bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Potential and Rationale for COX-2 Inhibitors in Lung Cancer
Authors: Krysan Kostyantyn , Reckamp Karen L. , Sharma Sherven , Dubinett Steven M.
Published: May 2008

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) overexpression is seen in many malignancies including lung cancer. Elevated tumor prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a major COX-2 metabolite, levels have been implicated in angiogenesis, tumor growth and invasion, apoptosis resistance and suppression of anti-tumor immunity. Recent studies also revealed that PGE2 signaling may confer cells resistant to targeted growth factor receptor therapy by cross-activation of the receptor signaling pathway downstream components. Pre-clinical studies in animal tumor models have shown tumor reduction when animals are treated with COX-2 inhibitors and have demonstrated promising results when COX-2 inhibitors were combined with chemotherapeutic drugs. Based on these observations several ongoing clinical trials are currently evaluating COX-2 inhibitors as adjuvants with chemotherapy or radiation therapy in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Further understanding of the mechanisms of COX-2 in tumorigenesis and its interaction with other cellular pathways may highlight the new diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic markers and facilitate future development of targeted strategies for lung cancer treatment and prevention.
Biological Effects of Curcumin and Its Role in Cancer Chemoprevention and Therapy
Authors: Singh Sarvjeet , Khar Ashok
Published: May 2008

Curcumin, a natural component of the rhizome of curcuma longa has emerged as one of the most powerful chemopreventive and anticancer agents. Its biological effects range from antioxidant, anti-inflammatory to inhibition of angiogenesis and is also shown to possess specific antitumoral activity. The molecular mechanism of its varied cellular effects has been studied in some details and it has been shown to have multiple targets and interacting macromolecules within the cell. Curcumin has been shown to possess anti-angiogenic properties and the angioinhibitory effects of curcumin manifest due to down regulation of proangiogenic genes such as VEGF and angiopoitin and a decrease in migration and invasion of endothelial cells. One of the important factors implicated in chemoresistance and induced chemosensitivity is NFkB and curcumin has been shown to down regulate NFkB and inhibit IKB kinase thereby suppressing proliferation and inducing apoptosis. Cell lines that are resistant to certain apoptotic inducers and radiation become susceptible to apoptosis when treated in conjunction with curcumin. Besides this it can also act as a chemopreventive agent in cancers of colon, stomach and skin by suppressing colonic aberrant crypt foci formation and DNA adduct formation. This review focuses on the various aspects of curcumin as a potential drug for cancer treatment and its implications in a variety of biological and cellular processes vis-à-vis its mechanism of action.
Vitamin D Analogs as Anti-Carcinogenic Agents
Authors: Agoston E. S. , Hatcher M. A. , Kensler T. W. , Posner G. H.
Published: May 2008

Deltanoids are the class of compounds comprising all natural and synthetic vitamin D molecules. The anti-proliferative, pro-differentiation, and pro-apoptotic properties of deltanoids have garnered interest in the fields of cancer chemoprevention and chemotherapy. The naturally occurring, biologically active form of vitamin D, 1,25(OH)2D3, causes hypercalcemia at pharmacologically relevant doses which forms a major obstacle in the clinical development of this compound. Design of new deltanoids has shown promise in separating the beneficial effects from the toxic effects. The Vitamin D receptor (VDR) is a major target for deltanoid design, and the structural features of deltanoid binding have been described. Effective compounds must also exhibit beneficial pharmacokinetic properties in vivo, and the plasma vitamin D binding protein (DBP) is likely to play an important role in the success of deltanoids in the clinic. Further, dual strategies of avoiding vitamin D toxicity through altering the dosing sc hedule and using less toxic deltanoids are in development. The three main categories of structural modification to the vitamin D backbone include the C,D-ring, the A-ring, and the C,D-ring side chain, and the ways each area has impacted efficacy and toxicity have been described through structure-activity relationships (SARs). Lastly, there is evidence that deltanoids can enhance the activity of other chemopreventive agents. The use of a cocktail approach will be discussed as a potential avenue for deltanoids in chemoprevention and chemotherapy.
Non-Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Lung Cancer
Authors: Hahn Olwen , Salgia Ravi
Published: May 2008

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer death. Systemic therapies with cytotoxic chemotherapies remain ineffective. Current research efforts in lung cancer have focused on developing novel agents to target cellular pathways that are altered in lung cancer. Protein tyrosine kinases are a family of oncogenes that regulate important cellular processes such as differentiation, proliferation, cell cycle, motility, and apoptosis. In this article, we review non receptor tyrosine kinases ’ role in lung cancer and the development of agents that target these proteins.
Granulocyte Apoptosis and Macrophage Clearance of Apoptotic Cells as Targets for Pharmacological Intervention in Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: Riley Nicola A. , Ward Carol , Sawatzky Deborah A. , Sheldrake Tara A. , Dransfield Ian , Haslett Christopher , Rossi Adriano G.
Published: May 2008

A subset of leukocytes, known as the granulocytes, are the bodys first line of innate immune defense. The granulocytes are comprised of neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils of which the former two will be the focus of this review. Neutrophils defend the body against bacterial and fungal infection whilst eosinophils are thought to defend against parasitic invasions. Granulocytes are recruited to the site of infection or tissue damage where their relatively short half-life can be extended by regulatory external factors including hypoxic environments or agents that activate signaling pathways, such as NF-kB which is implicated in the up-regulation of anti-apoptotic genes. Granulocytes release various proteins, proteolytic enzymes and toxic oxygen products into the phagolysosome or surrounding environment destroying the invading organism. However, in order for inflammation to be resolved it is essential that granulocytes die by apoptosis and are phagocytosed by macrophages in a non-inflammatory fashion. This prevents the release of the cells histotoxic contents into the extracellular milieu thereby reducing the potential for tissue damage. In instances when granulocytes fail to appropriately enter apoptosis or a defect in phagocytic clearance occurs the inflammatory response can be perpetuated, potentially resulting in the development and promotion of inflammatory disorders such as asthma or rheumatoid arthritis. Thus, selective enhancement of apoptosis and augmentation of macrophage clearance could allow targeting of inflammatory resolution to provide potential novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of inflammatory disorders.
Thalidomide: An Overview of its Pharmacological Mechanisms of Action
Authors: Sampaio Elizabeth P. , Carvalho Daniel S. , Nery Jose A. C. , Lopes Ulisses G. , Sarno Euzenir N.
Published: May 2008

Novel discoveries in medicine have provided understanding of the mechanisms involved in the development and maintenance of pathologies, thereby leading to the identification of new therapeutic targets and consequently new drugs. Thalidomide, independently of its teratogenic effects, is one drug able to regulate the immune system. Deeper studies about thalidomide have started on the 90s, when some of its action mechanisms were elucidated. Following the initial description of high systemic TNF-α production in patients with erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL), and the reduction of TNF-α caused by the administration of thalidomide in these patients, the drug was shown to present multiple effects, making it difficult to understand the mechanism of its successful use in some pathologies. Such studies have extended the rational application of thalidomide to various disorders in which the participation of one or more factors modulated by the drug has been related. In this review, we describe some of the mechanisms of action of thalidomide, its collateral effects, and some of its pharmacodynamical properties. We also discuss the applications of the drug in various diseases, and especially in leprosy and multiple myeloma, on the basis of an extensive review of the literature.
Life Threatening and Fatal Contrast Media Reactions: Pathomechanisms, Diagnosis, Prevention and Drug Management
Authors: Morcos S. K.
Published: May 2008

Serious or fatal reactions to a contrast agent are usually unpredictable and the majority occurs within 20 min of administration. Incidence of very severe reactions with the use of low osmolar non ionic contrast media (CM) is very low (0.004%) and is reduced by a factor of 10 in comparison to high osmolar CM (0.04%). Fatality due to CM injection is rare and the incidence is similar with both types of CM (1 in 170,000 contrast examinations). History of serious reaction to CM, bronchial asthma or multiple allergies increases the incidence of serious reactions by at least a factor of 5 in comparison to subjects with a negative history. Serious or fatal reaction to CM could be due to direct effect on basophils and mast cells or IgE mediated (type 1 hypersensitivity reaction). Activation of the kinin system leading to the formation of bradykinin could also be involved. Complement activation is probably a secondary phenomenon rather than a primary factor in initiating a serious reaction to CM. Measuring serum tryptase is important in diagnosing serious or fatal reaction to CM. Measuring IgE antibodies remains not widely available but should be considered in appropriate cases if the technique is available. Avoiding CM administration in patients at high risk of serious reaction is advisable but if the administration is deemed essential all precautions should be implemented and measures to treat serious reactions should be readily available. Oxygen supplementation, intravenous administration of physiological fluids and intramuscular injection of 0.5ml adrenalin (1:1,000) should be considered in the first line management of acute anaphylaxis. The ability to assess and treat serious CM reaction effectively is an essential skill that the radiologist should have and maintain.
Inhibitors of Cytosolic Phospholipase A2α as Potential Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Authors: Lehr Matthias
Published: May 2008

Arachidonic acid derivatives, like prostaglandins and leukotrienes, and the platelet-activating factor (PAF) are highly active substances with diverse biological actions. Elevated levels of these lipid mediators in response to a variety of stimuli have been implicated in the pathology of many inflammatory diseases. The rate limiting step in the generation of prostaglandins, leukotrienes and the PAF, respectively, is the cleavage of the sn-2- ester of membrane phospholipids by phospholipase A2. To date four main groups of phospholipases are known, which comprise the secretory, the calcium-independent, the cytosolic and the lipoprotein-associated phospholipases A2. From these the a-subtype of cytosolic phospholipases A2 (cPLA2α) appears to be the most likely candidate to catalyze this hydrolysis, since the enzyme is highly selective for arachidonoyl-containing phospholipids and is tightly regulated by receptor-stimulated mechanisms (calcium influx and phosphorylation). Moreover, experiments with cPLA2α knockout mice have provided further evidence for the central role of this enzyme in inflammation. Therefore, inhibition of cPLA2α activity is an attractive approach to the control of inflammatory disorders. In this article we describe the different assays applied for the evaluation of cPLA2α inhibitors in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we present the structures and inhibition data of known cPLA2α inhibitors and discuss the problems associated with the development of a clinical active drug candidate. Since it is difficult to compare the in vitro inhibition data of enzyme inhibitors as far as they are monitored with different assays, we also present such data for some interesting cPLA2α inhibitors determined with the same assay.
Vascular Reactions of Iodinated X-Ray Contrast Media: Mechanisms and Possible Therapeutic Interventions
Authors: Uder Michael , Heinrich Marc
Published: May 2008

Vascular reactions after administration of all classes of iodinated x-ray contrast media are well known side effects of these drugs. Both vasodilation and vasoconstriction have been observed. The manner and extent of the change in vessel tone depends on the type of contrast medium, species, vascular territory and contractile state of the vessels. The mechanisms underlying the vascular reaction induced by contrast media are currently not completely clear and studies on this question are partly contradictory or non-conclusive. Even if these side effects do not vitally compromise the patients, they are mainly responsible for patients discomfort during examinations. To date, there are only a few possibilities to treat this type of side effect. In this review we describe the effects of high osmolar ionic, low osmolar non-ionic and isotonic contrast media on different vascular beds in humans and animals. Data from clinical and in vivo studies as well as from in vitro investigations on isolated organs and isolated vessel segments will be discussed. It will give an overview of the mechanistic explanations of the vascular reactions.
Analysis of extra- and intragenic marker haplotypes as part of molecular diagnosis of cystic fibrosis in patients from Serbia
Authors: Radivojevic Danijela , Lalic Tanja , Djurisic Marina , Guc-Scekic Marija , Minic P. , Sovtic A.
Published: May 2008

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common fatal autosomal recessive disease in Caucasians. Since characterization of F508del, the predominant mutation in different countries, more than 1500 mutations have been discovered in the CFTR gene, including a large number of polymorphisms. After molecular screening of 222 CF patients from Serbia, we detected 21 different CFTR mutations, F508del being the most frequent (69.59% of CF alleles). A total of 21 mutations cover almost 80% of CF alleles in this group. Since the molecular basis of CF is highly heterogeneous in our population, studying the haplotype association with normal and CF chromosomes could be very helpful in all cases where one or both mutations remain unidentified. Haplotype analysis was done using six diallelic sites and one tetranucleotide repeat (XV2C-KM19-MP6D9-J44-IVS6a(GATT)-M470V-T854T) on 99 F508del, 90 non-F508del, and 105 normal chromosomes. Strong linkage disequilibrium was observed for CFTR mutations and one haplotype (1-2-2-1-6(2)-1-1), while normal chromosomes were mostly associated with another (1-1-2-1-6(2)-1-2). The obtained results show that in most cases it would be possible with this group of polymorphisms to separate normal chromosomes from chromosomes which carry the CFTR mutation. As far as prenatal diagnosis of cystic fibrosis is concerned, haplotype analysis can be used as a helpful method of indirect diagnosis in families at risk with one or both CF alleles uncharacterized.
The effect of fasting on the glycogen metabolism in heat-acclimated rats
Authors: Miova Biljana , Dinevska-Kjovkarevska Suzana , Mitev S. , Dervisevic Mirsada
Published: May 2008

We investigated the influence of successive fasting for 24,48,72, and 96 h on some key enzymes and substrates of liver, kidney, and muscle in control and heat-acclimated (30days at 35 ? 1?C)rats. Short-term fasting (for 24 and 48 h)resulted in decrease of liver glycogen content, blood glucose level, and concentration of glucose-6-phosphate, as well as increase of glucose-6-phosphatase activity, regardless of the previous temperature of acclimation. During a period of prolonged fasting (for 72 and 96 h),there was a rebound of liver glycogen content only in animals kept at room temperature. Fasting induced increase of renal glycogen content in animals kept at room temperature and increase of renal glucose-6-phosphatase activity in both experimental groups. As for muscle metabolism, endogenous nutrition resulted in decrease of muscle glycogen content in heat-acclimated animals. Activity of muscle glycogen phosphorylase (a+b)was decreased in the control and increased in heat-acclimated animals. The obtained results indicate that the examined carbohydrate-related parameters show time-dependent changes during 4 days of fasting. Twenty-four- and 48-h fasting intensifies glycogenolytic processes, while 72- and 96-h fasting intensifies gluconeogenic processes, doing so to a lesser extent in heat-acclimated animals. The changes caused by the fasting were modified by acclimation to moderate heat, primarily in the liver and to a lesser extent in the kidney and muscle.
Oxalate oxidase and non-enzymatic compounds of the antioxidative system in young Serbian spruce plants exposed to cadmium stress
Authors: Ducic Tanja , Maksimovic V. , Radotic Ksenija
Published: May 2008

We studied changes in the concentrations of ascorbate and glutathione, composition of soluble phenolics, and activity of oxalate oxidase in 75-day-old Serbian spruce plants after exposure to 5 ?M and 50?M cadmium for 6-48 h. The presence of OxOxactivity in a conifer species is here demonstrated for the first time. Both Cd concentrations induced a decrease of OxOxactivity in treated plants in comparison with the control at all sampling dates. The concentrations of reduced glutathione, its oxidized form, and reduced ascorbate in the plants decreased during 48-h treatment with cadmium. Among simple phenolics, only catechin increased significantly during Cd treatment.
New cave-dwelling species of the genus Remyella jeannel (Leptodirini, Leiodidae, Coleoptera) from Serbia
Authors: Curcic S.B. , Vajcbauer V. , Colda Pamela , Brajkovic M.M. , Curcic B.P.M.
Published: May 2008

The new leiodid beetle species, Remyella raskae n. sp. and Remyella javorensis n. sp. (both from caves in Southwest Serbia, region of Sandzak), are described and diagnosed. Adult genitalia and other taxonomically important characters are illustrated. The new species studied are clearly distinct from their closest congeners. The new forms are of Tertiary or even Pre-Tertiary age and originated during the Alpine Orogeny, which affected vast areas of the Balkan Peninsula, including the Dinarides, their terra typica. The new species represent endemic relicts inhabiting Southwest Serbia. Thorough analysis indicates that the new Remyella taxa originated in the proto-Balkan region; their present distributions correspond to at least a part of their primordial ranges (and habitats).
On new and little-known pseudoscorpions (Pseudoscorpiones, Arachnida) from the Romanian Carpathians
Authors: Dimitrijevic R.N. , Curcic B.P.M. , Curcic S.B. , Makarov S.E. , Ilie Viktorija , Djurdjinka A.
Published: May 2008

We studied pseudoscorpions of the genera Roncus L. Koch, 1873 and Acanthocreagris Mahnert, 1976 (Neobisiidae) from some caves in Romania. One new species - Roncus zburatorul n. sp. - is described; supplementary descriptions of the hitherto unknown male of R. ciobanmos Curcic, Poinar, and Sarbu, 1993 and a second female of A. callaticola (Dumitresco and Orghidan, 1964) are also presented. The specimens studied are thoroughly described and illustrated. Taxonomic interrelationships and geographic distribution are briefly discussed.
Qualitative composition of communities of aquatic macroinvertebrates along the course of the Golijska Moravica River (West-Central Serbia)
Authors: Djikanovic Vesna , Jakovcev-Todorovic Dunja , Nikolic Vera , Paunovic M. , Cakic P.
Published: May 2008

As the largest and most significant river of the Moravica region, the Golijska Moravica River arises below the highest peaks of the Golija Mountains. Faunistic-ecological research on aquatic macroinvertebrates was carried out during 2003 and 2004. Macrozoobenthos communities of the Golijska Moravica had not previously been the subject of any hydrobiological studies, and this was the main reason why we conducted their systematic and complex investigation. A list of taxa of aquatic macroinvertebrates is presented and their qualitative composition analyzed. During the period of investigation, a total of 13 groups and 147 taxa were found.
A convenient preparation of novel benzophenone derivatives
Authors: Sudha Belgur , Kamble Ravindra , Shashikanth Sheena
Published: May 2008

A simple and high yielding method for the synthesis of novel benzophenone derivatives has been developed starting from ethyl(4-aroylaroxy)acetates. Confirmation for the structures of the newly synthesized compounds was proved by their physical, analytical and spectral data (IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and MS).
A green process for the preparation of 11-{4-[2-(2-hydroxyethoxy) ethyl]-1-piperazinyl}dibenzo[b,f][1,4]thiazepine
Authors: Mahale Ganesh , Kumar Ashok , Singh Dharmendra , Ramaswamy A.V. , Waghmode Suresh
Published: May 2008

A green process for the synthesis of 11-{4-[2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethyl]- 1-piperazinyl}dibenzo[b,f][1,4]thiazepine by the reaction of 11-(1-piperazinyl) dibenzo[b,f][1,4]thiazepine or its dihydrochloride salt with 2-(2-chloroethoxy) ethanol in the presence of an inorganic base and water is reported (conversion 99.9 % in a short time and without any impurities). The metal halides and phase transfer catalyst increase the rate of reaction, especially in water as the solvent.
Bicyclic molecular graphs with the greatest energy
Authors: Furtula Boris , Radenkovic Slavko , Gutman Ivan
Published: May 2008

The molecular graph Qn is obtained by attaching hexagons to the end vertices of the path graph Pn-12. Earlier empirical studies indicated that Qn has greatest energy among all bicyclic n-vertex (molecular) graphs. Recently, Li and Zhang proved that Qn has greatest energy among all bipartite bicyclic graphs, with the exception of the graphs Ra,b, a + b = n, where Ra,b is the graph obtained by joining the cycles Ca and Cb by an edge. This result is now completed by showing that Qn has the greatest energy among all bipartite bicyclic n-vertex graphs.
Rapid liquid-liquid extraction of thallium(III) from succinate media with 2-octylaminopyridine in chloroform as the extractant
Authors: Mahamuni Sandip , Wadgaonkar Prakash , Anuse Mansing
Published: May 2008

A simple solvent extraction study of thallium(III) was conducted. Selective and quantitative extraction of thallium(III) by 2-octylaminopyridine (2-OAP) in chloroform occurred from aqueous sodium succinate medium (0.0075 M) at pH 3.0. Thallium(III) was back extracted with acetate buffer (pH 4.63). The effect of the concentration of succinate and 2-OAP, the role of various diluents, stripping agents, loading capacity of 2-OAP, equilibrium time and aqueous:organic volume ratio on the extraction of thallium(III) was studied. The stoichiometry of the extracted species was determined based on the slope analysis method and found to be 1: 2: 1 (metal:acid:extractant). The temperature dependence of the extraction equilibrium constant was also examined to estimate the apparent thermodynamic functions ?H, ?G and ?S for the extraction reaction. The method is free from interference of a large number of cations and anions. The method was used for the selective extraction of thallium(III) from its binary mixture with Zn(II), Cd(II), Hg(II), Bi(III), Pb(II), Se(IV), Te(IV), Sb(III), Ga(III), In(III), Al(III), Tl(I) and Fe(III). The proposed method was applied to the synthetic mixtures and alloys. It is simple, selective, rapid and eco-friendly.
Synthesis and characterization of Ln-123 superconductors
Authors: Zalga Arturas , Juskenas Remigijus , Selskis Algirdas , Jasaitis Darius , Kareiva Aivaras
Published: May 2008

A sol-gel method was applied to prepare precursors for NdBa2Cu3O7-x (Nd-123) and SmBa2Cu3O7-x (Sm-123) superconducting compounds. The sintered products were examined by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The powders sintered at 950 and 1000 ?C showed the formation of monophasic Nd-123 and Sm-123 superconductors. The formation of Nd-123 and Sm-123 phases from the sol-gel derived precursors at higher temperatures (1050 and 1100 ?C), however, did not proceed due to the melting process. The correlation between the TC for different lanthanides (Ln Ho, Nd and Sm) in the Ln-123 compound and orthorhombicity and oxygen stoichiometry were also estimated.
Process improvement approach to the acid activation of smectite using factorial and orthogonal central composite design methods
Authors: Rozic Ljiljana , Novakovic Tatjana , Petrovic Srdjan
Published: May 2008

The purpose of this study was to determine the effective operating parameters and the optimum operating conditions of an acid activation process within the framework of improvement of the process. Full two-level factorial and orthogonal central composite design methods were used successively. The examined parameters were the main and interaction effects of temperature, leaching time, acid normality, solid-to-liquid ratio and stirring rate. The selected process response was the leaching yield of the MgO content because Mg is the element most readily removed from the octahedral sheet, which affects the tendency for activation. Statistical regression analysis and analysis of variance were applied to the experimental data to develop a predictive model, which revealed that temperature, leaching time and acid normality exert the strongest influence on the specific surface area of smectite, whilst the solid-to-liquid ratio and the stirring rate have a secondary effect. Furthermore, the highest leaching yield of MgO was found to be 41.86 %, which is responsible for the increase in the specific surface area of up to 221 m2 g-1.
Scanning electron microscopic analysis of the sealing ability of GuttaFlow and Acroseal endodontic sealers
Authors: Teodorovic Nevenka , Matovic Ivan
Published: May 2008

Introduction: The sealing ability of endodontic sealers to dentinal surfaces of root canals is an important feature of these materials. Root canal sealers are necessary to seal the spaces between the dentinal walls and the obturating core material. Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the sealing ability of two endodontic sealers to dentin walls and guttapercha cones using scanning electron microscopic analysis-SEM. Materials and Methods: 24 recently extracted human single-rooted teeth were instrumented and allocated to two groups; root canals were filled with either GuttaFlow (Roeko,Germany), a new endo-sealer (group 1), or Acroseal (Septodont, France), a calcium hydroxide based sealer, (group 2). The sealing ability and adhesion properties of the sealer-dentin interface were studied using SEM. Results: The specimens filled with GuttaFlow showed smooth contact lines at the sealer-dentin interface, and this material also showed strong bonding and good adaptation to guttapercha cones. Acroseal showed good adhesion to dentin walls, and bonding surface was represented as a slightly curved contact line, with some gaps on material-dentin walls and guttapercha cones interface. Conclusion: New GuttaFlow material possesses strong sealing ability and excellent adhesion to dentin walls and guttapercha cones. Acroseal showed good bonding to dentin and slightly weaker adhesion to guttapercha cones, in comparison to GuttaFlow.
Liquid phase sintering, I: Computer study of skeletal settling and solid phase extrication in a normal gravity environment
Authors: Nikolic Z.S.
Published: May 2008

In this paper we will investigate gravity induced skeletal settling during liquid phase sintering. In this approach skeletal settling will be combined with extrication of some solidphase domains. The main goal will be the need to relate dissolution, diffusion and precipitation phenomena to essential geometric and topological changes of the tungstennickel porous microstructure influenced by differential skeletal settling due to large density difference between tungsten domains and the matrix. This study will be based on domain topology (no shape restriction) and control-volume methodology. The microstructural evolution will be simulated by computation of displacement of the center of mass (combined gravity induced settling and random motion) and mass transport due to dissolution and precipitation at the interfaces between solid-phase and liquid matrix.
Properties of a ceria-based (C6S2G2) solid oxide electrolyte sintered with Al2O3 additive
Authors: Liu Y.H. , Yin C.Q. , Wang L.H. , Li D.B. , Lian J.S. , Hu J.D. , Guo Z.X.
Published: May 2008

Ceria-based Al2O3 composite electrolytes were prepared using (CeO2)0.6(SmO1.5)0.2(GdO1.5)0.2 (C6S2G2) and Al2O3 powders, employing sol-gel and low temperature combustion synthesis methods (SGLCS). The influence of Al2O3 content on the sintering behavior and electrical properties was studied. The results showed that electrical properties could be improved by adding 10wt% Al2O3. The sintered density was up to 5.61g/cm3. Most measurements of open circuit voltage (OCV) ranged between 0.8 and 1.2V; an OCV value of 1.15V was obtained at 370oC. The performance of intermediate- temperature solid oxide fuel cells (ITSOFCs) with a properly Al2O3 doped electrolyte was better than when a pure ceria-based one was used. The highest power density was 200mWcm-2.
Recent advances in PIM technology I
Authors: Zlatkov B.S. , Griesmayer E. , Loibl H. , Aleksic O.S. , Danninger H. , Gierl C. , Lukic L.S.
Published: May 2008

In this article the state of art of the PIM (Powder Injection Moulding) technology is given in brief. The main process flow diagram consisting of four steps: feedstock preparation, injection moulding (green samples forming), the debinding (binder removing) procedure and the sintering process was described. After that the materials for binders and additives for the surface active agents were mentioned in brief. The metal injection moulding (MIM) process was analysed in more detail: MIM- stainless steels, MIM-copper and MIM-aluminium as the most metals common in MIM metal parts production. After that our results of MIM stainless steel 316 L and MIM copper are given. The main powder characteristics, the shrinkage and density of the sintered samples were compared for isostatically pressed PM (powder metallurgy) samples and MIM formed samples. The SEM fractographs of MIM and PM samples are given for MIM green parts, debinded (brown) parts and sintered parts, and PM green parts and sintered parts. The results obtained were compared with literature data before they were applied in metal parts production.
Legal protection of victims of domestic violence in Republika Srpska
Authors: Markovic Ivanka
Published: May 2008

Legal protection of victims of domestic violence in Republika Srpska is analyzed in this work. With regard to the above, the author highlights that in Republika Srpska there are two forms of legal protection from domestic violence they fall within the remit of criminal law and misdemeanor law. Introduction of such protection model was intended for the protection of victims from this form of violent behavior, which is, by its characteristics a specific form of criminal behavior and as such demands special measures of lawful reaction by the state. Protection of victims of domestic violence falling within the remit of criminal law, which is very important since it attaches the same gravity to this and the other forms of criminality giving it a certain degree of criminal-political weight, has not produced expected results. For that reason was adopted a special Law on Protection from Domestic Violence defining the notion of domestic violence, persons considered to be a family members, methods of their protection, as well as the kind and purpose of misdemeanor law related norms with emphasizing the fact that all the proceedings initiated under this law are of an urgent nature. The main driving force leading to the adoption of this Law is to obtain a complete and systematic regulation of domestic violence to enable faster, more efficient and durable protection of the endangered persons. The most important thing about this Law on Protection from Domestic Violence is introduction of protective measures, which could be sentenced against the perpetrator and which, in fact, allow for the protection of victims to family violence. Method of its concrete implementation regulated is by the relevant by-laws. Adoption of law sanctioning domestic violence, either as a criminal act or as a misdemeanor, together with the adoption of by-laws for the implementation of particular protective measures, represent a step forward in combat and prevention of domestic violence. However, the author emphasizes that, despite such normative solutions, we still cannot talk about some important results achieved in the area of combat and prevention of domestic violence. Therefore, a wide-scope action was initiated on the territory of Republika Srpska in the direction not only of combating of family violence, but also finding and eradication of reasons and causes of negative social manifestation. The final goal of this activity is protection of victims, prevention of violence and preservation of a healthy family as a basis of society.
Legal protection of victims under criminal law in the Republic of Macedonia
Authors: Bacanovic Oliver
Published: May 2008

The author tried to outline the status of crime victims in Macedonian criminal and juvenile legislation by analyzing three legal texts referring to legal protection of victims under criminal law in the Republic of Macedonia (the Criminal Code, the Law on Criminal Procedure Act and the Law on Juvenile Justice). The basic questions which have been analyzed from the criminal substantial aspect include: the rights and interests of the victims as a consistent part of contemporary criminal policy and Criminal Code reforms, the elements of diversion model based on concept of restorative justice in criminal legislation and victimology aspects of some significant novelties in the special part of criminal law. In this article two dimensions dealing with a change of status of damaged person in criminal procedure of the Republic of Macedonia have been analyzed, while taking into consideration new trends and comparative experiences in this field. One dimension is the role of the damaged person and incorporation of elements of restorative justice in the criminal procedure, while the other dimension includes help and support of the victims and prevention of their secondary victimization. While analyzing suitable provisions of the Law on Juvenile Justice, the author focuses on its solutions that deserve more attention because of its innovations. The consequent realization of the concept on which this law is based on, and in which the victim, at the same time, has a significant role is another confirmation of the rule that the changes of juvenile legislation creates good basis for future reforms of criminal legislation regarding the adult offenders.
Toward establishing basic rights of victims in Japan
Authors: Morosawa Hidemichi
Published: May 2008

The author talks about improving victim rights in Japan and his important role in it. A period of Victims? Renaissance in Japan began in the 1990s when the Japanese Association of Victimology and Mito Victim Assistance Cener, first non-governmental community-based integrated victim support center in Japan were established. Since May 1999 to May 2004, four laws such as ?Crime Victim Protection Law?, ?Child Abuse Prevention Law?, ?Law for Proscribing Stalking Behavior? and so on were enacted and six laws were reformed. The word ?rights of victim?, did not appear in any laws. After 2000, the National Association of Crime Victims and Surviving Families (NAVS) played an important role. This Association achieved a great success in securing victims a position as the subject of rights. In June 2007, Japan changed the Criminal Procedure Law. This new law will be effective on six months after the day of promulgation. Japanese Government will promulgate it till the end of 2007. Under this new law, crime victims will be allowed to take part in criminal trials, and also make statements during trials.
Exploring the Implementation of Ethics in U.K. Accounting Programs
Authors: Ghaffari Firoozeh , Kyriacou Orthodoxia , Brennan Ross
Published: May 2008

Accounting education researchers, as well as practitioners, have identified the need for ethics in the accounting curriculum. This paper explores efforts of U.K. higher education institutions to integrate ethics into the accounting curriculum. Specifically, our survey of U.K. educational institutions suggests that ethics is widely included in the accounting curriculum and is predominantly taught in upper-division courses, especially in financial accounting and auditing. Our survey results also indicate that a substantial minority of U.K. universities see recent accounting scandals as a driving force behind the inclusion of ethics in the curriculum. Finally, our survey results suggest that, while most U.K. universities include ethics in the accounting curriculum, different factors influence curriculum design across university types.
A Classroom Exercise on Unconscious Bias in Financial Reporting and Auditing
Authors: Boylan Scott J.
Published: May 2008

In this instructional resource, I describe a classroom exercise in which students witness their own behavioral biases as they arise endogenously within a financial reporting and auditing setting. Students use data from the exercise to identify evidence of unconscious biases in their judgments, to differentiate between unconscious biases in judgment and biases attributable to deliberate gamesmanship, and to consider the importance of making such a distinction.

The exercise contributes to accounting and auditing education by illustrating a provocative argument made by Bazerman et al. (1997), that the quality of financial reporting and auditing is affected by unconscious biases in judgment. In addition to identifying biases, students use insights from the exercise as a platform for exploring issues pertaining to the quality of auditing and financial reporting at a deeper level than would otherwise be possible. In light of its short duration (about 30 minutes) and ease of implementation, the exercise is well suited for auditing and financial accounting classes, where topics pertaining to financial reporting and accounting quality are of interest.
Clinicopathological features and survival rates of patients with renal cell carcinoma under 50 years of age
Authors: Atmaca Ali , Bayrak Ömer , Kandemir Olcay , Şerefoğlu Ege , Çulha Ílke , Canda Abdullah , Balbay M.
Published: May 2008

We analyzed the clinicopathological features and survival rates of the patients with renal cell carcinoma younger than 50 years old. Between 2004 and 2007, 28 patients between 19–49 years underwent surgery for renal cell carcinoma. Presenting symptoms, type of the surgery performed, postoperative outcomes and duration of follow-up were recorded. Mean age was 41.5±7.6 years and 75% of patients were male. The tumor was symptomatic in 19(67.9%) and incidental in 9(32.1%) patients. Radical nephrectomy and nephron-sparing surgery were performed in 18(64.3%) and 10(35.7%) patients, respectively. The most common histologic type was clear cell(67.9%). The mean tumor diameters were 3.5±0.95 and 7.4±5.2 cm in the incidental and symptomatic groups, respectively(p=0.035). Incidentally discovered tumors and tumors treated by NSS did not include Fuhrman grade 4. There were no differences regarding pathological stage and Fuhrman grades when patients were grouped according to their symptomatology(p=0.242 and p=0.265, respectively). Overall mortality was 17.9%(n=5) whereas 4 patients(14.3%) died because of cancer. The mean survival was 30.6 months and cancer specific survival rate was 85.2%. Most of the tumors in this age group were symptomatic and most common histologic subtype was clear cell carcinoma. Incidentally discovered tumors had statistically significant lower tumor size.
Siliceous Mesocellular Foam‐Supported Aza(bisoxazoline)‐Copper Catalysts
Authors: Lim Jaehong , Riduan Siti Nurhanna , Lee Su Seong , Ying Jackie Y.
Published: May 2008

Aza(bisoxazoline) was easily immobilized on siliceous mesocellular foam (MCF) in a systematic approach. It was found that silanol precapping, linker group flexibility, ligand loading, and silanol postcapping were important factors to consider in optimizing silica‐supported aza(bisoxazoline) catalysts. The optimized MCF‐supported aza(bisoxazoline)‐copper catalyst offered the same enantioselectivity as its homogeneous counterpart, and excellent recyclability. The heterogenized catalyst showed a much higher chemoselectivity in a short reaction time. The heterogenized aza(bisoxazoline)‐copper(I) catalyst was successfully applied to a circulating flow‐type packed bed reactor with excellent productivity and enantioselectivity. The circulating flow‐type reactor was found to be very useful for gas‐generating catalytic reactions such as cyclopropanation reaction.
PdAlqEn: A Novel Upgraded Version of the PdEnCatTM Family of Polyurea Encapsulated Catalysts
Authors: Toubiana Judith , Chidambaram Mandan , Santo Asaf , Sasson Yoel
Published: May 2008

Palladium nanoparticles are stabilized and encapsulated in a combination of polyurea and an ionic liquid (Aliquat 336) to obtain the PdAlqEn hybrid catalyst. The novel composite material is applied as a recyclable and robust catalyst in hydrogenation reactions.
Gallium Trichloride‐Promoted Ethynylation Reaction of 1,4‐Dienes
Authors: Nishimura Yoshio , Kiryu Masato , Suwa Katsunori , Amemiya Ryo , Yamaguchi Masahiko
Published: May 2008

Cyclopentadienes and silylated 1,4‐dienes were deprotonated with gallium trichloride (GaCl3), and the resultant pentadienylgalliums underwent an ethynylation reaction with chlorosilylethyne. The silyl substituent on the olefin had an effect to increase the acidity of the allylic protons.
Extreme phenotypic diversity and nonpenetrance in families with the LMNA gene mutation R644C
Authors: Rankin Julia , Auer‐Grumbach Michaela , Bagg Warwick , Colclough Kevin , Duong Nguyen Thuy , Fenton‐May Jane , Hattersley Andrew , Hudson Judith , Jardine Philip , Josifova Dragana , Longman Cheryl , McWilliam Robert , Owen Katharine , Walker Mark , Wehnert Manfred , Ellard Sian
Published: May 2008

Mutations in the LMNA gene result in diverse phenotypes including Emery Dreifuss muscular dystrophy, limb girdle muscular dystrophy, dilated cardiomyopathy with conduction system disease, Dunnigan type familial partial lipodystrophy, mandibulo acral dysplasia, Hutchinson Gilford progeria syndrome, restrictive dermopathy and autosomal recessive Charcot Marie Tooth type 2. The c.1930C > T (R644C) missense mutation has previously been reported in eight unrelated patients with variable features including left ventricular hypertrophy, limb girdle muscle weakness, dilated cardiomyopathy and atypical progeria. Here we report on the details of nine additional patients in eight families with this mutation. Patients 1 and 2 presented with lipodystrophy and insulin resistance, Patient 1 having in addition focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Patient 3 presented with motor neuropathy, Patient 4 with arthrogryposis and dilated cardiomyopathy with left ventricular non‐compaction, Patient 5 with severe scoliosis and contractures, Patient 6 with limb girdle weakness and Patient 7 with hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance. Patients 8 and 9 are brothers with proximal weakness and contractures. Nonpenetrance was observed frequently in first degree relatives. This report provides further evidence of the extreme phenotypic diversity and low penetrance associated with the R644C mutation. Possible explanations for these observations are discussed. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Partial growth hormone deficiency and changed bone quality and mass in type I trichorhinophalangeal syndrome
Authors: Stagi Stefano , Bindi Giuseppe , Galluzzi Fiorella , Lapi Elisabetta , Salti Roberto , Chiarelli Francesco
Published: May 2008

The trichorhinophalangeal syndromes (TRPSs) are syndromes due to haploinsufficiency of genes in the chromosome 8q24.12 region. Type I TRPS is characterized by typical facial features including sparse, brittle and fine hair, bulbous nose, and a long philtrum, as well as skeletal abnormalities. Growth retardation is a feature frequently found in these patients, who commonly are of short stature; however, only one case with growth hormone deficiency has been described in a TRPS patient and that patient had type II TRPS. Skeletal morphological abnormalities have been studied, but investigation of bone metabolism and quality in this kind of patients are not available. In this report we describe two cases of type I TRPS with partial growth hormone deficiency and significant bone mass and quality impairment, which was unresponsive to GH treatment. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
When good transcripts go bad: artifactual RT‐PCR ‘splicing’ and genome analysis
Authors: Roy Scott William , Irimia Manuel
Published: May 2008

Gene and intron prediction are essential for accurate inferences about genome evolution. Recently, two genome‐wide studies searched for recent intron gains in humans, reaching very different conclusions: either of a complete absence of intron gain since early mammalian evolution, or of creation of numerous introns by genomic duplication in repetitive regions. We discuss one possible explanation: the underappreciated phenomenon of “template switching”, by which reverse transcriptase may create artifactual splicing‐like events in the preparation of cDNA/EST libraries, may cause complications in searches for newly gained introns in repetitive regions. We report large numbers of apparent template switching in transcript sequences from the intron‐poor protists Trichomonas vaginalis and Giardia lamblia. Supplementary material for this article can be found on the BioEssays website (http://www.interscience.wiley.com/jpages/0265‐9247/suppmat/index.html). BioEssays 30:601–605, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cell divisions and mammalian aging: integrative biology insights from genes that regulate longevity
Authors: de Magalhães João Pedro , Faragher Richard G.A.
Published: May 2008

Despite recent progress in the identification of genes that regulate longevity, aging remains a mysterious process. One influential hypothesis is the idea that the potential for cell division and replacement are important factors in aging. In this work, we review and discuss this perspective in the context of interventions in mammals that appear to accelerate or retard aging. Rather than focus on molecular mechanisms, we interpret results from an integrative biology perspective of how gene products affect cellular functions, which in turn impact on tissues and organisms. We review evidence suggesting that mutations that give rise to features resembling premature aging tend to be associated with cellular phenotypes such as increased apoptosis or premature replicative senescence. In contrast, many interventions in mice that extend lifespan and might delay aging, including caloric restriction, tend to either hinder apoptosis or result in smaller animals and thus may be the product of fewer cell divisions. Therefore, it appears plausible that changes in the number of times that cells, and particularly stem cells, divide during an organism's lifespan influence longevity and aging. We discuss possible mechanisms related to this hypothesis and propose experimental paradigms. BioEssays 30:567–578, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.