed. Two new genera, Canistrocarpus (incorporating D. cervicornis, D. crispata, and D. magneana) and Rugulopteryx (accommodating D. radicans, Dil. suhrii, and Dil. marginata), are proposed. Both genera are supported by molecular indications and a combination of reproductive and vegetative characters. The position of Dil. fastigiatus as a clade sister to Dictyota s.l. and the absence of Dil. gunnianus, the generitype of Dilophus, from the analyses, prevented us from making a more definite statement on the status of the latter genus.