bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Angiotensin II-induced sudden arrhythmic death and electrical remodeling
Authors: Fischer Robert , Dechend Ralf , Gapelyuk Andrej , Shagdarsuren Erdenechimeg , Gruner Konstanze , Gruner Andreas , Gratze Petra , Qadri Fatimunnisa , Wellner Maren , Fiebeler Anette , Dietz Rainer , Luft Friedrich C. , Muller Dominik N. , Schirdewan Alexander
Published: April 2007

Rats harboring the human renin and angiotensinogen genes (dTGR) feature angiotensin (ANG) II/hypertension-induced cardiac damage and die suddenly between wk 7 and 8. We observed by electrocardiogram (ECG) telemetry that ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a common terminal event in these animals. Our aim was to investigate electrical remodeling. We used ECG telemetry, noninvasive cardiac magnetic field mapping (CMFM) at wk 5 and 7, and performed in vivo programmed electrical stimulation at wk 7. We also investigated whether or not losartan (Los; 30 mg·kg−1·day−1) would prevent electrical remodeling. Cardiac hypertrophy and systolic blood pressure progressively increased in dTGR compared with Sprague-Dawley (SD) controls. Already by wk 5, untreated dTGR showed increased perivascular and interstitial fibrosis, connective tissue growth factor expression, and monocyte infiltration compared with SD rats, differences that progressed through time. Left-ventricular mRNA expression of potassium channel subunit Kv4.3 and gap-junction protein connexin 43 were significantly reduced in dTGR compared with Los-treated dTGR and SD. CMFM showed that depolarization and repolarization were prolonged and inhomogeneous. Los ameliorated all disturbances. VT could be induced in 88% of dTGR but only in 33% of Los-treated dTGR and could not be induced in SD. Untreated dTGR show electrical remodeling and probably die from VT. Los treatment reduces myocardial remodeling and predisposition to arrhythmias. ANG II target organ damage induces VT.
Prevention of endotoxin-induced systemic response by bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in mice
Authors: Xu Jianguo , Woods Charles R. , Mora Ana L. , Joodi Robert , Brigham Kenneth L. , Iyer Smita , Rojas Mauricio
Published: April 2007

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMDMSCs) appear to be important in repair of the chronic lung injury caused by bleomycin in mice. To determine effects of these BMDMSCs on an acute inflammatory response, we injected C57BL/6 mice intraperitoneally with 1 mg/kg endotoxin followed either by intravenous infusion of 5 × 105 BMDMSCs, the same number of lung fibroblasts, or an equal volume of normal saline solution. Lungs harvested 6, 24, and 48 h and 14 days after endotoxin showed that BMDMSC administration prevented endotoxin-induced lung inflammation, injury, and edema. Although we were able to detect donor cells in the lungs at 1 day after endotoxin, by 14 days no donor cells were detected. BMDMSC administration suppressed the endotoxin-induced increase in circulating proinflammatory cytokines without decreasing circulating levels of anti-inflammatory mediators. Ex vivo cocultures of BMDMSC and lung cells from endotoxemic animals demonstrated a bilateral conversation in which lung cells stimulated proliferation and migration of stem cells and suppressed proinflammatory cytokine production by lung cells. We conclude that BMDMSCs decrease both the systemic and local inflammatory responses induced by endotoxin. These effects do not require either lung engraftment or differentiation of the stem cells and are due at least in part to the production of stem cell chemoattractants by the lungs and to humoral and physical interactions between stem cells and lung cells. We speculate that mobilization of this population of BMDMSCs may be a general mechanism for modulating an acute inflammatory response.
Proinflammatory response of alveolar epithelial cells is enhanced by alveolar macrophage-produced TNF-α during pulmonary ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Sharma Ashish K. , Fernandez Lucas G. , Awad Alaa S. , Kron Irving L. , Laubach Victor E.
Published: April 2007

Pulmonary ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury entails acute activation of alveolar macrophages followed by neutrophil sequestration. Although proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines such as TNF-α and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) from macrophages are known to modulate acute IR injury, the contribution of alveolar epithelial cells to IR injury and their intercellular interactions with other cell types such as alveolar macrophages and neutrophils remain unclear. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that following IR, alveolar macrophage-produced TNF-α further induces alveolar epithelial cells to produce key chemokines that could then contribute to subsequent lung injury through the recruitment of neutrophils. Cultured RAW264.7 macrophages and MLE-12 alveolar epithelial cells were subjected to acute hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) as an in vitro model of pulmonary IR. H/R (3 h/1 h) significantly induced KC, MCP-1, macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2), RANTES, and IL-6 (but not TNF-α) by MLE-12 cells, whereas H/R induced TNF-α, MCP-1, RANTES, MIP-1α, and MIP-2 (but not KC) by RAW264.7 cells. These results were confirmed using primary murine alveolar macrophages and primary alveolar type II cells. Importantly, using macrophage and epithelial coculture methods, the specific production of TNF-α by H/R-exposed RAW264.7 cells significantly induced proinflammatory cytokine/chemokine expression (KC, MCP-1, MIP-2, RANTES, and IL-6) by MLE-12 cells. Collectively, these results demonstrate that alveolar type II cells, in conjunction with alveolar macrophage-produced TNF-α, contribute to the initiation of acute pulmonary IR injury via a proinflammatory cascade. The release of key chemokines, such as KC and MIP-2, by activated type II cells may thus significantly contribute to neutrophil sequestration during IR injury.
Religion, Secularism and the Promise of Public Theology
Authors: Maddox Marion
Published: April 2007

The phrase 'religion and politics' conjures unsettling images of fiery-eyed zealots, in Protestant America or the Muslim Middle-East. Such religiously-inspired political activity is usually assumed to be a feature of societies where religion is prominent in national and cultural life. The presumed antidote, particularly from a European point of view, has been secularization: surely, if people in general cared less about religion, religious politics would fade from public life and its threatened disruptions would disappear. This view rests too much on historical specificities. Very secular societies can foster their own varieties of religious extremism, entering the public square in ways which are covert rather than overt, but no less unsettling for that. Very secular societies also pose searching questions for those wishing to develop theologically-based contributions to such societies' public debate. What legitimacy can a theologically-based contribution claim where Christianity commands no automatic attention? How should theologically-grounded voices pitch themselves in order to be heard, without succumbing to either (a) nostalgia for a time when Christian/Christendom assumptions could enter the public sphere uncontested or (b) covert hegemonic aspirations? Recent Australian politics provides a case study of both pitfalls and prospects.
'Glocalization' as a Key to the Interplay between Christianity and Asian Cultures: The Vision of Francis Wei in Early Twentieth Century China
Authors: Ng Peter Tze Ming
Published: April 2007

This article aims to apply the concept of 'glocalization' to the study of theology and culture. China is chosen as a case study, with particular focus on a Chinese theologians discussion of the interplay between Christianity and Chinese Culture in the early twentieth century China. Francis Wei was the first Chinese President of Huazhong University in Wuhan, 1929–1952, and he was appointed as the first Henry Luce Visiting Professor of World Christianity in 1945–46. Wei's conviction was that Christianity and Chinese culture could be complementary. He held that China needed Christianity for a better understanding of God's nature and the way human beings could communicate with God, while maintaining that Christianity needed China to move beyond western denominationalism. Moreover, Christianity could not become a universal religion without including China. This article argues that Wei's work is relevant to the contemporary discussion about interaction between globalization and localization, known as 'glocalization'.
The Singing Coachman or, The Road and Russia's Ethnographic Invention in Early Modern Times
Authors: Randolph John
Published: April 2007

Scholars agree that the first modern ethnographic traditions surrounding Russia developed in travel accounts written by foreigners in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. These laid the foundations for a 'national turn' in Russian belles-lettres in the late 18th century. Yet scholars have paid relatively little attention to the history of the coach system, known as the iam, that made travel writing about Muscovy possible. Many foreign travelers—as well as Imperial Russian hommes des lettres —were fascinated by the figures of Russia's iamshchiki, the state peasants who manned the state-organized coach system. The lives and expressions of these coachmen were often taken as proxies for Russia's national character. This article describes this process, demonstrating how the iam system provided a practical as well as a symbolic frame for the making of early conceptions of Russian nationality.
Slave Trade in the Early Modern Crimea From the Perspective of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish Sources
Authors: Kizilov Mikhail
Published: April 2007

The Crimea, a peninsula on the border between the Christian West and the Muslim East, was a place where merchants from all over the Black Sea region, East and West Mediterranean, Anatolia, Turkey, Russia, and West European countries came to buy, sell, and exchange their goods. In this trade "live merchandise"—reluctant travellers, seized by the Tatars during their raids to adjacent countries—was one of the main objects to be negotiated. Numerous published and archival sources (accounts of European and Ottoman travellers, letters and memoirs of captives, Turkish defters [registers], Russian and Ottoman chronicles to mention some of them) composed by Muslim, Christian, and Jewish authors provide not only a detailed account of the slave trade in the region in the Early Modern times, but also a discussion of some moral implications related to this sort of commercial activity. While most of the authors expressed their disapproval of the Tatar predatory raids and cruel treatment of the captives, none of them, it seems, objected to the existence of the slave trade per se, considering it just another off shoot of the international trade. Another issue often discussed in the sources was the problem of the slaves' conversion.
Möglichkeiten einer literaturwissenschaftlichen Antisemitismusforschung. ,,Tod eines Kritikers" im Werkkontext
Authors: Lorenz Matthias N.
Published: April 2007

Martin Walser's reflections on German self-identity have made him a controversial author: whereas critics have raised charges of ,,literary anti-Semitism", his defenders consider him – as a writer who since the early 1960s has shown a preoccupation with his country's Nazi past – immune to such criticism. Taking both arguments seriously, Matthias N. Lorenz has reviewed Walser's allegedly untenable positions on the Holocaust in his book ,,Auschwitz drängt uns auf einen Fleck": Judendarstellung und Auschwitzdiskurs bei Martin Walser. In this essay the author concisely presents the main theses and thoughts of Lorenz's widely discussed Ph.D. dissertation.
Literatur und Religion als Medien einer Sozialethik und -kritik. Ein religionswissenschaftlicher Vergleich der christlichen ,,Apokalypse" mit Henning Mankells Krimi ,,Brandmauer"
Authors: Koch Anne
Published: April 2007

How can literature and religion be understood together from a religious studies perspective? One possibility for a comparative basis is the social-ethical self-understanding that takes places within the literary medium. As an example of religious literature, the Book of Revelation is compared to Henning Mankell's contemporary crime fiction. The choice of ,,apocalyptic" models in their literary and pragmatic form is suitable for religious and socio-crime literature to analyze the state of their respective periods and to socialize certain behavior (be it religious, social democratic, etc.) through the reading experience. Moreover, the essay provides an excurse on literature in European religious history and uses methodological theses to show interpretation as criminological ,,investigation".
Kants Säkularisierung der Philosophie, die politische Theologie der bürgerlichen Gesellschaft und die Kritik der Bibel
Authors: Weidner Daniel
Published: April 2007

Kant's relation to religion and theology is complex since he tries both to delimit theology's influence and to inherit its discursive power. The essay explores the different critical strategies and rhetorical means that Kant uses to deal with theology: theological analogies and metaphors in his systematic thought, a new kind of ,philosophy of religion,' a political theology of civil society, and finally a specific way of reading the Bible.
Laser weld bonding of A6061Al alloy to AZ31B Mg alloy
Authors: Wang H.-Y. , Liu L.-M. , Zhu M.-L. , Wang H.
Published: April 2007

A new welding technique called ‘laser continuous weld bonding’ (referred to as LWB) has been put forward beyond laser welding and adhesive bonding in the present paper. A6061Al and AZ31BMg were joined successfully by LWB. The results have showed that LWB joints exhibit better properties than those made by laser welding and adhesive bonding only, because of the composite functions between laser welding and adhesive bonding. Using proper welding parameters, a favourable metal fusion that contained less residue owing to adhesive gasification could be gained. Intermetallic compounds composed of the phases such as Al3Mg2 and Al12Mg17 were detected. The area of the incomplete combustion was narrow and only a small part of the adhesive layer was affected, so the effect on the quality of LWB was small.
Effect of weld nugget size on overload failure mode of resistance spot welds
Authors: Pouranvari M. , Asgari H. R. , Mosavizadch S. M. , Marashi P. H. , Goodarzi M.
Published: April 2007

In the present paper, effects of welding current, welding time, electrode pressure and holding time on the weld nugget size were studied. A failure mechanism was proposed to describe both interfacial and pullout failure modes. This mechanism was confirmed by SEM investigations. In the light of this mechanism, the effect of welding parameters on static weld strength and failure mode was studied. Then, an analytical model was proposed to predict failure mode and to estimate minimum nugget diameter (critical diameter) to ensure pullout failure mode in shear tensile test. On the contrary to existing industrial standards, in this model, critical nugget diameter is attributed to metallurgical characterisation of material (weld nugget hardness to failure location hardness ratio), in addition to sheet thickness. For a given sheet thickness, decreasing HWN/HFL increases interfacial failure mode tendency. The results of this model were compared with experimental data and also with the literature.
Improvement of TIG lap weldability of dissimilar metals of Al and Mg
Authors: Liu X. J. , Huang R. S. , Wang H. Y. , Liu S. H.
Published: April 2007

The technique of tinning on magnesium has been used to improve the tungsten inert gas (TIG) lap weldability of dissimilar alloys of dissimilar metal Al 6061 to Mg AZ31B. The composition at the interface of the samples welded both directly and after tinning on magnesium was mapped by electron probe microstructure analysis (EPMA). Results revealed that tinning on the magnesium plate could eliminate the factors which affect the wet ability at the interface of the samples TIG welded directly. Tinning did not prevent the interaction between Mg and Al to form intermetallic compounds completely, but reduced the intermetallic compounds to some degree.
Effect of post-weld heat treatments on microstructure and mechanical properties of electron beam welded flow formed maraging steel weldment
Authors: Lee Y.-J. , Lee I.-K. , Wu S.-C. , Kung M.-C. , Chou C.-P.
Published: April 2007

Seamless tubing of C-250 maraging steel manufactured by the flow forming technique was joined by the electron beam welding process. Various post-welding heat treatments were conducted to improve the overall mechanical properties of the welded tubing. For the 480°C/6 h/air cooling post-weld aging treated maraging steel, a significant increment of 11% reversion austenite was present in the weld metal. Only the tensile strength of this aging treated metal met the required specification while its percentage elongation reached only 50% of the specification, attaining only 35% of the strength of the parent metal. For the post-welded solution + aging treated maraging steel, only the yield strength met the specification. Moreover, a significant amount of reversion austenite pools was also present at the grain boundaries of the material located at the weld metal. Although the homogenisation treatment could improve the hardness of the weld metal, it failed to have the tensile strength of the steel met the specification.
Interface microstructure of diffusion bonded austenitic stainless steel and medium carbon steel couple
Authors: Kurt B. , Orhan N. , Ozel S.
Published: April 2007

In the present study, an austenitic stainless steel and medium carbon steel were diffusion bonded. The effect of bonding temperature on microstructural changes and shear strength across the joint region was investigated by optical and scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and microhardness measurements. The results showed that the best joint free from microcrack and micovoids was obtained at 900°C with maximum shear strength of 475 MPa.
Mechanism of cracking in AZ91 friction stir spot welds
Authors: Yamamoto M. , Gerlich A. , North T. H. , Shinozaki K.
Published: April 2007

The mechanism of liquid penetration induced (LPI) cracking is investigated in AZ91 friction stir spot welds. Liquid penetration induced cracking results from the following sequence of events: melted eutectic film formation in the periphery of the stir zone region, engulfment of melted eutectic films when the stir zone grows in width during the dwell period, penetration of α-Mg grain boundaries in the stir zone extremity and crack propagation when torque is applied by the rotating tool. Liquid penetration induced cracking occurs early in the dwell period during AZ91 spot welding and almost the entire stir zone is removed when the rotating tool is withdrawn. However, tool withdrawal does not provide the driving force for cracking during AZ91 spot welding; the upwards axial movement of the rotating tool at the end of the spot welding operation merely separates sections which are already cracked. The cracking tendency (the amount of the stir zone material produced during spot welding, which is removed when the rotating tool is withdrawn) is determined by the competing effects resulting from dissolution of melted eutectic films at α-Mg grain boundaries and the incorporation of eutectic rich material into the stir zone.
NPM-ALK oncogenic kinase promotes cell-cycle progression through activation of JNK/cJun signaling in anaplastic large-cell lymphoma
Authors: Leventaki Vasiliki , Drakos Elias , Medeiros L. Jeffrey , Lim Megan S. , Elenitoba-Johnson Kojo S. , Claret Francois X. , Rassidakis George Z.
Published: April 2007

Anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) frequently carries the t(2;5)(p23;q35), resulting in aberrant expression of nucleophosmin-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (NPM-ALK). We show that in 293T and Jurkat cells, forced expression of active NPM-ALK, but not kinase-dead mutant NPM-ALK (210K>R), induced JNK and cJun phosphorylation, and this was linked to a dramatic increase in AP-1 transcriptional activity. Conversely, inhibition of ALK activity in NPM-ALK+ ALCL cells resulted in a concentration-dependent dephosphorylation of JNK and cJun and decreased AP-1 DNA-binding. In addition, JNK physically binds NPM-ALK and is highly activated in cultured and primary NPM-ALK+ ALCL cells. cJun phosphorylation in NPM-ALK+ ALCL cells is mediated by JNKs, as shown by selective knocking down of JNK1 and JNK2 genes using siRNA. Inhibition of JNK activity using SP600125 decreased cJun phosphorylation and AP-1 transcriptional activity and this was associated with decreased cell proliferation and G2/M cell-cycle arrest in a dose-dependent manner. Silencing of the cJun gene by siRNA led to a decreased S-phase cell-cycle fraction associated with upregulation of p21 and downregulation of cyclin D3 and cyclin A. Taken together, these findings reveal a novel function of NPM-ALK, phosphorylation and activation of JNK and cJun, which may contribute to uncontrolled cell-cycle progression and oncogenesis.
High serum-free light chain levels and their rapid reduction in response to therapy define an aggressive multiple myeloma subtype with poor prognosis
Authors: van Rhee Frits , Bolejack Vanessa , Hollmig Klaus , Pineda-Roman Mauricio , Anaissie Elias , Epstein Joshua , Shaughnessy John D. , Zangari Maurizio , Tricot Guido , Mohiuddin Abid , Alsayed Yazan , Woods Gail , Crowley John , Barlogie Bart
Published: April 2007

Serum-free light chain (SFLC) levels are useful for diagnosing nonsecretory myeloma and monitoring response in light-chain–only disease, especially in the presence of renal failure. As part of a tandem autotransplantation trial for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, SFLC levels were measured at baseline, within 7 days of starting the first cycle, and before both the second induction cycle and the first transplantation. SFLC baseline levels higher than 75 mg/dL (top tertile) identified 33% of 301 patients with higher near-complete response rate (n-CR) to induction therapy (37% vs 20%, P = .002) yet inferior 24-month overall survival (OS: 76% vs 91%, P < .001) and event-free survival (EFS: 73% vs 90%, P < .001), retaining independent prognostic significance for both EFS (HR = 2.40, P = .008) and OS (HR = 2.43, P = .016). Baseline SFLC higher than 75 mg/dL was associated with light-chain–only secretion (P < .001), creatinine level 176.8 μM (2 mg/dL) or higher (P < .001), beta-2-microglobulin 297.5 nM/L (3.5 mg/L) or higher (P < .001), lactate dehydrogenase 190 U/L or higher (P < .001), and bone marrow plasmacytosis higher than 30% (P = .003). Additional independent adverse implications were conferred by top-tertile SFLC reductions before cycle 2 (OS: HR = 2.97, P = .003; EFS: HR = 2.56, P = .003) and before transplantation (OS: HR = 3.31, P = .001; EFS: HR = 2.65, P = .003). Unlike baseline and follow-up analyses of serum and urine M-proteins, high SFLC levels at baseline—reflecting more aggressive disease—and steeper reductions after therapy identified patients with inferior survival.
Differential susceptibil ity to Brugia pahangi infection in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) of different coat colour
Authors: Shimizu-Suganuma Masumi , Shichinohe Kazuhiro , Tsukidate Setsuko , Fujita Koichiro
Published: April 2007

The influence of intraspecific host variables on the response to parasitic infections is an important aspect of host-parasite relationships, yet little is known about this aspect of filariasis for lack of a model. This study presents coat colour mutants of the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) as potential new models for research into the effects of host genetic variation on response to filarial infection. Peak level of microfilaraemia, eosinophil response, body weight and degree of splenomegaly in gerbils infected with Brugia pahangi varied with agouti, albino, and black coat colour. These results suggested that coat colour-related genes might influence host immune response to developmental stages of the parasite and eosinophil-mediated reaction might cause host damage.
Preferences of mice, Mus musculus, for different types of running wheel
Authors: Banjanin S. , Mrosovsky N.
Published: April 2007

Mice are increasingly used in research. In particular, their wheel running is often used as a measure of activity, and as a marker of phase of circadian rhythms. Learning about the preferences of mice for different types of wheel may improve their welfare and suggest ways of increasing activity levels. Mice, Mus musculus, were given a choice between different types of running wheel by putting them in cages equipped with two wheels. Strong preferences were shown for wheels with a plastic mesh flooring, rather than the standard metal rods only. The mesh was even preferred over a solid base, although this effect was not seen in mice that had been given access only to wheels with the solid base immediately prior to the choice test. Small diameter wheels, sometimes sold as mouse wheels, were preferred less than standardsized wheels with rods. The results suggest that types of running wheel often used in laboratories can be improved by considering the animals' preferences. The types of wheel tested here are easy to maintain and entail little additional cost, while increasing the mouse's interest in running and exercise.
Ethics committee recommendations for laboratory animals in private research in France
Authors: Verschuere B. , Autissier C. , Degryse A. D. , Gallix P. , Gottis B. , Laurent J. , Leinoe M. , Peyclit I.
Published: April 2007

Complementary to existing legislation, non-public research companies in France have been working together voluntarily within an organization known as Grice (Interprofessional Working Group on Ethics Committees for Laboratory Animals/Groupe de Réflexion Interprofessionnel sur les Comités d'Ethique appliquée à l'animal de laboratoire) with the objective of creating institutional ethics committees in an effort to promote animal welfare and good scientific procedures. Each company's commitment to the creation of these committees has been expressed by signing the Charter. Each ethics committee is composed of at least three members, including one who is not a scientist; a veterinarian is highly desirable. The committee examines all procedures and protocols involving animals and hands down a favourable or unfavourable opinion, or requests improvements, especially concerning animal well-being. Consensual approval of the protocol is an essential requirement before the purchase or allocation of animals. The committee examines every aspect of laboratory animal housing and care, and inspects all temporary or permanent animal housing facilities. Grice will continue its efforts in relation with public research organizations as well as with groups and in other countries whose objectives are in line with its own.
Reduction of isoflurane MAC with buprenorphine and morphine in rats
Authors: Criado A. B. , de Segura I. A. Gómez , Tendillo F. J. , Marsico F.
Published: April 2007

Preoperative analgesics are being increasingly used to provide analgesia in the intraoperative and postoperative period. Opioids reduce anaesthetic requirements, although the effect varies with the different drug and species. The aim of this work was to determine whether buprenorphine reduces the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of isoflurane in a dose-related fashion, and whether this effect is similar to morphine when clinical doses of both drugs are used in the rat. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were anaesthetized with isoflurane, and MAC was determined before and after the administration of either buprenorphine or morphine. MAC of isoflurane was determined from alveolar gas samples when a standard noxious stimulus, in the form of a tail clamp, was applied. The duration and degree of reduction of the MAC of isoflurane were recorded. Basic cardiovascular and respiratory measurements were also recorded. Buprenorphine (10, 30 and 100 μg/kg) and morphine (1, 3 and 10 mg/kg) reduced in a dose-dependent fashion the MAC of isoflurane by 15%, 30% and 50%, respectively. Buprenorphine resulted in less cardiovascular and respiratory depression and had a longer-lasting action than morphine. In conclusion, buprenorphine has a dose-related isoflurane sparing effect in the rat similar to that caused by morphine at clinical doses of both drugs.
Structures of tRNAs with an expanded anticodon loop in the decoding center of the 30S ribosomal subunit
Authors: Dunham Christine M. , Selmer Maria , Phelps Steven S. , Kelley Ann C. , Suzuki Tsutomu , Joseph Simpson , Ramakrishnan V.
Published: April 2007

During translation, some +1 frameshift mRNA sites are decoded by frameshift suppressor tRNAs that contain an extra base in their anticodon loops. Similarly engineered tRNAs have been used to insert nonnatural amino acids into proteins. Here, we report crystal structures of two anticodon stem–loops (ASLs) from tRNAs known to facilitate +1 frameshifting bound to the 30S ribosomal subunit with their cognate mRNAs. ASLCCCG and ASLACCC (5′–3′ nomenclature) form unpredicted anticodon–codon interactions where the anticodon base 34 at the wobble position contacts either the fourth codon base or the third and fourth codon bases. In addition, we report the structure of ASLACGA bound to the 30S ribosomal subunit with its cognate mRNA. The tRNA containing this ASL was previously shown to be unable to facilitate +1 frameshifting in competition with normal tRNAs (Hohsaka et al. 2001), and interestingly, it displays a normal anticodon–codon interaction. These structures show that the expanded anticodon loop of +1 frameshift promoting tRNAs are flexible enough to adopt conformations that allow three bases of the anticodon to span four bases of the mRNA. Therefore it appears that normal triplet pairing is not an absolute constraint of the decoding center.
Bipolar disorder: Causes, contexts, and treatments
Authors: Leahy Robert L.
Published: April 2007

Bipolar disorder is a chronic and often devastating illness that may go undiagnosed because of its complex and diverse presentation. Clinicians can provide psychological treatments, in conjunction with pharmacotherapy, that can reduce the frequency, severity, and duration of manic and depressive episodes. Because bipolar disorder is characterized by high degrees of comorbidity and high rates of medical complications, the clinician will frequently need to implement other treatments targeted to comorbid conditions, such as panic, generalized anxiety, substance abuse, and personality disorders. This article introduces the issue of Journal of Clinical Psychology: In Session devoted to the treatment of bipolar disorder. We describe the cognitive styles and personal vulnerabilities that pose greater risk for bipolar disorder. Three evidence‐based psychological treatments (interpersonal social rhythm therapy, family‐focused treatment, and cognitive‐behavioral therapy) and current pharmacological treatments are examined and illustrated. Finally, we review the effectiveness and practice implications of a variety of treatments for this severe and underresearched disorder. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 63: 417–424, 2007.
Psychotherapy through the phases of bipolar disorder: Evidence for general efficacy and differential effects
Authors: Rizvi Sakina , Zaretsky Ari E.
Published: April 2007

The obstacle facing pharmacotherapy for bipolar disorder is that almost half of the patients do not achieve recovery over the duration of treatment. Although the reason for this disappointing clinical outcome remains unclear, structured psychotherapy has helped to fill these gaps in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Psychoeducation, family‐focused therapy, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, and cognitive behavior therapy have all received attention in the research literature. In this review, by assessing the outcomes from randomized control trials across the phases of bipolar disorder, we demonstrate that psychotherapy is an effective adjunctive treatment. We also show that the use of psychotherapy for bipolar disorder has differential results depending on when and under what conditions it is administered. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 63: 491–506, 2007.
Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy: A means of improving depression and preventing relapse in bipolar disorder
Authors: Frank Ellen
Published: April 2007

Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT) was designed to directly address the major pathways to recurrence in bipolar disorder, namely medication nonadherence, stressful life events, and disruptions in social rhythms. The efficacy of IPSRT has been supported by two large studies examining it in conjunction with pharmacotherapy in patients with bipolar illness. In this article, the author discusses the advantages of IPSRT as both an acute intervention and a prophylactic treatment for bipolar depression. The author outlines the four phases of IPSRT, indicating the appropriate focus and duration for each, and discusses IPSRT as a modular treatment. The article concludes with a case example that further illustrates the basic therapeutic methods and processes of IPSRT. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 63: 463–473, 2007.
Characterization of rubber‐cellulose‐fibre composites by mechanical measurements and electron microscopy
Authors: Flink Per , Stenberg Bengt
Published: April 2007

Mechanical measurements, SEM micrographs and crosslink density measurements on cellulose‐fibre‐filled natural rubber suggest that there are bonds between untreated cellulose fibres and the rubber matrix. Mechanical tests indicate that the dispersion or lack of dispersion of the fibres in the matrix is at least as influential a parameter in determining the strength of the composite as is the adhesion between fibre and matrix. Stress/strain measurements indicate that there is no obvious correlation between adhesion and the shape of the stress/strain curve unless the curve is clearly jagged.
Reinforcing effect of a kaolin surface‐treated with diallyldimethylammonium in SBR vulcanizates
Authors: González Luis , Martí Pilar , Ibarra Luis
Published: April 2007

This paper examines the physico‐chemical characteristics of a natural kaolin, its textural properties, pores, morphology, chemical surface, as well as chemical surface modification through treatment with quaternary ammonium salts in SBR mixes.

Diallyldimethylammonium chloride was used as a quaternary alkali for surface modification of the kaolin, thus allowing the unsaturated allyl portion to covulcanize with the rubber. This achieved strong rubber‐filler bonds with consequential enhancement of the technological properties of the vulcanizate.
Crystallinity and dielectric study of polyoxyethylene/transition metal chloride complexes
Authors: Al‐Khayat B. H. , Al‐Kafaji J. K.
Published: April 2007

Polyoxyethylene (POE) of molecular weight (M̄n = 2000 gmol−1) has been used to prepare POE/CuCl2.2H2O, POE/FeCl2.2H2O and POE/CoCl2.6H2O. Several experimental methods have been used to study the melting behaviour and the crystalline structure of these complexes. All complex samples showed lower melting points and crystallinity then the original polymer. The dielectric constant ϵ′ and the dielectric loss ϵ″ for POE and the three complexes have been measured at frequencies ranging from 102 to 105 Hz and temperatures ranging from 20 to 40°C. The results showed that ϵ′ increases with temperature and decreases with increasing frequencies. The critical frequency corresponding to maximum absorption was determined at each temperature.
Characterization and properties of poly(ethylene oxide) and its blends with poly (N‐vinyl carbazole)
Authors: Cesteros L. C. , Quintana J. R. , Caneiro M. Rodriguez , Katime Issa
Published: April 2007

The calorimetric properties and dynamic mechanical behaviour of pure poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and its blends with poly(N‐vinyl carbazole) (PNVK) have been examined as a function of composition in the range 50‐100% PEO. Thermomechanical measurements indicate the presence of a phase separation in this blend.

Using the Hoffman‐Weeks plot no equilibrium melting point depression was found in any of the blends studied. Some kinetic interfacial effects were detected in the crystallization processes. For all blend compositions, the Avrami exponent is close to that obtained for pure PEO. The DMTA and DTA results suggest an incompatibility in this system.
Raman spectroscopic studies of nomex and kevlar fibres under stress
Authors: Edwards Howell G. M. , Hakiki Samir
Published: April 2007

The vibrational Raman spectra of single fibres of Nomex and Kevlar have been studied and vibrational assignments made. Commercial samples of Kevlar 29 and Kevlar 49 were found to be identical spectroscopically. Distinguishing features in the Raman spectra of Kevlar and of Nomex were identified for the purpose of spectroscopic or microprobe characterisation of these materials as single fibres or as small particles (∼ 2 μm). The Raman spectra of Kevlar and Nomex fibres which had been subjected to mechanical stresses of up to 4.5 kg mm−2 were also analysed and comparisons made with previous results on stressing experiments in the literature for Kevlar.
Characterisation of cellulose treated by the steam explosion method. Part 2: Effect of treatment conditions on changes in morphology, degree of polymerisation, solubility in aqueous sodium hydroxide and supermolecular structure of soft wood pulp during steam explosion
Authors: Yamashiki Takashi , Matsui Toshihiko , Saitoh Masayoshi , Okajima Kunihiko , Kamide Kenji , Sawada Tatsuro
Published: April 2007

An attempt was made to clarify the effect of steam explosion conditions on the changes in morphology, degree of polymerisation Pv, solubility towards aqueous alkali solution Sa, and supermolecular structure of a soft wood pulp and to elucidate the mechanism by which the steam explosion treatment makes natural cellulose completely soluble in aqueous alkali solution. For this purpose, scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observation and X‐ray diffraction, solid‐state cross‐polarisation/magic‐angle sample‐spinning (CP/MAS) 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Sa and Pv measurements were carried out on a series of soft wood pulps treated systematically by the steam explosion method. It was found that (1) the maximum Sa (c. 100%) was obtained when the soft wood pulp was treated under the conditions of steam pressure P = 2.9MPa and treatment time t = 30s, (2) the decrease in Pv of the pulp by the steam explosion resembled conventional acid hydrolysis of cellulose, (3) a higher water content in the sample to be treated gave a lower degree of decrease in Pv, (4) the repeated steam explosion method gave more fibrillated sample with higher Sa than the corresponding batch steam explosion, (5) the amorphous content of the samples as estimated by X‐ray analysis decreased by the steam explosion, in spite of an increase in Sa, and (6) the structural parameters expressing the degree of breakdown in the intramolecular hydrogen bonds at the C3 and C6 positions, Xam(C3) and Xam(C6), of the samples as estimated by CP/MAS 13C NMR changed as functions of P and t, being almost parallel to Sa. This suggests that these parameters may be more closely correlated with Sa than with Xam(X) from X‐ray analysis.
Characterisation of cellulose treated by the steam explosion method. Part 3: Effect of crystal forms (cellulose I, II and III) of original cellulose on changes in morphology, degree of polymerisaion, solubility and supermolecular structure by steam explosion
Authors: Yamashiki Takashi , Matsui Toshihiko , Saitoh Masayoshi , Matsuda Yukiko , Okajima Kunihiko , Kamide Kenji , Sawada Tatsuro
Published: April 2007

An attempt was made to clarify the effect of the crystal form of untreated cellulose on the morphological and structural changes of cellulose during steam explosion treatment (steam pressure P = 2.9MPa (T = 508K), treatment time t = 15‐300 s). For this purpose, the crystal form of soft wood pulp (cellulose I) was converted by solid‐to‐solid transition, with minimal unavoidable change in other structural characteristics including morphology and average degree of polymerisation, into cellulose II or cellulose III. It was proved by both X‐ray and solid‐state cross‐polarisation/magic‐angle sample‐spinning (CP/MAS) 13C NMR analyses that even a simple addition of water at room temperature brought about a significant structural change in the steam‐untreated cellulose samples. The solubility towards 9.1 wt% aqueous sodium hydroxide, Sa, of the cellulose samples of crystal forms I and III could be improved from 31‐33% up to almost 100% by selecting appropriate steam explosion conditions (for example, P = 2.9MPa, t = 30 s). Such a magnificent increase in Sa by the steam explosion treatment was not observed for the cellulose II sample, even under the rather severe conditions of the steam explosion treatment at which the cellulose III crystal was converted to a large extent to cellulose I, as confirmed by X‐ray diffraction. X‐ray diffraction analysis showed that crystallisation of samples with cellulose I or II crystal occurred to some extent during the steam explosion treatment. Contrary to this, the degree of breakdown of the intramolecular hydrogen bond O3…O'5, as estimated by CP/MAS 13C NMR analysis, significantly increased for cellulose I and I11 during the treatment. The decrease in the viscosity‐average degree of polymerisation, P, observed for all treated samples can be roughly categorised into two or three steps of the first‐order decomposition reaction with different reaction rates.
Polymeric surfactants for enhanced oil recovery. IV—Thermodynamic properties of ethoxylated alkylphenol formaldehyde polymeric surfactants
Authors: Youssef A. M. , Gendy T. S. , Mohamad A. I. , Barakat Y.
Published: April 2007

The thermodynamic properties of some low molecular weight ethoxylated alkylphenol formaldehyde polymeric surfactants have been investigated. Surface tension as a function of concentration of the surfactants in aqueous solutions was measured at 28, 38, 48 and 58°C, using the spinning drop technique.

From these measurements, the minimum area per molecule at the aqueous solution/air interface (Amin) was determined. The thermodynamic parameters of micellization (ΔGmic, ΔHmic, ΔSmic) and of adsorption (ΔGad, ΔHad, ΔSad) for these polymeric nonionics were calculated. Micellization is more sensitive to ethylene oxide chain length while adsorption is more dependent on the length of the alkyl chain.
Synthesis of stereoregular polymers and copolymers of methacrylate by living polymerization and their characterization by NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Kitayama Tatsuki , Ute Koichi , Hatada Koichi
Published: April 2007

Highly isotactic and syndiotactic poly(methyl methacrylate)s (PMMAs) were prepared by living polymerizations in toluene with t‐C4H9MgBr and t‐C4H9Li‐R3Al (Al/Li ≧ 2), respectively. Both tactic PMMAs have the same chemical structure from the left‐end to the right‐end of the polymer chain, and narrow molecular weight distribution. Stereochemical structures at and near the chain‐ends of the isotactic PMMA could be identified with the aid of two‐dimensional NMR spectroscopy. Structural investigation on the stereoregular oligomers of MMA by NMR and X‐ray analysis provided important information on the stereoregularity of the initiation and termination processes. Block and random copolymers with high stereoregularity were prepared by these living polymerizations of MMA and ethyl methacrylate. Monomer sequence distribution and stereoregularity of the copolymers were studied by 13C NMR spectroscopy and the switching point of the block copolymer could be detected. Isotactic block and random copolymers of MMA and butyl methacrylate were also prepared and analysed by on‐line GPC/NMR to give molecular weight dependence of the composition. The glass transition temperature of the copolymers of methacrylates was found to be altered in a wider temperature range by changing the tacticity as well as the composition.
Management styles across Western European cultures
Authors: Tixier Maud
Published: April 2007

Management styles differ greatly across Europe although Europeans themselves may not always be aware of it. European executives usually deal with the countries closest to them and more distant countries are not as well known to them, whether linguistically, culturally, or geographically. As Europe 1993 makes executive transfers and recruitment easier than before across the European Community, it seems important to make managers aware of the variety of management styles across Western European countries. European managers frequently know more about American management and even Japanese management than they do about other European management styles. Their lack of understanding about European management styles may inhibit the emergence of a unified European management style in the future. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The Japanese corporate network transferred to North America: Implications for North American firms
Authors: Inkpen Andrew
Published: April 2007

A significant difference between Japanese and American corporate environments is the existence of extensive networks of intercorporate agreements among firms in Japan. Networks in Japan are the dominant factor in determining how firms transact with other organizations. Given that Japanese networks are taking root in the American business environment, what does this mean for American firms competing and cooperating with Japanese firms? Drawing on a recent study of North American‐Japanese joint ventures, this article examines the Japanese network and considers the implications for outsider firms gaining temporary, and perhaps even permanent access to the network through the formation of alliances and joint ventures with Japanese firms. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Internationalization of Australian business in the Asia‐Pacific region: Issues and prospects
Authors: Sim A. B. , Teoh Hai Yap
Published: April 2007

The phenomenal economic growth of the Asia‐Pacific region initially was driven by export‐oriented industrialization and more recently by intraregional trade. This provided the backdrop for the present study that examined the pattern, motivations, strategies, problems, issues, and prospects of Australian businesses and direct investments in this region. The study concluded that although an extensive trade relationship has been fostered between Australia and the Asia‐Pacific, this has not been translated into direct investments. Key impediments seem to be attitudinal, because of cultural and language differences, and the lack of international competitiveness. These problems are only beginning to be recognized. An agenda for action is suggested at the Government, industry, and company levels. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Privatization strategies: Is Brazil moving in the wrong gear?
Authors: de Gouvea Neto Raul
Published: April 2007

In the 1980s, marketization strategies gained momentum around the globe. Increasingly, the visible hand was being replaced by a revival of neoliberal growth strategies. Privatization was a response to state‐owned enterprise, sluggish performance, and excessive intervention in sectors not requiring assistance. In many countries the state became the problem and not the solution for further gains in competitiveness and efficiency. Privatization strategies were implemented more aggressively in Latin America in the 1980s and early 1990s. In Brazil, the largest economy in Latin America, policymakers used erratic strategies from the early 1980s through the early 1990s. This article addresses the Brazilian privatization experience, paying heed to the dynamics of the different strategies pursued throughout the privatization programs and elaborating on the specific steps taken by the Brazilian policymakers. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.